The Nation October 28, 2014 by The Nation

Newspaper of the Year

Why Amaechi, Saraki are haunted NEWS

Page 5

•Ex-governor relives PDP crisis

News Reps: Nigeria under financial siege P2 Sports South Africa’s capt. shot dead P41 Business Guinness Nigeria gets new MD P2

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 9, NO. 3015 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

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•CHAMPIONS: Minister of Sports Mr Tammy Danagogo (middle) and other officials with the African Women Championship (Namibia) winners Super Falcons on their arrival in Lagos…yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

•INSIDE: ‘NO VOTES RECOUNT IN OSUN’ P7 GERMANY TO NIGERIA: END INSURGENCY P4

Tambuwal joins APC Speaker to retain seat after dumping PDP today

•Hon. Tambuwal

ARRING any lastminute hitch, House of Representatives’ Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal will defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) today, ending speculations on his political future. Tambuwal is expected to defect in what may appear a historic decision by any leader of the House. But, contrary to the calculations of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Speaker may not vacate his seat or resign from the parliament be-

‘

The Speaker will not vacate his seat or resign as a member of the House... because the 1999 Constitution and House Rules do not say he must quit From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

cause neither the 1999 Constitution nor the House Rules makes provision for him to step down. The defection will enable the Speaker attend the APC’s Extraordinary National Convention tomorrow.

The Nation learnt that Tambuwal bowed to pressure to defect to the APC after consultations with his constituents in Sokoto, eminent leaders of the North, prominent politicians nationwide and members of the House of Representatives. It was gathered that a fiveman Strategy Committee in

’

the House spent the last one and a half weeks to examine the pros and cons (including the legal implications) of the Speaker’s defection and gave him the go-ahead. A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The Speaker is moving with his constituents and supporters to APC. It has

taken two years that the people of his constituency and the people of similar world view have told him to leave PDP where he has been sidelined. “Even at a recent APC meeting in Sokoto, chairmen and secretaries of all wards and party leaders in the state were emphatic in their call on Tambuwal to defect to APC. In an apparent reference to the Speaker, they said whoever will succeed Wammako must be presentContinued on page 4

Abductions no threat to talks with Boko Haram, says govt

HE Federal Government is insisting that new abductions and fightings are not enough to threaten the ongoing talks with Boko Haram. Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Aminu Wali told the media that the government was hopeful of a fruitful outcome WHEN WILL THE of the talks broCHIBOK GIRLS kered by the NiKIDNAPPED ON ger Republic APRIL 15 BE President Idris FREED?

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Deby. Wali spoke when he received the Foreign Minister of France and Germany, Mr. Laurent Fabius and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Abuja. Wali, who did not rule out the existence of a splinter group in Boko Haram, also noted that the latest abductions and attacks may not have been carried out by the sect whose representatives are in Continued on page 4

•From left: Chairman, Oando Plc, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland; Group Chief Executive Mr Jubril Adewale Tinubu and Group Chief Financial Officer Mr Olufemi Adeyemo at the 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Oando held at MUSON Centre, Lagos Island...yesterday. PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

•SPORTS P24• POLITICS P43 •TRANSPORTATION P46•ENERGY P48 •PROPERTY P51

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

NEWS

Guinness... C •From left: General Manager, Lagos State Electricity Board (LSEB), Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi; Executive Director, Sahara Group, Mr. Tope Shonubi (back row); Managing Director, Notore Power Limited, Femi Solebo (back row); MD/CEO, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Mrs. Bola Adesola with the winning team, Lagos Inventergy Challenge, Yewande Morris, Abraham Obaro, and Chinma Igwe in Lagos.

Guinness Nigeria, one of the biggest players in the country’s brewing industry, is to have a new Chief Executive Officer by January. Seni Adetu is giving way for John O’Keeffe at a time the company’s sales figures have continued to dwindle, ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI reports

•From left: Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas; Master Trainer, Mr. Solomon Osibeluwo; Marketing Manager, Information Technology and Mobile, Ms. Olajumoke Okikiolu and Business Development Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Mr. Daesung Ra at the launch of Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in Lagos.

•Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (2nd left) presenting the MTN Cup to the patron of Keffi Ponys, Honourable Aliyu Wadada(right) With them are Senior Manager Master Brand, MTN, Emamoke Ogoro(left) and Event and Sponsorship Manager, MTN, Okundola Bamgboye(2nd right) during the prize presentation ceremony of the MTN African Patrons Polo Tournament at the Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club in Kaduna... at the weekend.

Y next January, Seni Adetu will vacate the hot seat. Diageo’s Guinness Nigeria division yesterday announced that Adetu will be replaced by John O’Keeffe, who has been with Diageo for around 20 years. He is global head of Innovation and global head of Beer & Baileys. O’Keeffe started his career as a graduate trainee for Guinness Ireland, holding many marketing roles in Ireland before moving to Jamaica as Marketing Director. He later moved to the Nordics where he held his first Managing Director role, and then moved to Athens where he spent two years as the Europe Marketing Director for Johnnie Walker. After this, he became the Managing Director, Russia and Eastern Europe based in Russia before returning to Ireland, to take-up his current role as Global Head of Diageo Innovation and Global Head of Beer & Baileys. He has been a Board member of Guinness Nigeria Plc for the past two years. He has a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) in Economics & Marketing from Cork University. Adetu was made Managing Director and CEO of Guinness Nigeria in May 2012. He will step down at the board meeting next month. Diageo said: ”Having completed his assignment, Seni will report to Nick Blazquez, president, Diageo Africa & Asia, starting January 2015.” Guinness Nigeria, in a statement last night, said Adetu performed

•OUT OUTGOING: OUT GOING: Adetu

creditably well. The statement reads: “During his time in role, Seni has creditably led the business, successfully completed the capacity expansion project and commenced a major transfromation in the company's Route-to-Consumer. “Under Seni's leadership, the quality and diversity of our portfolio have been enriched with the renovation of Guinness FES and Harp, the repositioning of Dubic and Satzenbrau, the expansion into mainstream spirits and soft drinks categories, the introduction of new brands like Snapp and Orijin. In the period, we have won the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) award for best beverage innovation in Nigeria in 2014 with Orijin and sustained Guinness Nigeria's long-standing position as one of the most reputable companies in Nigeria.” Significantly, the change of guard is coming at a time the company is not doing well financially. In Diageo’s latest full-year results, announced in July, Nigeria was flagged as having performed particularly badly, with overall volumes sliding by 9 per cent and reported net sales

‘Nigeria under financial siege’ •Reps summon Okonjo-Iweala

T • From left: Dr. Motunrayo Adekunle, receiving the '1st Best Participant Award' from the Chairman, Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria, Prof. Olu Akinyanju and Director, MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro during the graduation ceremony of the 17th Genetic Counselling Training Course sponsored by the MTN Foundation in Lagos.

HE economy is under financial siege considering the sorry state of the nation’s finances, lawmakers said yesterday. In a move to find a solution to the financial challenges, the House has summon the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Budget Office Director-Gen-

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

eral Bright Okogwu, Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts Solomon Adeola, in an interview, concern over the inability of the Federal Government to release statutory allocations to various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) since July.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

NEWS

Change of guard at trying times

falling by 14 per cent. Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), a diversified financial institution, said the nation’s beer market has seen a decline in the super-premium and mainstream brands to the benefit of value / growth brands (8.3 per cent growth in 2013) characterised by relatively lower prices. Such brands include Trophy lager, Hero beer, Goldberg, Life beer and Dubic beer. “From our analysis, we conclude that the industry is attractive. We note that though the barriers to entry are high, the bargaining power of suppliers is moderate, while the bargaining power of buyers is low. There is little threat of substitutes for the products produced in the industry and favourable complements for the products,” FDC said. In its latest company’s audited result for 2013, Guinness experienced a 19 per cent drop in its profit after tax, from N11.864bn in 2012 to N9.573bn in 2013. The company’s revenue at N109.202bn was 11 per cent lower than the N122.464bn it posted in 2012. Adetu said the revenue decline was due to pricing disadvantage, growth in the value segment where the company is a relatively small player, competitor’s aggressive trade practices and

increased finance costs. Of recent, Guinness and its main rival, Nigerian Breweries Plc, have been having issues over alleged de-marketing. It started with an advertorial by a Non-Governmental Organisation, the Consumer Rights Advocacy Network of Nigeria (CRANN).It accused a major and dominant brewery of engaging in “pirate marketing”. According to the NGO, Nigerian Breweries offered distributors and bar owners incentives to destock Guinness brands and prevent consumers from making a choice. The series of adverts were published in major newspapers displayed silhouette of two bottles, with various headlines, such as “Wake up Call to Consumers,” “A Call for Fair-Play”, “Unfair land-grabbing in the Alcoholic Beverage Industry”. The adverts said Nigerian Breweries was bullying its close rivals through what it termed as pirate marketing. CRANN displays two bottles. One looks like the Nigerian Breweries’ Legend Extra stout chasing the other which looks like the Guinness stout. The body copy gave an impression that Nigerian Breweries was offering incentives to distributors to remove Guinness brands from shelve, hence, preventing consumers from

making a choice. An industry observer said: “If going by the branding of the bottles of one of the ad series, one can easily decipher that the small bottle branded ‘Ogba’ is referring to Guinness Nigeria Plc and the big bottle branded ‘Surulere’ is Nigerian Breweries Plc. If my guess is as good as yours, could it be that the disappointing results recently released by Guinness Nigeria Plc is attributable to what the NGO described as ‘Pirate Marketing’ and ‘De-Marketing?” Guinness is located at Ogba on the outskirts of Nigerian Breweries is located in Surulere, Lagos mainland. The adverts have raised posers about the decline in sales in the sector. The beer industry recorded a decline in growth in the third quarter of 2013. The market witnessed a decline of about 10 per cent in 2013. The Director of Communication, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Sesan Sobowale, told The Nation that its major rivals are destocking its brand by offering incentives to distributors so that they will have preference for their brands when consumers call. “We see a situation whereby the sales men of this company will go to bars, not just in Lagos, Port Harcourt,

Abuja, Ibadan but in all of the major towns and cities of Nigeria and offer bar owners or bar men incentives to destock us, or not to stock certain of our brands or whereby they stocked them in terms of the fact that they had bought from the wholesalers to hide them,” he said. With a profit after tax shrinking after spending over N1.6 billion on advertisement in 2013, Guinness has embarked on one of the most aggressive advertising campaigns in recent times through its “Colourful World of More” campaigns. In a report by Media Fact, a publication of MediaReach OMD for West African media market on top 20 brands in Nigeria, The Nation’s calculation showed that of the N6.5 billion spent by Lager (beer) category, Guinness accounted for N2.7billion as against Nigerian Breweries’ N3.8 billion. According to the report, Guinness led the NB brands in the brand categories in above-the-line media, spending N1.6billion as against NB’s Star. Despite this, Guinness’s brands have suffered many notches which made it impossible to recoup its media investment and remain the second major player in terms of market share. “We have spent billions of naira to promote and build these brands but of what use is this when a consumer gets into the bar with his friends and say give me Malta Guinness and the bar people say there is no Malta Guinness. Of what use will that be? That is really where we were hurt most. We are spending money promoting and building this brand but as a result of a deliberate action of a competitor, these brands are not available for consumers to make a choice. And so, the value of our investment has been lost. You can only get the value of our loss if you look at our advertising and promotion spends in the last five years,” Sobowale said. This, perhaps, is the reason why industry observers believe Guinness may have hired CRANN to tactically advocate for it against what it perceived as ‘Pirate Marketing’ activities by Nigerian Breweries. Speaking at a press conference on Pirate Marketing in the Alcoholic Beverages Industry in Lagos, CRANN’s coordinator Sina Loremikan, decried what he described as a “de-marketing endeavour,” which “negates the principles that promote fair competition in the Nigerian corporate sector – inclusive of the alcoholic beverages industry.” Nigerian Breweries spokesperson Edem Vindal refused to comment when this reporter sought his opinion on the matter. But, CEO, Marketing Services International, Friday Emeka, defended the brewing giant. Emeka said:”Curiously, my first worry was why an NGO should see itself as an advocate for and on behalf of compet-

Besides, he revealed that the committee’s report urging the National Assembly to scrap the Service Wide Vote from the annual budget would be ready soon. A 34-page report of enquiry into the operations and utilisation of the Service Wide Vote between 2004 and 2012 by the PAC committee shows that over N4 trillion was released from the Service Wide Vote to support capital and recurrent allocations. The report states: “The period 2007 to 2012 witnessed astronomical increases in SWV releases to MDAs. Releases to MDAs during the period amounted to N3,568,401,379,952. Releases in 2012 and 2010 topped the list with N900,635,965,485.63 and N864,282,084,611.55.

“It is also evident from the table that releases to MDAs from the Service Wide Vote during the period ranged between 65.88% to 344.4% of recurrent allocations to the affected MDAs. The impact of such outrageous extra-budgetary expenditure can only be inflationary.” The report also states that between 2004 and 2012 “N1,284,853,731.20 was spent on overseas medical trips”. “Between 2004 and 2005, N250 million was spent on the upkeep of the former Liberian President, Charles Taylor. “A total of N2,346,761,075.80 released from the SWV accounts was spent on publicity and publications of various government programmes” while N14,006,494,847.57 was spent on judgement debts awarded against

Federal Government within and outside Nigeria.” Adeola chided the manner in which the Service Wide Vote has been used as a drain pipe in the nation’s finances. He said: “The Service Wide Vote remains one particular budget head which I will be imploring all my members and my colleagues to let us scrap and remove it from the budget, if Nigeria truly desires to see the dividends of democracy because the Service Wide Vote runs concurrently, par-ri-par-su with the main budget as passed by the National Assembly. Every year, averagely, there is no year that you will not have a Service Wide Vote that performs 100 percent while the main budget will perform between 40 to

45 percent. “And by the time you now average this to the budget performance, it amounts to over 60 to 70 percent budget performance and that is what the honourable Minister, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala, will report to the whole world to have gotten a budget that performed. So the real performance in that budget is the Service Wide Vote and not the main budget.” Mrs. Okonjo- Iweala and Okogwu, are to explain to the House the nonrelease of the statutory grants of all ministries, agencies and departments since July Adeola said the Minister’s assertion that the economy is healthy is not true as only the Service Wide vote performed 100 percent; the

•INCOMING: INCOMING: O’Keeffe

ing brands in the industry? While studying CRANN’s advocacy ads in the national dailies and the lopsidedness of the campaign and obvious misapplication of marketing terms contained therein, I asked myself ‘what is the role(s) of an NGO in a society? Don’t NGOs need to do their homework well before embarking on campaigns? Do NGOs exist to bring one down to promote the other? A robust civil society is one with the active participation of millions of citizens. This can only be achieved by people have adequate understanding of the role of NGOs in modern societies. These are essential credentials found wanting among the profiteers, hustlers, and attention-seekers and political jobbers that are driving CRANN. Is it not curious that issues being raised have nothing to do with ‘demarketing’ and ‘pirate marketing’ as concepts in modern marketing as claimed by Loremikan and his sponsors? It is quite unfortunate that Loremikan’s sponsors failed to educate him on what ‘pirate marketing’ and ‘demarketing’ as marketing concepts mean.” A doctoral student at the University of Lagos and Chief Executive Officer of a marketing firm, Kentesy, Mr. Kennedy Nwagwu, noted that the brewer’s war has given rise to misuse of marketing terms. “I think these are wrong choice of words. What is being pirated here? Is NBL packaging their products in the name of Guinness? Piracy is simply an unauthorised use of other company’s brand name(s) mainly for economic purpose. This act is not pirating marketing since NBL did not use any of Guinness branding icons illegally,” said Nwagwu. Before Adetu took over, Nigeria was expected to overtake the UK as the largest market for Guinness stout. This was expected to happen this year. Instead the market declined seriously. Renaissance Capital, in a research report on Nigeria's brewery industry, said sales of Guinness were in 2011 driven by Sub-Saharan Africa countries, with 41 per cent of global volumes consumed in the region in 2010. "Stout volumes have been growing quickly in Africa over the past few years, while they have been declining in traditional beer markets," said the report. At the time, Nigeria was the largest market in Africa for Guinness and the second largest globally, since it overtook Ireland in 2007. "The largest market remains the UK, but we expect Nigeria will overtake the UK and become the largest stout market globally in 2014," noted Renaissance. The report said Nigeria was the most attractive market in Sub-Saharan Africa for brewers because it had West Africa's highest consumption of pure alcohol. Will O’Keeffe make the difference? Time will tell. main budget’s performance stands 40 to 45 percent annually. On the capital budget implementation, the lawmaker said the situation was not encouraging as even the reduction in oil prices has not affected the benchmark. His words: “On Capital implementation, the last all the agencies of government have gotten is the second quarter. Many of them have not been cash-backed. To me, the question is: is Nigeria broke? “If Nigeria is not broke, there have not been any issue of war in the Niger Delta region that constitutes more than 60 or 63 percent of our generated income; the number of barrels of oil that we produce has not gone down.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

Germany to Nigeria: end insurgency before 2015 elections

•From left: Out- going MD, Mr. Joe Hudson; Chairman, Board of Directors, Lafarge Africa Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye; MD, Lafarge Wapco Operations, Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo and Group; Managing Director/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Guillame Roux during the Presentation of Lafarge’s Corporate Biography ”Building on Legacy of Exccellence” and farewell and welcome party for its Managing Directors in Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

‘Abductions no threat to talks with Boko Haram’ Continued from page 1

talks with the Federal Government. He said: “Yes; there is a ceasefire and negotiation is still going on and we expect a lot of progress have been made and soon we will announce exactly where we are. Of course, when the negotiation is still on it will be delicate for us to start making pronouncement; until after we are sure of what we have been able to achieve. “The question of the Chibok girls, yes, they are part of the discussion and they are part of the negotiations.” On the recent abductions, Wali said: “This is something that has been going on for sometime now. And, of course, the statement issued by one of the Boko Haram that those ones were done by either rogues or criminals and not Boko Haram. So kidnapping in Nigeria has been going on for sometime, not by Boko Haram, but by criminals and miscreants. But we also suspect that some dissidents of non-Boko Haram body

could probably have gone to break the ceasefire, but certainly this is not something that will threaten the negotiation that is going on. Also, we have made efforts to bring back those who were kidnapped.” Meanwhile, the visiting European ministers announced that they were ready to support any effort towards a ceasefire. Besides, they are working on a humanitarian force to assist Nigeria and other West African countries in handling humanitarian issues. Victims of Boko Haram and those of natural disasters will benefit from the initiatives after the approval of the European Union (EU). Besides, the duo noted that they would be helping Nigeria to train 200 healthcare professionals. The duo and their delegations had earlier visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) where they promised to support the commission in conducting free and fair elections

in 2015. Fabius and Steinmeier warned that Nigeria’s image is at stake in the coming 2015 general elections, stressing that “because of the importance of Nigeria, “we agreed to have direct contact with Nigerians (Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Commission”. They however expressed the hope that the commission would overcome the challenges as it did in 2011 and, at the end, conduct free, fair and transparent elections. The visiting ministers also noted that the European Union (EU) was willing to contribute to the success of the commission financially and also dispatch a EU observer group. The ministers also said that they were willing to know the country’s approach to security and displaced people ahead of the elections. Jega had noted that the commission was fully aware of the enormous responsibility to conduct free, fair and acceptable elections.

He also noted that the security challenge notwithstanding, the Commission was set to conduct elections across the country. Jega, who recieved the visiting ministers, assured them that the commission had done everything possible to ensure that no one would be excluded from participating in the February 2015 general elections as a result of the activities of the Boko Haram group in the Northeast. He noted that the commission was hopeful that the security challenges would have been over before the elections. Jega said: “Security is a challenge. We cannot underestimate it, but we feel we can conduct elections across the country.” He stressed that the prayer of the commission is that before 2015 elections, the fighting against Boko Haram would have been concluded. He therefore stressed, “we will deliver free, fair and credible elections. There are challenges no doubt but we will succeed.”

ERMAN Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Frank Seinmeier has urged Nigeria to increase its efforts on ending Boko Haram insurgency before the 2015 elections. Seinmeier spoke when he and French Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Laurent Fabius led a European Union (EU) delegation to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, in Abuja yesterday. He said: “You know that the elections you are preparing for are taking place under difficult conditions, fighting two enemies at a time. First of all, it was even last week we were commenting on your effort and success fighting Ebola. “The second enemy we were talking about this morning during breakfast meeting with different religious organisations is against the Boko Haram and its terrorist groups. “Therefore, we know that the fight against Boko Haram is not yet enough successful as over 200 girls are still kidnapped and not yet released,’’ he said. Fabius urged INEC to defend Nigeria’s and Africa’s image by conducting credible elections in 2015. Fabius said the delegation

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

visited the commission because of INEC’s responsibility to conduct credible elections by 2015. “We congratulate your institution for the way you handled general elections in 2011 and more recently the current elections. “Now that new elections are coming next year, the challenge is tremendous. You have great responsibility towards Nigeria. The image of Nigeria is at stake and the image of Africa as well. “We have no doubt that this election will be free, fair and transparent. European Union (EU) will contribute to it, financially and will also dispatch EU observation mission, ’’ Fabius said. Fabius said the delegation was interested in knowing INEC’s preparation to face the security challenges because of the situation in the northern part of Nigeria. “We are here to tell you that we have great confidence in what you are doing and what you will do,’’ he said. Fabius wished the commission success in the 2015 general elections even as the country continued its fight against Boko Haram and security sitContinued on page 56

Tambuwal joins APC Continued from page 1

able both locally and internationally; he must be mentally capable with good records of performance; he should also be acceptable to all parts of the state.” “The APC leaders praised the Speaker for a job well done; they appreciated his resilience and doggedness in the face of intimidation. So, you can see where the Speaker’s inspiration is coming from. The Speaker is said to have opted for APC because he believes “every politics is local”. He shares this same vision with a former Speaker of the U.S. House, Tip O’Neill and he has hearkened to the pressure from his people, the source

said. Responding to a question, the source added: “The Speaker will not vacate his seat or resign as a member of the House. This is another historic bend to Tambuwal’s defection because the 1999 Constitution and House Rules do not say he must quit.” Section 50(1) (b) of the Constitution says: “There shall be a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be elected by the members of that House among themselves.” Order 1 Rule 2 and Order 2 Rule 3(1) only ask the House to regulate its conduct. It is siContinued on page 56

Okonjo-Iweala lists risks facing economy

INISTER of Finance Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala yesterday listed some challenges facing the economy. Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala, who is also the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, insisted that contrary to insinuations in certain quarters, Nigeria is not broke. The Minister spoke at a meeting with members of the Senate Committee on Finance and National Planning on the 2015/2017 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy, Paper (MTEF). Chief among the challenges outlined by the Minister is the risk of low demand for the country’s products because the economy of some other countries is not growing. Though she reiterated that Nigeria is reasonably stable compared with some countries, she warned that action needed to be taken to prevent the challenges facing the economy from getting worse. Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said: “There are risks on the horizon and those risks are very clear; the risk of the demand

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sani Onogu, Abuja

for our products not being robust because other countries are not growing. So we are interested in how they grow. “Every country faces a certain amount of risks and uncertainty at different times, so it is how you manage it that is a problem. “Are we prepared with a list of measures that can help us manage any of these outcomes? “Have we thought through the various scenarios to say if anything happens, here are the things to recommend? “If we have those scenarios and manage those things, then we will be able to manage the economy.” “Yes at the present time, we are reasonably stable compared with other countries but if those risks materialise, we need to have action in order to keep the economy stable.” On cash flow she said: “People are saying revenue cash flow is not so robust and you also say the economy is okay; how can that happen? “Nigeria as a country has

quite enough assets and I think anybody inside and outside will agree to that. That is why it is very difficult when people say the country is broke. I say absolutely not because if we wanted to mobilise any of our assets to cover, we could do that. Of course, it could take a little bit of time. “However, that does not mean that we cannot have some cash flow fluctuations. “We just have to manage it because we have an economy that is reasonably self-sufficient. “If we are able to manage ourselves well and everybody is willing to do a few things we should be able to get there.” Asked whether 2014 budget is likely going to be tenable or a workable budget, she replied: “My belief, is no matter what is settled on at this point in time, what is pleasing and what will bring us all together is the realisation that what we were trying to say a few years ago has happened and it is happening in front of us and all of us need to come together to find a solution. “Whatever the decision will

be, even if we agree on another benchmark, we still need measures to be in place because we have no idea whether it is going to go.” The Minister said that the excess crude account was built to cushion the effect of an economic downturn. She said, “At times like this, when we have some kind of difficulties, I think the excess crude account played that role to perfection during the crises of 2008, when oil fell to 38 to 40 dollars per barrel, even worse than what we have now. “At that time, we still had saved up quite a lot of money. As such, we were able to draw at least for a quite a few months to carry the economy. “I am very proud of that time, sitting at the World Bank, Nigeria was one of the few countries that didn’t come to the IMF and the World Bank for urgent support.” Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said for there to be stability, “we need a minimum of about$5billion and anything about that is good”. “It helps to cushion our ex-

change rate, so, if we go and withdraw it abruptly beyond that amount, it causes a problem and you know we went down to $2 billion last year and then we built it up to $9 billion and there was insistence we must share, it came down to $2 billion and then we had, at least, built it back to $4.5 billion. Right now we are at 4.1 billion. “If we had built it to a stable cushion then anything above that we could now use to augment.” On restructuring the recurrent expenditure, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said: “Restructuring will increase revenue and the ratio will change but given what we face in this country, we have continued to make expenditures on certain economic activities that are not yielding anything to this economy. “We continue to pay salaries, we continue to pay benefits, we continue to carry expenses on things that are yielding zero. “Decisions need to be taken. Some of these activities, when you want to get rid of them, they say ‘no, organisation is

•Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala

underpinned by law’. “So, we need the help of the National Assembly; we cannot do it without you. “I we get together, we can take care of some of these issues so that it might result in immediate upfront cost because you may need to pay off some money, but in the long Continued on page 56

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

NEWS We’re being vilified for saying the truth, says Saraki From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

•Saraki

ORMER Governor of Kwara State Senator Bukola Saraki has said both the Rivers Sate Governor, Chibuike Amaechi and himself as well as other likeminded people, were persecuted by the powers-that-be for their stance on fairness, equity and justice in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Saraki, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), spoke at the weekend in Ilorin, the state capital, while addressing members of APC at its monthly meeting. He noted that at the height of the PDP crisis, the same powers-that-be persuaded and lobbied his group not to leave the PDP. The former governor added that notwithstanding the persuasion, the group stood its ground and refused to accede to the entreaties since they were pursing the cause of the masses. A source at the meeting quoted Saraki as saying: “When we are on the right path and when I have people like you that always assist in prayers, no amount of victimisation can stop us. “You see that decision I took was not for selfish ambition; it was because of you; my people and we will continue to fight your cause. “That is how we were brought up to assist the downtrodden and fight the cause of commoners. That is what our late father lived and died for. He was the architect and advocate of peace and a great philanthropist. And we will not derail from doing what we inherited from him.” The senator representing Kwara Central added that happenings in the country were vindicating him and his group as evidenced in the dwindling federal allocation to states, saying it was parts of what “we were fighting against.” “Everyone is lamenting the situation even as some PDP governors are regretting, but they told us they cannot say that in public. They told us that they found it difficult to pay salaries of their workers let alone embarking on other developmental projects,” he said. Aligning with Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on the federal presence in the state, he alleged that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has done nothing in the

state to deserve the people’s votes. He said: “I challenge them to point to any of their projects here in Kwara. During my tenure, we rehabilitated Chikanda/Kosubosu road and the late President Umar Yar’Adua approved the repayment before his demise, but President Jonathan has refused to pay.” He stressed that the APC remained the only party that can rescue the country from its near total collapse. He urged those still remaining in the PDP fold to join the APC, adding that the party’s doors remained open.

•President Goodluck Jonathan (left) receiving the Jerusalem Pilgrim (JP) Crest from President,Tailor Made Tours Mrs. Josephine Zinder at an Interdenominational Church Service for Nigerian Pilgrims in Jerusalem...last Sunday. With them is PHOTO: NAN the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Mr John-kennedy Opara.

Jonathan runs govt of ‘clientelism’, says Atiku

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been accused of indulging in “politics of clientelism” by awarding favours only to his cronies, to the detriment of accountability and democratic principles. All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar made the allegation through the Director -General of his campaign organisation, Prof. Babalola Borisade. He spoke at a news conference, which took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Atiku alleged that the favours were taking the form of “public sector jobs appointments, distribution of resources through licences, contracts and tax waivers” to curry political gains from the beneficiaries. The former vice president said the crony- beneficiaries of the favours go about “mobilising political support and loyalty for their patrons.” Aside the news conference, which was attended by Dr. Nathaniel Yaduma, Dr. Akinwunmi Oluwole and Dr. Garba Abari, a two-day summit to review the state of the nation and the way forward organised by the campaign organisation also kicked off at the same venue. Atiku cited the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) spectacle as an instance to buttress Jonathan’s alleged “clientelism style”. He noted that the rest of Nigerians, who stayed out of the network, remained excluded from the decisionmaking process and cut-off from benefits of democracy.

•Ex-VP: President favouring cronies for political gains From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

The nation, according to him, now has a prevalence of people who surrendered principles so that they could be integrated into such network. He said: “A deductive observer will not fail to notice that the nation has been gravitating from the presidential system of governance stipulated in our constitution to presidentialism. This means the systematic concentration of political power in the hands of one individual or a cabal. “As a result, effective accountability and representation through popular democratic participation is giving way to personal rule and single party dictatorships rooted on politics of clientelism. “Clientelism refers to the awarding of personal favours among patrimonial cronies. These favours take the form of public sector jobs, appointments, distribution of resources through licences, contracts and tax waivers. In return, the cronies mobilise political support and loyalty for their patrons - the TAN Spectacle.” “For the voters, the ballot becomes a token exchange in a highly personal relationship of dependency on hand-outs, the so called ‘stomach infrastructure. “Those who stay out of this network do not only remain excluded from the decisionmaking process, but also from allocated benefits of democracy, hence the prevalence of people who surrender principles so that they can be integrated into the network.” Atiku, who pledged to tack-

le corruption, unemployment, insecurity and other national challenges, if elected into office in 2015, said Nigerians need democracy of substance that would respond to their socio-economic demands and bring about improvements in their living conditions. Atiku urged the electorate to have a re-think about why and how they cast their votes, saying elections should no longer be about the right to vote, but must also provide avenues for them to choose between candidates and not based on primordial sentiments. He also lamented that the country faces a bleak and dangerous future due to poor governance, adding that the nation requires re-evaluating and re-positioning to the path of recovery and greatness. This, he added, must be done by people, who have prepared themselves to lead and not “those being persuaded to do so at a time Nigeria is being subdued on all fronts.” Atiku said:”There is an unmistakable feeling that we are being subdued on all fronts by crippling economic conditions, high unemployment rates, collapsing infrastructure, pipeline vandalism, kidnapping and Boko-Haram insurgency. “It is clear that our country is in dire need of a re-evaluation of its political and socioeconomic status. Nigeria is a one resource economy. The substantial portion of the national revenue is controlled by the Federal Government. “When this privilege is ex-

ercised within a complex patronage system characterised by nepotism, corruption and utter disregard for due process, the nation’s social, political and economic capital cannot be as strong as we are made to believe. “Often, we are told by the economic and financial managers in this administration that the Nigerian economy is the largest in Africa, closely followed by that of South Africa. “According to the ‘good’ news released towards the end of the first quarter of this year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) put the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2013 at $503 billion (£307 billion), a figure that was nearly twice its previous estimates, and more than that of South Africa. “It is also constantly claimed that the economy has consistently grown at a rate of between five and seven per cent annually for the last five or more years. And by the newly “re-based” or recalculated GDP, Nigeria has moved up the ladder from being 31st largest economy in the world to 12th, putting it in the same prosperity bracket as Belgium and Poland. “Good news indeed! But what does the breakdown reveal? Regrettably, the new buoyant economic tabulation does not match the indices on the ground. One report immediately cast doubt about the impact of the new encouraging figures by stating that it “won’t change poverty and infrastructure woes” in the country.

“Meanwhile the government has invested more than $15 billion into improving the power sector, privatised the sector, but still there is a 6000 MW gap in the power supply system, implying that more generators will be required to power our homes, offices and factories.” The presidential aspirant, who also decried sincerity of the employment figures from government’s statistics, noted that it was painfully that poverty has not been ‘down-sized’. He quoted a recent study, which states that more than 50 per cent of Nigerians live below the poverty level. Atiku also decried the decay in the critical education sector, road infrastructure development, and lack of security of life and property. “Today, Nigeria is in the grip of murderous insurgents, who daily commit heinous crimes against innocent people in many parts of Nigeria, especially in the Northeast. “Boko Haram has captured enclaves of land, hoisted their flags and imposed a reign of terror on citizens. Bombings, abductions, kidnappings, robberies and rapes are on the increase as general insecurity pervades the land,” he said. He added: “Could this state of anomie be attributed to poor governance? According to the highly-regarded 2014 Ibrahim Index of African Governance Report, Nigeria was ranked one of the worst governed countries on the continent”.

Path to good governance in Nigeria, by Ezekwesili

ORMER Minister of Education Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili has advocated sound policies and strong institutions as path to good governance. She spoke at a public lecture on the theme: “Good Governance and the Challenges of the African Child”, organised by the Dorcas Oke Hope Alive Initiative (DOHAL) at the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, at the weekend. The former World Bank

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

boss noted that the policy she suggested for transformation of the 102 Unity Schools was abandoned after her exit as minister of Education. Mrs. Ezekwesili stressed that the policy was not to sell those schools, but to restore academic excellence to them. The policy, according to her, would have ensured that the schools were funded by the Federal Government and managed by the old students’ asso-

ciations. The former minister said the policy would have ensured good governance in the schools and safeguard the future of the pupils. She explained that good governance requires that everybody should shun bad conduct and values that took the nation on a race to the bottom instead of the top. The right activist noted that the drive also requires individual commitment to the idea that a new Nigeria is possible and it requires the effort of all the citi-

zenry. “This has to be a society that functions on the basis of sacrifice. But it is the last thing that ever occurs to the minds of average Nigerians, even worse to the mind of the leaders in Nigeria. No society that ignores sacrifice can be a society that would treat its people with a sense of equality,” she said. The former World Bank chief listed transparency, responsibility, accountability and participation as the attributes that the public should look out for in differentiating

between good and bad governance. Dr. Ezekwesili described transparency as an important attribute of good governance because it would help in curbing corruption. She insisted that Nigeria was lagging behind in terms of transparency in governance, noting that responsibility would help both the leaders and followers to do what ought to be done. Her words: ”This attribute is not only for leaders, the citizens also need it because they

•Dr Ezekwesili

must obey the law of the land. If the citizens do not play their part, the leaders will not be able to perform well. As citizens, you must perform your civic responsibilities such as payment of taxes.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

NEWS President congratulates Brazilian president From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil on her victory in the final round of her country’s presidential elections. A statement by the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Jonathan received the news of President Rousseff’s re-election with great delight because of the excellent relations and strategic partnership forged between Nigeria and Brazil during her first term in office. It reads: “As President Rousseff prepares to begin a new term of office on January 1, 2015, Nigeria looks forward to working with her government to expand and further enhance existing relation with Brazil, especially in the area of trade and economic relations, for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries.” “President Jonathan also applauds President Rousseff’s expressed commitment to working for greater peace, national unity and more reforms in Brazil during her second term.” He congratulated the people of Brazil for their unwavering commitment to democracy and its processes, which has produced a peaceful and acceptable outcome in the keenly contested elections.

Ebola: Jonathan condemns discrimination

RESIDENT Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has urged an end to discriminatory checks and stigmatisation against Nigerians abroad, arguing that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has certified the country Ebola-free. He spoke when Foreign Ministers of Germany and France visited him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The president, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity Reuben Abati, restated the Federal Government’s displeasure over the stigmatisation of Nigerians by some countries. He maintained that there was never any justifiable basis for the action since Ebola

•’Immortalise late medical workers for fighting EVD’ From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

iting ministers Nigeria would cooperate with other concerned nations to stop the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa. The ministers told the President that they were in Nigeria to seek further cooperation with the Federal Government in the global effort to contain the current outbreak and spread of the Ebola Virus Disease. They praised Nigeria’s successful containment of the virus and expressed the desire of France, Germany and the European Union (EU) to collaborate more with Nigeria in helping other West African countries where the virus still remains active.

But the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kaduna State Chapter, has called on the government to immortalise nurses and doctors, who lost their lives inthe battle against Ebola. Its Chairman, Dr. Muhammed Sani Ibrahim, stated this at a news conference to mark this year’s Physicians Week in Kaduna. Ibrahim, while paying tributes to the late Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevo, Dr. Amos Abaniwo and a nurse, Justina Ejelonu, who died to free Nigeria from Ebola, called on the relevant government authorities to honour them to encourage patriotism among Nigerians.

Shekarau urges unions to make varsities competitive

Ban Ki Moon wants the vulnerable empowered

was rapidly contained in the country and never attained epidemic levels. He told the French Foreign Minister, Mr. Laurent Fabius and the German Foreign Minister, Dr. FrankWalter Steinmeier, that Nigeria would remain vigilant to prevent the re-entry of the virus because the Federal Government recognised that the country would remain at risk as long as Ebola was active in other West African countries or any other part of the world. Jonathan assured the vis-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

By Joseph Jibueze

FEDERAL High Court in Lagos has struck out a suit seeking information on the procurement of the bulletproof cars for a former Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah. A group, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), had sought to compel the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Attorney-General of the Federation to disclose details of the purchase for accountability’s sake. The two cars were said to have been purchased for N255 million. Justice Ibrahim Buba held yesterday that the information requested fell outside the contemplation of the Freedom of Information Act. According to him, information on the vehicles’ purchase falls under the exception stated in Section 26(a) of the FOI Act, adding that the budgetary allocation for the cars was contained in the 2013 national budget. MRA, through its lawyer, Ayodeji Acquah, had prayed the court to hold that NCAA’s failure to disclose the information requested on October 21 last year violated the FOI Act. The letter had requested for NCAA’s yearly budget and public procurement plans, record for the purchase of two BMW 760 LI vehicles, evidence of advertisements, bids tendered, report of bid evaluation meetings, pro forma invoice of those documents as well as credentials showing the vehicles’ delivery, among others. Defence counsel, Emeka Okpoko, said MRA failed to issue the 30-day pre-action notice required by Section 24(2) of the Civil Aviation Act 2006 before filing the suit. He prayed the court to strike out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

Five in prison for job racketeering USTICE Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered five men accused of swindling unsuspecting job seekers by posing as officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to be remanded in prison. The men - Alex Oki, Ogbonna Agwu, Shuiabu Mohammed, Kehinde Jamah and David Kachia - were arraigned yesterday on a five-count brought against them by the FIRS. They were accused of posing as to be officials of FIRS to offer employment to job seekers and in the process swindling them of their money. The prosecution cited the case of Miss Nnoma Esther Amara, who in May this year, was made to pay N46,000 into two United Bank of Africa (UBA) accounts in the name of Oki Alex Ezor and Sullivan Ajah. The five men were alleged to have worked with three others - Aminu Ibrahim, Onyekachi a.k.a Don Chris and Pascal a.k.a Sullivan Ajah, now said to be at large. They pleaded not guilty. Justice Kolawole, in a ruling on the accused’s bail application, ordered that they be remanded in Kuje prison, Abuja pending when they could met their bail conditions. The judge admitted each of the accused to bail at N5 million and two sureties, one of which must be a Federal or state civil servant.

Oduah: Court strikes out suit on bulletproof cars

•Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), University of Calabar, Prof. Christopher Odock (left); former member, Governing Council of the university, Prof. Louisa Uwatt and Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, at the National Education Summit in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: NAN.

INISTER of Education Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau has challenged unions in the nation’s universities to make the institutions autonomous and global competitive centres of excellence in fulfillment of their commitment to the 2008 agreement with the Federal Government. He spoke through his Deputy Director, Support Services, Mrs. Anne Haruna, at the National Education Summit organised by the four unions in the nation’s universities. He challenged them to come out with practical steps

•Education summit begins From Tony Akowe, Abuja

for addressing the problems in the education system. Explaining that the system has been ravaged by industrial disharmony, Shekarau said: “Today, therefore marked a milestone in the history of the education sector as the ivory tower, the symbol of intellectualism and the mechanism, which sharpen societal thinking, is up to tackle critical issues this time. “This time around, we see our staff unions not up in

arms, but in harmony with the expectations of leading the ways. “The theme which is, ‘Towards a system of education for liberation in Nigeria,’ is not only timely, but apt and to act as guide for rebuilding and freeing us from those things that held us bound.” The minister hoped the summit would identify mistakes of the past, strengths of the education system, pitfalls to avoid in the future as well as come up with recommendations that would move the system forward.

“It is also expected that in the light of the fulfillment of the Federal Government commitment in the 2009 agreement with these unions, the summit will also proffer suggestions towards driving our universities to autonomous and globally competitive centres of excellences”. Also, the former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Oladipo Fashina, said over 10 million Nigeria children are currently not enrolled in the school system while 54 per cent Nigerians are illiterates.

Mark weeps as constituents present nomination form

RESIDENT of the Senate David Mark accepted yesterday the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) nomination form from his Benue South Senatorial constituents to return to the Senate next year. The nine local government council chairmen in Benue South Senatorial zone purchased the party nomination form in Makurdi, the state capital yesterday, urging Mark to return to the Senate. Mark, who accepted the form at a crowded gathering in his Otukpo country home, promised not to depart from the path of honour, justice and equity in the service to his country men and women. He added: “This is the cove-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor, Sanni Onogu, Abuja and Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

nant with my people. This endorsement speaks volume of the immeasurable responsibility on my shoulder by my people. Please pray for me that God Almighty gives me the grace, wisdom and courage to continue to serve to the glory of God and benefit to humanity.” The Senate president, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, betrayed emotion as he intermittently cleaned tears from his face on account of the overwhelming crowd surging to have a handshake with him and his wife, Helen, at the event.

The Senate President added: “For this trust and confidence repose on me, I cannot afford to fail. Let us work together as a team. I am prepared to give the last pint of my blood to serve my people diligently. Together, we can reach the promised land. “You all defied the heat, the scorching sun to gather here for my sake, to represent you in the Senate. This is unimaginable. Your sacrifices would not be in vain.” In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Chief Steve Lawani, said the endorsement of the Senate President was a confirmation of the position of the state government because of Mark’s unprecedented

•Mark

achievement in the Senate. Interior Minister, Comrade Abba Moro, who earlier led a delegation to obtain the nomination form in Makurdi, the state capital, said the people of the zone were overwhelmed by Mark’s record and therefore decided to return him next year to continue the good job.

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

NITED Nations (UN) Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon has called for a stronger commitment to the empowerment of the marginalised and the vulnerable at this year’s UN Day celebration. He noted that the UN was needed now more than ever before at this time of multiple crises, poverty, terrorism, discrimination and climate change, which were exerting heavy tolls on nations. A UN employee and alumna of the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Mrs. Uzoma Ihedirinma Abudu, who read the UN scribe’s massage at the college where the UN Day was marked with fanfare, asked governments and individuals to work for the overall good of the people. In her address, the Provost of the college, Dr. Blessing Ijeoma, described the UN as a “remarkable organisation, which has done well since 51 nations signed the charter to pursue peace for all men”. She stated: “We are grateful to the UN for playing a pivotal role during the establishment of our college. We plan to make the observance of the UN an annual ritual.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

NEWS Lagos gets scientific adviser AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has presented the state’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Dr Adekemi Sekoni, to the State Executive Council. Presenting Sekoni yesterday at the Executive Council Chambers, Lagos House, Ikeja, Fashola said the appointment became necessary due to the occurrences in the health sector and the environment. He reiterated that the appointment was borne out of the lessons learnt while combating the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), which was successfully contained in the country.

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

The governor hoped that the appointment would enable his administration make use of scientific knowledge in combating future challenges. Fashola said the amendment draft bill of the Public Health Law, which was sent to the House of Assembly, would empower government to handle issues affecting the sector effectively. Sekoni, until her appointment, was a senior lecturer in epidemiology and biostatistics at the Department of Community Health and Primary Health-Care at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

No votes recount in Osun, says APC

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has denied the report that the Election Petition Tribunal ordered the recounting of the votes cast in the August 9 governorship election. In a statement by its Director of Publicity, Kunle Oyatomi, the party said: “The APC calls on residents to disregard the online report. “The story is not only false; it is a fabrication by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agents. “There is nothing in that

story which happened or is likely to happen. “The PDP has turned the propagation of lies and the fabrication of stories into its new psychological bastion. “It is now removing itself from reality and regaling in fantasy. “No vote was recounted by anybody and there was no court order to that effect. So it is all lies. “So the claim that its candidate, Iyiola Omisore, is likely to be declared winner of that election by the tribunal is mere hallucinations.”

‘Our party’ll be fair’

HE Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Isaac Kekemeke, has assured aspirants of fairness. Kekemeke spoke when an aspirant, Morayo Lebi, picked a nomination form at the party secretariat in Akure, the state capital. Lebi, a lawyer, is seeking to represent Ondo South Senatorial District. The APC chairman, who described the party as the toast of the people, said the state executive had no interest in any aspirant. He said: “APC is the new bride in Ondo politics because Governor Olusegun Mimiko

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

dinator, Benjamin Haruna, praised the effort of the association. He said such action would prevent the stocking, sale and distribution of expired drugs. The State ACPN Chairman, Mrs. Bolanle Salako, said the association’s gesture was to complement NAFDAC’s effort at ensuring the safety and delivery of quality healthcare services.

Buhari group inaugurated in Ondo From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Gunmen kill German in Ogun, say police

UNMEN killed a German and abducted another after opening fire on two vehicles in Sagamu, Ogun State, the police said yesterday. The expatriates, working for a construction company, Julius Berger, were attacked last Friday on their way to Ogbere in Ijebu East Local Government Area. It was gathered that the ex-

HE Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) was inaugurated yesterday in Akure, the Ondo State capital. The committee is made up of notable chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Prof Ajayi Boroffice, Mrs Jumoke Anifowose, Olu Adegboro, Tayo Alasoadura, Sola Iji, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Paul Akintelure and Bola Ilori. Others are Mrs. Yejide Ogundipe, Wale Akinterinwa, Tunji Abayomi, Olu Aderounmu, Olorunmbe Farunkanmi, Fioye Bajowa,Solagbade Amodeni, Ifedayo Abegunde and Bayo Ademodi. The Coordinator, Ifeoluwa Oyedele, said the coming together of opposition parties would redeem the country’s image. Oyedele said: “Nigerians within a certain age bracket readily agree that the Nigeria we see today is not the country of our dream. “It is tragic that a country birthed with great human and natural potential has today been plunged into the abyss of hopelessness. The situation today is even grimmer.” He assured that revamping of the economy, restoration of peace and stability, and fostering of unity would be prioritised by Buhari if he is voted as president.

•Another abducted From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

patriates were going to a quarry site in Ogbere, when the gunmen waylaid them. A source said the one of the victims was a sub-contractor and the other a worker at the construction company. He said: “One expatriate, a

sub-contractor to Julius Berger, was shot and has died; the other expatriate, a worker with Julius Berger, was abducted. “They were travelling in separate vehicles, without their security escort. “Julius Berger is working in close cooperation with the

Federal Government to ensure the prompt release of the victim.” Police spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi said four armed men emerged from the bush and attacked the victims’ vehicles. “The Commissioner of Police, Okoye Ikemefuna, has directed that the victim be rescued immediately.

AOCOED workers protest in Alausa

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

has “ebolarised” the PDP and members. “Many of them, who are happy about his return to PDP, are planning to join us in APC. Our doors are opened for them and we promised to integrate them into our party. “We’ll be fair to all aspirants; we will make sure that the best candidates emerge through transparent primaries.” Lebi said he joined the race to add value to his people, noting that if elected he would put in place various programmes to better the lot of the people.

N2.2m expired drugs seized in Oyo HE Association of C o m m u n i t y Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Ibadan, has handed over expired drugs worth N2.2 million to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Oyo State. The drugs were classified as Prescription Only Medicines (POMs) and Over the Counter Medicines (OTCs). The NAFDAC State Coor-

•Fashola congratulating Mrs Sekoni...yesterday.With them is Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

ORKERS of the A d e n i r a n Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Ijanikin, Lagos, stormed the office of Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday to protest the anomalies in the institution. The workers, who carried placards with various inscriptions, said they had no faith in the ad-hoc committee set up by the governor on issues affecting the institution. Chairman of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union(COEASU), Senior Staff Union in Colleges of Education Nigeria (SSUCOEN) and Non Academic Staff Union (NASU AOCOED), Michael Avosetinyen, Mrs. Wunmi Ombugadu and Femi Adebayo argued that the adhoc committee was not genuine. Avosetinyen said some of the issues include unpaid 18

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

months salaries, non-payment of pensioners’ benefits for three years, non-remittance of 7.5 percent deducted from workers’ salaries for 17 months into the Retirement Savings Account, N150 million unremitted fund deducted from the co-operative funds, poor funding of the institution and others. He said when the governor set up the committee, they were happy and responded immediately the committee invited the unions to a meeting.

“But we were surprised to discover that the special adviser to the governor, who was unable to resolve the issues before the strike began, was appointed as the chairman. “The special adviser has over the years failed to present the union’s demand before the governor. We have held several meetings with him that yielded no result. “And after such meetings, the unions felt that the meeting with the committee was another waste of time and energy. And the unions de-

cided to walk away. “If by now, the issue that had been before the special adviser for over two years and he failed to do something on the issue, we do not believe in the committee. Even after we walked away, nothing concrete has been done to address the issues.” The aggrieved workers demanded the appointment of another person as the chairman of the committee, saying they believed that an independent person would address the issues.

1.4m voter cards for distribution in Ogun

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogun State has said it will begin the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards(PVC) from November 7. The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sam Olumekun, said the exercise would last three days.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

He said registration of voters begins on November 12 and ends five days later in the 236 centres. Olumekun urged parties, traditional rulers, the media and civil rights organisations to mobilise residents.

Oyo’s development linked to peace, YO State Governor says Ajimobi Abiola Ajimobi has attributed the state’s de-

velopment to peace and tranquility measures put in place by his administration. The governor spoke yesterday when he delivered a lecture: “Democratic Governance and National Security: the Oyo State Experience’’ at the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) of the Directorate of State Security in Abuja. He recalled that before the advent of his administration, the state had become a classic “state of nature” where anyone who went to work in the morning had no guarantee that he would return home. “As thugs, abetted by the then government, were shooting guns indiscriminately at Olomi, so were miscreants stabbing themselves on Iwo Road. Vandalism became the norm and investors avoided Oyo State like a plague.

“We came in with a pedigree of peace and with the help of God, we have changed that typecast and the state is today harvesting the fruits of our peace. “Companies and investors are trooping into the state. Our government was able to achieve this as a result of the objective and dispassionate approach to addressing security issues.’’ The governor said one of the pro-active measures his administration undertook to curb crime and hooliganism was to provide jobs for 20,000 youths. “What this means to us is taking away from the streets potential locus of crimes and insecurity. “Though fraught with its attendant negatives as many hooligans passed through our screening cordon, necessitat-

ing its disbandment and subsequent re-engagement of the youth, this bold step has cleared a substantial number of the youth off the streets.’’ He added that the inauguration of the State Joint Security Patrol Squad codenamed “Operation Burst’’ in December 2011 was to check the high rate of insecurity in the state. “We should remember that peace is the irreducible minimum that any government must offer the people. Infrastructure and other developmental strides can only be built upon the superstructure of peace. “Our goal is to achieve an economically prosperous, politically-stable and just society where security of life and property of the generality of citizens and residents is guaranteed. “According to the statistics

•Ajimobi

available to us, murder rate, which stood at 121 before 2011 has remained nil. “Kidnapping, which was 45, is three till date; robbery that was 261 is four at the moment; arson that was 35 is today nil, grievous harm and wounding which was 1,119, is nil and bank robbery that was eight before we took over office is nil till date.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

NEWS

Obasanjo's advice needless, says Fasuan

HE Jagunmolu of Ado Ekiti, Chief Deji Fasuan, has dismissed the comments by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that the nation cannot afford a same religion ticket. The senior citizen said nobody should thwart the will of the people. His comments followed Obasanjo's advice to the All Progressives Congress (APC) against fielding candidates of the same religious affiliation for the 2015 presidential election. The high chief described Obasanjo's comment as needless counselling, saying the former president's admonition was borne out of selfserving motive rather than fidelity to the tenet of civilian rule. Fasuan said the nation did not need the "selfish" advice of the retired general to provide solution to the problems he created as a democratic president. He said: "Olusegun Obasanjo has mounted the rostrum again, climbing the pulpit. The pontiff has again foisted on the nation, his

By Wale Ajetunmobi

well-known political theology. "Obasanjo has forgotten his role in picking leaders and foisting governments on our nation. In retrospect, his actions were informed by malice, favouritism and selfinterest. "In Nigerian context, it is difficult to distinguish selfserving admonitions from those of national interest and fidelity. We have many problems facing our nation for anyone to bother about his neighbour's religion. "It is clear that 90 per cent of Nigerians are insulated from religious intolerance. Most Nigerians want to live a simple life and want freedom from kidnappers, muggers and night marauders. "These can only be guaranteed by a government that is insulated from religious bigotry and corruption." The senior citizen said the June 12, 1993 polls and the elections in Ekiti and Osun states showed that religion had no effect in governance. He said the outcome of the

•Chief Fasuan

election showed the faith the electorate had in their preferred leaders and not the candidates' religious beliefs. "What this country needs is competence, commitment, integrity and capability. If these attributes are found in the present leadership, let it continue. On the other hand, if the electorate can trust a Buhari/Fashola ticket, let it be. "And let no leader, however self-serving and self-conscious he is, direct us to any dug-in positions. We have heard a lot of pontification from yesteryear people, who have, by their action or inaction in office, put us where we are today."

Obaship tussle in Ondo community deepens

HE Olofun of Irele Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Bamidele Ekunsanmi, has warned the sacked monarch, Oba Olanrewaju Lebi, against parading himself as the monarch. The Opetusi royal family filed a suit at the Okitipupa High Court, challenging Lebi’s appointment. The court sacked Lebi in June 2010 and ordered the Opetusi family to produce the new monarch. But the embattled monarch said his continuous stay in the palace was because he had filed an appeal through his lawyer, Wole Olanipekun.

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

Ekunsanmi said: “He filed a stay of execution, it was thrown out by the lower court. It was filed again and thrown out. “He went to the Court of Appeal but it was returned to the High Court and they are wasting time because their time has lapsed. They do not have an appeal. “Recently, the Court of Appeal gave them 14 days to provide any documentary evidence that they have had any appeal in the past and 14 days is now three months. “Lebi should stop these antics because they will

not work. I know that my people are in support of me. “On this note, I will like to urge the Court of Appeal to give judgement according to the evidence. “I spoke with Governor Olusegun Mimiko and I was told that all the apparatus of state, including the police and other security agencies, have been withdrawn. “What Lebi is doing is illegal and it will be disgraceful and shameful if that should continue unabated.” All efforts to speak with Lebi proved abortive as all his phones were switched off.

Fayose: I’ll restore education’s lost glory

KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose has promised to restore the lost glory of education, saying his administration will complement the welfare of teachers and pupils with physical infrastructure and teaching materials. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the governor promised great improvement in the performance of pupils in public examinations. “We have started on the journey to restore the lost glory of education by the meeting the governor held with heads of public primary and secondary schools last weekend. “The teachers know that he is a man of his

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

words and that he will take care of them. “We are not going to forget the pupils and the need for a conducive environment for teaching and learning. The administration will provide teaching aids and facilities to motivate the pupils. Adelusi assured the people that the Fayose administration would ensure that education is within their reach, adding that it would also empower the people by making them handle projects within their competence.

Oyelese: G7 not a faction in Oyo PDP

CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Elder Wole Oyelese, has faulted claims that the Group of Seven (G7) is a faction. The G7 is made up of governorship aspirants of Ibadan origin within the party. Oyelese, in a statement yesterday, said those who were afraid of the group’s goal were misleading the populace by describing it as a faction within the party. Oyelese, who is a former Minister of Power, said it was insulting for anyone to describe the group, which is campaigning for the party’s

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

governorship ticket to come to an Ibadan candidate, as a faction, headed by former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin. In a statement yesterday, “Rather than a fresh crisis brewing in the Oyo PDP as some detractors of the party would want people to believe, it is actually a new beginning of unity that would build a very strong PDP in Oyo state that is occurring. “When I convened the G7, it was not meant to serve the interest of any individual. The G7 is composed of prominent Ibadan sons some of who are very expe-

rienced politically. “It is therefore an insult and an attempt to erode my credibility to say that I belong to a group under Teslim Folarin. It is a known fact that it is practically impossible for anyone to call himself my leader in Oyo PDP. “For the avoidance of contradiction, the G7 is not under any group belonging to Folarin. The personalities in the group are too big for that. “Each member of the G7 is pursuing his political aspiration independently and everyone has their integrity and credibility to protect.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

There is nothing wrong in having a robust renewable energy programme in the country. In fact, government has taken a step in that direction by introducing the: ‘Light Up Nigeria’ scheme. - Director-General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, Rueben Okeke

Govt exempts brokers, SECs, NSE from VAT

HE Federal Government has begun the implementation of the exemption of commissions on stock market transactions from Value Added Tax (VAT). The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday confirmed that the government has issued a gazette on the exemption, which was first announced as part of meas-

By Taofik Salako

ures to resuscitate the market in December 2012. Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had on December 3, 2012, announced the exemption of stock market transactions from VAT and stamp duty. However, the implementation had dragged over the years as government dilly-

CBN cuts banks’ foreign currency borrowing limits

HE Central Bank Nigeria (CBN) yesterday cut banks’ foreign lines of credit and issuance of foreign currency denominated bonds (Eurobonds) to 75 per cent of shareholders’ funds unimpaired by losses. CBN Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins who unveiled the new policy, said the 75 per cent limit, supersedes the 200 per cent specified in Section six of the apex bank’s Guidelines for Foreign Borrowing for onLending by Nigerian Banks issued on November 26, 2001. The policy change which was issued in a circular to all banks with theme: ‘Prudential Regulation for the Management of Foreign Exchange Risks,” noted with concern, the growth in foreign currency borrowings of banks. She said the lower interest rate on foreign debt has created an incentive for banks to borrow abroad, stating that this has the advantage of providing fairly stable and long term funds to extend credit facilities in foreign currency and enhancing their capital base. However, this also exposes banks to foreign exchange risks and other risks, she said, adding that the new policy, is to ensure that these risks are well managed and avoid losses that could pose material systemic challenges. She said: “ Henceforth, the aggregate foreign currency borrowing of a bank, excluding inter-group and inter-bank (Nigerian banks)

By Collins Nweze

borrowing, should not exceed 75 per cent of its shareholders’ funds unimpaired by losses.” She explained that the Net Open Position (NOP, long or short) of the overall foreign currency assets and liabilities, taking into cognisance both those on and off-balance sheet, should not exceed 20 per cent of shareholders’ funds unimpaired by losses using the Gross Aggregate Method. The circular said that “banks whose current NOP exceed 20 per cent of their shareholders’ funds are required to bring them to prudential limit within six months. The current NOP limit of one per cent of shareholders’ funds has been renamed as Foreign Currency Trading Position. This will continue to subsist in line with guidelines issued by the CBN.” She said lenders are also required to have adequate stock of high-quality liquid foreign assets, such as cash and government securities in each significant currency to cover their maturing foreign currency obligations. In addition, banks should have in place a foreign exchange contingency funding arrangement with other financial institutions. The policy also stipulates that banks should borrow and lend in the same currency (natural hedging) to avoid currency mismatch associated with foreign currency risk.

$1.6b invested in rice sector, says Fed Govt

IGERIA’S rice sector has attracted $1.6billion in the last three years, the Federal Government has said. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who spoke in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to build rice and cassava mills across Nigeria, the President of Dangote Group invested over N165billion in the sector. He said: “Within a threeyear period, we have been able to attract $1.6bn of investment into the rice sector. The largest one being Aliko Dangote that has put up over N165billion, which is $1billion into commercial rice pro-

From Franca Ochigbo and Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

duction and also commercial rice milling. “I have no doubt that within three years, Nigeria will be exporting rice just like Thailand and India and that is exactly the way it should be. However, we notice that as we have been producing a lot of rice we don’t have enough mills to mill the rice.” He said the country lacked integrated rice mills to mill the locally produced rice to global standard. Akinwumi said it was very important for Nigeria to close its milling gap and to achieve this, the country has to build integrated rice mills.

dallied on the gazette. The stamp duty waiver, which was also announced in 2012, is yet to be implemented. The exemptions from VAT included commissions earned on traded values of shares, and those that are payable to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS). The exemption is effective for a period of five years according to the Federal Gov-

ernment gazette on the issue. Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema, commended the government for implementing the elimination of VAT on stock market transaction fees. According to him, the implementation is a demonstration that the capital market is a key component of the Federal Government’s transformation agenda. He noted that investments should not be categorised as consumer goods purchases,

but as a platform to promote a long term savings culture that could be channeled towards economic growth and development. “The elimination of VAT on stock market transaction fees will ultimately reduce the cost of transactions for investors, and will encourage investments in the Nigerian capital market,” Onyema said. He expressed confidence that the Federal Government will expedite the implementation process for the stamp

• Onyema

duty waiver in the interest of investors noting that Nigerian capital market is an important engine of growth for the Nigerian economy.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

Cocoa Development Corporation coming

HE cocoa value chain of the Agricultural Trans formation Agenda (ATA) got a major boost yesterday as the Federal Government announced its resolve to establish a Cocoa Development Corporation of Nigeria. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Adewumi Adesina made this known at the National Cocoa Summit organised by stakeholders in the cocoa industry in Abuja. He also proposed a N100 billion Cocoa Sector Development Fund to boost the sector. While responding to the demand by the Chairman, Nigeria Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dimeji Owofemi for urgent need to reposition the sector through setting up of an independent body as being practised in Ghana and Ivory Coast, Adesina restated his commitment to the farmers. He said the corporation would be private sector driven and public sector fi-

From Frank Ikpefan and Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

nanced. He said: “The Cocoa Corporation of Nigeria will position us among more robust global economies and improve quality of lives of our processors. The corporation will be independent to grow and win back at least 20 per cent of the global cocoa market by 2020. This is achievable because we have the proper political will and capacity to make it happen. “Let me say we are also working together to put in place short and long term mechanism to protect our farmers and processors from the global fund to the tune of N100 billion cocoa sector development fund. “This will expand cocoa plantation across the country, support the cocoa corporation of Nigeria and cocoa drying and access to micro finance for cocoa production for school feeding.” The minister said the Nigeria Cocoa Research Institute

(NCRI) has unveiled eight new hybrid of cocoa, with ability to mature within two and half years rather than the usual five years harvest period. He said with the new yield, cocoa production grew from 250, 000 metric tons to 370, 000 metric tons per annum and to attain 600, 000 within the next two years. Earlier, Minister of Trade and Development, Dr. Olusegun Aganga stressed the need to develop the cocoa value chain. Aganga said Ivory Coast produced about five-times of the 300, 000 metric tons of what the nation was producing. He said despite the local production and global rate as fourth largest producer of the commodity, Nigeria lacked global attention. “Total value of cocoa bean export is $10 billion per year. The production of chocolate from cocoa alone generates global revenue of $100 billion while the overall estimate of cocoa is $200 billion per year,” Aganga added.

Earlier, Owofemi lauded the NCRI for developing new breeds of the commodity. He said research played a vital role to repositioning the cocoa sector. He decried high cost of operation and strict competition against the commodity. “I urge the two Ministers to do a joint paper to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to establish the Nigeria Cocoa Development Corporation. It exists in Ghana, Ivory Coast is doing it. Every country has a private organisation that caters for the interest of the farmers. So it should be private sector driven,” he said. Representative of World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), Amb. Sona Ebai said the foundation was ready to commence two programmes in the country to support cocoa production. They include, Africa Cocoa Initiative and Cocoa Livelihood Programme. He said the initiatives would be supported by international donor agencies and other development partners.

‘Multiple taxation hurting hospitality business’

OTELIER Association of Oyo State has de cried the spate of high level of taxation on their businesses, stressing that hotel owners are groaning under heavy financial demands by government agencies. Its President, Chief Jerome Adoroh stated this during the association’s 10th year anniversary, fund raising

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

and awards ceremony held at Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State capital over the weekend Adoroh said lamented that it was unfortunate that small scale businesses (SMEs) were subjected to multiple taxation from several groups and government establishments, stressing that it is becoming a worrisome

trend with many taxes levied on their businesses. He said: “For example, we have to pay land use charges, business registration, electricity fee, advertising fee, poster fee, association levy and so many others and it is uncalled for and illegal. We are calling on government to address this issue. We will take this mater seriously. If the government fails to tackle the problem, maybe

we will take legal action and head to court to reverse the situation.” He said the event was an historical one, being the first ever by the association in the state and its environs. He said the association also felt it was necessary to honour prominent dignitaries for their meritorious services to the association, the state and the nation as a whole.

SON bemoans difficulty in halting fake products

HE S t a n d a r d O r ganisation of Ni geria (SON) has said ensuring quality products will be guaranteed if importation of substandard and counterfeit products are stopped. Its Director General, Dr. Joseph Odumodu who was represented by Director Operation, Mr. John Achukwu who spoke during a visit by participants of the Policy, Strategic and Leadership Course in Abuja, said the challenging environment has exposed Nigeria to the menace of substandard products. He said: “Today business worldwide and Nigeria inclusive are operating in a challenging environment characterised by globalisation, not only of trade, but also of other important issues. Deregulation of many sectors such as telecommunications, transport, banks and health. “To curb these, SON has recently been cultivating collaboration with other organisations. We believe in this because it gives us the ability to intermesh and offer efficient and effective platform for developing workable solutions to technical and economic challenges faced by busi-

Form Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

ness, government and society which we publish as standards. “Under this administration, SON has expanded its inventory of technical standard to well over 1000 for the Nigerian Industrial Standards, in addition to thousands of national and international standards in the last decade. “SON believes in communication as a two way street and thus seeks to know what our stakeholders require from us and communicate to them what we are doing and the benefits we deliver. “The need for effective communication informs SON’s policy of consulting a wide range of stakeholders in its standard elaboration. “A standard derived by consensus from the broadest participation possible becomes more binding and more likely to be implemented and complied with, for products applicable to it.” Odumodu said these schemes are the best mechanism for combating substandard products, adding that it has significantly reduced the menace of substandard products in the economy since its introduction.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS MARITIME

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

Calabar Port: Dredging ignites hope on $10b investment O PTIMISM has been rekindled over the $10 billion investment in Calabar port following the flag-off of its dredging by the Federal Government. The huge investment, operators said, had been put on hold for seven years. The flag-off ceremony was done by the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan. But some of the major investors at the port, it was gathered, are worried over the litigation that may follow the flag-off ceremony by the company that bided for the contract before the procurement process was cancelled by the management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Some of the companies that have huge stakes in the port, include General Electric, Tinapa Business Resort, Calabar Free Trade Zone, ECM Terminals Ltd, Intel Services and Cocoa Industries. Some of the officials of the companies, who spoke with The Nation under the condition of anonymity said they are happy over the efforts of the government to dredge the channel, but are worried over the

•Investors worry over litigation Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

controversy surrounding the award of the N20 billion contract by NPA, which they said may stall the process. The shallow nature of the water channel, they said, has made it impossible for bigger vessels to sail through, thus contributing to the reason many importers are not patronising the port and the reason why they have not made profit on their investment. Findings revealed that the draft at approach of the port was 6.4 metres at high tide and 5.4 metres at low tide. The concession agreement, the investors said, stipulated that the Federal Government will take the draft to 9.5 metres and that the Bureau on Public Enterprise (BPE) had told them that the draught would be achieved on start of business.

Between August 2007 and December 2012, it was learnt, only 680 vessels patronised the port. ”The non-completion of the dredging of the channel to the advertised draft of 9.4 metres is the biggest threat to the development of the port with adverse effect on our financial projection and cargo throughput was predicted on the completion of the dredging as assured during the concession exercise. “Companies like Flour mills, Unicem and Dangote and others do not enjoy the economy of scale in their vessel nominations to Calabar due to the fact that their full load arriving vessel has to lighten some cargo tonnage in Lagos before calling at Calabar Port due to draft limitations. Hence, a cargo ship load that could have come at once per voyage ends up being conveyed down to Calabar Port in two or three voyages,” the official said.

Findings revealed that no container ship visited the port in the last four years. The Minister at the venue said the dredging would be performed by the Calabar Channel Management (CCM) and Messrs Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited. He explained that the channel would be deepened from its present eight metres to 10 metres. Investigation revealed that it may take the dredging firms up to two years before they will complete the remaining 24 kilometres to be dredged. Sixty killometers of the channel, the Minister said, has been accomplished through the past dredging efforts. The Calabar port, he said, would attract more ships by the time the contractors finished their job. In his speech, the Cross River State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke said he was not happy about the poor state of the port. He said nine years after, the

Calabar channel dredging contract had not been completed. “We hope that this time around, the project will come to stay. This project is not about dredging of Calabar port channel, It has become a sentimental issue to us.” He said the port has been severely under served the people of the area and that it has not realised its true potentials. The governor, however, noted that the successful completion of the project will boost the economy of the state, noting that many companies depend on the port to realise their objectives. In his address, NPA’s Managing Director, Mallam Habib Abdullahi said his agency would ensure the success of CCM in its operations and overall management of the channel. He assured that the activities of CCM would open up market for Calabar region and the entire South- South. A member of NPA board, Senator Florence Ita Giwa urged the the government to modernise the Ikom B ridge and Odukpani road, saying that, without it, the dredging would amount to nothing.

Police partner agents on security

•From left: President Goodluck Jonathan and the President, Repblic of Benin Thomas Yayi Boni arriving to lay the foundation stone for the joint border post at Seme-Krake. PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

Customs rakes in over N79b in Apapa, Seme

HE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command has generated about N78.6 billion in the third quarter of the year the Comptroller, Eporwei Edike, has said. Edike, told The Nation, that N30.5 billion was generated in September, while N22.7 billion and N25.5 billion came in July and August, respectively. Also, the Seme Command of the Service added N963.7m revenue in September. The amount generated by the two

commands is well over N79 billion. The Command’s Public Relation Officer (PRO), Ernest Olottah, said the revenue was N182 million higher than the N781 million generated in August. He attributed the increase to higher trading activities and reduction of smuggling activities in the area. “In the month of September, the Command generated higher revenue because trading activities were higher than in the previous months.

“Willy Egbudin, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, has deployed all personnel and available logistics on intensive vehicular and foot patrols along the border lines and all routes, including nonmotorable areas. “These patrols and other antismuggling activities are paying off as unrepentant smugglers are fleeing the area. “Also, we are heading towards the tail end of the year so trading activities would increase and this would enable

us to surpass our monthly target of N1.1 billion,” he said. He said the revenue generated in September was the highest monthly collection made by the Command between 2013 and 2014, adding that the Command would realise the N13bn revenue target for the current year. He said the Command made 31 seizures in the month under review, including rice, vehicles, narcotics, frozen poultry products and general goods.

HE Commissioner of Police in charge of the Western ports, Mrs Hilda Harrison, has urged stakeholders in port operations to give useful information to the police on port security, to assist the force in carrying out its duties. The female police chief however, warned that any operator who violates the rules would face the music. She gave the warning at the National secretariat of the Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in Lagos. She promised to reduce bribery and corruption in the port to boost maritime business. “We all see, we all do and we are doing nothing about it. It is so sad and so painful because bribery diminishes a man. It is very shameful. “If you fear God and respect yourself, you will not take bribe and you will not be corrupted,’’ she said. She said the law does not allow bribery and corruption and advised stakeholders to guard against it. She urged other agencies operating in the maritime sector to support the Police by ensuring that the security at the port is not compromised, adding that security at the seaports is a serious business that must not be violated. Her mandate, she said, is to ensure that stakeholders in the sector abide by the rules and regulations in the ports, noting that the ports have its restricted area .In his speech, the NAGAFF President Chief Eugene Nweke said that the association will continue to partner with police in ensuring that the seaports are adequately secured. He said NAGAFF is involved in public advocacy, noting that security at the ports is important to boost cargo clearance.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

MARITIME

Shippers Council set to reduce human contact at ports

HE Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), is to automate cargo delivery process at the ports, the Executive Secretary, Hassan Bello, has said. Bello explained that the measure would reduce unnecessary human contact between importers, terminal operators and officials of government agencies at the ports, and reduce the incidence, or likelihood of bribery and corruption. The council, it was gathered, is not happy with the clearing procedures and that is why it is introducing new methods to boost trading activites at the ports. Bello, it was gathered, made the position of the council known at a meeting last week in Lagos with terminal operators, officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and stakeholders. It was gathered that Bello made it known to stakeholders that the council was not pleased that the 48hour cargo clearance process by the government has not been achieved and urged stakeholders to key into it. The meeting, it was revealed, deliberated on issues militating the against 48-hour cargo clearance procedures, delay in carrying out examination of containers, transit trade and the need to adopt the automated method so as to reduce human-to-human contact in the

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

cargo clearing process. Contacted, Bello said the council’s ultimate aim is to provide platforms for cargo clearance so that the ports can become efficient through automation. The Shippers’ Council boss urged stakeholders to come together and find solution to the challenges facing quick cargo clearance from the ports. “The idea is that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is the referee in this friendly context, and the more we interact with the service providers and government agencies, the better understanding we will get,” he said, adding that the resolutions reached at the parley centred on trade facilitation. “We need automation in our port instead of doing things manually. We need to streamline these processes and develop standard operating procedures, and check the presence of government agencies at the port on what they are doing and the Customs to also up their game in automation. “They have led the way but we need other stakeholders to come and buy in. So, we are doing a lot of consultation while we supervise and moderate. Customs has been leading in so many areas of what

our ultimate aim is-which is automation, providing platforms for cargo clearance so that our ports will become efficient. The trade facilitation issue they have pioneered is something very commendable and it is a starting point.” The NSC boss also reiterated the need to streamline cargo clearance procedures and ensure Nigerian ports are more competitive with others in the West and Central African sub-region. “Nigerian ports are in competition with other ports within the sub-region, so we have to streamline our clearance procedures – the way we do business so that we attract more cargoes to Nigerian ports,” he said. Bello said some of the resolutions reached at the meeting will be directed to the government for prompt action, adding that the measures are in line with the NCS’ targets because they are strategic partners of terminal operators, shipping companies and freight forwarders He said that the Nigerian ports operations needed automation to meet the dynamic trends in the international maritime operations. “We need to develop standard operating procedures. We need to check the presence of government agencies in the ports on what they are doing,” he said.

Boat operators decry multiple charges

HE Federal Government has been urged to build more Jetties to boost water transportation in Lagos State, to address the problem of multiple charges facing boat operators in the state. The President, Association of Tour Boat Operators and Water Transport of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) Tarzan Balogun, said the federal, states, local governments and the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) officials collect different dues from their members, urging that government should harmonise the fees. He lamented that insufficient jetties and boat stations have impeded water transportation in the state. “A jetty is a point where boat operators assemble to convey passengers to their various destinations; it is also an arrival and departure point. “Some people in Lagos prefer to use water transportation as an alternative to road transport because of the traffic challenges on the roads. “But, the challenge we are facing is the issue of jetty. We do not have enough jetties that we can operate from,’’ Balogun said. He listed places like Badagry; Amuwo Odofin; Epe; Ikorodu;

Makoko; Lagos Island; Ajah; Takwa Bay and Apapa, as locations where the jetties could be sited for easy movement of people within the state. Although, he said there are some functional jetties in some of the areas mentioned, many of them, he pointed out are in a deplorable state and needed to be upgraded. “The few jetties around Lagos State are not enough to convey passengers on the waterways. The water transportation users are far more than the jetties we have now. “There are some areas in Lagos that need the service of boat operators, but the lack of jetties in such environment have denied them our services,” he said. He said the issue of multiple charges needs to be addressed by the government because it impedes their business. “The Federal Government agencies collect their charges, Lagos State government collects tax, the local governments collect their own dues too. “Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) collect their own charges as well, all these multiple charges kill the industry and can frustrate operators out of business,’’he said.

ANLCA urges members on trade facilitation

•Truck load of goods seized by Customs FOU ‘Zone A’ in Lagos

PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID

‘Protect waterways against pollution’

HE rate of polluting the nation’s territorial waters, illegal fishing and duping of hazardous wastes has been on the increase, The Nation has learnt. A member of the Fishery Society of Nigeria (FISON), Gbolahan Adetona, said the country needs to work with foreign partners to develop the needed capacity in tackling the crisis caused by pollution, hazardous waste dumping and illegal fishing Adetona said the dumping of toxic waste in the maritime domain and the increasing crimes on the coastline require commitment on the side of the Federal Government and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and

Safety Agency (NIMASA) to provide capability and cooperation with foreign partners to build its maritime capability. Adetona pointed out that security experts around the Horn of Africa have developed theories over the increasing hazardous wastes dumping and piracy He said Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand had set the stage for cooperation between states, both in information exchange and mobilisation of resources. Another member of the group, Mrs Lola Adebajo, observed that the insecurity in Africa’s waterways had forced insurers to hike rates for ships passing through

the region. Specifically, coastal and inland states had seen their vital trade links threatened by pirates, a situation that led to rising costs that their populations must bear. “As at now, there are no clear answers as to the best ways to ensure maritime security, nor are there clear answers as to what percentage of resources nations should allocate to maritime security to best facilitate the goal of furthering development,” she said. Since piracy is not the only threat to maritime security, another member, Mr Sesan Olanipekun, advised the government to adopt best practices that can be implemented.

HE Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, (ANLCA) has directed its members to embrace the trade facilitation programme of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and partner its officers to ensure quick clearance of goods at ports and boost the nation’s revenue profile. Findings revealed that ANLCA, has mandated its members to follow all Customs’ rules and regulations associated with quick cargo clearance as we enter into the ember months and the Yuletide season. A member of the association from Onne Chapter, River State Chief Kingsley Offor, said the group has undergone various structural and operational changes in line with the freight forwarding profession with a view to attaining global standards and best practices. “ANLCA at national and levels have enforced compliance on members with the ethics and rules governing the profession aimed at creating a robust working relationship with all stakeholders with emphasis on the Nigerian Customs service (NCS) ANLCA as a major stakeholder in the freight forwarding profession, he said, has played tremendous role and impact in trade facilitation and revenue generation to the federal coffers. “These are reflected in most Customs area command as freight forwarders have created adequate partnership with officers and men of the Service with a view to enhancing revenue generation and facilitate trade,” Offor said. The new vigour injected by the current administration of Prince Olayiwola Shittu, has created a multiplier effect at most ANLCA chapters anchored on handwork, discipline, transparency and result-oriented programmes.

•Chief Offor

Offor described the Onne chapter of the association, as a pacesetter in creating an enabling and conducive working relationship with the Customs. “ANLCA Onne chapter was the first chapter to erect a benefiting office structure for the association under the pragmatic leadership of Prince Prestige Ossy. A motor vehicle importer in Onne, Mr Sunday Samuel and other stakeholders have however, called on Chief Offor to contest for the chairmanship of the chapter in their next election to allow for continuity and sustainability of the tempo in the chapter. Samuel and other stakeholders described Chief Offor as unassuming and humble, ready to listen and willing to serve with an independent and progressive mind for the benefit of majority. “Kingsley Offor has proved his mettle in the Nigeria Maritime industry and if elected as the Chairman, ANLCA Onne Chapter, he will usher in a virile, dedicated and result-oriented drive in the operational activities of licensed Customs agents,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Investors’ retreat

•Worrisome auguries as foreign investors withdraw from Nigeria’s stock market

HERE is not yet a stampeding flight or a crisis, but the news is that more foreign portfolio investors have moved their investment from the Nigerian capital market this year than did so same period last year. Reports emanating from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) show that about N482.91 billion worth of foreign portfolio investment had been withdrawn from the capital market in the first three quarters of this year. This sum represents a 35.4 per cent increase on the N356.64 billion foreign investment outflow recorded in the same period last year. The percentage change may seem not quite significant compared to the total net worth of the market but it

‘We caution that the management of the NSE must be more up and doing now than ever before, being the critical barometer for reading the wellbeing of the economy, especially the formal sector. They must not only keep their eyes on the impending auguries and read the signs right, they must be able to convey all the early warning signals concerning the economy to the appropriate government quarters for the overall good of the economy’

is worthy of note. It is also important to keep a keen eye on the movement of foreign investments in the few years ahead as it could serve as a true measure of the state of the economy. Market watchers have attributed the current foreign investors’ retreat to several factors. The first factor is the up-coming general election early next year and the uncertainties that often surround it. Investment advisors reading the Nigerian environment would be cautious and less adventurous in exposure to this market; while some would advise safe cutback. Another factor that may be responsible for the decline in foreign portfolio investment is the emerging changes in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Nigeria’s chief cash cow has continued to decline noticeably since the beginning of the year and there does not seem to be any respite in sight. With viable alternative energy fuels like shale oil coming on stream and the entry of the United States into massive oil and gas export, both the price of products and quantum of Nigeria’s crude production have been in decline. Crude oil export is the fulcrum of Nigeria’s economy and any negative shift in trend is bound to affect other markets and economic indicators. We restate that this is not necessarily a sign of distress in the market. Indeed, despite the skewed withdrawals of the first three quarters and the drop in investment inflows, foreign investors still dominate the equities market, account-

ing for about 58 per cent of total equity transactions on the NSE from January to August, this year. Yet we caution that the management of the NSE must be more up and doing now than ever before, being the critical barometer for reading the well-being of the economy, especially the formal sector. They must not only keep their eyes on the impending auguries and read the signs right, they must be able to convey all the early warning signals concerning the economy to the appropriate government quarters for the overall good of the economy. The NSE must also continue to rebound and rebuild as it has been doing after the last debacle of about three years ago. It must gear up its operations and processes so that it does not suffer once again, the sad fate of those years. It is salutary that the NSE is doing some house cleaning by weeding off some comatose firms from its listing. It also should put some modalities in place that would ensure that such number of listed companies do not become ‘quiet’ again under its watch, considering the adverse effect of this on the ordinary investor. The exchange must further deepen the market and boost confidence by doing everything possible to ensure the listing of the multinationals in the telecommunications and oil and gas sectors. This must be the pep the exchange needs most now as it will give it the needed resurgence and perhaps, reverse the current outward flow of foreign investment.

The Amaechi example •State and federal governments should learn to replace financial waste with prudence

T is amazing that a nation blessed with so many economic experts should find it so difficult to appreciate the necessity of saving for a rainy day. Despite its celebrated accession to the position of Africa’s largest economy, there can be little doubt that Nigeria is currently in the throes of a pronounced cash-crunch. For the past three months, the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) has been unable to pay states and local governments their full allocations, resulting in an estimated deficit of about N336 billion. The shortfall, allegedly caused by the inability of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to remit oil revenues to the Federal Government, has resulted in drastic slowdowns in development projects, welfare interventions and the payment of salaries and other entitlements. It was a crisis waiting to happen. Nigeria has long been aware of the dangers of being a mono-product economy, but it has not made significant progress in weaning itself off its over-dependence on crude oil. The nation has continued along the discredited path of exporting oil without adding value, remaining at the mercy of a volatile oil market it cannot control, and failing to comprehensively store wealth against inevitability of leaner times. The Jonathan administration has further aggravated an already-bad situation by spending money with an abandon bordering on recklessness. The polity has been rife with allegations of missing funds running into the billions, especially the welldocumented accusations of the former governor of the Central Bank, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. These allegations are yet to be satisfactorily resolved.

The Federal Government has used the excuse of the Boko Haram insurgency to significantly increase the country’s defence budget almost exponentially. In the 2014 budget, defence was allocated N968.127 billion, representing 20 per cent of the N4.962 trillion national budget. In spite of similar percentages being allocated to defence over the past three years, Nigeria’s anti-insurgency campaign has been plagued with persistent complaints about inadequate arms and equipment from soldiers in the field. Recently, the National Assembly approved a loan of U.S. $ 1 billion specifically for the procurement of arms for the country’s armed forces. Given the shoddy handling of economic fundamentals by the country’s economic managers, the farsightedness of the Rotimi Amaechi-led Rivers State Government is all the more commendable. The governor only a few days back asked the Rivers State House of Assembly for N19 billion of the state’s reserve funds to complete ongoing projects. The Reserve Fund is the fruit of the assembly’s 2008 legislation compelling the state government to save N1 billion every month as a hedge against a downturn in income. The economic sense of this initiative is impeccable; it is merely the subnational version of the sovereign wealth fund strategy that nations like Norway, the United Arab Emirates and China have utilised so successfully. By husbanding the state’s resources in this fashion, Governor Amaechi has been able to secure development plans against the vagaries of long-term financing. Unlike most other states, Rivers does not find itself in the embarrassing position of be-

ing unable to pay salaries, pensions and other statutory benefits. The state has not had to cut back on the maintenance of the social infrastructure that is vital to the well-being of the majority of the state’s citizens. Rivers has not been compelled to seek loans in order to defray recurrent expenditure, and has even refrained from availing itself of the first half of a N100 billion bond approved for the state. As the nation enters the run-up to general elections next year, the temptation for governments to become even more financially reckless is overwhelming. Rather than pour scarce funds into electoral campaigns, both the state and federal governments must learn from the Rivers State example. Nigeria can no longer afford to consume its patrimony with both hands.

‘As the nation enters the run-up to general elections next year, the temptation for governments to become even more financially reckless is overwhelming. Rather than pour scarce funds into electoral campaigns, both the state and federal governments must learn from the Rivers State example. Nigeria can no longer afford to consume its patrimony with both hands’

Tackling mass failure in public exams

IR: Mass failures in various examinations are now recorded yearly. The 2014 West African Examinations Council (WAEC)-conducted school certificate results shows that over 68 percent of the 1.6 million candidates failed either Mathematics or English – two prerequisites for getting admission into any tertiary institution in Nigeria as against 65 percent and 60 percent in 2013 and 2012 respectively. Only 30 percent got five credits including Mathematics and English. That was against 35 percent and 38 percent for 2013 and 2012 respectively. Also, about 8.4 percent of the results were nullified. Even National Examinations Council (NECO) in which students traditionally perform better has suffered the same trend. The 2014 NECO results show that over 52 percent failed in either Mathematics or English. As for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), the 2014 results were no different from previous years. Although both paper and computer tests were used to assess the students, still over 60 percent scored below 180. Even in our tertiary institutions, cases of students graduating with pass degrees are on the increase. The questions to ask is why the mass failure? How can we remedy the situation? As a one-time volunteer teacher, the following, in my view, are among the major problems: Lack of quality education, which in turn is linked to the poor learning environment. A good number of our teachers are half-baked – themselves products of corrupted system. Related to this is the absence of proper examinations standard with different schools adopting different curriculum for WAEC, NECO etc A major issue is the impact of social networks and media. Today, it is not uncommon to see students chatting online even during examinations. It is so bad that pupils as young as 13 are allowed to register on the social networking sites. Other factors include lack of determination of students to succeed, poor motivation from parents, teachers etc. The situation is not beyond redemption though. The first step to remedying the situation is to improve on the quality of teaching and the overall environment of learning including provision of feeding and recreation for pupils. As for teachers, they need to be tested for their ability instead of the current emphasis on certificates. That is imperative for the promotion of knowledge. Among other things, there is need for greater regulation of access to social networks in schools - especially during the times of study, lectures and examinations. • Comrade Abdulbaqi Aliyu Jari Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: In his book, Principles and Practices of Public Administration in Nigeria, Augustus Adebayo noted that the time for general postings in the civil service was usually the’ period for the outbreak of incurable diseases’, requiring that everyone serve at the headquarters and none willing to go to the rural areas. Fulton Sheen, the eloquent American archbishop currently on the journey to sainthood, also found behavioural analysis a useful model for understanding irrational actions of otherwise intelligent people. It is election season in Nigeria, the season of the fantastic, antics and stunts. On this bustling highway of clashing interests and ambitions, there is no shortage of spectacles. Aspirants to councillorship offices find it within their rights to siren their way through the streets. Political office holders who have spent three and half years of their four year mandate aloof to the cries of the electorate suddenly become

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APGA bashing in season of defections philanthropic-minded, announcing scholarships here and there. Running poultry at government quarters is suddenly a scandal to be cleansed with impeachment. And at the junction of territorial ambition, maneuvers for 2015 and political elite dominance align with huge consequences for democracy. The maneuvers for 2015 have characteristically ignited a season of defections from one political party to another. It is a desperate search for relevance by politicians, featuring to a greater or lesser degree, elements of bazaar, hide and seek and poaching. No political party is immune to this potentially

destabilizing game of fortunes but centrist, smaller parties such as APGA and Labour are under greater assault. In the face of the criticisms which greeted the recent decamping of four APGA federal representatives to the PDP, Uche Ekwunife, one of the quartets dismissed APGA as of little consequence, saying that a political party exists only as a platform for contesting election. At the time of this well - publicised exodus, former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, was linked to the development. Obi, who had earlier resigned his chairmanship of the party’s Board of Trustees, in a sur-

Poverty of stomach infrastructure IR: Since the re-election of Ayodele Fayose as the governor of Ekiti State in the June 21 gubernatorial election, the phrase, “stomach infrastructure” has become a common lexicon in the political space. Fayose defeated the incumbent governor, Kayode Fayemi, in an election that was keenly contested. His victory was attributed to the distribution of food items – referred to as stomach infrastructure. Fayose’s stomach infrastructure agenda cannot be seen to be an effective way of exterminating poverty from among the people. It is a cruel act of making the people dependent on his administration for survival instead of being self-reliant. The popular maxim says “give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”. Fayose’s role is to ensure that his administration provides a conducive environment for the people to enjoy in terms of jobs for thou-

sands of the unemployed youths in the state; empowering the women as well as working out plans to give soft loans to farmers that food may be available in the land. Distributing food items to the people will only encourage idleness since they know that government would always be responsible for that. When Pa Adedibu died in Ibadan, many people reportedly wept and wailed in his house for many days, not because of the love they have for him, but because of the fact that there would no longer be free food for them after his demise. There is hunger in the country no doubt, and I’m not against reaching out to the poor but it is better done by empowering the people to fend for themselves. It is not all about food distribution. There are many talented youths with viable business ideas but lack initial capital to start their small scale businesses. It will be a welcome development if

such people are encouraged by availing them of loans to start with. By the way, how many people would be beneficiaries of stomach infrastructure? The governor should invest massively in education, agriculture; construct good roads networks that will make it easy for farmers to transport their farm produce to the cities. Ensuring stable power supply is one of the ways through which business would thrive thereby advancing the economy of the state. Fayose’s administration will do well to partner with expatriates for massive industrialization in the state which will go a long way in reducing unemployment among the youths. This should be the focus of his administration. This would benefit the people of the state more than stomach infrastructure. • Peter Agosu Ijanikin, Lagos

prising move, denied being the influence behind the legislators’ decision to ditch APGA. What now can be said with his ultimate defection three months later? For sure, no one should begrudge Obi and his co – travelers their new political preferences. Many are however puzzled by the ease with which Obi could jettison the APGA brand after 12 years of shared aspiration and struggle dating back to 2003. What has changed in APGA? And when did these supposedly reverses take place in the 12 years life of the party? Whether they are conscious of it or not, the efforts of some APGA defectors at devaluing the party in the rating of the public fit into the agenda by sections of the political class to narrow the democratic space.

We are presently witnessing a new phase of the long campaign to discredit multi-party democracy. The ruling political elite and their rival investors in empire-ship are going to great lengths to propagate the myth of a two party system as the most rewarding form of participatory democracy. It is also the mission of this establishment to sell the world the dummy that the twoparty brand is the popular choice of Nigerians by using every available means to shrink the space for free political association. Alongside an oiled propaganda that seeks to depict independent and ‘smaller’ parties as weak, disorganized, dysfunctional and unnecessary burden on our ballot papers, resistant parties that refuse to collapse into either of the dominant political divide are also prone to destabilization plots. Such parties are particularly targets of poaching. The question to ask is why considerable time and resources are being expended on containing parties like APGA if really they have lost focus and are now irrelevant. •Ifeanyi Afuba Nimo, Anambra State.

Still on NYSC online registration charge

IR: It is wrong to condemn the policy of online registration and delivery of call-up letter introduced by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) management. The advantages of the new policy are many. First, it saves intending corps members from unpleasant situations that sometimes arise in the course of hustling to get call-up letters from their respective institution. Apart from the stress, the new policy will also make it possible for corps members to reprint their call up whenever and wherever they may be. Like many other Nigerians, my appeal is to the management of NYSC to reduce the N4,000 charge to something more affordable taking into considera-

tion, the state of the economy, and in particular, the plight of self-sponsored graduate prospective corps members. I hope the management of NYSC can shift ground a bit on the charge. A good way to bring this about is for NYSC authorities to source for funds from the federal government to defray the cost associated with the technology. Finally, NYSC management should also consider changing the mode of payment from ATM to NYSC scratch-card to prevent frustrations arising from technology failure to guarantee effectiveness and efficiency of the new policy. • Comrade Olawoyin Edris Busayo, Lagos

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

COMMENTS

O prize for guessing right — the October 15 presidential declaration, by former military Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, is sending the Goodluck Jonathan establishment into a tizzy. But it should surprise no one that the Jonathan camp is jumpy. Never in the history of Nigeria has government been so demystified, as under President Jonathan. To act right, the Jonathan Presidency is annoyingly impotent. But to act wrong, it oozes brazen, devil-may-care impunity. Gone, with the winds, are basic etiquettes that make government tolerable because it acts responsible. From almost all indices, the

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Olakunle Abimbola

Beyond a Buhari presidency

administration is a flat failure. In the context of soaring insecurity, take the Chibok fiasco, on which Jonathan seems to have hit blind panic. There have been perennial news, at least in the last three weeks, that the Chibok girls would soon taste freedom, after six months in the Boko Haram dungeon. Monday, October 20 was to be the sweet freedom day, after which a ceasefire announced by Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, would have held. But all seems to have ended in fiasco, with the girls’ release and the ceasefire turning a mirage. Indeed, the Chibok affair would appear Jonathan’s unravelling point. When the messy affair started, the president and his men (and women) feigned disbelief; and lived in the denial that the ploy was some stunt by some political opponents, thus losing crucial lead time. Now, to resolve the political denouement, the administration appears trapped. Jonathan is anxious to reveal the most open secret in Nigeria’s political history: his zest to run in 2015. Yet, without the resolution of Chibok, even the president himself knows he embarks on a journey to nowhere, though his spin machine would try to put the failure on the neck of some nebulous “opposition”. The Chibok failure is replicated almost on all sectors of the polity and economy. Public finance: No government in Nigerian history has been so brazen in its (mis)management of the Federation Account. Revenue shortfalls may not be novel. What is novel is the consistent shortfalls now come with absolutely no logical explanations; laced with partisan conspiracy theories that the ploy is allegedly to cripple opposition governors because of 2015. Yet, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Finance minister, claims Nigeria is not broke!

“The APC must come up with a robust power-balancing template. Otherwise, it would have won the war of presidential election, yet lose the peace of Nigeria’s stability, integrity and progress”

flatly failed on that score. There is no indication that Buhari would succeed. O yes: there is a raft of zestful media speculations that a BuhariBabatunde Fashola ticket would create new possibilities and dynamism, never perhaps before dreamed of in a federal democratic Nigeria. That might well be. But the dynamics of presidential politics still makes the vice-president a spare tyre! When presidential cabals invade, the vice-president had better dive for cover! If in doubt, ask Goodluck Jonathan in his Umaru Yar’Adua years! Besides, there is the issue of the Christian-Christian/MuslimMuslim ticket, on which Obasanjo has just made a baleful noise. Still, what makes a putative Buhari ticket so scary for the Jonathan camp? Political arithmetic! Buhari is the scary face of a North that wants power back — and claims it has the number to do just that! On the cynical plane, that is more than formidable; and Jonathan is especially vulnerable. Jonathan, after six years, has pretty little to show in concrete achievement. That is why his camp has embarked on their divisive and emotive strategies. Even then, they need to painfully cobble together the numbers to make hay. Buhari? His immense standing in the Northern “streets” is enough to harvest the vote, for a near-cult figure, despite the long running mutual suspicion between him and the northern elite. If the Northwest-Southwest political entente works as planned, plus further harvests from a hurting Northeast, which by action and compassion Jonathan abjectly failed to protect from Boko Haram, it could well be vicious payback time! On a nobler front, the Mr. Clean image of Buhari is a grave rebuke to a Jonathan administration that appears a brazen boast of equal-opportunity sleaze, with the president himself making his infamous distinction between stealing and corruption. Still, danger may well lurk in a Buhari putative presidency. Ironically, the booby trap is the Obasanjo-Jonathan collusion that killed the PDP zoning formula, in Obasanjo’s expectation of a presidential puppet in Jonathan. Though both putative puppet and puppeteer have cancelled themselves out in grief — with Jonathan making a hash of his presidency and Obasanjo closest ever to political irrelevance — that conspiracy may well hand the North the dangerous illusion that it could well hold on to power in perpetuity -- with a sense of rogue morality, since Jonathan and co-southerners killed zoning. That would be Nigeria’s fastest track to perdition. That is why the APC must come up with a robust powerbalancing template, based on the felt-needs of the six geo-political zones, develop concrete programmes to meet these needs and enshrine the federal doctrine in its intra-party conduct. Otherwise, it would have won the war of presidential election, yet lose the peace of Nigeria’s stability, integrity and progress.

OURS truly could be forgiven for mistaking the socalled ceasefire between the military and the Boko Haram in Abuja for the long-expected terrorists’ instrument of surrender. This is perhaps to be expected in the context of the unmistakeable signs of the military finally coming to its own after months of costly, humiliating reverses including losses of sophisticated hardware and vast portions of Nigerian territory to the enemy. Taken together with the renewed diplomatic offensive that has raised prospects of further isolation of the terrorist group, one would be right to imagine that the days of the group as a cohesive, fighting force, is increasingly numbered. To yours truly, the matter had become as simple as pressing the current advantages to force a lasting truce and to exact retribution for the crimes committed against the state. That was probably why the text of the ‘ceasefire’ anounced by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh could not have been anything but anti-climaxtic and confounding: “...a ceasefire agreement has been concluded between the federal government of Nigeria and the Ahlul Sunna Li Daawa Wal Jihad...I have accordingly directed the service Chiefs to ensure immediate compliance with this development in the field.” Apparently, so desperate was the army chief to churn out the agreement as breakthrough that he couldn’t but dispense with the military’s traditional taciturnity on such sensitive matters; on its part, the Jonathan administration, ever so reader to cart home the trophy before the game was called saw the Chad-brokered ceasefire as heaven sent! It did not matter that the details were still sketchy and tentative at that point; any deal – including a one-sided one in which a sovereign authority would offer what amounted to a capitulation for a morsel of ‘peace’ – would simply suffice! Familiar? On yeah! More than a week after, Nigerians are in a better position to assess the substance of an agreement that continues to yield body counts in scores on both sides with every passing day. But then, given the spate of renewed hostilities, the army top shot may well have been talking nonsense. Not only has the raiding band of the Boko Haram since heightened their campaigns of abduction and seizure of women and children with the number of abductees hitting nearly five scores in the past week alone, the ceasefire may well have existed only in the imagination of its purveyors! Indeed, hours after the announcement of the ceasefire, troops from the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army would swoop on the Boko Haram after the latter staged an attack on Damboa, Borno State. In the ensuing battle, 25 members of the sect were killed. In Abadan, a town located on the Nigeria-Niger border, if the residents had expected respite

Religion and ethnicity: The president and his party have not flinched from the religious bomb for partisan gains. President Jonathan himself started lobbing political bazookas from church pulpits, passing himself off as a persecuted Christian president at the mercy of Muslim anarchists, to gain explosive sympathy. Without much ado, PDP spokesman Olisa Metuh, tagged the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) an “Islamic party”, his own emotive way of blunting the party’s perceived potency. And open sesame! A country, fractious at the best of times, is now in a fierce hubbub of Christian-Muslim antipathy! Meanwhile, the passive volcano of ethnic bickering has started flickering, in the run-up to 2015. The South-South roars: “Our son, our son”! The South East gushes: Cousin Ebele! In Lagos, some voice hollers: “Ndigbo, remember your numbers!”, the same lobby that goads the Igbo to make a dash for the state’s deputygovernorship, riding on Cousin Ebele’s coat tail, to the utter irritation of their Yoruba hosts. Of course, the good, old South vs. North is alive and well. And the Middle Belt? Uphold your Christian faith against the core North’s! It is the demagogue’s paradise out there, this Jonathan presidency! Yet, you could feel the administration’s clear discomfort at the sight and sound from the Buhari presidential declaration — discomfort at both the quantum and fervour of the crowd, as well as the A-list politicians gathered there. Still, Buhari is a long way from emerging the APC candidate, given the bid of no less than four other aspirants: former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, sitting Governors Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), and Rochas Okorocha (Imo) and Leadership Newspaper Publisher, Sam Nda-Isaiah. Even if he does emerge, Ripples, with all due respect to the widely acclaimed incorruptibility of the Spartan general, does not think Buhari is an especial visionary or a governmental modernist in the mould of Nasir El-Rufai or even, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Besides, his mindset would appear centralist — just like former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s — and not quite attuned to the imperative for radical federal restructuring, if this democracy must deliver sustainable development and prosperity. Not unlike Obasanjo too, Buhari would appear susceptible to the illusion of hoping personal daring would solve systemic problems. Obasanjo

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What manner of ceasefire? within hours of the proclamation of the ceasefire particularly after an earlier attack some 24 hours before the ceasefire left 30 dead, the attacks would actually intensify after. So confused was the atmosphere that the French news agency, AFP quoted a resident as saying: "We all heard of the ceasefire over the radio but it seems the insurgents are not perturbed at all…To me, they (the militants) don't even care about it because they increased their attacks from Friday, the very day the ceasefire was announced. By Saturday, they hoisted their flags." I have in the course of the past week, struggled to find the meaning of the “ceasefire” as proposed. Ordinarily, the idea of cessation of hostilities, although nowhere near a half-way home to closure, should offer the nation some respite – if it works. With sweet poison of possible release of the Chibok Girls, it seems the nation could not have had a better deal! Really? It must be said though that the idea of asking our fighting men to hold fire for whatever reasons, in the context of military advantage reportedly achieved in the past few weeks would appear suspect, inexplicable, if not entirely opportunistic. Perhaps, only the federal government still lives in the illusion that the nihilists, after feeding on the blood of innocent Nigerians would become penitent without a decisive

routing in battle. Who needs a ceasefire that offers next-to-zilch chance of getting the group to renounce the toxic ideology that permits and legitimises savagery? Or one that squelches the prospects of a fitting retribution for the obvious crimes committed by the group against humanity? We must be clear in all of this: the reason the nation is at this very point is the apparent loss of capacity by the Nigerian state under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan. It is the administration’s inability to enforce the nation’s unchallengeable will within its borders that must be seen as the heart of the imbroglio. True, there are those who would argue whether the increasingly war-weary military – and not least the civil populace – really have much choice than settle for armistice, more so with recent revelations about the poor fighting spirit and rank indiscipline among the troops, all of which of course are directly traceable to the rot that have percolated in the military establishment over the years. Much as these concerns are not without foundation, they merely validate the point about the absence of state capacity at a critical moment. The greater tragedy is the false choice being promoted by the Jonathan administration as one between appeasement which merely offers the spineless federal government opportunity to buy time to kick the problem down the road, and the rule of abdication under which it throws its hands in the air and do nothing on the other! Want to know my thought on the Chibok Girls? I believe the poor girls will soon be released. Nigerians – the countless millions who continue to offer their prayers want them home. Of course, the international community wants them home. After more than six months in their custody, it seems understandable that the Boko Haram would also want to see their backs! Of course, President Jonathan wants them home; the same reason that our friends at the Transformation Ambassador of Nigeria (TAN) secretariat want them home before the November 16, D-Day! Imagine what would happen were the girls to show up, say for instance, at Abuja City gate at the HHour!

‘We must be clear in all of this: the reason the nation is at this very point is the apparent loss of capacity by the Nigerian state under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan. It is the administration’s inability to enforce the nation’s unchallengeable will within its borders that must be seen as the heart of the imbroglio.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

COMMENTS “Citizenship consists in the service of the country.” - Jawaharlal Nehru “Every good citizen makes his country’s honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious but as sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense…..” – Andrew Jackson

N October 20, Nigeria was declared Ebola free by World Health Organisation (WHO) after 42 days without any incidence of the Ebola disease in Nigeria. The WHO representative in Nigeria Rui Gama Vaz described the victory over Ebola as “spectacular success story”. He said “The Ebola outbreak in Nigeria has been defeated. This is a spectacular success story that shows to the world that Ebola can be contained.” Personally, I am so proud of Nigeria and Nigerians with the way Ebola was dealt with swiftly and decisively! This remarkable success story has renewed my hope and faith for the future of our nation. Anytime I think of Ebola and the Nigerian will, a smile comes across my face because I know that if we can contain and defeat Ebola, I know we can contain and defeat Boko Haram, corruption and all the other vices threatening to destroy Nigeria once we have the will to do so. Having said that, we must ask ourselves the following questions: What really helped in the early stage to ensure the Ebola virus was contained and defeated quickly? Who

‘Governor Fashola, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu and President Jonathan were able to exercise leadership because one Nigerian citizen Ameyo Adadevoh took up responsibility and exercised leadership at the citizen level in her area of influence’

Ebola and Citizen Adadevoh By Olaboludele Simoyan started the process to ensure that Nigeria did not become a graveyard full of dead bodies? What part did responsible citizenship play? Who was the Nigerian citizen that first took up responsibility once it was discovered that the Patient Zero (Patrick Sawyer the Liberian) was infected with the Ebola virus? Which Nigerian citizen exercised leadership in her area of influence that invariably helped to ensure the disease was successfully contained and defeated? Who helped to empower our leaders to lead and win the successful battle over Ebola? Who created the right conditions for our leaders at various levels to emerge as great and victorious leaders in the fight against Ebola? These are questions we need to answer to understand how each of us as Nigerian citizens must play our role at the citizen level to create the right conditions for our leaders to play their roles at the state, ministry and federal level. Clayborne Carson, the editor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s autobiography said “If we want social change to take place, rather than waiting for a leader to emerge, we have to first look in the mirror and see it as our responsibility to create the conditions for a leader to emerge. When Rosa Parks was sitting on that bus and was faced with the choice of whether or not to give up her seat, she didn’t get on a cell phone and call Martin Luther King and say ‘What should I do?’ She did what she had to do, and that provided a context in which Martin Luther King could then do what he could do, and the rest is history.” My Nigerian version of the above quote would read – “Just like the American citizen Rosa Parks, the Nigerian citizen Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh when she was faced with the choice

OLITICAL calculations are just not mere number-ordering as in counting quantum, but empirical studies aim at addressing the need of a political desideratum. With just a few months to the dawn of electioneering campaigns in Nigeria and the realisation that the ruling People’s Democratic Party, the PDP, has opted for the incumbent President Ebele Jonathan as its flag-bearer in 2015 presidential polls, two things must agitate the mind of the opposition. These are: the right strategies to successfully remove the incumbent President and the ruling PDP democratically through the polls bearing in mind that a typical African sitting president is worse than a bull in a China shop. The second important index which forms part of the ingredient of the first, is breaking the “naour-son mentality” of the average South-south person thereby creating the assurance that even with the removal of the Jonathan government, the gains so far mustered in the region during his period, will be consolidated upon and or preserved by the coming administration. It is widely acknowledged and acclaimed world-wide that the Jonathan government represents an all-time low in Nigeria’s political history. Whether it’s in politics, economy, security or moral re-armament, the worst government Nigeria had before this could possibly with some moral certainty raise a candle of assistance to light up the darkness the Jonathan government is enmeshed! Howbeit, those reasons for which many informed Nigerians would want the government voted out are in the public discourse domain. One of the challenges that face the All Progressive Congress, APC, as at the moment is the vested interest of the major gladiatorial line-up or the heavy weights in the party. It will be recalled that awareness by the opposition that 15 years of the ruling party has done collateral damage to the nation’s economy resulted in the political regrouping that metamorphosed in birth to the APC; a coalition of three main opposition parties, the ACN led by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the CPC of General Muhammadu Buhari and the All Nigeria Peoples Party. The formidability of this new platform as a party of the masses soon challenged the estranged members of the PDP who began to dare their party’s status quo. Soon many of them, very heavy weights in the PDP, decided to pitch tent in with the APC camp. The resultant calculation therefore is that all the major actors in this grand coalition of force came to the party with their followers. The Tinubu group, ACN, from all intent and purposes has the sympathy of over 80% of the South-west; the ANPP leg of the party has its support base in Kano, Sokoto and part of the troubled North-east, having lost Adamawa to the PDP via impeachment. The All progressive Grand Alliance APGA has South-east to pull its support from while the PDP entrants like the ANPP draws its support from across the north. Today, this is the framework of the opposition APC which if not properly handled could lead to a crisis of monumental proportion and the total fall of the expected emergence of a viable two-party platform and/or a viable opposition in Nigeria. As the current opposition party, one contestant to the APC presidential ticket stands out as the most single individual with the largest followership; Muhammadu Buhari. It will be recalled that barely there months to the last presidential election, he formed the CPC to challenge the ruling PDP, and despite a lean purse, pulled a whooping 12million votes, beat-

of bucking under pressure from the Liberian Ambassador and discharging Patient Zero Patrick Sawyer or standing her ground and quarantining him, she didn’t get on the phone to call Governor Fashola or the health minister or the President and say ‘What should I do?’ She did what she had to do as a responsible Nigerian citizen and that provided a context in which Governor Fashola of Lagos State, former Minister of Health Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu and President Jonathan could then do what they could do and as they say the rest is history – an Ebola free Nigeria!” If not for Citizen Adadevoh taking up the responsibility at the citizen level, we would have had a catastrophe on our hands as a nation, probably worse than what Liberia is experiencing right now due to our vast population. Even though we have a population of about 170 million Nigerians, only 19 people were infected with the Ebola virus and we lost seven. I think that is absolutely incredible considering the fact that over 4, 500 people have died from the disease in West Africa alone! Thomas Jefferson the third president of the United States said: “He does most in God’s great world who does his best in his own little world.” Citizen Adadevoh did her best in her own little world in the health sector of Nigeria and she ended up doing the most in God’s great world called Nigeria. One person, one Nigerian, one citizen, made an outstanding difference that invariably helped to create an Ebola-free Nigeria instead of an Ebola-ridden Nigeria. Historically all over the world individual citizens have taken up responsibility and exercised leadership at the citizen level. And this either created positive social change or created the right conditions for the right leaders to emerge or empowered leadership to

2015: Choice before APC By Oyakhamoh Carl Abu’Bakar ing others parties’ contestants to come up a close runner-up to President Jonathan. We must not forget that lack or paucity of campaign funds foreclosed his ability to campaign throughout the country like others. Yet, Nigerians, many who knew him well as a disciplined and the most incorruptible politician today in the country stood by him and are still in the vanguard of agitation for his presidency come 2015! Other major actors in the race, Abubakar Atiku who flew the Action Congress flag and Rabiu Kwankwaso have large electoral followership but these cannot be compared to the mass followership of Buhari! It follows therefore that the APC can reap huge electoral fortunes from the Buhari persona in 2015 presidential election if the other contestants are magnanimous enough to team up with his candidacy. This will be complimented with the South-west mass support. The Buhari candidacy is even more desirable now that the PDP has adopted Jonathan, thus presenting a balanced North/ South tackles in the race between the two parties. Besides, the affable General still remains the only political gladiator from the North whose political foray in the past and now has not crossed the frontiers of fellow actors as to engender enmity or personal political jealousy. On a wider national appeal, the failure of the government to handle terrorism and other security matters, especially the Boko Haram insurgency, recommends the desirability of a president with a good understanding and respect of the Armed Forces to reinstate their integrity. It follows therefore that any attempt by the APC to push forward a candidate with lower personal or political integrity will open such a candidate to such critical performance analysis, dug-up vilification charges and massive loss of vote as to provide the PDP candidate an easy open-sesame back to Aso Rock! I have deliberately left-out the South-east as it is obvious that mainstream Ndi-Igbo is apparently not interested in fighting for the seat of the President so long as “Azikiwe” is still there! This is where the second part of this proposition - assuaging South-south fear of reverting into the political limbo after Jonathan- takes root. It well known that the South-south is the bastion of support for the Jonathan administration. It is also very true from enlightened opinion that people of this zone are not unaware of the dismal performance of their son, but have remained solidly behind him in the spirit of rotational Presidency; Nigeria’s stop-gap solution to ethnic domination of the presidency that from all intents and purposes emphasises mediocrity in politics! This fear has roots in the unknown that the region may be relegated back into the pre-Jonathan era! This fear is palpable. You can feel it when you discuss with a typical South-

do their part. During the debate over America’s independence, one person, one citizen, Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet titled Common Sense that created a powerful change. General Washington said that it worked “a powerful change in the minds of many”; (These United States, 1981). Citizen Thomas Paine created the right conditions for General Washington and America’s founding fathers to exercise leadership, start the American Revolution, and declare the United States an independent nation. In Poland in 1980, one man, one Polish citizen, an electrician turned labour union leader Lech Walesa became a strike leader making unheard of demands of a communist-controlled government. Citizen Walesa created the conditions for the fall of communism in Poland and the rest of Eastern and Central Europe. In 1953, one person, one Nigerian, one citizen Anthony Enahoro moved the motion for Nigeria’s self-rule and self-determination. Citizen Enahoro created the conditions for Nigeria’s founding fathers to play their leadership role and make it a reality. Governor Fashola, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu and President Jonathan were able to exercise leadership because one Nigerian citizen Ameyo Adadevoh took up responsibility and exercised leadership at the citizen level in her area of influence – in the medical profession. As a Nigerian citizen, how can you take up responsibility in your area of influence like Citizen Adadevoh? How can you exercise leadership in your area of influence? How can you create the conditions that will help empower our leaders to do the right thing? What can you do to play your part in such a way that it will compel government and leadership at various levels to play their part? What do you have to do to provide the context for our leaders to do what they have to do? Always remember that leadership and citizenship are two sides of the same coin. The quality of leadership is always determined by the quality of citizenship at work as Citizen Adadevoh has clearly shown.

south political activist no matter his education or standing in the society. This fear will govern his choice on the day of election. So how does the opposition assuage this fear and win his vote? You can also say the same for the average Ndi-Igbo person who sees the proverbial “Hausa/Fulani hegemonist” in an “unholy” handshake with the Yoruba man who is an economic wizard. The opposition must not overlook the fear of Ndi-Igbo support for Jonathan’s government. It must work to gain their confidence. How? A South-east or South-south vice-presidential ticket is likely the magic wand and three people come to mind here viz; Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers, Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State. Yet these political actors have their respective political varying values vis-à-vis the southern zones which they represent. The South-east and South-south tend to agree on many national issues and have a shared loyalty as people of the Greater Southern half of Nigeria. Without too much ado, the Comrade Governor of Edo State could be said to have a larger followership of the three for the following reasons: (1) there is the latent labour movement followership that can be galvanised in times such as presidential elections. This cut across South-south and South-east and is awaiting re-awakening. (2) He is the only one among the three whose political odyssey has not witnessed a movement from one party to the other, hence should engage lesser political squabble from enemies within who may play up and capitalise on public opprobrium from such issues. And finally, deriving from the two above, he may be said to be more independent-minded not only as a representative of the South-south in the Presidency, but of the whole south as a whole in the postJonathan administration. From the perspective of these analyses, we may deduce that a Buhari- Oshiomhole ticket is one sure frontal attack the All Progressives Congress has for a formidable electoral choice in 2015! The APC must for now appreciate that the present calls for the sacrifice of personal interest for the collective good of all Nigerians whose daily prayer is to ensure that President Jonathan is removed from government in the coming elections. It’s a time that calls for a collective effort to chase away the hyena before deciding which cock heads the brood and the exigency of such times abhors internal frictions and squabbles. • Mallam Abu’Bakar writes from Lagos

‘The APC must for now appreciate that the present calls for the sacrifice of personal interest for the collective good of all Nigerians whose daily prayer is to ensure that President Jonathan is removed from government in the coming elections’

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

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Whenever you are in a situation of war, which is what I think we are in right now, there is need to restock the armoury. This is to be expected and it’s understandable. But for me, the critical question is how do we restock our armoury

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See page 37

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

All Progressives Congress (APC) governors have demanded a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan over the cash crisis, which they said is crippling their states, many of which cannot pay salaries. The dwindling allocation to states is said to be, in part, due to certain deductions by the Federal Government. Are the deductions legal? What options are open to the states? JOSEPH JIBUEZE asks.

S Nigeria broke? No, says the Federal Government. But to some governors, something is wrong. Allocations are reducing, and they are unable to meet their states’ needs. Many have resorted to borrowing to pay salaries and fund capital projects. Many states are in debt. It is for this reason that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors met in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, last week and resolved to have an emergency meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan over the crippling cash crisis. At the meeting were Governors Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe); Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo). The governors were worried that allocation from the Federal purse keeps reducing, even as the central government says the country is not broke. Many states, they said, may not be able to pay their workers. Okorocha said the dwindling allocation from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has hampered states’ capacity to pay salaries. “This has become a very serious concern to us as governors and we felt that issues that affect the lives of our people must never be politicised. We refuse to accept that this nation is broke. I thank God that the Federal Government is not broke, that if the nation is not broke, what is due to states as revenue should be paid to the states. “This idea of cutting down what should go to states does not in any way promote democracy and democratic dividends and so we as progressive governors do call on the Federal Government to look into the issue of dwindling resources or convince us as to why the states should not get what is due to them. “We do not know why our colleagues in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are not talking of this matter. If they are not talking, it is either they are not affected or somehow they are getting something from the back door, which we do not know. “But if that is not the reason, I think the Presidency or the Federal Government should act quickly on the present ugly situation which this terrible condition of dwindling revenue has caused us by making sure that the states get what is due to them at least to pay the basic salaries of the workers.”

Deductions to fund the police

INSIDE:

The APC governors’ complaint is not new. In October last year, they threatened to employ all constitutional means to compel the Federal Government to pay exactly what was due the states. The immediate past Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, had said: “We continue to insist that we condemn the illegal and unconstitutional deductions.” States were said to have lost 40 per cent of their normal earnings from the FAAC. They argued that based on budgetary benchmarks, oil never sold for anything lower than $115 per barrel, and therefore, there was no basis for the incomplete allocations. In March, Lagos State challenged at the Supreme Court the Federal Government’s power to deduct one per cent from the

Wanted: Non-violent approach to conflict resolution -Page 28

The state prayed for an order compelling the defendant “to immediately reverse the unlawful deduction of one percent…and to credit the amounts so far deducted to Lagos State Government with interest at the current Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) minimum rediscount rate.” Governor Babatunde Fashola contended that, as a result of the deduction, insufficient statutory allocation “has reduced the capacity of the state and its local governments to fund their programmes and projects. “The police as constituted is an organ of the Federal Government and the constitution does not prescribe a situation where one level of government will impose a financial obligation on another level of government. “The National Economic Council has no power under the constitution of Nigeria or under any act of the National Assembly to approve any deduction, appropriation or expenditure from the federation account or statutory allocations due to the states and local governments,” he said.

Fuel subsidy deductions

Are deductions from state allocations legal? revenue due to all federating units from the Federation Account for the purpose of funding police reforms. Lagos said the defendant had been deducting the one percent since October 2013, describing it as unconstitutional and illegal. The state asked the Supreme Court “to declare that it is unlawful for the defendant to deduct at source one percent or any other fraction or per cent of the revenue due to Lagos State and its local government councils from the Federation Account under the Allocation Revenue Act for

CJ challenges Customary Court judges on ADR -Page 38

the purpose of funding police reforms or for any other purpose.” Lagos also sought a declaration that it “is unlawful for the National Economic Council or any other agency of the federation to authorise, by resolution, decision or consensus, the charge or deduction at source by any authority or person of any part of revenue due to Lagos State Government and its local government councils under the Allocation Revenue Act for the purpose of funding police reforms.”

The 36 states are challenging at the Supreme Court the Federal Government’s deductions of funds for fuel subsidy and related expenses from crude oil proceeds before making payment into the Federation Account. They are unconvinced about the government’s transparency in its handling of proceeds from crude oil sales and urged the apex court to stop the practice. The states, in a suit filed by their Attorneys-General, described as “unwholesome and unconstitutional” the practice of deducting “fuel subsidy funds and other expenditure from oil proceeds before it is paid into the Federation Account.” They contended that the practice, carried out through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), is a means through which the states and local governments are shortchanged. The states claimed that the practice has occasioned inaccuracies in the computation of oil revenue remitted to the Federation Account by the government and its agencies and urged the court to abolish the practice.

Sovereign Wealth Fund The Excess Crude Account (ECA) was replaced with the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) to manage Nigeria’s excess earnings from crude oil. In other words, the fund would hold the differential in oil revenues above annual benchmark price. The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority was set up in May 2011 to manage the SWF in the form of Future Generations Fund, Nigeria Infrastructure Fund and Stabilisation Fund. Implementation of the Sovereign Wealth Fund began with an initial fund of $1 billion. President Jonathan assented to the bill setting up the fund on May 27, 2012. Governors have opposed the Fund, describing it as illegal, and saying it would deny them the opportunity to have enough money to develop their states. A sovereign wealth fund (SWF) is a stateowned investment fund investing in real and financial assets, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, precious metals, or in alternative investments, such as private equity or hedge funds. Sovereign wealth funds invest

Enugu and Ebeano family oligarchs -Page 39

•Continued on page 26

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

LAW COVER CONT’D

•Chief Justice, Aloma Mukhtar

•Dr. Okonjo-Iweala

•Okorocha

•Ubani

Are deductions from state allocations legal? •Continued from page 25

globally. Most SWFs are funded by revenues from commodity exports or from foreign-exchange reserves held by the Central Bank. Analysts say SWFs are typically created when governments have budgetary surpluses and have little or no international debt. It is not always possible or desirable to hold this excess liquidity as money or to channel it into immediate consumption. High volatility of resource prices, unpredictability of extraction, and exhaustibility of resources are some of the reasons for creation of SWFs. It may also be economic, or strategic, such as war chests for uncertain times. The states are challenging the legality of the Excess Crude Account and the decision to transfer $1bn from the account to the SWF. They sought an order declaring the SWF illegal and unconstitutional. When the case came up on September 24, the Supreme Court said it was not ready for hearing. It adjourned till January 26 next year. Presiding judge Justice Mahmud Mohammed said the case was not ripe for hearing because vital documents were not in the file. “In order to hear the case, it is necessary for counsels to go to the registry and make sure that all necessary processes were in the file,” Mahmud said. The government had challenged the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to hear the suit, arguing that the matter was not between states and the federation, but a dispute between the states and the government, which it said ought to have been filed before a Federal High Court. The states also prayed the court to order that all sums standing to the credit of the Excess Crude Account be paid into court or be secured as the court may deem fit, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit. The states sought an order compelling the Federal Government to pay into the Federation Account N5.51 trillion being the balance of the money that accrued to the central purse between 2004 and 2007 from crude oil sales, petroleum profits tax and oil royalties. The government, however, accused the states of mischief because they allegedly took part in the deliberation of the National Economic Council where the decision to transfer the $1bn from the Excess Crude Account to the SWF was taken. But the states insisted that they had shared only the legitimate funds deposited in the Federation Account and not from the funds illegally deposited in the Excess Crude Account.

‘Nigeria not broke’ Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, while giving account of her ministry’s stewardship in the last nine months, insisted that all the economic fundamentals remain strong. “The country is like a household. There may be periods that your income may shrink because of some unforeseen circumstances and you just adjust. “If you were indulging in very expensive food you may tell your children that its time we just manage garri and if you have a spouse that is not working, you tell her please you must go and start a trade. “You would not jump out and begin to tell people that your condition is worst and you are dying because you know that it’s a tempo-

rary condition. That is the same with a country. “We are facing a temporary challenge because of the fluctuation in both price and quantity of oil produced. Yet we are meeting our obligations. We have not got to where we can’t pay our salaries nor are we failing to meet our obligations to our creditors. “Our foreign reserve is robust at $39.48 billion as at October 16 and it can finance nine months of import. We are gradually rebuilding our excess crude account, which is at $4.11 billion at the moment and we are working to increase the account. “Our Sovereign Wealth Fund today holds investment of $1.55 billion… This is as a result of confidence in our economy, which is today the third destination of foreign direct investment in Africa as a result of the recent rebasing of our economy.”

Are the governors’ claims valid? The 2006 United Nations Human Development Index puts Nigeria at 159 of 177 countries, with 70.8 per cent of the population living on less than one dollar a day and 92.4 per cent on less than two dollars a day. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the number of the poor is rising. In 2004, 55 per cent of the people were living in abject poverty. By 2010, this had risen to 61 per cent. Corruption has been identified as the country’s major source of poverty. A former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, once said more than $380 billion has either been stolen or wasted by leaders since 1960. Nigeria is regularly ranked as one of the most corrupt by graft watchdog, Transparency International. A former Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, reckoned that $400 billion of Nigeria’s oil revenue has been stolen or misspent since independence. It is reported that oil is being stolen at a record rate. Some analysts say it is still unclear how much oil Nigeria actually produces. If there were a reliable figure, perhaps the truly horrifying scope of corruption would be exposed. To observers, if corruption and wastages are tackled, there will be enough resources to truly transform the country and its citizens. This year’s budget is based on a projected $79 per barrel of crude oil. The country has been selling above $100. This, observers say, tends to validate the states’ claim that there is a problem. The constitution vests too much power in the Federal Government, giving it wide and imperial powers over other tiers of government. It has been noted that the exclusive Legislative list takes initiatives away from the states, resulting in their dependence on the Federal Government on several issues. There have, therefore, been calls for a reduction or devolution of these powers. Former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch, Mr Monday

Onyekachi Ubani described the governors’ move as “a wise step and a thoughtful process to getting proper information on what is going on in the management of our economy”. He added: “It is clearly frightening as most states that are heavily reliant on federal allocation are on the verge of collapse due to their inability to meet basic economic needs like payment of salaries to their workers. Their demand is legitimate and calls for urgent redress to avoid catastrophic backlash on the entire country. “If it is true that the Federal Government is making certain deductions from the federation account which is unknown or not disclosed to the other tiers of government, then such deductions are unconstitutional, unlawful and legally redressible. “The budget of 2014 was based on a certain bench mark as pertains to the sale of our crude oil. How come we are in deep economic quagmire so soon due to crash in oil price when for a very long time we have experienced boom in crude oil sales in the international market? “The reason is not far-fetched. We have as a nation mismanaged our economy based on greed, corruption and outright theft of our resources. “Despite bold face denial by the Finance Minister that we are not broke, the truth of the matter is that Nigeria’s economy presently is not healthy, and when you take into account that election is next year, then be rest assured that more dangerous health issues on the economy will crop up as we match towards 2015. “In all these we pray that what we know from facts available should not happen as its consequence is better imagined than experienced,” Ubani said. According to the rights activist, it is illegitimate for the Federal Government to make unauthorised deductions from money due the states’ and must be challenged in court. “If its true and the Federal Government does not show remorse and repentance, I will advise the state governments especially, those states that cannot meet their financial obligations to file a straight action before the Supreme Court of Nigeria to halt the illegality and to demand the immediate refunds of such illegal deductions into the federation account for a common sharing. “They should seek the instruments of law to nip the illegality in the bud. It is the only way out. Another method may be (used advisedly) seeking political solution. “The National Assembly that should carry out their oversight function is failing heavily in this regard. How come they are there and the executive is basking and carrying out illegality with impunity as alleged, and they have not spoken or done anything about it? They have certainly failed the citizens. “The Federal Government is advised to stop those deductions that are only known to them as that violates the express provision of the

The Federal Government is advised to stop those deductions that are only known to them as that violates the express provision of the Constitution. They can only spend their own money after the sharing

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Constitution. They can only spend their own money after the sharing. “It is unconstitutional for them to dip their hands into the Federation Account and begin to spend the money that is not meant for them alone. It is not only unconstitutional, it violates the spirit of federalism which we preach that we are practising! That is a short- term solution. “A long term solution is the entrenchment of fiscal federalism that will enable each state to produce and control their resources while paying certain percentage to the federal government for common good. “Until we start to practise true federalism, encourage competitive economic spirit and diversify our economic pursuit as a nation we will continue to suffer what is happening presently and that is the truth!” Ubani said. Executive Director, Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) Chino Obiagwu urged states to be more creative in the management of available resources. “The deductions are based on the sliding national income and huge debt portfolio of states. The truth is that some state governors in the last two tenures have been fiscally reckless. Most of the states have borrowed more money from local and foreign creditors than their states can re-pay in 20 years. “Rather than save for the future, the governors are creating liabilities for their people. Rivers State for example has a debt portfolio of nearly $1 billon. So also Lagos, Imo, Benue etc. “Recently, Benue State divested it’s investment in a major industrial stock and Rivers wants to dissipate its long-held reserve. These are reckless financial management. The truth is that no business can run for long in borrowed funds without creating its own wealth. Governance is a business. “Most of these people that found themselves in government have never run any business successfully and so they don’t understand wealth building. The state governors are not creating wealth at all. They are not empowering their people. All they do is get money monthly and throw around or build elephant projects and wait for the next round of sharing. “Unfortunately the state Houses of Assembly that are supposed to be checking on the executive are just mere rubber stamp legislature. The civil society on the other hand has paid most attention to to federal government but there are a lot of rot taking place at state levels,” he said. Obiagwu said LEDAP sued 15 state governors to account for the millions of dollars they borrowed from the capital market. “None of them has provided any answer. So, since Federal Government is the guarantor of these credits, it’s natural that it will make deductions from state allocations. “Another reason for deducting is the dwindling national income. We all know the price of oil is going down and the US has started massive oil production and has not been importing oil. So that affected the crude oil market. “We will continue to see slides in national income for a long time to come. So any governor who still sits back and waits for the national cake should think twice. It’s time our state governments started building capacity of their people to create wealth so they can justify the public vote,” Obiagwu said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

FROM THE COURT Text of a paper presented by Deacon Dele Adesina (SAN) at the sixth Chief Olabanji Akingbule public lecture

Wanted: Non-violent approach to conflict resolution T HIS annual public lecture and awards programme is aimed at “effecting the requisite changes intrinsic to (the) rather comatose national outlook that our nation currently bears”. I believe that what you don’t want, you don’t watch, you confront. It is my humble opinion that we cannot sit down and watch the comprehensive security challenges facing the nation, we have to do something. I believe the nation needs help from both within and without. The theme of this year’s public lecture is “Non-Violent Approach to Conflict Resolution in Nigeria”. The focus of the theme is on how to promote peace towards sustainable national development. I am not an alarmist, neither am I a pessimist. On the contrary, I am a man of peace and an incurable optimist in the greatness of this nation. Nevertheless, fiction is different from fact. Imagination is not the same as action and vision is different from the reality. The reality of Nigeria today is that Nigeria is a nation on the brink of war. The signs are all over the place. These are indeed perilous times and of course,perilous times exist because of perilous people. Any patriotic citizen of this country must unavoidably entertain serious concerns over our state of affairs, the signs are discomforting. War as an instrument of conflict resolution is the highest expression of violence. “War erodes human dignity. War humiliates. It destroys, it devastates. The cost of war is inestimable. Its cost is unbearable; war must be avoided at all cost and by all means.” The futility of violence as a means of conflict resolution is clearly visible everywhere. The story of Arab spring is a classical example. The question is, how much of peace is obtainable today in Iraq, Libya and Syria. Violence has never achieved any permanent solution. Indeed, most conflicts have been resolved at the end of the day through post war non-violent negotiations and reconciliations. Conflicts do exist between one person and another, within nations, or between one nation and another. Conflict may be political, such as power struggle as in Ethiopia between 1971 and 1984 or Democratic Republic of Congo since 1996 or Liberia between 1999 and 2001 and presently, between Russia and Ukraine. It may be ethnic conflict as in Rwanda since 1994. It may also be a combination of ethnic and religious conflict as in Somalia. Conflict is a “real or perceived difference which may affect actions or outcomes that we believe are important”The above definition suggests that conflict may exist even when the difference(s) is still being nurtured or have not developed into physical reactions. Conflict is a state of opposition, disagreement or incompatibility between two or more people or groups of people, which is sometimes characterized by physical violence.

Components of conflicts: There are six components of conflict. (i) Conflict is INEVITABLE. (ii) Conflict by itself is neither GOOD nor BAD; it is what happens that may end up being good or bad. (iii)Conflict is a PROCESS rather than a moment in time. (iv) Conflict CONSUMES ENERGY. (v) Conflict has elements of both CONTENT and FEELING. A conflict is rarely just about what transpired; it usually has more to do with the feelings. (vi) Finally, one has a choice in conflict to be proactive or reactive. The more nonviolent one chooses to be, the more proactive a person will become. Non-violence is an umbrella term of describing a range of methods for dealing with conflicts which share the common principle that physical violence at least against other people, is not used. There is considerable debate about the precise meaning of nonviolence. For some, nonviolent action is

an expedient technique for dealing with conflict or bringing about social change. For others, nonviolence is a moral imperative or even a way of life. Whichever way nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution are viewed, the important thing is that it results in peace and reconciliation. At first glance, violence may appear to be a superior technique for resolving conflicts or achieving desired ends because it has obvious and tangible strategies and weapons. Nonviolent techniques on the other hand are often more difficult to visualise. But Theodore Roszak said: “People try nonviolence for a week, and when it ‘doesn’t work’ they go back to violence which hasn’t worked for centuries.” The Advantages of non-violent method of Conflict Resolution includes the elimination of violence and counter-violence, focus of parties to the issues at hand and the production of constructive rather than destructive outcome. It also helps to arrive at the truth of a given situation while promoting self realisation. Different approaches or methods of resolving conflicts have been developed. These majorly are negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. Arbitration is a more structured approach with a differential element of fault findingwhich separates it from negotiation and mediation. In negotiation, the individuals or groups discuss problems among themselves to come up with solutions that they can live with. Negotiation experts have advocated a method they describe as principled negotiationwhich involves the negotiation of issues of conflict on the basis of merit, as determined by impartial standards. Their first major principle is to separate people from problems, meaning that the parties are allies in finding a solution to a problem, rather than enemies who are on different and mutually exclusive sidesof a problem. The second principle is to focus on interests, as compared to positions. When someone has a position, he or she either sticks to itor is forced out of it. If the other person’s position is not initially the same as yours, the situation is set up so that someone wins and someone loses. However, if two people with a problem focus on their common interests (what should come out of it), they have a chance to be creative and find solutions that meet both their needs. This may invariably lead to a win-win situation. The third principle is that a variety of possible solutions can be generated through the process of brainstorming. The fourth principle is that solutions should be measured along a yardstick of impartial fairness, which demands that both parties honour the legitimacy of the other party’s interests as well as their own. It is a moot point if the interest of Boko Haram insurgents and their sponsor are legitimate, more particularly when their objectives are largely unknown. Mediation as a third method is a process by which a third party is brought in merely to facilitate a discussion between the involved parties. The mediator is not a judge who decides upon a solution to a conflict; rather he or she empowers people to come up with their own solutions.

The Boko Haram insurgency. At their inception, many people believed Boko Haram was an Islamic sect fighting christians. Others believed they were agitators fighting against the oppression, poverty, under-development and neglect of the North Eastern region. Yet some people believed that they are revolutionaries fighting against western education. Irrespective of the version that one chooses to believe, what stands clear today

•Adesina is that Boko Haram’s conflict has escalated beyond imagination. It has become a global conflict of monumental proportions. Several lives have been lost and many are still being lost. Irrespective also of the version you may believe, Boko Haram has demonstrated to be the enemy of all Nigerians regardless of religion, politics, culture or ethnicity. They have left nobody in doubt that they have no other means but violence to prosecute whatever it is their self imposed mission. But, what is their mission? What are their grievances? Must these grievances be resolved only through armed conflict? It is on record that government had at a time set up a committee on dialogue and peaceful resolution on security challenges in the North-East, under the chairmanship of the Minister for Special Duties with the task of identifying and constructively engaging their key leaders with a view to developing a workable framework for amnesty and disarmament. How far has this succeeded? The Niger Delta militants willingly accepted the amnesty deal, surrendered their arms and renounced violence, further to which the Government pledged to institute programmes that will assist disarmament demobilization, rehabilitation and reintegration into the society. Can we pray for a miracle that will make the Boko Haram and their sponsors embrace a non-violent solution to whatever their grievances may be? Today Israel and Palestine are talking in Egypt after several years of armed conflict. Although the war is still on, but doors of negotiations appear to have been opened. Perhaps something needs to be done in case of Boko Haram insurgency in this direction. Today, the USA is virtually engulfed with

‘The times we are in demand less emphasis on party politics and a concentrated attention and focus on nationalism and patriotism so that together, we can holistically address the Boko Haram conflicts facing Nigeria without or with less violence and bloodletting’

armed conflicts in Syria against the ISIS. One would have thought that after exterminating Osama bin Ladin, the dreaded leader of the notorious Al-Qaeda terrorist organization, America will be at peace. Arab Nations had hardly known peace after the Arab spring – Another example of futility of violence as a tool of conflict resolution. I suggest that the authority may have to address several issues which perhaps may have produced the Boko Haram insurgency. These issues include but not limited to rampant corruption, systemic failure, social injustice, non-adherence to the principle of Rule of Law, ethnicity, social economic issues like poverty, health, unemployment and lack of infrastructure etc. Professor James Forest posited that “the link between these many kinds of grievances and the rise of violent extremism is particularly prominent in the North where the people have higher poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, health problems and overall insecurity than elsewhere in Nigeria” The learned Professor submitted that these issues in addition to quality information and intelligence gathering must be addressed in a holistic manner in other to formulate a comprehensive counter terrorism strategy to be able to handle the Boko Haram insurgency. I fully agree that Nigeria requires more than a “traditional kill/ capture counter terrorism strategy” as we are presently doing. In the words of Bishop (Dr.) David Oyedepo: “Only those who do not know the cost of war will not think of embracing peace; war destroys, peace builds. But it takes a thinking man to realise, embrace, and practice peace. Those who are insane need the urgent intervention of those who are sane if we all must escape the horrors of their insanity” May I conclude by saying that the times we are in demand less emphasis on party politics and a concentrated attention and focus on nationalism and patriotism so that together, we can holistically address the Boko Haram conflicts facing Nigeria without or with less violence and bloodletting.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

LAW & SOCEITY

IBA publishes ‘principles’ on business, rights

HE International Bar Associa tion (IBA) Business and Hu man Rights Working Group has published guidlines for bar associations and business lawyers on the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It is the first of its kind since the UN Human Rights Council endorsed the Guiding Principles in 2011 and was released in Tokyo, Japan at IBA’s Annual General Conference last week. It is divided into two working documents, one for bar associations (11 pages) and the other for business lawyers practising as in-house counsel and law firms (60 pages). Its aims are: to encourage bar associations to improve the understanding of the relevance and applicability of business and human rights principles; urge bar associations to develop an overall strategy for integrating the guiding principles into the practice of law; provide information to heighten awareness of the implications of the guiding principles; and to serve as a training tool for current and future legal professionals. For business lawyers, the principles explores the ways in which the guiding principles may be relevant to the advice they provide clients, consistent with their professional ethical responsibility as lawyers to uphold the law, to act in their clients’ best interests and to preserve clients’ confidences; reviews potential implications of the guiding principles for law firms as business enterprises with their own responsibility to respect human rights, focusing on services rendered to clients; and will assist the representation of the legal profession in the design of business and human rights policies before policy makers, governments and legislatures. The culmination of a six-month consultation and drafting process, working in collaboration with the IBA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee and facilitated by the IBA Legal Projects Team, the IBA Working Group Guidance reviewed the implica-

By John Austin Unachukwu

tions of the guiding principles for the global legal profession and provides practical support for their implementation. Commenting on the release, IBA President Michael Reynolds said: “In recognising the essential role that lawyers play in upholding the rule of law, and that they can provide advice on human rights in client business transactions in a manner that greatly enhances the value of their legal services, the IBA Guidance aims to support the development of a global strategy for the integration of the principles into legal practice. “The Guiding Principles recognise that the responsibility to respect human rights is a global standard of expected conduct for all businesses, and that measures are required to address the impact of human rights on commercial practices and enterprises. The promotion of integrity standards and the rule of law are at the core of the work of the IBA, and through our leadership we intend to mobilise the legal profession to take affirmative steps to integrate the Guiding Principles in the services they provide to their clients” The Chairman, IBA Business and Human Rights Working Group, John F Sherman III said: “Since the endorsement of the Guiding Principles, businesses are increasingly turning to their legal advisors for assistance on their implementation. This guidance is designed to support those bar associations and business lawyers to understand the implications of the Guiding Principles to effectively counsel their clients and ultimately help business enterprises to fulfil their responsibility to respect human rights.” Over the next 12 months, the IBA Business and Human Rights Working Group said it would solicit feedback from several national bar associations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Spanish National Bar, the Law Society of Namibia, and the Costa Rican Bar Association.

•From left: Chief Joe Kyari-Gadzama (SAN) , Mavis Ekwechi and Philips Jimoh-Lasisi (SAN) at the IBA Conference.

•From left: Aniedi Akpabio, Ekaete Henry and Marc Enamhe.

•From right: Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Umeh Kalu; former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General-Secretary Emeka Obegolu and Mr. John Jemide.

Court hears contempt suit against CBN directors tomorrow

HE Federal High Court in Laos will hear a contempt charge against three Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directors tomorrow. CBN pensioners, represented by James Jemilo, Thompson Edun, Jacob Amao, and Joachim Ajala are praying the court to commit the directors to prison for allegedly flouting a judgment. The alleged contemnors are CBN Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Alhaji Suleiman Barau; Director Human Resources Ms Chizoba Mojekwu, and Director of Legal Services, Mr Simon Onekutu. The plaintiffs are also praying the court to compel CBN to comply with the Federal Government’s directive on pension harmonisation. The suit was earlier fixed for hearing on October 6, but was adjourned because the day fell on a holiday. The CBN directors have objected to the suit. Their preliminary objection will be heard on the next adjourned date. The plaintiffs had averred that the harmonisation policy was introduced in the public service with effect from Jan. 1, 1997. “The policy was designed to eliminate the disparities in the pensions of workers who retired on the same grade, with those who served the same number of years but retired at different times” they

By Joseph Jibueze

averred According to them, following CBN’s alleged failure to comply with the policy, they filed suit number FHC/L/CS524/99 before a Federal High Court in Lagos, seeking an order compelling it to abide by the directive. The CBN had however, in its defence, said that it could only pay the harmonised pension, subject to “affordability and sustainability” of pension funds. Meanwhile, in a judgment delivered on May 22, 2000, the court, presided by Justice Wilson Egbo-Egbo, (now retired), granted the pensioners’s prayers. Egbo-Egbo had directed CBN to pay the applicants all accrued pensions with effect from January 1 1997, on emoluments currently earned by their serving counterparts. The judge held that this was as prescribed by the Federal Government’s policy on harmonisation of pensions, adding that such accrued pensions were to be paid subsequently, as and when due. Dissatisfied with the judgment, CBN had appealed at the Court of Appeal, and later the Supreme Court. Both appellate courts affirmed the lower court’s decision on December 5, 2006, and May 21, 2010 respectively.

•From left: Senator Efiong Bob, former NBA General Secretary Ibrahim Eddy Mark and Adebola Adewara.

•From left: Ogun State Commissioner for Education Segun Odubela, Chief Rickey Tarfa (SAN) and Edo State Commissioner for Works, Osarodion Ogie. PHOTOS: John Austin Unachukwu

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

They come from different family backgrounds but share many things in common. They are young, some barely 10. TONY AKOWE caught up with the child mechanics of Kaduna, and reports on their drive and vision

First Lady lifts Plateau women •PAGE 30

Boko Haram: Damaturu after traders’ ban

HEY are heroes in their own right. Theirs are low-income families, but the last thing they want to do is sit around and bemoan their challenges or join idle mates on the playground. Or, worse still, take to petty crimes. They rather chose to learn automechanics after their public school hours. Little Sadiq, just 10 year old, goes to the workshop everyday to learn to fix cars. His dream is that when he graduates from the workshop, he would one day be called upon to repair the cars in the presidential fleet. He told The Nation: “I like the mechanic’s work, but not spraying of cars, and that was why I abandoned painting work my uncle asked me to learn and ran to learn car repairs in order to become a mechanic. I am busier in learning car repairs than painting, and that was why I did not want painting apprenticeship. I hate to be idle; I want to be seen doing something all the time. It is my hope and prayer that one day, after my graduation as a qualified mechanic I will be called upon to repair Mr. President’s cars. It could be President Goodluck Jonathan or any other president after him”. Sunday is another underage mechanic apprentice. He is a primary five pupil of Command Primary School located inside the old Artillery Barracks in the Kakuri area of Kaduna metropolis. He has what could be regarded as two different lives. He is a student between the hours of 8.00am and 2.00pm every week day. He is also an apprentice mechanic between 2.00pm and 6.00pm daily, as well as on Saturdays and throughout the holiday period. He is only 11 year old and prefer to spend his time at the mechanic village rather than play around with his mates after school hours or during the holidays. He told The Nation that he chose to do that as a way of planning his future. Already, Sunday has started performing some simple tasks in vehicle repairs and is optimistic that when he completes his secondary education, he would have qualified as an auto mechanic. He said he hoped to raise enough money from the trade to sponsor himself and help his family. Sunday and other young boys in the mechanic village have a tall

PAGE 29

•PAGE 31

Insecure, polluted Karmo Market •PAGE 33

•Little Sadiq at work

Inside Kaduna’s kid mechanics’ workshop

‘I like the mechanic’s work, but not spraying of cars, and that was why I abandoned painting work my uncle asked me to learn and ran to learn car repairs in order to become a mechanic. I am busier in learning car repairs than painting, and that was why I did not want painting apprenticeship. I hate to be idle; I want to be seen doing something all the time. It is my hope and prayer that one day, after my graduation as a qualified mechanic I will be called upon to repair Mr. President’s cars. It could be President Goodluck Jonathan or any other President after him’ dream. Some of them want to be mechanical engineers; some want to join the military, among other professions.

Gabriel Adejo under whom Sunday and two other young boys are training, told The Nation that Sunday actually lived with him and he

has decided to engage him rather than leave him to mix with children and be a liability. Gabriel believes that the decision to engage Sunday has paid off as he has become useful to himself. Across the bridge is yet another mechanic village located in the Oriakpata area of the metropolis. Even though the area is known more for the sale of spare parts by Igbo traders, the mechanic village located there also boasts a good number of small boy mechanics. Saqid’s master, Mishood Adewale, told The Nation that Sadiq’s family initially wanted him to learn how to spray cars. He said when his uncle brought him to the workshop, he wanted Sadiq to learn car spraying, but after some time, Sadiq decided to abandon that, picking interest in the repair of cars. He said, “Since nobody forced him •Continued on page 30

Senator praised for empowering residents

•PAGE 36

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

First Lady lifts Plateau women

T was a surprise gift from the nation’s First Lady, though some reasoned that it may have been perfectly timed to coincide with the campaign for 2015 elections, which had begun to heat up in the state. What did Dame Patience Jonathan give Plateau women in Jos? Trailerloads of fertilisers, 2000 bags of rice, 1000 bags of Guinea corn and millet, 200 grinding engines, 150 sewing machines, 40 hair dryers, 20 tricycles, 40 motorcycles, bundles of roofing sheets, nails and bundles of wrappers, among others. Even though it was the inauguration of the state chapter of the pet project of the First Lady tagged Women for Change and Development, the items, according to some of the women, will change their lives for good. The items were delivered on behalf of Dame Jonathan by the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Jumoke Akinjide. Speaking while inaugurating the chapter of the organisation, the First Lady asked women in the country to stand up and be counted at this point in time when politics is again taking the centre-stage of events in the country. She said: “As you are aware, this is an NGO that advocates improvement for our women politically, economically and socially. Its membership is open to all Nigerian women irrespective of political affiliation. Today, therefore marked a new beginning and a significant development for the people of this state because the women for change and development initiative is committed to accelerated improvement in the well-being of rural women as well as the less privileged in the society. This NGO is an important avenue through which the women can collectively discuss, strategies and chat a way forward for themselves and the women folk. The NGO has also tried to impact on the lives of women in Nigeria by championing the implementation of the national gender policy on the 35% af•Continued from page 30

to pick interest in car repairing, I decided to accept him into my workshop and started training him. And so far he has shown a good level of intelligence and sharpness in learning car repairs these few months he had spent in the workshop. But when he was with painting of car, he showed dullness and reluctance in

•The women From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

firmative action in respect of women’s representation in governance. That is why I am calling on all women across the country to come out and take our chance in the 2015 elections, the time is now, politics is around the corner, it offers another opportunity for women to aspire for elective positions and also support women in positions of authority. So I use this opportunity to call on women to register, seek political post and vote wisely during every election at the local governments, states and federal levels. The NGO will ensure, women especially those at the grassroots, are carried along in the transformation agenda of President

‘As you are aware, this is an NGO that advocates improvement for our women politically, economically and socially. Its membership is open to all Nigerian women irrespective of political affiliation. Today, therefore marked a new beginning and a significant development for the people of this state because the women for change and development initiative is committed to accelerated improvement in the well-being of rural women as well as the less privileged in the society’ Goodluck Jonathan. It is a well known fact that the transformation policy gives priority attention to education, food security, healthcare

delivery, economic empowerment and the inclusion of women in governance.” Wife of the Plateau State gover-

nor and founder of Women in Agriculture and Youth Empowerment (WAYE) Ngo Talatu Jang expressed the general feelings of Plateau women when she said: “I am particularly proud and pleased to witness this historic event. There is no better way to empower women than the way the wife of our President Dame Patience Jonathan is currently doing across the country. Surely, the NGO of Nigerian First Lady is demonstrating a unique way of empowering women. Surely, there can be no better way of bringing the dividend of democracy to women in the grassroots. A lot has been achieved as far as the empowerment of grassroots •Continued on page 31

Inside Kaduna’s kid mechanics’ workshop learning the trade of car spraying. As a small boy who is still growing up, I see him becoming a good motor mechanic, and by the time he spent most of his growing age years here, he will master the act very well. He is still a school boy, and when-

ever he closes from school, he comes back to the workshop to continue with the apprenticeship. However, I cannot tell how many years he is going to spend, but if he is a grown up person, I will say, he will spend five years to graduate from the ap-

•The General Manager, Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Limited (MEMMCOL) Mr. Olayinka Lawal, the Human Resources and Admin Manager, Shade Afuwape, the Head of Operations, Abuja, Mr. Daniel Oshobitan and the Deputy Chairman, Institute for Government Research Leadership Technology, Professor John Ndanusa Akanya (OON) during the presentation of the 2014 African Governance and Corporate Leadership award to MEMMCOL in Abuja.

prenticeship. He is currently in primary four, and he is just ten years old, and he is learning fast. I can see seriousness in him, and I need to encourage and support him because there is seriousness in him. He is more committed to learning repairs of cars than learning car spraying. In my own workshop, we repair Japanese vehicles, but we have other mechanics that deal in the repairs of Peugeot and other brands of cars here. Personally, I started mechanic apprenticeship when I was in secondary school, and after school hours I would go back to learn how to repair cars, so after I completed my secondary school education, I spent another four years doing the mechanic apprenticeship. I can say that I spent almost nine years in the apprenticeship. There is another boy under me, he has spent close to four years so far under me, and he was very small when I admitted him here, and now he is up to 12 years of age. I am proud to say that I have trained not less than nine persons as mechanics. Today, all of them are on their own. And currently I have six apprentices under me”. Adewale has another apprentice nicknamed Senator. He told The Nation that he has already spent four years learning how to be an auto mechanic. Senator who is just 13 years old said “I have completed my primary school education, and I want to go to secondary school while I am still learning how to

repairs cars. I see car repairs as a lucrative business, and I hope to make fortunes from it in future in order to help my parents”. Senator, according to Adewale has progressed very well and has shown a high level of commitment in learning the trade. His interest surpassed that of his seniors as he is always inquisitive and ask a lot of questions. At the Artillery mechanic village, The Nation discovered that there is quite a large number of kid mechanics learning the trade. Two brothers between the ages of seven and nine whose name could not be ascertained are also engaged in the trade. The elder of the two brothers was said to have taken a special liking to the trade and told the parents that he wants to be learning the trade after school hours. His younger brother also decided to be following him to the workshop. They are seen running errands for the big boys and assisting them whenever they are carrying out any repair. They are already familiar with the names of all the tools used by the mechanics as well as the names of the spare parts for each vehicle. Gabriel in whose workshop the boys are attached told The Nation that if they keep up with their present commitment, the boys will grow to be great mechanics and probably become excellent mechanical engineers.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

Church condemns Boko Haram’s violence

HE Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has said the seemingly endless activities of the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast and other parts of the country are worrisome. It therefore urged government at all levels to address the situation to avoid further escalation. The Omu-Aran Diocese in Irepodun Local Government Area Kwara State spoke at the end of its second session of the second Synod. In a communiqué issued at the end of the Synod, the church condemned “in strong terms, the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents which have caused so much suffering to Nigerians, even as it called on government, the armed forces and other security agencies and all Nigerians to unite in order to prevent the activities of the group from spreading.” On the 2015 general elections, the church urged politicians and electorate to imbibe the culture of love, integrity and the fear of God before, during and after the elections. It listed corruption, assassinations, terrorism and kidnapping as some of the vices militating against the country’s growth and development, adding that churches and mosques cannot be exonerated from corruption which has pervaded every aspect of the Nigerian society. The church further said the trend is capable of preventing the country from achieving the much-needed political and economic development.

•Grinding machines given to the women

First Lady lifts Plateau women •Continued from page 30 women is concerned since the inception of President Goodluck Jonathan administration, the efforts so far has not only changed the status of women in the country; it also gives us hope that the future of women and particularly the girlchild is brighter than ever. For instance, with 13 female ministers as members of the federal executive council, a significant number of female ambassadors, Senior Special Advisers to Mr President as well as other female chief executives, the women of Nigeria never had it so good”. She said further that “With the kind of strong political will demonstrated by the Jonathan administration, which is completed by the Plateau state government, I can say

with all sence of optimism that Nigerian women are today walking the path of our great women leaders of the past. We are therefore in the process of producing another sets of women nationalists like Fumilayo Ransome Kuti, Magaret Ekpo, Hajiya Gambo Sawaba, all of blessed memory. The inauguration of the Plateau state chapter of Women for Change and Development Initiative is not just another milestone in the lives of our women, but an event that will remain ever green in our minds as it marks the creation of a platform for the sustained empowerment of our women” Plateau State coordinator, Mrs Gwammen Bernadette Nukup said, “The Women for Change and Development Initiative was born out of a global and Nigerian need

•Dame Patience for a palliative action to uplift women from the stagnated dark ages of the past into the mainstream of 21st century political, economic and social development with equal opportunities for women to pursue and attain excellence in any profession or vocation of their choice •Continued on page 32

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

It added that the root causes of these vices are “wicked hearts from the high and low places.” It called for purity of hearts, love and godly living among Nigerians. The communiqué which was jointly signed by the Diocesan Bishop and Chairman, Communiqué Committee, Rt Rev. Philip Adeyemo and Sir J.S Bamgboye reads: “The Synod notes the high level of corruption in the country, which if not arrested will deprive us from realising our potential as a great country, and make people lose confidence in us as a people. The Synod therefore calls on government at all levels and all stakeholders to rise up and wage total war against the cankerworm. “The Synod notes with concern the infiltration of doctrines that are inconsistent with the faith of the founding fathers in our mission schools in the state and calls on the state government to accede to the current agitation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara state branch. “The Synod notes with satisfaction the synergy between the federal, Lagos and Rivers State governments in defeating the Ebola scourge and commends the sacrificial and professional roles played by our health workers in containing the scourge. Synod also prays that God will grant the families of those who died in the process the fortitude to bear the loss.

‘The Synod notes the high level of corruption in the country, which if not arrested will deprive us from realising our potential as a great country, and make people lose confidence in us as a people. The Synod therefore calls on government at all levels and all stakeholders to rise up and wage total war against the cankerworm. The Synod notes with concern the infiltration of doctrines that are inconsistent with the faith of the founding fathers in our mission schools’

Boko Haram: Damaturu after traders’ ban

HEELBARROW-HAWKERS and roadside shops have been banned at four major roads in the Yobe State capital, Damaturu, after the Joint Military Force (JTF) said they found that Boko Haram fighters were using them to foment trouble. The roads are Potiskum Road, Gashua Road, Maiduguri Road and Gujba Road. The ban also affected all makeshift shops and fruit sellers. How did the traders take clampdown? Not very kindly, and their reaction has caught the attention of the state government which wants to pacify the traders and also ensure peace in the capital and state. The directive which was disseminated by the state Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Culture and the local radio station (YBC) asked all concerned to comply with it or face the wrath of the law. While the JTF maintained that it was a hard decision to take, it also stressed the necessity to ensure the safety of life and property in the state. The directive, however, took most residents by surprise and elicited angry reactions from some of the traders who were prepared for a showdown with the security operatives. Investigations by The Nation re-

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

vealed that opinions were divided over the decision of the JTF especially at this critical time when a lot of people have been forced into menial jobs and petty trading from their former businesses which were either lost to Boko Haram attacks or abandoned in the same vein. Some residents who spoke with The Nation described the decision as “harsh and hasty, unreasonable and insensitive,” stressing that it will create more problems than it will solve. Some others feel the decision of the JTF is for the good of the people. A resident who identified himself simply as Hamisu, said, “I am not a security man but I want to believe that in any decision that these people (security) take, there must be something they know that we don’t know. And maybe it’s because of such a thing they would come up with this kind of decision. It looks harsh but it’s going to benefit us in the long run, I believe”. Another resident who sells fruits along Gujba Road but does not want his name in print, said, “This is a very harsh decision on the common people. It is hasty, unreasonable and insensitive to the plight of the poor people. How can we feed our families without this kobo-

•A roadside roasted chicken outlet in Damaturu maked for demolition kobo that we are getting from this petty market? If they drive us away then where are we going to, join Boko Haram or what? The complaints of the people did not fall on deaf ears as the state government apart from asking the JTF to temporarily suspend the directives set up a high-powered committee comprising the trade unions and other relevant stakeholders including Damaturu local government officials as well as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the

state. The committee which is headed by the State Commissioner for Environment Alh. Idi Barde Gubana among other things is tasked with the responsibility of getting an alternative market for the traders before the full enforcement of the JTF orders. As part of efforts to ensure strict compliance of the directive in future, the committee to move to find alternative place for those who will be affected by the directive. The committee has bege. Inspecting some open sites within the state

capital with a view to establishing a new market for the traders who are due to be sacked by the time the ban takes effect. The Committee Chairman told the traders that the stage government was concerned about their plight and is taking measures to ensure that the unnecessary suffering is avoided. He emphasised that the military directive is in the interest of peace for all and called on the people to comply with the •Continued on page 32

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

•The tricycles •Continued from page 31 without any barrier or hindrance. The NGO is also a product of sincere efforts, search and desire of our dear mother and heroin, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, for a strategy to liberate and empower the Nigerian women to successfully withstand and weather the storm of gender inequality which before now has been the lots of Nigerian women. It is in line with this spirit that our own mother in Plateau state Ngo Talatu Jang has over the years worked tirelessly to improve and empower our women, thereby complementing the efforts of the Dame Patience Jonathan through her own NGO known as WAYE foundation as a platform. There is no doubt, this program has gone along way in empowering our rural women with various economic activities like skill acquisition”. Interestingly, the Women for Change and Development Initiative (W4CDI) is said to have similar objectives with that of the Plateau state First Lady, Ngo Talatu Jang which is called Women in Agriculture and Youth Empowerment (WAYE). Through the WAYE program, women and youths on the Plateau has received various form of empowerment. The WAYE secretariat

•Wheel barrows

First Lady lifts Plateau women and Skill Training Center in Doi village is known as ‘Redemption Center’. At this center over 10,000 women and youths have received economic empowerment through skill training like knitting, Tailoring, Weaving, Bead making, Computer Training, Catering Services, Hair Dressing etc, since the inception of WAYE in Plateau state six years ago. Ngo Talatu Jang said that “For us in WAYE Foundation, it has been so far, so good for women and youths in Plateau state. Through our Micro-enterprise for instance, the foundation recently carried out a financial literacy training workshop for over 700 women across the state. The Financial Literacy program was done in collaboration with a renown financial consultancy company called ‘The Fingertip Enterprises Development Partners International Limited’ with the support of Plateau state government. The financial literacy programme was not only aimed at providing entrepreneurial skills to our women but was aimed at preparing the women to access micro-credit facilities from financial institutions to be able to start their own business and be self-

state. This health program was done in collaboration with the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). She also said that “The skill training department of WAYE which started with 75 trainees has so far graduated over 1,150 students, who are not only doing well in their various skills but have since became employers of labour in their respective communities. This was achieved because the foundation

has put in place qualified personnel to monitor and guide our trainees after graduation to enable establish their business fully making use of the take-off capital and tool we gave them on graduation. Now, with the provision and donation of these grinding engines, hair dryers, wheel barrows, Sowing machines etc, thousands of other Plateau women are going to be empowered and that is a major boost to our local empowerment program in the state. So, on behalf of the entire plateau women, I wish to convey our deep appreciation to Mother of the nation Dame Patience Jonathan for her contribution to uplifting plateau women, this gesture of the Nigerian First Lady will ever remain indelible in our minds”. Plateau women saw the items donated by the Nigerian First Lady as a shock absorber to them as they battle to recover from the long period of crisis which has crippled their economic base in the state. One of them Ruth Gideon said, “I see these items as a major relief to us as we are just coming from crisis. The crisis is over but we need rehabilitation so as to recover lost grounds. That is why these donations from the Nigerian First Lady comes so timely. We cannot thank her enough”

equate sensitization of his members. On his part, the Chairman of NURTW Yobe State Hussaini Ibrahim advised government to take advantage of the existing Sunday Market in the metropolis that is lying fallow instead of getting an entirely new place that may cost more money for the government. “We have gone round and seeing places

but our advice is that Yobe State government can facelift the Sunday Market which has enough land to accommodate every trader in Damaturtu. “It will be cost effective for the government to follow this advice than sourcing for an entirely a new plot of land for a market which may cost millions of naira in either compensation or construction. The Sunday Market in our opinion is the best option for the government to explore at the moment especially because of the urgency of this matter”, he said. However, It is not clear at the moment how long the grace of the extension of the order by the JTF on the ban on hawking in the metropolis would last as the military have kept mute over the issue for now. Many traders(hawkers) is the state are now jubilating over the state government intervention on the ban, not forgetting also how urgent the state government is prepared to provide an adhoc market for them. A security source mentioned in confidence that, “we will monitor the situation and see how fast the state government could act on their promises. But if we discover that it will affect our operations, we will go ahead with our plans”. This is not the first time the JTF is banning hawking in the state. In the last two years, such a directive was issued to beggars and hawkers especially carrying out their trades close to security points but those orders were flaunted.

‘The skill training department of WAYE which started with 75 trainees has so far graduated over 1,150 students, who are not only doing well in their various skills but have since became employers of labour in their respective communities. This was achieved because the foundation has put in place qualified personnel to monitor and guide our trainees after graduation to enable establish their business fully making use of the take-off capital and tool we gave them on graduation’ employed. This is bearing in mind that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set aside N22 billion for Women in its Micro-Economic Development Policies of the Federal government. Under the reproductive health program of WAYE, 132 women have benefited from free cervical cancer screening program using the Pap Smear Techniques aimed at preventing Cervical Cancer diseases among women in the

Boko Haram: Damaturu after traders’ ban •Continued from page 31

order as without peace, “no business activity will be carried out in the first place” He said: “The Yobe State government is concerned that so many residents will be jobless as a result of the ban hence the need to plead with the security forces for extension of the dateline to find an alternative location for the various hawkers to enable them carryout their lawful business activities before enforcing the ban. We therefore beg you to be law abiding by cooperating with security operatives in the search for lasting peace which is a veritable ingredient for any meaningful development to strive”, he said He also disclosed that his committee will speedily ensure that everything is put in place and nobody who intends to carryout legitimate business in the state will suffer. He however warned hoodlums who would want to take advantage of the situation to breach the peace of the state, while calling on traders to report any suspicious character among them.

•A fruit seller in Damaturu The chairman Damaturu Local Government Alhaji Kalli Mohammed also asked the traders to give their maximum support to the government for being considerate to their plight. He pledge the support of his council towards the actualization of the dream of an ultra modern market in the state capital, while calling on the trad-

ers to take advantage of the grace period to fix themselves awaiting the orders. The chairman, Damaturu Marketers Association, Alhaji Usman Mu’azu expressed gratitude to Yobe state government for sourcing for an alternative location for the traders and extension of time on the order by the military and assured of ad-

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 33

•Some traders displaying their wares at Karmo market

Insecure, polluted Karmo market

TS fame does not match its challenges. Karmo Market in Abuja Metropolitan Area Council (AMAC) is like any other in any rural area. It is one of the largest markets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) but lacks basic infrastructure. It is located almost near the centre of the town a few kilometers away from the Central Business District (CBD). Not only do residents troop in every Tuesday to buy or sell, traders from neighbouring towns and states, especially Zuba in Niger State, also visit the market to sell their wares. While Karmo town still grapples with lack of good road infrastructure, safety remains a thing of concern for residents and traders. Traders are either wracked by the fear of the unknown or they are worried about demolition, a common trend in the FCT Department of Environmental Control. Apparently, one of the challenges Karmo traders experience is that of renting standard shops. This is even as they complain over losses incurred on goods worth millions of naira due to lack of proper structures. The traders also wonder why the Abuja Metropolitan Area Council (AMAC) demands N5,000 fees annually and N200 extra charge on every market day and yet refused to develop the market. What has become a daily nightmare for motorists and a major concern for traders in the market is the unavailability of parking spaces for vehicles. As a result, motorists stop by the roadside to pick, drop passengers or offload goods at the detriment of other motorists as it most times results in traffic disorder.

From Olugbenga Adanikin

This is also compounded by traders who conduct business transactions by the road side. They prefer to push their wares closely to the single-lane road which links it with the popular Berger Roundabout to Die-Die/Kubwa Expressway. This, according to a commuter, is to attract customers. On the security situation in the market, traders often times lament the illegal operation of security officials. Investigation by our correspondent revealed that security officials deployed to some areas in the market allegedly extort money from commercial drivers, an act far from their official duty which is to ensure protection of lives and properties. Despite these unpleasant situations, Karmo Market appears to be the favourite choice for buyers and sellers among other local markets in the territory. Its proximity to the town and affordable cost of commodities could be reason for its popularity. It is a place of choice for residents who cannot afford to visit the popular Exclusive Stores and Malls. When markets in developed societies are provided with basic infrastructure such as power, effective water supply; security and horticultural designs, little or none of these are found in ‘Karmo’ and other market premises across the territory. However, as good as it may appear, a visit to the market revealed urgent need of adequate security for the people, especially on every market day. Meanwhile, Chairman of the market association, Mr. Michael Ifemenam said about 10, 000 traders visit the market weekly.

‘Insecurity in Abuja will be a child’s play when compared to what may appen if there is any bomb blast in this market; the death toll will be outrageous. That’s why we need serious security here. It’s very important…I don’t think government is bothered about security in the market, but the market association provides security every market day. There is a police station nearby. The officers also go round to monitor any breach of the peace’ Obviously, the conditions in the market indicate that the traders are susceptible to danger, even in the current security situation in the country. There is the presence of a handful of security operatives mainly at the entry and exit of the market while few security officials were seen patrolling the road, with the sole aim of easing traffic congestions. However, some of the traders who spoke to our correspondent demanded adequate security in the market. A dealer in DVD, audio and tapes who identified himself as Ayotunde said: “Insecurity in Abuja will be a child’s play when compared to what may happen if there is any bomb blast in this market; the death toll will be outrageous. That’s why we need serious security here. It’s very important.” Another trader, Austin Seal who deals in phone accessories said he

had been operating at the market for over three years, adding that the issue of insecurity was never a concern until the recent bombings in the FCT. He further said there was the need for commitment on the part of security officials saying. He said: “I don’t think government is bothered about security in the market, but the market association provides security every market day. There is a police station nearby. The officers also go round to monitor any breach of the peace.” On his part, John Paul, a student who trades in used phones at the market, accused security officials of unlawful extortion of money from drivers who stop-by to pick passengers. He added that security of lives and properties in the market was of little or no interest to them. He said: “Most of the security officers are interested in extorting

money from commercial drivers and care less about the security of people inside the market. They need to ensure that there is no one carrying something that can harm another person. Mrs. Sarah Eniola also who demanded adequate security said: “The market is not that dangerous if there is security. So, government should increase the number of security personnel in the market. We have been under God’s protection. “With what is happening in the country currently in terms of insecurity, we are not safe, but we hope God will be by our side.”

Request for hygienic environment While the issue of insecurity remained a huge challenge for the traders, they also have issues with the unhygienic condition of the market. Some who spoke to our correspondent in confidence expressed worry over the persistent collection of taxes and issuing of tickets by AMAC, even as the market remained undeveloped. The officials of AMAC are being accused of coming with some fake government documents to collect taxes. It was gathered that any trader who fails to pay will have his goods seized and taken away and may not be retrieved. The traders also lamented that while the taxes are collected, there is no tangible development in the market. The unhygienic situation of the market has seemingly taken its toll on sellers of edible food commodities. This is as they lament shortage in patronage from customers who are weary of filthy condition of the •Continued on page 34

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

HE Ona of Abaji and Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, has inaugurated a six-man committee on poverty alleviation in a bid to reduce the level of poverty in the area. Other members of the committee are the Sarkin Gabas of Abaji, Alhaji Kamal Adamu Shuaibu, as Chairman, Dan Maje of Abaji, Alhaji Salihu Abdullahi, Secretary and Etsu Gupa of Abaji, Alhaji Ali Sokodabo, Shaban Nupe of Abaji, Alhaji Ibrahim Yahaya Suleiman, Alhaji Yusuf Adamu Baba and Mr. M.I. Kakamba.

Monarch inaugurates committee on poverty alleviation From Gbenga Omokhunu

While inaugurating the committee at his palace, Alhaji Yunusa said the level of poverty bedeviling residents of the council informed the setting up of the committee. He further said the poverty alleviation committee would create an opportunity for the unemployed, especially youths to be engaged in any kind of petty business or hands/skill acquisition programme.

According to him, the committee would intensify efforts in reaching out to Federal Government, corporate organisations as well as some international donor agencies to support the committee. “At least, if some of these youths will have something doing, it would, no doubt, divert their attention from engaging in social vices to productive ventures. This is so because, a situation whereby there is high level of poverty in a society, the next thing for such youths

is to either engage in political thuggery or any form of crime,” he said. The monarch therefore urged members of the committee to devote their time to ensure that the scheme becomes successful, even as he urged residents of the council to continue to live in peace with one another. Responding on behalf of the committee, Alhaji Kamal Adamu Shuaibu, praised the monarch for the initiative and for finding them trustworthy to carry out the assign-

ment. He assured the monarch of the committee’s readiness to carry out the assignment diligently, such that, the high level poverty in the council is put to its barest minimum. “Your highness sir, this committee also shares the pains you feel over the high level poverty in the council, and we shall try our best to ensure that both our youths and women have something doing at the end the day,” he assured.

‘Government is not doing anything here. They don’t even know that there are people here, except when it is time to pay the annual N5, 000 fees. Apart from that, every trader during market days pays between N50 and N200 to government. Some people collect N50 from us at every market day. At times, they demand N200 as money to build modern market for us. But up until now, we have not seen anything. They have the right to collect such money but it should be used for the right purpose’

cused Karmo traditional ruler of alleged extortion. Incidentally, the traditional ruler alleged it was AMAC that extorts money from traders through its personnel. In an effort to further seek clarification on the matter, Head of Information and Communications, Mrs. Patience Olaloye referred our correspondent to the council’s Head of Marketing. Efforts were also made to reach the Director of Revenue of the council which did not yield any positive result as at the time of filing this report. Several calls were put through to the AMAC Head of Marketing who was identified as Madam Christy. She explained that AMAC only demanded N50 from the traders on every market day and not N200 as claimed. She also denied collection of annual N5, 000 tax from the traders. Christy alleged Karmo traditional ruler and youths in the area might be responsible for the exploitation. “We know the Chief of Karmo and other youths in the area do collect money from them but we, in AMAC only give out N50 ticketing to all traders,” she said. On provision of a permanent market structure, she said AMAC had begun talks with the FCTA and efforts are being made to build a permanent market in the area. According to her, the council did not have a temporal location for the traders but it was inappropriate for them to carry out their trading activities in the area. “There is no temporary place for them now. FCTA has promised to make available a permanent place for them. So, the process is currently in the pipeline,” she said. Responding, Karmo traditional ruler, Alhaji Suleiman Adoga told our correspondent, through Suleiman Ishaka that AMAC was responsible for the annual tax. He said AMAC sent some officials to every shop in the community to demand the N5, 000. Who then is reaping off the traders?

The insecure, polluted Karmo Market •Continued from page 34 market. Some source said: “Sometimes they even come with police. I don’t know if operating with police personnel is legal or not. If you don’t pay, they will seize your goods and go away like that without minding to tell you where to come and reclaim the goods. It is too bad. “It is not a healthy place for people to come and do business. It is also not a healthy place where people should sell eatable things. This is a part of Abuja; they need to improve on this.” Emeka Ukewize, who sells footwear, also expressed his displeasure on how the filthy environment has affected volume of his sales. He said: “Imagine what you are seeing around. Look at how everywhere is dirty. The road is bad and everywhere is littered. The environment is unhygienic. “Despite the fact that we are selling food items, the environment is so dirty. Some people will not want to patronise us because of the dirty environment. So, we need permanent shops so that we can sell our goods and services. “We pay AMAC N50 and some N200. Upon the money we are contributing, the entire market is dirty and unhealthy. “Sometimes, government will just come with bulldozer and demolish shops for no just cause. It’s not as if they are ready to erect any good structures. They will just demolish the entire place and it becomes empty. I don’t understand the kind of government we have.”

Need for appropriate market structure There is also the demand among the traders for appropriate market structure. This they considered most important, aside from secu-

rity; perhaps, because of the losses they recorded during demolition of their kiosks and the effects of downpour during rainy season. The traders urged the government to provide them with standard shops. “If government can provide a place for us to sell our goods, it will be most appropriate. If they cannot, they should provide us with land. So, anyone that has money to build shop can do so,” Ayotunde said. Mrs. Eniola said: “We need shops that the traders can rent, especially during this rainy season. The rain has destroyed our goods. So, government should come to our aid.” Chairman of the Market Traders’ Association, Ifemenam said demolition of their shops is the major threat, even as he said proper market structure should be provided for the traders. He said: “Demolition is our major challenge here. It is not up to three months they came to demolish this place. They came with soldiers, police and other security agents to destroy our properties. “They always come every three months. There are neither roads nor shops. So, if we decide to build, they will come and destroy what we had built. We have lost millions of Naira in this place. About three months ago, it was the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) who helped us to prevent the officers who came to demolish our shops. She told the officers to provide an alternative place for us before demolishing our properties. “Government is not doing anything here. They don’t even know that there are people here, except when it is time to pay the annual N5, 000 fees. Apart from that, every trader during market days pays between N50 and N200 to government.” Mr. Ossai Sunday, who sells palm

•Traders attending to customers

oil, urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to provide the needed infrastructure in the market. He stressed the need for government to provide good roads across the market and put in place health

facilities in case of emergencies. “Some people collect N50 from us at every market day. At times, they demand N200 as money to build modern market for us. But up until now, we have not seen anything. They have the right to collect such money but it should be used for the right purpose,” he said. Efforts made by our correspondent to speak with security officials at the nearby police station were futile as they said the person competent to speak on the matter was not available. However, a police source said the police are aware of the present security situation. “We are aware of the security challenges. As you can see, our officers are all over the place controlling traffic and ensuring that the traders are safe,” he said.

AMAC ignorant of market ticketing

•A crayfish seller in the market

Investigation revealed that AMAC was aware of the extortions but unaware about the collection of taxes. There were indications that several groups who are not staff of AMAC had been extorting money from the innocent traders. It was an entire blame-trade when AMAC ac-

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

•Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (left), welcoming President Goodluck •Vice-President Namadi Sambo (middle) with the members of the executive of Nigerian Jonathan (right) during a one-day International Workshop on Civil Military Co-operation Institute of Directors during their visit at the Vice-President’s residence in Aguda House, at the National Defence College, Abuja. With them are the Chief of Defence Staff, Marshall Abuja Alex Badeh (third right) and the National Security Adviser, Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (second right)

•From left: Legal Adviser Bank of Industry, Emmanuel Onaji; Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Rasheed Olaoluwa; Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Ibukun Odusote during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on rice production between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Bank Of Industry in Abuja

•Dr. Obiora Okonkwo Idemili (right) picking his nomination form for the Anambra State Senatorial ticket at the PDP Secretariat. Presenting the form to him is the PDP Protocol Officer, Mammy Balamt PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN

‘Let’s promote peace, national integration’

HEY looked like military men in full regalia. They were properly dressed with cadres hanging from the shoulders to their chests. Most were in their late 50s and 60s; some armed with sword tightly fitted to complement their rank; either as a commanding officer or to perfect the amazing outfit. Obviously, from all indications, they are not military men but members of Knight of St. John. The day was set aside to celebrate emergence of the first Nigerian and African to be elected into the position of the World Supreme Council of the ancient Christian organisation held at the Supreme Convention in Columbus, Ohio. Members of the knighthood converged on Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral Abuja to celebrate one of theirs, Lt. Gen. Dan Anaebo who was unanimously elected into the new position last week as second Vice-President of Knights of St. John International, New York. Anaebo, who was former member Board of Trustees (BoT), advanced higher as he became the first Nigerian to attain the rank of Lieutenant-General in the Catholic Order. For many, the Christian group is just a pack of old men in knighthood uniform but for those who understand their purpose, Knights are regarded as ‘Soldiers of Christ’. They are a convergence of professionals in various fields, including architecture, ex-military red necks, doctors, engineers and media practitioners, among others. They are known for their commit-

‘The Knights have diligently sought to care for the spiritual, social and physical needs of members and neighbours. Your dedication to your communities is remarkable, and you should be proud of the impact you have made. We commend your dedication to religious action, education, charitable benevolence, fraternalism, athleticism, patriotism and community. Your dedication to the mission of KSJI has made our world a better place’

From Olugbenga Adanikin

ment to spreading the Gospel, vigorously helping the needy, fostering growth and protection of the church, especially the Catholic family. Following the end of the Civil War, there was critical need for physical and spiritual healing. This led to the merger of Christian organisations, including the Knights of St. George, the Knights of St Paul, the Knights of St. Louis and the Knights of St. John to form a greater society of Knights in 1879. They met in Baltimore, Maryland and formed themselves into the Roman Catholic Union of the Knights of St. John, later shortened to the Knights of St. John. According to reports, the Order was officially incorporated in the State of New York on May 6, 1886. They thereafter worked to care for spiritual, social and physical needs of their members and neighbours. In the pattern of the Knights of the Crusade, they cared for the victims of the war by establishing a Widows’ and Orphans’ Funds. The Order continued to grow and expand into Canada, Panama, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Liberia, Sierra Leone; Trinidad and Tobago and recently into England. In 1992, the name of the Order was officially changed to the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) to reflect the global nature of the Order. During the KSJI’s last convention, Ohio State Governor, John R. Kasich, said in his address that since 1879 when the KSJI headquarters

•Anaebo came to the United States, “the Knights have diligently sought to care for the spiritual, social and physical needs of members and neighbours. Your dedication to your communities is remarkable, and you should be proud of the impact you have made. We commend your dedication to religious action, education, charitable benevolence, fraternalism, athleticism, patriotism and community. Your dedication to the mission of KSJI has made our world a better place.” At the thanksgiving Mass held in honour of Anaebo at the Pro-Cathedral, he attributed his success to commitments to preaching messages of peace in churches and everywhere he goes. Within the past 24 years, Okekenta has been serving as an officer of the Order in many capacities, not limited to Parish, Archdiocesan and National levels.

He has been a member of the Supreme Council since 2003. Anaebo said he felt humbled to be elected into the position. According to him, it was not as a result of being the best of all but solely the grace of God on his life. He expressed concerns on the state of the nation, especially on insecurity and its peaceful co-existence. Though several stakeholders had come up with various approaches towards ending the uprising, he said the security situation in the country could only be solved through a collective approach by every individual. He added that it, however, became necessary to avoid split of the nation’s territorial jurisdiction. “Today, security is a challenge but I believe with collective efforts, God will grant the grace to seek peace and promote national integration of our country,” Anaebo maintained. The Archbishop of Abuja, Revd John Onaiyekan described Anaebo’s promotion as opportunity to promote spiritual interest in the church.

According to Onaiyekan, Anaebo is the first Nigerian and African to be elected into such position. He expressed optimism the hierarchy would have a great positive impact on the growth and development of KSJI. Colleagues of the celebrator, shortly after the thanksgiving Mass, held a special march past (parade) for Anaebo. It was a display of almost a perfect demonstration joined by their female counterparts known as Ladies Auxiliary. Other elected officers of the Supreme Council were Supreme President-General, Dale Gossiaux, First Vice-President-Lieutenant General, Ton Deluca, Supreme Secretary/Adjutant-General- Lieutenant General Ton Zdanowicz and Treasurer- Lieutenant General, Terry Mc Cann. Others were Trustees –MajorGenerals Martin Bela and Dennis Adjei, (Justice of Ghana’s Court of Appeal) and Inspector-General –Major-General James Gibbon. They have all been installed and have commenced work.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

HE Minister of State II for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed last Wednesday took over the weekly post-Federal Executive Council (FEC) briefing of journalists. The immediate past Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who resigned his position to contest the governorship election in Nasarawa State, was saddled with the responsibility of leading some ministers to the weekly briefing. But Nurudeen Mohammed, who was named as the Supervising Minister of Information, replaced Maku last Wednesday and had his first session with State House correspondents. He led three ministers to the briefing who included the Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Steve Oru and Supervising Minister of Health, Khaliru Alhassan. Nurudeen introduced another style during the briefing which was remarkably different from the way Maku handled his briefings. Although his style, initially divided journalists in the State House, but at the end, most of them believed that it was better as it will prevent repetitions and save time. His style of briefing was straight forward as he began the briefing by first reading out all the resolutions and contracts approved by FEC that day and then moved straight to the question and answer session. He allowed the concerned ministers to respond to questions raised by journalists on the resolutions and the projects approved by the Council. Maku’s style, over the years, had been first going through the resolutions and projects approved by the council himself and then allowed the concerned ministers to make remark again on the projects before allowing journalists to ask questions which will be answered by the concerned ministers. Journalists, during Maku’s tenure, had wanted either the concerned minister for any particular project approved at the FEC meeting be allowed to speak alone on the issue before question and answer session or Maku to just go through the resolutions and approvals and move straight to question and answer session. Those, who initially kicked against Nurudeen’s style, last Wednesday, felt that a minister whose project was approved by FEC may not have the opportunity to say something about the project when no question is asked by journalists on the project during the briefing. They wanted a situation where they could get television shots of each minister while speaking at the briefing session. But at the end of the briefing, the consensus among journalists was

Stepping into Maku’s shoes that Nurudeen’s style was straight to the point and will save production time.

Seven ministers’ exit: what next? As at Monday last week, it was not very clear how many of the seven ministers, who indicated interest to resign from the cabinet for further political ambitions had tendered official letter to that effect. The ministers, who indicated interest to leave the cabinet a fortnight ago, included Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Samuel Ortum, Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Dairu Dickson Ishiaku and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu. But the picture concerning their exit became clearer last Wednesday as none of the seven ministers showed up for the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. While announcing the names of the seven ministers a fortnight ago, President Goodluck Jonathan had given them the grace to reconsider their decision up till Monday, October 20,

From the Villa By Augustine Ehikioya 2014. Jonathan had said: “But if they change their plans, they will continue to be with us. But after receiving their letters and they change their minds, it will be too late. So, if they have to change their minds, they have to change their minds before sending the letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.” With the doors now shot against them, they have no option than to face the governorship race ahead of them. Lobbying for their replacement is already on top gear even though President Jonathan had, on Wednesday last week announced Supervising Ministers for the concerned portfolios, except for Minister of State for

Senator praised for empowering residents

HE Chairman of Kwali Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Ibrahim Daniel has expressed gratitude to Senator Philip Aduda for his empowerment programme in all the area councils. Hon. Daniel gave this commendation during the flag-off of the distribution of cars and motorcycles as part of his empowerment programmes for PDP stakeholders in the six area councils and wards. According to Daniel, Aduda has done what no Senator had done in the areas of infrastructure, provision of social amenities, effective representation in the Senate and empowerment programme for the FCT residents. However, the Commissioner representing the FCT in the Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Hassan Sokodobo has affirmed the FCT

From Gbenga Omokhunu

endorsement of President Goodluck Jonatham as well as Senator Aduda because of their uncommon transformation they have exhibited. He called on residents of the FCT to support them in their second term bid because of their performance. “We as a people in the FCT have looked around and discovered that there is no body that has ever met our aspirations as Aduda since the inception of democracy. I can tell you authoritatively that there is no ward in all the area councils that has no one of Aduda’s project or the other,” Hassan said. Six jeeps and 62 motorcycles were distributed to the six area councils and 60 wards of the FCT respectively. Alhaji Musa Yahaya, one of the beneficiaries from Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) praised Aduda for his gesture.

•Motorcycles

Education, where the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs I, Prof. Viola Onwuliri was moved to as substantive minister. The President, in the next few days, is expected to send the names of new ministerial nominees, who will take charge of the portfolios in substantive capacity, to the Senate for consideration and confirmation.

Raising ‘Super Eagles’ from agriculture It is a common practice in schools for a teacher to punish a student who has committed an offence by sending him or her to work on the school farms. The punishment could be to weed

the farm or to plant crops or be involved in the process of harvesting the crops. At the end of the day, the teachers are the main beneficiaries of the final output from the school farms, while many students who have undergone such punishment only see agriculture as punishment. But while flagging off the National Schools Agriculture Programme (NSAP) at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja on Monday last week, President Goodluck Jonathan vowed to change such perception. Everything, he said, will be done for secondary school students not only to see agriculture as a business and means of livelihood, but he also hoped to see the students grow to be ‘Super Eagles’ in the league of Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu, who are investing massively in agriculture. He also looks forward to a situation where the secondary school students will not rely on cutlasses and hoes but use tractors and other modern tools in the school farms. This is definitely a tall order and I know Nigerians are anxiously praying and waiting for such revolution in agriculture to, at least, ensure food security and to tackle the issue of unemployment among the teeming youths.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

LAW PERSONALITY Following the release of the immediate past President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Okey Wali, by kidnappers after 12 days in captivity, NBA President, Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN) in this interview with Legal Editor, JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU, bares his mind on the security situation in the country, the alleged arms deal between Nigeria and South Africa and why he dissolved the Section on Legal Practice (SLP) governing council.

‘NBA to probe mass failure in Law School’ OUR predecessor, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN), who was abducted by kidnappers in Port Harcourt, has been released. What does it say about the security of members of the legal profession? It was a very sad, harrowing and traumatic experience for the entire Nigerian Bar. It shows the vulnerability and the level of insecurity of lawyers. Okey Wali is a man of peace; a man who has served this country and the legal profession. Sadly, we have also received the news that a lawyer has been kidnapped in Sapele Branch. Lawyers in other parts of the country are being kidnapped, even judges and magistrates. But the kidnapping of our past president showed the level of insecurity the nation has descended. It is shocking that we now have people in this country, who believe that the only way they can make a living is to toy with the lives of other people, inflicting pains and hardship on fellow Nigerians. It’s very disturbing. Additional, one starts to wonder if all these years we have had these kidnappings, will the crime ever come to a stop? We heard that’s some states have enacted laws providing for the demolition of suspected kidnappers, while some states have passed legislations prescribing death penalty. Yet, kidnapping is everywhere and even assuming alarming proportions. Some people said ‘Okey Wali is so high up there, why didn’t he get police security?’ But I tell you this, there was a business man in Benin City who had six policemen protecting him. But when the kidnappers came, they took out the policemen and kidnapped him. It shows where we have reached, where kidnappers can now confront armed policemen. They know the person is being protected by armed police men, and yet confront them, shoot the policemen and kidnapped their victim.

Why were you absent at this year’s International Bar Association conference? I had made arrangements to be at the IBA Conference in Tokyo. I had bought tickets for me and my wife, paid for hotel accommodation and concluded every other arrangements. But, it would have been irresponsible of me to travel out of the country when the immediate past president of the Bar was in captivity. I needed to be on ground to monitor what was happening. I was in contact with members of his family and with the security agencies and I needed to be physically present in Nigeria to do that. So, I could not travel to Japan for that conference. Nigerians received with cheers, the news that a truce and ceasefire were reached with members of Boko Haram. What is your assessment of that truce, especially now that we hear that it has been broken? We were not involved in any way in the process of the ceasefire agreement. We don’t know the terms of the ceasefire. But like all other Nigerians we just heard the news. As peace-loving Nigerians, we welcome the truce. Anything that will end the hostilities in that part of the country is welcome. Are you concerned that Boko Haram has resumed attacks during the period of the ceasefire? We also heard that the Chibok girls would be released that same week, surprisingly this has not happened. So, I call on the government to please disclose to Nigerians the terms and the basis of this ceasefire. And we’ll encourage the cessation of hostilities that will assist in the final resolution of this crisis, which has lingered for too long. What do you have to say on the report of Boko Haram leader Shekau’s death? Again we do not have the full details of Shekau’s death or how he died. However, killing the leader of the insurgents does not stop insurgency. This is because any other leader can arise in the group. A new leader can emerge and they may have other commanders.

The Federal Government purported attempted to purchase arms from South Africa, which led to the confiscation of $9.3million and another $5.6million by the authorities. What is your take on this? Whenever you are in a situation of war, which is what I think we are in right now, there is need to restock the armoury. This is to be expected and it’s understandable. But for me, the critical question is how do we restock our armoury? Do we restock our armoury by illegal action? That is where the issue of this $15million comes up and it is in my view a national embarrassment. We have descended to the stage where we are unable to buy arms from recognised agents. The whole world knows that we are fighting a war against insurgents. What nobody has been able to explain is why can’t we buy arms from recognised arms dealers? Why are we fighting insurgents and we can’t procure arms? It’s such a major question that begs for answer. Having to buy arms through unconventional means, which has now turned out to be against South African laws is indeed, a national embarrassment. It’s very sad that a country like Nigeria is involved in such an act. There are better ways the Federal Government could have bought arms. Amnesty International recently published a report alleging massive violations of human rights in the Northeast by the military. What is your assessment of the situation? We have always condemned human rights violations in any shape or form. Even in a situation of war, the rights of people must be respected. However, we have asked our branches in those areas to be on the watch and report such violations of human rights to us. Also, we have the Human Rights Watch, which has been monitoring rights violations for us in those areas. You can be rest assured that we’ll do our best to ensure the rights of persons in those areas are well protected. It must be further noted that those figures that Amnesty International has been parading are quite doubtful. One is not sure it’s as high as that. A few weeks after you were sworn in as NBA president, some lawyers sued you and Mr. Jide Koku (SAN), challenging his chairmanship of the Section on Legal Practice (SLP). The Section will hold its conference in Uyo in a fortnight. Would that not be sub judice? Firstly, I would say that as an association of lawyers we must practice what we preach. We preach due process and democracy. We preach obedience and observance of the rule of law. As I said in my inaugural address, SLP nominations and elections were scheduled to be held at the last NBA conference, but no elections held. Rather than hold elections, some people were allegedly coronated. Under the bye-law, there must be nominations and there must be an election before anyone can become the chairman of a section. But this never happened in SLP. In the NBA-Annual General Conference programme of events in Owerri, the election was scheduled to be held on Tuesday, but that election didn’t hold accordingly. So, to prevent a lacuna and to prevent an illegality, I took a decision that we must have somebody to coordinate the activities of the Section until a proper election is held. I understand a case was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Another case was also said to have been filed in Owerri. Many more are preparing to file their cases and I challenge all of them to speak truthfully to the issues. Was there an election? Where there was no election, it is a breach of the NBA Constitution and such illegality must not be allowed to stand. I had an overriding duty to protect the sanctity of our constitution by appointing a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the section until proper elections are held. The SLP conference is prescheduled and reorganised and all that they are doing is to see

•Alegeh

through the section’s programmes. Today, it’s SLP and we turn a blind eye, tomorrow it might be another section or even a branch. When the process of an election is started, it must be seen through. You can’t take some steps in the process of an election then truncate it halfway through and declare a chairman without the election. The steps that SLP took were strictly pre-election, and the proper election never took place. I am surprised that lawyers, who are trained in constitutionalism and due process, will have the courage to go to court and urge the court to uphold pure illegality. What many see as a shameful act occurred in Osogbo recently where lawyers were openly involved in fisticuffs at the election tribunal. Ekiti State also just witnessed the desecration of the temple of justice when a judge was physically manhandled by hoodlums. What is the NBA doing about this? I must confess that we have challenges. In any association there are touts and there are charlatans. In the case of the Osogbo incident, we have identified those involved and we have written to them. We are awaiting their responses, after which we’ll take the necessary actions. In the case of Ekiti, we have set up a high powered committee to investigate the incident and we’ll do all that is necessary to ensure that proper action is taken against whoever is indicted. The lingering crisis in the Rivers State judiciary has caused so much hardship for litigants, to the extent it is now in a comatose state. How do you intend to resolve this? Well, I will tell you for free that the problem in Rivers State is not over who is the Chief Judge or not. The NJC has a role to play and it’s doing just that. However, the courts in Rivers State are shut down as at today, not because of the imbroglio over who is CJ or not. It is rather as a result of the strike by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN). I had a meeting with the leaders of JUSUN, because they had planned on going on a nationwide strike. Based on our appeal to them, they have agreed to shelve that strike. If the JUSUN was not on strike, I am sure the courts in Port Harcourt would have been sitting.

Will observers be allowed at the forthcoming NBA NEC? Yes. I have promised to address that issue. I made it clear that we’ll allow observers at our NEC meetings but it will be on the basis of accreditation from branches. All those who would like to attend and observe NEC meetings should indicate through their branches and their names will be sent to the NBA National Secretariat for accreditation. Such lawyers will be issued with name tags that will enable them attend the meetings. What are your comments on the ongoing moves by the National Assembly to remove or modify the immunity clause? I have always said that immunity is for the office. The holder of that office shouldn’t be jumping from one court to the other defending cases against him at a time when he is supposed to doing the work he is elected to do. If you look at the number of people who have immunity, it’s just few. We have the 38 state governors and the president. If you multiply that by two, we have just 74. In a country of 170 million people, I don’t think 74 persons with immunity should be such a cause for worry. I believe immunity is not necessarily to cover up the office holder, but to enable him to do the work he was elected to do. What are your views on the provision of 180 days to conclude election petitions? Some have continued to criticise it - that it has occasioned injustice in many instances. I don’t agree with that position. I was involved in the Adam Oshomole petition and we went from trial to Court of Appeal, to Supreme Court within the stipulated time. The issue of dragging election petition interminably should be discouraged and stopped. It should be made a thing of the past! If you use your 180 days wisely, you can finish your petition. I was involved in another petition when after they gave judgment at the Court of Appeal, the petitioner waited for 42 days before returning back to tribunal. These are 42 days he could have used to start and finish the case. So, he went to the Court of Appeal and he was told that he was out of time and he still lost.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

LAW & SOCIETY Customary Court judges have been urged to incorporate Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in the adjudication of cases, reports ADEBISI ONANUGA

Danjuma chairs Law Partnership board

CJ tasks Customary Court judges on ADR N O FEWER than 76 customary court judges in Lagos State participated in one-day workshop organised by the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on alternative dispute resolution (ADR). It had the theme: “Traditional Dispute Resolution in Nigeria: How relevant in Modern Days?” Those who spoke at the workshop include the Chief Judge, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade; the Attorney-General, Ade Ipaye, serving justices of the state high court and lawyers, among others. The two business sessions were chaired by the Head of Administration of the High Court of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke and a Commissioner of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Mrs. F. O. Iwajomo respectively. Justice Atilade, who was represented by Justice Kazeem Alogba, said what is known today as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) was the traditional way of resolving disputes. She urged customary court judges not to lose sight of the system in the dispensation of justice. Atilade said the system has become relevant in the modern day as a method of ADR that is

fast spreading across the world. The CJ urged the judges to ensure that nothing hampers the relationship between litigants. She preferred relationships while dispensing justice in line with the objectives of the traditional way of delivering justice. Justice Atilade said when disputes are resolved amicably, the parties resume thier friendship, adding that this has helped to ensure peace in the homes and society at large. “If the society is not at peace, if the homes are not at peace, then it would snowball on to every other activity in the society. “That is the way you should look at your jurisdiction and your work in the society. If you take it that way, then you would appreciate your essence in your office and in the delivery of justice in the justice sector,” she said. Lagos Attorney-General, Mr Ade Ipaye said any mechanism that facilitates dispensation of justice will always be counted as relevant. Ipaye described dispute resolution as part of the culture of every people. “Human beings, in the attempt to live together will experience conflict and as such, the people

have always devised a way to resolve conflicts, Nigeria not being an exception,” he said. He said it was important for the customary court judges not to lose sight of the traditional way of dispensing justice amicably and in a friendly atmosphere. JSC’s Executive Secretary Mrs. Ayodele Odugbesan recalled that in the past, disputes were resolved traditionally at the Oba or Baale’s palace through discussions. According to her, in order to regularise the processes, it became necessary to codify the customs, traditions and the proceedings through the customary courts. “The judges sit down, the parties also sit down to discuss, they don’t go the whole hog of trial but they always settle amicably,” she noted. Justice Yetunde Idowu said customary courts can no longer exercise jurisdiction on issues relating to children in view of the provisions of the Child Rights Law that confers jurisdiction solely on family courts. Mrs. Bolaji Daodu defined the type of ADR that operates in the customary court and traditional systems as arbitration, mediation, reconciliation and negotiation and that they have a binding effect on the parties.

By Adebisi Onanuga

•Danjuma

HE vice Chairman of South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO), Senator Daisy Danjuma has been appointed the chairman of the newly inaugurated board of trustees of the Lagos Public Interest Law Partnership (LPILP). The board of trustees will oversee the management of the LPIPLP trust fund. Other members of the seven-man board inaugurated last week are the Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye; Managing Partner, Olaniwun Ajayi and Company, Professor Konyinsola Ajayi; Deputy DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus, Mrs Toun Adebiyi; Chairman Nigerian Bar Association(NBA), Lagos Branch, Mr Alex Muoka; Director, Prisoners’ Rights Advocacy Initiative (PRAI), Mr. Ahmed AdetolaKazeem while Miss Funmilayo Owuye, the LPIPL coordinator is to serve as the Executive Secretary.

Ipaye said the constitution of the board was made possible with the seed fund provided by the state government for the establishment of the Pro Bono Trust Fund during the first Annual Lagos State Pro Bono Week, which held in April. He pointed out that the board would reinforce the administration’s commitment to build strong and dependable institutions managed by people with character, experience and integrity. Ipaye remarked that as part of the objectives of the board, it would be expected to review and recommend funding for qualifying pro bono projects; provision of funds for the training and retraining of the LPILP staff; assist pro bono lawyers, as may be necessary, to secure the attendance of witnesses and offset exceptional and unexpected costs of litigation. Senator Danjuma thanked government for the opportunity given them to serve the people of Lagos. She said with the LPILP, “the State Government is building a functional platform that aims to ensure that justice and access to justice are within the reach of every resident of the State irrespective of his/her geographical location and financial means.”

Community rejects ‘imposition’ of ruler

•From left: Mrs. Daodu; A JSC Commissioner, Mrs. Abiola Oshodi; Ipaye; Justice Alogba; Mrs. Odugbesan; Justice Idowu and Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs. Olabisi Odugbesan.

Media aide to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Ahuraka Yusuf Isah, highlights her achievements in office.

How Mukhtar is tackling delays in justice his way back. The doomed administration found company was saved and the brave

USTICE Mariam Aloma Mukhtar assumed office as the Chief Jus tice of Nigeria (CJN) on July 16, 2012. She will retire on November 20, 2014 bringing it to exactly 856 the number of days she spent in office. Knowing that the time was quite too short to allow meaningful changes through constitutional amendment, which is always slow and difficult, the CJN relied on the various judiciary administrative precepts contained in other statutory books like the Judicial Code of Conduct, the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) powers and functions, which found to be sufficient to halt the drift in the system. It requires an experienced hand to explore and utilise such means to effect the needed change. It is not just the ability to identify needed changes, but the courage to do effect them. Let us digress a bit with a telltale

of Greek mythology. One of the famous of Greek Legends dealing with the Island of Crete, tells how the King of Athens, the greatest of the Greek cities slew the son of Minos, King of Crete. In revenge, Minos conquered Athens and forced its king to send him seven youths and seven maidens every year as a tribute. These victims were then driven into a huge maze or labyrinth on the Island where they were devoured by a monster, half–bull and half–human, known as the Minotaur. Then, one year, Theseus, son of the Athenian king, bravely offered to form part of the doomed company. When he arrived in Crete, the daughter of Minos named Ariadne, fell in love with him and gave him a sword and a piece of thread before he entered the maze. With the sword, Theseus slew Minotaur and with the thread, which he had dropped behind him, he

prince set sail for Greece. Now Theseus had told his father, whose name was Aegeus, that if he slew the Minotaur and found his way out of the labyrinth he would hoist white sails as he came into port. But Theseus was so eager to arrive home that he forgot to do this. And when Aegeus saw the black sails of the returning ships, he thought his son was dead. In his grief, the old king threw himself into the sea, which has ever since been called the Aegean Sea in his memory. It is a fact that one of the many issues afflicting the judiciary is the problem of inordinate delay in determining cases. Many factors are responsible for this sordid and embarrassing situation. Successive Chief Justices of Nigeria had introduced measures to combat this malady. Upon assumption of office as CJN, Justice Mukhtar was again confronted by this problem. •To be continued nextweek

GUN residents in Zunveh Whesumeh, Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, have raised the alarm over an alleegd attempt by the monarch of a neighbouring town to impose a traditional ruler on them. They have appealed to Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) to intervene to avoid bloodletting as they have vowed to resist any attempt by an unacceptable ruler to take over their ancestral land. In a petition titled: Complaints of acts likely to cause breakdown of law and order by illegal installation of Mr Luke Taiwo as the Baale of Zunveh Whesumeh in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State by Oba Moses Ayinde Adetunji Olaleye, the Onilogbo of Ilogbo-Eremi, written through their lawyer, Rickey Tarfa &Co, they claimed that they “own and inhabit the town referred to as Zunveh Whesumeh.” They claimed to have inherited the land from their great grandfathers who “migrated from Dahomey more than 500 years ago and first settled at Zunveh Whesumeh and have exercised various acts of ownership on the entire land mass.” According to their lawyer, the community has been under siege as Oba Israel Adewale Okoya, the Onibereko of Ibereko in Olurunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Badagry, allegedly invaded it with policemen. But in a telephone interview, Oba Okoya denied the allegation, arguing that a group of misguided elements in the community rose up in arms against the traditional ruler approved by the state government, maiming and destroying houses, adding that the traditional ruler had even been banished from his community. He said whenever there is chaos, it is the duty of the police to restore sanity, adding that no responsible leader folds his arms and allows people to take the laws into their hands. He said: “The governor sent me to

By Lucas Ajanaku go and see what is happening there. There is nobody that has power to chase people out of their community. The governor directed me to go there with police to go and see what is happening there.” According to the petition which was also copied to the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, Lagos and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Federal Anti Robbery Squad, Adeniji Adele, Lagos, the community said chieftaincy matters in their land “have been under the exclusive domain and control of the Akran of Badagry. The Akran of Badagry is the custodian of all traditional rites and customs of the Eguns in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State. There is no registered chieftaincy declaration regulating the appointment, selection and recognition of chieftaincy of the Baale of Zunveh Whesumeh but all requirements for this have been submitted to the appropriate government authorities for consideration.” The petitioner averred that though the community was yet to get a registered chieftaincy declaration, indigenes have been controlling their affairs since 2007 under the Baale elect in person of Mr. Adisa Vijanayin Zanu, who is awaiting the approval of chieftaincy declaration before coronation. The community said the town of Ilogbo shares boundary with their community, it is not under the control of its traditional head, the Onilogbo of Ilogbo, adding however, that there were ‘entreaties by the paramount ruler to ‘covet’ their town but was resisted. Onilogbo had challenged the resistance in a civil suit No BD/62006 between Julis Amosu & Ors vs Felix Okeoemu & Ors wherein the claimants (the Aworis) filed a suit before the High Court of Lagos State, Badagry Division, where the defendants, the Eguns, were sued over the land.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

LEGAL OPINION

Criminal law made ‘easy’ A LAWYER, Sylvester Imhanobe, has written no fewer than seven books on various topics in law. Reviewing one of them (Administration of Criminal Justice) during its presentation, Mr. Anthony Agbonlahor said it can help students avoid failure in Bar examinations. He added that with the infusion of dexterity and currency, the author simplified the sujbect for both students and lawyers. His words: “If some of these books were launched before the students of Law School wrote the last examination, the school wouldn’t have recorded that level of failure.” Other books by the author are Civil Litigation, Law of Evidence, Principle for Legislative Drafting , Company Law, Legal Profession: Ethics and Lawyering Skills. The books, said the reviewers,

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

could be of immense benefit to lawmakers, judges, students, businessmen and corporate organisations. Ex-Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), Maj. Mustapha Jokolo, said Imhanobe’s excellence transcended the Law School, where he once lectured. Jokolo, the 19th Emir of Gwandu, described the author as his reliable counsel who argues his cases excellently. He said Imhanobe had contributed greatly towards the development of the judiciary. According to the monarch, the author has been a talented counsel worthy of emulation since 2006 when he discovered him. He said that : “I engaged him as my lawyer after a lawyer from

my place who I initially took into confidence betrayed me. “As my counsel, he defeated many Senior Advocates of Nigeria, some of whom are yet to recover from the shock of defeat in court. “In fact, some of those opposed to us ended up sacking their lawyers, so he is, to me, a reliable and talented lawyer who is worthy of emulation by others .” The Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Ibrahim Bukar, said the books would become indispensable reference tool in legal research in Nigeria and beyond. Represented by Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the FCT High Court, he said: “The true and real legacies of these books will be realised when their readers surpass themselves.”

•Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola (third right); Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade (third left); Head, Family Court, Lagos State High Court, Justice Yetunde Idowu (left); Justice Oludotun Adefowope-Okogie of the Court of Appeal (second left); Admin Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke (second right) and Solicitor-General Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) cutting the 2014/2015 legal year cake.

‘Unlawful’ detention: Businessman sues police, others

businessman, Mr. Yinusa Ganiyu, has filed a suit at the Lagos High Court, Igbosere against the Inspector General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, claiming N200million as damages for alleged unlawful detention. Mr Barry Nyong, Mr Richard Nyong and GTRich Investment Limited are the other respondents. Ganiyu, who supplies sand, cement and other building materials, is also claiming N18million allegedly owed by the first, second and third defendants for the delivery of filling sand to the Horizon and Ikoyi Gardens construction sites. According to the claimant, following a dispute between him and the respondents, he was arrested and detained for four days at the

By Adebisi Onanuga

Force CID, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos State. Ganiyu averred that on February 21, he supplied 550 truck-loads of sand to the site at the rate of N23, 000 each on the first defendant’s request. “Between May 12 and May 23, a cumulative total of 341 trucks load of filing sand were delivered to the site at Ikoyi on order of the 1st Defendant. The cumulative value of the said delivery is N11,253,000 which the first, second and third defendants have wilfully amd blatantly refused to pay till date,” the claimant said. Ganiyu stated that he went to collect a cheque from Nyong on June 2, but when he got there, he was arrested and was not released on bail

•IGP Suleiman Abba

until the night of June 5. He is claiming interest on the sum of N18,336,000 at the rate of 21 per cent from May 23 until the day of judgment, and solicitors fee of N3,103, 600. No date has been fixed for hearing, while the respondents are yet to file their defence..

Fashola, Fayemi, Babalola for book launch tomorrow

AGOS Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), former Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and eminent lawyer, Afe Babalola (SAN) are among guests expected at the launch of Law and its leeway tomorrow. The book, published by GEM Communications Limited, is a compilation of essays on law and legal practice, including consti-

tutionalism; company, commercial, infrastructural, land, property and environment law; coperate governance; cyber crime and terrorism, among others. According to GEM’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Yemi Adebisi, the venue of the event is the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island. Adebisi said the book is relevant in light of administration of jus-

tice reform. He said renowned lawyer, Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN) will review the book, while the ViceChancellor, Babcock University, Prof. Kayode Makinde will be the chief host. Minister of State for Works, Dayo, Adeyeye and former Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Modupe Adelabu are also expected at the launch.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com For comments: 08033054939 (sms only)

Enugu and Ebeano family oligarchs

AST week, this column argued that what is unfolding in the run up to the 2015 general elections, as Nigeria enjoys her longest civilian rule, is rather a triumph of oligarchy, founded on a culture of ‘settling the godfathers’. This national ethos, across the political parties, has strong followership in Enugu state, which is in the firm grips of the People Democratic Party (PDP). The Enugu state model is patented by a political group, which emerged after the 1999 elections, and goes by the appellation, the Ebeano family, or something not very far from that. The inventor of the group is the former Governor of the state, and later a Senator representing Enugu East, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani. Before he became Governor in 1999, Chimaroke was resident in the United States of America, where he practiced medicine. At the sanction of political activities by General Abdusallami Abubukar, after the death of the maximum ruler, General Sani Abacha; Dr. Nnamani returned home to participate in the emerging political process. Having neither political experience nor any form of political network, Dr. Nnamani, relied sorely on his kinsman, Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, the former Governor of old Anambra state, from which Enugu state was carved out, to pursue his ambition. The legend is that Dr. Nnamani was the first to arrive at the Nkanu home of Chief Nwobodo, and the last to leave, everyday of the week, as Chief Nwobodo, the godfather, majestically sat on his throne to share the state political offices, with a few acolytes. Of course, the godfather kept a Senate seat for himself. After successfully delivering his godson, Dr. Chimaroke to the Lion Building, the seat of government of Enugu state; the godfather triumphantly moved over to Abuja as a distinguished Senator, hoping to shout orders to his godson from there, while he contends for national space with others federal officials. Nobody has publicly owned up to knowing what went wrong, but obviously the godson, posthaste desired to become a godfather. Initially it was said in hush tones, but later it was shouted from the roof top, that the godson, Dr. Nnamani, had become his own godfather, and any obstacle on the way, man and material, were cleared without any modicum of mercy. The deposed godfather got the message and stayed in Abuja. Not long after, he could only visit his constituency, if those he went to contend power with, the Obasanjos and the Abubakars, granted him journey mercy, by providing police security. Of course he had his occasional gyrations and public entertainment during arranged visits, but he knew that power had left him. Governor Chimaroke Nnamani’s reign began in earnest, and the Ebeano political family was born, in blood and tears. When it was time for the creator and godfather of Ebeano family to move on after serving two terms as Executive Governor of Enugu state, he was determined to avoid the pitfall of his deposed godfather, Chief Nwobodo. He sought for ‘a most pliable, reliable, apolitical and dependable ally’, during his reign, to succeed him as Governor. The lot after a strenuous search fell on the incumbent Governor, Barrister Sullivan Chime, who was conservatively loyal, politically austere, and somewhat a technocrat. He was a perfect godson. An even more perfect godson Sunday Onyebuchi, the impeached deputy governor of Enugu state, was installed as his deputy. The new kingmaker, Governor Chimaroke, assumed the senate seat which he early enough strategically appropriated from the defunct godfather, Chief Nwobodo; and the Ebeano family flourished. His Excellency, Barrister Sullivan Chime, did not disappoint his political family. On consolidating the reigns of power, he knew that in the tradition of the Ebeano family, the throne of the reigning godfather must be decapitated and the occupant banished. Considering that Dr. Nnamani was not generally loved like his erstwhile godfather, Chief Nwobodo; it did not take much effort to steer the people away from him. The family’s other godsons like the current Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Senator Ayogu Eze, Senator Gilbert Nnaji, state party officials, local government administrators, name them; immediately abandoned the deposed godfather. Of course the New Ebeano family made in the image of Governor Sullivan Chime has been flourishing. With 2015 in sight, the reigning godfather of the Ebeano family, Governor Sullivan Chime, has been discharging his onerous political responsibilities, without any fear. Of course, according to the family tradition, favour is the sole determinant. Considering the past exploits of the reigning Enugu state oligarchs, it is in order to begin to refer to the anointed gubernatorial aspirant, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi , as the next executive governor of Enugu state. According to the Governor’s media handlers, the selection process was done in the best tradition of democracy. A senior Senator from the same zone as the anointed candidate, and whom I expected to run, Senator Ayogu Eze protested mildly, knowing as he ought to, being an inner-caucus member of the family that reigning godfathers are maximum rulers, and it may be unpleasant to excite them. I recall an encounter for a lesser office in the state, which event I relayed here some years back. It was at the selection of Barrister Emeka Ozoagu, as the PDP’s chairmanship candidate for Ezeagu local council. During the process, the now forgotten House of Assembly member, Tico, who showed dissent while the godfather presided, was allegedly beaten black and blue at the instance of a top state functionary, now the preferred candidate for the senatorial zone of the two erstwhile godfathers, Enugu East. According to that source, when Representative Ozomgbachi was called upon to contribute; he told His Excellency, the reigning godfather, that he holds the yam and the knife, and it was his prerogative to share according to his will; to which even other contestants fearfully chorused, Amen.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

LAW REPORT

A court official’s ‘sin’ cannot be visited on a litigant IN THE COURT OF APPEAL IN THE LAGOS JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT LAGOS ON FRIDAY, THE 17TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2014 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS UZO I. NDUKWE-ANYANWU, J.C.A. JOSEPH SHAGBAOR IKYEGH, J.C.A. CHINWE EUGENIA IYIZOBA, J.C.A. CA/L/128/2012 (2014) LPELR-23742(CA) Between OLAJUWON OLALEYE ……..………………………………………..….… Appellant And AFRIBANK NIGERIA PLC & 2 ORS ….………….……….….... Respondent LEAD JUDGMENT DELIVERED BY CHINWE EUGENIA IYIZOBA, J.C.A.

HIS is an appeal against the judgment of the National Industrial Court, Ikoyi Lagos refusing to relist the Appellant’s suit struck out for non-appearance of all the parties in the suit. The facts of the case are as follows: The Appellant filed an action at the National Industrial Court Lagos on 20/4/11. His Claim in the action essentially related to nonconfirmation of his employment despite satisfactory compliance with the requirements for his confirmation as contained in his letter of employment. The suit was on the Court’s cause list scheduled for hearing on 13/10/11 before the scheduled date, the Appellant’s counsel on 5/10/11 wrote and delivered to the Court through its Registrar a letter indicating that the Appellant’s Counsel would be unable to attend Court on that 13/10/11 on grounds of bereavement. From the Court’s records, that was the first time the Appellant’s Counsel would be absent from Court. A copy of the letter was acknowledged as received by both the Registrar of the Lower Court and Counsel to the Respondents in the suit. Consequently, the parties and their counsel were all absent when the case was called up on 13/10/11. The Registrar of the Court failed to call the attention of the court to the Appellant counsel’s letter. The Court then struck out

the Appellant’s suit from the cause list in its Ruling for non-appearance of all parties pursuant to Order 19 Rule 1 of the National Industrial Court Rules 2007. Upon discovering that the suit had been struck out, the Appellant promptly filed an application on 19/10/11 to re-list the Suit pursuant to Order 19 Rule 6 of the National Industrial Court Rules 2007. The Respondent did not file any counter-affidavit in opposition and on 29/11/11 when the application to re-list the Suit came up for hearing, the Respondents’ Counsel informed the Court that he had no objection to the Application. Notwithstanding the lack of opposition from Respondent’s counsel, the learned trial Judge refused to re-list the suit. The Appellant being dissatisfied with the refusal appealed against the ruling by a Notice of Appeal filed at the Court of Appeal. The Appellants formulated three issues out of the three grounds of appeal viz: 1. Considering the facts and circumstances of this case, did the Lower Court exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously in refusing the Appellant’s Motion to Re-list? 2. Whether the Lower Court was right to have made conjecture of facts not placed before it suo motu as reason for refusing the Appellant’s Application for re-listing without giving Counsel the opportunity to ad-

dress it on the point so raised thereby violating the Appellant’s right to fair hearing guaranteed under Section 36 of the Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution? 3. Was the Lower Court right to have neglected and or failed to act on the unchallenged affidavit evidence attached to the Appellants Motion dated 19th October, 2011 which the Respondents’ Counsel expressly stated that they were not opposing? This issue is distilled from Ground 1 of the Notice of Appeal. The Respondents did not file any brief of argument. Learned counsel for the Respondent informed the Court that it filed a notice of intention not to contest the appeal. The Court stated that it was satisfied that the discretionary power of the lower Court to relist the suit was not exercised judicially and judiciously. The Court stated that it is trite law as submitted by learned counsel for the Appellant that when a Court is exercising its discretion, it must be exercised judicially and judiciously. See University of Lagos v Aigoro (1985) NWLR (Pt.1) 143. The Court stated further that an Appeal Court may interfere with the exercise of judicial discretion if it is shown that there has been a wrongful exercise of the discretion such as where the tribunal acted under misconception of law or unproved matters or it omitted to take into account matters that are relevant or where it exercised or failed to exercise the discretion on wrong or inadequate materials and in all other cases where it in the interest of justice to interfere: See Enekebe v. Enkebe (1964) 1 All NLR 102 at 106, Demuren v. Asuni (1967) 1 All NLR 94 at 101. The Court held that a Court must balance its discretionary power to grant or refuse an adjournment with its duty to endeavour to give an Appellant the opportunity of obtaining substantial justice and where the Court errs in its balancing exercise an Appeal Court is at liberty to interfere. See University of Lagos v Aigoro 1985 NWLR pt.1 p.143. The Court stated that the learned counsel was right that the Appellant placed sufficient materials before the lower Court to guide it in reaching a just and fair decision. Five clear days before the suit was to come up for hear-

ing, the Appellant’s Counsel had written to the Court of the inability of Counsel who was seized of all the facts in the suit to appear in Court on the next adjourned date. It was referred to the appropriate Court Official to take the necessary action. The letter was never brought to the attention of the Court as acknowledged by the Court in its ruling. Despite all the facts put forward before the lower Court and the Respondents’ Counsel’s unwillingness to oppose the application to relist the suit, the lower Court refused to re-list the suit. The Court noted that the lower Court was apparently more concerned with the fact that there were other counsel in the chambers who should have appeared, but this on its own the Court held cannot be a ground for denial of adjournment as it was also the first time an adjournment was sought in the case and on grounds of bereavement, a very compelling reason. The Court held that the learned counsel for the Appellant was again right that the Court shut its eyes to the obvious satisfaction of all the condition precedents as prescribed by the Rules and case-laws and this occasioned miscarriage of justice to the Appellant. The Court further held that allowing the lower Court’s decision refusing to relist the Appellant’s suit to stay would amount to visiting and blaming the inadequacy or inadvertence of Court’s official on the litigant which is contrary to the established principle of law that the sin of the Court or its official or that of his counsel cannot be visited on the litigant. The Court noted that the Appellant placed sufficient materials before the lower Court to enable it exercise its discretion in favour of the Appellant and by failing to re-list the suit, the learned trial Judge did not exercise his discretion judicially and judiciously. On the whole, the Court held that the appeal was bound to succeed and it was thereby allowed. The decision of the Lower Court refusing to relist the suit was set aside. In its place it was ordered that suit no. NIC/LA/ 24/11 be relisted on the cause list of the National Industrial Court for hearing. •Edited by LawPavilion LawPavilion Citation: (2014) LPELR23742(CA)

Firm launches legal research tool A

N INFORMATION technology firm, Law Pavilion has launched a product - the Solitior’s Toolkit. The software developers unveiled the product at the International Bar Association (IBA) conference in Tokyo, Japan. The firm was the official ICT partner of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at its Annual General Conference held in Owerri, Imo State, in August. The producers said the Toolkit is a user friendly software containing all the information required by lawyers in Nigeria. Its appeal is not only local, but international as it serves as a veritable tool for any current or potential foreign investor seeking to know the laws, regulations, guidelines, government policies, agreements and judgments of the courts especially, those of the Federal High Court and National Industrial Court on business in Nigeria. The solicitor’s Toolkit is described as “one product” aggregation of industry relevant solutions and an innovative all-in-one powerful research engine for solicitors and in-house counsel. It is a comprehensive guide, which aims to assist users to be more effective in performing their duties and providing best services with all the required knowledge and information at their disposal. The “Solicitor’s Toolkit (STK)” software contains current and correct regulations, guidelines, policies and public notices from various regulatory bodies such as the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) etc. It also contains updated and current Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria up to 2014, reported cases of the Federal High Court and the National Industrial Court, annotated forms and precedents with relevant cases, statutes, regulations or guidelines related to such precedent, and a super-fast search engine, which

searches through all the contents to bring back concise and comprehensive results. The Managing Director of LawPavilion, Mr. Ope Olugasa said: “The principal goal of LawPavilion is to continue to act as a partner to the Nigerian legal industry by developing ICT products for the legal practitioner as a judge, advocate or solicitor.” The company, he said, is resolute in its drive to empower professionals through its innovative and user-friendly products, excellent customer service and integrity. Case Management Solution and Court Management Solutions recently introduced into the market, according to him, were targeted at all strata of the legal community, such that lawyers and judges can have access to all records of their cases on selected mobile devices, thereby eliminating the inability to work due to absence from the office or court. The company’s products, he said, are the results of extensive research and deliberations with relevant stakeholders in the legal industry to ensure that their most pressing needs are taken care of through the use of technology. He also hinted that the company is already in talks with many device manufacturers to introduce and offer an inexpensive package, which would enable legal practitioners purchase ICT devices for their official and personal use and thereby promote the adoption of ICT by the entire legal industry in Nigeria. Appraising the product, a former President of the NBA, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) said: ”They are fantastic. When I came into the exhibition stand and I saw Law Pavilion, as a Nigerian, I was very proud of the guys behind it. This is because I have worked with them, patronised them and have virtually all their products. And it is a good thing that NBA continued what I started in Singapore when I introduced exhibition stand. What you are seeing with Law Pavilion is an expression of how people outside perceive Nigeria. So what

•From left: Director-General Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Deji Adekunle; NBA Publicity Secretary Mr. Gbolahan Gbadamosi, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello (fourth from left); Mr. Gbayode Somuyiwa and Olugasa (right).

I need to see at the next conference in Austria, Vienna is a Nigerian stand and not just Law Pavilion so we can be proud to be noticed in the highest gathering of lawyers in the world. Another senior lawyer, Joe Kyari-Gadzama (SAN) said: “For the first time we have a local entrepreneur showcasing us to the world. Trying to tell the world that yes, we can do as much as you do and can even do better. It is a thing of joy to all of us because it is an inspiration and we need to encourage one and others and I am proud to identify with Law Pavilion”. The Director-General, Nigerian Law School Dr. Olanrewaju Onadeko said: “I am happy for Law Pavilion because it is one of the visible organisations that deal with law. They are doing fine in that area and portray Nigeria here very well. Although there are many of them in Nigeria, but to be here and present Nigeria to the world is a great achievement.” Another senior advocate, Rickey Tarfa (SAN) said: “Law Pavilion is one of the few things that are working well in Nigeria. When I got here and saw Law Pavilion, I became very proud as a Nigerian. And if we have such an

outfit competing favourably with others in the world, and have exhibition to showcase Nigeria to the outside world, I think every Nigerian especially, lawyers among us should encourage them.” For the former General Secretary of the NBA, Ibrahim Eddy-Mark, ”Law pavilion is doing its best as a private initiative, we are proud of them as they do their best to showcase the best of Nigeria to the rest of the world. It shows the ability of the private sector to drive the economy with high sense of creativity. The ingenuity is there and their competence is not in doubt. I think they have done their best and we Nigerians should encourage them.” Former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti State, Mr. Wale Fapohunda, said Law Pavilion is a firm the nation should be proud of. “Law Pavilion, I am very proud of them. When I served as Attorney-General, we had a lot of engagements with them. They also help in training some of our lawyers. So it is good and this is one of those laudable interventions we need in showcasing ourselves to the outside world,” Fapohunda said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

THE NATION TUESDAY OCTOBER 28, 2014

POLITICS

‘APC ‘ll give Nigeria better President’ All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary Alhaji Mai Mala Buni spoke with TONY AKOWE on the challenge of producing a credible and nationally acceptable presidential flag bearer at the presidential primaries.

E want to have a brief of your background before becoming the National Secretary of the APC. I was the pioneer state chairman of the ACD, which later became the AC and later, the ACN. Thereafter, I joined the ANPP and I was appointed the Secretary General of the campaign organisation of the governor of Yobe State in 2011. After the elections, I was appointed the Political Adviser to the government. After the merger, I became the protem secretary of the APC in Yobe State and later, the state Chairman after the congresses. I the process of coming to the convention to elect our national leaders, I emerged as the National Secretary of the party. I came to the convention as a delegate because I was the state chairman of the party and I was elected the National Secretary. We thank God that people have made a lot of sacrifice to make the APC what it is today because it is not easy for existing political parties to come together to merge and abandon their status to form a formidable opposition party which is unprecedented in the history of this country. Could you shed light on the sacrifices by the party leaders?. When you look at the history of political parties in Nigeria, you will discover that it has always been winner takes all and this has always militated against the coming together of people to serve the country. If you are not in the party of the government of the day, then, you cannot anywhere close to power or contribute your idea towards anything. So, the coming together of political parties is as a result of the problems militating against the development of the country. If you look at the country, you will discover that instead of moving forward, the country is always sliding. So, those who have the interest of the country at heart knew how the country was and how it is now. So, there was no way ANPP as a party or the CPC or the ACN or the APGA as a party would go it alone and form a government. That is what has been the bane of the opposition and what the PDP has been exploiting to rule this country and what they have exploited to remain in power all these years. They keep using divide and rule, sometimes interfering in the affairs of some smaller parties so that they will not be strong enough to challenge them. So, the coming together of the opposition is what Nigerians have been yearning for because after every general election, people keep complaining and asking questions as to why the opposition are not coming together to form a formidable force that can challenge the PDP. There were series of attempt in the past be these leaders to come together, but that never yielded any result due to one reason or the other. This time, it has materialised and now, people have realised that the PDP is on its toe and for the first time in its history, it is now on the defensive because they have seen the hand writing clearly. They have now seen that the various political parties have come together and are ready to take over the country in 2015. Many have alleged that the key leaders agreed to come together because they feel that it will be easier to realise their presidential ambition? Those who consistently want to remain in power are regarded by people as ‘Any Government in Power

(AGIP).’ You can be AGIP to remain in the corridors of power, but that is not enough. If you are in politics for self interest, you can join the PDP and continue to remain in the system. But this one is out of patriotism. Looking at how the country is, the present situation is nothing to write home about because when you look at the development in this country, you will agree with me that the coming together of these gentlemen, the commitment and the sacrifices involved justify the fact that it is not for their selfish interest. If it were in their own interest, somebody like Chief Bisi Akande has been the Chairman of the AC and then the ACN and was the Interim Chairman of the APC. Chief Tony Momoh was the Chairman of the CPC, while Chief Ogbonnaya Onu was the Chairman of the ANPP. They cannot just sacrifice their offices as Chairmen of their various parties for other reasons apart from being patriotic and making sacrifice for the country. They made sacrifice for the betterment of the country. That is what keeps amazing the people because something like this has never happened in this country for people to voluntarily relinquished their positions to merge. That was not an easy task. It takes a lot of courage, patriotism and sacrifice. What is the strong point of the APC, ahead of next year’s elections? We have our manifesto, which we will soon lunch and make available to the public. I don’t want to pre-empt anything. So, let us get to the bridge before crossing it. We will make it public at the appropriate time because this is a very organised political party. We are not just saying anything that we cannot do. we want to have on record, things that this party intends to do. we are also going to translate it to all major tribes of the country so that anybody who can read in such languages can read and understand what this party stands for and what we will do in the event that this party wins election. As the National Secretary of the main opposition party, what is the major challenge of your office? The world is a classroom where everybody has something to teach and something to learn. Political party is not a technocracy, but strictly political. You bring in your own ways of playing politics and put it together with that of others to make it work. It is not something that you arrogate to yourself the full knowledge of things. In politics, things don’t work like that because it is not like the civil service or running a company. This is a political party where you have divergent views, opinions and ideas which you must bring to bear. The fact that I am the National Secretary does not mean that I am the most knowledgeable person in the party or the most competent person in the party. This is a political party where you are dealing with divergent views and opinion which you must galvanise to do the right thing. You have to be

•Buni

strictly guided by rules and regulations of the party so as not to derail. In less than one year, the party is going for a constitutional amendment. Don’t you think that it is too early to do that? Even, Nigeria’s constitution is being debated everyday and some portions of it is being amended. As long as people live together, there will always be clamour for changes. The constitution is made by people and whenever it is realised that something is bringing impediment, you have to come together and take another look at it. That is why you don’t just amend your constitution at the NWC or at NEC. You have to go to the convention where everybody will be involved. That is why the constitution is the statute book that guide the operations of the party. That is why anything that will be done that is not within the expectations of that party has to give way to the expectations of the people. This is because what is supreme always in politics is the wish of the people. You have to carry along the thinking of the people as part of your operational strategies. Looking at political parties, you will discover that a party is operated by the people, who belong to a party they think meet their expectations. That is what governs the party and anything that stands between the running of the party and the wishes of the people has to be looked into at any point in time. That necessitates constitutional review. Does the amendment has anything to do with the presidential primaries? It is the processes. Anything that serves as impediment to any of our operations has to be looked into. Don’t you see the governors playing a domineering role at the primaries? The APC respects the governors being the leaders of the party in their respective states. When you look at the Nigerian constitution very carefully, you will know what it takes to be a governor and you will know the strength of the office of a governor. However, I don’t know the situation

under which the President made his remark. What I am saying however is that governors are leaders of the party. That is why, in all our organs, the governors are members. They are members of the caucus, the BOT and the NEC. So, you can see how important their position is to the party. Has the APC fully maximised the advantage of the defection of five governors into the fold? To my mind, the major milestone in our politics is the merger, which was unprecedented. Right from the first republic, there was never a time political parties merged. There use to be alliances which often collapse. But for political parties to merge and form and form one single formidable opposition party has never happened until the merger that gave birth to APC. So, when you look at it carefully, you will not be surprised about the defection of the seating governor from the PDP the APC. This is also the first time in the history of this country that seating governors from the ruling party will defect to opposition party. That goes to tell you how the country is suffering. If things are going well, how can seating governors defect to opposition party to fight the ruling party to form government. If the merger was for selfish interest, a seating governor in the PDP, which is the ruling party, for whatever selfish interest, will not contemplate defecting from the PDP because it is not all of them that can be president. They are already comfortable in the PDP as the government in power and didn’t need to join the opposition to try and form government. You just said that the President said that the governors are very powerful. Of course, a PDP governor with a PDP President is already powerful enough. So, why should he defect to the opposition? These are certain things that we must take into consideration and this should be the barometer to really measure if the heartbeat of the country is normal. We all know that the heart beat is not normal and that this country is desirous of change. Even if you refuse to de-

‘We want to produce a Nigerian President. We want to produce a President who will work for the country, sacrifice himself for the country and be selfless in discharging his responsibilities and who will be acceptable to every Nigerian as an upright person who can fight corruption and bring development’

fect, the people of this country will leave you and vote you out by 2015 because people are ready to vote out the PDP at all levels no matter the position you occupy. No matter who you are, you either defect to the APC or the people will vote you out. Some people defected from the APC, following the defection of the governors to the party. If you look at both sides, would say the APC has lost or gained? The APC has tremendously gained from the defections. The APC has made history because it is now on record that sitting governors from the PDP which is the ruling party defected to join the APC. You just described it as a milestone and I agree with you and added that the merger is also a milestone. What has happened has satisfied even the thinking of a layman. In this regard, we are talking about the electorates or the Nigerian people. The layman now knows that the PDP is not a party to belong to. If a seating governor can defect to the opposition to fight the PDP, that goes to show that the PDP is a sinking ship. What does the APC intends to do differently, in terms of funding the party? Are we in charge of the Central government? When you are talking about funding, I don’t know what you mean do you mean the governor giving us money as a party? Don’t you know that we sell forms to run the party? We are also doing a lot of activities to generate funds. Don’t see it as if we are solely depending on governors to give us money. Moreover, didn’t you read it in the papers that the PDP government is depriving APC governors of funds? So where is the money for the APC to rely on? We are not relying on the governors for funds. We heard that some aspirants of the party are insisting on choosing the presidential candidate through consensus while others are insisting on primaries. Which option is the party settling for? All the options are open, but it is not a crime, if a candidate emerge through consensus at any level. Don’t restrict it to the Presidential contest. Even if any candidate emerge through consensus, we will still have to go ahead to fulfil the constitutional provision of electing the person. There is no restriction as to how the candidate will emerge. If for whatever reason, any candidate emerge as a consensus candidate either as a senator, member of the House of Representative, as a governor or as a president, it will be a welcome development. Majority of party leaders attended the Presidential declaration of Gen. Buhari as against that of Atiku Abubakar… No, I don’t think you should look at it that way because I represented the party in all declarations. I led some officers of the party to Atiku’s declaration and I did the same at Buhari’s declaration. I will also represent the party when any other person wants to declare for the Presidency with some officers. So, it is not a sense of partiality. As a party, we have agreed to go about it that way because we know that people would want to see the face of the party at such events. I was mandated by the party to represent the party in all, declarations. Alhough the party has not adopted zoning for the presidential seat, there seems to be only aspirants from the North contesting the position. Nigerians wants to know whether the party was formed to unseat the PDP or to take power back to the North? It is not about producing a northern or southern president. We want to produce a Nigerian President. We want to produce a President who will work for the country, sacrifice himself for the country and be selfless in discharging his responsibilities and who will be acceptable to every Nigerian as an upright person who can fight corruption and bring development. That is what we want and not about the South or the North.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

HEALTH

‘LASUTH overburdened by attendance’

HE Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), has said it is overburdened by the number of patients it receives daily. Its Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Wale Oke said the hospital has 600 beds, which are not enough for patients. Oke, who spoke to reporters in the hospital on his stewardship, said patients attend the facility for minor ailments rather than visiting the primary health care (PHC) centres which cater for such. "It is after a PHC fails in treating a minor ailment that secondary health facilities, such as General Hospitals, can take over the treatment. If the latter fails to address

By Wale Adepoju

the issue, then patients can be referred to a tertiary facility, such as ours, “he said. He said LASUTH was a General Hospital before it was upgraded to a tertiary hospital, adding that this may be why patients still visit the facility for minor ailments. Oke said when doctors attend to minor ailments it stops them from dealing with complex cases. “The number of patients a doctor attends to during clinic is mindboggling. They deserve some rest, too. But, the only way to ease the pressure on doctors is for patients to take minor ailments, such as fe-

ver, diarrhoea and dysentery, among others, to primary or secondary care centres. PHCs and General Hospitals are equal to the task,“ he said. He said the hospital had inaugurated its service charter, adding that this was established to ensure best services are available to internal and external customers first time. Oke said Nigerians should have faith in the expertise of the health professionals, adding that testimonies have shown that it is not rosy with health tourism. “Patients need to trust the services provided in the country because we have built capacity in

most areas of medical services. So, what they are looking for in the United States, Canada and India, among others, is available here. If any case is beyond what we can handle, we always refer. We are not established to endanger anybody's life,“ he said. Oke said the hospital has been performing specialised surgeries, such as hip and knee replacement and cleft lip as well as cochlear implantation, among others. Chairman, LASUTH Board, Dr Olatunde Williams, said the hospital has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with some Indian hospitals to train some members of staff.

The hospital, he said, has recruited interns to some sub-specialties, adding that members of staff who had left would be replaced quarterly to attend to the growing demands of LASUTH. Williams said the renovation of the centre's laboratory was nearing completion as 90 per cent of the job has been done. He said the renovation of Ayinke House was ongoing, adding that it would soon be equipped for inauguration in the first quarter of next year. “The hospital has acquired new investigation machines and echocardiography for checking children's heartbeat," he said.

Cancer: ‘Mammogram is the in-thing ’

OMEN have been urged to shift focus from self breast examination (SBE) to mammogram. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts to detect and diagnose breast diseases. Mammography is the most effective method of detecting cancer at an early stage, before the woman or a physician can feel it. The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola gave this advice at the MTN Foundation (MTNF) breast cancer awareness campaign walk. According to her, it was mammogram that saved her from being a victim of breast cancer. She said: “I was losing weight without realising it. Some people noticed and called my husband’s attention to it. I was feeling alright and healthy, and constantly doing the self breast examination (SBE). There was no lump. I went for my usual routine medical check up and mammogram examination was included. “That screening picked early formation of a lump in my breast lobes. Thankfully, when it was removed and examined, it was not cancerous. I am alive, hale and hearty. But how many women are that lucky and have access to mammogram and early detection of lump formation in their breasts? I will, therefore, commend MTN Foundation, the corporate social investment vehicle of MTN Nigeria, that has begun its free breast cancer screening for 1,500 beneficiaries across the six-geopolitical regions of Nigeria." Mrs Fashola, who described herself as now a ‘breast cancer survivor,’ said consistent screening and early detection saved her from the killer disease. “This initiative is a welcome idea as more people will become better

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

informed about this silent killer disease, and participate in the free screening provided by MTN at the MTN Foundation mammography centres across the country. Women should avail themselves of this opportunity,'' she said. MTNF Director Mr Akinwale Goodluck said: "The free mammography screenings will be carried out in partnership with Deux Projects under the MTNF Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. This is one of the many projects that the MTN Foundation is particularly very passionate about because of the positive impact it will make on people's lives. ''This initiative, which underscores the essence of the Foundation to positively impact the lives of Nigerians, by providing free breast cancer screening at MTN Mammography centres located at the General Hospital, Marina, Lagos State; Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, Kogi State; Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, Yobe State; Usmanu Dan Fodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto State; University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu State and Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State." The foundation will be sponsoring free mammography screening for 1,500 beneficiaries at MTNF mammography centres in Lagos, Enugu, Edo, Sokoto, Kogi and Yobe. During the awareness walk, which kicked off from Falomo roundabout and terminated at Freedom Park, Marina, Lagos, MTN executives, stakeholders and others distributed fliers and educated the public on breast cancer. ''This walk will be replicated in

•From left: Nollywood actress Mrs Rachael Oniga; Mrs. Fashola, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation Ms. Nonny Ugboma and Nollywood actress, Mrs. Gloria Nobert Young during the event.

beneficiary states which include Edo, Enugu, Sokoto, Yola and Kogi, to sensitise the public about breast cancer, with medical practitioners and specialists on ground to enlighten people and encourage women to get screened at designated points,'' Goodluck stated. Dr. Femi Olaleye, medical director, Optical Cancer Care Foundation, said breast cancer kills one in every 25 Nigerian women and urged women to get screened yearly to prevent untimely death. “The incidence of breast cancer is one in 25, but because we don't screen our population, it's actually a death sentence. Here in Nigeria, most of the diagnoses are made when it is too late, thereby leading to several needless and painful

deaths of our beloved mothers, sisters, aunts, friends and colleagues. One or two in every 25 Nigerian women are at risk of breast cancer, but higher risks exist for women who are older than 45, older than 30 at birth of their first child, and women with family history,'' he added. At the event, Olaleye demonstrated how breast self-examination to check for lumps, thickenings and nipple discharge is done. Medical practitioners were also available to perform clinical breast examination and offer free advisory services. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared breast cancer as the number one scourge afflicting people, and one in eight

women is at risk of having breast cancer in their lifetime. ''Breast cancer is currently the commonest cancer in Nigeria. Early detection can help put a check on several needless and painful deaths of our women'' Goodluck said. MTN Foundation is executing various projects in 341 locations across the 36 states of Nigeria, including the FCT. The foundation has spent over N10.5 billion on social projects in health, education and economic empowerment. Recently, the it deployed state-of-theart mobile clinics stocked with medical equipment and drugs to states. The mobile clinics have helped to reduce the incidence of maternal and child deaths, especially in rural communities.

UN collaborates with faith-based organisations

HE United Nations is exploring ways to increase better collaboration with the inter faith organisations in the country to reduce challenges in security and health. According to the Board chair at the Global Vaccine Alliance (GAVI), Mr. Dagfinn Høybråten, faith-based organisations provides infrastructure critical in reaching marginalised groups. He spoke during a side meeting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGAS). The meeting was organised by the Centre for Global Health and Diplomacy conference. "In order to reach children on the margins, the infratructure of faith based organisations is critical, in mobilising mothers, fathers, volunteers and additional resources. They are important as advocates

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustaph a

for global health, especially in country that may need more support resources for these causes," said Høybråten. Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Medical Mission Board, Bruce Wilkinson, said: “Amongst other causes, faith-based organisations have played roles in debt relief, HIV/AIDS programmes and in governmentfunded programmes against malaria. "Now we have a chance of universal health coverage to exercise great influence, not because we are on the ground but we can influence leadership and policymakers to take that next step." The Minister of State for Health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan, said Nige-

ria had benefited greatly from collaborating with inter-faith organisations, especially on security and health. The country has brought faithbased groups nationwide under one umbrella: the Nigerian Interfaith Action Association (NIFAA), also known as Inter-Faith. This unites leaders of Christianity and Islam in the fight against poverty and diseases. Alhassan said faith-based groups "can solve the nitty-gritty issues in communities. "We believe Inter-Faith is working, and yielding a lot of positive results. What we need to do is to strengthen our partnership with these organisations.” He spoke on a panel debate on the future of the global health architecture, considered fractured,

but with potential faith-based groups can fulfil. The minister told the panel that faith-based organisations played important roles because the public listen to them much more than to the government. "We have a lot of contact with religious leaders. We have a powerful Inter-Faith organisation. A lot of ordinary citizens will listen to them more than the government," he said. The Inter-Faith engagement focuses on malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, polio, and poverty impact. He described the partnership as "tremendous", exemplified in the ongoing fight to stop polio transmission by year end. Alhassan said the long battle with polio had been pragmatic,

without much success due to what he described as “poor quality campaigns”, which didn't stop the number of cases year in and year out, until faith-based groups became involved. He said: “The same approach was used containing the Ebola virus disease. "With the involvement of faithbased organisations, there is added quality in terms of selection of teams and community involvement. "That's what we borrowed during the Ebola crisis, and it really helped us. Immediately, all the major faith-based organisations came out supporting government, organising health camps, educating the general public, and a lot of people listened to their religious leaders."

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS T

TRANSPORTATION

HE 40 tank wagons imported between 2012 and 2013 by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) for the haulage of petroleum products from the Apapa Ports to other locations are rotting away at the railway yards. Some of the wagons are at the Apapa Yard. Others were sighted at the Ebute-Metta work yard. The corporation, as part of strategic upgrading of its services, took delivery of the tank wagons in 2012 and 2013.The first 20 came in 2012. The last 20 were delivered last year. Each has an inbuilt capacity of 100,000 litres of petroleum products. The 40 wagons could haul four million litres of petroleum. They cost billions. The wagons are expected to relieve the roads of heavy trucks that weaken them and decongest the ports and Apapa roads of petroleum tankers. Each tanker’s maximum capacity is 33,000 litres. The Federal Government’s initial enthusiasm about the new deliveries and their capacity to transform haulage of this essential commodity across the country, especially to the North, had been shortlived as it has been hampered by other factors. The wagons, it was discovered, has not been functioning because most of the tank farms around Apapa are not accessible. Many of the oil marketing companies were said to have flouted the planning regulations while constructing their tank farms by failing to build rail access into their facility. Though officials of many of these oil companies refused to comment on the issue when contacted, a top official of the NRC who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, virtually all the tank farms at Apapa are guilty of building their farms without consideration for the use of railway, making their farms inaccessible to rail services.

E-mail: ynotaderibigbe@gmail.com

• One of the oil wagons

Multi-billion Naira tank wagons rot on rail tracks Stories by Adeyinka Aderibigbe

“Out of all the oil majors operating tank farms in Apapa, only Mobil and Oando are said to be accessible and are presently hauling products from their farms through the railway.” He said the failure to link these tank farms with the rail lines caused a delay in the realisation of the goal of hauling petroleum products by rail. The Director, Mechanical, Electrical and Signal, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, an engineer, who corroborated this assertion, said the corporation was addressing the issue by laying rail tracks through all the tank farms in Apapa. He said: “By the time the tracks are laid into these tank farms, thousands of tons of cargo and oil would be lifted weekly and this will assist in decon-

gesting Apapa and take the pressure off the roads. He said taking oil by rail from Lagos to Kano can be done within 72 hours, and urged oil firms to take full advantage of the service. “We believe our customers would have more confidence in us after upgrading these tracks. This is because it would assure them that we have reliable tracks and wagons, and can better safeguard their commodities,” Okhiria said. “What we are doing now,” he said, “is that we are setting the tracks into the fuel dumps that hitherto had no tracks for easy access. They are on railway land and the agreement is that they should carry their products through railway.” He said this phase would be com-

pleted by November. “The contractor has assured us that the laying would be completed by November. When this is completed, we would erase the complaints by some of our prospective customers that the present system is more costly and are using that excuse to continue to patronise tankers,” Ohhiria said. He said though the rail tracks are still the narrow gauge, they have been upgraded from 60 pap to 85 pap, which makes the tracks stronger and could withstand the pressure assoc “We are changing the tracks from 60 to 85 rail pap. So instead of the rail tracks breaking off as a result of heavy load or pressure, it will endure. “We have two types of rails in Apapa. The first category is tracks for passenger service while the other is

NB partners FRSC on ‘don’t drink and drive’

HE seventh edition of the Don’t Drink and Drive campaign by the Nigeria Breweries (NB) Plc took off on a remarkable note recently, when it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC). Thanking the FRSC for being a great partner in executing the past editions of the campaign, NB Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mr Nicolaas Vervelde said since its launch, the company has held 27 rallies in major cities across the country to sensitise and build the capacities of commercial and private vehicle drivers, motorcycle and tricycle riders and other road users on responsible consumprion of alcohol. Vervelde said the Don’t drink and drive campaign is about spreading the messages of responsible consumption of alcohol which the company would continue to communicate through strategic partnership with print and electronic media especially during this “Ember” period and beyond. He said as part of strengthening this year’s edition, public enlightenment campaigns would be held in four cities across Nigeria namely Port Harcourt, Lagos, Onitsha and Markurdi, while there would also be capacity building workshops for officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

• From left: Corporate Affairs Adviser Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem, the FRSC Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mr Nicolaas Vervelde, at the flag-off of the Don't Drink and Drive campaign at NB Plc Headquarters, Iganmu, Lagos. PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

He said: “We anticipate that messages communicated through these avenues will further enhance awareness of roa safety and encourage positive changes on driver’s behaviour in relation to alcoholic consumption. The FRSC Corps Marshal Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, praised the strong partnership between the agency and the Nigeria Breweries, adding that the MoU would further strengthen the partnership. He said the don’t drink and drive campaign has endured over the years because of the corporate interst of the Nigeria Breweries in safeguarding people’s lives and property on the nation’s highways. He challenged road users to show restraint in drinking especially when driving. He said too much alcohol in

the blood; “reduces the sense of judgement of the driver, increases among others, the risk of committing speed violation, wrongful overtaking and other dangerous acts that could compromise safety.” Oyeyemi who challenged other corporate organisations to copy the good steps of the brewery giant, said FRSC would be looking forward to more support from all corporate organisations to further spread the message of safety. Oyeyemi, who said his men would go all out to ensure the success of the “DDD” campaign said the Corps has taken delivery of alcolizers from the Ministry of Works and these would be deployed by his men nationwide to arrest any driver driving under the influence of alcohol.

“We want to make sure that we deployed the evidence based alcolizers as well use our radars and we would ensure that those caught are promptly referred to our mobile courts for quick adjudication of their cases,” he said. He said the agency would go all out in the next few weeks in its bid to reduce road crashes and deaths in the “Ember months”. The highpoint of the event was the inauguration of the Nigeria Breweries Special Corps Marshal, led by the Managing Director, Vervelde. Vervelde said the 3,000 special corps are employees of the company who have volunteered to carry out patrol, coordinate traffic and other perform other road safety activities within and around Lagos.

for cargo service. We access containers from cargo tracks. In Apapa, only the Flour Mill factory complied and that’s why their products are being evacuated to the North through the rail. We presently load about 600, 000 tons of goods from Flour Mills per month to Kano.

‘Officers ’ll be rewarded’ By Olalekan Ayeni

HE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged its officers and men to work harder and be diligent in the discharge of their duties to attain the Corp’s strategic goals. The Zonal Commanding Officer, Godwin Ogagaoghene, gave the charge at his Ojodu office, during the third quarter retreat for commanding officers and other senior officers of Zone RS2, Lagos. Ogagaoghene said “the retreat has become a tradition, courtesy of RSHQ instruction that every zone convene a retreat quarterly. It is a platform to dialogue on issues confronting them as a zone.” The retreat with the theme “Consultation, reward and punishment,”he said, is set to address the attainment of the Corps strategic goals. He said the zone has carved a niche for itself in the time past, with other commands looking up to it for leadership. “We must not fail in providing the required leadership to other commands, most especially at this critical time when the nation is contending with terrorism and the Ebola Haemohargic Virus scourge. “We must give direction for others to follow vis-a-vis the challenges we face in the discharge of our civic responsibilities.” Ogagaoghene, stressed further that Lagos-Ibadan expressway is one of the major arteries through which goods and services from the Sea Port are conveyed to major cities in the country. Abuja, the nation’s capital would be strangulated of essential goods if the Lagos-Ibadan artery is blocked. Like they say, when Lagos sneezes, other states of the nation catch cold. The nation expects a lot from us. We must not therefore disappoint corps marshal, management of FRSC and the nation, who have entrusted this position of high responsibilities in our hands.” The FRSC boss appealed to the officers to always consult, to proffer solutions to myriad of problems that confront the zone and FRSC at large. “We must be proactive; we must look forward and ensure that our zone is not bedevilled by the unusual challenges that crippled other zones.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS AVIATION

Enhancing local content in helicopter operations The National Content Development Board ( NCDB) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA), are worried that rotary wing operators are not doing enough to deepen indigenous capacity in engineering component of helicopter operations , where expatriates still hold sway.To escape the hammer of regulatory bodies, the operators, are restrategising to ensure compliance, reports KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR.

ELICOPTER operators are taking steps to close noticeable gaps in compliance with Nigeria’s local content laws. Hitherto, these operators have spent huge sums of foreign exchange on hiring foreign pilots and aircraft engineers, at the expense of training indigenous professionals. Many operators still have expatriate pilots and aircraft engineers in their employ, though, which is constituting a deep hole in their pockets. The regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) and the National Content Development Board ( NCDB), are not impressed with the level of technology transfer by airlines, thereby forcing them to design a schedule on how indigenous professionals would be trained to deepen local content . This is meant to address allegations that expatriate pilots and engineers dominate the helicopter arm of airline operations. But, the affected helicopter firms : Bristow , Aero and PanAfrican Aviation have clarified that more Nigerians are being trained to take over from foreigners . Their clarification came on the heels of the implementation of expatriate quota policy, where a certain per cent of professionals are required to fill the manpower gaps . Caverton Helicopters insists that it is committed to the development of indigenous capacity in the rotary arm wing of the business, and that it has over the years been training its technical personnel to indigenise its operations. Only last year, the NCAA carried out an audit on both fixed and rotary wing operators, mandating them to draw up a training schedule for indigenous professionals , in particular aircraft and helicopter engineers . The objective of the training according to the NCAA, is to bridge the gap in expatriate quota, where helicopter operators should have increasing number of locals in their employment in engineering areas of its operations . Major helicopter operators include : Caverton , Bristow , Aero and PanAfrican Aviation . On an annual basis, Bristow Helicopters on its part, has been sponsoring the training of indigenous helicopter pilots and engineers both at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology ( NCAT ), in Zaria, Kaduna State and its academy in the United States. The investment in training of Nigerian pilots and engineers, according to the Managing Director, Captain Akin Oni, is part of efforts to deepen local participation in the helicopter arm of its business . Such move, he said, is intended to meet with the local content mandate of the government, by gradually easeing out of foreigners in the helicopter sector. Only last week, one of the major rotary wing operators, Caverton Helicopters Limited, graduated 12 of its personnel as helicopter engineers specialising in the handling of AW139 type rating . Caverton is the only helicopter operator that has Nigerian engineers already type-rated on the aircraft type . The helicopter firm also trained two NCAA inspectors from its directorate of airworthiness in the AW139 type rating .

•From left: Chief Akin Kekere-Ekun; Mr Okere; Chief Makanjuola,Mr Chinyere, and Mr Bode Makanjuola,at the graduation ceremony for Caverton Helicopters engineers in Lagos.

The General Manager in charge of aircraft registration and airworthiness at the NCAA, Chinyere Totti, has described the feat as a major milestone in the sector. He said the NCAA, over time, has complained about the reluctance of airlines, whether in the fixed or rotary arm, to train their indigenous personnel in critical areas, such as engineering, where expatriates dominate. He said the authority will continue to insist that airlines encourage the training of their personnel to deepen local content, adding that the training is very important to any airline organisation, and must be taken seriously. He described Caverton Helicopters as a firm that takes training of its personnel seriously, as it adheres to an agreement reached in the last audit to ensure that its key personnel are sent for training in critical areas to develop indigenous capacity . The NCAA official disclosed that very soon, the authority will establish its training academy for the development of indigenous capacity in the aviation sector, saying NCAA is monitoring operators to ensure that they adhere to the training programme for their staff . The Managing Director of Caverton Helicopters, Captain Josiah Choms, said the firm is committed to bridging the gap in manpower by training more of its personnel in typerating courses . He said :”This is another milestone in our effort and commitment to develop local capacity within the Aviation sector of the Nigeria economy. Today we commemorate the successful completion of the AW139 Type Rating course by another batch of engineers. The course was delivered by the renowned REH Helicopters Limited in the United Kingdom at the Executive Flight Facilty at Ikeja Lagos. “As you may be aware, there is a shortfall in the pool of type-rated engineers in the country. Caverton has a dedicated programme to train and give types to indigenous engineers on an ongoing basis,” he said, adding that the investment in training, ties-in with the vision of the Nigerian government on local content in so many ways. Indigenous staff are trained to world standards and deployed within our operations. “We do not have to spend scarce

foreign exchange recruiting staff from all over the world. In this way, we build indigenous capacity and also stem capital flight.“ The Chairman of Caverton Helicopters, Adeniyi Makanjuola, expained that by collaborating with renowned training providers to deliver training in-country, and having the oversight of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Caverton has demonstrated that it is an innovative company that can adequately adapt the business to meet changes in the operating environment. Makanjuola said, as a company, Caverton strongly believes that Nigerians can compete favourably with the best in the world if given the opportunity. He said: “This is the abiding lesson from our own corporate history, a lesson that we have turned into an article of faith. It is our belief that a critical aspect of giving opportunity to Nigerians is providing them the scarce skill-sets and the experience to compete in highly technical areas. “We are proud to say that we are contributing to the pool of trained indigenous workforce for the benefit of the company and the greater good of the aviation sector and the country as a whole. “ According to Mr. Sean Ward,

Deputy Technical Manager Shell Contract at Caverton, the training would add value to the operations of the firm in terms of enhancing local capacity . He said :” The engineers will be positioned within the company to the operational bases that will add more of the practical elements required to the theoretical knowledge they have obtained to become unrestricted Licensed Type Rated AW139 Engineers. “During this time period, the Engineering Training Department, as well as, the Maintenance Managers on the respective operational bases will act as Mentors and provide a structured path in their development process.” He said it should be noted that as the largest operator of AW 139 aircraft in the region and the Authorised Agusta Westland Service Centre, the company’s vision vision is to be a one-stop-shop for training and logistics services in Sub-Saharan Africa. “This offers boundless opportunities to those who have the skills that the graduands have obtained. Caverton Helicopters has made significant investments towards human capacity development in Nigeria,” he said The company has trained local pi-

lots, engineers and seafarers in support of its aviation and marine logistics service . “This in line with government’s intention to increase indigenous participation in the industry through the development of human capacity, as stipulated in the Nigerian Content Development Act of 2010. “We will not rest on our laurels. We will continue to contribute our quota to ensuring that highly skilled indigenous technical manpower is added to the workforce for the benefit of the Nigerian economy,” Ward said. In his contribution, the General Manager, Monitoring and Programmes Evaluation, National Content Development Board, Chijoke Okere, said the board is working to ensure that many airlines are committed to the training of Nigerians as helicopter aircraft engineers . The driving force for such, he explained, is to reduce the transfer of Nigerian jobs and employment opportunities to foreigners through deepening of local content . He said in line with the 2010 National Content Development Board Act, airlines ought to provide training for their personnel to enhance local capacity in specific areas of helicopter operations . He said the Nigerian content Act is being pursued as an instrument to develop capacity for Nigerian firms in terms of human and material resources . He said :” Our mandate is to develop local content in areas of helicopter operations, which border on safety and security without any compromise to standards . “Caverton has shown that it is committed to local content , even as we expect more from it. “This training is enough evidence that Caverton is committed to developing Nigerian manpower needs.” He however urged the engineers to report to the board any violation in the local content act by Caverton to enable the board monitor its operations . In her remarks on behalf of the graduands, Engineer Adesuwa Ekhator described the training as unique in the helicopter arm of the business, even as she called on other operators to facilitate capacity building programmes that would deepen local manpower , reduce risks , improve safety and enhance efficiencies.

NAHCO appoints acting managing director

HE Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC, has appointed Norbert Bielderman, as the Acting Managing Director/CEO of the company. The company said his appointment which took effect from October 23, is in line with the Company’s succession plan and good corporate governance principles. The current Managing Director/ CEO, Kayode Oluwasegun–Ojo whose contract is due to expire on 31st March 2015, has proceeded on his pre-retirement leave. The company had conveyed the information to the regulators in line with their rules and regulations and applied to publish it to the stakeholders. In a letter conveying its approval to the board dated Octo-

ber 23, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) said: “We have received your letter dated today, October 23, 2014 in which you notified The Exchange of the appointment of Mr. Norbert Bielderman as acting Managing Director of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc.” The letter notified the company that the new information has been transmitted to the market operators, adding that Nahco Aviance could proceed to publish the information to its stakeholders. Until his appointment, Bielderman was the Executive Director, Operations, for the company. Bielderman joined Nahco Aviance in May 2010 from The Netherlands (Holland). He is an alumnus of the University of the Netherlands, Antilles, where he

studied Fiscal Law from 1979 to 1982. In 1998, he qualified for the IATA certificate on Dangerous Goods & Radioactive Materials in Yereven, Armenia. He is a tested aviation practitioner with more than 29 years hands-on experience in ground handling operations, project management, feasibility study, strategy implementation and logistics chain management. Prior to joining Nahco Aviance, he had worked in senior positions at Thor Shipping Group of Companies, South Africa, Transafrik International Ltd, Aerocharter/ Swissport Services, Cancun & Mexico City, Swissport Basel AG, Switzerland, National Flight Services, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, KLM Cargo Central America & Caribbean, among other companies.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

‘Power sector needs $5b yearly for T infrastructure devt’ HE power sector needs about $5billion (N900billion) yearly to expand infrastructure and increase electricity generation from its current 3,700 megawatts (Mw) to 20,000 Mw, Prof. Chinedu Nebo has said. Nebo who spoke through his Special Adviser on Investments, Finance and Donor, Olajuwon Olaleye, at the 4th edition of the WorldStage National Electricity Power Conference (WNEPC) in Lagos, said the sector needs to spend $5 billion annually for the next five years to produce 20,000Mw of electricity. He said the money will be invested across the value chain to foster the growth of the sector. He said three core areas, which include generation;

By Akinola Ajibade

distribution and transmission need to be well funded in view of their critical roles in the sector. He said: “For the sector to grow its capacity to 20,000Mw, it needs to invest about $5billion annually on key infrastructural facilities. The generation, distribution and transmission need value additions in order to move the industry forward. The only way to do this is to improve on their existing infrastructure. “We are working towards making

the sector effective and vibrant such that investors would get good yields. If you are bringing investors into the sector, such investors can only attend to you if they know that they would get good yields on their investments. A lot of supports have come to the sector through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Department for International Development (DFID), African Finance Corporation(AFC), World Bank, and other development agencies,” He said maintenance and development of energy infrastructure is ongo-

ing to tackle the problems facing the sector. He said inadequate gas supply and pipeline vandalism are problems in the sector but noted that the government is making efforts to address them. He said the government has introduced Infrastructure Security Surveillance through which it is monitoring the activities of people that vandalise gas pipelines, adding that it has employed members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for that purpose. Nebo said the Ministry of Power and Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other relevant stakeholders, have discussed how to make gas available to the power firms. He said the government has set up Market Discipline Resolution Panel (MDRP), automated the system of paying for power, and introduced a concept called ‘Shadow Training’ through which it simulates activities in the sector, among other initiatives. He said: “Just as activities are simulated on the floors of the Nigerian

Stock Exchange (NSE) in order to determine the movement or growth of stocks, the same way the government is simulating activities in the power sector through an initiative called Shadow Training.” The idea helps us to know how power is transmitted into the grid, among other things. The second cycle of Shadow Training has started to enable us fast-track the growth of the industry. He said lawyers, accountants, arbitrators, among others, are members of the MDRP, stressing that they have been mandated to discharge their responsibilities in a professional manner. He said the government has mandated the power distribution companies (DISCOs) to open arbitration offices for settlement of cases arising from poor treatment of consumers. “There is a penalty if a company does not supply power for 15 days. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will sanction any company that violates the law. The major goal of the panel is to ensure amicable resolution of disputes among stakeholders in the sector. The panel has the right to punish offenders in line with the laws guiding the operation of the sector,” he said.

NCDMB, NNPC, others eye gas cylinder manufacturing

•Chief Finance Officer, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), Mr. Aigbe Olotu (left), presenting gift to one of the valued customers of IKEDC, Chukwudi Martins, during the company’s customers' week held in Lagos.

NAPE raises concern over falling oil price

HE Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) has expressed worry over the continued drop in price of crude oil and the anticipated negative impact it will have on the economy. NAPE President, Mrs. Adedoja Ojelabi said the falling oil price shouldn’t have been a concern if the necessary precautions were put in place. She said that in any normal market, prices are expected to rise and fall but the fact is that as a country, we don’t anticipate issues that will drive up or down the price. She stated that although Nigeria doesn’t have control over oil price because it’s internationally determined through the forces of demand and supply but it can mitigate the effect locally. She said: “Nigeria cannot control the price of oil in the international market but can mitigate the effects locally by producing and refining sufficiently. If we have this self-sufficiency, the effect will trickle down to other sectors of the economy.” Ojelabi said imagine if Nigeria doesn’t import products but produces and refines more than it requires locally, in a period of continued drop in prices, it can export refined products and create jobs and value in-country. Also if proceeds from oil have been sufficiently invested in making power available to Nigerians, the benefits should be unquantifiable. Imagine if Nigeria will have two years of uninterrupted power supply

• Reiterates need to boost exploration By Emeka Ugwuanyi

what the effect will be on industrialisation, manufacturing and technology development, she added. She said the effect of the falling oil price is worsened by the fact that Nigeria has not been meeting its production target for a long time. Although she couldn’t say much on the effect of the falling price on the economy, it is noteworthy that production target and price benchmark have been two critical indices on which Nigeria’s budget is hinged, therefore, inability to meet production targets coupled with continued drop in price, should be a major cause for concern to Nigerians. However, Ojelabi noted that mitigating effects of falling oil price is by ensuring steady power supply in the country, which is the only way to industrialisation, reducing gas flaring and monetising it. “Although putting the mitigating facilities in place will take a long time, it will not only boost other sectors but also industrialisation through steady supply. Gas supply constraint has been a major challenge to generating enough power while huge quantity of gas is flared,” she added. Also speaking on the declining oil reserves and the need to check it, Ojelabi said: “The Nigerian oil and gas industry landscape has in the last five years or so witnessed some of the sweeping changes since the dis-

covery of crude oil in the country more than five decades ago. On the international scene, the advent of shale gas has proved to be a game changer and a peculiar threat to the industry, especially in the LNG market where Nigeria is a major player within the Atlantic basin region. On the other hand, the spate of oil and gas discovery in other African countries is putting a lot of pressure on Nigeria as the ‘favourite’ destination for oil and gas investments. “On the local scene, the changes are even more profound. For the first time in several years, the nation’s reserve is showing a sign of decline as exploration, drilling has hit the lowest level ever experienced in the nation’s history. Expectedly, reports of new discoveries are few and far between and where reported, the reserves are getting smaller.” Also NAPE President-elect, Chinwendu Edoziem, said that one of the causes of the drop in oil price is self-sufficiency of consumer countries such as United States of America (USA). Let’s hope the price hold at current price, he added. He stated that it is important the price of crude doesn’t go down further because it is the price that determines whether an oil firm will go and drill or not. Search for oil is often driven by price of crude, he added. Oil price traded at $81.46 per barrel on Friday as against an average of $100 per barrel some months ago.

HE Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has begun working with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Oando Group, Sahara Energy and other key players in the gas industry to promote local manufacture of gas cylinders. At a meeting of stakeholders in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) also called cooking gas, convened by the NCDMB at its headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, an agreement was reached to set up a committee that will develop a strategy that will drive the manufacturing of cylinders, deepen utilisation of gas and address challenges that might hinder the plans. The Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Ernest Nwapa, stated at the meeting that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration is promoting manufacturing in all sectors of the economy, particularly in the oil and gas industry because of the potentialities of creating thousands of jobs, retaining spend in-country and developing technology. Nwapa described gas cylinder manufacturing as a quick win, noting that local service companies now fabricate complex structures for the oil and gas industry and several companies invest millions of dollars in setting up facilities and acquiring assets even before securing contracts. “once key persons in leadership on the government and industry side agree on the framework, it will work. Today, investors have put down their funds on assets that depend on long term contracts. Gas cylinders are tied directly to a huge market; the opportunities are there, even across the Gulf of Guinea,” he added. Nwapa confirmed that once local manufacturing of gas cylinders begin; the government would ban the importation of gas cylinders and insist that LPG producers like Nigeria LNG Limited and ExxonMobil deliver gas only to facilities that comply with extant policies. He noted that the push for local manufacturing of gas cylinder would be integrated into President Jonathan’s Gas Revolution agenda and complement government’s drive to get all Nigerians to adopt gas as the preferred fuel for cooking. He suggested that NCDMB could use part of the Nigerian Content De-

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

velopment Fund (NCDF) to support companies that are committed to go into gas cylinder manufacturing and expressed hope that the Federal Government through the Bank of Industry, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Central Bank of Nigeria and the Board would work together to provide enablers for the scheme. The Managing Consultant of PEJAD Nigeria Limited, Tony Ogbuigwe, stated that NCDMB’s gas cylinder manufacturing scheme was supported by Section 53 of the Nigerian Content Act, which prohibits the importation of welded steel products. He stated that only five per cent of the 26 million Nigerian families currently use LPG as their cooking fuel, though the NNPC, Oando, Sahara and other stakeholders were implementing several initiatives to grow consumption. He said that about 2.5 million cylinders were estimated to be in the country and if 10 per cent of the 26 million families in Nigeria were to use gas, with each owning two cylinders, the demand for gas cylinders will grow to five million. “20 per cent using LPG will generate a demand for 10 million cylinders; 30 per cent using LPG will generate a demand for 20 million cylinders,” he said. Ogbuigwe said that gas cylinders have a safe life of about five years saying “assuming that 30 per cent of the cylinders will become due for replacement each year, it implies a demand for manufacturing of three million cylinders per year, six gas cylinder manufacturing plants at 500,000 capacity each will be required.” The Managing Director, NNPC Retail, Mr. Chris Osarumwense pledged the corporation’s commitment to promoting local manufacture of gas cylinders, noting that prospective local manufacturers of cylinders must be challenged to meet key safety standards set by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other certifying agencies. He stated that gas usage must also be grown reasonably before it can support local manufacturing of gas cylinders on a cost-effective basis, suggesting that the price of gas and cylinders must be reduced significantly.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

THE NATION

* The Environment * Mortgage * Apartments * Security * Homes * Real Estate

BUSINESS PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com 08062722507

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The State of Osun has taken a giant stride aimed at tackling housing deficit in the state, with the creation of Oranmiyan Town, an ambitious project aimed at creating a conducive environment for its citizens. MUYIWA LUCAS, who was at the ground breaking ceremony in Osogbo, last week, reports that the project, when completed, will change property landscape in the ‘State of the Living Spring’.

OR 20 years, various administrations in the State of Osun toyed with the idea of creating a new town in the state capital, Osogbo, but all to no avail. This was after a large expanse of land had been acquired for this purpose as far back as 1965. It was, therefore, understandable when, last Thursday, residents of the state trooped out in their numbers to witness the ground breaking ceremony of the Oranmiyan New Town by the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. The Oranmiyan New Town, for which 2,572 hectares (6340Acres) of land has been carved out, is located within the capital territory of the State of Osun, in the precincts of the state Secretariat and the Osun Grove. It is made up of seven neighborhoods and has a 42-meter right-of-way main boulevard that cuts across six neighborhoods. Already, over 2, 000 applicants have submitted their forms for the scheme, while a few have received their allocations. The Oranmiyan New Town is designed for over 3, 000 residential plots, with the smallest plot being 1, 000 square metres in size. It is expected to cater for an estimated population of over a 100,000 people. Under its proposed development plan, the town will boast of a botanical garden; commercial strips of plots along the major roads; serviced plots; a Downtown/Central Business District (CBD) with varying land uses for religious, educational, commercial and parking purposes. Interestingly, a three “Arms Zone” has been created to accommodate the House of Assembly (legislature); proposed High Court and Judiciary Quarters (Judiciary) and the Governor’s Office (Executive), in addition to the proposed new government house. Also, the streetscape boasts of sidewalks and bicycle paths on all major roads with proper landscaping. Recreational features are not limited to parks and gardens. Adequate provision has been made to accommodate a Lawn Tennis Club, Squash Club, 18Hole-Golf Course and a Polo Ground. Also, the new town is expected to have basic infrastructural facilities, utilities and services, such as good road networks, uninterrupted electricity, water reticulation, good drainage system, sewage system and other communal facilities. A drive around the large expanse of land revealed that it has been de-

•Prototype picture of the entrance gate into the Oranmiyan new town... Osogbo, State of Osun

Enter the Oranmiyan New Town signed to have three major categories of roads: the main boulevard that connects it to the external Osogbo-Gbongan Road from the Nigerian Police Zone II Headquarters’ end. The road has a right of way of 42 metres, broken into the dual carriage ways, median strip, drain and utility lane; the collectors which links the various neighbourhoods with a “Right of Way” of up to 18.6metres; and the distributors and other accesses that give accesses to the various plots and other land uses with a right of way of 11.3metres. The scheme has been divided into two categories- residential and commercial plots. Owning a parcel of land within the scheme also varies depending on the category and size of plot desired. For instance, potential investors in the residential plots are required to obtain an application form for N10,000, and upon completion, swear to an affidavit on the second page of the form, and submit upon making a premium deposit of N60, 000. A premium of N1, 000 per square metre (m2 ), and development levy of N2, 000/m2 , is applicable as payment. Other incidental expenses, such as survey fee, deed preparation fee, deed registration fee and annual ground rent of N15/m2 are applicable. For commercial / industrial plots, the same process applies, but with a higher premium of N1, 500/m2.

According to the state’s Commissioner for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Muyiwa Ige, the concept of developing a new town is to provide a balanced and self-contained community as far as possible, in terms of the provisions of infrastructure and community facilities. He explained that it is with a view to achieving the concept that Oranmiyan New Town was designed to comprise seven neighbourhoods to accommodate housing of different densities (Low, medium and High); commercial service; industrial and public cum semi-public uses; supported by essential infrastructure and community facilities; such as police posts, community centres, elementary, middle and high schools, places of worship, neighbouhood parks, health and centres, amongst others. He said: “Oranmiyan New Town is indeed, a modern town that shall be suitable for living, work, recreating and at the same time, aesthetically pleasing by all standards,” Ige said, adding that it is also for the purpose of creating an urban environment that reflects the unique local flavours of its landscapes and cultural settings, while at the same time aspiring for universal qualities of accessibility, livability, safety and modernity. Ige noted that since the creation of State of Osun on August 27, 1991, there has been high influx of people from all walks of life, which has made the capital, Osogbo, almost equidistant from the state’s major cities. This trend of urbanisation, according to Ige, has doubled since the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

came into power on November 26, 2010 till date. He attributed this trend to the government’s “Six-Integral Action Plan”, which he claimed has necessitated the possibility of establishing New Towns in each of the state Senatorial Districts. Going down memory lane, Aregbesola, said the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as the Premier of Western Region, had in the early 1960s, acquired a large expanse of land in different parts of the Region for development as Farm Settlement to serve as food baskets and give employment to the younger school leavers in line with global practice. Among these farm settlements, was Osun Farm Settlement acquired in Osogbo and Ede covering approximately, 2,572 Hectares (6340 Acres) in ratio of 2:3 respectively. He explained that the land had continued to be used for farming, until after the creation of the state from the erstwhile Oyo State, a development that resulted in the mass movement of people into the state from neighbouring states, apart from the civil servants, who were to relocate compulsorily. With an upsurge in the population, shortage of housing accommodation became prevalent in the state. He said to tackle the problem, an inter-ministerial committee was set up by the state with a mandate of working out a modality for the utilisation of the hitherto, “Osun Farm Settle-

‘Developing New Towns is a common phenomenon all over the world. The purpose of developing a new town is basically to create an environment that is aesthetically pleasing for living, working and recreating’

ment” for its highest and best use. It was the recommendation of the committee that has given birth to the creation of the new town, having submitted that the large parcel of land hitherto used as farm settlement, should be converted into a Government Reservation Area (GRA). The change came into effect since 1994 and tagged, ‘Osun GRA, Gbongan Road.’ The Governor blamed lack of proper urban physical planning, which the state experienced in the past, for some of the challenges of urbanisation, such as perennial flooding, intra-city traffic and transportation problems, unkept environment leading to health hazards being experienced in the state. Besides, Aregbesola said, the rate of influx of people from rural to urban area is alarming, a trend that is now leading to development of shanty towns, ghettos and urban decay (slums) and sprawls. “Developing New Towns is a common phenomenon all over the world. The purpose of developing a new town is basically to create an environment that is aesthetically pleasing for living, working and recreating. When fully developed, the New Town shall serve as a growth pole to the area surrounding it,” the governor assured. Aregbesola gave an insight into how the name “Oranmiyan” was picked for the new town. He explained that it was in order to guard against any communal conflict, rancor and acrimony, noting that the name unites the Yoruba race. “Oranmiyan was known for his courage, astuteness, humility and forthrightness, adding that he was an embodiment of “Omoluabi”, who fought all his days for the unity of Yoruba race. Therefore, naming this town after a Yoruba good leader, Oranmiyan, should be viewed as a way of still bringing more unity within the rank and file of Yoruba sons and daughters,” he clarified.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Lagos celebrates ‘Voices from Slums’

HE Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, has said it is the duty of any responsible government to reduce slum settlements in urban areas. This reason, he said, is the driving force behind the efforts of the state aimed at dealing with slums in the state. Ayinde made this declaration at the celebration of this year’s World Habitat Day in Lagos, last week. He said over the years, the state has proactively initiated policies and strategies aimed at addressing challenges of slum dwellers, thereby improving their living conditions. He listed some of these measures to include the identification of slums and blighted areas; enactment of Lagos State Urban Renewal Law; establishment of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency; implementation of urban

By Muyiwa Lucas

renewal schemes like that going on in Olaleye-Iponri, OttoOtumara, Ipodo-Ikeja, Badiya and Agege areas. Others, according to him, include the World Bank assisted Lagos Metropolitan Development and Governance Project (LMDGP), upgrading and urban regeneration in 11 slum communities of Isalegangan, Makoko, Ijora-Oloye, Iwaya, Adeniji-Adele Regeneration Project, amongst others. The UN-Habitat programme manager for Nigeria, Malam Kabir Yari, noted that given the reality of a rapidly urbanising world in which more city dwellers have more than ever before found themselves in more informal settlements, this year’s celebration, therefore, drew more attention to the plight of urban residents, who today live in conditions that are at best, unacceptable.

Yari explained that as at 2008, the rapid urbanisation had led to a situation whereby more people around the world were living in urban centres than in rural areas. He further revealed that an estimated 800 million people in the developing world lived in unplanned settlements and several of the major features that have characterised this transformation include the rapid spread of slums, which accommodates about 69 per cent of Nigeria’s total urban population. Based on experts’ submissions, Yari disclosed that with Lagos State accounting for just over a quarter of the country’s total urban population and with a growth rate which at 6-8 per cent is about to double the national estimate of 2.9 per cent, it is only expected that the State would have more than is fair share of people living in slum conditions

to contend with. The guest lecturer at the event, a Professor of Architecture, University of Lagos, Olumide Olusanya, noted that the persistent problem of housing in Nigeria over the last 40 years has to do with inappropriate urban housing types for tropical climate and the inefficient building and construction methods. He regreted that the construction industry has persevered with the same wasteful practices, but expecting a different result. He said in the past 30 years, a research and development effort have been ongoing in the Department of Architecture at the University of Lagos, premised on the principle that for research in housing to be useful it must be actualised in practice to transform knowledge into know-how. The practice, he noted, could then in

Bermuda is the ultimate Island

ERMUDA has been named as the top island in the world for wealthy people buying real estate, who are seeking the ultimate luxury and private space. Owning a home on these Caribbean islands is one of the ultimate trophy property assets, according to a new report listing the world’s top 20 islands for real estate investment. The report, produced by Candy & Candy, Savills World Research and Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, analysed the global island real estate market based on volume of luxurious property holdings, transport links to mainland markets, sources of capital and occupiers, tax regime and real estate prices. ‘A private island is the ultimate trophy asset and financial return is not the primary motivation. These buyers are seeking the ultimate hideaway and a chance to shape their own world. For them, being remote and private are priceless,’ said Nicholas Candy, Chief Executive Officer of Candy & Candy. With the price of a typical fourbedroom property in Bermuda now exceeding $4 million, this sought after island has the highest concentration of ultra-wealthy property holdings of any island outside the United States (US). Indeed, the list is dominated by several Caribbean Islands with the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands and Antigua all featuring in the top five based on their proximity to the huge wealth generating mar-

ket of the US, the appealing climate and favourable business environment. Europe’s safe haven, the Channel Islands also features in the top five island locations where property prices have remained resilient during the global economic crisis. ‘The last 10 years were the decade of prime urban property investment; the next 10 years will see a growing appetite for island real estate investment and lifestyle,’ said Yolande Barnes, director, Savills World Research, adding that for the world’s wealthy, the pinnacle of achievement is to own what is exclusive and rare, so an island property goes hand in hand with a luxury apartment in a prime city. North American Islands including the Hawaiian Islands, the Florida Keys, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard also feature heavily in the top 20 list of hotspots where the second home market is buoyant and prices have exceeded $2 million for a four bedroom property. The report identifies four distinct island real estate markets; private islands, which are the ultimate trophy asset; leisure islands for second, third or fourth homes; relocation islands for a permanent lifestyle or business move; and city linked islands for island life but with city convenience. ‘When it comes to owning island real estate, there are many motivations driving these purchases. A purchase of passion or for social cachet, a business or relocation

move, or a philanthropic desire. Islands can be safe havens during global economic unrest and premier city-linked island real estate can cost up to four times that on the mainland,’ explained Barnes. As a small segment of the real estate market, private islands represent the ultimate trophy asset, behaving more like fine art or precious jewellery, operating quite independently of the wider property world. According to Salman Madhi, head of Key Clients Relationship Management at Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, there are three main categories of buyer in today’s market. Firstly developers looking for opportunities to create luxury resorts, wealthy conservationists working in tandem with governments to preserve wildlife havens and high net worth individuals who consider the urban playground to have become too accessible and lost its glamour. The report also identifies a number of factors that are changing the shape of island real estate markets including increasing global wealth, new transport infrastructure and philanthropy and conservation. The global ultra high net worth population is forecast to grow by 22 per cent by 2018 which will fuel demand for alternative real estate, particularly with a boost from Asia, the region where it is set to grow fastest. culled from PropertyWire.com

turn inform research to the development of appropriate products. The highpoint of the celebration was a drama presentation titled “Snaphots from a slum” by Bode Sowande group.

Building guild calls for best practice among block makers

• From left: Chief Executive Officer Gran Imperio Group, Mr. Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Managing Director, Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank, Ben Akaneme; Chief Executive Officer, TrustBond Mortgage Bank, Adeniyi Akinlusi; and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary, Mortgage Bank Association of Nigeria, Mr. Kayode Omotosho, at the launch of first-ever mortgage bank syndication funding real estate development in Nigeria

• Ayinde

HE Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), has called on block makers and other professionals in the sector to ensure quality in the block and concrete business. President, BCPG, Kunle Awobodu, also a member of the Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB) said the need to control quality in the block and concrete business is a task that must be achieved if failure in building is to be minimised. He said sandcrete blocks and concrete production should not remain an all-comers’ business, pointing out that the essence of forming an association for the block moulders is to make producers of sub-standard blocks traceable. He said: “The association must have criteria for membership restriction and able to separate the chaff from the grains. National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON) is very relevant in the quality drive. This process is also applicable to the concrete casters and other artisans in the Nigerian building in-

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

dustry. “The BCPG, which is majorly constituted of professionals and artisans in the building industry will continue to play an important role in this quality crusade, especially by rejecting the use of low quality blocks and poor concrete mix on site. To ensure safety, quality service and project delivery in the construction industry, Awobodu recommended that buyers and users of cement should know what they are buying. As such the grade of cement, manufacturers details, date of manufacture, batch number, recommended use areas and colour coding be enforced. To forestall sharp practices, he said, periodic tests of cement made available to the public should be done to ensure that what is contained in the bag tallies with what is written. Manufacturers of various grade of cement should not subject Nigerians to astronomically unfair prices that will encourage untoward practices.

34 winners emerge in LagosHOMS draw

HE Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS) monthly draw organised by the Lagos State Mortgage Board, at its eighth edition, has produced 34 winners out of the 93 applicants that were Pre-qualified. This was revealed by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Akinola Kojo Sagoe, at the draw, saying a total number of 93 applications were received for the month of October, but that 34 winners eventually emerged. At the occasion, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, reinterated that the Fashola Administration will not relent on its promise to continue to produce at least 200 Homes every month. She appealed to tax-paying residents of the state to keyinto the scheme, adding that it is a Lagos State intervention strategy to stem the housing deficit in the country. She stressed that as part of the policy thrust of the administration to address the problems of education, transportation, health, food production, road construction, so is the housing sector, which has become a major focus of the administration through the Lagos HOMS.

Mrs. Adefulire congratulated the new home owners for having the vision to key into the Lagos HOMS. She urged them to continuously spread the news to their families and friends for them to equally benefit from the laudable initiative of Governor Fashola. She remarked that the scheme does not encourage discrimination in terms of religion or race, pointing out that people from different parts of the country and different religious backgrounds have won in the past draws and are now proud home owners by just being Lagos residents with evidence of tax payment and the Lagos State Resident Registration Agency Identification Card. Amongst the schemes drawn for the eighth edition were houses in Alhaja Adetoun Mustapha and Hon. Olaitan Mustapha Schemes in Ojokoro; Hon Rotimi Shotomiwa Estate in Igbogbo Ikorodu; Igando Gardens in Alimosho; Ilupeju Scheme; Mushin Scheme and Shogunro Scheme 1 and 2 in Ogba. He added that in no distant time up-coming schemes such as Sangotedo in Ibeju-Lekki; Omole in Ikeja; Oko-Oba in Agege; Ajara in Badagry; Magodo II and Iponri Schemes will be put up for draws.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

NEWS Okonjo-Iweala lists risks facing economy Continued from page 4

run, it will be good for the economy if we restructure our recurrent budget. “I don’t believe that the current structure whether we get more revenues or not is sustainable for this country; we have to take care of that. On the transfer of assets, she noted that the assets were purchased by indigenous companies, some by international oil

companies and not necessarily that they were transferred from federation asset. The Senate committee may adopt the proposed benchmark oil price of $78 pb for 2015. The meeting went into a closed door to discuss the proposal. The proposal is lower than the average of the 15 and 10 year moving average having taken account the projected

balance between global supply resulting from rising oil and unconventional oil production, and production disruptions that may result from geopolitical risks. The proposal is also said to be “driven by the need to be cautious in our revenue projections, given the volatile nature of oil prices and the need to rebuild our fiscal buffers, which have been very useful in periods revenue shocks.”

Germany to Nigeria: end insurgency Continued from page 4

uation. The minister said the visit was to underline the importance of Nigeria to EU, saying this country mattered not only beyond trans-borders, Africa but also in Europe. Jega said the commission was working closely with all key stakeholders to address challenges that had to be ended before the elections. He said: “One of the challenges is security and how it could affect the conduct of the elections. From our interaction, we are working with security agencies. “We know that these challenges are there; our hope and prayer is that before the 2015

general elections, tremendous success would have been attained to ensure that election are peaceful and credible throughout Nigeria. “We, as electoral body, are adequately prepared to deploy but we need to work closely with security agencies.’’ Jega said the commission was taking its responsibilities to contribute towards deepening the democracy of Nigeria with all seriousness that it deserved and promised to deliver credible elections in 2015. “Obviously that does not underestimate the challenges. There are enormous challenges; it is going to be difficult but we believe it will not be impossible.

“The kind of support, encouragement and assistance that we have received from all stakeholders – domestic and international partners – have not only inspired us but reinforced our commitment to ensure that we deliver free fair credible elections,’’ he said. The chairman hailed EU’s support to the commission, saying the visit underscored the kind of importance EU attached to the democracy of Nigeria. “The support has enabled us to conduct free, fair and credible election in 2011 and since then, we have been receiving timely and important support as we prepare for 2015 general elections ,’’ he said.

Tambuwal dumps PDP for APC today Continued from page 4

lent on whether the Speaker should emerge from the ruling party or the opposition. Order 1(2) says: “In all cases not provided for hereinafter, or by sessional or others, precedents or practices of the House, the House shall by resolution regulate its procedure.” Order 3(1) says: “3(1) The election of Speaker shall take precedence over any other motion. No any other motion shall be accepted while it is proceeding and the House shall continue to meet if necessary beyond its ordinary daily time of adjournment, notwithstanding any Standing or Special Order, until a Speaker declared elected. Most members are said to have made a strong case for the retention of the Speaker in the light of the Constitutional provision and House Rules. A principal officer said: “Having enjoyed quality leadership from the Speaker since June 2011, most members of the House, across all parties, have agreed that he should remain in charge of the chamber with his amiable deputy, Chief

Emeka Ihedioha. “You will recall that the Speaker and his deputy were products of a unique revolution in the House in 2011. Most members are still committed to this spectacular change.” But there were indications last night that the Presidency and the PDP might join issues with Tambuwal on the provision of Section 68(1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution. A PDP NWC member said: “We are waiting for the Speaker to defect before demanding compliance with Section 68(1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution. “We have been meeting on the anticipated defection but Tambuwal, who is a lawyer, has been very careful. Therefore, Tambuwal’s move to any party is still in the realm of speculations. “A High Court had ruled that there is no crisis in PDP. So, any defection by any member of the National Assembly is illegal.” Section 68(1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution says: “A member of the Senate or of the House of Representatives shall vacate his seat in the House of which he is a member if being a per-

son whose election to the House was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected “Provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored…” But a pro-Tambuwal lawmaker said: “Neither the Presidency nor PDP can take any action on Tambuwal because there are pending suits on some defectors before a competent court. “Let them wait for a pronouncement from the court. Any pre-emptive reaction or plans by the presidency and the PDP will be prejudicial.” As at press time, it was gathered that the Extra-ordinary National Convention of APC may effect some amendments to the party’s constitution to grant waivers to new members, such as Tambuwal to vie for offices.

Okupe raises hope on Chibok girls

HE Presidency reaffirmed last night its commitment to the negotiation between the Federal Government and representatives of Boko Haram. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said the government was in a ceasefire talks with the sect’s leaders to free the 219 abducted Chibok schoolgirls. Okupe spoke on Cable News Network (CNN), stressing that the 219 schoolgirls would be released soon. He said the negotiation was purely a “presidential initiative”, adding that the government was sure of the girls’ return and had floated reintegration programme for them to be relieved of the psychological and traumatic experience. He said: “We have been advised on how to secure the re-

By Wale Ajetunmobi

lease of the girls. This is a purely presidential initiative. Now, Human Rights Watch is advising us on how to supervise the release. We found their advice very patronising. Government is doing everything it has to do; there is an elaborate plan on ground to take care of these girls. There is psychological issue and there is trauma. But let me tell you, when this crisis broke, the Federal Government dispatched two or three different teams and the parents of the girls refused to allow them to have contact with these girls. And it was understandable because they said they were afraid; they did not want to come out because of fear of reprisal. How can you now turn around and tell people that nobody has contacted them. “Besides, the way we run our government here is differ-

ent from elsewhere. We have local and state governments that have responsibility and they are the nearest and closest to the people. The Federal Government has much more responsibilities.” On whether the Presidency is sure of the girls’ release despite recent kidnappings and attacks, Okupe said: “The Federal Government and the military have confirmed and I am restating that we are having talks with Boko Haram. The talks are going on. Yes, there are infringements on the ceasefire agreement and even the Boko Haram members themselves have come out to say that these (recent kidnappings and attacks) are done by dissidents and criminal elements within those communities. And this is not unusual; we are talking about an insurgent sect that has different warlords.”

THE NATION TUESDAY OCTOBER 28, 2014

NEWS Jonathan’s 2015 declaration committee searches for venue •Breaks into sub-committees From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

•Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Most Rev Alfred Adewale Martins (second right); Supreme Treasurer, Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM), Nigeria, Mr Lawrence Okonofua (left); Parish Priest Catholic Church of the Assumption, Falomo, Reverend Father Paul Ijasan, Metropolitan Grand Knight Lagos Metropolitan Council, Dr Charles Mbelede and Chairman, Seplat Petroleum Development Company, Dr. Ambrose Orjiakor at the formal launch of the DVD on (Commentary on the Holy Mass) at the Catholic Church of the Assumption, Falomo, Lagos...at the weekend.

Ex- Diamond Bank chief Otti joins Abia governorship race

HE former Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Mr. Alex Otti, has joined the Abia State governorship race on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Otti, who obtained his nomination form at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja yesterday, said his desire to serve his people inspired him to obtain the form, “although I still have six years to serve as the group managing director.” On why he resigned his position, Otti said it was a sacrifice he had to make. Said he: “I am leaving the known for the unknown, but you know in life, if you do not venture, you are not going to win. If you are not a participant and if you do not contest, then the issue of winning should not come up. “This is the sacrifice I feel I should make for the over three million people in Abia

From Faith Yahaya, Abuja

State. I think the time has come for technocrats to demonstrate what they have done in the private sector in the public sector. “Sometimes, it is not about how long, it is how well. I believe those that have been there, a lot of them will be happy to have people like us. “Some of them are surprised that somebody occupying the kind of position I occupied, with six years to go as the CEO of a thriving bank, will leave the job for politics.” Otti said he was not afraid of losing an election, adding that if elected, he would restore Aba’s lost glory. His words: “We will establish an industrial bank in partnership with the private sector to help the creativity of the

‘I am leaving the known for the unknown, but you know in life, if you do not venture, you are not going to win. If you are not a participant and if you do not contest, then the issue of winning should not come up’ Igbo man. You know there is nothing that is not manufactured in Aba. It may not be of the best quality, but they say practice makes perfect. “If Aba entrepreneurs are encouraged, the way I intend to encourage them, I’m sure the Dubai you are talking about will be a child’s play as time goes on.

“I believe Abia will be a better state under my rule because we will address unemployment, thereby reducing kidnapping and armed robbery.” He dismissed insinuations that Governor Theodore Orji had endorsed a candidate. Said he: “I don’t know if the governor has endorsed anybody. What he has been saying is that he would like a level-playing field that would produce the best governorship candidate for Abia. “You will agree with me that there is no good leader that will not want a successor, who is better than him because this is the way a society develops. Every good father wants a son that will be better than him and I am sure like the leader in Abia State, he will want someone like me to succeed him.”

Jonathan’s attack on Amaechi an affront on Rivers this is a federation and the PresiIVERS State government people, says govt dent is not the senior prefect of yesterday said President

Goodluck Jonathan’s attack on him was an affront on Rivers people. He said he would continue to protect the interest of Rivers people, without negotiating their future for his personal benefits. Amaechi, who spoke yesterday to reporters in Port Harcourt through the Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said: “Let me remind Dr. Abati that threats, undue references and attacks on persons who are chief executives of their states, is an attack and affront on the collective psyche of Rivers people. Telling Rivers people that their governor is not safe is something I think Dr. Abati will not want to

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

do in a democracy. “He (Abati) must acknowledge that Rivers people have a right to feel battered and bruised, that the Train 7 of the NLNG (Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company on Bonny Island, Rivers State) has been refused to come on board and therefore over 10,000 Rivers people have not been employed. “He must understand that the 10,000 youths are upset that they have not been allowed to have jobs, because the Brass LNG (in Bayelsa State) has not come up. He must understand that he must find ways to assuage the

feelings of these 10,000 youths, who have not been employed because the Train 7 of the NLNG has not come on stream. “He must find ways to explain to the people of Bonny Island why they cannot have a road leading to Bonny and why when Rivers State Government wanted to embark on that road project, along with the NLNG, they were stopped by the Federal Government for which Dr. Abati works.” She said: “Our concern as the Government of Rivers State is the presence of the underhand tap by the Federal Government. We do not know what Dr. Abati is talking about. We, however, want to alert him to the fact that

NLC to work against those who trample on workers’ right “The NEC-in-Council conigeria Labour Congress

(NLC) has vowed to work against the interest of members of the National Assembly and other political office seekers, who choose to trample on the right of the workers. In a communique at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja last night, signed by the President and General Secretary, Abdulwahid Omar and Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, NLC said in the interest of industrial harmony, those enjoying undeserved advantages should not do any-

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

thing to further make life more difficult for workers. The meeting mandated the leadership of the union to meet the Senate leadership to verify the true position of the claim that it is leading the crusade for the deregulation of wages in the country. The communique reads: “The National Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress after an exhaustive deliberation at the Top Rank Hotel Galaxy, Abuja resolved as follows:

demned in very strong terms the reported stepping down of Labour, including Wages from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List by the National Assembly (NASS); “In spite of denials by some officers of the National Assembly to the contrary, NEC directed its members to begin immediate mobilisation of members, including visiting their representatives in the Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly to demand their input in maintaining the status quo of Labour on the Exclusive List.”

this federation. He is Mr. President and he is accorded his due respect as the President. “However, each of the states is a part of the federating entity and their governors are duly elected by the people to serve as chief executives of their states. The relationship between the states and the centre is that of equals and the President remains the first among the equals, and we give him the regard as the first among the equals and the leader of the nation. “We, however, do not think that those who work for him should construe his role as first among equals to senior prefect over the governors, because that is not what federalism is.”

RESIDENTIAL Declaration Committee yesterday broke into sub-committees as it intensifies its search for a suitable venue for President Goodluck Jonathan to publicly declare his bid to contest the presidential election. Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of its meeting, the Chairman of the committee, Haliru Mohammed, said the Venue Sub-committee had been tasked to select from a choice of venues that would be appropriate for certain aspects of the decoration that could entail solemnity or razzmatazz. He said: “We have set up sub-committees to do the activities of the arrangement. We will get the copies of the sub-committees to the secretariat. The subcommittees will make their programmes based on their terms of reference. They will get the budget and then we will start rolling. “We are considering a number of venues. The nature of the organisation will determine the venue because there are events that are solemn that could be done in a room like a meeting. There are events that require razzmatazz that only could be done in an arena. We haven’t decided the format yet.” “It is one of the jobs of the

sub-committees to decide the format and the procedure. When that is done, we will decide the appropriate venue for that kind of arrangement.” On how soon the venue will be found, he said: “That one could be done as early as next week. Once the committees start, we have the Event Committee, we have the Venue Committee because we need inputs from people. This is why we have the sub-committees.” “When they decide on their format, that is when we have the venue of the event because each event determines its own venue,” he added Abia State Governor Theodore Orji said: “Governors are actually involved because the states are involved. We have broken into committees.” Each committee has its specific responsibilities to perform that will be in overall interest of what we have in mind. And that is successful declaration of the president. On Gumi’s advice to President Jonathan, he said: “Well, every person can say anything. You can advise somebody, it is left for that person to take your advice or not. That is a personal advice, but the general advice is for the president to contest.”

Boko Haram raping girls, says Human Rights Watch

OKO Haram fighters raped and abused girls and women they abduct from Borno and Yobe states, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch. They also forcefully married some and sending others to the frontlines to fight security forces. The report released yesterday said at least 500 women and girls have been seized by the group since 2009 when the insurgency began. Human Rights Watch said 30 women and girls who were once prisoners of Boko Haram, told its researchers how they were subjected to a variety of abuses, sometimes for refusing to convert to Islam. The organisation interviewed some of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted by the group April 14, but who later fled or were released. The students said nearly all of those abducted from their school, located in a predominantly Christian area of Borno State, were Christian. Of the 30 victims of abduction interviewed by Human Rights Watch, 29 were Christian; most appeared to have been targeted because of their religious affiliation. Many were threatened with death if they refused to convert to Islam, the report adds. The women suffered forced labour, including forced participation in military operations; forced marriage to their captors; and sexual abuse including rape.

Anambra North stakeholders endorse Emodi

TAKEHOLDERS in Anambra North yesterday, at the end of a meeting, endorsed Senator Joy Emodi for the seat. She is vying for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket with the incumbent, Senator Margery Okadigbo and the former Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah. The local government areas in Anambra North include Anambra East, Anambra West, Ayamelum, Oyi, Onitsha North, Onitsha South and Ogbaru. Speaking with reporters in Onitsha after the meeting, the Director-General, Joy Emodi Campaign Organisation, Chuks Onyeizugbe, said everybody begged Emodi to vie for the position because the zone lacked quality representation after her tenure. The motion for Emodi’s endorsement was moved by Cyril Okafor from Nsugbe and

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

seconded by Oliver Nnabiuhe from Okpoko in Ogbaru Local Government. Hypolite Onwuegbuke, a lawyer from Aguleri, Mr. Charles Chigbata from Anambra West, Dr. Obinna Okonkwo, the president- general of Woliwo community and Ngene Ekebere from Onitsha South were at the meeting. They alleged that during the Kogi and Anambra states border fracas, nobody spoke about it at the National Assembly, adding that the Kogi community massacred indigenes of Aguleri-Otu and they went scot-free because there was nobody to speak for them. Onyeizugbe said: “After looking at the aspirants contesting for the senatorial ticket, we decided that only Emodi is fit for the position, having performed well during her tenure at the Senate.”

THE NATION TUESDAY OCTOBER 28, 2014

NEWS Police broker peace in Edo APC, PDP feud From Osagie Otabor Benin

THE Edo State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) agreed yesterday to promote peace. The leadership of both parties expressed their resolve for peace after a three-hour meeting with heads of security agencies. Police Commissioner Foluso Adebanjo urged the political parties’ leadership to be exemplary to their members and adopt politics without bitterness. Adebanjo noted that injustice, lack of a levelplaying ground and inflammatory statements were factors that prepare fertile grounds for political violence. PDP State Chairman Dan Orbih described the meeting as wonderful and interactive. APC State Chairman Anselm Ojezua said both sides agreed to resolve their differences with peace.

Delta council poll: Police foil APC protest in Ozoro

CORES of All Progressives Congress (APC) members from all the wards in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State were dispersed yesterday by the police in Ozoro. The members were protesting the “electoral fraud” allegedly committed by leaders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in connivance with security agents and officials of the State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC). They alleged that this was an attempt to victimise and intimidate the opposition and rig the election. The protesters, led by the Isoko North Local Government Area Chairman of the APC, Sir Godwin Diwanbor, and other party leaders, called for the cancellation of the results of the election in the area. They alleged that the results announced from various wards and units were falsified, adding that they did

•APC: PDP used thugs, security agents to brutalise our people •Ogor: allegation against me mischievous From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

not reflect what happened at the voting centres. Addressing reporters before the botched protest, Sir Diwanbor alleged that the opposition had been constantly attacked by suspected PDP thugs. The party chairman linked instances of harassment of his party members with the House of Representatives Deputy Majority Leader Leo Ogor. But Ogor denied involvement in any violence or stealing of electoral materials. The lawmaker said he was elsewhere to perform his civic duty last Saturday when the alleged attackes occurred. Ogor said he would not do anything to ridicule himself

or his party. Diwanbor said: “The protest is to let the governments - the federal and the state and every authority to know that we are not happy. We reject the election results and any result whatsoever, because of thuggery, because of the use of arms, shooting, the use of police and the use of soldiers to beat up people and even to abduct people. “One of our sons, Sagacious Onaimo, saw the Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, who personally went shooting and then snatching ballot boxes. The boy said he saw him. They have been after him since that day... Even now, two abduction attempts have been made against him but were foiled. The boy is on the run now for his life.

“Two, they saw shooting, not in one place, not in two places. He (Ogor) went with his Hilux vehicles, with soldiers and they start shooting, scaring people away and carting away (election materials), particularly in areas where he felt he was losing or his protégées were losing. “In some areas, we had ballot papers, but there was no result sheet. In OkpeIsoko, it was overwhelming that they were going to lose the place. But the Returning Officer ran away with the result sheet...” Through his Press Secretary, Akpodhoma Mike Mikoko, the lawmaker said: “The man cast his vote at Ofa Unit and his ward is Ward 3 in Ozoro. Sagacious alleged that he saw the man carrying a ballot paper. I asked

him if he saw the man to the extent of carrying a ballot paper and he said it’s before a legal court. “Now, let’s set the records straight. As at when the Honourable (Ogor) cast his vote, which was about 2:45pm or so, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Asaba and other media houses went with him. He cast his vote at Ofa Unit peacefully, addressed the press and some of the women there. Of course, some of them were complaining about the late arrival of materials. The allegation of him snatching a ballot box is pure mischief; as a matter of fact, APC has to accept the fact that they were defeated in the election. Going to the public to malign the image of the honourable Deputy Majority Leader is mischief.”

Udoedehe for Akwa Ibom governor

NE of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants in Akwa Ibom State, Senator James Akpan Udoedehe, got his nomination form yesterday to participate in the party’s primaries ahead of next year’s election on the platform of the APC. The popular politician got his nomination form from APC’s National Vice Chairman, Southsouth, Prince Hilliard Eta. He promised to end poverty, if elected governor in 2015. The aspirant expressed sadness that despite the enormous resources accruing to the state, majority of the people were living in abject poverty. Udoedehe said his coming into the race would alter the political direction because majority of the people were in pains in the hands of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration.

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

The senator decried the administrative style of the PDPled government, which he accused of collecting so much money but had little to show for it. He noted that unlike the “other party”, which he did not mention, he said his support base was voluntary and not money-induced. Udoedehe said: “Mr. Chairman, sir, we have a problem in this state. The problem is that of leadership. A focused leadership is needed. You are in a state where there is abundance (of resources) but majority of the masses are languishing in poverty. “The only hope for Akwa Ibom people is for the APC to deliver them from the clutches of kleptomaniacs. We have collected over N3 trillion, not to talk of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Yet, we cannot address poverty.

Ben Murray-Bruce for Senate From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

FORMER Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr Ben Murray-Bruce, is seeking the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest the senatorial seat for Bayelsa East in 2015. Murray-Bruce, who is also the Chairman of Silverbird Group, submitted his nomination form yesterday at the PDP state secretariat in Yenagoa, the state capital. He was accompanied to the secretariat by a crowd from Brass, Ogbia and Nembe, the three local government areas PUBLIC NOTICE under the senatorial disSAM trict. I, formerly known and addressed Murray-Bruce promised as Miss SAM JOHN JANE ,now wish to be known and addressed as to fight poverty through apMrs JANE IDONGESIT DAVID. All propriate legislation. former document remain valid. The While Ikisikpo hails from general public should please take Kolo Creek in Ogbia Local note . Government Area, MurrayPUBLIC NOTICE Bruce is from Akassa in ESIMOGU Brass Local Government I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Area. OBIAGELI FAVOUR ESIMOGU,now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Murray-Bruce said: “I am OBIAGELI FAVOUR NIMFAS running for the Senate beOZEMOHYA. All former document cause I am interested in remainvalid. Rivers State University of Science and Technology and general making changes. I am not inpublic should please take note . terested in business as PUBLIC NOTICE usual. Many things have NGOKA gone wrong in the country I, NGOKA FLORENCE and NGOKA and a lot of them can be ELIZABETH refers to one and the traced in the chamber. I same person, but now wish to be want to be part of. If we fix known and addressed as NGOKA FLORENCE. All former documents these problems, we fix the remain valid. General public please Nigerian problem...” take note.

•Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (second left); Justice Barbra Molokwu (second right); Mr. Enie Otrofanowei, (right) and Mr Dickson Akpoghene, at the inauguration of Judicial Commission of Enquiry into the Ibabu/Iselegu communal crises in Ndokwa East and West local government areas in Asaba...yesterday

Why local govt poll is being held late, by Uduaghan

ELTA Governor E m m a n u e l Uduaghan explained yesterday why it took his administration over three years to conduct local poll. The governor said there were legal issues when he attempted to re-constitute the board of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commis-

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

sion (DSIEC), following the expiration of the tenure of the previous board in 2011. Uduaghan spoke in Asaba, the state capital, when he swore in the elected chairmen of the 23 of the 25 local government areas. The governor said his ad-

ministration conducted local government polls in 2008, adding that the tenure of those elected ended in 2011. He said: “Sometime in 2008, we did a local government election and the tenure of the elected officials finished in 2011. Almost at the same time, the tenure of the DSIEC board also finished. In the process of putting up

a new body of DSIEC, we had legal issues that stalled the process. “It took another year to resolve that. So, when we finally constituted the board, it took them time to settle down and about two years to conduct this election. That accounted for the three years delay in the conduct of council polls.”

Patients, workers locked out over unpaid salaries

NGRY casual workers of the Benin Central Hospital on Sapele Road in Benin, the Edo State capital, locked out the patients and workers yesterday for several hours. The over 100 casual workers said they were being owed between six and eight months’ salaries. Appeal by some of the workers to allow them enter the hospital was rebuffed. Some had to scale the fence to get to their offices. Last week, casual workers at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital also protested th3e unpaid six months’ salaries by locking out patients and the workers. Officials of the hospital’s management board had to intervene before the casual

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

workers allowed normalcy to return to the hospital. Many patients who were at the hospital for emergency cases were asked to go back. The workers did not resume duty until 10.30am. Expectant mothers, who were there for ante-natal, had to wait outside the gate. Policemen drafted to maintain order were not allowed in. One of the protesting casual workers, who simply gave his name as Oghogho, said they locked the hospital because its management failed to fulfil previous promises on the backlog of salaries. “Our salary is just N10,000, but we don’t get it on time. How can I feed my family

when these people don’t want to pay us for six months?” Oghogho asked rhetorically. An ambulance driver, Tony, said his three children were sent away from school because he could not pay their fees. He said: “They have been making empty promises. They always tell us to be patient.” The state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had to intervene before the casual workers allowed normal activities to resume at the hospital. NLC Vice Chairman Sunny Osayande, after a meeting with Health Commissioner Heregie Aihanuwa, promised that the workers would be paid before October 15.

Osayande said the NLC advised the state government to stop using casual workers since several ministries and agencies were understaffed. He said: “The government has decided that these issues will be looked into. This is a social embarrassment to the state government. We will look into them critically to identify those really working. We are negotiating for some of you to be absorbed into the system. By harassing the government, you will create unnecessary tension.” The commissioner said casualisation of workers was being addressed. “Let them keep calm and let us resolve this for them,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

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Customs moves against trans-border crime

•Restricts vehicular movements By Basirat Braimah •Egbudin

HE Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up efforts to combat trans-border crime. The command said this is in line with the Federal Government’s measures to ensure improved national security, especially at the border. The command’s Area Comptroller, Willy Egbudin, led other security agencies operating at the border at the beginning of the campaign for trans-national border security. He said: “The global travelling and trading system has, in recent times, been vulnerable to criminals and terrorist attacks. If left unchecked, it could adversely affect nations and global economic system.” Egbudin described Seme as the busiest border in West Africa be-

cause of its strategic location between two major commercial cities - Lagos and Cotonou. The NCS chief said the border also hosts a number of travellers and traders, adding: “The increase in legitimate trade and travels across the frontier comes with a lot of economic advantages. It is accompanied also by smuggling and other cross-border crimes. Therefore, in view of the foregoing, security agencies have been collaborating for a coordinated management.” Egbudin said NCS’ counterpart in Benin Republic was also involved in the fight against trans-border crimes. He traced such crimes to the mode of transport, saying: “We have been receiving reports of unsuspecting travellers being disposed of their valuables by some unscrupulous commercial motorcyclists. We have also got reports of cyclists who were dispossessed of their motorcycles by some criminals posing as passen-

gers.” The area comptroller regretted that some motorcyclists did not live to tell their stories because they were reportedly murdered by their “passengers”. He said: “Investigation has also shown that these nefarious acts and other cross-border crimes are mostly committed at night.” To tackle trans-border crimes, Egbudin said security agencies, in collaboration with the Association of Commercial Motorcyclists and Tricyclists decided to take proactive security measures at Seme border. According to him, the activities in the area had been restricted to 6am to 10pm, even as he warned that violators of the directive would be prosecuted. The measures, he stressed, became necessary because the nation was passing through security challenges. Egbudin said the solution rested with all Nigerians to ensure that the precarious security situation was not exploited by those pretending to champion national development or

those pretending to be human rights defenders. The NCS chief, who urged Nigerians to unite to protect the nation, disclosed that the Seme command handled exports worth N4.9 billion in the first six months of this year. Egbudin said goods exported within the period included plastics, furniture, fruits, drinks, mattresses, beer and slippers, among others. He added that the total for Nigeria’s Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) was N24.5 million. Egbudin noted that despite the challenges of the Atlantic and porous terrain of the command, it suppressed smuggling and related offences. The NCS chief said the feat was recorded through increased enforcement, enlightenment of the border communities and educating the public on the dangers of smuggling. He said 18 suspects were arrested within the period while their cases were being investigated or prosecuted, adding that the command also made 487 seizures with a duty paid value (DPV) of N196.2 million.

‘Victoria Island motorists ‘ll smile soon’

DETAILED study of the traffic impact pattern of the Eko Atlantic City project on existing road network on Victoria Island is being carried out by the Lagos State Government. Commissioner for Transportation Kayode Opeifa made the disclosure at a stakeholders’ meeting on the proposed rehabilitation of Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island. He said the state government was also looking at other public transport options, hence the need to understand the current traffic pattern. He said the study would show to the government the challenges with

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

a view to coming up with appropriate solutions. Opeifa said the government was concerned about the perennial flooding on Akin Adesola Street and the effect on businesses and residents. He promised that the current effort would completely take off flooding on the road. The Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the Authority would ensure the rehabilitation of the road drainage in a way that takes into consideration the smooth running of businesses

along the street. He said apart from the enlarged stakeholders’ meeting, LAMATA would continue to engage property owners with a view to addressing their concerns and other issues that might arise as a result of the road rehabilitation. LAMATA’s Director of Roads, Mr. Funsho Elulade, said the 1.6 kilometre-long project would be constructed within a year. The Secretary of the Victoria Island, Ikoyi Residents Association (VIIRA) Alhaji AbdulLatif Muse, thanked the government for the upgrading of the road and other projects in the area.

•Opeifa

He tasked the government to clean up the canals around Victoria Island/Ikoyi to help address the perennial flooding that has sacked many residents from the homes in the area.

‘I need help before he slaughters me’ •I’m under spell, husband tells court By Basirat Braimah

MIDDLE-aged fashion designer, Muyibat Sakariyau, has taken her husband, Jelili, before the Alagbado Customary Court in Lagos to seek the dissolution of their 20-year-old marriage. “He is a drunk; I’m afraid he may stab me to death one day because he goes about in the house armed with a knife,” Muyibat told the court. She said: “For inexplicable reasons, my husband just chose not to work. Anytime he begs me for money and I tell him I am broke, he will threaten to destroy me. In fact, on a certain day when I declined to lend him money to buy paraga (herbal liquor), he beat me mercilessly after pouring water and urine on me. In defence, I hit his head head with of one my shoes. My husband has since been moving around the house with a knife, threatening to kill me.” “At my shop, he publicly harasses me and destroys my wares. Whenever our children request money, he rebukes them and refer them to to me. It is five years now since my husband took to excessive drinking. He doesn’t give us peace of mind let alone cater for us; so, I want a divorce,” she further alleged. Jelili, 47, said: “It is true that I once destroyed her wares and harassed her publicly. But since she brought the case to court, I have stopped. I think I am under a spell because I find it hard to quit alcohol. I poured water on her because she refused to lend me N300. I also wanted to prevent her from attending a party that day. “Whenever I have money, I give her. I found it laughable when she said I am a drunk; she too takes hard drinks. But I love her very much and I don’t want a divorce. The court President, Mr. Olubode Sekoni, advised them to maintain peace and adjourned the matter till November 3.

FOREIGN NEWS Pistorius to appeal against guilty verdict

Brazil: Rousseff promises reform after poll win

RESIDENT Dilma Rousseff has promised to re-unite Brazil after narrowly winning re-election to a second term in office with 51.6% of the vote. She said “dialogue” would be her top priority after a bitterly fought campaign against centre-right candidate Aecio Neves, who got 48.4% of the vote. The left-wing leader said she wanted to be “a much better president than I have been until now”. She faced mass protests last year against corruption and poor services. But Ms Rousseff, who has been in power since 2010, re-

mains popular with poor Brazilians thanks to her government’s welfare programmes. The vote split Latin America’s biggest country almost evenly in two, along lines of social class and geography. Whereas Dilma Rousseff did well in the poorer northern states, her opponent from the Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB) took many of the wealthier and more developed southern parts of Brazil. After an acrimonious and closely fought campaign, Rousseff supporters were clearly relieved to have won Mr Neves’s supporters saw

their chance of ousting the PT from power vanish for another term The president said that during the campaign “the word repeated most often was change and the idea most often invoked was reform”. The president’s appeal for unity and dialogue was an important recognition that, despite 12 years of tangible social benefits under Workers’ Party (PT) rule, millions of Brazilians are less than satisfied. The standards of public services across the country in health, education and basic sanitation are too low for a

Australia suspends visas for people USTRALIA temporarifrom Ebola-hit countries ly stops issuing visas to

people from countries affected by Ebola, in a bid to stop the virus from entering the country. Immigration Minister Scott Morrison told parliament that Australia would suspend its immigration programme for such travellers. The restriction comes after an 18-year-old who arrived

from West Africa earlier this month was admitted to hospital with a fever. She later tested negative for Ebola. Mr Morrison said on Monday that those who have received non-permanent or temporary visas and who have not yet left for Australia will have

their visas cancelled. Those with permanent visas can enter the country, but have to be quarantined for 21 days prior to arriving. Mr Morrison said that since August, more than 830 people arriving in Australia have been referred for further assessment after the government introduced a new screening system.

•Mrs Rousseff

country that prides itself on having the seventh largest economy in the world. This government deserves credit for helping to bring millions of people out of poverty but, as a result, public expectations here are now much higher. By the time Dilma leaves office in 2018, the Workers’ Party will have been in power for 16 years.

OUTH African prosecutors say they are going to appeal against the conviction and sentence given to athlete Oscar Pistorius for killing his girlfriend. Last week, Pistorius began serving a five year prison sentence for the culpable homicide of Reeva Steenkamp, although he could be out in 10 months. The double-amputee Olympic sprinter was cleared of murder. “The appeal on conviction is based on the question of law,” the national prosecuting spokesman said. Pistorius’ family have said that he will not appeal. The athlete was also giv-

en a three-year suspended sentence for firing a gun in a restaurant. Reeva Steenkamp had been going out with Pistorius for three months before the fatal shooting Pistorius was charged by the prosecution with the pre-meditated murder of Ms Steenkamp, a model and law graduate. He was acquitted of this and the lesser murder charge of dolus eventualis. In South African law, this charge - also known as common-law murder - applies if the accused knew they might kill someone but still went ahead with their course of action.

Qatar officials dismiss IS funding claims

ENIOR officials from Qatar have strongly denied claims the country is supporting extremist groups in Syria such as Islamic State. They told the BBC Qatar had provided support to moderate groups only, in co-ordination with the CIA and other Western and Arab intelligence agencies.

Strict financial controls had been put in place, they added. In the past, Qatar and donors there are believed to have financed and armed hardline Islamist groups in Syria. Doha is also believed to have links to the al-Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate. Earlier this month a

number of British MPs were reported to have questioned the UK’s closeness to Qatar, amid the claims of the links to IS funding. BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner says Qatar, a major investor in the UK through its sovereign wealth fund, has been stung by the allegations.

THE NATION TUESDAY OCTOBER 28, 2014

NEWS Youths slam Sheikh Gumi over Buhari

IDPs: Ngilari seeks help

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

GROUP, the Buhari Youth Congress for Change (BYCC), has frowned at an open letter to former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari by a Kaduna Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi. In the letter, Sheikh Gumi urged Gen. Buhari to step down his 2015 presidential ambition. BYCC urged the Islamic scholar to stop interfering in politics and focus on preaching peace and unity. Speaking through its National Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Katagun, the group urged Nigerians to disregard the sheikh’s letter. It said: “Dr. Gumi made a lot of mistakes with such statement because he is a well-respected Islamic scholar. We expect him to have called on the general personally if he wants to advise him and not publicly like he did. “Part of the letter also read that the general is too old to rule the nation, forgetting that

•Gen. Buhari

people from age 60 make good leaders. Dr. Gumi also forgot that Gen. Buhari remains the incorruptible leader the nation has ever had. “We believe there is something secret the scholar is keeping away from the public about Gen. Buhari because this is certainly not the first time he is telling the general to step down. He did the same during the 2007 race between the general and the late President Musa Yar’Adua. “We believe there is no more competent candidate among the presidential aspirants. We urge Nigerians to shun the call because it is capable of causing chaos in the nation.”

Kaduna: Ex-minister picks form

ORMER Aviation Minister Felix Hyat has picked the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) nomination form to contest next year’s governorship election in Kaduna State. He got the form a few hours after the party endorsed Governor Mukhtar Yero for another term. Addressing reporters in Kaduna yesterday, Hyat said he was in the race to provide good leadership and the dividends of democracy. He said people had been urging him to contest the election, adding: “As a true democrat, I am left with no choice than to heed their clarion call.” Hyatt said he was not afraid

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

of contesting against any aspirant and was not desperate either. Urging the people to vote wisely, he assured them of security and peace, if elected. On whether he would step down for Yero, if the party prevails on him, Hyat said: “PDP is a democratic party and Nigerians know that candidates are always decided at primaries. So, the issue of stepping down for the incumbent does not arise. “I have consulted widely before I went to Abuja to pick the form and if I am not serious, I wouldn’t have picked the nomination form.”

HE Adamawa State government has called on the Federal Government, the United Nations (UN), donor organisations, corporate bodies and individuals to assist Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Governor Bala Ngilari said the government alone could not continue to shoulder their responsibility due to its lean resources. The Director of Press and

Barnabas Manyam, Yola

Public Affairs to the Governor, Mr. PP Elisha, in a statement, thanked the Federal Government for providing relief materials for the IDPs but said more still needs to be done. He said the state needs help to continue to provide three square meals daily, constant water supply, free primary health care services, make-shift classrooms for primary and secondary

schools, sporting facilities and skill acquisition programmes for the IDPs. Madagali Local Government Chairman James Abawa and his Michika counterpart, Mr. Teri Favanza, said over one million people from their councils were displaced. Favanza said thousands of IDPs were hiding in the mountains, faced with hunger, and exposed to snakes and wild animals.

Adamawa council boss suspended

DAMAWA State Governor Bala Ngilari yesterday suspended Gombi Local Government executives for “financial misappropriation”. The suspension letter, signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Ibrahim Welye, reads: “In pursuant of the powers conferred on the governor by Section 28(2) of the State Local Government Administration Law No.4 of 2,000, the Gombi Local Government Council is hereby suspended from office with immediate effect, pending further investigation into

•’I’m being victimised for joining APC’ From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

allegations of gross misappropriation of public funds as contained in an audit report submitted to the government.” The council Chairman, Rufai Umar, was said to have “over drafted” about N10.6 million without going through official account; paid N47.4 million without document; tagged N34 million as misplaced payment voucher; and inflated the cost of building his official residence to N35.3 million, among others.

He is to hand over to the council’s head of service. Umar said he was being victimised for defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC last month with about eight councillors. Umar said no amount of intimidation could make him return to the PDP, adding: “If they like, they should lock me up and throw the keys into the ocean, I will remain in the APC.”

Court adjourns ruling on ex-AG From Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi

THE Kebbi State High Court has adjourned ruling till November 7 in the corruption case preferred against a former state Accountant-General, Muhammad DanAtto, and his business partner, Musa Yusuf, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Sabiu Rabiu said the adjournment was to enable him study the submission of the counsel. EFCC operatives arrested Dan-Atto in July and took him to Abuja for interrogation. Before his retirement last month, he was rearrested and charged to court on a 20-count charge of advanced fee fraud (419), embezzlement and money laundering, among others. Dan-Atto and Yusuf denied the charges.

Plateau deputy governor joins 2015 race

LATEAU State Deputy Governor Ignatius Longjan has joined the governorship race. This brings the number of aspirants to 26. Longjan declared his intention to contest the governorship poll yesterday in his official residence at Rayfield, Jos, after receiving a nomination form purchased on his behalf by his supporters. Presenting the PDP nomination form to the deputy governor, a member of the

From Yusufu Idegu, Jos

House of Assembly, Joe Dawam, said: “The call for the service of the deputy governor was initiated by those of us from his local government and the idea was accepted by stakeholders from other sections of the state. “The people of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area and the entire Plateau South have resolved and are urging our son and father, Ignatius Datong Longjan, to come out and contest the 2015 gover-

norship election without further delay as this is our modest contribution towards the actualisation of our collective dream to occupy the government house come May 29, 2015. Da Bulus Dareng, an elder from the Northern Zone, described Longjang as a committed and loyal deputy to Governor Jonah Jang. Longjang said: “I remain thankful to Governor Jang’s successful administration, which has impacted posi-

tively on the socio-economic life of the people as well as the environmental, human and infrastructural development of our dear state. “I see this form to contest the governorship as a free gift from the people of Plateau State. I am ready to serve since the people have asked me to do so. I will remain grateful to the people for this offer and I promise not to let them down. I have accepted the nomination form and I will present it to my boss to seek his support.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

62 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorses the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents for easy access in case of any emergency on the metropolitan roads. Accordingly, the general public may easily Contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking to kindly Call KAROTA through the following numbers on –08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on– 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can be contacted on–07051246833, 08191778888.

172ND KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO. Relentless and in steady progress, the committed Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE presided over the one hundred and seventy second (172nd) sitting of the Kano State Executive Council on Thursday 23rd October, 2014 (29th Dhul Hijjah 1435 AH). The characteristic trend was maintained in the granting of approvals for the execution of projects, programmes and policies that cut across all sectors and capable of qualitative transformation of the lives of the citizenry in Kano State for the better. At the sitting, fourteen (14) MDAs submitted sixty three (63) memoranda cutting across nine (9) sectors which Council deliberated upon and approved thirty seven (37) for execution with an expenditure of Five Hundred and Seventy Two Million, One Hundred and Sixty One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty Nine Naira, Fifty One Kobo (N572,161,989.51) covering thirty three (33) projects while the remaining four (4) are on policy issues, a per the following breakdown:THE EMPOWERMENT SECTOR Provision of schemes and programmes aimed at empowering the most significant proportion of the population in Kano State is among the most commendable positive performances of the present administration under the second (2nd) Tenure of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. The youths of both genders, under-privileged women, small and medium scale entrepreneurs, etc. are among the main targets of the general empowerment policy that aims at general reorientation for self reliance through the facilitation of access to acquisition of qualitative professional/academic education, employable skills, entrepreneurship training, provision of take – off capital free of charge, etc. Again, the multi – focused thrust is to produce a patriotic, productive, healthy, self reliant, etc. society in Kano State. Highlights of the incomparable schemes successfully executed towards empowerment by the present administration include the following among; Provision of training and take – off capital of N20,000.00 to each of 10,000butchers across the 44 LGCAs in two (2) stages of 100 per each of the 44 LGCAs. Specifically, the sum of N100,000,000.00 was expended to provide support to this industry as capital in addition to funds expended in the construction of befitting meat selling stands for the butchers at Post Office Road, etc. Provision of training and capital to local Barbers to procure modern kits, etc. Execution of mass marriage of couples under the Zawarawa Marriage Scheme which involved over 2,500 couples of which the women were given bridal furniture worth N250,000.00 and Grant of N20,000.00 each as take – off capital for any chosen trade (i.e. 2,500 x N20,000.00 = N50,000,000.00). Provision of access to capital to small and medium scale (SMS) entrepreneurs through the joint establishment of thirty seven (37) Micro Finance Banks in collaboration between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Kano State Government. N2,000,000,000.00 was contributed by each party to total up to the sum of N4,000,000,000.00 available at the thirty seven (37) Micro Finance Banks across Kano State, etc. In this vein, the concerted effort towards general empowerment of the citizenry in Kano State was maintained as Council approved the execution of eleven (11) memoranda related to empowerment as follows; Request for Funds to Enable Conduct of Batch Six (6) Unarmed Combat Training of 630 Students of the Kano State Corporate Security Training Institute Gabasawa (at Karaye NYSC Camp):This Institute is among the twenty four (24) employable skills acquisition institutes established in Kano State, courtesy of the second (2nd) incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. So far, the institute already graduated 2160 of able bodied youths of both genders trained in modern security provision in five (5) batches and employed most of them in Government establishments to replace the mostly old and weak personnel characteristically employed for the purpose. The sixth (6th) batch of training for 1130students was approved for execution by the release of N4,360,000.00 to cater for the four (4) items required. In another development the council approved the sum of N22,035,000.00 to the authorities at the Corporate Security Institute to cater for the feeding of i. 500female students Gabasawa thirty (30) days = N9,750,000.00. 630 male students Karaye thirty (30) days = N12,285,000.00. Presentation on the Need and Request for Funds to Transport 177 Kano State Indigenous Destitute/Beggars Evacuated from Lagos State on Security Grounds:The administration of Gov Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso promulgate laws,Edicts and Acts to ensure human Dignity and provide equal opportunities to actualize their dreams. One of these acts is the amendment of the Almajiri and street begging laws in the state. The pathetic and sometimes the disdain wrought upon the people engaged in this activities has caused a lot of concern to the authorities in the past. To tackle this twin social problems the Government of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso introduced a number of interventions to assist this category of people to find alternative means of livelihood. Congruent to this, Quranic and western Education Institute was established along with 23 others, and Education was also made free for all right from primary schools up to tertiary level. This now afford an avenue where even the underprivileged can attend school. Having satisfied itself in the adequate provisions of educational facilities the Government therefore abolished street begging in

the state and restricted Almajiri to the schools designated as such only. That’s why when Government leant that in a faraway Lagos State indigenous Kano state citizens that contravened the law on begging were arrested and detained, an arrangement was made to transport them to Kano and be integrated back in to their families. Council therefore approve the release of the sum of N1,030,000.00 to evacuate them and the enaction of a Committee on the issue to ensure smooth transportation back to the state. Request for Permission to Change Course from Pharmacy to MBBS by Three (3) of the 300 MBBS/Pharmacy Kano State Indigenous Students Sponsored for Studies at 6 October University, Egypt:Considering the scarcity of Medical and other Health personnel the Administration of Gov Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso designed and implemented an intervention that will train a large number of manpower need of the state under health sector. Under this scheme 100 MBBS students of both Gender, 100 Pharmacy Students also of both Gender and 100 Female only MBBS were sponsored to over 5 different countries for undergraduate. The total no of students both post graduates and undergraduates to over 14 countries is 2000 at total cost of $38million (Thirty Eight Million Dollars) equivalent to N6.34Billion, under 501,502,503 and 504 foreign scholarship scheme. Another batch of 505 has reached an advanced stage with the first set of 250 students ready to depart any moment from now, which will bring the total number of foreign scholarship to students to 2516. Among the students sponsored to read pharmacy at 6 October university in Egpyt, three performed exceedingly well that the university recommended to change course from Pharmacy to MBBS. The contents of this memorandum requested Council to consider and approve the change of course in respect of the three (3) Pharmacy students to MBBS at 6October University, Egypt. Accordingly, Council considered and approved the change of course for the three (3) pharmacy students namely; Aminu Hamisu Harisu Salisu Isa Tsanyawa Auwal Yunusa Sani Dala Presentation on the Need to Constitute a Fostering Committee to Promote the Social Well – Being of Fostered Children in Dire Need of Parental Care:The present administration accords the required attention in the upkeep of the Children Home located at Nassarawa at which abandoned parentless children are kept and catered for. The place benefitted a general renovation recently but requires decongestion as many of the children are grown to adulthood. Happily, this administration married off one female grown to adulthood amongst the co – residents at the Nassarawa Children Home. As such, a Committee was recommended for cooption by the Government to coordinate and properly supervise the process of allocating the children to interested, committed and responsible foster parents. Council acknowledged the presentation/recommendation and approved the establishment of an eight (8) – Member Fostering Committee comprising representatives selected from relevant MDAs, the Police and the Civil Society according to the details presented. Request for Funds to Enable Sponsorship of Mukhtar Isa Dikko to Undergo the FIFA Agent Licensing Course and Examination at Abuja (7th October – 9th November, 2014):Cognizant of the support accorded to sports generally and empowerment of the youths to participate in all aspects and forms of sporting activities, the Secretary to the State Government endorsed the request from the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture and presented it to Council for consideration. Council appraised the details submitted and approved the release of the trimmed down sum of N1,500,000.00 for the stated purpose as recommended. Request for Funds to Enable Reimbursement of Funds Expended Preparatory to the Commencement of Distribution of Laptop Computers to 374 Kano State Indigenous Students at Katsina State University, Katsina:The Ministry of Higher Education applauded the wonderful gesture continually extended to Kano State Indigenous students for which their Union awarded a gift to Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE as the BestPerformingGovernor Nigeria. Reportedly, 374 of the 388 earmarked students received the donated Laptop Computers while the remaining fourteen (14) were either relocated to other Institutions or voluntarily withdrew from the Katsina State University. Importantly, an expenditure to the sum of N242,000.00 was incurred preparatory to the Laptop Computers distribution exercise which was requested for release as reimbursement. Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the stated sum. It is to be noted that apart from foreign sponsorship of students, the administration of Gov Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso equally sponsored students to private universities across the country. Prominent are Bells and Crescent universities in Otta Ogun state, Igbenedion University Benin, ABTI university Yola and Alkalam University Katsina, with over 3000 students. Each students apart from enjoying full scholarship is given a laptop free of charge. THE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT/MAINTENANCE SECTOR The second incumbency of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE ensured that the Kano State Government provided infrastructural development and maintenance beyond expectations generally to the level whereby the establishment of

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso an independent hydroelectricity power generation plants at Tiga and Challawa Gorge Dams is now a reality on which the sum of over N14,000,000,000.00 (14 Billion) is earmarked. In fact, the economic, aesthetic, functional, etc. value of Urban Kano and the State generally are transformed positively in continuation of which Council approved the execution of twelve (12) memoranda at the sitting, as follows:Request for Funds to Enable Payment for Compensation of Properties Affected by the Construction of Kofar Na’isa to Lokon Makera Road:Road construction and maintenance is the core of the Infrastructural Development/Maintenance policy of the present administration in the State on which various mega projects were executed. Examples include the Wuju – Wuju Conduit Drainage/Road, the expansion of Zaria Road, construction of three (3) Flyovers, the expansion of Hadejia Road, etc. Each affected some properties owned by people justifiable for payment of compensation. The Kofar Na’isa to Lokon Makera Road construction is one such project that affected eighty five (85) items (structures) valued at the compensation cost of N43,665,380.00 which was requested for release by Council based on contents of the valuation report. Council noted, considered and approved the release of the sum of N43,665,380.00 as compensation for the affected structures. Request for Funds to Enable Transportation of Unutilized/ Surplus Ductile Iron Pipes from Joda – Kwanar Danja, Kafin Chiri – Sumaila and Watari – Miltara to Challawa Water Works Complex:Water pipelines are the main infrastructure required to transport potable water from production facilities to locations of demand. This administration procured about 220 Km lengths of 600MM and 1000MM Ductile Iron Pipes for use at the cited project sites and many are unutilized and still remain exposed at the three (3) projects sites. The need to transport such unused pipes to the Challawa Water Works Complex for safe keeping prompt the submission of this request for the release of the sum of N5,674,536.00. Council considered and approved as requested. Request for Funds to Enable Provision and Installation of Reinforced Concrete Crash Barrier Along Zungeru Road:Roads constructed by the present administration in Kano State are supposed to be safe for use by all kinds of traffic be them vehicular, pedestrian, etc. Provision of the cited crush barrier along Zungeru Road which is 2.131KM in length (distance) was recommended to Council as appropriate and for which the sum of N39,457,031.25 was requested for release. Accordingly, Council noted, considered and approved as requested. Presentation of Information Memorandum (IM) on the Report of Routine Monitoring Exercise of Capital Projects Currently Under Execution in Kano State:Resolved of the present administration to complete all initiated capital projects prompted the submission of the Information Memorandum. Specifically, nine (9) projects were highlighted which include; (TEC site K/Nassarawa) – where rings for drain are fabricated for the Wuju – Wuju Road Project. K/Nassarawa Flyover Bridge Project. Conference Center – Audu Bako Secretariat. Expansion of Zaria Road/Tatsa Warki Bridge, from Silver Jubilee Roundabout to Dantata and Sawoe Yard. Dualisation of Sheikh Ja’afar Road Dorayi. Construction of Gadon Kaya Under Pass, and Dualisation of Yahaya Gusau Road. Construction of Under Pass at Kofar Kabuga. Dualisation of Gwarzo Road from K/Kabuga to BUK New Site. Northwest University (Senate Building, Facility Complex A, Faculty Complex B and road network construction. Encouragingly, all the nine (9) projects were reported to be in satisfactory progress towards timely completion. Council acknowledged the presentation appreciatively. PROVISION OF STREET LIGHTS Provision of Street Lighting along major roads in Kano Metropolis is a cardinal resolution of the present administration under the capable leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. This is in line with the Urban Beautification policy of the administration under which several approvals were granted for the execution of projects which includes; Provision of Garden Interlock Tiles along Pedestrian Walkways of many major roads in Kano Metropolis. Installation and maintenance of new street lights. Continuous procurement of diesel for steady supply of the energy required for the electric power supplied to light up the major streets despite the epileptic, erratic and grossly unavailable supply from PHCN. In continuation with this commendable performance, Council approved the execution of six (6) memoranda on requests for funds to enable installation of lighting along the roads at six (6) locations. Viz; N67,246,326.50 requested for release by Council to enable the Taskforce Committee on the Installation/Repairs/Reactivation of Street and Traffic Lights provide/install street lighting from Court Road Off Zoo Road to AKTH Roundabout using new

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014 fabricated poles for a distance of 2.850KM. N8,324,675.00 requested for release by Council from the Taskforce Committee on Installation/Repairs/Reactivation of Street and Traffic Lights for the installation of lighting at Ado Bayero Mall and its surroundings for a distance of 700M. Request for the release of the sum of N75,130,267.20 by Council to enable Installation of Lighting along Dawanau – Bichi Road (Dawanau Extension) for a distance of 3.40KM using new fabricated poles. Request for the release of N8,847,649.40 to enable Installation of Security Flood Lights within Kofar Mata ID – Praying Ground. N18,062,705.40 requested for release to enable Installation of new Single Arm Street Lighting at Ashton Road Extension (Bukavu Barracks) for a distance of 1.4K. N17,555,860.00 requested for release to enable Installation of new Single Arm Street Lighting at Ado Bayero Road for a distance of 1.0KM. Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the requested sum (i. – vi.) to enable the continuous provision of street lights in the metropolis. l) Request for Funds to Enable Payment of Compensation for the Affected Portion of Title No. RES/87/1058 Located Along Myoungu Road:The Myoungu Road construction project approved and executed successfully to completion was reported to Council to have affected portion of title no. RES/87/1058 valued at the compensation cost of N361,720.00 which was requested for release to enable payment to the title holder. Council considered and approved the release of the stated sum of N361,720.00 for the commitment. THE HEALTH SECTOR The Health Sector is accorded priority consideration among other sectors since inception of the present administration. Interestingly, all aspects of the Health Sector are continually catered for. The physical/infrastructural requirements at all the State Government owned health care delivery facilities (hospitals) are renovated to befitting standards. Highlights include the following; Renovation of Kano Dental Center. Renovation of Hasiya Bayero Pediatric Hospital. Provision of equipment and renovation at Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital. Renovation of IDH Hospital, etc. Renovation of Rano Hospital Ditto Bichi General Hospital Ditto Gwarzo Hospital On the professional requirements for health care delivery personnel, the present administration established the following Colleges; College of Nursing/Midwifery Madobi. School of Post Basic Midwifery Gezawa. School of Health Technology Bebeji. Furthermore, the Primary Health Care Board was established courtesy of present administration. Glaringly and for the first time, State Indigenous Students were selected based on qualification to undergo MBBS/Pharmacy studies at Universities and Colleges abroad. In fact, the commendable performance of the present administration for positive transformation of the Health Sectors deserves applause as Council continued to intervene by approving four (4) memoranda related to the Health Sector for execution. They include the following; Request for Funds to Enable Payment for Four (4) Months Hotel Bills in Respect of Three (3) Egyptian Tutors under the State Ministry of Health:The sum of N3,620,033.00 was requested for release to enable the Ministry of Health pay Myatti Guest House four (4) months hotel bills incurred by three (3) Egyptian Tutors that serve at the College of Nursing and Midwifery Kano prior to the securing of housing accommodation for them. Council noted, considered and approved as requested. Request for Release of Operational Funds to the Taskforce Committee on War Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking for the Period of October to December, 2014:Cognizant of the important role played by the Multi Agency Taskforce in the dispensation of its activities to rid the State of the menace of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Secretary to the State Government endorsed the request and presented it to Council for consideration. Release of the trimmed down sum of N14,961,000.00 was recommended to Council. Council considered and approved as recommended. Request for Funds to Enable Purchase of Laboratory Reagents for Distribution to Kano State Government Owned Health Facilities for the Period of Three (3) Months:The Ministry of Health presented to Council a request for the purchase of Laboratory Reagent for distribution to all State Government Health Facilities for a period of three (3) months at the cost of N34,956,320.00. In line with Government Policy to ensure the sanity and wellbeing of the citizens, Council considered and approved the release of N17,478,160.00 (50% of the requested sum) for the undertaking. Presentation of Brief on the Need and Request for Funds to Enable Purchase and Free Distribution of Anti – Sickling Drugs to Sickle Cell Patients in Kano State (3rd and 4th Quarters, 2014):The State Government maintains the good and caring attitude toward the unfortunate, especially those afflicted with the sickle cells problem that requires continuous medication for which many of the patients cannot afford. Cognizant to this, Council approved the release of the requested sum of N11,905,000.00 for the purchase and free distribution of drugs and consumables for the third (3rd) and fourth (4th) quarter of the year 2014. THE EDUCATION SECTOR Education encompasses all as every human endeavor centers on it and requires to be provided with no reservations. Successful Nation/Societies all over the world prove this. All efforts are garnered together to provide for the requirements necessary to provide qualitative education that produces God fearing, patriotic, Law abiding, responsible, skillful, productive, knowledgeable, etc. people. Main requirements include physical/ infrastructure, consumables/accessories, personnel/manpower, etc. Specifically, the entire education system follows a tested regular arrangement orthodoxically designed to span three (3) categories (levels) which include Basic/Primary; Intermediate/Secondary and Tertiary Levels. Activities involved in the dispensation of education at all levels are carried out in facilities called schools with specific requirements. Cognizant to this, the present administration in Kano State under the capable leadership of the second (2nd) tenure of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE leaves no stone unturned in its efforts to provide for the development of Education Sector in all ramifications and at all levels. Worthy of

63 mentioned/noting is the sponsorship of students abroad for training of the attainment of Degree in MBBS and Pharmacy level as well as Masters/Ph.D programmes by the Present Administration. Equally, over 20,000No. students were sponsored for various courses in different Universities within the Country. This policy was attested to be the best since the creation of the State. So far the State has expended over N10Billion in the sponsorship programmes. Specific examples such in education intervention are:• At Basic Education Level. • More than 3,000 classrooms were constructed to accommodate more pupils. • All counterpart funding as required in an arrangement between the National “Universal Basic Education Board” and the Kano State Government were met. • New intake/regular attendance to school improved due to the provision of two (2) sets of brand new school uniforms to new intakes and feeding free of charge. • Retraining of all untrained but already employed National Diploma (ND) holders to acquire the National Certificate of Education (NCE) as the basic professional qualification required to teach in Primary Schools in Nigeria, etc. • At Intermediate/Secondary Level. • Many unused/under – utilized Government owned buildings/facilities were converted for use as secondary schools which include former Magwan Water Restaurant converted to First Lady’s College; Yadakunya Psychiatric Hospital converted to GGSS Janbaki; former Drug and Consumables Store to Governor’s College; etc. • Majority of the existing secondary schools were renovated along with the provision of perimeter walls to fortify them. • Over 2,000 teachers and science laboratory attendants were employed, etc. • At Tertiary Level. • The Northwest University was established. • Rabi’u Musa Kwankwanso College of Basic and Remedial Studies Tudun Wada was established. • Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) fully maintained. • College of Arts/Science and Remedial Studies CARS, Kano fully maintained, etc. Importantly, the education sector enjoys priority attention in considering of which Council approved the execution of four (4) memoranda directly related to the education sector as follows; Presentation of Report from SUBEB on the Teaching Skills Programme (TSP) for 2013/2014 Academic Session:Contents of this memorandum maintain that, the bi – focused thrust of the TSP is to improve literacy and numeracy in public primary schools across Kano State. Main highlights of the report presented to Council for consideration include; • 19,269 primary schools teachers were trained in literacy. • 5,520 Head Teachers (Head Masters) were trained on leadership to eradicate deficiencies in the teaching of mathematics and English language. • Thesum of N226,000,000.00 was budgeted for the programme. • The Federal Government contributed N140,000,000.00. • The Kano State Government contributed N61,000,000.00. • ESSPIN pledged to contribute the sum of N25,000,000.00 cash assistance. • ESSPIN produced lesson plan books, training modules and sponsored consultants. • Entirely, the sum of N208,344,340.00 was expended on the programme. • A drop of N17,655,660.00 on the project was witnessed due to incomplete attendance of participants. • ESSPIN released only N7,433,340.00 of the pledged N25,000,000.00. Reportedly, the programme recorded positive impact on teaching and learning in the public primary schools due to the introduction of improved methods of teaching and learning techniques. Council acknowledged the presentation with appreciation. Request for the Release of Kano State Government Contribution to Funds the 2013/2014 Teaching Skills Programme (TSP):The TSP was introduced to Council, through contents of this memorandum as a programme under tripartite arrangement to improve teaching of numeracy and literacy in primary schools. The programme was designed to be funded by three (3) parties which include the Kano State Government, the Federal Government and ESSPIN – eash of which is to contribute funds as follows; The Federal Government – N140,000,000.00. The Kano State Government – N61,000,000.00. ESSPIN cash assistance – N41,000,000.00. Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of N61,000,000.00 as the State Counterpart fund for 2013/2014 TSP Programme. Request for Funds to Renovate and Construct New Structures at GGSS Dambatta:Cognizant of the resolve by the present administration to produce and provide qualitative transformation of the Education Sector/ System, the Ministry of Education submitted the cited request for consideration by Council. The details presented were appraised by Council which approved for the release of the sum of N49,214,342.52 to be expended as follows; SN Items Cost (N) i. Harisu Students Hostel 3,507,224.50 ii. Mariya Sunusi Hostel 4,032,795.03 iii. Habu Dambatta Hostel 3,524,114.45 iv. Abdulkarim Hassan Dambatta 3,346,783.97 v. Conversion of Existing Bathroom to Toilets two (2) 2,371,961.72 vi. Block Wall to Enclose one Students Hostel within Classroom to Hostel Area 3,087,716.79 vii. Improvement of Existing Block Wall Fence 12,765,210.52 viii. Construction of Drainage Outside College by the Side of Block Wall Fence 6,572,920.32 ix. Construction of Drainage at Students Hostel Area 4,749,028.09 x. Construction of Drainage at Academics Area 5,256,578.14 a) Request for Funds to Enable the Take – Off of the Newly Established College of Basic and Remedial Studies, Tudun Wada Dankadai, Kano State:The College of Basic and Remedial Studies Tudun Was Dankadai was established among the tertiary institutions in Kano State courtesy of the second (2 nd ) tenure of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Need to commence immediate take – off of academic activities at the College prompted the Ministry of Higher Education to submit this request for consideration by Council, which includes completing the wall fence of the school, construction of three (3) seater toilets, construction of temporary kitchen, provision of ninety (90) sets of

double decker beds, provision of eighteen (18) single seat class furniture etc. Accordingly, Council considered and approved the release of the sum of N53,447,514.74 to enable the take – off of the school. 1. THE INFORMATION/COMMUNICATION SECTOR This Sector is considered as the image maker for the present administration and the Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Progressively, approvals for the execution of all projects, programmes, schemes, etc. from the sector are granted especially those relevant and congruent with international best practices in consideration of which Council approved the execution of two (2) memoranda from the Information/Communication Sector as follows; a) Request for Funds to Enable Procurement of Public Address Equipment for Effective Coverage of Official Events:As custodian to publicity, sensitization, etc. on all Government programmes and activities, the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture submitted the request for the release of the sum of N426,000.00 to enable the procurement of public address equipment which include the following; i. Power amplifier. ii. Fair Box Speakers. iii. Coil of the Speaker Wire. iv. Wireless Microphone. Council considered and approved as requested. b) Request for Funds to Enable Conduct of Sensitization/ Mobilization Campaign to Engender Massive Turn Out by the Electorate to collect their Permanent Voters Card:Cognizant of the commitment of the present administration to conscientiously shoulder all its responsibilities, the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture submitted the request for consideration by Council. Details on the three (3) items required were summarized and presented as follows; i. Sponsorship of discussion programmes on Radio and Television Stations based in Kano State that cover both Urban and Rural Areas. ii. Production of I. E. C Materials which consist of public enlightenment posters, handbills/leaflets and billboards designed to easily educate the public on the election exercise. Mainly, pictorials are to be produced. iii. Production of Radio and Television Jingles to be aired continuously by all the major Stations to adequate sensitize all eligible voters and the general public. Accordingly, Council considered and approved for the release of N15,175,920.00 for the stated purpose. 2. SUSTENANCE OF TRAINING TO IMPROVE CAPACITY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE SECTOR It is quite on record that the present administration under the able leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE had taken giant stride in the improvement of workers condition in the State ranging from good cordial relation existing between the administration and Labour Unions, continuous training and retraining of civil servants within and outside the Country, renovation of Ministries, Parastatals and Agencies to provide conducive working atmosphere for the civil servant, promote payment of salaries on 25 thof every month to all civil servant, etc. This informed the decision of the Council to consider and approve the sum of N5,905,000.00 being various requests as presented on training, assistance to Labour Unions and Bereaved Family Allowances, etc.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 172ND EXCO SITTING 1. 1ST AL-MUHARRAM 1436AH DECLARED AS PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN THE STATE Council wished the entire Muslim Ummah a prosperous and peaceful new year on the commencement of a new Islamic calendar (1436 AH). In this regard, the State Government declared Friday as work free day to celebrate the commemoration. 2. FLAG-OFF OF THE SENSITIZATION WORKSHOP ON MASSIVE VOTER TURNOUT AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN Council noted the flag-off of a sensitization workshop on massive voter turn – out of women and their political participation in preparation for the 2015 general election. The workshop was organized by the State Ministry of Women and Social Development in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and United Nations Development Programme. 3. OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE STATE BY THE MANAGEMENT OF BANK OF INDUSTRY Council noted the official visit to the State by the Management of the Bank of Industry. The visit is in response to the State Government’s request for the Bank to speed up the process of loan disbursement to applicants in the State. Furthermore, Council appreciates the quick response from the Management of the Bank and hopes that the documentation process in the State provides a lasting solution to the delay. 4. 80 th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF GENERAL YAKUBU GOWON (RTD) Council wishes to felicitate and extend its congratulatory message to His Excellency General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State and Elder Statesman for celebrating his 80th Birthday on the 17 th – 19 th October, 2014. Furthermore, Council extol on the good virtues and contributions the rare Gem has been giving for the continued progress, unity and development of one and indivisible Nigeria.

SIGNED: HON. COMMISSIONER, INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, YOUTH, SPORTS & CULTURE, KANO STATE

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

“The APC must come up with a robust power-balancing template. Otherwise, it would have won the war of presidential election, yet lose the peace of Nigeria’s stability, integrity and progress” VOL.9

NO. 3,015

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

HEN I turned in my copy for this space last week (“Fayose 2.0: A troubling start”), I fully expected that its publication would set off spirited comments, pro and contra, in roughly equal measure. I was flat out wrong. Reactions poured forth all right, but they were far more contra than pro. Governor (Dr) Peter Ayodele Fayose’s teeming supporters gave me an earful, and not just on account of the issues I raised in the column. In retrospect, I should have kept in mind what a young resident of Ekiti told me in a telephone conversation last June as the returns of the state’s gubernatorial election were being tallied. Fayose was going to win and win big, he had asserted. “Despite the integrated poultry scam on which he expended hundreds of millions of Naira without producing a single egg?” I asked. “The people have largely forgotten, and those who haven’t forgotten don’t care,” he rejoined. “And despite facing two murder raps?” I pursued. “If Fayose should kill off one-half of the population of Ekiti State,” he said without fear and without revulsion, “the remaining half would still vote for him.” This is of course a gross libel on the proud, valiant, principled and highly accomplished sons and daughters of Ekiti I have been privileged to know at work, at play and in social intercourse. Fecklessness is not their defining character. My interlocutor, I suspect, was carried away by Fayose’s folksy ways and his capacity for “connecting” with the mass of the people, to the point of believing that his hero could do whatever he needed to do and not have to worry about consequences. “We just love him,” he added, in case I didn’t grasp what he had been saying. If I had kept this profile in mind, I would perhaps have anticipated the sandbagging that was sure to follow the publication of my October 21 column, “Fayose 2.0: A troubling start.” Not all of it was bad news, however. Duro Afonja, a longstanding follower of this column from whom we had heard nothing for quite a while entered this thoughtful critique online: “It’s too easy to laugh at Fayose, but while shaking our heads over stomach infrastructure, agbo jedi (herbal concoction for haemorroids) etc, it is necessary to conduct an inquiry into what Fayemi did wrong to squander his goodwill to the extent that the people preferred a Fayose’s return to his continuation. “The people knew Fayose, so all he said at his 2nd inauguration was not news to them, yet they chose him. Fayemi and the APC crowd took the people for granted, became complacent and rested on their PhDs.

RIPPLES MY BOYFRIEND HASN’T PROPOSED AFTER 3 YEARS, WHAT DO I DO – Nollywood Actress

Be patient, give him another 5 years

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

An earful from Fayose’s people ‘

My interlocutor, I suspect, was carried away by Fayose’s folksy ways and his capacity for “connecting” with the mass of the people, to the point of believing that his hero could do whatever he needed to do and not have to worry about consequences “Fayemi would have written and delivered a better inaugural address, he’s a gentleman etc. but na dat one the people go chop? “Stomach Infrastructure should not just be seen in terms of rice and chicken but in terms of the disconnect of government from the people.” Another correspondent, who signed off as “asula”, wrote in a text message: “Thanks for that wonderful piece on Fayose . . . but with such serious character defect how did he manage to persuade Ekiti kete to elect him for a second time?” Also belonging in the category of the more thoughtful reactions is this one: “I read your column of October 21 with dismay. As an experienced and respected columnist, you didn’t’ seem to see anything good in the inaugural speech of the new governor. The former governor you eulogised like an angel recorded his own minus while in office. There should be a balance between IDEALISM and PRAGMATISM. Whatever may be the inaugural

’

speech of the new governor, it is too early to judge and crucify. Be modest in your writings.” And this, also: “You have x-rayed all the misdeeds of Fayose in the past. He didn’t do any good thing?” From then on, the text messages, unsigned for the most part, get downright tacky. Here is a random selection: “Olatunji, you talk like a little boy, you have turned your old age into a curse.” Another: “Your write-up today is full of lies and jargons. I know you as a regular beggar at Asiwaju’s residence.” You have to wonder what he was doing so regularly at Asiwaju’s residence. But I digress. “Not all pots are black,” wrote another correspondent in an sms. “Believe what you believe and let Fayose be. You are full of emptiness.” Yet another wrote, taunting: “You are obviously a hater and an enemy of progress. You still can’t digest the fact that a not-too-schooled Fayose upstaged a well-schooled Fayemi. I

HARDBALL

OE alas! I have just wised up; no, I have just grown up! I had always wondered why Nigerians suddenly caught the bug of owning private jets (PJs). It must be a crazy man who would shell out between N450 to N500 million to buy one iron bird, I had conjectured in my naïve, child-like mind. Why, a man could build a new town in a corner of the country instead of buying a PJ, a wasting asset, but how plebian, how simple of mind can anyone be! From recent discovery, any Nigerian above the age of 18 who does not aspire to own a PJ in the next few months must be a moron. And here are reasons why. One, Nigeria is a supremely rich country and can well afford every Nigerian male a jet of his own. And don’t be a fool to wonder for a second where you will park your PJ, just tell yourself ‘I will park mine where others park theirs. Remember nobody brought parking space from his village. Another reason you must not be squirmy about seeking to own a jet of your own today is that it is extremely comfortable. Those who revel in it are quick to regal you with stories about the hedonistic comforts of that toy. It

OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

feel your pain.” Then this: “Your write-up lacked depth. I wonder how you became a professor. You should be ashamed of yourself. At 70, you collect pennies from your paymasters to run elected officials down.” You have to wonder how much he collects from his own paymasters. But I digress again, for the last time. This next comment cannot but strike you with its lexical freshness. It reads: “I know quite a few professors who are groundnut materials. You have now joined the list. Hungry professors like you are a shame to academia. Destructive criticism of a man of the people does not serve any good purpose.” Me? “Groundnut professor?” That’s a new one. Who says Fayemi’s people have a monopoly on learning? Back during the Babangida era, some young, obviously disgruntled and probably envious junior academics came up with a hilarious taxonomy of the Nigerian professoriate. First there were those they called agbero intellectuals. The Yoruba prefix denotes the motor-park tout, whose task is to get the vehicle filled with passengers, without the slightest thought about its carrying capacity or its roadworthiness. The only thing he cares about is his commission, calculated from the number of passengers. The agbero intellectual, then, served any government in power or any cause, no matter its complexion or ideology. A denizen of the corridors of power, he flaunted his access at the slightest provocation or with no provocation, marshaled the argument to justify any policy. His commission was the trappings of office and, like the motor-park tout, he prized it above all else. Then there was the miliki (or playboy) intellectual, cigar-chomping, cognac-swilling, weighed down by gold necklaces, more concerned with living the good life than with changing a footnote, to say nothing of changing a paradigm. He drove the finest cars and hobnobbed with the men of the moment, the better to indulge in their favourite pastime of influence-peddling. I think there was another category – perhaps two — that I cannot recall with confidence. But “groundnut intellectual” or “groundnut professor” was definitely not one of them. It is a new entry in the vocabulary of scholarship, for which my correspondent who, most likely from an excess of modesty, chose not to claim ownership. Could I through this medium appeal to him to shed his modesty and step forward to claim just credit for what is sure to enter the books as a lexical breakthrough? Should Fayose ever require a Senior Special Assistant on Mental Infrastructure, there is his man. •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Hardball needs a private jet! is said that if you flew in it once, you will never wish to fly any other way. In fact they say you will simply come to the realisation that it is indeed a curse to have been flying in those air-molues. Further, if it happens to be the kind fitted with water-bed and Jacuzzi like some of our federal ministers fly, then you will realise that paradise is actually a Nigerian reality and not a celestial construct. A third reason you must do anything to own a PJ now (!) is that the rate the PJ cult is growing, in a couple of years, the DNA of the true Nigerian will be determined not just by the ownership of a PJ but by the number and type of your PJ. Then there will only be two classes of Nigerians – the PJ owners and the hoi polloi. And do not say I didn’t warn you dear reader, when that time comes, it would be easy to determine, or if you like, control the population of the country. One innocuous way they – the jet-set, super-rich, super-class - can set about eliminating some of us dregs is to fly up

mid-air above our heads in their PJs, they and their kinds and let off a napalm of farting that can exterminate half of us. That way even the UN would not accuse them of using chemical weapons; it would simply be termed accidental discharge from acute bowel disorder. And the case will be closed. Perhaps the most important reason you must die for a private jet is that once you own one, you will never be poor again. Opportunities will open to you as if you were an Arabian sheikh. There is nothing you cannot do with your PJ backed by federal might. You can haul currencies for the federal government, ship arms for the security community and carry human cargo and body part for the Baby Factory Group of the Manufacturers Association. Everything is legit with a PJ. Ah my boy, in all your getting, get yourself a PJ pronto! •This article was first published on September 22, 2014.

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