The Nation October 30, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Gunmen kill six in Plateau attacks

Ribadu report: No sacred cow, says Presidency

NEWS

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NEWS

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•Jonathan to get recommendation on Friday

•Car dealer shot dead in Onitsha

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VOL. 7, NO. 2294 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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Kaduna bombing: 111 discharged from hospitals •Bomber targeted 1,000 worshippers, says Yakowa From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

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O fewer than 111 victims of Sunday’s suicide bomb attack in Kaduna have been treated and discharged from three of the hospitals to which they were admitted.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 146 victims were admitted at Barau Dikko, St. Gerard’s and 44 Military Hospital in Kaduna.

Only 35 of the injured victims were still receiving treatment at the three hospitals yesterday.

The figure was released during a visit to the hospitals by officials of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

According to the administrator of St Gerard’s Hospital, Sister Therasa Dung, 14 victims were brought to the hospital. Two have been discharged.

Four of the victims on admission at the hospital are children.

At the Barau Dikko Hospital, the CAN officials were told that of the 97 victims of the Sunday bomb blast, only 18 are left.

The team leader of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mr Aly Ouattara, who was seen treating some of the patients, said Continued on page 61

•GOOD TO SEE YOU: Nollywood actors Osita Iheme (front) and Chinedu Ikediezie (Aki and Pawpaw) cheering up displaced people at the flood victims’ camp in St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, Delta State...yesterday. Story on Page 6

Hurricane Sandy lashes New York

We’ve put Ondo election behind us, says ACN

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HE city that never sleeps resembled one that clearly does.

Even Lady Liberty seemed to doze yesterday as she faded in and out of view, shrouded in mist swirling over the whitecaps of New York’s harbour as Hurricane Sandy crept closer to the city. On land, streets that normally are jammed at the start of the workweek were nearly deserted save for emergency workers and gawkers who couldn’t Continued on page 61

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•Chief Akande

LDERS of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday reflected on the outcome of the Ondo State governorship poll, saying the party fought a good fight. The party said it has put the election poll behind it, adding that it

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

would now provide leadership for its members.

The opposition party neither rejected the results nor conceded defeat to the ruling Labour Party (LP), whose candidate, Governor

Olusegun Mimiko, was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Rising from its leadership meeting, which reviewed the outcome of the exercise Continued on page 4

Abdulsalami’s group loses Eko, Ikeja power firms NCP gives preferred bidders 15-day ultimatum

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NTEGRATED Energy Distribution and Marketing – a firm promoted by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar - yesterday lost out as the core investor in the Eko and Ikeja electricity distribution companies.

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

The company was named the core investor for four of the 10 electricity distribution firms (DISCOs) put up for sale by the National Council for Privatisation (NCP).

The two are the most lucrative of the firms.

But yesterday, when the NCP renamed the preferred bidders for the privatised firms, it gave only the Ibadan and Yola distribution firms to Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing

firm.

NCP Technical Committee chairman Mr. Atedo Peterside announced the preferred bidders in Abuja on behalf of the Federal Government.

Government also announced Continued on page 4

•NPAN URGES COURT TO VOID APCON’S LAW P5•KALABARI PROTEST IN ABUJA P57

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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NEWS

Obama, Romney: bickering for America’s sake President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney are not enemies, but for the sake of America, they are doing battles, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

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HEY have agreed on a few things: no military action in Syria, continuing support for sanctions against Iran and withdrawal of America’s military from Afghanistan. But their areas of disagreements are more. This is the tale of two presidential candidates: President Barack Obama and his challenger, former Governor Mitt Romney.

Obama is today expected in the vital swing state of Ohio, where, according to the latest polls, the president has a slight lead. Romney is ahead in Florida, and Virginia is a dead heat.

Like Obama, Romney is also stepping up his last-minute campaigns.

Like they have done since their campaigns kicked off, they are going to use the next one week to paint each other in bad light.

Romney will continue to drum it into Americans’ ears that the president has not provided a clear example of American leadership for the world, whether in Syria or Iran or Russia. He is unlikely to also change his position that the president has failed to improve the economy.

Obama, too, will not abandon his song, which he has been playing to Americans: Romney would be unsteady on the world stage. The president’s employ of sharp and sarcastic language to cast Romney as out of depth is not likely to abate. Not with polls showing that they run neck-to-neck.

During the last debate, Obama lampooned Romney’s promise to increase defence spending by two trillion dollars and build up the US Navy – a move which Obama claimed failed to take into account the needs of modern warfare.

Obama said: “You mention that we have fewer ships than we had in 1916. Well, governor we also have fewer horses and bayonets, because that nature of our military has changed.

“We also have these things called ‘aircraft carriers’ that planes land on, and ships that go under water – nuclear submarines. So the question is not a game of battleships, but what are our capabilities…and how we are going to meet the best of our defence needs.”

On the issue of Afghanistan and al-Qaeda, Obama and Romney clashed repeatedly, with the president claiming Romney’s strategy was in a constant change of flux and in no way clear.

The president said: “And you know, Governor Romney, I’m glad that you agree that we have been successful in going after al-Qaida, but I have to tell you that, you know, your strategy previously has been one that has been all over the map and is not designed to keep Americans safe or to build on the opportunities that exist in the Middle East.”

On Iraq, Obama painted Romney as inexperienced, saying: “I know you haven’t been in a position to actually execute foreign policy — but every time you’ve offered an opinion, you’ve been wrong. You said we should have gone into Iraq, despite that fact that there were no weapons of mass destruction.”

The president also took Romney on about al-Qaida. Obama said:

‘ I know you haven’t been in a position to actually execute foreign policy — but every time you’ve offered an opinion, you’ve been wrong

‘

“Governor Romney, I’m glad that you recognise that al-Qaida is a threat, because a few months ago when you were asked what’s the biggest geopolitical threat facing America, you said Russia, not alQaida; you said Russia, in the 1980s, they’re now calling to ask for their foreign policy back because, you know, the Cold War’s been over for 20 years.”

“Both at home and abroad, he (Mr Romney) has proposed...reckless policies. He’s praised George Bush as a good economic steward and Dick Cheney as somebody who’s who shows great wisdom and judgment. And taking us back to those kinds of strategies that got us into this mess are not the way that we are going to maintain leadership in the 21st century.”

Romney, too, has delivered some upper-cuts on the president. Romney accuses president of ‘weakness’ abroad.

On his methods for dealing with Russia, he said: “I’m not going to wear rose-coloured glasses when it comes to Russia, or Mr. Putin. And I’m certainly not going to say to him, I’ll give you more flexibility after the election. After the election, he’ll get more backbone.”

He has also accused Obama of not providing the leadership at the world stage. Romney said: “I absolutely believe that America has a – a responsibility, and the privilege of helping defend freedom and promote the principles that — that make the world more peaceful. And those principles include human rights, human dignity, free enterprise, freedom of expression, elections.”

He also believes the president has not done much to stop Iran‘s nuclear project.

He argued that the country was “four years closer to a nuclear weapon” and that Obama has “wasted” the last four years because “they continue to be able to spin these centrifuges and get that much closer.”

Certainly, the next one week is a crucial one in deciding who carries the day. The candidates realize this and have planned to make the best use of it.

•Obama

How Electoral College decides Thomas Neale, a specialist in American national government at Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress, in this interaction with reporters at the Foreign Press Centre in Washington, speaks on the role of the Electoral College in deciding America’s president. Excerpts:

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HY does America have the Electoral College? The first question that may come to your mind is: Why do we have an Electoral College? Remember, the United States Constitution is the oldest written constitution in the world. It was drafted in the 18th century. And as a result, it has perhaps fewer of the mass democratic features that you would expect from a constitution that derived, after – say, after the French Revolution or in the 20th century.

What our Constitutional Convention was trying to get was a system that guaranteed the separation of powers, and checks and balances that kept the presidency free from undue influence, particularly with respect to its elections, from Congress, and three, gave the states a role in the presidential election. To this day, Americans vote for president in two capacities: as U.S. citizens, and to a certain extent, as citizens of the states in which they reside, because that is how the electoral votes are put

together, and that is how you win a majority in the Electoral College.

The Constitution – the Constitutional Convention decided this was the best compromise because it included these principles. It did not initially include any provision that the people would vote in a presidential election. The electors would vote, and it was left to the states how they would choose their electors. This power is retained by the states today, but all the states delegate that power to the citizens. So your – when Americans go to the polls on election day, they are voting for, actually, electors for president and vice president.

Who are these electors?

Well, they can be anybody, except a person who is a member of Congress or any person who is – holds an office of – in trust or profit under the United States. So Ms. Rider and I cannot serve as presidential electors, but almost anybody else could. In practice, they tend to be party officials, state governors, prominent party people holding – that do not

•Neale

hold positions in the federal government. How are they chosen? Each party in each state nominates a slate of electors. You never see their – in very few exceptions do you ever see their names on the ballot. When Americans go to the polls, it says, “Electors for Barack Obama and Joseph Biden,” or “Electors for George Romney and Paul Ryan.” But they are – so they are, in fact, voting for these electors.

How many electors and how are they allocated?

The formula is each state receives a total number of electoral votes equal to

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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NEWS SHORT TAKES

Romney as ‘evil genius’

•Romney

who rules America, by expert the combined total of its House and Senate delegations. Now, the reason we have the Senate delegations included is because one of those compromises from the Constitutional Convention to give the states – the less populous states a modest advantage compared to the more populous states. So today you have – the range runs from California, obviously our most populous state, which has 55 electoral votes because it has 53 representatives and two senators, to a number of states like Wyoming, Alaska, Delaware, Vermont, Montana, the Dakotas, that have three electoral votes. They have one because they have one member in the House of Representatives, and the additional two for Congress.

And these electoral votes are awarded in most states on what we call the winner-take-all or general ticket basis. That is, the voters vote for the whole slate of candidates. And this causes some distortions. For instance, in California in recent years, the Republicans can reliably take anywhere from 40 to 45 percent of the popular vote, but they get no electoral votes because the Democrats have a strong grip on California, and a number of other states, too. I picked California simply because it’s the most populous state.

There are two exceptions to that rule, and that is called the district system, which is practised in Maine and Nebraska. Now this harkens back to the fact that the states actually have a lot of independent authority about how they do – they delegate their electoral votes.

It’s a little complicated, but in these states

that have the district plan, the voters go to the polls, one vote for president and vice president, but the votes are counted in two different ways. They are counted statewide, and the statewide winner wins those two electoral votes that reflect their senators. And then the votes are counted in each congressional district, and the winner in each congressional district gets an electoral vote.

Why has this system endured as long as it has?

Well, first of all, it’s worked pretty well. More than 50 presidential elections that we’ve had, particularly since the ratification of the 12th Amendment in 1804, which I won’t go into unless you ask me to, we’ve had a pretty good record, 47 of 51.

This should make it 48 of 52 if everything works out, which is not bad in the greater scheme of things. It’s not perfect. Secondly, and perhaps equally important, if not more important, the Constitution of the United States is not easily amended.

In order to have an amendment, the most widely used of the two methods is that you must have an amendment proposed and approved by a two-thirds majority of the members of our two houses of Congress, and then – that is not sufficient in and of itself – then the amendment is sent forward to the states, and the states must – three-fourths of the states, and that’s 38 of the current number of states – I don’t think we’re going to be adding any anytime soon – must ratify it.

If the Electoral College is so important and the voters don’t know who are the electors, is it an obstacle to transparency in the electoral system?

From a very, very early time in this country, electors have been seen not to be independent agents, which is what the Founding Fathers thought they would be. You see, there was no political community in the United States in 1787. We had 13 colonies scattered up. It took two months to travel by land from Boston to Georgia. And they felt that – and there was no national press – they felt that the people themselves, the voters, would probably not have the sophistication to be able to discern national issues or national characters. So, they would vote for the electors, who would be the landholders, the best and the brightest, the merchants, the bankers, and these people would make a disinterested selection.

Well, it broke down almost immediately because even at that point in 1787 there was a drive towards democratisation, the frontier drive in America, as you will, and people said I don’t – and very early, in the early 19th century, one elector – can’t remember the name of the state or the elector or the person who said this, but an elector voted against instructions, and he said, “I don’t choose them to think; I choose them to act.”

So it is our tradition and has been for two centuries that the electors are the agents of the people, and they do the people’s will.

Who says campaign of calumny is a Nigerian thing? Or what do you call a campaign advert in which President Barack Obama’s strategists painted his rival Mitt Romney as the ‘evil genius’.

The ad was inspired by the moment when the Republican candidate turned to moderator Jim Lehrer and said he would defund the Public Broadcasting Service.

‘I’m sorry Jim, I’m going to stop the subsidy to PBS,’ he said. ‘I like PBS I love Big Bird, I actually like you too, but I’m going to stop borrowing money from China to pay for things we don’t need.”

Democrats exploited the incident for a sarcastic campaign advert.

The 30-second video mocks Romney for taking aim at the public broadcaster rather than cracking down on financial fraud.

Sesame Street, however, criticised the Obama campaign for exploiting their character and demanded that the advert be cancelled and removed from the internet.

Obama winning the ad battle A study released last Wednesday showed that President Obama and his allies have aired more adverts in battleground states this month despite being outspent by Republican nominee Mitt Romney and GOP groups.

The study also shows that Romney is getting less for his money .The Obama campaign and its supporters spent $77 million on 112,730 advertisements from October 1 to 21, according to the Wesleyan Media Project, which tracks and analyses political ad spending. Romney and his allies, by contrast, spent more, $87 million, on 15,000 fewer spots.

Blackmailing the voters?

The International Tribune Herald, which is the global edition of New York Times, carried a report last week which said strategists for both President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney have gathered private information about voters and are exploiting them to get them to vote on election day. According to the report, such information include whether or not they are gay or lesbian, their crime history and others that they may ordinarily want to keep from the public.

But, on record, both candidates insist they respect people’s privacy. If it is true that they are exploiting such strategy, it may as well mean blackmailing them to vote.

Of third party candidates and independents It is as if only President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are running for America’s presidency. But, it is not. There are third party candidates and independents. Third party candidates are of parties other than Democratic and Republican. Independents are standing on their own.

The third parties include Socialist Party and the Peace and Freedom Party.

Why Americans vote first Tuesday in November Hear what an expert says: “In a rural republic that was very religious, nobody worked or travelled on Sunday. So, this gave people who had to walk or ride their horses or wagon or whatever, gave them a full day to get to the polling place, the voting station in their county. It also was in November, which was the right time window for the expiration of the presidential term. You had to hold your election sometime – certain amount of time before the expiration of the term. It was also good to hold it in November because the harvest had been collected and the farmers had some spare time on their hands. And also in the northern states in November, the roads are clear and dry, you haven’t had major snowfall, there’s no mud, it’s easier to travel. So these are some of the arcane reasons that led us to establish our election day on Tuesday after the first Monday in November.”

A controversial election result?

Under the United States Electoral College system, President Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney need to win at least 270 of the country's 538 electoral votes to be president, rather than simply the majority of votes from voters. With pollsters predicting a close race, the Electoral College result could possibly yield a controversial election outcome.

Florida, whose 29 electoral votes are the biggest prize among states considered too close to call, Ohio, which has 18 electoral votes, and others are being bombarded by Obama and Romney in the last days of campaigns.

'Voter intimidation in Florida, others' There are attempts to confuse voters in Florida, Virginia and Indiana.

Voters have received phone calls telling them there was no need to cast a ballot in person on election day because they could vote by phone.

Reuters quoted Kurtis Killian, a Republican from St. Augustine, Florida, as one of those who have reported receiving calls that encouraged them to vote by phone so they would not have to go to the polls.

Killian said he received a call from a man who identified himself as an employee of the Florida Division of Elections.

He also said he refused the caller's offer to cast his vote by phone then reported the call to local elections officials. ``I know there is no such thing as phone voting,'' Killian said. But ``for someone who can't get out easily,'' such as elderly or disabled voters, ``they might go for that because it would be convenient for them. Once you think you voted you won't go to the polls. My vote would be cancelled out.''

Virginia's State Board of Elections received similar complaints from at least 10 people - most of them elderly - who said they had been urged to vote by phone.

Reuters reported that in Ohio and Wisconsin, billboards in mostly lowincome and minority neighbourhoods showed prisoners behind bars and warned of criminal penalties for voter fraud, an effort that voting rights groups say was designed to intimidate minority voters.

Some employers, such as David and Charles Koch, the billionaire brothers who helped fund the conservative group Americans for Prosperity, are pushing their workers to vote for Republican Mitt Romney for president.

Efforts to mislead, intimidate or pressure voters are an increasingly prominent part of the political landscape. ``We've seen an up-tick in deceptive and intimidating tactics designed to prevent eligible Americans from voting,'' said Eric Marshall of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, who manages a coalition that has a telephone hot line that collects tips on alleged voter intimidation.

They also cite groups linked to the conservative Tea Party movements that are training tens of thousands of people to monitor polling places on November 6 for voter fraud, a plan criticised as an attempt to discourage voting.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

NEWS Abdulsalami’s group loses Eko, Ikeja power firms Continued from page 1

•From left: Former Petroleum Minister Graham Douglas, speaking with reportersduring the Kalabari National Forum protest in Abuja…yesterday. With him are paramount head of Otaji group of houses, Abonnema, Chief Ambie Georgewes and Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disrael Bob-Manuel. Story on Page 57

We’ve put Ondo election behind us, says ACN Continued from page 1

in Lagos, the ACN said it would not indulge in any act capable of derailing democracy because it was not favoured by the electoral processes.

ACN National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande said, in a statement after the meeting, that the party leaders were still assessing the entire processes, from vote count to alleged irregularities, thuggery and violence that marred the poll.

He said: “Should we find ultimately that misconduct and lapses were not sufficiently material to alter the outcome, we shall do the honourable thing and respect what has been announced.

Should we find ultimately that the irregularities and wrongful actions materially altered the result, we shall contest the transgression as is our right and duty in democracy.”

Akande said the party would not condone the harassment and intimidation of ACN members in local governments and communities that voted against the LP.

The statement reads: “Last week, I issued a temporary statement on the reaction of my party, the Action Congress of Nigeria, to the outcome of the Ondo State election. Then I promised that the party will come back with a more detailed position after a careful interim review of the conduct and outcome of the October 20 election in Ondo State by the party leadership.

“The governorship election in Ondo State is over and the ballots received by INEC have been tallied. Some people have urged us to reject the INEC results outright because they do not favor my party. This we shall not do.

We refuse to cynically treat our democracy as a thing to be discarded when its processes do not favor us. We believe in the long-run, the genuine processes of a genuine democracy shall favor all of us, even the loser of an election.

“We are prepared to lose elections if the contest is free and the process is fair and transparent. We know that in this manner our democracy is strengthened. No one race

or political contest is worth damaging our democracy.

We would rather lose the race and gain democracy than win the race and lose democracy in the process.

“On the opposite side of the spectrum, other people are trying to pressure us to concede defeat as if all was perfect with the election.

They do so not because they love democracy but because they are the political opponents of our progressive party. Their interests are not in justice but in appearing to be concerned about justice.

They have never exercised any degree of political conciliation or bipartisanship in their exercise of public affairs. It stands as exceedingly hypocritical that they seek from us a gift they would never give. Thus, we see no reason to entertain their counterfeit expressions and the motives behind them.

“This is our position. We believe in the right of the people of Ondo State to determine who leads them.

For us in the Action Congress of Nigeria, the Ondo State election is a battle in a

larger war; the war of deepening democracy and ensuring accountability in our country. We are therefore resolved to put the elections behind us whilst pursuing the task of providing leadership to our people effectively.

“However, we have started an accurate but swift assessment of the entire election, from the vote count to the many and several irregularities and instances of thuggery and violence that occurred. Should we find ultimately that the misconduct and lapses were not sufficiently material to alter the outcome, we shall do the honorable thing and respect what has been announced.

“Should we find ultimately that the irregularities and wrongful actions materially altered the result, we shall contest the transgression as is our right and duty in a democracy. As leaders of a party and of people who trust the democratic process, we have a solemn obligation not to be swayed by emotion on one side or by intimidation on the other. We owe a duty Continued on page 61

the preferred bidders of the electricity generation companies, bringing the privatisation of the power sector into a milestone.

There are stringent conditions for the preferred bidders.

New Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC/ ICEPCO) is the preferred bidder for Ikeja Distribution Company. West Power and Gas is the preferred bidder for the Eko Distribution Company.

Vigeo Power Consortium, besides winning the Benin Disco, is the reserved bidder for Ikeja Disco. Its contender for Benin Disco - Southern Electricity Distribution Company – was disqualified for submission of multiple bids.

Oba Otudeko’s Honeywell Energy Resources International Limited is the reserve bidder for Eko Disco.

Sir Emeka Offor’s Interstate Electrics Limited beat Eastern Electric Nigeria Limited, owned by the five South eastern states, which was approved as the reserved bidder for the Enugu Disco.

The Afam Generation Company and Kaduna Distribution Company are yet to get preferred bidders.

The five generating companies also got preferred bidders.

The process, however, drew criticisms from some quarters.

At the sixth meeting of the council yesterday, successful bidders were given 15 days to make financial commitments through their banks.

The companies are expected to be handed over to the preferred bidders at the conclusion of the transaction within the next six months at which the companies are expected to have made full payment.

Besides, NCP disqualified Southern Electricity Distribution Company for submission of multiple bids for Be-

nin Disco.

Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited with a bid of $132,000,000, is the preferred bidder for the core investor sale of 51% shares of Geregu Power Plc. Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, which offered an annual fee of $50,760,665.18 and a commencement fee of $257,000,000, is the preferred bidder for Kainji Hydro Power Plc. For Shiroro Hydro Power Plc, NCP approved that North-South Power Ltd which offered an annual fee of $23,602,484.87 and a commencement fee of $111,654,534, is the preferred bidder.

The privatisation body also approved that Transcorp/ Woodrock/Sumbion/ Medea/PSL/ Thomassen with a bid of $300,000,000, is the preferred bidder for the Ughelli Power Plc. Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited with a bid of $252,000,000 is the reserved bidder for the Ughelli Power Plc. CMEC/EURAFRIC Energy JV Consortium is the preferred bidder for the Sapele Power Plc. It bidded $201,000,000.

JBN-NESTOIL Power Services Ltd, with a bid of $106,500,000 is the reserved bidder for the Sapele Power Plc. Amperion is the preferred bidder for Geregu Power Plc. The Feniks Electricity Limited is the reserved bidder for Ughelli Power Plc, subject to their bid being revised to match the reserved price.

For the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) in which 60 % sales was approved, the preferred and reserved bidders are: Abuja Distribution Company: KANN Consortium Utility Company Ltd as preferred bidder; Benin Distribution Company: Vigeo Power Consortium as the preferred bidder; Eko Distribution Company: West Power & Gas is the preferred bidder; Continued on page 61

Unknown gunmen kill six in Plateau attacks

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NMEN have stormed a drinking bar in a Plateau State village killing four people.

Two other persons were killed earlier.

The incident took place at about 8pm in Gindin Akwanti, Gashish district of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area as the victims and others were enjoying the locally brewed drink, burukutu.

Plateau State has been in the grip of violent attacks, leading to the deaths of hundreds of people in what mainly are ethno-religious crises.

The five gunmen disappeared after firing at the people.

Eight people were hit by the bullets. One of them, Bitrus Chuwang, died instantly. The others were rushed to the Plateau State Specialist Hospital in Jos. Those killed apart from Chuwang are: Mrs Serah Luka, Irimiya Damina and Ishaya Tanko . Those injured are: Yunana Daniel, Mabur Maren Makwin, Manyas Bala Dariyan, Horo Davou Dasong and Henry Irimiya Mangyet.

Barkin Ladi is about 50 kilo-

Car dealer shot dead in Onitsha

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NITSHA, the Anambra State commercial city, was panicstricken yesterday as gun men killed a car dealer and kidnapped another.

The attack took place at about 7.30 am at Modebe Avenue junction by St. John ’s Street.

The car dealer victim was identified as Chief Emeka Ekwerendu.

Divisional Police Officer, Central Police Station, Onitsha, Mr. Temitope Fasugba and Anambra Police spokesman Ralph Uzoigwe confirmed the incident.

It was gathered that a four- man gang From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

metres from Jos, the state capital, a town that has endured violence at various times.

It was gathered that a week before the Sunday night attack, two persons were ambushed and killed by unknown gunmen in the community.

The two victims were said to be on their way from a nearby market at about 8pm when four assailants armed with machetes hacked them to death.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

that operated in a light green Toyota Sienna car without a number-plate trailed their victim from a Catholic Church in Odo-Akpu after he dropped his children at a primary school in Onitsha before he was shot dead.

An eyewitness said Ekwerendu was riding in his black Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with registration number ABC 202AJ before the robbers shot at his tyres.

His vehicle lost control and hit a parked vehicle before they shot him from behind.

The way the robbers went to the car

That attack took place in Dorong, a boundary village between Barkin Ladi Council and Mangu Council. The two victims, who hailed from Barkin Ladi, have been buried.

Barkin Ladi Local Government Chairman Emmanuel Loman, who confirmed the attack, said: “The attack took place in Gindi Akwanti and as I am talking to you now, three of the victims, including a lady, have been confirmed dead, the other four injured

boot and made away with undisclosed huge sums of money made observers describe the scene as coordinated.

The suspected robbers/kidnappers were armed with four AK 47 riffles. It was learn that they were shooting sporadically into the air to scare people away. They escaped through Anionwu Street when their victim was confirmed dead.

Also yesterday a businessman was reportedly kidnapped in Fegge.

The identity of the victim was not yet known, but an eyewitnesses said the victim was kidnapped on his way back from church.

are receiving treatment right now.”

Loman said: “We now live at the mercy of unknown gunmen and this has continued for some time. We have pleaded and tried to make the environment peaceful but such killings have refused to stop, and I don’t know why.”

The spokesman of the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crises, Captain Salisu Mustapha, said “three suspects have been arrested in conection to the at-

tack”.

Capt. Mustapha said: “The incident occurred at about quarter to 8pm last Sunday in Gindi Akwanti village where unknown gunmen opened fire on innocent people relaxing at a local joint.

“One of them died instantly and seven others were evacuated to Plateau Specialist Hospital. “Men of the STF have cordoned off the area and investigation has commenced on the attack. The area remains

•Plateau Governor Jonah Jang

calm.”

Similar killings and attacks have been on in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas for over two years, despite the presence of the security task force.

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

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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NEWS NAPEP to focus on agriculture From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

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HE National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) has refocused its attention on agriculture as a tool in the fight against poverty in the country.

In a statement by the Head, Publicity, Danladi Hassan Kobi, the National Coordinator, Muktar Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, led the agency to focus its core mandate on critical intervention areas such as agriculture to enable farmers participate in the agricultural transformation agenda of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

He said: “As a knowledgedriven agency in poverty eradication, there is the need for the Ministry of Agriculture to engage NAPEP in ensuring that not only farmers participate, but also that the poor are encouraged to join in the transformation train.

“To fight and defeat poverty, Nigerians must support President Jonathan’s transformation agenda to generate growth, especially in agriculture where the potentials for maximum utilisation of abundant natural resources hold sway for the needed answers in our quest for solution to the poverty scourge, not just of meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target.

“Agriculture is the mainstay of our people. They have remained subsistent and the current economic problem has exacerbated their position.

“The poor among them need a little push to enable them benefit from the enormous opportunities in the agricultural transformation agenda. This way, NAPEP, as the apex organisation on poverty issues, will identify and target those in need of assistance in that regard.”

Group holds fair

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HE Christian Booksellers Association of Nigeria (CBAN) will from tomorrow hold its yearly fair/ national convention at the Shepheredhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos. It is entitled: “Tell the news”.

Youths urged on nation building

By Adeola Ogunlade

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HE Principal Coordinator of Modella Afrik, Raymond Iroham, has urged Nigerian youths to be at the vanguard of promoting the virtues of peace, orderliness and moral rectitude, which are tools for national transformation.

He spoke at the launch of Modella Afrik at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Milk and Honey Chapel, Mende, Maryland, Lagos.

Iroham said young people are the leaders of tomorrow and they must exhibit good leadership qualities that will facilitate growth and development.

He said governments across the world are grappling with wars, inhuman treatments and terrorism, which are mostly orchestrated by immoral and ungodly youths who would have sought redress when aggrieved through peaceful mechanism.

He noted that God is in dire need of youths who will surrender themselves to Him and help in the campaign for a safe and better world fit for all to live in.

•The Special Adviser on Education to the Ogun State Governor, Mr. Tunji Abimbola (third left), cutting the tape to inaugurate a block of classrooms donated by Globacom to Ijebu Muslim College, Ijebu Ode, as part of activities to mark this year’s Ojude Oba festival sponsored by Globacom. With him are Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Mrs. Ben Ayede (right); Chief Fassy Yusuff, representing the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba S.K. Adetona; Head, Business Solutions, Globacom, Mr. Folu Aderibigbe and Alhaja F.M. Kareem, the principal of the college.

Ministry, SSS partner on distribution of free textbooks

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N a bid to check diversion and fraud in the distribution chain by the Federal Government/Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Federal Ministry of Education yesterday entered into a working partnership with the State Security Service (SSS) on the distribution of instructional materials to primary and secondary schools across the country.

Under the partnership, the operatives of the SSS in the 36 state commands and Abuja will participate in the distribution of free textbooks meant for the

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774 local governments.

Speaking at the headquarters of the SSS in Abuja during a visit to the Director-General of the SSS, Mr. Ekpeyong Ita, the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, said the direct involvement of the security agency at the highest level became necessary because of the illegal actions of the officials of the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB). They were found to have allegedly diverted the books meant for the less privileged children.

He hailed the SSS for its suc-

cess in Niger State where three SUBEB officials are being prosecuted for diverting books meant for the state.

Wike said the partnership was aimed at ensuring that those involved in trying to sabotage the process were fished out and prosecuted to act as a deterrent to other potential criminals in the textbook distribution chain.

He said: “We seek your partnership to help the Federal Government actualise the goal for basic education and the distribution of books. We urge you to help us check the leak-

ages and sabotage in the distribution chain. We have come here to give the list of the distribution of textbooks and library resource materials to the states for the next phase to begin in November to ensure that the books get to the end users.”

The Director-General of the SSS, Ekpeyong Ita, assured the minister that the security agency will work towards ensuring that the books distributed by the Federal Government get to the end users.

He said the SSS would work with the Federal Ministry of Education to monitor the dis-

NPAN urges court to void APCON’s law on HE Newspaper Propriofficials of two of its 24 memadvertisement vetting etors Association of Nibers – Leadership and Vanguard geria (NPAN) has ques-

tioned the propriety of some provisions of a law by the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) requiring media establishments to submit advertisements for vetting by the council.

NPAN, in a suit filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos argued that the provisions contained in Article 21 and 137 of the Nigerian Code of Advertising and Sales Promotion (NCASP) are inconsistent with the provisions of Section 39 of the Constitution guaranteeing the freedom of expression and to hold opinion.

The association urged the court to void the provisions in the suit initiated by its registered trustees via the origi-

By Eric Ikhilae

nating summons, and in which it raised three questions for the court’s determination and prayed it for five reliefs.

They include a declaration that APCON, under its Establishment Act, Sap A7 Laws of the Federation 2004, lacked the powers to create offences and impose penalties as contained in Article 137 (a) (b) and (c) of the NCASP, a declaration that should void the provisions and render them unconstitutional.

The plaintiff is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining APCON from treating or continuing to treat Article 21 and 137 of NCASP as valid, and restraining the de-

fendants and their agents from applying the provisions of Articles 27 and 137 (a), (b) and (c) of NCASP. NPAN also prayed the court to declare that the Articles 27 and 137 are ultra vires as they relate to its (NPAN’s) members and a declaration that Article 21 is unconstitutional in that it violates Section 39 of the Constitution.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) is named with APCON as defendants in the suit marked: FHC/L/CS/ 1067/2012.

NPAN’s General-Secretary, Comfort Obi, said in a supporting affidavit that the suit was informed by the recent invitation and interrogation of the

newspapers - by the police, who claimed to be acting on the complaints by APCON, purportedly acting on the said provisions of NCASP. She believed APCON lacked the powers “to regulate the activities of members of the plaintiff or their employees who are not registered members of APCON or practising advertising. I also believe that the provisions of Articles 21 and 137 of the code are inconsistent with Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”

Comfort argued that it was in consonance with the provision of the Constitution should the plaintiff’s prayers be granted.

Ofeimun: Nigeria must enhance English language

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OTABLE poet and playwright, Odia Ofeimun, has said Nigeria must develop maturity and versatility in the use of English language to break grounds in industrial growth.

He said users of English language must aim at a sophistication that would enable them interchange and shift between their mother tongues and the language.

Ofeimun said while the sciences must be improved and seen as a key factor, scientists must equally be made to develop a facility to translate the sciences, which are recorded in English into their indigenous languages and vice versa.

Currently, he said, efforts have either not been made at all in the direction of equipping science teachers with enough competence in English language to enable them interpret science terms into their mother tongues or are being inappropriately directed.

The poet said: “Unfortunately, our universities are not assisting in the development of the kind of language culture to engender

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

that dream.”

Describing efforts at concentrating attention on the so-called major indigenous languages as being promoted by the National Policy on Education as ill-informed, he said all languages are relevant and should be leveraged to advantage.

He said: “The position of the National Policy on Education, which allows for the development of three major languages, was wrong headed. Every language is a national language. There is no reason for segregating the languages: some that will die and others that will get government support to live. It is rubbish.

“Egbe Omo Oduduwa planned to transfer the knowledge in English language into the indigenous languages and transfer the knowledge in the indigenous languages back into English. Politics was employed to frustrate this dream. “

tribution of the textbooks and library resource materials to the local governments through the state governments.

Ita noted that there is a reason to sanitise the distribution channel to avoid a situation where saboteurs deny Nigerian children access to the textbooks.

Highlight of the meeting was the handing over of the list containing the distribution chain for the next phase of the distribution of books to the Director-General of the SSS by the Minister of State for Education.

Lawmakers berate commissioner over exorbitant levies From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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DO State lawmakers yesterday berated the Commissioner for Transport, Victor Enoghama, for collecting fines and levies for traffic offences above what was approved by the law that established the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA).

The legislators noted that what was stipulated by the law to be paid as fines by traffic violators was between N1,000 and N5,000, whereas complaints from the public showed that between N10,000 and N20,000 was collected by officials of EDSTMA as fines and levies.

They spoke when Enoghama briefed the lawmakers on the performance of his ministry in the 2012 budget.

Speaker Uyi Igbe directed the commissioner to stop the collection of what he termed exorbitant fines and levies.

He said any increment to be made should be brought to the notice of the House through an executive bill.

The Speaker said any further charges outside the prescribed fees would be met with stiff sanction.

Responding, the commissioner said the collection of the fees and levies was arrived at by workers of the ministry as against the regulatory laws.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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NEWS NMA seeks more funding From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Boat mishap: Father begs govt to help recover bodies A

FORTY-YEAR-OLD man whose three chilTO discourage medical dren, Suleiman, Wasiu tourism abroad and and Rasikat, were among the improve Nigeria’s health care system, the President of victims of the ill-fated Sunday boat mishap in Ottothe Nigeria Medical Awori Local Government of Association (NMA), Dr. Lagos State yesterday Osahon Enabulele, has begged the government to called on Nigerian medical help recover the bodies. professionals abroad to Najeem Oseni, who was invest more in Nigeria’s surrounded by sympathisers, healthcare industry. said his children boarded the Enabulele spoke at the ‘Investment in health care in boat from Idoluwo, a neighbouring community, where Nigeria—the role of they had gone to celebrate MANSAG and NMA, at the Eid-el- Kabir with a relative.

23rd Annual Scientific “Let someone tell me I Conference of the Medical am dreaming. This is terriAssociation of Nigerians ble, losing three children at Across Great Britain once.

(MANSAG) held in the “When will I see them United Kingdom (UK) . again? It is better to know Recalling the historical that my children are dead evolution of Nigeria’s health care industry, he lamented that despite efforts to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system, the country’s health status indicators were still largely unsatisfactory.

He attributed the poor system to laxity by government officials to the health of Nigerians and their frequent visits abroad for medical care.

•Six bodies recovered, four missing

By Miriam Ndikanwu

than to wait endlessly for their missing bodies,” he lamented.

Recounting his last moment with his children, he said they were always in a good mood, adding that the celebration of Eid-El-Kabir was another opportunity for the children to visit their family in their village.

“They were on their way to Imude Community. They went to celebrate Eid-Kabir festival with my relatives in our village in Idoluwo.

He said he was looking

forward to their safe arrival home when he got the news that a boat conveying people from Idoluwo had capsized.

He pleaded with the search-and-rescue team to help recover the bodies, saying he would not leave the scene until he finds their bodies.

General Manger LASEMA Dr. Femi OkeOsanyintolu said 10 people were on board the boat before the incident.

He said six bodies have been recovered, adding that efforts are still ongo-

ing to recover others, including the 10-year-old boy, who paddled the boat.

He canvassed the use of life jackets for operators and passengers, adding that it would begin enforcement with the police.

The Baale of Imode Community, Josiah Ajaye, bemoaned the attitude of flying boats operators.

He said the operators do not consider some of the rural dwellers who use the local boat on the water ways.

“It would not take them up to 30 seconds to allow those in the wooden canoe to pass. We begin to lecture our people on the usage of life jacket. Enough of these tragedies, he said.

Delta gets flood committee From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

THE Delta State Government yesterday inaugurated a 12-man committee to manage the N500 million flood relief fund given to it by the Federal Government.

The committee is headed by a retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice Francis Tabai.

Speaking at the event in Asaba, the state capital, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said although the committee was supposed to use part of the money for the management of relief camps, the state has funds to maintain the camps without touching the money.

He said the committee will advise the government on how to resettle the victims.

Justice Tabai said the committee would work to ameliorate the suffering of the victims.

Uduaghan said he enlisted the services of Nollywood actors and actresses to provide psychological support for the victims.

He said many internally displaced persons suffer emotional and psychological trauma.

Two Nollywood stars Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme alias Aki and Pawpaw were appointed motivational speakers.

Recalling his experience during a late night call at a relief camp, the governor said he was surprised when a crowd ignored him but instead were engrossed in a movie.

“Because they were watching this movie, they forgot their pains. For the victims watching this movie helped them to relieve their pains. I thought to myself I should get this people to go to some of the camps as motivational speakers.”

Arik probing stowaway

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

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RIK Air said yesterday that it is still investigating the circumstances that led to the discovery of the body of a man who was found in the undercarriage of its Airbus 340- 500 last Friday after the aircraft arrived from New York.

In a statement by its spokesman Adebanji Ola, the carrier said: “The management of Arik Air is still investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body of a young man in the wheel well of its Airbus A340-500 on October 26.

“The body was discovered when engineers were conducting a routine check on the aircraft that morning.

“The identity of the man is not known as there was no form of identification on him.

“However, we are able to establish that the body has been in the wheel well for more than a day suggesting that the stowaway originated from Lagos.

“Curiously, a bottle of medicine produced by a local pharmaceutical company was found on the body laying credence to the suggestion that the stowaway may have boarded the flight from Lagos.

“Also found on the body was a Bible which has an American flag drawn on the back cover.

“The body has since been deposited in the morgue.”

Fire stations in 774 councils From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja •Winners display their Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card preloaded with their cash prize during the Star Time To Shine Promo draws held in Osmosis Bar, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Review anti-terrorism, ACN tells Fed Govt

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has urged the Federal Government to review its anti-terrorism tactics.

In a statement in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the party said the suicide bombing that led to the death of eight persons and injured 145 others in Kaduna showed that terrorists are yet to be curtailed.

It said the government must evolve a measure that would protect citizens and curtail the ability of insurgents to strike anytime.

ACN said the rate at which innocent people are killed is so alarming that it cannot justify whatever modest success the government may claim to have achieved.

The party said some of the worse hit areas include Potiskum, where an ongoing cordon-and-search operation by security forces has attracted a backlash from the insurgents. ‘’Within the space of a few days in Potiskum last week, many innocent citizens were slaughtered.

“The victims, according to published reports, included a retired Customs officer and his doctor son; a retired police officer, his wife and three children, as well as a tractor driver and six of his children.

“Nothing in the world can justify these mindless killings,’’ it said.

ACN said the accusations and counter-accusations by the security forces and the sect in Maiduguri made it urgent for the government to review its tactics. ‘’Add this to the incessant and shocking bombing of churches and academic institutions, the inexplicable attack on the United Nations (UN) office in Abuja and the senseless destruction of tel-

ecommunications masts, just to mention a few.

“It is clear that the nation cannot afford to allow this crisis to linger, even when it must also avoid a scorchedearth response that can only hurt innocent citizens.

ACN recalls a recent report by the rights group, Human Rights Watch, that both the security forces and the sect may be guilty of crimes against humanity. ‘’We at the ACN agree with this report and urge the

government to explore other means, including dialogue, to end the slow-motion insurgency that has claimed hundreds of lives since 2009 when it started. ‘’Every human life that is lost to this senseless crisis is one precious life too many, and these gory killings demean our humanity and call to question our claim to civilisation.

“That is why the government must end the insurgency,,’’ the party said.

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HE Federal Fire Service (FFS) yesterday said it would establish fire service stations across the 774 local governments.

The ComptrollerGeneral (CG), Olusegun Okebiorun, said this at the opening of the fire safety week in Abuja.

Okebiorun said this was because the existing 255 fire stations are inadequate to tackle fire and other disasters.

He said the service has partnered the federal water board for prompt water supply.

The comptroller said the Federal Government has approved the upgrade of fire stations from 255 to 1,000 to meet the needs of the populace.

Jonathan approves perm secs’ posting, redeployment

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved the posting of five new permanent secretaries sworn into office on October 17 and the redeployment of some others.

In a statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Tope Ajakaiye, handing and taking over formalities are to be completed on or before November 7.

He listed the apointees and their posts: “Alhassan J. Gana, new appointment, Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Cabinet Secretariat. Mr. Sunday J.F Jegede, new appointment, Office of the Secretary

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

to the Government of the Federation, Political Affairs/Economic Affairs. Dr. James N. Obiegbu, new appointment, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Career Management Office.

Ambassador Sani S. Bala, new appointment, Federal Civil Service Commission.

“Mrs Folashade O. Yemi Esan, new appointment, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation Establishment and Records office.

Dr. A.K Muhommed. Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Cabinet Secretariat, Ministry of Works. Alhaji Bukar G. Aji,

Ministry of Works, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Common Services Office. Alhaji Mohommed S. Bashar. Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Common Services Office, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

“Mr. Charles Bonat. Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Establishment and Record Office, to Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, General Service Office. Dr. Macjohn Nwaobiala. Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ecological Funds, Ministry of Education. Alhaji Salisu Gusau.

Ministry of Information, Police Service Commission.

“Ambassador Abdulkadir A. Musa. Federal Civil Service Commission, Ministry of Petroleum Resources. Mrs. Kehinde Ajoni. Office of the Head of Civil of the Federation, Career Management Office to Ministry of Information. Alhaji Aliyu Ismaila, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Political Affairs/ Economic Affairs to Ministry of Police Affairs.

“Engr. Sheik Goni Musa.

Ministry of Petroleum Resources to Office of the Head of Civl Service of the Federation. Dr. Ezekiel Oyemomi.

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to Public Service Institute of Nigeria as Instructor.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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NEWS Commonwealth award for midwives From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

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IDWIVES under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Office; Midwives’ Service Scheme, have been awarded this year’s Commonwealth

award.

The prize; Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) award on Innovations in Government Services and Programmes, was presented to Nigeria at CAPAM meeting in New Delhi, India.

The scheme funded by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr. Precious Gbeneol, was jointly implemented by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA).

Under the scheme, unemployed and retired midwives were recruited for deployment to primary health centres in rural communities. Nigeria beat Australia and Canada to clinch the award.

In a statement in Abuja, the Deputy Director, Information of OSSAP-MDGs, Kene Offie, said the initiative was launched in 2009 to support the country to tackle poor maternal and child healthcare.

37 benefit from UNDP From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

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HE Federal Government and the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) have signed a Memoradum of Understanding (MoU) for 37 Nigerians to be engaged in Junior Professional Officers Programme (JPOP) across the UN system.

The programme will start next month. Nigeria will be the first African country and the 20th contributor to the Junior Professional Officers’ Programme.

Nigeria is the fifth countributor to the UN’s peacekeeping mission with about 6,000 Nigerians currently on peacekeeping.

The successful candidates, whose salaries are to be paid by the Federal Government, will be exposed to development assistance training opportunities covering different areas of human endeavours.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who signed on behalf of the government, said the JPOP is another significant milestone in actualising President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda.

He said the JPOP initiative will enhance and galvanise the objective of the present administration, to further empower the youth by exposing them to critical international platform.

UNDP Country Director Ade Lekoetje said Nigeria is making another proclamation of its commitment of the ideals of UN’s unwavering quest for peace and security, and improving the lives of people.

Association appoints interim chair

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

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HE Nigeria-Arab Association (NAASS) has appointed former Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Universal Trust Bank Plc (UTB), Idris Sulaimon, as its interim chairman.

Sulaimon’s appointment came after the demise of NAASS chairman, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Adegbite.

A statement by its Executive Secretary, Abdullahi Shuaib, said the decision was taken during the emergency Executive Committee Meeting of the Association at the Syrian Club, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The association hailed the achievements of the late Adegbite during his tenure since 1996.

According to the group, the late Adegbite would be remembered for his sagacity, dexterity and doggedness as a bridge builder between Nigerians and Arabs.

Sulaimon, a Chartered Accountant, is on the board of many companies some of which are United Gases Limited; OSL Nigeria Limited; United Power Tools & Trading Company; Mission Securities Limited and Daily Times of Nigeria Plc. He is a member of the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the Executive Chairman of Idris Sulaimon & Associates.

Rep faults govt programmes From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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MEMBER of the House of Representatives, Amere Akintayo (ACN, Osun) has reiterated the determination of the House to present a budget of hope and prosperity next year.

He said it is unfair to compare Nigeria with other countries on the $80 crude oil benchmark as proposed by the House while other parameters were conveniently ignored by the government.

According to him, some of the touted empowerment programmes of the government were mere media hype with insignificant impact on Nigerians.

He said the government should measure the impact of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN) as well as the N200billion agriculture loan to farmers, among several others.

Akintayo said the House won’t swayed by unrealistic comparison with other economies that have always been known for transparency and accountability.

President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Azubuike Okwor flanked by National Secretary Victor Okwuosa (left) and Deputy President Olumide Akintayo at a briefing on the association‘s 85th Annual National Conference in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Ribadu committee, two others to submit report P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has directed the Nuhu Ribadu Committee on Petroleum Revenue to submit its report on Friday.

A statement by the presidential media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the directive is to show the administration’s commitment to transparency, probity, and accountability in the petroleum sector.

The Committee, set up in February, is required to, among others, determine and verify all petroleum upstream and downstream revenues (taxes and royalties, etc,) due and payable to the Federal Government and to take necessary steps to collect debts due and owed.

The committee is also to obtain agreements and enforce payment terms for oil industry operators.

The presentation of the Committee’s report will take place on Friday at the State House, Abuja.

Also, President Jonathan is expected to receive two other reports on the petroleum industry.

They are the committee established to design a new corporate governance code for en-

•Presidency: we’ll not spare anyone From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

suring full transparency, good governance and global best practices in the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other oil industry corporations with Dotun Sulaiman as Chairman.

The other committee, headed by Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, is to conduct a highlevel assessment of the nation’s refineries and recommend ways of improving their efficiency and commercial viability.

The Presidency said it would prosecute those indicted in the report.

It warned that the Federal Government is determined to fight corruption at all levels.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, said the Presidency has assured that there would be no cover up in the findings of the Ribadu Re-

port.

He said: "For the avoidance of doubt, the President has neither seen nor received any copy of the Ribadu Committee Report.

“Essentially, what appears to have been irregularly released prematurely to the media is a draft copy, which still requires full accent of all members of the committee and clarifications and due process from the originating ministry before the official handing over to the Presidency.

"President Jonathan should be hailed for his personal resolve to fight institutionalised corruption in Nigeria.

“He ordered the probe of the oil industry from 2002 - 2011, which also covers the tenure of his administration.

"No President in our history has gone this far and this explains why the rot in our system has persisted.

"The President approved the appointment of a well–known anti-corruption crusader,

Mallam Nuhu Ribadu,who contested against him at the presidential poll on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

"It is also noteworthy that the Secretary of the Committee, Supo Sasore, was a former Attorney General of Lagos State in an ACN government."

Okupe said the President’s unwavering and commendable determination to fight corruption is demonstrated by his appointment of credible Nigerians, anti-corruption crusaders and members of the opposition in the committee.

He also said his efforts has helped in exposing the fraud in the petroleum subsidy regime dug up by the Aig Imokhuede Committee and that the indicted persons are being tried in the courts.

"For the purpose of clarity, President Jonathan’s resolve to fight corruption and dig out all the rot in the system should not be misconstrued or politicised by the opposition as if it is his administration that is guilty of corruption.

“Rather, he should be commended for taking the step that will ultimately sanitise the policy and the system," he said.

Senior lawyers embarrass Judiciary, says Falana

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AGOS lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) yesterday took a swipe at lawyers, particularly senior colleagues, who he alleged have been encouraging corruption and manipulating the Judiciary.

He lamented that government lacks political will to fight corruption.

The human rights activist spoke yesterday at a roundtable on “Promoting Ethics and Integrity in the Courts Systems and Improving Citizens’ Access to Justice” organised by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in collaboration with Royal Netherland Embassy, Abuja at the Western Hotel, Ikeja.

Falana lamented that all cases that brought shame and embarrassment to the Judiciary were handled by

By Adebisi Onanuga

elders in the bar.

He cited someof the cases that embarrassed the government and ridiculed the judiciary as James Ibori, Siemens, Panalpina scandals, Erastus Akingbola and Harliburton.

The activist said Akingbola’s case involves four SANs, including a former Attorney-General of the Federation, who was also a former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) president.

“All those who handled such cases are not just Senior Advocates of Nigeria(SANs) but also leaders of the NBA .

“It is sad that they are profiting from the misfortunes of the society.

He said the United States realised billions of dollars from the trial of these cor-

porate bodies while the Nigerian government realised nothing.

Falana said this explained why President Goodluck Jonathan ordered the Harliburton trial to be reopened.

The activist also cited the case of the former Managing Director of the defunct Oceanic Bank, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru.

He alleged that the judge went outside the confines of the law to recommend a highbrow hospital where she should spend her six-month jail term.

“A judge does not have the power to tell a prisoner where to spend her jail term but that is a function of the Nigeria Prison Service,” he said.

To combat corruption, Falana suggested that the National Assembly should mobilise to make anti-corruption agencies to be independent.

•Falana

Former chairman, Committee on Judiciary, Lagos State House of Assembly Babatunde Ogala said the public expects much from members of the legal profession in the fight against corruption.

The Executive Director of SERAP, Mumuni Adetokunbo, said the roundtable was organised to work out how the integrity of the Judiciary could be enhanced to fight corruption.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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NEWS Oyo ACN greets Muslims CHAIRMAN of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State Chief Akin Oke has felicitated with Muslims on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

In a statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, Oke praised the visionary leadership of the party’s leader in the state, Alhaji Lam Adesina, and wished him quick recovery.

Oke hailed Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s “purposeful leadership” and prayed that Allah would continue to guide him.

He urged party members to remain steadfast and avoid anti-party activities.

Oke said the party is looking into cases of marginalisation within the party’s membership.

He said with understanding and patience, things would be put right to ensure that everybody enjoys the dividends of democracy promised by Ajimobi.

Tukur: we won’t dump Ondo PDP exco

Headteachers not exempted from teaching, says Ogun

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HE Ogun State Government yesterday said headteachers of public primary schools are not exempted from teaching and writing lesson notes.

It warned headteachers against shying away from such responsibilities.

The government said this would check a situation where some teachers slip into redundancy.

It said teachers’ promotion letters for 2009 and 2010 have been released and the running cost for the 2011/2012 session paid.

The Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Chief Mufutau Ajibola, spoke while addressing public primary school teachers in Abeokuta North, Ijebu North and Yewa North local government areas.

Ajibola urged the teachers to be more dedicated to their job and dress decently.

He said the government was rehabilitating 1,234 classrooms in 376 schools and 278 schools are being built across the state.

HE National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, yesterday said the party has no plan to dump its Executive Council in Ondo State or align with Governor Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party (LP).

He debunked rumours that the party’s structures have been handed over to Mimiko, who was declared winner of the October 20 governorship election.

In a letter to the PDP’s

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

candidate in the Ondo governorship election, Chief Olusola Oke, former Governor Olusegun Agagu, Ondo PDP Chairman Ebenezer Alabi and former Minister of Housing and Urban Development Mrs. Mobolaji Osomo, Tukur said the Ondo chapter is “enduring, time-tested and very dependable”.

He said the national leadership believes in the competence of the Ondo PDP Exco to win future elections.

Oke said: “I congratulate the leadership and members of our great party in Ondo State for its good performance in the just-concluded governorship election.

“Although we were not declared winner, I am happy and proud of our party’s performance, despite all odds. In spite of the loss suffered by the party in the election, Ondo PDP leaders are good ambassadors and worthy leaders.

“The party’s national leaders are satisfied with the fighting spirit, candour

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

T •Tukur

and leadership competence of Oke and the state chapter of the party.

“I assure you of my assistance and support as well as that of other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and other national organs of the party at all times.”

Tokyo hails police chief

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

THE Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, a.k.a. Tokyo, has praised the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu, for maintaining law and order since his appointment.

Akinsola hailed the police commissioner for averting a bloody clash among members of the union’s caretaker committee, which the courts have declared illegal.

He said he had been vindicated on his claim that the illegal caretaker committee are being used by some politicians to settle scores and foment trouble.

Akinsola denied any row with Mbu. He said: “On the contrary, I have great respect for the police commissioner and I am willing to co-operate with him.”

‘Ondo: Result not people’s wish’

By Emmanuel Oladesu

A GROUP, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Total Loyalty, yesterday said the result of the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State did not reflect the wishes of the people.

The leader of the group Alhaji Oluwatoyin Balogun, in a statement in Lagos, said the achievements of Governor Olusegun Mimiko could not have attracted such “a massive endorsement” as conveyed by the electoral commission.

He said the people’s opposition to Mimiko’s re-election manifested in the crowd that turned out for the opposition parties’ rallies across the state.

Balogun said: “What Mimiko is collecting from the federal purse on a monthly basis is more than what Ogun, Osun and Ekiti are collecting and the governor could not point to a kilometre of road that was inaugurated in the state.”

Oyo begins public hearing on constitution review •Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun addressing landlords and shop owners in Sagamu during his visit to sensitise the people on the proposed expansion of the Akarigbo-Isale Oko-Cement Road.

‘Oni unfit to preside over Southwest PDP meeting’ A CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Prince Segun Seriki, yesterday said ousted Ekiti State “Governor” Segun Oni had no right to preside over the purported caucus meeting of the PDP in the Southwest.

He described Oni’s conduct as “contemptuous, illegal and an affront on the rule of law”.

In a statement, Seriki said Oni’s action was illegal because he was sacked by the April 27 judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos,

which nullified the PDP congress in the Southwest.

He drew the attention of the party’s national leadership and PDP chieftains in the Southwest to the consequences of allowing a man, who was sacked by a court of competent jurisdiction, to manage the party’s zonal affairs.

The statement reads: “I am at a loss as to why a man, who came third at the party primaries pre-2007 elections but was imposed by his god-

father and yet could not win the election, presided over a meeting where the strategies to win back the Southwest were being discussed.

“It is all the more disappointing, given the fact that Oni had been removed as the Southwest PDP Chairman by the Federal High Court. That fact is incontrovertible.

“And since you cannot build something on nothing, whatever action and deci-

PHCN official electrocuted in Osun forest

A

N official of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has been electrocuted in a forest in Osun State.

It was learnt that the deceased and other PHCN workers were trying to identify the cause of power outage in some parts of Ondo and Ekiti states when the incident occurred.

PHCN engineers are yet to identify the cause of the eight-day old power outage.

A source said the PHCN

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

team spent the weekend in a forest between Erin-Ijesa in Osun State and the boundary towns of IkejiArakeji and Owena in Ondo State, trying to identify the fault.

An Akure engineer, Mr. Adewale Oketade, blamed the worker’s death on the management of the PHCN. Oketade said it was dangerous for engineers to work on power lines because the larger parts of

the installations were built in forests, which have difficult terrains.

He said air surveillance should be used for the easy detection of faults.

PHCN spokesman, Akure Business Office, Mr. Adegoke Ademola confirmed the death.

Ademola said PHCN engineers were still working on the power lines in the forest. He said electricity would be restored in the affected areas before the week runs out.

sion taken by Oni since April 27, 2012, including the decisions purportedly reached at the meeting, is illegal, null and void.

“I take solace in the fact that this development will be addressed at a more appropriate time and forum. It cannot stand the test of time and the law. At least, three of those who dared the courts have been convicted.

Now, they are ex-convicts, whether they want to admit it or not.”

Seriki urged the PDP national leadership not to leave its affairs in the hands of people “with ulterior motives, who are bent on bringing the party to opprobrium by trampling on the rule of law, which is one of the cardinal principles of the present administration”.

He said: “All the posturing of Oni and his co-travellers are towards the 2015 elections, as their godfather has sworn never to support President Goodluck Jonathan should he throw his hat into the ring.

“All they seek to do is to float a separate structure, which they intend to use against the interest of Mr. President in accordance with the dictates of their godfather. That is their game plan.”

T

HE Oyo State Government will today begin a two-day public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution.

In a statement yesterday, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adebayo Ojo, said the public hearing would hold at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan by 9am on both days.

Ojo said the public hearing, which would be coordinated by a committee constituted by the state government, was aimed at aggregating the views of the people on the areas marked out for amendment.

Individuals, civil society groups, organisations and the public are expected at the hearing.

Areas marked out for amendment include devolution of powers, state creation, the recognition of six geo-political zones, the role of traditional rulers, local government autonomy, fiscal federalism, the amendment of provisions relating to constitution amendment, boundary adjustment and the immunity clause.

Others are the removal of the Land Use Act, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Code of Conduct from the constitution, the Nigerian Police, Judiciary, Executive, rotation of executive office, gender and special group, Mayoral status for the Federal Capital Territory Administration, residency and indigeneship provisions.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

9

NEWS

Kuku denies funding Ondo poll

T

HE Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, has denied the allegation that he spent N249 million to fund the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the Ondo State governorship election.

Kuku, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), challenged the Niger Delta Amnesty Watch to show evidence of such expenditure during the poll.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Kuku, Daniel Alabrah and made available to reporters in Benin City, said: “Not a dime of the strictly budgeted

‘West Africa needs $26b for regional electricity inter-connectivity’

T

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

funds of the amnesty programme was spent on the election.”

Kuku also denied promising N100 million to some ex-militants in the third phase of the amnesty programme to work for the candidate of the PDP in the election.

He said: “The PAP is not surprised about this development as it in September alerted the nation to a plot by some politicians and disgruntled individuals, who never wanted the amnesty programme to succeed and had become jittery over the rising profile of the chairman, to cause may-

•Kuku

hem in the Niger Delta.

“It is obvious that the intention of the sponsors is not only to distract Kuku, but to pull him down to derail this laudable but delicate Federal Government programme that has been widely acclaimed as being properly managed.”

HE West African subregion requires $26 billion to carry out the electricity inter-connectivity of the sub-region.

Mr. Amadou Diallo, the Secretary-General of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), said this yesterday in Abuja at the seventh session of the general assembly of the WAPP. He said the sub-regional electricity inter-connectivity programme is progressing and many West Africa countries are moving towards having a common electricity platform.

Diallo said many of them, especially Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Mali and Mauritania, have em-

By Nduka Chiejina

barked on power reform programmes across the sub-region.

The sub-regional power reform programmes, he noted, are concentrated on regulatory, generation and transmission issues.

Diallo identified tariff as one of the challenges confronting the sub-regional electricity inter-connectivity initiative. This, he said, is too high for the people but low for the countries.

Earlier, Mr. Olushola Akinniranye, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria and host of the session,

listed some achievements of the WAPP initiative as the construction of the Ikeja West 330kva line that will supply power to Cotonou and the ongoing power stations for Togo, Benin and Ghana.

He said WAPP also suffers from lack of funds to execute the projects, but hoped that the pool would continue to look for more funds to execute its projects.

Diallo and Akinniranye said it was impossible for Nigeria to give out power much more than it needed, adding that “we don’t supply more than we use to other West African countries.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

10

CITYBEATS

Fashola to present budget tomorrow

LAGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) will tomorrow present next year’s budget estimate to the House of Assembly. Fashola told the House of his intention through a letter to the House leadership.

The letter was read on the floor of the House last week during plenary.

The presentation will take place in the Assembly’s Chambers and is expected to be witnessed by stakeholders.

Though the governor did not name the estimate, but solicited the cooperation of the lawmakers to make the exercise a success.

Church to hold service A THREE-DAY anointing service is to hold at the Christ Redemption Bible Church, Ketu, Lagos.

The programme, which will also include a thanksgiving service will begin at 6am on November 2, at Aladelola Playing Ground, lkosi-Ketu.

The grand finale will take place at the Church’s International head Quarters at No 1, Christ Redemption Avenue (former Bello Street)

by Ketu Shopping Complex on November 4.

Pastor John Ogundare, the General Superintendent told The Nation that this anointing service will be the first that will hold for three days.

Lagos set for beauty pageant

T

HE Face of Lagos beauty pageant 2012 is set to hold. The management and organiser of the event, Onyx Trades Communications that was endorsed by Lagos State Government to stage the event cited new ideas to be introduced into the glamorous event as reason for its delay.

The event Director,Mr Olumuyiwa Adesanya has warned all stakehlders to be careful, adding that some unscupulous elements and an organisation is claiming to be the organiser of the same event .

“With this act, the management of the event has taken giant stride to ensure that perpetrators face the law.

“The event is proudlly endorsed and supported by Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and the Commissioners’ office such as Home Affairs and Culture and many more associate supporters,” Adesanya said

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

Body of man, 22, found in swimming pool T HE body of a 22-year old domestic help has been found in the swimming pool of his boss in Lagos.

Onyeka Kingsley Raphael was said to have got “drowned” on October 27, at a house on Babatunde Asimi Street, Ogudu GRA, Lagos.

Sources said the body of the deceased, an indigene of Umunede in Ika Local Government Area of Delta State, was laid on the floor of the swimming pool, with his stomach

By Jude Isiguzo

showing no sign of protrusion, suggesting that he may have been killed and dumped in the pool.

Family members suspect foul play and want police to unravel the mystery behind the death.

The deceased, it was learnt, had no injury, except on his neck, which was twisted when the Divisional Police officer (DPO),

tendent of police (DSP) who confirmed the incident, said it was “a case of suspected murder”.

Braide said: “A case of suspected murder was reported that one Onyeka, a steward died in a swimming pool in a mysterious circumstance. The owner of the house where his body was found is not cooperating with the police. The case would be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, Lagos”.

Ogudu Police Station led his men to recover the body from the pool.

It was also learnt that the food which he had prepared to eat was found on the table, his fez cap beside it.

According to family sources, the deceased was employed in March this year.

Police spokesman Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superin-

•The late Raphael

Lawyer seeks prosecution of Sanusi over Ibru’s seized assets

A

LAGOS lawyer and counsel to the President of Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Mr Boniface Okozie, Mr. Chuks Nwachuku, has asked the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Muhammed Bello Adoke, to prosecute Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi for his failure to comply with an order of a Federal High Court in Lagos.

The order is on the multibillion naira assets recovered from the former Managing Director of the defunct Oceanic Bank Plc., Mrs. Cecilia Ibru in accordance with the Freedom Of Information (FoI) Act. Justice Muhammed Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos had on October 2, ordered the CBN governor to state the whereabouts of the N191 billion assets recovered from the former Oceanic Bank (now chief Eco-

By Adebisi Onanuga

bank).

Justice Idris had given the CBN governor a 72-hour ultimatum with which to declare the assets recovered from Mrs Ibru.

However, 26 days after, the CBN governor is yet to declare the whereabouts of the assets.

Nwachuku, who represents Okozie, in his letter to the Attorney-General of the Federation, dated October 12, noted that a case of wrongful denial of access to information has been established against Malam Sanusi.

He claimed that the CBN governor is liable in accordance with Section 7 (5) of the Freedom Of Information Act. Upon conviction, he would be liable to a fine of N500, 000 as provided in the FoI Act 2011.

“This Letter to you is therefore, a formal demand for the criminal prosecution of

Malam Lamido Sanusi in accordance with the law,” he said.

The lawyer stated: “This is the massive injustice which the information relating to the hundreds of billions of naira in cash and properties, which Mrs. Cecilia Ibru surrendered for return to Oceanic Bank Plc, could be made manifest” The petitioner also alleged that the CBN governor and his associates within and outside government may have embezzled and misappropriated the said amount recovered from the former Oceanic Bank chief.

“It now appears that Malam Lamido Sanusi hid and withheld this money from Oceanic Bank Plc and its shareholders while he coerced them through official policies and actions, including those of seizing control of the executive management of the bank by replacing its managing directors with his own appointees; by threatening the bank and its

shareholders with his nationalisation programme, into acquisition deal with Ecobank Plc in which it is rumoured that the latter purchased 75 per cent of the shares of Oceanic Bank Plc for a meagre N25 billion on the basis that the bank worth only a token in assets.

I also respectfully drew your attention to the significance of the information which Malam Sanusi has unlawfully refused to make public,” Nwachuku said.

He alleged that the same person had launched what he promoted to be a house cleansing and rescue exercise in the banking sector which saw the removal and prosecution of chief executives of some banks. “ The CBN accused Mrs Ibru of criminal diversion of funds belonging to the bank and she was threatened with the arrest and prosecution of members of her family, friends and associates following which she succumbed to a plea bargain offer in which she forfeited,

for return to the bank, cash and property said to be worth almost 200 billion naira. It is necessary to bring Lamido Sanusi to book in order to deter other government officials from following his pernicious example” he said adding, “You must not allow a perception that the FOI act to be breached with impunity” The Attorney-General is also requested to order an immediate and full scale criminal and investigation of Sanusi, all persons connected with the assets recovered for the purpose of establishing what has become of those assets and with a view to prosecuting and bringing them to book, any person suspected of wrong doing.

The order of the Federal High Court came as a result of a suit filed by Okozie.

He is seeking for a court order on the declaration of the whereabouts of the assets and how much was spent on the prosecution of Mrs. Ibru by the apex bank.

Expert makes case for security skills

By Jude Isiguzo

•Dr Ekhomu

A

SECURITY expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu yesterday advised Nigerians to acquire knowledge of security to avoid falling victims of attacks.

Speaking on the topic:

General Security at a workshop organised by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, Ekhomu said with security challenges such as rapid growth in incidence of violent crimes, increase in terrorist attacks, increase in frequency of attacks on oil workers, facilities and operations, inability of military task forces and law enforcement to control insecurity, everyone needs to be more security conscious to preserve his life.

He said the problem of insecurity has been exacerbat-

‘

The problem of insecurity has been exacerbated by culture of impunity and violence, poverty, unemployment, loss of moral fabric, absence of heroes, the nationality question and excessive love of money

’

ed by culture of impunity and violence, poverty, unemployment, loss of moral fabric, absence of heroes, the nationality question and excessive love of money.

Ekhomu, who is President, School of Management and Security identified such societal ills as gradual

descent to anarchy, loss of faith in government, resort to self help remedy, underreporting of violent crimes, mistrust of law enforcers and task forces, militarisation of the polity, terrorism, extremist violence, violent crimes and cyber crimes as direct consequences of these.

He regretted that such beneficial interventions as accountable guardians, capable guardianship, public safety trumps politics reliable crime statistics, National Suspicious Activity Reporting Programme (NSARP), the National Fusion Center have not yielded the required effect.

Ekhomu gave some security tips which include joining residence association, support Police Community Relations Committees, get guard dogs, install panic alarms, investigate background of domestic employees, adopt no visitor policy and train the house help on security.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

The $75 benchmark price will safeguard what is precious to the economy which is the macro economic stability of the country.

- Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, Minister of Finance

Naira hits three-week high

Rep faults govt’s empowerment programmes

N

IGERIA’s naira cur rency hit a three week high against the United States dollar on the interbank market yesterday, supported by low demand for hard currency and dollar inflows from foreign banks.

The naira closed at N157.05 to the dollar on the interbank, firmer than the N157.30, it closed at on the last trading day on Wednesday. The last time it was higher than Monday’s level, it closed at N156.45 to the dollar on October 4.

“The market was very liquid from dollar sales by some foreign banks and offshore investors buying local debt and this boosted support for the naira,” one dealer said.

Traders according to Bloomberg, said weak demand for dollars at the official window also helped to strengthen the naira, as most banks were selling down their positions.

The Central Bank had initially offered to sell $100 million at the bi-weekly auction, but ended up selling $43.5 million at N155.76 to the dollar, compared with $142.96 million sold at N155.76 to the dollar at the last auction on Wednesday.

Traders said the naira could strengthen further in the near term if the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other oil multinational companies sell dollars this week, as expected.

NNPC supplies the bulk of foreign exchange sold on the interbank market.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

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

RATES Inflation -10.5% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

T

• Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom State, Mr Nsina Ekere shaking Group Managing Director/Chief Executive,Union Bank PLC, Mr Funke Osibodu during a visit by directors of the bank to the Government House in Uyo. With them is the bank’s Chairman, Mr Dick Kramer.

NGO alleges N6.6b contract fraud in Niger Delta Ministry A

NON-GOVERNMEN TAL Organisation (NGO), the Anti-Corruption Network, yesterday accused the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs of allegedly executing N6.6 billion phantom contracts.

Its Executive Secretary, Otunba Dino Melaye, listed some of the projects to include the canalisation of Odoubou-Bololou creek project at the Ogbaba-Gbene Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State at N1,259billion; Land Reclamation/Shoreline Protection at Ogbobagbene for N2.431billion and the canalisation training of Foupolo-Bubu Ndoro Creek Project in Burutu fors N2.37Obillion.

Melaye said the none-existing projects have been paid for, adding that the alleged fraud would not have been

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

possible without the connivance of the Ministry of Finance.

“The perpetrators of the deal could not have been successful without the satanic collaboration between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs,” he claimed, describing the level of the alleged fraud in government agencies and ministries as mind boggling.

He said he would petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the alleged fraud.

The former House Representatives member said the NGO would soon file sue ministry.

Sambo seeks more investments in telecoms

T

HE gains recorded in the telecoms sector can only be sustained if the tempo of investment in the sector is sustained, Vice President Namadi Sambo, has said.

Consequently, he called for more investments in the sector.

Sambo, who spoke at the International Telecommunications Union Telecoms conference (ITU Telecoms World 2012) in Dubai, said Nigeria is the place to be in terms of investments in telecoms.

While commending the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on its investment drive, he urged investors to take advantage of the friendly business environment in Nigeria, especially in broadband provisioning.

Sambo explained that although the country has ex-

By Lucas Ajanaku

perienced growth in voice telephony, there is a missing link in broadband as the cost for its acquisition remained high.

He praised NCC for a job well done, assuring investors of guaranteed return on their investments.

The Vice President said the government has put in place measures to cushion harsh investments and to create a safe environment that would guarantee greater interest of investors not only in telecoms but also in other areas of the economy.

He assured investors of improved power supply.

“We are building 10 new turbine power plants, which are all at an advanced stage of completion. These 10 plants will add 5,000 mega watts to the national grid,” he said.

Melaye said: “We will soon write a petition to the EFCC and the ICPC to report the monumental fraud in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

“The level of fraud going on in the ministry is satanic and we will not fold our arms even as our commonwealth is being siphoned in our very eyes.

HE House of Repre sentatives will present a budget of hope and prosperity to Nigerians in 2013, a member, Amere Akintayo (ACN, Osun), has said.

He said it was unfair to compare Nigeria with other countries on the $80 crude oil benchmark proposed by the House, while other parameters were ignored.

He said some of the proposed empowerment programmes by the government were mere media hypes, with little impact on the people.

He said the government should measure the impact of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN), as well as the N200billion agriculture loan to farmers, among several others.

He said the House was determined not to be swayed with unrealistic comparison with other economies that have always been known for transparency and accountability.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

12

BUSINESS NEWS

$300m global research boosts HP operations

T

HE newly injected $300 million invest ment for global researches would boost new market and innovations in Nigeria and other Africa countries, HP Global Information Communication Technology (ICT) has said.

Briefing reporters at the end of HP EG GEN 8 Server Launch, the HP Blade Systems Manager, Majed Zied, said the company aims to accelerate server market in African countries.

“HP is accelerating Server Market Transformation with Self-sufficient HP ProLiant Gen8 Servers,” adding that the new generation of ISS Proliant servers has been launched.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

“This is a result of a $300 million research to provide better services to our customers, the project was called Project voyager. With intelligent technologies that automate tasks and significantly improve uptime, HP

ProLiant Gen 8, with HP ProActive Insight architecture addresses the top concerns of enterprises.”

He said companies spend an average of $24 million over three years on manual operations to support servers, stating that HP ProLiant Gen8 triples administrator

productivity has eliminated most manual operations, such as server updates, which typically take five hours of administrator time per rack of servers.

Also, the HP Public Sector Manager in Nigeria, Chukwuma Okpaka, said with the new strategy, Ni-

geria will no longer represent Ghana and that the Nigerian market for HP will only cater for Nigeria, while Ghana will now be run independently.”

“The skyrocketing cost of operations in the data center is unsustainable, and enterprises are look-

ing to HP to help solve this problem.

“We are delivering innovative intelligence technologies that enable servers to virtually take care of themselves, allowing data center staff to devote more time to business innovation,” he stated

N54b EU grant for Niger Delta, others

T

HE European Union (EU) yesterday granted EU260 million (N54 billion) to Nigeria as part of its sustained efforts to improve governance and public service delivery in the country.

Specifically, the grant is provided for two programmes, namely the EU

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

Niger Delta Support Programme and the Support to State and Local Governance Reform Programme (SLOGOR).

The Niger Delta Support programme will get EU200 million while the Local Governance Reform Programme

‘s share is EU60 million.

The Niger Delta Support programme is designed to support nine states in the Niger Delta region namely, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Abia,Imo and Ondo to address the main causes of the unrest through improvement in governance.

The programme would support the affected states to strengthen their public expenditure management systems, enhance skills and opportunity for youth employment and provide access to socio-economic services, such as safe, adequate and sustainable water and sanitation, amongst others.

The support to states and local governance reform programme would focus on improving transparency, accountability and quality of public finance and human resources management systems in six EU focal states of Anambra, Osun, Cross River, Yobe, Jigawa and Kano.

It will build the capacities and processes of these states in public finance programming and management, and at local level, towards improvement in social services delivery.

Speaking before the financing agreement was sealed between him and the EU Ambassador in Nigeria, Dr. David MacRae, the Minister/ Deputy Chairman of National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr. Shamsuddeen

Usman, explained that the grant was coming at a time when its usefulness in current national development agenda cannot be over-emphasised and assured the EU donors of judicious use of the funds through participatory involvement of all stakeholders, including beneficiary communities.

Usman described the signing of the agreement, which had been delayed for some period, as a proof of Nigeria ’s preparedness for the implementation of the critical projects in the affected states nationwide and expressed the hope that they will impact positively on the lives of the people in the affected states.

His words: “This official signing ceremony is one out of many EU-Nigeria interventions aimed at ameliorating social tension, and other crises in the Niger Delta states, and the other EU focal states, under the SLOGOR Project, with a view to ensuring rapid social and economic development of, and enhancing transparency and accountability in the country.

Dangote Sugar’s net profit rises by 85%

I

NVESTORS in Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR) Plc may be in for wider dining tables as the sugarrefining company reported 85 per cent increase in distributable earnings.

Interim report and accounts of Dangote Sugar Refinery for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 showed similar growth level of 85 per cent in pre and post tax profits in spite of marginl increase of two per cent in sales.

The third quarter report indicated that profit after tax stood at N8.17 billion by the end of September 2012 compared with N4.41 billion recorded in comparable period of 2011, indicating the significant shift in net earnings that could probably be distributed to shareholders.

The report showed that profit before tax rose from N6.49 billion in 2011 to N12.02 billion in 2012. Turnover grew from N79.61 billion to N81.31 billion.

The report indicated appreciable improvement in average profit-making capacity of the company with pre-tax profit margin improving from 8.15 per cent in 2011 to 14.8 per cent in 2012. Earnings per share stood at 68 kobo as against 37 kobo for third quarter 2011.

With the third quarter position, possible net earnings per share for this year stands at about 91 kobo, putting the company in good stead to increase cash payouts.

By Taofik Salako

DSR had distributed a gross dividend of N3.6 billion, representing a dividend per share of 30 kobo for the 2011 business year.

Dangote Sugar recorded net profit after tax of N7.111 billion on a turnover of N106.511 billion for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Chairman, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Alhaji Aliko Dangote had assured shareholders of improved returns in the years ahead as the company had used the immediate past business year to position its business for stable growth.

According to him, the challenges faced in 2011 helped the company to set logical steps that would guarantee an improved and better performance not only in the current business year, but also in the future.

He outlined that the appointment of a new chief executive, many new internal management initiatives and sales and marketing strategies taken during the year would continue to impact on the performance of the company.

“We restructured the executive management team, appointed a new managing director to lead the company into the future. We further realigned our marketing and sales strategies to position us strategically with a view to drive performance, improve efficiency and output,” Dangote said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

13

14

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

Pg. 24

SIASIA TO KESHI

Eagles’ list for Venezuela Stop experimenting

out this week

with new players

Sport

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

PAGE 15

•Mikel

CHLESEA VS MAN UTD FALLOUT

s e s u c c a l e Mik urg b n e t t a l C ref Pg. 24

Pg. 24

e s u b a t s i c a of r

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NATIONSPORT TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

AFCON 2013: Beware of group opponents, Igiebor warns Eagles

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s countries count down to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Super Eagles attacking midfielder Emmanuel Nosakhare Igiebor has warned his team mates on complacency when Nigeria take on their opponents in Africa’s biggest football event.

The Real Betis of Spain’s Nigeria international also stated that the Eagles will do well not to underestimate any team if qualification to the next stage will be guaranteed.

By Shittu Oluwafemi Nigeria has been pared in the group C alongside Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and the reigning African champions, Zambia.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the last edition cohosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, but clinched the ticket for next year’s competition at the expense of Liberia by an 83 aggregate score line in a two-legged encounter.

Having played a major role in the qualification series, scoring one of the t

goals in the 2-2 draw during their first leg, Igiebor reiterated the need not to see any team as minnows, but charged the Eagles to ensure they qualified for the knock-out stage.

The Nigeria-born attacking midfielder began his career in 2005 with Sharks FC and in 2007 moved to Warri wolves. In August 2011, he left Lillestrom for Hapoel Tel Aviv of Israel. In August 2012 he joined Betis after penning a 4-year contract.

AHEAD OF AFCON

Utaka pledges 120% for Eagles

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OHN Utaka has promised a 120% effort for Nigeria if he is picked for next year’s AFCON in South Africa.

The striker, who made a goalscoring return for French champions Montpellier at the weekend against Nice after he was sidelined by a groin injury, told MTNFootball.com his commitment to Nigeria is not negotiable.

“It’s the coach who decides who to invite, but for me any time I am given the chance, I will give 120% for my country," said Utaka, who started two qualifiers under Stephen Keshi in June.

Utaka started 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Namibia and Malawi and was then dropped for the 2013 AFCON qualifier at home against Rwanda after he failed to fired blanks in both games.

He said Nigeria have the quality

to win a third Nations Cup trophy in South Africa because Keshi has made remarkable progress with the team since he took charge last year.

"We have what it takes to win the Nations Cup in South Africa,” he told MTNFootball.com “Coach Keshi has been doing a great job and anyone who is following the work of the coach will admit that huge progress has been made.”

However, he warned that a first round group that pitches the Eagles against defending champions Zambia, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia ought not to be taken lightly.

"I have seen our group and I must confess that no team in that group is easy. African football is a different ball game and you know that any country that files out against Nigeria wants to make history by beating Nigeria," he

Odibe targets more goals for Dnipro

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ECLARING that his best is yet to come, Nigeria international Michael Odibe has

•Odibe

"It's a pleasure to register my name on expressed his readiness the scorers’ sheet. I will to keep his first team keep working hard to shirt after scoring the score more," said winning goal for his Odibe.

Ukrainian club Dnipro "I have been working at home on Sunday. hard here just to keep Odibe was the hero the consistency, I am in the encounter after happy for the progress Dnipro beat Karpaty 2- so far and I still hope 0 to remain in second to learn and give more position on the table, to the team. and Odibe, who scored "When you score a the second goal in the goal as a defender, it 48th minute, attributes boosts your confidence. the feat to hard-work There’s no doubt that I and determination, as am in the best of forms, he hopes for more I am enjoying it at the goals for the title moment and I hope it contenders. continues."

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IGERIA’s Inter Milan young midfielder Joel Obi is delighted to be back to full fitness after a brief spell on the sidelines due to injury.

The 21-year-old thanked his coach Andrea Stramaccioni and teammates for helping him back in top shape after picking a starting shirt in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat of Catania at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

"The coach assigned an

important task to me; luckily everything went well, with the help of his companions. In first half I even tried the shot, from there I had this feeling I am well enough to return to work one hundred percent,” said Obi on Inter Channel.

The product of the Inter youth set-up played the first 65 minutes against Catania before being replaced by Walter Gargano.

Obi, who has also

missed a couple of International outings with Nigeria, was not picked for the Serie A trip to Bologna, where the Nerazzurris won 3-1.

•Joel Obi

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Mikel accuses ref Clattenburg of racist abuse R

EFEREE Mark Clattenburg has been accused of aiming a racist insult at Mikel Obi of Chelsea in the 3-2 home defeat by Manchester United.

Chelsea made a complaint to the Premier League after Mikel stormed into the referee’s room to demand an apology after claiming Clattenburg made a racist slur when he booked the Nigeria midfielder in the 76th minute.

One of Chelsea’s Spanish stars is also involved after players claim they heard Clattenburg refer to

him as ‘a Spanish t**t’, according to the Daily Mail.

Chelsea made the official complaint at 7.45pm on Sunday night, but Clattenburg had already been confronted by then. Chief executive Ron Gourlay, with Mikel and manager Roberto Di Matteo, demanded an apology during stormy scenes in the referee’s room.

Clattenburg refused and Chelsea decided to take the incredible action of launching an immediate complaint to the Premier League over his language.

According to sources close to the players, they are willing to make statements to the FA’s disciplinary committee this week.

A club spokesman said: “We have lodged a complaint to the Premier League match delegate with regards to inappropriate language used by the referee and directed at two of our players in two separate incidents in today’s match. The match delegate will pass the complaint to the FA” The matter is now in the hands of the FA and Premier League officials, who will ask Sky TV for footage from the 20 camera angles used for live matches. While not all are recorded, they should help confirm whether Clattenburg made an inappropriate or racially aggravated comment.

Eagles' list for Venezuela out this week

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HE list of players expected to feature for the Super Eagles in the international friendly match with Venezuela slated for the United States on November 14 will be named this week, a top official has disclosed.

The media officer of the Nigeria senior national, Ben Alaiya, who

•Keshi

•Match kicks off 8:05pm local time •Around 1:05am Nigerian time From Tunde Liadi, Owerri confirmed the development to NationSport, said that the Eagles' boss, Stephen Keshi is presently working on the names of the players to be invited both in the domestic league and Europe.

"The list of players for the Eagles' match with Venezuela will be made public this week. Coach Keshi is presently doing his final analysis of the players to be called up," Alaiya disclosed.

Nigeria will use the friendly tie to assess some untested Eagles hopefuls as the preparation for the 2013 AFCON gathers momentum The match billed for the Marlins Park Stadium, Miami, United States is the second time Nigeria's senior national team will be meeting Venezuela in nine years after their game in 2003 where Eagles' captain at the time, Austin Okocha got the solitary strike.

Meanwhile, Nigerian football fans who wish to watch the Venezuela

friendly will have to deprive themselves of sleep as the match is billed to start 8:05pm local time which is around 1:05am Nigerian time.

It was the same situation when the Eagles played at the USA '94 FIFA World Cup and the Atlanta, Georgia Olympic Games which was held two years later as Nigerians lost hours of night time sleep during those two competitions.

The friendly match with the South Americans will take place on November 14, which falls into FIFA’s match-free calendar at the Marlins Park Stadium, home to the Miami Marlins Major League Baseball team.

An agent of the Nigeria Football Federation, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata told reporters recently : “I am very happy for us to secure this game as it is on the FIFA calendar.

“It’s also important to underline the fact that both countries will present full-strength line-ups,”the agent said.

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IGERIA’s Sunshine Stars will pocket $665,000 (about 106 million Naira) for reaching the semi-final of the CAF Champions League.

The Akure club on debut lost out 4-3 on aggregate to six-time winners Al Ahly in the semi-finals of this year’s competition.

This year’s winners will either be defending champions Esperance of Tunisia or Al Ahly from Egypt and they will receive a cash prize of $1, 425,000, while the beaten finalists pocket $950,000.

The cash prize of the Champions League is just a little short of the $1.5 million paid to the winners of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Third-placed teams in their two minigroups, Algeria’s Aso Chlef (Group A) and Berekum Chelsea of Ghana (Group B) are due $475,000.

Zamalek of Egypt, who finished bottom of Group B, will receive $380,000, while it is believed that Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia, who were disqualified from the annual competition after crowd trouble in their group game against compatriots Esperance, will forfeit their own prize money.

•Ogunbote

Stop experimenting with new players

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Paul Oluwakoya others, Siasia agreed that most of them have done enough to deserve recalls.

When asked specifically about Ukraine-based Nigeria international, Taye Taiwo, the Flying Eagles’ former handler said he expected Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi to give him a call up, insisting that he deserves an invitation as he is doing well in his club.

“I don’t need to advise Keshi because he knows what to do for the Eagles to win the South Africa AFCON 2013. So,

also pray that he would, hopefully, do the right thing.

“But on my expectation, the calibre of players at his disposal are reliable, though there is still room for improvement as he targets the final. I also think there is no time on his side to be grooming, experimenting and infusing new breeds to create a team to beat.

“As for the invitation of certain players, they are just Nigerian players that deserve the chance to play for the country. They have equally done well, graduating from the youth team to the

O

DION Ighalo has commented on the team's 1 - 3 away loss to Levante on Sunday in the 9th round of games in La Liga.

The ex-Nigeria youth-teamer, on loan to Granada for a fourth successive season from Udinese, played his first match of the season, coming on in the 56th minute to

•Mikel

Sunshine net N106m for Champions League run

•Makes case for Taiwo, Nsofor others

African championships.

“The NFF is delighted that our National Teams are now giving their all in important games and we will continue to ensure the teams prepare well for major championships within the limits of our resources.

“The Eaglets, in a way, avenged the defeat of the Super Eagles in Conakry during the qualifying series for the 2012 African Cup of Nations while the Falcons have now paid the Cameroonians back for that penalty shoot-out blot that stopped our girls from the London 2012 Olympics,” said Inyama.

It would be recalled that the NFF flew the Falcons to Ghana for a one-week final training camp before the tournament and also hiked the team’s win-bonus to $3,000 per player.

NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu assured that the Federation will give every support to the Falcons in their next match against Ethiopia on Thursday and for the Eaglets in their final round of qualifiers against Mali.

Ighalo rallies teammates after Levante loss

SIASIA TO KESHI

ORMER Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, has said that the present crop of players in the senior national team are good for next year’s Nations Cup without new intakes into the team.

During a radio interview yesterday, SiaOne advised that the short time left to the January 9 commencement date of the South Africa-hosted tournament, should be judiciously used on experienced players that would make the country proud and not on players merely seeking exposure.

Reacting to news about Stephen Keshi’s reported recall of players such as Obinna Nsofor, Victor Anichebe, among

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday praised the U17 National Team, Golden Eaglets and the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons for excellent performances in the past 24 hours.

On Sunday, the Eaglets whiplashed the U-17 National Team of Guinea 4-0 in Conakry in the second leg of their 2013 African U-17 Championship, to qualify for the final round of qualification series on a 7-0 aggregate. And on Monday in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, the Falcons edged Cameroon’s Lionesses 2-1 to pick up three vital points in their opening match of Group B at the 8th African Women Championship.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Emeka Inyama said: “The performances of the Golden Eaglets and the Super Falcons followed on the heels of excellent outings by the Flying Eagles and the Super Eagles to qualify for next year’s

Premier League referees also wear microphones, which suggests evidence

by Michael McDonough and Simon Long — who ran the line — or fourth official Michael Jones could be crucial.

The incidents occurred on the day Chelsea threw support behind the Kick Racism Out of Football campaign. Players from Chelsea and United — with the exception of United’s Ashley Young — wore One Game One Community Tshirts in the warm-up. John Terry, serving a four-match ban for racially insulting Anton Ferdinand last October, wore a Kick It Out badge as he watched from the sidelines.

Rio Ferdinand, fined £45,000 for his ‘choc ice’ tweet, also ended his feud with Ashley Cole when they shook hands before the game. But all that was forgotten amid dramatic scenes nearly two hours after the final whistle.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

By Innocent Amomoh

Current form excites Joel Obi

NFF commends Eaglets, Super Falcons

CHELSEA VS MAN UNITED FALLOUT

senior team. If they have returned, I think it is the right thing to do. The most important thing is for the coach to use the right kind of players, so that Nigeria can get back to her rightful place in world football like in the 1990s when we were number five in FIFA world ranking. We can actually get back to that rating,” he said.

On Taye Taiwo’s return, Siasia said: “I think he is still relevant because he is doing well in his club, and even playing in the UEFA Champions League. They should give him the same chance given to everybody to come and fight for shirts since he is playing for a big club like that.”

replace Gabriel Torje. ''The team had a very bad game. We have to play together, running on the field. We have another game on Wednesday but tomorrow (yesterday, ed) we have to talk,'' Ighalo was quoted as saying by granadacf.ideal.es.

Granada's solitary goal was scored

by Youseff El-Arabi after receiving an assist from Odion Ighalo.

Obiorah out of Pillars miss out on Gwar, Ajagun Venezuela tie C T NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE STORIES

HE Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi has granted Nwankwo Obiorah the permission to remain with his Italian Serie B side, Padova after the club made a passionate plea for him to be excused from the senior national team's international friendly with Venezuela on November 14 in Miami, United States, a top source has informed.

Nwankwo has been an integral member of the Eagles under the Big Boss but his previous invitations to the national team had put him on a collision course with his club because of his unavailability for their league games since FIFA's Calendar does not apply in Serie B. The Nigerian only featured in half of the 10 matches played thus far by Padova this season owing to his call up by the national team, and with another friendly tie billed for the United States in a fortnight, NationSport's top source revealed that Nwankwo made a passionate appeal to coach Keshi to allow him stay away from the Venezuela tie.

The source added that Keshi gave Nwankwo his

•Obiora

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri

express permission knowing full well that the preparation for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa would soon commence and he would need the understanding of Padova for Nwankwo's release.

"Obiorah will not be in the squad for the Venezuela match. I was told he called Keshi and appealed to him to excuse him from the friendly tie owing to the problem he is having with his club over his call-ups for the Super Eagles' matches.

"He told the Big Boss that he's featured in only five matches out of the 10 league games they have played this season and that he is gradually losing his place in the first eleven owing to the (friendly) matches he has honoured. It was even made tougher because the Italian Serie B matches continue even during FIFA international match days.

"The Nations Cup is around the corner and Keshi will need the understanding of Padova for his release, hence the Big Boss' decision to give Nwankwo the permission to have his way this term," the source told NationSport.

Nwankwo's Padova are currently 4th on the Serie B table with 17 points from 11 games and are 7 points adrift of an automatic slot to Serie A places currently occupied by Sassuolo (28 points) and Verona (24 points) while Livorno are 3rd with 22 points.

He is however a player of Inter Milan but on a seasonlong loan deal at Padova after his loan stint with Gubbio last season.

HAMPIONS Pillars may have given up on several of their top targets for the new season including hotshot Sibi Gwar and Abduljaleel Ajagun.

Pillars spokesman Idris Malikawa informed MTNFootball.com that there yet to be a breakthrough as regards Sibi Gwar, Ajagun and ABS FC striker Abdulraham Bashir.

“We discussed with Sibi Gwar but at the same time we were made aware of the fact that the player already has an overseas offer on the table. Ajagun was in Kano but he never got round to discuss any terms with the club, while ABS have made it very clear that Abdulrahman Bashir is not for sale,”

said Malikawa.

Sibi Gwar’s agent, John Bright Okafor, told MTNFootball.com his client would only sign for the league kings, if they place the cash on the table.

Gombe United striker Sanusi Sani has already opted for Enugu Rangers after his talk with Pillars.

All these players were not on the team’s trip to Niamey on Monday for an international tournament.

Pillars though have announced the signing of two new players, Ugochukwu Linus from Plateau United and Mathias Samuel from Gombe United.

Rangers' Adegbite wants Eagles chance

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NUGU Rangers striker Razak Adegbite has told Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi to consider him for a place in the national team.

The prolific striker, who returns from Enyimba to Enugu Rangers after what he described as depleted season at Aba, has vowed to lead Rangers to success next season.

"I'm ripe for an Eagles shirt; I can do better in the team. I know it's a tough

task and a big dream to achieve, but I believe one day I will be proud of the shirt," said Adegbite.

"I do envy some of my colleague in the team; Keshi has developed a lot of players in the league through their invitation to the national team and I want to be part of the development.

"I will be happy to be there; it's a dream to achieve and I will keep working harder to achieve it."

Chibuike unhappy with dropped point J

OHN Chibuike remains positive despite Rosenborg's loss to Molde on Sunday night.

It was an emphatic victory for Molde who are currently at the top of the Norwegian top league with 55 points in 27 games after beating Rosenborg 2-0 on Sunday.

The victory demoted Rosenborg to second position with 52 points in 27 games, and Chibuike, who played the entire game, said after that there is still positive thinking of winning the league title with three games to end the league.

"It was a painful loss, of course; I'm not happy but life goes on, we need

to give more to keep the dream alive," said Chibuike.

"We did our best but I think we lacked focus; we allowed them to play and score, though playing games in Norway is always a difficult task.

"The important thing now is to keep the faith and play to win our remaining games, we don't need to be focussing on Molde but we will make sure that we don't drop points again, and we are facing other tough games but I still remain positive.

"We can't afford to lose the title to Molde; I am personally looking forward to it and we will keep fighting for it," Chibuike declared.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Agitators for more states are working round the clock to ensure that their demands receive favourable consideration by the National Assembly. Senate President David Mark is under pressure from the Idoma to deliver on Apa State. His deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, who presides over the Constitution amendment process, has been given a pan Igbo mandate to ensure the creation of an additional state for the Southeast. Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN reports the intrigues attending the process.

Call for more states gathers steam

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O those who have remained implacable in their agitation for the creation of Ijebu State out of the present Ogun State, Senate President David Mark made their day last weekend.

It was at this year’s Ojude-Oba Festival that held at the ancient town of Ijebu-Ode. Ovation rose to high heavens when the Senate President told the mammoth crowd what they had apparently longed to hear, expressing support for agitation for the creation of Ijebu State, among others. He minced no word in assuring that the National Assembly would create additional states in due course.

Noting that new states would address the issue of marginalisation that is currently torturing minds in many parts of the country today, Mark added: “Creation of additional states can only make government closer to the people, contrary to the view in certain quarters that we do not need additional states in the federation.”

Mark’s assurance came in obvious response to the quest of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona who, in his welcome address, had beseeched the National Assembly to address the alleged injustice against his kinsmen by ensuring the creation of Ijebu State.

To drive home his request, the monarch had argued: “We have been on this issue of creation of Ijebu State since 1975. The justification for it is abundantly clear. The most worrisome aspect of it was the total neglect of Ijebu community in the state creation exercises that have taken place.

“It is lamentable that Ijebu, which in the colonial era was one of the 24 provinces that made up Nigeria, cannot today boast being counted as one of the 36 states that presently constitute the country.”

It perhaps goes without saying that the prolonged outcry over demand for additional states is a splitting headache for the Joint Committee on Constitution Review (JCCR) with the membership of Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Usman Nafada, and 13 others.

Not long ago, Ekweremadu disclosed that the committee had been importuned with demand for no fewer than 45 more states from across the country.

The vexed issue of states creation has remained prominent in virtually every national political discourse since the so-called need to address some perceived imbalance in the nation came into people’s consciousness.

Human rights activist and legal practitioner of note, Festus Okoye, again, raised the thought-provoking issue at a media dialogue on the constitution amendment process last Tuesday in Lagos.

The growing requests for additional states in the country, coupled

• The Senate in session

‘National Assembly can’t create states now’

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NE of the most cerebral Senators recently told Senate correspondents reasons why he is opposed to the creation of new states.

How would you address the perception of those who want more states on the basis that it brings government closer to the people?

Where is the evidence? Tell me out of the 36 states of Nigeria if you conduct a referendum now about the impact of government in their current states versus where they were coming from let us know whether there will be a positive affirmation. This is a country where we don’t do enough research. In most regions of the world the public sector, government is the largest consumer of research. This is the kind of question that the Federal Government should seek answer to through research.

What do we have a National Bureau of Statistics for? Go and conduct a public poll and present facts and figures before the Presidency, before the Federal Executive Council, before the Economic Council, before the National Security Council and speak on the basis of evidence devoid of any political colouration. We are not doing enough research.

You moved a landmark motion on the looming danger of bankruptcy in states and the need for fiscal evaluation. What informed your decision to move the motion?

The basic consideration for the motion is largely driven by the reality that Nigerians live in states and in local governments and states and local governments are the areas where demands are being made on government for service delivery. Be it infrastructure, be it health services, education, rural roads, they are where people feel the impact of government. Those decisions are taken at the community level. I looked at resource distribution in Nigeria and I realized that the bulk of the resources of the country need to move closer to the people. I wanted to point the attention of Nigerians to the reality that the commonwealth of Nigeria is not servicing majority of Nigerians. That is the essence of the motion.

The Senate unanimously adopted the motion as moved, but some of the states that were classified as near bankrupt claimed they are not bankrupt. How did you take the reactions of some states to your Bill?

For me, I don’t engage in opinion peddling. Everything I’m saying is evidence based. So if anybody is saying that that is not the true position his or her state let them produce the evidence. The information that I used came from Governors Forum. It is not my data and I would imagine that no other forum is a better advocate of interest of states more than the forum that was voluntarily established by the governors to advocate for them. The forum conducted this research I only picked a publication of the research and subjected it to levels of analysis and exposed it to the public for Nigerians to know what is going on. So this is not an opinion of Senator Adetunmbi. It is the evidence provided with the way the Senate Constitution Review Committee (SCRC) was going about as though it could single-handedly midwife new states with their votes, must have caused Okoye exasperating angst.

by no less a forum than the Governors Forum to say that they are in distress and that their resources are not coping with their responsibilities, which is largely eroded by their ballooning wage bill and a growing cost of maintenance, the cost of governance at the expense of capital projects and service delivery to millions of Nigerians that reside in the states. You all know that most states, in addressing this resource gap resorted to heavy domestic borrowing and commercial credit. There is hardly any Nigerian state that does not owe banks as we speak. They are also exposed in the capital market where they raised bonds to do things that appropriations coming from the Federation Account and from their internally generated revenue cannot handle. Basically, resources from internally generated revenue and the Federation Account largely for most states are used for wage bills and overhead. For most of their capital projects they borrow either commercial lines of credit or bonds and I stand to be corrected.

The motion threw up national debate, would you say that it achieved its purpose?

We cannot continue to balkanize in the name of bringing governance to certain people. Evidence has shown that the three regions were better managed. The four regions were more prosperous. The more states we have, the less the state is able to deliver services. I attended a public school far away in Ifako-Ekiti where I spent the first 17 years of my life in Ekiti State. The first 17 years of my life I spent in the village, St. Michael’s Anglican Primary School. All my siblings, six of us, went through that school. That school is a shadow of itself to day. What we are saying is that the creation of states has tended to stretch the resources that are meant for development to cater for bureaucracy and to pay the wage bill of the civil service whose productivity is on the decline. That is the situation of the country today. In that type of scenario, tell me, does creating more states make sense? If 36 states are groaning under the burden of depletion of funds from the federation, would it be better if we had more than 36 states from the same commonwealth? You set up new Government Houses, new legislatures, new local governments, then you have more Senators, more House of Representatives members coming from areas that were under existing jurisdictions and they are enjoying that same level of representation. People may have legitimate reasons to call for creation of more states, but definitely majority of these requests are frivolous and they are reckless and therefore not in the best interest of Nigeria.

He had therefore come forth with a poser: “Are there new issues in the constitutional amendment apart from those set out in Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution?” Just what are new constitutional amend-

ment issues?”

Section 8 sets out the procedures that must be followed by those seeking additional states in their areas.

The lawyer wondered whether the Committee had problems with

those procedures and wants an amendment of such. Perhaps that is why it appears intoxicated with the issue of creating additional states.

Both the Ekweremadu-led SCRC and the counterpart committee in the House of Representatives headed by Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha once listed creation of additional states as one of the thematic issues. In fact, Ekweremadu it was, who once disclosed that out of the 231 memoranda that the Senate Committee had received, 56 bordered on creation of additional states.

Premised on the provisions of Section 8 as regards the procedures to be followed in creating new states, many are of the opinion apostles of creation of new states are exercising their fundamental right of drawing attention to their heart desires in the belief that there would be enough national consensus to have it actualised.

Indeed, Okoye is among them. He argued that to create additional states, there must be sufficient national consensus on the request, otherwise promoters of such ambition might be deemed to be shadow chasers.

To Okoye and his like, a matter of state creation, according to Section 8 of the constitution, must proceed from the majority of the members representing the area demanding the new state in the Senate, House of Representatives, the House of Assembly and local councils in respect of the area. To them, it is after this that other states of the federation and the National Assembly will decide on the demand.

Promoters of the new states are always quick to argue that only the military have created states in Nigeria’s history (with fiat, they created the present 36 states). To them, none has been added under any civilian dispensation.

They are also quick to note that creating more states would, aside from ensuring a balance in the nation’s structure, complement councils’ efforts at bringing governance closer to the grassroots people.

Sooner than later, proponents of the issue may have cause to smile.

Not long ago, the Senate held a retreat at Asaba, Delta State; the issue enjoyed a pride of place in the lawmakers’ talk. So it was in Calabar, Cross River State capital, where a similar retreat was held by members of the House of Representatives.

As reliably gathered, plans are afoot to create six additional states at last.

As things stand, the composition of the zones is as follows: North East (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe); North West (Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Zamfara); North Central (Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau) & FCT not a state; South East (Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi); South West (Lagos, Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ogun), and South-South (Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa).

Now, the plan is aimed at ensuring that all the zones have seven states each, just like the Northeast that already has seven. But will it go down well with some of the zones that boast superior numerical strength? That may remain another hard nut for the authorities to crack when their efforts finally crystalise.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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POLITICS Although 2015 is still about 30 months away, politicking is already underway across the country. In this report, Assistant Editor AUGUSTINE AVWODE examines the situation in Delta State.

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ELTA State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is only 18 months into his current tenure, but would-be successors have started jostling for tickets of the various political parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governor ends his mandatory two-term tenure on May, 29, 2015. It promises to be as intense as it would be interesting to watch.

The elections of 2015 will be determined largely by many factors, primary among which is the ability of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) to keep and maintain its preeminent position in the state and more importantly, maintain a united front.

The PDP has ruled the state from 1999 when the country returned to the path of democratic governance with near absolute monopoly.

However, the party felt the heat of the presence of the opposition in the April 2011 general election. But even at that, the governor still triumphed and subsequent court cases instituted by Chief Great Ogboru of the Democratic Peoples Party ( DPP)’ the main opposition in the state have so far failed to change the situation. But the DPP made such a phenomenal showing, especially in most populous senatorial district, Delta Central, where it produced the only senator of the party throughout the country in the person of Senator Pius Ewherido.

To that extent, it would be wise for the ruling party to reckon with the potential threat that the DPP poses to its fortunes in the state by ensuring that nothing is done to expose its flanks. Besides, the DPP has not given up its attempt to upturn the victory registered for Uduaghan by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Of particular importance in the 2015 contest will be power shift. The clamour is almost sending the roof out of the building for a governor of Anioma extraction to be elected in 2015 in the interest of equity, fairness and justice. The clamour among the Igbo speaking part of the state for the 2015 governorship ticket received a boost last week when traditional rulers and elders in Delta North Senatorial District threw their weight behind the quest.

The royal fathers under the aegis of Anioma Congress at press conference in Asaba, the state capital, also said that the creation of Anioma State was not negotiable and would be pursued with the vigour and commitment that it deserved. The chairman of Secretariat of the congress and former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Benjamin Elue, who addressed the conference, said the congress “will commence the sensitisation of our people with a mass rally” in Agbor.

According to him, the programme will focus mainly on the “need for Anioma people to support the creation of Anioma State and in the event of not achieving that, to prepare to take over the governance of Delta State come 2015, through one of their own.”

He highlighted the various dates and venues that the mobilisation train of Anioma Congress would berth in at the ethnic enclaves that make up Anioma nation, adding that the grand finale will be held on November 17, 2012 in Asaba.

But will it be easy for Anioma to ensure that indeed, “ one of their own” emerges the governor after Uduaghan’s tenure?

If the state were to still maintain its uniparty status of the James Ibori days, when there was no visible opposition, it would have been as easy as agreeing to disagree among family members on any issue of importance. It helped in no small way to influence the outcome of the 2007 contest. Today, that has changed and that is why opposition from other ethnic groups especially the Urhobo in the Delta Central senatorial district, will make the quest by Anioma to Government House a bit challenging.

Anioma ‘s claim to the top job is justifiably hinged on fairness, equity and justice. The most the zone has come is the deputy governor. Both the Central and the South Senatorial District would have had eight years each by 2015 since 1999. The same cannot be said of Delta North.

When it was announced last week by the national secretary of the PDP, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, that the party wishes to stick to its zoning policy, it was applauded by a political pressure group called the Anioma Agenda. Mr. Alex Onwuadiamu, the interim chairman of the group that is committed to the realisation of the governorship

•Uduagham

•Ogboru

Delta 2015: The factors at play dream of the Anioma people in the Northern Senatorial District described it as sweet music to the ears of all minority groups in the country. Onwuadiamu, former secretarygeneral of the Anioma Political Forum, said the Aniomas had for long been nursing the governorship ambition, but never succeeded and 21 years of Delta State never held that position before.

He argues: “The governorship of Delta State has gone to central senatorial zone, it is now in the south senatorial zone and by that principle come 2015, and it will be the turn of Anioma people to produce the governor for Delta state that is all we are asking for”.

Onwudiamu said no one political zone can win election in the State without the support of other groups, so the imperatives of working with other stakeholders cannot be discounted.

He said: “How we will go about it is by consultation; we have said that we will consult with our brothers and sisters in the south and central, quite a lot of them are already working with us. We will mobilise our people, we will sensitise the entire populace on the need for equity and justice. Very soon there will be a lot of town hall meetings, seminars, symposia on this same issue. We are not just starting with a road show; we are consulting our people quietly and simultaneously. We are consulting various political stakeholders on the need for equity, unity and justice in our polity. It is not something we can do alone; Delta State is made up of three senatorial zones and if any zone, like we have seen in the last election, feels that it can do it alone, it will always meet with failure. That is why we will always seek for reasonable partnership from the south and central. That is how elections are won in Delta State. This one is not going to be an exception”.

Notwithstanding, the Urhobo group has not hidden its desire to reclaim the governorship position since Chief James Ibori left office and has left no one in doubt in that regard.

Many groups have suddenly sprung up in the last few months. They include groups like Urhobo Political Forum (UPF), led by Chief Ighoyota Amori ,Urhobo Political Congress (UPC) headed by Sir Tom Amioku and the Delta Central Political Movement (DCPM) with Olori Magege as Protem Chairman. Interestingly, these are chieftains of the PDP and that is where the keeping the bonds of unity within the party is seen by many analysts as a key factor if it wishes to retain the governorship.

Though the Central zone poses the most formidable threat to the PDP, it is held in many quarters that if the ruling party can read the writing on the wall correctly, and throws its weight behind a formidable candidate from the Anioma axis, with the support of the South Senatorial district, it stands the chance of preventing protest vote from a section of the state that is particular in producing the governor to satisfy the yearning for a sense of belonging.

As for the South Senatorial district there is the allegation that the Minister of NigerDelta Affairs,Elder Godsday Orubebe may be nursing the ambition to be the next y not help the cause of the Aniomas.

Unity as watchword Analysts are of the view that for the Anioma dream to come true, the first step would be to forge a united front. They argue that a situation where there is a is considerable large number of wealthy and influential aspirants within the PDP who may refuse to step down for one another, may lead to another round of bitterness and rancor within the Party, a situation the PDP can I’ll afford.

Although none has declared his intentions publicly, some big wigs have been linked with the top job.

These include current Speaker of Delta legislature Victor Ochei, member representing Aniocha North, Ndudi Elumelu, member

‘We are consulting various political stakeholders on the need for equity, unity and justice in our polity. It is not something we can do alone; Delta State is made up of three senatorial zones and if any zone, like we have seen in the last election, feels that it can do it alone, it will always meet with failure. That is why we will always seek for reasonable partnership from the south and central. That is how elections are won in Delta State’

representing Aniocha/ Oshimili Federal constituency, Senator Arthur Okowa representing Delta North in the NASS, ex-presidential aide and ex-federal legislator, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, and Chief Godson Obielum.

Also the current Chief of Staff to Governor Uduaghan and ex-Information Commissioner, Dr Festus Okubor is also said to be nursing a gubernatorial ambition.

Others from different political parties are multi millionaire businessman Okocha and Democratic People’s Party candidate in the 2010 senatorial election Mr. Ned Nwoko.

Political observers say this may not augur well for the zone asthese individuals will seek to out done one another.

Of more importance is the fact that the chairman of the major opposition party, the DPP, Chief Tony Ezeagwu is an Anioma son.

He refused to be swayed by the zoning and rotation sentiments being held aloft by his brothers. He was quoted as delaring that his party will support any Deltan that emerges through a democratic process, stressing that DPP will not turn back any aspirant on the basis of ethnic consideration as the DPP does not recognise the principle of zoning within its ranks.

His words, “Well, I am a man with a very broad mind. When you talk about Anioma people clamouring, I will not say what anybody is doing is wrong or right or I am supporting or not supporting. The issue is I am in DPP and the state chairman for that matter. You know that it has been clamoured long ago in PDP that Anioma man must be their candidate based on their zoning arrangement which I am not part of. As far I am concerned if an Anioma man comes to my party to take form, I will not deny him. And if an Urhobo man comes to take form, I will not deny him either because in my party there is no zoning arrangement for now, our party is open for all Deltans. What we believe in is not even who governs the state but who gives the people what they want, dividends of democracy. When you clamour Anioma, Anioma, Anioma, are you telling that Anioma people were not in Ibori’s government?

Besides, the determination of Ogboru to pursue his petition at the Supreme Court may also be a major decider. Analysts say whether Ogboru wins or not, if he maintains a constant presence in the state and imbues the opposition with equal visibility, like it was in the campaign and election days, he may exert a lot of influence on the outcome of the 2015 election. A chieftain of the DPP, who pleaded for anonymity, however, said most of the party faithful are not happy with the “vanishing act” which Ogboru is said to always exhibit immediately after elections.

“He did it the other time; this time he has also done it it. He needs to be round to give presence of mind to the boys and followers in the state. People like the party in the state but it seems as if there is no formidable leadership”’ the source explained.

Many people have also read meanings into what happened last Monday in the ongoing legal battle over the last governorship election. In what seemed a predetermined decision, Ogboru’s counsel, Sebastian Hon (SAN) had shockingly withdrawn Ogboru’s case, asking the Supreme Court to reverse its earlier decision which struck out Ogboru’s appeal against the decision of the appellate court.

A source in the state said the development would make the opposition more determined than ever. “The lawyer’s decision to withdraw the case came to many observers, especially Ogboru’s team of lawyers and supporters, as a rude shock given the lawyer’s upbeat mood and re-assurance just before the court hearing.

Ogboru’s camp was dazed by this unhelpful decision as they had no intention to withdraw the case. There were also no orders to the lawyer to withdraw it. Hence their shock and anger over what appear to be an unprecedented complicity with the enemy more so when they (the Ogboru camp) were sure of winning the case. To many legal experts, the only way Ogboru could lose the case was if the case was not heard at all.

Whatever the case is, the race to Government House Asaba has started and it will take more than just being the majority ethnic group or the appeal to the sentiment of zoning and rotation to win the race. The party that would win the race will the the cohesive one, the one that is able to balance the delicate political equation in the state that often than not exhibit the volatility of quicksilver and ethnic irredentism.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

EDITORIALS

Microsoft’s new tune

Suntai’s escape •The Taraba Governor’s plane crash raises important questions

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Y the working of providence, the people of Taraba State and, of course Nigerians, are breathing a sigh of grateful relief rather than dripping with tears in an ambience of funeral sadness. The Governor of Taraba State’s escape from death in a plane crash last week, with five other persons also saved the nation the sort of unhappy story that trailed the now familiar story of the Dana Air crash whose many dead the families and the nation still mourn.

The governor, Danbaba Fulani Suntai, is a trained pilot, and until the painful incident, many Nigerians never knew he flew himself in a private jet. Informed sources say he has flown himself regularly, while his colleagues relied on the expertise of pilots. But Suntai is a qualified pilot, even though he is a trained pharmacist.

According the report, he was flying from Jalingo to Yola, but lost contact with the Yola control tower, and that led to the crash. Something good happened and that was the mobilisation of search and rescue personnel to the crash site. The governor and the others on the plane were moved to the hospital. At the time of writing, no fatalities have not been reported.

Governor Suntai has been flown to Germany for treatment. The Taraba State chief executive has the right to fly as a qualified pilot. He trained at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State in 2010. Given the delicate pressures of his task, we wonder if it was wise of him to take the task

of running a state and flying an aircraft at the same time.

Some governors also drive themselves and, even if they reserve the rights to do so, the weighty and intricate workload of their offices advise that they use the services of chauffeurs. Some may say the governors are mature enough to ascertain when the burden is light enough for them to fly an aircraft or sit behind the wheel of a Land Cruiser.

We are not aware whether it was only the loss of contact that cost the crash or whether certain individual inadequacy added to the technical challenge.

It was also reported that after the crash, the new deputy governor, Garba Umar, was harassed by some local politicians acting on the orders of a senator. The misfortune of the governor has suddenly taken the familiar tint of politics. The Taraba State House of Assembly affirmed Suntai as not relinquishing his position as governor.

The political elite could not even allow a collective sense of sobriety overwhelm partisan discord. It is not important whether Governor Suntai is incapacitated or not. According to the constitution, if the governor is sick, the onus lies on the deputy to take charge. This should happen without rancour.

If Umar takes charge though, he will be wrongly labelled with the ambitious tag of usurper. Power abhors vacuum.

Governor Suntai’s failure to travel abroad with others who sustained injuries in the flight is palpably unfair. The governor has the resources to care for

himself, but the injuries sustained by the other five came because he piloted them.

Even if it was an error of weather or technology, the journey may not have happened if he did not embark on it and asked them to go with him.

Again, if the medical system was not good enough for him as governor, then it means he did not create a good enough system for his fellow citizens. So why should he fly and leave the rest to the weaknesses of our medical system? Their families are protesting and they should.

We hope they do not suffer any deaths or lifetime deformities or pathologies that a trip to Germany could have averted. It will be on the governor’s conscience if he returns to bury any victim - or console their families - he left behind.

‘Again, if the medical system was not good enough for him as governor, then it means he did not create a good enough system for his fellow citizens.

So why should he fly and leave the rest to the weaknesses of our medical system?

Their families are protesting and they should. We hope they do not suffer any deaths or lifetime deformities or pathologies that a trip to Germany could have averted’

Retreats and rhetoric •Will President Jonathan walk his talk on sports development?

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S has become his accustomed practice, President Goodluck Jonathan recently hosted a presidential retreat on sports development. The occasion, which brought together many of Nigeria’s best-known sports administrators, coaches, sponsors, journalists and other stakeholders, was aimed at taking a comprehensive look at the state of the country’s sports, especially its talent-development processes, infrastructural deficiencies and funding issues.

In the light of Nigeria’s relatively poor outings in international sports tournaments, as well as its unsavoury reputation for age-cheating, the utilisation of mercenaries and other unethical practices, there can be no doubt that there is a pressing need for the country to take a hard look at its sports.

To that extent, President Jonathan is right to convene a sports retreat. The assemblage of the major players in one location provides a valuable opportunity for them to speak frankly with one another, and to discuss problems and solutions in the presence of those who have the authority to enforce whatever remedial measures may be proposed.

However, while there is no problem with the convening of retreats as a strategy, there are several difficulties with ensuring that they are put to effective use.

Since the restoration of civilian rule in 1999, there have been several presidential retreats on issues as diverse as agriculture, education, the aviation sector, the economy and security. Papers have been delivered, worthy sentiments have been

expressed, and lofty goals have been set.

Yet, very little has been achieved in reality. The aviation retreat, for instance, proposed several far-reaching measures designed to improve safety standards and the sector’s economic viability, but recent tragedies have exposed how little was really done.

In a manner similar to the conveners of previous retreats, President Jonathan has expressed his determination to ensure that Nigeria “rules the world” in sports.

The president’s ambitious vision involves the country attaining sports supremacy in Africa and ranking among the top four in the Commonwealth of Nations, on its way to global sporting domination.

It is gratifying that the nation’s leader should be so bold. It apparently expresses an unshakeable faith in the ability of Nigeria to achieve these targets. The trouble is that the president has spoken in similar tones before. During the presidential election campaigns of 2011, he promised to transform the country; more recently, he promised a definitive end to the Boko Haram insurgency in June 2012.

Not only have such promises failed to materialise, there is little evidence that his administration is even taking coherent steps towards the fulfilment of his pledges.

Jonathan’s forthright statements on sports are likely to encounter a similar gap between announcement and action.

In spite of all the useful ideas that were mooted at the retreat, there is nothing to show that the Federal Government is be-

ginning to tackle the roots of under-performance in sports.

It has not, for example, started to address the pervasive corruption and lack of transparency that has enriched administrators and impoverished athletes. The Nigerian Football Federation and other sports federations are continually embroiled in financial scandals which are almost never resolved. The audited accounts of the country’s disastrous outing at the 2012 London Olympics are yet to be released publicly, despite the controversy over how an estimated N2.6 billion was spent to prosecute it.

Victory in the sporting arena is the endresult of dedication and competence. All the speeches in the world will count for nothing if the Jonathan administration does not realise this fact and act accordingly.

‘Jonathan’s forthright statements on sports are likely to encounter a similar gap between announcement and action ... Victory in the sporting arena is the end-result of dedication and competence. All the speeches in the world will count for nothing if the Jonathan administration does not realise this fact and act accordingly’

XBox Music could be a turning point in the music industry’s fitful adaptation to the broadband era.

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HIS week Microsoft is set to release an operating system for computers, tablets and smartphones that will put a vast amount of music at users’ fingertips, free of charge — with the music industry’s blessing. XBox Music, a service integrated into Windows 8, is just the latest in a series of music-related initiatives by the software giant, and its record hasn’t been good (seen any Zune music players lately?).

Nevertheless, XBox Music could be a turning point in the music industry’s fitful adaptation to the broadband era.

The new, advertiser-supported service will let users play songs on demand from an online jukebox, create customized webcasts based on the music of their favorite artists and buy MP3s from an online store stocked with an enormous selection of tracks — in short, a combination of Spotify, Pandora and Apple’s iTunes. For $10 a month, users will be allowed to play an unlimited number of tracks without commercials, as well as access the service on a mobile phone running Windows Phone 8, a new operating system set for release soon. XBox Music is already available on XBox game consoles for a fee, and is expected to be available next year for computers and smartphones that don’t run Windows 8.

The features aren’t novel; what’s different is the degree of integration. Analysts expect tens of millions of people to buy devices with the new version of Windows in the coming months, and every one of them will be able to stream music on demand for free shortly after they hit the power button for the first time.

It took years for the major record companies to accept the idea that letting people play songs on demand for free wouldn’t devalue music and kill the business. They now see those services as a chance to generate advertising revenue from casual music fans who’ve stopped buying CDs, and to persuade more avid listeners to become monthly subscribers for the sake of unlimited, mobile access to music. On the other hand, some artists still aren’t convinced that the minuscule per-song royalties paid by subscription and webcasting services will ever add up to anything meaningful. Nor have Spotify or Pandora proved a way to profit from providing free access to music online.

The key to generating more royalties and profits appears to be persuading masses of music lovers to make the leap from assembling a personal collection of songs and albums to relying on an expansive, shared music library in the cloud. Relatively few have done so thus far; subscription music services have been around for more than a decade, but collectively they’ve signed up only about 3.5 million customers in the United States. If the issue is that most people simply don’t see the value in such services, they’ll never be more than a niche product. But if the main hurdle is simply a lack of awareness, that’s one problem Microsoft is poised to solve in a hurry.

– Los Angeles Times

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

•Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni •Chairman,Editorial Board • Executive Director Sam Omatseye (Finance & Administration) •General Editor Ade Odunewu Kunle Fagbemi • Gen. Manager •Editor Online (Training and Development) Lekan Otufodunrin Soji Omotunde •Managing Editor Northern Operation •Chief Internal Auditor Yusuf Alli Toke Folorunsho •Managing Editor • Senior Manager (Sales) Waheed Odusile Akeem Shoge •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Advert Manager Robinson Osirike •Deputy Editor (News) •IT Manager Niyi Adesina Bolarinwa Meekness •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Manager, Corporate Marketing •Sport Editor Hameed Odejayi Ade Ojeikere •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu

• Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: I scribble feebly with a heavy heart and with a sense of shame. Shame for the country I find myself in; shame on the people we live with. Shame on the faces I am familiar with; and on the breed of humans we are gradually turning into. I write to a generation I do not know- neither am I certain of their awakening. I write even if history shoves this journal in her archives. I write even if these pages may be blown up in a timeless memory hole.

I never realised the magnitude of the killings of the Aluu Four till I went online.

I could not even bring myself to watch the video: the pictures were real enough to make me sick. I mean it could be anybody; anybody’s child; anybody’s friend, lover, neighbour, brother, uncle, or nephew.

I saw four naked bodies - stripped of all sense of dignity, hope, and confidence. Bare and vulnerable under the watch of the whole community. Helpless to an inevitable end that was before them.

I don’t care what they -supposedly-did. That is not how to treat a fellow human. There have been rumours, insinuations and speculations. There have also been whispers, silent arguments, and even loud protests that provide a foundation of excuses and defenses blowing a cover of “jungle justice.”

That sure is ‘jungle’ behaviour, but “justice?” No! That is not justice - that is brutal, hasty, anti-society, and selfish. It is murder.

Let’s take a closer look at this in-

IR: On Sunday, October 21, the co-founder of Mayflower School, Sheila Solarin passed away. Sheila like the late husband, Tai Solarin, was an educationist.

She devoted her entire life to working and campaigning to improve the quality of education in Nigeria. And through her Mayflower Schools, she provided that high quality education to Nigerian children. I encountered Sheila not so much in her capacity as an educationist but more in her role as the matron of the Nigerian Humanist Movement(NHM). Very few Nigerians know about Sheila’s humanist credentials especially

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EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

Many puzzles on Aluu Four killings cident -or event- because the whole thing seems pre-empted, premeditated, and calculated. There were willing parties involved; the whole community of Aluu seems to me a group of people observing a familiar ritual. Nobody seemed disturbed, rather it looks like an event where every party had defined roles, and played those roles efficiently. All factors in Aluu collectively ensured the killing of four young men in broad daylight - undisturbed!

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IR: We live in a world that is a global village- thanks to information technology and its user friendly facilities that offer its users links with the world and people in all nooks and crannies literally at our finger tips. Daily we try to keep up with the innovations and counter innovations thrown at us promising to keep us connected in “real time.” Thus, we find that we hardly get to analyze these technologies and the implications its use could and would have on our lives.

Nigerians being lovers of modern gadgets and the latest fads have caught on to this trend thanks to

From the person who had the nerve to capture the whole killings on video: the anonymous and silent eye that made the whole world know about the injustice that took place in Aluu. Heroic you might think, but what were his/her intentions? What did he intend to achieve? What emotions was he/ she trying to provoke? Did he have underlying motives? There is something definitely missing here - a big hole that needs to be filled. Why did he not use the same power - the

media- to source for help? Why did he wait till the whole thing endedonly to replay those horrors on the internet?

Certainly someone stripped them naked- and just like Saul in the Bible-their belongings were laid at his feet. Someone brought the fuel; someone beat them up; someone in that community was well prepared to kill!

Ready hands ignited the flames that engulfed the hope of a genera-

Oyindamola Adegboye Lagos

Our kids and the internet the introduction of the mobile phone technology and ICT in the late 1990s. Being constantly on the move trying to eke a living its becoming the new normal to find parents handing their kids and teens mobile phones, iPods, I pads, laptops and other communication gadgets to stay connected with them or even as a tool for spending “quality time” with their kids.

As you hand over that communication gadget to your child, please pause and think through the implication this gift of love could have on your child’s growth and development. No doubt, the internet is a great place to hang out. It’s not only

fun, but it lets you keep in touch with friends and family and provides an enormous amount of information. Cyberspace is like a big city. There are libraries, universities, museums, places to have fun and plenty of opportunities to meet wonderful people from all walks of life. But like any community there are also some people and areas that you ought to avoid and others that you should approach with caution. By knowing the dangers and how to avoid them, you can take advantage of all the positive aspects of the internet, while avoiding most of its pitfalls.

The recent gruesome murder of

Tribute to Sheila Solarin that she continued the tradition left behind by Tai of supporting secular education and also promoting the humanist outlook.

In 1998 I travelled to Ikenne to see Sheila and to inform her of the formation of the Nigerian Humanist Movement. I invited her to be the matron of the organisation which she readily accepted. I can still recall vividly my joy and excitement on getting Sheila’s endorsement of the Nigerian humanist project. Sheila was visibly worried by the damaged caused by superstitions especially the way religious fanaticism was hampering the

tion. What about the owner of the local store they patronised? The compound cleaner? Their landlord?

The flatmates? For goodness’ sake where was everybody? I could imagine the feeling of betrayal as they pored into those familiar eyes for a clue or hint for their hopeless defeat. Where were their friends?

Why didn’t word go out before their brutal end? Where were the students of UNIPORT? They sure could not have killed over 5,000 students? I can feel what seem close to their heartbeat. Inside felt lonely, betrayed and defeated.

Would this just be another closed chapter buried in our archives of injustice? Would we talk for a while, then say to ourselves “What’s my own?” or “Na dem sabi?”

growth and development of the nation.

She was not anti-religion or antitheism. She was of the view that organized religion fulfilled some social good and that with more knowledge, the god-of-the -gaps would fade away.

Sheila was unequivocal in her support for an alternative to dogmatic religions and superstitious beliefs and for the promotion of reason, science and critical thinking. She bemoaned the collosal waste of lives by violent extremists and the way Nigeria had been turned to a religious supermarket at the expense of

human development.

Mrs Solarin was a pillar of humanism not only in principle but also in practice.

When she was asked, at one of her last outings at the Tai Solarin memorial lecture in Lagos, to deliver a short message to the Nigerian youths. She simply said “Think ahead”.

Sheila was so many things to so many people. She will be missed by both humanists and religious folks alike. Sheila. like her late husband Tai, lived and died in service of humanity.

Leo Igwe Lagos

Miss Cynthia Osukogu reveals that even adults are vulnerable to the dangers posed by criminals on the social web. It is a wakeup call for all parents, men and women of goodwill, government information dissemination agencies, schools, NGOs and other stakeholders to rise up to the challenge of educating our kids and teens on safe internet use.

The government regulatory agencies such as the National Communications Commission (NCC) need to wake up to its role of regulation and putting in place systems of checks and balances to protect internet users. Countries such as China recognized from the outset the dangers of unrestricted, unregulated internet use and thus put in place measures to protect and monitor it users.

There is no doubt that the social web has come to stay, so all stakeholders adults and children alike need to get educated on surfing the net suavely and safely too. Apart from safety education, monitoring internet use both in content and time spent on these technologies is also a way to go. Isolating our kids from these technologies is certainly not the solution, for these technologies are the new normal of our lifetimes.

• Angela Odah, Centre for Gender Education Abuja.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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COMMENTS

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O one can accuse any electorate her regicide husband in Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, of spite. “but to be safely thus ...” As As John Milton argued in ParaLady Macbeth goaded her husdise Lost, God has given Man the free band to inevitable doom, so will to choose; when queried on why would the Afenifere titans goad God “allowed” Satan to steal into Man’s their new charge to over-reach paradise. But a caveat: good or evil, himself.

Man reaps the consequences of his But even without the titans’ choice.

Olakunle prompting, Mimiko probably And so, it is with every electorate – harbours enough hubris to go not the least the Ondo electorate that lordbeek@yahoo.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola after Governors Kayode just returned Olusegun Mimiko as govFayemi (Ekiti) and Rauf ernor. They would greatly rejoice at their choice, if the governor delivers the el-Dorado he promAregbesola (Osun), when their own elections are due in 2014 ised. But they would gnash their teeth and lament to no end – and why not? Didn’t this twain align against him in his if they found they had sold themselves a pig in a poke. It is own re-election? In doing this, however, Mimiko would be of such improbable alliances, which would only expose nothing spiteful. It is just desert for wise or foolish voting. triumphalism, leading to a lot of gibberish, hasty attributions part his empty ideological core, outside a survivalist instinct; and But if the electorate is quite blameless on the question of and crazy projections, as to be expected of a camp that got a manifest seeds of his inevitable self-destruction. spite, the various gatekeepers that drove the dynamics; and rare victory over a perceived perpetual nemesis.

The ACN governors therefore have their jobs cut out for helped shape the outcome of that election were not.

It is all so reminiscent of Leo Tolstoy’s classic, War and Peace. them. Fayemi and Aregbesola may be beginning to stamp In “Ondo and the limit of spite” (September 25), Ripples xAfter the Russo-Austrian alliance inflicted a rare defeat on their developmental vision on their two states, much more rayed the Ondo gubernatorial election as no more than a Napoleon Bonaparte, in a minor battle at Schon Grabern, the penetrating than what Mimiko has done in his oil-rich state proxy battle against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Action ConAustrian part of the alliance and the cocky Russians thought of in four years. But they must do much more, and present a gress of Nigeria (ACN) national leader, by a coterie of emgalloping from victory to victory over a now subdued French score card that shows a clear and marked difference. Only bittered interest groups: failed ACN gubernatorial aspirEmperor Napoleon. It took the alliance’s comprehensive de- such clear-cut quality and excellence can withstand the threeants, the Afenifere grandees who sought with gusto a last feat at Austerlitz to smash that illusion! pronged conspiracy to come: from Jonathan, fighting for 2015, ditch chance to unhorse their perceived nemesis and, of Still, in the midst of all these grandstanding, clear moves are from Mimiko, seeking his pound of flesh and from the Afenifere course, Governor Mimiko himself, who was fighting the there for the politically discerning. rump, on a quixotic quest for lost glory. political battle of his life.

Goodluck Jonathan, the man that won the 2011 presidential Ogun and Oyo states, though not due for election until 2015, A sub-set of the Ondo “battle plan” was elite hostility and election by good luck, has started dropping political IOUs for must press hard their party’s record of solid performance in conspiracy, as hallmarked by political irritants like Pastor 2015. After Adams Oshiomhole won re-election, the Edo gov- government – and bond with their people as they do so. And Tunde Bakare and co; and by how the media aligned themernor went first to Aso Rock, praising the president to high so must Lagos which, after the Tinubu and Fashola years, selves in the fray (“Ondo: now the crunch”, October 16). heavens, for “allowing” his re-election – was Jonathan sup- would be transiting into a new government.

Also, fatal to the ACN cause was its politicisation of South posed to do otherwise?

But beyond partisan gains and losses, the greatest casualty West economic integration, as distinct from making it a Then after Mimiko’s win, his first port of call, with his wife of the Ondo election is clearly South West integration, ironiclinical electoral issue. If it had demonstrated it was the Kemi in tow, was the same Aso Villa, the Jonathans’ special cally the most crucial agenda for Yoruba welfare and develmost committed and, given its governments’ record of perguests to celebrate with First Lady and birthday dame, Pa- opment in a neither-nor federal Nigeria. For the umpteenth formance, was best placed to swing South West integration, tience. Of course, wily Jona and his media managers ensured time, awry politicking has put the Yoruba at a crossroads, perhaps the outcome could have been different. the photo of that celebration hugged the choicest pages of news- with Nigeria itself at a fearful juncture.

Instead, its insistence that all South West states must beIn the First Republic, from the Action Group (AG) schism papers the next day! long to one party (hardly a partisan crime, but costly elecIn due course, en route to 2015, the pair of Oshiomhole and sprouted the Ladoke Akintola centrist forces, which slowed toral gaffe) before integration could succeed fired the brainMimiko, no matter their respective parties’ stand, would pay down the old West’s pre-independence developmental head less but devastating primordial counter-emotion that prostart. Now, 52 years after independence, with the national back Jona’s IOU! pelled Mimiko back to office, despite a hugely suspect first As Jonathan manoeuvres to secure a future political fortune, question still potently unresolved, the Trojan horse is wily term performance, considering the N600 billion trove at the Afenifere grandees swoon to secure a past (and lost) glory, Mimiko and his LP, backed by a medley of embittered elite, the governor’s disposal. putting their titanic fate in the hands of Mimiko, their new many of them close to the grave, but who hate and spite have Victory, therefore, went to the most ruthless blackmailer champion. “To be thus is nothing,” the evil Lady Macbeth told blinded to the future of their offspring. and the most cynical manipulator of emotions. That is The ACN must therefore rouse itself. It must consolidate hardly salutary. But the good thing is that in Mimiko’s its governments’ development charter, fix its vexatious can“In Mimiko’s victory have come didate nomination dynamics, and kick-start the economic victory have come seeds of his self-destruction; just as in ACN’s defeat has come seeds of its self-redemption. To process, if only as a model of what to expect. On seeds of his self-destruction; just as integration learn the right lesson, therefore, is crucial. this score, a progressively insular-looking Lagos must take in ACN’s defeat have come seeds of That takes the discourse to the gloating that has greeted the lead. the result. The Afenifere grandees’ holy bile and Pastor If ACN does all these and does them well, it may yet win its self-redemption” Bakare’s holy spite have morphed into reckless the big war, after losing the battle with the Ondo debacle.

I

epublican ipples

T seems unlikely that the protest by angry Okada riders last week took Lagosians by surprise. The resort to jungle tactics supposedly to protest the Lagos Traffic Law as it affected the activities of the group was largely expected. At the end of their rage, 10 Bus Rapid Transit buses were reportedly destroyed just as their anger was sufficient to guarantee hell for innocent Lagosians caught in the middle.

Much as the rights of citizens in a democracy to protest laws considered injurious to their group interest is conceded, the problem begins when such protests extend beyond the boundaries set by the law – in terms of its wanton violation of the rights of other citizens and brazen disregard for the demands of public order and safety. Such niceties were obviously lost on the hoodlums who vandalised the BRT buses and blocked the highways in the course of protest.

Even now, it must have dawned on the rioters that the battle with the state government on the restriction on Okada to designated routes is one they are unlikely to win. Surely, it cannot be that the mob desires a return to the ancien regime when they held court handing summary judgments to their hapless motorists’ victims on the highways.

Of all the factors said to have spurred the state government into taking the drastic steps to curb the menace represented by the Okada riders, the least articulated is the frightening counter-culture spawned by the rise of the business of ferrying human cargoes with motorcycles. To me, if the nation has enough reason to worry about the public safety and environment issues involved in the operation of Okadas, they have even far more to worry in that destructive culture of self-help and instant gratification that it spawned.

I am aware of the arguments that have served as selfjustification for the business; that it emerged as selfhelp in the context of the suffocating economic environment of the 80s, something of a functional, creative response to the unprecedented unemployment and constricting opportunities faced by youths. Today, it has since become a way of life and sadly for many, an escape from the rigours and disciplines of learning a trade, and for some no hopers, a cover for criminal activities.

Like any law, the Lagos Traffic Law is far from perfect. I believe however that the law has carefully balanced the concerns for security, public safety, infrastructural and the environment with the needs of the operators. Beyond question, the law did not even pretend to be anything but a disincentive to the trade.

However, it serves one important purpose of pushing the frontiers of the debate on public policy, forcing the

Triumph of spite?

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

A war Lagos must win nation to rethink the anomalous surge in a business that continues to put many innocent lives and limbs at risk.

Traditional explanations about the staying power of the business being linked to poverty and unemployment are probably as true today as they were in the 80s when they first emerged. However, it seems to me that the surge in recent years and their staying power would have to be located outside of this traditional explanation to embrace what is clearly the penchant by those involved in instant gratification. Of course, majority of those in the business are neither sufficiently educated to take advantage of the limited opportunities in the labour market, nor do they possess sellable skills to be gainfully employed by self or anyone. It has also been argued that the low capital threshold and the fact that there are very minimal barriers to entry make it doubly alluring.

There is however question that the business thrives because many involved would not even consider the option of either learning a trade or trying their hands on other worthwhile economic activities. The latter is something to worry about not only because it explains the dearth of critical skills, it is also the source of raw aggression and the accompanying group action often associated with the business.

The question of the extent of accommodation that could be allowed the operators in the rapidly transforming megacity would certainly remain “live” just as the larger issues of public policy involved would remain open to debate for some time to come. It is, I guess, a derivative of the let-live argument which attempted to rationalise the sprawling squalor of Makoko or its jungle variant in Ajegunle both of which the government in Lagos has had

to confront at different time in the past. Even then, it seems that the Lagos State government is far-sighted than many would rather give it credit for at this point in time.

One can only hope, at least for the sake of the future of this country that the state government, as indeed other state governments that have restricted the operators will stay the course.

The drama in Kogi A story filtered into town the other day, from Lokoja, the capital of my beloved state, Kogi. A group of 12 lawmakers were said to have congregated with a mission to impeach the Speaker of the House. That was not the problem. The problem was that in the House of 25 members, the lawmakers needed 17 members to make their act lawful. They didn’t. They went ahead all the same.

And what did they do. The Speaker was pronounced impeached – in clear contravention of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution requiring two-thirds majority.

Of course, to make it real, they allegedly borrowed a mace from the headquarters of a nearby local government. And then, someone remembered that the House needed a gavel to complete the rites in perfidy. When they sought and found none, a member was said to have reminded the august sitting that a carpenter once ruled the state! So, they went for a hammer!

This is no fiction. I watched the Speaker wield the weapon of mass destruction live on television. Forget the niceties of law and constitutionality; it was a rare opportunity to see Kogi lawmakers at work.

Who’s behind all of this? You know the story – the hand of Esau is discernible; only that the voice is Jacob’s. The story is only just unfolding...

‘The question of the extent of accommodation that could be allowed the operators in the rapidly transforming megacity would certainly remain “live” just as the larger issues of public policy involved would remain open to debate for some time to come’

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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COMMENTS

V

IOLENCE, killings and terrorism are fast becoming the norm in Nigeria today such that the society is no longer shocked each time Boko Haram strikes. As if here is Iraq, Pakistan or Afghanistan, Nigerians are beginning to react with less concern to the unnecessary bloodletting in the country by these terrorists.

There seems to be a sense of déjà vu each time there is another attack on Christians/ churches and other innocent Nigerians in the north by Boko Haram leading to loss of lives and properties. Save for those affected in one way or the other, the rest of us seem to have lost count of the number of terrorist attacks and associated deaths/killings since we were pushed on this path by some forces of darkness and are going about our businesses as usual as if nothing is amiss.

Hope is a tool Nigerians have been using since the existence of time to tackle their helplessness especially in the face of seemingly overwhelming adversities. Hope of a better tomorrow seems to make them live longer even when that tomorrow may never come. Little wonder then that we have been ranked the happiest people on earth even in the face of one of world’s most excruciating poverty.

With our security forces seemingly incapable of protecting us against the onslaught of Boko Haram, Nigerians have resorted to hope, prayer and in some cases self help to free themselves from the grasp of these terrorists. But instead of the security situation as regards Boko Haram getting better, we are sinking deeper into this bottomless pit with seemingly no end in sight. Instead of our witch abandoning her witchcraft she kept on giving birth to daughters, so the matter continues.

But since we are told that God is always behind the patient, the patience and hope of majority of Nigerians in this Boko Haram matter seems to be paying off as it does appear that we are getting closer to unraveling those behind this terror against the rest of us.

Remember President Goodluck Jonathan alleged some time ago that our judicial, legislative and even the executive arms of government have been infiltrated by either Boko Haram operatives or sympathizers.

Though he failed to name names, most of us

T

HE national flood disaster highlights a basic deficiency in our approach to unpleasant situations and that is the idea of waiting until disaster strikes before taking action.

Faced with imminent danger, successive administrations in Nigeria invariably adopt a wait and see policy rather than coming up with an initiative to avert the crisis. In effect, this nation has witnessed several avoidable disasters resulting in a cyclical pattern of development that rejects progression. In many ways, our attempt at nation-building replicates Albert Camus’s Sisyphean myth as whatever gains we record are usually cancelled out by incessant disasters and then we find ourselves always rebuilding.

The waiting game in itself is a product of the conflict between personal interests and the interests of the larger society. Those entrusted with leadership positions in Nigeria over the years tend to sacrifice common good for selfish ends. Societal problems are attended to only in emergency situations. So long as a problem has not deteriorated to that level, it can wait.

The reaction to disasters is also predictable. First, an enquiry is launched into the cause or impact of a problem that has been

‘We must begin to demand that those in authority do things the right way so as to save the populace unnecessary mental and psychological agonies. If nations that experience flooding from different sources such as failure of dams, tsunamis and high tides have found ways of containing the situation why should Nigeria where the only source of flooding is torrential rainfall find itself in such a mess?’

No sacred cow, please believed him but were and still disappointed that he’s not been able to bring them to book.

That seems to be about to change and the National Assembly has been his first port of call.

Can you still recall one Senator Alli Ndume representing Borno North senatorial district in the National Assembly? The lawmaker accused some time ago of being in bed with Boko Haram? Yes, the same person who is currently battling prosecution in court to clear his name on this terrorism matter. Well, another Borno senator is being fingered again for allegedly aiding and abetting Boko Haram. His name? Senator Ahmed Khalifa Zanna representing Borno central.

Both ‘distinguished’ Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have vehemently denied either backing for Boko Haram or support for terrorism. This is not a court of law, so I would rather leave the prosecution to prove its case if any against them and allow the court to judge.

My concern here is not about their guilt or innocence but the fact that prominent people are being linked to this terror organization confirms my stand that there was no way Boko Haram or any such organization can survive without the support, tacit or full of the leaders and elders of the area concerned. At the risk of abuse and name calling by some elements in the north, especially the northeast axis, I’ve shouted myself hoarse calling for security searchlight to be beamed on the elders, leaders and even traditional rulers of areas where Boko Haram is firmly rooted, Borno and Yobe states in particular.

The story filtering from Borno and environs

shortly after the terrorists began their killings was that former Borno State Governor Senator Alli Modu Sheriff was behind Boko Haram and that he created the group as the militant arm of his campaign organization and indeed his administration, not only to win elections, but also to suppress his opponents. If this was true, he indeed succeeded in his mission as he not only won the elections (not all though) for his All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) but also ruthlessly dealt with the opposition, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Since all bad intentioned things cannot last forever, we were told SAS, as Sheriff is better known, fell apart with his boys who, with the type of training, ammunition and orientation they have been taken through opted for terrorism instead of a quiet and peaceful reintegration into the society.

Welcome to Boko Haram. That was the story we were told.

Now after years of silence, SAS is fighting back and has pointedly accused the PDP in his State of not only being behind Boko Haram and terrorism in Borno, but also fingered Senator Ahmed Khalifa Zanna as being their godfather. Uhuuuum!

Following the arrest of an alleged Boko Haram operative recently in a Maiduguri house said to belong to Senator Zanna, by security agents, the lawmaker even though admitting the suspect is a relation denied having anything to do with him and said the house in question does not belong to him but Sheriff. SAS, he said should be held responsible. Uhuuuum.

This is getting interesting. It appears both have something useful to say or know something useful about Boko Haram that could lead us to the solution to this problem and I think it won’t be a bad idea if both are taken into custody by security agents for thorough investigation. Coming out now and throwing this accusation and counter accusation could mean that the heat was getting closer to them and they felt it’s better to open the Pandora box now than keep quiet and suffer alone.

When JTF began its campaign against the terrorists in Borno, a certain group of elders and leaders of thoughts accused the military of high handedness and called for troops’ withdrawal. Why? May be not unconnected to their desire and determination to protect their personal interests as events have now proven. Do we still need any further evidence to convince us that these so called elders and leaders are part of the problem?

There are so many of them out there masquerading as leaders and elders, hobnobbing with government in the day but having dinner with Boko Haram at night.

Security agents should painstakingly make effort in seeking them, taking them and using them to get to the root of Boko Haram and stamp out terrorism in our land. Nobody involved should be spared, no sacred cow, but at the same time, no innocent soul should be punished.

‘There are so many of them out there masquerading as leaders and elders, hobnobbing with government in the day but having dinner with Boko Haram at night.

Security agents should painstakingly make effort in seeking them, taking them and using them to get to the root of Boko Haram and stamp out terrorism in our land’

How we court disasters

By Cos Nnadi waiting to happen. Then again, resources that should have been utilized to keep the problem in check will be invested in disaster management. Sometimes fatalistic principles are invoked to justify disasters. In the Bauchi State post-election killings for instance, those that should have offered protection to the slain corps members declared that they were destined to die during their service year.

We must, therefore, go beyond blaming nature for the calamity witnessed in most parts of the country recently as the real source of the havoc is the failure of those in authority to respond to the threats posed by the global climate change. Although there were predictions of torrential rainfall and early flood warnings, no efforts whatsoever were made by the federal or any state government to assess the impact of the climate change on the nation or to devise the means of checking it.

The fact that all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are flood-prone should have propelled the two levels of government into action. Besides, in July last year, Lagos State and some communities in Ogun State were completely submerged after a torrential rainfall. That incident left a trail of destructions which should have served as a wake-up call for the government. Yet, no lessons were learnt.

But, as soon as the phenomenon assumed an alarming proportion, affecting 30 of the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Government countered with a mitigation package. A Technical Committee on Floods Impact Assessment was immediately raised and mandated to tour the disaster areas. From its interim report, N13.3 billion was dispatched to all the states to combat flood.

Some ministries and agencies of the Federal Government among them, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Environment, National Emergency Management Agency and National Commission on Refugees, received N4.3billion to join the states in providing succour to the victims. The government is

now shopping for more funds through another committee, the National Committee on Flood Rehabilitation, to further mitigate the impact of the disaster and ensure a postimpact rehabilitation of the victims.

In addition to these short-term measures, belated medium and long term measures to check future flood disasters are in the offing.

Practically all the states of the federation now have committees on flooding. Already, governors of the affected states are saddled with the responsibility of providing flood victims with accommodation, relief materials and medical facilities.

If these measures had come at the appropriate time, this tragic situation could have been turned into an advantage. Other nations overcome such problems through massive construction of artificial outlets to absorb water from torrential rainfall since floods occur when rivers, the soil and vegetation cannot absorb water. In the dry season, the water so collected is released for irrigation purposes. Evidently, the Federal and state governments were under the illusion that the global phenomenon of flooding will never get to us and the nation has paid dearly for their inaction.

Today, Nigeria presents the sorry picture of a nation at war with nature as the antagonist. Several lives have been lost. Hundreds of thousands of people have abandoned their homes and belongings to run for their lives.

The displaced are now crammed in refugee camps and surviving on relief materials as obtains in a typical war situation. As many people have observed, the crowded rehabilitation camps are another recipe for disaster.

What will follow is an outbreak of epidemics and as usual innocent children will bear the brunt.

Highways have also been taken over by water leaving scores of passengers stranded and food scarcity looms as farmlands have been destroyed. Floods are also known to cause soil erosion, induce structural damages to buildings and endanger the lives of other species. Losses from flood in monetary terms usually run into trillions of naira. Accord-

ing to media reports, the nation loses about N6.75 billion oil revenue daily to flood.

There is no doubt that the impact of the flood disaster will remain with us for a long time to come. About 32 years ago, the first civilian governor of the old Imo State, the late Chief Sam Mbakwe, had called the attention of the nation to the devastating effect of floods but no one took him seriously.

He was rather branded a ‘weeping governor’ for weeping for victims of a flood ravaged community.

It is unfortunate that some of us have become accustomed to reactive measures. The encomiums being lavished on the Federal Government since the release of the flood intervention funds point to this. The governors are also being praised to the skies for offering salvation to victims of the flood disaster.

Viewed correctly, there is nothing to cheer about. Whatever the Presidency and the governors have done is to assuage the pains inflicted on the victims in particular and the nation in general by their failure to carry out their constitutional duties. There is no reason why Nigerians should not have been insulated from a disaster of such magnitude after metrological warnings and given the consequences of floods to individuals and the economy. This is more so as we have scientists at the helm of affairs who should know the implications of forecasts based on empirical evidence.

We must begin to demand that those in authority do things the right way so as to save the populace unnecessary mental and psychological agonies. If nations that experience flooding from different sources such as failure of dams, tsunamis and high tides have found ways of containing the situation why should Nigeria where the only source of flooding is torrential rainfall find itself in such a mess?

Just like fire, water has two contradictory qualities. It is both life-giving and destructive. Any nation that ignores the dark side of water does so at its own peril.

• Dr Nnadi, writes from Lagos.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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AVIATION Aviation roadmap, one year on

•Exterior of the remodelled airport terminal in Benin-City.

Unions hail zero per cent tariff for airlines T

HE Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) have praised the government for the zero per cent tariff on aircraft and spare parts import.

They said the measure would airline operators to bring in new aircraft for their operations.

National President, ATSSSAN, Benjamin Okewu, said the policy had provided an opportunity for operators to bring in aircraft that can stand the test of time.

He said it was an opportunity for the operators to refleet their aircraft and reduce their fares, pool resources and source for loan with one digit interest from the international financial organisations to bring equipment that will enhance the air transport system in the country.

He said: “For airline operators, they should capitalise on this noble opportunity to refleet their stock of aircraft. In doing that, they must take into consideration the routes they are flying. The route must determine the type of the aircraft to be brought in.”

Okewu noted that tarriff has been the major constraint on the part of the airline, especially in the last five years when it became obvious that local airlines were on the verge of going down, as a result of high tariffs on parts, which led to calls by the unions to grant waivers to the aviation sector.

The ATSSSAN boss lamented that a cartel has hijacked the oil sector,

Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor Aviation Correspondent

making it difficult to have JET A1 refined in the country to the detriment of the airlines, adding that aviation fuel accounted for about 40 per cent of the running cost of an airline.

He called for the building of dedicated refineries for JET A1, as aviation has continued to play a vital role in driving the economy. ”As a stop gap measure, the government should instruct the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to produce the required quantity that is needed in the country,” he said.

On the construction of five new international airports by the Federal Government, Okewu was optimistic that the long-awaited plan have started taking off, describing it as good.

Comrade Mohammed Safiyanu, the National President of NUATE, said the removal of tariff on aircraft and spares import have been the desire of the union and the Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON).

According to Safiyanu, airline operators have argued that the cost of importation of an aircraft and its parts have been responsible for the high cost of fares, adding that the zero tariffs will go a long way in crashing air fares on the domestic routes.

The NUATE chief, however, called on the government to look

into the possibility of refining petroleum products in the country especially the JET A1 to reduce airfares in the country.

“We saying that the refineries must be made to work and refine these products in the country, especially JET A1. This will make more people to fly instead of going by road,” Safiyanu said.

On the five new airports approved for construction by the government, the union leader said it was a good development if only the existing ones could be maintained along with the construction of the new international ones.

He advised that work going on at the old airports should not be abandoned while constructing the new terminals, adding that there was hope for the country’s aviation sector.

Also speaking on the issue, Arik Air described it as a heart warming concession that would assuage the high operating costs of domestic airlines.

The Executive Vice President/ Managing Director, Arik Air Mr Chris Ndulue, praised the concession and that it would not only enhance safety, but also assuage the high operating costs incurred by airlines.

He praised the President for mustering the political will to incorporate the tariff waiver in the 2013 budget , thereby giving vent to the long sought relief for domestic airlines that have been reeling under the cumbersome Custom procedures for imported aircraft and spare parts.

MedView gets domestic licence

T

HE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to Medview Airlines to start scheduled flight operations.

The airline has been pursuing the licence for about two years.

The airline’s certificate was to operate scheduled cargo, charter and passengers’operations.

The AOC, a mandatory prerequisite before any airline can begin operations, was signed by the Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren.

The certificate, with registration number MVA/AOC/10-12/05, was issued on October 19.

During the presentation, Demuren challenged MedView management to contribute its qouta to the development of the sector, warning that the agency would not tolerate any unprofessional conduct from any airline.

He said unlike in the past when the AOC could be got easily by intending carrier in the industry,

NCAA would ensure that anybody issued the certificate must be those that duly deserve it.

He emphasised that the agency would not relax its rule to achieve safety for passengers and aircraft in the sector.

Besides, the Managing Director of the airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, commended the agency for its oversight function. He described the mandatory demonstration flight of 50 hours by NCAA as a step in the right direction.

He explained that the essence of the 50-hour demonstration flight was to ensure that the applicant could carry out scheduled operations with the safety standards, adding that the carrier was the fifth airline to be certificated by NCAA under the new recertification programme of NCAA. Bankole said the airline would start its inaugural flight in the first week of next month after its in-house orientation scheduled for this week.

As part of its Unique Selling Pro-

portion (USP), Bankole said on-time departure and arrival would be its watchword as he observed that most of the carriers currently flying in the industry were not time conscious, adding that its safety and in-flight services would be distinct from others.

He said: “What we achieved today was not a child’s play. First, I want to commend the NCAA and the Director-General, who probably in his wisdom, decided to enforce the compliance. It is a good thing for this nation and the industry. Today, we are the fifth airline that will get this certification by NCAA. I’m talking here about recertification since this AOC has started.

“Demonstration flight, we will not condemn it. It is the best because you don’t carry commercial passengers when you are not sure that your aircraft is safe for flying.

“They insisted that we must fly 50 hours and we flew 50 hours and 35 minutes and it is on record that we gave them seven hours 35 minutes extra.”

SINCE assuming office, Princess Stella Oduah has left no one in doubt that she is on a serious mission. She inherited an industry, as Minister of Aviation, on the verge of collapse. The absence of a well articulated aviation policy, excessive bureaucracy and bad management is its albatross. Attempts to formulate a national policy dates back to 1986. African ministers responsible for civil aviation met in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast in October 1988 to fine-tune common positions. This heralded the historic Yamoussoukro Declaration (YD) of 1988. It became imperative to harmonise the National Aviation Policy of 1989 with the Regional Aviation Policy contained in the Yamoussoukro Declaration of 1988 which was reaffirmed in 1994. Princess Oduah waded through these policies and came up with the Aviation Road map. The Road-map provided the institutional framework for the provision of infrastructure, monitoring and control of the industry. One year down the road, critics are no longer in doubt about government’s determination to implement the road-map.

Princess Oduah showed she meant business when shortly on assuming office, she stopped the exploitative collection of N2, 500 passenger service charge (PSC) introduced unilaterally by the operators. Her mission to restore aviation to its rightful place as a vehicle for economic progress was not open to negotiation. In the words of Henry Longfellow, “In this world a man must either be an anvil or hammer”. Those who dared to stand on her way have confessed that beneath her soft spoken mien is an iron lady.

When she engaged the British authorities on the airfare disparity saga, she stood eyeball to eyeball with our erstwhile colonial masters, to the admiration of her compatriots. Known for walking where angels fear to tread, Princess Oduah inherited a sector that had virtually negotiated away its soul to powerful forces in the guise of public private partnerships (PPP), concessionaires and other drain pipes. At least, four ministers had fought the ‘aviation cabal’ to no success. For a woman who has conquered the private sector and successfully established a business conglomerate with interest spanning oil and gas, agriculture, engineering, logistics, trading and philanthropy, fate had prepared her for a time like this.

Worried by the decay at airports and terminals built over 30 years ago, the minister embarked on massive reconstruction and remodelling. The Kaduna and Kano Hajj terminals were remodelled and commissioned in record time. Work is on-going at the Sokoto terminal. Within three months of mounting the saddle, she began work on 11 airports in the first instance, out of the 22 earmarked. From Lagos to Yola, Port Harcourt to Enugu, the quality and pace of work took the aviation sector by storm. She restored our national pride and implored Nigeria’s standing in the comity of nations. Some ‘aviation stakeholders’ are, however, seething that the minister deviated from the normal practice where money is shared among ‘stakeholders’. With a threat to teach her a lesson, they alleged that the minister was remodelling the airports without approval. They also claimed that contracts were awarded without due process and that the (BASA) funds were being spent without regard for laid down procedures. Unknown to them, due process was followed and approvals received from relevant authorities before embarking on the projects. Furthermore, the contractors were using their money to fund the projects without a kobo taken from the BASA funds!

Unperturbed, the minister rolled up her sleeves for move work as she embarked on the Aerotropolis project. This concept which has been embraced internationally is about building cities with complete infrastructure around airports. Similar to Schipol in Germany, Amsterdam in Netherland and Heathrow in the United Kingdom, this new business module is yet another window to attract foreign investment and grow the economy.

To harness the benefits of the critical infrastructure being put in place, Princess Oduah went on an international investment road show. The investment road show being a key element of the road map for transformation of the air transport industry is already yielding results.

The Chinese have already signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Nigeria to finance the construction of 11 new state-of-the-art airports out of which six will be for perishables. The conferment of the award of the public officer of the year 2011 on Princess Oduah by Leadership did not come to many as a surprise. As a workaholic who is not given to vain glories, she is a great believer in nation building. In his treatise, James Thomas notes: “To be a great thinker and so always master of the situation, one must of necessity have been a great thinker in action. An eagle was never yet hatched from a goose’s egg.”

On October 22, the first of the 11 remodelled terminals was commissioned by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator Anyim Pius Anyim.

Stakeholders, hitherto with doubts, had a change of mind when they saw the magnificence of the new terminal. With that, the wind was taken out of the sail of the minister’s critics.

But the minister cannot be deterred by such distractions! She has placed her hands on the plough and there is no looking back. As the remaining 10 remodelled airports await commissioning in quick succession in the next two months, work will soon begin on the remaining 10 airports in the second phase of the remodelling project. The airport landscape has become one huge construction site and Nigerians owe it all to Princess Oduah.

•Yakubu Dati is the General Manager (Corporate Communications of FAAN)

FAAN eyes 8.5 million passengers AS part of the new business plan by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), passenger movement at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, is projected to increase from 6.7 million in 2011 to about 8.5 million by 2016. This is the expected fallout of many factors, including the on-going airport remodelling, as well as the expected increase in the number of domestic airlines.

According to the Regional Manager of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, Mr Edward Adedamola Olarerin, the airport authority will embark on a continuous programme of infrastructure upgrade, as well as innovation and customer focused service delivery, which is expected to drive the development and growth of the sector.

Olarerin explained that with the anticipated increase in the number of domestic airlines, which will operate into the Murtala Muhammed AIrport, the 8.5 million passenger Mark will be realisable as government remains focussed in improving operational infrastructure at the airport.

He explained that the airport authority is anticipating an increase in its revenue stream from aeronautical sources, including retail outlets and other sources, which is a fall out of the on going improvement in infrastructure and services.

INSIDE

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 25

Council continues sensitisation of flood - Page 27

‘Why our bulldozers pulled down N3b estate’ Abuja to rehabilitate more beggars - Page 28

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The sport in Jonathan - Page 40

HE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed has explained why his administration rolled out bulldozers to demolish an estate valued at about N3b in the FCT. But his explanation suggested that the destruction of those houses had put the FCT authorities under pressure.

When the bulldozers moved into the sprawling Minanuel Estate, pulling down the nearly completed housing units said to be about 500, the operation elicited a backlash.

The developers mobilised and staged a protest, querying the FCT administration’s action and intentions.

Other interested parties joined on the side of the developers, appearing to give the position of the protesters some legitimacy.

The developers and protesters

From Bukola Amusan

accused the Mohammed administration of not only over-reaching themselves but also pulling down the houses just to satisfy the interests of federal lawmakers. Minanuel Developers claimed to have flouted no known laws in building the houses in the Kyami District of the Federal Capital City along Airport Road.

The position of the developers as well as the protesters and all other allied parties were duly reported.

The FCTA has now reacted to the reports, saying that the removal of those structures was right because they were illegal and that the demolition followed due process.

The Minister said the operation was carried out with a view to

protecting the sanctity of the Abuja Master Plan.

Senator Mohammed said in Abuja that Kyami District where the affected structures were located falls within the Phase V of the Federal Capital City, Abuja and that the law is clear on that.

He said the FCT Development Control discovered these illegal developments at their embryo stage and swiftly served a ‘Stop Work Notice’ on August 20, 2011 with an instruction for the estate developer (Minanuel Estate) to present the title document for the plot, approved building plan as well as comprehensive development plan which the developer allegedly disregarded.

He added that on September 9, 2011, the FCT Development Control served the developer a ‘Quit Notice’ with further instructions to present the earlier documents requested which also

apparently fell on deaf ears.

When the developer(s) refused to respond to the notices served, the Minister said that the FCT Administration had no option but to serve a ‘Demolition Notice’ on October 3, 2011.

It is worth mentioning that at the early stage, the FCT Administration made frantic efforts to discourage the continuation of these illegal developments by removing their substructures and covering the excavations but after a while, the developers went back to site and resumed illegal development at a frenzied speed, he added.

The Minister reiterated that the FCT Development Control has full documentation of stamped notices that were •Continued on Page 26

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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ABUJA REVIEW

‘Why our bulldozers pulled down N3b estate’ •Continued from Page 25

served with photo clips to back them up at the time of issuance of all these notices.

Mohammed remarked that the FCT Administration also took a pro-active step to deter unsuspecting Nigerians from falling victim to prospective fraudsters luring people into buying lands or houses in illegal estates and unrecognised layouts with fake title documents backed with fake and back-dated building plan approvals. That step, he said, involved making several announcements on both radio and television across the city.

His words: “It was stated in the public notices and announcements that developers and buyers should beware that there was no approved plots for estate development after Lugbe FHA”.

The Minister regretted that these illegal estate developers at Kyami District have now resorted to whipping up sentiments after refusing to heed to timely warnings by rather choosing to rush the illegal developments of the estates, hoping to legitimise an illegality.

In order to put the records straight, Senator Mohammed further said that affected illegal structures removed include Minanuel Estate (198); Isvin Estate (13); Jo-Afra (54); Grow-Insight (6) and Unknown (25) totaling 296, a number said to be in sharp contrast with the 500 structures claimed.

He challenged the illegal developers to present their genuine title documents to the plots as well as valid building plan approvals of the these illegal structures.

While saying that his heart is with the affected subscribers who fell victim of illegal structure developers, the Minister urged the

residents of the FCT to continue to cooperate with the FCT Administration to build a well planned, orderly and beautiful Abuja city in line with the yearnings and aspirations of its founding fathers.

The representative of the developers, Festus Adebayo, had described the demolition as mischievous and unwarranted, adding that “the papers and other documents to support the development are valid and free from all encumberances before and after the company took possession of the land from NCR Associates in 2004.”

It was also alleged that the estate had been re-allocated to some senators by the FCT authorities.

Adebayo said that the demolished houses were 80 per cent completed before they were pulled down, stressing that “the company received all approvals to build and develop these destroyed residential houses which were planned to be handed over to owner-contributors by the end of October, 2012.”

He stated that no notice was issued by demolishers.

He said that the demolished houses consisted of 372 units of three- and two-bedroom bungalows, which had over 95 per cent subscription from civil servants, aided by bank loans and mortgages.

Adebayo said that the swiftness with which the properties were destroyed was reminiscent of military fiat.

“It is unthinkable that residential houses designed for low income earners are destroyed in a country which has a housing deficit of over 16 million,” he explained.

He said that the subscription for the houses was in connection with social housing under the

FCTA seeks foreign investment

T

HE Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senator Bala Mohammed said the administration has developed a concept of Public Private Partnership (PPP) to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the expansion of the nation’s capital.

He disclosed this at a ceremony marking the “FCT Day” at the ongoing seventh Abuja International Trade Fair.

Mohammed, who was represented by the Minister of State for the Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, explained that the PPP concept was currently being executed through joint ventures (JV) and Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) as exemplified in the Abuja Mass Transit System and Housing Development.

He listed the priority sectors for investments under the FCT Road Map to include: New Districts/ Engineering infrastructure, Housing Development/Real Estate, Satellite Towns Development, Agriculture, Industry/ Manufacturing Development, Tourism/Hospitality, and Small and Medium Enterprises/Youth development.

Other sectors are Health/Environment, Education, Transportation, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Finance and Solid Minerals Develop-

•The protesters

national housing fund.

Chairperson of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Hajia Binta Ibrahim who commiserated with Minanuel Investments, had also described the demolition as an act of economic sabotage.

“This has defeated the present administration’s agenda on mass housing, while also discouraging private developers to participate in mass housing programmes in Nigeria.”

Ibrahim stressed that there was no justification for the action, adding that REDAN was poised to defend Minanuel Investments as it lawfully acquired the prop-

erty.

The Director of the FCT Development Control Unit, Yahaya Yusuf said the 100 houses demolished in the Estate were illegal structures.

Yusuf explained that the demolition became inevitable due to what he called the recalcitrant attitude of the estate developer who allegedly continued to build on the plot of land based on a backdated title documents from the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

He noted that AMAC allocation stopped being legal documents in 2004 while the building plan approval from AMAC also lost au-

The FCT Administration took a step to deter unsuspecting Nigerians from falling victim to prospective fraudsters luring people into buying lands or houses in illegal estates and unrecognised layouts with fake title documents

thenticity in 2006.

Yusuf said even after an advertisement by the FCTA that developers should stop encroaching on lands meant for other purposes for mass housing, several developers failed to yield.

His words: “Failure of the estate developers to heed the advertorials prompted the Department to commence removal of such illegal structures.

“This exercise affected estates belonging to Nigerian Prisons Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and Liberty Estates. Also removed from a buffer zone along Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) where 140 illegal structures belonging to one Messrs Sunshine Estate Limited.

The director said when the Department of Development Control noticed that developers were not complying, the sunshine estate, liberty, civil defence estate, prison service staff housing estates, among others, were demolished and were told to come forward for revalidation of their land titles at the Urban and Regional Planning Unit.

FCTA to engage local engineers as T consultants •Senator Mohammed

ment.

“The FCT Administration has provided enabling environment to encourage both local and foreign investors through the creation of policy initiatives that provides incentives to investors namely; fiscal measures in terms of tax reliefs and allowances payable by entrepreneurs, provision of insurance cover for export oriented industries as specified in Decree No. 18 of 1986, liberal allocation of industrial park well laid out, demarcated and requisite infrastructure, land swap initiative and a host of other policy initiatives, including the recent development of Trade and Investment Policy Document and the establishment of Micro Finance Banks in the six Area Council to facilitate access to funds.

HE agitation to give equal opportunities to Nigerian engineers just like their foreign counterparts has received a boost, as the FCT administration decided to engage local engineers as consultants in the new Abujaland-swap-initiative.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed said this during the 24th lecture of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja.

The minister challenged the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to buy into the new scheme.

Mohammed urged the NSE to rise to the challenge of making the engineering profession practical in Nigeria as well as providing solutions to the existing problems including quackery in the industry as well as shortage of qualified engineers.

The minister re-iterated that the FCT Administration will take advantage and support the forthcoming ‘World Engineering Week’ scheduled for Abuja, being the first of its type in Africa.

He paid tribute to Nigerian engineers especially those working in the FCT Administration, considering the world-class infrastructure they have been providing since the inception of the Federal

From Bukola Amusan

Capital Territory, Abuja.

Mohammed remarked that the ongoing Abuja Light Rail project which is being driven by one of the past presidents of NSE, Mr. Kashim Abdul Ali, will put Nigeria on the global engineering map.

The minister noted that since his assumption of office, he has benefitted from a relationship with engineers in the FCT. Senator Mohammed called on the NSE to devise a means of ensuring quality control and providing technical advice to the government with a view to realising the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck

Jonathan.

In his paper entitled: “Development of Water Supply Infrastructure in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects,” guest lecturer and Director of Transport, FCT, Mr. Kashim Abdul Ali, outlined some of the most critical areas impeding progress in the development of water supply infrastructure in the country.

He explained how such challenges could be mitigated.

Speaking earlier, the President of NSE, Mr. Mustapha Balarabe Shehu pleaded with the government to implement all previous white papers prepared by Nigerian engineers.

Senator Mohammed called on the NSE to devise a means of ensuring quality control and providing technical advice to the government with a view to realising the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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ABUJA REVIEW

Journalist alleges attack by environmental agency men

I

T was meant to be an afternoon of fun. For it was his child’s first birthday anniversary and he was prepared to celebrate it. To give the day, October 20, the flavour it deserved, Tayo Lawal, our photo-journalist in Abuja, took his wife and A’adil, the birthday baby, to a photographic studio in the federal capital city.

A’adil had taken two shots and he was preparing to have another one with his mother when gunshots were heard outside. Tayo’s journalism instincts took the better of him; he knew there was a problem in the environment and so abandoned the photographic session and jumped out of the air-conditioned studio.

Armed with his Curve 5 BlackBerry phone, he noticed the pandemonium outside the studio. Boys were running helter-shelter while some men accompanied by armed-devil-maycare policemen provided the backing for the boys that operated like hunters after game.

First, he established that the men chasing the boys were not Boko Haram recruiting officers; they came in a convoy of five vehicles marked CT916A11, CT531A11, CT49A05, CT634A11, and CT75A06.

Satisfied that he actually had a good story on his hands, Tayo smiled when he got a vintage shot, as one of the

By Akin Orimolade and Nwanagu Chinedu

rampaging men dealt a terrible blow on the head of a driller, working on a borehole some meters away from the studio.

Not satisfied with the first shot, Tayo attempted to take another shot when “I saw them pursuing somebody to Yahuza Suya Spot.

“I tried to take the picture of what was happening; that was when the men rushed at me. They descended on me like hungry lions, some hitting my head, one struggling to snatch my handset. The more I resisted, the more blows I got,” Tayo said.

Although they failed in their attempt to remove the camera and destroy the evidence of their overzealousness, Tayo lost his medicated glasses, yet the men were determined not to allow him leave the scene with the handset. Four of them started pushing, shoving and dragging him as he shouted for help, telling whoever cared to listen that he was a journalist.

It was his distress shout that attracted his wife. Like a sprinter, she ran towards where her husband was held hostage, shouting; “He is my husband, please don’t kill him”.

Abubakar Yaman, an Abuja resident, who witnessed it all, said he

Mr. Joe Ukairo, AEPB’s Public Relations Officer, said the incident was not reported in the office. He promised to find out what happened and get back to the reporters. He never did

was at the studio to take a photograph when he saw the men he later claimed to be staff of Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, pummeling “a neatly dressed young man”. He tried to talk to them but they insisted they must suck his blood for taking their photographs.

“I suspect they had smoked some weed or possibly were on drug as no normal human being would pounce on a fellow being like that,” he said, adding that “they beat the man mercilessly”.

He said the alleged AEPB workers were actually trying to arrest some hawkers when he was parking his car in front of the studio.

Mallam Yaman and other onlookers’ intervention paid off, as a man that looked like the leader of the team instructed his boys to leave “the stupid man”.

Tayo said he took some drugs prescribed by his pharmacist and was taken to a native bone specialist to take care of his fractured hand.

Has he lodged a complaint with the police? Tayo said no. His reason: the same policemen were there when the AEPB man dealt terrible blows on him and never restrained them. He said he called his boss, the Bureau Chief of the Nations Newspapers in Abuja immediately his attackers left him. Yomi Odunuga, the bureau chief, came to the scene, saw, advised him to go for medication and promised to write the federal capital territory authorities on the incident.

Contacted for comments on the incident, Mr. Joe Ukairo, AEPB’s Public Relations Officer, said the incident was not reported in the office. He promised to find out what happened and get back to the reporters. He never did.

AEPB under the new director, Isa Shuaibu, employed about 400 casual

•Tayo after his ordeal workers to help in handling cases of hawking in the territory; about 100 of the boys have had their appointments terminated. Ukairo who conceded that there could be one or two bad eggs among the boys, said they were trained at the Orientation Camp in Kubwa before their posting to the

Enforcement Squad.

There have been worries over the activities of the Enforcement Squad of late. On October 3, the team reportedly invaded Karu, one of the neighbouring towns in Abuja and in a war-like mood, engaged mechanics and some traders in a free-for-all battle.

Complaints Commission seeks partnership with FCTA

T

•The flood in Lokoja affected Abuja residents

Council continues sensitisation on flood

T

HE sensitisation campaign mounted by the Abaji Area Council has continued after its inauguration by the council chief, Hon Yahaya Musa Mohammed.

Stories From Bukola Amusan

The campaign which was launched as a precautionary measure against flood which ravaged some parts of the FCT and dis-

placed millions of Nigerians. Residents of Abaji were educated on how to keep flood away from their houses.

The experts, who were going from house to house educating the resi-

dents, urged them to stop dumping refuse in the drains because if they are blocked, water would find its way into their houses.

They were also told to ensure the drains are sanitised regularly.

HE Public Complaints Commission (PCC) has called for partnership with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration to help it redress administrative injustice in both public and private institutions in the country.

The Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission (PCC), FCT Chapter, Obunike Ohaegbu, made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide.

Ohaegbu noted that the partnership with the FCTA would foster inter-agency cooperation as well as engender good governance in the FCT. “The Public Complaints Commission, FCT Chapter, is interested in evolving a society where justice, fairness and equity prevail. We are not out to witch-hunt any particular agency of government or individual.

“Our main concern is to bring about good governance that would be responsive and responsible within the FCT. That is the mandate of the commission within the FCT,” he stated.

He explained that the commission was also collaborating with the area councils and traditional rulers in the territory as part of efforts to deliver on its core mandate.

The PCC commissioner also expressed the desire of the agency to jointly organise a seminar with the FCT Administration on the role of the commission in a democratic Nigeria.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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ABUJA REVIEW

FCTA targets N10b IGR

FCT area councils share N1.8b Stories from Bukola Amusan

D

ETERMINED to increase its internally generated revenue, the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has launched an online payment portal to enhance revenue collection, and ensure a coordinated and convenient revenue accounting system.

When operational, the scheme, the council stated, would enable it generate as much as N10 billion revenue in 2013 as well as block leakages in the payment and collection of utility bills in the Federal Capital Territory.

The AMMC coordinator, Mr. Rueben Okoya, an architect, who presented the online payment portal to journalists in Abuja, explained that with the payment scheme, customers would not need to go to bank and queue endlessly.

He stated that the Easy pay scheme as it would be known, would also plug revenue loss and make it easy for the public to pay their utility bills and charges into its coffers right from their sitting room.

According to him, payment could be made from the Automated Teller Machines, dedicated point of sale terminals, mobile payment through cell phones, scratch cards, E-kiosk and online payment through the AMMC website www.ammc.gov.ng.

Okoya described the scheme as a computer-based multi-bank electronic payment solution designed for secure commercial transaction between the AMMC and its customers using the interswitch platform.

H said: “the AMMC easy pay scheme is an online payment system introduced by the council to aid collection of various utility bills and charges; it is an alternative to the manual means of payment and offers a more convenient and faster way of clearing bills.”

On the security of customer information and integrity of the system, the coordinator assured customers that the programme was designed in accordance with global standards, adding that clients’ financial information was safe as long as they observe basic Internet security whenever they are online.

•Mrs Akinjide

T

HE Federal Capital Territory Area Councils Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) has shared N1,894,400,916.45 among the six area councils being revenue and subsidy reinvestment and empowerment programme (SURE-P) allocations for the month of September.

The councils include: Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali.

The funds distributed are for the payment of primary school teachers and workers in the councils, pension of workers and execution of capital projects in the area councils and satellite towns.

The Chairperson of FCT Area Councils (JAAC) and Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, who disclosed this at the meeting of the committee, said revenue allocation of N1,837,627,054.79 was received from the Federation Accounts allocation Committee for the Area Councils for September.

Akinjide, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr Anthony Ozodinobi, also noted that the sum of N56,773,861.66 was received from the Federal Government being the Area Councils’ share of the SURE-P allocation for the month of October.

The five per cent Value Added Tax, according to the minister, accounted for the lion’s share of the revenue allocation to the area coun-

cils of N1.101 billion, representing an increase of N47 million or 4.5 per cent over the N1.054 billion received in the preceding month for VAT. The Statutory Revenue Allocation for the Area Councils also rose by N17.48 million from N675.20 million in August to N692.68 in September.

Of the N1.894 billion available for sharing, the FCT Area Councils Joint Account Allocation Committee gave N844.57 million to the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) for payment of the primary school teachers’ salaries in the six area councils; N95.04 million to FCT Area Councils Pension Board (ACPB) being 15 per cent pension fund as statutorily required, and N18.94 million to FCT Area Councils Service Commission being one per cent training fund, also statutorily required.

The Statutory Revenue Allocation for the Area Councils also rose

by N17.48 million from N675.20 million in August to N692.68 in September

The net revenue allocation of N935.85 million was shared by the six councils, with Abuja Municipal receiving N175.96 million; Gwagwalada, N172.86 million; Bwari, N165.46 million; Kuje, N145.50 million; Abaji, N139.71 million; and Kwali, N136.33 million.

Akinjide gave the breakdown of the distribution of the SURE-P funds as follows: Abaji, N6.96 million; Abuja Municipal, N16.77 million; Bwari, N9.28 million; Gwagwalada, N8.50 million; Kuje, N7.45 million, and Kwali, N7.79 million.

The FCT Area Councils JAAC meeting was attended by the Kuje Area Council Chairman, Hon. Danladi Etsu Zhin; Abuja Municipal Area Council Chairman, Hon. Micah Jiba; Bwari Area Council Chairman, Hon. Peter Ushafa; Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman, Hon. Zakari Angulu Dobi; Kwali Area Council Chairman, Hon. J.K. Shazin, and Abaji Area Council Chairman, Hon. Yahaya Muhammad.

Others in attendance at the meeting were: Deputy Director, FCT Treasury, Mr. Jimoh Johnson Special Assistant to the Minister of State on Area Councils, Mr. Peter Fwa; Special Assistant to the Minister of State on Environment, Mr. Ayo Sotinrin, and Directors of Admin and Finance in the secretariats.

Work begins on Gwako Road

T

HE construction of the three kilometre road that leads to Gwako, a village in the Gwagwalada Area Council has begun.The road was alleged to have been abandoned for along time by the contractor. .

When Abuja Review visited the area, it was gathered that the construction work started on Monday

by Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company.

Some of the villagers, who were visibly elated about the construction, said they believe that the work would improve the economic viability of the village by transporting their farm produce to other parts of FCT for sale.

“It was reported a very long time ago that the council chief , Zakari Angulu Dobi, had awarded a contract for the construction of our road and no work was started. After sometime, we heard that the man that the contract was awarded to ran away with the money. We really cannot tell if he ran away with the money, but we are very happy that the construction has now started. The poor state of the road has been affecting us economically because we find it difficult to transport our goods to other parts of FCT for sale,” one of the villagers seen at the construction site said.

However, efforts to reach the contractor proved abortive. But a supervisor at the construction site who spoke under the condition of anonymity.

•More beggars will be rehabilitated in the FCT

Abuja to rehabilitate more beggars

T

HE Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) is to rehabilitate 10 additional beggars who were caught in some designated areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Director, Alhaji Isa Shuaibu, has said.

Shuaibu said that the AEPB had arrested 10 women beggars together with their 15 children during operations in deferent

parts of the city.

According to him, some of the arrested beggars had undergone rehabilitation and he wondered why they preferred to beg.

“Some of these beggars had undergone rehabilitation and were given assistance to establish small-scale businesses.

“I am surprised that they have come back to do the same thing here in Abuja. I am using this me-

dium to inform them that we may be harsh on street beggars since they have refused to comply with our policy against street begging.

“We will strictly monitor places where there is traffic congestion to ensure that both hawkers and beggars do not perpetrate their activities,’’he said.

The director also praised the enforcement unit for ensuring vigilance and gave an assurance that

the board would not condone any activity that would denigrate the status of the city.

He said that the beggars had been taken to the FCT Rehabilitation Camp in Bwari.

Shuaibu also warned traders not to flout the regulation against hawking during the forthcoming Sallah celebration, adding that the board would monitor sanitation activities during the festivity

29

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

Aloma Mukhtar, is very efficient, this is the very first ‘ Justice woman Chief Justice of Nigeria that we have, and with her

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

• Senate President David Mark

performance so far, as a member of the inner Bar I know what is happening, there is a lot of hope and in the next two and half years which she would spend as the CJN, there is going to be a lot of changes. She has done it before; is a person of her words, all we need to do is to have patience See page 36

’

• CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

The move by the National Assembly to amend the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007 has attracted mixed reactions. Some think the bank should be brought under some form of legislative control as no institution is an island, and because absolute power corrupts. Others argue that CBN’s autonomy should not be tampered with. Stakeholders have rejected a bill seeking to remove the Governor, Deputy Governors and Executive Directors from the bank’s board. Should the CBN Act be amended or not? JOSEPH JIBUEZE and PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU sought the views of some senior lawyers.

?

Should the CBN Act be amended

S

HOULD the National Assembly go ahead with its plan to amend the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007?

This was the question begging for answer at a one-day public hearing organised by the Senate Joint Committee on Banking and Judiciary, last Monday.

The National Assembly is con-

sidering tinkering with CBN’s autonomy and making changes to its board and management structure.

The move attracted divergent views from stakeholders at the hearing.

Officials of the bank, past and present, have faulted the move. A former Minister of Finance, Dr Adamu Ciroma; a pioneer director

of the bank in 1958, Alhaji Hamza Otiti; and another former director, Prof Green Nwankwo, urged the Senate to rescind its decision to amend the Act which will tamper with CBN’s autonomy.

CBN Governor Mallam Lamido Sanusi, who led the presentations, said subjecting the bank’s budget to scrutiny by the National Assembly would be used to score political points.

“If the CBN needs the approval of political authorities before it gets its budget, those authorities can compel the bank to act in a manner that befits what they seek it should do,” he said.

Sanusi, represented by CBN Deputy Governor, Banking Operations, Mr Tunde Lemo, added that the financial autonomy of the bank was germane to its operations. “An efficient CBN is one that is truly independent,” he said.

He drew the committee’s attention to 40 countries where their central banks did not submit annual budgets to parliaments for approval except Zimbabwe, adding that the economic situation in that country was not worthy of emulation.

Ciroma said the CBN should be left

to operate without political interference, noting that such interference could erode its powers, especially in crises.

He said: “Let us not bring a policy that will open the system to things that we cannot predict. The Board of Directors of CBN is made up of people with knowledge and integrity. Why do you want to do something different? Leave the CBN well alone.”

Otiti said: “The CBN Act should be left as it is; it should not be subjected to the appropriation of the National Assembly. The International Monetary Fund will not respect the bank if the present Act is changed.”

They also rejected a bill seeking to remove the bank’s Governor, Deputy Governors and Executive Directors from the bank’s board.

The proposed amendment provides for a former Governor of CBN to be board chairman while also divesting the board of the power of consideration and approval of the bank’s annual budget.

A former Information Minister Frank Nweke (Jr), speaking at a recent event in Lagos, said the National Assembly should not tamper with CBN’s autonomy.

Nweke, who is the Director-General of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), described as “unhealthy” what he said was a deliberate effort by the government to “subordinate” the CBN. “This is unhealthy and clearly portends danger to the management of Nigeria’s monetary policy. For the CBN to be effective, its work must be devoid of any political considerations and or interference.”

The National Assembly’s argument is that the CBN is not an Island. It should be under legislative control.

A former Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Senator Nkechi Nwogwu, said the CBN “is not an island” and cannot be absolutely independent.

She said: “There’s no agency that is an island. We’re saying that there are some CBN projects that need democratic review. Certain monetary policies must be brought before the legislature for a review.

That’s what we’re concerned about.

“We’re not at loggerheads with the CBN at all. All we’re saying is that •Continued on page 30

Inside: •Community storms court over monarch’s... P.32 ‘People resort to jungle justice because our... P.36

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

30

LAW COVER CONT’D • Continued from page 29 they should consider the opinions of Nigerians.”

There has been a trend towards increasing the independence of central banks as a way of improving longterm economic performance.

However, while a large volume of economic research has been done to define the relationship between Central banks’ independence and economic performance, the results are ambiguous.

Advocates of Central banks’ independence argue that a central bank which is too susceptible to political direction or pressure may encourage economic cycles (“boom and bust”), as politicians may be tempted to boost economic activity before an election, to the detriment of the longterm health of the economy and the country. In this context, independence is usually defined as the central bank’s operational and management independence from the government.

In some instances, legal independence of a central bank is limited in a democratic state; in which the central bank is accountable at some level to government officials, either through a minister or directly to a legislature.

Other forms of independence of the central bank include goal independence ( the right to set its own policy goals, whether inflation targeting, control of the money supply, or maintaining a fixed exchange rate); operational independence (to determine the best way of achieving its policy goals); and management independence (authority to run its own operations, such as appointing staff, setting budgets and so on without excessive involvement of the government).

It is argued that an independent central bank can run a more credible monetary policy, making market expectations more responsive to signals from the central bank. Recently, the Bank of England (1997) and the European Central Bank have been made independent and follow a set of published inflation targets so that markets know what to expect.

Governments, generally, have some degree of influence over even “independent” central banks; the aim of independence is primarily to prevent short-term interference. For example, the chairman of the United State Federal Reserve Bank is appointed by the President (all nominees for this post are recommended by the owners of the Federal Reserve, and the board members, too). The president’s choice must be confirmed by the Congress, and he must appear and testify before Congress twice a year.

International organisations, such as the World Bank, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are strong supporters of central bank independence. This results, in part, from a belief in the intrinsic merits of increased independence.

The support for independence by the international organisations also derives partly from the connection between increased independence for the central bank and increased transparency in the policy-making process.

The IMF’s Financial Services Action Plan (FSAP) review self-assessment, for example, includes a number of questions about central bank independence in the transparency section.

An independent central bank will score higher in the review than one that is not independent.

However, for Nigeria, the issue seems to be with the Governor. The recent planned introduction of N5,000 banknote did not go well with many Nigerians, who accused Sanusi of exhibiting autocratic tendencies.

Some believe such monetary policies that have direct impact on the masses and the economy should be subjected to a thorough debate first.

To such people, a situation where the CBN announces a policy without wide consultation and debate does not augur well.

An expert on banking law, Chukwuemeka Eze, said when the CBN Act was enacted, the framers thought that each CBN Governor

• Fagbohungbe (SAN)

• Ali (SAN)

• Idigbe (SAN)

• Belgore (SAN)

• Quakers (SAN)

• Falana (SAN)

Should the CBN Act be amended? would assume his position, concentrate on his job and paddle through the vicissitudes of economic combinations and permutations.

He argued that it was not conjectured that a certain Sanusi would appear and use the CBN as the fulcrum to challenge the powers of the National Assembly on appropriation, donate huge sums of money to Kano and bomb victims, make political statements at will and enjoy controversy as a fish enjoys aquatic environment.

Eze added that it was also not contemplated that the nation would be saddled with a CBN Governor who allegedly runs a secretive and speculated annual budget of about N400 billion (almost 10 percent of the total annual national budget) for a population of not up to 5,000 persons (who constitute the board members and staff of CBN).

On the proposed new board, Eze said the business of the CBN is too serious to be handed over to some proposed nominees to the board, who may not be sound in monetary policies and banking practices. The proposed composition of the CBN board is to include a director in the Ministry of National Planning, and a director of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

According to him, appointing a former CBN Governor as chairman of the board may create problems that could polarise the board, as a former CBN Governor may have “analogue” ideas while the sitting CBN Governor may have “digital” ideas. The latter, he said, may be hampered by the former who may refuse to acknowledge the rapid changes manifesting in global economic

trends.

Lawyers were divided on whether the CBN Act should be amended.

Those who spoke on the issue, in separate interviews with The Nation, included Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN), Malam Yusuf Ali (SAN), Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), Mr Dele Belgore (SAN), Mr Femi Falana (SAN), Mr Norrison Quakers, and constitutional lawyer Mr Ike Ofuokwu.

To Fagbohungbe, there should not be an agency of the government with absolute power.

“It is not done anywhere in the world. Central banks the world over do not enjoy absolute powers as it is evident in Nigeria. The CBN is running a parallel government with the power it has presently. It is also not good for the CBN governor to be Chairman of the Board of CBN because he has nobody to report to and as such, acts without checks and balances.

“I support that the Act should be amended to control the powers of the CBN governor. Of course, the National Assembly should be able to control the funding of the CBN. Its budget must be approved by the National Assembly, otherwise the CBN will run a parallel government.”

He added:“If the budget of the executive must be approved by the National Assembly, why not that of the CBN? Moreover, I think that clause in the Act that says the governor of CBN cannot be removed by the president without the approval of the Senate should be removed.

“It should be such that the National Assembly will confirm the governor’s appointment but the Presi-

dent should have the power to remove the CBN governor. As it stands now, the CBN governor has powers that even the President does not.”

Ali held a contrary view. He said: “If we love our country, the autonomy of the CBN should remain.

Vendetta should never be the basis of the amendment of our laws.”

For Idigbe, the CBN should not be given freedom without control, because, according to him, absolute power can lead to corruption.

“The greatest fear of Nigerians is arbitrariness in the implementation of policies. There should be some level of oversight over the CBN,” he said.

Belgore, a former Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate in Kwara State, believes the autonomy of the CBN is sacrosanct and must never be compromised and subjected to legislative control.

His words: “In England, the governor of the Bank of England is autonomous. He sets the interest rate, determines monetary policy without control by parliament. In the US, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board enjoys similar powers without congressional control. This was not always the case in these countries.

“They have had a situation of legislative control of their central banks before, and they found that monetary policy was influenced by politicians and this was bad for economic growth. So, it was decided that, for consistency of monetary policy and to take it outside of politics, the central bank would be autonomous.”

Belgore continued:“In Nigeria, our CBN is autonomous, so why do we want to drive our country back to a situation that advanced countries

‘Absolute power corrupts absolutely. If the CBN acts as a check on other banks, who checks the apex bank? The amendment of the CBN Act is necessary and timely but certainly not to the whims and caprices of the National Assembly or else that would be the end of financial intergrity of the CBN’

abandoned decades ago? We may not like the person of the CBN governor or his policies but that should not be a basis to change a structure that almost universally has been accepted to be correct.

“We should not change how institutions function because of our opinion of the personalities that run those institutions. People should change to fit into institutions not institutions being changed to accommodate personalities.”

For Falana, the amendment being proposed by the House of Representatives is unnecessary. “This is because no public institution under the current democratic system is totally autonomous. The CBN is equally wrong in its assertion that it can operate outside the Constitution,” he said.

The former West African Bar Association (WABA) President and rights activist, however, said CBN’s power to approve its budget outside of the National Assembly was illegal.

Falana said: “The CBN Act 2007 has to be read subject to the Constitution.

Under sections 68 & 69 of the Constitution, either chamber of the National Assembly can summon the CBN governor to give evidence in respect of an investigation.

“By virtue of Section 81, the President shall submit the national budget of the Federal Government and its agencies, including the CBN, by way of appropriation bill presented to the National Assembly.

“No money shall be spent by the Federal Government of Nigeria or any of its agencies without a money bill passed pursuant to Section 59 of the Constitution. The Auditor-General of the Federation is empowered to audit the accounts of all government agencies, including the CBN. In several decisions, the Supreme Court has held that the CBN is an agency of the Federal Government.

“To that extent, the CBN’s budget has to be submitted to the National Assembly for approval. The power of the CBN board to approve its budget is illegal as it is inconsistent with several provisions of the Constitution.

“Until recently, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) claimed that its board could pass its budget without legislative approval! It took appreciable effort to call the NNPC to order.

“However, the operational autonomy of the CBN is guaranteed by the CBN Act. But it is anomalous to talk of the autonomy of the CBN outside the ambit of the Constitution.”

Quakers said any amendment should not remove CBN’s autonomy.

“I believe the Act can be amended within the ambit of the current economic and financial realities. The powers of the CBN should remain sacrosanct.

“The amendment should not be aimed at the occupant of the office, but to strengthen the regulatory institution to perform it statutory duties without barriers, which in my humble view the legislative control will inflict.

“The current occupant of the office has discharged his duties creditably. The shortcomings can be addressed as human errors, but not to throw the baby and the bath water,” Quakers said.

Ofuokwu said the proposed amendment was necessary. His words: “The current CBN Governor has exposed the institution because of his uncouth tongue, reckless use of power, his display of arrogance and swagger which had gone unnoticed over the years.

“Absolute power corrupts absolutely. If the CBN acts as a check on other banks, who checks the apex bank? The amendment of the CBN Act is necessary and timely but certainly not to the whims and caprices of the National Assembly or else that would be the end of financial intergrity of the CBN. “Other than providing the needed legislative framework, parliamentary rascality cannot be an option. I suggest a Governing Council with conservative men and women of sound mind, integrity, economic wisdom and prudence amongst other sterling qualities to over the CBN,” he added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

31

LAW & SOCIETY

NBA President inaugurates committees

N

IGERIAN Bar Association (NBA) President Okey Wali (SAN), last week at NBA Secretariat, Abuja, inaugurated three committees that will fasttrack his desire to improve the lot of lawyers.

Wali (SAN) said he inaugurated the committees because their strategic nature does not permit them to wait till November when the association will inaugurate her committees at its National Executive Committee( NEC) meeting in Asaba, Delta State.

The Committee on Lawyers Welfare Trust Fund, which has Chief Ken. Njemanze (SAN) as Chairman, M. A. Abubakar, alternate Chairman and Linda Bala, Secretary were named.

The Database Committee has Chief Augustine Alegeh (SAN) as Chairman, Liman Hassan (SAN), alternate Chairman and Effiong Ekong, Secretary.

Others are the Legislative Advocacy Working Group which has Chief Paul Erokoro (SAN) as Chairman, Chief Arthur Obi Okafor, alternate Chairman and Elachi Agada, Secertary.

In a chat with The Nation, Wali said: “We expect the committees to hit the ground running, we have to inaugurate them out of order as we felt they are committees that cannot wait till November when other committees will be inaugurated in Asaba, as a result of the importance which we attach to the Constitutional Review Committee.

He went on:“Of course you know National Assembly matters are going on, they are not waiting for you to inaugurate your committees in November and so they need to get involved very urgently.

“The welfare trust fund is new and so there is no foundation for it. Therefore, they will need to start earlier than other committees that will be inaugurated in Asaba so that they can achieve what we have set for them to achieve within this limited period of two years.”

On whether the committee is an Ad hoc or Standing committee, Wali (SAN) said: “It is a standing committee, the welfare trust committee is a policy making body.

They will make policies that will be implemented by the welfare committee which is headed by the Second Vice-President of the Bar. Because it is a policy making body, their scope is wider than the ordinary welfare issues. They

• Wali (left) and General Secretary, Emeka Obegolu...at the event

• Njemanze (SAN)

• Erokoro (SAN)

• Alegeh (SAN)

• Obi Okafor (SAN)

• Abubakar

• Elachi

proposal, social welfare and facilities for young lawyers. So, the earlier they start, the better for us because there is so much for

them to do” In a chat with The Nation, Paul Erokoro (SAN) said: “ Expect a vibrant and active committee that

By John Austin Unachukwu

will look at the insurance policy for lawyers, micro-finance bank

will do its best to push the Justice Sector Reforms bills in the National Assembly and other public interest bills.”

Fielding questions on the exact number of such bills in the National Assembly, Erokoro said: “Well there are a number of bills that have been before the National Assembly for years. While some survived the past legislature, some did not. So, we hope to revive all of those bills that were not able to scale the hurdle of the previous legislative years.

We want to see how we can bring them back.”

Erokoro said: “Certainly, it is time we did something about Prison Reform bill, Legal Practitioners’ Act and the Justice Sector Reform bills, there are a lot of bills that are so important to Nigerians” Chief Njemanze (SAN) said: “Well I believe the task is fastidious but we can surmount the challenges. We believe in the next 10 months, we should be able to start implementing some of the policies that we intend to recommend to Mr. President and the NEC”.

“We believe the Bar should have a welfare package for all its members. We believe lawyers should be insured and we should equally have a pension scheme for all the lawyers. These are workable things, it is just for us to sit down, look at the papers, contact experts in these fields and we will be able to bring out something for the Bar. On whether they the took some strategic decisions at the inaugural meeting of the committee, Njemanze said: “ Yes, we did, we have basically agreed on the modalities for our meetings and how to make inputs on all the terms of reference. We have agreed that each member should make his input in writing and send to the secretary within 14 days, so that when we meet next we shall use all the inputs as working paper for the committee” Chief Alegeh (SAN) said: “We have decided on how to get the Bar to get the Digital Bar Initiative Identity card which will be an ID card that may also have financial features on it. We believe when we get it, every lawyer that has it will be certified to be a lawyer and no fake lawyer will be able to get that card. If we achieve this, I think we have achieved a lot.”

Why CBN Act (2007) should be amended

M

AJORITY of reports and analysis of Tuesday, October 23, 2012 on the subject of the Public Hearing on the touchy issue of amendment of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 tilted against the proposed amendment. The position of the CBN Governor based on the Reuters report from Tanzania where he was attending a meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) shows his vehemence over the impending amendment.

Bank stakeholders including former governors and directors of CBN have the same view with Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (SLS). The Nigeria Labour Congress was also ad idem with this seemingly popular view of “noamendment.” I am in opposition to the “noamendment” campaign although there are certain propositions in the amendment I disagree with.

I do not support the proposed composition of the CBN Board, which is scheduled to include a Director in the Ministry of National Planning, Director of Federal Inland Revenue Service, among others. The business of the CBN is too serious to be handed over to some of these nominees who are not profound in monetary policies and banking practices.

Moreover, appointing a former CBN Governor as chairman of the Board may create problems that will polarize the Board. A former CBN Governor may have “analogue” ideas while the sitting CBN Governor may

By Chukwuemeka Eze

have “digital” ideas. The latter may be hampered by the former who may refuse to acknowledge the rapid changes manifesting in global economic trends.

The whole essence of the CBN Act of 2007 is to clothe CBN with a garb of autonomy for monetary and price stability in the economy. At that time, the framers of the law thought that each CBN Governor will assume his position, concentrate on his job and paddle through the vicissitudes of economic combinations and permutations.

It was not conjectured that a certain SLS will appear on the political firmament of Nigeria and use CBN as fulcrum to challenge the powers of the National Assembly on appropriation, donate huge sums of money to Kano and Madallah bomb victims, make political statements at will and enjoy controversy as fish enjoys an aquatic environment.

It was also not contemplated that the nation will be saddled with a CBN Governor who runs a secretive and speculated annual budget of about N400billion (almost 10per cent of the total annual national budget) for a population of not up to 5,000 persons (who constitute the Board members and staff of CBN).

One: The power of the National Assembly to appropriate public fund of the Federation is derivable from the Constitution

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended. Various sections of the Constitution confirm this position. For instance, section 80 (3) of the Constitution provides that: No moneys shall be withdrawn from any public fund of the Federation, other than the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, unless the issue of those moneys has been authorised by an Act of the National Assembly.

Section 81 (1) and (2) of the Constitution (as amended) makes it mandatory for the president to lay before the NA budget estimates by way of Appropriation Bill before money can be expended from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. Section 4 of the Constitution as amended provides: (1) The legislative powers of the federal Republic of Nigeria shall be vested in a National Assembly for the Federation which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.

(2) The National Assembly shall have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation or any part thereof with respect to any matter included in the Exclusive Legislative List set out in Part I of the Second Schedule to this Constitution.

A closer look at the Exclusive Legislative List, Item 1, Part 1 of the Second Schedule shows that the National Assembly has exclusive power to legislate on – Accounts of the Government of the Federation, and of offices, courts, and authorities thereof, including audit of those accounts.

• Eze

It is indubitable that CBN derives its powers from the CBN Act of 2007. If this be so, it means that the Constitution (as amended) is in a tug-of-war with an Act of the National Assembly. In this contest, section 1 (3) of the Constitution resolves the matter by stating that “If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be void.”

• To be continued next week

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

32

FROM THE COURT

Community storms court over monarch’s kidnap

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HERE is Chief Lawrence Oragwu? This is the question on the lips of the people of Adazi-Nnukwu in Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Oragwu, who was their acting traditional ruler, was kidnapped on June 2, last year. Till date, security agencies have no clue of his whereabouts.

Members of the community, led by the President, Adazi-Nnukwu Town Development Union, Lagos Branch, Chief Theophine Enemuo, stormed the Federal High Court, Lagos, last Monday, where a judgment was set to be delivered in a suit filed against security agencies over the kidnap.

In tears, they wondered how their chief and leader would be abducted and has not been found, a year and four months after. To

• Judge to SSS, Police: find him

By Joseph Jibueze

them, it is absurd.

Oragwu, a retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, was abducted by unknown gunmen in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, on his way from church. He was at the time the Acting Igwe of Adazi-Nnukwu.

Enemuo said the community has been in shock since the abduction.

They are urging President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Peter Obi to intervene and get security agencies to find Chief Oragwu, alive or dead, so the community and family can have some peace.

The community leader said: “The position of my community Adazi

Nnukwu is that all stone must be turned in respect of knowing the whereabouts of our respected chief, Lawrence Oragwu, the acting Igwe of Adazi Nnukwu who was kidnapped over a year ago.

“It is over a year since he was abducted and series of petitions and complaints have been lodged with various security agencies. Up till today, no positive response has been received. Hence, we accompanied our son to court to compel the security agencies concerned to act in accordance with law.

“Our demand, with due respect to our President, Goodluck Jonathan, our brother governor, Peter Obi and security agencies is that Chief Lawrence Oragwu should be found dead or alive so

that the community can move forward.

“Chief Lawrence Oragwu, the Ezenna Okeosisi na Eche Ndo (A father-king who protects his people like a huge tree) served the nation meritoriously and retired as Customs Area Comptroller.

“The High Chief of the town should not be said to be missing! Our people say that Isi nze ato na mba (The head of a king should not be lost in another clan). Therefore the mystery behind his abduction should be unraveled.”

Enemuo urged the people of AdaziNnukwu to remain prayerful, saying: “Our prayer to the authorities is that our community needs an answer as to the whereabouts of Chief Lawrence Oragwu.

“I urge the people of Adazi Nnukwu to remain calm and continue to pray to God Almighty, so that at the end of the day, the wherea-

bouts of Chief Lawrence Oragwu will be known.”

Meanwhile, the court, presided over

by Justice Mohammed Idris, in a judgment last Tuesday, ordered the Director-General, State Security Services (SSS), and the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the abduction of Chief Oragwu.

He ordered the IGP to mandate a special unit of the police to commence or take over and conclude the investigation.

Both the police and SSS must transmit to the court’s Registry a type-written report of their respective investigations “within three months,” the judge ordered.

Justice Idris noted that the respondents did not defend the action.

He, therefore, entered judgment in favour of the plaintiff, Mr Nnamdi Oragwu, a lawyer, who is the royal father’s son.

Lawyer’s absence stalls trial in N419m suit

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• From left: Mrs Princess Odenigbo, Mrs Maureen Atuonwu, Chairman, Lawyers in the Media (LIM) Forum, Charles S. Odenigbo, Mrs Ranti Daudu and Benson Odenigbo at the final funeral rites of Chief Mercel Odenigbo in Ukana town, Enugu State...last weekend.

Court to hear N855m share fraud case against Keystone Bank Nov. 27

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USTICE Habeeb Abiru of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja has fixed November 27 for the trial of Keystone Bank (formerly Bank PHB), three officials, an Indian and his company, Nulec Industries Limited alleged to have defrauded a businessman, Sir Daniel Chukwudozie of N855 million.

They were arraigned on a twocount charge of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The defendants are Anayo Nwosu; Olajide Oshodi, Sunny Obazee, Bank PHB, Ashok Isran, an Indian who also has a Swiss citizenship, his company, Nulec Industries.

According to the EFCC, the six defendants allegedly defrauded Chukwudozie of Dozzy Oil of N855 million.

In his petition to the EFCC dated 1st March, 2012, signed on his behalf by his counsel, Mr P.I.N. Ikwueto, now before the court, Chukwudozie said he invested the huge sum in Nulec Industries Limited based on the assurances given by officials of the bank that the shares of the company will be listed

By Adebisi Onanuga

on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, one month after private placement and at a price not below N5.

Chukwudozie said he later found that the private placement offer price was N2.85k and not N5 as claimed by the defendants.

He also alleged that he was actually hoodwinked into parting with the large sum of money.

He claimed that no Memorandum of Investment or any other information about the company was given to him when the transaction was made.

“On the strength of the assurances by the bank, our client invited and persuaded his associates and close family members to also invest in the private placement aforesaid.”

He said himself and other investors enlisted by him bought as much as 300 million units of shares valued at N855 million in Nulec.

Chukwudozie alleged that further investigations revealed that Nulec was indebted to the defunct Bank PHB to the tune of N130 mil-

lion.

He said Nulec was similarly indebted to other banks, including FCMB, UBA, GTB, to the tune of N300 million.

According to him, the volume of indebtedness of Nulec was not disclosed to him at the commencement of the transaction.

He also alleged that the money raised from the public offer was wired overseas after Bank PHB deducted Nuclec’s indebtedness to the bank.

Chukwudozie said visits to the headquarters of Nulec were on a number occasions rebuffed by its officials.

Counsel to the 3rd defendant, Mr Uche Obi objected to the presence of a colleague, Mr Ugwunzor Adindu, saying he was not a counsel on record in the matter and that he should not be making comments as he lacked the standing to do so.

But Adindu in his submission claimed to be the counsel to the MD of Dozzy Oil, the businessman who was allegedly duped by the bank and some of its officials.

HE criminal trial against three former employees of Enterprise Bank who allegedly stole N419 million belonging to the Anambra State government has been stalled because of the absence of counsel to one of the defendants.

The suspects, Christopher Okoro, 32, Oyegoke Toba, 38, and Nene Flora, 35, were arraigned by the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), on March 20, before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, on two counts charge of conspiracy and fraud under sections 409 and 406 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

The Prosecuting Superintendent of Police (SP), Frank Emerho, had, at the commencement of trial, told the court that the trio on January 26 and 27, at Ago-Iwoye, Onitsha, Aba, Minna and Lagos branches of Entreprise Bank Limited conspired with others at large to defraud the bank.

He said they withdrew N419 million from a state government’s account through the user name and password of another employee known to them and transferred the money into another customer’s account in other branches.

Emerho said the first defendant, Okoro, who was on suspension before he hatched the plot, happened to be the direct boss of the second and third defendants, as such, was privileged to have their user names and passwords.

The matter, which, according Emerho, has suffered several adjournments at the instance of the counsel to the second defendant, Ubani &Co., even as he decried the various reasons put forward by the counsel to delay proceedings.

He said: ‘’I want this court to take cognisance of the fact that majority of adjournments this case has suffered had been at the instance of the second defendant’s counsel. From March 20, we took a long adjournment to May because the counsel applied on health grounds, irrespective of the fact that they have about four counsels in their chamber. ‘’We have also had several other adjournments for one reason or the other from this same counsel, this time around, he chose this date and today, he is not hear. Only to send

Woman, 41, docked for alleged N21m theft

A

41-year-old woman has been arrested and charged before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing N21.1 million belonging to one Abiodun Shode.

The suspect, Mrs Yemisi Ifezue, was arraigned by the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) on three counts of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence and stealing.

Prosecuting Superintendent of Police (SP) Frank Emerho told the court that the suspect and others at large sometime in November 2009,

By Precious Igbonwelundu

obtained N21.1 million from the complainant under the pretence of supplying him 10 trucks of petroleum product from African Petroleum (AP).

Emerho said although the total amount involved was N40 million, the suspect later returned N20 million to Shode but failed to pay the balance.

He said the offence, which was committed at Ilesanmi Idowu Street, was contrary to and punish-

able under Sections 409, 312(1)(2)(3), and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

However, Mrs Ifezue, who told the court that she was a business woman, said the case was a business transaction that got soiled.

She alleged that she was duped and that was why she could not deliver the consignment as agreed.

The suspect, who admitted that she has paid part of the money, told the court she has not been able to complete the payment following her mother’s ill health.

She opted for an out-of-court settlement, noting that she was willing to pay the complainant his balance.

Presiding Magistrate F. O. Davies-Abegunde granted the suspect bail in N3 million with two sureties each in like sum.

She said the sureties must be responsible citizens of Nigeria and resident in Lagos with evidence of regular tax payment, Mrs Davies-Abegunde adjourned the matter to November 13.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

this letter that he was in the United Kingdom, his second was in the United States and the third counsel in his chamber had a case in another court. So, why was the fourth counsel not sent? ‘’My Lord, my concern in this matter is that I want to close my case. I urge this honourable court to proceed with trial so that prosecution witness five (PW5) can give his evidence. I have reason to believe that counsel to second defendant is trying to delay this case,’’ Emerho said.

Counsel to the first and third defendants who also expressed his displeasure at the way Ubani &Co. were foot dragging on the matter told the court that he was disappointed at the letter signed by one Joseph Igwe, a solicitor at Ubani’s law firm.

He said going by the fact that the second defendant’s counsel chose the third week of October for continuation of trial, it was only logical that he be present in court or he should have sent one of the two counsels in his chamber who did not travel abroad. ‘’I am utterly disappoint and will like to appeal to this honourable court to proceed with trial. My clients come all the way from Aba, Abia State, every time this case is to come up only for the second defendant’s counsel to bring up excuses for adjournment. ‘’From this letter, he did not even suggest an adjournment date. He only stated that he will not be available until first week of November and that any date from November 15, will be okay by them at which time the court would be proceeding on leave,’’ the lawyer said.

In her ruling, presiding Magistrate, F.O. Davies-Abegunde, held that it would amount to a bridge on the principle of fair-hearing should the court proceed without the second defendant’s counsel.

She said it would form a solid ground for appeal since there is constitutional provision that guarantees right to fair hearing.

Davies-Abegunde said since Ubani &Co., sent in a letter that they would not be available and appealed for adjournment, it was necessary that they be given the opportunity. ‘’They have said they will not be available until the first week of November and would be disposed to any date from November 15, by which time i will be on leave. In order to safe your clients the stress of coming to Lagos in November when the matter is not likely to hold, I think in fairness, you should consider a date in January.’’

The Magistrate adjourned the matter to January 16 and 17, 2013, for continuation of trial even as she mandated the second defendant to tell his counsel to make himself available.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

33

LEGAL OPINION

Group seeks end to domestic violence

By Joseph Jibueze

• Akangbe

A

CHARITABLE organisation which supports and empow ers victims of domestic violence, the Glowing Future, has called for laws to change the cultural perceptions that tolerate or condone spousal abuses.

Its founder, Mary Akangbe, said there was a need to highlight the prevalence of domestic abuse,

especially in Africa, where some still believe it is right for a man to hit his wife in some circumstances.

She spoke in Lagos at the launch of her memoir: Gifts – Roses and Bruises. The book documents her journey of love, betrayal, domestic abuse and violence. “I was almost killed,” she said.

Mrs Akangbe, a United Kingdom-based nurse and counselor, said the violence she suffered at home lasted for sometime before she decided “to do something about it,” which included ending the relationship.

Now, she wants to help others repair damages they may have suffered. “Spousal abuse won’t hit you at once. Before you see a scar on a woman, it must have lasted for two years because, at first, a man will not hit a woman where it will show,” she said.

Mrs Akangbe cited a World Health Organisation (WHO) report which says women are largely affected by domestic violence, with only a small proportion directed towards men. It may include emotional or outright physical abuse.

She said: “The questions we ask at Glowing Future are: To whom can women turn to when faced with violence in their relationships? What are the constraints and cultural perceptions and implications of seeking help or actually leaving an abusive partner? What services are available, and are they tailor-made?

“Part of our mission is to provide confidential and structured support for victims, survivors and their families through bi-monthly support group meetings, and to educate and empower communities to embrace a violence-free existence.

“Regardless of whom you are, what you have or have not done, everyone deserves to live a life of peace, free from fear and intimidation especially in a relationship.

“Our vision is to institute violencefree communities and empower people who are in or out of difficult relationships to live a fulfilling life beyond domestic abuse and violence.”

Akangbe said people can support Glowing Future by referring victims of domestic violence to it and encouraging them to speak up, by signing up as a volunteer to offer support, by making donations or sponsoring its counseling events.

• Chairman, Eastern Bar Forum, Kemasuode Wodu and Dr Ogugua Ikpeze at the thanksgiving service organised

by NBA President Okey Wali (SAN) in Port Harcourt.

• Okey Owhonda (left) and Mac Enamhe at the service

Legal Dairy

Book on Justice Mustapha for launch Rethinking the administration of Justice: Essays in Honour of Justice Abdullahi Mustapha, (Rtd). is a book co-edited by Ricky Tarfa (SAN), Prof Lanre Fagbohun and Gbolahan Gbadamosi, will be launched on tomorrow October 31, 2012. Time: 11.00am Venue: Zuma Hall, New Rockview Hotels, Abuja.

Chief launcher is Abdul Dantata.

Lawyers, NBA hold conference Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON) will hold CLASFON South west Regional Conference from November 1 to 3, at the Royal Shekinah Hotel, Ilorin, Kwara State. Theme: The Trials and Triumph of our Faith. The conference would feature professional seminars, legal practice workshops and fellowship picnics.

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Legal Practice (SLP) will hold its sixth Annual General Conference.

Date: November 13 to 15.

Venue: Jogor Centre, Liberty Road, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Theme: Raising the Bar, International Best Practices in Legal Practice

NBA General Secretary to bury father The remains of the father of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary Emeka Obegolu, Chief Charles E.N Obegolu, will be buried on December 16. Burial ceremonies will begin on December 12.

Chief Obegolu, who was a lawyer, was aged 75. A website www.rip-charlesobegolu.com has been opened for condolences and further burial details.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

Nature’s fury adds to mis-governance

B

Y the number of President Goodluck Jonathan’s beneficiaries of the flood disaster intervention fund, nearly all the thirty-six states of the federation are affected by the flood that had made further mincemeat of our disabled federal republic of Nigeria. Shamelessly, despite the billions of naira spent over the years on operation feed the nation, to build tens of dams and idle silos, to empower tens of river basin authorities and to run a bloated federal Ministry of Agriculture headed by bow-tie wearing Ministers, Nigerians should brace up for serious food crisis next year. Considering our disability in normal times, arising from corruption and incompetence of our political leaders, Nigeria once again showed her unpreparedness for any natural disaster.

From Bayelsa and Rivers states through Anambra and Delta to Kogi and Benue states, all the major food belt states abutting the over flowing rivers Niger and Benue, and several other adjourning states are having their days under the water. Several of the affected states were also buffeted by predicted intensive rain. As many internally displaced Nigerians affected by this calamity will confess, the idea of hell as only a burning fire may not be entirely correct. No doubt, for them, too much water can be hell also. Imagine an entire house, furniture, food, cars, books, electronics and even lives, submerged in water. You have everything today, and then suddenly tomorrow, the flood sweeps everything away and you become a beggar, in a country ruled by predators.

As the federal government’s 2013 budget proposal shows, no lessons have been learnt. The occupants of Aso Rock are determined to enjoy their second chance, apologies to Dame Patience Jonathan, as much as they enjoyed their first chance. They and their friends are still engaged in a feeding frenzy, budgeting nearly a billion to feed the families of Mr. President and the Vice President. While billions of naira was budgeted for power generators this year, several billions of naira is again budgeted for the same generators next year. Never mind that Mr. President promised to cut down on his wasteful travels; he has gone ahead to increase the budget for next year’s junketing. At the end of the day, the recurrent expenditure is more than 70per cent of the budget, leaving nearly nothing for capital expenditure; and yet promises were made in the past to reverse this trend.

Again shamelessly those who misled President Jonathan to disengage Professor Barth Nnaji, from his duty post at the Ministry of Power based on spurious allegations have quickly shared our common power patrimony amongst themselves. For them, the definition of conflict of interest must come with a prefix - applicable to others and not to us. While selling off the electricity distribution companies, they never bothered that some of the beneficiaries who offered to buy the legacy companies have serious questions to answer for their stewardship in power. Just like the infamy that underpins the several unsuccessful attempts to sell Nigeria’s telecommunications company, NITEL, this sale is likely to falter, and while the consumers suffer, they will go back to their beloved NEPA contracts, to continue to hemorrhage our common resources.

For them, head or tale, they gain.

Most of the states affected by flood will be in for a huge shock when a report of how much has been spent to cater for the displaced persons is rendered. Many of the Governors and federal officials will use the opportunity of the flood disaster to further steal from the scarce state resources, and any talk about whether their conscience will prick them to do it right, is like hoping to stop rigging in elections. Unfortunately most of the Governors remain unaccountable to neither the state assemblies nor the people. For this group, the resources of the state are theirs to spend as they please. These are the group that use such abnormal words as ‘my money’, when referring to the money belonging to the state, and who treat their commissioners and state officials as errand boys. As recently exemplified in Kogi, a group of lawless members of the state house of assembly with the apparent connivance of the state Governor shamelessly in disregard of the constitutional provisions, purportedly sacked the Speaker of the state assembly and other principal officers.

The ordinary folks in turn borrow a leaf from their lawless power elites. For purportedly stealing sundry items, some idle and disgruntled people of Aluu community in Rivers state, turn themselves to jury and executioners, beating and burning to death, four young persons living in their community. Now that a film of the mindless murder is broadcast across the internet, the shame is that of every Nigerian, as the international community will be wandering, what manner of people inhabits this part of the world. Again the blood thirsty members of Boko Haram and their allies in the Northern part of the country are continuing their efforts to turn that area of the country to a waste land. From the Mubi Polytechnic to the churches and the streets, the mindless murders of innocent Nigerians remain their pride. Of course all these in addition to the ugly business of kidnapping in the Southern part of Nigeria.

In all this, the state security agencies remain overwhelmed. President Jonathan mimicking power and influence recently went to Mali to promise that the ECOWAS leaders will restore sanity in the northern part of that country. Yet he is unable to heal his own country of the same ailment. As the resurfaced President’s wife rightly said, there is a chance for a new beginning; and the way to go about it is to become sober and restore sanity to public governance; more so as nature’s fury seems on the rise across the world.

• Repeated due to technical error

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

34

LAW & SOCIETY DINNER ORGANISED BY THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) AFTER ITS BAR LEADERS’ SUMMIT AT THE TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL, ABUJA

• From left: Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim; President, NBA Okey Wali (SAN) and former Defence Minister, Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN).

•NBA General Secretary, Emeka Obegolu (left) and First Vice-President O. J. Erhabor

• Former NBA President, OCJ Okocha (SAN) and his daughter, Nnenda

• Former General Secretary, NBA, Ibrahim Eddy Mark (left) and former President, NBA, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN)

• Former NBA Presidents, Joseph Bodunrin Daudu (SAN) and Lanke Odogiyan

• Joseph-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) and Chairperson, Arewa Lawyers Forum, Hajiya Fatima Kwaku

• Chairman, NBA Ibadan branch, Seun Abimbola ( left) and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oyo State, Adebayo Ojo

• Garuba Pwul (SAN), Legal Adviser NBA, Sule Usman and Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN)

• Femi Falana (SAN) (left) and former General Secretary, NBA, Lawal Rafiu Rabana (SAN)

• Paul Usoro (SAN) and Nella Andem Rabana (SAN)

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

35

LAW & SOCIETY DINNER ORGANISED BY THE NIGERIN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED LEGAL STUDIES (NIALS) IN HONOUR OF PROF CLEMENT DAKAS ON HIS CONFERMENT AS SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA (SAN) IN ABUJA

• From left: Prof Dakas CJ Dakas (SAN); Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jos, Prof Joash Amupitan and Director-General, NIALS, Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN).

• From left: Former Governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye and Ambassador Ibrahim Tase.

• Chairman, House Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Dr. Ali Ahmed (left) and Hon. Beni Lar.

• J. S. Okutepa (SAN) and his wife Eleojo Toyin

• Former Dean, Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Demola Popoola (left) and Prof. Lanre Fagbohun

• Second Vice-President, NBA, Steve Abba (left) and Tsuwa Mathias

• Prof. Paul Idornigie and his wife, Roseline

• Director of Research, NIALS, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye (left) and Dr. Valerie Azinge

• Comfort Uma and Chief Chris Unigwe

• From left: Former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia, former Director-General, NIALS, Prof. Ignatius Ayua and his wife, Phoebe

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

36

LAW PERSONALITY Chief James Ogwu Onoja (SAN), a graduate of the University of Jos was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991. He bagged his Master of Laws (LL.M. Degree) from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) before joining the law firm of T. J. Onomigbo Okpoko (SAN) in 1997 as a Counsel before forming his own firm, O. J. Onoja & Associates in the year 2000. Onoja, a renowned author and publisher, in this interview, speaks on the responsibilities of leadership, challenges of insecurity, welfare of junior lawyers and the reform of our justice system. Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU met him:

‘People resort to jungle justice because our criminal justice system has failed’

W

E have had some security challenges in the country for some time now, how do you feel about this, how can we use law to restore sanity in the country?

First and foremost, it is the responsibility of the government to provide security. We as individuals also have to contribute to the provision of security, that means the government cannot do it alone.

But when people start taking laws into their hands, when they start going into jungle justice, it is as a result of the failure of our criminal justice system, it is also as a result of the failure of the police to do what they are supposed to do.

Nigeria has experienced abnormal flood resulting to loss of lives and property, what is your view about this, and prevent further loss of lives, farmland and crops?

Well, it has again come down to the issue of government, up till now, we don’t know the reasons for those floods. Apart from NIMET coming out to say there will be flooding this year.

We have issues and such stories as the dam in Cameroun collapsing, was let loose and so on, but we are supposed to have our own dam to control flood. Up till now, there is no system of accountability. Why did this flooding happen, what was the preparation of the government for this flooding, we are never ready for emergency situations in this country.

Some parts of the country are flooded, the people are moving around, no food, no shelter, no farmland, no means of livelihood etc, there is no insurance, no political insurance, no commercial insurance, nobody is talking about them.

It is the issue of accountability of governance. As far as I am concerned, the government is not accountable because if most of those things happen in advanced countries like the United States, because of Hurricane Katrina, some people lost election in America. In this country, they don’t need our votes, they always rig themselves in office to come and rule us. That is only reason they don’t care about how you feel, about how they would respond positively to the yearnings and aspirations of the masses.

But President Goodluck Jonathan has been going around assuring the victims of government’s support, how do you see this?

It is not about going about telling them you are going to do something, or that something is going to be done, the government is going to set up a committee and so on, no that is not how to govern a country. People want to see practical things being done.

Look, these are people that depend largely on subsistence farming, their farms are flooded, you can talk from today till tomorrow, what they need is immediate assistance, they need financial assistance to enable them eat and possibly buy seedlings for their farms, they need accommodation to provide shelter over their heads, so, as far as I am concerned,

the response of the government is not good enough.

But the government has raised a committee to mobilise funds and assistance for the flood victims, what is your reaction to this?

Well, I thank God for private individuals like Aliko Dangote and Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) that are coming up to assist, I feel also that we should not always be waiting for the international community to come to our aide, we should always be able to help ourselves.

Then this also boils down to the issue of corruption.

How does corruption come in there?

It comes in because now that they are releasing money, how sure are you that the money is really going to reach those people who are in trauma, those who are traumatised by the flood, the real victims of this disaster. Is this money really going to reach them, and not going to be diverted, those are the challenges in Nigeria.

There is this problem of lack of confidence in the government and governance of this country. As I am talking to you now, I am from Kogi State, some of my Ibaji people have no place to sleep, they have no food to eat, some of them have fled to Anambra State and as you already know, there is a lot of flooding in Lokoja.

The governments have abandoned their responsibility and are not assisting it’s citizens who are affected by this flood disaster.

The government is not doing what it is supposed to do.

What is your advice now?

This is now an opportunity for the government to come out more forcefully, to move to aggressively restore the people to their normal source of livelihood so that they can continue to live their normal lives, that is the responsibility of government.

Then, as individuals, as family members, we are an African society, we have to take care of our brothers. So, I encourage others to come out to help our brothers and sisters who are victims of this disaster.

What is your advise for Olisa Agbakoba and Aliko Dangote Committee on this flood disaster?

Well, my advise for them is that they should avoid red tapism, they should move into action immediately because they should try to have several committees in all the affected areas, they should try o cut off the politicians, they should not use this as a platform for 2015.

I have great confidence in Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), he is a man who has been fighting for the masses.

He should try to have people who should go to the places that are really affected by the disaster. Because before you know it, the politicians will compile lists of their

cronies and supporters for them to come and collect money, eventually this money will not reach the people whom it is intended for.

The committee should make sure this money reaches people who are really affected by the flood, we know them, we see them, their properties are there.

There should be no politicization of the entire programme, they should ensure that everybody affected by the flood is reached and they should step up their speed.

As I am talking to you now, people are having babies in the camps, committing suicide, and dying there daily, nobody records them at all. They don’t have any opportunity for anybody to put them on the Internet.

What do you mean by this?

When you talk about the Aluu killings, these are things that happen every day in this country, it was because this one was put on the Internet for people to see, that is why you see people responding. But this is what happens every day, jungle justice, it is because of the failure of the system, it is because of the failure of compensating people that are victims of crime. It is high time that we put these into consideration.

Justice Dahiru Musdapher (CJN) (rtd) initiated some reforms within the justice system before he left, what are your expectations from the incumbent CJN with respect to those reforms?

Well, it is unfortunate that Justice Musdapher, a man of vision and high integrity had only six months as the CJN. He came up with a lot of reforms and I am very happy because those reforms are to touch the very foundation of our justice delivery system. I am also happy that the incumbent, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, is very efficient, this is the very first woman Chief Justice of Nigeria that we have, and with her performance so far, as a member of the inner Bar I know what is happening, there is a lot of hope and in the next two and half years which she would spend as the CJN, there is going to be a lot of changes. She has done it before; is a person of her words, all we need to do is to have patience. Because when you talk about change, it is something that is very painful for people that are already seated. So, there is great hope and expectation that the justice system is going to change in the next two and half years that she will seat as the CJN. What is your advise for young, upcoming lawyers who see you as a model in the legal profession?

My advise to them is that there is no short cut to greatness in the legal profession. You have to pay your dues, you have to work day and night. You have to make sure you maintain the integrity of the

• Onoja

profession and when you talk of being a senior advocate of Nigeria, there are so many things that go with it.

What are the challenges of being a SAN and a chief?

Well, I am an Igala chief, I am the Agenyi Attah of Igala Kingdom, meaning “Attah of Igala’s confident “This carries a lot of responsibilities with it. For instance, a few days ago I had to settle some matters in my chambers out of court. Those are the responsibilities of being a chief, when I was conferred with this title, I had to tell some people that it is not a political appointment.

There is a responsibility for higher calling to serve. So, first and foremost, I have a responsibility to the judiciary as a member of the Inner Bar, I am a minister in the temple of justice. As an Igala person, I have a responsibility to them and a citizen of Nigeria, I have a responsibility to uphold the constitution, to see that justice is not only done, but is manifestly seen to be done in every situation in which I am involved.

The welfare of junior lawyers has been on the front burner, what is your view about this?

I have been talking about the welfare of lawyers,even recently when I hosted the NBA Unity branch, I discussed the welfare of Junior lawyers, especially and I told them that a situation where some of us pay our drivers more than our lawyers is not good.

But at the same time we need to look at it from the other side too.

What are the values that you get from junior lawyers in the chambers? Because in everything we talk about values. If you receive more values from your driver than your lawyers, then you have the tendency to pay your driver more than your lawyers because we are talking of values, so what is your contributions, your input to the chambers.

‘It is the issue of accountability of governance. As far as I am concerned, the government is not accountable because if most of those things happen in advanced countries like the United States, because of Hurricane Katrina, some people lost election in America. In this country, they don’t need our votes, they always rig themselves in office to come and rule us. That is only reason they don’t care about how you feel, about how they would respond positively to the yearnings and aspirations of the masses’

That is why it is both ways, it is paramount that lawyers should be well paid because these are professionals, they are people that are part and parcel of the justice delivery system, their soundness, their wellbeing is very important.

So, when a lawyer is well paid, he is expected to give his best in everything he is doing whether in or outside the court.

But we have a situation these days that some lawyers who are out of law school cannot write simple letter, this is a big problem and one begins to wonder, what values they are putting in the chambers. Then you begin to place value on them based on what they are making as input.

What is your advise to them?

I used to tell younger lawyers, I keep on telling my Junior lawyers in chambers that if you make yourself indispensable to my practice, you’ll earn more. But if you are among those who come to the office by 8.00 a.m, look at your wrist watch and immediately it is 5.00 p.m you go away, you’ll only receive what I agreed with you to receive.

It also means the juniors that are working in the chambers need to make meaningful contributions to practice, but that is not the situation now. You have juniors who are more or less nothing but liabilities to the chambers, who used one connection or the other to work with you and at the end of the day, they cannot deliver, so what do you do.

Do you expect a senior to start paying that lawyer N100,000 when he is not able to make something to cater for his salary. So, the welfare of lawyers is very very important, we now talk of lawyers who were in serious practice. We have been talking about insurance policy for legal practitioners, we have a situation in Abuja where some lawyers’ chambers caught fire or they were involved in an accident. There is no proper way of compensating them, there is no proper way of taking care of the widows and children who were left behind by such lawyers.

It is this part of the welfare that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) should straighten by incorporating insurance into it so that lawyers should not look like paupers. We are supposed to give confidence to our clients.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

37

NATIONAL BAR THANKSGIVING SERVICE BY O.J. ERHABOR ON HIS ELECTION AS NBA’S FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT HELD AT PETRA CHURCH, IBADAN

• From left: NBA’s First Vice-President, O.J. Erhabor, Dennis Okeke and Steve Ayiyi

• KGB Gbadamosi (left) and Second Vice-President, NBA, Steve Abbah

• From left: Kola Akeredolu, Pastor Sola Mene and his wife Tope

• Secretary, Egbe Amofin, Ranti Ajeleti (left) and B.A. Aderosin

• From left: Evelyn Erhaboe, Alhaja Ogunbanwo and Toyin Erhabor

• Bimbo Elugbaju, her husband Bode and baby Nanette

‘FCT judiciary must fix challenges of judgment enforcement’

T

HE aim of every litigant who goes to court to redress a grievance is to reap the fruits of his judgment at the end of the day. However, when the very people whose duty is to ensure that a successful litigant reaps the fruit of his judgment are the ones that will constitute a stumbling block towards the realisation of this objective, it shows something is seriously wrong with the system.

In the Federal Capital Territory Judiciary, judgments of courts of competent jurisdiction are submitted to administrative officers in the headquarters for “approval” before they are enforced.

When the file is eventually “approved” real trouble starts for the successful litigant as officials in the enforcement unit will call the litigant or his counsel and tell him how much he will pay if he wants the judgment to be enforced. If for any reason the litigant fails to pay the amount he is told to pay that judgment will never be enforced as the file will simply be dumped in one corner of the office and forgotten there.

Sometime in 2009, I worked for a client who paid my fees but left unpaid a balance of N50,000. I took this client to the Chief District Court Gwagwalada where he admitted liability. He then paid N25,000 and refused to pay the balance of N25,000.

I was, therefore, compelled to apply for the enforcement of the judgment. To assist me in recovering a judgment debt of a paltry N25,000 I was told to pay N10,000 up front. I offered to pay N3,000 but they refused and insisted that it was either N10,000 or nothing. I refused to pay the money not only because there was no justification for paying it but also because I stood to gain nothing if I paid the money. This is because all the officers from the enforcement unit will do is to go to the house of the judgment debtor and seize whatever they can lay their hands on (say television set). They will then ask the judgment debtor to pay the judgment debt plus the cost of execution (10,000).

Thus, the judgment debtor will be asked to pay the sum of N35,000 if he wishes to have his seized television released to him.

By Iheanyi Maraizu

If the television was bought some years ago at a cost that is far below the N35,000 that he is required to pay, he may prefer to abandon the seized television set in the court and use the N35,000 to buy a new one.

The worst aspect of it is that the court officials who seized the property will not bother to sell it and at least recover part of the judgment debt. They too will simply abandon the seized property in the court and allow it to stay there and become useless.

This is because they lose nothing by allowing the seized property to decay. After all they have pocketed the sum of N10,000 which they never worked for. Indeed, I (the judgment creditor) would have been the eventual loser because I would have lost the sum of N10,000 without recovering the jugement debt.

This experience of mine is a mere child’s play when compared to what thousands of successful litigants go through every day in the hands of officials of the enforcement unit of the Federal Capital Territory judiciary.

To eject a debtor tenant from a single room in Angwan Dodo (gwagwalada) or any other part of the Federal Capital Territory judiciary, a successful litigant is required to pay a minimum of N25,000 (twenty five thousand Naira) to officials of the enforcement unit. This does not include the cost of hiring a van with which the debtor tenant’s property will be evacuated from the premises sought to be recovered.

As pointed out earlier on in this article, any litigant who fails to pay the amount impose on him by the corrupt officials of the enforcement unit will end up not enforcing his judgment.

There is no doubt that all the money being collected by these corrupt officials are unofficial. This is because they don’t issue receipt to anybody from whom money is collected.

This means that they share the money among themselves.

What is not yet clear is whether the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory judiciary

are aware of this horrendous practice going on right under their noses. Going by the impunity with which these officials operate, one has reason to believe that the authorities are not only aware but actually benefit from this monumental corruption.

This situation is very unfortunate and therefore requires urgent remedial measures.

For appropriate remedial measures to be put in place, one important question needs to be answered viz: is there any legal justification for the judgement of a court of competent jurisdiction to be submitted to any other person or authority for “approval”.

In Government of Gongola State vs Tukur (1989) 4NWLR part 117 page 592, the Supreme Court inter alia, hold as follows:Every judgment of a court must be obeyed and is effective from the date of its delivery or from such date as the judgment itself appoints.

In the case referred to above, the Supreme Court went further to explain that the method of enforcement of a particular judgment depends on the type of judgment. Thus a judgment for the payment of money may be enforced by writ of ferifacias (popularly called writ of fi-fa) garnishee proceedings, a charging order, a writ of sequestration or an order of committal on a judgment debtor’s summous.

A judgment for the possession of land may be enforced by a writ of possession, a writ of sequestration or a committal order.

A judgment for the delivery of goods may be enforced by a writ of specific delivery or restitution or their value, a writ of sequestration or writ of committal.

Finally, a judgment ordering or restraining the doing of an act may be enforced by an order of committal or a writ of sequestration against the property of the disobedient person.

In support of this position the Supreme Court cited sections 20, 24, 25, 35, 38, 44, 55, 52, 58, 65, 82 and 83 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act cap 407, laws of the federation of Nigeria 1990.

In the same case of Tukur vs Government of Gongola State (Supra) the Supreme Court equally pointed out that apart from the aforementioned methods of execution there

are other recognised modes of execution viz: Decrees of dissolution of partnership and winding up of companies as well as adjudication in bankruptcy.

The Supreme Court ended the judgment by pointing out that outside these means of execution and some ancillary processes which aid them, there is no other form of execution.

What the foregoing means in my humble opinion is that there is no law in Nigeria today which requires the valid judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to be submitted to any other person or authority for approval or for any purpose whatsoever.

What then is the rationale for this patently obnoxious practice in the Federal Capital Territory judiciary? It was suggested upon enquiry that enforcement of judgments in the Federal Capital Territory judiciary used to be automatic i.e judgments were enforced upon delivery by officials of the very court that delivered it. This was however allegedly abused by some corrupt officials who engaged in illegal executions. It was for this reason that the authorities of the FCT judiciary decided to centralize enforcement/execution by creating an Enforcement Unit.

In my very humble view, however, this cannot justify a situation where by judgments of courts are submitted to administrative officers for approval. If an official of any court is found to have engaged in corrupt practice by carrying out an illegal execution or enforcement, the most appropriate thing is to subject such an officer to the disciplinary measures available in that organisation. A problem is not solved by introducing an obnoxious or illegal measure.

If, therefore, the Chief Judge and the Chief Registrar of the FCT High Court do not know that monumental corruption has been institutionalised in the enforcement unit of the FCT judiciary (and this is very doubtful) their attention is now being drawn to this ugly situation. They need to do something very urgently otherwise the faith of litigants and other stake holders in the efficacy of the judiciary may be seriously eroded.

• Maraizu is the Principal Counsel Iheanyi Maraizu & Co, Legal Practitioners

38

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

39

ABUJA REVIEW NEWS

•From left: Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi; Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen; Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Peter Orubebe and Minister of Petroleum Resources, Deziani Alison-Madueke during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja.

•From left: Vice President Namadi Sambo, his son Mannair, Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, and Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim at the Eld-el Kabir celebrations in Abuja.

•From left: Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; Senator Felix Kolawole Bajomo; Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo and Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Mr Phillip Salawu at the 42nd Annual Accountants Conference of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja.

•First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan being supported by her children with President Goodluck Jonathan; his mum, Mama Eunice Jonathan (second left) to cut her cake during a family gettogether to mark the First Lady's 55th birthday at the State House, Abuja. PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN

•Former Head State, Yakubu Gowon (right); Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim •Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Development CommisBoard, John Kennedy Opara, and General Secretary, Bible Society of Nigeria, Fred Odutola at sion (NDDC), Hon Mutu Nicholas (left) receiving the 2012 Budget Proposal from the Managthe third national prayer breakfast ing Director of the NDDC, Dr Christian Oboh at the National Assembly in Abuja

•Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, Osita Chidoka (left) presenting a certificate to Grace Akingbade, a participant in an international computer driving licence course in Abuja. With them is CEO, E-Tech Computer Solutions, Abdulhakeem Mustapha

•Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Nicholas Okoh (left) with Senator Philip Aduda at the third national prayer breakfast PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

40

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

ABUJA REVIEW

F

OR President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria should be among the top four sporting nations in the world, just as the dream of listing the country among the top 20 top economies in the world in the next eight years. Critics, though, are still wondering how the country will get there when the twin issues of corruption and lack of infrastructure are yet to be overcome.

But the Presidency seems to be undaunted as it goes ahead with its plan to improve the country’s standing in the sporting arena. So the week at the Presidency kicked off with the much talked-about retreat for all stakeholders with the single aim of coming up with an agreed implementable programme for the country. So for the whole of last Monday, the President, his vice Namadi Sambo, some state governors and other stakeholders gathered at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa to discuss ways to revamp the country’s sporting sector.

The interest to ensure a total turnaround is not unconnected with the role sport is playing in the country, especially as a unifying force.

So at the retreat, the presidency shared the thoughts of most Nigerians over the declining state of sport in the country and identified lack of proper funding and bad management as major problems confronting it in the country.

Besides, the presidency fingered the current practice where in many high density areas in the country, buildings without any space are being converted to schools as another reason for the country’s inability to produce fresh talents to represent the country in major events including the London Olympics where the country returned empty handed. To remedy the situation, a directive has been issued to the Ministry of Education to include, sporting facilities, in the criteria for approval of public and private primary and secondary schools nationwide.

The directive was issued at the close of a one-day Presidential Sports Sector Retreat in Abuja with the theme: Harnessing the potential of Nigeria sports sector from playground to podium.

In the area of funding, the Presidency said it would consider a review of some existing legislations, particularly the law on lottery.

On the issue of prompt release of funds towards preparation for major sporting events, the Presidency assured that government would henceforth release money in good time for any tournament to make for appropriate preparation.

Also reacting to some comments by participants that if government succeeded in wiping out polio as promised, the country may be denied the opportunity of winning laurels in future paralympics, the President said his administration will is committed to ending the scourge before leaving office.

T

HE Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) in the Niger Delta has kicked against the payment of Gas Flare Penalty into the Federation Account.

The National Chairman of the group, Mr. Alfred Bubor, who led his members to a meeting with the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe in Abuja said that since the pains of the gas flaring are not experienced by all Nigerians, the proceeds from the penalty should not be shared by all.

The group warned that non-payment of the gas flare penalty funds to the communities will lead to crisis.

He said: “The gas flaring penalty money should not be paid into the Federation Account any longer as the pains of the gas flare are not shared by all Nigerians. The money should go directly to the communities that are directly af-

The sport in Jonathan From the Villa

By Vincent Ikuomola He, however, assured that the disabled ones available are capable of doing the country proud if properly motivated and managed. Jonathan also assured the participants that unlike previous meetings, all the recommendations at the retreat would be implemented to the latter.

Also, when many thought that the Federal Government had totally forgotten about the embarrassment of the recent Hajj saga, President Goodluck Jonathan in the course of the week did a thorough post mortem on the incident with a view to ensuring that such dehumanising situations never cropped up again.

The President in his Sallah mes-

sage to the country, assured that this would be the last time any Nigerian will experience such a treatment in the holy land.

Over 1000 Nigerian female pilgrims were detained in Saudi Arabia, while the Saudi Arabian authorities deported over 600 pilgrims on the excuse that they were not accompanied by male relations which was considered against the laid down rules of the Saudi Arabian Kingdom.

Though the issues was eventually resolved with the intervention of the Federal Government, the president noted that there was need to take a deep look into all the issues so as to guard against future occurrence.

Also, the Presidency restated the government willingness to dialogue with the Boko Haram group. It stated that the administration’s doors still remained open for engagement and dialogue with all Nigerians.

The President also assured that his administration will continue to give dedicated, committed, focused and purposeful leadership towards overcoming old and emerging challenges before the nation.

The highly celebrated Facebook murder case of Cynthia Osokogu also came to up in the week. The Presidency said it was considering which action to take on the use and sale of Rophynol drug in the country. It was the drug that was administered on Cynthia Osokogu by her suspected assailants.

According to Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health, the drug has been banned in most countries due to similar cases.

He noted that the appropriate authorities have been asked to guide the government on the position to take.

Rophynol is a powerful sedative drug that is illegal in the United States but is used elsewhere as a hypnotic and in anesthesia.

It is popularly known as the “date

rape” drug because its ability to cause semi-consciousness and memory blackouts has led to its association with unwanted sexual encounters.

Also, in the week, Presidency approved the Nigeria National Pharmacovigilance Policy which aims to ensure proper management of adverse drug reactions in the country.

The policy is to assist government to monitor and deal with issues of adverse effects of drugs reactions in the country.

The policy which will be implemented by the National Pharmacological Centre, located in National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) premises, has actually been approved by the National Council on Health at it’s 55th meeting in July.

Also, Presidency approved the sum of N671million for consultancy services and engineering design for the extension of the EastWest road, with a completion period of nine months. The contract is for Phase Four of the East-West Road that spans Oron, Akwa-Ibom State to Calabar, Cross River State.

Communities seek separate accounts for gas flare fund From Augustine Ehikioya and Faith Yahaya

fected by the gas flare.

“It is a fine imposed for devastating the local environment of Niger Delta region and therefore the fines should be paid to the people who suffer from the environmental degradation. We demand that the money be paid into an Escrow Account from where the monies will be paid to the host communities.

“Gas flaring has seriously devastated the local environment (Niger Delta). Oil and gas is treated as a national asset but the same cannot be said of Gas flaring and its environmental implications to its immediate environment.

“We are not suggesting that gas flaring should not be stopped.

What we demand is not for the region or state to have this money, rather it should go to the communities where the gas is being flared.”

Calling for expansion of the Gas Flare Penalty and Petroleum Industry Bill before the National Assembly, he said: “Approved rate by the second National Assembly of USD3.5 Per 1,000 standard cubic feet of gas flared should be incorporated and a review period of two to three years pending the complete stoppage of gas flaring.”

He also alleged that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has failed to meet the aspirations of the host communities in the region over the years.

“The people of the communities where the oil and gas are produced have never participated in nor felt

the impact of any intervention by the commission. These interventionist programmes have always been designed by politicians and government officials for their selfish gains. The failure have largely been due to government’s frequent interventions, corruption and institutional capacity deficit” he stated Responding, the Minister, Elder

Godsday Orubebe assured the group that the issues raised would be tackled during the public hearing on the Petroleum Industry Bill, which the host communities and other stakeholders are expected to attend.

He also disclosed that the National Council on Niger Delta will hold next month to tackle these issues.

Gas flaring has seriously devastated the Niger Delta. Oil and gas is treated as a national asset but the same cannot be said of gas flaring and its environmental implications to its immediate environment

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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with survey beacons nos SC/OGAT297GQ to SC/ OGAT301GQ all inclusive.Having an area of 642.512Sq Meters and granted by Mrs Bamidele Olusiji Soyoye and Mrs Olayinka Abiodun Adunni Soyoye.AS/PL/R.77 Apiece of land situate at Asamo Village Via Magbon Abeokuta South Local Govt.Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/1281/011 of 27-01-2011 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAU2448JQ to SC/OGAU2451JQ all inclusive.

Having an area of 964.187Sq Meters and granted by Mr Muraina Ogunrinde.AS/PL/R.79 A piece of land situate off Abeokuta/ Ibadan Rd, Asero, Abeokuta, Abeokuta South Local Govt.Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/1035/2009/075 of 20-10-2009 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAH149AN to SC/ OGAH152AN all inclusive. Having an area of 720.161Sq Meters and granted by Mr Ismail Bello Mrs .R.Bello.AS/ PL/R.78 A piece of land situate at Luponna Village, Itoko-Titun Oke Aregba Abeokuta. Abeokuta South Local Govt. Area.

Shown on survey plan plan no OG/698/2005/060 of 3005-2005 with survey beacons nos SC/OGG1020BQ to SC/OGG1023BQ all inclusive. Having an area of 550.207Sq Meters and granted by Alh. Sikiru Ayinde.AS/ PL/R81 A piece of land situate along Abeokuta/ Ibadan Road, Adeaga Village Odeda Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/1200/2012/003 of 17-01-2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAU5916JZ to SC/OGAU5919JZ all inclusive. Having an area of 1.791 Hectares and granted

by Alh Lamidi Otesuku.ODD/PL/C.30 A piece of land situate along Baale Akinosi-Ajuwon Road, Baale Akinosi Ifo Local Govt Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/447/2010/26 of 30-06-2010 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAL6419BP to SC/OGAL6423BP all inclusive. Having an area of 2514.952Sq Meters and granted by Mr Rufus Akinyemi andSabina Olasunbo.IF/ PL/C.53 A piece of land situate at Odemo Village, Adigbe-Obafemi/ Owode Local Govt Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/ 1144/2011/32 of 05-05-2011 with survey becons nos SC/OGRA706MP to SC/OGAR709MP all inclusive.

Having an area of 695.438Sq Meters and granted by Mr Segun Idowu and Mrs Adebisi Idowu.OW/PL/R.177 A piece of land situate at Oke-Ola Imeko Imeko-Atan Local Govt, Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/1272/ 2011/043 of 07-02-2011 with survey beacons nos SC/ OGAR5311JM to SC/OGAR5514JM all inclusive.Having an area of 1411.758Sq Meters and granted by Mr Parinde Reuben Oluwasegun.IA/PL/C.4.

A piece of land situate at Ilagbe Village,Off Abiola Way, Lantoro, Abeokuta-Abeokuta South Local Govt. Area.

Shown on survey plan no OG/1280/2011/073 of 05-102011 with survey beacons nos SC/ OGAN4855GQ,GM10307,GBA19152, GBA19150,JK6435,JK6436,SC/OGAN4856GQ to SC/ OGAN4858GQ inclusive.Having an area of 1851.119Sq Meters and granted by Mrs Muyibatu Abegbe A.Sodimu.AS/PL/R.76 A piece of land situate along Magbon/Pakuro Village Road, Magbon Etido Village, Obafemi/ Owode Local Govt Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/1993/2012/ 024 of 28-03-2012 with survey beacons nos SC/ OGAX183QB to SC/OGAX213QB all inclusive.Having an area of 66.785 Acres (27.028Hects) and granted by AlabiTaiwo Ogunleye and Sufianu Ogunleye.OW/PL/ C.227.

A piece of land situates at Onisu Village, Behind Federal Housing Estate, Olomore Abeokuta, Abeokuta North Local Govt.Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/744/ 2011/026 of 19-05-2011 with survey beacons nos SC/ OGAR2814FC to SC/OGAR2818FC all inclusive.Having area of 1928.843Sq meters and granted by Mr Akinbola Tajudeen.AN/PL/R.55.

A piece of land situate off Sokoto Road, Alaga-Ilewo Village, Kooko Ebiye Town, Via Atan Ota Ado-Odo/Ota Local Govt. Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/551/ 2021/007 of 15-06-2012 with survey beacons nos SC/ OGAW2910BF to SC/OGAW2913BF all inclusive.Having an area of 3723.064Sq meters and granted by Alhaji Yahya Alani Dada.AO/PL/C.224 A piece of land situate Along Owode/Idiroko/Sango Ota Road, Iju-Ota Ado-Odo/Ota Local Govt.Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/1286/2012/50 of 12-07-2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAZ148FQ,SC/ OGAZ149FQ, SC/OGAS5998FQ to SC/OGAS6003FQ and SC/OGAW8635FQ inclusive.Having an area 1933.571Sq meters and granted by Chief Gbolahan Shoniregun and Chief Olalekan Shoniregun.AO/PL/ C.184 A piece of land situate Along Bisodun/ Ofada Road, Bisodun Town Obafemi/ Owode Local Govt.Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/698/2008/031 of 25-03-2008 with survey beacons nos SC/OGX3152BQ to SC/

443 Undeveloped Mr Samson Olugbenga Edun No5 Oyekunle St. Orile Agege, Lagos State.

444 Developed

Mr Adewale Solomon OkuwaSopeyin Close,Off Kenny Ogun Lab, Ilupeju, Abeokuta.

445 Undeveloped Prince Michael B. Babatola1, Bolaogun Street; Oke-Aregba,, Abeokuta.

446 Undeveloped Madej Farm Nigeria Limited.

14, Adegbite Close, Oluyole, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Undeveloped Mr Sunday Kolawole and Mrs Adeola Kolawole.

No 23, Baale Akinosi Ajuwon Iju, Ogun State.

447

Undeveloped Mr Rafiu Adeleye SunmonuNo9,Oba Adetona, Ilupeju Estate, Lagos.

448

Undeveloped Gbadunmola-Ventures Nig Limited No30, Local Govt.

Quarters Road, Oke-Ola, Imeko, Imeko/Afon Local Govt.Area.

Developed Mr Samuel Alabi Shittu No1 Samuel Alabi Shittu Close,Oke-Lantoro Off Abiola Way Abk.

449

450

451 Undeveloped Peace Gardens Estate.

52, Isheri Road, Ojodu Berger, Lagos State.

452

Undeveloped Mr Babajide Kadejo 3A, OGD Estate, Asero Housing Estate, Abeokuta 453

Undeveloped Priamers Industries Limited.

6,Osunba Street, Alimosho Local Govt.Area, Ikotun, Lagos State.

454

Undeveloped Mr Adesina Kayode Faluade.

No2, Ewupe Powerline Ajigbotifa Faluade Way,Ogun State.

455

Undeveloped Oshodi/Isolo Local Govt, Staff Co-Operative Multipupose Society Limited.

C/o Bashiru Saburi. O.

OGX3176BQ all inclusive having an area of 15.250 hects and granted by Mr Ogunwale Shoelu and L.S.shoeluOW/PL/C.225 A piece of land situate at Obantoko Abeokuta-Abeokuta South Local Govt.Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/ 0151/2002/001 of 25-03-2008 with survey beacons nos GA8244 to GA8250 all inclusive having an area of 1756.901m2 and granted by Alhaja Abike Ladipo.AS/ PL/R.82.

A piece of Land Situate Along Folashade Street, Ajuwon,Via Akute, Ifo Loval Govt, Area .Shown on Survey plan no OG/0557/2012//044 of 14-06-2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAY3474NA to SC/ OGAY3480NA all inclusive having an area of 1078.824sq mts and granted by Alh, Ishola Alagbe and Abidemi Alagbe.IF/PL/R.179.

A piece of land situates Off Abeokuta/Ibadan road, via Odeda, Odeda LocalGovt. Area. Shown on survey plan no. OG/967/2011/11 of 12-09-2011 with survey beacon’s nos. OGPP629 to OGPP661 all inclusive.

Having an area of 75.124 Hectares (185.639 Acres) and granted by Chief Olusegun ObasanjoODD/PL/ IND.1.

A piece of land situates at Niyi Adeniran street, Dalemo Town, Ifo Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no.

OG/1588/2011/004 of 16-11-2011 with survey beacon’s nos. SC/OGAU5122LB to SG/OGAU5126LB all inclusive. Having an area of 2032.987 Sq. meters and granted by Mr. Ayodeji Osinubi and Mr. Dayo OsinubiIF/ PL/C.54 A piece of land situates along Bosmide Street, River Bank Estate, Isheri-Olofin Ifo Local Govt.Area.Shown on Survey Plan no OG/1385/2011/72 of 28-11-2011 with survey beacons nos SC/OGV112GX to SC/ OGV116GX all inclusive.Having an area of 753.000Sq.meters and granted by Cornerest International Limited.IF/PL/R.181 A piece of land situates along Mowe-Ofada Road, Ofada Town Obafemi/Owode Local Govt.Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/1332/2010/08 of 9-06-2010 with survey beacons nos SC/OGA6699AP to SC/ OGA6710AP all inclusive.Having an area of 2.289Hecters and granted by Pa Sule Sodunke and 3others.OW/PL/C.228 A piece of land situate along Alapoti/Ado road,Alapoti Ado-Odo/Otao Local Govt. Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/1216/2011/005 of 29-09-2011 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAT4554DB to SC/OGAT4634DB all inclusive.Having an area of 137.072 Hectares and granted by Ali Jimoh Alagbo.AO/PL/C.249 A piece of land situate at Ijegemo Village Ilogbo AdoOdo/Ota Local Govt. Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/0265/2010/148 of 30-12-2010 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAP1587E to SC/OGAP1606E all inclusive.Having an area of 20.283Hectares and granted

by Mr.Ibrahim Iyanda and 7 others. AO/PL/C.164 A piece of land situate along Ibeshe/Imashai Road,Ibeshe Town Yewa North Local Govt. Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/972/2012/018 of 03-05-2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAX7530EG to SC/OGAX7533EG all inclusive.Having an area of 1.174 Hectares and granted by Mr.Sikiru Oladotun and 2 Others.YN/PL/ C.7 A piece of land situates Off Magbon/Pakuro Road, Kara Ewumi Village Obafemi/Owode Local Govt.Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/0515/2011/39D of 30-12-2011 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAV7852,SC/ OGAV7853V,SC/OGAV7855 to SC/OGAV7857 and SC/ OGAV7869 inclusive.Having an area of 4503.198sq.

Metres and granted by Alaga G. A .OW/PL/R.178 A piece of land situates at Ijoko Nla Village Obafemi/ Owode Local Govt.Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/ 1272/2012/353&4 of 22-05-2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAX9968JM,to SC/OGAX9972JM and SC/ OGAX9977JM toSC/OGAX9979 Inclusive.Having an area of 1163.492sq Metres and granted by Chief Imam Raimi Oladipupo and M Musiliu Ibrahim OshoOW/PL/ R.180 A piece of land situates at Ijoko Nla Village Obafemi/ Owode Local Govt.Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/ 1272/2012/3511&12 of 22-05-2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAX9989JM to SC/OGAX9993JM, SC/ OGAX9996JM and SC/OGAX9997JM Inclusive.Having an area of 1281.318sq Metres and granted by Chief Imam Raimi Oladipupo and M Musiliu Ibrahim OshoOW/ PL/R.181 A piece of land situates along Celestial/Suraju Onajanwo Street,Oke Aro Via Agbado Railway/Station Ifo Local Govt.Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/0765/2011/ 71 of 14-12-2011 with survey beacons nos SC/ OGAU9465HM to SC/OGAU9469HM all Inclusive.Having an area of 970.005sq Metres and granted by Akinola Oladimeji OkeIF/PL/R.182

10, Shobanke Avenue, Isabo, Abeokuta.

Undeveloped Mr Taylor Lennox Olarewaju P.M.B.2239 Abeokuta.

Undeveloped Mr Idris Adisa Oko-Osi 30, Ajuwon Road, Off IjuIshaga, Ajuwon,LagosState.

Undeveloped Obasanjo Holding Limited 56,Quarry Road, Abeokuta.

Undeveloped Miss Esther Toyin Okunola 7, Akanbi Street, Molade, Iwo Road, Ibadan.

Developed

Mr Opeyemi AyodelePlot 3,Bosmide Street, River Bank Estate, Isheri North,Ogun State.

Undeveloped Mr Ibukun Oyetunde Ashamu.

206, Muri Okunola Street, Victoria Island,Lagos.

Undeveloped Reality Point Limited (Rosebery Estate).

29,Mobolaji Bank Anthony, Maryland, Lagos State.

Undeveloped Mr. Samuel Kolawole Odunaro No.6-9 Omolabeke Avenue,G.R.A Ota, Ogun State.

Undeveloped Mr. Khafildeen Olakunle Shonekun8,Quarry Road, Abeokuta,Ogun State.

Undeveloped Mrs Patience Ibhafidon IsimemeShalom Food Redemption Way,At Redemption Camp.

Undeveloped Mr.Olufemi Steven AjibiPlot 7,Baale Street G.R.A 111, Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Undeveloped Mr.Olufemi Steven Ajibi Plot 7, Baale Street G.R.A 111, Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Undeveloped Mr. Christopher Ade Atere & Mrs Chineme Rose Atere 4,Femi Ajibode Close,Off Pipeline Road,Taju Bello,Ifo.

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456 A piece of land situates at Ijoko Nla Village Obafemi/ Owode Local Govt.Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/ 1272/2012/3517&18 of 22-05-2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAY12JM , SC/OGAY13JM, SC/OGAX9998JM, SC/OGAX9999JM,SC/OGAY14JM and SC/OGAY15JM Inclusive.Having an area of 1173.030sq Metres and granted by Chief Imam Raimi Oladipupo and Mr. Musiliu Ibrahim OshoOW/PL/R.179 457 A piece of land situate off Lagos/Abeokuta Express way Dalemo via Sango –otta Ado-Odo/Ota Local Govt. Area.

Shown on survey plan no OG/1993/2012/037 of 11-062012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAX8947 to SC/ OGAX8950 all inclusive having an area of 466.069sq mts and granted by Mr Timothy Idowu Madojutimi AO/ PL/R.498 458 A piece of Land Situate Along Iyesi –Osuke Road Iyana Iyesi Iyesi Ota,Ado-Odo/Ota Local Govt.Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/2092/2012/007 of 23-02-2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAW4275JH to SC/ OGAW4278JH all inclusive having an area of 1566.557sq metres granted by Mr Yaya Abudu and Mr Rafiu Abudu.AO/ PL/C.253 459 A piece of land situates at Dele Osinubi Street, off Imodi/ Mosan Road, Obalende Area, Ijebu Ode, Ijebu North East Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/ 0748/2009/031 of 04/06/2009 with survey beacons nos SC/OG/AF1006AR to SC/OG/AF1011AR (All inclusive).

Having an area of 970.505 square metres and grated by MR. TELIA OLUWAFEMI BALOGUNIJNE/PL/R.29 460 A piece of land situates off Itele road, Otun Ota, Itle, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/1382/2012/007 of 10/05/12 with survey beacon nos SC/OG/AA1333GU, SC/OG/AA1334GU, SC/ OG/J3673GU, SC/OG/J3672, SC/OG/AA1335GU & SC/ OG/AA1336GU. Having an area of 6785.407square metres and granted by MESSRS. MACBETH NIGERIA ENTERPRISESAO/PL/C.237 461 A piece of land situates on Aina Odu family land, Ijaliye village, via Sango, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/1335/2012/56 of 10/05/ 2012 with survey beacon nos SC/OG/C5165AR to SC/ OG/C5171AR (All inclusive). Having an area of 1441.275 square metres and granted by ALHAJI OWOEYEAO/ PL/R.479 462 A piece of land situates along Ota/Itele road, Ota, AdoOdo/Ota Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/0557/2011/085 of 27/10/2011 with survey beacon nos SC/OG/AU2213NA, SC/OG/AU2214NA, SC/ OG/F9077AR and SC/OG/J9078AR. Having an area of 660.069 square metres and granted by MR. LUKMON K. O. MONMODUAO/PL/R.488 463 A piece of land situates along Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway, Egbado Ajegunle village, Ewekoro Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/1272/ 2011/101 of 14/12/2011 with survey beacon nos SC/ OG/AU9545JM to SC/OG/AU9548JM (All inclusive).

Having an area of 1340.682 square metres and granted

by MR. JOSHUA AKINLOLA ONIYIKAN and CHIEF .O. AKINLOLAEW/PL/C.36 464 A piece of land situates at Isorosi village, near SangoOta, Ado-ODo/Ota Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/1306/2010/056 of 10/08/10 with survey beacon nos SC/OG/AM2234KW TO SC/OG/ AM2251KW (All inclusive). Having an area of 345.249 square metres and granted by CHIEF WAHAB OOJAAO/ PL/R.482 465 A piece of land situates along Lagos/Benin Expressway, Ososa, via Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/0759/2012/074 of 16/05/ 2012 with survey beacon nos SC/OG/AX9006F TO SC/ OG/AX9027F, SC/OG/AW8575F TO SC/OG/8578F (All inclusive). Having an area of 25.737 Hectares (63.599 Acres) and granted by MR. HAKEEM BAMADEJE AND MR. WAHEED LAMIDIODG/PL/IND.2 466 A piece of land situates along Atan/Idiroko road, Ajibawo village, via Atan, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/1200/2011/110 of 29/11/ 2011 with survey beacon nos SC/OG/AU6376JZ TO SC/ OG/AY6381JZ (All inclusive). Having an area of 6.952 Hectares (17.179 Acres) and granted by CHIEF OLUSEGUN TAIWOAO/PL/C.240 467 A piece of land situates within Nice Estate, off Ilogbo road, Ilogbo, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/1509/2012/032 of 26/04/ 2012 with survey beacon nos SC/OG/AX6440NP TO SC/OG/AX6443NP (All inclusive). Having an area of 707.810 square metres and granted by CHIEF OWOLABI OLAOTANAO/PL/R.483 468 A piece of land situates off Sagamu/Benin Expressway, Eluju Idotun, via Ikenne Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/1270/20-11/17B of 17/03/2011 with survey beacon nos SC/OG/1706EH, SC/OG/AQ1707EH, GCN3732 and GCN3759.Having an

Undeveloped Mr.Olufemi Steven Ajibi Plot 7, Baale Street G.R.A 111,Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Undeveloped Mr Mikai Adeyinka Jimoh No,1 Adeyink a Ladejobi Crescent off Sabaina Taiwo Street Otta Ogun State.

469

470

Undeveloped Mr Tokunbo Paul No,198 Abeokuta Express Road Iyana Ipaja Lagos.

471

Undeveloped CHIEF BABATUNDE BABALOLA SHABI12, Mosheshe Estate, Kirikiri Town, Apapa, Lagos.

Undeveloped ALHAJI IBRAHIM OYEDEJI BELLO & ALHAJA ARAMIDE RISIKAT BELLO 160, Ilo-Awela road, Nitel road, Near Tollgate, Ota, Ogun State.

Developed

MR. KAFAYA ADESOLA ADEGBITE9, Alhaja Zainab street, Akute, Ogun State.

472

473

474

Undeveloped MR. AFEEZ OLALEKAN DADA 15, Alli-Ishiba.

475

Undeveloped MRS. MODIRAT YAGA OKANLA 23, Alafia Street, Isorosi Ijoko Ota, Ogun State.

476

Undeveloped MR. AFOLABI IPAYE Isorosi village, Sango-Ota, OGun State..

477

Undeveloped RITE FOOD LIMITED 40, Opebi Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

478

Undeveloped ALHAJI MUHAMMED BADAMOSI 19, Massalari Street, Isheri, Lagos State.

Developed

479

ALHAJI ADEKUNLE YAYA AMZAT 3, Oriade street, oju-ore, ota, OGun State.

480

Undeveloped MR. KUNL;E OLUBAJO 5, Olubajo street, Ikenne Remo, OGun State.

481

area of 1301.524 square metres and granted by CHIEF (MRS.) ABIMBOLA ODEDI IKN/PL/R.21 A piece of land situates off Sagamu/Benin Expressway, Eluju Idotun, via Ikenne Remo, Ikenne Local Government area, shown on a survey plan number OG/ 1270/2011/17A of 17/03/2001 with survey beacon nos GCN 3734, GNC 3735, GNC 3736 SC/OG/AQ 1706EH and SC/OG/AQ 1707EH. Having an area of 1375.728 square metres and granted by chief (Mrs) Abimbola Odedina IKN/PL/R.22 A piece of land situates along Sagamu/Benin Express Road, Sagamu, Sagamu Local Government Area shown on a survey plan number OG/0361/2007 of 20/07/2007 with survey beacon numbers SC/OG/T6165 CJ to SC/ OG/T6171CJ (All inclusive). Having an area of 6829.578 square metres and granted by Tajudeen Green and others Oon behalf of Estate of Alhaji Jamoh Green) SA/PL/ C.80 A piece of land situates along Igberen Road, Aboloyin Estate Onipanu Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government area shown on a survey plan no OG/0748/2004/078 of 11/11/2004 with survey beacon nos SC/OG/G7513AR. (All inclusive). Having an area of 923.423 square metres and granted by Chief Oluwole Ishola Olonade AO/PL/ R.492.

A piece of land situates along Ibukun Oluwaseun Lajumoke Close, Ilo Awela, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government area shown on a survey plan no OG/1176/2012/05 of 09/05/ 2012 with beacon nos SC/OG/V213DG, SC/OG/ V214DG,P8A61648, P8A61649. Having an area of 780.554 square metres and granted by Mr. Sanni Adegboyega Jelili AO/PL/C.243 A pieces of land along Itele/Ayobo Road, Oke-Ola Area, Papa-Aro Otun Quarters, Ota-Ado Odo Ota Local Government area shown on a survey plan on OG/741/ 2006/04 of 6/4/2006 with beacon no SC/OG/m8056CR to SC/OG/m8059CR (All inclusive). Having an area of 895.571 square metres and granted by Mr. Taoridi Idowu Akinboyede AO/PL/R.491 A piece of land situates at Ijako Village, off Lagos/ Abeokuta Express Road, Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area shown on a survey plan no OG/794/ 2011/073 of 21/09/2011 with survey beacon numbers SC/OG/AQ524EY and SC/OG/AT2880EY to SC/OG/ AT2882EY (All inclusive). Having an area of 369.894 square metres and granted by Prince G.O. Aina, Prince Olufemi Fawemimo and Chief R.A Faluyi AO/PL/C.245 A piece of land situates at Ijako Village, off Lagos Lagos/ Abeokuta Express Road, Ado-Odo/|Ota Local Government Area shown on a survey plan no OG/794/ 20011/072 of 21/09/2011 with survey beacon no SC/ OG/AQ526EY and SC/OG/AT2877 to SC/OG/AT2879EY (All inclusive). Having an area of 693.744 square metres and granted by Prince G.O. Aina, Prince Olufemi Fawemimo and Chief R.A. Faluyi AO/PL/C.246 A piece of land situates at Ijako Village, off Lagos Lagos/ Abeokuta Express Road, Ado-Odo/|Ota Local Government Area shown on a survey plan no OG/794/ 20011/017 of 29/06/2011 with survey beacon no SC/ OG/AQ523EY to SC/OG/AQ526EY (All inclusive).

Having an area of 1100.783 square metres and granted

by Mr. Femi Ogundipe AO/PL/C.247 A piece of land situates on Osigade Family lay-out, off AiyepeRoad, Sakora, Offin Sagamu Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/1212/2012/05 of 18/01/12 with survey beacon nos SC/OG/AV8679EN to SC/OG/AV8683EV (All inclusive). Having an area of 2518.569 square metres and granted by Otunba Rantiola Ajetunmobi SA/PL/R.143 A piece of land situates on Idosun Family land, Idosun Village, Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, shown on a survey plan no OG/1176/2009/10 of 15/09/ 2009 with survey beacon nos SC/OG/AG4775DC to SC/ OG/AG4779DC (All inclusive). Having an area of 4439.008 square metres and granted by Mr. Kareem Akanni AO/PL/C.238 A piece of land situates along Ijebu –ode/ Erunwon Road, via Erunwon, Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu North East Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no IJ.225(OG) of 30/04/09 with survey beacon nos PBJ10822, PBJ10823,PBJ10825 to PBJ10829, PBJ10809 to PBJ10813 (All inclusive). Having an area of 6,013.773 square metres and granted by Mr. Michael J. SanyaIJNE/ PL/C.19 A piece of land situates along Owode/Idiroko Road, Oke Odan, Ipokia Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/1412/2012/040 of 21/06/2012 with survey beacon nos SC/OG/AY4857QF to OG/SC/AY4861QF(All inclusive). Having an area of 1661.442 square metres and granted by Mr. Raufu Fajimi.IPK/PL/R.16 A piece of land situates at Itoku Ologede Village,Via Kobape,Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/0542/2011/069 of 27/07/2011

Undeveloped Mr. Taiwo Olubajo 5, Olubajo Street Ikenne Remo, Ogun State

Undeveloped Mr. Owolabi Ogunyanwo 9, Olutayo Ogunyanwo Street, Sagamu, Ogun State

Developed

Mr. Abiola Friday Oseni 5, Salami Street, Onifade Village, Itele, Ado-Odo/Ota LGA

Undeveloped Ademoj Global Service Limited No.13, Ibukun Oluwaseun Lajumoke Close, Ilo Awela

Developed

Miss. Abigael Omotayo c/o Noble K Properties Afuape Closed, Papa-Aro Ota, Ogun State

Undeveloped Food Agro and Allied Industrial Limited Km 40, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ijako Sango Ota

Undeveloped Food Agro and Allied Industrial Limited Km 40, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ijako Sango Ota

Undeveloped Food Agro and Allied Industrial Limited Km 40, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ijako Sango Ota.

Undeveloped Mr. Paul Kehiinde Lamuren 128, Anegbami Olororo Street, Sagamu

Undeveloped Chief Henry Ajowale c/o Mr. Oladipo OLajide 33B, Obafemi Awolowo way, Isale – Igbeni, Abeokuta.

Undeveloped Mrs. Morolawun Yusuf 4/6, Yusuf Crescent GRA Extension, Ijebu-Ode

Undeveloped Chief Fagbenro Rahmon Alani C/o Bode Hospital, Idiroko Road,Oke-Odan.

Undeveloped Mr. Olushola OdukoyaRock of Ages House, Rev. Gbolahan Popoola Close,

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012 Page 19 0f 20

482

483

484

485

486

487

488

489

490

491

492

493

494

with survey beacons nos SC/OGAS5539DP to SC/ OGAS5544DP all Inclusive.Having an area of 1600.235 square metres and granted by Alhaji Chief Mufutau Kehinde. OW/PL/C.229 A piece of land situates at Moshood Abiola Way,OkeLantoro Abeokuta,Abeokuta South Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/1063/2003/004 of 02/10/2003 with survey beacons nos. SC/OGD3940FY to SC/OGD3944FY all Inclusive. Having an area of 562.810 square metres and granted by Mr. Ayinde Adaso.AS/PL/R.83 A piece of land situates off Itele Road,Egunjobi village via Itele Ota Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no ASU/OG/434/2000 of 04/02/ 2000 with survey beacons nos OGBA1420 to OGBA1423 all Inclusive.Having an area of 680.334 square metres and granted by Chief J.Bamisebi.AO/PL/ R.218 A piece of land situates along Sango/Idiroko Road,Olonda village-Yewa South Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/0557/2012/008 of 08/03/2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAW7364NA to SC/ OGAW7367NA all Inclusive. Having an area of 1332.234 square metres and granted by Mr.Ganiyu Akindele. YS/PL/R.14 A piece of land situates along Ilobi- Eredo Road,Ilobi Yewa South Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/1266/2012/002 of 29/03/2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAX734EZ to SC/OGAX745EZ all Inclusive.Having an area of 5.569 Hectares and granted

by Chief Adelani Arowopejoye.YS/PL/C.20 A piece of land situates along Leslie Road,Old Opeolu Hospital Area Ilaro-Yewa South Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no. OG/1272/2012/018 of 16/ 02/2012 with survey beacons nos. SC/OGAW2869JM to SC/OGAW2872JM all Inclusive.Having an area of 1769.542 square metres and granted by Mr.Olarewaju Onanuga.YS/PL/C.17 A piece of land situates along Adeleke Olawumi Street,off Ilaro/Ibese Road Ilaro,Yewa South Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/928/2012/44 of 03/05/2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAX6782M to SC/OGAX6785M all Inclusive.Having an area of 1977.143 square metres and granted by Mr. Wale Kehinde.YS/PL/C.22 A piece of land situates along Femi Akiode Crescent,Onikoko,Ibara Abeokuta,Abeokuta South Local Government Area, shown on survey plan no OG/ 1117/2011/34 of 07-04-2011 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAQ5296D to SC/OGAQ5299D all Inclusive.Having an area of 1159.361 square metres and granted by Mrs. Abimbola.O.Oridota and 2Others.SA/PL/R.72 A piece of Land Situate At koko Ebiye off Ajegunle atan-ota ado-Odo/Ota Local Govt.Area.Shown on survey plan no OG/1342/2009/072 of 09-09-2009 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAP3951GP to SC/ OGAP3954GP all inclusive having an area of 976.467sq mts and granted by Chief Lasisi Ogundeyi Agoro. AO/ PL/R.138 A Piece of land situate along Abeokuta/Lagos Express Road, Itori Ewekoro Local Govt.Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/1790/2012/004 of 18-04-2012 with survey beacons no SC/OGAX4441RG to SC/OGAX4444RG all inclusive. Having an area of 1168.672 sq. meters and granted by Mr Isaac Akinpelu and Mr. Ayo Akinpelu.

EW/PL/C.37 A Piece of land situate off Adigbe/Obada Oko Road,Opako village Adigbe Obafemi/Owode Local Govt.Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/1089/2011/ 04 of 14-04-2011 with survey beacons no SC/ OGAQ7107NF to SC/OGAQ7109NF, SC/OGAL7641NF and SC/OGAL7640NF. Having an area of 1496.755 sq. meters and granted by Mr Saburi Adeyinka Bamgbola.

OW/PL/R.175 A Piece of land situate along Isolu/Alabata Road,Isolu,Village Odeda Local Govt.Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/1856/20111/043 of 19-05-2011 with survey beacons no SC/OGAR2853NU to SC/ OGAR2853NU all inclusive. Having an area of 922.579 sq. meters and granted by Mr Lamina Alabi and Mr. Suwariyu Kilani. OD/PL/R.67 A Piece of land situate along Gbonagun / Osara road, Gbonagun, Odeda Local Govt.Area. Shown on survey plan no.: OG/1950/2011/066 of 05-05-2011 with survey beacon’s no.: SC/OGAR880QC to SC/ OGAR883QC all inclusive. Having an area of 1995.816 Sq. metres. Granted by Chief Adedeji Fawemimo and two others ODD/PL/C. 32 A Piece of land situate at Solotan village, Oke -Mosan, Abeokuta South Local Govt.Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/2092/2012/002 of 24-01-2012 with survey beacons no SC/OGAU8955JH to SC/OGAU8962JH all

43

OGUN ST ATE OF NIGERIA STA L AND USE DECREE, 1978 Behind Lisabi Grammar Schl.Idi-Aba.Abeokuta.

495 Developed Mr. Yussuf Ishiak Ayonote No.1 Penta Street, Off Abiola way, Iyana Lantoro, Abeokuta.

496

Undeveloped Mr.Kehinde Olugbenga Awolaja 17, Omotoye Esate Road, Orile Agege, Lagos.

497

Undeveloped Mr Adebayo Jacob OjoIdan Jesu Street, Olorunda AdoOdo, Ota Local Govt Area.

498

Undeveloped Prince Olusegun Musibau Adeleye 2,Prince Fadina Close, Off Ilo-Awela Road, Sango-Ota.

Undeveloped Sup. Evangelist Bisi Ojudun Lagos/Sango-Ota Road, Owode-Yewa.

Undeveloped Mr. Ogunleye Adedeji Olanrewaju Asipa Compound, Ono Egbo Ilaro, Ogun State.

Undeveloped Mr. Folorunso. O. Oridota.

House 4, First Avenue,Ibara Housing Esate, Ibara, Abeokuta.

499

500

501

502 Developed Mr Aina Kayode Moses No, 67 Akeja Road Ota

503 Undeveloped Alhaji Shina.M.Ibrahim C/o BasirunAderibigbe Ojo & Co. 11, Oke Sina Street, Off Igbosere Road, Lagos Island, Lagos.

504

Undeveloped Alhaji Mufutau Adewale Okedara 19, Adewale Okedara Road, Opako Adigbe, Abeokuta.

505 Undeveloped Mrs. Ayisat Morounmubo Dadi 748, Babatunde Atere Street, Omole Phase 11, Ojodu, Lagos.

506 Undeveloped Chief Samuel ‘Bunmi Fashola No. 2, Olu Olatoye Street, Olorunsogo, Idi-aba , Abeokuta.

507 Undeveloped Mr.Lasisi Olalekan Taoreed & Mrs. Elizabeth Omobolanle Lasisi

inclusive. Having an area of 1962.562 sq. meters and granted by Mr. Joseph Olatunji Ojetola. AS/PL/R.84 A piece of land Situate Along Imeko/Iwoye Road ImekoImeko Afon local Govt. Area.shown on survey plan no OG/1306/2012/029 of 24-04-2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAX5400KW to SC/OGAX5404KW all inlusive having an area of 1150.118sq metre and granted

by Alhaji Ganiyu AlimiIA/PL/C.5.

A Piece of land situate along Papalanto-Ilaro Road,Papalanto Ewekoro Local Govt.Area. Shown on survey plan no.: OG/1313/2008/098 of 24-12-2008 with survey beacon’s no.: SC/OGAC5504FF to SC/ OGAC5507FF all inclusive. Having an area of 3964.573 Sq. metres. Granted by Mr. Odeleye Folrain. OW/PL/ R.41 A Piece of land situate at Akande Str. /Evangelist Ojo Adle Street, Opeilu village Ifo Local Govt.Area. Shown on survey plan no.: OG/0239/2004/018 of 07-09-2004 with survey beacon’s no.: GE4573, GBT8487 to GBT8493 inclusive. Having an area of 722.537 Sq. metres. Granted by Mr. Wahab Ajani Dairo. IF/PL/ R.175 A piece of Land Situate at Asero Scheme Phase 11 reased Acquisition Asero Abeokuta-A beokuta South Local Govt.Area. shown on survey plan no OG/1212/2006/25 of 17-08-2006 with survey beacons nos SC/ OGP3949EN,SC/OGP3950EN, SC/OGP3964EN to SC/ OGP3966EN, SC/OGP3956EN, SC/OGP3957EN, SC/ OGP3968EN,SC/OGP3962EN and SC/OGP3963EN inclusive having an area of 4092.157m2 and granted by Mr Kusimo Ayinde Akinde & Mr Olawale AbatiAS/PL/ C.39 A piece of land situate off old itori/onigbedu road eruku village Ewekoro Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/602/2011/26 of 08-06-2011 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAR4097DN,SC/OGAR5458DN to SC/ OGAR5462DN, SC/OGAR4099DN, and SC/ OGAR4098DN inlusive having an area of 2090.832sq metres and granted by Mr Lasisi AdebiyiEW/PL/R.42.

A piece of land situate along sokenu road sapon Abeokuta –Abeokuta Soth Local Govt.Area.shown on survey plan no OG/2103/2012/049 of 11-07-2012 with survey beacons no SC/OGAV8926QU to SC/OGAV8929QU all inlusive having an area of 410.931sq metres and granted

by Madam Beatrice Mobolaji AS/PL/C.40 A piece of land situate along koko/ilase road isalegbodo/koko yewa south local Govt . Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/154/2010/60 of 23-06-2010 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAM3007JK to SC/ OGAM3010JK all inclusive having an area of 2593.889sq metres and granted by Chief Joel Kayode Adebowale.YS/ PL/C.23 A piece of land situates at Lumuganran Waste Pipeline Area, Iwopin, Ogun Water Side Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no. OG/1072/2008/001 of 17-12-2008 with survey beacons nos. SC/OGAC5112MM to SC/ OGAC5115MM all inclusive. Having an area of 5.074 hectares and granted by Rev. V.O. Odunoye and Mr. Tajudeen Adebambo.WS/PL/C.6 A piece of land situates off Osuke Road,Ijaba Iyesi Ota,Ado-Odo/Ota Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no. OG/794/2011/074 of 21-09-2011 with survey beacons nos. SC/OGAT2883EY to SC/OGAT2890EY all inclusive. Having an area of 4028.996sq metres and granted by Mr. Sesan Oladitan.AO/PL/R.404 A piece of land situates along Agosasa/Idiroko Road, Ikolaje Idiroko,Ipokia Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no. OG/1991/2012/010 of 7-02-2012 with survey beacons nos. SC/OGAW1213QE to OG/ OGAW1216QE all inclusive. Having an area of 1213.790sq metres and granted by Mrs. Folasade Eriola Ogunsola and Mrs Cchristiana Adefolasifuwa.IPK/PL/ C.19 A piece of land situates off Sokoto/Badagry Express Road, Ireti Ogo Church Area Okeela Ilaro,Yewa South Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no. OG/0542/ 2012/005 of 22-03-2012 with survey beacons nos. SC/ OGAY1027DP to SC/OGAY1031DP all inclusive.

Having an area of 803.705sq metres and granted by Alhaji Mustapha Waidi Oladipupo.YS/PL/R.15 A piece of land situates along Papalanto/Obelle road,Oke Oyinbo Ohunbe Yewa North Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no. OG/741/2001/401 of 28-12-2001 with survey beacons nos. OGXM4465, OGXM4466, OGCG7050 and OGCG5100. Having an area of 1175.614sq metres and granted by Mr.Lana Akintan.YN/ PL/C.8 A piece of land situates at Ayawole village Via Iju Ajuwon, Ifo Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no. OG/ 2005/2012/044 of 12-07-2012 with survey beacons nos.

SC/OGAZ320QY to SC/OGAZ323QY all inclusive.

Having an area of 592.641sq metres and granted by Ganiu Ogundimu.IF/PL/R.184

4, Osholeku Street, Off Lantoro Road, Oke-Yidi, Abeokuta.

Undeveloped Alimco Idustrial International Limited Along Imeko/Iwoye Rd, Imeko Afon.

Undeveloped Mr. Oladele Nureni Ogunfemi 19, Wole Cole Street, Ijeshatedo, Surulere, Lagos.

Undeveloped Mr. Isaak Olatunji Babalola 5, Akande Street Opeilu Village.

Developed

Rev: Timothy Ajaluogun Ojotisa No3 mountain of fire street asero Abeokuta.

Undeveloped Miss Modupe Raji No 7 mufutau street ilupeju palm groove lagos state.

Undeveloped Oluwalogbon Eniollobo Electrical Store Nigeria Limited.

No 30 sokenu road oke-ijeun Abeokuta.

Undeveloped Fabrigas Nig. Ltd. Along koko/ilase road isale gbodo koko yewa south L.G.A.

Developed

Mr. Kehinde Ayodeji Fajemirokum No. 18, Oremeji Street, Off Coker Road, Ilupeju, Lagos State.

Undeveloped Mr. Julius.O.Sotunde 102, Unity Road, Alakuko, Lagos.

Undeveloped Mr. Olamide Femi Fagbohun Ikolaje Area, Idiroko, Ipokia L.G.A

Undeveloped Chief Ezekiel Adeoye OkeIlaro, Egbado South L.G.A.

Undeveloped Mr. Adegbile Raheem Aremu C/o Chief Lana Euphraim Akintan (Elak)Oja-Odan.

Undeveloped Captain Olushola Daniel Banjo 1,Banjo Olushola Close,Off George Street, Alagbole, Akute.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

44

OGUN ST ATE OF NIGERIA STA L AND USE DECREE, 1978

Page 20 0f 20

508 A piece of land situates off Abeokuta/Ibadan road,Gbonogu Village,Obantoko,Odeda Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no. OG/0242/2012/058 of 13-06-2012 with survey beacons nos. GBM3945, GBM3946, GBM3948 and GBM3947 Inclusive. Having an area of 673.693 sq metres and granted by Mr. Rasaki Sobusi.ODD/PL/R.61 509 A piece of land situates along Ilupeju Street, Ikolaje Idiroko Ipokia Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no. OG/ 1272/2010/044 of 01-06-2010 with survey beacons nos.

SC/OGAL1888JM to SC/OGAL1891JM all inclusive.

Having an area of 1203.740sq metres and granted by Chief Oke Edward Kayode.IPK/PL/C.20 510 A piece of land situates at Egan Oyero Titun Village near Ijoko-Ota Ifo Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no. OG/1017/2007/167 of 18-10-2007 with survey beacons nos. SC/OGV185AF to SC/OGV188AF all inclusive. Having an area of 626.945sq metres and granted

by Mr. A. Mustapha and Mr.Olaegbe Ajakaye.IF/PL/R.186 511 A piece of land situates at Igbusi village Ifo Local Govt.

Area. Shown on survey plan no. OG/1144/2010/002 of 09-02-2010 with survey beacons nos. SC/OGAJ6320MP to SC/OGAJ6326MP all inclusive. Having an area of 754.545sq metres and granted by Chief Musiliu Kasali and Taiwo Babalola.IF/PL/R.187 512 A piece of land situates along Ijoko/Agbado Road, Agbado Ifo Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no. OG/ 0987/2012/050 of 12-07-2012 with survey beacons nos.

SC/OGAY9744BL to SC/OGAL9749BL all inclusive.

Having an area of 753.374q metres and granted by Mr. Oseni Babalola.IF/PL/R.185 513 A piece of land situates along/Ijoko/Ibaragun Road,near Ijoko Railway Station,Ijoko-Ota Local Govt. Area.

Shown on survey plan no. OG/275/2008/04 of 11-022008 with survey beacons nos. OGYV314 to OGYV319, OGXK468, OGXK463, OGTP714 and GAG9005 Inclusive. Having an area of 1.262 Hectares and granted

by Messrs Ladipo Daniel Farms Limited.IF/PL/C.55 514 A piece of land situates along Sokoto/Badagry Express Road, Ileba Area Ilaro,Yewa South Local Govt. Area.

Shown on survey plan no. OG/1200/2012/025b of 2003-2012 with survey beacons nos. SC/OGAT4316EN to SC/OGAT4318EN, SC/OGAW9129JZ, SC/ OGAW9128JZ, SC/OGAW9127JZ, SC/OGAW9131JZ, SC/OGAW9130JZ and SC/OGAN5997JM. Having an area of 20.248 Hectares and granted by Mr. Adeoye Ezekiel Oke.YS/PL/C.24 515 A piece of land situates along Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway, Ijako Via Sango-Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Govt. Area.

Shown on survey plan no. OG/1519/2012/020 of 14-032012 with survey beacons nos.AW8001JX to AW8006JX and AW8018JX to AW8032JX I nclusive. Having an area of 8.702 Hectares and granted by Chief Kolajo Afuape Olaomo (Olaomo Family), Joshua Akanbi Oderinde (Bamgbose Family), Prince Olawale Oderinde (Family Secretary).AO/PL/C.256 516 A piece of land situates along Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway, Ijako Via Sango-Ota, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Govt. Area.

Shown on survey plan no. OG/1519/2012/020 of 14-032012 with survey beacons nos. AW8006JX to AW8018JX Inclusive. Having an area of 8.703 Hectares and granted

by Chief Kolajo Afuape Olaomo (Olaomo Family), Joshua Akanbi Oderinde (Bamgbose Family), Prince Olawale Oderinde (Family Secretary).AO/PL/C.257 517 A piece of land situate along oduleye close dalemo via sango –ota ado-odo/ota Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/1993/2012/038 of 23-07-2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAX8951QB to SC/ OGAX8954QB all inclusive having an area of 204.880sq mts and granted by Mr Timothy Idowu Madojutimi .AO/ PL/R.502 518 A piece of land situate along Molipa Communtity layout off Expressway,Molipa Ijebu-Ode,Ijebu-Ode Local Govt.

Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/0759/2009/125 of 08-10-2009 with survey beacons nos SC/OGZ7237F to SC/OGZ7244F all inclusive having an area of 2247.251 sq mts and granted Otunba Ganiu Kasali,Otunba Samuel Oluwole Banjo and 2Others .IJO/PL/R.41 519 A piece of land situate on Ademolu Family Land at Irewon Town, Ijebu North East Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/01344/2011/046 of 14-04-2011 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAQ7228KR to SC/ OGAQ7231KR all inclusive having an area of 677.811 sq mts and granted by Kafaru Ifelaja and 2Others .IJNE/ PL/R.31 520 A piece of land situate at Igbesa Town, off Igbesa- Lusada Road, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/1574/2011/001 of 28-04-2011 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAQ9899LN, SC/OGAN3272LE, SC/ OGAQ9900LN, SC/OGAN3271LE, SC/OGAQ9901LN to SC/OGAQ9917LN all inclusive having an area of 3.971Hectares and granted by Jewgi Investment Limited.AO/PL/C.248

Undeveloped

Engr. Joseph Folorunsho Adegbesan.

Block 3, Plot 4, Gbonogun-Estate, Obantoko, Abeokuta.

Undeveloped

Mr. Olumuyiwa David Fagbohun Ikolaye Road, Idiroko, Ipokia L.G.A.

Undeveloped

Undeveloped

Developed

Undeveloped

Undeveloped

Undeveloped

Mr. Taiwo Olujobi Olawale11A, Somosu Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos.

Mr. Saheed Babalola 2A Nusirat Lasisi, Off Oremeji Street Ishola, Lagos State.

Mr. Chief Anthony Obiekwele 112, Yaya Abatan Ogba, Lagos State.

Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church Lagos Zone. KM 4, Apapa/ Oshodi Expressway, Ijeshatedo Area,Surulere, Lagos State.

Olabel Farms Nig Limited Along Leslie Road, Ilaro.

Shongal Technologies Limited KM 37, Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway, Ijako, SangoOta.

Undeveloped

Sona Agro Allied Foods Limited KM 37,Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway, Ijako, Sango-Ota.

Undeveloped

Mr Mikai Adeyinka Jimoh.

No 1 Adeyinka Ladejobi Crescent off Sabawa Taiwo Street otta.

Undeveloped

Miss Adebunkola Onabanjo 3, Lausi Lane, Off Araromi Street, Ijebu Ode.

Undeveloped

Miss Abimbola Onabanjo 3, Lausi Lane, Off Araromi Street, Ijebu Ode.

Undeveloped

DA-DT Staff Cooperative Multi-Purpose Society Limited.

Plot 1637 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

521 A piece of land situate Off Camp/Alabata Road,IsoluOrile Via Camp,Abeokuta, Odeda Local Govt. Area.

Shown on survey plan no OG/0242/2012/057 0f 31-52012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAY1196A to SC/ OGAY1199A, SC/OGAW1104A, SC/OGAY1195A, SC/ OGAW1362A to SC/OGAW1364A Inclusive having an area of 2635.680sq metres and granted by Pa Akanbi Odedairo and Chief Sikiru Sanni.ODD/PL/R.69 522 A piece of land situate along Ogosa/Mede Orile Road, Ajegunle Ipokia Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/621/2010/008 of 03-08-2010 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAM1436MH to SC/OGAM1439MH all inclusive having an area of 1458.345 sq metres and granted by Chief Joel Adebowale Kayode.IPK/PL/R.17 523 A piece of land situate Along Agbara Road, Mutnu village Igbesa Ado/Odo Ota Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no. OG/12142012/002 of 16-02-2012 with survey beacons nos SC/OGAW2877FV to SC/OGAW2880FV all inclusive having an area of 4000.678sq metres and granted by Mr.Rashidi Shittu and MrYinka Shittu.AO/ PL/C.260.

524 A piece of land situate along Idiroko/Sango Ota, Iju Via Ota , Ado-Odo/Ota Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/1117/2012/13 of 01-03-2012 with survey beacons nos.SC/OGB633D to SC/OGB636D all inclusive having an area of 1431.828sq metres and granted by Mrs Muibat Ahmed.AO/PL/R.497 525 A piece of land situate along IdirokoRoad, Iju-Ota , AdoOdo/Ota Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/0265/2012/72 of 05-07-2012 with survey beacons nos.SC/OGT8209E to SC/OGT8211E and SC/OGT8214E to SC/OGT8215E all inclusive having an area of 2147.052sq metres and granted by Mr. Segun Oni.AO/ PL/R.496 526 A piece of land situate along Idiroko, Iju-Ota, Ado-Odo/ Ota Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/ 1117/2012/61 of 11-07-2012 with survey beacons nos.SC/OGAD6509BW, SC/OGAD6510BW, SC/ OGAB7415BW, SC/OGAB7410BW to SC/ OGAB7414BWall inclusive having an area of 4233.875sq metres and granted by Mrs.Abosede Sandra Ogaji.AO/ PL/R.500 527 A piece of land situate at Bokuru village Ifo-Ifo Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no LAKS/OG/2001/ 013 of 04-05-2001 with survey beacons nos.OGGN031, OGGN032, OGYR344, OGYR347 inclusive having an area of 516.280sq metres and granted by Mr. Adegboyega Ola Adisa Majekodunmi.IF/PL/R.189 528 A piece of land situate along off Atan/Agbara Expressway, Ijuri village near Agbara, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Govt. Area.

Shown on survey plan no OG/0987/2011/041B of 2805-2011 with survey beacons nos.SC/OGAR2787BL to SC/OGAR2790BL all inclusive having an area of 4075.259sq metres and granted by Alhaji Mustafa Mofolorunso Ojukotola.AO/PL/R.386.

529 A piece of land situate along Alapoti/Igbesa Road,Alago Village via Igbesa,Ado-Odo/Ota Local Govt. Area. Shown on survey plan no OG/1193/2012/065 of 08-08-2012 with survey beacons nos.OGB9937 to OGBS9940, OGB9969, OGBS9970 and SC/OGAZ5065GN to SC/ OGAZ5067 inclusive having an area of 6.478 Hectares and granted by Ristinego Nigeria Limited.AO/PL/C.270

Undeveloped

Alhaja Fatimo Ashamu Sodiq 1, Paramount Villa, Off Abiola Way, Oke Odo, Abeokuta.

Undeveloped

Mr.Oluwatoyin Emmanuel Taiwo Along Mede Road, Besides A/p Service Station, Mede.

Undeveloped

Mr. Chika Cyprilan OkoyeAlong Agbara Road,Mutun Village, Igbesa.

Undeveloped

Mr. Olufemi. A. Johnson 14, Ajibola Makinde Street, Iyana-Iyesi, Ota.

Undeveloped

Mr. Olufemi. A. Johnson 14, Ajibola Makinde Street, Iyana-Iyesi, Ota.

Undeveloped

Mr. Olufemi. A. Johnson 14, Ajibola Makinde Street, Iyana-Iyesi, Ota.

Undeveloped

Deacon Folarin Timothy Kuti Block 423, Flat 2,Amuwo Low Cost Housing Estate,Mile 2, Lagos State.

Mr. Mark Anthony Unachukwu 9,Fatai Irawo Street, Ajao Estate, Isolo Off International Airport Road,Lagos.

Undeveloped

Undeveloped

Franklyn Global Services Limited12A,Dany Estate Makoko Road,Yaba,Lagos.

Signed: Ronke Sokefun Special Adviser/Director General Bureau of Lands & Survey, Abeokuta

45

PROPERTY

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

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

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

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

Ogun hosts N250m Lancelot mega plaza

•Lancelot Mega Plaza, Arepo, Ogun State.

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has become a real estate haven with eye-catching housing estates and shopping centres. The latest is the massive N250 million plaza at Arepo, which is home to the Journalists Village.The plaza is a response to the increasing number of the elite seeking choice places to shop on the axis, reports OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE. •CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

•’There is high return on real estate investment ‘ - PAGE 46

•Expert advocates specialisation •Ogun to build two roads - PAGE 46 in Ijebu-Ode - PAGE 47 in building sector

46

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

‘There is high return on real estate investment in Nigeria’ T

HE real estate window in Nigeria and some African countries, such as Zambia, Gabon and others, is promising, the Africa Union of Architects (AUA) President, Mr Tokunbo Omisore, has said.

Omisore disclosed this at the weekend during an interview with The Nation.

According to him, many investors from other parts of the world see the sector as an emerging market, which will give high returns on investment.

He, however, said there was a higher risk involved compared to Asia because of unstable political environment.

His words: “They come in on a short-term basis. Looking at Africa over the long-term is scary to most investors, because you can’t predict what will happen to a country or the continent at large, in terms of going in and making what you will call quick money.”

The disadvantage of this, according to him, is that real estate does not become affordable to meet longer term loans or funding, stressing that most of the funds that are taken out of Africa to Europe and America are at zero percent return on their currency. “This means that investing in Africa is the best thing to pursue,” he stated.

Comparing Nigeria and other African markets, the AUA boss said regionally, South Africa has been classified as one of the emerging markets, adding that it is a more developed economy; but in terms of resources and

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst Editor

population,Nigeria has a better advantage.

He said: “Nigeria is so blessed that if we are sincere to ourselves and the governance is right, we should have no problem leading the continent; but that is not the case for what I will refer to as the teething problem, which is affecting us as a country. We should realise that looking inwards is a lot better than going out of Nigeria or even going out of the continent. Then, we will rescue the continent from the economic slavery and capital flight which we are presently facing.”

On checking capital flight, he said as architects, what they have started campaigning for since he became President of the Africa Union of Architects in June 2011, is re-branding African architecture and architects.

To do this, he noted that architects must have a cultural identity and they must develop their vernacular architecture and this, he reasoned, could be achieved through patronising locally made products which are of international standards.

He stressed that there are many indigenous companies that are manufacturing building materials that are of international standards and also adaptable to our weather, such as Nigerite Nigeria Limited that has been in the country for over

50 years. He called on the government to provide an enabling environment for such organisations to thrive by providing the needed infrastructure and discouraging the importation of fake and sub standard building materials from other countries.

On the partnership with Nigerite on AUA competition, Omisore said Nigerite is a typical example of a made-in-Africa firm that supports the continent by providing opportunities to its locality, which is Nigeria.

According to him, if such a firm is patronised both by the home country and in the subregion, it will be empowered to open more factories, stressing that when such factories are opened, more job opportunities are created.

However, he noted that whatever such a company manufactures must be purchased because people must buy locally made materials first before they think of foreign goods.

He said the more people buy from outside the continent, the more they make those countries richer to our disadvantage, pointing out that apart from denying our citizens work, they equally deny them the opportunity to develop.

“If we had been developing our traditional mud architecture, by now, maybe we would have had a solution for how to maintain mud architecture at a

cost cheaper than cement, given the fact that it has good insulation properties. If we support your company and from our support you make excess profit in a year that means you can give something back to the society,” Omisore noted.

The AUA chief called on the people to go back to traditional architecture and enhance it with technology. As long as we don’t look at developing ‘made in Africa’goods and we keep taking our funds out of the continent to buy goods or building materials made in Europe, you can make $100 billion a year yet it will not be for the economy.

If you have to rely on the clothes, cars, medicals and everything from abroad, you make $100 billion and at the end of the year you owe up to $30 billion because of your exposure, you are classified a debtor, he added.

Speaking on their partnership with Nigerite, he said it was inspired by the need to alleviate poverty.

He said: “We need to be more relevant to our communities, to plan with the people and not for the people. We need to help our societies, and to help our societies as architects, we need to provide affordable humane shelters.

“Now, if every time we have to build, the architects or those in charge of actualisation of the concept feel that we must build a housing estate that looks like one in Rotterdam or New York, it means we will not use our lo-

•Omisore

cal materials developed here which will help to provide job opportunities for the average persons.

“Every time we buy building materials from overseas, we pay custom duties and we always have middle men involved.

“By the time every housing unit is completed, it probably costs three times more than what it would have cost if local materials were used. Instead of achieving probably 5,000 houses, we end up achieving less than 1,000.

“Now, what does that do to our people? It doesn’t help because we over-price these buildings by looking beyond our shores. What stops us from developing our own traditional architecture? What most people want is a decent and affordable housing structure. If the development is affordable, sustainability becomes a problem.”

Ogun hosts N250m Lancelot mega plaza •CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

C

OME next year, the N250 million Lancelot Plaza at Arepo, Ogun State, which is also home to the Journalists Village, will be completed, barring any delays.

The mega plaza, which sits on 1,982 square metres, will fill the gap in upscale shopping malls on the axis.

Prior to its establishment, the area lacked appropriate shopping centres to cater to the needs of the middle class and the elite who live at the estate on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

This informed the need for a shopping arena.

The plaza will provide the much-needed relief for residents, who have high taste in house hold goods, food, electronics and

drinks.

The Chief Executive Officer of Lancelot Ventures, Mr Adebayo Adeleke, told The Nation that the plaza is in response to rising sophistication and changing shopping culture of the middle class, who long for modern shopping experience away from the traditional open markets. This, he said, was in addition to their desire to tap into the limitless investment opportunities shopping malls and plazas’offer, especially on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

He said: “We are out to achieve a robust complex with retail and commercial rentals, as well as a blend of merchandise and office environment. This complex has a manageable number of owner/ occupiers for effective administration in terms of decent environment, safety and security. It has an expansive car park for about 100 cars.”

According to him, the plaza will cater for the needs of Arepo residents, said to be more than 35,000 and others who live within that environment. It is almost at

the entrance of the community, some 30 kilometres from Lagos.

Its immediate neigbhours are the Journalists Village, Orange Estate, Baptist Estate, the Punch Newspapers, Multitrex Nigeria Plc, Coleman Wire & Cable, Garden Parks & Hotels, MFM’s Mountain Top University, Sweet Sensation bakery and Leventis Plc factory.

On its delivery date, said it would be within 12 months, adding that its shops are ensuite. It will also have a central waste management control system;

‘We are out to achieve a robust complex with retail and commercial rentals, as well as a blend of merchandise and office environment. This complex has a manageable number of owner/occupiers for effective administration in terms of decent environment, safety and security. It has an expansive car park for about 100 cars’

ample parking space, central advertising board and a ready market for an elite population with requisite disposable income.

On equity financing, Adeleke said investment opportunities exist for private equity investors but his firm would hold 20 per cent share while the rest would be given up to private investors.

He promised a considerable return on investment for wouldbe investors/financiers on the project’s completion.

He said to raise part of the construction fund, 30 per cent of the plaza would be offered for sale as work progresses.

On completion, people on the axis would have no need to travel long distances for their shopping.

Expert advocates specialisation in building sector

L

ACK of efficiency and due process in the management of building projects from land availability and allocation, design, cost, environmental impact evaluation and statutory approval requirements, have been adduced as the reasons professionals in the sector are angling for the full implementation of the building code.

Third National Vice-President, Nigerian Institute of Building, (NlOB) Mr Kenneth Nnabuife Nduka, said there was the need to enforce the National Building Code given state of our towns and cities, incessant collapse of buildings, fire, built environment abuses and other disasters He said the use of non-professionals, untested products and

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst Editor

materials and lack of adequate regulations and sanctions against offenders, further reinforces the urgency for the implementation of the national building code.

He said attaining successful building projects would require that from conception, project tasks should be divided into specialised professional roles and assigned to the built environment professionals.

Such a step, he stressed, would ensure that the project is delivered professionally, so that all the hazardous trends in the building construction industry could be identified at every phase, consciously isolated and appropriately addressed.

Drawing inference from the

National Building Code, he revealed that it is specified that contract drawings and specifications must be prepared by registered architects and engineers, priced bills of quantities prepared by a registered quantity surveyor and the construction programme, project quality management plan, project health and safety plans prepared by a registered builder.

“These National Building Code stipulations, recognise the specialist role-confinement and sequential-operation peculiarity of building project delivery assignments and the concomitant ‘fragmented’ perception of the building construction industry,” he added.

Nduka warned that if operators in the sector fail to adhere to

the dictates of the code on specialisation, it would precipitate and also progressively undermine the effectiveness of the essential frameworks for the efficient and successful delivery of adequate, affordable and accessible housing.

On the management of artisans in the sector, he said the Code specified that the management of the execution of the building works, including the supervision of artisans and tradesmen shall be carried out by a registered builder while other professionals in the sector are expected to sign specific compliance forms to indemnify every stage completion of the building works for adherence to specified standard of workmanship, quality of materials, and

process integrity in accordance with their input.

The sad realisation, according to him, some professionals in the built environment with the connivance of building infrastructure developers, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and other quacks in the industry were contravening the code.

“The prevailing negative outcomes of such avoidable deviancy, include among others, inhibited consensus between key project participants, impeded communication to the field execution team, time and cost overrun, quackery, delivery of unsafe and poor quality building projects that suffer eventual collapse with attendant loss of precious lives,” he added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

47

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Ogun builds two roads in Ijebu-Ode

T

HE Ogun State Government has constructed two township roads in Ijebu-Ode in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of the state to aid intracity vehicular movement.

The new roads are Saka Ashiru Road, a link road between Olisa Road and Ondo Road and Fassy Yusuff Road, a community Road within the Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Ijebu-Ode. According to the State Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, the roads were constructed because the government realised the need to provide more link roads in the state to ease stress often faced by commuters.

Adegbite said the roads were completed to ensure free flow of traffic and open up the areas to socio-economic development, adding that more roads would be con-

structed in the state.

The Commissioner, who reiterated government’s resolve towards providing lasting infrastructure, also disclosed that the project was carried out by the Direct Labour Department of the state Ministry of Works n Infrastructure.

Speaking on the roads, the Chief Imam of Saka Ashiru Community Mosque,Alhaji Abdul Ganiy Aberuagba, said the community development association of the area, had tried several times many years ago to call government’s attention to construct the road to no avail until Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led government came to their rescue.

A fashion designer, Mrs Abiodun Adekusibe, who expressed gratitude to the state government for coming to their aid, said with the new roads, business activities in the areas would thrive.

‘Why partnership is key to international competitiveness’

F

OLLOWING the declining standards of practice and professionalism in the built environment, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Mr Agele Alufohai, and other professionals in the industry have renewed the call for partnership among themselves.

Alufohai made the call during the Annual General Meeting/Investiture of new Chairman of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Nigeria Group.

Speaking on the topic: Professionalism and sustainability of professional practice in Nigeria, Mr Alufohai lamented the non-sustenance of many practising firms in the building industry, stressing that collaborative effort on the part of operators is key to enhancing capacity to international standards.

The Chairman of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Nigeria Group, Mr Austin Onaro, noted that professional practices in Nigeria were fast becoming bastardised while overseas consultants were easily

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst Editor

outsourced.

He stressed that in Nigeria, practising surveyors have been ignored by the government as their jobs were outsourced to overseas consultants sometimes without regards to the need to build local expertise in even the most critical sectors of the aggregate economy.

The Guest Speaker, Mr Samson Emiowele, said young professionals needed to embrace the practice first rather than dwell on the profit to be realised.

He emphasised that with the magnitude of development projects being executed in Nigeria, no competent professional practice firm should lack for sustainable workload.

Mr Barin Epega emerged the new Chairman of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Nigeria Group.

Speaking after the investiture, he thanked the group for the honour.

He promised to be committed to the development of the built environment and assist young professionals.

Okorocha promises seven cities other related documents to the next relevant ministry for Rochas Okorocha has reiter- smooth and immediate take-off ated his resolve to develop of the project. seven new cities in the state in He commended the people’s cithe nearest future. vility and promised that the The governor gave the assur- state government would comance while addressing a com- pensate them adequately for givmunity in Mbaitolu Local Gov- ing up their ancestral lands for ernment Area, a site designated development to benefit of others for the planned Rescue Mission in the state.. satellite town.

He assured that the completion Okorocha, who was repre- of the access road to the Baro Port sented by the Commissioner for was a top priority of the Federal Lands Survey and Urban Plan- Government. ning, Uche Nwosu, said the MinWhen completed, the Baro Port, istry of Lands must acquire the which is at 70 per cent compleland first and hand over the Cer- tion stage, would ease the burtificate of Occupancy (CfO) and den on roads.

I

MO State Governor, Owelle

River Niger dredging to be completed 2013

T

HE National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has assured Nigerians that the dredging of lower River Niger will be completed in March next year.

NIWA Managing Director, Ahmed Yar’Adua, gave the assurance when the National Good Governance Tour team

visited the Baro Port in Niger State.

He said the dredging, which began in 2010, would have been completed by December, but work was slowed due to lack of access roads to the site, which was caused by the recent floods.

Information Minister Labaran Maku led the team.

Nigeria High Commissioner to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UNEP/UN-HABITAT, Mr Akin Oyetaru, presenting his Letter of Credence to Executive Director, UN HABITAT, Dr. Joan Clos, at the UN HABITAT Headquarters, Gigiri in Nairobi.

Kano commits N72.5b to road construction

T

HE Kano State Government has, so far, spent N72.5 billion on road construction, the state’s Commissioner for Land and physical planning,Mr Muhammad Nadu Yahya, has said.

He told reporters after an inspection of some of the road projects that they comprise metropolitan roads and those planned for the 44 local government areas of the state.

“We want to transform the state to a mega city. That is why we embarked on the rehabilitation and construction of new roads across the state,” the commissioner said.

Mr Muhammad said N50 billion would be spent on the construction

of five-kilometre dual carriage roads in each of the local government areas while N13.7 billion would be spent on township roads and the expansion of six federal roads.

He further said the balance of N15 billion has been earmarked for the construction of new town ship roads, which would involve the creation of additional roads that would serve as alternative ways as construction work on the new flyover proceed.

Similarly, the commissioner said that an additional 50 roads would be rehabilitated by construction companies handling various state projects under a special arrange-

ment of corporate social responsibility.

Muhammad said the companies had chosen areas they wished to work.

The commissioner expressed satisfaction with the ongoing road construction by SKY Construction Company, Broni Prono and other companies, and urged them to sustain the tempo.

Earlier in their remarks, the Chairman of SKY Construction Company and the Managing Director of Broni Prono, Alhaji Sani Kabiru Kwangila and Mr Daniel Burato, assured that they would complete their work on schedule.

How rents are determined in Orile/Iganmu

S

INCE the onset of the construction of the 10-lane expressway on the Lagos/

Badagry Expressway, landlords whose buildings were not demolished on the axis, espewcially Orile, Iganmu, have started reaping from the improved infrastructure upgrade.

A landlord, Mr Abidemi Ikuesan, of 30A Nurudeen Street, and owner of a storey building and a 12-room bungalow, said houses that have potable water and other good infrastructure charge more.

For instance, he said an apartment with sitting room, which was N3,500 per month, has being increased to N5,000 while a twobedroom flat goes for N10,250 monthly.

By Komolafe Funmi

He said landlords whose tenants had to walk long distances to get water for household chores charge less not minding the world class road infrastructure put up by the government.

He, however, called on the government to de-flood the area as tenants and landlords suffered during the recent flooding in the state as they lost homes and properties.

He asked that mini-water works be built for them as most residents suffer to get good drinkable water, especially during dry season.

A tenant, Mr Gabriel Godwill of 42 Jubrila Street, said he rented his two rooms for N250,000 for two years.

He regretted that though Orile can be categorised as a slum, the super highway being constructed by the

state government has shot the rentals’ figures up.

He also called on the government to build mini- water works so that the people would not be seen as only enjoying good roads but also good drinkable water.

The Personnel Manger of CCEC, Mr Peter Bankole, the company in charge of the metroline, said the project is on course and would be finished by mid-2013.

Another landlord, Mr Toyosi Taiwo, said the recent changes in Orile has also led to increase in rents. He also asked the government to do more in terms of infrastructure provision for residents.

He, however, commended the government for its effort in providing infrastructure on the axis.

Surveyors to x-ray new National Housing Policy

N

IGERIAN Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV), is set to hold a National Housing Summit on the new National Housing Policy on November 8 in Lagos.

The event, organised by the Faculty of Housing of the institution, will serve as a critique of the new policy, Chief Kola Akomolede, the Chairman of the faculty said.

Experts have criticised the old national policy as not mindful of the finance and funding of housing production project, including the lack of funding of the National Housing Fund (NHF).

Akomolede, specifically, frowned that the policy was silent on land

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst Editor

acquisition and availability and attributed it to the much-criticised Land Use Decree.

He hinted on the lack of appropriate identification and recommendation of construction methodology that is appropriate for the country in her quest to increase the yearning housing stock.

Contributing to the discourse, the Secretary of the faculty, Mr Casmir Anyanwu, said the gray areas in the old policy, would be highlighted and effectively reflected in the new one to tackle the housing needs of Nigerians.

On the sub-themes of the summit, the chairman stated that topics to

be discussed include ‘’An insight into the new policy by the chairman, National Housing Policy Committee and First Managing Director, Federal Housing Authority & Shelter Afrique, Mr Fortune Ebie; Housing the Masses- the Public sector role, Access to land at affordable prices by the President, Association of Housing Corporations, Dr I. E. Chukwujekwu and Mortgage Finance under the new housing policy by the Managing Director, Aso Savings & Loans Plc Abuja.

The Special Guest of Honour is the Minister for Housing, Ms Ama Pepple, while the keynote address would be delivered by Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.

48

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

MARITIME Security: Agencies urged to collaborate Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

AS the year comes to an end, security and regulatory agencies at the ports have been urged to work in the nation’s interest.

Managing Director, Maritime Logistics, Mr Aderogba Ladoja, advocated strong co-operation among the agencies to aid the sharing of information.

He said such an improvement in the management and dissemination of security-related information should be worked at to reduce the tension that sensitive information often generates among members of the public.

This, Ladoja said, became necessary given the spate of violence in the country. To avoid the recurrence of such incidents, he said the agencies should intensify efforts to realise the objectives of pre-shipment inspection.

This, he explained, would ensure that the contents of imported cargoes were predetermined before their arrival.

He said: “We will continue to intensify the realisation of the pre-shipment inspection scheme. Through the efficient implementation of the scheme, all the contents of imported cargoes will be predetermined even before their arrival.

“With the local government election coming up this Saturday, there is the urgent need for cooperation among maritime stakeholders, especially in intelligence information sharing,” he said.

Fed Govt advised to develop rail •Cargo ship

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

Shippers’ Council bemoans foreign domination W ORRIED by the dependence on foreign shippers to carry the nation’s cargo, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has asked the Federal Government to arrest the situation.

He blamed the incessant and arbitrary increase on charges on foreign shippers, saying with the concession of seaport terminals, the situation had become worse.

The council decried the unnecessary delay in clearing cargoes. It urged government to tackle the problem.

The NSC Executive Secretary, Capt Adamu Biu, sought the enactment of legislations that would empower the council.

Biu also lamented the inadequate funding of the council.

He bemoaned the absence of a commercial regulator at the seaports. Biu asked the Federal Government to create regulators that would stem arbitrary charges and see to the rapid growth of the industry.

He said more than 75 per cent of Nigeria’s trade depends on imports and as such rely on foreign

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

shippers. He urged the National Assembly to upgrade the council to a regulator to curb arbitrary increase on charges at the ports.

The charges, he claimed, are increased by terminal operators without consultation.

He said: “In 1978, when the NSC was established, we had a national shipping line, which was lifting as much as one third of our trade.

“Without a national shipping line today, Nigeria is 100 per cent dependent on foreign shippers and they are not charity organisations, but are in business to make profits. The scenario has worsened since we concessioned our terminals. It is more than 90 per cent foreigndominated.

“Frankly speaking, we are being funded illegally, because, as it is today, there is no law that specifies how much we are being funded—that’s the truth and that one per cent is determined by the Nigerian Customs. If we are properly funded, we could do a lot more than we are doing today,”

Biu said.

Some of the ways the council facilitates trade, Biu adedd, are the provision of shipping information, legal and financial assistance to shippers, handling of shippers’ complaints on cargo losses, demurrage charges, insurance claims and the domestication of relevant international conventions for the carriage of goods.

Besides, the council also has other problems.“Some of these challenges include lack of sanctioning powers in the Council’s enabling Act, non-compliance with rules by service providers, unethical attitude of some agencies, a situation which create problems and delays in cargo clearance at our ports, shippers’ ignorance of their rights, which lead some of them into illegal activities.

“The foregoing issues make our international trade uncompetitive.

We need the collective will of stakeholders to do things right so that we can achieve better results,” Biu said.

The shippers’ scribe said trade facilitation was not only for the NSC, but for industry players.

Free-on-Board policy is uneconomical, says ANLCA

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IGERIA loses billions of naira from the continued use of Free-on-Board (FoB) policy, the President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu, has said.

FoB, the body said, is a trade policy that gives the buyer the opportunity to pay for the shipment and landing costs of the goods from the port of origin.

Shittu said there was an urgent need for the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to adopt Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) for the lifting of crude oil.

CIF, he said, gives the seller the right to arrange for the ferrying of goods

by sea to a port of destination, and provide the buyer with the documents necessary to collect them from the carrier.

Shittu said a major part of the problems faced by indigenous owners was due to the failure to enforce the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety (NIMASA) Act, 2007, five years after its enactment.

He said Nigeria is the only country that is still using the FoB policy.

A member of the group, Mr Segun Ogunsanu said the indigenous shipping firms have over the years been grappling with lack of cargo support, which had made so many of them to close shop with the attendant

unemployment problems years after the enactment of the act and other legislations, such as the Cabotage Act, 2003 and Nigerian Content Act 2010.

“The policy is being used to the detriment of the economy,”he said.

Ogunsanu said the adoption of either the CIF or FoB policy by the Federal Government should be based on how the policy is of advantage to the parties involved in the shipping.

The intention of the Cabotage Act, he added, was to give indigenous shipping firms the support to enable them to compete with their foreign counterparts, who have usurped the cargoes on the international shipping route and the coastal and Inland region.

Protect waterways against illegal fishing, govt urged

T

HE Federal Government has been advised to protect the nation’s territorial waters from illegal fishing and develop naval capability to deal with hazardous waste dumping and piracy.

Some members of the Fishery Society of Nigeria (FISON), gave the advice while speaking with The Nation in Apapa, Lagos.

A member of the group, Mr Tolani Adegboyega, said the coun-

try needs to work with foreign partners to develop the capacity that could help it in tackling the crisis caused by piracy and illegal fishing.

He said the dumping of toxic waste in the maritime domain and the increasing crimes in the coastline require commitment on the side of the Federal Government to provide capability and cooperation with foreign partners to build its

maritime capability.

Adegboyega pointed out that security experts around the Horn of Africa have developed theories over the increasing piracy cases.

He noted that Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand had set the stage for cooperation between states, both in information exchange and mobilisation of resources.

THE Federal Government has been advised to develop the rail to facilitate the carrying of goods.

An expert in marine transport and Principal Partner at Multi-system Consult, , Dr Wale Adetigba, said the interconnectivity of the rail to water ways was important.

“Marine transport is a component part of transportation system in the world and from my professional training and experience, the marine transport can not operate in isolation from other modes of transportation, especially with rail system,” he said. Maritime lawyer and a don, Mr Dipo Alaka, said if the link is right, the cost of goods in the market will be reduced.

“When goods come into the country, the only means of distribution is by road. Unfortunately, the roads are bad. My position is that we need to revisit the rail that is missing in our transport system. As long as the rail system is absent, it will be difficult to have problem-free port operations.

The cost of port operation will continue to be high,” he stressed.

He said the port system was increasingly becoming automated, noting that the Federal Government has to respond to the global thinking of mechanisation.

Lawyers canvass use of arbitration MARITIME lawyers have said the use of arbitration in settling maritime disputes will boost the country’s development plan.

At a seminar entitled: Effects of resolving maritime dispute through arbitration, organised by maritime traders in Lagos, a lawyer, Mr Deji Agbaje, said arbitration attracts foreign direct investment and sustains a high level of private sector-led investments.

Agbaje noted that arbitration is a cost-effective dispute resolution mechanism, which has contributed to just and timely settlement of disputes in several sectors of the economy.

He added that arbitration is needed for the smooth-running of the maritime industry in Nigeria being a coastal state where the sector contributes a considerable percentage to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

His words: “Most maritime arbitrations involving Nigeria parties were conducted in London in the past, however with the combined effect of the Arbitration Act as well as arbitral institutes, facilities and associations in Nigeria, disputes arising out of maritime transactions are settled within the country. This has contributed immensely to the growth of the economy.

“There is an increase of trained arbitrators, experts and support staff in Nigeria. The advent of these professional arbitrators has shortened the time frame of arbitral proceedings and contributed to providing a more effective means of dispute resolution,” he said.

Group seeks port concession review The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) has called for the review of the port privatisation which came into being in 2006.

In a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, signed by its National President, Mr Lucky Amiwero, the group alleged that the privatisation of the ports as done in 2006 was not beneficial to the country.

Amiwero, who served as the Draft Committee Chairman on the Task Force for the review of Port charges and Head of Delegation to Ghana in 2001, said: “Seven years into the concession, we are still being faced with management, operational and administrative problems in the port concession,” he said.

Amiwero said during a visit to Ghana, he reviewed critical aspects of confidence building, employment generation and wealth creation in their port privatisation vis-a-vis Nigeria.

He said in Ghana, 30 per cent of the operations is reserved for the government while the balance is operated through a holding company, the Meridian Ports Holding Limited, a joint venture between Ghana Port and Harbour Authority (GPHA), APMT/Maersk and Bollore DTI Group.

‘CVFF can’t solve problems’ THE Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Patrick Ziadekede Akpobolokemi, has said the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) will not solve the problems of indigenous operators.

Akpobolokemi, who stated this during an interview with The Nation in his office, said Nigerians should look beyond the fund.According to him, the fund cannot solve one–fifth of the problems in the maritime sector.

The NIMASA boss, who disclosed that the money generated into the fund, could not better the lot of the industry, urged Nigerians to adopt building capacity for the industry rather than the CVFF. “The CVFF is no way going to solve the problems of the maritime industry as it is today. How much are you talking about that is in the CVFF? Assuming you have $200 million in the CVFF, that is about N16 billion. What can N16 billion, for instance, do for a country that wants to be hub for maritime activities in Africa? How many vessels can that acquire? It is like a drop in an ocean. Our problem is much more than the CVFF, unless we don’t want to face reality,” he said.

"I asked him after the game if it was offside and he said 'I think so'. That's not good enough. If every decision in this league is based on 'we think so' then we're in trouble.”

50

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard lamenting the linesman’s incorrect decision to rule out what should have been Luis Suarez’s third goal and the Reds’ match winner against Everton on Sunday.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

MAN CITY:

Guardiola

won't replace

Mancini M

ANCHESTER CITY have denied Roberto Mancini's job is under threat from Pep Guardiola after the club lured Barcelona's former technical director Txiki Begiristain to the Etihad as director of football.

Begiristain's arrival, combined with that of recently appointed chief executive Ferran Soriano, another to have worked at the Nou Camp, had led to speculation that the currently-out-of-work Guardiola would be approached.

Mancini, who signed a fiveyear contract in the summer to become the highest paid manager in the Premier League, is safe, according to

club sources.

'Roberto has won three trophies in two-and-a-half years and was given a new five-year contract in the summer, and that would not have happened if the powers that be thought they had the wrong manager,' the source told ESPN. 'No, this is not about the manager, as some mischiefmakers might assume. The possible recruitment of another former Barcelona man, that is just not what is going on here.

'We have a monster of a project with our new academy and Brian is going to oversee that while Txiki comes in as we need a division of roles.

GERRARD

Suarez’s goal was legitimate

L

IVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard believes if the reasoning behind the decision to deny Luis Suarez an addedtime winner in Sunday's 219th Merseyside derby draw was replicated throughout the season the Premier League would be "in trouble".

The Reds striker's late goal was incorrectly ruled out by a linesman's flag at Goodison Park, having earlier seen Everton make it 2-2 from a throw-in which should have gone to the visitors.

"I've seen it (Suarez's disallowed goal) again and we can feel sorry for ourselves because it was a clear goal," said the England captain.

"We should have taken away the three points rather than just one.

"There is no offside and it's difficult for me to explain it. The only person who can explain it is the linesman.

"I asked him after the game if it was offside and he said 'I think so'. That's not good enough.

"If every decision in this league is based on 'we think so' then we're in trouble.

"The linesman got it badly wrong. The benefit of the doubt is supposed to go to the attacking player anyway.”

• Suarez

'Brian [Marwood] met up with Txiki on Thursday and Friday and Brian has the respect of the chairman and has been a constant in all that has been going on with some big changes and the creation of a philosophy and everyone is working together toward that end.’

Guardiola has also been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, while clubs in Italy are among those monitoring his situation while he takes a sabbatical from the game.

MAROTTA:

Buffon will stay at Juventus • Guardiola

AVB offers to pay for Bale’s shirt

A

NDRE VILLAS-BOAS is so happy with Tottenham's victory at Southampton that he has offered to pay for the shirts his players threw into the crowd at the end of the match.

Spurs held on for a slender victory at St Mary's, beating Saints 2-1 to climb to fourth in the Barclays Premier League table.

Former Southampton winger Gareth Bale, Brad Friedel, Sandro and Tom Huddlestone all celebrated the win by launching their match shirts into the the travelling supporters.

Villas-Boas said: 'I told them I would pay for the shirts! It was important for the fans and a massive win for the players.

'It's such a good win. We want to be at the top, we want to make the best of fixtures at Southampton and Wigan before we play Man City and Arsenal. If we carry on showing this level of competence we can really push on.

'I'm extremely happy for Gareth. He's a

J

UVE N T U S general director G i u s e p p e Marotta claims Gianluigi Buffon's contract extension is only a formality.

Reports in the Italian press suggest that the 34-year-old goalkeeper is set to extend his deal in Turin until 2016.

And Marotta does not expect any problems given Buffon's on-going

Rooney nominated for 2012 A Y N E Ballon d'Or

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• Bale

massive player for us and when the small opportunities come he makes the difference.'

Bale joined Spurs from the South Coast club for £10million in 2007 and he conceded this was an emotional first return for him.

He said: 'It was a bit emotional scoring but the main theme was to come here and do a job. My celebration was muted out of respect for Southampton.'

ROONEY is t h e o n l y British player to be nominated for the 2012 Ballon d'Or. His Manchester United team-mate, Robin Van Persie, is on the list along with Manchester City trio Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Mario Balotelli.

2011 winner, Lionel Messi, is also included for the award which will be awarded at a ceremony in Zurich on 7 January 2013.

Player nominees: Sergio Aguero (Argentina), Xabi Alonso (Spain), Mario Balotelli (Italy), Karim Benzema

Mancini asks for patience

M

ANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini has called for more patience from the club's supporters The Premier League

importance to the club.

"It seems to me the president has already cleared what is the current situation, that's to say that between Juventus and Buffon there aren't problems for the negotiation", Marotta told Sky Italia.

"Buffon is Juventus and so he could stay at this club as long as he wants.

So the contract could become a formality. We will have time to officially announce the deal in the next few weeks."

champions were booed off at half-time against Swansea by some sections of the Etihad crowd, with the game at 0-0.

This came after their Champions League failure at

(France), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Sergio Busquets (Spain), Iker Casillas (Spain), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Radamel Falcao (Colombia), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Andres Iniesta (Spain), L i o n e l M e s s i (Argentina), Manuel Neuer (Germany), Neymar (Brazil), Mesut Ozil (Germany), Gerard Pique (Spain), Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Wayne Rooney (England), Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast), Robin van Persie (Holland), Xavi (Spain).

Mancini.

"When you're tired and have just had a defeat in the Champions League, maybe you Ajax, but City went on to seal can be disappointing. All teams victory and Mancini admits that need their supporters for 90 it is easy to forget they are minutes.This was a good win. sitting just a point off top spot. After a defeat in the Champions "They must understand it was a League it was important to win •Ibrahimovic d i f f i c u l t o c c a s i o n , " s a i d quickly again.”

51

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 , 2012

ENERGY THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

The Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has become the subject matter of most of oil and gas industry’s fora. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources under Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke is gradually delivering on its promises but the PIB is where the attention ought to focus, writes EMEKA UGWUANYI.

Need to speedy up passage of PIB •Minister of Petroleum AlisonMadueke

H

ARDLY does any oil and gas forum hold without a mention of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and the consequences of its non-passage into law by the National Assembly. As the bill, stands, it doesn’t need only quick passage, it also needs to be thoroughly deliberated upon so that on passage it should be a balanced Act that would benefit all stakeholders in order to attract the desired investments into the oil and gas industry.

The non-passage of the PIB, according to experts, is responsible for lack of new investment in the upstream sector of the industry in the last couple of years. Industry operators had continued to stress the diversion of investment in the sector to Ghana, Angola, Equitorial Guinea, and Mozambique as well as other emerging countries where oil have been found.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources made efforts in the past even to the point that she assured Nigerians that the bill would be passed into law by the sixth assembly. But the efforts and promises were fruitless as the National Assembly could not pass it. Nigerians are expectant that the seventh assembly would make history by deliberating on the document and passing it into law. The ministry, it was learnt, has begun to make fresh efforts to see the passage of the bill.

Upstream The Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Osten Olorunsola, at a forum said that in the past five years no new investment has been made in the upstream sector. He also noted that in recent times oil is being found in commercial quantities in many

A

N indigenous company, EPIC Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Limited and its partner, Sino Asia Energy Group Company Limited, are set to begin the construction of its 150,000 barrels per day refinery.

The company’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Barango Matthew Wenke (Jnr), disclosed this in Lagos.

He said site clearing had begun but for the flooding, which overtook the area, substantial work could have been done by now but he noted that as soon as the flood dries up, they would resume work at the site.

He said: “The flooding of the site of the refinery in Bayelsa State is a natural issue, but as soon as the water dries, the team will return to continue with site works while waiting for the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to give them licence after full

parts of Africa apart from countries in the Gulf of Guinea, an area believed to be still holding substantial reserves of hydrocarbon. He said that the earlier Nigeria maximizes the benefits of this natural resources, the better for all Nigerians because investors including those in Nigeria are increasingly considering all these emerging options.

The implication of this development is that as there is no exploration, the country depends on existing reserves. When the reserves are depleted without replacement, we should be worried as a country, said the President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Dr. Afe Mayowa.

Mayowa said that there was urgent need to replace consumption through aggressive exploration to ensure growth in reserves, energy security and sustained revenue inflow, especially as the country’s main source of revenue is oil and gas.

According to these experts, the passage of PIB is the only reliable option to unlock the potentials of the petroleum sector as well as the attendant benefits for Nigerians.

The PIB, which when passed into law, is believed would remove the bottlenecks, bureaucracies and inefficiencies associated with government controlled entities. It as it would also release many agencies and policies from the strangle-hold of the government.

Alison-Madueke constituted committees made up of experts to work on the bill before it was submitted to the National Assembly for consideration. The essence of the committees’ inputs is to address some grey areas and contentious provisions.

Downstream With what has been happening in the downstream sector of the industry since the beginning of the year especially the marketing arm, the probe and counter probe of transactions necessitated by the House of Representatives’ adhoc committee’s oil subsidy programme probe, which unveiled the rot in the sector, transparency is gradually being engen-

dered into the downstream.

The passage of PIB will bring about deregulation, which will open up the downstream and put an end to the undue fleecing of Nigerians by a few marketers and privileged Nigerians. In the past couple of weeks, fuel scarcity has been lingering in different parts of the country because it is the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) alone that has been importing petrol. The marketers have refused to import as a result of non-payment of their outstanding subsidy claims put at about N200 billion. Some retail outlets have in view of the fuel scarcity been selling the product above the regulated pump price of N97 per litre.

Some stations sell at between N110 and N140 per litre in the hinterland.

Besides, some unscrupulous people cash in on the situation to sell adulterated fuel to the unsuspecting motorists, while others hawk the products at exorbitant prices. According to industry operators, the pas-

sage of the PIB would address the problems.

Gas development In the power sector, there has been a significant improvement in power supply following increased gas supply to thermal power plants. In the recent past, inadequate gas supply had almost crippled the power sector cutting generation to almost half to a little over 2000 megawatts (MW).

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, in order to ensure increased gas supply to facilitate power generation in the country, had ordered an aggressive implementation of the ongoing 12-month gas emergency timeline for a speedy expansion of the gas-topower programme, which the international oil companies (IOCs) bought into.

The minister had pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to work with IOCs to meet the gas to power aspirations. She

noted that a speedy gas to power can only be attained if the oil majors work in concert with local Nigerian service providers.

She said: “We can only build a reliable oil and gas sector through the effective participation of competent Nigerian service providers and operators. Thank God the IOCs and the indigenous companies and some Nigerian professionals are already keying into this opportunity made possible by the Nigerian Content Act.” The Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and chairman Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu, said that Shell has taken adequate steps to improve gas supply to the power plants in the country.

Sumonu said that the company was already keying into the Federal Government’s 12 months gas emergency plan meant to boost power generation. “We at Shell are committed to realizing government’s gas emergency plan so as to boost gas supply in the country,” he said.

• From left: Dr. Samuel Ortom, Minister of State for Trade and Investments accompanied by Mr Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, Managing Director, BKG Exhibitions Limited, admiring a keg of Oleum lubricant presented to him by Mr Jonathan Sanyaolu, Head, Lubricants Oando Marketing PLC, at the 14th Abuja International Motor Fair.

EPIC to begin construction of refinery

By Uyoatta Eshiet

construction will commence.”

He maintained that the 150,000 barrel a day capacity refinery will come on stream in two years time. He said that some prominent Nigerians want to come on the EPIC board but they (the management) are being careful on who comes on board. “For now, the only person who has been allowed to join the board is Mr. Timi Alaibe, the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), ” he said.

He added that the refinery’s joint venture board meeting is slated for end of November.

He noted that the company is making efforts to begin fuel importation.

He said their partner has a refinery, which refines products and when they start importing, they would crash the price of petrol as they landing cost would be cheaper.

He said: “We are set to crash the prices of refined petroleum products imported into the country and bring an end to the national embarrassment often associated with petroleum products scarcity and its attendant hardship on Nigerians. For a start, we will sell petrol at the rate of N75 per litre, which is sold at a subsidised price of N97. “ Wenke (Jnr), who just returned to the country from a business trip to South Korea and some other Asian countries, said he went to inspect the refinery’s design and other technol-

ogy to be employed in the building of EPIC refinery and Petroleum industries. He said it is imperative to crash fuel prices the government has a lot of things to do with money, which will be beneficial to Nigerians.

On how EPIC would crash the prices, Wenke said while waiting for the release of their license from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) before commencing construction, the company has gone ahead and written to the government for approval to bring in refined petroleum products at a rate far below what the current importers are quoting for which the government pays billions of naira as subsidy.

He said: “The pump price of petrol will be N75 per litre instead of the

current N97.After the tour of Asia, we have written to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and copied the Ministry of Trade and Investment about our intention to help alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians as a result of the high cost of refined petroleum products. We have as partner, a 348,000 barrel daily capacity refinery out there in Asia. We have worked out all the modalities and discovered that the current importers lie to Nigerians about the landing cost of these products. We have put all our cost together and our price for petrol will not be more than N75 per litre.

“When EPIC refinery comes on stream two years from now, the •Continued from page 52

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

52

ENERGY

How to achieve growth in extractive industry

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•From left: Commissioner for Energy, Delta State, Hon. Charles Emetulu; National President of NIEEE, Adekunle Makinde; and C. W. Wamuo, during ICEPT 2012 in Warri.

Shell supports flood victims with $1m T

HE Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) said it has donated $1 million to support flood displaced persons in 24 states.

The company’s Corporate Media Relations Manager, Tony Okonedo, said the cash was part of the oil giant’s support programme to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, in conjunction with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, towards effective post flood disaster relief operations in the country.

The support will be enhanced by funds collected through employee donation programme, in which the company will match contributions by its staff.

The SPDC’s Managing Director and Country Chair for Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu, said: “We are deeply touched by the stories and images of the hardship the floods have brought upon

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

our brothers and sisters in many parts of the country and our thoughts and prayers are with all affected persons at this most difficult time. I’m also happy that staff are voluntarily contributing to the employee donation programme we launched for the flood victims.”

The planned support operations with the Red Cross, according to the company, would cover areas including relief management, camp coordination and management, water, sanitation and hygiene promotion, healthcare, especially maternal and child health, emergency shelter, livelihood support and early recovery, family reunification, psychosocial support and risk reduction.

These will form part of the immediate and medium term activities to be embarked upon in order to ease

the hardship suffered by the flood affected persons and manage their return to normal life, it added.

Commenting on the support from SPDC, Secretary-General of the Nigerian Red Cross, Bello Hamman Diram said: “The Nigerian Red Cross Society welcomes the response and cooperation from Shell to our plan of action for the 2012 floods operation. It will certainly go a long way towards helping us meet our obligations to affected persons, volunteers and our staff, as well as to respond quickly and adequately to this emergency. We enjoin other well meaning individuals and corporate bodies to do likewise.”

Prior to the Red Cross support initiative, SPDC had complemented the work of the authorities by providing helicopter flights, geomatics expertise, satellite imagery and maps of affected areas to aid proper relief operations planning and execution, it added.

Chrone Group donates $250,000 to Rotary

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HE Executive Vice Chairman of Chrome Group, an integrated oil and gas conglomerate, Sir Emeka Offor, has contributed $250,000 to Rotary International in support of the humanitarian group’s global programme in peace studies and conflict resolution.

According to a statement from Rotary International, the gift will endow fellowships to the Rotary Peace Centre at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand.

The programme each year offers a three-month professional development certificate in peace and conflict studies to up to 50 mid-level professionals from related fields, such as public health, education, international law, economic development, journalism, and social justice. Preference will be given to qualified applicants from Nigeria and other African countries, it added.

The other five Rotary Centres for International Studies offer one-to-two year graduate level programmes on the campuses of leading universities in Australia, England, Japan, Sweden, and the United States.

“My hope is that the fellows who benefit from this gift will not only use it to sharpen and enhance their academic and professional skills in peace studies, but also use what they learn and

internalise to become practitioners – drum majors – for peace, reconciliation, and development,” said Offor, who is Executive Vice Chairman of the Chrome Group, an oil and gas service conglomerate. He also heads the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, which focuses on poverty alleviation through literacy and education programmes in poor communities.

“In West Africa, we have witnessed the destructive, heartwrenching, and deadly effects that communal, sectarian, and political conflict and violence have on innocent people,” Offor, a member of the Rotary Club of Awka G.R. A., said, adding: “We should never give in to the notion that world peace is unattainable.”

Commenting, Rotary Foundation Chair Wilfrid Wilkinson, said: “We are extremely grateful for Sir Emeka Offor’s generous gift recognising our commitment to equip a network of world leaders with the skills to resolve and prevent conflict and bring about sustainable peace. Thanks to such strong support, nearly 700 Peace Centre alumni are applying lessons learned and best practices in key decision-making positions across the globe.”

Rotary clubs have long embraced the call for peace at the

grassroots level by addressing the underlying causes of conflict and violence, such as hunger, poverty, disease, and illiteracy. Ten years ago, the international humanitarian organisation of service clubs decided to take a direct approach to world understanding by providing future leaders with the tools they need to “wage peace” on the global stage.

In addition to the certificate programme in Thailand, Rotary clubs yearly sponsor up to 60 scholars for one to two years of study to earn master’s-level degrees at the Rotary Centres for International Studies at Uppsala University, Sweden; University of Bradford, England; University of Queensland, Australia; International Christian University, Japan; and Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States.

Offor also supports Rotary’s effort to eradicate the crippling disease polio, the organisation’s top priority as a spearheading member of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Nigeria is one of only three countries where the wild poliovirus has never been stopped. The other polio endemic countries are Afghanistan and Pakistan. When the initiative began, polio infected about 350,000 children a year, compared with fewer than 700 for all of 2011, a case reduction of more than 99 per cent.

NLESS stakeholders including the private sector and the government engage each other in transparency and accountability, sustaining economic growth in the extractive industries may be a tall dream.

The High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Chris Cooter disclosed this at a seminar on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the extractive industries in Lagos.

At the seminar entitled: Sustainability in the extractive industries: Managing your value chain, Cooter noted that the bane of the extractive industries over the years has been the absence of early and open engagement among stakeholders including communities, which are affected by oil, gas and mine operations.

He said the time had come for stakeholders to collaborate to ensure that most operations in the oil, gas and mining industries were carried out in line with international best practices and standards.

Cooter said the era of shrouding the sectors’ activities in secrecy had to be dispensed with if the desired growth was to take place through investments.

He assured of his country’s desire to support Nigeria in its quest to entrench accountability and transparency in the management and administration of its abundant natural resources by providing the template adopted by his country and other advanced countries for consideration for use.

Besides, he said Canada is poised to bring more investments to shore up its $3billion worth of investments that had been made in the country. “So far, we have attained a major feat in our business relationship with Nigeria going by the kind of investments that we have brought here. The fact is that trade values have tripled during this period while

By Bidemi Bakare

investment is growing rapidly by the day. We are also expecting that significant new investments will come very soon to increase the $3 billion worth of investments that has been made already,” he said.

He noted that the business relationship between the countries was expected to grow by the recent launch of the bi-national commission, which was signed sometimes in April.

The high commissioner said the commission, which focuses on security, economic and critical components of the economy would provide the framework for adding momentum to the business relationship between the two countries to facilitate opportunities, particularly in the extractive industries.

The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Chevron Nigeria Limited, Deji Haastrup,said sustaining growth in the extractive industries should not be left to private sector as the government and other stakeholders, including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) had roles to play in ensuring that the huge revenues realised from oil, gas and mining operations were monitored and channelled into other worthwhile projects.

He also said the country’s future lies in the diversification of the economy and the encouragement of the spirit of entrepreneurship among the youth to reduce over dependence on oil.

He enjoined stakeholders to work together so that the challenges militating against achieving transparency and accountability in the extractive industries, which include lack of respect for rule of law and sanctity of agreements, poverty, corruption and inadequate infrastructure, can be overcome.

Uduaghan to engineers: find solution to power

T

HE Nigeria Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE) has been challenged to find sustainable solutions to the power problems.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, gave the advice during the Eighth International Conference and Exhibition on Power and Telecommunication (ICEPT 2012) in Warri, Delta State, Thr governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Energy, Charles Emetulu at the event, urged the electrical engineers to devise new ways of tackling the country’s problems.

The conference’s objective was how to address the problems in power and telecoms sectors, which were identified as the most important sectors the country needs to fix in order to drive development.

Emetulu said indigeneous engineers were among the best in the world and prayed for guidance to help the engineers come up with solutions to address the energy

problems facing the nation.

The President of Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Ibikunle S. Ogunbayo, who was represented by the Director of Professional Development, Mayas Adoyi, charged the engineers to address the poor services in the telephone and internet by thinking of ways of improving both.

He said what had been achieved in the telecoms sector was also possible in the power sector. He added that the improvement in energy supply is not a mirage, but it is bound to continue to improve.

NIEE’s National President, Adekunle Makinde, said the conference’s theme: Transformation in power and telecommunication through public-private partnership, addressed the yearnings of the average Nigerian for better living standards, and identified with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

EPIC to begin construction of refinery •Continued on page 51

price of petrol will further be brought down to N65 per litre. We want to help with cheaper refined products before the coming on stream of EPIC refinery whose products will further bring down the price, we sent in out letters last week to the government and await their approval.”

Wenke said they are not asking for subsidy, all the support they want from the government to get petrol to consumers at N75 is to use the NNPC distribution networks since it is being done with national interest instead of

profit motivation.”

Wenke said there is nothing like cabal. He said the EPIC team has decided to work in line with the requirements of the government and to serve Nigerians.

“Any responsible citizen should be committed to the good policies that govern his country and this is what the EPIC team stands for and therefore fears nobody,” he said.

He said the team is doing due diligence on banks to identify the bank that will warehouse the $30 billion which is ready for the entire project.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

53

ENERGY

Benin Disco: Why Vigeo Power had an edge I

NDICATIONS have emerged on how Nigeria’s indigenous electric power utility giant, Vigeo Power Limited used its experience and partnership with reputable Indian power giant to emerge best of the bidders for the Benin Electricity Distribution Company.

It was gathered that while other bidders partnered relatively unknown firms that had no track record of performance in the power sector, Vigeo Power Limited partnered Tata Group of India for effective management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company.

Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited is a Joint Venture of TATA Power and the government of NCT Delhi.

One of the bidders, which lost out in the exercise, partnered Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

Limited, which is owned by the government of Gujarat.

The firm’s SEDC’s alliance with UGVCL, which is a governmentowned entity similar to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), was poorly managed, and this boosted opportunity for the success of Vigeo Power as the core investor, having partnered the Tata Group, a private sector-led power utility giant with track record of efficiency and deliverability.

To enhance the operation and the management of the Benin Distribution Company, post-acquisition, Vigeo Power is leveraging on the world-class expertise and several decades of experience of the Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited.

As a poorly-run government utility, UGVCL was said to have received support from the govern-

ment of India of about $28million in present Restructured Accelerated Distribution Reform Programme (RAPDRP) scheme for improvement of urban infrastructure and Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY), scheme for electrification and improvement of rural infrastructure schemes.

As a well-run private entity, the Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), an Indian power giant and public private partnership has not received such support in large scale.

It was learnt that the subsidy received by the UGVCL in 2010/2011 is 12.2 per cent of its revenue, whereas subsidy received by TPDDL is only 1.7per cent for its low end domestic category consumers.

TPDDL’s less dependence on subsidy is in line with the objectives of the privatisation process as the

Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has proposed subsidy for only low end domestic consumers.

Also, the objective of the privatisation of the Discos in Nigeria is to create self-sustainable business entities and the existing Public-Private Partnership, TPDDL is seen by experts as a better choice to partner by prospective core investors that seek to acquire the PHCN assets.

In loss management, UGVCL monitors only “Distribution Loss” instead of AT&C Loss that is critical for the success of the Discos.

Monitoring only distribution losses is seen by experts as an inferior method to monitor performance, as it does not consider collection efficiency.

For Nigerian Discos, collection efficiency is of paramount importance as it is lagging in most areas.

Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, however, regularly monitors ATC&C Loss and it has been reduced from 53per cent in July, 2002 to 11 per cent in March 2012.

On Tariff Order of Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission for 2010/2011, capitalisation of investment by UGVCL has been only $44million, that is, 4.7 per cent of its billed revenue, whereas for same year it has been 11.2 per cent for TPDDL. Since in Nigeria, more capital investment will be required by the Discos for rapid improvement in the system, experts have said that a Disco with more focus on investment for improvement should be the ideal partner and this is where TPDDL was seen as a preferred partner in the privatisation process. Besides, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited is known to have won several awards in the industry.

Ikeja Disco bags award

T

HE Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company has won the National Association of

Energy Correspondents (NAEC) Merit Award as the most outstanding electricity distribution company of the year.

In the citation of the company presented during the association’s annual conference and awards ceremony, the company was said to have injected 905 number of distribution transformers into the system between 2009 to date to relieve and uprate overloaded ones and replace faulty ones.

A remarkable achievement of the company as stated is the fact that within the company’s network, no community is out of service due to transformer failure. The company’s policy along this line is that any reported failed transformer will be replaced within 48hours.

The company was said to have also embarked on massive rehabilitation and reconstruction work at

various injection substations aimed at reducing faults occasioned by poor network and vegetation.

Also part of the Company’s ongoing projects is the very extensive reconductoring and rehabilitation of the distribution network to enhance supply stability and operational flexibility.

On customer relationship, the company under the leadership of Chris Akamnonu was said to have created customer care centres at the headquarters office in Alausa, Ikeja and in all its 11 Business Units. The centres are adequately staffed and well equipped to address the problems of the customers. To ease the troubles customers go through in paying electricity bills, the company was said to have embarked on various multiple vending options, which includes Scratch Card Option, ATM Option, Web-based Payment Option and Point of Sale (PoS).

It is with these laudable achievements and with more to come that

•From left: Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside making a point during the committee’s visit to Masters’ Energy City in Port Harcourt. On his immediate left is President, Masters Energy Group, Mr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah.

New Petroleum Industry Bill: An analysis

By Efuru Obua

•Ms Obua •Continued from October 17

N

IGERIAN Hydrocarbon Tax – Section 299: The fiscal regime which is set to increase government take introduces a new tax known as the Nigerian Hydrocarbon tax in section 299. This tax will be levied on the profits of upstream companies.

Section 313 prescribes the assessable tax for an accounting year to be a percentage of the chargeable profits at 50 per cent for onshore and shallow water areas and 20 per c ent for frontier acreage and deep water areas. (b) 25 per cent per cent for bitumen, frontier acreages and deep water areas. Ss (2) takes into account upstream operations in a geographical area or areas that are subject to more than one tax rate.

Issues: The NHT makes provision for Allowable and Non allowable Expenses. It states that Corporate Income Tax or any income tax, profit tax or similar tax

whether charged within Nigeria or elsewhere is not allowable except education tax; interest expense on loans by PSC contracting is not allowed so also expenditures incurred on gas flaring penalty or fees or breach of domestic supply obligations and general, administrative and overhead expenses incurred outside Nigeria exceeding one per cent of total annual capital expenditure. It is noted that these are strict measures driven by a need to block loopholes in the fiscal regime thereby maximizing government take.

S.134 stipulates that a company engaged in upstream petroleum operations which executed a production sharing contract with NNPC shall be entitled to a General Production Allowance Issues: The General Production Allowance replaces the Investment Tax Credit / Allowance for contractors under current PSCs. The GPA for PSCs is $5 per barrel or 10 per cent of the official selling price for all production volumes. Other GPA provisions are; for onshore – the lower of $30 per barrel or 30 per cent of the official selling price up to cumulative maximum of 10 million barrels and thereafter the lower of $10 per barrel or 30 per cent of the OSP up to the cumulative maximum of 75 million barrels; for shallow water – the lower of $30 per barrel or 30 per cent of the OSP up to the cumulative maximum of 20 million barrels and thereafter the

lower of $10 per barrel or 30 per cent of the OSP up to the cumulative maximum of 150 million barrels and; for bitumen deposits, frontier acreage and deep water areas- the lower of $15 per barrel or 30% of the OSP up to the cumulative maximum of 250 million barrels per PML and thereafter the lower of $5 per barrel or 10% of the OSP. It is assumed that cumulating for the different thresholds will begin to run from the time of the enactment of the PIB rather than the time from previous production S.317 provides that every company including a contractor in a PSC arrangement shall be responsible for reporting its own upstream petroleum operations profits, outgoings, expenses and for paying the tax chargeable on its upstream petroleum operations.

S.325 (1) provides that a company engaged in upstream petroleum operations shall submit to the FIRS a return within two months of an accounting period.

S.333 grants a right of redress against assessment to the Federal High Court within thirty days after the date of the service upon such person or company of the Notice of Refusal of FIRS to amend the assessment as required.

Issues: This effectively grants jurisdiction on the Federal High Court to deal with upstream tax disputes rather than the Tax Appeal Tribunal.

S.346 provides for deduction of tax at source. It states that income tax assessable on any company,

partnership or person ( whether or not resident in Nigeria) who provides petroleum operation services and related activities to a company carrying on upstream petroleum operations in Nigeria whether or not an assessment has been made, shall be recoverable from any payment ( whether or not made in Nigeria) made by any person to such company, partnership or person.

Issues: This provision appears to be superfluous given that the FIRS Act already provides for this.

S.353 provides for Companies Income Tax Applicable to Upstream Petroleum Operations. Ss (1) states that all companies, concessionaires, licensees, lessees, contractors and subcontractors involved in upstream petroleum operations under the Act shall be subject to tax under the CITA. Ss (2) states … that any company involved in both upstream petroleum operations and downstream petroleum operations shall determine the Companies Income Tax separately for (a) upstream petroleum operations under this Act; and (b) downstream petroleum operations under this Act; Ss (3) states … that the NHT under this Act shall not be deductible.

Issues: S.353 makes all companies in upstream petroleum operations liable to pay CITA, under the previ. ous dispensation, companies regarded as conducting petroleum operations for their own account pursuant to Section 2 PPTA were not subject to CITA except in respect of other income not arising from or incidental to their petroleum operations.

Companies involved in both upstream and downstream petroleum operations are to determine CITA separately and NHT is not deductible for CIT purposes.

It is noteworthy that the PIB does not specifically deal with Royalty or Rent save as is mentioned in S. 362.

S. 354 repeals the following laws: a) Associated Gas Re – Injection Act 2004; b) Motor Spirits Act 2004; c) Petroleum Act 2004; d) Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (Establishment) Act 2003; e) Petroleum Equalisation Fund 2004; f) Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund Act 2004; g) Petroleum Technology Development Fund Act 2004; h) Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Act 2004; and i) Petroleum Profits Tax Act 2004.

S. 355 is on saving provisions. Ss (1) states that any licence or lease granted under the Oil Minerals Act 1958 and the Petroleum Act 1969 shall remain effective subject to the provisions of this Act As with all other laws in Nigeria, there is always the challenge of implementation and it is hoped that the government will demonstrate political will in ensuring strict implementation of this law which is guaranteed to transform the oil and gas industry and yield huge benefits for Nigeria.

•Concluded •Ms Obua, a solicitor with over 20 years experience, is from the University of Dundee. She practices in the UK and also a partner at EN&N Legal Practitioners Victoria Island Lagos. She can be reached at efuru@ennlawfirm.com/ eobua@hotmail.com

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 29-10-12

FCMB records N12b Q3 profit

F

IRST City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc recorded a profit before tax of N12.1 billion by the third quarter as latest operational report of the bank showed steady improvements across key performance indicators.

Interim report and accounts for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012 made available yesterday indicated that profit before tax grew by 23 per cent to N12.1 billion as against N9.88 billion in 2011while return on equity improved by 45 per cent to 11 per cent in 2012 as against 7.6 per cent in comparable period of 2011. Profit after tax rose from N7.91 billion to N10.55 billion.

The third quarter report came as the bank announced the conclusion of the merger with Finbank, a wholly owned subsidiary it acquired on February 9, 2012.

The report showed that group gross earnings rose by 55.6 per cent to close at N84.51 billion as against N54.30 billion in comparable period of 2011.

The bank also recorded loan loss provisions of N1.3 billion in the third quarter period against the write-back of N0.8billion it recorded in the second quarter.

This, it said came from a recovery of previously-provisioned assets from both FinBank and FCMB. On the balance sheet side, the bank’s capital adequacy and liquidity ratios remain strong at 22 per cent and 56 per cent re-

•Equities recover

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

spectively. Low cost deposit mix was 58 percent, representing an improvement of four per cent on comparable period of 2011.

Net interest margin also improved to 7.6 per cent in third quarter from 6.8 per cent in the corresponding period, enabled by a better deposit mix and continued growth in retail loans.

Group managing director, First City Monument Bank, Mr Ladi Balogun said the bank’s main activity for 2012 has been the FinBank acquisition and merger, which is now complete from a legal and regulatory perspective.

According to him, the FinBank acquisition and subsequent merger has added 30 per cent to the balance sheet and transformed FCMB’s liquidity profile. It has taken the loan-todeposit ratio from 87 per cent to 59 per cent and the liquidity ratio from 50 per cent to 56 per cent. It also doubled the bank’s distribution capacity from 130 to 280 branches and two million customers.

“While the protracted merger process has been costly, the opportunity for sustainable, rapid, and profitable growth, particularly in the commercial and retail segments, remains significant. With the culmination of the legal and regulatory processes, we are now able to integrate our operations fully and deliver the

expected benefits to shareholders and customers,” Balogun said.

He noted that the enlarged FCMB is well-positioned to compete in the consolidating banking landscape, assuring that customers will experience continued improvements in the customer experience, improved convenience, greater and quicker access to financial support, with simple processes, products and communication.

“This is, indeed, a pivotal transaction for the bank and one that will lead to significant and sustained increase in shareholder value,” Balogun said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian stock market regained its recovery mode yesterday as equities opened with modest gains.

The benchmark index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the All Share Index (ASI), recorded a modest gain of 0.40 per cent to close at 26,982.55 points.

Aggregate market capitalisation of equities added N34 billion to close at N8.599 trillion.

Total turnover stood at 273.077 million shares worth N3.014 billion in 4,956 deals.

The financial services sector was the most sought after by investors with turnover of 211.048 million shares worth N2.140 billion in 2,978 deals.

Eight out of the top 10 most active stocks were banking stocks including Zenith Bank, 58.329 million shares; Stanbic IBTC, 23.294 million shares; Guaranty Trust Bank, 20.544 million shares; United Bank for Africa, 16.524 million shares; Skye Bank, 12.064 million shares; Wema Bank, 12.090 million shares; First Bank of Nigeria, 11.171 million shares and Fidelity Bank, which traded 10.090 million shares.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 29-10-12

55

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

MONEY LINK

Osibodu leaves Union Bank stronger

T

HE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Funke Osibodu will Thursday exit her position in the bank.

However, she will be leaving behind, a stronger institution with shareholders’ funds of N190 billion. As at the time she took over in 2009, the lender had N378 billion negative shareholders’ funds.

Osibodu, who has also raised the bank’s liquidity by 90 per cent and improved account reconciliation worth over N3 trillion, said she would proceed on

•Shareholders’ fund hits N190b •Liquidity rises by 90% Stories by Collins Nweze

terminal leave while Mr. Emeka Emuwa, the immediate past Managing Director of Citibank, would take over as the new CEO of the bank.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, Osibodu said within three years, the CBN-appointed management had turned around the fortunes of the bank and has laid a strong foundation for the incoming CEO to

repositioned Union Bank for better performance.

Out of the eight banks rescued by the CBN in 2009, Union Bank is the only one that retained her identity, three had been nationalised, while four were acquired.

According to her, the bank now has a low non-performing loan ratio less than five per cent compared with 40 per cent level before the intervention in 2009.

“The bank also has increased number of profitable branches, strengthened corporate gover-

build on. “Liquidity of the bank has improved from negative to 90 per cent positive, while reconciled accounts balance valued over N3 trillion has been reconciled leaving just about N100 million to be reconciled. The balance it already being worked on,” she said.

Osibodu, who is the last of the CEOs of the eight banks rescued in 2009 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said she had delivered on her mandate, having

United States and South Africa.

Visa cardholders from these three markets account for 60.1 per cent of all total spending by international Visa cardholders in Nigeria.

Ashaye said there was a sharp increase in spending from Indian visitors with a rise of 47.7 per cent as well as a strong spending in the peak tourist months of December, November and October 2011.

He said total year on year visitor spending increased by 20.2, 15.4 and 11.2 per cent in December, November and October 2011 respectively.

He explained that travelers to Nigeria increased their spending most on “Remaining Merchants with a 24.9 per cent rise while visitors dramatically increased their “Department store” spend by 219 per cent in 2011, although it was off a low base.

Nigerians sharply increased their spending on their Visa

T

HE managing director, DataPro,Abimbola Adeseyoju has called for the implementation of the asset seizure, confiscation and forfeiture policy of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to check money laundering in the country.

Speaking at the DataPro inaugural lecture series held in Lagos, he said that the antimoney laundering /combating the financial terrorism (AML/CFT) initiative was instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure that financial crime perpetrators are punished to ensure they do not benefit from their crimes.

He advised that an acceptable framework that tallies with ‘Recommendations Four of the Financial Action Task Force 2012 Principles’ which is on asset seizure, confiscation and forfeiture as one of the de-

T

cards in 2011 by 60.8 per cent with total spend up from $231.6 million to $372.5 million while total transaction volumes or the number of individual transactions also rose by 50 per cent.

Ashaye continued: “Not only are more people visiting Nigeria, but thanks to the growing prosperity of our country, we are spending more as we travel the world.”

The data also showed that the top three destinations for Nigerian tourists were the United Kingdom, United States and the United Arab Emirates.

These three markets account for almost 64.9 per cent of all total spending by overseas Nigerians and all showed dramatic increases in spending.

In 2011, Nigerians upped spending in Turkey by 175.5 per cent, the largest increase of countries visited. This was followed by an increase of 108.5 per cent in Canada. Both were off a low base however.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 29-10-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

FIDSON VITAFOAM UNITYBNK CUTIX STERLNBANK ETERNA CAP PZ DIAMONDBNK UBA

1.12 3.91 0.65 1.55 1.60 2.10 33.09 26.57 4.25 4.80

C/PRICE

1.19 4.10 0.68 1.62 1.67 2.19 24.50 527.65 4.40 4.95

CHANGE

0.07 0.19 0.03 0.07 0.07 0.09 1.41 1.08 0.15 0.15

O/PRICE 5.75 0.66 6.60 30.68 2.01 5.19 1.50 1.09 1.09 1.13

C/PRICE 6.31 0.62 6.27 29.15 1.91 4.94 1.43 1.04 1.04 1.08

CHANGE 0.44 0.04 0.33 1.53 0.10 0.25 0.07 0.05 0.05 0.10

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 29-10-12

SYMBOL DANGSUGAR AIICO CAPHOTEL MRS LEARNAFRCA MORISON AGLEVENT IKEJAHOTEL TRANSCORP NEIMETH

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

regulators and other stakeholders in fighting money laundering in the country. He said the firm was established to supply information and data on individuals, entities, agencies central authorities and institutions in the country to the relevant authorities. The firm had also partnered with Dun & Bradstreet International to offer services to banks, manufacturers and other conglomerates around the world.

Also, the apex bank has commenced full implementation of its anti-money laundering /combating the financial terrorism (AML/CFT) riskbased supervision framework, it issued in 2011.

The CBN said the measure is further supported by the importance the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) attached to the risk-based approach to AML/CFT supervision in its revised recommendations issued last February.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

terrents to money laundering and terrorists financing.

He said that the government should ensure that competent authorities have powers to freeze or seize and laundered property or proceeds including instrumentalities used or intended to be used for money laundering or terrorism financing.

He said there is also need to allow such proceeds to be confiscated without requiring criminal prosecution otherwise called a Non conviction based confiscation approach.

According to him, currently, it is no longer required for an offender to demonstrate the lawful origin of the property before it is confiscated.

For him, once the offender’s known source of income cannot provide the basis for such property, it should be enough room for confiscation and conviction.

He said that DataPro is committed to supporting banks,

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

•Osibodu

employed over the last three years in order to consolidate the repositioning exercise embarked on by her team.

Money laundering: Firm advocates assets seizure

Visa grows tourism spend to $95m OURISM spend by international Visa card holders rose 19.6 per cent to $95 million for the year 2011, according figures released by Visa Incorporated yesterday.

Ade Ashaye, Country Manager for Visa West Africa, said the rise in visitor spending was good news for the Nigerian economy.

He said that international Visa cardholders increased tourism spending from $79.6 million in 2010 to $95.2 million in 2011.

Total transactions rose 30.5 per cent year on year from 424,000 individual transactions in 2010 to 553,000 in 2011.

“Nigeria is growing as a destination for both leisure and business travel and this rise in spending is a credit to the efforts of those promoting Nigeria as a tourist destination,” he said.

According to VisaVue Travel data, Nigeria’s top three source markets of spend on Visa cards were the United Kingdom,

nance, employed younger workforce and improved financial accountability,” she said.

The GMD noted that the workforce of the bank now comprises experienced staff members and young/ energetic new employees that would take the lender to the next level.

According to her, about 1,000 young workers have been employed under her management.

Besides, she disclosed that the bank would hire 200 experienced professional staff members in addition to 140 already

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 125.13 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 120.13 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.79 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.10 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.93 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,732.33 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 10.45 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 8,652.66 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 124.96 119.60 0.76 1.10 0.91 1,726.86 9.94 1.33 1.80 8,411.80 191.08 1.62

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8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

56

NEWS MicCom chair Ponnle’s wife dies at 67

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HE death has been announced of Mrs. Olufunke Ponnle, wife of Prince Tunde Ponnle, Chairman of MicCom Cables and Wires Limited and MicCom Golf Hotels and Resorts, Ada, Osun State.

The late Mrs. Ponnle, an Osogbo princess and golf enthusiast, died in Ilandough Hospital, Cardiff, United Kingdom yesterday after a brief illness. She was 67.

The late vice chairman of the MicCom Group is survived by her husband, Prince

•The late Mrs. Ponnle

Ponnle and children.

No date has been fixed for the funeral, according to the family.

Kalu to politicians: stop parading spirituality on the street

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ORMER Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu has urged politicians to stop parading their spirituality on the streets.

The former governor said spirituality is a matter of the heart.

Kalu spoke in Abuja at a birthday thanksgiving mass for the Senator representing Imo East, Christiana Ayanwu.

The former governor was responding to remarks by Ayanwu who said she was shocked with the Mass organized in her honour because she had always known Kalu as a radical and would not have time to worship his God, bemoaned the way and manner Nigerian politicians parade their spirituality on the streets rather than making it more sincere and personal.

Eid-el-Kabir’s peace, sign of good things to come, says Ita-Giwa

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ENATOR Princess Florence Ita –Giwa, former Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, has said the relative peace during last week’s Eid-el-Kabir was an indication that the nation would overcome its challenges.

In a statement in Lagos, the former presidential aide noted that as Muslims celebrated the sacrifice festival, they should spare a thought for thousands of displaced Bakassi Peninsula indigenes who are roaming the streets.

Ita-Giwa said: “In spite of the trying times we have been experiencing as a nation in the recent past, it appears that this particular Sallah period has been relatively peaceful . This indeed is a good omen that portends well for the unity of Nigeria as a corporate entity.

“While we celebrate with our beloved Muslim brethren and compatriots, we should spare a thought for tens of thousands of displaced Bakassi indigenes who have been roaming around homeless and hopeless.

“It would be a fitting tribute to the prevailing atmosphere of peace in Nigeria that every effort is made to relocate and resettle the long-suffering people of Bakassi at the Kwa Island and Dayspring Islands 1 and 2.”

GUS 9: WARRIORS PLAY DIRTY

•Obi (middle) with South African investors in agriculture, Piere Roussouu (right) and Rob Field in Johannesburg...yesterday.

Obi woos investors in South Africa

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NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has urged South African investors to establish industries in the state.

Some South African companies have industries in the state. They include SAB Miller, a brewing company with a factory in Onitsha and a Fortune 500 Company, which is building its facility in the town.

Addressing an investors’ forum in South Africa, Obi named some of the country’s companies that are doing well in Nigeria, including telecommunications giant, MTN. The governor assured

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South Africans that Anambra is a good place to put their money for good returns.

Describing Africa as investors’ virgin land waiting to be exploited, Obi noted that Anambra is a good business destination for investors.

He said: “In Nigeria today, Anambra has the highest number of entrepreneurs, the biggest market and the most resourceful people.”

On the areas that are ripe for investment, Obi said that Anambra can host many sectors, giving example with Agriculture; he said that Anambra can host big agricultural firms that are ready to devel-

op value chain for the product in such a way that local players would key into their operations. He also said that Anambra was ripe for a packaging company that would produce different packages for many companies that had started operations in the State, among others.

Obi assured them not to worry about overcoming logistics problems associated with investment, describing himself as one-stop-shop that will be available at all times to facilitate their operations.

In his remarks, one of the investors, represented by Mr.

Binnoer Prevad said that with the success of SABmiller in Anambra and MTN in Nigeria, that coming to Nigeria to invest had become an attraction. He said they were more strengthened that Nigeria had people like Obi, who, according to him, “appear to be at home with the abc of investment.”

Obi was accompanied by the Chairman of the House Committee member on Commerce and Industry, Umeh Ikechukwu; Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ndubisi Menakaya; and the Senior Special Assistant on Investment, Mark Okoye

Anambra to resettle flood victims

COMMITTEE set up by Anambra State Governor Peter Obi to assist Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) following the recent floods has moved to various communities in the state to assess the extent of damage the floods did to them.

The team, led by the Secretary of the State Government (SSG), Mr Oselloka Obaze, said it is concerned about how to prevent epidemics in the affected communities.

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

The committee spoke yesterday at the state Emergency Agency (SEMA) office in Awka, the state capital, when it received the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Relations, Sen. Ben Ndi Obi. The Presidential aide said he responded to the call by the governor for more support to the flood victims with over 300 tubers of yam, 21 bags of rice,

21 bags of Semovita, bags of garri and beans, among others.

Obaze said: “The bigger challenges are yet to come.

That is, resettlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the victims. Again, the biggest of them all is hunger.

“We are going to need more help from our people. My house is under water, but my concern is for those who have no means of fixing themselves back because some of us are not

equal. I can take care of myself.

“Mr President approved N17billion for flood victims, while Anambra, which is in the A-List, got N500million. When the water recedes, you will see that some trillions of naira will be required.”

Ben Obi hailed the governor for his quick intervention when the floods overtook parts of the state.

He warned that if the situation is not properly tackled, it could cause epidemics.

Orji: nobody can blackmail me

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BIA State Governor Theodore Orji yesterday said it would be difficult for anybody or group of people to blackmail him.

The governor said he has been discharging his responsibility to the people withAfter being let through the gate by Christopher Okagbue, the contenders got to a site where they built a new camp. Chidi Mokeme had asked them to vacate their old camp, after the first Gatekeeper’s hurdle, and a meal of fried rice and fish from the Council of Elders.

The day’s task was a twopronged Tug of War on a swampy and muddy ground. The first battle had two teams of five contenders each. The team made up of Eronmose Paschal, Adah James, Patience Bonford, Priscilla Ezeh and Ogbuefi Michael beats its opponent; Uzor Osimpka, Ifet Iniobong, Nuhu Zigwayi, Ujam Chukwunonso and Udodi Onyinye.

Next, the contenders had to go head-to–head against a member of the opposing team in the same muddy tug of war game. Uzor was up against Patience, who ensured that she was ‘waistdeep’ in the mud. Uzor lost to. Michael against Onyinye

caused uproar given that he was obviously stronger.

Michael tried to resist, but James, the team leader stood his ground. Michael predictably won the match.

Paschal was disqualified for using his legs when he was up against Nuhu. Ifet further narrowed the gap for his team when Priscilla was disqualified for using her legs. She slid through and obviously tasted part of the mud; but Adah sealed victory for his team by beating Ujam. The losing team was made to erect a fence round their camp and wash clothes of the opponent.

At The Place of The Talking Drum, Mokeme gave them a drum and the gourd bead percussion instrument. They were required to make a song, drama and dance at the next meeting.

The show continues tonight on AIT, African Magic World (DSTV), Real Star (Star Times), AKBC, Uyo and ITV, Benin at 10pm.

out fear or favour.

He said he has delivered on his election promises to the people in the last five years, adding that he only needs to consolidate on his achievements.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Public Commu-

Appeal Court upholds Ekwunife’s election From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi and Chris Oji, Enugu

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HE Appeal Court sitting in Enugu yesterday reaffirmed the re-election of Uche Ekwunife of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as the member representing Anaocha/Dunukofia/Njikoka Federal Constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives.

The five-man appeal panel, headed by Justice Lokulo Sodikpe, upheld the verdict of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Awka, the state capital.

The tribunal had dismissed the petition by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Mr. Dozie Nwankwo, in the rerun in some wards in the constituency.

Justice Sodikpe upheld the ruling by the lower tribunal on the grounds that the petitioner could not prove his case beyond reasonable doubts.

He awarded a N30,000 cost and N40,000 against the petitioner.

Justice Sodikpe averred that Nwankwo could not prove the allegation of electoral malpractices and the alleged inability to meet up with electoral act leveled against Ekwunife.

He said: “The law is straight-forward. The appellant’s claim that his case was not properly treated based on evidence and witness are incorrect because the appellant could not provide proper evidence that his claims were correct but relied on the witness of the PW17.”

nication, Ben Onyechere, said: “Sponsored protests by some professionals cannot divert the attention of the governor from his chosen path of planned performance.

“The ragtag hobnobbing as opposition in the Diaspora has imbibed the culture of raising the alarm where none exists.

“The dissemination of falsehood has the capacity to dissuade investors as much as it can mislead the public.

If lawyers who were hired can descend to the abysmal level of dancing naked in the market are protesting in the

middle of rainy season, what will they do in dry season, because it is possible that they have more information than the rest of the public or characteristically turning a blind eye to the fast trend of government’s development strides.”

The governor said, the protesters cannot deny that “there are no such projects as women and youth empowerment neither will they admit the existence of conducive and secured environment for businesses to thrive, which are all verifiable because they are in the public domain.

Falana calls for oversees treatment for Suntai’s aides

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IGHTS activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), yesterday urged the Federal Government to ensure that all those with Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai when his aircraft crashed last Thursday near Yola, the Adamawa State capital, get overseas treatment like the governor.

The frontline lawyer spoke in Lagos at the fifth law and

By Precious Igbonwelundu

social development lecture of Bamidele Aturu and Co. He noted that what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.

Falana said the other victims are no lesser Nigerians than the governor, adding that they too should be given adequate attention and care, like the governor.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

57

NEWS

Kalabari protest moves to cede five Rivers oil communities to Bayelsa

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HE Kalabari National Forum yesterday protested alleged moves to excise five oil producing Kalabari communities from Rivers States to Bayelsa.

It urged President Goodluck Jonathan to stop those behind it in the interest of peace.

Speaking with reporters after submitting petitions to the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in Abuja, the Forum alleged surreptitious moves by some federal government officials to take away the affected communities from rivers and give them to Bayelsa for political reasons.

The communities are: Kula, Soku, Elem-Sangama, Idama and Abissa.

The communities host the Soku Oil Fields and produce about 300,000 barrels of crude oil daily, making them one of the richest ar-

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

eas in the Niger Delta.

The Chairman of the Akukutoru Local government Area Traditional Council of Rivers State, Engr. Emmanuel Awoyesuau-Jack, who spoke for the forum, said the protests became necessary owing to glaring unwillingness of federal government functionaries to ensure justice in the matter which has been before relevant federal government agencies for several years.

The agencies involved included the Office of the SuveyorGeneral of the Federation, the NBC, RMAFC and the Supreme Court.

He added that from available information, the correction to the 11th edition of the Nigerian Administrative Map which gave the communities to Bayelsa, might not be effected in the 12th edition of the map being expected without president Jonathan’s intervention.

Engr. Awoyesuau-Jack said, “the self-explanatory effort was perceived to assuage the initial provocation of the Rivers State government. While Rivers state government patiently awaited the promised correction, of the error laden 11th edition of the Administrative map of Nigeria, which ordinarily should have redressed the acknowledged fundamental misrepresentations, the RMAFC surreptitiously released all revenue accruing from Soku Fields and Wells , previously kept in an Escrow Account to Bayelsa State without recourse to Rivers State.

“In spite of every meaningful effort by the Rivers State government to seek justice in this extremely provocative matter, no progress from the NBC has been made to date. It was however, rumoured that, the assurances given disappointingly, will not reflect the promised correction

but rather the provisional 12th Administrative Map said to be under production will nakedly usurp 80 per cent of Akuku Toru LGA in Rivers State by further shifting the boundary line from SAN BARTHOLOMEW River SOMBEREIRO River.

“Let us, in the light of the above, state without mincing words, as inhabitants of the area under reference, that this position is totally unacceptable as it is clear manifestation of political manipulation intent on balkanizing Kalabari territory and ceding same to Bayelsa state.

“This premeditated and strategically executed action is intended to sustain and legitimize the injustice and brazen act of aggression meted out to the Kalabari Kingdom and rivers states, with the connivance of various federal government agencies, under the watchful eyes and supervision of his Excellency, Mr. President, whose home state, most ingloriously, is the direct beneficiary”.

Federal roads in Benue in bad shape, says Suswam From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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ENUE State Governor Gabriel Suswam has said federal roads in the state are among the worst in the country.

The governor spoke at the Government House in Makurdi, the state capital, when he hosted Information Minister Labaran Maku and his team on the Good Governance Tour.

The Federal Government team is on a three-day assessment tour of government projects in the state.

Suswam said there is no federal project in Benue.

According to him, the only government projects in the state are those established by the state government.

The governor noted that some people see governance from negative perspectives.

He urged the minister to change the people’s cynicism about governance.

Floods: Kwara monarch urges govt to establish power commission

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HE establishment of Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) is the antidote to perennial flooding in Kwara State, the Etsu Patigi in Patigi Local Government Area, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, has said.

The monarch also prescribed the extension of the dredging of River Niger to Jebba to prevent flooding in Patigi and Edu local government areas.

There were floods in some parts of the state when River Niger overflowed its banks.

The floods destroyed farmlands and property worth millions of naira.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Umar spoke in his palace when the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Dr Bukola Saraki, visited flood victims in the area.

Thanking the senator for donating relief materials to the flood victims, Umar said: “You are familiar with the problem of flooding in this state and you are always concerned with what happened in Patigi. As you might be aware, we recall that you championed the establishment of HYPPADEC, which we believe will be a permanent solution to perennial flooding.

Jang appoints aides on Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba Affairs

P •From left: President, Lagos State Public Service Club (LSPSC), Mr Yomi Amoye; Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mr Abari Lateef Dada; Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Alhaji Fatai Olukoga and former Director, Finance and Administration, Civil Service Commission, Mr Nojeem Ayo Ipaye, at the inauguration of this year’s Public Service Club in Ikeja, Lagos.

PHOTO: OMOEHIN MOSES

LATEAU State Governor Jonah Jang has appointed Mallam Salisu Musa Umar as the Senior Special Assistant on Fulani Affairs.

A statement yesterday in Jos, the state capital, by Mr. James Mannok, the Director of Press Affairs, said the governor also appointed Alhaji Lawal Ishaq, a lawyer, as the Senior Special Assistant on Hausa Affairs. Mr Akazamus Anakwe has also been appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Igbo Relations.

The statement said Mr Austin Iyere is now Senior Special Assistant on Southsouth Affairs, while veteran journalist, Mr Tunde Oladapo, is Special Assistant on Yoruba Affairs.

“The appointments are to strengthen inter-group relations and consolidate on the peace process,” the statement said.

It added that the new officials would broaden participation of all communities in the state’s peace process and bring on all interests into decision-making.

Yuguda condemns attack on Kaduna church

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AUCHI State Governor Isa Yuguda has condemned last Sunday’s suicide bombing of a Catholic church in Kaduna.

Eight worshippers were killed in the attack and scores of others were injured.

The governor described the attack as barbaric, unfortunate and an act of cowardice aimed at creating disaffection among Nigerians.

Yuguda commiserated with the government and the residents on the attack.

The governor urged them to avoid reprisals.

He said: “Vengeance is for God and He will do it at the appropriate time.”

Yuguda spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Michael Ishola Adeyemi.

The governor urged those killing their fellow beings to have a change of heart.

He said: “Such an act will never take those killing others to Heaven but will rather lead them to the suffering of the Hereafter when every soul will be made to give account of every deed while here on Earth.”

Senate Leader Victor NdomaEgba yesterday blamed Sunday’s bombing on evil and jealous individuals, who want to create divisions between Christians and Muslims.

In a statement in Abuja, the senator

•Evil, jealous forces behind attack, says Ndoma-Egba •Arewa decries bombing •Makinde to Fed Govt: expose perpetrators •Activist: it’s barbaric From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi, Onyedi Ojiabor (Assistant Editor), Abuja

noted that the blast was coming on the heels of the euphoria that greeted the elevation of Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Diocese, Bishop John Onaiyekan, as a Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI. He said it was worrisome that the incident happened after the Eid-elKabir in which Christians joined their Muslim brothers and sisters to celebrate.

The Cross River Central lawmaker congratulated Onaiyekan on his elevation.

Ndoma-Egba noted that evil forces, which were not happy with the peaceful Sallah celebrations, with “Christians joining their Muslim brothers to celebrate the festival, were behind the weekend bombing”.

He added: “It is curious that two days before the dastardly act, Christians and Muslims gathered together on Sallah Day and celebrated the festival.

“This was an unprecedented first, which we all thought would usher in the much-needed peace for a state that has reeled from countless bombings in the past.

“I find this new spate of bombings

not only wicked but also evil, for anyone to wreak such havoc less than 24 hours after followers of both religions celebrated together in the spirit of peace, tolerance and brotherhood.”

The Senate Leader advised those affected to avoid reprisal killings but leave vengeance to God. The North’s socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and the Muslim umbrella body in the region, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, yesterday condemned the suicide attack on St. Rita’s Catholic Church at Ungwan Yero in the Malali area of Kaduna.

The ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity, Anthony Sani, said the attack was inhuman.

It noted that the attacked occurred when there was an agreement among religious leaders that killing is not a part of any religion.

The forum noted that those who resort to killing innocent people to address perceived grievances should embrace peace in the interest of the nation.

The statement reads: “The news of suicide bombing of a Catholic church in Kaduna, which took place on Sunday, resulted in the

death of eight people and injury to many. It is totally condemnable because of its inhumanity, especially at a time leaders of all religions have agreed that killing oneself and other people in the name of God is not in line with God’s injunction in favour of the sacred inviolability of the individual with a clear sense of what is right and what is evil.

“It is more distressing, considering the efforts being made by the youth across all faiths to bring about lasting peaceful coexistence in Kaduna.

“Those who, therefore, derive pleasure in killing themselves in order to kill other people in the name of God to address their perceived grievances should lay down their arms and embrace constructive dialogue, precisely because resorting to violence can never solve the problems.”

The JNI urged security agents to ensure that those bombing the country are brought to justice.

In a statement by its SecretaryGeneral, Sheikh Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the JNI prayed that those involved in the act would fail to cause chaos in Kaduna.

The statement reads: “Jama’atu Nasril Islam, under the leadership

of Sa’ad Abubakar (the Sultan of Sokoto), received with bewilderment the news of the bombing at Unguwar Yero, Malali, Kaduna, on October 28 during a church service.

“We condemn the act in its totality and call for calm and restraint. It is our prayer that the perpetrators behind the act will never succeed in causing chaos in Kaduna.

“However, we implore the security agents to be more vigilant and intensify measures of curbing this dastardly act of bombings. As for those affected, we pray for a better return of what they have lost and the families of those who lost their lives, may Allah grant them fortitude to bear the loss.”

A rights’ activist Shehu Sani said: “The reported attack on the Catholic Church in Unguwan Yero Ward, Malali area of Kaduna stands condemned. It’s a dastardly, evil, ungodly, barbaric and unprovoked attack.

“It’s an attack on our freedom, peace and humanity. The attack is a savage and despicable onslaught against civil liberties and our constitutional rights to life and religion. We condemn it without reservation...”

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

58

NEWS Edo Assembly dissolves committees From Osagie Otabor, Benin

THE Edo State House of Assembly yesterday dissolved Local Government Transition Committees.

The chairmen of the committees were preparing to go for a seminar in Canada on Friday.

Mr. Paul Ohonbamu moved the motion for the dissolution under Matters of Urgent Public Importance.

He said democracy cannot improve, if transition committees were allowed to continue.

Mr. Emmanuel Okoduwa (Esan North East II) seconded the motion. Okoduwa said: “Transition committee is an aberration. They are illegal.”

Mr. Kingsley Ehigiamusoe said the dissolution is overdue.

Speaker Uyi Igbe directed the dissolved committees to hand over council property, including vehicles, to the council heads.

Igbe said: “They must hand over today. Democracy must return to the grassroots. We thank them for their services and wish them well.”

PUBLIC NOTICE DIANA I formally known and addressed as JOY IMOISI DIANA, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. JOY EMMANUEL OHIKHOKHAI. All former documents remain valid. Let the general public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE Confirmation of name:

I, Miss HALIMA FAROUK SULEIMAN is the same person as HALEEMA FAROUK SULEIMAN. All former documents remain valid.

PUBLIC NOTICE TAIWO I formerly known and addressed as TAIWO ABISOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as TAIWO ADEPELE ABISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AUCTION SALES The general public is hereby notified that the following Vehicles and order House items shall be auctioned 21 days after this publication, Claimants should report at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters Ozuoba Town Port Harcourt 1. Toyota Carina 11 Reg No CW 225 BEN 2. Nissan Sunny Reg No AJ 724 B.G.M 3. Audi 90 Reg No AE 753 M.G.D Signed Mr. Victor Obeahon Auctioneer

PUBLIC NOTICE ON STREET NAMING I, Nwachukwu Godwin Ndubueze, wish to inform the general public that I have applied to Isolo Local Council Development Area, that the street situated and lying off Okebanjo street, Cement Bus stop, Ago Palace way, Isolo, be named as Nwachukwu street, in favour. This is for the information of Isolo Local Council Development Area and the general public.

PUBLIC NOTICE I, Chief Poly Ike Emenike (MON), wish to inform the general public that I have applied to Isolo Local Council Development Area, that the street situated and lying off Ago Palace way, formerly registered by me as Poly Emenike street, be re-named as Nanka Crescent, in my favour. This is for the information of Isolo Local Council Development Area and the general public.

•Senator Magnus Abe (Rivers Southeast District) addressing the people of Baen after inspecting the water project he donated to the community.

Supreme Court upholds Dickson’s election

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HE Supreme Court yesterday upheld the election of Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson.

It dismissed the appeal of Dr. Imoro Kubor and his party, the Change Advocacy Party (CAP), for lack of merit.

CAP had challenged Dickson’s election on the grounds that the governor was not duly elected as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) standard bearer.

Dickson thanked God for his victory.

In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Daniel IworisoMarkson, the governor said the judgment portrays the judiciary as a cardinal corner-

•PDP congratulates governor From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

stone of Nigeria’s democracy.

The judgment affirmed the earlier verdicts of the lower courts, which upheld Dickson’s election.

Dickson thanked Bayelsans for their prayers and support.

He urged them to be steadfast, adding that the best is yet to come.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulated Dickson on his victory.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, PDP described

the judgment as “an endorsement of the inviolability of a just and properly constituted internal democratic process of the party”.

It said: “Our great party is ever mindful of the noble responsibility which our leadership position confers on us. Our determination on the entrenchment of internal democracy as fundamental to every party process is clear.

“This firm resolve shall not waver. The judgment of the Supreme Court is therefore an incentive on our resolve to build a better party.

“The PDP rejoices with Dick-

son and the entire people of Bayelsa on this well deserved victory. It is our expectation that with this distraction off the way, the governor, who hit the ground running, will increase the tempo of massive infrastructural development that has literally turned Bayelsa into a huge construction yard.”

Chief Alex Ekiotene, Chief Thompson Okorotie and other PDP chieftains in the state said the judgment has vindicated Dickson’s victory at the polls given him the opportunity to restore Bayelsa’s lost glory.

They urged the opposition to support the governor in developing the state.

Court rejects request to summon Clark on Ibori’s $15m

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FEDERAL High Court, Abuja, yesterday refused the oral application to summon Southsouth leader Chief Edwin Clark for his comment on the controversial $15 million traced to the convicted former governor of Delta State, James Ibori.

Ibori allegedly offered the money as bribe to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Clark called for the sack of the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, following the “needless controversy” in which the money was shrouded by the suit filed by the commission.

At the resumed hearing of the suit filed by the commis-

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

sion seeking forfeiture of the money to the Federal Government yesterday, EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) criticised Clark for commenting on an issue that is before the court.

Ruling on the request to invite the elder statesman, Justice Gabriel Kolawole said the application was diversionary.

Justice Kolawole said Clark is neither a party nor counsel in the matter before him.

He, however, said the commission is at the liberty to file a formal application to summon Clark before him.

Meanwhile, a London lawyer, Mr. John Aina, has filed an application on behalf of an individual, Mr. Olalekan Kayode, urging the court to remit the $15 million bribe money to him on trust for the public.

Aina urged the court not to forfeit the money to the Federal Government on the grounds that all the looted funds recovered from the families of the former Head of State, the late Gen. Sani Abacha; former Chief Executive Officer of Oceanic Bank Cecilia Ibru; former Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye and Halliburton were “relooted” by government officials.

He said he would constitute a trust committee on behalf of Nigerians, which shall determine what projects to execute with it for the benefit of the masses.

Before adjourning hearing till November 11, Justice Kolawole told parties to serve all pending applications.

Clark had accused Lamorde of displaying gross incompetence in the manner he was handling the case.

He said: “Nigerians desire a more serious body to fight corruption and not the EFCC

that is being manned by Lamorde.”

The elder statesman said there was no controversy over the ownership of the money as is being insinuated by the anti-graft agency in the suit before the court.

He said all involved in the forfeiture suit filed by EFCC should be probed.

Clark believes the money might have been offered as bribe to former EFCC boss Nuhu Ribadu to compromise him in the investigation of the N120 billion supplementary budget fraud allegation against Ibori.

Justice Kolawole had granted an order forfeiting the money to the Federal Government, following an exparte application by the EFCC. Ibori allegedly offered the money as bribe to Ribadu through an undisclosed source in 2007.

The money had been in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) since Ibori denied offering the money to Ribadu.

But the Delta State Government filed an application to counter the forfeiture order.

It said the money belongs to it and should be returned to its treasury.

Oshiomhole decries doctors’ attitude to work

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday criticised the attitude of government doctors to work.

He warned that the government would dismiss any doctor found wanting.

Oshiomhole gave the warning at the Central Hospital in Benin, the state capital, when he paid a surprise visit to the hospital.

He said: “Our hospitals are not supposed to be death centres, but healing centres. You are trained to save lives, but you preside over avoidable deaths by reason of your negligence.

We will dismiss any doctor who is not ready to work.

“Are we supposed to beg doctors to come to work?

We have a contract. It is either you keep it or you go.

We do not have all the resources we need, but we want value for the little we have.

“If we do not have a hospital, we will tell our people, so that they can go to herbalists. But when you put a hospital signboard out there and there is no doctor to attend to the people, you give people the wrong impression. When they do not see a doctor in the hospital, the people will go to private hospitals.

“Our people are already dying of negligence, so I am not bordered about the threat of strike. What has happened to our values?

People who run down a state must not be allowed to thrive anywhere. I will make sure that those who sabotage government hospitals are not allowed to practice anywhere.”

Oshiomhole, who was at the hospital at 8am, slammed the management for running the hospital for days without electricity.

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FOREIGN Turkish feed 4,000 Nigerian families on Sallah Day By-Paul Oluwakoya

HE last Eid-el-Kabir celebration offered an opportunity to promote a cordial relationship between Turkey and Nigeria, as some Turkish Muslims living in the country on Friday embarked on a charity programme.

In Ogun State, the Turkish on Sallah day reached out to 4,000 Nigerian families irrespective of their religious and economic status.

In the spirit of the celebration, they donated beef to orphanages, hospitals, prisons and disabled homes in Lagos and Ogun states.

One hundred and seven cows were slaughtered and the sharing of the beef was led by the management of the Nigerian-Turkish International School (NTIS) and monitored by UFUK Foundation, Kumse Yokmu and some Turkish entrepreneurs who were in the country to monitor and participate in the initiative.

Mehmet Sabapl, the Head of UFUK Foundation, said on the same day, similar campaigns took place in many countries all over the world, adding that “this is done in a bid to promote good relationship among people of different faith and societal standing.” He added: “It was also done to show Nigerians that the more we care for and remember others in the society, the happier and peaceful this world will be for us all.”

Fatih Keskin, the Principal of NTIS, said it is good to extend the hand of love, which is the basis of the initiative.

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Death toll from unrest in western Myanmar rises to 84 HE death toll from last week’s sectarian violence between Buddhist and Rohingya Muslim communities in western Myanmar has reached 84 with 129 injured, state media reported yesterday.

The New Light of Myanmar newspaper said 2,950 houses, 14 religious buildings and eight rice mills were burnt down.

An earlier official estimate set the death toll at 67 while residents and a Muslim party leader in the state capital, Sittwe, about 500 km north-west of Yangon, had placed it at more than 100.

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Last week’s unrest was reportedly sparked by protests against a lack of access to food and international aid in the state’s northern townships, which have been under curfews since June.

Tens of thousands have been displaced since sectarian violence broke out in June after a Buddhist woman was allegedly raped and murdered by three members of the Rohingya Muslim community.

The Rohingyas are descended from migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh and are not considered an official minority or eligible for citizenship in Myanmar.

Ukraine election ‘reversed democracy’, says OSCE I

NTERNATIONAL observers say Ukraine’s election has been a backward step for democracy, marred by “the abuse of power and the excessive role of money”.

The statement from the regional security body OSCE came as early results pointed to a win for President Viktor Yanukovych’s Party of Regions.

Opposition leader and exprime minister Yulia Tymoshenko remains in prison.

Mrs Tymoshenko has announced a hunger strike in protest at alleged vote rigging and is only drinking water.

“One should not have to visit a prison to hear from leading political figures,” the OSCE said.

“Considering the abuse of power, and the excessive role of money in this election, democratic progress appears to have reversed in Ukraine,”

said Walburga Habsburg Douglas, a Swedish MP who headed the OSCE mission.

The criticism contrasted sharply with the international observers’ conclusions on Ukraine’s February 2010 presidential election, judged to have been transparent, unbiased and an “impressive display” of democracy.

That election was won by Mr Yanukovych, defeating Mrs Tymoshenko.

With nearly two-thirds of votes counted, the AFP news agency says Mr Yanukovych’s Party of the Regions has 34.2% of party list votes, compared with 22.5% for Mrs Tymoshenko’s party.

The Party of the Regions is also predicted to take 114 of 225 single-mandate seats, which would secure a majority in the 450-seat assembly.

Turnout Officials said the election had passed off smoothly, with a turnout of some 45% - about average for Ukraine.

Early results indicated the Communists - traditional allies of Mr Yanukovych - were in third place with about 15%.

The new party of world heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko, called Udar (Punch), was on about 13%.

The ultra-nationalist Svoboda (Freedom) party was also poised to surpass the 5% threshold necessary to get seats in parliament. It was polling 8%, according to the early results.

Svoboda campaigns for the preservation of the Ukrainian language and culture and is strongly critical of Mr Yanukovych.

The party has been accused of racism and homophobia.

Although its leader Oleh Tyahnybok has said Jews and Russians are occupiers in Ukraine, Svoboda denies it is anti-Semitic.

The opposition has alleged widespread voting irregularities.

Two international observer missions gave much more positive assessments than the OSCE’s.

The 56 members of the European Academy for Elections Observation, most of whom are European Parliament members, said the vote was held “in compliance with democratic norms”. They called it “a good election, not perfect but clearly acceptable”.

Observers from the ex-Soviet countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) called the election “transparent and democratic”.

Israel strikes targets in Gaza, after renewed rocket fire N Israeli army spokesman said three targets, a rocket launching site and two “terrorist” sites - were struck in one sortie at around midnight.

Witnesses said an unoccupied building under construction was destroyed in central Gaza, east of al-Bureij refugee camp near the border with Israel.

An empty field was also hit on Gaza City’s southern outskirts, as was a training post of the Islamist Hamas movement in southern Gaza, east of Khan Younis. No injuries were reported.

The army spokesman said 11 rockets and mortar shells landed in Israel in the early hours on Monday, after Gaza militants fired another seven on Sunday, including at least

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one Russian-type Grad missile aimed at Beersheba, the largest city in the southern Israeli Negev desert.

It landed north of the city and caused no injuries, but schools were evacuated as a precaution.

The pro-Hamas Popular Resistance Committees said its militants fired Grad missiles.

Hamas’ armed wing, the

Qassam Brigades, said one of its members was killed and another seriously injured earlier on Sunday in an Israeli air strike in Southern Gaza, as he was about to launch a rocket into Israel.

The renewal of the tit-for-tat violence between Israel and militant groups in Gaza came three days after the sides accepted an unofficial, Egyptianbrokered truce.

Ashraf al-Qedra, the spokesman of the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, said that since the latest round of violence erupted on October 22, Israel has killed nine Palestinian militants and wounded 14 others.

Israel said Gaza armed groups have launched more than 615 rockets and mortar shells at it this year.

Tropical storm kills three people in Vietnam T least three members of one family were killed as Tropical Storm Son-tinh hit Vietnam, causing strong winds and heavy rains, authorities said yesterday.

A 30-year-old woman, her two-year-old daughter and 57-year-old father were killed when the boat carrying them capsized in a river on Sunday in the central

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province of Quang Ngai, the provincial Steering Committee for Storm and Flood Control said.

At least 260,000 people were evacuated on Sunday as the storm battered coastal provinces in northern Vietnam with winds of up to 133 km per hour, ripping roofs from hundreds of houses.

Vietnam Airlines cancelled 68 flights over the weekend because of the storm.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

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y husband and I were married for six years without children. We tried everything from going to church to doing all kinds of fertility treatments but nothing worked. I finally got pregnant and had a baby two weeks ago. My husband has been so excited that he is planning a very big party. He says that I have given him the biggest gift anyone can give him and he is even inviting his friends from America and London and putting them in hotels for the party. But here is the problem. He is not the father of the child. I know I did a terrible thing but when you are desperate, you can do anything. I regret it but I look at this beautiful baby and I am also happy I finally have a baby. I don’t know how to tell my husband the truth – Jane Wow. I don’t know what to tell you either…. If you tell that man that he is not the father of this baby that has brought him so much joy, the truth will kill him. For this reason I say let him enjoy this moment for now. Let him be happy. The baby has been born and you cannot take it back.

Jane you have to live with what you have done and avoid doing more damage. You also need to realise that no matter the difficulty that you may be going through in your life, things can change in a second. You cannot give up hope.

You don’t know the future. The fact that it took so long for you to have a baby does not mean you could not have had that baby with your husband. There is a future and a time table that has been written for everybody. You should respect your destiny, rather than trying to change it by having another man’s baby – Uche I am a 38 year old married man on anti-hypertensive drugs.

I am always having very quick ejaculation and my wife does not find it funny. Secondly, I love oral sex but any time I want to perform oral sex on my wife, a funny kind of odour comes out no matter how hard she washes. Please what drugs do you advise us to take for these two problems?

Thanks – David

Hello David, you don’t need drugs. Use the Sex On the Go Prolong Wipes to last longer. It is a special set of wipes that desensitize the penis for some minutes to enable a man last longer and it is very effective. It also does not affect your hypertension. For your wife, she must have been wearing layers of underwear or synthetic underwear that cuts off air circulation in the vaginal region. For the odour to stop, she has to go a whole day without underwear. Afterwards, she can take a shower and you can try again – Uche Thank you sir for the Mega Me Penis Enlarger. It is working very well and I am so happy - Fred Please how often should I take Sex Voltz and is it really that good? Bernard You take Sex Volts every two to three days and yes it is very good. It works wonders for strong erections, stamina and back to back multiple performances – Uche I have been using Mega Me Penis enlarger for six months now and the result is very good. When can I stop using it?

Archibong You can stop now. The Mega Me dose is six months – Uche My wife experiences low libido and never feels like having sex – Jude Jude let her take Max Desire. It is a libido boosting supplement for women and a stress reliever too. She should also use an arousal gel during intercourse like the Clit Sensitizer Gel Uche The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08191978308 or 08027901621 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com.

Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria.

For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

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NEWS 111 discharged from hospitals Continued from page 1 •Director General, State Security Service, Mr. Ekpeyong Ita (left), receiving the approved list for the distribution of free Federal Government textbooks to 36 States of the Federation for security monitoring from the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike,during a meeting to forge a partnership to check diversion of the textbooks

Abdulsalami’s firm fails to win Eko, Ikeja DISCOs Continued from page 4

Honeywell was approved as the reserved bidder; Enugu Distribution Company: Interstate Electrics Ltd is the preferred bidder; Eastern Electric Nigeria Ltd was approved as the reserve bidder; Ibadan Distribution Company: Integrated Energy Distribution & Marketing Ltd is the preferred bidder; NEDC/KEPCO was approved as the reserved bidder; Ikeja Distribution Company: New Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC)/ KEPCO is the preferred bidder; Vigeo Power Consortium is the reserved bidder; Jos Distribution Company: Aura Energy Ltd as the preferred bidder Kano Distribution Company: Sahelian Power SPV Ltd is the preferred bidder; Port Harcourt Distribution Company: 4Power Consortium is the preferred bidder; Yola Distribution Company: Integrated Energy Distribution & Marketing Ltd is the preferred bidder.

Peterside, with whom is Mrs. Bola Onagoruwa, Director General, Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), at

the end of the council meeting which was presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo, said the council also approved the next steps for the conclusion of the privatisation of the generation and distribution companies.

He said: “After the approval of the results of the financial bids by Council, the highest ranked bidder for each Generation or Distribution Company will be required to post an additional bid security (“Preferred Bidder’s Bank Guarantee”) in the form of a Letter of Credit or Bank Guarantee for 15 per cent (15%) of the transaction value within fifteen (15) business days of notification from the Bureau of Public Enterprises.

The Preferred Bidder’s Bank Guarantee shall be from a Standard & Poor (S&P) or Moody & Fitch “A” rated foreign bank with a correspondent bank in Nigeria or a Nigerian bank rated “A” by a Rating Agency approved by SEC and be valid through 21, calendar days after the stipulated proposal validity period or

any extended proposal validity period.

“The designated Preferred Bidder will be invited for negotiations with BPE. Within 15 business days after signing of the Sale and Purchase Agreement, the Shareholders’ Agreement or the Performance Agreement ‘whichever is earlier, or at a mutually agreed earlier time, the Bidder shall make a down payment of 25% of the share purchase price.

“Within six months after signing of the Sale and Purchase Agreement or the

Shareholders’ Agreement, whichever is earlier or mutually agreed upon time, the Bidder will be required to pay the outstanding 75% of the share purchase price to complete the transaction.

Upon receipt of payment, the Preferred Bidder’s Bank Guarantee will be returned to the bidder within a maximum of four weeks.

“After the completion of payment, the handover of the successor company to the Preferred Bidder will conclude the transaction.”

We’ve put Ondo election behind us, says ACN Continued from page 4

to ourselves, to the people of Ondo State, and to this nation to vigorously protect the integrity of the process both during and immediately after an election.

“We wish to state categorically that we would protect and defend members of our party from the unconscionable harassment and intimidation currently going on in Ondo State against our party members and communi-

ties that voted against the Labour Party.

“We take this opportunity to thank our candidate, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and the entire party for a valiant, dedicated and inspiring effort. We have nothing but accolades for what they did in Ondo State. They fought a good fight. As a party, we shall remain true to our pledge to resist any attempt to thwart the democratic process in Ondo State or any other part of Nigeria”.

that the hospital had discharged 79 patients who were in stable condition.

Officials at the Army Hospital confirmed that 30 patients had also been discharged. Five are still receiving treatment.

In CAN Chairman Rev. Samuel Kujiyat, said: “In this situation, we are also grateful to God because we cannot question Him for allowing the attack.”

“We are giving thanks because the attack was not more than this, and we pray for speedy recovery of the victims.”

Kujiyat dispelled the rumour on the death of the St. Rita’s Catholic Church priest, adding that “he is alive and stable at the Multiclinic Hospital in Kaduna “.

Troops were patrolling the streets yesterday.

Many residents remained indoors as soldiers mounted checkpoints and frisked motorists and passersby. Many businesses remained shut.

Residents said roadblocks were mounted around the scene of the blast and the two flashpoint districts of GoniGora and Tudun-Wada.

“There has been heavy military deployment since yesterday, following the attack. This morning, two armoured cars and more troops arrived in these areas,” said Emmanuel Mayaki, a resident of GoniGora.

Another resident, Hadila Johnson, spoke of an increased presence of soldiers and some checkpoints. He said the roads leading to the church were cordoned off by soldiers.

Military spokesman Colonel Sani Usman told AFP the heavy presence of troops was “to restore law and order”.

The attack on the church during the morning service left at least eight people dead, in addition to the bomber; 145 people were injured.

Although no group has claimed responsibility for the church blast, the incident was similar to previous attacks blamed on extremist group Boko Haram.

Boko Haram’s insurgency is believed to have left more than 2,800 people dead since 2009, including killings by the security forces.

Kaduna State Governor

Patrick Yakowa said yesterday that the suicide bomb at St Rita’s Catholic Church in Ungwan Yero in Malali was intended to kill over 1000 worshipers.

The governor, who returned from vacation abroad on Sunday evening, visited the scene of the blast and the various hospitals where the victims are receiving treatment.

He noted that terrorism in the North is a great setback to the region, saying: “Let us all join hands in bringing an end to this act of terrorism. We must bring an end to the destruction of lives and property of innocent Nigerians. For me I feel so sad each time this thing happens and this is a very sad moment for me; but we thank God because it could have been wore.

“We must all join hands and ensure that we expose and flush out these evil people among us. All these challenges will not distract us from developing the state. Never in the history of the state have we faced these challenges, but we remain unshaken. We remain focused and determined to succeed in ensuring quality life for our people,” he said.

Yakowa said the government would assist owners of property near the church that were also affected by the explosion and foot the medical bills of the victims.

He said: “I have gone to the affected Church, and I have visited all the injured patients and I am deeply saddened by what happened, but I thank God, because it could have been worse.

“I met the priest who was officiating the Mass Service. His name is Rev. Fada Mike Bunni.

He was able to tell me that the bomber was very determined to kill all the over 1000 worshippers in the church. And you could see how daring he was.

“He did not go through the gate. He drove straight against the fenced wall of the Church.

The Priest said that if the fence of the church were not strong, he could have driven through the walls of the church and detonated the bomb there.

Kaduna House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr. Dogara Matto, said the House would pass under 24-hours any law that would improve peace and security.

Hurricane sandy lashes New York Continued from page 1

resist watching the rivers, the harbour and the sea rise around them.

“I don’t think the flood is really going to get all the way to our apartment,” Nicholas Martin said hopefully — and a bit uncertainly — as he stood at the end of a street that drops off into the harbor, in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood. He sipped a cup of coffee and watched water rippling in from the harbor and spreading over the street. It crept up the side of a brick warehouse on the avenue, and around a telephone pole, tiny waves rippling in the wind.

His friend, Malinda Brown, said the pair had briefly considered evacuating but opted to stay put, convinced they would be safe. They weren’t regretting their decision, at least not yet. Farther up the street, though, others apparently had had a change of heart. Three people hastily

piled suitcases and bundles of belongings into a pickup truck and drove off.

With Sandy’s full impact still several hours away, sporadic blackouts were beginning, from New Jersey to Connecticut. On suburban Long Island, 54,000 people were without electricity by midday. More than 52,000 people had lost power in New Jersey, and 25,000 were in the dark in Connecticut.

The morning’s high tide sent water washing over some oceanfront boardwalks, parking lots, residential avenues and heavily traveled thoroughfares. Speed limits on bridges were reduced to as low as 20 mph as winds picked up. The gusts proved too much for a construction crane atop a building in midtown Manhattan, at 7th Avenue and West 57th Street. It toppled over and was left dangling in the wind, dozens of stories above the streets, prompting officials to close off the area. There were no

immediate reports of injuries.

Officials in Manhattan closed large sections of FDR Drive, which skirts the eastern edge of the island, because of flooding. On Manhattan’s southern tip, in Battery Park, workers piled additional sandbags after the harbor surged over the walkway along the water.

The evening tide was expected to be far higher, and the one after that — early Tuesday — higher yet. The Holland Tunnel linking Manhattan to New Jersey, and the Hugh Carey Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel that connects lower Manhattan to Brooklyn, were closed because of potential flooding, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that the city would face a second day of virtual shutdown Tuesday.

Schools were to remain closed, Bloomberg said, and the New York Stock Exchange would also stay dark.

Subways were expected to remain closed as well.

“You can look outside and say, ‘Oh, this is not bad.’

That’s correct, but it is going to be,” Bloomberg said as he pleaded, yet again, for the roughly 375,000 New York City residents living in floodprone areas to heed mandatory evacuation orders.

The city set up more than 70 emergency shelters to accommodate people who had no friends or relatives to stay with, but only about 3,000 people had registered at the centers.

That number seemed likely to rise, if the scene at Seward Park High School in Manhattan was anything to go by. As Sandy neared landfall and as rain began pelting streets nearly devoid of the usual signs of city life, people began streaming into the shelter, pushing suitcases and hampers filled with belongings and often leading small children by the hand.

“I expect a big rush later,” said Don West, deputy chief of the Community Emergen-

cy Response Team, as two women accompanied by three children checked themselves in. Cots — 900 of them — filled the school’s two gymnasiums and lined the second-floor hallways. At least 450 had filled up since the shelter opened Sunday night. “I don’t know where the overflow goes,” said West.

In the school’s auditorium, evacuees sat like bored students at an assembly, watching a small TV blare more Sandy updates as they busied themselves with Sudoko games and crossword puzzles.

Lillian Ward sat on a blue cot inside a gymnasium, hopeful that Monday would be her last of two nights there. Ward lives in one of the city’s 26 public housing developments in mandatory evacuation zones, and she left after the city warned that it would shut off hot water and power — including elevator service — in those buildings

to ensure people left.

“They came and knocked on everybody’s door Sunday,” said Ward, who felt she had no option: She lives on the ninth floor of her building and didn’t want to be stuck there in the dark, having to climb the stairs to her apartment.

Yanira Lassalle also had no choice but to come to the shelter. That’s because she was living in a nearby homeless shelter, which ordered everyone out Sunday.

“I’d rather be at the other shelter. At least we have our own rooms there,” said Lassalle, gazing out across a room full of mainly women and children. She was skeptical about the storm’s potential impact, even as the sky darkened outside. “If it was going to be that bad, it would’ve been bad already,” she said.

Ward disagreed. “I’m not taking any chances. I just want to wait it out,” she said.

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SPORT EXTRA

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late Perpetua Nkwocha goal ensured Nigeria avenged their ouster from the 2012 Olympics by Cameroon with a 2-1 win on Monday at the AWC. Defending champions Nigeria thus began their defence of the Africa Women’s Championship (AWC) title in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, on a winning note.

The water-logged pitch adversely affected the standard of play and denied both sides

AFRICA WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP

Falcons off to flying start W •Defeat Cameroon 2-1 the chance to play a free-flowing game and express themselves.

The Super Falcons started the game on an impressive note as they dominated the first stanza and deservedly took the

lead at the tail end of the first half when Onyinyechi Ohagugha fired a canon from 20 yards.

The Indomitable Lioness of Cameroon fought back on resumption, but it was the Nige-

AFTERMATH OF FALCONS’ 2-1 VICTORY OVER CAMEROON

Gaiya lauds resilient Falcons

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HAIRMAN, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Godfrey Gaiya has praised the resilient nature of the Super Falcons team that beat a hard-fighting Lionesses of Cameroon 2-1 in the opening group match of the ongoing Africa Women’s Championship (AWC) holding in Equatorial Guinea.

The defending Champion laboured yesterday to beat the Lionesses who prevented them from reaching the Olympics Football Tournament in London this year. The legislative member praised the Nigerian team’s resilience and doggedness in the match.

“Super Falcons deserve everybody’s praise from the way they held on to beat a very strong and determined side like Cameroon. I really commend their efforts and if they continue this way I believe we will definitely retain the Cup; it will be tough but these girls can make it happen”, Gaiya told NationSport shortly after the match.

Glo Soccer Academy screening train moves to P/Harcourt

•Tips Nigeria to retain title From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja Gaiya noted that the Falcons have avenged the defeat to Cameroon team that stopped Nigeria’s Super Falcons from qualifying for this year’s Olympics in London.

“I think our girls have rightly taken their pound of flesh in today’s match. This same Cameroon stopped Nigeria from participating in this year’s London Olympics. So, I am happy they won today (yesterday). I am happy that we commenced our campaign on a winning and good note”, the Kaduna-born legislator offered.

“It is very good for a team to win their first match which we did today (yesterday). So today’s (yesterday) match was a revenge match and I am very happy that the girls rose to the occasion by winning the game.”

Gaiya is also upbeat about the chances of the team to retain the trophy they won in South

Africa in 2010.

“I don’t have any doubt in my mind that the Super Falcons are capable of defending their Africa Women’s Championship crown in Equatorial Guinea despite the fact that other Africa nations are fast catching up”, he summed up.

rians who would have doubled the lead in the 49th minute when Stella Mbachu’s 19-yard shot hit the crossbar.

Cameroon then drew level via a 53rd minute penalty converted by skipper Patience Mani after a Nigerian defender committed an infringement inside the box.

They then dominated the better part of second half and would have taken the lead when Louni fired wide in front of an open net after Precious Dede in goal for Nigeria spilled the ball.

Substitute Ngozi Okobi brought life to the Nigeria attack and her pull-out found the durable Perpetua Nkwocha at far post to connect home with a diving header in the 90th minute to seal a hard-earned victory for the African champions.

In Sunday’s opening game, hosts Equatorial Guinea pipped South Africa 1-0.

ITH the successful completion of the Glo Soccer Academy screening for potential players in Benin City and Enugu, the screening team has proceeded to the Garden City of Port Harcourt, where the exercise will start on Wednesday, 31st October at the Liberation Stadium.

Globacom in a statement on Monday confirmed that former internationals, Segun Odegbami, Victor Ikpeba, Tijani Babangida, Anthony Bafoe and Zion Ogunfeyinmi will handle the screening exercise.

From Port Harcourt, Abuja will be the next point where screening will continue from Monday 5th to 6th November, 2012 at the Old Parade Ground while the final screening exercise in Nigeria is slated for the nations’ commercial capital, Lagos at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium,

Williams sisters arrive in Lagos 3pm today

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HE Williams sisters, Serena and Venus are expected to arrive in Nigeria today. The female American tennis superstars will be received at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos at 3pm by journalists before departing for the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos where they will be lodged throughout the duration of their stay.

Venus and Serena are expected to pay a courtesy call on the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola on Wednes-

By Stella Bamawo day at the Government House, Marina just as an interactive session with the media has been slated for the Federal Palace Hotel immediately after their visit to Fashola.

Serena, who dismissed Maria Sharapova 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday to win the WTA Championships for the third time and finish the year with another title, but not the top ranking, would alongside her sister educate young tennis players at the Ikoyi club be-

fore retiring to bed on Wednesday.

A visit to selected schools and a Gala night has been slated for Thursday.

Nigerians would however be availed the opportunity to watch an exhibition match between the two sisters before they leave for the United States of America on Friday.

Serena visited Ghana and Kenya in 2006 and 2008 respectively, but this will be her first visit to Nigeria with her sister, Venus.

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•Odegbami Surulere from Friday 9th to Sunday, 11th November 2012.

The last leg of the screening exercises will hold in two locations in the Republic of Benin between 13th and 14th November, 2012.

The exercise had earlier been held in Ghanaian cities of Tamale, Kumasi and Accra.

Forty five players will be selected from all the screening centers in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic while 33 short-listed players will head for the Glo Soccer Academy at the Glo Soccer Academy facility in Lagos, where they will be trained by top coaches from West Africa and coaches from Manchester United.

The Most Valuable Player will earn N5 million and the remaining 15 will go home with N1 million each. All the 16 finalists will earn the GBam scholarship of N750, 000 each and will go on a training tour at the Manchester United Soccer schools in Carrington, England.

The programme is open to boys between the ages of 14 and 17 years and they are expected to text their name, age and preferred screening location to 3836 to register for the academy.

30-10-2012

TODAY IN THE NATION

‘There are so many of them out there masquerading as leaders and elders, hobnobbing with government in the day but having dinner with Boko Haram at night’ TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2012

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

MONG those who know him or have followed his career with interest, the only surprise in the translation to Cardinal of Dr John Onaiyekan, Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abuja, is that it did not come much earlier.

I belong in both categories.

Onaiyekan and I were born the same year but six months apart in Kabba, Kogi State, and had our primary education there, he at St Mary’s Catholic School, and I at St Andrew’s Anglican School.

Our paths rarely crossed, since we lived in different parts of town, and even when we staged the obligatory Empire Day march every year to the Divisional Office, each school maintained its own formation.

That changed in 1956 when both of us were among a group of primary school pupils specially selected – so we were told — to travel to Kaduna to join our counterparts from other parts of Northern Nigeria to greet Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Phillip on their maiden visit to Nigeria. It was during the trip, and our four-week encampment in Kaduna, that I got to know the boy behind the legend.

His brilliance had long been the talk of the town. Among his peers, he was deemed the person most likely to succeed, not just on account of that brilliance, but also because of his dutifulness, and his impeccable good manners. He had everything going for him, including a handsome, athletic gait that would grow even more winsome in the years ahead.

His given name Olorunfemi (God loves me) could not have been more prescient: He was prodigally gifted.

Back then, the best pupils headed to Government College, Keffi, or the Provincial Secondary School, Okene, via the Northern Common Entrance Exam. Onaiyekan had already decided, it would seem, that those prestigious secular institutions would do little to prepare him for the life of the cloister.

He could have headed to St John’s College, Kaduna, easily the best-known Catholic secondary school for boys in Northern Nigeria and one of the best in the nation. Instead, Onaiyekan chose to go to the little-known Mt St Michael Secondary School run by the Catholic Mission in bucolic Aliade, near Otukpo, in today’s Benue State. There his brilliance and humility instantly endeared him to the authorities and to fellow students.

A schoolmate two years ahead of Onaiyekan once told me how he would call Onaiyekan to some quiet corner, far from the embarrassing gaze of colleagues, to seek his help with knotty problems in geometry or the proper use of the ablative absolute in Latin.

In his final year at Aliade, Onaiyekan’s brilliance thrust him – and his school – into the

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Ave Iohannes, Cardinal (designate) Onaiyekan

•Onaiyekan

national limelight. He came first in the entire Northern Nigeria in the entrance examination into the two-year Higher School Certificate (HSC) programme to prepare students for university matriculation.

His prize was the Isa Kaita trophy, donated

by Alhaji Isa Kaita, the much-respected Northern Nigeria Minister of Education. This achievement so impressed the premier himself, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, that he journeyed all the way to Aliade to present the trophy to Onaiyekan.

With that feat, and a performance of the same vintage in the West African School Certificate examination, Onaiyekan stood to receive a government scholarship to study anywhere he pleased. By the time the WASC results were released, he had already enrolled at the SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, in Ibadan, to prepare himself for the priesthood.

He could have elected to study mathemat-

RIPPLES

They must have attended NIGHT SCHOOL

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SOME LAWMAKERS CAN BARELY WRITE THEIR NAMES - Ekweremadu

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ics or physics or biology or literature or chemistry or indeed any subject at the most renowned institutions in the world, for such was his prodigious talent. He could have become a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer, or an architect. With proper coaching, he could have earned a decent living in professional soccer as a goalkeeper outside these shores.

In the academy, he would no doubt have changed more than a few footnotes. He might even have played a leading part in changing a paradigm. But his commitment to the priesthood was unshakeable.

That commitment took him to Rome for further studies, culminating in a doctorate and versatility in Italian, French, and German and Spanish, took him back to Bodija as a professor of Sacred Theology, and saw him shuttling between wherever he happened to be based and Rome to participate in some of the most important deliberations at The Vatican.

Thus, his translation to the College of Cardinals was a forgone conclusion. The only surprise, as I was saying, is that it did not come much earlier. Something tells me that he has arrived only at a station, not the terminus.

In Nigeria, Onaiyekan has been a font of inspiration, always appealing to the moral law within us as Immanuel Kant called it, always speaking truth to power in measured terms but without equivocation, always seeking to promote acceptance and deepen understanding, always exhorting those who have taken the destiny of Nigeria in their hands to make it the country that Providence has endowed it most bounteously to be.

Not for him, however, the shrillness and sanctimony of a great many of the evangelicals and Pentecostals who are forever invoking “holy ghost fire” on those who don’t share their faith or fervour.

HARDBALL

S

ENATE President David Mark has announced his readiness to join hands with those campaigning for the creation of additional states in Nigeria. He reiterated his view on the subject at the Ojude-Oba annual cultural festival of the Ijebu people where he was a special guest on Sunday. There he argued that, contrary to what many thought, the demand for more states had nothing to do with separatist or isolationist tendencies of Nigerians. The desire for more states, he added, was simply a device to move governance closer to the people. As he put it: “I support the creation of (more) states in this country.

And the National Assembly must work towards that. When we create states, it is not because we cannot live together, but because we want to bring governance closer to the people. A lot of people desire and deserve to feel a sense of governance in this country, and when we create states, that is what would happen.” If he offered any other rationalisation for the exercise, the media did not report it.

In his remarks, Senator Mark also indicated that the National Assembly was in support of additional states, and was already working on the matter. If he had any other reason for the creation of more states, the Ijebu-Ode festival was most suitable for him to educate the

Sometime in 1968, Onaiyekan, then principal of St Kizito’s Secondary School, Isanlu, in Kwara State, came on assignment to Oro, also in Kwara State, where I was teaching at the Grammar School. During the visit, he said Mass at the local Catholic Church.

Not being a Catholic, I did not attend the mass. But it clings in my memory. A friend who was in attendance told me how young women literally swooned that a man so handsome could have chosen to be a priest of all things, and the older women wondered and wondered how his parents could have allowed him to make such a wrong-headed choice. It must be that he was orphaned in childhood and had no one to give him proper guidance, some of them speculated.

No, he was not orphaned. His father was warden of the Catholic Church in Kabba, and even if Onaiyekan was his only child, his father would still not have objected to his entering the priesthood. He is not an only child, however. His older sister was one of the first set of students to graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, where she took a degree in chemistry. Nor is she his only sibling.

While in Oro, Onaiyekan came to my residence on the Grammar School compound.

What seemed to engage him the most in my bachelor home was my bookshelf, chockfull of an eclectic collection of which I was really proud. He picked out one volume from the collection and asked whether I had read it.

It was “The Phenomenon of Man”, by the French Jesuit theologian and paleontologist, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, and I told him rather tentatively that I had read it.

“Did you understand it?” he asked in the manner of a solicitous family doctor.

In the book, with an elegant and engaging preface by the evolutionary biologist Sir Julian Huxley, de Chardin combined insights from his study of fossils with insights from sacred scripture to explain the universe and Man’s place in it.

I told him I found large sections of it tough going.

“Do you have French?” he asked, again in the manner of the solicitous family doctor.

No, I told him.

“No wonder you found it so hard.” He said.

“The French original is far easier to understand.”

That is the image of Dr Onaiyekan that has remained with me ever since: the image of the solicitous family doctor, which translates in clerical terms into the good shepherd, tending his flock ever so solicitously.

The other image is that of a rather reticent savant, more concerned to guide and to make people better and wiser than to appear clever.

Ave Iohannes, Cardinal Onaiyekan.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Mark and creation of more states people. His hosts asked for Ijebu State, to which Mark was well disposed, but his rationalisation for more states was rightly a general one. However, his statement was more notable for the questions it did not answer than the questions it answered. Governance needed to be moved closer to the people, Mark admitted, but at what point would such a movement become unrealistic and indefensibly atomistic? When would creation of states reach its equilibrium point and anything outside that become unreasonable and impracticable? In fact, as far as practicality goes, why would an 18-state structure be better, not more burdensome, than a 12-state structure, or a 36state structure bring government closer to the people than a 21-state structure?

Judging from past experiences, the agitation for the creation of more states will never end, even as the reasons for the campaign will more likely become less and less plausible. It is also unlikely that the states campaigners and their legislative supporters will ever offer truly convincing arguments regarding the optimum point where governance could be said to have achieved the goal of nearness to

the people. The argument, indeed, will always boil down to a struggle between spatial nearness and efficiency nearness. Some larger polities, such as India (Pop, 1.2bn) with 28 states, have fewer states than Nigeria. One state in India, Andhra Pradesh, has a population of 84 million people. The third largest country in the world, the United States (Pop, 312m), has just 50 states, a numerical feat Nigeria seems bent on equaling at the rate it is going.

Senator Mark and the National Assembly should not just be preoccupied with satisfying the yearnings of the people for more states, or of doing justice to all in the exercise, or even of bringing governance closer to the people, with all the dubieties involved.

They must convince themselves of the economic wisdom of replicating the cost of governance in increasing number of states, which new administrative units entail, at a time of shrinking revenue vis-à-vis population growth, and seemingly interminable global economic crisis. The times, it seems, call for more prudence in management of economic resources, not careless dissipation.

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