The Nation October 22, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

SSS invites Senator over Boko Haram

Row over Lagos Airport terminal

NEWS Page 57

NEWS

•‘They want to frame me up’

•Govt, Bi-Courtney bicker Page 5

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 2286 MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

INEC declares Mimiko winner with 260,199 votes We’re studying result, says ACN Jonathan hails governor From Eric Ikhilae, Joseph Jibueze, Segun Balogun, Akure, Sanni Onogu, Abuja and Osemuwengie Ben-Ogbemudia,

O

NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko was yesterday returned by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election.

According to INEC Returning Officer Prof.

Adebiyi Daramola, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure, Mimiko of the Labour Party (LP) got 260,199 votes to defeat 12 other candidates. Chief Olusola Oke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 155,961 votes. Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) scored 143,512. Of the 1,638,950 registered voters, 645,597 were accredited; 624,659 votes were cast; 594,244 were valid and 30,415 were rejected.

Daramola, who announced the results at 1.15pm, said Mimiko, having scored the high-

HOW THEY STAND •Akoko Southwest: ACN-13,623 LP-11,833, •Ifedore: ACN-5,522 LP-11,062, •Akure North: ACN-5,671, LP-10,857, •Akoko Northeast: ACN 8,693 LP-12,153, •Ondo East: ACN, 2,759, LP-8,404, •Ose: ACN-6,376, LP-11,071, •Akure South: ACN-11,955, LP-49,915, •Idanre: ACN-5,111, LP-15,990, •Akoko Northwest: ACN-9,138, LP-11,675, •Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo: ACN-9,061, LP-11,945, •Owo: ACN-17,967, LP-14,870, •Irele: ACN-5,066, LP-9,435, •Okitipupa: ACN-8,495, LP-11,968, •Ondo West: ACN-7,225, LP-31,280, •Ese-Odo: ACN-2,987, LP-9,139, •Odigbo: ACN-14,740, LP-13,748, •Ilaje: ACN-5,793, LP-8,538, TOTAL: ACN-143512, LP-260199,

PDP-12,331 PDP-3,978 PDP-4,916 PDP-6,847 PDP-3,933 PDP-5,833 PDP, 12, 467 PDP-5,923 PDP-7,847 PDP-6,521 PDP-6,058 PDP-9,341 PDP-21,024 PDP-6,669 PDP-7,295 PDP-12,272 PDP-19,281 PDP-155961

Continued on page 6

•The late Mrs Solarin

We recognise that it is the sovereign right of the people to decide what kind of government they want...our party will study carefully the general details of the results, with a view to taking a final position —ACN

We have taken due cognisance of the results ... the party will set up a team of professional investigators to understudy the election and make their reports available within 15 days, after which we ‘ll take a decision.

—Ondo PDP

Tai Solarin’s widow Sheila dies at 88

By Precious Igbonwelundu and Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

H

UMANIST and co-founder of Mayflower School in Ikenne, Ogun State, Mrs Sheila Solarin, died yesterday. She was 88.

The wife of the late educationist and activist, Dr. Tai Solarin, passed on at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Ilisan, Ogun State of osteoporosis (weak bone).

Continued on page 6

Plot to stop Salami’s recall thickens T HE National Judicial Council (NJC) may urge President Goodluck Jonathan to allow the recall of Court of Appeal President Isa Ayo Salami. He will, thereafter, go on retirement, sources said yesterday.

The Federal Government is sticking to the August 18, 2011 letter from the NJC, which recommended that Justice Salami should either go on suspension or retire-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ment.

Our correspondent learnt that the NJC, last Thursday, decided to resolve the crisis in the Appellate Court “to move forward”.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “In line with the exercise of its powers, as in sections 153, 158 (1) and paragraph 21 (9) of the third schedule to the 1999 Constitution and Section 238 (5),

the NJC actually decided to recall Justice Salami but he will thereafter proceed on retirement.

“Justice Salami is expected to withdraw all the suits in court against either the NJC or the government before these decisions can be effected.

“But the NJC Chairman, Justice Maryam Aloma-Mukhtar, is expected to discuss with President Goodluck Jonathan these options.

This is the case because NJC wrote the President last year, recommending either the suspension or retirement of Justice Salami.

It was learnt that Justice Mukhtar could not discuss the resolutions of the NJC with Justice Salami as expected last Friday.

Another source, however, said: “Actually, Justice Salami was at the CJN office, but he could not have Continued on page 6

•SPORT P23 •CEO P28 •JOBS P37 •POLITICS P45 •MOTORING P47

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

2

NEWS DANA CRASH

Tales of

As Dana Air puts finishing touches to its resumption of operations, many who lost valuables to the crash of its aircraft in Iju-Isaga, a Lagos suburb, accuse the airline of insensitivity, an accusation it denies, reports PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

D •Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi presenting a Prestigious Award of 'Oni Iyi' (Person of Honour) to the founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) at a State Banquet, commemorating the second anniversary of the Fayemi Administration in Ado-Ekiti... on Saturday. ..at the weekend. Watching is Aare Babalola’s wife Modupe.

• Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi congratulating the Founder/Pastor of Salvation Ministries David Ibiyeomie during the Pastor's 50th birthday thanksgiving service at his church in Port Harcourt... at the weekend.

•President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mr. Segun Aina (left), Group Managing Director/ CEO, FirstBank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Bisi Onasanya and 1st Vice-President, CIBN, Otunba (Mrs.) Debola Osibogun at the investiture of the FirstBank GMD as a Fellow of the CIBN in Lagos...at the weekend.

•Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc Mr. Phillips Oduoza (left), GMD, Unity Bank Alhaji Ado Wanka (middle) ;and MD, Sterling Bank Mr. Yemi Adeola during the 2012 Fellowship Investiture of the Institute held in Lagos ...at the weekend.

ANA Air paints them as liars.

The airline says it has not abandoned them. But, four months after its aircraft crashed into their homes in Iju-Isaga,a Lagos suburb, they are yet to be compensated.

The disaster claimed over 200 lives and any moment from now, Dana flights will take to the sky again. It has already done a test flight.

The victims, including old widows and young parents with many children, have cried out to both the Federal and Lagos State governments to come to their aid and ensure that what is left of their lives is not shattered.

Like a whirlwind, the ill fated Dana aircraft rammed into some buildings at Popoola and Olaniyi streets in Iju Ishaga, rendering no fewer than seven families homeless. A host of others had part of their properties destroyed.

Miscreants took advantage of the emergency to cart away valuables of those who ran for safety. They vandalised shops and other buildings that were not directly affected by the crash.

Although the airline had on several occasions announced that it had begun compensating families of those who died and those displaced, none of the displaced has been contacted

by Dana Air after the airline gave some ‘meagre’ assistance to some to secure accommodation.

The Nation gathered that most of the victims had, through their lawyers, written the airline but got no reply.

Worst hit by the disaster is Pastor Daniel Omowunmi and his family, who lost properties valued over N500 million.

Others are Mr. Adoroja, whose twostorey building was razed down, the familes of Odika Daniel, Chima Iloka, Mr./Mrs. Ogbonnaya Mr./Mrs. Eweh, Mr./Mrs. Okafor and Daniel Obasi.

Also affected are two old widows, Mrs. Adekunle Abike of 7, Popola Street and Hajia Ramota Akinwusi of 11, Popoola Street.

Mrs. Akinwusi said Omowunmi was a good man who assisted a lot of the people in the neighbourhood with employment and cash.

She said: “I am a Muslim, but I can tell you that there is hardly anyone who went to the pastor for assistance that did not get same.

“He was a very good man and does not deserve to be abandoned. He gave a lot of people jobs and always assisted those who had financial problems. I am begging the government to build his properties for him so that he will not suffer.”

On the extent of damage on her property, Mrs. Akinwusi said part of her boys’ quarters was affected as well as her toilet facility, which was destroyed.

She said miscreants, who took advantage of the situation, looted her shop and carted away tubers of yams, recharge cards and money. They also damaged part of her fence and roofing.

Mrs. Akinwusi said the looters also burgled the shop of one of her tenants, which forced the tenant to abandon the shop since the incident.

“Things have not been the same since that incident occurred. The tenants I used to get rents from have all packed out. They said they cannot stay in a compound without toilet. So, as an old woman, I am just trying to see how I can reconstruct my soak-away

and buy the equipment for the toilet.

“It has not been easy because the major customers I had were those who were seriously affected. Since that time, business has been grounded; many people have packed out of the area because of the bad omen.

“Dana came here for inspection when the crash occurred and they promised to come back and repair our buildings but since then I have not seen anyone.

“I know that my own case is not so serious like those people who lost their houses and properties worth millions but they should also remember to come and repair my building for me.

“I am doing the little I can because I am old. I do not know the exact value of the things I lost and I do not want to lie.

So, they should come and repair my property for me.”

Mrs. Adekunle is disappointed that the airline is yet to settle her former neighbours who lost their entire belongings to the disaster.

“I have not seen them. I heard they came here some time ago for inspection and promised to come and attend to us after they had finished settling those who died as well as those who were rendered homeless. But till today, I have neither seen them nor received anything from them.

“Please, whoever is responsible should come and repair my house for me. My boys’ quarters is almost collapsing and even the roofs of my main building have gone bad.”

Pastor Omowunmi, who said he has through his solicitors, Dele Adesina &Co., written series of letters to the airline and the law firm representing Dana’s insurer, Yomi Oshikoya &Co., told The Nation that he was disappointed that the airline has shown no concern towards his plight.

He said: “I am really disappointed and wonder the kind of people the management of Dana Air and those representing them are. They must be satanic people, else they should not be comfortable having done nothing these past months to even show some concern for the lives they have destroyed.

“The only thing Dana has done has been to put me through stress. The property of the person that imported those books is now at risk. The documents, including those of the kitchen utensils, were sent to Dana, but till today, they have not said anything.

“The management of Dana is made of satanic people. From the day I rejected their N500, 000 offer till date, they have not bothered to know what has happened to us. They have not contacted anyone of the displaced persons.

“My family and I have been squatting in the church premises. I thank God for the grace of life and I know that God who has brought us this far, will not abandon us.

“If Dana says they have contacted us, they are lying. As I talk with you, even the other people who lost their properties have not been contacted. I am in touch with the others and if Dana had contacted anyone of them, I will know.

“They are only interested in reopening their business to make money without recourse to innocent Nigerians they have ruined.”

MOWUNMI said the crash destroyed everything he had worked for over the years and also destroyed other people’s property he had in his warehouse.

“I own the property on 8/10 Popoola/ Olaniyi Streets. It is a four plot of land that housed my warehouse, furniture factory, my residential building and my fish

O

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

3

NEWS DANA CRASH

woe from D ana crash victims • Omowunmi

• Omowunmi’s duplex, with a penthouse before the crash

• A bungalow weakened by the crash

• Mrs. Akinwusi

• Mrs. Adekunle

pond, among others.

“After writing several letters, including those from my lawyer to Dana and their insurance company’s law firm, without reply, I wrote a petition to President Goodluck Jonathan and copied the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Minister for Aviation, the Inspector General of Police, the Chairman, National Human Rights Commission and the Director General, NCAA on September 26.

“I also wrote the Senate President, who I must commend for his prompt response, Speaker, House of Representatives, Lagos State Governor and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, among other persons,” he said.

Omowunmi lamented that some days after he submitted his claims to the airline, he discovered that Yomi Oshikoya &Co., are the local correspondent to Dana’s underwriters.

“On July 23, I attended a meeting tagged ‘preliminary meeting’ alongside my solicitors at the office of Yomi Oshikoya &Co., where the managing partner, Otunba Yomi Oshikoya sarcastically noted that I was claiming N500 million for a mere building.

“His statement was evidence that my claims dated June 20, more than one month after, had not been read as at July 23; else he would have discovered that I was not claiming N500 million for the building alone but for other goods/stocks stored in the warehouse as well as my furniture factory.”

The pastor alleged that after the preliminary meeting, his lawyers were requested to supply documents to prove his claim. The documents were forwarded on July 24 to Oshikoya’s firm.

He said efforts had been made by his lawyers to secure another meeting with both Dana and their insurance company’s representative to no avail.

The schedule of claims sent to the airline shows that Omowunmi’s premises had a six-bedroom duplex (ensuite) with a penthouse, four bedroom bungalow with two large sitting rooms, two standard warehouse and four fish ponds (fully stocked).

• The scene where the aircraft crashed PHOTOS: PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

‘

Persons with free mind will attest that we have been in touch with them because we acknowledge and recognise the traumas they must have gone through • Usidame

IT further stated that the warehouse accommodated his furniture factory which housed 447 panel doors, imported educational materials, imported kitchen utensils as well as other items either warehoused for various clients or for his use at the furniture factory.

For the building structures, factory equipment, plants and machines, electronics/appliances, furniture, fixtures and fittings, personal effects, livestock as well as cost of resettlement for a period of two years, Omowunmi wants the airline to pay N224.1 million.

He said the educational books that were imported from Malaysia by Thursmay Educational Services and were being warehoused in his premises was valued at N250.1 million, adding that necessary documents and contacts for verification were made available to the airline for confirmation.

Omowunmi said the kitchen utensils which were also imported by Nike Odupitan and warehoused at his premises is worth N40, million, adding that necessary documents were also forwarded to the airline and its representatives.

‘

The compensation being demanded for losses suffered by the pastor is N514.176 million as well as N10 million per month for loss of earnings from the date of the incident till when the redevelopment of his damaged properties would be concluded.

He urged the government to compel the airline to fulfill its responsibility to the affected persons, saying he believes that Dana intends to push him to the wall and force him to seek redress from the court so that it can exploit the attendant delays associated with the nation’s court system.

“I have series of coordinated activities to undertake but I do not want to unfold them yet. It appears Dana people want to force me to go to court.

We only know when a court process starts, no one can tell how long it will last and so, I am still trying to exhaust other options since I have been out of business and homeless.

“I expect the government to use their good offices to pressurise Dana to compensate me and others affected on the ground.”

Okafor, who also decried the alleged nonchalance of the manage-

• Omowunmi’s warehouse before the June 3 crash

ment of the airline to their plight, said he has written Dana through his solicitors and forwarded his claims to them but have not received any reply from the airline.

He said he has tried to move on but the trauma and pains have been made worst by the airline’s negligence.

KAFOR said: “It is very dev astated for someone to, all of a sudden, lose all he has, and it is made even worse because the people responsible seem not to be bothered about the whole issue.

“But for the N200, 000 and some food stuff I received from them when the crash occurred, I have not heard anything from them. They have not even looked for us or replied to acknowledge our letters.”

Also lamenting the negligence he and his family have suffered, Iloka said it was cruel for the airline to have acted the way they did.

He said: “It shows how unreasonable and heartless they are. But God is watching us all and I am sure everyone shall be held accountable for their actions.”

Spokesman of ‘seriously affected victims’ Chike Okwuosa said they have not heard from Dana Air, except when some of them got N200, 000 from the airline as a temporary measure to help them secure accommodation.

He said: “Dana said they were coming to compensate those that were affected but till now, nothing has been done.

“People who are at the camp are those we call moderately affected. All those that were seriously affected rejected the camp because that place to start with is far. Moreover, it was difficult for them to go about their daily activities and to come down to Ishaga to make their collections.

“We are appealing to the government to hold Dana airline responsible.

Imagine Pastor Daniel that lost his entire investments, till date he is squatting in a church.

“That pastor does not deserve to be

O

neglected. We all live in this community and can testify that he gave so many people hope. There was hardly anyone who will approach him for help that he will not assist. Government should return all that he lost to him, and let others who were affected be compensated.”

ANA spokesman Mr. Tony Usidame, however, de bunked the allegations that the airline has not been in contact with the affected persons.

He said: “Persons with free mind will attest that we have been in touch with them because we acknowledge and recognise the traumas they must have gone through.

“Claims are being processed and benefits will soon be paid to the affected persons in accordance to the law.

“Our insurers are handling the process and I am positive that compensation shall be paid soon to the affected persons in accordance to the law.”

Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ade Ipaye said government was working towards bringing the management of Dana Air and Omowunmi to a round table.

He said the petition written by Omowunmi got to them and a committee has been set up to address the issues and see how the matter between both parties can be resolved without litigation.

“Yes, we received a letter from him and we have resolved to choose a date within the week so that both the victim and management of Dana will come for a meeting to enable us settle the issue.

“He made some claims which I do not know if Dana has looked into, so by the time they come for the meeting, we will hear from both sides and know where the problems lie.”

The way things stand now, the struggle continues for the victims. Is victory certain?

D

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

4

NEWS ONDO ELECTION ‘I was sacked from terminus for supporting Akeredolu’

Election not free and fair, says Ilori From Damisi Ojo, Akure

THE declaration of the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, as the winner of last Saturday’s election in Ondo State has led to the expulsion of a supporter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) from the Aje Igboro park in Old Garage, Akure.

The Nation learnt that a top official of the Ajegboro Unit allegedly ordered one of his members, Mr. Hassan Sule, to leave the terminus for voting for the ACN. Sule, who is about 65 years old, said: “After the election on Saturday, a top official of the Aje-Igboro Unit where I work as a driver accused me of voting for Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu and asked me to leave the terminus.

“He also ordered some members of the union to molest me.

This is embarrassing.

“I believe everybody has a right to belong to any party.

You cannot force me to do what is against my conscience.”

Obi greets Mimiko From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has congratulated Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State on his victory in last Saturday’s election. According to Obi, who is the Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum and ViceChairman of the Governors’ Forum, “the victory of Mimiko is yet another testimony that democracy is taking root in our country. The people have spoken; the best candidate has won.

“While I congratulate my brother, Mimiko, on this victory, which is a re-affirmation of the confidence his people have reposed in him, I urge him to continue on the path of service to his people and the country at large.”

He went on: “An occasion like this provides an opportunity for Nigerians to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his commitment to democracy, which has seen us moving rapidly from the era of victory through electoral malpractices to the era of victory through the choice of the people.

“Ondo people also deserve special congratulations for their abiding faith in democracy.”

HE Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Environmental and Sanitation, Bola Ilori, yesterday alleged that the justconcluded governorship election in Ondo State was not free and fair.

He alleged that the soldiers were biased and molested members of the opposition on the election day.

He said in a statement that he would continue to champion good governance in the state.

The statement reads: “For me, the election has been won and lost. It was not a perfect poll because it was not free and fair. However, life must continue. I will stress the need for us to develop Ondo State, irrespective of the party in power. I congratulate the indigenes of the state for the passion shown and sacrifices made. One must not fail to condemn those who perpetrated violence during the campaigns and election.

“While the police and the State Security Service (SSS) were impartial, the soldiers were biased. INEC would need to be more transparent in the conduct of elections and prevent a situation that was recorded during the poll when people were arrested a day before the election thumbprinting ballot papers for the Labour Party (LP).

“INEC workers were also arrested and arraigned for selling voter cards to the LP. ACN agents were not supplied tags and there were few tags. That was the modernised rigging introduced into the election, as the majority of ACN agents were denied participation on this technical ground.

“I am using this medium to draw the attention of Nigerians to these anomalies. On the whole, winning is good if it doesn’t get to the head, and losing is not too bad if it doesn’t affect the brain. A winner is one who remains focused even when the going gets tough. Therefore, I congratulate the people, I congratulate the parties and I congratulate the winner.”

T

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

•A cross section of party agents at a collating centre in Ondo State ...yesterday.

PHOTO NIYI ADENIRAN

Mixed reactions in Akure, Ondo •Mimiko urges co-contestants to support him •ACN agent protests results

M

IXED reactions yesterday trailed the Ondo State governorship election results announced by the Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office, Akure.

At 12.26 pm, Daramola; the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure declared Governor Olusegun Mimiko winner of the poll, saying he polled the majority of the votes cast by the electorate.

There was jubilation in Akure and Ondo by Labour Party (LP) supporters who danced round the cities.

The LP agent at the final collation centre, Dr.

From Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

Ben. Enikuomehin, said the results reflected the views, wishes and expectations of the voters.

However, his Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) counterpart, Mr. Idowu Otetubi, disagreed with Enikuomehin, saying the election was marred by irregularities in some local governments.

He did not give details of the irregularities and the affected councils, saying he would submit a comprehensive report to the party leadership on his findings. Otetubi said: “The results have been presented. But we have detected some irregularities in the poll. I will present

my report to the leadership of the party for consideration and decision.”

Enikuomehin, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defector to the LP, hailed the election, saying it was free and fair.

He praised the INEC and security agencies for their patriotism, adding that democratic elections have become a reality in Nigeria.

Enikuomehin said: “The poll was transparent, credible, free and fair. It reflected the true wishes of the people. It is an affirmation that they preferred the governor and LP. The task before the governor is to continue to work for the people of Ondo State. There is a lot of work to be done.”

Addressing a crowd of

supporters who visited him at the Government House, Alagbaka in Akure, Governor Mimiko thanked the people for re-electing him.

He hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for fulfilling his promise to encourage free and fair elections in the country.

Mimiko dedicated his victory to the “democracyloving people of the state”, promising to serve them better in the second term.

He added: “The election was free, fair and credible.

It reflected the wishes of the Ondo State people for continuity. I appeal to my co-contestants to join me in the task of building the state and taking it to a greater height. I will break the jinx of non-performing second term governors.”

Akintelure decries cancellation of poll by army officer T HE running mate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) standard bearer in last Saturday’s governorship election, Dr. Paul Akintelure, has decried the cancellation of Polling Unit 7 election in Igbotako Ward 2 by an army officer.

The poll of another unit was cancelled because the ballot box was snatched and Dr. Akintelure “faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for lack of preparedness in terms of security.”

He said: “I don’t see any reason why 24 hours to the election, security officers were everywhere, but on the election day, they just vanished. We are yet to understand the reason for this.”

Akintelure said some of the security officers played into the hands of the government.

He said election was cancelled in Polling Unit 7 due to the fault of no one but the

•PDP accuses LP of rigging

By Segun Balogun

INEC officials.

During accreditation, the polling officers reportedly made a mistake while counting the number of accredited voters. They counted 244.

While voting was ongoing, a polling officer discovered that some people came for accreditation, had their thumbs marked, but their names were not ticked on the list, meaning the number of accredited voters was underreported.

This mistake was reported to the three party agents, who agreed that voting should continue. At the end of voting, 254 people voted. The Labour Party (LP) agent flared up, insisting the votes must be cancelled. He denied

ever being informed of any mistake.

The presiding officer said the votes should be counted, while any complaints should be written on the form provided for party agents. All entreaties by law enforcement agents and two other party agents to allow the votes to be counted were refused.

An Army officer declared the votes void when threats of violence were increasing, a decision that drew chants from the LP supporters. Consequently, the results from other polling units were not announced as expected.

“Is it the duty of a security officer to declare an election null and void? We shall seek legal redress over some anomalies observed from the security officers. We cannot

joke with about 200 votes.

“Apart from talking about improving electoral process, we should be talking also about punitive measures for some offences,” Akintelure said, adding that “the LP somehow connived with the security officers to cancel the votes there.”

“I’m aware we could have got nothing less than 200 votes there. To the Labour Party, the cancellation was a glory because they were trailing us by just 20 or 30 votes,” he said.

Akintelure also called for the cancellation of the election at the King’s Palace at Okitipupa where it was reported that “the PDP, in connivance with INEC officials, brought in fake voter cards, which were used by faces not known in the community.”

However, PDP spokesman Ayo Fadaka said the party “did not pursue any rigging plan anywhere in the

•Akintelure

state because we believe we can win a free and fair election.”

He said the result of the poll surprised his party because “it does not show the expectation of my party,” adding that PDP will study the election properly and go to court if there is need.

He accused the LP of rigging the election.

Attempts to get LP’s reaction did not succeed as calls made to Senator Kunlere, the party’s foremost leader in Ondo South, did not go through.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

4

NEWS ONDO ELECTION ‘I was sacked from terminus for supporting Akeredolu’

Election not free and fair, says Ilori From Damisi Ojo, Akure

THE declaration of the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, as the winner of last Saturday’s election in Ondo State has led to the expulsion of a supporter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) from the Aje Igboro park in Old Garage, Akure.

The Nation learnt that a top official of the Ajegboro Unit allegedly ordered one of his members, Mr. Hassan Sule, to leave the terminus for voting for the ACN. Sule, who is about 65 years old, said: “After the election on Saturday, a top official of the Aje-Igboro Unit where I work as a driver accused me of voting for Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu and asked me to leave the terminus.

“He also ordered some members of the union to molest me.

This is embarrassing.

“I believe everybody has a right to belong to any party.

You cannot force me to do what is against my conscience.”

Obi greets Mimiko From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has congratulated Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State on his victory in last Saturday’s election. According to Obi, who is the Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum and ViceChairman of the Governors’ Forum, “the victory of Mimiko is yet another testimony that democracy is taking root in our country. The people have spoken; the best candidate has won.

“While I congratulate my brother, Mimiko, on this victory, which is a re-affirmation of the confidence his people have reposed in him, I urge him to continue on the path of service to his people and the country at large.”

He went on: “An occasion like this provides an opportunity for Nigerians to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his commitment to democracy, which has seen us moving rapidly from the era of victory through electoral malpractices to the era of victory through the choice of the people.

“Ondo people also deserve special congratulations for their abiding faith in democracy.”

HE Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Environmental and Sanitation, Bola Ilori, yesterday alleged that the justconcluded governorship election in Ondo State was not free and fair.

He alleged that the soldiers were biased and molested members of the opposition on the election day.

He said in a statement that he would continue to champion good governance in the state.

The statement reads: “For me, the election has been won and lost. It was not a perfect poll because it was not free and fair. However, life must continue. I will stress the need for us to develop Ondo State, irrespective of the party in power. I congratulate the indigenes of the state for the passion shown and sacrifices made. One must not fail to condemn those who perpetrated violence during the campaigns and election.

“While the police and the State Security Service (SSS) were impartial, the soldiers were biased. INEC would need to be more transparent in the conduct of elections and prevent a situation that was recorded during the poll when people were arrested a day before the election thumbprinting ballot papers for the Labour Party (LP).

“INEC workers were also arrested and arraigned for selling voter cards to the LP. ACN agents were not supplied tags and there were few tags. That was the modernised rigging introduced into the election, as the majority of ACN agents were denied participation on this technical ground.

“I am using this medium to draw the attention of Nigerians to these anomalies. On the whole, winning is good if it doesn’t get to the head, and losing is not too bad if it doesn’t affect the brain. A winner is one who remains focused even when the going gets tough. Therefore, I congratulate the people, I congratulate the parties and I congratulate the winner.”

T

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

•A cross section of party agents at a collating centre in Ondo State ...yesterday.

PHOTO NIYI ADENIRAN

Mixed reactions in Akure, Ondo •Mimiko urges co-contestants to support him •ACN agent protests results

M

IXED reactions yesterday trailed the Ondo State governorship election results announced by the Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office, Akure.

At 12.26 pm, Daramola; the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure declared Governor Olusegun Mimiko winner of the poll, saying he polled the majority of the votes cast by the electorate.

There was jubilation in Akure and Ondo by Labour Party (LP) supporters who danced round the cities.

The LP agent at the final collation centre, Dr.

From Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

Ben. Enikuomehin, said the results reflected the views, wishes and expectations of the voters.

However, his Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) counterpart, Mr. Idowu Otetubi, disagreed with Enikuomehin, saying the election was marred by irregularities in some local governments.

He did not give details of the irregularities and the affected councils, saying he would submit a comprehensive report to the party leadership on his findings. Otetubi said: “The results have been presented. But we have detected some irregularities in the poll. I will present

my report to the leadership of the party for consideration and decision.”

Enikuomehin, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defector to the LP, hailed the election, saying it was free and fair.

He praised the INEC and security agencies for their patriotism, adding that democratic elections have become a reality in Nigeria.

Enikuomehin said: “The poll was transparent, credible, free and fair. It reflected the true wishes of the people. It is an affirmation that they preferred the governor and LP. The task before the governor is to continue to work for the people of Ondo State. There is a lot of work to be done.”

Addressing a crowd of

supporters who visited him at the Government House, Alagbaka in Akure, Governor Mimiko thanked the people for re-electing him.

He hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for fulfilling his promise to encourage free and fair elections in the country.

Mimiko dedicated his victory to the “democracyloving people of the state”, promising to serve them better in the second term.

He added: “The election was free, fair and credible.

It reflected the wishes of the Ondo State people for continuity. I appeal to my co-contestants to join me in the task of building the state and taking it to a greater height. I will break the jinx of non-performing second term governors.”

Akintelure decries cancellation of poll by army officer T HE running mate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) standard bearer in last Saturday’s governorship election, Dr. Paul Akintelure, has decried the cancellation of Polling Unit 7 election in Igbotako Ward 2 by an army officer.

The poll of another unit was cancelled because the ballot box was snatched and Dr. Akintelure “faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for lack of preparedness in terms of security.”

He said: “I don’t see any reason why 24 hours to the election, security officers were everywhere, but on the election day, they just vanished. We are yet to understand the reason for this.”

Akintelure said some of the security officers played into the hands of the government.

He said election was cancelled in Polling Unit 7 due to the fault of no one but the

•PDP accuses LP of rigging

By Segun Balogun

INEC officials.

During accreditation, the polling officers reportedly made a mistake while counting the number of accredited voters. They counted 244.

While voting was ongoing, a polling officer discovered that some people came for accreditation, had their thumbs marked, but their names were not ticked on the list, meaning the number of accredited voters was underreported.

This mistake was reported to the three party agents, who agreed that voting should continue. At the end of voting, 254 people voted. The Labour Party (LP) agent flared up, insisting the votes must be cancelled. He denied

ever being informed of any mistake.

The presiding officer said the votes should be counted, while any complaints should be written on the form provided for party agents. All entreaties by law enforcement agents and two other party agents to allow the votes to be counted were refused.

An Army officer declared the votes void when threats of violence were increasing, a decision that drew chants from the LP supporters. Consequently, the results from other polling units were not announced as expected.

“Is it the duty of a security officer to declare an election null and void? We shall seek legal redress over some anomalies observed from the security officers. We cannot

joke with about 200 votes.

“Apart from talking about improving electoral process, we should be talking also about punitive measures for some offences,” Akintelure said, adding that “the LP somehow connived with the security officers to cancel the votes there.”

“I’m aware we could have got nothing less than 200 votes there. To the Labour Party, the cancellation was a glory because they were trailing us by just 20 or 30 votes,” he said.

Akintelure also called for the cancellation of the election at the King’s Palace at Okitipupa where it was reported that “the PDP, in connivance with INEC officials, brought in fake voter cards, which were used by faces not known in the community.”

However, PDP spokesman Ayo Fadaka said the party “did not pursue any rigging plan anywhere in the

•Akintelure

state because we believe we can win a free and fair election.”

He said the result of the poll surprised his party because “it does not show the expectation of my party,” adding that PDP will study the election properly and go to court if there is need.

He accused the LP of rigging the election.

Attempts to get LP’s reaction did not succeed as calls made to Senator Kunlere, the party’s foremost leader in Ondo South, did not go through.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

5

NEWS

Controversy over status of General Aviation Terminal

T

HE aviation sector is set for yet another round of controversy as the Federal Government today inaugurates the remodelled General Aviation Terminal (GAT) in the old domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Ikeja, Lagos raising fresh concerns over the control of the terminal in the concession agreement the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) signed with Bi- Courtney Aviation Services Limited, managers of the MMA 2, Ikeja, Lagos.

Stakeholders in the sector including Mr. Olu Ohunayo, Head of Research, Zenith Travels, who spoke on the development, explained that until issues bordering on the clarity of public private partnerships are clear in Nigeria, it will be difficult to attract the right investors.

He said it is time government sorted out the issues concerning any vexed agreement or it’s content, so that the industry could be put on a sound footing for airlines to thrive.

Another expert, an airline operator, who pleaded not to be named, said the taking over of the General Aviation Terminal by the government through remodelling, expansion and ultimate completion will be a great disservice to the spirit of public private partnership in Nigeria.

He said his position is predicated on the shabby implantation of the concession agreement between government and the BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited, as it affects their concession of the domestic terminals of the Lagos Airport.

The airline operator expressed concerns over the disregard of court orders by the government and its agents on the issue, which gave right to the concessionaire to manage both terminals.

Another industry player, who declined to give his name, described the take over of the

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

old domestic terminal from the concessionaire as an evidence of power play, as it would put the concessionaire of the new terminal, MMA2, in a tight position to recover its investment before handing over the facility to the government, even as the tenure of the concession is still in dispute.

There is, however, anxiety that some of the existing domestic carriers may want to relocate to the remodelled General Aviation Terminal.

The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, said yesterday that the General Aviation

Terminal does not belong to BiCourtney Aviation Services Limited.

Speaking through her media assistant, Mr. Joe Obi, the minister said: “Information at our disposal indicates that Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd, the Concessionaire to MM2, is apparently threatened by the imminent opening of the newly-reconstructed and remodelled GAT, Lagos.

“To be sure, the area where GAT is located has never been part of the area concessioned to Bi-Courtney Ltd. The agreement with Bi-courtney has a survey plan clearly marked in square metres and the area of the GAT

was never contemplated to be part of the area leased to BiCourtney.

“Nigerians can recall the dilapidated and decrepit state of the nation’s airports, including GAT, prior to the assumption of office of the current minister.

Today, 11 airports, including the GAT, are an elegant testimony of the desire and determination of the minister to give Nigerians what they truly deserve-airports of their dreams that compare to any such facility anywhere in the world.

“It is inconceivable that anyone would not only contemplate, but also hold fast to the jaundiced belief that a nation as

big and great as Nigeria ought not to progress beyond having a terminal like MM2.”

Oduah further said: “Regarding allegations that there are subsisting court orders restraining anybody, including FAAN, which is the landlord of all federal airports in Nigeria from further development of the GAT, we need to stress that the cases are still ongoing. In fact, our case is before the Supreme Court, challenging the orders being referred to mainly, but not limited to the fact that in several of these cases, FAAN, as a principal interested party, was never fully represented.

•The DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren (middle), presenting Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to the Managing Director, MedView Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole. With them is General Manager, Mr. David Babatunde.

The event was held at the Aviation House, Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos... at the weekend.

A

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

area, should they continue to stick out their necks for the ‘sacked’ Speaker of the House, Abdullahi Bello.

One of the members who spoke in confidence to our correspondent said the affected lawmakers included Musa Idoko Idah State Constituency, Abdullahi Zekeri, Deputy Chief Whip - Ankpa II Constituency, Emma Omedije - Okura/Dekina Constituency and Yakubu Yunusa, Majority Leader from Ofu State Constituency.

Investigations revealed that the plan to allegedly expel Echocho from the PDP failed, following the presence of his supporters at the meeting.

It was gathered that when Echocho’s supporters became aware of the move, they mobilised en masse and stormed the

secretariat from the local governments in Kogi East Senatorial District.

A highly-placed party source said it was believed that Wada attended the meeting to give official blessing to Echocho’s removal.

The source said the presence of the supporters wearing TShirts with Echocho’s photograph made the party leaders to have a rethink.

According to him, “the leaders of the party capitulated when they saw the charged atmosphere.”

The source added that the planned expulsion of Echocho was a follow up to the earlier suspension of another PDP chieftain in the state from Mopa Muro Local Government, Oyebode Makinde.

He said Makinde was suspended for challenging Wada’s swearing-in as governor by the

Falana to sue over killing of woman, 70

A

LAWYER and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), plans to go to court over the alleged killing of a 70-year-old woman in Omuo-Ekiti.

Mrs. Rebecca Adewunmi was mobbed by people reported to be allegedly acting on the orders of the monarch of the town, Oba Noah Omonigbehin, who has denied ever ordering anybody to attack the woman.

Mrs. Adewumi was accused of afflicting her stepson, Ola Adewumi, who is now late, with a strange ailment with her witchcraft.

Falana said: “The recent killings of four stu-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

dents in the University of Port Harcourt, the killings of 46 students in Mubi, the stoning to death of an old, so-called witch in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, are giving us sleepless nights.”

The lawyer said he planned to meet the relevant arms of the government to know how far the case of Adewumi has gone.

He said it was disappointing how the trucks belonging to a group of companies had turned the highways across the country into death traps.

President of the Customary Court of Appeal at a Federal High Court in Lokoja.

The party leaders were said to have appealed to Wada for funds to enable them carry out the activities of the party in the zone during the meeting.

The source said Wada told the leaders to channel their request to the local government liaison officers, as the state is not in a position to help.

He said the governor bemoaned the several crises and challenges his administration was facing and called on the leaders to pray for God’s intervention.

The source said: “After his meeting with the zonal party executive, they complained that they didn’t have funds and that they were hungry.

“The governor said the state has no money now because the cases in court against his government have drained the state’s resources and that he is short of funds.

“Wada appealed to the PDP members for prayers because of the crisis.

“He promised that he will help them when his administration stabilises.”

Echocho’s spokesman, Phrank Shuaibu, attributed the plot to the attempt by the governor to blackmail the judiciary.

He noted that the purported plan is a “clear indication of the clout Echocho maintains

THE Federal Government has set aside N450 billion to be given as loans to farmers in the 36 states of the federation, Information Minister Labaran Maku has said.

He spoke yesterday at a town hall meeting at the Idris Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna, Niger State, while commenting on the “Good Governance Tour’’.

He said the loan was part of the measures put in place by the Federal Government to boost food production, noting that N3.5 million jobs would be created in the agriculture sector before 2015, while 30,000 people in Niger would benefit from the scheme.

The minister also called for a peaceful coexistence among the populace.

He said: “If there is no peace, forget about development. I urge you Northerners to love one another and intervene in the interest of peace. This is the way forward for a better future.”

Maku enjoined politicians to shun impatience when they lose elections, adding that they should see politics as a catalyst for development.

He urged Governor Babangida Aliyu to intensify efforts in the development of the state.

“The Federal Ministry of Information’s Performance Monitoring Scheme partners the state governments to give the citizens a say as democracy is about human development that promotes the welfare of the people,” he said.

Northern governors decry insecurity

Plot to expel Echocho from PDP fails PLOT to expel the winner of the January 9, 2011 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries in Kogi State, Jibrin Isa Echocho, from the party failed at the weekend, it was learnt.

Echocho’s supporters have pointed accusing fingers at Kogi State Governor Idris Wada for masterminding the foiled plot.

Wada denied the allegation, saying he only attended a zonal meeting of the party held at the Kogi East Zonal headquarters of the PDP in Anyigba on Saturday as “the leader of the party in the state and a loyal party man.”

Echocho is still in court seeking to validate his governorship mandate.

It was further learnt that the leadership of the Kogi East Zone of the PDP has vowed to ensure the recall of four members of the House of Assembly from the

Fed Govt to give N450b loans to farmers, says Maku

among party members as well as the people of Kogi State.”

Shuaibu said: “We are not disturbed by their unholy machinations because my boss is a loyal and committed member of the PDP who is in court against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and not the PDP. “The PDP voluntarily sought to join the suit and they were so joined by the court.

“In view of the desperation and brazen impunity associated with the characters leading this current plot, we urge wellmeaning Nigerians to call these desperadoes to order as their comments and actions convey a more sinister intention of seeking to blackmail the judiciary on a matter that is before a court of competent jurisdiction. “We have repeatedly stated that our mandate is of God and freely given to us by PDP members in Kogi State.

“It is the same mandate that we have put before the judiciary based on the rule of law.

“We have neither resorted to self help nor attempted to circumvent the process by armtwisting the judiciary.

“Why is it so difficult for these men and their fellow travellers to follow this time tested route?

“The other day, they compelled the President of a Customary Court of Appeal to swear in a governor, while there is a subsisting Chief Judge in Kogi State.

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

THE Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) yesterday decried the increasing rate of murder in the country.

It lamented that the security situation in the country has worsened.

The forum said the killings of innocent Nigerians across the country in the last two weeks negated the achievements made by the security agencies to curb crime and insecurity.

Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, said “these senseless killings are frustrating the efforts to restore peace in the country.”

He appealed to terrorist groups in the country to give peace a chance, saying reverting to attacks and other acts of violence after weeks of reprieve will not advance the cause of peace.

In a statement by Malam Danladi Ndayebo, the Chief Press Secretary to the forum Chairman in Minna, the forum expressed serious concern at the renewed attacks on the citizens, citing the murder of 34 persons in Potiskum, Yobe State last Friday and the killings of 22 people at Dogon Dawa village in Kaduna State a fortnight ago.

6

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

NEWS Plot to stop Salami thickens Continued from page 1

•From right Chancellor, Covenant University, Dr David Oyedepo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Ogbulogo, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aize Obayan, Registrar, Dr Joseph Niyan Taiwo and HOD Department of Languages, Dr(Mrs) Taiwo Abioye during the PHOTO SOLOMON ADEOLA presentation of a book on Covenant University, Ota.

Tai Solarin’s widow Sheila dies at 88 Continued from page 1

She co-founded the famous school with her husband in 1956.

Last July, the late Mrs Solarin underwent a surgery at the hospital, following a domestic accident that left her with a broken hip.

“She fell down in her room in July and suffered a broken hip. She was then taken to the teaching hospital where she was diagnosed with osteoporosis . She died at exactly 4:30pm and her remains have been taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).”

The late Dr. Solarin’s twin brother’s daughter, Mrs Alake Sobo, confirmed the late Mrs Solarin’s death. She said her two children were at her bedside before she breathed as last.

Mrs. Sobo said: “Despite the

fact that Mrs. Solarin was not a Nigerian by birth, she remained committed to the country and always wished that a day would come when every child of school age will have free access to quality education.

“We will greatly miss her. I wish she stayed longer but God knows best.”

Chairman of Tai and Sheila Hospital, Dr. Wale Omole, said but for the late Solarins, he would not have achieved his dream of becoming a medical doctor.

“Honestly I feel pained. We celebrated her 88th birthday some months ago and she was healthy. Mrs. Solarin was a woman with a great heart, who left the comfort of her country.

“Even at 88, Mrs Solarin was still teaching at her school. She taught English Language and marked students’ essays and letter writings, until she was

admitted at the hospital.

“There is no better way to serve humanity. Nigeria and Africa took the best out of this mother and teacher of teachers. She will be greatly missed,” he said.

Born in England on May 31, 1924, to the Tuer family, the late Mrs. Solarin got married to her husband in 1951 in England and came to Nigeria in 1954.

They established the Mayflower School in 1956.

In 2011, Mrs. Solarin was invited to the popular “who wants to be a millionaire” television show and she won N2 million. The money, she said, was meant to establish a modern laboratory for the pupils.

During her 88th birthday which was marked for her by the old and current students of the school, Madam Sheila shocked some of the guests in

her modest sitting room last May 31 when she told The Nation that making it to 88 in Nigeria was a thing of “surprise” to her.

Asked to explain, she said given her “busy life” in the country for over three decades, and all devoted to educating people, she never thought of living long.

“It is a surprise to me that I’m still alive. Honestly, I didn’t expect to live long. I have had a busy life here. There is plenty of work to do in the areas of education,” she told The Nation.

The late Mrs Solarin was described by her students - both old and young - as an “enigma”.

One of her bitter regrets which will now accompany her to the grave. is inability and unwillingness of Nigerian govContinued on page 57

the CJN office, but he could not have an audience with Justice Aloma-Mukhtar because she was trying to clear her desk to travel out of the country the same day.

“But Justice Salami will be briefed on the options after the Sallah break.

“I think the NJC is trying to resolve the matter amicably without any conflict with the Executive.”

A senior government official, who pleaded not to be named, said the government’s position is for Justice Salami to proceed on retirement.

“The government may not be disposed to his reinstatement,” he said, adding: “That is a grey area which the NJC and the Executive would have to address. Do not forget that the same NJC asked the President to suspend or retire Justice Salami.

That letter is still subsisting whether it was an error on the part of NJC or not.”

As at press time, it was gathered that some anti-Salami forces might file a suit today before a Federal High Court in Abuja to stop either the NJC or the Federal Government from recalling the PCA. It was learnt that the plot to stop Justice Salami from coming back to office was hatched last Thursday immediately the NJC’s decisions got leaked.

It was gathered that some counsel have been engaged to stop Justice Salami, until he attains the statutory retirement age next year.

“The anti-Salami forces have not given up. They have sharply disagreed with the NJC. They want Salami retired instead of being recalled,” a source, who also pleaded not to be named, said.

“The suit will be filed on Monday. The essence is to put fresh legal hurdles before Justice Salami so that the NJC

and the President will not take subjudicial actions,” he said.

Justice Salami was suspended from office by the NJC on August 18, 2011.

Although the NJC later reversed itself, issues surrounding the reinstatement of Justice Salami attracted a spate of litigations.

The last of such cases was on October 2 when the NJC said President Goodluck Jonathan has no disciplinary power over any Justice of the Court of Appeal or its President.

The Council also claimed that the Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dalhatu Adamu, cannot be reappointed after three months without its consent or approval.

The NJC made the submission in a written address submitted to the court through its counsel, Usman Isa Kana and Co. The council is one of the defendants (3rd in particular) in a matter filed before a Federal High Court by 11 plaintiffs for themselves and on behalf of registered Trustees of the Centre for the Promotion of Arbitration.

The plaintiffs are Mr. Jitobo Akanike; Mr. Idris Musa; Mr. Continued on page 57

•Justice Salami

INEC declares Mimiko winner with 260,199 votes We’re studying the result, say ACN, PDP

Continued from page 1

est valid votes, met the requirement of the law and “is hereby returned as the winner of the election held on October 20.”

LP won in 13 local government areas, ACN won in three and PDP won in two local governments.

Other parties that contested the election are ACNP, which scored 1,806; ANPP -1461, APS - 751, BNPP – 2949, CAP – 735, CPL – 1931, NCP – 823, NSDP – 1103, PDC – 21,361 and PPA – 1,652.

Prof. Daramola described the process as “successful”, but with some “minor” hiccups.

He said there were few incidents of ballot snatching.

“There were few inconveniences here and there.

“It was a great experience for me because, for once, we conducted an election that can be seen by all to be very transparent and fair. The INEC office did a wonderful job. They did what they needed to do and everything went on smoothly, apart from some few hiccups of logistics and ballot box hijacking, especially in the Ilaje area.

“In spite of all that, we discovered that the cancellation we had, was within our allowable limit. So, we still had a good election, by all standards.

“My message to INEC is that this assignment can be made less tedious through the deployment of ICT –Information and

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (AC N) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ondo State chapter, said yesterday they were studying the result of the governorship election.

The ACN, in a statement by its National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, yesterday.

“I have just been told the final results of the Ondo State governorship election.

As a party of democrats, we in the Action Congress of Nigeria have always known that the choice of who governs has always been that of the people in situations where the electoral process is transparent and credible. Therefore, all politicians worthy of their salt must always expect victory or defeat. We recognize that it is the sovereign right of the people to decide what kind of government they want. This is the challenge of democracy. Our party believes that there was and still is need for change in Ondo State. Thus, our party will study carefully the general details of the results with a view to taking a final position.

“Our party has always been and remains proud of our candidate, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and this election has reinforced our confidence in his ability to lead and stimulate life back into Communication Technology.

Resident Electoral Commissioner Akin Orebiyi expressed satisfaction on the outcome.

“We are relieved after a successful conduct of the governorship election in Ondo State. We must recognise those who contributed to the success. The real

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

the Action Congress of Nigeria in Ondo State. Through him, our party will continue to express gratitude to the leadership and general members of our party and to the electorate of Ondo State in general.

“We are glad that they performed that brilliantly in spite of many challenges, glaring lapses in the system and institutional inefficiency in the conduct of Ondo state governorship election.

“I must congratulate our teeming members in Ondo State for their hard work at resuscitating the party and putting it in a position of reckoning in such a short time.

“Our party will continue this post mortem analysis of the lapses in all the institutions involved in the conduct of the Ondo election.”

The PDP in Ondo State in a statement by its spokesman Ayo Fadaka, said: “We have taken due cognisance of the results of the October 20 elections and as our immediate reaction is that the Party will set up a team of professional investigators to understudy the conduct of the elections and make their reports available within 15 days after which the party will now take a decision on its next line of action.

“We take serious exception to the fact that election was not conducted in two

heroes of this election are the people on the streets, the voters, who came out en-masse; who also withstood the sun, spent hours at the polling units to exercise their right.

“In spite of the little delay here and there, they still exercised tremendous patience and

wards in Ilaje Local Government and other areas across the state.

“This unlawful disenfranchisement of voters through the negligence of INEC is most inexcusable. This is aside the curious cancellation of results in 42 polling units in Ilaje and the manner votes were calculated in several local governments to arrive at the figures INEC gave as its final results.

“Provisionally, we declare that this election is marred by irregularities and if after our findings we discover that the extent is massive, we will certainly seek redress at the Election Petition Tribunal”.

The ACN running mate, Dr. Paul Akintelure, rejected the outcome of the election.

Speaking to The Nation on the telephone, Akintelure said “the result is totally rejected”.

He said: “I want to assure the citizenry that truth will prevail on the outcome of this election. What happened is a calculated attempt to present ACN as unpopular in Ondo State, but majority of the people know we are on the ground.”

The ACN deputy governorship candidate urged the party supporters to remain calm and await further action from the party.

understanding and they did not resort to self-help or violence of any kind, in a bid to exercise their voting right. They are the real heroes of democracy.

“We equally observed the maturity displayed by the politicians. For once, we see politicians, who are ready to listen

to explanation of INEC. You also see politicians, who on the day of election, did not resort to self-help or other fraudulent means to obtain power. We also give commendation to them.”

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations, P. I. Leha, praised the conduct of all

the security personnel deployed for the election.

The city of Akure went agog as the result of the election was announced. Many residents trooped onto the street shouting Mimiko’s name and thanking God for the outcome of the election.

President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Mimiko on his victory.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said in a statement yesterday that the president also praised the dutiful, patriotic and law-abiding electorate.

Abati said the President also gave kudos to INEC personnel and security agencies who ensured that the election was “peacefully and successfully conducted”.

The conduct, he stressed, was in keeping with President Jonathan’s administration’s commitment to making elections in Nigeria progressively better organised and more Continued on page 57

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

7

NEWS

SSS, others won’t give up on war against T terrorists, says DG HE Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Ekpenyong Ita, has said the agency and others will not give up on the war against terrorists whom he told “enough is enough”.

Ita spoke at the graduation ceremony of participants of Executive Intelligence Management Course No. 5 at the Institute for Security Studies, Lower Usuma Dam, Abuja.

He said: “My dear graduands, you are graduating at the critical period of national development. It is a period the nation is facing complex security challenges, like kidnapping, oil theft, piracy, violent crimes and terrorism. I do not think this nation has ever faced a more fluid, more dynamic or more complex threat situations as what is currently being faced, particularly terrorism.

“As you are leaving the Institute today, I want to prepare your mind to the situation you will be confronted with, even though at a reduced scale in your operational areas. Accordingly, I urge you to bring your wealth of professional experience and the knowledge you have acquired here to bear on these challenges.

“I must say that the activities of terrorists have been serious sources of strain and stresses on corporate existence, image and development of the country. This service and other security forces with the support of government have worked assiduously to contain and reduce considerably the activities of these unscrupulous and misguided el-

From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

ements.

“Accordingly, I want to thank Mr. President for the enormous support and encouragement he has given the Service which have assisted us to enhance our technical capacity, building of staff skills, knowledge and competences to fight the war against terrorism. This is a war we have paid the supreme sacrifice and have no alternative than to sustain the current tempo in order to ensure ultimate victory.

“Let me reiterate the point that Nigeria can NEVER, NEVER be divided by the activities of some misguided, ignorant terrorists or those unscrupulous individuals whose activities and utterances kept chiseling though

unsuccessfully the very foundation of those things we hold dear, particularly the unity of this country. To this last group of people, I am saying enough is enough.”

The DG of SSS said the agency had adopted three key areas in addressing security challenges facing the country.

He added: “As a Service, we have been responding to the prevalent threats to National Security by adopting a well calculated approach in three (3) keys areas. They include a vastly improved intelligence collection strategy, inter-agency partnership and information sharing and effective utilisation of limited resources.

“We have since moved away from a reactive to a very proactive Service, where intelligence drives in-

vestigative and operational activities, enhances understanding of threat indicators and also our ability to mitigate and disrupt emerging threats.

“We are prudently allocating our limited resources to target top priority threats with high impact approach. In addition to fundamentally changing the Services’ approach to conducting intelligence operations, we are also enhancing partnership with sister agencies, the key stakeholders, the press and the public at large. In particular, we maintain very close and cordial working relationship with the Joint Task Force (JTF) units and I commend the relationship.”

He urged victims of terror not to succumb to fear.

He said: “According to Rob-

ert Green: “Terror is the ultimate way to paralyze a peoples’ will to resist and destroy their ability to plan a strategic response. Such power is gained through sporadic acts of violence that create a constant feeling of threat, incubating a fear that spreads throughout the public sphere”.

“The goal in a terror campaign is not battlefield victory, but causing maximum chaos and provoking the other side into desperate over-reaction.

Melting invisibly into the population, tailoring their actions for the mass media, the strategist of terror creates the illusion that they are far more powerful than they really are.

“It is a war of nerves. The victims of terror must not succumb to fear or even anger; to plot the most effective counter strategy, they must stay balanced. In the face of terror campaign, one’s rationality is the last line of defence.”

N

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

THE National Communications Commission (NCC) has arrested a man, who specialises in selling registered sim cards in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

The Head of Enforcement of NCC, Mr. Efosa Idehen, broke the news at a conference in Osogbo.

The suspect, Mr. Sulaimon Taofeek, has been handed over to the police.

He said the suspect was arrested following a tip-off from members of the public.

Idehen said six other suspects had been arrested in the Southwest.

He said: “One wrong information in the data base in the country is not acceptable by this commission and that is why the commission is making every effort to protect our data base.”

FAAN official held over $1.4m

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

Nigeria, Korea to work together IGERIA and Korea have agreed on an industrial cooperation strategy that will promote the development of major industries, particularly the petrochemical and automotive industries, in both countries.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga and his counterpart, the Korean Minister of Knowledge Economy, Hong Suk-woo, at the Korea-Africa Industry Cooperation Forum in Seoul.

The Korean government said it would provide all the necessary support to major Korean companies, who want to partner Nigeria on the development of the petrochemical and automotive sectors of its economy.

Aganga told reporters that his meeting with his Korean counterpart was to actualise some of the goals of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan, which the Ministry of Trade and Investment commenced recently.

The minister said: “We have had very fruitful discussions with the Ministry of Knowledge Economy. That is what my ministry is called in Korea.

And I would say categorically that this is another step forward in our efforts to create jobs, generate wealth and enhance inclusive economic growth and development in Nigeria.

“We have commenced the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan based on the areas where Nigeria has comparative and competitive advantage.”

NCC arrests man over sims sales

•Odubu (second left), Wike (second right), Edo State Education Commissioner, Mr Ekperenis Omorotion (left) and Acting Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Prof. Charles Onocha in Benin... at the weekend.

Minister to Nigerians: check criminals sabotaging INISTER of State for He said the Edo State govinvestment in education ernment Education Ezenwo supports any invest-

M

Nyesom Wike has urged Nigerians to checkmate criminals sabotaging the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the education sector.

Wike spoke during a visit to Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and paramount ruler of the Benin Kingdom, Oba of Benin, Oba Erediuwa in Benin at the weekend.

He said that the realisation that some officials of State Universal Basic Education Boards, connive with traders to sell free instructional materials to parents is worri-

some.

Wike said state governments must work hard to check the excesses of SUBEB officials.

The minister, who was in Edo State on the advocacy tour to promote the enrolment of out-of-school children in the South, said the need to create access for out-of-school children was a collective responsibility for all stakeholders.

He urged the Edo State government to allocate to the Federal Government a parcel of land to build a vocational school for out-of-school children .

He said: “We are committed to ensuring that out-ofschool Nigerian children have access to basic education. We started with the Almajiri children because they have the higher percentage of out-ofschool children in the country.

Since we have made tremendous progress in tackling the Almajiri challenge, we resolved to face the out-ofschool in the South”.

Oshiomhole, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu, commended the Federal Government for investing in the education of the less privileged.

ment in education, pointing out that the state believes education was vital to the development of the nation.

At the Oba of Benin’s Palace, the traditional chiefs had interactive session with the Minister of State for Education on the efforts of the Federal Government to develop the education sector.

The minister also inspected Federal Government’s project in the Federal Government Girls’ College in Benin. He expressed satisfaction with the level of work at the library project in the school.

Sylva has no link with governorship candidate’s suit

A

GROUP, Bayelsa Democratic Front (BDF), yesterday said former Governor Timipre Sylva has no link with the governorship candidate of the Change Advocacy Party (CAP), Dr. Imoro Kyboh.

The group described the claim that Sylva sponsored Kyboh as childlish.

BDF said Sylva has always been a loyal party man and has never associated with any political party outside the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement by Promise Okpoebi,the group said: “A

recent report alleging that Chief Timipre Sylva is behind the resolve of the Change Advocacy Party (CAP) governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Dr. Imoro Kuboh, to pursue justice is, at best, childish. It is one of the pinpricks of the present administration in the state, which Bayelsans and other Nigerians just have to ignore and get on with their lives.

“We, too, would have ignored the absurd lie but for the fact that the Seriake Dickson camp is laying Bayelsa people open to ridi-

cule with such undignified pursuits at a scale that we can no longer fold our arms and watch. The report attributed to the state CAP Chairman, Mr. Deme Kolomo, claimed that the party had dissociated itself from its candidate’s search for justice in the governorship contest after several failed attempts to upturn Dickson’s “popular victory.” The report said CAP was worried by Kuboh’s insistence on seeking redress at the Supreme Court when he stood no chance, concluding, “From evi-

dence at our disposal, the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva, is the sponsor of Kuboh.”

“Even the most uninformed of minds could see through the tragedy of fabrications and intellectual idleness that were being celebrated in the said report.

Chief Sylva has not shown any association with any political party outside the Peoples Democratic Party.

He has remained a loyal party man, despite the numerous attempts to frustrate him.”

THE Federal AIrports Authority of NIgeria (FAAN) yesterday confirmed the arrest of one of its employees, Mr A. Adetula, for attempting to smuggle out $1.4 million through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to the General Manager, Corporate Services of FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati, the official was neither on duty nor on an official assignment.

Dati said : “ The authority wishes to commend the joint efforts of the EFCC, Customs, Police and other security personnel who aided his arrest, and to assure them of its unalloyed assistance in unravelling this financial crime, particularly as the staff was acting on his own accord.

“We wish to also assure the public that FAAN is committed to restructuring the organisation to purge it of all dishonourable characters as it transforms into a modern and efficient entity.”

All set for Carnival Calabar CROSS River State Governor Liyel Imoke has said everything has been put in place to ensure 2012 Carnival Calabar becomes one of the greatest events in Africa and beyond.

Speaking while unveiling the theme of this year’s Carnival at the Millennium Park, Calabar, Imoke disclosed that the first edition of the dry run (mock carnival) mark the series of events to lead the Carnival Calabar proper.

Imoke who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Obioma Liyel Imoke, said:“As we celebrate great hope and expectation, we will combine a number of things to make Carnival Calabar a World Class brand.”

8

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

NEWS Osun Assembly passes state instrument into law From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

T

HE Osun State House of Assembly has passed the state instrument of description, comprising the flag, anthem, crest and motto: “The State of the Virtuous,” into law.

This makes it legal to address Osun State as the State of Osun.

In a statement, the Speaker’s media aide, Mr. Goke Butika, said the Assembly conferred the official seal on the flag, anthem, crest and the State of Osun following a motion by Mr. Ipoola Binuyo, which was seconded by Mr. Olusegun Adeyeni.

Speaker Najeem Salaam said the state’s flag, anthem, crest and motto have become official instruments that must be recognised by all institutions.

Salaam said: “Having passed the state flag, crest and anthem into law, I hereby declare that they have become state instruments that must be recognised and accorded respect as the identity of the state as a component unit in a federation by all institutions.”

On the criticisms generated by the introduction of the state symbols, the Speaker said the symbols conform with the norms of developed democracy.

He said: “We have it here in Nigeria, aside from what obtains abroad. We have it in Lagos, Ekiti, Bayelsa, the home state of President Goodluck Jonathan and others. So, they are not instruments of secession, but unique identity of each component unit in a federation.”

Fayemi’s wife condemns gender-based violence •Lays foundation of building at OAU

W

IFE of Ekiti State Governor Erelu Bisi Fayemi has

called for the establishment of “strong movements” to fight injustices against women.

She urged policy makers to make laws that would guarantee effective representation and participation of women in decision-making, specifically through affirmative action and quotas.

Mrs. Fayemi spoke at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, her alma mater, while delivering the institution’s Faculty of Arts’ Annual Conference Lecture, entitled: “Re-enacting leadership in Nigeria: The Place and Role of the Humanities”.

She also laid the foundation of a building she intends to donate to the school, as part of activities marking the institution’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Mrs. Fayemi said: “Women in positions of influence should advance policies and laws that will protect women, provide for their needs and guarantee their wellbeing.

“We need identities that affirm our rights as full citizens, with rights of participation, engagement and protest. We also need to assert our rights; to use the power of our numbers as a critical voting mass and bring to power men and women, who will truly transform our societies and create the enabling environment for all marginalised people to thrive.”

OAU’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Tale Omole thanked Mrs. Fayemi for her contributions to the school and urged other alumni to emulate her.

Mrs. Fayemi got her first degree in History from the institution in 1984 and returned for her Master’s in the same discipline in 1988.

Awujale returns home

T

HE Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Ogbagba II, who has been in London for medical check up since June, is expected to return today.

He will be at the Ojude Oba Festival slated for Sunday in Ijebu Ode.

Kwankwaso gets honorary degree From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

K

ANO State Governor Musa Kwankwaso was yesterday conferred with an honourary doctorate degree in political Science and International Relations by Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Others honoured were Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema and the Ajuwale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

Kwankwaso was honoured in recognition of his achievements in education and youth empowerment.

He was praised for broadening access to education at all levels; building 21 insti-

•Kwankwaso

tutions, including the Northwest University and empowering women and youths through skill acquisition.

Kwankwaso thanked the university and said the honour would spur him to be more dedicated to the service of the country.

•Aregbesola ( second right); his deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori (right); Osun Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Secretary Prince Gboyega Famodun (second left) and the Director-General, Office of Economic Development and Partnerships, Dr. Charles Akinola...yesterday.

Osun inaugurates 10,000-capacity cattle ranch T

HE Osun State Government at the weekend inaugurated a 10,000-capacity cattle ranch.

The ranch is called Osun Beef (O’Beef).

The ceremony was held in the ranch at Oloba Farm Settlement in Iwo. Governor Rauf Aregbesola said the ranch would boost food production and ensure food security.

Aregbesola said with the huge market for cattle in the Southwest, the ranch would improve the state’s economy.

He said Lagos State consumes 6,000 cattle daily and none of it is supplied from the

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Southwest.

The governor decried the heavy dependence on food importation.

He said: “As a government, we must be able to produce the food we eat. A government cannot be said to be good if it is incapable of feeding its people.

“This is why we promised to focus on animal rearing and food production, which are paramount to our develop-

ment. In Lagos alone, 6,000 cows are slaughtered daily and they all come from the North.

“Our target is just 10 per cent of the Lagos market. This will certainly boost the economy, as well as agro-based industry of our state.”

The ranch is on 78.4 hectares of land. It is expected to supply the Southwest when it becomes fully operational.

Aregbesola said more ranches would be established in Ede and Ejigbo.

The ranch is being managed

by a South African expert, the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

For now, it has 1,500 cattle, which were sourced locally.

The governor said 30 foreign species, called the Zambian Boran, would be bought and crossbred with the local cattle.

The ranch will be run on a public private partnership basis.

When fully operational, it will have an abattoir, which will offer services to the public at a low rate.

ABUAD begins course in social justice

A

FE Babalola University, AdoEkiti (ABUAD), a Federal Government licensed private university acknowledged by NUC and other stakeholders as a model, and the fastest growing private university in Africa, has been granted approval by NUC to commence academic programme leading to the award of B.Sc Social Justice 2012/2013 academic session.

The unique programme, designed by the University, is a multi-disciplinary and utility course for para-legal personnel to develop and strengthen the processes, values, skills and knowledge essential for alleviating the current problems that impair the working of the public and private sector.

The programme, which is very rich in utility subjects and is mainly law, social sciences and international languages, will make the graduands bi-lingual and problem solvers in the public and private sectors, according to a statement from the university. They will be marketable in Nigeria and beyond and be sought for particularly in embassies, government agencies and parastatals such as Nigerian Police Force, NDLEA, Nigeria Prisons, Immigration, NAFDAC, EFCC, Nigerian Customs, Multi-national and Municipal companies.

The graduates are not expected to attend Law School but are entitled to proceed to Postgraduate and Ph.D programmes. In addition, after graduating they could

qualify for admission into second year in the Law College.

Reforming our institutions and providing professionals depend on quality contributions from well-trained men and women.

When the Resource Verification Team from NUC visited the institution, the leader of the team, Prof. Eyin Oshio said, “It is good I have been here as an eye witness of this spectacular development.

Excellent! This is worthy of emulation, continue to excel, never relent and never give up”. Another member of the team, Dr. Kumo has this to say, “a truly determined faculty, equipped with adequate resources to achieve excellence”.

Ladoja’s popularity is fake, says Oyo ACN

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State has said the “purported soaring popularity” of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja and Accord in the state is an imagination of its members.

ACN was reacting to a statement credited to Accord’s Media Director, Mr. Dotun Oyelade, at the weekend.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, ACN said: “It is bad politics for the Accord to feel bad about the patriotic call by some persons for the speedy trial of Ladoja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This call should be encouraged by the Accord, if indeed it is convinced that its leader did not loot the state’s treasury.

“We congratulate the Accord on the procurement of its most recent liability in the person of Oyelade. Here was a man, who at the dawn of democratic rule in 1999, was a member of the Alliance for

‘The Ajimobi administration remains the potent weapon of reorientating Oyo State politics from the Ladoja/Akala Amala politics, where the pockets of their cronies mattered more than the people’s welfare’ Democracy, having worked with former Governor Lam Adesina as his Private Secretary.

“He worked briefly underground for the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) too at a time. Immediately the Adesina administration was removed, Oyelade jumped ship and became Ladoja’s ally.

“When Ladoja was impeached, Oyelade suddenly remembered that he attended the same secondary school with Otunba Adebayo AlaoAkala and defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to wash the dirty linen

of his Ogbomoso friend.

“Immediately his friend was removed from office through popular votes in 2011, Oyelade made unsuccessful attempts to partner Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the ACN. “When he was rebuffed, he abandoned his friend, AlaoAkala, and returned to his long-abandoned vomit as the Director of Media of Ladoja’s Accord. We wish Accord well in its most recent acquisition.

“A trip to the red light district of Asas in Molete, Ibadan, could not have earned Accord a better prostitute. Talk about a jaundiced message from the mouth of a discredited messenger.

“The Ajimobi administration remains the potent weapon of re-orientating Oyo State politics from the Ladoja/Akala Amala politics, where the pockets of their cronies mattered more than the people’s welfare. We cannot blame the two leaders, because no one can give what he does not have.

“In the 17 months of the

•L a d o j a

Ajimobi administration, good governance has been resuscitated in the state. Anyone found guilty of embezzling state fund while in office should be held responsible.

“The mark of good governance is honour. This has been exemplified by Ajimobi’s honouring of his political promises to Ladoja. This is what good governance entails. This was lacking in Ladoja and Akala’s administrations, where survival of the fittest and the elimination of the weakest reigned supreme.

Ajimobi is a man of peace and honour. If the most recent Ladoja henchman does not know the definition of honour, then it is too bad.”

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

9

CITYBEATS

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

Why we’re providing housing units,

by Fashola

Ex-inmates to govt: probe prison officials TWO prison inmates, Nathaniel Lucas and Lucky Momoh, who recently regained their freedom, have urged, Government to investigate the activities of prison officials.

The duo, who were released through the effort of Stephen and Solomon Foundation a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) called on the government, the Attorney -General of the Federation and other relevant agencies to take a second look at the activities of officials.

They claimed to have been arrested at the Agbede Odubose quarters of Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos sometime in 2009 and that they spent three years in Prison after being arraigned in court on a spurious charge of armed robbery.

Reprieve, however, came their way when officials of Stephen and Solomon Foundation, chaired by Chief Giwa-Amu offered free-legal services to indigent prisoners.

“They waded into the matter and made sure that we were cleared and also regained our freedom. We really suffered for offences we did not commit”, the exinmate said.

The inmates accused prison officials of diverting funds and other material donations meant for inmates.

Minister mourns photographer SPORTS Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has condoled with the management and staff of Vanguard newspapers, over the death of sports photographer Sylva Eleanya.

The minister yesterday described the late Eleanya as a diligent, industrious and creative journalist, whose work distinguished him amongst his peers.

“I was shocked to hear about his death today. This, no doubt, must be very sad for the Vanguard family, coming so shortly after the death of another employee.

I sympathise with the family of the deceased, and pray that his soul rest in peace,” the minister said.

•Some visually-impaired persons during the march.

‘Independence is our hallmark’ L AGOSIANS were reminded of the beauty of colour ‘white’ and the accessibility needs of the blind and visually-impaired persons.

Members of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), marched on the streets of Lagos to protest against dependency and discrimination.

The march was to commemorate this year’s International White Cane Day. It was their way of celebrating ‘independence’.

The Publicity Secretary of the association, Fadeyi Michael, said: “Mobility as you know allows every man to seek a better life such as education, health services, recreation and employment.

The ‘White Cane’ has enabled us to do all these without which our lives would have been more miserable. “In line with this year’s theme, White

By Evelyn Osagie

Cane, our mark of independence, the ‘White Cane’ is truly a symbol of independence for the visually-impaired because it enables us to move around with little or no help.

The International White Cane Day, celebrated yearly on October 15, promotes the White Cane as a positive means of Independence and mobility for people who are blind or have visual problem and raises awareness on the access needs of this category of people.”

NAB members marked the Day with a walk from Shoprite, Maroko to the Kings’ College annex, Adeyemo Alakija, Victoria Island.

The chapter’s chairman, Akinola Opeolu, called for an enabling environment for the blind to operate. He said: “Blind Nigerians want to contribute to the development of our country. Disabil-

ity is a reality and diversity in the human race of short, white, poor, or weak variations.

“The independence of all human beings in an inter-dependent effort towards progress. Independence is our hallmark, inter-dependence is our goal. When we clamour for rights, we only ask for the opportunity to serve humanity. When our rights are denied, the entire society is robbed of 10 per cent manpower resources converted into 20 per cent deficit as we then become dependants on others. The physical and attitudinal changes we advocate for will benefit all citizens as a social insurance against accidents and the effects of ageing.”

Opeolu called for constitutional admendment to discourage discrimination marginalisation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

While hailing the Lagos State government for passing the Special Peoples’ Law in 2011, he urged other states to follow suit so that the blind and the visually-impaired persons can enjoy the rights fundamentally due to them as human beings.

He said: “The Senate President recently outlined the areas of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution that will be amended. He was silent on the discriminatory clauses that perpetuate the marginalisation of persons with disabilities despite repeated memoranda from our organisations pointing out those clauses.

“Fortunately, the Lagos State government has demonstrated more clairvoyance by enacting various disability legislations, one of which is the Lagos State Special People’s Law 2011.”

Aregbesola tasks engineers on collapsed buildings, roads

•Aregbesola

O

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has tasked civil engineers to stem the tide of collapsed building and bad roads in the country.

Aregbesola challenged the engineers at the reception held at the weekend in Ikeja, Lagos in honour of the Chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Dr. Ezekiel Olajide Ad-

eniji an engineer by the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE).

The governor was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Gbenga Adefusoye.

Aregbesola said: “I must remind my professional colleagues of the state of our profession and its impact on our society, especially on civil engineering. Building continues to collapse and our roads are hardly getting better. We should be professionally challenged and do something to stem the tide.

“Our civil engineers should be engaged for instance on how to construct enduring roads that will withstand the heavy tropical rains and excessive heat at minimal cost.

“They should also be concerned about the low quality of job deliveries of some of our public and private works.

We must as a professional body make positive impact on our society.”

Aregbesola described Adeniji as a marketable product of good virtues that the state has to offer the country, nothing that he “is a worthy ambassador of the virtues that we embody in Osun”.

Saying that the award bestowed on the FERMA chief did not come as a surprise, he added: “Dr. Adeniji is another demonstration of the fact that, in the state of Osun, we do not just pride ourselves as virtuous people, we live and breadth the values”.

Adeniji expressed happi-

ness and gratitude to God for the honour.

While acknowledging the friendship and support of Aregbesola, he also promised his continued support and that of FERMA to the development of the institute.

National Chairman of NICE, Amos Omopeloye, said Adeniji made the civil engineering family proud on his recent appointment as the executive chairman of FERMA. He said: “There is a reward and there will always be reward for those who are steadfast in every endeavour they have chosen. Adeniji has paid his dues in the practice of the civil engineering professionally, both locally and internationally to deserve the award bestowed on him.”

LAGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday explained that his administration’s involvement in the provision of housing units was to address the accommodation of Lagosian, irrespective of their status.

He spoke while inspecting the level of work done at the Igbokushu Housing scheme in Lekki on the Lagos-Ekpe Expressway.

The Igbokushi Housing project, located at Lekki Phase I, in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, is a 46unit Housing Estate being developed by state-owned investment company, Ibile Holdings Limited.

Fashola told reporters after the inspection that although the project was part of the Lagos Home Ownership Scheme (Lagos HOMS) pool, it is targeted at the upper and upper middle class of the economy. He added that even with the pace at which the government and private investors were developing housing estates in the state, those in the middle and upper middle classes were still having difficulties getting houses.

The governor said: “Some of our agencies have been creative and have seen the gap in the market and have decided to intervene in this way.

So, it will serve its target audience in the best way that it can.”

Fashola, who said the government was intervening “across board from the middle class who want to live in small houses”, further explained. “Some don’t even want to go through the pains of buying land. They just want a house that is ready and they can buy”, adding that the Government was seeking to address the needs in the sector through different approaches.

Flavour set to open night club

By Ahmed Boulor

POPULAR musician Flavour N’Abamia has concluded plans to open a night club in Lagos. Sources close to the artiste said at the weekend the edifice may have been completed and ready for inauguration.

The source also informed that the club, to be christened ‘2nite Clubs,’ may be officially unveiled on Wednesday.

The project, it was learnt had been in the pipeline and the artiste is believed to be happy with its completion.

10

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

NEWS UNIPORT silent about student’s killing

T

HE authorities of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has kept silent about the killing of its student last Thursday.

A 300-level female student, Bere Aghagha; a Batch C member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Gabriel Akinbayo and Kennedy Okodhi were shot dead at Rumuchakara, in Port Harcourt.

River police spokesman Ben Ugwuegbulam, in a telephone interview yesterday, said the command is still investigating the incident.

UNIPORT Deputy Registrar, Information, Dr. Williams Wodi was contacted to know the slain undergraduate’s department and get the university’s reaction, but he was not forthcoming.

Wodi said: “I can only com-

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

ment when we receive the police report on the matter.

I have no detail of the incident right now.

Spokesman of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, Major Michael Etete, paraded three suspected killers of the victims on Saturday.

One of the suspects was gunned down on Saturday morning by operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and three were seized. Two escaped with gunshot wounds.

The hoodlums killed the victims around 9:45pm, while Akinbayo’s friends were celebrating with him after his passing-out parade.

The victims were returning from a bar when the gunmen shot at them. The killers did not take anything from them.

Edo Election Petition Tribunal dissolved From Osagie Otabor, Benin

T

HE Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has been dissolved.

The members of the panel were Justices Suleiman Ambrusa, Esor Teetito and Danlami Senchi.

The panel ended pre-trial hearing in the petition filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the July 14 governorship election, Maj.-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, on October 8.

It was to begin hearing of the petition tomorow.

Airhiavbere is challenging Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s election on the grounds that the election was marred by irregularities and that Oshiomhole does not have the qualification to contest the election.

It was gathered that the three-man panel was dissolved by the National Judicial Council (NJC) following a petition by Airhiavbere’s counsel, Efe Akpofure, that the panel had been compromised.

The Nation learnt that a fresh panel has been constituted to hear the petition and would commence sitting on December 31.

The tribunal’s secretary, Mrs. Josephine Aliu, said she was not aware of the panel’s dissolution.

She said: “I am not aware of that. What I know is that the case was adjourned till October 31.”

The Justice Ambrusa-led panel had struck out some paragraphs in Airhiavbere’s petition on the grounds that they were pre-election matters.

The tribunal refused an application by Airhiavbere to call more witnesses and denied Oshiomhole’s application that the entire petition be struck out.

A top government official confirmed that the Justice Ambrusa-led panel had been dissolved.

Three Delta Central ACN leaders accused of anti-party activities HREE Action Congress of Nigerian (ACN) leaders in Delta Central Senatorial District have been accused of anti-party activities.

Mrs. Veronica Ogbuagu, Senator Adego Eferakeya and Mr. Harvest Igben were accused of trying to hijack the party’s structure for their sponsor ahead of the 2015 general election.

ACN leaders from the eight local government areas in the district made the allegation at a meeting in Ughelli.

In a statement, they al-

T

leged that Ogbuagu, Eferakeya and Igben were planted in the ACN by a Democratic People’s Party (DPP) senator, who has a penchant for hijacking structures.

They said the trio had been “trotting the length and breadth of the country looking for ways to hijack the party’s structure”, with a view to positioning themselves for the 2015 elections.

They passed a vote of confidence in the Chief Adolo Okotie-Eboh-led Exco and urged party faithful to continue to support the state Exco.

Fire razes eight shops, six homes in Calabar A

BOUT eight shops and six residential buildings on Nelson Mandela Road by Target Street in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, were yesterday razed.

Also affected was a law chamber.

A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ifeanyi Uche, almost got electrocuted while helping to put out the fire.

An eyewitness said the fire started from a beauty salon at about 4:30am.

It was reportedly caused by a power surge.

Attempts to forcibly open the shop to curb the fire failed because of its burglary proof door.

When men of the State Fire Service arrived two hours later and did not have enough water to stop the fire.

It was learnt that the own-

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

ers of other shops tried to stop the fire from spreading.

Uche, who was helping to remove items from the shops, got an electric shock when he touched the iron rod on a door.

An eyewitness said: “Fire started from the salon and entered the electrical shops.

We tried to call the fire service, but there was no response. A driver went to their office, but when they came here, they could not stop the fire. They said water had finished.”

Chief Onyekachi Agu, whose shop was burnt, said: “I had over N4 million worth of goods in the shop

and N110,000 cash.

“I just came back from the market on Friday. I urge the government to assist me financially. I do not know where to start from. All my grinding and petrol engines and electricity generating sets are burnt. Nothing was salvaged.”

Mr. Remi Agwuzie, whose law chamber and his wife’s shop were burnt, said: “I got a call that my office and my wife’s shop were burning and rushed down. When I got there, men of the State Fire Service had arrived but could not do much.

“I was able to retrieve a few files from my office and some goods from my wife’s shop. Some people could not remove a pin. I was lucky that I could save some of my

vital documents, especially my school certificates.”

Director of the State Fire Service Mr. Sylvester Duke said his office was informed of the incident late.

Duke said and he went to the scene, but the Fire Station at Mary Slessor did not have a fire engine and depended on the Quick Intervention Squad (QIS).

He said the vehicle the QIS came with developed a fault and he rushed to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which came to the rescue.

Director-General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Mr. Vincent Aqua, who spoke through the Assistant Director, Mr. David Akate, said 12 persons have been displaced by the fire.

He said six residential buildings and eight shops were burnt.

Oshiomhole frees two prisoners on death row

E

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has freed two prisoners, Calistus Ikem Eke and Monday Odu .

Oshiomhole faulted the claim by the National Human Rights’ Commission that he had signed the death warrants of Eke and Olu Fatogun.

He said the commission should have verified its information before making statements to the international community.

The governor was reacting to a petition signed by the commission’s Executive Secretary and other rights groups.

He said: “Incidentally, the state government has not just granted Eke pardon but released him from prison.

“We have done much more than the people are asking us to do. So they got their facts wrong.

“Secondly, the human rights commission got it wrong to assume that Fatogun is to be

•Odu (left) and Eke...last week.

executed, Fatogun’s case was reviewed by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy and they recommended that his death sentence be affirmed and carried out, but I refused the prayers.

“Instead, I ordered that the death sentence be commuted to life imprisonment. Again the Human Rights Commission was wrong to have said that I have authorised his execution.

“I refused the recommendation of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy to have him executed. They were

acting on the recommendation without waiting for my confirmation.”

Oshiomhole, said the conviction of two inmates, Daniel Nsofor and Osayinwinde Agbomien, has been approved.

He said Agbomien killed his victim, dismembered his body and buried the parts in different places to avoid detection.

Oshiomhole said when the convict was taken to court, he said his offence was a mistake but the manner in which he

treated the body indicated that the crime was gruesome and premeditated.

On Nsofor, Oshiomhole said he approved his death sentence because after disposessing his victim, a woman, of her possessions, he tortured and killed her.

He said: “The rights’ commission was wrong. They must check their facts right.

I decided to free those who did no kill, but we must send a clear message to criminals that they have no right to kill and live.”

Floods leave thousands stranded in Delta communities

T

HE Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta, Senator James Manager, has urged the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to take urgent steps to make the East/West Road motorable, so that relief materials can be taken to people stranded in the areas.

Manager (Delta South Senatorial District) spoke while donating relief materials to

From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

flood victims in camps at Patani, Bomadi and Burutu local government areas.

He said flood victims in Patani and others have been cut off, except by boat.

Manager said the cost of transportation from Warri to Port Harcourt has increased from about N1,000 to N4,000 because transporters take the

longer route through AsabaOnitsha-Owerri to Port Harcourt.

He said this has led to an increase in the price of foodstuff and other items.

Manager urged the relevant bodies to fumigate the affected communities when the water recedes to avoid an epidemic.

Manager’s wife, Mrs. Juliana Manager, distributed

relief materials at other camps.

Items distributed included foodstuff, toiletries, mattresses and N200,000 cash to each of the camps and villages.

Mrs. Manager said the items were donated by her husband, Mr. Frank Enekorogha (Burutu Federal Constituency) and Mr. Oboro Preyor (Bomadi State Constituency).

JTF seizes two vessels, 300,000 litres of diesel in Rivers

T

WO illegal bunkering vessels containing 300,000 litres of diesel and 10 Nigerian crew members have been arrested by operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Bonny, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Spokesman of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Bori Camp, Port Harcourt, Major Michael Etete at the weekend said the vessels, MT Lady Theresa and Pecos Peters, were

•100, 000 litres of diesel destroyed in Calabar arrested on October 17 and 18 at LightHouse, Bonny River.

Etete said the vessels were registered in Nigeria and were caught siphoning illegally-refined petroleum product from a barge.

He said the arrested crew members would be handed over to the police.

Also at the weekend, the JTF

burnt over 100,000 litres of illegally- processed diesel in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

It also destroyed three boats and arrested six persons suspected to be involved in the illegal business.

The JTF, led by the Commanding Officer, Nigeria Navy Ship Victory, Calabar, Navy Commodore Kingdom Itoko, raided the hideout

where the business was going on at Bay Side and Jebbs Street.

At Bay Side, four men and two women were arrested. At Jebbs those involved escaped.

Itoko said the building used for the illegal business would be burnt.

He said: “As part of my duties for the stoppage of illegal bunkering, oil theft and pipeline vandali-

sation, I am here to effect the arrest of illegal bunkerers and their collaborators and the residents of this illegal building where the product is kept. This is a crime and we are committed to stopping it.

“The perpetrators are very prominent people. Even when we arrest their boys, the suspects are not often willing to name their sponsors. The suspects will be handed over to the appropriate authorities foe prosecution.”

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

11

NEWS

There was a country: Biafra was ego fight between A Ojukwu and Gowon S leadership failed Nigeria at the most critical time, just before Biafra was declared, Chinua Achebe suggests that the gruesome conflict would have been avoided, were it not for the seeming clash of egos between the two protagonists – Colonels Emeka Ojukwu and Yakubu Gowon. The one was 33years old while the other was 32. While Ojukwu rose from an aristocratic background, attended the best schools in Nigeria and the United Kingdom (University of Oxford) before enlisting in the Nigerian Army at the officer cadre, Gowon’s trajectory was almost the reverse, though he also trained at the best British military schools.

From this background, there was, therefore, a suspicion that an unspoken rivalry brewed between the twain, which came to the fore when they gained commanding positions and faced each other down across opposing divides.

After General Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed in the reprisal coup of July 1966, Col. Gowon emerged as Head of State. He was, of course, a favourite of the British colonial establishment which still had strong influence in Nigeria’s politics.

And being a northern Christian, he was the perfect gambit of the Hausa–Fulani oligarchy, which used him to assuage the fears of the other tribes already grumbling about domination.

Ojukwu rejected Gowon’s ascendancy on the grounds that he was not the most senior in the Nigeria Army’s hierarchy to lead the country. He said he would not subordinate himself to Gowon. This was one of the points of disagreement

By Steve Osuji

at the summit in Aburi, Ghana.

On the part of the new Head of State, his headship was not negotiable; not with Ojukwu, for that matter. At the least opportunity they both had, they took hard stands, writes Achebe. It is instructive that Ojukwu and Gowon only met once (at Aburi) from the time Gowon became head of state till the end of the war. Achebe captures their rivalry thus: “There are a number who believe that neither Gowon nor Ojukwu was the right leader for that desperate time, because they were blinded by ego, hindered by a lack of administrative experience, and obsessed with interpersonal competitions and petty rivalries. As a consequence, according to this school of thought, these two men failed to make appropriate and wise decisions throughout the conflict and missed several opportunities when compromise could have saved the day.”

Achebe says there was an obsessive tendency by both belligerents – Gowon and Ojukwu - to seek positions of strength and avoid looking weak throughout the conflict.

Ojukwu’s Mid-West misadventure and folly To correct what has remained a contentious record, the Nigerian side, according to Achebe, fired the first shot in the war when Gowon decided to use the federal Army’s First Command in what he termed “police action,” in an attempt to “restore Federal Government authority in Lagos and

•Achebe

•Gowon

the breakaway Eastern Region.” That move to capture the Biafran border towns of Ogoja and Nsukka proved to be a declaration of war, says Achebe. Thereafter, in July 1967, Nigerian troops attempted to cross the Niger Bridge into Biafra. According to Madiebo’s account, quoted by Achebe, the Biafran army was able to halt this advance and disperse the federal troops.

Now that minor Biafran victory became “an advance, leading to the taking of a large swath of the Mid-Western Region in a surprise manoeuver that the Nigerian federal troops had not anticipated.” Of course, Ojukwu got euphoric by this small victory and was quoted in a speech at the time as saying: “Our motive was not territorial ambition or the desire of conquest. We went into the Midwest (later declared the Republic of Benin) purely in an effort to seize the serpent by the head; every other activity in that Republic was subordinated to that single aim.

We were going to Lagos to

seize the villain Gowon, and we took necessary military precaution.” Those who accuse Ojukwu and the Igbo leaders of not applying wisdom in proclaiming a Republic of Biafra may well base their arguments on this singular Ojukwu misadventure and folly in the Midwest.

As it turned out, Ojukwu’s incursion into the Midwest territory, en route Lagos and delegating the then ‘fugitive’ South westerner, Col. Victor Banjo, was not only an exercise in extreme youthful exuberance, it also turned out a costly, if not mortal error. Here was a leader who had neither army nor ammunition; not even a war strategy. The Observer reporter, John de St. Jorre captured Ojukwu’s folly thus: “The Biafrans ‘stormed’ through the Mid-West, not in the usual massive impedimenta of modern warfare but in bizarre collection of private cars, “mammy” wagons, cattle and vegetable trucks. The command vehicle was a Peu-

T

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

the eight-year tenure of the former governor.

It added that there are some areas that need to be cleared on how the state’s funds were administered at that time.

On the Kalu’s claim that Orji has property in Abuja and other cities, the statement challenged the former governor to publish the documents on such property.

The statement also urged Kalu to explain how he allegedly acquired multi-billion naira mansions in Potomac, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, all in the United States, and the acquisition of Slok Airlines, banks and other businesses.

The government alleged that most of the houses and businesses were acquired by the former governor when he was in office.

It said: “But Kalu is rather busy, playing to the gallery with his deceitful Igbo Presi-

Army engineers repair Enugu/Port Harcourt road From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

A

TEAM of army engineers has begun repairs of the Lokpanta Cattle Market portion of the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway in Anambra State.

The portion of the road has been causing deaths and delays to travellers.

The Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway runs through five states of the Southeast. It has become a death trap and many people have been calling for its repair.

Our correspondent, who travelled through the bad portion of the road, reports that about 20 army engineers were repairing the damaged portion at the weekend.

enough for the federal troops to have captured the entire Biafra with minimum casualties on all sides. But that was not to be. Most of the federal officers were unrestrained and unprofessional; they were bloodthirsty and murderous in their operation.

Thus in Asaba, Onitsha, Nsukka, Enugu, Owerri, Aba and Calabar, they killed Igbo civilians in cold blood, according to Achebe. The example of the Asaba massacre will suffice: Murtala Muhammed and his lieutenants, including Col. IBM Haruna, apparently smarting from Biafra’s MidWest humiliation, had rounded up no fewer than 500 Igbo men of Mid-West stock, young and old, and executed them summarily in cold blood. This particular atrocity which attracted worldwide attention, prompting Pope Paul VI to send an emissary has remained unaddressed and unquestioned till today.

It was 35 years later, in 2002 precisely during the Oputa Panel (the ill-fated Truth and Reconciliation Commission) that the matter came up again.

While Gowon claimed ignorance of the massacre and apologised profusely, here is the response of IBM Haruna, then retired as a Major-General: “As the commanding officer and leader of the troops that massacred 500 men in Asaba, I have no apology for those massacred in Asaba, Owerri, AmekeItem. I acted as a soldier maintaining the peace and unity of Nigeria… If Yakubu Gowon apologized, he did it in his own capacity. As for me, I have no apology.”

Tuesday: Ogbunigwe, Abagana Ambush; Achebe, Okigbo and Ifeajuna

Row in Imo over Fed Govt’s N400m flood aid

Abia to probe Kalu HE Abia State Government has said it would probe the Orji Uzor Kalu administration to determine the alleged financial misappropriation against him from 1999 to 2007.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Theodore Orji, Mr Ugochukwu Emezue, the government said one of the areas that the probe would focus on is the former governor’s handling of the state’s Infrastructural Fund.

The government said it believed the funds were mismanaged.

The problem between the former governor and his successor started about two years into the first tenure of the present governor.

It led to both of them parting ways before the last general elections.

The statement explained that the probe would ascertain the level of corruption during

geot 404 estate car. The whole operation was not carried out by an “army” or even a “brigade”… but by at most 1,000 men, the majority poorly trained and armed, and many wearing civilian clothes because they had not been issued with uniforms.”

Of course, this rag-tag “army” got nowhere near Lagos. In fact, it turned out a suicide, mission having pricked the ire of the federal side by their action, pushing them to unleash what may be described as blind horror on Biafra subsequently.

The four murderous generals Following from what was considered the Mid-West humiliation, Gowon regrouped his troops and they plotted a three-pronged onslaught that was meant to “crush the Biafrans” in a few weeks. Mohammed Shuwa who was in charge of the First Division of the federal army was to advance against Biafra from the north to take the Biafran towns of Nsukka and Ogoja. Col. Murtala Muhammed who was in charge of Division Two was charged with retaking Benin and other parts of the MidWest occupied by the Biafran army, as well as storm Onitsha crossing the Niger Bridge. Lastly, Benjamin Adekunle, known as the ‘black scorpion’, leading Division Three of the Nigeria Army, led the southern offensive.

In just three months, the federal troops, armed to the teeth now with British weapons, had staged a successful counter-offensive and the Biafran troops were in full flight. Since resistance by the Biafran soldiers was almost non-existent on all fronts, it would have been

T •Kalu

dency agenda in 2015, with the aim to remove attention from him on corruption. And he will soon be exposed.”

The government also alleged that Kalu left a huge debt profile, which it said has remained a sour point.

“Little wonder he is always angry when this issue is raised this sour point will continue to haunt him,” the statement said.

HERE is a row in Imo State over the disbursement of the N400million Federal Government intervention fund for floods in the state.

Some politicians and other stakeholders are said to be unhappy with the committee, which was set up to manage the fund and relief materials to victims.

A senator from the state reportedly faulted the composition of the committee, saying it was constituted without his input.

It was learnt that the senator accused the state government of playing politics with the floods.

•Ex-governor Ohakim visits victims From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

A House of Representatives member representing Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta, Gerald Irona, accused the state government of bias in the distribution of the materials to the victims.

He urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate how the intervention fund would be disbursed.

The lawmaker also called for the dissolution of the committee, adding that it comprises chieftains of the ruling All Progressive

Four-storey building collapses in Onitsha

A

N uncompleted fourstorey building, at 20 Ukaeje Street, Awada, On the outskirts of Onitsha, the Anambra State capital, collapsed on Friday.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who visited the site on Saturday, said many people witnessed the incident.

Mr Steven Okechukwu, a resident, said the incident occurred at noon on Friday.

Okechukwu said nobody died although some unused building materials were

still in the debris of the building.

He said: “As you can see, the collapse of the uncompleted building suggests that sub-standard or inadequate materials were used in it.

“There had been at least monthly incidents of collapsed buildings, especially the newly-built ones in Onitsha.

“And till now, the Anambra Government has not been out with a clear regulation and frame-work to check these death traps be-

ing erected,” he said.

Mr Ojo Momodu, Station Officer of Isiwolu Police Station, Nkpor-Awada, said the incident had not been reported to the police.

“We are just hearing about it and no one has come to report the incident.

“Although with your information, we would go down to the spot and investigate it,” Momodu said.

NAN recalls that in September, an uncompleted five-storey building collapsed at 5 Nnewi Street, Fegge in Onitsha

Grand Alliance (APGA).

Irona said: “With the membership of the committee selected from APGA, we doubt if there will be fairness in the process.”

The victims in Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta local government areas were yet to have a camp, thus exposing them to health and security risks.

Former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, at the weekend, visited the affected communities.

He donated cows and other food items to them.

Ohakim, who was accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwnliri, former House of Assembly Speaker Goodluck Opia and party supporters, promised to always assist the victims.

He said: “We have come to condole with you over the flood disaster and to present to you this little gifts.

They are not enough to replace what you have lost to the floods but, please, take it as our widow’s might. As time goes on, we will do more.

“I want to assure all of you that I will do everything within my power to ensure that whatever has been given to you will come to you.”

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

12

NEWS Kano spends N72.5b on roads From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

T

HE Kano State Government has spent about N72.5billion on roads in the capital city and various local government areas to transform the state into a mega city.

The Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Alhaji Nadu Muhammad Yahya, gave a breakdown of the roads.

He said N50billion would be spent to dualise a fivekilometre road each in the 44 local government areas.

The commissioner also said N13.7billion would be spent on some mega roads, including the expansion of over six federal roads.

Yahya added that the remaining N15 billion has been earmarked for the construction of new township roads while work on the new flyover continues.

The commissioner explained that the N72.5 billion roads are not among the 50 new roads to be built by companies handling projects under a special arrangement.

He said: “As part of the construction companies’ contributions to the growth of the state, we have entered what we call a special arrangement of corporate responsibilities...”

I have no hand in Bello’s impeachment, says Wada

K

OGI State Governor Idris Wada yesterday absolved himself of blame in the controversial impeachment of former House of Assembly Speaker Abdullahi Bello.

In a statement in Abuja by his media aide, Jacob Edi, the governor said the allegation that he financially induced 12 of the 25 lawmakers to remove Bello was “satanic and most unfortunate”.

In the statement, entitled: Abdullahi Bello, former Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly: Our position, Wada said: “Bello’s position is a rehearsal of tissues of lies, which has become well known in the active rumour mills, since the sack of the leadership of the House of Assembly.

“Ordinarily, and since the crisis engulfed the Assembly, the executive has maintained neutrality. But much as the government is not eager to join issues with the former Speaker, it is constrained to issue this statement to set the records straight and educate the public, which may have been persuaded and misled by Bello’s infamous outing.

“The issue, as contained in the impeachment notice, is

Police deny sealing off Kogi Assembly

K

OGI State Police Commissioner Mohammed Musa Katsina has denied sealing off the House of Assembly.

He said he only tightened security in flashpoints across the state.

Addressing reporters at the weekend in Lokoja, the state capital, the police chief explained that his action was to avert likely breaches of the peace following the impeachment of erstwhile Speaker Abdullahi Bello.

Katsina said he acted on a petition he received from Bello and an intelligence report, which said some miscreants were planning to attack the Assembly.

The police commissioner said he immediately drafted riot policemen to the area.

According to him, he was surprised that Bello told the media that he had sealed off the Assembly Complex.

Katsina said the Assembly was not sealed, since the workers and others with legitimate businesses were allowed entry into the complex.

The police chief said he withdrew the police From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

purely an internal problem of the legislature. Therefore, any effort to link the good name of the governor and thereby tag him as the mastermind of the impeachment is not only unfortunate and puerile but should also be treated as a desperate attempt by somebody on a free fall to diverting the

From Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

escort attached to Bello following a letter he received from the Clerk of the House on the change of leadership in the Assembly He said Bello wrote a petition, urging his office to investigate an alleged signature forgery against some Assembly members.

Katsina said: “But when he (Bello) was invited to shed more light on the allegation, he ran away.”

The CP stressed that as a chief law officer in the state he would not fold his arms and allow the breakdown of law and order. He warned politicians not to drag him into their face off Bello and the new Speaker Lawal Jimoh are from Okene Local Government Area.

Bello and other principal officers were removed last Tuesday by 17 of the 25 members of the House.

But Bello refused to quit office.

He said he was fraudulently removed by proWada lawmakers, who he alleged were financially induced.

attention of the public from the real issues as listed by Bello’s colleagues.

“The grounds for impeachment as contained in the impeachment notice which have been well reported in the media are well spelt out and not vague.

“For anyone in doubt, Bello and his cohorts were accused of poor leadership and high

handedness.

“To be precise, the former Speaker was accused of being insensitive to the feelings of the citizenry as shown in his refusal to show reasonable concern first when 19 worshipers, and two soldiers on national assignment were gunned down by unknown persons in the Central Senatorial District and later dur-

Mark, others mourn Benue politician

Niger CPC to Aliyu: clear yourself From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

T

S

ENATE President David Mark, the Benue State Government and party chieftains in the state have mourned the Women’s Leader of the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs Victoria Onyechi Abeda.

Mark spoke at the weekend in Vandeikya at the funeral of Mrs. Abeda. She was represented by his wife, Helen.

In a statement in Abuja, Mark described the deceased as a humble, hardworking and God-fearing woman.

The statement reads: “The late Vicky, as she is fondly called, lived a life full of service to humanity as a respectful politician. She displayed quite a lot of humility in the discharge of her duties.

“Mark regretted the death of the PDP Women’s Leader, saying she died when her wealth of experience as a mother and a selfless politician was needed most…”

ing the flood that ravaged nine local government areas cutting across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

“He was accused of adjourning the House indefinitely and being absent during the visits of President Goodluck Jonathan and Senate President David Mark, who separately paid solidarity visits to the flood victims.”

Bello denied the allegation, saying they were dissident legislators out to precipitate anarchy in the state.

He said: “The accusation that I did not come to receive the President is incorrect. I want to make it clear that I was not informed that the President was visiting.

“I was attending a Conference of Speakers’ meeting on Constitutional amendment in Abuja the day the President visited. It was too late for me to leave immediately to the state.

“I was in Saudi Arabia for Umrah when gunmen attacked the Deeper Life Bible Church in Okene in which many worshippers were killed and another two soldiers also killed a day after.”

•Kano State Governor Musa Kwankwaso (left) chatting with Sarkin Hausawan in Ogun State, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Hassan (middle) and the Chairman of Abeakuta North Local Government Area, Alhaji Taofeek Olabode, after the governor was conferred with an honourary doctorate degree in Political Science and International Relations by Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State...at the weekend.

GUS 9 CONTESTANTS GEAR UP FOR ACTION he setting was reminiscent of a feast staged by the wealthiest of kings of centuries past. The venue was the expansive Expo Hall of Eko Hotel & Suites. The audience gathered were gaily dressed and comprised friends and families of celebrants of the night – whom they had come to cheer. The celebrants were the 30 contestants that had emerged from over 35,000 young men and women who applied for Gulder Ultimate Search 9, from across the country.

T

They had overcome harsh hurdles, tough tasks, and oppressive obstacles. However, the Order of Heroes would only grant the rite of passage to only 12 who have been deemed most capable to go in search of “The Gatekeeper’s Fortune", located in Usaka Jungle. They are: Nuhu Zigwayi, 27 years old from Kaduna; Ogbuefi Michael, 24 years from Anambra;Ojezele Paschal Eronmose, 24 years from Edo; Adah Uleh James, 25 years from Benue; Kofya Brown, 25 years from Cross River; Ezeh Priscillia, 24 years from Enugu; Bornford Patience, 22 years from Bayelsa;Uzoma Oluchi Osimpka, 27 years from Abia; Ujam Chukwunonso Emmanuel, 26 years from Enugu,Ojueromi Ayo, 22 years from Ondo; Udodi Onyinyechukwu Priscillia, 23 years from Anambra and Ifet Iniobong, 26 years from Akwa Ibom.

S

Balarabe Musa: North’ll prevent Nigeria’s disintegration

ECOND Republic Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, at the weekend said northerners would ensure that Nigeria does not disintegrate.

The former governor noted that despite the security challenges facing the country, Nigeria would still remain one entity.

Musa spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the 70th birthday of Chief Lekan Balogun, the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland.

He urged Nigerians not to

T

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

lose hope in the future of the country.

Through Comrade Laoye Sanda, the former governor said he and many other northerners believed in Nigeria’s continued unity, despite the present challenges.

Musa, who was the guest speaker, said he has been an associate of Balogun for several years.

He urged the Federal Government to create jobs for the millions of unemployed youths, adding: “A situation, where able-bodied men and women are unemployed, portents dangers for the future of the country. We take serious exception to the daily increase of unemployed youths. A situation where Nigerians cannot eat three meals in a day is not acceptable to us.”

HE Niger State Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has urged Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu to address the issues the three major opposition parties raised in their allegation of mismanagement against him.

The CPC advised the governor to answer the questions the opposition has raised instead of blaming his woes on a phantom plot by “highly placed individuals” to destabilise the state.

The party described as bizarre the governor’s response to the allegations through his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo.

It referred to the allegation of reckless misappropriation of the state’s resources against the Aliyu administration at a joint media briefing of the CPC, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) last Tuesday.

In a statement yesterday in Minna by its Chairman, Malam Umar Shuaibu, the party noted that instead of responding to the issues, “the governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, resorted to vituperations, diatribe and deliberate falsehood, by dredging up an imaginary plot by ‘highly placed individuals’ to destabilise the state, using the opposition parties”.

Shuaibu said the opposition viewed the reaction as a tactic to divert the attention of the residents from the real issues and conceal the allegations against the administration by the three opposition political parties.

Kano withdraws from malaria control loan

HE Kano State Government may have withdrawn from the malaria control loan obtained by the previous administration.

Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, it was learnt, has directed the Ministry of Health to work out modalities for exiting from a $27million (about N4.212billion) loan obtained from the World Bank for a malaria control project.

The governor noted that the directive would enable the government have

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

enough funds for its health programmes.

Kwankwaso spoke when he exchanged views with the World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, Marie-Francoise MarieNelly, who visited him at the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

He said: “As a matter of policy, the state government is not taking any loan. What government is getting presently is enough to manage our health chal-

lenges.”

The governor explained that exiting from the loan does not mean discarding the programme.

He said if it is found worthy of continuation, the government would single-handedly fund it.

Kwankwaso recalled that during his first tenure, his administration did not take any loan, saying as far as the government of Kano State is concerned, there is no compelling need to borrow money now.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

13

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

14

69TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

O

n Wednesday 17th October, 2012 (2nd Zhul-Hajj, 1433 AH) the Kano State Executive Council held its Sixty ninth (69th) sitting in continuation with sequence of previous sittings during which important policy issues and programmes that positively impact on the quality of lives of our citizenry were deliberated upon. Importantly, in Sixty eight (68) sittings the present administration approved a capital expenditure close to N218billion of which N1,538,602,339.22 was approved for the execution of 14 projects by the Council during its most recent 68th sitting.

The Council sitting was presided over by the Governor Engr. RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO FNSE during which 30 memoranda were submitted by 12 MDAS for deliberation by the Council. An expenditure of N456,330,212.30 covering 21 projects was approved for execution by the Council.

1. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING Two (2) memoranda were submitted for deliberation by the Council as follows;(a) Request for release of funds to facilitate for the payment of compensation for Land acquired for the relocation of the Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency at Burji Town Kwanar Kwankwaso in Madobi LGCA:The Ministry of Land and Physical Planning alerted the Council through Contents of this Memorandum, that acquisition of the 1450ha site for the relocation of the referred Agency at Burji/Kebe Kwanar Kwankwaso is about to be completed. A total sum of N25,567,421.00 is required to pay for compensation for the Land and economic trees according to the details presented.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested Sum of Money to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to expedite action on the referred compensation so as to complete the laudable relocation project. (b) Presentation on recommendation for the revocation of allocation of all undeveloped plots of Land at Filin Mushe (Gale L G C A) and build a public market ;council was informed with tussles among people in connection to allocation of plots of land at Filin Mushe Gwale Local Government Council Area. Yet, few of such allocated plots of Land have been developed, built up and in use while many remain in fallow for no plausible reason. The Ministry of Land and Physical Planning recommended to the Council to consider and approve for the revocation of allocation of all Undeveloped Plots of Land at the referred location and building a public market at the Site instead since such a facility is completely absent in area but required.

Council noted, Considered and approved for the revocation of all undeveloped plot of land at the referred location. (c) Request for funds to facilitate for the purchase of cruise / logistic Boat for Rurum tourist Centre ;It is an internationally accepted fact that Kano state is permanently on the tourist attraction map and ranks high in providing tourism services as well as the presence of very good tourist attraction sites – Rurum Tourist Center being one of them. Promotion and development of tourism along with the provision of development of safe comfortable and reliable ferry services in the area made the ministry of Commerce to request from the Council for approval for the release of the sum of n1,980,000.00 to facilitate for the procurement of one (1) twelve(12) passenger capacity utility boat for Rurum Tourist center to resuscitate econotourism activates while curtailing loss of lives resulting from incessant canoe capsizing recorded on the Dam water ways. Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Commerce to procure the referred boat of the specification presented.

2. MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Request for funds to facilitate for the coordination of and participation of Kano State representation at the 7th Edition of Abuja International Trade Fair (27th September to 8th October, 2012 );Empowerment and Women Entrepreneurship is among the Laudable resolutions of the present administration.

As such, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development deemed it appropriate to select some women from among CBOs /NGOs from across the state to participate at the referred occasion which will certainly boost their respective endeavors by showcasing their goods to local and International Communities. So, contents of this memorandum requested for the release of the sum of N1,487,60,00 to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to facilitate for the stated purpose and Council approved in view of its relevance to the policies of the present administration.

It is important to remind the general public of the various activities of the CRC in which Women across the entire 44 LGCAs are trained on trades / skills and donated at least N10,000.00 respectively to start-off their businesses. Again, the Zawarawa Marriage programmes remains unsurpassed among the most successfully executed Public Spirited Programmes of the present administration..

3. MINISTRY OF HEALTH Request for funds to facilitate for the conversion and renovation of National Health Insurance scheme block located at Murtala Muhd Specialist Hospital to a Dental Unit;Council was politely referred, by contents of this memorandum, To its earlier approval for the release of funds that facilitated for the procurement and supply of dental equipment/instruments to the dental unit of Murtala Muhd Specialist Hospital at the contract sum of N38,330,841.00 which has successfully been delivered by the contractor in accordance with the contract agreement.

Relocating the entire dental unit to a more suitable Location place becomes necessary. More space is required which is available at the site currently occupied by the National Health insurance scheme block. As such, the Ministry of Health requested for the release of the sum of N1,017,510.00 by the Council to enable facilitation of the conversion/renovation project – thus; S/N SCOPE COST (N) I Construction Work 531,000.00 Ii Reinforcement/ Welding Work 181,500.00 Iii Painting 163,000.00 Iv Labour 142,000.00 TOTAL 1,017,500.00 Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Health to facilitate for the stated project which will further upgrade the standard and comprehensiveness of the Murtala Muhd Specialist Hospital to a higher level.

4. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT Four (4) memoranda were presented for deliberation by the Council from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government on behalf of some MDAs; i.

Request for the provision of five (5) operational vehicles by the Hisbah Board;Security surveillance is among the important functions of the personnel under the Hisbah Board who need efficient means of mobility to effectively /positively enhance operations in reducing criminal activities and boost implementation of the Shariah Legal system in the state . Unfortunately, the available number of vehicles at the Board have depreciated due to old age and constant repairs. As such, the Hisbah Board requested for the Council to approve for the procurement and allocation of five (5) operational vehicles for use by personnel at the Board.

Council noted, considered and approved for the procurement of three(3) Toyota Hilux Double Cabin vehicles for allocation to the Hisbah Board and Office of the Secretary to the State Government was directed to process for the procurement of the stated number of vehicles for allocation to the Hisbah Board at the cost of N6,950,000.00 x 3 = N20,850,000.00. ii. Briefing on Commodity Value Dhain Development in Kano State Contents of this memorandum presented to the Council the meaning of commodity value chain, its development, improved batter market opportunities and way forward for the state. Details on the programme were presented with the following cost implications – viz i.

Total cost of required machinery N208,000,000.00 = 100% ii. Government/farmers commitment N52,000,000.00 = 25% iii. CBN/NIRSAL Guarantee N156,000,000.00 = 75% iv. The farmers pay from 24-48 months.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the 25% whenever CBN/NIRSAL agree to release the 75% guarantee sum quoted above.

The entire programme is on Commodity basic Processing in thirty eight (38) Rural LGCAs in the state tag named in Hausa as “ Shirin Sarrafa Amfanin Gona Na Jihar Kano”. Detail were presented by contents of this memoranda which

were considered and acknowledged by the council and the efforts of the presenter (the Senior Special Assistant Agriculture – SSAA ) were commended. iii. Request for funds to facilitate for the payment of feeding allowance to 161 sponsored students for post Graduate studies in eight (8) countries abroad ;161 students are among the 501 students sponsored for post graduate studies abroad and contents of this memorandum substantiated that feeding allowance is an integral part of students’ wellbeing and a primary component requirement for accepting students in any foreign country. The requirements for these 161 are presented- thus; SN Country Number Duration Rate / Feeding of Student Annual Allowance 1 Malaysia 53 2 years $3,000.00 $318,000.00 2 India 17 2 years $3,000.00 $102,000.00 3 United Arab 7 2 years $4,000.00 $56,000.00 4 China 22 2 years $3,000.00 $132,000.00 5 Poland 3 2 years $4,600.00 $21,600.00 6 Egypt 9 2 years $3,000.00 $54,000.00 7 United Kingdom 14 1 years $3,000.00 $67,200.00 8 jordan 36 1years $3,000.00 $108,000.00 Total 161 $858,800.00 Nevertheless, a quarterly release of the sum of $214,700.00 (equivalent to 160 x 214,700 = N34,352,000.00 ) is requested beginning from October – December,2012 quarter.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Office of the State Government to enable the Scholarship execute the disbursement of the feeding allowance remitted though the Nigerian Embassy of the student’s respective countries of study. a. Presentation on selected teaching staff posted to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB);Attention of the Council was politely drawn to the number of indigenous teaching staff posted to SUBEB composing of 600 teachers employed under 1003 fresh graduates employment scheme. Summary of the names and qualifications of these number of teachers presented below.

S/N Observation Affected figure i Qualified to teach in Primary School 275 ii More suitable to teach in Senior Sec. Schools or work in other MDAs 88 iii Qualification to be verified 161 iv Omission 06 Total 530 Council noted, and directed the KSSSMB to absorb those qualified to teach in Secondary Schools among the 88 while the remaining be employed by the civil service commission.

Again, the Ministry of Education and KCSSMB were directed to verify the qualifications 161 with a view to determining their fate. Nevertheless, number 374 – 377, 489 and 540 were omitted from the least. The council commended the Chairman SUBEB on his meticulous review of the posted staff.

5. MINISTRY OF WORKS HOUSING AND TRANSPORT The Ministry of Works Housing and Transport submitted eight (8) memoranda for deliberation by the council as follows; (a) Request for release of funds to facilitate for up-grading the existing public car park area at Africa House;Contents of this memorandum reminded Council of its approved for the construction and release of funds for the establishment of the Executive car park area close to that of the Governor’s parking area (executive porch ) and presented the need to upgrade the existing public car parking area to the standards envisaged for the Government House by this administration.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N20,793,150.00 to the Ministry of works to facilitate for the stated upgrading project. (b) Request for the release of funds to facilitate for the upgrading of the public car park by laundry site, interlock tiling and landscaping at Government House Kano;The proposed upgraded public car park area by laundry site requires landscaping and interlock tiling for which the Ministry of Works requested for the release of the sum of N17,808,817.00 to execute.

Based on this, Council approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to facilitate for the execution of the project. (c) Request for effective enforcement of the Ban on illegally operated motor parks in metropolitan Kano ;Kano State Government banned illegally operated motor parks across metropolitan Kano with the aim of restoring normalcy and ensuring decent, safe and reliable mode of operation of public transportation in Kano. Nevertheless the ban is yet to be enforced which makes the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to recommend/propose for the enforcement of the ban by using relevant security agencies including personnel of the newly established KAROTA. Operations proposed are planned to span the period of three (3) months (October – December, 2012) which entail i. Logistics N139,680.00 ii. Public sensitization N500,000.00 iii. Equipment (Jackets & sign board) N490,000.00 iv. Allowance N974,000.00 TOTAL N2,103,000.00 Hence for 3 months (2,103,000.00 x 3) = N6,309,000.00 Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the sum of N6,000,000.00 to the Ministry of Works to enable the enforcement of the ban on the operation of illegal motor parks in the metropolis. (d) Request for release of funds to facilitate for the procurement of heavy Duty batteries, tyres, chemical foam compound and flame fighter hoses for Kano State fire Service;Provision of security, safety and serenity for the society are among the priorities of the present administration. Protection from hazards can not be overemphasised as among the services rendered by Government in relentlessly providing for establishments such as the fire service.

Considering, the Ministry of Works requested for the release of the sum of N36,756,450.00 to facilitate for the procurement of the following. i. Heavy Duty batteries. ii.

Tyres. iii. Chemical foam compound iv.

Fire fighter hoses These items were purchased in 2001 and 2002 during the first incumbency of Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso Council considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Works to enable the Fire Service Department procure the referred items for the enhancement of services delivered. (e) Request for funds to facilitate for the Installation of Streetlights at Mayanka loop road:Illumination on our Streets at night is a requirement that only Government can provide and the present administration is doing its best on the issue from the inception of the Second Coming of the Incumbent Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso FNSE to date. Contents of this memorandum requested for the release of funds to facilitate for the Installation of street light along Mayanka Loop road to the tune of N12,166,759.20.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Works to enable the task force Committee on installation repairs and reactivation of street and Traffic lights execute the referred project as required. (f) Presentation of a proposal by Kano urban Transport project office (KUTPO) on the Introduction of Bus mass Transit (BMT) system;Concessional approval to M/S/Shaanaxi Auto Limited was presented to the Council as evidence of the company’s co-operation to operate the BMT along identified corridors within Kano metropolis, Zaria Road was selected as pilot for the programme. Nevertheless some discoveries were made that disqualify M/S/Shaanaxi Auto Limited for the concession arrangement for the BMT Scheme due its evident incompetence on which highlights were presented in this memorandum. As such, the Ministry of Works recommended for the suspension of the concession agreement with M/S/Shaanaxi Auto Limited by the State Government so as to ensure that all relevant infrastructure requested for the smooth implementation of the BMT services are made available pending the

commencement of the BMT service.

Council noted, considered and approved for adoption of the recommendations presented. (g) Request for funds to facilitate for provision of street light along some diversion roads in the metropolis;Conforming to its resolution on the provision of Streetlights, Council approved for the release of the Sum of N 30,250,706.60 to the Ministry Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso of Works to enable the Task Force Committee on the Repair/Reactivation and Installation of Streetlights undertake the Installation of Streetlights along the diversion roads listed below; i. Abdullahi Bayero Road - N 11,452,313.80 ii. Lawan Dambazau through FRSC Office road - N 8,926,363.80 iii. Trade fair Centre from Buhari Triangle through IG’s house to Lawan Dambazau Road junction - N 9,872,029.00 IV. TOTAL - N 30,250,706.60 (h) Submission on Kano State Asphalt and Quarry Company Limited:Contents of this memorandum, concisely presented the Situation/Condition of the referred Company to the Council with the Crucial suggestion/introduction of a Seasoned Civil Engineer and Director on Substantive GL 16 who is a Staff of MOWH and T in the person of Engr. Baffa Imam as acting Managing Director to manage the affairs of the Company pending further arrangements.

Considering, Council noted the presentation 6. MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES Request for funds to facilitate for Stable power supply to challawa and Tamburawa Water Works from the new Garu PHCN sub-station;Efforts of the present administration on issues connected to portable water supply to the state can not be overemphasised. Still, contents of this memorandum presented to the Council the need to improve the power supply to the two key important water works/treatment plants at Tamburawa and challawa. PHCN is presently constructing a new power sub-station at Garu village under the IPP project and there appears to be very low demand on it. So, the state water board contacted PHCN and secured agreement on the likelihood of connecting the two water treatment plants to the sub-station at Garu Village. Consent was granted.

As such, the Ministry of Water Resource requested for the release of the sum of N140,964,874.29 by the Council for the construction of two (2) 33kv for Challawa and Tanbrawa water treatment plants to enable both be fed with power from PHNC new Garu sub-station.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of sum of money to the Ministry of Water Resource to enable the stated project. The Ministry of Planning and Budget was directed to issue an AIE to the Ministry of Water for presentation to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to release the money.

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR/HON. COMMISSIONER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Submission on the Implementation/enforcement of the established Law K S A No. 4 of 2012:Provision of Security for the Lives and Property of the Citizenry is among the priority considerations of the present administration which necessitated the need to establish a Law on the Co-option of Vigilante groups to be part of the security personnel in the State with a view to strengthening Security across the state. Council forwarded a relevant “BILL” on the issue to the Honourable Legislative Council (House of Assembly) for consideration and Ultimate passage into Law. The House Passed and named this Law as “Neighbourhood Watch (Vigilante Security Group Law 2012/1433). Law No. 4 of 2012”.

Council initiated move on the promulgation of the referred Law in January, 2012 considering the Security situation in the entire Country. Again, the Honourable House of Assembly did not hesitate to pass the bill into Law which is yet to be Implemented. As such, Contents of this memorandum requested the Council to consider and approve for i. The Ministry of Information Internal Affairs, Youths, Sport and Culture / Youth Directorate to supervise the establishment of the referred law at State level. ii. The Ministry for the local Government to supervise formation of a committee for the implementation / enforcement of the Law across the 44 LGCAs in the State.

Considering , Council noted .

7.

8. MINISTRY OF PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION Submission of recommendation for computerization of Monitoring and Evaluation Procedure;Appointment of seven (7) technical Advisers on project monitoring by the incumbent administration so as to complement the efforts of the Ministry of project Monitoring and Evaluation on various development projects initiated was informed by the need to keep proper account and track the execution of such projects.

Professionals were engaged for whom a proper working environment/ facilities have to be provided to facilitate speed without compromising quality of the Monitoring and Evaluation procedure. As such, computerization is recommended for which the following are required. i. Purchase / supply of seven (7) Laptop and seven (7) Desktop computer for the seven (7) technical adviser plus emplacement of regular management and professional staff. ii. Networking the services provided by the Ministry of project Monitoring and Evaluation to facilitate for speedy performance. iii. Provision of Internal Communication facility (PBx) to boost and simplify office business / transactions iv. Installation of UTP cables and MS office software.

Council considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of N6,436,300.00 to enable the Ministry of project Monitoring and Evaluation undertake the referred computerization project so as to simplify and improve the various activities at the Ministry.

9. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES Request for funds to facilitate for sponsorship of state participants at the National Agricultural show (12th – 16th October,20121) at Tudun Wada Karu Nassarawa State;The sum of N11,565,300.00 was approved for release by the Council for the forth coming national Agricultural Show (12 th – 16th October,2012 ) at Tudun Wada Karu Nassarawa State.

Notably Kano State participants were the overall winners at a similar event last year at the annual event is meant to expose and show case the rich Agricultural resources and potentials of respective participating states to local and foreign Agricultural investors so as to attract them to invest and boost the country’s Agricultural potentials to ensure food security for the citizenry. Kano State has every reason to participate at such events as Agriculture still accounts for over 70% of the productive activities of its people and Government supports can not be overemphasised.

10. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Request for funds to facilitate for the conduct of 2012 International Literacy Day in Kano State;The United Nations Conference of Ministries of Education in 1965 at Tehran recommended the 8th of September every year for the celebration of the International Literacy Day. Since then, the day is normally celebrated in Nigeria at three (3) levels of Government – national, State and Local Government by showcasing to the world the level of literacy attainments, lessons learnt and literacy best practices pertaining to the implementation of literacy activities in the year under review.

Kano state is yet to celebrate the day but has every reason to in consideration of the performance of the present administration towards qualitative provision for Education in all ramification and all levels. The main objectives of the international literacy Day are to sensitize and mobilize public towards attaining Education for all (EFA Goals) through series of awareness creation programs. The theme for this year’s International Literacy Day is “Literacy for peace “ and contents of this memorandum presented details of the activities designed for execution at the

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012 programme. As such, the Ministry of Education requested for the release of the sum of N4,976,650.00 to enable the state Agency for Mass Education conduct the 2012 International Literacy day.

Council noted, considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to enable the conduct of the 2012 International Literacy Day in view of its significance .

11. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT Request for approval and release of funds to facilitate for the Procurement of additional 1000 Pieces of empty drums and 20,000 Units of Polythene bags to serve as waste Collection bins:General environmental Sanitation and effective refuse disposal and management are among the priority Considerations of the present administration since Inception of its Second tenure under the Leadership of Gov. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

A lot has been achieved, especially the most recent purchase of three (3) units of brand new garbage Collection Compactor (12m3) used to evacuate refuse.

Empty drums usually provide the initial refuse dumping sites before being finally evacuated by the garbage collection compactors. Nevertheless, contents of this memorandum, alerted the Council that many of these drums were removed from their locations for other purpose.

As such, the ministry of Environment requested for the procurement and replacement of 1000 empty drums for which the entire project is itemized thus SN DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE (N) TOTAL COST I 100 Empty drums 3,000.00 3,000,000.00 Ii 200 gallons W/point 5 gallons 3,500.00 700,000.00 Iii 20,000 polythene/point 35.00 700,000.00 Iv Labour/drum 200.00 150,000.00 TOTAL = 4,550,000.00 Council considered and approved for the release of the requested sum of money to the Ministry of Environment to facilitate for the stated purpose in view of its significance .

12. OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE Office of the Head of Civil Service Submitted four (4) memoranda for deliberation by the Council as follows; a) Presentation on alleged Cases of Individuals who applied and Secured new appointments Under the Unemployed Youth Empowerment Scheme (Batch-1003) while Serving as employees of the State Government:The Laudable programmes of the present administration toward alleviating the problem of Unemployment of our teeming youth deserve applause and gratitude from people of the State-especially the 1002,1003 and 1004 Unemployed youth employment programmes. The first and second Batch have been successfully carried out while the 3rd batch is Underway. Unfortunately, three individuals were discovered to have abused the opportunity by applying for and Securing appointments while still in the Service of Government- thus; SN Name Organization Rank GL Type of appointment i Adamu Dauda KSSMB:GSS D/Kudu CEO 14 Permanent/Pensionable ii Salisu Abdulkadir STSMB (Girl’s Day Sci) ACEO 13 “ iii Sule A Gaya SUBEB-Gaya Zone “ “ “ Council noted the case as serious misconduct Consideration Provision of Chapter 4,Section 4, Rule 04401 of the Civil Service Rule. As such Council directed that i. Disciplinary procedures be set in motion on the affected staff by their respective MDAs through immediate issuance of suspension without pay” letters since a prime facie case has been established. ii. Thereafter, the suspension letter should be followed with query letter and subsequently pursue each case in accordance with Civil Service Rules to logical condition. b) submission of report on the payment of allowance in respect of 61 medical Doctors ;Contents of this memorandum politely reminded the Council of its approval for the release of the sum of N22,692,000.00 to facilitate for the payment of allowance to sixty one (61) Medical Doctors currently undergoing supernumerary Residency programme at Mutala Muhd Specialist and Kano teaching Hospitals .

The payment exercise has been successfully carried out without any problems while a request for the 2013 allowance for the same Doctors is being prepared for presentation to the Council for consideration and approval.

Council noted and acknowledged the presentation. c) Submission on Recommendation on the Draft Law for the establishment of Kano State Security Trust Fund ;A committee was set up by the Council on Wednesday 12th September, 2012 to examine the Draft Kano State Security trust Fund Law and submit recommendation for consideration.

The committee has done its job on appraisal and in-depth study of the Draft Law and observed that most provision of the draft Law are fundamental in terms of approach and operational arrangements as obtained in lagos State and can be applied in Kano State.

Council noted, considered and approved for the transmission of the Draft Law for the establishment of Kano State Security trusty fund to the Honourable of Assemble for passage into Law. d) Presentation on deployment of staff of the Triumph Publishing Company;At the very last stage, the Triumph Publishing Company had to be closed down due to many reasons which instigated the decision of the present administration to direct for the deployment of the staff to various organizations in accordance to their respective specialisation. 246 Staff of three Categories are Involved- viz ; S/N Categories of Staff Number i Permanent and Pensionable 117 ii Contract 31 iii Casual Staff 98 TOTAL 246 Notably, deployment of the 117 Permanent Staff to various Government Organizations was conducted smoothly but that of Contract and Casual Staff presented problems associated with peculiarities on their engagements- thus ; Contract Staff i. Only two (2) among the thirty one (31) Contract Staff have not overstayed their Contract duration. ii. Duties performed by most of the Contract Staff are peculiar to Publishing. iii. The three (3) Health Personnel on Contract were deployed to Health Management Board (HMB) according to their areas of need.

Casual Staff i. All Casual Staff are on fixed allowances ranging from N5,000.00 to N50,000.00 per month. ii. Monthly requirement for payment of Casual Staff is N912,000.00 iii. Jobs performed by the Casual Staff are peculiar to Media Houses but few of them are in Administration and Security.

Considering, Council approved for the; i. Deployment of all Permanent Staff according to the details presented. ii. Regularization of Contract appointments to cover overstay so as to pave way for subsequent deployment of such Staff to relevant organizations. iii. Retention and deployment of Casual Staff who earn below N10,000.00 while those who earn above N10,000.00 per month should be negotiated before determining whether they could be retained or not.

Again, Council directed the Head of Civil Service to study and advise Government on way forward. e) Request for the release of funds to facilitate for the Conduct of Training Programme for 831 teachers from 15 Zonal Education office areas;Contents of this memorandum precisely presented the compliance of the office of the head of Civil Service to directives conveyed in Council Extract No SSCA/CA/EX/4/1/591 dated 8th October, 2012 . the request for the Training was carefully studied and findings were reported thus; i. The training theme / sub-themes are suitable and relevant for the target group. ii. The consulting firm ( i.e centre for Management Development (CMD)) is reputable and offers such training opportunities to civil servants free of charge. iii. The expenditure quoted by the office of the SSG (i.e N8,145,000.00) was confirmed to be the charges for 831 participants clustered across the 15 Zonal Education office areas in the state.

Considering , council approved for the release of the requested sum of N8,145,000.00 for the stated training programme.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES AT THE 69TH EXCO SITTING 1. GOVERNOR’S OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LAST WEEK Council noted with delight the recent official working visit to the United States of America by His Excellency the Gov. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso where fruitful discussions were held with investors who are willing to invest in the area of infrastructural development such as Electricity, Road Network, Education, Agriculture and Solid Minerals.

Similarly, His Excellency was able to visit the Piloting study School in the United States where agreements were also reached concerning increase in number of State Indigenous prospective candidates that would be sponsored soonest.

AWARD OF HONORARY DEGREE TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR BY CRESCENT UNIVERSITY, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE Council noted with appreciation the confirmation for the award of Honorary Degree to His Excellency, over his tireless effort towards boosting educational activities in the State. The ceremony is expected to hold on Saturday 20th October, 2012.

2.

3. ARRIVAL OF ADDITIONAL 1000mm PIPES TO KANO FROM LAGOS SEA PORT Council noted the recent arrival of 1000 mm Ductile iron pipes from Lagos. Subsequently, Council noted the progress report of laying 600mm pipes on 42km from Watari to Miltara in order to improve portable water supply in the State.

4. PAYMENT OF RAM BONUS AND OCTOBER 2012 SALARY Council today noted that, the payment of Ram bonus and October salary to the State Civil Servants is currently in process throughout the State. The gesture is among other things assisting the State workforce to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

As part of the efforts toward providing enhanced welfare to the workers, Council approved for the payment of 50% allowances to REMASAB casual staff, Traffic Assistants and Askarawan Kwankwasiyya. Council therefore, urge the entire work force to reciprocate the gesture by dedicating themselves.

5. RECEIPT OF KANO STATE SEPTEMBER 2012 STATUTORY ALLOCATION GRANT Council noted that, a total sum of N11,971,488,285.70 was received for the September, 2012 Federation Allocation grant for the State. The amount comprises of N5,858,974,992 for the State and N6,112,513,293.77 for the Local Government Areas.

Similarly, Council noted that, the sum of N400,000,000.00 was allocated to the State by the Federal Government as its intervention Aid to cushion the effect of areas affected by this year’s flood disaster.

SIGNED: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports & Culture

15

16

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

17

18

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

Planning without facts •This is the main problem with fuel subsidy in the country

N

OTHING illustrates better the penchant for planning without facts in Nigeria than the utter chaos that reigns in the country’s oil and gas sector. Right now, there is widespread scarcity of petroleum products in different parts of the country despite a reported increase in the importation of the commodity.

In the first place, there is sheer confusion on such an elementary issue as the actual consumption rate of petrol in the country. Going by the template of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Nigeria currently consumes 40.32 million litres of petrol per day. Accordingly, for the first, second and third quarters of 2012 which comprise approximately 279 days, the PPPRA allocated 3.5 million, 3.153 million and 3.150 million metric tonnes of petrol, respectively, for consumption. The petrol allocation for the fourth quarter of 2011 was carried over to the first quarter of 2012 because of the investigation into the management of the fuel subsidy scheme.

However, the House of Representatives has recommended a daily petrol consumption rate of 33 million litres for the 2013 budget, after its investigation of the 2011 petrol subsidy scheme. The committee of the House, which probed the fuel subsidy management, found that “…the consumption level for 2011 was estimated at 31.5 million litres per day. However, in 2012, a marginal increase of 1.5 million litres per day is recommended in order to take care of unforeseen circumstances, bringing it to 33 million litres”. There is hardly any scientific basis for arriving at

the various figures estimated as the country’s petrol consumption rate. For instance, there is no accurate record of the number of cars and other vehicles on Nigerian roads. Ordinarily, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) ought to be the repository of reliable data on all aspects of our national life. It is embarrassing, for instance, that we do not have an accurate record of such basic facts as the number of civil servants, students or pensioners in the country. In the absence of precise statistics, it is impossible for any meaningful planning to be done and the goal of development is thus jeopardised.

The lack of reliable data is the prime source of the absence of transparency and accountability that has enabled massive fraud to be perpetrated in the name of fuel subsidy. During the House of Representatives investigation of the fuel subsidy regime, it was embarrassing to see various agencies of government – the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), PPPRA – give conflicting figures on the actual cost of the purported fuel subsidy.

Right now, some fraudulent oil marketers are being prosecuted for allegedly defrauding the country of billions of Naira by claiming subsidy payments on fuel not imported and utter confusion continues to reign on the actual component of this so-called subsidy. While the pump price of petrol is N97 per litre, government claims that the landing cost of a litre of petrol is N152.44, necessitating a payment of N55.44 on every litre of petrol

as subsidy – a total of N55.4 billion monthly. The Federal Government has paid the sums of N338.24 billion and N56.7 billion to top marketers for August and September, 2012. Yet, the CBN governor, Mr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has said that the N656.3 billion allocation for fuel subsidy in the 2012 budget will run out before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, another clear evidence that the entire fuel subsidy scheme has gone totally out of control, is the provision by the Federal Government of N231.8 billion in the budget for the payment of the 2011 budget arrears, adding up to N888.1 billion. Yet, it remains a mystery why the country cannot have functional refineries to mitigate the need to import refined fuel.

‘The lack of reliable data is the prime source of the absence of transparency and accountability that has enabled massive fraud to be perpetrated in the name of fuel subsidy. During the House of Representatives investigation of the fuel subsidy regime, it was embarrassing to see various agencies of government – the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), PPPRA – give conflicting figures on the actual cost of the purported fuel subsidy’

Flood commission?

•It is unnecessary duplication of bureaucracy

T

HE decision to put in place a flood control commission, which is now a bill before the National Assembly is a knee jerk reaction to the devastation caused recently by flood in Nigeria.

No doubt the impact of the flood across many of the states has been unprecedented, and considering that our country is ill equipped for serious emergencies, the impact was overwhelming in many of the states. This is despite the existence of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Ministry of Environ ment and similar agencies in most states of the federation. We believe that the answer to the crisis of inefficiency is not to create a new bureaucracy, but rather to empower those already in existence.

The bill for the creation of the commis-

‘The bill for the creation of the commission before the National Assembly has already passed the second reading. As Nigerians learn more about the calamity visited on our unprepared nation, the pressure will be on our politicians to act, and more of this type of measure that is not thought through will be proposed. If this commission is needed, then we are likely to have new commissions put in place for every natural disaster’

sion before the National Assembly has already passed the second reading. As Nigerians learn more about the calamity visited on our unprepared nation, the pressure will be on our politicians to act, and more of this type of measure that is not thought through will be proposed. If this commission is needed, then we are likely to have new commissions put in place for every natural disaster. Unfortunately, the likelihood of a very inclement and unprecedented flooding was foretold by the relevant agencies responsible for weather forecasts, yet there was no coordinated plan in place as the calamity still caught us unprepared. Most of the states that received special funding from the federation account on ecology and environmental disasters over the years diverted the money to other uses, instead of spending on preventive measures like clearing the drains well in advance.

Over the years, Nigerians were told that the Federal Government had budgeted for and awarded multi-billion naira contracts to dredge the River Niger; obviously nothing was ever done as our recent calamity has shown. For, if the major inland waterways were genuinely dredged, the banks would not have overflowed to wreak unprecedented havoc on innocent Nigerians living at the banks of the major rivers. It is important that those who were paid to dredge the River Niger are held accountable for their neglect, and states that have received funds under the ecological funds are made to account for the funds.

Indeed, what may be needed is a commission of enquiry to examine what was responsible for the national tragedy. This enquiry will also seek to understand how the underfunding or mismanagement of funds over the years, by our river-basin authorities has affected our own dams. The enquiry will seek to know what has happened to the ecology funds, the money released to NEMA over the years, and the Federal Ministry of Environment, among other related Federal Government agencies.

While flood is a natural disaster, man has, through science, set in place measures to temper it. It is also important to find out through the NigerianCameroun joint Commission, what role the water released from the dams in Cameroun contributed to this crisis.

The states mostly affected by the calamity must individually and collectively begin to examine what needs to be put in place to either avoid or ameliorate the impact of such flood now and in the future. Those living along the major tragedy areas must also help themselves by relocating to a better and more environment-friendly areas.

While emergency measures are put in place, part of the resources should be channelled to permanent solutions for those involved. Across the board, there is need for the country to be more prepared for natural emergencies. Between and across the states, there is need for collaboration. In our view, there is enough bureaucracy in place; what we need are better hands-on measures to tackle the challenges well in advance.

Lance Armstrong must cut ties to his charity

I

T’S not enough for embattled cyclist Lance Armstrong to step down as chairman of the cancer foundation. He needs to leave the worthwhile organization in order to save it.

Sports heroes rise, and sometimes they fall.

When they do, they’re usually quickly forgotten as their names are expunged from the halls of fame, championship rolls and other records of their tainted achievements. But not Lance Armstrong.

Armstrong isn’t just a sports hero, he’s a story, an inspiration, a beacon. That might explain why, in the midst of the most spectacular celebrity fall from grace in recent memory, he retains vocal legions of supporters and his cancer foundation is doing fine. But that isn’t likely to last. As the evidence that his Tour de France victories were marred by illegal performanceenhancing drugs becomes harder to deny, support for the legendary cyclist and his Lance Armstrong Foundation is bound to fade. So it’s not enough for Armstrong to step down as chairman, as he did Wednesday; he should sever all ties to the charity, whose reputation is more important than his own.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation is one of the country’s best-known cancer charities. What started out as a resource for testicular cancer patients, in honor of its founder’s inspirational battle against that disease, now benefits people fighting all kinds of cancer, helping them deal with insurance, mental health and other challenges. It has for years been unofficially known as Livestrong, the message emblazoned on the yellow cancer awareness wristbands it sells to raise funds. Now would be a good time to make that name change official.

Armstrong maintains that he is innocent of blood doping. Yet that argument became very shaky when he decided in August not to contest the charges against him by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, even though he knew it would result in being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, and it became all but untenable last week after the agency released detailed evidence of Armstrong’s involvement in a sophisticated conspiracy to evade drug testers while using banned substances. And when Armstrong’s sponsor Nike dropped him Wednesday in the face of what it called “seemingly insurmountable evidence” of his guilt, it pounded a 6-inch nail in the coffin of Armstrong’s reputation.

So far, this hasn’t hurt Livestrong. It was flooded with donations on the day in August when Armstrong was stripped of his titles, and revenue for the year to date is up 2.1%. Nike and other sponsors that have dumped Armstrong, meanwhile, say they’ll keep supporting the foundation. Their loyalty could falter if he continues to be so strongly tied to the organization; Friday night it will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a gala headlined by Armstrong and such celebrities as Ben Stiller and Sean Penn, and Armstrong remains on Livestrong’s board of directors. He appears to be a flawed man who created a worthwhile organization; he should let it go before he brings it down.

– Los Angeles Times

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

•Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni •Chairman,Editorial Board • Executive Director Sam Omatseye (Finance & Administration) •General Editor Ade Odunewu Kunle Fagbemi • Gen. Manager •Editor Online (Training and Development) Lekan Otufodunrin Soji Omotunde •Managing Editor Northern Operation •Chief Internal Auditor Yusuf Alli Toke Folorunsho •Managing Editor • Senior Manager (Sales) Waheed Odusile Akeem Shoge •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Advert Manager Robinson Osirike •Deputy Editor (News) •IT Manager Niyi Adesina Bolarinwa Meekness •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Manager, Corporate Marketing •Sport Editor Hameed Odejayi Ade Ojeikere •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu

• Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: The West Africa College of Physicians concluded the second diet of exams recently. The faculty of psychiatry declared a pass rate of 13.8% at its part one membership exams (8 of 58 candidates). The faculty of public and community health recorded a 32% pass rate (23 of 70 candidates) Twice every year, candidates from all over the country converge in Ibadan and Lagos for the West Africa College of Physician and National Post Graduate Medical College exams respectively, each diet of examinations consisting of written, objective structured clinical exams, picture tests and oral/long case exams as the case may be. It is usually a very grueling and trying time for any candidate with psychological, emotional, financial and sometimes physical consequences.

A minimum of N60,000 is paid for each exam attended without consideration of transportation, feeding, and other ancillary expenses incurred. It is funded by the candidate after an initial one time sponsorship by the training hospital.

A candidate may repeat the exams as many as seven (7) times. There are records of up to 10 times and over at one stage. Usually, candidates do not scale the first stage, and even then, meeting hurdles in each subsequent stages of the OSCE, Picture test and long case stages. Each must be passed independently, usually under stifling time constraints.

It is pertinent to shed some light on the long case examination, already phased out by certain faculties of the college owing to its largely subjective nature. A candidate is assigned a patient for the purposes of the exam, and is to conduct an interview, physical examination and prescribe a course of management under harrowing time conditions. The

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

True face of postgraduate medical training candidate is to make an oral submission of his findings to two or more examiners who are usually less than dispassionate in their assessments.

Mark you, less than 10% of these examiners have any degree in education, evaluation, assessing or any pedagogic training for that matter.

It is under this long case that a lot of examiners excise their “pound of flesh” as a candidate may be faulted in practically any and everything!

Thus, a candidate who manages to scale through the first, second and third stages, is truncated at the last stage by an examiner who chooses to sleep during proceedings!

A lot of candidates have been maimed as a result of the activities of these colleges with the active connivance of some training hospitals. Failing to pass these exams, a doctor is unable to make any professional ad-

vancement; he is stuck and sooner or later shown the way out of the residency program with no lifeline. He is unemployable as a specialist, and cannot proceed as a general practitioner.

Medicine is touted to be an apprenticeship; so, if a candidate has to repeat a particular exam so many times, has he been properly mentored?

Small wonder the high morbidity and mortality rates; the capital flight in medical tourism and the total loss of faith in the healthcare system. Such candidates who are frustrated out of the system for their inability to scales these exams, where do they go?

Where do they start from with families and other dependants? What about the psychological toll on him?

Something to which he has committed a lifetime of effort and suffered untold deprivation?

A number of questions beg for answers; Does this “high” standard that candidates are held up to translate to favorable health indices for the country- reduced morbidity, mortality and medical tourism to India and other nations? Capital flight? Is the nation any better off from the efforts of the Postgraduate medical college?

What does a failure rate of 87% connote? The trainers are not doing their jobs? The trainers do not understand what is required of them? That candidates are so dull? Or is it simply a case of unregulated and misguided leadership?

What role does national interest play in the determination of proceedings, procedures, modus operandi and outcomes of the college? The national postgraduate medical college of Nigeria prides itself in hav-

S

• Timi Babatunde MD Lagos.

Benue monarchs should shun partisan politics

S

IR: Before the advent of colonial rule, traditional rulers performed legislative, judicial, executive and social cultural functions.

In this wise, traditional rulers guide, protect, defend and provide for the needs of the society which they superintend as they were the de facto de jure governors of their domains The imposition of colonial rule on Nigeria fundamentally changed the nature of the indigenous governing system. Traditional rulers were no

longer sovereign as they were beholden to the new alien officials; the central role of the traditional rulers was transformed from serving the people to enduring colonial exploitation.

Traditional rulers also do not farewell in the post colonial Nigeria as governments see them as rival political power and therefore alternate to their authority.

However, today traditional rulers has no judicial functions or executive

power as well as that of legislative, they nevertheless remained very relevant in the scheme of things in Nigeria’ Traditional rulers are still most effective channel by which government at all level reach the people.

The institution elicits greater confidence and legitimacy in the eyes of many Nigerians; they are still revered today despite the glaring limitation.

The institution will continue to gain public acceptance and respect if

The truth about Abuja demolition IR: It is rather unfortunate that there has been a lot of fallacies, deceptions and sentiments peddled about the recent removal of illegal structures in Kyami District, along the Airport Road, Abuja.

Allocation of land in Abuja is the exclusive preserve of the FCT Administration as enshrined in our constitution. Most of the developers that committed this illegality just encroached and commenced construction/building on land that was never at any point allocated to them, hence the back-dated allocation papers on un-approved layouts, inconsistent title documents and

ing produced 4,000 plus specialists in over 30 years of existence and in a country of about 160 million people.

Whose interest do they really serve?

What is the role of international best practice in the regulation of the colleges? Any peer review mechanism? Any validity and reliability studies on the mechanisms of these colleges?

Should each region or state not regulate its own postgraduate education, require and needs? Who oversees the activities of these colleges?

It is high time the House committee on health, the federal ministry of health, policy makers and other interest groups gave some scrutiny into the workings of these colleges in the interest of all stake holders, and the nation as a whole bearing in mind the various ramifications, dimensions and implications of the activity of these colleges on all and sundry. It is no longer acceptable that things remain the way they’ve always been.

Indeed, the mark of humanity is the ability to adapt; to evolve; to meet challenges and peculiarities of the day, a peculiarity that once again challenges our resourcefulness.

forged building plan approvals supposedly originating from Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

It is understandable that we have a serious housing deficit in Nigeria. But this is no licence for estate developers to illegally acquire land for housing estates. Based on the impunity shown by most of the developers to the markings by the Development Control Department, removal exercises were carried out after relevant notices were served.

In spite of the removals, illegal developments still went on in flagrant disobedience of appropriate notices and warnings served for them to discontinue.

In February 2012, officials of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), concerned about the removal exercises of these illegal developments sought audience with the Development Control Department with a view to enabling obedience with existing regulations and thus stop further demolitions. In furtherance to this, a joint site inspection of all the sites of illegal development was conducted in company of REDAN officials, after which they promised to prevail on their members to henceforth stop additional illegal developments. Defiantly the developers continued to develop illegal struc-

tures in an unabated manner to the consternation of the Development Control Department.

It is on record that AMAC and indeed all Area Councils stopped issuing title documents and building plan approvals for any development within the FCT as far back as 2004, and where legal approvals were issued and not applied for approved development, a revalidation becomes necessary after the stipulated 2 years in accordance with the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning laws.

• Mohammed Awwalu Ibro Adisa Estate Abuja

it shun acts that tended to diminish its status in the eyes of the people.

In Benue State today, traditional rulers expose themselves to public humiliation because of their involvement in partisan politics. As symbols of unity, traditional rulers should stay away from partisan politics as such involvement will expose them to unwarranted attacks.

In 2011 general election, some traditional rulers compromise their revered position by openly canvassing support for particular candidate of their choice. By so doing, they became open enemies of the opposing group and unnecessary put themselves up for attacks, this is dangerous.

Now that the local government election is around the corner, traditional rulers in Benue State should emulate the legacy of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Sir, Ahmadu Bello, a one time aspirant for the Sultan’s throne, who once said if “ he was asked to make a choice between the position of the presidency and the sultanate, he would most willingly and gladly settle for the sultanate seat”.

Such was the pedestal that traditional ruler’s ship is placed.

• John Akevi, Nitel Qtrs. Bauchi

21

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

COMMENTS

Let a dying nation come alive C

AN it be truly said that because Nigerians know where they are coming from, they know where they are heading to? Can we really see clearly as a people the downward slump the nation keeps sprawling into with daily occurrences? Have we as citizens of this nation become walking corpses?

Reggae music legend Bob Marley’s popular album, Exodus remains in line with Scriptural leaning about the movement of people. In the title song, he asked essentially: “Look within, are you satisfied with the life you are living?” This is a fundamental question for the Nigerians of today in view of what is going on in the country.

Life is becoming meaningless. Stories of mindless killings, whether by bombings, shootings or mob attacks have become habitual episode being sidetracked to national pattern. Justice is turning out to commodity in the market of buying and selling. Avoidable disasters of all manners are being absorbed as part of global phenomenon. Many more now die before their times in ways God would not be asserted blame for the errors.

Rather, they are more of signs of the end-time.

I watched the video of the barbaric slaughter of the four UNIPORT students online. My heart sank seeing the level of depression of the spirit of the common man wasting innocent lives. Let’s even assume that it was true that the young undergraduates stole laptop and blackberry handset. Must they be the ones receiving the ultimate judgment from a mob? What about those scooping the nation’s resources in billions of cash into private purses? Ironically, those are the ones being hailed as society’s big men and honoured as success - with justice being turned upside down.

Before this was prevalence of iniquitous manslaughters of the future generation across the nation. Go to Mubi in Adamawa State, scores of students of the Federal Polytechnic were either shot or macheted by suspected colleagues for no justification.

The sad case of Nassarawa State University postgraduate student Cynthia Ozukogu, brutalized, chained and put to death by her Facebook social media friends remains a distressing and depressing story. Many more of such inhumanity filling the pages of newspapers.

More than any other time in the history of this nation, kidnapping has become an order of the day. Just the same way, armed robbery keeps harassing the peace and security of the society without practicable solution. Many tales are being told of arrests of kidnappers and armed robbers, but records of judgment upon the culprit remain miserably scanty. This means the

T

HE ghost of the Biafran rebellion of 1966-1970 (note 1966, not 1967) was recently resurrected by Chinua Achebe, in a war memoir provocatively titled “There Was A Country”. Whether that controversial title is an attempt to ascribe post-mortem “state-status” to the failed dream of a sovereign Biafra, or a present-day denial of the collapse – 42 years ago – of that misadventure by a present-day octogenarian, or simply a continuation of the revisionism by proBiafra sympathizers keen on re-writing a version of the war history favourable to their dream, remains open to debate.

I happen to belong to a generation that was born around the war period, which places me in my mid-40s today. Now in a county with a life expectancy of 45 years, one should feel lucky to still be alive to witness elders, at least twice one’s age commenting on events that correspond in occurrence to the time of one’s birth. But that sense of gratitude is violently affronted when the comments of one such elder and a venerated scholar, Chinua Achebe, distort historical facts. His reckless allegation of “genocide” against General Yakubu Gowon, who ruled Nigeria at the war period, is not only a gross fabrication but tantamount to biting the very fingers that fed the Igbos at a difficult and trying moment of brutal conflict, when a less sympathetic and more vengeful character would have acted with severe and drastic ruthlessness.

As soon as Achebe’s account went viral on the social media, I became tempted to revisit the entire catalogue of the false assertions in the book that I deemed untrue, and to bring historical evidence to bear in their refutation. But for reasons of time and space, I have chosen simply to enumerate some of the policies implemented by Gen Gowon, both in the course of the Biafran rebellion and its aftermath in order to facilitate the re-integration and rehabilitation of our Igbo brothers and sisters into a federal Nigeria, rather than pursue a pointless contestation with Achebe. I consider such approach more beneficial to our younger generation for

sustainability of criminality as there is hardly a precautionary trend to dissuade perpetrators.

Same has been the chronicle of Boko Haram terrorism. The sect has shaken the north eastern part of the country and the federal capital with suicide bombings and shootings for a while. Several hundreds of innocent lives have been wasted alongside properties of value. Till date, prosecution of the arrested many of the terrorists remains hanging.

What a nation? What a people? Unrighteousness has enveloped the land with afflictions. Natural disasters are taking over as recompense. There is what scientists with the wisdom of man now label as global warming. Yet, not all nations of the world are being afflicted. But Nigeria is experiencing overwhelming flooding in several parts today, rendering many homeless. The disaster is plainly being linked to global warming. Yes, it may be so. But going deeper should make one understand the catastrophe as compensation for the consequence of reigning intrigues and atrocities in the land.

Beyond the tales of adversities, what else do we have to be glorified as a nation? Not only a prostrate, distraught and strangulated territory, but a realm saddled with levels of most corrupt and apathetic populace. As the much endowed resources flowing in are being pocketed by the advantaged few, the country is dwindling to wretchedness and penury, straining the unprivileged majority to be pressured to make it also at all cost. While those in power and their connections are enmeshed in corruption and fraud, those outside power are getting trapped in assorted criminalities. This is to say, since the head has become rotten, the bulk is decomposing and decaying.

The slump is manifesting all around. Yearly budgets are no more than mere formalities. Federal legislators are presently combating the authorities over pitiable performance of the existing budget and yet presenting a bulkier one for the coming year – with barely anything on the ground to show for perform a n c e .

In the Nigeria of today, government hospitals are becoming consigned mortuaries; sales of failed public properties – like NITEL and lately PHCN, are hardly done with purity; the poor desiring to eat from dustbins and decomposing waste-heaps are getting frustrated by the day as such sources of livelihood hardly offer anything anymore.

If there is any contentment by the downtrodden, it must perhaps be because the oppressed has not suffered enough to the point of death. The reality is that the only category pretending to be enjoying the good of the land today are the kleptomaniacs, fraudsters in and out of government and the growing dupers of varied hues.

Why are we where we are without making progress? Let’s go back to the dawn of December 31, 1983. The civilian administration under Alhaji Shehu Shagari was then being sacked by the military junta hungry for a return to power. By the grace of history, we can recollect the major actors who eventually became rulers that further dragged the nation down to the valley.

But first, let’s hear the voice of Gen. Sani Abacha on that dawn of military take-over: “You are all living witnesses to the grave economic predicaments and uncertainty which an inept and corrupt leadership has imposed on our beloved nation. I am referring to the harsh and intolerable conditions under which we are now living.

“Our economy has been hopelessly mismanaged. We have become a debtor and beggar nation. There is inadequacy of food at reasonable price for our people who are now fed up with endless announcement of importation of foodstuffs. Health services are in shambles as our hospitals are reduced to mere consulting clinics without drug, water and equipment.

“Our educational system is deteriorating at an alarming rate.

Unemployment figures, including the graduates, have reached embarrassing and unacceptable proportions. In some states, workers rae being owed salaries and there are threats of salary cuts. Yet our leaders revel in squandermania and corruption; and indiscipline continues to be the bane of the nation’s proliferated public appointment in complete disregard for our stark economic realities.”

This is almost 29 years after. There have been successive administrations. How much has changed? The man who lamented on air then later forced his way in to reign and rule after his cocoup plotter, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida who collaboratively annulled the people’s choice ten years later was forced to “step aside.”

Ponder again on Bob Marley’s cry: “Look within; are you satisfied with the life you are living?” Indeed, is your life better off than what it was in 1983? The concept of transformation might sound positive. But the veracity of it is what it impacts on the people’s sensibilities and lives. It must go beyond partisanship.

Any leadership working for self will never move the people out of the miry clay. Rather than serving public interest, personal enhancement through elongated tenureship becomes prioritized. This is why those contented with the inglorious happenings in the land are the ones contending with the concept of a Sovereign National Conference that would have made Nigerians to speak out their minds and work out restoration of lost glories on the pathway to their destinies.

But since nothing seems to be working other than atrocities and mayhem, now the National Assembly is considering the review of the militarily-enforced constitution. But would the populace see this as another opportunity opening up for a meaningful turn-around? Will there be sincerity and true love for the people in the heart of those at the helm?

Devoted thought cannot be for retention of position of power or to benefit from the suffering of the masses. It is only in righteousness that the broken walls of this nation can be rebuilt. It is then that the hope and aspiration of true greatness can be restored and the glory we once had rejuvenated.

Let it be known that tough time will not last for ever only if tough people are devoted to goodness and righteousness.

How Gowon re-integrated Igbos after the war

By H.Y.Poloma whom the Biafran rebellion is only a distant history, just as the second world war appeared to my own generation.

The first thing to note about Gowon’s attitude to the Biafran rebellion was that the refused to view the conflict as a war with a foreign foe. Accordingly, he declared a “police action” rather than a war against the secessionists. And this came only after seven different attempts by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) at peaceful resolution of the conflict, in addition to the “Aburi” meeting and subsequent fateful declaration of secession by Ojukwu. Moreover, in the course of the armed confrontation itself, General Gowon directed the issuance of a code of conduct for all federal troops which required the rebel forces to be treated “fairly and decently” as well as the strict observance of the Geneva convention in the course of operations by federal troops.

Specifically, the code of conduct required that under no circumstances should pregnant women be ill-treated or killed. Children must not be molested or killed; they should be protected and cared for. Hospitals, Hospital staff and patients should not be molested. Biafran soldiers who surrender will not be killed, but disarmed and treated as prisoners of war and were entitled in all circumstances to humane treatment and respect for their person and honour. No property, building, etc was to be destroyed maliciously and no looting of any kind was permitted. Women were to be protected against attack on their person and honour, and in particular against rape or indecent assault. Wounded soldiers and civilian were to be protected and given medical care, etc.

After the cessation of hostilities, General Gowon declared general amnesty to all Biafran troops which exonerated them from

prosecution for treason and other war crimes and offences (no victor, no vanquished). Many soldiers who fought on the Biafran side were reabsorbed into the federal armed forces after the war.

General Gowon’s compassion, mercy and kindness were not limited to fighting soldiers alone. He undertook the resettlement of displaced persons and rebuilding physical facilities in the East. Ex-Biafran civil servants who were in the public service at the regional level were permitted to report to their new states for reabsorbtion, while those at the federal level were also eligible for reabsorbtion into the federal service if they so desired. Each returning civil servant in the East received salary advance as “mercy pay” along with three weeks leave to enable them settle down after the war. Gowon also appointed for the first time and without precedent two Igbo civilians, Ukpabi Asika and J.O.J. Okezie, to represent the East Central State in the Supreme Military Council, which was the highest policy organ in the Country.

Gowon also established a National Rehabilitation Commission under M. Timothy Omo-Bare and saddled it with the task of collection and distribution of drugs and other humanitarian gifts from foreign governments and international NGOs, a responsibility later transferred to the Federal Ministry of Economic Development and Reconstruction to expedite the flow of relief materials to war affected areas.

Moreover, Gowon ensured that sips carrying relief materials were granted advance clearance at Nigerian ports and accorded duty-free entry by Customs. Foreign relief workers were automatically granted visas at Nigeria Embassies abroad upon clearance with the Director of Relief Operations.

As part of the reconstruction and reha-

bilitation in the war affected areas, Gowon restored telephone link between Lagos and the East Central State within three months after the surrender of Biafra. The Onitsha Bridge which was the major link between the east and the west was reconstructed also within three months of the cessation of hostilities. Within a single year of ending the war, most manufacturing industries were reactivated in the east, and the cement factories in Calabar and Nkalagu were re-commissioned into production. To revamp agricultural production in the war affected areas in the East, Gowon also set up the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to support agriculture and provide loans to farmers although many of the loan recipients in the east “diverted them to other areas of business instead of agriculture” (Ojeleye 2010, p89).

Yet 42 years after the war, revisionists afflicted with the peculiar Nigerian ailment of selective amnesia, are now rebranding the same architect of our modern Nigeria, General Gowon, as a genocidal tyrant. But what did neutral foreign observers have to say on Gowon’s reconciliation efforts? Harold Wilson the British Prime Minister characterized it as “magnanimity in victory”. The Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Trocis Munk, commented that “where yesterday we saw recriminations, distrust and destructions, we find today reconciliation, compassion and reconstruction”.

With the benefit of hindsight, it became evident that the Biafran leadership were the very architects of Biafran destruction, who set out to mislead innocent Igbo men and women into unnecessary rebellion in gratification of their selfish motives of personal aggrandizement.

•Poloma writes from School of Post-Graduate Studies, University of Limerick, Ireland.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

22

COMMENTS

I

N this column last week, I authored an article with the above headline. Reactions to it have been overwhelming. In those reactions, new posers were raised by contributors for which they would want my opinion. It is not my intention to commence a fresh debate on the matter. However, since the issue raised is central to the anger of those calling for Achebe’s head; it will be unfair on my part to ignore the question.

I hereby reproduce some of those contributions with a little comment on the first: I dare say that like many Nigerians who have commented on the book, I have only read excerpts. One aspect of the excerpt that I read and which I think is galling to most Yoruba commentators and which Igbo commentators conveniently ignored is Achebe’s reference to the fact that Awolowo deliberately instituted these policies as a strategy to reduce the population of the Igbo whom Awolowo had identified as major obstacle to Yoruba ascendancy in Nigeria. What is your comment? 08027854444 First, it must be stated that one is not holding brief for the author. As for the underlying motive for that policy; all that is evident is that those were Achebe’s impression, apparently arrived at through his perception of events before, during and since after the war.

Being personal perceptions as he regularly admitted, they are essentially normative.

Value-laden and prescriptive statements do not lend themselves to scientific rigor. It is possible that another person who passed through the same experience could come up with a different or even similar conclusion.

But we are yet to see such an effort from the hurried criticisms that have trailed the book.

(End of comment) A man who runs and looks back never wins a race. Tell Achebe to write about future betterment prospects for our youths. Achebe lives in the USA today after the supreme prize paid by blacks for racial wars and slavery. In every house there comes a time to play and a time to fight among brothers. Achebe is diminishing his writing career to that of a tribal post war documenter.08090809030 What some people fail to understand is that at the level of Achebe’s intellectualism, what is needed is the courage to speak and write the truth, state things as they are without fear or favor. That is what Achebe did. He wrote in his usual forthright manner. He did not display cowardice or hero worshipping which has come to characterize discourse on national issues these days. 08036724780.

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Re- Achebe’s horde of attackers Bless you for telling Nigerians the truth. You are a fine writer. 08039568640 Thank you for your piece. You spoke the mind and stand of the Igbo people.08038522961 Thank you for your wonderful piece. Please keep the flag flying and the fire burning. We are proud of your courage and persuasion.

Please let nothing daunt you. 08033334963.

I really appreciate your write-up. You are one of the people that stand by the truth. One of Achebe’s critics did ask where else have the Igbo prospered most outside the south-east if not in Yoruba land. But this is beside the issue. The Igbo are a strong pillar in this country. 08024277773.

It is evidently clear now that an average Igbo man harbors a ‘siege’ mentality which will not help the Igbo cause by any stretch of the imagination. I was in primary school during the war and the Igbo in my village suffered no humiliation. For your greed coupled with this Achebe war, Igbo presidency is up in smoke, at least while those of us who are 50+are alive and if Nigeria remains as it is.

After the Igbo, the Hausas are the problem of Nigeria. 08030719220.

I think it is ridiculous that our newspapers are flooded by bitter people like Fani-Kayode.

It is laughably sad. How can we base our opinion on a paragraph of the book? Can we please read the book before blabbering? Like Achebe rightly said, “If you don’t like someone’s story, write your own’’ From Jemima, 08168709598 I thank God that people like Achebe still live today and I thank you too for your proper analysis of the issue. Whatever they like, let them say or do. Awolowo’s role during the war is known and embedded in the hearths of Ndigbo unless you were not born before the war. His election campaign at Aba in 1979,

E

VEN though many right-thinking Nigerians are of the opinion that government alone, cannot develop agriculture, especially in a state like Lagos where the population triples on a daily basis, the idea of Agric Yes Programme by Governor Raji Fashola is on the right track.

Agric Yes Programme which means Agriculture Youth Empowerment Scheme initiated by the Lagos State Government which has been in operation since 2009 is aimed at keeping the youths busy and making them be part of the agricultural revaluation in the state. The programme which the state government created to essentially target the youths in the state has so far engaged over 300 youths in different farm settlements in the state.

At the moment about one hundred of such youths are undergoing training in different aspects of farming system and settlements so that in the end they will be given loans through different cooperatives societies to be their own masters. The training institute located at Epe, a marine and agrarian town in the state is an ideal place to locate and quarter farmers for the huge tasks ahead.

Epe is noted for its large natural reserves and contributions to the economy of the state through water warp transportation, fishing and farming. And so far the fishermen to consider it adequate and ideal for the training of the Agric Yes programme students shows how concerted and committed government is towards agriculture revaluation in the state. This is something to be commended and emulated for the sakes the citizenry.

The over all aim of this project, in the thinking of government, is to bread a new generation of young and committed farmers with unbridled entrepreneurial ability to produce and be their own masters. Those who specialized in poultry or fish-farming as the case may be, will be

‘It is indeed heart warming that the scheme is totally people-oriented.

You can’t empower the youths devoid of proper housing for effective productivity. As they settle down with their loved ones in the same vicinity and for the purpose of productivity, all you get is abundance of food production which will inadvertently help to keep hunger at bay’

what happened and why him alone? Bar. From Okechukwu, 08037235640 Do you know why our country is sinking deeper and deeper after 52 years of flag independence? It is our knack to play the ostrich. Your piece is a clincher. Even that stated by the author is a notorious credo in the psyche of the post-war Igbo children who have been constantly demanding explanation from their parents of the reason for their sorry state in their own country.08093912933 Like your brother one Arthur Anyaduba in The Nation of Sunday October, 14 edition, you should realize that people opposed to the convocation of a sovereign national conference are the people pretending that Nigerians are happy with themselves. You must be funny to think that the Nigerian government will design any policy that would have favored Biafra during the pogrom. Please Nigeria is the only recorded country in history that supplied food to the people that took up arms against her in the bid to secede. Igbo people should at least thank their stars that Papa Awolowo was not the head of state to do those things you said he did. Had Biafra the capacity to inflict genocide on Nigeria so as to win the war, they certainly would have done worse.

People like Ojukwu, Achebe and others abandoned the Igbo and escaped to foreign lands at the peak of the war. It is convenient to make a scapegoat of Papa Awolowo and the Yoruba. And of course, when a Yoruba defends Yoruba, he is a tribalist but when the Igbo defend the Igbo, he is a nationalist. From Musa Baka, 08186589860.

Those hurling invectives at Achebe are people who speak from both sides of the mouth because of selfish motives. Whether

they say and stand for the truth, it does not change their standing in the Nigerian system.

From Victor Samuel, 08074843298.

Thank you for your-well written soulsearching objective work. Take note I am neither of Igbo nor Yoruba origin. From Bar. Obaro, 08033208558.

Why did Achebe not deal with the people who diverted the food meant for the civilians? Did you or Achebe feel that should continue? Please let us not put these in the young ones. Boko haram is killing more Igbos in the north and nobody is talking.08056749385.

Awolowo was the architect behind the fall of the Igbo nation. We have been told of the role he played together with that of Gowon and Ojukwu. So who is to apologize to whom?

Injuries can be healed but the scars cannot be erased from the body.08039407702 Let the truth be told. I do not see anything wrong in Achebe’s mention of Awolowo in his book. I shudder at the parochial nature of some commentators. 08033282957 I really appreciate your objective analysis to some people’s reaction to Achebe’s book.

Is Awolowo not human? Can’t he make mistakes? Achebe’s literary prowess is wonderful. From Dr. Saheed Adeyemo, 08023907157 It is an excellent analysis. Truth is bitter and only truth will heal the open wound of conscience. We should be careful of the steps we take because there is always a time for accountability. 08039475550 In spite of Awolowo’s defence of his role Achebe still reached and insisted in his faulty conclusion. What is this phobia about Awolowo wanting power and had to ‘eliminate’ the Igbo to achieve this or that?

08034726625.

‘A man who runs and looks back never wins a race. Tell Achebe to write about future betterment prospects for our youths.

Achebe lives in the USA today after the supreme price paid by blacks for racial wars and slavery.

In every house there comes a time to play and a time to fight among brothers. Achebe is diminishing his writing career to that of a tribal post war documenter’

Fashola empowers young farmers

By Abbas Adekoya reposition themselves for the greater challenges ahead.

Government has even enlarged the scheme to include beebreeding and vegetable farming in such a way that with such varieties, there will be enough areas for the youths to veer into. As it is now, the six months training period has been commended by some of the students. A certain Bukola whose sole dream is to veer into large scale fish-farming on graduation is to use the opportunity to train more people in future. Bukola is from Somolu centre, where she has lived all her life, yet she sees the Epe environment apt and conducive for agricultural settlement.

A couple of other enthusiastic participants admitted that years of idleness and graduating without jobs are over. They cannot wait to be entrepreneurs and business directors. This is more encouraging particularly as the Fashola – led administration equally empowers graduates with their own plots of land to assist them go into mechanised agriculture, unhindered.

In its wisdom to ensure that participation is widely spread devoid of ethnicity or class or social standing in the society, the state government usually advertise the programme in the dailies. In a recent statement credited to Hakeem Anjolaiye, one of the course officers, the first step after collating the names, is organise an intensive test to decide those who are genuinely interested in farming. Thereafter, those found worthy are invited to proceed to the next stage.

Each student then indicates where he/her interest is most deserving.

It is interesting to note that it is only a government that is fully committed to the welfare of the people that can be so touched as to prepare its teeming youths for the future.

Fashola has done so and is even doing more to prepare for the seemingly difficult years ahead especially now that the floods have ravaged many farms and food storage facilities across the country. Fashola has always come many years ahead of his contemporaries. By the time other states are still gnashing their teeth and bemoaning their fortunes, Lagos State is already in the bowel of abundant harvest in all spheres of livestock and food stuffs.

By dividing the graduands into different cooperative groups, the government has proved that together they can achieve much. Each group is given N100 million to help them develop fast and produce quite enough for consumption.

This is in addition to the housing accommodation given to

them and members of their families in the farm settlements to enable them concentrate and be of maximum use for the venture.

It is indeed heart warming that the scheme is totally peopleoriented. You can’t empower the youths devoid of proper housing for effective productivity. As they settle down with their loved ones in the same vicinity and for the purpose of productivity, all you get is abundance of food production which will inadvertently help to keep hunger at bay.

For a state that wants to avert hunger and food shortage in the future using what is available to it, the Lagos State government has initiated a scheme that will in the future guide as a pilot scheme to those who want to copy from it.

There is no doubt whatsoever that with the breeding of rams which is now a new pilot project and an arm of Agric Yes, the state is yet to see more agricultural wonders. The youths are excited. The people have a lot of zeal and energy to exhibit.

Even some disbanded Okada riders and operators can divert their energies to this project and be completely occupied.

There is no gain-saying the fact that the issue of joblessness for the youths in the state is about to abate. The state government is creative in all spheres. Food is a must for all.

This is why it still becomes imperative for more youths to continue to seize this rare opportunity to be productively engaged. With all provided, the task involved is obviously less stressful. This is therefore time to be a good, all-time farmer.

• Adekoya writes from Somolu, Lagos.

‘In its wisdom to ensure that participation is widely spread devoid of ethnicity or class or social standing in the society, the state government usually advertise the programme in the dailies. In a recent statement credited to Hakeem Anjolaiye, one of the course officers, the first step after collating the names, is organise an intensive test to decide those who are genuinely interested in farming’

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

YUSUF TO KESHI

Mikel: Chelsea in high spirit

Pg. 24

Don't throw Eagles’ camp open Pg. 24

Sport Monday, October 22, 2012

PAGE 23

Goal

C

No.5

SKA Moscow winger Ahmed Musa scored his fifth league goal in Russia this season on Sunday.

The Nigeria international sealed

for Musa

victory over Rubin Kazan when he games. netted the second goal to make it 2-0 Anzhi are top of the standings and two points clear of CSKA. for his team in the 82nd minute.

CSKA Moscow remains second on An elated Ahmed Musa told the table with 27 points from 12 MTNFootball.com that he is happy to

Efe dedicates goal to new baby

Pg. 41

have done his job once again. "I am happy to score again and it was great to win the match. I always feel good when I do my job well and my team

24

41

NATIONSPORT MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

Ujah praises fans’ support for goal

ITF scouts in Lagos for Governor's Cup

By Stella Bamawo

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

•Keshi

•Efe

• Ujah

London Olympics silver medallist eyes Obudu prize

EXTERNAL AUDITOR’S REPORT

Sports Minister refers NPL case to NFF From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Mikel: Chelsea in high spirit

OBAFEMI MARTINS

Obasi may miss Arsenal CL clash • Mikel

abuse on ameobi

• Obafemi

25

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

THE CEO

We found that one challenge was the issue of network coverage and that is a challenge we all face as a country; that the issue of connectivity reception in a number of areas has to be dealt with.

We also have a number of farmers who do not have phones, especially women farmers...

- Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture

JOBS

‘Nigeria needs to develop local production capacity’ - P. 28

Job hunting: Tie & dye to the - P. 37 rescue Interbank rates ease on budget disbursal

News Briefing

Sale of PHCN firms in order-Peterside

I

THOSE that lost out in the bid for power Distribution Companies (Discos) unbundled from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) have been asked to state the specific rules that were breached in the privatisation exercise.

- Page 26

‘Banks not supporting agric’ BALANCE sheets of banks are not being deployed to support the real sector of the economy, especially agriculture, Renaissance Capital (RenCap), has said.

- Page 26

How motorists’ rip off commuters MOST premiums paid by commuters are not remitted by motorists to underwriting firms, The Nation has gathered.

Investigation revealed that most commuters are ignorant of the fact that insurance premium is fused into the travel fares they pay at inter-city motor terminals, hence, they are swindled by motorists.

- Page 27 DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/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

-N7.560 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -11.9% 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 $35.8b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Deputy Governor, Dr Sarai Alade and DG, Budget Office, Dr Bright Okogun sharing a joke at the Dinner in the Ambassador’s House during the recently concluded 2012 International Monetary Fund (IMF) / World Bank Meetings in Tokyo, Japan.

CBN to implement New Capital Accord framework by year-end HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has expressed its readiness to execute a framework on New Capital Accord (Basel II) before year end, The Nation has learnt.

The CBN Deputy Governor, Financial Systems Stability, Kingsley Moghalu, confirmed this during a conference for bank directors organised by the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) in Lagos.

He said there would be full adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by banks in same period, adding that both principles would enhance transparency and additional disclosures in banks’ financial reporting.

Consultant to the CBN on Basel II and IFRS Implementation Project, Gianfranco Antonio Vento,said there was need for banks to assess their capital adequacy positions relative to their overall risks. He called for regulators to review and take appropriate actions in response to those assessments.

Vento explained that the Basel standard was meant to ensure that a bank maintains an adequate level of unencumbered, high-quality liquid assets that can be converted into cash to meet its liquidity needs for a 30 calendar day under a significantly severe liquidity stress scenario specified by supervisors.

At a minimum, the stock of liquid assets should enable the bank to survive until Day 30 of the stress scenario, by which time it is assumed that appropriate corrective actions can be taken by management and/or supervisors, and/or the bank can be resolved in an orderly way.

He said local banks are already meeting with the CBN staff involved in regulation and supervision of the Basel project while administration of a questionnaire to the lenders is ongoing.

T

By Collins Nweze

It was also leant that individual meetings with the banks and collection of all the additional information necessary for the implementation was also on course.

Vento said the result has been the Baseline Survey to highlight the state-of-the-art in the implementation process of Basel II and III in the banking sector, to enhance the implementation as well as the following stages for an effective introduction of the new regulatory framework.

Banks are also involved in the preparation of a Quantitative Impact Study (QIS) and a comprehensive and detailed regulatory framework meant to clarify and adapt the Basel II and III principles to the local context.

“Preparation and review of gap analyses that banks will perform in order to point out their distances from the minimum regulatory standards to be implemented as well as progressive implementation of Basel II and III rules, with a parallel running period in which the existing rules will cohabit with the new framework,” he said.

He said banks, which have developed internal models and are able to meet the minimum standards fixed in the new Basel II and III regulatory framework, will be allowed to apply for the validation of their models.

Vento explained that there was need to encourage market discipline by developing a set of disclosure requirements that allow market participants to assess key information about a bank’s risk profile and level of capitalisation.

“By bringing greater market discipline to bear through enhanced disclosures, the Basel capital framework can produce significant benefits in helping banks and supervisors to manage risk and improve stability,” he said.

NTERBANK lending rates eased by 100 basis points last week to an average of 10.41 per cent, from 11.41 per cent last week, after monthly budgetary allocations to government agencies flooded into the system.

The secured Open Buy Back (OBB) eased to 10.25 per cent from 10.5 per cent last week, 1.75 percentage lower than the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 12 per cent benchmark rate and 25 basis points above the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate.

Overnight placement and call money closed at 10.5 per cent each, compared with 11 per cent last week, according to Reuters, The Federal Government shares proceeds from oil sales from a centrally held account every month to its three tiers of government - federal, state and local - providing liquidity to the banking system and largely dictating the direction of lending rates.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

26

BUSINESS NEWS

Sale of PHCN firms in order,says Peterside

Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 7. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 9. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Aero 12.20 13.30 15. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 16. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 17. Arik 13.45 14.45 18. IRS 14.00 15.20 19. Aero 14.10 15.30 20. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 21. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 22. Arik 15.50 16.50 23. Aero 16.00 17.20 24. IRS 16.30 17.50 25. Arik 16.50 17.50 26. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 27. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 29. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 20. Arik 18.45 19.45 31. Aero 19.20 20.40

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

3.

4.

LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20

From Ayodele Aminu, Group Business Editor

Vigeo Power, partly owned by Mr Victor Gbolade Osibodu, had edged out Southern Electricity, promoted by Edo, Delta, Ekiti and Ondo states, to emerge the preferred bidder at the unveiling of the commercial bids submitted by investors.

But reacting to the allegation of fraud in the bidding process, Peterside, who is also the Chairman of Stanbic/IBTC Bank, said if the losers read and understood the rules of privatisation process, they would realise that rules were followed to the latter.

He said: “It is sad that in year 2012 that some Nigerians will not go and read the rules before they (losers) rush to make comments. The rules (Request for Proposal) are in 72 pages.

They should sight which rules were breached.”If they read and understood the rules, they will comprehend that the rules were followed to the latter from the very first day of the transactions.

They all took part in a race and the final results have not been announced. So, if they are now faulting the entire process, it shows that something is wrong.”

Chairman, NESG, Mr Foluso Phillips, who spoke on behalf of the Group, questioned why the governors that lost out are trying to stall the privatisation exer-

cise despite the fact that the bidders were given equal opportunities.

He said: “We had a bidding process in which everybody participated. If they (the governors) have a problem with the process, the issues should have been raised at the beginning of the process.

Why is it that they are now complaining after the process had been concluded?

“We are not in a military era. I don’t really know what they are complaining about because they already have 30 per cent stake in the project. Nothing should stop the privatisation exercise because the Summit believes in the deregulation of the Nigerian economy.

The whole economy should be deregulated because government in all aspect has shown that it is not capable of running a commercial entity.

“See what happened in the telecoms sector. We need deregulation so that the private sector can create good jobs and provide better services.”

Besides, he said states and the Federal Government should not be allowed to much involved in the power sector because they will not be able to add value.

“If the states and Federal Government participate, it will be more complicated because they will start fighting themselves over who sits on the board instead of looking at the commercial en-

LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 Arik 07.30 Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

tity,” he said.

Frontline financial expert, Mr Bismarck Rewane, also commended the Federal Government for opening up the power sector to private firms.Rewane, who is the Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, stated that private owned firms were far better than public owned. “State monopoly is the worst structure in any country. As long as people are paying for what they using, Nigeria will be better off,” he said.

The BPE and Vigeo Power Limited had also denied the allegation of lack of transparency and incompetence.

BPE, in a statement, faulted the governors’ position, stating that accusation of a flawed process and irregularities against the privatisation bureau was unfounded and reckless.

It said: “The bidding process was transparent and we followed the bible of our transaction in doing that. We did not deviate from the norm when dealing with the bidding. I think the governors are bad losers.”The Chief Executive Officer of Global Utilities Management Company (GUMCO), a subsidiary of Vigeo, Mr Abu Ejoor, also said it was wrong to allege that Vigeo does not have experience to run Discos.

He said Vigeo, which has also been involved in a public sector initiative in the power sector for the past 11 years, has been involved in all the public-private partnership initiatives in the distribution sub-sector starting from revenue cycle management (RCM).

Ejoor added that his company also installed over 200,000 pre-paid meters in the Benin zone and was in the region managing the process, thus making it the only experienced local player.

‘Nigeria’s GDP will grow at 7.5% this year’

09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

•NESG to Govs: Don’t play politics with privatisation of power

12.15 12.45

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Aero 10.50 12.30 5. Arik 11.40 13.00 6. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 7. IRS 13.30 15.00 8. Arik 14.00 15.20 9. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 10 Arik 16.10 17.30 11. Aero 16.15 17.30 12. Arik 17.10 18.30

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik

T

HOSE that lost out in the bid for power Distribution Companies (Discos) unbundled from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) have been asked to state the specific rules that were breached in the privatisation exercise.

Chairman, Technical Committee, National Council on Privatisation (NCP), Atedo Peterside, threw the challenge in a chat with The Nation at the weekend.

His reaction came hours after the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) urged governors of the states that lost out in the bid for the discos not to play politics with the privatisation exercise. Four governors - Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti),whose consortium – Southern Electricity Distribution Company Limited – lost the bid for the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (DISCO) had last Thursday opposed the emergence of Vigeo Power Consortium as the preferred bidder.The trio, at a joint news conference in Abuja, faulted the process and threatened not to allow Vigeo Power to operate in their states.

Oshiomhole, who spoke on behalf of the others, had described the bid process, as conducted by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), as fraudulent. He also said it failed the credibility test.The Benin Disco is one of 11 distribution utilities created from the unbundling of the PHCN, and was slated for sale alongside others under the power reform and privatisation programme.

By Akinola Ajibade

F •From left: Ifeanyi Ejike, winner of a brand new Toyota Corolla car with Mr Walter Drenthe, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries PLC and Gideon Okeke, actor, at the presentation of the award.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

B

RenCap: Banks not supporting agric

ALANCE sheets of banks are not being deployed to support the real sector of the economy, especially agriculture, Renaissance Capital (RenCap), has said.

The investment and research firm, said agriculture is among the least contributors to the banks’balance sheet, while major contributors to the industry loan book are the manufacturing, telecoms and general commerce sectors. The report highlighted that agriculture accounts for only one to five per cent of credit, yet it accounts for 40 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The report tagged: ‘Nigerian banks - Loan books under the spotlight’, said the lesnders’ balance sheets bear

By Collins Nweze

little resemblance to the real economy.

It said concentration risk remains high, although there are material differences between the banks. “We measure concentration as the weighting of the top four sectors in the total loan book. On this score, Zenith Bank has the lowest concentration, while Access Bank has the highest,” it said.

RenCap said non-performing loans (NPL) ratios have fallen significantly post the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) clean-up

in 2010 and 2011. As a result, the firm raised fears that the current trend of below-average impairment charges could persist throughout 2013.

This, it said, will boost earnings and returns considerably above their long-term averages in the short run, adding that the impairment charges may begin to normalise in 2014.

RenCap, however, placed buy on Zenith Bank, GTBank while it highlighted that in tier 1 banks, Access Bank has been a recent laggard in terms of stock performance, but still placed a buy rating on the rating.

Within the tier two banks, Skye Bank was picked as a preferred stock, and also got a buy rating.

10 firms jostle for control of bond market

T

HREE out of the 10 stockbroking firms that applied for the office of a government broker that would handle the retail end of the bond market have been shortlisted, The Nation has learnt.

Out of this, one firm will be picked after the conclusion of the long exercise to get the best company for bond retail transaction.

It was gathered that the shortlisted companies were found to have impeccable records by the Debt Management Office (DMO).

The source said there was no lobbying among the companies that are jos-

By Akinola Ajibade

tling to conduct retail transactions in the bond market, adding that followed certain rules prescribed by DMO. The Director, Market Development Department, DMO, Mrs. Patience Oniha, said at the weekend that the body is in a process of appointing a government broker for the retail market. She, however, did not speak on whether firms have been shortlisted for the job.

Oniha said applicants for the job would be interviewed to enable the DMO achieve its objectives of making retail market active and further deepening the market.

She said the issues of deepening the market was paramount to the debt management office, adding that body has lined out different options to deepening the market. She said the appointment of a government broker is one of such options.

She said all hands are on deck to select a competent and highly professional broker to handle the sales of bonds to retailers and further help in deepening the market.

She said: “ We came out with advertisement on the issue few weeks ago.

We stated the requirements that the firm that would manage the retail section of the market.

BN Capital Limited has said the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow at 7.5 per cent this year on the basis of the resilience of the non-oil sector of the economy.

The firm in a report entitled: Economic Outlook: Riding the larger waves, said though the world will be spared a rapid fall in oil price on the scale of what happened in late 2008, Nigeria cannot escape the global headwinds.

The firm said it is less confident about the on-going discussions between the Federal Government and the governors to replace the excess crude account with the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) initiative.

It said the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to strengthen naira is not in tandem with the realities of the global economy. “ The fear is that the global downturn feeds into a lower oil price, which upsets Nigeria’s macro balances by fuelling currency depreciation and domestic inflation.

Our views is that the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) favours managed rates, but is not dogmatic about its levels. We see another small adjustment to the midpoint in H2,”it said.

The firm observed that fiscal policy remains the weakest because it is marked by poor implementation and poor management. It said the government has a tough mediumterm policy framework in place till 2015, adding that the government could transform its fiscal stance if it adheres to the policy.

According to the firm, the government climbed down in part over fuel subsidies in January because Nigerians do not trust its ability to use the proceeds of the subsidies well.

“This government is not the first in Nigeria to suffer from lack of credibility. It could make good this weakness by providing consumers with regular power for the first time in a generation,” the firm added.

27

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

INSURANCE

Travel insurance: How motorists’ rip off commuters T M

OST premiums paid by commuters are not remitted by motorists to underwriting firms, The Nation has gathered.

Investigation revealed that most commuters are ignorant of the fact that insurance premium is fused into the travel fares they pay at inter-city motor terminals, hence, they are swindled by motorists.

Commuters are expected to fill travel manifest, which is backed with a premium recharge card motorists are required to buy from insurance firms. But, often times, most motorists make commuters to fill manifest without procuring the cards.

At a major bus terminal, this reporter was offered a manifest with-

Stories by Uyoatta Eshiet

out a card to fill; this led him to enquire about the premium card. He was told by one of the motorists that they often fail to buy the card to save cost. The motorist noted that having settled the park dues and fuel, they are left with little margin.

He noted that one of the ways to enhance their revenue is to avoid the purchase of the cards which amount is incorporated into the fare.

Most commuters interviewed claimed they were not aware that premium cost is fused into the fare they pay to the motorists. To them, the manifest is to trace their contact in case of mishap.

An underwriter with one of the companies selling such products said

the company did not engage in monitoring the activities of motorists. He said the company only pays claims to individuals with genuine claims, adding that before a claim is paid, there must be an evidence of payment of premium which is done through the purchase of the cards.

He noted that motorists who do not pay their premium subject commuters to risks, as they would not be entitled to any claims in the event of any mishap.

He urged commuters to ensure that motorists they patronise have adequate insurance cover which can be ascertained by ensuring that a premium card is attached to the manifest they are asked to fill before embarking on a journey.

NCRIB admits 32

HE Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) has inducted 32 brokers into its fold, buoying its membership to 492.

Its President, Mrs Laide Osijo, urged the new intakes to brace for the unfolding global and regulatory challenges confronting professionals in the finacial services sector.

Mrs Osijo urged them to ensure that they operate within laid-down ethical and professional standards prescribed by the council, as well as other regulatory bodies to which •Mrs Osijo they subscribe.

“You are coming in at a time when insurance business and operators in Nigeria are being challenged by several factors, notably, public image and global regulatory prescriptions. You must strive to play above board.”

She commiserated with families who lost their loved ones and valuables in the flood ravaging some parts of the country.

She advised the government to evolve concerted and proactive disaster management strategies aimed at combating similar calamities in the future, as well as educating Nigerians on the need to avoid building their residences in flood-prone areas. She stressed the need for them to eschew habits that could make the society vulnerable to such disasters.

Mrs Osijo said the industry could bring succour and mitigate losses that may result from such calamities, both at the individual and government levels when fully embraced.

In a lecture on ethics and professionalism, the Deputy President, Ayodapo Shoderu, urged the inductees to be ingenious in developing products that meet the desires of the public.

Shoderu said despite the social functions of insurance, operators must constantly bear in mind the need to entrench the practice in the minds of the public to reduce the image and acceptance problems confronting the industry.

STI pays N369m claims

S •From left: Director, Mickey Adeosun; Independent Director, Chief Dickie Ulu; the Chairman, Mrs Olufunke Osibodu and MD/CEO, Godwin Odah at the AGM.

Union Assurance’s gross premium rises by 19% U

NION Assurance Company Limited has grown its gross premium by 19.6 per cent over the figure registered at the end 2010 business year.

The gross premium for the 2011 business year stood at N3.84 billion, against N3.21 billion realised in 2010, showing a difference of N630 million.

This is contained in the chairman’s statement to shareholders during the 13 th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the firm in Lagos.

The Chairman, Mrs. Olufunke Osibodu, told shareholders the company recorded another good year, saying the firm’s total assets grew by 4.35 per cent, from N8.65 billion in the preceding year to N9.03 billion in the review year.

A further analysis of the accounts showed that the underwriting performance improved by 22.9 per cent, from N1.05 billion in 2010 to N1.29 billion in 2011. Claims in-

curred during the year, rose by 33.7 per cent, from N414.09 million in 2010 to N553.8 million in the review period.

Also, Profit Before Tax grew by 16.8 per cent, from N125 million in 2010 to N143.69 million in 2011, while Profit After Tax rose from N38.74 million in 2010, to N105.81 million.

Mrs Osibodu said within the review year, the company’s insurance funds moved significantly from N2.267 billion in 2010 to N2.855 billion in 2011, while the contingency reserve closed at N592.808 million, up from N498.344 million in 2010.

Despite the good result posted by the company, no dividend was declared for shareholders. She pleaded with the shareholders to bear with the management to enable them complete the capacity building initiative started in 2009.

She said: “We plead for your support to reinvest our profit for the year towards the completion of our capacity-building initiative which we started in 2009. More funds need to be committed to our business expansion plan to enable you reap better yields subsequently. The board is, therefore, not recommending any dividends for the year.”

She lamented the low acceptance of insurance in Nigeria, saying the country has one of the least developed insurance markets in Africa She expressed optimism that with the rapidly rising youthful population, the ‘catch process’ for the life insurance market is unstoppable, adding that Nigeria’s low penetration, however, provides opportunity for growth which the company was positioning itself to tap into.

She assured the shareholders that their investment in the company would rebound.

OVEREIGN Trust Insurance (STI) Plc has paid N369, 360,53207 claims in the third quarter of this year.

A statement by the Head of Corporate Communication/Brand Management, Segun Bankole, showed that N136 million was paid in July, while N107 million and N125 million were paid in August and September.

Head of Claims Technical Division Mrs Funmi Idodo said general accident portfolio recorded the highest figure of N111.28 million and motor insurance accounted for N91.3 million. Also, N88.49 million was paid as claims under the oil and gas portfolio, while N37.7 million went for claims under fire and allied perils.

Other payments are marine and aviation, N20.05million. Car and engineering accounted for N 20.5 million, bringing the total paid as at September 30, 2012, to N369.36 million. In all, the underwriting firm paid N809.28 million as claims settlement from January to date.

Head of Technical Division Tajudeen Rufai said claims settlement remained a vital fulcrum of the company’s operation and that the management was committed to ensuring that policy holders are always delighted when it comes to claims settlement.

Flooding: Insurers urged on policy

O

PERATORS have been urged to capitalise on the flood ravaging many parts of the country to drum support for related policy, the President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Dr Wole Adetimehin, has said.

In a statement by the institute’s Director of Corporate Communication, Joseph Obah, Adetimehin said insurance penetration in Nigeria was a result of several factors, ranging from lack of awareness to the average citizen’s scale of preference.

He said: “In many ways, Insurance remains an essential index for measurement of national development although lacking in its expected degree of presence in individual and national consciousness, especially in developing countries like Nigeria.

“Recent flooding of parts of Nigeria and cases of related environmental hazards make insurance the way to go for Nigerians.

The insurance sub-sector must seize this as the needed opportunity to drive home its age-long message.”

Brokers to partner agents on micro insurance

I

INSURANCE brokers initially opposed to the revival of the agency system introduced by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) are ready to work with the agents.

A source, who asked not to be named, said brokers were working out ways to partner agents to harness the enormous micro-insurance opportunities at the grassroots.

NAICOM introduced the agency system to expand the insurance

market and to bring its services and benefits nearer to a greater percentage of the population.

A source at the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) said some brokers were looking at how they could partner, or synergise with some agents. He added that the brokers were looking at how they ccould integrate the agents under their brand to reach the grassroots.

Worried by the untapped microinsurance opportunities, put at

over N60 billion, NAICOM said it was working on a draft guideline for the entrenchment and development of the business.

Commissioner for Insurance Fola Daniel said the draft guideline on micro-insurance was being exposed to the industry, experts and other stakeholders for their input and contributions. He said, thereafter, the final draft would be drawn and released to the market.

He said the commission intended to collaborate with other

regulatory agencies in achieving the plan.

He said: “To underscore our commitment to the development of micro-insurance, the commission has conducted a nationwide diagnostic study on micro-insurance in collaboration with GIZ, a German agency for sustainable development, Access to Insurance Initiative (AII) and local consultants.

“We have also put in place a draft guideline for micro-insur-

ance business. The draft is being exposed to the industry, experts and other stakeholders for their inputs and contributions before the final draft will be drawn and subsequently released to the market,” he said.

Daniel noted that the initiative is part of the commission’s drive to open up and develop the insurance market at the grassroots, and, by extension, increase the sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

28

THE CEO

•Thompson

‘Nigeria needs to develop local production capacity’ Founder and Managing Director, The Capital Markets Academy, Mr Delme Thompson, is a financial expert. A former head of training at the London Stock Exchange (LSE), he has worked with top executives of various stock exchanges, regulators, government bodies and several FTSE 100 and global corporations across the world in designing and implementing major changes in the financial market and the economy. In this interview with TAOFIK SALAKO, Thompson speaks on the role of market makers, the place of efficient regulators and the need to lay a very solid foundation for the Nigerian financial market and the economy.

W

HAT’S your first impression about Nigeria?

Interesting! There are challenges and it’s not like any other country. But there are a lot of people here interested in learning and training, so we have likeminded people. But careful, gradual steps now will yield results in the months and years to come. It’s important we don’t rush in with a big initiative; it’s important we understand what the market wants and get all these together to

build a solid foundation to be able to go forward.

I have interacted with people from different backgrounds.

The interest is high and that’s really great. It’s been really great; we have been talking about the Nigerian market and how things work around the world, not just the London or New York market. We have been looking generally at the principles - these are how things work. Why don’t you look at it from these perspectives? It’s been an interesting experi-

ence.

Given your experience with other emerging markets, what do you think Nigeria needs to unlock the potential of its market?

From what I have seen over the past few days, about the people, the processes and things going on, Nigeria is Ni•Continued on page 29

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

29

THE CEO

‘Nigeria needs to develop local production capacity’ •Continued from page 28

geria. It’s not like any other country and it shouldn’t be treated like any other country.

But there are similarities in terms of when you look at the sectors, the population of the whole business community; the ones who benefit most have always been the ones most willing to engage the process and they are willing to engage in conversation with people who are driving the change whether it’s the securities regulator, the central bank, the advisory community, the stockbrokers and others. The ones who benefit are the ones who make themselves available. You cannot sit on the sideline and expect growth; it comes with the responsibility to participate.

From my experience, getting the right skills is very important to the growth cycle. Training goes first. You have to start educating and growing skills of the people. That comes down to the responsibility of the management to know what skills are required and what you need to acquire these skills, whether internally or externally. It’s the responsibility of the owners of the companies to ensure their staff are equipped just as it is the responsibility of the parents to guide their children. So, knowledge and skills come first, there is no good in having good roads when people don’t know how to drive.

If you look at initiative such as market making, it provides liquidity for the market. The market making initiative in the Nigerian market has started well, the volume is still small but it’s going to grow. But initiatives like market making will work if people understand what market making is and have the confidence in the process. It all comes down to confidence. To increase volume you need confidence- confidence in the market making itself, confidence in the companies, confidence in the market operators; that’s one key element.

How do you see the introduction of derivatives and other hybrid instruments?

I think the key is about understanding the market itself. Sometimes you can be ahead of the game. You really have to be sure about the timing and understanding that there will be demand for these products in the marketplace. If we provide this initiative, how are people going to use it? What will stop people from using it? But what will facilitate acceptance is understanding. Whatever you are doing, it’s important to get the audience to understand it very well using all available means of communication. Then, there has to be proper regulations in place.

For an emerging market such as Nigeria’s, which one is preferable, government-owned or private-owned stock exchanges?

My experience generally is that if a stock exchange is privately owned, you see more of commercial mindset; where things are done based on business needs, business requirements. Quite often, things are quicker and clearer. You know what they stand for, there are clear strategies led by goal-driven people and they achieve what they are going for. I see some of these in Nigeria. I see clear strategies; a lot of efforts going on. I think if the Nigerian economy has a bright future, the stock exchange will be a central part of it.

Looking at the economy, what do you think are needed to firmly place it as a leading emerging economy?

I think you are on the way there. There are

tremendous foreign interests in Nigeria. But I think the key is to create the middle class in Nigeria. Foreign investments help in growing the economy but there are also things that must backflow into local investments by creating opportunities for Nigerian businesses to engage with international businesses and create real jobs in Nigeria.

By this, you are sowing seeds, you are using this year’s harvest to plant next year’s, we need to find balance between international money coming in to generate profits in Nigeria and what will create jobs and investments in Nigeria. We need to find that balance between international and local trades and have money plough back into the Nigerian economy. You will notice that you will have more people engage in such process, it won’t be a drive for profit repatriation, you are certainly engaging a lot of local people in the growth.

It’s all about getting a model that ensures Nigeria’s wealth is ploughed back from years to years, for generations to come. Then, there is the need to develop the ability to produce in Nigeria; take your own raw materials and produce your own goods. Not just exporting cotton to import textiles but turning cotton into textiles. If we have the production base in Nigeria, that will help transform the economy.

Talking about your own firm, what are your short, medium to long-term objectives in Nigeria?

It’s always educating going to a country for first time. That enables you to fine-tune your plan. We are very proud of what we are offering as a firm, but we haven’t proved ourselves to Nigeria yet. So, the early engagement is about getting to answer a lot of questions that may be in the minds of the people- can we trust you? Are you here for the long term? Our plan is to work very discreetly, very carefully with the financial and business communities to identify things that the financial and business communities will like to see in Nigeria; to work with them to identify training needs and then build around these. Our plan is to produce training catalogue that will be made available to the Nigerian business communities so that people can choose which offerings they want and how they want these delivered to them.

Ultimately, I will want to see a training academy, a world-class centre of excellence, established in Lagos. But the first thing is; we have to make sure our understanding of the Nigerian market is correct. We have to get credible feedback from the Nigerian community that what we have is actually what they are interested in. That will assure us that we have the right product. I will need to make sure little by little we build trust. I have lived all my life in London, taking the decision to come and invest in Nigeria is not what we made lightly; it’s not been an easy decision. There are sure to be bumps on the way, but we believe this is within the vision of our company, which was set up to help people change things for better. It’s not going to be easy, we know that from the onset, so we have to make sure we get things right.

Several people are worried about the dominance of foreign portfolios, which account for nearly three-quarters of trades in the Nigerian market. How do we balance this to achieve stable and steady market growth?

‘Efficient regulation is key. Nobody is going to talk about regulator when things are going well, when everybody is happy. But when things go wrong, the first reaction is usually about where the regulator was when things were going this way. Regulations help to protect orderly market to ensure that individuals and companies behave themselves’

•Thompson

‘The market making initiative in the Nigerian market has started well, the volume is still small but it’s going to grow. But initiatives like market making will work if people understand what market making is and have the confidence in the process. It all comes down to confidence. To increase volume you need confidenceconfidence in the market making itself, confidence in the companies, confidence in the market operators; that’s one key element’ As I mentioned earlier, if you generate more internal wealth, there will emerge a viable middle class. Then, you can encourage the people to invest in their own market. But people are not going to invest unless they trust the market structures-the regulators, the companies, the brokers. If all the basic things are in place, they will invest. They also have to see the benefits.

So, it’s all about creating the disposable incomes and also about educating people on how things work. Why should I invest my money in the capital market? You must show people why they need to invest in the market. Companies need to go out there and reaffirm their credentials, how their businesses work, their books and their strategies.

What advice do you have for the securities regulators?

The stock exchange is a market; it’s a market where people come to buy and sell shares of companies. It’s pretty much like the highstreet market where people come to buy and sell a number of things. In building a great stock exchange, it’s really key to keep that simplistic summary in mind. So, if it’s a place where people come to trade, what will make them to come and do trades? Having the right control, keeping a safe environment, being transparent and efficient and getting all the right things in place. Given all these, people will come. Efficient regulation is key. No-

body is going to talk about regulator when things are going well, when everybody is happy. But when things go wrong, the first reaction is usually about where the regulator was when things were going this way.

Regulations help to protect orderly market to ensure that individuals and companies behave themselves. Often times, when things go wrong, the first reaction may be bring in more rules. Yes, you may need more rules but it may also be that the rules are fine but you need more enforcement or you need better understanding of them by the regulator or within the community or both. I think it’s important people understands their roles and also that the community understand what they are doing.

In Nigeria, we have more retail investors investing directly in the market rather than through collective investment schemes like mutual funds. But in most advanced and emerging markets, you see mutual funds playing bigger roles. How do you see this?

For me, I am not for or against that. I think both form key parts. They are all key market participants. Again, it comes down to understanding and education. If you want people to invest through mutual funds, you have to show them the benefits in them; people have got to show their credentials and returns. Just the same if you want more retail investors to participate in the market. You need both to build a strong market.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

30

MONEY LINK

‘2013 budget may fail fiscal consolidation tests’

T

HERE are possibilities that the proposed 2013 budget may not achieve its fiscal consolidation and growth objectives, the managing director, Financial Directives Company Limited, Bismark Rewane has said.

Speaking at the October Business Bi monthly Economic Report for October, he said President Goodluck Jonathan may be compelled to submit to the wishes of the legislators and increase the benchmark oil price to $80.

By this, spending will increase

Stories by Collins Nweze

and should oil price drop, savings obtained from crude oil sales would reduce and external reserves accretion. This he said, would be negatively affected, making it difficult for the government to respond adequately to an economic crisis.

In addition, he said the proposed oil production level of 2.53 million barrel per day mpbd for 2013 is too optimistic considering the level attained so far in 2012. “Production is currently about 2.16 mbpd and it is not likely to increase if the problems

of oil theft and pipeline leakages are not addressed. Besides, revenue would be adversely affected if weakness in the global economy causes disruption in output levels. In that case, the deficit gap is expected to be larger and domestic borrowing would increase,” he said.

It said the proposed 2013 budget seems promising in its quest to promote fiscal consolidation and growth. Nevertheless, the poor performance of previous budgets makes it difficult to believe that the proposed 2013 budget would be any different.

The budget highlights showed aggregate expenditure is estimated at N4.92 trillion, an increase of 4.7 per cent from the 2012 expenditure of N4.7 trillion, and total revenue is put at N3.89 trillion, an increase of 9.3 per cent from the 2012 revenue of N3.56 trillion. Noticeably, aggregate expenditure is greater than revenue which implies that the government intends to run a deficit budget.

Rewane explained that the percentage of aggregate expenditure spent on capital expenditures increased from 28.53 per

Sterling Bank promo produces more millionaires

S

TERLING Bankattheweekend gave out cash prize of N2 million to four of its savings customers in the third monthly draw of the bank’s ongoing Savers’ Promo held in Lagos.

The four customers won N500, 000 each, while 10 others won Home theatres and refrigerators.

Those who won N500,000 from the four regions of the country are Babalola Sunday Lamidi from Lagos, Nwaogbu Jack Okechukwu from Yola, Sulaimon Abioye from Warri and Mr and Mrs Emmanuel Eze, a couple, operating a joint account at an Ibadan branch.

Speaking at the draw held in Lagos, the Group Head, Liability Products and Bancassurance, John Akingbade said the promo is designed to excite and encourage the bank’s loyal customers. The draw , he said, brought to 42, the number of winners in the promo so far with 15 customers wining home theatres, 15 winning refrig-

erators and 12 winning N500,000 each.

He noted that since the promo began two months ago, customers have been calling and sending text messages to the bank staff, appreciating the rewards and pledging their continued loyalty to the lender.

According to him, the bank had embarked on the promo to drive a savings culture among the unbanked within the population, as such would further help achieve the Central Bank of Ni-

account. The account, he said, also has an attractive interest rate as well as other benefits.

He explained that customers are expected to open new account with minimum initial opening balance of N5,000 and maintain a minimum deposit of N100,000; N50,000 or N25,000 for at least three months during the promo period.

This qualifies them to win the star prize of Sport Utility Vehicle(SUV), second prize of N1 million and third prize of N500,000 respectively.

geria (CBN) policy on financial inclusion and cash-less policy.

Akingbade said the bank would continue to delight its customers by delivering quality service to them at all times. He said the bank has several products that would fit into the personal needs of the customer and enable them participate in the promo.

The Sterling Plus, he said is one of such products designed for customers who need savings account but would like to lodge cheques and dividend warrants into the

A

KINTOLA Williams Deloitte has launched one of its most important projects to support its role in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) with the unveiling of Deloitte IFRS Academy in Lagos.

In a statement, the firm said the office would help trainees

to appropriately apply IFRS to their various functions.

Deloitte IFRS Leader and head of faculty, Uwadiae Oduware, said the academy will continue to run until IFRS is fully implemented in Nigeria. The Academy is the platform for finance professionals and graduates, executives and organisations

in need of IFRS training and offers a blend of theory and practices to enable participants apply the standards, as well as the underlying concepts and principles.

“Our approach to IFRS learning is interactive and is based on skills transfer. In drafting the training

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

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 19-10-12

DNMEYER UPL CAP LIVESTOCK BETAGLAS ETERNA UTC SKYEBANK UNITYBANK ACCESS

O/PRICE

2.67 4.60 29.71 1.62 9.53 2.10 0.70 4.15 0.60 9.10

O/PRICE 1.50 0.60 8.47 1.26 0.86 1.30 1.80 0.52 0.53 12.45

the recent floods in the state.

At the Oharisi Primary School Camp for Flood Displaced Persons where the exercise took place, the Regional Bank Head, Mid-West, David Isiavwe, conveyed the sympathy and message of hope from the management of the bank.

He noted that management and staff decided to visit the camp as part of being socially responsible and offering a helping hand to the affected communities.

“The UBA team took a tour of the camp visiting the various skill-acquisition centers that are training the youths and women on hair-dressing,tailoring,bead-makingandother vocational trades. Items presented include, several bags of rice, garri, toiletries and ram,” it said.

While thanking the Bank for the visit, the Camp Coordinator noted with delight and much appreciation that UBA was the first of all financial institutions in Nigeria to visit and give support to the flood victims.

C/PRICE

2.93 4.83 31.19 1.70 10.00 2.20 0.73 4.30 0.62 9.40

CHANGE

0.26 0.23 1.48 0.08 0.47 0.10 0.03 0.15 0.02 0.30

C/PRICE 1.40 0.57 8.05 1.20 0.82 1.24 1.72 0.50 0.51 12.05

CHANGE 0.10 0.03 0.42 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.02 0.40 0.21

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX 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 NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

239.4810 212.4997

244.0123 207.9023

245.6422 209.2910

-2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 19-11-12

SYMBOL CUSTODYINS WEMABANK ARBICO EVANSMED CONTINSURE NEIMETH MANSARD PRESTIGE ROYALEX ETI

curriculum, we recognized that learning needs will vary based on individual’s role, knowledge level, experience and industry. We therefore designed four distinct programmes to meet the learning needs of various classes of people as follows,” Oduware said.

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Currency

SYMBOL

S

TAFF of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc have provided relief materials and other items to flood displaced persons in Delta State.

In a statement, the donors said they were moved by the plight of victims of the recent flood in parts of Delta State and decided to support them.

Specifically, UBA staff at Ughelli mobilised funds through voluntary contributions and bought relief materials for displaced persons at the Oharisi Primary School camp caused by

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

stock remains at a sustainable level.

Government said it would repay maturing debt obligations through the establishment of a sinking fund of N100 billion . It also increased the benchmark oil price to $75 for 2013 from $72 in 2012.

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

•President Jonathan

UBA staff donate to flood victims

Deloitte opens academy to support IFRS

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

cent in 2012 to 31.34 per cent while that spent on recurrent expenditures decreased from 71.47 per cent in 2012 to 68.66 per cent.

Indicators in the proposed 2013 budget that demonstrate the commitment to fiscal prudence are the reduction in fiscal deficit to 2.17 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 2.85 per cent to N1.15 trillion in 2012, which is within the threshold stipulated by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

Also, the reduction in domestic borrowing by 2.3 per cent to N727 billion, from N744 billion in 2012, is to ensure that debt

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 125.13 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 12.0.13 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.79 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.10 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.93 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,732.33 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 10.45 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 8,652.66 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 124.96 119.60 0.76 1.10 0.91 1,726.86 9.94 1.33 1.80 8,411.80 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

31

MONEY MARKET REPORT

•Dollar

•Naira

Foreign reserves rise as oil price falls N

IGERIA’S foreign reserves soared to $42.02 billion on October 17- the highest in 32 months - as oil price slowed at the international oil market. The price of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) basket of 12 crudes stood at $109.77 a barrel last Thursday, compared with $110.24 the previous day, and was $111.09 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

Despite the slide in oil price, reserves pushed through current level, firming the naira. The rise constitutes an increase of 3.11 per cent, month-on-month, latest figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed.

According to Reuters report, the forex reserves were last around this level on February 17, 2010 when they hit $42.22 billion. The reserves were at $40.75 billion a month ago and were up to $68 billion in August 2008 before the global financial crises impacted negatively on it. The apex bank had consistently maintained that inflow into the reserves was not consistent with the oil prices and, this underscore the need for tighter fiscal controls around oil revenues.

Interbank The interbank lending rates eased by 100 basis points last week to an average of 10.41 per cent, from 11.41 per cent the previous week.

This was, after monthly budgetary allocations to government agencies flooded the system.

The secured Open Buy Back (OBB) eased to 10.25 per cent, from 10.5 per cent last week, 1.75 percentage lower than the CBN’s 12 per cent benchmark rate and 25 basis points above the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate.

Overnight placement and call money closed at 10.5 per cent each, compared with 11 per cent last week. Africa’s top crude oil exporter shares proceeds from oil sales from a centrally held account every month to its three tiers of government - federal, state and local - providing liquidity to the banking system and largely dictating the direction of lending rates.

Inflation The slide in Nigeria inflation for September is likely to force the apex bank to review the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), Head Africa Research at the Standard Chartered, Razia Khan, has said.

Inflation rose 11.3 per cent year to year relative to the 10.6 per cent forecast. However, this still marks a deceleration from the August print of 11.7 per cent, and will give some encouragement to those expecting the eventual resumption of easing from the apex bank.

Khan, who disclosed this in an emailed report, said the apex bank may recant its earlier postulation to keep MPR and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) unchanged at 12 per cent, until broad-based macroeconomic stability has been achieved. MPR is the benchmark rate by which the CBN determines interest rate while CRR is a portion of banks’ deposits kept by banks with the CBN. “Core inflation decelerated to 13.1 per cent year to year, from the 14.7 per cent recorded in August. However, this was largely attributed to the base effect, although given ongoing naira strength, and continued tight monetary policy, one would expect core inflation to decelerate further in the months ahead,” she said.

Kahn said henceforth, many considerations will come into play. First, assuming nothing else changes, inflation is likely to continue to decelerate in the months ahead as tight money supply has more of an impact.

Also, with official projections of only 6.5 per

By Collins Nweze

cent growth in 2013, hopes for counter-cyclical policy - specifically monetary easing - may increase. She said Nigeria’s external vulnerability and dependence on oil earnings means that the overriding aim must still be to increase forex reserves, boosting external buffers.

Corporate governance The apex bank has advised banks to carry out their operations in line with sound corporate governance and international best practices. Speaking at the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) Continuous Educations Programme for Directors of Banks and Financial Institutions in Lagos, CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, said the crisis era in the banking sector was characterised by many corporate scandals that led to significant market disruptions before regulatory interventions.

He said weak corporate governance and unbridled corruption at financial institutions were at the root of the banking sector crisis that almost led to the collapse of the system but for the decisive intervention of the CBN.

Pension Twenty-one states have adopted the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) after eight years of its inauguration in the country. Head, Research and Corporate Strategy of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Farouk Aminu, disclosed this at a workshop organised for journalists in Abuja.

According to him, 14 other states are at various levels of enacting the laws while 15,000 recovery agents had been appointed by the commission to recover outstanding pension contributions with penalties.

On the challenges facing the scheme, he identified lack of adequate knowledge of CPS, multiple registrations, delay in remittance of contributions, low level of monthly pension and periodic review of pension benefits among others.

Insolvency law The Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) has called on the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to institute a general insolvency law structure that would encourage business rescue generally without necessarily being specific to a particular sector which it was set up to do.

The body disclosed its commitment towards drafting insolvency legislative reform bill and the legislative agenda committee on the draft bill as well as the BRIPAN chapter bill which, it said, would be presented to the Senate soon.

The insolvency legislative reform bill, when introduced, is expected to provide modern techniques that would make it easier for

companies to survive.

IMF The International Monetary Fund (IMF) last week approved the distribution of $1.1 billion in reserves attributed to windfall gold sales profits to its members. This it said, was to boost its concessional lending capacity for low-income countries during the global crisis.

The distribution from the Fund is a key element of a 2009 plan to boost concessional lending capacity to $17 billion over the five years to 2014. The decision authorising the distribution was taken by the Executive Board in February 2012. It will, however, become effective only after IMF members have provided satisfactory assurances that new amounts equivalent to at least 90 per cent of the amount distributed.

ANAN The President of Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Maryam Ladi Ibrahim, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to constitute the Board of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria in accordance with the Act setting up the council.

Ibrahim made the call in her address at the 17th Annual National Conference of the association in Abuja. She said the constitution of the board would enable the council to formulate policies toward the realisation of International Financial Reporting Standards in Nigeria. “Furthermore, the Board of the Bureau of Public Procurement needs also to be put in place to formulate policies that will guide government agencies in procurement and ensure some sanitisation of the process of awarding contract,” Ibrahim said.

Bank to bank report Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has promoted 636 staff, culminating in the elevation of 1,000 staff over the last three years. A statement from the bank said the exercise was meant to boost staff morale and enhance productivity.

The bank has also recruited 360 entry trainees, bringing the total numbers over the last three years to 1,000 under the management led by Funke Osibodu.

The lender has also concluded plans to hire 200 experienced staff in addition to 140 already employed over the last three years.

This, it said, is aimed at consolidating its repositioning exercise.

The recent 360 entry levels staff recruited, the bank said, have started two months intensive training in three batches with the first batch of 120 very close to concluding their technical training, and the second, batch recently commencing same.

Skye Bank’s third quarter results show that the bank’s earnings momentum remains strong on a year to year basis. The bank’s

‘

Inflation rose 11.3 per cent year to year relative to the 10.6 per cent forecast. However, this still marks a deceleration from the August print of 11.7 per cent, and will give some encouragement to those expecting the eventual resumption of easing from the apex bank

’

profit after tax of N5.3 billion grew 98 per cent year to year, driven by a reduction in provisions from last year’s figures.

FBN report indicated that the lender’s net interest income and non-interest income were up high single digits year to year while provisions and operating expenses fell -36 per cent and -6 per cent. However, both profit before tax and profit after tax improved also.

The report said net interest income grew 19 per cent quarter to quarter to N12.8 billion but this was partly offset by a softer quarter for non-interest income which declined -15 per cent quarter to quarter to N5.9 billion.

Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria has opened a new branch in the City Mall, Lagos Island, Lagos. This is as a result of the lender’s strong business growth in Nigeria and its strategic expansion drive in the country.

In a statement, the bank said Lagos presents it with opportunities in a country, which is central to its business expansion in Africa.

The strength of the Nigerian market has been reflected in the bank’s business growth which has been exponential.

The bank’s Group Head, Human Resources and Communications, Tracy Clarke declared the branch open, with the support of one of the independent non-executive directors of the bank in Nigeria, Oluremi Omotoso.

The confidence of Nigerians on the use of electronic payment systems is dependent on the control measures taken by banks’ auditors to prevent e-fraud in the financial services sector, Managing Director, Enterprise Bank Limited, Ahmed Kuru, has said.

Speaking at the quarterly meeting of the Committee of Chief Inspectors of Banks in Nigeria (CCIBN), which the bank hosted in Lagos, Kuru, who was represented by Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, an Executive Director of the bank, disclosed that more Nigerians would embrace the e-payment system as the country migrates to a cashless economy. However, he said lenders should guarantee the safety customers’ money.

As part of activities to mark the World Customer Service Week, Unity Bank Plc restated its commitment to its customers by meeting their yearnings through value creation.

The bank, which has N45 billion capital base, said it is working towards raising a tier one capital from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in the next few months.

Speaking at an interactive session with reporters last weekend, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Ado Wanka, represented by the Executive Director, Lagos and West, Lanre Fagbohun, said that bank has overcome its merger challenges and it set to continue to deliver quality service to its customers.

Diamond Bank Plc has disclosed its plans to raise $300 million needed to expand credit to customers.

The Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Abdulrahman Yinusa, who confirmed the development to Bloomberg, said the lender’s target is for the loan to be raised by the end of this year, which will bring to $500 million what it had borrowed in the year. “The purpose remains to expand our loan books and fund infrastructure,” he said.

The bank had revised its loan-growth target for this year to 40 per cent from 20 per cent, “a modest projection from our third quarter performance,” he said. The forecast takes into account the (CBN’s) decision to increase the cash reserve ratio for banks that has damped their lending,” he said.

32

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

33

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

34

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-10-12

Investors stake N16b on equities

T

HE Nigerian stock market recorded a turnover of 1.859 billion shares valued at N16.35 billion exchanged hands in 28,383 deals last week, indicating a show down from turnover of 2.184 billion shares valued at N17.495 billion tradedin 27,786 deals two weeks ago.

The Financial Services sector dominated the activity chart recording the highest trading volume of 1.422 billion units of shares valued at N10.579 billion in 17,662, representing 76.50 per cent, 64.70 per cent and 62.23 per cent, of the volume, value and number of deals executed on the stock market during the week.

The conglomerates sector followed with 120.099 mil-

By Tonia Osundolire

lion shares valued at N271.453 million in 911 deals. The top two sectors accounted for 1.542 billion shares valued at N10.850 billion in 18, 573 deals, thus accounting for 82.96 per cent, 66.36 per cent and 65.442 per cent of the volume, value and number of deals respectively.

Similarly, the banking sub sector was the most active with 1.262 billion shares. Activity in the sub sector was mostly driven by shares of UBA Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and Zenith Bank Plc which accounted for 481.427 million shares, representing 38.16 per cent, 33.85 per cent and 25.90 per cent of the turnover recorded by the sub sec-

tor, sector and total volume for the week.

Also traded during the week were 4,700 units of NewGold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) valued at N12.488 million traded in 12 deals in contrast to a total of 2,200 units valued at N5.959 million.

The NSE All-Share Index swapped in eight deals penultimate week, which opened the week at 27,287.85 closed at 27,296.35, thereby appreciating 8.50points or 0.03 per cent.

Market capitalisation of equities increased by N 2.710 billion (0.03 per cent) to close at N8.698 trillion.

Also, the Bloomberg NSE Consumer Goods and NSELotus II Indices appreciated by 0.46 per cent and 3.54 per cent, respectively, while Bloomberg NSE 30, Bloomberg NSE Banking, Bloomberg NSE Insurance and Bloomberg NSE Oil and Gas indices declined by 0.07 per cent (+40.03 per cent YTD), 0.57 per cent ), 3.95 per cent and 3.20 per cent.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 19-10-12

Ster

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

35

ISSUES For some years, the growth of the agricultural sector has been stunted by paucity of funds, crude implements, lack of government support and land tenure system. These have triggered food insecurity. But the Lagos State government is set to reverse the trend by boosting farming and food production through the building of farm estates and settlements across the state. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

•The young farmers at AgricYES Estate, Epe, Lagos.

T

HE agricultural sector plays an important role in Lagos State's economic development. The sector does not just provide rural employment and uplift rural incomes, it also ensures food security. But food supplies to the state is short of what is required.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, said aggregate food supplied internally was less than 10 per cent of total consumption. In addition, national demand for agricultural produce is expanding rapidly and there are many niches the state can exploit, given its natural advantages. Lawal said the state was poised to raise the bar to 25 per cent in the next five years through its various projects.

To this end, the state has intensified farming activities in areas where it has comparative, ecological and socioeconomic advantages. These areas, he stated, include fisheries, livestock, vegetable production, as well as agroprocessing, with emphasis on rice and cassava. He said marketing and the whole value chain would also be given attention. Thus, the state is pursuing the strategy of building farm estates and settlements across major farming communities, he said.

Through the estates, the government envisions a transformation from fragmented and small-scale farms to integrated, clustered and large-scale agribusinesses. Key agricultural commodities covered under the farm scheme are:

Path to agric revolution rice, vegetable, poultry, piggery and aquaculture.

By using farm estates, Lawal said the state was moving towards a model which is not only inclusive but anchored on market-centricity, economies of scale and value chain integration of the various factors involved in the production of the commodities.

He said farmers using the estates would benefit from extension services and inputs, such as seedlings, fertilisers and pesticides, adding that the government was making efforts to develop critical infrastructure, such as roads in aquaculture zones. This is to support the private sector's investment in operating infrastructure, such as processing plants, grow-out farms and hatcheries, he noted.

He observed that the absence of farm-tomarket chains was the primary obstacle inhibiting agri-business takeoff. For this reason, he said the government was working to allow farm-to-market chains to operate efficiently.

Agriculture Youth Empowerment Scheme (AGRIC-YES) Estate The Agriculture Youth Empowerment Scheme is at Araga Farm Settlement in Epe Local Government Area. Through the scheme, the state is attracting young men to farming. One hundred youths were drawn and housed within the estate.

They were trained for 18 months in crops and live stock production.

Dormitories are available for new intakes while the programme offers resources, hands-on training, and technical assistance on sustainable practices.

These include production, processing, business principles, and marketing of farm-raised products, such as rams, chickens and vegetables.

During their training, the young farmers raise rams, poultry, fish and vegetables.

Farmer-trainees are expected to operate independently after the 18 months of training.

Also, the programme is training the students to: produce building materials for green houses, improve soil fertility, de-

velop irrigation, manage pests/weeds and promote marketing. As a result, Lagosians can now access hot and sweet pepper and pumpkin green.

The reason for adopting the strategy, Lawal explained, was to reduce dependency on the government for employment, create and sustain new jobs and reduce frustration among young people.

With the average age of farmers increasing and the sector facing skills shortage, he said it was important for the industry to attract and retain young people.

Lawal said the programme has completed two cycles of training, internship and settlement with 100 youths each during the review period. He said the first batch of youths that graduated in December 2010, are about to settle in newly-built 100-unit two-bedroom flats at the farm settlement fashioned after the Israeli-type – Kibbutz.

They trainees will be empowered with loans to establish their farms, payable within five years. The products from the scheme include over 1,500 crates of eggs daily, 32,000 broilers monthly, 18 tonnes of fresh fish per cycle and about 160 tonnes of cabbage, water melon, cucumber, pepper and assorted leafy vegetable which being marketed in the state.

The settlement, Lawal said, is a highly diversified system.

The Head of Training and Course Officer, Vegetables, Agric-Yes Training •Continued on page 36

36

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

ISSUES

Path to agric revolution •Continued from page 35

Institute, Mr Anjolaiya Hakeem, said the aim of the scheme was to breed a new generation of agro-entrepreneurs in poultry, fish farming, bee-keeping and an-all season vegetable farming cycle.

"Since this programme started in 2009, we have trained about 300 youths and we are in the fourth batch. We train them in poultry farming, crop farming, fish farming, meat production and so on. We get our students through advertisements in the media. After that, we conduct a test for them, we usually take 36 females and 64 males for each batch, makin 100 students for a session," he said.

He said after the training, the participants are divided into cooperatives and each group would be given N100 million to execute its agricultural venture.

"Apart from the N100 million, the participants are also given accommodation where they can live with their families.We also have a fully automated layer pen.

We can't even meet the demand of the market now," he said, adding that at the estate, there is a hatchery where hens lay eggs.

The eggs are collected and incubated until they begin to hatch in about 20 days. The chicks live in large grow-out houses.”

A lady trainee and leader of G2 group under the programme, Miss Esther Akintelu, sees her future in agriculture. She made the switch in career after graduating with a degree in Public Administration. She is keen on developing her skills, knowledge and experience to advance her career in the industry.

Oladuran Oloude, leader of G1, is a graduate of Civil Engineering.

Growing up on a farm settlement gave him an understanding of the business administration side of agric enterprise, as well as the daily demands of the businesses.

He and his colleagues are learning vegetable production, using plasticulture plots under the green house.

One of the resident instructors, Mr Vascular Olusola, said the young farmers need to have the mindset of entrepreneurs to succeed and enjoy farming and the independence that comes with it.

Mr Johnson Oluwashola, the Project Officer, Ram Ranch, said the institute has about 1,500 rams. He said the rams were brought in when they were five months old, adding that though they were not involved in the breeding of the rams, the institute would soon embark on breeding at the ranch. Johnson said the success recorded at the farm was due to the state government's investment in agriculture to create jobs and enhance food security.

Ikorodu Fish Farm Estate Established on a 34-hectare parcel of land at Odogunyan, Ikorodu, the estate is producing an average of 10,000 tonnes of fresh fish per annum. A technology demonstration centre, comprising 50,000 juvenile/cycle fish hatchery and 300- kilogramme

fish capacity, a processing unit has been built.

A fish farmer in the estate, Mrs Bolaji Dania, said the government has helped farmers a lot by assisting them with feeds, adding that the government provided the needed information to farmers on how to improve their farms.

Mrs Dania said: "I am proud of the government, because it has made things easy for farmers like us. Being on this estate to farm, has helped me in getting access to information from the government.Government also subsidises some of the products for us and I was even opportuned to get a loan from the World Bank through the assistance of the government.

"I started fish farming with three ponds on one plot five years ago, now I have 18 ponds on three plots of land. People come with big trucks to buy fish and we sell them as fingerlings. We really need more people to go into fish farming in Lagos State because we can't satisfy those that come to buy. Sometimes, they buy seven to eight thousand tonnes and we can't meet that demand here."

Ketu-Ereyun fish farm estate Another initiative of the government is the proposed Ketu-Ereyun Fish Farm Estate. It will be sited on a 60-hectare land on the Itoikin-Epe Road. This was conceptualised as a follow-up to the Ikorodu Fish Farm Estate. In the same manner, it has been divided into 482 plots for allocation to interested and qualified members of the public. Like the Ikorodu Fish Farm, the KetuEreyun Fish Farm also has capacity for 10,000 tonnes but with additional supporting facilities like hatcheries, processing and marketing centres.The estate is expected to produce about 4.685 million tonnes of fresh fish annually when fully established.

Rice-for-job farm Settlement Rice-for-Job is located on about 200 hectares of land in Itoikin, Epe and Ikoga in Badagry. The settlement has a modern rice processing and milling centre at Imota. The programme was launched in 2008 to create jobs for the unemployed; strengthen local capacity for rice production; achieve a production target of 1,600 tonnes of paddy per annum and facilitate access to rice processing equipment.

The programme has positively impacted 180 farmers within the last three years. The farmers produced about 180 tonness of rice, which re still far off from the consumption target of 540,000 tonnes per annum for Lagos alone.

The officer in charge of the programme in the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr

•Lawal

Akinola Oyebola, said the programme has created remunerative economic opportunities for young people in agriculture and built the skills they need to take advantage of these opportunities. He said the programme has given them the skills and confidence to run profitable farms or start businesses which would make upstanding citizens and community leaders of tomorrow.

One of the beneficiaries of the project, Mr Adeniyi Ayino, said the programme has helped him a lot, adding that now he could operate a tractor very well and work perfectly as a rice farmer. "It is an interesting programme, it is a good opportunity for youths today and because we want to participate in the solution in ensuring food security in Lagos state that is why some of us go into agriculture," he said.

Imota rice processing Mill The establishment of this plant has created the first integrated rice company in Nigeria and enabled farmers to share in the value captured in the downstream segment. The company will guarantee a minimum income to farmers. Shedding more light on the rice mill, a consultant to the Lagos State government on rice project, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, said the mill was built with Korean technology to the highest operational standards to process 20,000 tonnes of paddy rice per annum. Operating optimally, the rice mill is estimated to produce between 350,000 and 400,000 bags of rice yearly, he said.

The primary goal of the project, he said, is to reduce dependence on imported rice and also create jobs and wealth for the people. The mill processes 2.5 tonnes of paddy rice which consist of huller, de-stoner polisher, grader, colour sorter and automated bagging and weighing bridge, per hour.

The following are inclusive in the package: 10-tonne soaking tank, a set of per-boiler and steamer, 15- tonne capacity drier and 60-tonne silo attached to the factory. The factory was built with two other structure for paddy rice storage of 10,000 tonnes capacity and finished rice store cum office space.The complex has 600KVA generator, an industrial borehole and two sets of water tanks;

•Fashola

a steel over head tank of 55,000 litres capacity and sets of ground plastic tanks with a total capacity of 45,000 litres. The mill with optimum operating capacity can process up to 20,000 tonnes yearly and is estimated to generate at least 50,000 jobs. Apart from the whole grain table rice, the following by-products are also money earners: broken rice, used for rice pudding, tuwo; ground rice and rice flour. Rice ban - highly sort after for livestock feeds, oil extract and the cosmetic industry.

Fashola said rice processed at the mill are far better than polished rice that are in the market because of its nutritious value. He said the mill has three main buildings. The first is where the raw paddy rice brought from the farm is kept, then to main building where the rice is processed and finally to the store room where it is stored before it is dispatched to the market.

According to him, "We produce 2.5 tonnes per hour and an approximate 15,000 to 20,000 tonnes per annum."

On the type of rice processed at the mill, Fashola said: "Eko rice is a special brand of rice which is FARO 44 or FARO 52. We use this type of grain of rice for uniformity and that helps in monitoring the standard we produce. We specialise in parboiled rice. We supply our rice to the government within the ministry and within the Alausa axis".

Farmers at the settlements will soon reduce post-harvest losses, increase income, and access post-harvest facilities with the rice processing plant which has become operational. The plant is a fulfillment of farmers' dream of a facility that houses all the equipment for successful rice production. The project aims to improve the efficiency of rice production, storage, drying, and processing to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality of rice grains for human consumption. With all the equipment ready for operation, the farmers are optimistic that the facility will assist them to increase not only their income but also the attainment of selfsufficiency in rice production for the state.

High quality cassava flour factory The Ministry of Agriculture and

‘After the training, the participants are divided into co-operatives and each group would be given N100 million to execute its agricultural venture. Apart from the N100 million, the participants are also given accommodation where they can live with their families.We also have a fully automated layer pen. We can't even meet the demand of the market now ... at the estate, there is a hatchery where hens lay eggs. The eggs are collected and incubated until they begin to hatch in about 20 days. The chicks live in large grow-out houses’

•Mrs Dania

Cooperatives will be setting up a 1,000 metric tonne high quality cassava processing factory in Imota.

When fully operational, the cassava factory will directly and indirectly engage over 500 people. This venture is in line with the Federal Government's plan to reduce the nation's dependence on imported wheat.

Erikodo poultry estate The Erikorodo Poultry Estate, Ikorodu, is one of the five farm estates in various parts of the state to bring about self-sufficiency in chicken production.The poultry estate, has 10,000-bird capacity mechanised broiler house, 2,000 birds per day processing capacity plant and 1.5t per hour feed mill.

Speaking with reporters, the Principal Agric Officer, Mr Idris Abideen, said the estate has a feed mill, a processing plant. He said occupants of the estate are expected to build chicken farms where the chicks are raised. He disclosed that broiler chickens are bred, especially for meatiness, quick growth, and weight gain. They are bred for excessive weight gain, especially in their breasts and thighs. The chicks live in the growing-out houses for about six weeks. At six weeks, the chicks usually weigh about 4 lb (1.8 kg), and are ready for slaughter.

When the chickens are old enough for slaughter, Abideen said they are taken to the processing plant.

At the processing plant, workers take the birds and hang them by their feet on a conveyor belt. In a typical process, the birds on the conveyor are first passed through a vat of electrified salt water called a stun cabinet. The mild electrical current in the water stuns or paralyses the birds.

The birds' carcasses hang until all the blood has drained.

Pig farming estate The Lagos State Government has two pig farm estates - the Oke-Aro Pig Farm Estate and the Gberigbe Pig Farm Estate - located on a 80hectare of land. The goal is for 1,200 pig farmers to nurture a total pig population of over 88,000.

Vegetable farm settlements The state government is adopting the vegetable farming estate initiatives, similar in concept to fish and pig farming programmes. To this end, about 80 hectares of land have been designated as vegetable farms in three different locations - Igbodu (50 hectares), Iyaafin (20 hectares) and Araga (five hectares).

Farm settlements are created as a stable place for farmers to live, grow crops and possibly raise animals.

Farm estate provide standard residential and processing facilities for farmers.

JOBS THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

37

•An Adire maker at work

Job hunting: Tie & dye to the rescue

Dyeing has become a big business, providing jobs for many. Experts say it has the capacity to reduce pressure on the labour market, writes AKINOLA AJIBADE

F

OR job seekers, opportunities abound in the tie and dye industry. The industry is very large and accommodative of new entrants. It doesn’t require certification just the skill which can be acquired on the job. Aside the production of the materials — kampala, batik, and adire — there is a need for marketers and, may be exporters, of the finished products which enjoy patronage in Nigeria and beyond.

Adire, batik and kampala can be used for many things.

However, they are mainly used in making clothes. They are also used as bedsheets, curtains and finishings for homes and offices for aesthetics. Given their variety of uses these days, both within and outside the country, the demand for the materials has increased with supply taking the back seat because that end of the chain is occupied mainly by ageing workforce begging for new hands.

Against this backdrop, the industry will welcome anyone who desire to come in as their are many windows of oppor-

tunity. Aside job creation, experts believe the industry can boost foreign exchange earnings if properly harnessed.

Although many have ventured into the trade in recent times, to earn a living and reduce the pressure on the labour market, the industry still needs more hands. Graduates, school leavers and even those without formal education can find their niches in the industry.

Experts said despite the limitless opportunities it offers for job seekers, the jobs cut across social strata. There’s something for every one, no matter his/her qualification.

Anyone venturing into the trade can become an employer of labour in no time. They advised the unemployed laying siege to offices for white collar jobs to take a chance with the trade. they assured that any new entrant would not regret it.

According to them, it is a good means livelihood which •Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

38

JOBS

Job hunting: Tie & dye to the rescue •Continued from page 37 provides substantial income daily. Moreover, both skilled and unskilled workers can create jobs. The jobs are not only in the tie and dye sector; textile manufacturers, dealers in clothing materials, producers of dyes and marketers benefit, from the industry.

What does it take to become a tie and dye expert? According to industry experts, the art of making Adire or Kampala is simple and flexible once people adhere to certain rules guiding it which they can’t espouse on the pages newspaper.

One of them, the Managing Director, Tye and Dye Limited, Mr Tayo Adebayo, said the market is expanding by the day. He said his National Certificate of Education (NCE) certificate could not fetch him a good job, hence, his decision to go into the production of adire and batik.

He said he has overcome the initial challenge of getting customers, adding that people from diverse backgrounds come to his Ibadan office to give him jobs.

He said: “The proceeds from the job are modest, but I have helped in training more than 100 people in the past five years. Some of my students are university and polytechnic graduates, who embraced the art to create jobs for themselves. While some of them have opened their own shops, others are working from their homes to meet customers’orders. By and large, they have got a means of livelihood which I think will prevent them from depending on relations or parents for survival.”

He said the art of making adire is simple, arguing that people who want to venture into the business must have a knack for colours, be observant with a higher level of concentration. He said if the colours are not properly mixed, it would affect the production.

Adebayo said adire first emerged in

Abeokuta, a town noted for cotton production, weaving and indigo-dyeing in the 19th century.

He said adire oniko is believed to be the oldest adire method, stating that Yoruba and other West Africans taken to the US as slaves were said to have been familiar with the design.

On how to make designs, he said: “Areas of the fabric are tightly tied with thread (originally raffia, later cotton) to produce simple decorative designs. Several methods have traditionally been use. One of them is called Bullseye. The centre of the fabric is found and then the whole piece is twisted and tied, or the fabric is pleated with or without folding into segments and tied; then the fabric is dyed. The technique is quick, easy, and inexpensive to produce. It is so ubiquitous dyers call the design ‘Tom, Dick and Harry.’”

A more complicated version involving diagonal pleating is called sahada (possibly from al sahada, Arabic for “testimony.” This certainly would be an attractive choice to make into a muslim-style tunic,“ he added.

Also, the Managing Director, SJ Tours Limited, Mrs Abiola Ogunbiyi, said adire, batik, among other materials, are well sold at tourist centres. She said such tourists buy such materials at higher price because of their unique nature. She said clothes of various sizes and designs are objects of attractions in tourist centres.

•A man producing batik

She said: “The tourism industry is growing well. New hotels are springing up daily.

Many centres have been upgraded to meet the international standards. Tourists from different climes are visiting the country for one thing or the other to explore the beauty of Africa. Through this, they discover unique things about the cluture, and dressing of Africans. Hardly can you get hotels in Nigeria without seeing well designed adire, or batik sold at a higher price. All these have multiplier effects on the economy.”

She said the demand for adire, kampala is growing in certain parts of the country where people use them for parties. Mrs Ogunbiyi said people who have an eye for arts love the textures and designs on adire among other materials in Nigeria, stressing that

‘There is a lot of value chain in the industry. One of them is production of adire and other materials which I believe tourists like so much. This means an expanded market for those that dye materials and market them. This translates to increase in job opportunities for people’

some buy and export the materials.

She urged job seekers toexplore the window of opportunities opened in the industry to create jobs for themselves, arguing that they can start with small capital.

“There is a lot of value chain in the industry. One is production of adire and other materials which I believe tourists like so much.

This means an expanded market which translates to more job opportunities,” she added.

A dealer in Adire in Osogbo, Osun State, Mr Jacob Adeniyi, said the annual Osun Osogbo Festival is usually attended by tourists from different parts of the world.

Adeniyi said the demand for the materials is high during and after the festival, advising people to use the opportunity for growth.

“We are talking of huge unemployment rates in Nigeria. The universities are producing over 100,000 graduates every year.

They have tickets (certificates) in their hands, but there are no jobs. Where would the jobs come from. It is high time graduates faced the reality and think of what they can do for themselves. To the best of knowledge, there are enormous opportunities in the production of adire among other materials that come with unique designs,” he said.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

Six questions to ask before you change your career

S

O, if you are feeling stuck and starting to dread going to work every day, a career change would seem to be the answer. You can also get a career change through employment agencies. You can dream of doing something better or more important and probably making more money too. But are things really that much better on the other side of the hill?

You need to ask yourself some crucial questions, answer them truthfully, and only then do a self evaluation of where you are now and what you can improve with a career change.

So, is it time for a change?

These are the six key questions you should be asking yourself: Why do I want to change careers?

Try to be very clear about why you want to leave your present job so that you are able to avoid whatever is the root of your discomfort in a future job. The most common reasons people quote are that they: • Feel bored and frustrated, from being in the same job too long; • Have lost interest in the work and its importance; • Feel undervalued or not important to the organisation; • Believe they are being underpaid for the work they do; • Dislike changes made after reorganisation and restructuring; • Are making no progress, lack any future prospects; • Feel as if they are in ‘dead men’s shoes’; • Don’t get on with their colleagues or managers; • Simply need a new challenge or fresh start.

Do I really want to change my career?

Is it really your career that you want to change or is it something else associated with your job? Your boss for instance? What would improve your day to day satisfaction with your work? If it isn’t your career as such, but just

By Olu Oyeniran

something to do with your job then a career change may not be the answer, when what you need is to continue your career, but with some changed conditions.

Perhaps you could satisfy your desire for career change by: • Changing to another job in the same sector but with a different employer; • Moving from the private to the public sector where the career remains but the principles/values may be different; • Negotiating with your employer for a fairer salary package; • Applying career management principles to seek some agreed changes with your present employer.

The notion of career change throws up all sorts of ideas about doing something completely different so what does your ideal role look like? Are you able to describe it in terms of the level of responsibility you want; the amount of influence; strategic input; work structure; internal/ external contact; reward and recognition; status; pace and pressure that make for a satisfying and challenging job role?

What about location, permanent or contract; work / life balance. How do family, school or spouse career issues affect you? What organisational culture suits you best?

When you’ve defined your ideal role with as many dimensions as possible, you’ll always have something to compare new opportunities against. This type of benchmarking helps you avoid the rushed and possibly regrettable later decision being made.

So, you can only decide on your career options when you’ve thought about: • Exactly what you want; • What you really enjoy doing; • What you’re good at and want to continue doing; • What’s important to you; • And how all this affects those close to you.

• To give you my personal example:

What transferable skills do I have?

You should spend some time to analyse your skills gained through every job, course or leisure activity you have been involved with.

These are the transferable skills that are potentially of interest to most employers. With the following list of key skills, try to record examples from your work experience, college or other academic studies and don’t forget to include aspects of your social or home life. a) Functional: Analyse your skills which you use to deal with the world around you e.g. people, data, things, ideas. b) Personal: Analyse the skills that you use to manage yourself. c) Technical: Analyse the skills that you use and develop for aspects of your job. I recommend that you read this section carefully because you will need to be able to write a persuasive career change cover letter to accompany your CV or Resume when you are ready to start applying for new jobs in your chosen career. d) For improving all areas of your life, you may need to think about your own Personal Development needs as well.

How do I want to use my existing skills?

You may not need to go for a complete career change where you do something different. Because most other roles or jobs overlap in their skills requirements, you can almost certainly use the knowledge, skills and capabilities that you already have. Network with other people to find out if there are opportunities in your own line of work: personal contacts, past colleagues, customers or suppliers or members of a professional group you belong to. Nowadays, networking is a skill in itself and one of the most productive ways to find a new career or job.

If you decide to go ahead with a career change, please make sure you go for something that you really are interested in, otherwise the same scenario will set in again and you will be back where you started from. Learn how to

adapt your CV for a career change.

Can I change career at my time of life?

Of course you can!

A career change is possible at any time of life if you have the desire and motivation to do it.

A midlife career change may be just the right thing for you. Now, if you are over 50 and looking for a new job, you may well mistakenly think that everybody is against you or that there are no suitable jobs for older workers like you. I have thrown some light on what older workers, people like you who are over 50, can actually do to help themselves get back to work - even if you took early retirement.

As you get older, new passions are often ignited and could be the basis for a new career.

So, if it is time for a change read my latest article to help you decide how you can transform your dreams.

What do I need to change my career?

There are no secrets to winning a new job, but if you don’t follow an ACTION PLAN that WORKS, you may find it much harder to get the job you want. As a Career Coach and Job Search Expert I have developed a career counselling plan that thousands of men and women just like you have used and it has been proved to work!

• You need to know what job you actually want; • You need to know how to find jobs; including the hidden and unadvertised jobs; • You need to know what skills are most in demand; • You need a first class CV or Resume; • You need customised cover letters; • You need to practise your job winning interview answers; and • You need to be determined.

Olu Oyeniran is the Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Assoiciates.

Website: www.jobsearchhow.com E-mail: oluoyeniran@yahoo.com Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

39

AFRICAN BUSINESS

S

South Africa: Gold Fields strike ends, 1,500 sacked

OUTH African workers officially ended a month-long strike at major bullion producer Gold Fields on Friday but there was still no end in sight for wildcat walkouts that have paralysed other gold and platinum producers.

More than 80,000 miners have downed tools in the resource-rich country since August in often violent strikes over pay and working conditions that are hitting growth and investor confidence in Africa’s biggest economy and raising questions about President Jacob Zuma’s leadership.

Nearly 50 people have died in labour strife since August, including 34 striking miners shot dead on Aug. 16 at Lonmin’s Marikana mine in the deadliest security incident since the end of white-minority rule.

Thousands of Lonmin workers staged a one-day walkout on Thursday to protest against the arrests of colleagues who are suspected of murdering rival labour leaders. Lonmin said on Friday it was back to normal operations.

Gold Fields, the world’s No. 4 pro-

ducer, said about 11,000 workers, threatened with dismissal if they did not return by Thursday, have returned to work at its KDC West operations in Carletonville, 40 km (25 miles) west of Johannesburg.

“At KDC West the strike is officially over. The 1,500 employees who did not report for work before Thursday’s deadline were dismissed but have until midday on Friday to appeal their dismissal,” said company spokesman Sven Lunsche.

On Thursday, all of the 9,000 workers at its Beatrix mine in the Free State province returned and Lunsche said the remaining 8,500 on strike at its KDC East operations would be issued an ultimatum “anytime now”.

“The raiding of hostels and disarming of strikers gave workers the confidence to return to work,” said Lunsche.

AngloGold Ashanti, the world’s No. 3 gold producer, is relying on negotiations at the Chamber

of Mines to end the strikes at its South African operations.

Gold companies represented by the chamber on Thursday tweaked a proposal to lift the pay of the lowest paid workers in a bid to end the illegal strikes.

The labour unrest has hit at the heart of the post-apartheid economic structure where the ruling African National Congress and its union allies would insure a steady supply of labour for industry in return for moderate pay increases.

Strikers have often said union bosses are more concerned about keeping close ties with politicians and company bosses than protecting workers in mine shafts.

“Harmony’s Kusasalethu is still on an unprotected strike. Other operations in Harmony are still in operation,” said Harmony Gold Mining spokeswoman Henrika Basterfield.

A month-long strike at Anglo American Platinum is no closer to ending. The company has sacked 12,000 at its Rustenburg operations.

Africa’s week ahead: Ghana’s cedi set to rally on bond auction

A

BOND auction in Ghana next week that is open to foreign investors is likely to buoy the Ghanaian cedi, while the Ugandan shilling is seen regaining stability after a three-month bout of weakness.

GHANA Ghana’s cedi could rally next week against the dollar thanks to a bond auction slated for October 25.

The Bank of Ghana is issuing the 500 million cedi ($264.6 million) 3year government bond, open to offshore investors, to restructure the government’s short-term debts.

The bank said this week it would implement “rigorously” existing laws that bar pricing products and services in dollars.

“We are bullish on GHS nearterm as central bank’s attempt to stem ‘dollarisation’ of the economy and the upcoming GHS 500 million 3-year bond auction are seen as GHS-positive,” Barclays Bank Ghana trader Jacob Brobbey said.

“We expect the current 1.88251.8870 range to give way early next week and quickly expose the $1.8700 level,” he added.

The unit traded at 1.8865 to the dollar at 1400 GMT on Thursday.

Christopher Nettey of Stanbic Ghana said demand for the dollar had waned, muted by regular sales by the central bank.

The Bank of Ghana’s chief treasurer Adams Nyinaku told Reuters that the bank had been providing an average $6 million dollars to the interbank market daily for the past week.

UGANDA The Ugandan shilling is forecast to hold steady against the dollar in the coming week after being on the back foot since the end of July, with marginal gains likely on the back of an uptick in debt yields.

After months of relentless decline, pressured by an ongoing monetary policy easing cycle, rates on Uganda’s debt instruments edged

up at an auction this week, restoring the confidence of offshore investors in the local currency.

The weighted average yield on the benchmark 91-day paper rose slightly to 9.69 percent from 9.67 percent at the previous auction on October 4 , while rates on the 182day and 364-day tenors rose by larger margins.

At 0952 GMT, commercial banks quoted the currency of Africa’s largest coffee exporter at 2,575/2,585, stronger than last Thursday’s close of 2,590/2,600.

“The upswing in yields is certainly going to be a great relief for worried offshore investors who have been cutting their shilling positions,” said Olwase Musa Aziz, trader at Bank of Baroda.

A series of cuts to the central bank’s key lending rate put the shilling under pressure since late July, culminating in a sharp depreciation last week that prompted the Bank of Uganda to intervene four times.

KENYA The Kenyan shilling is seen easing in the coming days, weighed down by importers, especially from the oil sector, stocking up on dollars to meet their month-end demand.

At 1158 GMT, commercial banks quoted the shilling at 85.05/25 to the dollar, barely moved from last Thursday’s close of 85.10/30.

“If end-month demand comes in the shilling may touch 85.50 next week,” said John Muli, a trader at African Banking Corporation.

But traders said rising interest rates on the money market might offer some reprieve for the shilling as commercial banks shift their portfolios into shillings to take advantage of the higher rates.

The weighted average interbank rate rose to 9.6 per cent on Wednesday, from 9.4 per cent on Tuesday, lifted by the central bank’s persistent liquidity mop ups through repurchase agreements that offer nearly 10 per cent in returns.

Kenya’s Housing Finance bond raises $62m

•From left (middle roll): Mrs Folake Popoola; Mrs Josephine Akinrimisi; Mr Abel Adiatu; Mrs Kehinde Oladipo; Mr Oladayo Sokunbi; Mrs Olabisi Ade-Fadipe; Mr Oladele Oyatope (facilitator); Mrs Eunice O. Aluko; Mr Lanre Ojurongbe; Mr Olusola Oyedeji; Mr Wasiu Adebiyi; Mr Babatunde Idris; Backroll: Mrs Elizabeth Egbeyemi; Mr Semiu Showetan; Mr Akanbi Ogunbayo; Mr Leo Somide; Mr Opeyemi Adamson; Front roll: Mr Victor Temitayo; Mrs Kehinde Fadire; Mr Tunji Jolaoso and Joshua Anifowoshe of the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Mushin, Lagos, at a training on monitoring and evaluation in Lagos.

FY earnings up 9 %, says S.Africa’s Clicks

S

OUTHAfrican retailer Clicks Group reported a near 10 per cent rise in full-year profit on Thursday, as relatively low inflation in Africa’s top economy helped support consumer spending.

Clicks, which runs South Africa’s biggest drug store chain, said diluted headline earnings per share totalled 273.4 cents in the year to end-August, compared with 250 cents a year ear-

lier.

Headline EPS, the main primary profit measure in South Africa, strips out certain off-time items.

Revenue increased 9.5 per cent to 16.2 billion rand ($1.88 billion) and the company declared a final dividend of 107.9 cents, up from 88 cents last year.

The company said it plans to spend 356 million rand in 2013 on new stores

and upgrades to existing stores.

Clicks bought back more than 500 million rand ($58.07 million)of its own shares in the past two years, helping it ease pressure on profitability due to increasing competition and as consumers grapple with high fuel costs.

Shares of the company were flat after the results.

South Africa’s petro SA buys into Ghana’s stream projects to complement OUTH African national oil the Sabre Oil and Gas acquisicompany PetroSA has con- Jubilee field Scluded a deal to buy oil and tion, and possibly, the Venezuela

gas assets in Ghana, a senior official said on Wednesday, giving it access to crude from the huge Jubilee Field.

“We have bought Sabre Oil and Gas Holdings Ltd in Ghana, which gives us access to Jubilee Field and provides a strategic entry into the prolific Gulf of Guinea,” Nosizwe NokweMacamo told parliament during a presentation on PetroSA’s annual report.

She did not provide details of the value of the deal in the West African nation, the world’s secondbiggest grower of cocoa and whose economy has soared since oil was

first pumped from Jubilee in 2010.

However, production delays have helped temper growth expectations, with Africa-focused Tullow Oil (TLW.L) looking to ramp up output to 90,000 barrels a day by the end of the year.

PetroSA, which reported a net profit of 1.4 billion rand ($160.40 million)for the 2011-12 financial year, is looking for new acquisitions to grow its revenue base, largely dependent on its Mossel Bay gas-to-liquids refinery.

“Growth initiatives will include new upstream and down-

mature fields,” said the annual report.

Nokwe told Reuters in July that PetroSA was in talks to buy Sabre assets in Ghana.

She also said at the time that it was in talks with Italian oil major ENI SpA (ENI.MI) to participate in its offshore Mozambique project, where ENI has made massive gas discoveries expected to turn the southern African nation into a major gas exporter.

PetroSA, which also has exploration acreage in Egypt, Equatorial Guinea and Namibia, has embarked on an aggressive campaign to buy new assets and diversify its revenue base.

K

ENYAN mortgage firm Housing Finance raised 5.2 billion shillings ($61.07 mil-

lion) from the sale of a second tranche of a seven-year bond to fund expansion, has said.

The bond was originally due to raise 2.9 billion shillings, but was oversubscribed.

The east African economy of 40 million people has a big housing shortage where demand is at 200,000 units per year against a supply of 50,000 units.

This creates opportunities for companies with deep pockets to fill the gap.

“Housing development is a capital intensive business that requires steady long-tenor funding streams that can only be sustained by di-

versifying our funding sources,” Housing Finance Managing Director Frank Ireri said in a statement.

Housing Finance issued the first tranche of the 10 billion shilling bond in 2010, raising 7 billion shillings above its target of 5 billion shillings.

Although Kenya’s debt market has boomed in recent years as investors search for higher yields, corporate issuance has lagged behind government bonds, with only eight outstanding corporate bonds on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.

The bond, with a fixed rate of 13 percent, is expected to be listed on the Exchange on October 30, the company said.

Sudan’ll not reach 180,000 bpd 2012 oil target

S

UDAN has managed to restore its oil production to levels before fighting broke out with South Sudan in April but will miss its 2012 target of pumping 180,000 barrels a day, its oil minister said on Tuesday.

The African country is pumping currently 120,000 bpd, roughly what it used to produce when fighting in the oil-producing border region broke out with neighbour South Sudan, Awad Ahmed al-Jaz told reporters at an industry conference in India.

In April, South Sudan briefly occupied the disputed oil field of Heglig which contributed to half of Sudan’s output. The field and its processing plant got damaged during days of heavy fighting with ground and air forces.

Jaz said Sudan expected to increase its annual oil production to 180,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the first quarter of 2013, giving up a plan to reach this level by yearend.

“We have our blocks and we are working hard to raise production,” he said.

He already said on Monday production is expected to touch 150,000 bpd by the end of this year and Sudan aims to double its oil output in the next two years, to 300,000 bpd, as it steps up oil exploration.

Sudan lost three-quarters of oil production when South Sudan became independent in July 2011, sending its economy in turmoil as oil revenues were the main source for state revenues and dollars needed to fund imports.

40

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

LABOUR

• Mrs Odutola

-Adebola Orolugbagbe

NUJ challenges IGP on killers of Dele Giwa

‘No fund to payN1.44b teachers T outstanding allowances’ T

HE Federal Government has no funds to pay teachers’ N1.44billion outstanding allowances owed them for the 2011 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) training programme.

The Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, stated this in Abuja at a meeting between the leadership of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and National Teachers Institute (NTI).

He said the meeting was part of efforts to resolve the dispute between the two groups.

NTI in 2011 trained 125,000 teachers under the 2011 Federal

Government MDGs teachers’ training.

The NUT leadership accused the institute of paying each trainee only N2,500 as stipend for fare and accommodation for the six-day training instead of the approved N14,000 per participant.

The National President of NUT, Mr Michael Olukoya, had accused NTI of shortchanging the teachers of about N11,500 each, which was the balance of the N14, 000 per teacher.

However, Wike said he had written to the Ministry of Finance for the balance.

“The reply I got indicated that

Federal Ministry of Finance has no fund now to pay the outstanding balance.

“I just want to make it clear that the funds were not withheld by NTI as teachers have alleged, but I advised NTI not to repeat similar mistake by getting involved in a programme without adequate cash-backing,” he said.

Wike appealed to the teachers for understanding and urged them to participate in this year’s programme. He said efforts would be made to pay the debt.

The minister also said he had also written to President Goodluck Jonathan on the issue as directed

by the Ministry of Finance because last year’s budget had been mopped up.

He noted that budgeting had been one of the problems in Nigeria due to the slow release of funds.

“I want to assure all teachers that this year, training will be based on the available resources,” the minister said.

Olukoya said unless the arrears were paid, teachers would boycott this year’s training.

He said the mandate of the NUT National Executive Council was clear that the N11,500 balance owed each teacher must be paid for teachers to participate in the programme.

DG wants NIMASA removed from Civil Service

T

HE Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi, has urged the National Assembly to remove the agency from the Civil Service.

He made the call while receiving members of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, who were on an oversight visit to the agency in Lagos.

The DG spoke on the extent to which he had implemented the 2012 budget of the agency, saying that removing the agency from the civil service “will help NIMASA carry out its work faster’’.

The NIMASA boss told the senators that only seven per cent of the capital expenditures of 2012 budget had been expended.

He said this was caused by bureaucracy in government.

“Because we have to follow due process, it takes time for one file to move from one table to the other. So, it took time for the government to approve the contractors who would carry out the projects,’’he said.

Akpobolokemi said the agency had made significant progress in the fight against pirates and oil thieves, stressing that many arrests had been made.

He, however, said the agency had yet to see anyone being prosecuted.

“It was sad to note that the synergy that ought to have existed between government agencies and NIMASA was weak.

“You find out that when an arrest is made, few days later, the pirates and sea robbers are released, and they come back and recruit more people,” he said.

Akpobolokemi urged the com-

mittee to help to ensure that those caught should be prosecuted no matter how highly placed as it would serve as deterrent to others.

He told the senators that the agency had recruited more staff to overcome the manpower challenges facing it.

“The Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) is very much on course and several youths have been sent out of the country for training,” he said.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Zynab Kure, said they were in Lagos to carry out oversight function on the agency.

“This is not the first time we are having a meeting with the agency, all in the effort to move it forward.

He told the director-general to furnish the committee with the number of people recruited, add-

• Akpobolokemi

ing: “There is still room for improvement in the implementation of the agency’s budget”.

Pensioners want Pension Taskforce dissolved

T

HE Joint Committee of Associations of Federal Pensioners has called for the dissolution of the Pension Task Force, saying it has created more problems for pensioners.

The body is also seeking the creation of a civilian pensions board.

The older citizens held a peaceful demonstration recently to protest the non-payment of their pension arrears.

They staged the protest outside the Office of the Head of Service at the Federal Secretariat. The pensioners blocked major roads leading to the

• Protest non-payment of arrears secretariat; this resulted in traffic gridlock in the area.

The Public Relations Officer of the Pension Reform Task Team, Mr Hassan Salihu, however, said the pensioners did not contact them before embarking on the protest.

He said pensioners’arrears were being paid in batches after vetting of their claims by the task team.

He said all genuine pensioners would be paid as the Federal Government had adequate funds to pay

them, but the pensioners said the demonstration would not stop until the Federal Government meet their demands.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr James Bassey, said some pensioners had been short-changed in the payment of their gratuities.

“Due to wrong calculations of their terminal benefits, using wrong grade levels and steps, some pensioners have yet to be placed on the monthly payroll for their pension allowances

From left: Commissioner for Education in Ogun State, Olusegun Odubela; Best Student in WASSCE 2011 Miss Opeyemi Adeloye and Deputy Governor, Osun State, Mrs. Titi Laoye Tomori, at the Young Achievers Award for Excellence by the Hallmark of Labour Foundation, at the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos.

since leaving the service,’’ he said.

Bassey quoted the Director-General of Budget Office of the Federation as saying that funds had not been released to cover the payment of increment in the allowances of pensioners.

President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010 approved the upward review of allowances of pensioners by 53.4 per cent.

But Bassey said money for payment of arrears to pensioners had not been released because they are waiting to clear ghost pensioners from the pension payroll.

“We were told severally that the civil service is trying to sort out the ghost workers in the service; it is not enough reason for the delay in paying salaries and the Jonathan Award,’’ he said.

Bassey stressed the need for the government to sanitise pension management and administration, adding that it would enhance the welfare and well-being of pensioners in the country.

He called for the dissolution of the Pension Task Force, saying it had accumulated more problems for the pensioners instead of solving them.

“We request for the dissolution of this pension task force while immediate consideration is given for the creation of a civilian pensions board.’’

Also speaking, Mr Ehada Mohammed, who represented the General Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Mr Actor Zal, said the pensioners were only trying to ensure that their problem was addressed.

He also said: “We believe that what we are doing is the right thing and this is the only way to address the issue so that we can recover our money fast after all the delay.’’

WENTY-SIX years after the gruesome murder of the founding Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch magazine, Mr Dele Giwa, the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has urged the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to re-open investigations into the killing of the media icon The IG, according to Lagos journalists, should use his experience as a crack police detective to revisit the investigation into the murder.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Deji Elumoye and the Secretary, Comrade Sylva Okereke to mark the 26th anniversary of the death of Giwa on Friday, the Council wondered why 26 years after the murder of Giwa, the killers have not been found, despite several promises by the security agencies to unmask the killers.

According to the statement, it is surprising to note that since after his murder on Sunday, October 19, 1986 at his Ikeja, Lagos residence, the issue has not been resolved. The NUJ stressed that the only way the issue would be resolved is to bring the culprits to book, adding that anything short of this, was nothing but an unresolved murder, which will linger on many years to come.

The statement also enjoined security agencies to fish out killers of Godwin Agboroko of ThisDay Newspapers; Bayo Ohu of The Guardian; Edo Sule Ugbagwu of The Nation and Abayomi Ogundeji, also of ThisDay, who were murdered while discharging their duties.

“We urge the IG of Police to prove his mettle as crime buster as well as other security operatives in the country to reopen investigations of all these journalists, who were killed by unknown gunmen in an attempt to cow the media. This is the only way Nigerians should renew their confidence in the security operatives in the country. Anything short of this is unacceptable and untenable.”

The statement further charged media practitioners and Nigerians not to relent in demanding the killers of the journalism martyrs, saying: “We can ensure justice and equity in the country.

‘Retirees collect N1.77b monthly as pension’

T

HE Director-General of National Pension Commission (PENCOM),Mr Muhammed Ahmad, has said retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme collect about N1billion monthly as pension.

He disclosed this at a workshop organised by the Commission for reporters in Abuja.

He said the retirees, numbering 54, 558 from the public and private sectors, had also collected over N151.52 billion on retirement.

“There are 54,558 retirees from the public and private sectors under the Contributory Pension Scheme that have collected over N151.52 billion as lump sum.

“They are also collecting about N1.77 billion as monthly pension while assets worth N2.94 trillion have been accumulated as at the end of September 2012.”

According to Ahmad, about 5.28 million Nigerians have been registered on the scheme as at September 2012.

The director-general said the recapitalisation of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) from N150 million to N1 billion was successfully accomplished.

He said the commission had taken legal action against employers that have not complied with the Act.

WENGER

“We have taken disciplinary action and we think it is firm disciplinary action and appropriate for the circumstances. We have kept in mind first of all that a court of criminal law found him not guilty. Of course we also note the FA decision and we certainly respect that decision” Chelsea FC chairman, Bruce Buck, confirming John Terry will remain the Blues’ captain inspite of his racist indictment and the fine the club has slammed on him.

42

hopes to beat Schalke at Emirates

Monday, October, 22 2012

M

ANAGER Arsene Wenger hopes Arsenal will produce a positive response in the Champions League this week after being dealt a 'shock to the system' by their 1-0 away defeat at Norwich.

The Gunners never really got going against a side which had leaked goals in recent weeks but stepped up their performance to record a first Barclays Premier League win under Chris Hughton.

German forward Lukas Podolski flashed an early drive across the face of goal, but it was Norwich who struck first when Grant Holt netted on 20 minutes after stand-in goalkeeper Vito Mannone had palmed Alex Tettey's •Adebayor shot back into the six-yard box.

Wenger knows Arsenal need to produce a muchimproved display when they take on Schalke aiming to secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

'I hope it will have a positive impact,' Wenger said.

'It was a shock to the system, but you have to give credit to Norwich because they played well, were completely committed and they deserved the win.

Schalke, meanwhile, managed to beat Borussia Dortmund away on Saturday in the Revier derby. abusing Anton Ferdinand.

The German side's 2-1 win was And both Gary Cahill and Juan Mata, who scored in yesterday’s win at Spurs, however marred as more than 200 fans were arrested as trouble backed the move.

Cahill said: “It’s fantastic — I didn’t erupted outside the stadium.

Adebayor's future in the balance E

MMANUEL ADEBAYOR’S Tottenham future is in the balance.

The striker, 28, increasingly believes he has no future under manager Andre Villas-Boas.

Adebayor has not started a Premier game this season — and has managed just 82 minutes on the pitch.

He was on the bench again yesterday for the clash with Chelsea despite Gareth Bale missing the game

as his partner went into labour.

The former Gunner was signed for £5million just two months ago.

That followed a loan spell from Manchester City last season when he scored 17 goals in 32 Premier League games.

A Spurs source said: “Manu wants to play and he really hoped to be in with a chance of starting against Chelsea.

“Mentally he saw that game as a

Ferdinand in hot water after crossing Ferguson

H

OWEVER noble Rio Ferdinand felt his stand was yesterday, it was in direct contravention of his manager’s orders.

That does not go down well with the all-conquering Manchester United boss.

On Friday, Ferguson had made the point of saying that all players should wear the Kick it Out anti-racism tops in their warm-up He was outspoken in his criticism of Jason Roberts who said he would boycott the initiative.

For then one of his most high-profile players to refuse to wear the top was d e e p l y •Terry embarrassing.

He clearly was not prepared for it. Long before kick-off all the players appeared from the tunnel wearing the black tops with the Kick it Out slogan.

They had been handed out by club kitman Albert Morgan — but he was left with one in his hand as he came out.

Ferdinand was out on the pitch warming up — and had refused to wear it.

Ferguson will be even more furious given that he had backed his centre-half in his programme notes.

The United boss clearly feels that Ferdinand’s England career has been adversely affected by the John Terry controversy with Rio’s brother Anton.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson claimed he did not take Rio to the Euro 2012 finals for ‘football reasons’. Everyone believed it was because he could not have Rio and Terry in the same camp.

Something Ferguson seemed to back up yesterday.

He said: “I don’t think the John Terry controversy has done our man any favours.

“I feel Rio Ferdinand has rather caught the backwash in terms of his England international career.”

He had sympathy for Ferdinand — but no more.

The player undoubtedly refused to wear the top believing the punishment Terry received after being found guilty of racially abusing his brother was not enough.

mak e o r break for him at Spurs.

“It’s obvious now that AVB doesn’t fancy him and Manu thinks it’s better he left.”

BLUES stars back

Terry on captaincy

C

HELSEA’S decision to let John Terry keep the captaincy has received the backing of the players.

Chairman Bruce Buck revealed that Terry would retain the armband despite b e i n g found guilty by the FA of racia lly

really expect any other outcome. He has been captain for many years.”

Mata added: “He is a great team-mate and a really good guy.”

Buck revealed that Chelsea have hit Terry with the largest fine in the club’s history — but refused to say how much.

He said: “We have taken disciplinary action and we think it is firm disciplinary action and appropriate for the circumstances.

“We have kept in mind first of all that a court of criminal law found him not guilty.

“Of course we also note the FA decision and we certainly respect that decision.”

Buck hit out at Ashley Cole’s £90,000 fine for calling the FA “t**ts” on Twitter, saying it was too severe.

And he wants the FA panel to apologise for questioning club secretary David Barnard’s integrity.

•Wenger

Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports...

Brownlee crowned world triathlon champion

O

•Brownlee

L Y M P I C B R O N Z E medallist Jonny Brownlee has been crowned world triathlon champion after finishing second in the final race of the season in Auckland, New Zealand.

His success meant the title stayed in the Brownlee family, as his brother Alistair - the Olympic gold medallist won the ITU World Triathlon Championship last year.

The 22-year-old went into the final round with a 180-point advantage over

Spain's Javier Gomez, so needed a top-three finish to secure overall victory.

Gomez gave it everything in an attempt to land the title and won the race, but the younger Brownlee brother finished just two seconds behind him.

'It's great to keep the title in the family, pretty special,' said the newlycrowned champion. ”It was a tough day. I thought when I woke up this morning that the weather was bad and it was going to be a hard pure triathlon and that's

what it was. ”I am pleased the season's over, it's been a long year and I'm tired now.”

Gomez, who has won the title twice before, was quick to pay tribute to Brownlee. ”Jonathan is a welldeserved champion. He had a really good season,” said the Spaniard.

Brownlee managed to secure the crown without support from his older brother, who missed the race in Auckland after having his appendix removed last month.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

43

44

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

45

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

ONDO 2012: REPORTERS’ DIARIES

The good, the bad, the ugly O

NDO, one of the most populous towns in Ondo State, was an interesting place to be last Saturday.

Besides being the home town of the incumbent governor, Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo is also home of the late fiery lawyer and human rights crusader, Chief Gani Fawehinmi and Juju music maestro, Sunday Adegeye (aka King Sunny Ade).

The day started on an impressive note. My first port of call after monitoring the distribution of electoral materials was Adeyemi College of Education located on Ore Road. I had lodged at the college’s guest house when I made it to the town on Thursday. To my surprise, the three polling units located on the campus had received appreciable number of voters as at 8:30 am.

That was in spite of the fact that students of the institution had been sent on compulsory holiday because of the election.

As I drove out of the institution, the heavy road block mounted by stern-looking soldiers a few metres from the main gate of the college quickly brought back the memory of the April, last year’s general election in Oyo State during which the military completely put out the fire of political thuggery in the state. Just about 2,000 metres from there, I met another road block mounted by gun-wielding anti-riot policemen. After crossing that at the junction leading to the Gani Fawehinmi Centre, I drove into another soldiers-mounted road block just about 1,000 metres away. But the road became clearer as I headed for Akure Road after visiting the St Helen’s Demonstration Primary School near Ile-Ife Motor Park junction.

There, I picked my journalist friend who is a native and practises in the town. We detoured into polling units as we drove through the city, expressing satisfaction with the large turn-out.

In all, it was surprising that many Ondo people are not in the Labour Party. They did not hide it neither were they intimidated by the LP members who were in the majority.

The surprising aspect is the brotherliness displayed by the natives. They exchanged banters and even made jest of themselves as they voted for different candidates of their choice at polling units.

That Mimiko is enjoys a semblance of followership showed in the way they jubilated at the announcement of results at polling units.

Unlike in Oyo State, posters and billboards of the three candidates which dressed up the town like new apparel remained intact. Party supporters did not vandalize billboards of opponents.

Women also trooped out in large number to make their choice and they remained faithful to their choice candidate till the end.

It was the same at Ile-Oluji, a neighbouring town with closely similar history with Ondo.

Apart from the election, the typical Ondo pounded yam, “bush meat” and the dialect made my work memorable.

The baptism of fire at Igbotako Ondo State gubernatorial election was the first I covered, away from the metropolis, in Okitipupa LGA, country home of former governor, Olusegun Agagu, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)’s Deputy Governorship candidate, Paul Akintelure, and Labour Party’s Senator Boluwaji Kunlere, with the last two facing each other in the same Igbotako community.

Coincidentally, it earned me the baptism of assault on journalists, a dreaded factor I have only heard, seen, but which never came close to me.

Mutual suspicion trailed every step taken and words spoken. Each voter at the polling centres

•Voters queue up for accreditation during the election.

From Bisi Oladele, Ondo, Segun Balogun, Igbotako and Joseph Jibueze, Ikare-Akoko

behave like an Israeli Soldier, trained to defend with his life the squared feet allotted to him.

Then, armed personnel disappeared from the villages, restricting their presence to few patrols. The day before, armed personnel were everywhere, registering the impression they outnumbered the voters.

While monitoring the process, I visited several communities like Ilu-Titun, Ikoya, Wakajaye, Akinfosile, Dewinle and Korede; the absence of security raised palpable fears.

Electorates therefore policed each other and many centres became rowdy and messy. Financial inducement reigned unchecked. When I got to Igbotako and the reports of disappearance of security operatives were spread, the taxi cab I hired disappeared. He had insisted I paid him upfront before we started the rigmarole. I was held up in Igbotako, where voting was hot, ostensibly because of Senator Kunlere and Dr. Akintelure.

When counting started, ACN was waiting to consolidate its victory at its biggest unit, Okedebi Methodist Primary School. The PDP’s agent, known as Lambo, told me in confidence that ACN would have recorded at least 200 votes in that unit. But it was cancelled, due to an INEC official’s mistake.

The Assistant Polling Officer (APO) made a mistake during accreditation. About 10 people who came for accreditation, had their thumbs marked but the APO did not tick their names on the list. So, 244 were counted as accredited but 254 voted. During voting when the error was discovered, the Polling Officer informed the three party agents and they all agreed that voting should continue while reconciliation would be done before votes were counted.

To the amazement of everyone, the Labour Party agent denied ever been informed of any mistake and insisted the vote would not count.

Violence erupted. Labour Party supporters started beating up other supporters, throwing stones and planks.

As I made for escape, one sighted me with my phone primed for action in my hand. “You want to camera me abi?” He shouted and all attention turned on me. In a flash, the phone was snatched and my fixed gaze on the phone was diverted when two slaps hit the back of my neck.

One with a plank made a dash for me but luckily, before he hit his target, another who saw my INEC tag swirled his arms around my waist and swung me away, shouting that I should be left alone as a journalist. He retrieved my phone for me but it was never the same again. It switches off every now and then. One whispered to another to “get ready to go home and bring gun should they start counting the vote.”

Armed officers were called in and after about two hours of haggling, an army officer declared the votes null and void. But I had already made up my mind: I must leave for Akure. By hook and crook, I found my way to INEC’s office in Ondo State where a plank welcomed me for the night rest.

An experience in hospitality The people if Ikare-Akoko are hospitable.

Ikare is the headquarters of Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State. I was deployed there to report last Saturday’s election.

Three other local government areas make up Ondo North Senatorial District – Akoko NorthWest (with Oke-Agbe as the headquarters), Akoko South-East (Eshua) and Akoko SouthWest (Oka). Ikare-Akoko (Ikare for short) is about 100 km from Akure, the oil-rich Ondo State capital. The city was the divisional headquarters of the old Akoko Division, comprising Oka-Akoko, Isua-Akoko, Okeagbe-Akoko, among others.

The town is a trading point for the production of cocoa in the surrounding area. The paramount traditional ruler of Ikare is the Olukare of IkareAkoko while the Owa-Ale of Ikare-Akoko controls Iyometa namely Okorun, Okegbe and Iku quarters. The Olukare have several other chiefs administering the various Quarters. The Quarters in Ikare include Okela, Okorun, Eshe, Odo, Ilepa, Okoja, Iku, Odeyare, Odoruwa, Okeruwa, Iyame, Igbede, Oyinmo, Ishakunmi and Ekan.

Ikare-Akoko is famous throughout West Africa for its decorative pottery. The city is located in the Yoruba cultural region and has a substantial Christian and Muslim population.

The architectural style of the city incorporates both Portuguese and Arabic styles. The Portuguese style was introduced in the 16th century when Portugal began to export slaves from the region. Arabic influences were incorporated in the 19th century with the diffusion of Islamic culture southward across the Sahara.

We arrived Akure, the state capital on Wednesday with a team of reporters sent from Lagos.

On Thursday, we went to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for accreditation. The Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Celina Beckley, said we must bring an official letter from our media organisation requesting accreditation.

We promptly called Lagos, and a letter was mailed to us, which we submitted to INEC and were asked to return by 4pm on Friday. I went in search of news afterwards, as I needed to file a report or two for the day.

It was a rowdy session on Friday as journalists stormed INEC office, the officials having changed the time from 4pm to 12pm when they apparently realised the number of journalists seeking accreditation. Many wondered why final accreditation was left for so late, as many needed to get to the places where were de-

ployed to cover. At about 3pm, we were eventually accredited.

Soon after accreditation, I and a colleague from Punch, Akinwale Aboluwade, set out to IkareAkoko, where we were welcomed by a secondary school teacher, Mr Olaleye Olusegun, known to Aboluwade.

Olusegun insisted that we must get to his home, offering us a room in his house. We, however, expressed our preference for staying in a hotel where we would likely be guaranteed more regular electricity supply as we needed to leave our Blackberry, Laptops and Ipads fully charged and working.

Unknown to us, he had sent his daughter to buy fuel (a litre is sold N120 in Ikare-Akoko).

Unfortunately, she could not find fuel to buy.

The filling stations had either hurriedly closed or there were not selling.

Olusegun said if we were not going to sleep in his house, we should at least eat. He instructed his wife to prepare vegetable soup for us. While we waited for the food to cook, Olusegun taught us useful lessons in the history of the senatorial district, explaining the voting patterns, giving us directions as to where we would go.

The moment we mentioned to him that we needed to hire a vehicle to take us around on election duty the next day, he promptly made calls, and asked us to follow him to negotiate cost having found someone.

By the time we returned, food was ready – wheat served with vegetable soup and beef.

After eating, Olusegun saw us to our hotel. Before we checked in, he insisted we must have a drink. We protested, but he insisted. Such was his kindness.

Although there were reports of violence elsewhere in the state on election day, Ondo North was relatively violence-free, and that was in part due to the effort of Senator Ajayi Boroffice, who mobilised security agencies and kept in touch with them as regards potential threats.

Boroffice had aspired to govern the state on the platform of the ACN. In Unit 10, Ward 5, Oka, where he registered, he waited even after voting to ensure there were no incidents, all the while working his phones. At the end of voting, ACN scored 109 votes, the LP polled 82 votes while PDP got 43 votes in the unit.

Security helicopters hovered on the skies on the sunny Saturday, but the presence of armed soldiers and anti-riot policemen did not matter as significant number of voters turned out to cast their ballot. As we moved around, the people were willing to give kind, friendly directions when asked.

We experienced more kindness when our phones ran down in Oka in the evening when we needed to send more reports with them. A woman, who ran a liquor joint where brisk business was going on, assisted in charging them for free. In all, it was a worthwhile reporting experience and an exciting journey of discovery.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

46

POLITICS Former Director General (DG) Internal Affairs, Niger State, Usman Kagara spoke with Correspondent JIDE ORINTUNSIN on reasons why the North should produce the next President in 2015 and internal political dynamics of the Power State.

‘Nigeria needs a bridgebuilder as next president’

T

• Some of the defectors

Day Kwara community stood still for ACN T

HE ancient and agrarian com munity of Arandun in Irepodun local government area of Kwara State was last week in festive mood. The occasion was the formal acceptance of scores of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members who defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the local government.

The state chairman of ACN, Kayode Olawepo, Chief James Ayeni, a former commissioner under the immediate past PDP administration in the state and other chieftains of ACN were on hand to receive the defectors.

The defectors numbering over 200, who are predominantly members of Chief Ayeni Youth Forum, pledged their support to ACN’s structure.

Leader of Chief Ayeni Youth Forum, Comrade Aranloye Oluwafemi berated the PDP government for the dearth of development in the area, adding that “the ACN has sunk a borehole we are using, but the party in government has not done such.”

In Olufemi’s words: “It is important to note, that the PDP government at all levels has not taken good care of the yearnings and aspirations of our youths. Today, peace is lacking in our nation. What we experience every other day is danger and destruction, all because the youths have been displaced. Undoubtedly, this poses great threat to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.

“Government ought to stick to its

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

promises and mandate but unfortunately what we have in Kwara is a different scenario. There can never be democratic excellence when there is widespread corruption, election rigging, high crime rate, subversion of rule of law, poverty, lack of judicial independence and abuse of power by political office holders. May God save us from this non-performing government in our great state.

“Currently, what we have in the state is ‘shared hardship’ called ‘shared prosperity.’ The only way to rescue the future generations of Kwarans from the shackles of poverty is for all to embrace the welfarist programme and vote en masse for ACN come 2013 local government election and 2015 general elections.

With that we will sweep away the broom of the destroyed umbrella of our state.

“If somebody was for the position we find ourselves, we must realize that nobody will be responsible for the position we might find ourselves tomorrow. No doubt, with ACN in government, the future is full of hope, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Edo, Ogun, Ekiti states are living examples. Therefore, the time to identify fully with the progressive is now. Joining ACN at this crucial period is the wisest decision for any reasonable politicians in the state.

“New government coupled with determination to succeed will take

this state to an enviable height by 2015 when ACN is in government. Greatness is God’s destiny for us, but what we do with our hands through our vote is the avenue through which we can be great. 2015 will be won and lost based on monetary inducement, ethnic pressure, religious consideration, zoning arrangement, quality of manifesto, party loyalty, track records, candidates’ integrity and desire for a change.”

The youth leader, who is also a member of Asiwaju Grassroots Foundation (AGF) added that “we must protect our votes in next elections, the PDP should not deceive us again.

Enough is enough. It is noteworthy, that Chief Ayeni Youth Forum and other youth from other political parties joining ACN today are prepared to work all round the clock to ensure ACN’s victory in next council poll and subsequent elections in the state.

That is why we have already fused with the existing youth in ACN and AGF.” Speakers after speakers bemoaned the sordid political past of the state lamenting the backwardness of the over four decades old state.

Pastor Amos Dada said the state “has not had politicians but locusts.

The only borehole we have in this community was sunk by an ACN member.”

Mr. Olawepo welcomed the decampees to the party’s fold urging them to work assiduously for ACN’s victory in next year election and subsequent ones.

• From left: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ondo State Training Officer Mr Rufus Oladoyi, Returning Officer Professor Adebiyi Daramola, and Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ondo State. Mr Akin Orebiyi...at the declaration of the Ondo State governorship election result in Akure yesterday PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

HE Northern region has produced the President of this country so many times. Will it be fair to ask for it again in 2015?

Yes, because it will be in the interest justice , unity and fair play for the country. Interstingly, not long ago, former President Olusegun Obasanjo set the agenda of a northern president when he called on Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Sule Lamido to take a shot at the presidency in 2015. Personally, as a Nigerlite and a northerner, I feel we in the north are in the best position to determine who among the governors in the region should contest for the highest seat in the land.

I strongly share his view that the presidency should come back to the north in 2015. But the fact remains that we need a candidate with a good credential, sound knowledge of the problems facing the country and we need a candidate who is in every material particular a bridge-builder.

When I looked at these criteria above, I come to the conclusion that Niger State Governor Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu is the most qualified candidate for the nation’s highest office. Sentiment aside, he is a person with an admirable profile and he is the leader of the northern governors. If we are to go by the old nomenclature, one can say that he is the Premier of Northern Nigeria or the Governor-General of Northern Nigeria because he is the Chairman of Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF). I feel he should be given the required support from the north. Above all, if one can say the governor of Jigawa State should contest as the president, then why not Niger state. This man is governing the largest state in Nigeria because Niger State is the biggest state in Nigeria as far as landmass is concerned. So I think it will be fair in 2015 election if the current governor of Niger State is considered.

Is this your way of calling on the governor to contest the 2015 election?

Without being sentimental, Governor Aliyu’s position as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum puts him in a good stead. By virtue of the position, he has better understanding of the problems, the security and economic problems of the Northern region and the country at large. Currently he serves as a bridge between the southern governors and the northern governors; he is the link between the presidency and the northern governors. Among the northern governors, I can confidently say that he is the most experienced. He rose to the peak of his carrier in the civil service. He retired as a federal permanent secretary, he has held many leadership positions and when you talk about qualification, I think only few governors can compete with him because he has more than enough qualifications to lead the country. So if a Grade 11 teacher’s certificate holder can be called to lead the country where there are people with better experience and qualification, then we are not being fair to those with better qualifications like Babangida Aliyu.

To answer your question, to me there is no point for him nursing senatorial ambition come 2015. That would be a minus for him, Niger State and the nation. We need to have someone like Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu at the federal level this time around as President.

But are you aware that the President can still go for a second term?

You see, people always forget that it is God that gives leadership position.

Remember that President Jonathan never dreamt of becoming even the governor of Bayelsa State, much less of becoming the Vice President and then the President of Nigeria but as God will have it, he is now governing the country.

He promised not to go for another term and everyone believed him. The same thing happened with Governor Aliyu; at the Niger State PDP primary election, he was not an aspirant but as God will have it, he became the governor of Niger State. If Jonathan says he will contest again, it means that he have forgotten what God can do.

Aside from this, I have the conviction that Governor Babangida Aliyu can become the next president. Mind you, governors are now the determinant factor of who is to become the president of the country. At party convention, governors have absolute control of their delegates. I don’t think the president can count or recognize 10 national delegates from Niger state, he does not know them and it is the governors that know their delegates. So if the governors decide to throw their support behind a particular person who they want to become the president, I tell you, they will defeat the president if tries to contest.

More so, this presidency has not lived up to the expectation of many in the country.

Are you saying then that the presidency should come to the North by 2015?

Naturally, it should come from the north and in the interest of fairness and justice the Presidency should come back to the north. President Jonathan wouldn’t have been in this position but for the constitution and for being the then Vice President and the north supported him, so by 2015, he should have had his own share and the presidency should come back to the north again.

But the President is just in his first term, don’t you think the north should allow him to have 2015 and by 2019 the presidency can come back to the north?

Aside from the existing arrangement, the President has not performed in the north. He failed to follow the footstep of the man he succeeded.

When late President Umaru Yar’adua came, he looked at the problems in the South-South and out of compassion and good leadership, he granted amnesty to the militants who killed their fellow brothers, kidnapped people, destroyed our pipelines and sabotaged our economy.

Yar’Adua granted them amnesty, he provided jobs for them. In addition to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), he created additional Ministry of Niger Delta for them to be happy. He carried most of their people along, he developed the area and pumped money into the ministry but today when President Jonathan came, he closed his eyes to the happenings in the north. We need a •Kagara bridge-builder.

MOTORING

47

THE NATION

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

The 2013 Honda Accord is no longer bigger and heavier than the one it replaces. Perhaps in response to criticism that the previous Accord had become too large and too soft, the new, ninth-generation model is slightly smaller and lighter, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO with agency addition.

•Honda Accord

2013 Honda Accord: Agile, stable A

FTER a long wait, Honda has finally added power and efficiency-enhancing direct fuel injection to the Accord’s standard 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. This power plant is now paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that becomes the automatic transmission for cars using the fourcylinder. With this combo, the Accord earns an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway, one of the best ratings for a midsize sedan and even better than those of the diminutive Honda Fit. The 2013 Honda Accord’s styling is a careful evolution from its predecessor, and while this may not please those seeking more adventurous lines, the new Accord design is visibly less bulky.

Inside the cabin, the new car is noticeably improved, with a more coherent design and higher-quality materials. Also the new is HondaLink, a connectivity system that integrates Internet audio streaming, social media applications and cloud-based content through iPhone and Android apps.

As improved as it is, the Accord, just like the Toyota Camry isn’t the no-brainer choice it once was. There are now many excellent choices for a family sedan, and each presents certain advantages. The new Ford Fusion is more stylish, while the new Nissan Altima is still sportier and more engaging. Equally appealing are the value-packed Kia Optima and the European-influenced VW Passat. Choosing one won’t be easy, but we’re pleased to say that Honda has restored an encouraging degree of the old magic to the new Accord.

Body styles The Accord is available as a midsize sedan and coupe. Four-cylinder sedans come in five trims: LX, Sport (new for 2013), EX, EX-L and EX-L with Navi. Opt for the Accord’s 3.5-liter V6 and three trims are offered: EX-L, EX-L with Navi and Touring.

The 2013 Accord coupe comes in LX-S, EX, EXL and EX-L with Navi, while the V6-equipped coupe comes only in EX-L and EX-L with Navi trims.

The base four-cylinder LX comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, cruise control, an 8-inch video display, Bluetooth (phone and audio), a rearview camera, cruise control, a tiltand-telescoping steering wheel, a heightadjustable manual driver seat, a folding rear seat and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, iPod/USB audio interface and Pandora functionality.

Opting for the new Sport trim brings a bit more horsepower, 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles for the CVT. Compared to the LX, the Accord EX trim gets you 17-inch wheels, heated mirrors, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, the power driver seat, the leather-wrapped steering wheel, Honda’s new LaneWatch blind-spot display and a six-speaker sound system.

Powertrains and performance Most of the front-wheel-drive examples in the Accord range are fitted with the 2.4-litre inline4, whether sedan or coupe. For all coupes and sedans except the Sport trim, the engine generates 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, some 8 hp and 20 lb-ft better than the previous base-model Accord’s four-cylinder.

The Sport trim’s less restrictive dual exhaust frees up the engine to the tune of 189 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque.

The standard transmission paired with the four-cylinder for the LX, Sport and EX sedans and LX-S and EX coupes is a six-speed manual.

Optional for the four-cylinder sedans and coupes and standard for the four-cylinder EX-L sedan and coupe trim is Honda’s newly developed

•Interior of the car

CVT. The Accord’s 3.5-litre V6 is upgraded and now develops 278 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. Backed by a conventional six-speed automatic, the V6’s fuel economy numbers are still quite impressive at 21/34/25. With the V6 running through the six-speed manual transmission in the Accord EX-L coupe, fuel economy drops to 18/28/22.

With the four-cylinder, performance is markedly improved.

Safety Every 2013 Honda Accord comes with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure and forwardcollision warning systems are available on upper trim levels.

Worthy of particular mention is the LaneWatch blind-spot system (EX trim and above), which instantly switches the eight-inch screen’s display to a low and expansive view of the passenger side of the car when the right turn signal is engaged. A camera in the right-side mirror dedicated to this function provides a confidence-inspiring view, and acclimating to catching the view in the center-dash display is

quick and natural.

Interior design The revised Civic debuted last year disappointed in its interior quality. Matters are much improved for the 2013 Honda Accord. With a few exceptions, the materials have a highquality look and feel, while the overall cockpit design is elegant and well-constructed enough for a luxury car.

The center stack embraces the spirit of legibility with an effective three-tier layout. At the top is the eight-inch display that offers varying levels of information depending on trim level and the presence of audio/navigation.

Meanwhile, the main instrument binnacle contains the right amount of information and not too much.

Despite the Accord’s slightly smaller exterior dimensions, its interior room remains impressive. There is plenty of leg and shoulder space for front occupants, and rear-seat passengers should be quite comfortable and happy. Road and tire noise — often a Honda bugaboo — are noticeably reduced in the 2013 Accord thanks in part to two active noisecancellation systems plus improved aerodynamics.

48

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

MOTORING

•Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Corps Marshal Osita Chidoka (middle) and management staff in a group photograph with the FRSC qualified personnel of International Computer driving licence after the presentation of certificates in Abuja PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

Experts back private car smoking ban R

ESEARCHERS have backed a proposal to ban smoking in private cars after they found that the habit produces pollutants which could be harmful to passengers.

Even when smokers open their windows or use air conditioning, the concentration of pollutants are three times higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) indoor air quality standards, scientists said.

Such exposure is likely to affect the health of child passengers, said researchers from the University of Aberdeen.

The data, published in Tobacco Control, examined 17 drivers, 14 of whom were smokers, who had made 104 journeys, with an average duration of 27 minutes.

Levels of fine particulate matter were measured every minute in the rear passenger area during typical car journeys made by smokers and nonsmokers over a three-day period.

The average particulate matter levels were 11 times higher in smoking cars compared with non-smoking cars.

The authors said exposure to second-hand smoke is linked to several

children’s health problems, including sudden infant death, meningitis and respiratory conditions such as asthma and wheezing.

“Children are likely to be at greater risk from SHS (second hand smoke) exposure due to their faster breathing rates, less developed immune system and their inability to move away from the source in many home and car settings,” they write.

The authors added: “We believe that there is a clear need for legislation to prohibit smoking in cars where children are present.”

They conclude: “Exposure to PM2.5

(fine particulate matter) at the levels reported here is likely to be harmful to respiratory health, and measures to remove or reduce this exposure within the confines of vehicles should be considered both in terms of individual responsibility and via legislation.”

The Smoke-free Private Vehicles Bill to ban smoking in private cars is being considered by MPs. The bill would outlaw smoking in cars which are carrying children, with a penalty of a smoke-free awareness course as a first offence, or a huge monetary fine.

Kia Motors posts 7.4% global sales growth IA Motors Corporation has announced its global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles for 212,405 units sold. This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 7.4 per cent.

Kia posted strong year-on-year sales increases of 22.8 per cent in North America (57,710 units sold); 22.2 per cent in Europe (41,006 units sold); 2.3 per cent in general markets (43,790 units sold); and 0.2 per cent in China (37,821 units sold). Meanwhile, sales in Kia’s home market of Korea decreased by 12.4 per cent (32,708 units sold) year-on-year.

Cumulatively through the first eight months of 2012, Kia’s global sales have increased by 11.1 per cent year-on-year to reach 1,788,054 units. Europe, North America and China have experienced the highest cumulative gains to date in 2012 of 24.8 per cent (377,427 units sold), 17.1 per cent (441,472 units sold), and 12.3 per cent (309,471 units sold), respectively.

Kia’s best selling model in overseas markets for the month of August was the B-segment Rio (known as ‘K2’ in China) with 36,427 units sold. The

K

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

Sportage compact CUV was the second best seller with 28,988 units delivered, while the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ in some markets), D-segment Optima sedan and Sorento mid-size CUV followed with 27,946; 23,553; and 19,134 units sold, respectively.

Kia Motors Corporation Executive Vice President Tae-Hyun Thomas said, “We are pleased to have posted continued sales growth, especially in North

America, where Kia Motors America has reached 24 months of consecutive sales records. Europe has also performed particularly well thanks to European produced models like cee’d and Sportage. We believe our participation at this month’s Paris Motor Show will positively enhance our growing momentum for the Kia brand in the region.”

According to Kayode Adejumo, Marketing Manager for Kia Motors in Nigeria, the positive growth of Kia glo-

bally is reflected in the Nigerian market as well.

“We are honoured by the way Nigerians have embraced Kia here. This is reflected in the large demand for the different models by individual buyers and corporate organisations. By the second week in September, we had run out of stock for the Rio and all the other models are doing very well too. We are ordering more stock for the different models well before we had planned we would.” he said.

London taxis voted ‘world’s best’

HE CAPITAL’S cabbies may chat too much and some might take the “scenic” route, but London taxis have been voted the world’s best.

The UK capital’s cabs came comfortably top in a poll of world travellers by Hotels.com.

Second were New York cabs, followed by taxis in Tokyo, Shanghai and Bangkok.

Based on responses from 1,600 travellers in 28 countries, the survey showed that UK cab passengers were more than twice as likely to “become amorous” in a taxi than travellers worldwide, with 26 per cent of global travellers having kissed in the back seat.

More than half (56 per cent) of travellers have nodded off in a cab, while 19 per cent use a journey to touch up their hair or apply make-up.

The poll also revealed that 15 per cent never tip a cabbie

T

and 39 per cent are fairly stingy with their gratuities.

London was top in five of the seven categories used to determine the city with the best cabs, only failing to be the pick of the taxis for availability (with New York chosen) and for value (Bangkok).

The world’s biggest spenders on taxis are Australians, while Italians splash out the least.

Hotels.com senior Communications Director Alison Couper said it is great news for London to be the home of the best taxis.

“London’s iconic black cabs are recognised around the world as being the highest quality and it’s due to the impressive expertise of London taxi drivers that they are seen to have the best local knowledge compared to any other city in the world.”

FERMA to spend N100m on four roads THE Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) is to repair four federal roads in Gombe State at N100 million, its North-East II Zonal Coordinator, Mr Wasiu Taiwo, has said.

Taiwo, who said at the commencement of road repairs in Wuro Dole village in the Akko Local Government Area of the state, said the exercise was under the agency’s Special Road Maintenance Scheme.

He said the projects included a five-kilometre portion along the Gombe-Bauchi road, and others on the Gombe-Biu road, GombeNuman road and Billiri-Filiya road.

Taiwo said the cost of the road projects ranged between N20 million and N25 million each, adding that the project would include patching of potholes and repair of shoulders.

He explained that contractors on the Gombe-Bauchi road and GombeBiu road had been mobilised to site, while the other two had yet to do so.

Taiwo said work on a relatively bigger project on the Gombe-DukkuDarazo road that was awarded some years ago at N750 million was progressing.

He also said that the delay in executing some of the projects was due to the rains, adding that since the rains were over, work would resume in almost all the project sites.

Taiwo said the agency had the mandate to ensure that by the end of November, there would be no potholes in any federal highway in the country.

According to him, two roads will be repaired in Bauchi while one will be repaired in Adamawa.

The North-East II zone of FERMA comprises Bauchi, Gombe and Adamawa states.

The Gombe Director, Mr Boz Tope said the agency was patching some potholes through direct labour in some parts of the state.

SAFE DRIVING

Road infrasructures and wastage of public funds

W

ITHOUT doubt, many roads in every part of Nigeria are deplorable.

There are a few of the failed portions causing accidents which can be repaired with as little as N200, 000 or less.

Governments and road agencies are complaining of lack of money to carry out even minor repairs to save lives and properties from wasting on the roads.

It is, however disheartening that in the midst of the cries for fund by the governments, road maintenance agencies and several other government ministries, depart-

ments and agencies still lavish money on many less-relevant and absolutely irrelevant things.

How can it be heard that the Niger – Delta Development Commission (NDDC) placed a full-page advert that cost almost N600, 000 to congratulate a state governor for marking his birthday. Sum up the amount of such advertisements placed by NDDC in one year in a region where the rate of unemployment and poverty is very high. Several other government agencies are guilty of same.

In the first instance, of what benefit is the advert to the governor?

Is it to let people know he is popu-

lar or what?

Is a congratulatory letter sent officially to him not enough?

How many of the chief executives of such government agencies can use their salaries to run smaller columns to congratulate their benefactors?

Must they spend the money any how because it is not theirs?

I strongly believe it is time for the government to take the right step to stop such waste of public funds and such funds to the repairs of roads and the provision of the much needed road furnitures. Funds that can be used to save lives and valuable prop-

erties should not be wasted on frivolities.

If a person must be congratulated using the print or electronic media, nothing prevents the staff from contributing money from their salaries to do so. Media houses will still be making money from adverts even if this class of congratulatory adverts are exempted from the government’s list of adverts. Imagine the number of infrastructures that can be built or repaired with the money so far spent on congratulatory messages by governments, ministries, departments and agencies.

Jide Owatunmise •Registrar / Chief Executive , Professional Driving and Safety Academy

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

49

50

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

NIGERIA CASSA VA GR OWERS ASSOCIA TION (NCGA) CASSAV GRO ASSOCIATION Reg. No. RC 6421 65 Idimu Road Mokola Bus Stop Egbeda Lagos E-mail: nigeriacassavagrowers@gmail.com, nationalcassavagrowers@gmail.com GSM: 08035011628, 07065691995

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT NCGA is updating records of registered members across the country especially those in the states with riverine Local Government areas where planting of cassava can continue in the next three months. NCGA state chairmen of these states should forward relevant details of their members as contained in the Agricultural loan forms to the e-mail address of NCGA (nationalcassavagrowers@gmail.com,nigeriacassavagrowers@gmail.com) within two weeks of this publication. All those who desire to cultivate cassava in the next three months should register and contact chairmen of their states for loan forms.

LIST OF NCGA CHAIRMAN WITH RIVERINE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS S/N STATE

NCGA CHAIRMAN

PNONE NO

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

MR UBANI CHIKE JOSEPH EDEM UDOH EJIMOFOR MIKE MR EKIYE M. AKAINZA REV AUGUSTINE OQUA MR KACHIKWU JUSTUS PAUL NJOKU N. MRS MARIAM ILUOGBA MR NDUBISI ANI REV Dr VALERIAN AGBASONU CHIEF J.O. OGUNDEYI ELDER SOYOYE ALH L.A. YUSUF CHIEF J.I. OKOCHA

08035255620 07037760148 08037013852 08034319226 08023536493 07062262217 07063785566 08059410599 08036664408 08038727760 08023458398 08132701689 08034931360 08033397434

ABIA AKWA IBOM ANAMBRA BAYELSA CROSS RIVERS DELTA EBONYI EDO ENUGU IMO LAGOS OGUN ONDO RIVERS

Please note that farmers are expected to deposit 10% of the volume of loan required in their personal account with the Bank of Agriculture or Union Bank Plc. Approved cost of cultivation for an hectare is N205,000. Deposit will depend on numbers of hectares that will be cultivated by each participating farmer.

Every participating Local Government cluster that have minimum of 200 registered cassava farmers who are able to meet loan conditions should recommend Agricultural graduate indigene or resident of the Local Government for employment as Agricultural Officer who will be trained to supervise the NYSC Extension Officers under whom the farmers will be grouped.

List of National Officers and State Chairmen National Vice President National Treasurer National PRO National Officer National Officer National Officer National Officer National Officer National Officer National Officer National Officer National Officer National Officer National Officer Adamawa State Chairman Benue State Chairman Borno State Chairman Ekiti State Chairman FCT Abuja Chairman Kaduna State Chairman Kano State Chairman Kastina State Chairman Kebbi State Chairman Kogi State Chairman Kwara State Chairman Nasarawa State Chairman Niger State Chairman Osun State Chairman Oyo State Chairman Plateau State Chairman Sokoto State Chairman Taraba State Chairman Yobe State Chairman

-

Abubakar Chika Aliyu Chief Yinka Opatola Comrade Austine Maduka Alhaji Mutawali Pst Funmi Dawodu Mr Teddy Kanu Mr George Oladapo Elder Malomo Philip Alhaji Oyenekan Engr Emmanuel Rev. Oluwaseun Apo Pst Samuel Bolarin Mr Adekunle Tajudeen Mr Olu Olaoye Elesa Rhoda Abena J. Iortyer Alh. Abba Kagu Chief Mrs.Funmi Ogunlola Chief Nicholas C. Daniel Jamu Maingiwa Musa Alh. Miakudi Adamu Meyaki Adamu Daniel Odoma Engr G.O Fashanu Michael Sabo Okpu Dr Sule U. Garba Dr Ogunsade David Adekunle Adebayo Bowa Senlong Umaru Yusuf Kubodu Fidelis Kaigama Ngamadu Bukar

08032110025 08035958998 08034590374 08035050479 08023408020 07042350479 08080725473 08162306191 08183537187 08065474621 08037263811 08033029653 07044566779 08100443794 08023248013 08061533438 07061882278 08088888505 08064992855 08035696225 08089114363 08033705692 07032098892 08055523707 08033923210 08035980656 08035982325 08034272626 08066330459 08031184177 08132547780 08035904134 08060181988

Programme of NCGA 1.

NCGA will mop up the unsold cassava across the country and process it to gari that will be sold to Federal Strategic Grain and Food Reserve and other organizations.

Other States States outside the above category should mobilize registered and prospective members that will cultivate 750,000 hectares of cassava spread between April to October 2013.

2.

NCGA will massively produce cassava to meet raw material requirement of the 18 Units of 240 Metric Tonnes daily of cassava flour mills already procured by the Cassava Transformation Committee of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture

Gari Project of NCGA As you are aware, NCGA will commence production of gari from available cassava roots across the country. Every Local Government cluster group that have over 200 registered cassava farmers can apply for installation of a gari factory that will produce 6 Metric Tonnes of gari daily within their cluster area immediately. Each factory will have 60 entrepreneurs that will produce special gari which NCGA will buy and resell accordingly.

Membership forms for cooperative bodies that will own the factories and that of entrepreneur are now available at the National office of NCGA and will be distributed to the national officers and State chairmen listed in this publication. All officers concerned should reach out immediately to those in the national secretariat and the National Secretary to obtain the forms for distribution to members.

Emergency meeting of State chairmen and National officers from East, West and South-South geopolitical zone will be held on Tuesday 30/10/12 at the National office (65 Idimu Road Mokola Bus-Stop Egbeda Lagos).

The meeting of National officers and chairmen from North-east, Northwest and North-central will hold at venue that will be communicated to them on Wednesday 14/11/12 in Abuja.

3.

NCGA will set up factories that will produce gari and other food items derived from cassava in every Senatorial districts across the country. These factories will be owned by the indigenes of the cluster group where factory is located.

4.

NCGA will empower every cassava farmer with loan, technical support and direct market for his products.

5.

NCGA will also form farmers into cooperative bodies that will own farming equipments, mechanized farmland and processing factories.

Enquiries All enquiries for registration of new members, submission of registration forms, obtaining forms for loans and other issues should be directed to “Grace” (08035011628, 08080492123) “Bola” (07065691995) “Stella” Akure (08030730938) “Blessing” Abuja (08059771341) or the National Officers and NCGA State chairmen as listed below and not to the National President of the Association who may be too occupied to answer calls.

Membership registration of NCGA is still in progress in the following Banks; Account name Nigeria Cassava Growers Association

MR SYLVANUS IRONDI National Secretary 08037125019

Bank Union Bank Plc First Bank Plc Zenith Bank Plc Unity Bank Bank of Agriculture FCMB

Account No 0037233874 2020748041 1010766357 0020742614 1770

PASTOR SEGUN ADEWUMI National President 08039425631

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

51

52

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

53

54

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

55

56

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

57

NEWS INEC declares Mimiko winner with 260,199 votes Continued from page 6

credible’.

“As Governor Mimiko looks forward to the commencement of his second term in office, the President urges him to be prepared to work even harder to justify the fresh mandate given to him by the people of Ondo State who voted for his re-election on Saturday,’’ Abati added.

He said President Jonathan assured Mimiko that the Federal Government would continue to engage constructively and positively with the Ondo State government in collaborative efforts to achieve faster socio-economic development and better living conditions for people in the state and in all other parts of Nigeria.

The Peoples Democratic Party also congratulated Mimiko on his victory.

In a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary,

Chief Olisa Metuh, PDP also congratulated the party’s candidate, Olusola Oke; the Independent National Electoral Commission and the security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the polls and urged them to learn from any observed loopholes so as to continue improving in future elections.

The party said it was happy that Mimiko of the Labour Party and not Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of the Action Congress of Nigeria won.

Senate President David Mark and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu congratulated Mimiko.

Mark and Ekweremadu in separate statements in Abuja described the re-election of Mimiko as the “peoples’ verdict and democracy in action.”

The Senate President in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, noted that election is a game and

urged the governor to be magnanimous in victory.

He urged him to carry everybody along and to see the “new mandate as a challenge to greater service delivery to the people.”

He added: “The majority of the electorate in Ondo state has spoken through the ballot.

“As the governor and leader of the state, you owe them a duty to ensure that the citizens of the state reap the dividends of their investment (votes). You have a track record of performance. I am sure you will deliver.”

House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal also congratulated Mimiko.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal noted that Mimiko’s victory was a manifestation of the people’s trust in his leadership abilities.

He said the Governor should at all times bear in mind the trust and confidence freely given to him by the populace and should make him re-dedicate himself to the service of the people of the state.

The Speaker implored the governor to rise above partisan consideration and carry along all people in the task of building the state.

While urging those who have grievances on the outcome of the election to pursue their cases according to law, Tambuwal said they should accept the result in good fate and cooperate with the winner in the interest of the people.

He pledged the cooperation of the House of Representatives to the new Governor, saying the lawmakers will work with all persons and interest groups to deepen democracy in the country.

•From left: Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA),members; Mr Bola Akingbade, Prof. Amos Kukoyi; President, GCIOBA, Mr Banwo Smith; Prof. Yemi Badejoko; President-elect, Mr Abiodun Jolaoso, at the reunion luncheon and merit award ceremony of the association in Ibadan…on Saturday

T

Tai Solarin’s widow Sheila dies at 88 Continued from page 6

ernments to ensure that a good number of the citizens of school age have access to qualitative and affordable education.

She said mass education of the people could not be attained because of the growing culture of corruption, laziness and indiscipline in the country.

“Over 10 million Nigerians of school age are not in school.

Many children never had a chance to be educated. Governments and individuals have a lot of work to do in that direction. If you don’t educate them, you are looking for trouble,” she said.

The late Mrs Solarin’s daughter, Corin, said she would be unable to capture her late mother’s times and life in words.

“I cannot summarise her life and times in words. She was a good, kind-hearted and humane personality.

“She played the role of mother to thousands of people across the world. Her love and service to humanity were exemplary and legendary.”

Senator Gbenga Kaka (Ogun East) said: “ Madam Solarin in her life times sacrificed all she had for the sake of her husband.

She kept the flag flying at Mayflower School, Ikenne. She remained an epitome of good womanhood. “ She was caring, not only to her children, but all that passed through her husband. She will be missed just like we are missing her husband. She was a hard working, diligent and straight-forward person.”

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun mourned the passing of Mrs Solarin.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs

Army parades suspected UNIPORT students’ killers

HE Nigerian Army has arrested three men suspected to be members of the six-man syndicate that shot dead two students of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Spokesman of 2 Brigade/Sector Two Joint Task Force, Maj. Mike Etete, spoke while parading the suspects before reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt.

Maj. Etete said the suspects had also been fingered as those who assassinated a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

member, believed to be serving in the state.

He said that the suspects, (names withheld), were arrested after a stop and search operation was carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Task Force at Rumuochara Village in Choba, near Aluu Community in the state.

“Following the killing of three persons at Rumuochara Village in Choba on Oct. 18, a manhunt was launched for the arrest of the gunmen.

“At about 1:45 a.m. (yester-

day), troops of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Joint Task Force intercepted four gunmen at Choba Junction.

“An exchange of gunfire ensued between the soldiers and gunmen; consequently, one of the gunmen was killed instantly, one was injured and two others escaped with injuries.

“Our soldiers did not sustain any injury in the course of this operation,” he said.

Maj. Etete said after the gun duel with the four suspects, soldiers cordoned-off the area and

apprehended two other suspects who allegedly came to support their gang members.

He said the suspects were quickly arrested while investigation revealed that the two suspects were supplying arms and ammunition to reinforce their gang members.

The spokesman said that three AK 47 rifles, 272 rounds of 7.2mm live ammunition and 16 magazines were recovered from the suspects.

He named other items recovered from the suspects as an

ash coloured Toyota Avalon car with registration numbers Kano AG 320 MDG, four Nokia phones, one Blackberry phone and identification cards.

Maj. Etete called on the public and hospitals to report persons with gunshot wounds to security agencies in the state.

He, however, declined attempt by reporters to speak with the suspects, saying that such move could jeopardise investigations being carried out to arrest two other suspects who escaped.

Funmi Wakama, Amosun described Mrs Solarin’s death as most painful and a great loss to Ogun State and Nigeria.

“Mama Solarin was a foremost educationist, a great teacher and disciplinarian who rendered an immeasurable service to the people of Ogun State and Nigeria through the Mayflower School. The school, founded in 1956, became one of the best schools in the country and has produced many of the leading lights in our nation.

“Mama Solarin personified the common humanity we share, “not just by marrying our own revered Dr Tai Solarin, but choosing to live in Nigeria and making it her true home.”

“Mrs Solarin was an example of that much-needed global spirit that sees beyond colour, race and religion in inter-relationships among peoples, nations and continents of the world,” he said.

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola also mourned Mrs. Solarin.

A statement by Aregbesola’s Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, quoted Aregbesola as saying: “She was a quintessential teacher. A moulder of men who devoted her life to the service of humanity, through the singular efforts of the Solarins, the Mayflower School, Ikenne, became a reference point in how to run educational institutions.

“One can confidently say that the school, through the hardwork, dedication and honesty of the founders, set the pace for other educational institutions that would later come after it.”

Plot to stop Salami thickens Continued from page 6

Allens Agbabiaka; Mr. Ibrahim Bawa; Princewill Akpakpan; Mr. Obruche Ayeteni; Mr. Nosa Ihaza; Mr. Timothy Odumosu; Mr. Stewart Salomi; Engr. Egogo Lawrence; and Maxwell Adeniran.

Through its lawyer, Usman Isa Kana, the NJC told a Federal High Court that President Jonathan has no disciplinary power over any Justice of the Court of Appeal or its President.

SSS invites Senator over suspected Boko Haram commander

T

HE State Security Service (SSS) has invited Senator, Alhaji Ahmed Khalifa Zanna, in connection with the arrest of a suspected Boko Haram Commander, Shuaib Mohammed Bama.

But the Senator said although the suspect is his nephew, he has no link with the sect in any way.

He said the house where the suspect was arrested belongs to a former Governor of Borno State, Senator Modu Ali Sheriff, whom he defeated to win Borno Central Senatorial seat in the Senate.

He accused the JTF of burning 300 houses in the last one and a half months and killing 500 people.

Zanna, who spoke on his experience in Abuja, said he suspected an attempt to frame him up by the JTF. He said: “Since my house was searched and the JTF made the announcement, I have not been contacted by security agencies.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

But it was only this morning (Sunday), I saw a text that the SSS DG will want to see me on Monday. I will honour the invitation .What I am suspecting is that they want to frame me up.”

On his relationship with the Boko Haram suspect, Zanna said: “Yes, he is my sister’s son.

“As for his behaviour, he is a ... He beats up my children; he abuses my friends. He came to my house, so I sent him away.

That was about a year ago. And for whatever reason I don’t know, he came to my house last week and I said he should leave the house.

“Sometime ago, he even threatened to kill his mother. So, the mother was not even feeling comfortable living with him.

And he narrated that to me.

That is why I also do not want him to be near me.

“I don’t know him to be a Boko Haram member. Never, never, I do not know him to be a member of Boko Haram.”

The Senator gave an insight into how the JTF raided his house last Thursday.

He said: “On Thursday, they went to my house. I was in Warri at that time; I went for an oversight function. My wife called me; she said the army people were at our gate. Actually, they went with four armoured vehicles and about 40 of them came to my house.

“They searched all the rooms and when they went to the children’s room, they broke all their cabinets and searched everywhere. When they could not found anything, then they assembled all the boys in my building, took them out and put them under the scorching sun.

Actually, before doing that, they beat them up. We had to take them to hospital later.

“Under this traumatized condition, they asked them whether they know one Shuaib Bama.

They said, of course, they know when they see him.

“One of them was asked to go

and show them where he is living. As they were going, when they were about to reach the house, they stopped. In fact, they blindfolded the boy. And one of the officers asked one of the personnel to come down so that they should follow him to the house without the boy telling them where the house is.

“So, as they started going, the other officer sitting down asked him: ‘If you know the house, then why should we pick this boy?’ And after some arguments, they went to the house and arrested the boy.”

He added: “Contrary to the claim of the JTF, the boy was arrested in Rabi Street, off Damboa Road. And the, the house belongs to Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. Before, the house belonged to one Abba Mala, a Cameroonian. And later, he sold it to late Tijjani Banki and Sheriff bought from Tijjani Banki.

“I reacted because they said they arrested the boy in the

house of a serving Senator along Damboa Road and I am the one living along Damboa Road.

“I really do not understand why they did all these. I am confused. If they want to frame me up, they have failed in that one because they did not get that boy in my house. I have nothing to do with it. Let them go and ask the person where the boy was staying. So, they should not have mentioned my house.”

Zanna explained that the JTF went after him because he demanded withdrawal of soldiers from Maiduguri during an interview with BBC. He said: “This story emanating from the JTF is actually as a result of an interview which I carried out(granted) in BBC last week - asking for their withdrawal from the state because they are not working according to the rules of engagement.

“I noticed that they are just killing innocent people, killing them unnecessarily, harassing their families, extorting money.

All these have been going on and I became so concerned.

Particularly, the killing and burning of houses became the order of the day.

“At least, 300 houses were burnt within the last one and a half months. And it will not be an exaggeration for me to say that up to 500 people have been killed by the bullets of the JTF. “I called for their withdrawal because even Boko Haram cannot do more than that. If they have come to protect us, they are not supposed to eliminate our young ones. Most of the people affected are young ones.

“According to the information I got yesterday, they have started even killing old men. Somebody who was about 70 years old was killed. He was sitting down, listening to a radio and a JTF man came and he said: ‘Baba come’.

They just took him to a certain distance and shot him. This is the type of things happening. So, my people are helpless. This warranted me to react.”

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

58

FOREIGN Six killed in Guinea Bissau attacks

A

T least six people have been killed in a firefight after gunmen attacked an army barracks in Guinea-Bissau, military sources say.

They say the army repelled the pre-dawn attack just outside the capital Bissau, killing six “rebels”.

The raid is likely to further heighten tensions in the West African nation, where the military seized power in a coup in April.

Instability has turned the

country into a prime drug smuggling spot.

Gangs use the country to smuggle cocaine from Latin America to Europe, allegedly in collusion with top army officers.

The UN Security Council has recently demanded that Guinea-Bissau’s rulers restore constitutional rule.

Guinea-Bissau has a long history of coups since independence from Portugal in 1974, and no elected leader has finished their time in office since.

Egypt freezes account of ex-candidate

E

GYPTIAN authorities say they are freezing the assets of presidential candidate and former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq and his daughters as part of the investigation into his wealth.

The decision yesterday by the Illicit Gains Authority is the latest legal move against Shafiq, who held senior posts under deposed president Hosni Mubarak. He faces trial on corruption charges.

Shafiq ran in Egypt’s first presidential elections after

Mubarak’s ouster, narrowly losing to Muslim Brotherhood candidate Mohammed Morsi.

Soon afterward he left the country with his family to the United Arab Emirates.

The authority said in a statement that investigations show Shafiq has real estate and financial assets including 12 villas, four chalets and two apartments.

Shafiq has repeatedly denied allegations and said the case against him is politically motivated.

France evacuates Lourdes pilgrims UNDREDS of Roman Catholic pilgrims have been evacuated from the sanctuary of Lourdes in France after heavy flooding in the area.

The Gave de Pau river burst its banks after days of rain, flooding campsites around the shrine and parts of the southern city itself.

Lourdes is famous for what many Roman Catholics believe was a vision of the Virgin Mary by a local girl in 1858.

Millions of pilgrims from around the world visit the shrine each year More than 450 pilgrims, including the sick and disabled, were evacuated from the area by Saturday, local officials say.

The water now is about a metre (three feet) deep in front of the grotto where the

H

Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared, covering the altar.

However, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception itself - situated on higher ground - has not suffered any damage, officials say.

“I’ve seen nothing like it in 40 years,” hotel owner Pierre Barrere was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

Meteorologists warn that the rain - which has been falling since Thursday - is likely to continue until at least Sunday.

The sanctuary is the name given to the central area of the Lourdes pilgrimage site, which is home to 22 places of worship.

It was founded after 14year-old peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous claimed to have witnessed a series of visions in a cave.

US: no talks with Iran HE White House has denied a report in the New York Times saying that Iran had agreed to oneon-one negotiations over its nuclear programme with the US. The report, quoting unnamed officials, said Iran had agreed to the talks for the first time but would not hold them until after US elections on 6 November.

The White House said it was prepared to meet Iran bilaterally, but that there was no plan to do so.

Western states think Iran is seeking nuclear weapons, something it denies.

Iran has been a key foreign policy topic in the US election campaign.

President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney will hold their third and final campaign debate on Monday, on the subject of foreign policy.

The New York Times report said the US and Iran had agreed to one-on-one negotiations “in principle”.

But US National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said in a statement

T

that it was untrue the US and Iran had “agreed to one-onone talks or any meeting after the American elections”.

“We continue to work... on a diplomatic solution and have said from the outset that we would be prepared to meet bilaterally,” he added.

Negotiations between Iran and the the P5+1 negotiation group - which includes the UK, US, France, China, Russia and Germany - have stalled.

•An image of former Cuban President Fidel Castro (third left) is held up by former Venezuelan Vice-President Elias Jaua in La Havana...yesterday. The photograph shows the former Cuban leader alongside Jaua (right), as well as Cuban National Hotel director, Antonio Martinez (middle), Castro´s wife, Dalia Soto del Valle (second right), and an unidentified woman and child.

22 die in Gaddafi’s stronghold •Protesters storm parliament A T least 22 people have died in days of fighting in Libya’s town of Bani Walid, state news agency Lana says.

It says that some 200 people were injured in the clashes between pro-government militia and gunmen in former leader Muammar Gaddafi’s bastion.

Libya’s new government has struggled to stamp its authority on a country awash with weapons.

Meanwhile, confusion remains about reports that Moussa Ibrahim, Gaddafi’s ex-spokesman, has been captured.

The prime minister’s office said on Saturday that government forces had arrested Ibrahim south of Tripoli.

But Nasser al-Manaa, the prime minister’s spokesman, later said there was no proof of the capture.

A recording purportedly

by Ibrahim later appeared on the internet denying the news.

Yesterday, Deputy Prime

Minister Mustafa Abu Shagur said the announcement about Mr Ibrahim’s arrest had been made without confirmation of the news.

Pro-government militia, many of whom are from the rival town of Misrata, have been shelling Bani Walid for several days.

The government claims that Bani Walid is harbouring a number of Gaddafi loyalists - a claim denied by the militia in the town, about 140km (90 miles) south-east of Tripoli, In addition, Misrata fighters are reportedly seeking to capture the men who allegedly kidnapped and tortured the man credited with capturing Gaddafi last October.

Omran Ben Shaaban, a fighter from Misrata, died last month after allegedly spending two months in detention in Bani Walid.

His death enraged Misra-

ta’s militia.

Yesterday, Bani Walid militia leader Abdelkarim Ghomaid said that “the attacks are continuing”.

“The shelling is coming from all sides,” he was quoted as saying by Reuters.

The fighting comes around the first anniversary of Gaddafi’s capture in Sirte, on 20 October 2011.

He was later killed near his hometown.

Interim leader Mohammed Magarief has admitted that one year on, the country has not yet been fully liberated.

About 500 protesters broke into the grounds of parliament building yesterday to demand an end to violence in Bani Walid, a former stronghold of Muammar Gaddafi that is being shelled by militiamen from a rival town.

Militias, many from Mis-

Police, protesters clash in Lebanon LASHES have erupted outside government offices in the Lebanese capital Beirut after thousands attended the funeral of security chief Wissam al-Hassan who was killed by a car bomb on Friday.

A group of protesters tried to storm the HQ, after a new

C

•Clinton meets PM call for Prime Minister Najib Mikati to resign. Police fired warning shots and tear gas.

Friday’s attack also killed one of Mr Hassan’s bodyguards and a woman nearby.

Opposition figures have

blamed neighbouring Syria for the attack.

Many have protested against Syria and its Lebanese allies amid fears the Syrian conflict could spill over.

The confrontation outside the prime minister’s office lasted for a few minutes.

Two former prime ministers - Saad Hariri and Fouad

Romney to Obama: you’ve no agenda

R

EPUBLICAN presidential candidate Mitt Romney has derided US President Barack Obama, saying his rival has “no agenda” worthy of a second term in office.

At a campaign rally in Florida, he said the Obama campaign had been “reduced to petty attacks and silly word games”.

Hours earlier, Obama decried Romney for shifting his positions as election day draws nearer, saying the

rata and aligned with the Defence Ministry, have been shelling the hilltop town of 70,000 people for several days.

“We are here to demand the government find a peaceful solution for the tribal war that is happening in Bani Walid,” protester Nasser Ehdein said.

The unarmed group of male and female protesters forced their way past security guards at the gates of the grounds of the parliament buildings in Tripoli, chanting “There is no God but God, and President (Mohammed) Magarief is God’s enemy.”

Security forces shot rounds into the air as they held their positions at the doors of the building, while elected members of the General National Congress met inside.

This is the second time protesters have broken into the grounds of the assembly since it took power in the summer.

Republican suffers from “Romnesia”.

The two meet for their final debate, on foreign policy, in Florida today.

Romney and the Republicans are continuing to focus on the Obama administration’s handling of a deadly attack in Benghazi, Libya, in which four Americans including the US ambassador were killed.

The incident provoked a flashpoint during Tuesday’s second debate, and is likely

to be hotly debated again in Boca Raton.

Friday’s campaigning saw both candidates make one major stop each: Obama in the Washington DC suburb of Fairfax, Virginia, and Romney in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Obama told supporters that Mitt Romney was now only becoming more moderate as the election got closer.

“He is forgetting what his own positions are and he is

betting that you are too,” Obama said, giving his rival’s “condition” a crowdpleasing name: “Romnesia”.

The president renewed his pitch to women voters, arguing that “you don’t want someone who needs to ask for binders full of women,” a reference to Romney’s description of how he recruited women for cabinet positions as governor of Massachusetts.

Siniora - intervened to urge their supporters to remain calm.

Lebanon’s religious communities are divided between those who support the Syrian government - including many Shias - and those mostly from the Sunni community who back the rebels.

Lebanon’s Shia militant group Hezbollah - a close ally of the Syrian government - condemned the bombing.

Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi called it a “cowardly, terrorist act”.

He said such incidents were “unjustifiable wherever they occur”.

Syrian troops withdrew from Lebanon in 2005 after a 29-year-long presence, in the wake of the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Mr Hassan, 47, was close to the 14 March opposition and the Hariri family, part of the anti-Syrian opposition.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

59

FOREIGN

UN envoy meets Assad

Nixon challenger dies

F

ORMER US Senator George McGovern, who stood as the Democratic presidential candidate against Richard Nixon in 1972, has died, aged 90.

His family said he was in a hospice in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and slipped out of consciousness three days ago.

A liberal standard-bearer, McGovern was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War, but lost to Nixon by a landslide.

Paying tribute, President Barack Obama described him as “a statesman of great conscience and conviction”.

Former President Bill Clinton, who was McGovern’s campaign worker in 1972, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in a joint statement that the former senator “worked to advance the common good and help others realise their potential”.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who is running against Obama in next month’s election, described McGovern as “the unwavering standard bearer of his party and a hero of World War II”, referring to his service as a US Air Force pilot.

In a statement, McGovern’s family said the former senator died yesterday morning.

“We are blessed to know that our father lived a long, successful and productive life advocating for the hungry, being a progressive voice for millions and fighting for peace.”

He was admitted to hospice care earlier this month with a “combination of medical conditions, due to age, that have worsened over recent months”, his family said at the time.

McGovern was first elected to Congress in 1956.

His bid for the presidency in 1972 was marred by what later emerged as a dirtytricks campaign by President Nixon’s re-election committee, including the break-in at Democratic National Headquarters in the Watergate Hotel, in Washington DC. Nixon, who already enjoyed an advantage throughout the campaign, won a second term in one of the biggest landslides in modern US history.

However, he resigned in 1974 after the scale of the Watergate scandal became clear.

McGovern made two other brief attempts to obtain the Democratic nomination in 1968 and 1984.

I •McGovern

At the time, he was seen as a leading voice of the Democratic party’s liberal wing.

After four years in the House of Representatives, he was one of the senators for South Dakota from 1963 to 1981.

He helped create the Food for Peace program, which sent US food overseas as a form of international aid, and became its first director in 1961.

T

A

NATIVE American and six others have been named as saints

by Pope Benedict XVI at the start of a new drive to deepen the faith of believers.

The pontiff named the seven at a ceremony in St Peter’s Square at the start of a “Year of Faith”.

Kateri Tekakwitha, who lived in the 17th Century, impressed missionaries with her deep spirituality.

The other new saints include a nun who tended a Hawaiian leper colony and a French missionary killed in Madagascar.

In the Roman Catholic Church, a saint is a person who has been recognised officially as being in Heaven.

As the sun rose over St

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

porters yesterday at Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

She was in the company of House of Reps Chairman Committee on Diaspora Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa and African Public Relations Association (APRA) SecretaryGeneral Yomi Badejo-Okusanya.

The AU envoy was in Ni-

Bank to reward customers

T

HE Managing Director, Resort Savings and Loans, Abimbola Olayinka has said the goal of the bank is to ensure that its customers are rewarded.

He spoke at the presentation of the bank’s new product tagged: “Resort Reward System”.

Olayinka said the financial product will enable the bank to reward its customers on a monthly basis.

He said: “Resort Mortgage Bank reward system gives every customer the opportunity to partner with us and get paid monthly.

“This reward system will definitely have a positive and salutary effect on the society.

This, beyond fiscal profits, is the creation of true wealth.”

The Managing Director said the product was introduced in line with the bank’s desire to become the leader

the old city.

In a statement after the talks with Brahimi, Assad said: “Syria is open to any sincere efforts for a political solution to the Syrian crisis based on respect for Syria’s sovereignty and the rejection of outside intervention.”

Brahimi said he had proposed a three-day ceasefire over the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, which which begins on Friday and lasts over the weekend, and was waiting for a response from Assad’s government.

He told reporters that some members of the opposition whom he had met were open to the idea of a ceasefire only if the Syri-

Native American saint named Peter’s Square yesterday morning, Native American pilgrims in beaded and feathered headdresses sang songs to Kateri Tekakwitha, the Associated Press news agency reports.

In recent a years a miraculous intervention has been ascribed to Miss Tekakwitha, who was born in what is now New York State and died in what is now Canada.

The Vatican believes she saved the life of a Native American child who was being ravaged by a flesheating bacterium.

This, the Church decided, was the final miracle required to qualify her for sainthood.

It is also felt that her elevation would give Native

Nigeria flood worse than Katrina, says AU envoy HE flood resulting from the autumn rainy season that have devastated central and southeast part of the country is worse than Hurricane Katrina, African Union chief, Erieka Bennett said at the weekend.

“This is worst than Katrina,” she said.

MsBenett, the Head of Mission, Diaspora African Forum (DAF) spoke with re-

NTERNATIONAL peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi has met Syria’s embattled president Bashar al-Assad.

Brahimi, who represents the UN and the Arab League, is in Damascus to press both the government and the rebels to observe a truce over the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.

On Friday, he met Foreign Minister Walid Muallem and opposition leaders.

Syrian state media report that several people were killed in an explosion in a Christian area of Damascus yesterday.

A car bomb apparently targeted a police station in the Bab Touma district of

in the retail banking segment of mortgage banking industry.

“Through our reward system approach to mortgage retail banking, individual customers across the country have access to partner with us and get paid monthly, thereby building a base of committed and loyal customers.”

On how to operate the account, Olayinka said: “We advise customers to open a Resort Reward System Account. Build your team by introducing other people to open the account.

“You automatically become a team leader while the people you introduced become your team members.

“As a team leader you get paid monthly interest on the balances in the account of your team members. The higher your team account balances the more your interest.”

geria for Prof Joy Ogwu’s mother’s funeral.

She said her attention was drawn to the devastated areas by Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

“We visited the place and I could not believe the level of the devastation.

“You know hearing is different from seeing, what I saw really saddening and shocking, hence our resolve to see how we could assist the victims,” she said.

According to her, most of the villages visited were overwhelmed by flood and people in various camps still calling for assistance to get resettled.

“Our aim is to appeal to Nigerians, Ghana and other African nationals in Diaspora to help Nigeria. The devastation was much. We are appealing to people in Diaspora to assist Nigeria. We equally plan to get doctors, medicines and other materials needed by the victims of the flooding,” she said.

Ambassador Benett expressed happiness with the steps taking by the Delta State Government to ease the psychological trauma experiencing by the victims.

“At the seven camps the state government builds, people have been learning various skills that include soap making and bringing psychiatrists to assist because of psychological trauma,” she said.

American Catholics an important boost, reports the BBC’s Alan Johnston, in Rome.

They are criticised by some in their communities for retaining the Christian faith, regarded by some as an imposition by European colonisers, our correspondent adds.

Miss Tekakwitha, who is sometimes known today as Lily Of The Mohawks, died at the age of 24.

The other figures who became saints on Sunday are German-born Franciscan nun Maria Anna Cope who is known as Mother Marianne Of Molokai because she looked after lepers on the island of Molokai in the Hawaii archipelago French Jesuit Jacques

Berthieu, who was executed by rebels in 1896 in Madagascar The Philippines’ Pedro Calungsod, a young seminarian who was killed on the island of Guam when he visited with a Jesuit priest to baptise a young girl German lay preacher Maria Schaeffer, who died in 1925 Italian priest Giovanni Battista Piamarta, who in the late 19th Century devoted his life to helping young people during the industrial revolution and founded a religious congregation Spanish nun Maria del Carmen, who also founded a congregation and worked to better the lot of poor women in the 19th Century

an government committed to it.

“All the opposition members we met outside the country as well as the officials in the neighbouring countries said that it is a good idea,” he said.

“If we achieve this ceasefire during the al-Adha holiday and maintain it, we can try and build on it.

If it does not happen, then we will keep trying and we hope we can find another way to bring relief to the Syrian people.”

A ceasefire that started on 12 April was soon broken and more violence prevailed.

Heavy clashes were reported on Saturday on the main road between Damascus and Aleppo, particularly around the town of Maarat al-Numan.

The town has been in rebel hands for more than a week and is seen as strategically important to maintaining a supply route between Syria’s largest city Aleppo and the capital Damascus.

For much of the past 18 months, rebel groups have been fighting against Assad’s government and at least 30,000 people are believed to have been killed.

Repeated efforts by the international community to find a diplomatic solution have foundered because of a deep divide at the UN Security Council.

In videos posted online, one rebel group said it was willing to respect a ceasefire given certain conditions, while other groups have not made a decision.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

60

NEWS Victim dies in kidnappers’ den in Rivers

SHEILA SOLARIN 1924 - 2012

‘It was fun living with Tai Solarin’

•Commissioner regains freedom From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

T

In a recent interview, with National Mirror , the late Mrs. Sheila Solarin shared her thoughts on many issues.

On love It is very right and I guess it is proper. A woman is supposed to love everything about her husband. Love is not supposed to have any barrier.

Tai was one man I cherished; we were not just a couple but good companions. We shared a lot and so, it was very easy for us to live together. He was a Nigerian and a proud one.

When we met in England, he never gave the impression that he was not in love with his country.

He was passionate about Nigeria and humanity generally; it is therefore difficult to dissociate him from this lovable country.

I love everything about him and so, coming and living in Nigeria with him was to me no big deal but part of the deal. He loved my coun-

try and people too, so, no party is cheated.

How she met her late husband We met at the University of Manchester; we were both students and colour or no colour, I was attracted to him for his hard work, simplicity and straightforwardness.

He was down-to-earth, not a deceiver, good tempered, very honest and a good listener. Above all, he was fun to be with; he had this sense of humour that got you glued to him all the time.

At the initial stage, my mother was reserved but when she met him, she liked him. We kept a family that was not bias about anyone whatever your skin colour or wherever you come from; it was easy for them to accept him.

His own family accepted me and they were good to me.

Life without Tai has been

full of vacuum that nobody can fill. I miss him so much and all of the time but as we all know, even twins that are born the same day won’t die the same day, let alone people who were born on different days and at different times. He has been gone for 18 years now and here I am still breathing and alive.

Attitude to religion and death Both of us are realists. We do things because we believe they are just right, not because people say so. We are both humanists and not church goers.

I see no need to; likewise him. Many in one religion or the other do so because they are afraid of death.

They are afraid of getting killed by people and some forces whereas death is an inevitable thing, it will come when it will. We will all die one day whether we run to church,

F

In 1999, they chose Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, another Yoruba. So, all things being equal, something similar will happen in 2015 in favour of the Igbo.”

Kalu delved into history to show that the Igbo trusted and maintained ties with the North.

“Four Igbo sons - Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Gen. Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, Col. Emeka Ojukwu and Maj. Nzeogwu spoke fluent Hausa. In fact, Zik and Ojukwu were born in Zungeru. Ironsi appointed Lt.Col.Yakubu Gowon as Army Chief,” he said.

mosque or any other place.

Tai did not attach anything to death or the general belief of ceremonies after death, which is why he instructed before his death that he should be buried in his newly ploughed farm so that his body would be useful to the speedy growth of the plant, the vegetables. Many people

were shocked and I did not know why. Human beings are to live to benefit others which is what the country is suffering from.

Old age It’s fun and wonderful. I did not know I would live this long; I have lived a very busy and active life. Here I am, still living.

Amaechi to enforce free education in 2013

2015: North ‘ll concede to Igbo, says Kalu ORMER Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu yesterday said the North would not stop Igbo Presidential aspiration in 2015.

Apparently set to prove that Nigerians in the North were not overshadowed by somepoliticians, Kalu deflated the reasoning that the Southeast cannot get justice in the next presidential arrangement.

He said: “We are not being fair when we say the North will not compromise.On June 12, 1993, Chief Moshood Abiola, a Yoruba, defeated Alhaji Bashir Tofa in his backyard.

•The late Mrs. Solarin

•Amaechi

F

ROM next year, the Rivers State Government would make free education policy compulsory for all children of school age.

Rivers State Governor

Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi broke the news at the weekend during the closing ceremony of the Garden City Literary Festival at the Banquet Hall of the Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt.

According to Amaechi, parents would be required by law to send their children and wards to both the state government new model primary and secondary schools and other government primary and secondary schools that would be renovated and made to meet required standards.

He said: “We are about to send to the state Assembly a bill that says it is a crime not

to send your children to school… The reason is when you say education is free and compulsory, parents don’t take it seriously until you say they will go to jail if they don’t send their children and wards to school.”

“We would not collect fees so it becomes criminal if you don’t send your children to school. From next year we would criminalise those who don’t take their children or wards to school because we will try everything possible to ensure that we provide infrastructure and facilities that will back our free education”, Amaechi promised.

HE Director of Academic Planning and Statistics of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku in Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr. Richard Ihua Maduenyi, who was kidnapped on October 13, has died in the kidnappers’ den.

Maduenyi; the Rivers State Commissioner for Power, Augustine Wokocha and the Librarian of the college, Dr. R. F. Quadri were kidnapped the same day around Ede community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. Wokocha regained his freedom after the alleged payment of a ransom and was shot on the foot by the kidnappers. The whereabouts of Quadri remain unknown.

There was disagreement in security circles on the cause of the death of Maduenyi in the hands of the kidnappers.

A source said the Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku’s official was shot dead by the gunmen, to prove that if ransom was not quickly arranged, others would also be killed.

It was, however, learnt that Maduenyi was said to be hypertensive and diabetic.

He was not with his medication when he took ill in the kidnappers’ den, thereby leading to his death.

Rivers Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Indabawa, yesterday confirmed the release of Wokocha, but was not forthcoming on payment of ransom, before the power commissioner regained his freedom from the unknown gunmen.

Indabawa, in a telephone interview from Ondo State on election duty, said he was not aware that Wokocha was shot on the foot and could not confirm the death of Maduenyi.

The police boss had earlier assured of safety of lives and property of Rivers people and residents, describing the state as very safe for investments and investors.

The Rivers Commissioner of Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, had earlier stated that Wokocha was seized while on his way to monitor relief materials to floods’ victims.

She said the unidentified men, who seized the power commissioner on October 13, were hoodlums and career criminals.

Semenitari added that Wokocha was on-the-spot assessment of some areas affected by floods in the state, stressing that he was on his way to monitor relief materials and the situation in one of the camps, before being kidnapped.

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

61

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

62

SPORT EXTRA

H

OW does it feel taking part in the Governor’s Cup Championship?

First of all let me start by giving glory to God for making it possible for some of us to be here, to be part of those that are playing, that is the privilege that we have to thank God for.

If you have to look at the current situation in Nigeria, it is not easy to participate in the championship. Most of us that play in this championship got the support from our parents and not from the tennis federation except the few junior ones . I think all Nigerian tennis players that participate in this competition have done well either they win or they lose, they have all done well. I give credit to them for being able to come out to participate.

What is the problem with tennis in the country?

I don’t want to talk about that.

We keep repeating the same thing every day. Those that are in higher authority know the right thing to do but they won’t do it and it is a shame to all of them out there. I say it once again it is a shame to all of them out there because it is so sad hosting a big tournament like this and they don’t have plans for the Nigerian players. This is the only opportunity we have to play in an ITF ranked tennis competition. Why can’t they use

12TH GOVERNOR’S CUP

I’m out of retirement to catch fun —Da-Silva Destiny Ford Da-Silva played at the maiden edition of the Governor’s Cup tennis championship held in 2000 at the National Stadium Surelere. Over the years, the Lagos State born-tennis player cannot lay claim to major triumphs, just like many other Nigerian players that take part in the tournament year in, year out.

In this interview with STELLA BAMAWO , Da- Silva sheds more light on why the foreign players will continue to cart away, the cash prize of fifty thousand dollars to the detriment of Nigerian players. Excerpts it, they give wild cards out to foreigners, what does it mean to Nigerian players. It is not encouraging ,for me I think that is a big blast for the Nigeria home based- players because at the end of the day when the tournament is over we still need the service of those Nigeria top

PUBLIC NOTICE CLOSURE OF IGANMU OVERHEAD BRIDGE This is to inform all motorists that the Iganmu Overhead Bridge leading to the National Theatre will be closed on Saturday October 27, 2012 and Sunday October 28, 2012 between 7am – 12noon.

It is to allow for the erection of pressurised beams for Lagoon Bridge structure over Eric Moore.

All motorists using this overhead bridge are requested to use alternate routes during the hours.

Management China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

players either male or female to represent the country and that is when you will now remember them but when the opportunity comes for them to benefit from what they have sown they don’t get that opportunity, so they should go back to those foreign players that they gave wild card to come and represent them either they will come let see.

Nigerians tennis players have the opportunity of getting to the main draw and you give it to foreign players that don’t even have an idea of how Nigeria players had suffered. Yet we say we have tennis federation President or secretary or technical adviser to the federation. For example the female player from Madagascar was given a wild card for what reason? What criteria do they use, and yet we have the Nations Cup coming up. What encouragement are they giving to them it’s a shame to the tennis board authority.

How long have you played in the Governor’s Cup Championship?

I have been playing since the beginning of the edition of the tournament I am happy to say it, I just came out of retirement to play just to have fun for the love of the game. I am not playing to impress anybody, I am just here to be part of those that play in this year edition and

not to improve on my stroke or my ranking. I just came to the championship to enjoy myself but for those that are there that chose tennis as their career, I think the federation does nothing to encourage them, the players are encouraging themselves so the only opportunity the player has is just to perform well to show that yes they are real tennis competitors. In fact, I decided to retire because I was not gaining anything from Nigeria. I decided to call

•Da-Silva with kids

it off back home but I still play abroad in their league over there for summer and winter.

My advice to any Nigerian tennis player when they have the opportunity of playing for another country is that they should go ahead.

They should not think twice, it is a big opportunity. Being a dual citizen is the best because you have many obstacles in Nigeria. I am not gaining anything from the Nigeria tennis.

They should not invite me for

any competition. We only have two steady competitions in Nigeria aside from Governors cup , the CBN open and the Dala hard court, so each year Nigerians tennis players always play in one local tournament and that is a big shame to Nigeria tennis federation for not being able to get sponsors for the players. The sad thing is that even if they give sport money, it is still going to be embezzled. They should put people that know about the game to come and manage it .

THE NATION MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012

63

SPORT EXTRA

F

Mmadu leads team to Norway elite league

ALCONS legend Maureen Mmadu, playing in the second - tier of Norwegian Football for Avaldsnes IL, has expressed delight in helping her team gain promotion to the Toppserien.

With two matches to play in the championship, Maureen, coach/player of the Western Norway team, and her girls are guaranteed lifting the title.

Thanks to the team's unassailable lead after the 3 - 0 win over Sarpsborg 08 a fortnight ago. ''I have to thank God for everything. I am so happy to be part of history, helping the team to the

•Set to extend contract top division. This team has never played in the Premier League. I am also the captain of the team, and this would be the first time to lift a Cup in Europe. I am so happy, can't wait to lift the cup on Sunday,'' says Mmadu to allnigeriasoccer.com.

The experienced midfielder runs out of contract at the end of the 2012 season. Already, the management of Avaldsnes IL has approached her to extend her stay. ''They have approached me to sign a new contract. I love this

club, they have treated me nicely; best team I've played for since I arrived Europe. Mr Arne Utvik, our main sponsor, has done a great job in the team and also put a lot of money in the team. ''Normally, I don't sign for two years any club I play for. I sign for a year to see how everything goes, then if I am okay, I'll sign. It is certain that I will renew my contract with AIL at the end of the season,'' Mmadu said.

Maureen Mmadu, playing as a defensive midfielder, has scored 12 goals this campaign.

•Mmadu

Golden Star zoom into Extra Joss Cup Final

A

PAPA Golden Stars proved bookmakers wrong by humiliating high-flying MFM Ikeja 5-0 in the first semi-final of the 2012 Extra Joss Football competition at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The match which was watched by top dignitaries including the Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, saw Adewale Ojora scoring two quick goals (10th and 19th) in the first twenty minutes of the game which destabilized the morale of the MFM Boys while Alabi Apatapiti made it three in the 42nd minutes as the first half ended 3-0.

The Coach Nathaniel

…Trash MFM Ikeja 5-0 In Semi/final Olagunju tutored side which had defeated MFM, Yaba Headquarters’ team in quarterfinal, continued scintillating form in the second half as goalkeeper Ajayi Samuel caught MFM’s penalty kick in the 65th minutes, while Alabi Apatapiti scored his second goal of the match ten minutes later.

Ekene Ozuomena rounded up the goal feast with a terrific shot three minutes to regulation time to end the game 5-0 in favour of the Apapa team.

For Coach Olagunju: “Our ultimate is to win the trophy to reciprocate the kind gesture of the Chairman, Hon. Ayodeji

Joseph who has been on ground to watch and support us during all our matches in this competition.”

Apapa Golden Stars will battle the winner between Messiah FC and Lucky Babes who battle in the second semi-final billed for 2pm on Monday at the same venue.

In the quarterfinal matches played on Friday, Yobo Football Academy lost 4-3 to Messiah FC on penalty after both teams played 1-1 draw at full time as Lucky Babes FC defeated ASC Jobi Stars 1-0 in the other game.

The third place match has been fixed for Thursday by 2pm, while

the final is billed for Saturday October 27 by 3pm.

32 teams started the competition last month and the teams were drawn from the five divisional football associations in Lagos state.

The inter-local councils tournament is been organised by Office of Sports, Lagos State Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development in collaboration with Kalbe International and Orange Drugs Limited.

R E S U LTS AFRICA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Al Ahly 1 - 0 Sunshine Stars

England-based coach set to boss Enyimba

E

NYIMBA will this week announce a new coach likely to be Nigeria based in England from a short list of three coaches, officials have said.

Former Nigeria coach Austin Eguavoen has thrown in the towel at ‘The Peoiple’s Elephant’ and his assistant Abdu Maikaba has moved to champions Kano Pillars.

MTNFootball.com has since scooped that an Englandbased Nigerian coach, who has played for various top Nigerian clubs, is favoured to

get the job of restoring lost glory for the Aba club who for the second straight season will not feature in international football.

"Enyimba will soon name a new coach, three coaches have been short-listed and I know that a top Nigerian coach who is based abroad is likely to get the job,” a top source informed MTNFootball.com “He is the top favourite looking at the CVs. The chairman is in USA, but when he comes, the appointment will be ratified."

Westerhof, Herald storm Osun for U-20tournament. talentThishunt ORMER Super Eagles’ mega deal

F

handler, Clemens Westerhof will next week, lead top Europen players agent/scout to Oshogbo, Osun State capital for the forthcoming Osun U-20 Talent Hunt tournament scheduled to kick-off October 29.

The tournament which is expected to be a 15-day event, is designed as a scouting ground for agents and league club sides to fish out hidden talents in the State of Osun and 20 exceptional players will be selected by Westerhof for playing tour in Holland, Italy and Belgium.

FIFA agents Herald Wilhelm from Holland, Lippi Martario and Martinez Andoni both from Italy are expected to arrive the ancient City of Oshogbo next week for the

022

was brokered by Sunny Oyeyemi, a player agent, who is also the tournament technical partner/consultant.

Walcat/Sam D'Or Entertainment in conjucntion with the Osun State Ministry of Youths, Sports and Special Needs and the Osun State Football Association organised the forthcoming tournament to enhance the development of football in the state.

However, no fewer than 600 youths from 30 grassroots clubs in the nook and crannies of the state state and beyond are expected to participate in the maiden edition of the competition. The tournament according to the organizers will be stage in five towns in the state namely Oshogbo, Ilesha, Ile-Ife, Iwo and Ede.

22-10-2012

TODAY IN THE NATION

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 7 NO 2,286

‘Beyond the tales of adversities, what else do we have to be glorified as a nation? Not only a prostrate, distraught and strangulated territory, but a realm saddled with levels of most corrupt and apathetic populace. ’

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

T

HE anticipation of the governorship election of last Saturday was frenetic, and it was billed by this columnist as the battle of the intellect. I also billed it as a battle of integrity. This is because these are the cardinal impulses at play in the unveiling of the history of the state and that of the Southwest.

As the voting process took place, I began to receive gloating text messages by partisans who thought that a victory for Olusegun Mimiko is a loss for Sam Omatseye. This sort of reading of an event of such far-reaching significance told me that the impulse of the savagely parochial had overtaken the more urbane mentality of the thinker.

From the result released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, the numbers clearly lofted Mimiko as the winner of the poll. And, according to many text messages of those who celebrated, it was the triumph of the people. If the figures are not wrong, it all points out one thing about democracy.

It is the system of the majority, but not always the ideology of the wise. From the currents of all those who communicated to me, they said they were voting against invasion from the outside, and that Mimiko had performed in the past four years.

I billed the election as the platform for intellectual supremacy in the sense that I expected the people to vote for their own welfare, for the rise in education, for urban renewal and infrastructure development, for the promotion of integrity in office.

If what INEC reported yesterday reflected the spirit of the Ondo people, it shows that the election was not a contest of the mind, but a contest of a sentimentality, of looking the other way when the fundamental outrages of the past term of Mimiko mocked them openly. Is it true that this man did not commission a major road as part of his stewardship? If it is true then my position is right. Is it true that in his four years in office, he only boasted a mother and child hospital, while other humbler states like Lagos and Delta have this phenomenon as routine?

Only last week, Governor Babatunde Fashola, (SAN) the governor of example, unveiled eight of such hospitals.

Is it true that he is spending over N600 million on a mega school, and boasted during his outing on the hustings that he would build mega schools in every local government, and the people believed such egregious folly? Is it true that thousands of Caesarian operations took place in his hospital? Does it not bespeak a failed system that such a stunning number of Caesarian

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •Winner, Informed Commentary 2009& 2010 (D.A.M.E)

Mimic day ‘So if they say he performed, what are the tangible signatures of this performance? It has been demonstrated in the history of democracy that perception, not performance, is the potent force in democratic elections. It is the power of the spin. The people can be suffering, and be told that their lots are actually blissful ‘ •Mimiko

surgeries will take place in a system?

So if they say he performed, what are the tangible signatures of this performance? It has been demonstrated in the history of democracy that perception, not performance, is the potent force in democratic elections. It is the power of the spin. The people can be suffering, and be told that their lots are actually blissful. If the right figures are cleverly calibrated and

RIPPLES NIGERIANS STEALING PUBLIC FUNDS WITH EASE- Jonathan

HARDBALL

development of both roads and education than Mimiko can imagine in his selfglorification? Or are I am to refer to Rauf Aregbesola’s compassionate state where the education is reborn in a tale that only harks back to the time of Awolowo in terms of fervency of enrollment. Mimiko threw a gratuitous salvo over the thousands of people he has employed in his poverty alleviation programme. Those are 20,000 people removed from the streets of crime and indolence. How many of such can Mimiko boast of? Does he have a comparable figure of human rescue? Shall we refer to the doings of Ibikunle Amosun, with roads he has unveiled with deft measures in tertiary education and efforts to energise for industrial development?

What of Abiola Ajimobi’s valiant work in Ibadan already, rescuing the city from the grubby propensity of his bejeweled predecessor as well as the first real efforts to save the state from the tragic routines of floods? Is this what they saw as invasion? If that is invasion, it should have been the invasion of liberation rather than internal servitude.

In terms of integrity, I recalled in this column a few weeks ago when I characterised Mimiko as a pariah in the story of brotherly love. I itemised his serial acts of betrayal and that tells us that integrity should be seen as a factor in leadership.

Apparently, that did not matter.

The great thing about democracy is that the people can live to see the consequences of their ill judgment. I recall in my days teaching in the university in the United States, and I warned my students about the portentous errors of George W. Bush, and that he had deceived the majority of Americans, including marquee media establishments like the New York Times.

Some of my students thought I was probably supping with the enemy. By the time they knew the effect of their actions, Bush was winding down his second term in office.

And one of the students accosted me on campus with a slobbering apologia.

The New York Times published its mea culpa for being complicit in a wave of deception in the country. The media is not always innocent in matters of mass deception. It even happened in Hitler’s Germany, where only the Munich Post stood as the corrective voice in a whirlpool lies.

I only hope that we do not wake up one day to learn that, true to type, Mimiko has dumped his Labour Party and found a new rhythm in a new or familiar crowd of politicians. He should realise that if he did not perform in the first term and got away with it, history that outlives the presentistic follies of newspapers will be less kind if he fails to perform in the second.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Fed Govt must urgently address looming food crisis

I

Why not? Who is in jail for CORRUPTION?

the diction forceful, they would achieve a Goebels-like score, hoodwinking the people with a narrative of their own heroism when, in actual fact, the facts paint a contradictory picture.

Looking at the issue of invasion seems to me more than a little unfair. Is it invasion in Ekiti State, where Governor Kayode Fayemi, in a brief two years, has had impact on poverty alleviation and infrastructure

SOJI OMOTUNDE

N response to President Goodluck Jonathan’s national broadcast on the flood ravaging the country, Hardball on October 10 decried the failure of the federal government to address the looming problem of food scarcity and provision of seedlings for the next planting season. The column said among other things that, “In the 20-paragraph broadcast, the president said virtually nothing about the even more frightening cataclysm of impending food shortages, nor of how it would be mitigated both immediately and in the next planting season. It is bad enough that weeks after the flood, he is still proposing a visit to affected communities. But his refusal to say something concrete about what he intends to do both to tackle a possible food crisis and to ensure the availability and distribution of seedlings for the next farming season, and his inability to acknowledge the threat food shortages could pose to national security at a time of sundry and ubiquitous terrorist threats, is truly befuddling.”

In the October 9 broadcast, the president merely sympathised with the affected

communities experiencing flood and announced the provision of N17.6 billion to be shared among the 36 states of the federation. In addition, he set up a fund raising committee headed by businessman Aliko Dangote to raise approximately N100 billion to help flooded communities. But Hardball had criticised the fact that the monetary relief was planned before the president had the opportunity to visit affected communities or correctly estimate the extent of the floods and the crises they were likely to engender. A few days later, the president began his visits only to discover that the problem was far worse than estimated. He has belatedly started to appeal to the international community.

Now, in the face of fresh warnings of flood in some 19 states, it is time the federal government began to look at the issue of food crisis and national security much more closely. Not only are many farming communities and towns still under water, the threat of additional flood is an even huger burden for the affected states to bear. Already,

food prices have shot through the roof, and scarcity looms. For certain food crops, prices have risen by as much as 300 percent. At a time of grave terrorist threats and breakdown of law and order, rising food prices can only stoke the fire lit by years of social and economic inequalities. With poverty spreading, highways are likely to be more unsafe, while homes in towns and cities will come under intolerable siege.

In addition to the money already voted to ameliorate the flooding problem in the 36 states, and the funds yet to be raised by the Dangote committee, President Jonathan must urgently set up a committee to look at impending food crisis, the threats they are likely to constitute to democracy and stability, and the options available to tackle them. These threats are not an exaggeration; they are real, and they must be addressed now. The three tiers of government must also manage the flood relief camps much better than they have done so far and plan for the aftermath of the floods. Nothing must be left to chance.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361.

Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO