The Nation Sep 17, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

How Ibori hid cash, UK court told NEW S NEWS

Page 4

•‘No hidden assets with Oando’

News Doctors seek check-up holiday P8 Sports Mikel: Eagles ’ll crush Ethiopia P24 Business Forum faults minister on allocation P11 www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2609 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

N •Orji

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Nigeria puts $200m SWF cash in investment

IGERIA’S Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) has made its first investment, handing over $200m to UBS, Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs to manage a fixed income portfolio.

The first investment, even if relatively small, adds Nigeria to the small cadre of commodity-rich countries that over the

past decade have become one of the most powerful forces in global financial markets through their sovereign wealth funds, according to a report by the Financial Times.

Uche Orji, chief executive of the $1bn Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), told the Financial Times the fund gave UBS

$50m last week to invest in United States (US) Treasuries.

A further $150m is being transferred this week to Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs to build a US corporate bond portfolio.

“This is a major milestone for us,” Orji, a former banker who was recruited to set up the fund last year, said in an

interview in Abuja.

Mr Orji said in June that he had delayed making any initial investments due to the volatility in global markets.

But yesterday he said he felt the bond market was now “fairly valued”.

The first investment comes ahead of this week’s crucial meeting of the Federal Re-

serve. The US central bank is likely to start phasing out its bond buying programme that has kept interest rates at ultra-low levels.

“There is more optimism now,” Orji said.

The Nigeria sovereign wealth fund is the third largest in sub-Saharan AfContinued on page 2

•SUNTAI MUST REST, SAY US DOCTORS P4 •ASUU STRIKE RALLY COMING P6

Jonathan to governors: I didn’t promise one term President makes concessions to end PDP crises

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From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is to be recalled from suspension, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) source told The Nation yesterday.

This is one of the four concessions made

by President Goodluck Jonathan to the Group of Seven governors (G7) at a meeting on Sunday.

But the President was said to have been adamant on 2015, insisting that he never said he would not seek re-election.

He claimed that what he said in Ethiopia was that he would not be a party to tenure elongation.

Despite the concessions, the G-7 governors and the Kawu Baraje-led New PDP are taking their case to the House of Representatives.

They want to brief the leadership of the House on what led to the party’s factionalisation.

According to sources, who spoke on the peace talks at the Presidential Villa, the meeting was “conciliatory”.

One of the sources said: “For the first time, the meeting was conciliatory; there was no tension on all issues, unlike the case at the previous sessions.”

The President came to the meeting with Vice-President Namadi Sambo; the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Obong Godswill Akpabio; the governors of Kogi and Cross River states, Capt Idris Wada and Liyel Imoke.

On the side of the G-7 were the governors of Adamawa, Niger, Rivers, Kwara, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kano “There were preliminary talks on why it is important to keep the party united. The President said his disposition was that ‘whatever Continued on page 2

•Mahmoud

•Friday

•Samuel

EFCC arrests four suspects N2.05b N475.3m for alleged N2.05b fraud N10m N45m

THE FIGURES

•Cash withdrawals and electronic transfers involved in the scam •Cash recovered by the EFCC, allegedly from the suspects

•Worth of the furniture recovered from a suspect’s Lagos apartment

T

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced yesterday a major breakthrough in its antifraud battle.

Four suspects, including two bureau de

•Worth of a fourbedroom deplex recovered in Lagos

change operators - Salihu Liman Mahmoud and Dan Asabe Ibrahim – have been arrested for alleged N2.05billion fraud.

The other suspects are two students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) - Isaiah Friday and Azzaior Samuel.

According to the EFCC, the suspects invaded Union Bank’s database and manipulated it to steal N2.05billon.

The commission said it recovered N475.3million from the suspects.

Other items recovered include furniture worth N10 million from Mahmoud’s one-bedroom apartment in Yaba, Lagos Mainland; four vehicles; landed properties in Kano and Kaduna and a four-bedroom duplex worth N45 million in Lagos According to a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, the suspects specialise in breaking into computer data of banks.

Continued on page 2

•CITYBEATS P10 •SPORTS P23 •POLITICS P45 •PROPERTY P51•FOREIGNP60

2

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

NEWS

‘No one can cajole Jonathan not to contest 2015 election’

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•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi addressing the people of Olorunsogo Local Government Area of the state on a solidarity visit to him in Ibadan...at the weekend. With them are the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Akin Olajide (third right) and the leader of the delegation, the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Emmanuel Oyebisi, Afasegbejo 1 (right).

Alleged N2.05b fraud: EFCC arrests four suspects Continued from page 1

It said their arrest followed a report by Union Bank of Nigeria, Plc. The statement said: “The fraudsters, who specialise in breaking into the computer data base of financial institutions in order to carry out dry posting of funds, were arrested in Lagos and Jos. “ Their arrest came on the heels of a petition which the Commission received from Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Marina, Lagos sometime in January 2013, alleging that a

criminal attack had been launched on its data base known as “Flexcube”, by unknown criminals.

“The criminals falsified the bank records and accounts and created unjustified huge opening balances in several accounts across the bank’s branches and subsequently transferred funds from those accounts to several accounts in other banks.

“The petition, which was signed by A.F Olufade, Head of Fraud Investigation at the bank, said cash withdrawals and electronic transfers total-

ling over N2.05billion was involved in the scam.”

The commission said one of the suspects, Isaiah Friday, who is a computer maintenance artisan, coordinated the scam.

The statement added: “Upon receiving the petition, the Commission’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions Fraud section swung into action.”

Investigations by the commission, however, revealed that Friday, who was carrying out computer system maintenance services for one of Union Bank branches in Jos on a part-

time basis, paved the way for the fraudsters to penetrate the bank’s database. Friday was traced and arrested. His arrest led to the arrest of Azaaior Samuel.

“Investigations further revealed that Mahmoud, who is the mastermind of the fraud with others now at large, had approached Samuel if he knew anyone working with the Union Bank. Samuel gave Friday’s contact and Friday was contacted.

“They told him they needed access to the bank’s database in

cades of oil production, the country has never previously had a sovereign wealth fund or any ringfenced method of saving. Nigeria’s government wants to grow the fund by about $1bn a year, but faces opposition from governors, who receive a share of national revenues. Orji acknowledged that new inflows were not guaranteed, but said that the seed capital was enough for now. “$1bn is not inconsequential,” he said. “Not many

sovereign wealth funds have started out with that amount.”

Under the investment policy approved by the NSIA earlier this year, the fund is split into three pools. The stabilisation fund has a 20 per cent share – the $200m handed over to banks this week. Capital preservation is the main aim, with the fund acting as a buffer against shortterm economic instability.

The future generations and infrastructure funds will each

receive 32.5 per cent, or $325m, with 15 per cent unallocated.

The NSIA has drawn up a long list of financial institutions to manage the future generations fund, which aims for a long-term return of US inflation plus four per cent. Investment options include listed stocks, hedge funds, private equity and real estate.

Orji said he hoped this fund would be running by the end of March 2014. But he expressed concern about rising valuations

Continued on page 60

Nigeria puts $200m SWF cash in investment Continued from page 1

rica, after the $6.9bn Botswana and $5bn Angola funds, though tiny compared to those of oil producers such as Saudi Arabia, Norway and Abu Dhabi, which have more than $600bn in assets each.

The sovereign fund was set up to safeguard oil revenues for future generations, provide a buffer against external shocks and spur infrastructure development in Nigeria. Despite de-

Continued on page 60

RESIDENTIAL adviser Ahmed Gulak said yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan cannot be stopped from contesting in 2015 – if he decides to run.

He told State House reporters that the President’s right to re-contest is guaranteed by the constitution.

The decision to contest or not to contest, he said, is solely for him to take.

The Political Affairs Adviser said: “I have said it before, that 2015, national chairman, EFCC, these are the three demands and we have to be guided by the Constitution.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, gives Mr. President the right to offer himself for second term, if he so chooses and nobody, either individual or group, can abridge his constitutional right.

“If he decides not to contest let it be on his own volition, not because he is intimidated or cajoled into doing that.”

On EFCC and the call for the sacking of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Bamanga Tukur, Gulak said: “Secondly, about EFCC,

Continued from page 1

which could be amicably resolved’. He spoke as a leader with national interest above all other considerations.

“Everyone also spoke on the fact that the issues at stake could be well-managed,” the source said.

All issues were reportedly treated one after the other. The President and his team made the following concessions: •immediate lifting of the suspension of Governor Rotimi Amaechi by the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP; •return of party structures to all the governors, including those of Rivers and Adamawa states; •raising a committee to visit Rivers State, like it was the case with Adamawa State, to build consensus and restore party structure to the governor; and the •the governors and party leaders should leave Jonathan to decide Tukur’s fate. One of the aggrived governors’ conditions for peace is Tukur’s removal On the 2015 poll, another source quoted the President as saying: ‘I did not give anybody any commitment that I won’t seek re-election.”

The source said: “Jonathan

Abuja

I have said it before and will say it again, Mr. President will never ask such an independent body not to carry out their job or statutory function. The third is about national chairman and I have said he emerged through the process of election and his removal is also guided by constitutional provisions.

“The national chairman has no problem, he was elected and I always say that as there are processes for election, there are processes for removal or resignation. So nobody can cajole anybody to say the national chairman will not survive.

Nobody is against the national chairman.”

On the allegation that the treasurer of the New PDP was forced to resign, Gulak said: “I have never said there is a faction, I have always said they are aggrieved members. There was even no national treasurer as far as we are concerned.

The National Treasurer of the party is Bala Buhari, that is the man we elected at the Eagle Square on August 31.”

Mark, Ekweremadu, others survive PDP crisis

A

HEAD of today’s resumption from recess, Senate President David Mark and his deputy Ike Ekweremadu and most of the principal officers would remain in office in spite of the factionalisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

About 45 out of the 55 PDP Senators last night resolved not to tamper with the leadership.

Ten others could not make it to the meeting from their vacation bases abroad because of the emergency nature of the session.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that a meeting of the PDP Caucus was convened following cracks in the ruling party which also control the majority.

It was learnt that most PDP Senators were recalled from vacation abroad to close ranks following fears that the ruling par-

Jonathan to governors: I didn’t promise one term is going on is a family fight

From Augustine Ehikioya,

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ty might become the minority in the National Assembly as a result of the emergence of a New PDP led by Alhaji Kawu Baraje.

There were concerns that with 22 Senators in the New PDP joining forces with the opposition, the principal officers of the Senate, including Mark, might be asked to step aside for a new leadership.

Although the presidency and the Senate leadership had initially underrated the threats from the New PDP, it was gathered that Mark and his team decided to launch a counter-plot by keeping the PDP Caucus united.

The two-hour meeting was alleged to be a response to curtail rebellion from the New PDP in the Senate.

A top source said: “It was a pre-emptive meeting. It got to a Continued on page 60

Aggrieved governors agreed not to stop President, says Akpabio

T

HE Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governor’s Forum and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, said yesterday that the aggrieved governors had agreed to drop their demand seeking to stop President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in 2015.

Seven aggrieved governors - Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Abdulafatah Ahmed (Kwara), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) - on August 31, broke away from the main party to form the “New PDP” under the chairmanship of Kawu Baraje.

One of the demands of the aggrieved group is that Jonathan should drop his 2015 ambition.

But, reviewing with State House reporters over the Sunday night meeting between President Jonathan and the aggrieved governors, Akpabio said the issue was dropped because ambition is a personal thing to an aspirant. clarified that what he said in Ethiopia was that as a democratic leader, he would not elongate his tenure under any guise. He said since the crisis in the party was basically on 2015, it is a matter that can be addressed later.

“His body language suggested that he won’t compromise his ambition to contest in 2015. But it was not a major issue yet at

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

He said: “That is why I said that the processes are on and, of course, on the issue of 2015, both sides agreed that it wasn’t an issue for discussion because every single person has a right to nurse ambition.”

“Some of the governors may have ambition, like I have ambition to go to the Senate and you can’t discuss anything about another person’s ambition. You are the only person that can discuss your own ambition.

Ambition is personal. So both parties agreed to that,” he added The other demands, including the removal of the party’s national chairman, Bamanga Tukur, and a presidential order stopping the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC’s) alleged witch-hunting would soon be resolved, according to Akpabio.

He said: “In all other issues, we have put in place methodologies of settling them and of course, it’s a process issue. Process is on.

the peace talks.”

Responding to a question on the feasibility of the concessions, another source said: “The President appeared willing, except that when it came to the crisis in Rivers PDP, he said they were ready to return the executives of the party but they needed to set up a committee that will go to the state to reunite all the stakeholders.

It was in the first place an internal issue of the PDP and so we are going to settle it internally and if you want to know how it is going to be settled, then you have to leave being a journalist to join the PDP family.”

On the peace process, he said: “Well. What you heard is true. The PDP family is coming back together. We have started a process of total reconciliation and, of course, you know the house is very large , very robust and PDP is very entrenched and there is no way we can have internal wrangling without being able to resolve. So, clearly speaking, it was just a family disagreement and the processes are in place now to bring everybody on board and Nigerians are very happy.”

He said that there was no specific conditions for the reconciliation as the issues involved differ from state to state.

He said: “The disagreement differs from state to state. So, it wasn’t as if there was a major issue with all PDP governors. There

“The President was, however, straightforward on the recall of Amaechi from suspension when he said his team could ‘announce the lifting of the suspen-

Continued on page 60

sion right away’” Sensing the caveat on Rivers PDP, Amaechi simply said: “Don’t lift my suspension, until everything is settled,” it was

OUR ERROR On page 17 of yesterday’s edition, we erroneously refered to Justice James Omo-Agege as the late father of Obasiri Ovie Omo-Agege. The eminent jurist is still alive. The mix-up is regretted

•Akpabio

learnt.

On Tukur, the source added, the President did not make any categorical statement or commit-

Continued on page 60

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

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

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How Ibori F

•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi (second left), Deputy Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu (left), Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) Dr. Muhammed Ahmad (second right) and Secretary to the Osun State Government , Alhaji (SSG) Moshood Olalekan Adeoti, during a courtesy call on Fayemi in his office in Ado-Ekiti...yesterday.

•From left: Chairman, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Mr Jacobs Moyo-Ajekigbe; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Olusegun Aganga; and Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Mr. Peter Eshikena at a dinner in honour of visiting Supervisory Board members of the Royal FrieslandCampina from The Netherlands in Lagos... at the weekend.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

ORMER Delta State Governor James Ibori hid some of his assets in the oil firm Oando and money passed from the company’s accounts to his Swiss accounts, a British prosecutor told a court yesterday.

Ibori, who governed Delta State from 1999 to 2007 and influenced national politics, was jailed for 13 years in Britain after pleading guilty in February last year to 10 counts of fraud and money-laundering worth 50 million pounds ($79 million).

One of the biggest embezzlement cases seen in Britain, the successful prosecution of Ibori was also a rare example of a senior Nigerian politician being held to account for the corruption that blights Africa’s most populous country.

A three-week confiscation hearing began at London’s Southwark Crown Court yesterday during which prosecutors will present evidence of Ibori’s assets and seek court orders to have them seized. Defence lawyers will dispute the prosecution case.

Prosecutor Sasha Wass told the court she would be presenting evidence that Ibori had “asserted ownership of a large part” of Oando, Nigeria’s biggest home-grown oil firm which is listed in Lagos, Johannesburg and Toronto.

“The Crown will assert that Oando is a company where James Ibori has hidden assets,” Wass said, giving no further details. She is expected to elaborate later in the proceedings.

Oando is not a party to the case, although British lawyer Andrew Baillie was in court representing the firm’s interests.

A spokesman for Oando in Lagos said in 2004, the company sold $2.7 million of its foreign exchange earnings for naira in three transactions over about seven months with a company that had turned out to be controlled by Ibori.

Oando did not know at the time that Ibori was behind the company, he said.

The spokesman also said at

•Ibori

present, Ibori had an “insignificant” shareholding in Oando. $15 MILLION IN CASH At the time of Ibori’s sentencing in April last year, Judge Anthony Pitts said the 50 million pounds that he had admitted to stealing may be a “ludicrously low” fraction of his total booty, which could be more than 200 million pounds.

The confiscation hearing will shed further light on the scale of Ibori’s wealth and determine whether he emerges from jail impoverished or still in possession of a large enough fortune to regain a position of influence in Nigeria.

Wass said Nuhu Ribadu, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would testify later in the hearing. He alleges that in 2007, Ibori tried to stop EFCC investigations into his affairs by offering Ribadu of $15 million bribe in cash.

Ibori, who is at Long Lartin maximum security prison in central England, could be released as early

U.S. doctors:

T

•From left: Product Manager-PC, Samsung Electronics Mr Matthew Iwundu, Business Manager B2B Mrs Ruth AtsegbuaMohammed, Managing Director, Certified Systems Limited Mr Emmanuel Ochie and Marketing Manager IT, Samsung Electronics Mr Chima Ezenwanne at the Samsung Customer Forum for the Samsung IT Products in Bauchi... yesterday.

• Kogi State Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi (right) receiving his fellowship certificate from the President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered)Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole (left) and Past President, NIM Dr Sally Adukwu-Bolujoko at the 2013 Annual National Management Conference of the institute in Uyo, Akwa Ibom...yesterday.

ARABA State Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai should be resting, a source at the Seaview Hospital and Rehabilitation Home in Staten Island, New York, USA, has said.

The source, who spoke with The Nation in confidence, said: “That man needs rest and I mean, good rest.”

He added: “One of the strongest recommendations handed to his family and officers is that he should be allowed to have good rest due to what happened to him plus the shock and trauma he had been through over the last ten months.

“He suffered from what, in medical terms is called, Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI), which is a very difficult and rotational condition that is associated to brain injuries. During the period of his rehabilitation, he often relapsed into and out of bouts of trauma due to the injury on his brain from the plane crash in October, last year. Many people who suffer DAI need absolute rest of mind and body for a long period of time for them to fully recover, while in the extreme, a few others do not survive it.”

When The Nation reporter informed the medical official that the man was about to resume duties in Taraba State, the official blurted: “I strongly advise against that for now.

By Joke Kujenya, just back from Staten Island, New York, USA

If allowed the necessary period of rest without interruption, I bet you, he could snap out of his condition sooner than expected. But if they play politics with his health, I can only tell you with certainty, that is very dangerous to his overall life. If he is tossed here and there, the man could enter a sudden state of seizure and go into morbidity which is often what happens to patients with traumatic brain injuries.

“The man needs rest. That man should not be made to involve in any stressful activities until he has been certified fit medically. Well, I don’t know how you operate in your country, but back here, that man would be given his rest and care.

He is not a hopeless case, no, he is not. But if what you’re saying is true, then, I am disappointed in all those who were at the hospital with him, who all saw his medical referral papers from the Hanover Medical School Hospital, Hanover, Germany, all lined out in thick yellow ink, that: ‘patient must be allowed to rest’. I am telling you his fast recovery is dependent on his being left alone to recuperate and rest. Any other thing is injurious to his life.”

Noting that getting access to his

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

5

NEWS

hid cash, by UK prosecutor

•Mrs Ibori

F

•Ribadu

•Wass

‘Ex-Delta governor has no hidden assets in Oando’

ORMER Governor of Delta State James Ibori has no hidden assets in Oando Plc, the company said last year.

The firm said the ex-governor has insignificant shares in it, adding that it had not been involved in money laundering.

Its Corporate Communications Manager, Alero Balogun, said the company was a publicly traded one, therefore, the management doesn’t control transactions on the floor of the Stock Exchange.

She said: “We state categorically that Mr. James Ibori does not own ‘a large part of as 2016 because he spent two years in custody before his sentencing and because he will be eligible for parole halfway through his prison term.

He was not in court yesterday and

Oando’ and that this statement is incorrect and misleading. Oando is a publicly traded company listed on the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges and does not and cannot control the trading in its securities on the floor of the respective exchanges.

“Based on our current shareholding register, Mr. James Ibori’s shareholding stands at 443 shares out of a total issued and paid up share capital of 6.8 billion ordinary shares, which is clearly insignificant, and cannot be considered as ‘a large part of Oando.”

Oando also stated that “it does accept that

his lawyer Ivan Krolick said Ibori did not wish to attend the confiscation hearing although he would come to court to give evidence if necessary.

In May, the Court of Appeal

sometime in 2004, in the normal course of its business, it sold some of its foreign exchange earnings for Naira and the recipient of the US Dollars was a company which has now turned out to be one controlled by James Ibori. At the time of the transaction, this information was unknown to Oando. The total amount was US$2.7 million made in three separate transactions over a period of about seven months. This amount was insignificant considering the company’s turnover of approximately US$800million in 2004.

“The above constitutes the only transac-

rejected Ibori’s appeal against the length of his sentence.

During his sentencing hearing, the court heard Ibori had acquired six foreign properties worth 6.9 million pounds, a fleet of luxury cars

tions between Oando and any company controlled by Mr. Ibori. Consequently, Oando cannot be described as a company where James Ibori has hidden assets as a result of these foreign exchange transactions.”

Commenting on the statements made in court, Andrew Baillie QC, counsel representing Oando also stated outside the courtroom: “It is unfortunate that our client has been dragged into these proceedings. There is no suggestion from the prosecution of any wrongdoing or involvement in wrongdoing on the part of Oando.”

including a Bentley and a Maybach 62, and that he had tried to buy a $20million private jet. His three daughters were attending a private school in rural England.

British authorities hope Ibori’s

case may stop corrupt Nigerian politicians coming to Britain, as a place to spend money on houses, luxury goods or private education for their children.

Suntai must get good rest ‘ The man needs rest. That man should not be made to involve in any stressful activities until he has been certified fit medically. Well, I don’t know how you operate in your country, but back here, that man would be given his rest and care. He is not a hopeless case, no, he is not. But if what you’re saying is true, then, I am disappointed in all those who were at the hospital with him, who all saw his medical referral papers from the Hanover Medical School Hospital, Hanover, Germany

•Suntai on arrival from the U.S.

medical records would be a tall order in the USA, the medical personnel said utmost caution must be applied in his situation. “That man is a very fragile case, but what I am sternly advising is that the instruc-

tions handed from his medical doctors should be duly obeyed and followed to save his life. Great caution must be applied if they want him to snap out of the trauma. I’m still dazed because these are some of the

‘

warnings duly handed to those who came for him at the hospital before he was discharged to them the previous weekend.”

Another medical official, who also spoke to the reporter, noted that

on one of the days while Suntai was being taking care of, he tried to talk but could not immediately form the words.

“In USA, that singular incident gives us confidence that if his case is

well handled as his doctors had advised, he would fully recover. But any other thing could result in a grave consequence. Going by your submission that he is being made to work, my advice is, “I will say not now. Let him have the prescribed rest. He has only one life to live. All that is required is patience in giving him the due care and medication.

Only medical doctors can certify him fit and up till he returns for that, no, he can’t work just yet.

“At the time he tried to talk, I can only guess if he wanted to talk about the plane crash, but that is basically my own assumption. But I know that many times, he looked lost and hurt.

But he was mostly quiet during his period of rehabilitation.

“And all the way from the Hanover Medical School (MHH), the university medical centre in Germany, one of the strongest points on his medical file is that he must be allowed comprehensive rest. Too bad, this is the vital part your country, Nigeria, seems to be toying with. And quite often too, he was like a man under a spell because after that time, he was never able to make perceptible comments till he left the hospital. However, like I told you, his case is not hopeless.

The man will get over his situation if only all the medical instructions are adhered to.”

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NEWS

APC to Fed Govt: don't let Nasarawa become flash point T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Federal Government to act fast to prevent Nasarawa State from becoming another trouble spot in the country.

The party said the violence being perpetrated by the Ombatse cult/ethnic militia in the state “is fast spiralling out of control”.

In a statement yesterday in Lagos by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the APC noted that should the Federal Government fail to act fast, Nasarawa State, which has the longest stretch of boundary with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), might be plunged into a crisis that would have a far-reaching effect beyond the state.

It said the lessons of the Boko Haram insurgency which, through the same attitude now being exhibited towards the Nasarawa crisis, was allowed to fester and then degenerate into a slowmotion warfare, should guide the Federal Government to quickly bring the Nasarawa crisis under control.

The APC said the killing of over 60 security operatives in May, by those believed to be members of the cult/ethnic militia, provided perhaps the best opportunity to deal a decisive blow to the cult.

The statement reads: “In an inexplicable decision, the Federal Government resort-

ed to a policy of appeasement against those who killed security operatives who were carrying out their lawful duties. These mindless cultists were supposedly forgiven without any of them being brought to justice, thus emboldening them to continue to perpetrate their dastardly acts.

“The killing of security agents, last May, was not the first time the cult had attacked individuals and security operatives. Past attacks include the one between May 30 and June 1, last year, when the cult killed 15 people in an attack on Assakio community; the one on November 21, also last year, when the cult attacked Agyaragu community, killing nine people and the November 17, last year's attack, when the cult mounted illegal road blocks and attacked motorists and commuters, injuring several people, including soldiers and other security agents.

“Unfortunately, the kid gloves with which the cultists have been treated by the Federal Government, even after the killing of the security operatives, has meant more killings and destruction of property. The latest occurred last week, with deadly consequences.”

The party said while it was not suggesting - and would not support an unbridled use of force that may inflict a col-

lateral damage on innocent citizens - it believed that bringing to justice the perpetrators of crime among the cultists would be a good starting point.

It said while the state government has acted promptly and firmly, including by proscribing the dangerous group, meeting with elders from the Eggon ethnic group and others to seek a peaceful solution and the sustained surveillance on the activities of the group, the federal government has yet to show the same level of commitment to efforts aimed at halting the cult's activities.

APC wondered whether the federal government would have remained equally docile in tackling the dangerous cult if it had been operating in a state that is not in the opposition, like Bayelsa or Rivers for example.

“How has a vicious cult become a sacred cow that can so easily mow down security operatives without consequences? Why does the Federal Government need to wait before there is a conflagration before embarking on a panic deployment of troops to the areas hit by the latest attack by the Ombatse cult in Nasarawa? These and other questions are now being asked by right thinking Nigerians within and outside the state.

“Unfortunately, the insinuation in certain quarters now is that the Federal Government has deliberately delayed action in bringing the cultists to justice for the crimes they have perpetrated or in stopping them from committing further atrocities because it wants the situation to deteriorate so it can then benefit from the chaos by taking over the state, either by hook or crook.

“It is also being said that the fact that the Eggon ethnic group boasts of powerful sons, including one who is now the acting Minister of Defence, may be the reason why a dangerouslyevolving killing machine has been allowed the leeway to continue to perpetrate its devilish activities.

“We do not know if the insinuation is true or not. But the only way the FG can convince Nigerians, especially victims of the Ombatse cult/ethnic militia, that it is not tacitly endorsing the activities of the cult, is to join hands with the state government to stop the cult in its tracks and bring to justice those among them found to have committed crimes. Failure to do this will only confirm the insinuation that the FG is shielding those who pose a clear and present danger to the peace and security of Nasarawa, the FCT and the entire country, just to pave the way for an easy take over f the state by the Peoples Democratic Party” the party added.

State of emergency succeeding, says Ekweremadu

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HE ongoing state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states has been succeeding, ECOWAS Parliament Speaker Ike Ekweremadu has said.

Ekweremadu, who is Nigeria’s deputy Senate President, hailed the Federal Government for waging a successful war against terrorism and insurgence in the country and other West African nations.

A statement by his Media Adviser Uche Anichukwu, said Ekweremadu spoke yesterday at the opening of this year’s Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

Ekweremadu said: “The success of the subsisting state of emergency in some parts of the country has left no one in doubt that Nigeria does not have the minutest space or any iota of tolerance for terrorism and insurgency.

“It has demonstrated that Nigeria has the might and firepower to sack the merchants

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor, Abuja

of terror as well as the profound compassion to forgive those who truly repent and turn away from wilful destruction of life and property.”

The deputy Senate president added that Nigeria’s progress in the war against terrorism was important to the sub-region, given Nigeria’s “strategic position as a key player in the integration project and indeed a pivot of political, social and economic development in the subregion”.

Ekweremadu urged the remnants of the insurgents to denounce terrorism and extremism to ensure that the efforts of the Federal Government, through the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, are successful.

According to him, insur-

Wogu urges employers to comply with Compensation Act

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HE Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu, has urged employers of labour to comply with the provisions of the Employees Compensation Act (ECA) to protect their workers in the event of injuries at workplaces.

Wogu spoke in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, during the second prize-giving and award ceremony of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA)/National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) for companies operating in the South-South.

The minister said the aspect of the Act, which provides for mandatory deduction of a certain percentage of work-

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

ers’ monthly salary for the Employers’ Compensation Scheme (ECS), was necessary for private and public employers.

He noted that compliance with the scheme would ensure that workers get their compensation when they sustain injuries at workplaces.

Wogu said NSITF, the operators of the ECS, in partnership with NECA and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, was working hard to ensure that the scheme becomes more efficient while injured employees at workplaces get their compensation without stress.

I’m through with presidential ambition, says IBB From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

F •President Goodluck Jonathan (right) presenting a souvenir to the outgoing Ambassador of Burkina Faso, Mr. Dramane Yameogo, in Abuja...yesterday

ASUU strike: Group plans mass rally against govt

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PRO-LABOUR civil coalition, the Joint Action Front (JAF), yesterday urged Nigerians to prepare for a mass rally it is planning to compel the Federal Government to release funds for the implementation of the agreement it reached with the striking university lecturers.

JAF said with millions of students currently idle at home because of the ongoing strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), coupled with the reluctance of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to accede to the lecturers’ demand, the situation may linger.

The solution, he said, lies in compelling the government to do the right thing through a “mass action”.

Addressing reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, JAF’s Secretary Comrade Abiodun Aremu said the government should be held responsible for the spate of strikes in the nation’s education sector.

He urged Nigerians to join the mass mobilisation to “save public education” in the country.

Aremu said: “JAF is committed to the

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

nationwide, zonal and state protests until the government is compelled to give public education the priority attention it deserves.

“We urge students and workers in formal and informal sectors, parents and

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pro-people organisations across the country to join the mass mobilisation to save public education.

“Students from the universities have been at home since July 1 because of the ASUU strike. For three months, polytechnic students had their academic calendar disrupted for similar reasons.

APC Reps to resist plot to oust leadership, weaken opposition

EMBERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives have said they would resist the moves by those they called external forces to weaken the opposition and destabilise the leadership in the House.

A top ranking opposition member in the House, who spoke in confidence, alleged that some external forces planned to remove major figures in the leadership of the House on its resumption from the two-month recess.

The member said the move would be resisted because the opposition has al-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

ways been the backbone of the House.

He said: “We have discovered that some people outside the House have perfected a plot to weaken the leadership of the APC with the ultimate goal of ousting the Speaker.

“By dividing the ranks of the APC, they want to hit at the strong support base the of the leadership.

“We have found out that they have already recruited some members of the APC to destabilise the leadership and cause confusion.”

ORMER military President Ibrahim Babangida said yesterday his time for seeking the presidential seat was up.

The general said he would work with other northern governors to emulate Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko’s agricultural skills acquisition programme for the revival of agriculture in the region.

He said: “If that is done, the region would have made tremendous breakthrough and boosted its economic strength.”

Babangida, who visited Second Republic President Shehu Shagari, spoke in Sokoto when he inaugurated a Modern Agricultural Skills Acquisition Centre at Milgoma, Bodinga Local Government Area.

The centre is among the various projects executed by the state government and inaugurated by the former military leader across the state.

Babangida was accompanied by AVM Hamza Abdullahi (rtd) and Hassan M. Jalo, among other personalities.

He said: “The stage is now for the likes of Wamakko.

I want to be convinced that Wamakko is working based on what we have seen.

Medview Airlines to convey 5,500 pilgrims to Saudi

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EDVIEW Airlines yesterday said it will convey 5,500 intending pilgrims to Medina, Saudi Arabia, from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos and Ilorin International Airport in Kwara State.

Its Managing Director, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, said before the end of the week, all the intending pilgrims allotted to the airline would be flown to the holy land from three zones: Lagos, Ilorin and Port Harcourt.

He said the airline had put everything in place to ensure a hitch-free operation for the pilgrims from the Southwest

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

and other parts.

Bankole said the airline’s job had become easier in line with the terms of reference set by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The Oyo State Government yesterday sealed a deal with the airline to carry some of its intending pilgrims to the MMIA from the Ibadan airport.

The pilgrims, as early as noon, were at the Ibadan airport, awaiting the arrival of the aircraft to convey them to Lagos.

THE NATION TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

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How expectant passenger forced Arik Air to divert aircraft to Spain

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•Senator Magnus Abe (middle) cuts the tape to inaugurate the 1500 capacity Biara Town Hall. He is flanked from right by Mene Suamu Baridam, Gbenemene Bagha, King Banabas Bagia, Gbenemene Gokana, Dr. Peter, Medee, President, Kahote and Godwin Bazari, President, Ogoni Democratic Movement (ODM).

Ineffective leadership, bane of Nigeria’s development, says NIM President

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HE Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) (Chartered) has identified ineffective leadership as the bane of the country’s development since independence.

The NIM President, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, said this yesterday at the opening ceremony of the 2013 annual National Management Conference of the institute in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

He spoke on the theme: “Essentials of Good Governance in the Progressive Transformation of Nigeria.”

Olawale-Cole said Nigeria’s problem had never been paucity of funds and resources, but lack of the political will to do the right thing.

The NIM president said the best democracies in the world thrive on good governance.

He regretted that despite being blessed with abundance of natural and human re-

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From Kazeem Ibrhaym, Uyo

sources, Nigeria has not got it right in leadership.

His words: “While other nations, which are not as equally blessed have moved on due to purposeful and committed leadership, Nigeria has stagnated in almost all facets of its national life due to leadership ineptitude, widespread corruption and other social vices that stall every attempt at effective leadership.

“You will agree with me that it takes a lot of commitment and focus to deliver good governance. The problem of Nigeria has never been that of paucity of funds and resources, but lack of political will to do the right thing. The best democracies of the world thrive on good governance.”

Dr. Olawale-Cole said the theme of the conference was chosen because the institute came to the painful and sad

conclusion that more than ever before in the history of its existence, Nigeria needed an urgent solution to the many leadership and governance challenges besetting it.

He urged the citizenry to be active participants in ensuring good governance rather than criticising government and passing the buck.

Olawale-Cole went on: “Instead of sitting by, criticising government and trading endless blames on why the nation has come to this pathetic leadership crossroads; the institute, which believes in supporting government in finding solution to the problems of governance is using the opportunity provided by this conference to contribute its quota by proffering viable and workable roadmap to the leadership question through the focus on ways to deliver good governance to Nigerians.

“The institute decided to lead

the way in getting the nation out of the quagmire it has found itself because it believes that the task of getting the country up and running should not be left to government alone.”

President Goodluck Jonathan described the theme of the conference as apt, adding that the institute has further demonstrated that it is always committed to supporting the Federal Government in achieving its drive to reposition and turn around the nation’s economy.

President Jonathan, who took time out to outline some of the achievements of his administration, said through the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN), about 100,000 jobs have been created.

He was represented at the event by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Aji.

Atiku deplores police harassment of Amaechi

ORMER Vice- President Atiku Abubakar has deplored the incessant police harassment of Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State.

He said the situation had become incomprehensible, outrageous and humiliating.

In a statement by his media office yesterday, Atiku said he was embarrassed by the ex-

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

cesses and open partisanship against a democraticallyelected governor, who is also the chief security officer of the state.

He urged the police in Rivers State to halt their siege to the new PDP headquarters in

Businessman arraigned for ‘drug trafficking’

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By Joseph Jibueze

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned a 39-year-old businessman Ifeanyi Okafor at the Federal High Court, Lagos, for alleged drug trafficking.

The court, which resumed from a two-month vacation yesterday, ordered that the suspect be remanded at the Ikoyi prisons.

Okafor is on trial for allegedly dealing in a restricted narcotic, Cannabis Sativa.

The prosecutor, Mr. Linus Nor, said the accused committed the offence on May 23 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

He said about 2.3 kilogrammes of a narcotic, otherwise known as Indian hemp, was recovered from the accused during the outward clearance of cargos by the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO).

According to Nor, the accused was apprehended by NDLEA officials attached to the airport.

The alleged offence is said to contravene the provisions of Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act 2004.

The accused pleaded innocent to the charge.

Justice Musa Kurya ordered that the accused be remanded at the Ikoyi prisons, following a remand application filed by the prosecutor.

He adjourned till September 19 for the prosecution to open its case.

Abuja, which has entered its second week.

“Nothing justifies the advocacy for the decentralisation of the police by allowing states to set up their own more than this.

“There is nowhere in the world the police would take sides in private political conflicts at the expense of its constitutional role”, the statement added.

The former Vice- President regretted that the persistent harassment of the governor had gone too far to be tolerated by decent public opinion and other leaders.

The glaring partisanship of the police, Atiku argued, would continue to elicit agitation for state police by Nigerians.

“Police partisanship must stop immediately because it poses a threat to our nascent

democracy. Our police force must concentrate on providing safety and security for Nigerians, who face daily threats of violence and kidnappings.

“Nigeria continues to head in the wrong direction. We face chronic joblessness and now a crippling, three-month long ASUU strike preventing students from attending school. This is where the Federal Government’s focus must be, not on launching partisan police actions”, Atiku said.

The former Vice- President also noted that considering the heavy expenditure state governments make to equip and support the police, the harassment of Amaechi could undermine such cooperation.

Each state in the federation has been contributing from source, one per cent of its allocation towards funding the police.

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

RIK Air yesterday gave account of the circumstances that forced its pilot to divert a London bound aircraft carrying an expectant mother to Palma Mallorca Airport, Spain.

Arik Air flight W3 101, departed Lagos for London, Heathrow on September 15, but had to divert the aircraft due to the urgent medical attention required for a 12-week expectant woman on board.

According to the spokesman for the airline, Mr. Ola Banji, the passenger developed severe pains during the flight.

He said: “Arik Air flight W3 101, which departed Lagos for London Heathrow on September 15, diverted to Palma Mallorca Airport, Spain at 5:44pm due to urgent medical attention for a 12week expectant woman on board.

“The passenger reportedly developed severe pains during the flight. The pains were later accompanied by bleeding with a suspected miscarriage.

“The passenger, who was initially attended to by a medical doctor on board, was 12 weeks pregnant.

“She was later transferred to a hospital in Mallorca for further medical attention.

“The Arik flight thereafter departed Mallorca at 8pm for London Heathrow.

This singular act further demonstrates that Arik Air is passionate about meeting the individual needs of its passengers and is ready to go the extra mile to ensure that safety is not compromised, no matter the cost.

“Excellent customer care is the core philosophy of Arik Air’s business. In the air and on the ground, online and on the telephone, guests can expect respect, courtesy, fairness and care from the airline at all times.

This particular guest did not indicate her pregnancy status to the airline’s Passenger Service Agents (PSA) at check-in and because her pregnancy was 12 weeks, the team didn’t notice her status.

Arik Air exceeds its guests’ expectations through the continuous pursuit of excellence and is considerate and respectful of, and responsive to, the needs of guests. The airline remains committed to offering a superior level of customer service and aims to deliver on all promises made to guests.”

Jonathan greets Braithwaite at 80 From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

•Braithwaite

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday felicitated with a prominent lawyer, civil rights activist and political leader, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, who turns 80 today.

In a congratulatory letter to Dr. Braithwaite on the occasion of his 80th birthday, President Jonathan praised the elder statesman’s life-long commitment to the pursuit of better living conditions for Nigerians.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said: “On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend warm felicitations to you on the landmark occasion of your 80th birthday anniversary.

“Over the years, you have remained steadfastly committed to the pursuit of the ideals of excellence and selfless service in your personal life, your chosen legal profession and in your political exertions on behalf of the masses of our nation.

“As you deservedly celebrate this glorious day with your family, friends, protégés, and numerous well-wishers, it is my prayer that Almighty God grants you many more happy years of fulfillment and distinguished service,” President Jonathan wrote.

He wished Dr. Braithwaite a happy 80th birthday celebration.

CHANGE OF NAME SALAWU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Salawu Ozavirenyi Mariam, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sadiq Ozavirenyi Mariam. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AGWU MICHAEL KALU and MICHAEL PAUL refers to one and the same person now wish to be known and addressed as MICHAEL PAUL. All former documents Remain valid. General public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME The Children of KEN EZEMA formerly wish to be known as follows: 1)Munachim Ezema now wishes to be known and addressed as Munachim Kengolden 2) Chilotam Ezema now wishes to be known and addressed as Chilotam Kengolden 3)Nneoma Ezema now wishes to be known and addressed as Nneoma Kengolden 4)Esomchukwu Ezema now whishes to be known and addressed as Esomchukwu Kengolden. All former documents remain valid. American Embassy, Irish high conmission and general public take note.

THE NATION TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

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OLUSEGUN KOKUMO AGAGU (1948 - 2013) APC chieftain mourns From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Alhaji Abass Oloko, has mourned the former Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Agagu. He described it as a great loss.

Oloko said Agagu died at a time the country needed his contributions most, adding that he was an erudite scholar and an elder statesman, who was a role model for many Nigerians.

He spoke yesterday when he visited his Bodija, Ibadan home.

Said he: “Dr. Agagu’s death is very painful, but there is nothing we can do than to console ourselves with the good life he lived. He devoted his life to selfless services. He lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation and would forever be remembered.”

According to Oloko, Agagu was a prudent administrator.

He said he demonstrated this in the way he governed Ondo State, as he managed the state’s resources prudently.

He went on: “He spoke the truth at all times and never shied away from his responsibilities. May Allah grant him eternal rest and have mercy on him. All what he left behind, may they continue to flourish.”

NMA seeks medical check-up holiday

Goje crestfallen

HE Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Federal Government to declare a public holiday for health check-ups.

It described the death of Ondo State former governor Olusegun Agagu as a great loss to the state and the nation.

NMA spoke in a statement issued by its National President Dr. Osahon Enabulele in Lagos.

X-MINISTER of State for Power and Steel, Alhaji Danjuma Goje, has joined millions of Nigerians in condoling with the family of the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

Between 2000 and 2002, Alhaji Goje was the minister of State for Power and Steel and Dr. Agagu was the minister in the ministry.

The following year, the two men became governors in their states (Agagu in Ondo and Goje in Gombe). Now that Agagu is dead, Goje is crestfallen.

Goje said: “His death came to me as a shock.”

Goje, now a senator, said in a statement by his media aide, Ahmed Yaro: “Dr. Agagu was a gentleman, quite brilliant and very patriotic. When we ran the Power and Steel Ministry together, you could see his patriotism for the country.

He was very dedicated and committed. It must have been these qualities that the people of Ondo State saw in him, and for which they elected him as the governor in 2003.”

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The statement reads: "It was with shock and great distress that the leadership of the NMA learnt of the demise of the former Governor of Ondo State Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

"The former governor was reported to have slumped and died in his Lagos home on September 13, after returning from his vacation in the USA. "We condole with the entire Agagu family and the government and people of Ondo

S The late Agagu

State on the sudden death of their former governor."

Enabulele said the circumstances surrounding the death reinforced the association's call on Nigerians to collaborate with the NMA to promote its campaign on healthy living.

He urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of consulting their licensed doctors for periodic health check-ups.

The NMA president said regular health check-ups could

help reduce spine-chilling incidence of sudden deaths among Nigeria's productive men and women.

Enabulele said: "We renew our call on the Federal Government to declare a public holiday for health check-ups in Nigeria, at least once a year.

"The programme should be followed by some incentives to encourage Nigerians to subject themselves to the exercise."

‘He was a first-class brain’

ENATE Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba yesterday described the death of former Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Agagu as a shock and a loss to the Nigerian intelligentsia.

Ndoma-Egba, in a condolence message, noted that “the late Agagu was a firstclass brain, who was an as-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

set to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

He said Agagu used his wealth of experience in running the party at the local and national levels.

Said he: “As a former governor of Ondo State, Agagu tried his best for his people;

his contributions would not be forgotten in a hurry.”

The Senate Leader enjoined the Agagu family to take consolation that “your father served his people to the best of his ability when he had the opportunity.”

He added that the family should “please not be heartbroken over his sudden demise.”

Fayose: he’ll be missed

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NUJ, Ondo lawmaker lament death From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has described the death of the former Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Kokumo Agagu as shocking and a colossal loss.

The union said the late academic-turned-politician would be remembered for his belief in the Nigerian project and the emancipation of his people.

Commiserating with the government and people of Ondo State on the irreparable loss, NUJ noted that the late Iju Odo-born politician was an accomplished academic, who stood for honesty of purpose.

It said the sudden death of the former governor was an eclipse that darkened the day.

Praying for the repose of his soul, NUJ said God should give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

A lawmaker representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency, Mr. Ifedayo Abegunde, has sympathised with the indigenes on the death of the former governor.

He said his death came at a time when the citizens were appreciating him because of the monumental projects he embarked upon.

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•Dr. Agagu’s widow, Olufunke (left) being consoled by the wife of former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, when she visited the Agagus in Ikoyi, Lagos...yesterday.

Akume condoles with family

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HE Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, has condoled with Governor Olusegun Mimiko and the family of Dr. Olusegun Agagu on his sudden death.

In a statement issued on his behalf by his Special Assistant on Media and Constituency, Mrs. Beckie Orpin, Akume said: “I am greatly saddened by the news of the untimely death of Dr. Olusegun Agagu and write to

Filani shocked

CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ishola Filani, has expressed shock at the death of the former Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun

Agagu.

In a statement, he described his death as “most unfortunate and painful.”

Filani, a former chairman of the Southwest Zonal Caretaker Committee of the PDP, said: “Agagu’s exit was least expected at the time it occurred. He was one of the leaders of the party in the zone from whose fountain of wisdom and knowledge we drew inspiration during my tenure in office.

He was a principled politician whose stance on any issue was never in doubt.”

He prayed God to grant his family, the PDP and Ondo State indigenes the courage to bear the loss.

commiserate with you, his family and the people of Ondo State on this great loss.

“The late Agagu was a true Nigerian leader; a leader who was above party politics, a leader for the people.

Ondo State and the nation have lost an outstanding person and a wonderful politician.

“His death has left a vacuum in all spheres of our lives. While we must mourn him, may we be consoled by the fact that he won his place in history. He stood tall in his public service life. His resolve, courage and devotion to the service of Ondo State and Nigeria would continue to be an example of strong leadership and patriotism for us all.

“On behalf of my family and the people of Benue North-West, I extend our deepest sympathy to you, the government and people of Ondo State and the entire Agagu family. I pray Almighty God to give you the strength to bear the loss.”

Oduah eulogises him

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By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

INISTER of Aviation Princess Stella Oduah has described the death of former Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Agagu as shocking and unfortunate.

She said the Aviation family had lost a great resource at a time his experience and knowledge were becoming invaluable to the transformation in the sector.

Oduah spoke in a statement through her Special Adviser on Media Matters, Mr. Joe Obi. She said: “He brought transparency and merit to bear on the running of not only Ondo State, but also the Aviation sector. As a man, who shunned nepotism and mediocrity, Agagu would be remembered as the only Aviation minister in the era of the Nigeria Airways, who publicly advertised the vacant position of managing director of the defunct national carrier.

“He would also be remembered as the minister, who strengthened and gave character to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

“As an academic, Agagu brought great circumspection into the art of governance, making the security and welfare of his people the cornerstone of his administration.

“As the nation builds up to the politics of 2015, Agagu’s intellect, calm disposition and politics devoid of bitterness would have come handy in a landscape strewn with desperate politicians, who are ready to do anything and everything to gain power. The political space will miss this astute politician, who bore power with grace.

“My deep thoughts, condolences and prayers remain with his family, the people and government of Ondo State and the aviation family. May the Almighty God give all of us the fortitude to bear this painful passage.”

ORMER Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has expressed shock on the death of his Ondo State counterpart, Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

Commiserating with the family, he said the frontline politician left his footprints on the sands of time.

Fayose described Agagu as a great teacher, an experienced politician and a chieftain of the ruling party, adding that the party would miss his contributions in the ongoing peace efforts.

In a statement in Lagos, the former governor recalled that he enjoyed intimate political relationship with him when they were in power. He said his death was a big blow to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State.

Fayose said: “Dr. Agagu contributed to the moulding of lives as a don. He also made his mark in boardroom politics before venturing into partisan politics, emerging as a minister and a governor. He fought the infrastructure battle in Ondo State and was prudent in the management of human and material resources. I am happy that he is survived by good children and a political family that has a future in the state. May his soul rest in peace.”

Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Mr. Awodeyi Akinsehinwa said the late Agagu led a fruitful and fulfilled life. He said Agagu shunned a do-or-die approach to politics.

Ohakim: it’s big loss

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ORMER Imo State governor Dr. Ikedi Ohakim has commiserated with the family of the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu.

He said he received the news of his death with shock.

Ohakim described the death as a big loss to the country.

He prayed that God Almighty should grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

THE NATION TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

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•Fashola (fifth right) with Gretton (sixth left); Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Mrs. Senapon Olusola Oworu (fourth right); Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ade Ipaye (third right) and others...yesterday Photo by Omosehin Moses

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Fashola urges tobacco firms to adhere to regulations

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday urged tobacco companies in Nigeria to adhere strictly to regulatory standards.

Fashola spoke in his office in Alausa, Ikeja, while hosting the Managing Director of the British American Tobacco (BAT),

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

Nigeria, Mr. Keith Gretton.

He said tobacco products pose great risks to consumers and urged companies to adhere to standards.

Fashola said: "As we do business today, we must think about the future, because without people there

can't be business. Therefore, I think tobacco companies like yours should begin to focus on doing things that will prolong the lives of their customers.

"Many of the diseases we have today are caused by the lifestyle choices that people make and these diseases are becoming more complex as

a result of substance dependency and so on.

"I urge companies that produce all these things to adhere strictly to regulations, especially laws that seek to mitigate these risks."

The governor hailed BAT for creating jobs since it began operation in 2003, adding that the government

Youths to honour Tinubu, Soyinka, Okorocha, others

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HE Grand Council of Yoruba Youths (formerly National Council of Yoruba Youths) will begin the third edition of its seven-day leadership summit on Sunday.

The summit is to mark the Yoruba National Day (September 23).

The programme will end with a Dinner/Award Night on September 28. It will be chaired by former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who will be honoured with the Life time Achievement Award in Politics.

Also to be honoured are Lagos State Governor

500 leave Lagos for Saudi Arabia

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

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VER 500 Muslim pilgrims at the weekend left Lagos State for Saudi Arabia.

Before their departure, the government gave them foodstuff, including rice, beans and gari, to give them access to local food.

Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture Oyinlomo Danmole urged them to be well behaved and pray for Lagos and Nigeria.

Earlier, the state inaugurated a seven-man Muslim Pilgrims' Welfare Board headed by Dr. Abdulkabir Paramole, an Islamic scholar and a senior lecturer in the Department of Islamic Studies, Lagos State University (LASU).

Mr. Sanusi Olawale, an administrator and an assistant director in the state public service, is the secretary.

Members are Hon. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, Dr. Nosirudeen Olajide Onibon, Alhaji Sodiq AbdulGaniyu, Alhaja Latifat Adewole and Alhaja Risquat Ogunbunmi.

By Joseph Jibueze

Babatunde Fashola; Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole; Nobel Laureate Prof.

Wole Soyinka; Globacom Chairman Mike Adenuga; activist lawyer Femi Falana (SAN); Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Aare Afe Babalola (SAN); Chief Olu Falae; Chief Bisi Akande; Senator Chris Ngige; Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha; Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu; Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda; Senator David

Mark and Mrs. H.I.D. Awolowo, among others.

The award will be held at the Centre for Black Arts and Culture, Osogbo, Osun State, by 5pm. Gen Alani Akinrinade is the father of the day. The Alaafin of Oyo is the royal father of the day.

Public lectures will be delivered by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu; Prof. Bolanle Awe and Chief.

Folake Solanke (SAN) on September 24 at the Centre for Black Arts and Culture,

Osogbo.

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi is the special guest of honour at the lectures.

There will be a Youth Interactive Session with Houses of Assembly in the Southwest on September 25.

An arts exhibition, fashion parade and cultural dance competition will hold on September 27.

The group, which came into existence in October, 2001, aims to promote unity, peace, stability and development in Yorubaland.

would continue to maintain a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

He said one of the objectives of the government's "aggressive investment" in infrastructure and security was to improve the business environment.

Gretton praised the Fashola administration for improving the state.

He said Nigeria was one of BAT's top 10 markets, adding that the company would continue to perform its corporate responsibilities to

T

Nigerians.

Gretton said BAT supported agriculture and remits about N15 billion in taxes annually to the Federal Government.

He said the company was building its four million pounds headquarters in Lagos, saying the building was a demonstration of the company's long term commitment to Nigeria.

Gretton said BAT believes Nigeria has a bright economic future and would continue to support the country.

IPC organises training

HE International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, will hold a two-day workshop on "Enhanced Media Role in Conflict Resolution and Management for Sustainable Democracy and Development in Nigeria" on Thursday and Friday.

The workshop will hold in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. It is supported by the

From From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

IPC Director Lanre Arogundade said the workshop would "set a media and public agenda for conflict transformation and enhance the conflict reporting skills of participants".

10

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Madrid-based Nigerian caught with cocaine

A

N attempt by a Nigerian resident in Madrid, Spain, Francis Bawaba, to earn N3.3 million for smuggling 6.490kg of highgrade Brazilian cocaine has landed him in the net of security operatives.

Men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos, arrested him with the illicit substances.

He was caught with 364 wraps of cocaine prepared for ingestion and which were hidden in his hand luggage.

The substances were valued at N72 million. Officials detected the drug during inward screening of passengers on an Etihad flight.

NDLEA Commander at the airport Mr Hamza Umar, who spoke about the 32-year-old suspect, said: "Our investigation revealed that the suspect took off from Malpensa, Milan and collected the drug while on transit at Abudabi. He has given us very useful information that we are already working on."

The Imo State-born suspect expressed regrets, saying: "This is the first time I would smuggle drugs and I was lured with an offer of N3.3 million. I used to work in construction sites in Madrid to earn a living but it has been difficult securing a job since the global economic meltdown. I collected the drug while on

• The recovered drug

By Jude Isiguzo

transit at Abudabi on my way from Milan. I never knew that I would be caught here in Nigeria. My plan was to invest the N3.3 million in a business.

Since my arrest, I have been unable to eat because I do not know how my pregnant wife and two kids will cope without my financial support."

The Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, who promised hard times for drug traffickers, said: "This agency will continue to ensure that the appropriate punishment is enforced at all times.

Stakeholders in our country’s criminal justice system must understand that stringent punishment is crucial to a sustainable victory in the antinarcotic campaign."

• Bawaba

He said Bawaba would be charged to court.

Police indict four for 'impersonation'

F

OUR persons have been indicted by the police at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for allegedly parading themselves as officials of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria.

The suspects were indicted by the police after investigation into the complaints against them.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) brought against them and filed before the FCT Magistrate’s

By Jude Isiguzo

Court, they were alleged to have also used forged letterheads of the association’s to write to some financial institutions in the country.

The suspects’ actions, according to the FIR, were aimed at perpetrating fraud.

Besides, the report alleged that one of them, while acting as Chairman, of Board of Trustees of the association, manipulated the appointment of another suspect as the

chairman of its caretaker committee.

One of the suspects also allegedly connived with a staff of the association to steal vital documents from its secretariat.

The alleged offences, according to the FIR, amount to criminal conspiracy, false impersonation, theft, criminal breach of trust, forgery and using as forged documents contrary to Sections 97 (1) 179, 321, 289, 311, 364 and 366 of the Penal Code as applicable to the FCT.

NDLEA destroys cannabis farmland in Ondo

O

FFICIALS of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ondo State have destroyed a 523hectare cannabis farmland and also seized 148,593 kilogrammes of the weed, popularly called marijuana, since 2011.

The Command's Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Archibong Peter, said in Akure, the state capital, yesterday, "In 2011, 147 hectares of farmland were destroyed; 2012, 330 hectares and between January and September 2013, 46 hectares."

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HE Nigeria Institute of Town Planning (NITP), Lagos State, will today begin its oneweek-long 30th anniversary with theme: Town Week. It will end on Sunday.

Addressing reporters yesterday, the body's state chairman, Ayo Adediran, said that the celebration would feature profession

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Also, he said in 2011, 55, 472.9 kilogrammes of the drugs were seized; in 2012, 61,242.64 kilogrammes of the weed impounded, while in 2013, 31,879.4 kilogrammes were also seized.

"If this trend continues, in the next few years, the country will face serious threat and timber may go into extinction," he said.

Peter also said over 129 culprits were convicted between 2009 and 2013, adding that the agency just got a court order that would

enable it destroy the 54,438.2 kilogrammes of the drug in its custody.

He added that the command has in its custody, 16 drug users, who are undergoing rehabilitation.

“The commander, Mr Walter Nicolas, has been working hard to ensure that drug victims are taken care of and not left on the streets as they don't even have anywhere to go." Two of them, he said, wrote the last General Certificate Examination (GCE), while two others secured admission into higher institutions,” he said.

NITP holds 30th anniversary

By Emmanuel Udodinma

development workshop today.

He also said there would be talks on town planning and climate change; the impact of climate change on human settlements;

mitigation and adaptation to climate change through physical planning; career walk, annual meeting, fund raising, Jumat service, city walk and a thanksgiving service at Ostra Hall &Hotel, behind MKO Abiola Garden, Alausa, Ikeja.

BUSINESS

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira closes flat as banks short dollar

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AIRA traded flat on the interbank market on yesterday as lenders exited the U.S. currency to cover their funding needs on the local currency amid tight naira liquidity.

The Central Bank withdraw N242 billion from the banking system two weeks ago to enforce a new cash reserve requirement (CRR), aimed at tightening naira liquidity to support the currency.

The regulator removed N1 trillion in August when it first announced a hike to CRR for banks to take on public sector funds to 50 percent from 12 per cent.

The naira closed at N161.9 to the greenback, the same level it closed on Friday. A dealer told Reuters that a naira shortage on the market had caused banks to exit their dollar positions, to meet obligations in local currency.

“We see slowing demand for the dollar this week which should help stabilise naira within the present range,” another dealer said.

Tighter liquidity has also driven interbank lending rates higher. Last Friday, interbank rate climbed to an average of 26 per cent, on the apex bank\s policy moves compared with 18 per cent the previous week.

At the official foreign exchange window, the Central Bank sold $300 million at N155.76 to the dollar, the same amount and rate it auctioned last Wednesday.

11 Risk management could entail avoiding the risk completely, reducing the negative impact of the risk through risk mitigation actions, transfering or sharing the risks with other parties and retaining the risk; ie, accepting some or all the consequences of the risk and budgeting for it.

- Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, CBN Governor

CBN stops ‘Lender of Last Resort’ role in Real-Time payment

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it would remove “its implicit role of ‘Lender of Last Resort’ for the RealTime Gross Settlement (RTGS) payment system by December 2016.

What this means is that while the CBN will continue with its explicit role lender of last resort to Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs) and Microfinance Banks (MFBs), it will not lend for transactions from December 2016.

The bank said it will also stop the Deferred Net Settlement systems by December 2019. An outline deployment plan Sanusi said will be published by the CBN, indicating interim steps to achieving this longer term objective.

An outline deployment plan would be published by the CBN, indicating interim steps to achieving this longer

.• Fed Govt drafts bill on cyber internet crimes From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor), Abula

term objective, the CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has said Sanusi, who spoke yesterday at the international conference on payment system in Abuja, directed that henceforth, no national payments system shall invoke the principle of unwind, meaning that after an electronic transaction has reached a certain stage, it can no longer be reversed.

“CBN will formally inform the industry that unwinds must not be invoked in any national payment system,” he said, adding that “each payment scheme must define and formally document the exact point at which payments are deemed to be ‘final and irrevocable.”

Other key recommenda-

tions in the revised document, which Sanusi, said, resulted from identified deficiencies due to the significant progress already achieved with payment system in Nigeria, will include: “Strengthening the Scheme Governance structure to reflect the significantly greater responsibility of scheme management, covering all aspects of risk, business management and operational resilience.”

Also it must be ensured that each Scheme Management Board must carry out an annual self-assessment against the CPSS/IOSCO PFMI. An independent review should be undertaken every four years, with the target to make the results publically available by end, 2017; Open formal engagement channels with CLS as a first step to-

wards Naira becoming a CLS Settlement currency; Mandate the use of the SWIFT Sanctions Checking (or its equivalent) for international payment instructions originating from all banks in Nigeria; and Work jointly with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other key stakeholders to sponsor a formal review of the Securities Markets in Nigeria. The review should be completed under the FSS2020.

Sanusi noted that the apex bank commenced the operations of Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System on December 18, 2006, “to increase the efficiency of timecritical payments with all the Deposit Money Banks and Discount Houses as direct participants.”

The prevailing market needs, best practice and technology, he said rendered the existing RTGS System inadequate as it did not meet current user requirements.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8.7% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $46.8b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

• From left: Co-chair, National Risk Assessment Secretariat, Mr Blaise Ijebor; Mrs Larissa Gray of the World Bank; Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Mr Steve Oronsanye and Mr Kunta Celik of the World Bank, at the workshop on Money Laundering/Financing Terrorism National Risk Assessment in Abuja...yesterday.

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Nigeria adopts World Bank’s strategy on money laundering, terrorism financing

IGERIA has adopted the World Bank’s methodology in fighting money laundering and terrorism financing, Stephen Oronsaye, Chairman, Presidential Committee, Financial Action Task Force, has said.

Oronsaye, who spoke at the opening of the World Bank’s facilitated National Risk Assessment Workshop, in Abuja yesterday said, ”the Presidential Committee on Financial Action Task Force (FATF) adopted the methodology because it is simple to use.

The World Bank’s National Money Laundering Risk Assessment Tool is a risk assessment methodology that has been developed

From Bridget AdahAgiounim Abuja

to overcome the challenges of money laundering and terrorism financing, by identifying and assessing the real sources of Money Laundering/Terrorism Financing (ML/TF) risks in a jurisdiction with an analytic approach.

The world bank’s national ML/TF Risk assessment tool is said to be a self-assessment tool, which has eight modules as building blocks.

The World bank recommends establishment of a working group that consists of sub-groups corresponding to various modules, and undertaking of the national risk assessment in three

phases.

Oransanye said the purpose of the workshop is for Nigeria to get the methodology to know the risks in the different sectors, like, banking, the capital market, insurance and other sectors.

He said Nigeria is among the first country to adopt the trend since the committee was created in 2012.

He said: “Once you know the risk,you know the vulnerability you have, and you will be able to have effective methodology to fight against these risks, and therefore the resources which we have which are very limited, are then directed to areas of high risk, so that we can then concentrate on. The ones that are low risks, obviously

you will deploy less resources.

“In this assessment program, there is nothing like the public or private sector of assessment.

Rather than dividing the risk into public and private sector, the NRA will take the different sectors and then identify and verify, to know the risk associated with those sectors. Once you copulate your template and you have now identified them, you can then put in place measures that will mitigate these risks.

Oransanye said from experience, it takes between nine months to over a year to conduct the risk assessment, adding that data collecting will commence with the eight working groups that will be created in the course of the workshop.

Group faults Ngama, says NNPC withholds N2.9t

A

GROUP, Forum of Concerned Members of Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, has accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of withholding N2.983 trillion due to the Federation Account, thereby denying the three-tiers of government of their own share of the money.

In a statement yesterday, the Group wondered why the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, has not prevailed on NNPC to remit the fund, which it claimed represents outstanding/underpayments from 2011 to date.

While reacting to press reports credited to Ngama alleging persistent decline in the gross federally collected revenue accruing to the Federation Account and insisting that revenue will only be shared based on amount actually earned rather than what is budgeted, the Group said the statement was a calculated attempt to confuse Nigerians on the revenue accrued to the Federation Account and give the impression that the Federal Government was under pressure to augment revenue shortfall, while in actual fact, the shortfall is as a result of poor management.

“This has necessitated our decision to put the record straight for members of the public. We wish to state that the revenue profile of the Federation as painted by the Honourable Minister of State, Finance is incorrect and amounts to a gross distortion of facts and empirical data of revenue accruing to the Federation Account. Specifically, while the Minister put the revenue earned in the month of July 2013 at N497.98 billion, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) economic report for the same period stated that revenue from oil rose by 0.2 per cent to N645.65 billion, while gross non oil receipt (Corporate taxes, Customs and Excise Duties and Custom’s Special Duties) was put at N404.53billion, amounting to a total of N1090.18billion revenue which was higher than the budget estimate of N702.54 billion approved by the National Assembly for July 2013,” it said.

“The question the Honourable Minister of State for Finance needs to fully address without further delay is whether the N2.983 Trillion held back by NNPC is not part of the revenue earned into the Federation Account meant for the three tiers of government,” it queried, wondering why the Minister is not demanding full remittance into the Federation Account by the NNPC. The Group also drew attention to issues of substantial non compliance with the 2013 Budget and non-adherence to disbursements agreed at regular monthly FAAC meetings, adding that there are huge outstanding payments of about N376billion, representing shortfalls agreed at various FAAC meetings from June’s Augmentation, July’s Benchmark deficit, and August’s Allocation.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

12

THE LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE GOVERNMENT STA OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL ADVISER ON EDUCATION LAGOS STATE SCHOLARSHIP BOARD Website: www.lagosscholarship.org Email: info@lagosscholarship.org

L ASG APPROVES TUITION FEES TO 2011/2012 SE Y) OF LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE INDIGENES IN LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE SETT (ONL (ONLY) STA STA AW SCHOOL AND MARITIME ACADEMY STUDENTS UNIVERSIT Y AND BURSARY AAW WARDS TO INDIGENES IN LLA UNIVERSITY The Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN has released funds for the payment of tuition fees to Lagos State indigenes admitted into Lagos State University in 2011/2012 academic session to cushion the effect of the increase in the tuition fee of the institution. The Government also approved payment of bursary awards to its indigenes that are students in Law School and Maritime Academy.

The presentation ceremony is expected to be declared open by Her Excellency, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Deputy Governor of Lagos State while the Special Guest of Honour will be Honourable Wahab Alawiye-King, Chairman House Committee on Education, Science & Technology, Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday 18th September, 2013 at Government College, Ipaja Road, Beside NYSC Orientation Camp, Agege by 10.00a.m prompt.

All awardees that have been cleared for payment by the Board are advised to come for their ATM Verve cards on that day while those yet to be cleared, should come with original and photocopies of the following document: i. ii. iii. iv. v.

School Identity Card Bursary Clearance/ Receipt of payment (LASU Students only) Two passport photographs Letter of Identification from Head of Department.

Every other document that were not submitted before now.

THE FOLL OWING ARE 2011/2012 SET OF B URSAR Y A W ARDEES OF LA GOS ST ATE UNIVERSITY FOLLO BURSAR URSARY LAGOS STA

S/N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

FULL NAME ABASS OLUWATOBI BABAJIDE ABATI OLUWAFUNMILAYO T ABBAS AYODEJI MOSHUDAT ABDUL ABDULRAHEEM ADEWALE ABDUL RIDWAN SEUN ABDULAHI OLORUNFEMI SHEU ABDUL-AZEEZ HABIBAT YEYINU ABDULL TEMITOPE SAIDAT ABDULLAHI MUHAMMED KAYODE ABDULSALAM MUSLIMAH OMOBOLANLE ABEJAMU SHAMSIDEEN QUADRI ABEREJO MOTUNRAYO OMOLOLA ABIJOH KEHINDE OLA ABIODUN EZEKIEL OKE ABIODUN OLAOLUWA BUKUMI ABIODUN TOHEEB OLATEJU ABIOLA SERAH FUNMI ABOGUNLOKO RASHEEDAT DOLAPO ABUBAKAR SAHEEDAT OMOLOLA ABUDU ZACHARIAH ADENIJI

DEPARTMENT Theatre Arts & Music Botany Insurance LASS-Education Mathematics LASS-Education LASS-Education Public Admin Public Admin LASS-Education

Geography & Planning IRPM LASS-Education LASS-Education Mass Communication Public Admin Mass Communication Botany Mass Communication Science & Technology Education ADAGUN ADEMOLA MURIS Insurance ADAGUN OLANREWAJU MUJITABA Computer Science ADAGUN ISIAK AJIBOYE Educational Management ADAGUN LATEEF OLADOTUN Educational Management ADAMS AFOLASHADE HALEEMAH Mass Communication ADAMS FUNMILAYO MORIDIYAT Educational Management ADAMS GANIU OLAWALE Insurance ADAMS JELILAH OMOWUNMI Islamic Law ADARALOYE FOLORUNSHO FOLAGBADE Science & Technology Education ADEBANJO AMEENA OLUWATOSIN Educational Management ADEBANJO FATAI ADEKOYA Islamic Law ADEBANJO LATIFAT OLUWATOBI Mass Communication ADEBAYO LEAH BLESSING English language ADEBAYO OMOLOLA .

Microbiology ADEBIYI OLUWATOBI OLAMIDE Mathematics ADEBOLA DAMILOLA LILIAN Public admin ADEBONOJO DAMILOLA ADEOLA Yoruba comm. Art ADEBOWALE ADEWALE JOSEPH Microbiology ADEDEJI AFEES ABIOLA Educational Management

40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78

ADEGBITE ODUNAYO GBEMINIYI

Educational Management ADEGOKE MARIAM ENIOLA Physics Chemistry ADEJARE AMINAT TEMITOPE ADEJUMO ADEPEJU OLABISI Philosophy ADEJUMO FATIMO ADETOLA Insurance ADEKANBI ISMAILA ADELEYE LASS-Education ADEKOYA ADENIKE IDOWU English language ADEKOYA OLUWATOBI ADEBOWALE Medicine ADEKOYA PROSPER OLUWATOBI Mechanical Engineering ADEKOYA SIMIAT TEMITOPE Public admin ADEKOYA SODIQ OLANSHILE Biochemistry ADEKUNLE ADERONKE ADENIKE Public admin ADEKUNLE AYOBAMI OLAKUNLE Mechanical Engineering ADELANI DARE DAVID Theatre Arts & Music ADELANWA DAMILOLA ELIZABETH Mass Communication ADELE ABIODUN ABIDEEN Public admin ADELE ADENIKE AMINAT Public admin ADELE SHAKIRUDEEN O Educational Management ADELOWO AMINAH ADERONKE Mass Communication ADENAPO ADEJOKE OLUWATOSIN Mass Communication ADENIYI ABIBAT ADETOLA Public admin ADENIYI OLUWATOBI SAMSON Educational Management ADENIYI YUSUF KASHIMAWO Educational Management ADENIYI-ADELE ADEGBOYEGA Q Biochemistry ADENIYI-KOSOKO ADEBOLA DEBORAH IRPM ADENOPO OLUWATOYIN TOSIN LASS-Education ADENUGA SAMSON OPEYEMI Fisheries ADEOBA ANUOLUWAPO IMOLEAYO Insurance ADEOYE ADEBAYO EZEKIEL LASS-Education ADEOYE SHOLA PHILLIP Microbiology ADESANYA ADERONKE JULIET Educational Management ADESINA TEMITOPE ADENIKE Mass Communication ADESOJI KEHINDE ZAINAB Educational Management ADESOJI TAIWO SIKIRAT Educational Management ADESONA MARY ADEJUMOKE LASS-Education ADETAYO KARIMOT TEMITOPE Educational Management ADEWALE ADEBUSOLA AZEEZAT Mass Communication ADEWALE JARIAT ABISOLA History & Int. Relation ADEWALE OYINADE KARIMAT History & Int. Relation

79 80 81 82 83 84 85

ADEWALE SHERIFAT ABIMBOLA ADEWUNMI TOBILOBA SULAMON ADEWUSI TOLULOPE OLAMIDE ADEWUYI ISMAIL AKANBI ADEYEMI ESTHER OYINDAMOLA ADEYEMI LUKMON AKINKUNMI ADEYEMI MARIA OLAJUMOKE

86 87 88 89 90

ADEYEYE MARY OLUWAPONMILE ADEYINKA OLOLADE ADENIKE ADISA OLOLADE WASIU AFINNI MUNIRAT AYOMIKUN AFOLABI OLUBUKOLA AINA

91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

AFOLABI RASHEEDAT OLUWAKEMI AFOLABI RODIYAH OLAYINKA AGANMAYO OLUWASEGUN ISAAC AGARAWU ADEOLA S AGBAJE LATEEFAT OLOLADE AGBAJE TEMITOPE BUNMI AGBENI KEHINDE EMMANUEL AGBOOLA RISIKAT OLAJUMOKE AGEMO PATIENCE OLUBUKOLA

100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118

AGORO ABDULRAHMAN OREOLUWA AGOSA OLUWABUSAYO SENAMI AGOSU CHRISTIANA FUNMI AGOSU PETER MINASU AGUNBIADE ADEBOLA SHAKIRU AGUNBIADE GANIYAT JUMOKE AGUNREGE FARIUDEEN AJIBADE AGUNREGE FATAI O AHMAD HALIMAT ADETOLA AINA ELIZABETH OLUBUNMI AINA OLALEKAN CHRISTOPHER AINA ZACCHEUS OLUWASEUN AINA OLUWABUKOLA JULIANA AJADI AHMED BAMIDELE AJALA AISHAT ABOSEDE AJAMOLE ABIBAT LOLADE AJANAKU SHARAFADEEN ADEMOLA AJANI OLUWATOBILOBA ADEBIYI AJAPE SULIYAT MORENIKE

119 120 121 122

AJASA AJASA AJASA AJASA

- OLUWA OLUWASEYI RAHINAT ADEDAMOLA DAMILARE DAMILOLA PEDEPO MORENIKEJI ADEBIMPE

Microbiology Insurance English language Mass Communication IRPM LASS-Education Educational Management Microbiology Biochemistry LASS-Education History & Int. Relation Educational Management History & Int. Relation Biochemistry History & Int. Relation IRPM Mass Communication Microbiology LASS-Education IRPM Educational Management Public admin English language English language LASS-Education Computer Science Insurance IRPM LASS-Education IRPM LASS-Education Computer Science Public Admin English language Computer Science Botany Medicine Biochemistry Computer Science Foreign Language/ Literature History & Int. Relation Insurance Philosophy Educational Management

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

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L ASG APPROVES TUITION FEES TO 2011/2012 SE Y) OF LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE INDIGENES IN LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE SETT (ONL (ONLY) STA STA UNIVERSIT Y AND BURSARY AAW WARDS TO INDIGENES IN LLA AW SCHOOL AND MARITIME ACADEMY STUDENTS UNIVERSITY 123 AJAYI ADETOUN OMOTOLANI 124 AJAYI ANIFAT SESEYON 125 AJAYI MARIA OMOBOLANLE

LASS-Education Biochemistry Educational Management 126 AJAYI OLAYEMI LATIFAT Fisheries 127 AJAYI OLUWASEUN CHRISTIANA Mass Communication 128 AJENIFUJA ADEYINKA GANIYAT Computer Science 129 AJENIYA ISMAIL KUNLE Computer Science 130 AJESHOLA OLUWATOSIN ATINUKE Mass Communication 131 AJETUNMOBI AMINAT OLAMIDE English language 132 AJETUNMOBI OMOBOLANLE YETUNDE Computer Science 133 AJIBADE YUSUF ADEBAYO Medicine 134 AJIBOLA SAMSON OLUWASEYI Computer Science 135 AJILOGBA ZAINAB OYEWANDE Mass Communication 136 AJOFOYINBO ELIAS OLOHUNJEDA Educational Management 137 AJOSE ABIGAIL DAMILOLA Public admin 138 AJOSE BOSE BLESSING LASS-Education 139 AJOSE GANIYAT MAUTON Mass Communication 140 AJOSE JOHN JAMIN Science & Technology Education 141 AJOSE MICHEAL SANAYON Computer Science 142 AJOSE OLAWALE ADEGBOYEGA Mass Communication 143 AJOSEH OLAWALE VIYON Computer Science 144 AJULO MISITURA ARAMIDE Public Admin 145 AKAMO ADEBOLA OLANIKE Computer Science 146 AKANBI OLUWASEYI OLAMIDE Philosophy 147 AKANMU OLADAPO MOSES Geography & planning 148 AKANNI YUSSUF OLATUNJI Insurance 149 AKAPO OLAJIDE DICKSON Computer Science 150 AKAPO OLUMIDE EMMANUEL Microbiology 151 AKAPO YEMISI FELICIA LASS-Education 152 AKERELE RASHEED OLORUNJUWON Educational Management 153 AKERELE VICTORIA OLUWASEUN Microbiology 154 AKEWUSHOLA MALIK ADESHINA Educational Management 155 AKIBU KAFILAT OMOLABAKE English language 156 AKINDE SUNDAY ABIOYE LASS-Education 157 AKINGBOLA SANU DAVID Mass Communication 158 AKINLAGUN ANU MOPELOLA Physical & Health Education 159 AKINLOLA FALILAT ABIDEMI Mass Communication 160 AKINLOLA FASILAT FOLAKE Mass Communication 161 AKINMISI NURUDEEN OLUWASEGUN Mass Communication 162 AKIN-ONITOLO BOLUWATIFE V IRPM 163 AKINPELU GBENGA SEUN Educational Management 164 AKINPELU RAFIAT OLASUNKANMI Insurance 165 AKINREMI OPEOLUWA .

Public Admin 166 AKINTOLA SAIDAT OLUFUNMI Public Admin 167 AKINTOLA TAWAKALITU TEMITOPE Mass Communication 168 AKINTOYE OMOWUNMI ESTHER Microbiology 169 AKINTUNDE OYINDAMOLA MUNIRAT History & Int. Relation 170 AKINYEMI MOJISOLA RAFIAT Philosophy 171 AKITOYE EMMANUEL ADEGBEMISOLA Biochemistry 172 AKODU KARIMOT ADEBISI Mass Communication 173 AKODU OLANREWAJU GANIYU Medicine 174 AKOREDE-LAWAL MOTUNRAYO .

English language 175 AKOWANU SURU CELESTINE Philosophy 176 ALABI DEBORAH TEMITOPE Mass Communication 177 ALAKIJA OLUWAFUNMILOLA OPRAL Medicine 178 ALAKOLARO DAMILOLA AGBOOLA IRPM 179 ALASHE MUYIDEEN FATAI Mathematics 180 ALAUSA MUYIDEEN OLAWALE Public Admin 181 ALAUSA OLUGBENGA O Computer Science 182 ALAUSA TUNDE AZEEZ Computer & Electrical Engineering 183 ALAYAKI NIMOTA .

Insurance 184 ALAYANDE OMOGBOLAHAN SODIQ Computer Science 185 ALEBIOSU AHMED ABOLAJI Medicine 186 ALEBIOSU SHERIF GBOLAHAN Insurance 187 ALEJO RASHEED ADELEKE Philosophy 188 ALESINLOYE RIDWAN ABIODUN Public Admin 189 ALFRED MARY SEWEDO Zoology 190 ALFRED SAMSON JESUGANJI Computer & Electrical Engineering 191 ALI KAFILAT ABIODUN Insurance 192 ALIBALOGUN KARIMOT OLUWASEYI LASS-Education 193 ALIU AZEEZ GIDEON Philosophy 194 ALLIOWE LATEEFAT DAMILOLA IRPM 195 ALLISON ISLAMIYAT O Educational Management 196 ALLIU AWAWU OPEYEMI Educational Management 197 ALUFOGE GANIU KOLAWOLE Insurance 198 ALUKO HADEEYAT TITILAYO English language 199 AMIDA OLASUNKANMI MUTIU Public admin 200 AMIDU RICHARD ABIODUN Science & Technology Education 201 AMODE ABIBAT KEHINDE Public Admin 202 AMODU KAZEEM OLASUMBO IRPM 203 AMOS EMMANUEL ABIODUN Theatre Arts & Music 204 AMOS OLUBUSAYO ROSE Mass Communication 205 AMOSU MARY MAUTON Mass Communication

206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213

AMOSU OLABODE NUNAYON AMOSU SARAH MEDEYONMI AMURE MODINAT OLUWATOYIN ANAGO KEHINDE PETER ANDU ISA OMOTAYO ANDU MURITALA OLARENWAJU ANDU OLAMIKU AMINAT ANDU RUKAYAT ADEOLA

214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224

ANIBABA OLANREWAJU OPEYEMI ANIDU OYINDAMOLA SIKIRAT ANIFAHM BALIKIS OLUWATOBI ANIFOWOSE ZAINAB DAMILOLA ANIFOWOSHE ZANAIB BISOYE ANIMASHAUN ABASS KAYODE ANIMASHAUN ADEOLA ADEYINKA ANIMASHAUN ADEOLA OMOLARA ANIMASHAUN AISHA M ANIMASHAUN FATIMA ABIOLA ANIMASHAUN FOLASHADE TOSIN

225 ANIMASHAUN GANIYAT AJOKE 226 ANIMASHAUN GANIYAT AJOKE 227 228 229 230 231 232

ANIMASHAUN IDRIS DAMILARE ANIMASHAUN ISMAIL OMOGBOLAHAN ANIMASHAUN MARIAM OYINKANSOLA ANIMASHAUN SHAKIRAT DAMIOLA ANIMASHAUN SULAIMAN AKANBI ANIMASHAUN TAIWO OKANLAHAN

233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245

ANISERE IFEOLUWA ELIZABETH ANTONIO EMMANUELLA MOTUNRAYO ANTONIO OLAJIDE SYLVESTER APAKALA KAFILAT KOFO APARA FEMI SAMUEL APATA VICTORIA SELOME APENA HUSSEIN OLA APETE HAKEEM ISHOLA ARAFA JIMOH OLANREWAJU ARAZI OLANREWAJU JONATHAN AREE OLUWAKEMI KARIMOT AREGBESHOLA OLATUNBOSUN KUNLE AREGBESOLA SHEU O

246 AROGUNDADE AZEEZ OPEYEMI 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258

AROGUNDADE FATIMA OLAITAN AROGUNRE SHERIFAT WURAOLA AROGUNRE SHERIFFDEEN OLUSEGUN AROJUOWO DARE JOSEPH AROJUOWO IBUKUN DANIEL AROJUOWO OMOTAYO .

AROTIBA OMOTAYO OLUWAFUNSO AROWOJOBE RAMOTA ADENIKE AROWOKA AINA SEYON AROWOLO MISTURA BUKOLA AROWOLO OLAYINKA MUBO ARUBIEWE MARY OMOLASO

259 ARUBO BABATUNDE KAREEM 260 ASEKUN OWOLABI SODIQ 261 ASHADE ABIODUN OLAMIDIPUPO 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283

ASHADE TIMILEYIN AKINTOLA ASHAFA OLUWADAMILOLA SHUKURAT ASHEFON OLUWAYEMISI VIVIAN ASHIMI ADEDAMOLA ABDULWASII ASHIMI SHAKIRU OLUWASEGUN ASHIRU KAFAYAT OMOLARA ASIMI WASIU OLAWALE ASURAMU JUNIOR GANIU ATAKAN IDRIS OLAMILEKAN ATANDA DOLAPO ANIKE ATIKU IDOWU OYINDAMOLA AVOSEH GBENUPO ANTHONY AVOSEH SESHOWEPO OLUBUKOLA AVOSEH SOLOMON SENAYON AWESU OLANIYI WILLIAMS AWHASU MAUYOU IKECHUKWU AWODEHINDE MOSUNMOLA BILKIS AWOLONSU TIMILEYIN ELIZABETH AWONRONSU JOSHUA TENDAGBEMEN AWOSANYA AYOMIDE OLUWASEUN AWOYEJO MONSURAT ADETUTU AYANTUGA ADETOLA SEGUN

284 285 286 287 288 289 290

AYENI IBRAHIM ABIOLA AYENI OMOBOLAJI ISMAIL AYENI YESIDE ZAINAB AYILARA YUSUF ADEGBITE AYINDE AMINAT FOLASHADE AYINDE LATEEF IDOWU AYODELE ADEWALE TOWEYAN

History & Int. Relation Public Admin LASS-Education Philosophy Biochemistry IRPM Public Admin Educational Management Biochemistry History & Int. Relation Mass Communication Mass Communication Mass Communication Insurance IRPM Botany Microbiology Medicine Educational Management Botany Educational Management Medicine Philosophy English language Microbiology Fisheries Mechanical Engineering Mass Communication Medicine Geography & Planning Mass Communication Computer Science English language Philosophy LASS-Education LASS-Education Geography & Planning Computer Science Insurance Educational Management Educational Management LASS-Education History & Int. Relation Microbiology History & Int. Relation LASS-Education Medicine Insurance LASS-Education English language Mass Communication LASS-Education Educational Management History & Int. Relation Science & Technology Education Mechanical Engineering Transport Mass Communication Mass Communication Transport IRPM Mass Communication Islamic Law Philosophy Insurance IRPM Biochemistry Microbiology Philosophy Public Admin LASS-Education Biochemistry Microbiology Public admin IRPM Mass Communication History & Int. Relation Physical & Health Education LASS-Education English language Medicine Public admin Public admin Public admin History & Int. Relation

291 AYOOLA OLAWALE ABDULSALAM 292 AYUBA BAKI BANKOLE 293 AZEEZ KEHINDE FAIDAT 294 AZEEZ SHAKIRUDEEN OMOLEYE 295 AZEEZ TAIWO IDAYAT 296 BABALOLA SODIQ ADISA 297 BABATUNDE NASIRU OLAYINKA 298 BADA LATEEF OLABODE 299 BADARU MORIDIYAH TOSIN 300 BADIRU RILWAN OLUWASEUN 301 BADMUS ADEWOLE SULAIMON 302 BADMUS AKEEM BABATUNDE 303 BADMUS ARAFAT ADEOLA 304 BADMUS MARIAM OLAIDE 305 BADMUS MUHEES OLUWATOSIN 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315

BADMUS OPEYEMI .

BADMUS OPEYEMI ZAINAB BADMUS RAFIAT MOYOSORE BADMUS RASHEED OLALEKAN BADMUS SEGUN RILIWAN BADMUS SELIAT OLUREMI BADRU RASHIDAT FOLASADE BAJOMO ISAAC OLUWASEUN BAJULAIYE OLAITAN TESLIM BAJULAIYE OMOLARA TEMITOPE

316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338

BAJULU SODIQ ABIOLA BAKARE ALIU ADEBAYO BAKARE KAOSARA OLAIDE BAKARE KIKELOMO TEMITOPE BAKARE LATEEF OLUFEMI BAKARE SULAIMAN ABIDEMI BAKARE YETUNDE SARIYAT BALOGUN ABIODUN HAFISAT BALOGUN ABIOLA ESTHER BALOGUN ADEBUSOLA MARIAM BALOGUN ADENIKE OLUWASEUN BALOGUN AGBOOLA R BALOGUN AMDALAT GBEMISOLA BALOGUN AMINAT AJOKE BALOGUN AYUBA NELSON BALOGUN BABATUNDE ISAAC BALOGUN BASHIRU BABATUNDE BALOGUN BUKOLA KHADIJAT BALOGUN HAMMED FUNSHO BALOGUN OLAYEMI NIL BALOGUN OLUWASEUN JOSEPH BALOGUN OLUWASEUN MARIA BALOGUN RISIKAT OMOLOLA

339 340 341 342

BALOGUN BALOGUN BALOGUN BALOGUN

SADIQ AKOLADE SEWEDO OLUWATOBI SHERIFAT BOLANLE SURU MOSES

343 BALOGUN TAIWO OLUWAKEMI 344 BALOGUN YEJIDE OLUWASEYI 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356

BAMGBALA OLUWAKEMI ODUNAYO BAMGBOSE ADEDOLAPO TAOFEEQ BAMGBOSE ADEPEJU MARIAM BAMGBOSE YUSSUF ADEDOYIN BAMIGBAYE SIMBIAT OMOLASE BAMISEBI OLUWATOBI BOLUTIFE BANIRE AYOOLA TIWALADE BANIRE OLASHILE MUTALIB BANKOLE ADEYINKA OMOTOLA BANKOLE ALBERT JESUNUKON BANTALE OLUWASEUN AYODEJI BANWO KUDIRAT ORIYOMI

357 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 367

BARUWA OMOWUNMI GANIYAT BASHORUN HULAIMOT YETUNDE BASHORUN OYINDAMOLA ISILA BASHORUN YEWANDE WONUOLA BAWALLAH BOLAJI IBRAHIM BELEWU OMOWUNMI RAHIMOT BELLO BABATUNDE AFOLABI BELLO NURUDEEN OLATUNDE BELLO SIMBIAT ATINUKE BELLO YUSUF OLANREWAJU BENJAMIN BUNMI GRACE

368 369 370 371 372

BIALA OLABISI DEBORAH BIRISOWO RISIKAT DAMILOLA BISHI SABITIU WURAOLA BISIRIYU AFOLABI QUDUS BISIRIYU YEWANDE BILIKI

Insurance Public admin Science & Technology Education IRPM Science & Technology Education Microbiology Science & Technology Education Public admin Public admin Educational Management LASS-Education Educational Management Medicine Insurance Educational Management Insurance Mass Communication LASS-Education Computer Science Computer Science LASS-Education Microbiology Philosophy Theatre Arts & Music Educational Management Biochemistry IRPM Zoology Mass Communication English language Mechanical engineering Mass Communication Computer Science LASS-Education Theatre Arts & Music LASS-Education Physics Insurance Biochemistry LASS-Education LASS-Education Insurance Zoology Islamic Law IRPM Mass Communication IRPM Computer & Electrical Engineering Physical & Health History & Int. Relation LASS-Education Educational Management Educational Management Educational Management IRPM Philosophy History & Int. Relation Philosophy Chemistry Botany LASS-Education Philosophy Mass Communication Chemistry Mass Communication Educational Management IRPM LASS-Education LASS-Education Fisheries Mass Communication English language English language Public admin History & Int. Relation Chemistry Educational Management English language Medicine Insurance Biochemistry IRPM

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

14

L ASG APPROVES TUITION FEES TO 2011/2012 SE Y) OF LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE INDIGENES IN LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE SETT (ONL (ONLY) STA STA UNIVERSIT Y AND BURSARY AAW WARDS TO INDIGENES IN LLA AW SCHOOL AND MARITIME ACADEMY STUDENTS UNIVERSITY 373 BODEWUSE JAMES YEMAREN 374 BOGLO DAVID OLABISI 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 430 431 432 433 434 435 436 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 447 448 449 450 451 452 453 454

Mechanical engineering Science & Technology Education BOKOH SEJLO PAUL Fisheries BOLAJI IBRAHIM GBENGA Physical & Health Education BOWALE IDOWU AYOTUNDE Public admin BURAIMOH-IGBO YUSUF RAIMOT Philosophy BUSARI OLUWAFEMI WAHEED Computer & Electrical Engineering CADMUS SEGBENU ROTIMI Mass Communication CAMPBELL JULIANA ABOLANLE Medicine COKER OBAFUNMILAYO VICTORIA History & Int. Relation COKER-DICKENS OLUWASEUN .

Insurance COLE FAWAZ TAIWO Computer Science DADA ABIODUN KAFILAT Philosophy DADA SARAH OPEYEMI Mass Communication DADA SEDOTEN OLAMIDE Mass Communication DAIRO MORENIKEJI TOLULOPE Fisheries DANIEL DAGBEYON JOSEPH Computer Science DANSU OLUWATOSIN MABEL History & Int. Relation DARLEY OLUKOREDE MICHAEL Religion DAUDA MUTIAT YETUNDE IRPM DAUDA RIDWAN ADISA Public admin DAVID SAMSON SEWEDO Educational Management DAVIES OLUWASEUN MARIAM IRPM DAVIES OPEYEMI LATEEFAT Microbiology DAVIES YETUNDE SUWEBAT Educational Management DAWODU ENITAN OLOLADE IRPM DAWODU SODIQ ADEOYE IRPM DEHINSILU GBENGA SEGUN Educational Management DEMAYON GBENGA .

Computer Science DENAPO SEWANU EMMANUEL Public admin DISU MARIAM OLUWATOSIN Mass Communication DOSA BOLUWATIFE MEDEYONMI Chemistry DOSA TITILAYO GRACE Biochemistry DOSU SEMASA HENRY Theatre Arts & Music DOSUNMU ADEBOWALE NAFISAT Physical & Health Education DOSUNMU RAMOTA ADEBIMPE Microbiology DURO-EMANUEL SIMEON ABODUNRIN Medicine DUROSINMI IBUKUNOLUWA OLUWABUSAYO LASSEducation DUROSINMI HAMZAT ADEKUNLE Computer Science EDALERE AZEEZ ADEMOLA Microbiology EDU HABBEB ABIODUN Educational Management EDU OLAWALE IDRIS LASS-Education EDU ROYHAN FOYINSOLA Mathematics EGUNJOBI OLUWAKOREDE SIKIRU English language EKELOJUOTI MONSUR TAIWO Science & Technology Education EKUNKAN NAIMAT MOTOLANI Botany EKWUNIFE ANUOLUWAPO OYEYEMI Medicine ELEGBEJI ABDULFATAI OWOLABI Computer Science ELEMORO ADEMOLA NOHEEM Mass Communication ELEMORO MICHEAL TOSAN LASS-Education ELEMORO SODIQ ADEWALE Science & Technology Education ELESHO ADESEYE OMOLOLU Chemistry ELETU ADISAT INUMIDUN Computer Science ELETU FAWAZ KOFOWOROLA Public admin ELEWURO OLAIDE MORILIAT Biochemistry ELIAS AISHAT OMOTAYO Mass Communication EMIABATA DAYO MICHAEL LASS-Education EMMANUEL BABATUNDE JOHN Computer Science ENIAFE BISOLA OLAMIDE History & Int. Relation ENIFENI ZAINAB ADEJOKE Public admin ENIJESIKU TAIWO KHADIJAT Insurance ERINLE DAMILOLA OLANIDE Public admin ESHILOKUN ADEKUMBI MORADEYO Public admin ETTI OLAITAN .

LASS-Education ETTI ZAYNAB OLUWAKEMI Medicine EUBA ADEOLA ADUKE History & Int. Relation EWUMI ADEKUNLE ADEGBITE Biochemistry FADEYI OLANREWAJU YUSUF Geography & planning FAGBAYI OYEBOLA ADETUTU English language FAJIMITE FATIMAH BUKONLA Medicine FAKOYA IDRIS AYINDE Public admin FALADE IBUKUNOLUWA HALEEMAT Fisheries FAMOUS-COLE ABRAHAM OLUWATOBI Fisheries FASASI MURITALA OLATUNDE Educational Management FASHANU TITILOLA SHIFAU English language FASHINA ADEDAMOLA ENIOLA LASS-Education FASHINA ADESHOPE GLORIA Mass Communication FASHINA MOPELOLA FELICIA Microbiology FASHOLA ADEDAMOLA SURURAT Medicine FATAI OLANREWAJU ABDULLAHI LASS-Education FATUGA WAHEED OLUWAFEMI History & Int. Relation FAWOLE ADETUBO TAOFEEK Educational Management

455 FAYEMI OLUWADARE SAMUEL 456 457 458 459 460 461 462 463 464 465 466 467 468 469 470 471 472 473

FOLAHAN AFUSAT TEMITOPE FOLAMI AFIS LEKAN FOLAMI KOYINSOLA TAOFIKAT FOLAMI MAYOWA RICHARD FOLAMI WAKILAT OLABISI FOLARIN MICHAEL BABATUNDE FOLORUNSHO GANIYAT OLAKUNLE FRANCIS PETER ABIODUN GAFAR OLUWAMODUPE SAMIAT GAFAR RUKAYAT OMOSHOLA GANDONU MUTIAT BUKKY GANIKALE TAOFEEK OLUWATOSIN GANIU HAMED SULAIMON GARUBA LAWAL AKINOLA GBADAMOSI ADERONKE NOIMOT GBADAMOSI BUSAYO ADETAYO GBADAMOSI QUADRI OLADIMEJI GBAJABIAMILA OLASUNKANMI .

474 475 476 477 478 479 480 481 482

GBEDAISI ABIODUN SEJIRO GBESEMEHA EMMANUEL POVIWANU GBESOEVI PEDEPO TOSIN GBOKOYI JAMIU OLUWASEYI GENTY RUKAYAT OYINDAMOLA GIWA ADENIKE YETUNDE GIWA HAJARAT OLUWAKEMI GIWA OLOLADE AISHAT GIWA GAFAR DARE

483 484 485 486 487 488 489

GIWANSON SINMISOLA SULIAT GODO BILIKIS BOLADE GODO OLATUNJI YUSUF GOLD MICHAEL AYOMIDE GOMEZ ADEYINKA FELIX GOMEZ IGNATUS TOPE GRILLO ADEBISI BUKOLA

490 HABEEB RAIMOT OLASUNBO 491 492 493 494 495 496 497 498 499 500 501 502 503

HAMED TOBI KADMIEL HAMMED OWOLABI ABIODUN HARUNA FATIMA MOJISOLA HASSAN ABIMBOLA KAFAYAT HASSAN ADELAJA MUYIDEEN HASSAN ADEWALE TEMITOPE HASSAN DEBORAH ANUOLUWAPO HASSAN NOFISAT DAMILOLA HASSAN OLAIDE ODUNAYO HASSAN OLUWABUKOLA .

HASSAN OMOLOLA MARIAM HODONU TITILOPE SEMANDE HONAWON PHILIP NUNAYON

504 HUGHES SEKINAT ADEBIMPE 505 HUNDOGAN DAVID ADETOKUNBO 506 507 508 509 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518 519 520 521 522

HUNGA JOHNSON SALAKO HUNGA SERAH IYANU HUNGA VICTORIA OPEYEMI HUNGBO GBENGA DANIEL HUNGBO MAUTIN MEDESE HUNGBO SEMAKO ADEBAYO HUNJAH MAUSI OLUWABUKOLA HUNJENUKON EMMANUEL SEJORO HUNJO OLUWASEUN TODEJI HUNJO PESU AYODEJI HUNJO RITA MODUPE HUNPEVI SEMAKO AYODELE HUNSINU GRACE SENAPON HUNSU VICTORIA Y HUNSUWHEGBE JOSHUA OLUWATOSIN HUNWI MODUPE VIUTU HUNYINGAN TEMITOPE SEMAWON

523 524 525 526 527 528 529 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540

IBIAHO FUNKE MAUSI IBIKUNLE BUSAYO QAZEEM IBITOYE AYOMIDE .

IBRAHIM ADEOLA RUKAYAT IBRAHIM AFUSAT AINA IBRAHIM FADILAT OLUWAKEMI IBRAHIM GBEMISOLA TOYIN IBRAHIM SHERIF ADEOLA IDOWU ABISOLA JANET IDOWU FOLAKEMI MARIAM IDOWU OLAITAN MEDEYONMI IDOWU OLANREWAJU OLUWATOYIN IDOWU OLATUNBOSUN .

IDOWU OLAWALE AKEEM IDOWU OLAYINKA BEATRICE IDOWU OLUWASEUN MUJIDAT IDOWU OLUWATOSIN ASISAT IDOWU SAHEED OLAKUNLE

Christian Religious Knowledge LASS-Education Public admin LASS-Education History & Int. Relation Microbiology LASS-Education Philosophy Educational Management Chemistry Philosophy Botany Microbiology Educational Management LASS-Education English language Computer Science Medicine Physical & Health Education Mass Communication Physics LASS-Education LASS-Education Biochemistry IRPM Botany Microbiology Educational Management Microbiology English language Chemistry Biochemistry Theatre Arts & Music LASS-Education Physical & Health Education Educational Management Computer Science Chemistry Public admin Biochemistry Public admin Microbiology Mass Communication IRPM English language LASS-Education Transport Mass Communication Physical & Health Education IRPM Foreign Language/ Literature LASS-Education Computer Science Public admin LASS-Education LASS-Education Biochemistry Chemistry Zoology IRPM Computer Science Botany LASS-Education LASS-Education LASS-Education Zoology LASS-Education Educational Management History & Int. Relation Public admin English language English language Microbiology LASS-Education LASS-Education IRPM Computer Science Mass Communication History & Int. Relation Botany LASS-Education Physics Mass Communication Biochemistry Microbiology Educational Management

541 IDOWU TITILAYO CHARITY 542 IDOWU FLORENCE OMOLADE 543 IDRIS OLATUNJI RAZAK 544 545 546 547

IDRIS OLUWADAMILARE A IDRIS RISIKATU ATINUKE IDRIS OLUWASEUN HAMUDALAT IFESANYA TAWAKALITU TEMITOPE

548 549 550 551 552 553 554 555

IGBALAYE ADIJAT BISOLA IGE OLAMIPEJU GANIYAT IKUMOLUYI BIOLA FEYI ILYAS ZAINAB GBEMISOLA IPAYE OMONIYI BUSUYI ISA ASIATA SONAYON ISAQ SULAIMAN LOLADE ISIAQ TOHEEB OLADIMEJI

556 557 558 559 560 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 568 569 570 571 572 573 574 575 576

ISIKALU OLATOKUNBO RACHEAL ISMAIL IBRAHIM OLUWASEYI JAGUNA MEMUNAT ADETUTU JAIYEOLA ELIZABETH TOLULOPE JAIYESIMI OLUWASEUN MATHIAS JAMES DAVID OPEYEMI JAMIU OLUWAKEMI SEKINAT JAMIU QUDUS ABDUL JAWANDO GBEMISOLA MONSURAT JIDONU MICHAEL HALLELUYAH JIMOH AFEEZ KOREDE JIMOH AMINAT ADEBUKOLA JIMOH FOLAJOMI RAFIAT JIMOH KAFILAT OMOWUNMI JIMOH NURUDEEN .

JIMOH SIDIKAT OLUWATOSIN JINADU AMINAT ADEOLA JINADU IBRAHIM BABATUNDE JINADU OYEKUNLE ADIO JINADU REBECCA OLUWADAMILOLA JOGBO AZEEZAT OYINDAMOLA

577 JOHN TEMITOPE ELIZABETH 578 JOHNSON JADESOLA MOYOSORE 579 JOHNSON MODUPE ESTHER 580 581 582 583 584 585

JOHNSON OLUKAYODE ADERINOLA JOLAYEMI ANUOLUWAPO RUTH JONES TITILOPE AGNES JOSHUA CECILIA ZANSI JUBRIL JAMIU MAYOWA KADRI RUKAYAT MOTUNRAYO

586 587 588 589

KAFFO OLUWOLE RAHEEM KALEJAIYE KHADIJAT OLAMIDE KAMORU AJARAT GBEMISOLA KARA KARIMOT ADEOLA

590 KAREEM ADEBISI HABIBAT 591 KAREEM ELIZABETH OLUWAKEMI 592 593 594 595 596

KAREEM FATIMAH OYEWALE KAREEM FATIMOH OLAMIDE KAREEM MOJISOLA RAMOTA KAREEM NASIRUDEEN KOLAWOLE KASALI BISOLA BALIKIS

597 598 599 600 601 602 603

KASALI RALIAT ABIMBOLA KAWOJUE YETUNDE MUSINOT KAZEEM HARUNA ISHOLA KAZEEM HASSAN TAIWO KAZEEM IDRIS OPEYEMI KAZEEM MUJIDAT ADEWUNMI KAZEEM NOFISAT ADENIKE

604 KAZEEM OLUWABUSAYO ZAINAB 605 KEKE BLESSING TITILAYO 606 607 608 609 610 611 612 613

KENKU TAIWO RAIMOT KESINGTON ZAINAB KIKELOMO KOKO JOHN SEGUN KOKOSO OMOLADE RAFIAT KOLAWOLE AKINYEMI UMAR KOSHEGBE HASSAN BABATUNDE KOSOKO ABIMBOLA AWWAU KOSOKO ADEWUNMI TAIBAT

614 615 616 617 618 619 620

KOSOKO ADEYEMI ABDULWAHAB KOSOKO AYODELE SIMBI KOSOKO BUSOLA MORILIAT KOSOKO FOLAJIMI ODUNAYO KOSOKO SIKIRU ADEOYE KOTUN BISOLA ADIJAT KUTON SETENME OLUWAFUNMILAYO

Educational Management English language Educational Management Computer Science Mass Communication Zoology Educational Management Computer Science Microbiology LASS-Education Medicine IRPM Mass Communication LASS-Education Educational Management Microbiology History & Int. Relation Insurance Chemistry Computer Science Computer Science LASS-Education English language English language Public admin Computer Science English language Mass Communication Public admin Medicine IRPM English language LASS-Education LASS-Education History & Int. Relation Educational Management English language Biochemistry Foreign Language/ Literature LASS-Education Mass Communication Botany Biochemistry Public admin Physical & Health Education Chemistry Philosophy LASS-Education Educational Management Mass Communication Physical & Health Education Medicine Geography & planning Insurance Islamic Law Educational Management Mass Communication Public admin LASS-Education Insurance Mass Communication English language Educational Management Mass Communication Educational Management IRPM Insurance Microbiology History & Int. Relation Mass Communication English language IRPM Educational Management Computer Science English language Computer Science Public admin Philosophy LASS-Education Foreign Language/ Literature

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

15

L ASG APPROVES TUITION FEES TO 2011/2012 SE Y) OF LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE INDIGENES IN LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE SETT (ONL (ONLY) STA STA UNIVERSIT Y AND BURSARY AAW WARDS TO INDIGENES IN LLA AW SCHOOL AND MARITIME ACADEMY STUDENTS UNIVERSITY 621 622 623 624 625 626 627 628 629 630 631 632 633 634 635 636 637 638 639 640 641 642 643 644 645 646 647 648 649 650 651 652 653 654 655 656 657 658 659 660 661 662 663 664 665 666 667 668 669 670 671 672 673 674 675 676 677 678 679 680 681 682 683 684 685 686 687 688 689 690 691 692 693 694 695 696 697 698 699 700

LADEGA RAHMOT TEMITOPE LADIPO MOTUNRAYO ADENIKE LAGUDA MUHAMMED FUHAD LAMIDI FATIMAH ABIMBOLA LASAKI SUKURAT OMOBOLAJI LASISI ADETOLA HABEEBAT

English language Mass Communication Insurance Medicine Zoology Science & Technology Education LASISI IBRAHIM ABIODUN Educational Management LASISI MALIK OLANSHILE Biochemistry LASISI OLAJIDE BASHIR Science & Technology Education LAWAL ADIJAT ORITOKE Educational Management LAWAL AKEEM OLAYIWOLA Public admin LAWAL BABATUNDE OLADAPO Medicine LAWAL HALIMAT AJOKE Educational Management LAWAL IBRAHIM ABIODUN Arabic Studies LAWAL MARIAM ORIYOMI Science & Technology Education LAWAL NURUDEEN OLAYIWOLA LASS-Education LAWAL OLORUNLEKE MAYOWA Computer Science LAWAL OMOTAYO YUSUF Computer Science LAWAL SAHEED ADEYINKA Computer Science LAWAL SAIDAT FOLASHADE English language LAWAL-AKAPO OLAKUNLE SAMSON Computer Science LAYODE SHALEWA NURAT Microbiology LEDIJU KAMILAT OLANREWAJU Foreign Language/ Literature LEDIJU KAMILAT TEMITOPE Mass Communication LEDIJU KARAM ADISA Computer Science LIADI BOLANLE MUJEEDAT IRPM LIADI IBITOKE KHADIJAH Mass Communication LOKO TAIWO OMOLADE Philosophy LUKMAN AWAWU OLUWAKEMI Mass Communication MABUNMI OMOTAYO TOSIN IRPM MAKANJU ABDULATEEF OTOLORIN Foreign Language/ Literature MAKANJUOLA ISMAIL OLAYIWOLA Chemistry MAKANJUOLA TEMIDAYO GABRIEL Educational Management MARTINS OLUWATOYIN TEMITOPE Mass Communication MATANMI ADENIKE OYINDAMOLA Chemistry MAYEGUN KHADIJAT OLUWAFUMILAYO Mass Communication MISSA AHMED ISHOLA Computer Science MOBEE MARY JUMOKE Mass Communication MOGAJI BILIKISU OPEYEMI Science & Technology Education MOHAMMED AKEEM ADESOPE LASS-Education MOHAMMED MARIAM C Mass Communication MOHAMMED RASHIDAT ADESOLA IRPM MOHAMMED RIDWAN ADISA LASS-Education Educational MOHAMMED YUSUF OLATUNJI Management MOJEED SULAIMON ADEDAYO Transport MOLIKI ISMAILA ADEDAYO Computer Science MOSES ADEYEMI SEWANU Mass Communication MOSES EMMANUEL OLUWATOBI Computer Science MOSHOOD IDRIS OLAJIDE Mathematics MOSHOOD NIMOTA ADEJOKE English language MUBIDIU AZEEZ IYOUN LASS-Education MUHAMMAD UTHMAN JAJI Islamic Law MUHAMMED ZAINAB BIDEMI Public admin MUHAMMED HABEEB TOYOSI Computer Science MURITALA ABRAHAM ABOLAJI Educational Management MUSA IBRAHIM OLABANJI IRPM MUSA JOLAADE NOSIRAT Medicine MUSEDIKU IDRIS DARE Biochemistry MUSHAFAU TAJUDEEN ADEOLU LASS-Education MUSILIU ISIRAT YETUNDE Public admin MUSTAPHA HASSANAT TAIWO Educational Management MUSTAPHA SAKA ALADE LASS-Education MUSTAPHA TOSIN .

Public admin MUTAIRU AISHAT OMOWUNMI Botany NDAMAJO ABRAHAM DAGBEYON Mass Communication NOHOESU OVIAVO REMI Microbiology NOIBI ADEYEMI MIKAIL Educational Management NURUDEEN SAHEED IYANDA History & Int. Relation OBABIYI AMINAT OLUBUKOLA English language OBAFUNMILAYO TOLUWALOPE JANET Insurance OBANSERE DAMILARE L Mass Communication OBASA NOFISAT ADEOLA LASS-Education OBE JEREMIAH LAURENCE Educational Management ODESANYA QUADRI ADEDOWALE Mass Communication ODODO ISMAILA DAVID LASS-Education ODODO SHERIF KOLAWOLE Insurance ODOFIN IYABODE FAUSAT Botany ODOFIN MUSA ABIODUN Theatre Arts & Music ODOFIN YETUNDE LATIFAT Public admin ODUBOTE OPEYEMI IDRIS Public admin

701 ODUBOTE SULAIMON OLAJIDE 702 703 704 705 706 707 708 709 710 711 712 713 714 715 716 717 718 719 720 721 722 723 724 725 726 727 728 729 730 731 732 733 734 735 736 737 738 739 740 741 742 743 744 745 746 747 748 749 750 751 752 753 754 755 756 757 758 759 760 761 762 763 764 765 766 767 768 769 770 771 772 773 774 775 776 777 778 779 780 781 782 783 784 785 786 787 788

Science & Technology Education ODUGBESAN ADENIKE ADETOKUNBO Public admin ODUJOKO YETUNDE ALICE LASS-Education ODUMOSU OMOTOYOSI YUSUF English language ODUNAYA OLOLADE M Educational Management ODUNEWU QUDUS ADEWALE Zoology ODUNLAMI ABIMBOLA KUBURAT Philosophy ODUNLAMI BILIKISU MORENIKEJI LASS-Education IRPM ODUNLAMI FUNMILOLA MODUPE ODUNSI AMINAT ESHIKOKUN Science & Technology Education ODUNSI OMOLOLA TAOJAT Microbiology ODUNTAN ADEDEJI IBRAHIM LASS-Education ODUNTAN OLAWALE HABEEB Theatre Arts & Music ODUNTAN SAIDAT ABIMBOLA Mass Communication ODUNUGA ESTHER ILERIAYO LASS-Education ODUSANYA SIMEON OLUFEMI IRPM ODUSOLA AYISAT OMOSALEWA Educational Management ODUTOLA OLUWASEYIFUNMI OMOLADEMass Communication OGA DAMILOLA ZAINAB Mass Communication OGABI OLUWASEGUN SOLOMON LASS-Education OGABI SUNDAY SAMSON Computer Science OGBARA WAHEED MAYOWA Insurance OGBE OWOLABI ADURAGBEMI Public admin OGBO IBUKUN RACHAEL IRPM OGBO KEHINDE ESTHER Public admin OGBOYE ATINUKE GANIAT IRPM OGBOYE KOFOWOROLA AISHAT Fisheries OGIDAN FATIMAT DAMILOLA Mass Communication OGIDAN HAMAD ADEBAYO History & Int. Relation OGIDAN TOLULOPE GBEMINIYI Mass Communication OGIDI QUADRI ABIODUN LASS-Education OGU PRECIOUS PROMISE English language OGUN MAUTIN LAWRENCE Science & Technology Education OGUNBA MONSURAT ABISOLA Botany OGUNBIYI OLAJUMOKE OVIYON LASS-Education OGUNBIYI TEMITOPE VICTORIA Science & Technology Education OGUNBIYI YEWANDE ABIODUN Insurance OGUNBOTE DAMILOLA REBECCA English language OGUNBOWALE ZAINAB ADEOLA LASS-Education OGUNDIMU OPEYEMI KOWIU Mass Communication OGUNDOWO OLORUNFUNMI OLUWATOPE Public admin OGUNEKUN OLABISI MOTUNRAYO Biochemistry OGUNFILE OREOLUWA OLAJUMOKE LASS-Education OGUNFUYE STEPHEN GBADEGBO Computer Science OGUNGBO MARIAM SUBOMI Philosophy OGUNGBO SHAMSIDEEN TOSIN Mass Communication OGUNJOBI DAGBEYON PATRICK Computer Science OGUNLANA ADEBOWALE JOHN Computer Science OGUNLANA RILWAN OMOTOSHO Biochemistry OGUNLARU KEHINDE AYOOLA Public admin OGUNLEYE SHUKURAT T Mass Communication OGUNLEYE TOLULOPE S Theatre Arts & Music OGUNNAIKE YEWANDE RISIKAT Mass Communication OGUNNIYI YETUNDE TITILOPE Science & Technology Education OGUNNOWO SEYI SUNDAY English language OGUNSANYA ANUOLUWAPO ADEOLA Mass Communication OGUNTAN VICTORIA TOBI Chemistry OJE AYODEJI PHILIP History & Int. Relation OJELABI OLAYENI EMMANUEL Theatre Arts & Music OJIKUTU BOLANLE NIMOTA Educational Management OJIKUTU IFEOLUWA SAMSON Chemistry OJIKUTU MASHOOD OLANREWAJU Mechanical engineering OJIKUTU OLUWADAMILOLA AMINAT LASS-Education OJIKUTU RUKAYAT OMOLARA Microbiology OJO DARE AYINDE Mass Communication OJO SEYIDE FIYINFUNOLUWA LASS-Education OJOMU FATAI ADEWALE IRPM OJOMU IDRIS ADELEKE LASS-Education OJORA ADEREMI RAIMI Public admin OJORA OLUWATOBI MORENIKEJI Mass Communication OJUIYA ADIJAT KOFOWOROLA Microbiology OKE AMOS AFOLABI LASS-Education OKE RUTH AFOLAKE English language OKEDEJI OMOYENI OLUWASEUN Mass Communication OKELANA ODUNAYO FOLUKE Mass Communication OKEMATI YEWANDE MULIKAT Public admin OKESINA OLUWATOBI DARE Public admin OKI GBEMISOLA MARIAM Theatre Arts & Music OKI MARIAM ARAMINDE Microbiology OKI OLANREWAJU YUSUF Educational Management OKOKO WALIU OLAMIDE Microbiology OKOYA MUBARAK ADEFOLAHUN Computer Science OKOYA OMOLARA RUKAYAT Microbiology OKOYA SOLOMON OLUWATOYIN Computer Science OKUNEYE SAMSON KEHINDE Mass Communication OKUNNU BABATIDE MICHAEL IRPM OKUWOBI PETER OLAMIDE Public admin OLA AYODELE OLADIMEJI IRPM

789 790 791 792 793 794 795 796 797 798 799 800 801 802 803 804 805 806 807 808 809 810 811 812 813 814 815 816 817 818 819 820 821 822 823 824 825 826 827 828 829 830 831 832 833 834 835 836 837 838 839 840 841 842 843 844 845 846 847 848 849 850 851 852 853 854 855 856 857 858 859 860 861 862 863 864 865 866 867 868 869 870 871 872 873 874 875

OLABANJO OLUSOLA AANU Computer Science OLABODE BUKOLA ADEOLA LASS-Education OLADEGA KAFILAT FOLAYO Philosophy OLADEJO OLUWATOBI MICHAEL Botany OLADELE ADEBOWALE JOHN History & Int. Relation OLADIPUPO MUILI OLAKANMI Mathematics OLADUNNI MOSES OLUWASEUN LASS-Education OLAITAN MAYOWA NOFISAT Mass Communication OLAJIDE ISMAILA KUNLE Chemistry OLALEKAN SHADIAT ADEOLA Insurance OLALEYE HABIB JAYEOLA Mass Communication OLALEYE MORUFU ISIAKA LASS-Education OLANIYI STEPHEN OLAKANMI Medicine OLANREWAJU DAMILOLA PRISCILLA LASS-Education OLAOSEBIKAN LATEEF .

Theatre Arts & Music OLARIBIGBE BASHIRU ABIODUN Medicine OLASEINDEMI BUKUNMI WANDE LASS-Education OLATEJU MODUPE DAMILOLA Biochemistry OLATUNBOSUN OLASUNKANMI .

Medicine OLATUNBOSUN OLUWASEUN OLAYINKAComputer Science OLATUNBOSUN RABIAT OMOLARA Mass Communication OLATUNDE OLALEYE JOSEPH Computer Science OLATUNDE OMOLOLA HAWAU Medicine OLATUNDE TIMOTHY ABIOLA LASS-Education OLATUNJI ADETOLA AIRAT IRPM OLATUNJI GBENGA EBENEZER Medicine OLATUNJI IBRAHIM OLADIMEJI Public admin OLAWALE ADEOLA SUSAN History & Int. Relation OLAWALE BOLAJI WAHAB Computer Science OLAWALE RAMONI OLATUNJI Educational Management OLAWUYI MONSURAT ABIMBOLA Medicine OLAYEMI KEHINDE BOLANLE Physical & Health Education OLAYINKA ADEYINKA JUBRIL IRPM OLAYINKA AFEEZ ADEBOWALE LASS-Education OLAYINKA IBRAHIM ADEBOWALE Computer Science OLEMOH TUNDE HALEEM Insurance OLOGUNLADO SEKINAT TITILOPE IRPM OLOGUNLADO YUSUF BABATUNDE Educational Management OLOGUNRO OLUWAFUNMILAYO AMINATPublic admin OLOJO AFEEZ JUWON Public admin OLOKODANA ABIDEMI MICHEAL English language OLOKODANA ABIODUN MAROOF Philosophy OLORUNFUNMI ABIOLA AHMED Computer Science OLORUNFUNMI IBUKUN .

Geography & planning OLORUNFUNMI TAIBAT LANRE LASS-Education OLORUNFUNMI TOYIN ALIM LASS-Education OLORUNFUNMI YAHYA OLAITAN LASS-Education OLORUNOJE OLAJIDE ISMAIL Public admin OLOWOLAGBA SEKINAT OMOLOLA English language OLOWOPOPO ADEKUNLE .

Insurance OLOWU BILIKIS KEHINDE Insurance OLOWU LATEEF TAYO IRPM OLOWU SULAIMON BABATUNDE Educational Management OLOWU USMAN ADEDAYO Educational Management OLOYEDE HAMMED OLAYIWOLA Educational Management OLUBONOJO OLUSOLA JANET Biochemistry OLUKAYODE BOLATITO ESTHER LASS-Education OLUKOLU BUKOLA FATIMA Public admin OLUKOSI RAMOTA ADERONKE Mass Communication OLUKOTUN ALIMAT OLUBUSAYO LASS-Education OLUKUNGA OLADIPUPO ABDULAFEEZ English language OLUMADE GBOLAHAN OLAWALE Computer & Electrical Engineering OLUMIDE FUNKE MAUTIN IRPM OLUPINLA ADEDAYO OLUWATOBI Microbiology OLUSANYA OMOTAYO OLUWATOSIN English language OLUSESI OLADAPO ABDULWAHAB Educational Management OLUSESI TEMITOPE ABISOYE IRPM OLUSESI ZINATALAH ADETOLA Science & Technology Education OLUSHI OLUWATOSIN FLORENCE LASS-Education OLUSI OLATUNDE ISMAILA Computer Science OLUWA AJIBADE ISMAIL Educational Management OLUWASHANU SHAKIRAT ADEJOKE Botany OLUWOLE DAMILOLA SAMUEL LASS-Education OMONIYI CHRISTIANA OLAWUNMI Public admin OMOTOSHO ADEOLA SHUKURAT Mass Communication ONAFUYE MATTHEW SEGUN Computer Science ONIGBANJO ADIJAT BOLANLE Educational Management ONIGEMO NURUDEEN BELLO Educational Management ONIKEWUNLA KEHINDE GAFAR LASS-Education ONIKOYI MARIAM ABIOLA LASS-Education ONITIRI HALIMAT DAMILOLA Medicine ONITOLO KEMI AJOKE Educational Management ONIYIDE OLAWALE IDRIS Educational Management OREOLUWA OLADAPO DANIEL Mass Communication ORIOLA ABIOLA MAUME Medicine ORIRE OLANREWAJU SUNDAY Philosophy ORIYOMI IYABO BETTER Microbiology

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

16

L ASG APPROVES TUITION FEES TO 2011/2012 SE Y) OF LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE INDIGENES IN LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE SETT (ONL (ONLY) STA STA UNIVERSIT Y AND BURSARY AAW WARDS TO INDIGENES IN LLA AW SCHOOL AND MARITIME ACADEMY STUDENTS UNIVERSITY 876 OSENI ABDUL-GANIU OLAMILEKAN 877 OSENI ADEKUNLE ABUBAKAR 878 OSENI KAFILAT OLUWAKEMI 879 OSENI MARIAM OMOWALE 880 OSENI SAKA AYODELE 881 882 883 884 885 886 887

OSENI SEGUN OLUWAGBENGA OSHIKOMAIYA CHRISTY KEMI OSHIKOYA QUDUS OLAWALE OSHO IYABO ADIJAT OSHO OLAWALE OLALEKAN OSHO ROSELINE REMILEKUN OSHODI AKINOLA OLUMUYIWA

888 OSHODI LATIFAT IBIRONKE 889 OSHUN AMINAT ABIODUN 890 OSITIMEHIN BOLANLE ABIODUN 891 OSITIMEHIN KEHINDE MOYOSOLA 892 OSOJA IYANU MARIA 893 894 895 896 897 898

OSURO FOLASHADE ZAYNAB OTESHADE SHUKURAT AYOTUNDE OTUTULORO YETUNDE OLAYINKA OWOLABI OLUWASEUN OLALEKN OWOYELE TOLUWABORI LYDIA OYEDOKUN LAWAL ADEGBOYEGA

899 900 901 902 903 904

OYEKAN PRAYER OLADOTUN OYEKOLE OLUWASEUN JENET OYETUNJI OLUWABUKOLA M OYEWALE OLUWATOBILOBA BALQIS OYEWOLE TAWAKALITU ADETUTU PADONU QUADRI BABATUNDE

905 PANU MAUTIN VERONICA 906 PARAMOLE MUBARAK OLALEKAN 907 PELUMI AZEEZAT MOSUNMOLA 908 909 910 911 912 913

PEREIRA OLUWASEUN EMMANUEL PETERS OLUWASEGUN RASAK PRATT AFOLAKE OLAMIDE QAZEEM HAFSAT ADENIKE QUADRI BASIRAT OLUSHOLA QUADRI OLAYINKA OYINDAMOLA

914 915 916 917 918

QUADRI OMOWUMI AMINAT QUDUS SHEKONI OLAYIWOLA RABIU IDRIS OLAMIDE RABIU OLUWAKEMI KADIJAT RAHAMAN AZEEZ ADEYINKA

919 920 921 922 923 924 925 926 927

RAHEEM AMINAT FUNMILAYO RAHEEM BALIKIS ADETOUN RAHEEM RAHEEM BABATUNDE RAHEEM RAMLAT OLAYINKA RAHMAN BISOLA MARIAM RAJI AJOKE TAWAKALIT RAJI OLAJIDE JOHN RAJI RASHIDAT TITILAYO RASAK HAMMED OLAYIWOLA

928 RASAQ AJARA ADEOLA 929 930 931 932 933 934 935

RASAQ SULAIMON OLATUNDE REFFELL YESIDE OLUWATOYIN RUFAI BOLAJI JAMES RUFAI IDRIS OLADIPUPO RUFAI TAWAKALITU KIKELOMO SABA MUFUTIAT OYEYINKA SAHEED FATIMOH ABIDEMI

936 937 938 939 940

SAIBU OLUFUNKE AJIMOH SAIDI VICTORIA OMOLARA SAINT-WONDER TOSIN PAUL SAKA NURUDEEN OLUWASEUN SAKA TOHEED ORIADE

941 942 943 944 945 946 947

SALAAM ADIJAT ADENIKE SALAMI ABIBAT O SALAMI ABUBAKRY OLORUNWA SALAMI GANIYAT ADEBUKOLA SALAMI SHAKIRU OLAYEMI SALAUDEEN NOFISAT ADEJOKE SALAUDEEN RAFIAT ABOSEDE

948 SALIU AYISATU MOBOLAJI 949 SALIU MURITALA ABIDEMI 950 SALIU ZAINAB OLABISI 951 SALU AKINRINSAYO OLUBUKOLA 952 SALVADOR ADEWALE .

953 SAMBAKIU KEHINDE WALIAT

LASS-Education Educational Management LASS-Education History & Int. Relation Science & Technology Education Microbiology Transport Mass Communication History & Int. Relation Medicine Microbiology Educational Management Mass Communication English language Industrial Relation & Personnel Management Fisheries Educational Management History & Int. Relation Insurance Philosophy Mass Communication Microbiology Educational Management Medicine Insurance Public admin History & Int. Relation Theatre Arts & Music Educational Management Mass Communication Computer & Electrical Engineering Educational Management Computer Science Botany History & Int. Relation LASS-Education LASS-Education Educational Management Insurance Insurance Mass Communication Mass Communication Science & Technology Education LASS-Education Microbiology Microbiology Mass Communication English language Zoology English language Mass Communication Educational Management Educational Management LASS-Education Medicine Mass Communication LASS-Education History & Int. Relation Microbiology Science & Technology Education LASS-Education English language Philosophy LASS-Education Science & Technology Education Public admin Mass Communication Mass Communication Public admin Medicine History & Int. Relation Educational Management Computer Science Biochemistry Educational Management Mass Communication Philosophy IRPM

954 955 956 957 958

SAMUEL DAMILARE ODUNAYO SAMUEL OLUWAFEMI SEHOGBE SAMUEL OMOTAYO INUMIDUN SAMUEL TEMITOPE MODUPE SANNI ABDUL MUJEEB

Computer Science Public admin Biochemistry Mass Communication Educational Management 959 SANNI GANIU OLAMILEKAN LASS-Education 960 SANNI MUSA AYINDE Mathematics 961 SANNI OLAWALE IDRIS Educational Management 962 SANNI QUAZIM OLADIPUPO Microbiology 963 SANNI QUDUS OLASHILE Computer Science 964 SANNI RABIAT OMOLOLA LASS-Education 965 SANNI SIMBIAT TEMITOPE Philosophy 966 SANNI TOMIWA OMOWUNMI LASS-Education 967 SANUSI OLUWASEUN MATIN IRPM 968 SANUTH ALIYU OLAYIWOLA Microbiology 969 SANWO-OLA MISTURA OLUSHOLA Microbiology 970 SASORE ADEBAYO EMMANUEL Philosophy 971 SAULA BASIRAT BUKOLA Educational Management 972 SAULA MARIAM BAMIDELE Educational Management 973 SAULA ALIMOT OMOBOLANLE Philosophy 974 SAULABIU LATIFAT ABIDEMI IRPM 975 SEGBENU OLUSOLA MEDESE LASS-Education 976 SEIDU OYINDAMOLA SALIMOT Fisheries 977 SEKONI OLAWUNMI MAUTON LASS-Education 978 SEMILU IBRAHIM ABIOLA Computer Science 979 SERIKI IBRAHIM OLAWALE Mass Communication 980 SERIKI MONSURU OLALEKAN LASS-Education 981 SERIKI NAFISAT ABIODUN Educational Management 982 SERIKI SAHEED OLASHILE Zoology 983 SERIKI ZAINAB ABISOLA History & Int. Relation 984 SEYIN YEMAREN MICHEAL LASS-Education 985 SHABIOLEGBE NUSI OYINDAMOLA Public admin 986 SHADARE OLUWAFUNMILAYO MARIAM Microbiology 987 SHEKONI JAMIU OLADIMEJI Medicine 988 SHITTA MARIAM KIKELOMO Islamic Law 989 SHITTA SULAIMON ABIODUN Zoology 990 SHITTA-BAY ABIOLA GANIU Transport 991 SHITTU AZEEZAT ADESOLA Educational Management 992 SHITTU BANJOKO YEWANDE LASS-Education 993 SHITTU BUSOLA DEBORAH Mass Communication 994 SHITTU JAIYEOLA MISTURA Educational Management 995 SHITTU JAMIU ADEBAYO Fisheries 996 SHITTU OLUWAFUNMILAYO MARIAM English language 997 SHITU FUNMILAYO AMDALAT Medicine 998 SHOBAJO OLUWADAMILOLA SAMUEL Computer Science 999 SHOBERU SUNDAY BUNMI Computer Science 1000 SHODEINDE TEJUMADE RUKAYAT LASS-Education 1001 SHODIPO TAIWO ADEMOLA English language 1002 SHOLARU SHERIFAT AKOREDE Biochemistry 1003 SHOPEYIN ZAINOBE FOLASHADE Zoology 1004 SHOWEMIMO IDRIS BABATUNDE Mass Communication 1005 SHOWUNMI ADEBISI TOBALASE Fisheries 1006 SOBERU ADEBUKUNOLA OLASUNKANMI History & Int. Relation 1007 SODE OLUSOLA AFOLABI Zoology 1008 SOETAN BABATUNDE ADISA Biochemistry 1009 SOGBUYI SAMUEL OLAYIWOLA Zoology 1010 SOKEFUN OLUWASEYI OLAOTAN Medicine 1011 SOLARIN MARIAN MOJISOLA Mass Communication 1012 SOLOMON SEYIDE EMMANUEL Computer Science 1013 SOLUADE LUKMAN OLALEKAN IRPM 1014 SONAIKE NURUDEEN OLABODE Insurance 1015 SOTTIN SEYIDE ELIZABETH Mass Communication 1016 SOWUNMI OLASUPO DAMILOLA Mass Communication 1017 STANY NANCY MAUTIN Microbiology 1018 SUBAIR MUJIDAT OLAWUNMI Islamic Law 1019 SUENU LATEEF OLANREWAJU Chemistry 1020 SULAIMAN WASIU OLANREWAJU IRPM 1021 SULAIMON ADEBISI OLAMIDE Mass Communication 1022 SULAIMON BAKI ADAM Zoology 1023 SULAIMON MUSA OLAKUNLE Mass Communication 1024 SULAIMON OYEGBOLA BALOGUN Philosophy 1025 SULAIMON RASHEED DAMOLA Zoology 1026 SULAIMON SHUKURAT OMOTAYO Microbiology 1027 SULAIMON WASIU ADEYEMI Islamic Law 1028 SULAIMON YUNUSA SEMAWON Foreign Language/ Literature 1029 SULE RUKAYAT KOFOWOROLA LASS-Education 1030 SUNMOLA YINUSA ABIODUN Mass Communication 1031 SURA GANIU OLADIPUPO Educational Management 1032 SURAKAT YUSUF OPEYEMI Public admin 1033 TAIWO ADERONKE MERCY Fisheries 1034 TAIWO OLUWASEUN ABOSEDE Botany 1035 TAIWO RILWAN KAYODE Educational Management 1036 TAIWO SHAMSON BUKOLA Public admin 1037 TAIWO SIMBIAT ABIKE IRPM 1038 TAIWO TEMITOPE BAMIDELE Geography & planning

1039 TAJUDEEN RIDWAN DIPO 1040 TALABI OWOLABI ENYCE 1041 TAOREED SEKINAT FOLASHADE 1042 TAWAL ADEYEMI ALABI 1043 THOMAS ABAYOMI MICHEAL 1044 THOMAS EMMANUEL SENAYON 1045 THOMAS OPEYEMI JOY 1046 THOMPSON OLAITAN GABRIEL 1047 THOMPSON SHAMUSIDEEN ABIOLA 1048 TIJANI AMINAT TEMITOPE 1049 TIJANI ENIOLA MARYAM 1050 TIJANI HASSAN OLAJIDE 1051 TIJANI IDRIS OLADOTUN

Philosophy Public admin IRPM Zoology IRPM Insurance Mass Communication IRPM Computer Science Mass Communication Chemistry Medicine Science & Technology Education 1052 TIJANI NIMOTALAI TANWA LASS-Education 1053 TIJANI TUNDE AFEEZ IRPM 1054 TIJANI ZAINAB GBEMISOLA Microbiology 1055 TINUBU GANIYAT AYOOLA Public admin 1056 TINUBU SEGUN DANIEL IRPM 1057 TODOWEDE SEDOMO EMMANUEL LASS-Education 1058 TODOWEDE SEJLO OLUWASEGUN Mechanical engineering 1059 TUBI MOSEBOLATAN OYINKANSOLA IRPM 1060 TUNWASHE FATIMAH OLUFUNMILOLA Public admin 1061 VERA-CRUZ LUCIA SUBUSOLA Science & Technology Education 1062 VINCENT ADEYEMI BOLAJI Computer Science 1063 WAHAB YETUNDE JADESOLA LASS-Education 1064 WAHAB YUSUF KEHINDE Insurance 1065 WHENU BUNMI SEYETON Educational Management 1066 WHESU MOSES SEMASA Philosophy 1067 WHETODE TOPE SENAMI Educational Management 1068 WHETODE TOSIN .

Foreign Language/ Literature 1069 WILLIAMS ABDULAZEEZ ALABI Industrial Relation & Personnel Management 1070 WILLIAMS OLAITAN MISTURA English language 1071 WILLIAMS OLUWASEYIFUNMI TOBI Mass Communication 1072 WRIGHT BANKOLE OLUWASEUN Mass Communication 1073 WUSU SEWANDE OLUWATOBILOBA LASS-Education 1074 YEWANDE OLUREMI OLUBUSOLA Mass Communication 1075 YINUSA FALILAT ABIODUN IRPM 1076 YONLONFUN SEMANDE ELIZABETH IRPM 1077 YUSUF AISHAT OMOSHALEWA Chemistry 1078 YUSUF NIMOT AFOLASHADE Mass Communication 1079 YUSUFF FALILAT AJOKE LASS-Education 1080 YUSUFF RASHEED OLAMIDE Educational Management 1081 ZANNU OLUSEGUN JESUGO Educational Management Computer Science 1082 ZANNU SEMAKO ANDREW 1083 ZINSU ESTHER AKWEMAHO Public admin 1084 ZINSU KUWHEDE KEHINDE Zoology

LIST OF AWARDEES FOR LAW SCHOOL S/N NAME 1 ABIOLA, ZAINAB TITILOLA

COURSE LAW

2 3

ABDULLAH, SAIDAT OLAYEMI ABIJO, AYOWUNMI OLA

LAW LAW

4 5

ABIMBOLA, TOPE BABATUNDE ABIONA, MOTUNRAYO ESTHER

LAW LAW

6 7

ADESINA, ADEBISI DEBORAH ADEYINKA, ADEKUNLE ADETOLU

LAW LAW

8 9

AFARIOGUN, RASHIDAT ADEBIMPE AINA, ZAINAB OYINKANSOLA

LAW LAW

10 11

AIYEDUN, ADEBUKOLA OLAITAN AJASA, FOLASHADE ADEKEMI

LAW LAW

12 13

AJAYI, TAIWO MARY AJIBORISA, MODUPE KHADIJAT

LAW LAW

14 15

AJIBOYE, RACHEAL DAMILOLA AKAPO, TAIWO JOHN

LAW LAW

16 17

AKINGBADE BUSOLA OLUWAKEMI AKINOLA OLUMUYIWA OLUWOLE

LAW LAW

18 19

AKINOSI, OPEOLUWA WHENAYON AKINSANYA OLAMIDE EZEKIEL

LAW LAW

20 21

AKINSANYA RAFIAT YETUNDE ALAGBE, ABIODUN OLUWAGBENGA

LAW LAW

22 23

ALAPAFUJA, MOJISOLA RASHEEDAT ALAUSA, IDRIS ADESINA

LAW LAW

24 25

ALIU ABDULRASHID OLAYEMI ALOBA ZAINAB OYINDAMOLA

LAW LAW

26 27

ALONGE, JAMIU AKANJI AMOSU ADENIYI BABALOLA

LAW LAW

28 29

ANIMASHAUN LUKMON BAMIDELE ANJORIN, OLUSOLA OLAITAN

LAW LAW

30 31

APENA, ADEKUNLE ISIAKA ASADE, KAYODE OLATUNDE

LAW LAW

32 33

ATANDA, AFEESAT TOLULOPE AWODEINDE, OLASHILE OMOLARA

LAW LAW

34 35

BADA, TAOFIK ADEDEJI BADIRU, OLAWALE RAUF

LAW LAW

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

17

L ASG APPROVES TUITION FEES TO 2011/2012 SE Y) OF LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE INDIGENES IN LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE SETT (ONL (ONLY) STA STA UNIVERSIT Y AND BURSARY AAW WARDS TO INDIGENES IN LLA AW SCHOOL AND MARITIME ACADEMY STUDENTS UNIVERSITY 36 37

BAKARE, ZAINAB OLAIDE BALOGUN, ABDULWASIU AYOOLA

LAW LAW

130 SULAIMON, SODIQ ADEKUNLE 131 TAIWO OLUWASEYI RISI

LAW LAW

38 39

BALOGUN, JIMOH OLAWALE BALOGUN, OLAYINKA IGBEKELEOLUWA

LAW LAW

132 THOMAS, OLATAYO OLUWATODIMU 133 THOMAS, TAYO ADEBOYE

LAW LAW

40 41

BANIRE, AZEEZAT OJUOLAPE BOLAJI, FADILAT ADEDOYIN

LAW LAW

134 TIAMIYU, GANIYU OWOYEMI 135 TINUBU, TOLULOPE GBEMISOLA

LAW LAW

42 43

BOLARINWA, BUKOLA SOFIAT BRAIMAH KAFAYAT ARAMIDE

LAW LAW

136 WHENODE, JESUYON SEGUN 137 WHENU, MAUME OLUWABUSOLA

LAW LAW

44 45

BUSARI, MARYAM JUMOKE DA-SILVA, ADEKUNMI TRACEY

LAW LAW

138 YUSUF, BASHIR OMOBOLAJI 139 YUSUF, RAHMON. OLALEKAN

LAW LAW

46 47

DISU, ENIOLA BILQEES DISU, MARIAM OLAWUNMI

LAW LAW

140 YUSUPH, OLUWABUNMI ABIODUN

LAW

48 49

ELETU, SIMISOLA OLASUMBO ELEWURO, JAMIU AJIBOLA

LAW LAW

50 51

EUBA AFOLABI ADEGBOLARO FADAIRO, ABOSEDE AWASU

LAW LAW

52 53

FALASE, OLAYENI OPEOLUWA FASHINA, FATAI. OLATUNDE.

LAW LAW

54 55

FOLAMI RASAQ ADEKUNLE FOLAMI, OLUWAYEMISI ZAINAB.

LAW LAW

56 57

GAJI, TEMITOPE BILIKIS GANGBE, DORCAS SENAMI

58 59

LIST OF AWARDEES FOR MARITIME ACADEMY

LAW LAW

S/N 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

NAME ADEJUMO, OLUSEGUN DAVID ADENIJI VICTOR AKINYEMI ADENIRAN IDOWU HANNAH AJIBOYE, SIMON YINKA ALABI, ARAFAT OMORONIKE AMOSU, ADENIYI MITONYON BADMUS KAZEEM AKINTUNDE

GANIKALE, TAJUDEEN ABIODUN GBADAMOSI MOSHOOD OLORUNSEGUN

LAW LAW

8

BALOGUN SAHEED ADEWALE

60 61

GIWA, OLAMIDE ABOLORE HASSAN, KHADIJAT BUKOLA

LAW LAW

62 63

HUNPE, SESEDE COMFORT IBRAHEEM, ABDULWAJUEL SEGUN

LAW LAW

64 65

JUNAID MUJIDAT OMOWUNMI KARIMU, OLAKUNLE GBENGA

LAW LAW

66 67

KASALI, TOSEDE OLUWASEUN KAYODE OLUWAFUNKE PEDETIN

LAW LAW

68 69

KAZEEM SULAIMON ADEFEMI KING, ADEBAYO ABIODUN

LAW LAW

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

BOLAJI, BALIKI OLUWATOSIN DEGBAHUN, JACOB NUNAYON IDOWU, ADEIFE JOSEPHINE IDOWU, ADEOGO JOSEPH OGUNDARE SAHEED OLADIPUPO OLORUNFEMI ADIJAT MORENIKE OLUSESI SULAIMON ADENIYI ONILE-ERE, OLAWALE SULAIMON

70 71

KOLAWOLE, ABIODUN OMOLOLU KOTUN, TAJUDEEN ADESINA

LAW LAW

72 73

KPETSIGO, OLIVER AYODELE KUDORO, OLUWAKEMI PEDETIN

LAW LAW

17 18 19 20

OTUKOYA TAIWO ADEBIMPE RAHMAN KAZEEM SULE KAFILAT FUNMILOLA THOMPSON, FUAD OLORUNMIWA

74 75

KUTI TEMITOPE BABATUNDE LALEYE, OYEKANMI MOSES

LAW LAW

21

WHETODE, MOSES OLUMUYIWA

76 77

LAWAL MOTUNRAYO MARIAM LAWAL, AYODELE KOLAMIDE

LAW LAW

78 79

LAWAL, GBOLAHAN FARUQ LAWAL, HALIMAT ENITAN

LAW LAW

80 81

LAWAL, OLUWATOSIN OLUBUKOLA LAWAL, QUDUS AYINLA

LAW LAW

82 83

LAWAL, TAWAKALITU ADENIKE MEDETON, AFOLABI JAMES

LAW LAW

84 85

MOIBI, MONISOLA ADENIKE MUMUNI MUSTAPHA ADETOLA

LAW LAW

86 87

MUMUNI, DAMILOLA ROTIMI MUSA LATEEFAT ADESOLA

LAW LAW

88 89

NOIBI, MARY OLUWATOYIN NOWOOLA, DAVID ABIODUN

LAW LAW

90 91

OBALEREKO, ADEREMI AJOKE OBANSERE, OPEYEMI KAFILAT

LAW LAW

92 93

ODUNUGA, TAOFIKAT AJIBOLA HENUYON ODUSANYA, TAIWO. OLATOKUNBO.A.

LAW LAW

94 95

OGBO, COMFORT OLUSOLA OGUNBANWO OLUWATUNMBI MODUPEOLA

LAW LAW

96 97

OGUNBIYI RUTH ADEOLA OGUNBOTE, DANIEL DAMILARE

LAW LAW

98 99

OGUNGBE, DEYON SIENAYON OGUNJOBI MABEL OLABISI

LAW LAW

100 OGUNNUBI, ABIODUN VICTORIA 101 OJIKUTU, HAKEEM IBIKUNLE

LAW LAW

102 OJIKUTU, RISIKAT BUKOLA 103 OLAJIDE, AYOMIDE SARA

LAW LAW

104 OLATUNJI, ADEOLA MONSURAT 105 OLOKO, BABAJIDE

LAW LAW

106 OLOWA SHADE AIRAT 107 OLOWU, KIKELOMO MOPELOLA

LAW LAW

108 OLUSEGUN, ISAAC OLORUNISOLA 109 ONIKOSI, ADEOLA SUNDAY

LAW LAW

110 OSENI SAIDAT AJOKE 111 OSENI, ANUOLUWA DEBORAH

LAW LAW

112 OSHO, ENIOLAMI JARINAT A. 113 QUADRI, OMOBOLANLE ADETOLA

LAW LAW

114 RAHEEM, BALIKIS IYABODE 115 RAHEEM, BASIRAT OLAYINKA

LAW LAW

116 RAHMAN, ADENIKE KAFILAT 117 RAHMAN, ADENIKE KEHINDE

LAW LAW

118 REIS, OLUWATOSIN OLADUNNI 119 SALIU MURISIKU ADEBOWALE

LAW LAW

120 SANNI, TOYEEB OLADIPUPO 121 SARUMI OLAIDE ATIAT

LAW LAW

122 SHANU, OLANREWAJU FUNSHO 123 SHELLE, AMUDAT AMOKE

LAW LAW

124 SHITTU, KEHINDE HUSSEINAT 125 SHITTU, KONYISOLA OLUBUKOLA

LAW LAW

126 SMART-ALLI, RAFIAT WO SEBOLATAN 127 SMITH HAWAU ADEDOJA

LAW LAW

128 SOARES, OMOTOLA OLUMAYOWA 129 SULAIMON, ABDULBASIT OLATUNDE

LAW LAW

COURSE MARITIME TRANSPORT M. T. B. S. MARITIME BST M. T. B. S. MARITIME ENGR. MARITIME TRANS. BUS. MGT. MARITIME TRANS. BUS. MGT. NAUTICAL SCI MARITIME TECH. M. T. B. S. M. T. B. S. NAUTICAL SCI M. T. B. S. ELECT/ELECT. ENGR MARITIME TRANS. BUS. MGT. ELECT/ELECT. ENGR ELECT/ELECT. ENGR ELECT/ELECT. ENGR MARITIME TRANS. BUS. MGT. ELECT/ELECT. ENGR

LIST OF SUCCESSFUL CANDID ATES FOR 2013 CANDIDA LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS UNDERGRADUATES AWARDEES S/N N A M E 1 ADEGBOYEGA HAMMED ADEYINKA 2 ADENIRAN TEMIDAYO OMODUNNI

INSTITUTION COURSE LASU MICROBIOLOGY YABATECH CHEM/POLY ENGR 3 ADEPEGBA, ADEBUSOLA JAIYEOLA UNILAG CHEM. ENGR 4 ADISA, RILWAN OLUWADAMILOLA LASU PHILOSOPHY 5 ATKINSON HAOWA COV UNIV MASS COM 6 AHMED ADEDOYIN NOIMOT LASU ACCOUNTING 7 AINA ANTHONIA OLUWATOSIN UNILAG PHYSIOTHERAPY 8 AKERELE RASHEED OLUWASEUN YABATECH MECH.ENGR. 9 AROLE, ABIOLA SULIAT O.A.U PHILOSOPHY 10 AYINDE AMINAT F LASU PUB. ADMIN 11 BABABUNMI, OLAOLUWA IDOWU UNILAG LAW 12 DADA KUBURAT TOLULOPE UNILAG ARCHITECTURE 13 ELEGBELEYE, EMMANUEL WOLE MAPOLY ACCOUNTING 14 FASHOLA ENI0LA ADEKUNLE KWAR POLY MECH.ENGR. 15 FOWOSERE YUSUF ADEOYE A.B.U ACCOUNTING 16 GIWA ADAM BABATUNDE LASU ELECT/COMP ENGR 17 HAMMED HARUNA OMOKAYODE O.A.U MECH.ENGR. 18 HASSAN OLOLADE ADEFEMI JABU ACCOUNTING 19 IGBALAYE JIMOH OLAMILEKAN LASU BIO-CHEM 20 ISMAIL, KUNLE AJENIYA LASU COM. SCIENCE 21 JAIYEOLA, FOLASHADE ANIKE LASU COMP. ENGR 22 JAIYEOLA. OLUKAYODE LASU ZOOLOGY 23 JIMOH OLALEKAN YUSUF UNILAG MATHEMATICS 24 KOYI OMOBOLAJI O. UNILORIN ELECT/ELECT 25 LAWAL LATEEF OLAOLUWA LASU I.R.P.M 26 MOHAMMED ORIYOMI M UNILAG PHARMACY 27 NOAH DAUDA ADEKUNLE UNILAG PHYSIC EDUC. 28 ODUSANYA, FATAI ADEWALE LASPOLY MECH.ENGR. 29 OLAGBAIYE ABDUL-HAMED O BELLS UNIV.HUMAN RES. MGT 30 OLANIYAN OLAWALE BISIRIYU UNAAB MECH.ENGR. 31 OSHUNNAIKE, EMMANUEL ‘DAYO LASU BUS. ADMIN 32 SAHEED OWOLABI ORIYOMI UNILORIN MATHS 33 SERIKI MURITALA ISHOLA LASU MEDICINE 34 SHITTU-OLOWOOPEJO OLAWUNMI UNAAD YORUBA 35 SHODIPE IBRAHIN OLADIMEJI UNILAG M.B.B.S 36 SOPEYIN ABDULGANIYU SEGUN LASU HISTORY 37 SULAIMON AJAYI BASIRAT WUNMI YABATECH ACCOUNTING 38 ADETUNJI VICTORIA E U.I GEOGRAPHY 39 ABDUL GANIYY, ABDUL LATEEF A LASU HIST. INTER. STUDIES 40 ADEDAPO, FLORENCE O UNILAG PSYCHOLOGY 41 ADEJARE, OKELEYE NURUDEEN LASU PG DIPLOMA 42 ADEKOYA SODIQ LANSHILE LASU MICROBIOLOGY 43 ADEKUNLE ADENIKE A. LASU PUBLIC ADMIN

44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140

ADENEYE, OLUWADAMILOLA ANU O.O.U LAW ADENIJI, TIWALADE ADEYEMI UNILAG M.Phil BOTANY ADENOLA ADEIFE O LASU LAW ADEOYE SHOLA PHILIP LASU MICRO-BIO ADESHINA SIKIRU A. LASU CHEMISTRY ADESINA OMOLOLA A LASU INSURANCE AHOVE ADENIKE S. L/MARK UNIV. ACCOUNTING AJIYON JOSHUA OLUWASEUN UNAAB AGIC ECONS AKAPO OLADIPUPO DUPE LASU BUS, ADMIN BALOGUN MONSURU ALANI UNILAG SURVEY DALUMO, DEBORAH JOY O.O.U MEDICINE/SURGERY DANSU MIPAMAWU P. LASU ACOUNTING FASASI RAHEEM AKANBI LASU PHYSICS HUNSIPE EKUNDAYO GABRIEL UNILAG APPLIED MATHS IDOWU GBOLAHAN ADENIRAN UNILAG PHD MATHEMAT ISAIAH SOLOMON ADEOYE LASU SOCIOLOGY JAKKARI ABDULROQEEB A. LASU MICRO-BIO JIDONU EBUNOLUWA MINASA LASU MARKETING JIMOH ABDULWASIU ABIDEMI LASU MSC COMP/ENGR JIMOH NURUDEEN LASU MEDICINE KOJAH FRANCA IYANU UNIMAID VET.MEDICINE LAWAL AHDIJAT FUNMILAYO LASU BUS. ADMIN LAWAL AHMED ADESOLA LASU BUS. ADMIN LAWAL PELUOLA, FAVOUR UNILAG ACCOUNTING MONSURU ANUKEJI OJO LASU I.R.P.M ODEJAYI, MARIAM OLUBUKOLA O.A.U DENTISTRY OGABI PRAISE ENIOLA LASU LAW OGUN MUA TIN . L LASU BIOLOGY EDUC. OKE AFOLABI JOSEPH UNILAG REL. KNOWL OLABANJO OLUSOLA A. LASU COMP. SCI OLAGURO MODIU KAREEM UNILAG MATHEMATICS ORIOLA ABIOLA MAUME LASU MEDICINE OSENI, ABDUL-GANIU ILEKAN LASU EDUCA. MGT RIDEWU ADEOYE J. ABU,ZARIA ECONOMICS SADIKU OLALEKAN ABIBU AOCOED GEO/MATHS SAMUEL GRACE MAOSI LASU MICRO-BIO SAMUEL JOSHUA WHENAYON LASU ELECT COMP ENGR. SEGBENU JULIANAN LASU CHEM .EDUC. SULAIMON OLAYINKA ISLAMIAT BELLS UNIV ACCOUNTING TIJANI OLUWASEUN T. LASU LAW TOGBEOLA ESTHER IFELOJU YABATECH GRAPHIC DESIGN TOVIHO ODUNAYO ABIGEAL UNAAB AQUACUL/FISHERIES WUSU ABIODUN WHENU UNIPORT IND. Chem. Petro WUSU SEWANDE TOBILOBA LASU EDUC.ECONS ABASS AYODELE GABRIEL LASPOLY AGRIC EXT ABIODUN ERINLE LASU CHEMISTRY ADAMS KEHINDE HASSAN YABATECH SCI LAB.TECH ADEBOYE OLAJUMOKE KWARA BUS.ADMIN ADETOLA ADEWALE LASU LAW ADEYEMI QUDUS OPEYEMI UNILAG ELECT/ELECT AJENIFUJA GABRIEL OLUSEGUN BELL UNIV. COMP.SCI. AKINYEMI ORIYOMI ABAYOMI UNILAG URB.REG PLAN ALIU ADETOLA LASU LAW ALLI AZEEZ OWODUUNI FCE,AKPKA INTERGRATED SCI AROWOLO ZAINAB TOYIN LASU HIST/INT. STUDY BALOGUN OLUWAFUNMILAYO S LASU BUS.ADMIN BANJO ADAMS AFOLABI ONDO ST UN MICROBIOLOGY BANJOKO KEHINDE TEMILOLA LASU BIO-CHEM BANWO OREOLUWA OLUBUKOLA UNILAG PHARMACY BENSON ABIODUN M UNAAB WILD LIFE BISIRIYU MUIDEEN BABAWALE FUNAAB ENVIRO MGT/TOXI BOROKINNI UTHMAN ADEGBOLA U.I CHEMISTRY EKIYOYO MUDASHIRU OLAWALE U.I LAW ENIGBOKAN, OMOTUNDE TAYO UNILAG LAW GBADAMOSI KHADJAT OMODELE LASU LAW GBADAMOSI TAIWO LASU LAW IDAKOLO MAYOWA ENITAN UNILAG EST.MGT IDRIS OLUFEMI U.I BIOCHEM ILO YUSUF ZAINAB ABENI UNILAG PHYSIOLOGY JAIYESINMI OLUSEGUN LASU MEDICINE JAIYESINMI YINUS OLUFEMI U.I BUS ADMIN JINADU HABEEB OPEYEMI LASU MICRO-BIO. JOKOGBOLA ROFIATUALIU LASU LAW KUTI IBRAHIM ABIOLA UNILAG PHARMACY MAJA GBOLAHAN MOJEED FUNAAB WATER RES. MGT OBILAJA OLUWAFEMI ADENIYI LASPOLY AGRIC EXT.&MGT ODEDEJI ESTHER LASU LAW ODUGBESI OLUWAFEMI ISIAH UNILAG MATHS EDUC ODUNUGA DANIOEL MUYIWA FCET INT.SC ODUSEGUN FOLARINWA O UNILAG LAW OGUNBANWO DAMILOLA UNILAG ACCOUNTING OGUNYEMI OLAMIDE BODUNRIN LASU EST. MGT OLALEKAN SEGUN EMMANUEL LASU PHILOSOPHY OLOMU MUSIBAU OLADAPO UNILAG MECH ENGR OLOWU IBUKUN TITILOLA FUTMINNA MICRO-BIO. OLOWU RAHMAT MOTUNRAYO LAUTECH APP. CHEM OLUWATOSIN OLUWAKEMI B LASPOTECH S.L.T OMOTOYE OMOTAYO FESTUS O.O.A LAW ORELAJA ADEBIMPE ILARO MASSCOM OYEBANJO YUSSUF AKINOLA LASU LAW SANNI SODIQ ADEWUNMI LASU COMP.SCI.EDUC SARUMI HALIMAT SHADIA LASU ECONOMICS SHODERU ADESEYE UNILAG MECH ENGR SHOKUNBI RILWAN OLAMIKUN UNILAG MECH ENGR SOLEBO MOSUNMOLA UNILAG ELECT/ENGR SOYOMBO OLAMIDE SEUN ABU,ZARIA ACCOUNTING ABUDU KESIRAT OPEYEMI UNILAG MED./SURG.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

18

L ASG APPROVES TUITION FEES TO 2011/2012 SE Y) OF LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE INDIGENES IN LLAGOS AGOS ST ATE SETT (ONL (ONLY) STA STA UNIVERSIT Y AND BURSARY AAW WARDS TO INDIGENES IN LLA AW SCHOOL AND MARITIME ACADEMY STUDENTS UNIVERSITY 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236

ADEBAMBO, WASIU OLORUNTOYI LASU LAW ADEKUNLE MUJEEB OLASUPO LASU MASS.COMM. ADELEKE ADEBUKOLA MODINAT LASU GEOGRAPHY ADELE-SANYAOLU ADEFOLAHAN CRESCENT UNI. INFO. TECH ADISA AFEEZ ADIO O.A.U ACCOUNTING AKIN-ONITOLO BOLUWATIFE LASU IND. REL AKINYEMI GABRIEL ABIDEMI UNILAG LAW ALAYAKI OLAMIDE TAOFIKAT BABCOCK UNI. MASS. COMM AMIDU OLADIMEJI G UNILAG COMP. ENGR. ANIBABA BILIKIS BOLANLE LASU MICROBI ANIMASHAUN ADEBAYO O LASU MED./SURG. ANTONIO EMMANUELLA MOTUNRAYO LASU MED./SURG. ARIORI SHEFIAT ADUNNI LUTH HEALTH INFO.MGT BADMUS AISHAT OLOLADE UNILAG ACCOUNTING BADMUS OYINDAMOLA A UNILAG PHARMACY BAKINSON ABDULKAREEM KOLA UNILAG MATHS EDUC BALOGUN TAIWO ORIYOMI IB.POLY BANK/FIN COLE OLORUNTOBA S. FED. COLLEGE BUS.EDUC. DAMAZIO ADETUNJI LAWRENCE A.A.U IND.CHEM DANIEL OMOTOLANI A TASUED IND.&LABOUR REL. DAUDU MUTIAT YETUNDE LASU I.R.P.M DAWODU ABIGAIL TOSIN UNIBEN SOCIOLOGY DOSUNMU ADETOUN M UNILAG ACCOUNTING ELEGBEDE ADEDAYO WASILAT BELLS UNIV. COMP. ENGR. ELEGBEDE WASEW ADEYEMI BELLS UNIV. INT’L BUS. EMIABATA NUSIFAT A. UNILAG PHARMACY ERIKITOLA OLANREWAJU R UNILAG BANKING/FIN. ESHINLOKUN ADEKUNBI MORADEYO LASU INSURANCE FAROOQ AISHA OLUWABUKOLA BELLS UNIV. H.R.M FASHANU. ABUKAKAR O LASU ACCOUNTING FOLARIN ADEGBOYEGA AWAL LASU POL. SCI. GANIKALE TOLIAT OLASHILE UNILAG BANKING/FIN. GANIKALE YUSUF ADEBAYO LASU LAW GBADEBO MARIA OJUOLAPE O.A.U ARCHITECTUREF GBAJABIAMILA OLASUNKANMI LASU HEALTH EDUC. GIWA RASHEDAT OLUSOLA O.O.U PHARMACY GIWA TEMITOPE FATIMA U.I LAW HICKS GRACE MODUPE UNILAG MED./SURG. IBRAHIM AFUSAT AINA LASU MICRO-BIO JONES ADESOLA OREOLUWA BIGHAM UNIV MED./SURG. KAZEEM LUKMON ADETUNJI YABA TECH COMP.ENGR. KOSOKO AWWAU ABIMBOLA LASU I.R.P.M LAWAL BARAKAT TEMITOPE UNILAG BUILDING LAWAL HAMMED KOLAWOLE BELLS UNIV. ECONOMICS LEDIJU KAMILAT OLANREWAJU LASU FRENCH LEDIJU -KARAM. ADISA LASU COMP. SCI. LEDIJU KARAMOT ABIODUN LASU BIO-CHEM LIADI-NOLA ABIMBOLA AZEEZAT BELLS UNIV. ARCHITECTURE LIADI-NOLA OLASUMBO MARIAM COV.UNIV BUILDING TECH MATIMOJU OLUWADAMILOLA O F. SC/ST STATISTICS MOGAJI MUFTAU BABATUNDE UNILAG QTY. SURV. MUMUNI QUADRI ADEMOLA LASU MECH/ENGR. ODUNEWU MUNIRAT D. LASU SIOCIOLOGY OJO-ONIYUN BILQEES JOKOTADE LASU MED./SURG. OKONU AL-AMEEN AYOADE UNILAG ESTATE MGT OKUNADE AFEEZ OLASHILE LASU POL. SCI. OLANIYAN MOBOLAJI AKEEM UNILAG MED./SURG. OLAYEMI FOLAGBADE LAUTECH STATISTICS OLUKOSI RASHEED AKINTUNDE FUTA MIN.ENGR OLUSESI RASHEED AYOBAMI LASU LAW OLUSI MARIAM MORENIKEJI BABCOCK UNI. BANKING/FIN. ONIDA MARYAM OLABISI LASU MASS.COMM. ONIGBANJO HAROAN O. UNILAG MED./SURG. ONIKOYI DAMOLA OLANSHILE UNILAG ACCOUNTING OPERE OLUWATOSIN UNILAG ECONOMICS OSHIN TOSIN JOHN LASU I.R.PM OTUTULORO ABIODUN O LASU SOCIOLOGY OYEWOLE OLUGBENGA AYO LASU I.R.P.M REFFEL YESIDE OLUWATOYIN LASU MED/SURG SALAM MUSTAPHA OLANREWAJU LASU COMP. SCI. SALAMI SAHEED OLATUNJI LASU HISTORY EDUC SAMBE OLAWALE BOLAJI FCE,AKOKA COMP/INTE. SCI. SARUMI AISHA ABISOLA FCE,AKOKA INTEGRETED SCI/BIO SAVAGE OLATUNDE AKINLOLU LASU ELECT/ENGR SHELLE BASIRAT OLAIYA LASU MASS COMM. SHITTU ALIYU OLAKUNLE LASU ACCOUNTING SHOMADE SALAM OLUWATOBI LASU ACCOUNTING SHONIBARE OLUWASEUN A BABCOCK UNI. INT’L LAW/DIP SILVA-OLUWAKAOYINOLA O. UNILAG MED./SURG. SOWOOLU-COATES PATRICIA UNILORIN ECONOMICS SULE-LANIGHIN OLUWABUSOLA R. LASPOLY ELECT/ELECT ENGR. TAIYE MURITALA BELLS UNIV. HUMAM RES. THOMAS AYODEJI OLUWATOYIN BABCOCK UNI. ACCOUNTING TIAMIYU ALIMOT OLADOYIN LASU POL. SCI. TINUBU DAMILARE M. O.O.U COMP. SCI. WILLIAMS OMOLARA A LASU BUS. ADMIN WILLIAMS OREDOLA TEMITOPE LASU MED./SURG. WILSON TENINLANIMI ANU UNILAG ECONOMICS WRIGHT MOBOLAJI GAFAR LASU HISTORY EDUC YUSUF TUNMININU SEUN LASU BUS.ADMIN ABDUL GAFAR ADEWUNMI TASUED MASS COMM ADAMS ZAINAB OLORUNTOYIN LASU BIO-CHEM ADEBAYO OLADIPUPO SAHEED LASU COMP.SCI. ADEDEJI AFEES ABIOLA LASU ACCT.EDUC ADEJARE WALIU SEGUN UNILAG INSURANCE ADEKANBI SULAIMON OLAJIDE LASU POL.SCI

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ADEKOYA GEORGINA ADEDAYO LASU BUS,ADMIN. ADEKOYA OLUWATOBI WALE LASU MEDICINE ADESANYA EZEKIEL O. LASU ACCOUNTING ADESHINA, OMOLOLA ADETUTU LASU INSURANCE ADEYEMI OLUWASEUN E LASU POL.SCI AHMED, OPEOLUWA BABATUNDE UNILAG LAW ALAKA OLUMAYOWA NOFISAT LASU MED/SURG. ANIFOWOSHE MONSURAT O. UNILAG PHARMACY APAKALA ZAINAB OLADOTUN LASU BIO-CHEM AWE SIMBIAT ATINUKE LASU MASS.COMM. AWOBOTU, SAMSON SUNDAY TASUED ECONOMICS AZEEZ SODIQ KAYODE UNILAG SURV.G-INFO ENGR BADMUS TAOFEEK ABIODUN U.I A & Islamic Stud.

BADMUS, OLUWATOSIN M UNILAG CIVIL ENGR. BAKARE MOYOSORE KASOSARAT LASU BIO-CHEM BALOGUN SALAMOT ADEOTI F.C.E.AKOKA BUS.ADMIN BANJO OLUWASEUN VICTORIA LASU ACCOUNTING BASHORUN HAKEEB AYODEJI FUTA ELECT.ENGR BOROKINNI ADESOLA NURU UNILORIN ECONOMICS EGUNJOBI GBOLAHAN FAWAZ O.O.U MED/SURG FASAN, AYOMIDE GABRIEL LASU EDUCATION/PHYSICS FASHINA. ADENIKE KHADIJAT CRESCENT UNI COMPUTER/SCI GBOKOYI JAMIU OLUWASEYI LASU ECONS EDUC GIWA IDRIS OLAYINKA LASPOTECH COMP.ENGR. GIWA SILIFAT OLATANWA UNILAG PHYSIOTHERAPY HASSAN AZEEZ FOLASHAYO UNILAG MED/SURG KAFFO, RAHEEM OLUWOLE LASU PHYSIOTHERAPY KALESANWO FOLAKALE O COVEN ACCOUNTING KAREEM, ELIZABETH OLUWAKEMI LASU HEALTH EDUCATION LAMIDI RAMOTA OLUWASEUN F.C.T AKOKA COMP. SCI. LAWAL YUSSUFF KOLADE LASU BUS,ADMIN. LIGALI LOOKMAN O. UNIMAID ACCOUNTING MURITALA RAIMOT MODUPE U.I L. Arch &Info Stud.

MUSTAPA NURUDEEN OPE LASU MECH ENGR. ODUFUNWA FUNKE DAMILOLA LAUTECH ELECT/ELECT ENGR. ODUYEMI SEGUN SAMUEL LASU I.R.P.M OGUNKOYA KEHINDE MORENIKE U.I FORESTRY OGUNLEYE JOSEPH MONSURU LASU MARKETING OKUNEYE ADEOLA JANET TASUED COMP.SCI OKUNEYE OLUFEMI LASU ACCOUNT/EDUC OKUNEYE SAMUEL TAIWO LASU LAW OLADEJO, MOHIDEEN A. UNILAG BIO-CHEM OLANREWAJU HAMEED DOYIN LASU PHILOSOPHY OLAYINKA ADEGOKE TUNDE UNILAG INSURANCE OLAYINKA JUBRIL ADEYINKA LASU I.R.P.M OLOLADE ADEGOKE ADESUPO UNILAG INSURANCE OLOWOLEKOMO TAIWO O LASU LAW OLUKOYA AYOTUNDE LASU MEDICINE OLUSESI OLAYINKA S. F.C.E.AKOKA COMP./MATHS OMOYELE OLATUNDE JOSEPH LASU I.R.P.M ONABELA OPEYEMI E. LASU MICRO-BIO OPELE VICTORIA OLAJUMOKE MAPOLY ACCOUNTING OPESEMOWO BABATUNDE .O. LASU COMP.SCI OSINAIKE TEMIDAYO EMMANUEL LASU BUS. ADMIN OSITIMEHIN BOLANLE ABIODUN LASU I.R.P.M OYAFUNKE OLUWADAMILOLA D. FUNAAB MICRO-BIO PELUMI KOLAWOLE O. LASU BUS.ADMIN QUADRI ALEELAT LASU COMP.SCI RASAKI AMINAT MODUPE UNAAB TOXICOLOGY RUFAI ABIODUN RILWAN LASU POL.SCI SALAMI SOLIU TOPE LASU COMP.SCI ORESANWO, VICTORIA EBUN UNILAG LAW SALAU ADEYINKA FATIMOH YABA TECH COM.ENGR SHITTU OLANREWAJU MICHAEL U.I BOTANY BARUWA, MEMUNAT UNILORIN MECH/ENGR SIPE BUSURAT O. O.O.U PLANT SCI. TIAMIYYU HASSAN, OLUSHOLA LASU MASS COMM TIAMIYYU HUSSAIN, ADESHOLA BELLS UNI BIOMEDICAL TOBUN SIMBIAT MOPELOLA UNILAG ACCOUNTING

23 SETON, OLUROTIMI NUGBEPO

BABCOCK

24 SOJIMU NUNONWHE SHADRACK

UNIBEN

MSC.COMP.SC

25 AKIN-AINA SOLOMON AJIBOLA

LASU

26 ADEYEMI DANIEL ADESINA

UNIBEN PHD PSYCHOLOGY

27 WUSU ASHIRIBO SENAPON

LASU

28 ABDULSALAM IBRAHIM AFOLABI

U.I

29 ADESANYA OLUWAYINKA BOLA

UNILAG

30 AMURE AZEEZ OLANREWAJU

LASU

COM/ENGR

31 AREGBESOLA RASHEED DEHINDE

LASU

MSC ECONS

32 AWOLESI MARIAM EBUNOLUWA

U.I

33 AZEEZ ISIAKA AJIBOLA

UNILAG

34 BAKAREY BAMIDELE EMMANUEL

UNILAG MSC.INSURANCE

MSC CIVIL ENGR. PHD PSYCHOLOGY PHD MATHS BIO-CHEM MSC CHEMISTRY

MSC ANIMAL SCI. MBA

35 BANWO OPEOLUWA OLADIMEJI

UNILAG

36 MABUNMI ABOLARINWA M

LASU

SYSTEM ENGR. MATHEMATICS

37 OBAYOMI ABIMBOLA AYODELE

LASU

M.Sc FINANA

38 ODUSEGUN OLUFEMI C

UNIPORT

MSC BIOCHEM

39 OLUKOGA KEHINDE ISMAHEEL

UNILAG

MPA

40 ONILENLA OLATAYO WASIU

U.I

EDUC. MGT.

41 SANNI MUSILIU ADEDAYO

U.I

MSC POL.SC

42 SHOBOWALE AFEEZ AYODEJI

UNILAG

43 ADESANYA OLUWAKEMI Y

LASU

44 BANJOKO IDOWU DAISI

UNILAG

45 BAWA-ALLAH ABDULRAHEEEM B

UNILAG

PHD PHARM

46 SHOBERU ADEDAMOLA SIJUADE

UNILAG

PHD CHEMISTRY

47 ADETUNJI TEMIDAYO

UNILAG

48 AJOSE TOYOSI

LASU

LLM

49 AKINDELE TEMIDAYO SUNDAY

UNILAG

MBA

50 AYOMAYA SALIM ADEKUNLE

UNILAG

GEOLOGY

51 FREEMAN, MORENIKE ADENIKE

UNILAG

M.Sc AQUAT

52 GIWA ABDULRAZAQ ABIODUN

LASU

53 HARUNA RASAQ ISHOLA

U.I

54 LAYENI LATEEF KAYODE

LASU

LAW

55 MUMUNI ABDULKAREEM ALAO

UNILAG

CHEM ENGR

56 OSHODI SHAKIRAT ABIMBOLA

UNILAG

EMPL/LABOUR

57 OTTUN, EMMANUEL OPEYEMI

UNILAG

MSc, MASS COM

58 OWOLABI OLUWAKEMI O

UNILAG

59 SADIQ SUIDAT IDOWU

U.I

60 SUENU KEHINDE SIKIRAT

UNILAG

TRANSPORT

61 SUFIANU AFEEZ AYINDE

UNILAG

PHILOSOPHY

COMP.SC PHDHISTORY PHE EDUC

MBA

RES/PO.L MGT HUMAN RESOURCE ISLAMIC STUDY

STUDY LAW MSC LANGUAGE

62 UMAR MUHAMMAD SULAIMAN

U.I

ECONOMICS

63 KOSOKO, AYOKULEHIN MUSE

U. I.

Ph.D

64 OLALEKAN IDRIS TUKUR

U.I

65 ADELE, ADEWALE TAOFIQ

LASU

66 AKINTOLA ABISAYO AKEEM

UNILAG

BUS ADMIN

67 AKINTOLA, AKINSOJI TAJUDEEN

UNILAG

M.B.A.

PHD SOCIOLOGY

68 BALOGUN AHMED ABIODUN

LASU

69 BALOGUN LUQMAN AKOREDE

LASU

MPA

2012/013 HUMAN RESOURCE

70 BUSARI BASIRAT T

LASU

71 EFUNKOYA AYOOLA STEPHEN

U.I

MSC H/EDUC

72 HASSAN GANIU OLUWASEYI

UNILORIN

73 LAWAL YETUNDE T

U.I

74 OBANI ISMAIL OLUWATOYIUN

LASU

COMM.LANG ART WILD LIFE PUB/HEALTH

75 ODUKOMAIYA ADEMOLA EMMANUEL UNILAG 76 SHOKOYA, YEWANDE

BIO-CHEM

BABCOCK

METAL. ENGR.

MSC. COMP. SCIENCE

77 ODUNAIYA ADEDAYO KAZEEM

UNILAG SURV & GOE.INFO.

78 ODUSHE OLUSOJI SAMUEL

UNILAG

79 OGUNLANA NIMOTA MODUPE

UNILAG MEASURE &EVAL.

CONSTRUC. MGT

80 OLADEGA LOOKMAN ABIOLA

O.A.U

MBA

81 OLUKOYA BOLAJI A.

LASU

ENVR. MGT

82 ORUNBON NURUDEEN OLALEKAN

LASU

83 RASAKI MUSA GBOLAHAN

U.I

84 YAKUBU TEMIDAYO OLUTOBI

UNILAG

LIST OF POST GRADUATE AND PHD AWARDEES

85 OYENUGA ADEDEJI SAHEED

U.I

S/N N A M E

INSTITUTION

COURSE

1

ADEDOKUN OMOLARA R

UNILAG

MBA

2

ADENEYE YUSUF BABATUNDE

LASU

MGT

3

AKINOLA, OLUSEGUN EMMANUEL UNILAG M.Sc MICROBIOLOGY

Names of awardees in other institutions and Lagos State University returning students will be published later.

4

ARIBIYI JOHN OLUSEGUN

UNILAG

5

BOLAJI KAZEEM JAIYEOLA

LASU

6

KUFORIJI FATIMO YETUNDE

UNILAG

7

OGUNYEMI BODE OLANIYI

LASU

ENVIRO CHEM

8

SALAMI LUKUMON

LASU

CHEM/POLY ENGR.

9

TAIWO MODUPE MARIAM

LASU

10 TOWOLAWI SAHEED GBOLAHAN 11 SOPEYIN OLUWADAMILOLA

U. I. UNILAG

MBA MBA HIST & STRA.STUD.

MBA M.Sc PHYSICAL CHEM. PHD PHARMACOLOGY

12 AFOLABI, IMMANUEL ABAYOMI

U. I.

13 AGOSU OLUSHOLA SEMAWON

O.A.U

MSc. COMM. & LANG

14 AJIBABI SHAKIRAT ADEDOYIN

LASU

LAW

15 AKANNI MUSIBAU OLAWALE

UNIBEN

MSC FINANCE

16 ALLI, ABOLADE MUFTAU

LASU

17 BADARU ABIOLA A.

LASU

18 FATUNJI, RAYMOND AYODELE

UNILAG

M.Sc PSYCHOLOGY

19 JOGBENU ABIOLA MAUTIN

LASU

MSC H RESOURCES

20 KAREEM YISA BOLAJI

LASU

MSC ISLAMIC ST

21 OGUNTOLA KEHINDE SAMSON

UNIBEN

MSC MATHS

22 RAHMAN OLAMILEKAN IDRIS

LASU

MSC MATHS

IMMUNOLOGY

MSc. MGT MANAGEMENT

MSC EDUC MGT MSC MATHS INSURANCE

PHD SOCIOLOGY/CRIM

* Any awardee who fails to come for his/her Bursary/scholarship award within four months after this publication will forfeit the award SIGNED: Director/Secretary Lagos State Scholarship Board For: Special Adviser on Education

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

19

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Brain drain

•Our many medical doctors practising abroad will not return because we wish it

A

MIDST the myriad of crises confronting Nigeria’s health sector today, including chronic shortage of manpower, the revelation that there are 3,936 medical doctors practising in the United Kingdom is, to say the least, shocking. We agree with the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr OsahonEnabulele, that this situation is absolutely unacceptable.

Shedding further light on the crisis in the sector, Dr Enabulele said the country has 71,740 medical and dental practitioners listed on the register of the Medical and Dental Health Council of Nigeria, with about 27,000 currently in Nigeria. The implication is that the country has a doctor-population ratio of 1: 6,187, given a population base of 167, 000,000. There is certainly no way effective and efficient

‘It is instructive, for instance, that some states, particularly in the North have had cause to engage the services of Pakistani doctors! Thus, while we are employing foreign medical personnel, thousands of highly qualified Nigerian doctors are contributing to the development of the health care system of other countries. It simply makes no sense’

health care can be delivered to the vast majority of Nigerians with this kind of depressing scenario.

Again, Dr Enabulele is spot on when he avers that Nigeria has become a manufacturing plant for the production of medical doctors and dentists for the health care systems of developed countries such as the United Kingdom, USA, Australia and Canada where there is a high demand for medical practitioners from developing countries. This observation is certainly no exaggeration. It is estimated that over 15,000 Nigerian-trained medical doctors are practising abroad in the countries listed above, as well as South Africa, Botswana and Ghana, among others. The country is thus akin to the physician who is busy trying to cure others when he has refused to heal himself.

At least 40,000 Nigerian medical doctors are reportedly practising in the United States today. At a recent meeting with officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Abike DabiriErewa, reiterated the seriousness of the problem and sought collaboration between the ministry and her committee to address it. Citing the examples of China and India, she called for measures to encourage Nigerian medical professionals abroad to come back home to contribute their quota to the country’s health care delivery.

Doctors who have migrated to other climes are not motivated by lack of patriotism or selfish pecuniary considerations.

The massive brain drain of Nigerians abroad actually started in the 1980s, following the acute economic crisis caused

largely by the profligacy of parasitic and corrupt ruling elite. Faced with poor remuneration, lack of a satisfactory working environment and the absence of the necessary equipment to function optimally, doctors and other professionals, including nurses, left the country in droves to countries where they could get adequate remuneration and fulfilment.

The loser was the country’s health care system. It is instructive, for instance, that some states, particularly in the North have had cause to engage the services of Pakistani doctors! Thus, while we are employing foreign medical personnel, thousands of highly qualified Nigerian doctors are contributing to the development of the health care system of other countries. It simply makes no sense.

The General Ibrahim Babangida regime in the 1980s set up a committee to address and find solutions to the brain drain challenge. It is not surprising that nothing came of it. The problem needs no committee.

This country is undoubtedly sufficiently endowed to have well-equipped public health facilities manned by well-remunerated and motivated staff. That is the best way to woo Nigerian medical doctors, nurses and other professionals back to the country.

Equally critical is the need to decisively address the security challenges confronting the country. The daily news of kidnapping, armed robbery, assassinations, wanton murder, communal clashes and religious conflicts emanating from Nigeria can only discourage any professional who has an alternative from returning.

Boxes of menace

• Container trucks threaten commuters daily, like two incidents in Lagos recently

O

N September 7, the city of Lagos was twice partially shut down as containers fell across major road arteries. The first was along the ApapaOshodi Expressway and the second one occurred at Cappa, along the Agege Motor Road. Each of the two incidents caused major traffic snarls that lasted nearly 12 hours, with the attendant trauma on commuters.

There had been cases of container trucks, fuel tankers and long articulated vehicles upending their contents on highways across the country, but these two mishaps happening in quick succession have roused road users, tasking various governments and road transport managers to review their operating procedures. Though container owners have noted that considering the fact that over 1,000 such metal boxes are lifted from the Lagos ports daily, the incidence of mishaps has not reached crisis level; but the point remains that even one fall in one week could be one too many because of the capacity of such singular incident to foul up traffic in the city, or even on highways for hours.

The fear of container-bearing trucks on highways has become the beginning of wisdom for many motorists who seem to nurse the mortal fear that the huge boxes are not properly fastened if at all, and that they are always poised to fall off the trucks. But container trucks managers say that these fears are exaggerated as no truck leaves the ports if the containers are not properly clamped and held down with standard twist locks. They insist that just because the locks are not outwardly visible makes the generality of the people think that containers are not properly

clamped. Container mishaps, they argue, are to be blamed mainly on poor road infrastructure, which include deep potholes and in some places, gullies found on many Nigerian highways.

While ill-maintained roads may be a key factor, reckless driving is also to be noted.

Many drivers of container trucks, articulated vehicles, petrol tankers and even large mass transit buses are known to drive with so much rage and impunity as if they are immune to accidents. Apart from often going beyond speed limits, they lead reckless lifestyles and drive under such debilitating influences as alcohol and drugs. Many of these drivers hardly get proper sleep or rest for days as they wait their turns to load the containerised cargo. Has anyone around here ever heard of a special school for heavy duty vehicle drivers where road rules, the right attitudes, temperament and professional ethos are carefully inculcated for the special purpose driving that is required for this cadre of drivers?

What are the required age limits for truck drivers and what manner of trucks are allowed to haul heavy cargo?

Further, even in climes where the road networks are adequate and in good condition, not so many heavily laden trucks assail the highways daily; the rail system which is an adjunct of most ports around the world allows for very large containers to be hauled by rail to transit points in the outskirts of town, thereby bypassing city centre when necessary.

The rail line running through Nigeria’s number one ports in Apapa have been in disuse for decades. This is partly responsible for the large and unsightly cluster of trucks around the precincts of

the Lagos ports, with the attendant daily traffic snarl and damage to the roads.

Recently, the Lagos State Government had to lament the fact that revenue running into trillions Naira is realised by the Federal Government from the Lagos ports, yet the state government spends about N50 billion annually servicing the infrastructure around the ports. We urge the Federal Government to rethink the entire ports administration system, especially as concerns Lagos. The Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, must wake up to its duties which go beyond being a rent agent. It must build a modern port rail system and maintain the surrounding road infrastructure. The recent container mishaps are a sign that we have lived haphazardly for too long.

‘While ill-maintained roads may be a key factor, reckless driving is also to be noted. Many drivers of container trucks, articulated vehicles, petrol tankers and even large mass transit buses are known to drive with so much rage and impunity as if they are immune to accidents. Apart from often going beyond speed limits, they lead reckless lifestyles and drive under such debilitating influences as alcohol and drugs.

Many of these drivers hardly get proper sleep or rest for days as they wait their turns to load the containerised cargo’

U.S., Russia make pact on disarming Assad, but the war must end, too

T

HE CHEMICAL weapons disarmament plan for Syria hammered out in Geneva

by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is unprecedented. Removing these dangerous weapons in a civil war would be a significant accomplishment. But the joint effort by Russia, the United States and United Nations must not distract from a larger strategy to end the battles of bullets and bombs that have cost 100,000 lives.

The most striking aspect of the agreement, announced Saturday, is its broad scope. Mr. Kerry and Mr. Lavrov committed to liquidating the entire Syrian chemical weapons arsenal and manufacturing complex: production, filling and mixing equipment; full and empty weapons and delivery systems; chemical agents not yet weaponized; precursor chemicals; and material and equipment for research and development.

This would make it very difficult — if not impossible — for Syrian President Bashar alAssad to restart a chemical weapons program.

Missing, but perhaps obtainable later, are the historical records and plans for the chemical weapons complex, which can be essential in verification.

Syria has pledged to join the Chemical Weapons Convention this week. This normally starts a series of events, beginning with a declaration of weapons stockpiles within 30 days. However, Mr. Kerry and Mr. Lavrov seek extraordinarily fast action for extraordinary times. The agreement calls for the first declaration within a week, completion of onsite inspections and destruction of the production and filling equipment by November and complete elimination in the first half of next year. While the sense of urgency is laudable, the timetable may be unrealistic. Previous attempts to safely destroy chemical weaponshave required years of effort.

The factories of death in Syria probably will have to be destroyed in place, which can be done by filling reactors with concrete, welding tight the plumbing and other methods. The chemicals inside the weapons — the sarin and VX nerve agents, for example — are extremely potent; destroying them will be difficult. The agreement wisely suggests removing these bombs and shells from Syria altogether. Both the United States and Russia have experience destroying them.

The remaining agents and precursors that are not in weapons might be neutralized inside Syria by chemical processes that would render them less dangerous. The Kerry-Lavrov agreement includes a commitment to ensure stringent verification, backed up by possible United Nations action if there is cheating.

For all the horror of chemical weapons and the gruesome photographs and videos of the Aug. 21 attack near Damascus, we must not lose sight of the larger suffering in this two-year-old war. United Nations investigators reported Friday that Mr. Assad’s forces are systematically attacking hospitals and denying treatment to the wounded in opposition-controlled areas, just another reminder of the brutality of this conflagration. The United States and Russia, at loggerheads so long over Syria, should put more muscle into ending it.

– Washington Post

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: PDP represents everything ugly with politics in Nigeria. The more the party attempts to clean up its monstrosity, the messier it looks. Everyone with checkered personality one knows in politics is a powerful member of PDP, and one is talking from a personal experience.

Greed appears to be the sole motivation for membership. Sharks battle to gorge on the nation’s resources. No one with conscience is spared. Gangsters have no loyalty to democracy.

That is the catastrophe of Nigeria today. The PDP family that is in a perpetual warmongering cannot build a strong nation. The in-fighting and the one-upmanship in PDP cannot necessitate sanity. Poor Nigerians are shackled by jackals.

The depth of incapacitation of PDP government becomes glaring when one digs to the bugs feasting at its roots. The foundation of PDP was built on political expediency and not a strong ideological foresightedness, a forum for imposters to exhibit their pomposity.

A critical consideration of PDP administration shows a government that cannot meaningfully effect its policies. It is agreeable by many Nigerians that corruption is the cancer eating at the heart of the country. It becomes a challenging argument since most politicians indicted on corruption charges are members of PDP. To make matters worse, few of them that are convicted are gallantly welcome back to the party after serving their prison terms.

Watching the PDP post-convention dinner on NTA recently,

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Shackled by jackals one could easily mistake the lavish affair for the glitzy American Academy Awards show. Yet this is in a country where many families struggle to find one decent meal a day. The aloofness of PDP towards the suffering masses smacks at the face of decency.

Flare of celebrations by the party suggests being deserving.

Nigerians must be deceiving themselves if they are expecting a

quick turnaround in their misfortune. There is a saying that one does not expect anything sweet to spill from palm gruel. The burden of redeeming PDP appears overwhelming that it will drown a repentant voice. Any effort to sanitize the party becomes counterproductive since the core is rotten.

PDP has no moral underpinning to push it out of its morass.

It will be intellectual laziness to

enumerate the doom of PDP without proffering a solution. An observer of world events will acknowledge that narcissists are born to self-destroy. That will be the hope for Nigeria that PDP gladiators will tear themselves down. The signs seem to be in the air. It will truly be a breath of fresh air when the flower of an endowed nation blossoms.

• Pius Okaneme Umuoji, Anambra State.

Port-Harcourt/Maiduguri rail lines timely

S

IR: My joy knew no bounds when I listened to the news recently and heard that the Port-Harcourt/Maiduguri rail lines would become functional

by December. In other words, the usual beehive of activities that is characteristic of railway stations would resume in all the stations along the Port-Harcourt/ Maiduguri axis by the end of this year. This revelation can only be appreciated by those who lived before the civil war in the country and who are very much used to rail system. They would be in a better position to understand the great turnaround this life-enhancing phenomenon would impact on the economy in particular and on the lives of the masses in

general.

Kudos to the federal government under the leadership of Dr Goodluck Jonathan for the frantic effort at making sure that functional rail transportation which is pivotal in taking the country to the promised land is now in the offing.

In fact the joy of many Nigerians, especially the flotsam and jetsam in the society would know no bounds if rail transportation regains its lost glory in the country. This is because, food, the most essential basic need of man would become easily affordable as a result of fall in their prices. Low income earners would be able to own houses as prices of cement and

other building materials fall.

In the meantime, the usual long queue that was characteristic of our filling stations has fizzled out as motorists fuel their vehicles at will. From the look of things, owners of generating plants would soon start to dispose them as epileptic power supply is gradually fading away.

My humble advice to President Jonathan is to ignore the present political turbulence rocking the country and stick to his guns in his endeavour to return smiles on the faces of the down-trodden, for if this age long dream comes true, posterity would always remember him.

• Nkemakolam Gabriel Port-Harcourt

Child-marriage: Lesson from Yemen

S

IR: Going by the latest news from Yemen, the country is set to ban child-marriage based on the fact that it is a form of human rights abuse. The country’s minister for human rights is proposing to set the minimum age for marriage at 18. This move is apparently in response to the reported death of a child bride. The eight-year old bride from the North-western province of Hajja was said to have died on the first night of her marriage from internal bleeding after sleeping with the husband who is in his 40s.

The minister said she wanted to set the legal age at 18 in fulfillment of the country’s obligation as a signatory to the international conventions on children’s rights. This move is really a welcome development particularly on an issue which many think that the teachings of Islam have foreclosed any such changes. It is encouraging to know that a Muslim majority country is taking this initiative instead of invoking Islam or sharia to justify the practice of childmarriage.

Child-marriage is a form of child abuse. Child marriage exposes girls to health risks which could lead to premature death or serious health problems. I hope the Muslim-majority states- their politicians and lawmakers both at the state and at the national level- would realize this. They should emulate the Yemeni initiative and back off from their support and endorsement of the practice of child marriage in the country.

• Leo Igwe University of Bayreuth, Germany

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

COMMENTS

S

21

R

EPTEMBER 11, 1963 was, for Chief dle Belt in the North, the COR Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987), (Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers) in the programmed to be the beginning East, the Midwest in the West.

But the coalition of Northern of the end. That was the day, 50 years People’s Congress (NPC) and ago, he was sentenced to 10 years gaol, National Council of Nigerian with hard labour, for treasonable felony.

Citizens (NCNC) collaborated But instead, it turned the end of the beto deliver Midwest Region; and ginning for Awo’s political traducers. also collaborated to forestall the If it had ended that way, it would have creation of a Middle Belt Rebeen just as well. Unfortunately, that Olakunle gion in the North and a COR patent injustice, with its integral core of lordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola Region in the East, even as destroying Awo as a person and as a every regional government potent political force, has sentenced Niwas, in principle, opposed to geria to unending political wilderness creating minority blocs from from which, even with 53 years of flag their regions. independence, it is yet to emerge.

So, courtesy of political exThe result: political retardation, ecopediency, only the Western minorities in today’s South-South dismissing with scorn, in the presence of the Head of State nomic stagnation in real terms and cumulative underdevelop(Edo and Delta states) secured a region in the 1st Republic. The (Governor-General) and other dignitaries, local and foreign, a ment, with its all too glaring mass poverty bordering on Eastern minorities (today’s Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, and constitutional creation, just because they did not like the face penury, mass anger, mass disorientation and mass alienation.

Akwa Ibom states) did not. or the guts of the then occupier of the post!

But even with all the meltdown, portraying Nigeria as a Even after the 15 January 1966 coup (that threatened the NorthAt that very beginning, it was the making of a bandit state! country in perpetual crisis of nationhood, like the Heraclitus East power cohabitation in perceived favour of the East) and Though that banditry torpedoed the civil democratic order, state of flux, the first lesson from Awo’s political persecution the 29 July 1966 counter-coup (that re-established North’s hecondemned, for donkey years, the polity to military rule and and eventual triumph has remained unlearned: that political gemony), the 2nd Republic still followed a North-East collabonow presents an uncivil civilian administration posing as a persecution and brazen attempts to destroy political opporation, with Alhaji Shehu Shagari as president and Dr. Alex democracy, the ruling political mindset would appear not at nents are ill winds that blow no one no good.

Ekwueme as vice-president, though the dominant Eastern party all cured of that banditry!

Indeed, Nigerian leaders would progressively appear back then was the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP). As in the 1st For starters, how was the Adetokunbo Ademola-Tafawa combatively proud of their patent lack of a sense of history – Republic however, NPP formed a federal alliance with the Balewa partisan rage different from the Jonathan brazen conparticularly that segment that avails them the tragic results of ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN). stitutional infractions in Rivers, the latest of which is the repast partisan political crimes; and therefore arms them against A politically weakened post-Civil War East (read Gowonported Police blocking the Rivers governor’s path into the falling into the same trap. era East Central State, now the five Igbo states) appeared to Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt – just because the In his My March Through Prison (Adventures in Power, Book have found its salvation in the centre, whoever is there. That Jonathan Presidency neither likes the face nor the guts of Rotimi One), Chief Awolowo told a chilling tale of a twin attack on tradition appears on course, with its sympathy for the Jonathan Chibuike Amaechi, the sitting governor? him, at a cocktail marking Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s appointPresidency, even as the polity buzzes with alignments and Now, if the “ancient sins” of high officers of state in the 1st ment as Nigeria’s governor-general, by two key officials of realignments.

Republic sentenced us to subsequent military and post-milistate: Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Adetokunbo Ademola For the first time in Nigeria’s history, however, there aptary political paralyses, what constitutional torture is the and Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Both attacks pears on the horizon an alliance between the old West and the present Jonathan Presidency consigning the future generation belied a shocking contempt for the office of Leader of Opposiold North. That appears the new political map in which the to by its umpteenth constitutional recklessness in Rivers? tion, a creation of the Parliamentary Constitution at independAll Progressives Congress (APC) is birthed, with today’s South Is Nigeria then fated to be the proverbial barber’s chair, painence.

West going with today’s North West and the North East, seekfully going round and round on a spot? And how long will In the alleged attack, Awo quoted Sir Adetokunbo as dising allies in part of the Middle Belt, part of the South-South that go on – already it is on for 53 years! – before something missing a certain villager (read Awo) who opposed for opposand part of the South East, in that order. tragically gives? ing sake until he had nothing left to oppose; and lost the symThat appears to fulfil Awo’s post-1983 presidential election So long for reckless political behaviour! But that does not pathy of his fellow villagers. Sir Abubakar, on his own part, prediction of a progressive-conservative thesis, antithesis and exhaust the unlearned lessons from Awo’s political troubles. pummelled a certain brat, “who called himself Leader of the synthesis theory, resulting in new political alignments in the This second segment comes with a thesis: that both the old Opposition”! polity.

Northern and Eastern regions, for political expediency, ganged Just imagine the constitutional travesty of the Head of the To the extent that nothing is permanent and the old political up against Awo’s Western Region to subdue a perceived conJudiciary (CJN) and Head of Government (Prime Minister) alignment had been basically ruinous, the brewing developstitutional irritant in Awo and establish political suzerainty ment might just be a thing to cheer. over his peacocky people – with collaboration, of course, from “The first lesson from Awo’s political perBut that is only if the new arrangement is used to forge, the old Yoruba conservatives (at loggerheads with Awo’s soacross the board, a fair and equitable new deal for every segcial welfare ideology and progressive politics) and perfidious secution and eventual triumph has remained ment of the country. former Action Group (AG) elements in the wake of the party’s unlearned: that political persecution and braThe APC must therefore guide against any political gang-up schism. zen attempts to destroy political opponents to dominate persons or subdue any part of the country. OtherBut even if this thesis is generally debatable, the creation of wise, it too would have fallen into the Awo era grand mistake the Midwest Region in 1963 lends it credence. As at that time, are ill winds that blow no one no good” still plaguing thispolity. agitations were for the creation of minority regions: the Mid-

epublican ipples

Awo: the unlearned lessons

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KNOW that there are many Nigerians who will swear that the implosion currently rocking the Peoples Democratic Party of President Goodluck Jonathan is the longawaited divine response to the anguished prayers of Nigerians for freedom. After 14-years bondage in the hand of a party sworn to serve citizens the cup of affliction till kingdom come, it seems that not even our prayer-addicted but by now traumatised fellow citizens would have anything left in their arsenal of good wishes for the party.

Going merely by indications at the weekend, it seems that those in the business of prayers still have a long way to go as far as the quest to rid the nation of the PDP yoke is concerned. I start with the so-called resignation of the treasurer of the Baraje-led faction of the PDP said to have been procured at the villa over the weekend. While the matter of how the nPDP treasurer, Malam Tanko Isiaku Gomna, found himself in the lion’s den would remain a matter of conjecture, it is good grief that the lone unwilling (?) guest at the villa didn’t have to suffer the pains of losing life or limbs. At least he was given the option to either resign from his beloved nPDP or forfeit his company’s contracts with the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency and the Federal Ministry of Works. Oh yes, he resigned with gusto –followed by a treatise rationalising his Pauline somersault with a pledge of allegiance to the Bamanga Tukur leadership and a clarion call on all party faithful to do the same! That was one down.

I hear from the grapevine that many more surprise resignations are on the way.

That was however, merely one part in the two-part play staged at the weekend. Elsewhere within the same precincts of the Villa, a “ceasefire” was in earnest between the group of seven “rebel” governors, President Jonathan and the leadership of his faction of the PDP. By late Sunday night, a communiqué which suggested that the feuding parties may to have resolved to let Nigeria be, emerged. By the terms of

‘Those expecting the PDP to go the way of the fictional Humpty Dumpty are in for a rude shock; the party will pull back with or without Nigeria and Nigerians. As for Jonathan, he will run; the inexhaustible gravy in Abuja will ensure that every opposition to his running will be smothered just in time to ensure he enjoys his smooth sail.

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Back as One big, happy family! the temporary truce, the parties are expected to sheathe their swords in the understanding that the issues in dispute are not necessarily irreconcilable. And just like that?

The army of volunteers and the not-so-well-wishers drafted into the party’s turf wars would by now be licking their wounds for their exaggerated expectation that their predicted implosion would create a reformed PDP. And this applies to those who have long sworn that things will never be the same again for the party; it is apparent that not only did they rejoice too soon, they suffered terrible underestimation of the power of the patronage machine in Abuja to force behavioural change. Nigerians have between now and October 7 to see how many would be left of the nPDP members when the machine is fully deployed as it would surely be.

Of course, the war was never about us in the first place.

This was the point so beautifully made by my colleague, Segun Ayobolu in his illuminating back page column of last Saturday. It’s not about fixing our unworkable federal contraption much less about addressing those age-long economic strictures that continue to hobble the nation’s capacity to renew itself. It is not about the rot in our educational system that has left 10 million kids out of school; an educational system that continues to churn out barely literate graduates. It is not about defining Nigeria’s place in the sun among the mass in the 21st Century and beyond. It is not about advancing the cause of our collective security or such nobler goals.

It is none of those.

It is about the office of President and who occupies the office in 2015. That is what is tearing the PDP apart – for which Nigerians – treated as unknown equation by the PDP,

have now been drafted to the role of cheerleaders.

The G-7 wants Goodluck Jonathan out. That seems fine, and it is entirely their business – not ours – at least not at this time. I believe they have done well in seducing Nigerians into taking sides in their bitter family squabble. In this, one must give it to the leading lights of the “rebellion” for their profound mastery of social psychology of the ordinary Nigerian – particularly his instinctive penchant to rise in defence of the underdog during moments of unrestrianed use of power as we continue to see in Rivers where the governor and his loyalists are under siege.

However, beyond the attempt by the G-7 to play the spoiler, where is their case for a different PDP that is less arbitrary less contemptuous of the people?

The prospect of a shrunk presidency in the event that President Jonathan decides to run is however more frightening.

The issue clearly isn’t so much about the right of President Jonathan to run in 2015 but whether in the current circumstances, it is in the nation’s interest for him to run. I must say here that part of the unfortunate consequences of the PDP’s war of attrition isn’t just the diminished aura of the most powerful office in the land but also the diminution of its moral authority. Surely, the squandering of the pan-Nigerian mandate of 2011 for what is now a full-blown Ijaw Presidency is the stuff of which anti-heroes are made.

The bitter truth remains that those expecting the PDP to go the way of the fictional Humpty Dumpty are in for a rude shock; the party will pull back with or without Nigeria and Nigerians. As for Jonathan, he will run; the inexhaustible gravy in Abuja will ensure that every opposition to his running will be smothered just in time to ensure he enjoys his smooth sail. Win or lose; it does not really matter, at least not with the vote-harvesting PDP machine primed to deliver. Whichever way it goes, out nightmares can only continue.

It is something for those seeking to pray the PDP out of existence should ponder over. Didn’t the scriptures say that heaven helps those who help themselves? Who says that the battle to retrieve the dignity of the citizens from the PDP taskmasters could be achieved by wishing the party dead?

And this in a multi-party democracy?

Nigerians ronu!

‘Beyond the attempt by the G-7 to play the spoiler, where is their case for a different PDP that is less arbitrary, less contemptuous of the people?’

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

22

COMMENTS

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OMETIME in 1998 as preparations reached top gear for the return of democracy to Nigeria after decades of military rule interrupted midway by General Ibrahim Babangida’s failed third republic, a certain businessman in Ikeja, capital of Lagos State called a press conference for his office at midday. My colleagues and I were there.

As he was into selling of exotic cars, we were looking forward to him unveiling yet another of such cars into the Nigerian market as was his practice. But we were wrong or rather shocked when we arrived at the imposing glass house structure that was his office and found nothing to suggest that an unveiling of a next generation car was in the offing. Nothing of sort was planned; the Chief from Ijebuland had other ideas.

As he welcomed us into the press conference he launched into the reason for gathering the media into his office that mid afternoon:Nigeria, yes Nigeria, our dear country was on his mind. The incoming democratic dispensation was troubling his mind and he wanted to share his thoughts with Nigerians on how to make the 4th republic better.

He was an elderly man and we listened patiently to his wisdom. Out of all the problems confronting our country then he singled out the Nigerian police as one problem, if solved, that could solve most if not all the other problems. Why, we asked.

He noted that Nigeria’s problem is essentially maintenance of law and order or rather lack of it. If our laws were enforced to the letter by the police in particular and other law enforcement agents, he reckoned that Nigeria would not only be better but also prosper.

He reckoned that if the Nigeria Police Force is well funded, the officers and men properly trained and catered for they would be willing and even expected/compelled to ‘serve with heart and mind’, as our national anthem says, Nigerians and the nation and not the leaders who pay the piper. We couldn’t agree with him less.

As he later became a close confidant of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and even a strong member of his kitchen cabinet, we expected that the Nigeria Police would fare better under that regime and serve Nigerians better. You all know the outcome of the NPF under Obasanjo.

As the drama of the ongoing power struggle in Rivers State between the State governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the Commissioner of Police Mbu Joseph Mbu reached a head last Thursday with the latter prevented

I

F we go by Nigeria’s political precedents, there is considerable reason to doubt that former President Obasanjo will go against the re-election of President Jonathan if he chooses to contest in 2015. However, two weeks ago, Obasanjo had a private one-on-one discussion with Alhaji Rashidi Ladoja in Ibadan. Shortly after, a split occurred in the PDP at a convention that was not attended by Obasanjo, who is now sponsoring Ladoja as a new secretary for PDP. These two events suggest some linkages.

If this information is true, it suggests some pre-meditated actions on the part of Obasanjo and strengthens the claims in some quarters that he started the fires that currently engulfs the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and should therefore be responsible for putting it out.

But what does Obasanjo really want and how does the current disarray in the party characterize the political ideology that may be ascribed to Obasanjo?

To begin to answer this question, it must first be pointed out that the travails currently buffeting the political ship of the PDP, under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan is not new.

Obasanjo should actually be the last person to start or stoke such a fire because just before his re-election in 2003, many swore that he would never be allowed to run for re-election.

‘During his first term, Obasanjo never brooked any dissent, nor heeded any advice from any quarters. He it was who relegated some of the principal founders of the party and their political structures to the sidelines’

The Nigeria Police Force from accessing his official residence through his normal route by policemen acting on the orders of Mbu, the question came to mind as to whether the police force as it is today is actually Nigeria Police Force or Nigeria’s President Police Force.

And whoever has been following developments in Rivers State since Governor Amaechi contested and won the chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for a second term against the wish of President Goodluck Jonathan can not but (in good conscience) conclude that the Nigeria Police Force as it is today is working for and in the interest of Mr President. And this is unfortunate.

It is not as if the situation had been different in the past, the NPF had always been serving their master’s voice, whether under the military or civilian government. But the appointment of Mohammed Abubakar as Inspector General of Police had raised hopes that with an officer and gentleman, at the saddle at the Force Headquarters Nigeria would finally have a police force to serve the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

The IGP actually started well and the Force could be said to be doing well but for the problem of the Rivers State command and CP Mbu. Abubakar’s order dismantling police checkpoints across the federation has not just brought so much relief to the people but has also left criminals confounded as to where and when they could encounter a police patrol. This has brought the elements of surprise and unpredictability which are essential to fighting crime.

The Force has been engaged in some laudable things but which the politics it has enmeshed itself in in Rivers State could rubbish altogether. If the IGP does not know it, CP Mbu is damaging the Nigeria Police and he is a bad advertisement for a professional police force that Nigeria crave for and which we ex-

pect Abubakar to give us.

Let us leave the politics of what is going on between President Jonathan, his wife Patience on one hand and Governor Amaechi on the other hand aside. Why should the police under the guise of enforcing law and order prevent a state governor from moving freely on any route in his state, especially the route that leads to his residence? What is that security situation that the governor does not know or should not know about that would warrant him being denied access through a particular route/road in his state? If there was such a situation and it happened suddenly as Mbu’s apologists may want to argue, why wasn’t the governor informed immediately and advised accordingly? And assuming the policemen around did not know the governor was the one coming with his guests, why wasn’t his convoy allowed to pass through once their identities were established if the police command was not playing politics?

There are so many ifs and whys here begging for answers, but the truth is that irrespective of whatever Governor Amaechi had been or could have been doing wrongly in the current political crisis rocking his state, the police in particular and every other organ or agents of government anywhere in Nigeria for that matter, should give him the honour and respect as the elected governor of Rivers State. It is not necessarily about him, but about that office and the Nigerian constitution which the police are duty bound to respect and uphold.

The argument that there was an alternate route he could have taken and chose that particular route just to give solidarity to the recently opened state headquarters of the new PDP which he belongs does not hold water.

Even at that, when has that become a crime and what business has the police got in sealing off the headquarters of the new PDP in

What does Obasanjo really want?

By Eneoche Ocheme To support the resistance to Obasanjo’s re-election bid in 2003, the then Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, now Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF) brought in to replace the late Chuba Okadigbo as Senate President stated that the PDP zoning scheme did not call for a second term for the President. This was a reinforcement of an earlier report credited to Chief Sonny Okogwu, where the latter contended that there was a deal after Obasanjo’s nomination in Jos in 1999, in which he was supposed to be a one-term president. Compare this with the recent claims by Governor Aliyu of Niger state.

Moreover, the robust resistance of the so called G-5 governors to Goodluck Jonathan today can also be compared to the antagonism of some governors like Achike Udenwa of Imo State to Obasanjo’s re-election. In the same way, Governor Bafarawa, then governor of Sokoto State, speaking on behalf of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) stated that the north would not back Obasanjo for re-election. Similarly, Governor Orji Kalu swore that Obasanjo would never be allowed to go for re-election at the expense of a candidate from the Southeast. All these occurred before the presidential nomination of the PDP in 2003.

So, the resistance to President Jonathan is almost conventional within the PDP, except that it has now been calibrated with higher intensity, leading to a split in the party, led by Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, a veteran of several failed presidential bids. But what may come as a shock to many is the role of former President Obasanjo in the whole affair.

At some point, he is seen dissociating himself from the activities of the present government, and aligning with perceived competitors of the president for the presidential nomination of the party. In several instances, he has made scurrilous remarks on the performance of the party in government, whereas it is well known that if he intended to convey such as advice to government, he could easily do so, through a phone call or through private discussions. At other times, he is forecasting an imminent of ‘’Arab spring’’ in Nigeria due to high levels of unemployment arising from job opportunities that he could not provide while he was in office.

It is difficult to understand what Obasanjo really wants from Jonathan. It has been pointed out that the current SGF Pius Anyim, came to national political relevance when Obasanjo ousted the late Okadigbo the then senate president for criticisms that were less caustic than Obasanjo is currently dishing out to President Jonathan. So, it may be safe to hazard a guess that Anyim’s appointment may have been partly to appease Obasanjo. Many would even assert that the South-west appears not to have much representation in the federal cabinet because of the type of nominations made

by Obasanjo. With the exception of the Agriculture Minister Akinwunmi Adesina who has performed exceedingly well, other ministers from that zone have been mostly below par in performance.

During his first term, Obasanjo never brooked any dissent, nor heeded any advice from any quarters. He it was who relegated some of the principal founders of the party and their political structures to the sidelines. When he became president, he immediately unseated the

Rivers State? More shocking ad disgraceful was the fact that the team that sealed off that party office and forcefully brought down both the flags of Nigeria and that of the party was led by a deputy Commissioner of Police. What a shame? What kind of officers are these? These are the kind of things that bring public disrespect to the police. When the people see naked partisanship like this by the police, absolute partiality, they lose respect for the force.

If President Jonathan had been on the other side of the party, say a member of the new PDP, would the police have prevented his faction from opening it’s office or even the president taking the road in front of the party office to wherever he wanted to go? When the Nigeria Governors’ Forum was factionalized and President Jonathan decided to back the minority faction why didn’t the police say NO? Why didn’t the Force send policemen to seal off the office of the Jang faction of NGF? Going by the police logic on the new PDP, Jang faction of NGF is also operating illegally, so, why not apply the law on that group. Was it because the president is involved? This is the kind of inconsistent application of the law by the police that tends to promote crises and anarchy in the land. This is the kind of things that the IGP should prevent if the Nigeria Police Force are to be respected by Nigerians.

The truth today is that Nigerians have more respect even for the Civil Defence Corps than a policeman or woman. It is that bad. And it is politicians in uniform like CP Mbu Joseph Mbu that promotes this kind of low esteem and contempt that most Nigerians have for the Nigeria Police Force, in spite of the efforts of such gentlemen officers like IGP Abubakar and most of his officers and men, including some that had served meritoriously in the NPF in the past.

Back to the Rivers issue, IGP Abubakar, apart from the image of the Nigeria Police, has his own personal integrity to protect in this matter and should not allow one incompetent CP acting at the behest of his paymasters outside the Force, to tarnish his own reputation and taint his tenure as IGP. Abubakar should resist the temptation of allowing the NPF under his watch to be used as the militant wing of the ruling party the way one of his predecessors Sunday Adewusi deployed the police in the second republic to serve the interest of the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN). We all know the place of Adewusi and the NPF of that era in Nigeria’s history today, IGP Abubakar should not travel that road. He has a name to protect. Nigerians are watching.

party executive and brought in Barnabas Gemade and Okwesilieze Nwodo as chairman and secretary of the party respectively. Today he is prodding Jonathan to shred his own trusted structure and install one that will do his bidding. While it appears as if the G-5 is representing the north, some prominent politicians in the north who understand what Obasanjo can do if the party structures are under his control are uncomfortable and suspicious of his motivations as he prods the G-5 into splitting the PDP. For instance, Ango Abdullahi a wellknown critic of Jonathan, his bitterness being merely over the claim that the North should exclusively produce a presidential candidate instead of President Jonathan, has this to say about former President Obasanjo; “….we thought erroneously, that his government’s performance between 1976 and 1979 was his own. But as it turned out to be, we could see that it wasn’t his……how would Nigerians rank Obasanjo from 1999 to when he left office as president? Every record shows that there has never been as much corruption in this country as during that period…”

President Goodluck Jonathan may only just be finding out that Ango Abdullahi and he, may just have something they agree on: that Obasanjo cannot be trusted politically.

Can this explain why very few people of note in the South-west ever agree with Obasanjo? Can it also explain the discord within his PDP followers in his home state of Ogun, which led to the political defeat of the party in the last general election in most local elections? Nonetheless, those who are currently being used by Obasanjo to stoke the embers of discord in the PDP may not know this yet. But, it is still early and there is still enough time for rapprochement or they may find themselves in political limbo, after Obasanjo gets what he wants, like others who have been previously used for this type of agenda.

• Eneoche, a Development Analyst writes from Abuja

INSIDE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 25

A boost for Strauss School of Music - Page 27

Abuja bridges: wasted, abused FCTA to upgrade department into agency - Page 28

...And they got the boot - Page 40

•Top: Pedestrians avoid a pedestrian bridge overhead; bottom: a bridge is converted to a market

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WELL-BUILT, healthy-looking man was crushed to death by a speeding vehicle as he tried to cross the road at Wuye a few months back. The motorist, just like most, ran off, without bothering to check the extent of injury his action inflicted on the victim.

A few meters from the body was an overhead pedestrian bridge. Lots of lives have been lost on Abuja roads, where residents try to walk across the well-constructed, four-lane expressway, putting their lives in danger.

A few months back, the leader of the Market Women Association of Nigeria, Abuja chapter, Mrs. Felicia Sani cried out to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed during the ministerial press briefing on the extent of lives lost regularly on Abuja roads.

The minister replied that most residents still cross the roads where there are pedestrian bridges without bothering to use them.

The loss of life is only one horrible consequence of pedestrians’ recklessness. There are others. The bridges cost a fortune to build. They also cost time and human effort, among other things, but after all that, they are neglected and wasted, in some cases, even abused. Some have since become grounds for petty trading.

But consider the casualities. Why do Nigerians act the way they do?

From Grace Obike

Are we too smart for speeding cars, or simply too lazy to climb the stairs of a pedestrian bridge?

Everyday, residents are seen running across the highways, some with babies strapped on their backs, while others drag little children along even at night when the roads are poorly lit.

Such acts endanger not only their lives but also those of their families.

Others run across having some luggage on them which weigh them down. Others run across wearing high-heeled and uncomfortable shoes; instead of taking the bridges that will not only save them the stress but also their lives.

The essence of constructing pedestrian bridges on most major roads is to reduce the dangers inherent in crossing the roads that are mostly

busy. Unfortunately, most of the bridges are barely used. Some of them have been turned into dump sites; with polythene bags of refuse strewn all over the place.

Again, beggars and the destitute have converted some of the bridges to dwelling places, while sellers of phone accessories, clothes and shoes transact businesses on the pedestrian bridges, thereby defeating the aim for which they were constructed.

NICON and Banex junctions are among the busiest roads with people always running across them. The pedestrian bridge at NICON Junction was completed over two weeks ago and that of Banex is still under construction. Yet still, pedestrians have chosen to ignore the newly constructed bridge which is for their safety and still run across the road, even after witnessing

Most of the bridges are barely used. Some of them have been turned into dump sites, with polythene bags of refuse strewn all over the place‌Also, beggars and the destitute have converted some of the bridges to dwelling places, while sellers of phone accessories, clothes and shoes transact businesses on the bridges, thereby defeating the aim for which they were constructed

the great number of road accidents that are on the increase on Abuja roads.

Pedestrians claim to be right and even go as far as insulting motorists that refuse to reduce their speed limits in order to allow them cross the roads; even at places where pedestrian bridges exist just meters away. Motorists are called names like wicked, demonic, reckless or even devils by pedestrians who think of them as heartless, simply because they have cars.

Cyril Mba, an unemployed youth who spoke with Abuja Review said he is not used to pedestrian bridges because using the bridges will waste his time. He prefers to dash across.

Musa Alhaji, a civil servant, believes that lack of sensitisation and enlightenment by the government to make people aware of the dangers they face by running across the highways instead of using the pedestrian bridges, has resulted in the constant crossing of roads by pedestrians because they believe it is easier and faster.

Alhaji also complained that the pedestrian bridges were only built to accommodate the healthy or able-bodied without considering the disabled. Government, he explained, should make the bridges more electronic or construct a lift that will take people up and down.

This, he said, will enable people that are tired to conserve energy and the handicapped will also cross the road without much stress.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

26

ABUJA REVIEW

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TRAUSS School of Music and Dance, Abuja has been accredited as an examination centre for the London College of Music in Nigeria.

This would make Strauss School of Music and Dance the only institution for the Performing Arts in Nigeria that offers both Graded and Diploma Examinations, which are awarded by the London College of Music (LCM).

London College of Music, a College of the University of West London, is the largest specialist music and performing arts institute in the United Kingdom.

Over 70 students drawn from schools within the Abuja Metropolis and Lagos recently participated in the examinations in such diverse areas like music performance in piano, organ, strings including guitar, wind, to dramatic expression, speech and elocution. Candidates range from four-year-olds prepared by their tutors for attainment of steps one and two to the more advanced candidates sitting for a professional fellowships and associate diplomas.

Following the accreditation of Strauss School of Music as an examination centre for the London College of Music examinations, the exams will be conducted annually by the college examiners and will issue certificates beginning from the steps, through grades, diplomas as well as fellowships, which is equivalent to a Master’s degree.

The Managing Director of the school Mrs. Golda Obi said that the elevation of Strauss School of Music to the London College of Music certificate-awarding institution shows that the school has not rested on its oars since inception

•Children learning music

Strauss School of Music gets London accreditation From Victor Oluwasegun

in its bid to impact quality music education on children in the FCT in particular and the country in general.

She further said: “We are delighted to be in a position to offer the opportunity to attain these prestigious qualifications from the

London College of Music at the Strauss School of Music here in Nigeria.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for students to continue to develop their interactive oral communication skills as well as music performance through assessment at an early stage of their development and also for the adult students to

Minister donates land to Pilgrims’ Board HE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has allocated a plot of land to be used as Permanent Christian Pilgrims Camp at the Aviation Village, Abuja.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed who disclosed this during the bi-weekly FCT operations briefing session in Abuja, said that it is the desire of his administration to build and strengthen institutions in line with the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government.

According to him, Tender Processes have already begun for the award of contract for the construction of the Permanent Pilgrims Camp to ensure that work

T

From Gbenga Omokhunu

commences in earnest.

Senator Mohammed noted that the officials of the FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board recently participated in pre-visit to Israel, Rome and Greece where hotels, restaurants, buses and other facilities were inspected to ensure a hitch-free pilgrimage exercise.

He revealed that 1,500 intending pilgrims have so far purchased application forms; stressing that the number is very encouraging.

The minister used the occasion to announce that the FCT Administration has approved a 7-member delegation for the 2013 Christian Pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

“The delegation, which is to be chaired by Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda has Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji; Rev. Fr. Innocent Jooji; Mazi Emmanuel Olugbuo; Rev. Bob Alonge and Mrs. Aigbomian Olufunmilayo as members; while Dr. Lazarus Gaza is the member/ Secretary,” Senator Mohammed emphasised.

The meeting was attended by the FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Obinna Chukwu; FCDA Executive Secretary, Mr. Adamu Ismaila as well as the Directors of all the operational departments in the FCT Administration.

•Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed (4th from right), Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide(middle) with the newly installed traditional rulers during the Installation and Presentation of Staff to four graded Chiefs in the FCTin Abuja in Abuja.

PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

have certification and be graded.

“It brings enormous educational and social benefits as well as enjoyment, and at the same time, all students will be gaining an internationally-recognised qualification.”

The examinations, which are designated “external’ and are being conducted by Professor John

T

EAM Zamani, a coalition of youths against social ills, is billed for the nation’s capital anytime soon.

In a chat with Abuja Review, the team said it was poised to bring its message of change to the youths in the Federal Capital as the FCT is important to the organisation administratively in its efforts to reach young people in the North in particular and the country as a whole.

According to the founder, Ahmed Adam, Team has been using the media such as the social networks and entertainment programmes, to caution the northern youths and the entire nation about violence, drugs usage, pre- marital sex and un-unhealthy lifestyles.

The goal of the project, according to Ahmed, is to help people make good decision in their lives. He disclosed that the group has started producing songs that talk about such vices While stating his reasons for embarking on the project, he said the mission was “ to enlighten the youth and everyone else on sexually transmitted infections and its prevention as well as to create peace between the Muslims and the Christians and to enlighten the youth on the issue of drugs dealing, cultism, rape and violence.

The Niger State born and Kaduna State Polytechnics graduate said he was looking forward to an HIV/AIDS free generation.He said the songs in the albums he produced were a reflection of the vision of Team Zamani.

According to him, songs in the repertoire like Peace (is a song of unity and talks about the need to shun violence amidst the different religious and ethnic groups in the country. Aids is Real and Shun Bad Life, enjoins youths to forsake the bad life like drug, ratings and cultism

Howard (Director of Examinations, London College of Music), who flew to Abuja from London for the last examination.

The examinations are scheduled to take place at the Strauss School of Music and Dance the only accredited centre in Nigeria from May 27 to May 30, every year.

Youths bring Team Zamani to Abuja From Faith Yahaya

amongst other vices.

He said the Zamani Team has been active on many campuses particularly Northern areas of the country in its efforts to put violence and other youth- related vices on a decline.

We had an enlightenment programme at the Kaduna State University on October 13,2012, where we shared handbills and T- shirts to the students. We repeated this at the Nigeria Air Force Club. “ We also had an enlightenment campaign at BUK USOGA award night in Kano on February 7 of this year. And we shared T- shirts and hand bands with the HIV/ AIDS logo.

•Ahmed Adam

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

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ABUJA REVIEW

FCTA to upgrade department into agency

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HE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is seriously considering transforming the FCT Development Control Department into an agency.

The Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed disclosed this while addressing the Course 22 participants of the National Defence College at the FCDA Conference Room, Central Business District Abuja. The participants were on familiarisation tour of facilities in the FCTA. The minister reiterated that the action has become necessary in order to holistically deal with all the problems associated with housing development in the territory.

Senator Mohammed emphasised that government could not fold its arms to watch the ever-increasing problems of demography where shanties keep on springing up on daily basis even after being demolished.

Senator Mohammed insisted that the Abuja Master Plan cannot be allowed to derail thereby making the

T

HE central body of Abuja’s indigenous people, Original Inhabitants Development Association of Abuja, (OIDA) has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed to caution his aides against constant attacks on the people through the media and political blackmail.

In a statement, the OIDA flayed the minister’s aides whom they accused of engaging in counterproductive tactics that only put Senator Mohammed in bad light among the FCT indigenous people.

The group also said that it has proof that a certain aide of the minister in his media office has been masquerading as a public opinion leader in newspaper articles and publications where he abuses OIDA, its top officials or FCT natives for rejecting government’s land-swap policy without disclosing his position as a member of the minister’s media team.

The group also said it has evidence that press releases purported to be emanating from some sponsored Abuja indigenous

Stories by Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

city go the way of other older cities in the country.

According to him, the transformation of the Department of Development Control now under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) would provide the needed capacity and manpower in consonance with the Urban and Regional law, as the 250 square kilometers of the Federal Capital City and, indeed, the entire territory continue

to grow.

Senator Mohammed restated the commitment of his administration to strictly adhere to safe city concept of Abuja because the Abuja Master Plan can never be compromised.

He assured that the FCT Administration would do everything possible to eliminate squatter settlements around the Federal Capital City.

The minister further emphasised that, in line with the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, the FCT Administration

So far, a district has been earmarked for the Abuja Social Housing Scheme apart from the Abuja Land-Swap Model Initiative where 10 new districts are been opened up under public-private partnership (PPP)

has come up with the idea of social housing where residents at the lower cadre affected by such removals can adequately be provided for.

Senator Mohammed noted that, so far, a district has been earmarked for the Abuja Social Housing Scheme apart from the Abuja Land-Swap Model Initiative where 10 new districts are been opened up under public-private partnership (PPP).

He said that the Abuja LandSwap Initiative is laudable because it would free government funds even as it boasts robust resettlement programme to satisfy the yearnings of the natives.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the team, Air Commodore Yusuf Isah, said that they were in the FCTA on familiarisation tour of facilities, which is part of the course.

He revealed that there are 133 participants in the Course 22 of the National Defence College; including 10 from foreign countries like Brazil, Rwanda, Ghana, Zambia, and Bangladesh, among others.

•Senator Mohammed The FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Obinna Chukwu; FCDA Executive Secretary, Mr. Adamu Ismaila, the FCT Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yau Mohammed Gital as well as some Directors of the FCT Administration attended the meeting.

Abuja natives warn against divide-and-rule tactics people meant to divide them were written and e-mailed to journalists by the media aides of the minister on behalf of the sponsored groups contrary to ethical standards.

“If the minister’s aides are not out to ‘manufacture consent of Nigerians by all means’ for the landswap policy through propaganda, why are they masquerading as opinion leaders on newspaper pages without stating that they are writing from the FCT Minister’s office or on behalf of the FCT Minister?

“Again, if the government is not sponsoring them, why not allow the so-called Abuja indigenes to write their own press releases or face the media like OIDA does?

Why will a minister allow his media aides to be the mouthpiece of the sponsored persons if it is not aimed at dividing the people so that they can accept the land-swap policy hook, line and sinker?

“Why is the FCT Administration taking some misguided indig-

enous youths to visit Mr. President, buying Hilux vans and giving them millions of Naira to share to poor villagers? Is this action not meant to cajole our people into rubber-stamping the land-swap policy?” the group asked.

OIDA flayed the FCT Administration for not building more hospitals, opening more access roads or building more educational facilities in the FCT. Instead, it said, it focuses its energies on land sharing and commercialisation of the FCT contrary to the recommendations of Aguda Panel Report/ Abuja Master Plan that FCT should be a purely administrative capital.

OIDA stated that “instead of engaging in a contest of ideas through genuine dialogue free from Machiavellian tactics, the FCT Administration has rather chosen to force the Land-swap policy on our people using divide-and-rule ploys that will help no one.

“But the discerning Abuja natives at an OIDA congress meeting in Kwali on September 7, 2013 renewed the mandate given to the association to withdraw from the Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of the FCT Land-swap Programme and Resettlement Matters set up by the Minister until such a time that their demand for a 30 per cent sharing ratio for the affected communities to be held in a community trust fund is accepted and implemented by the FCTA and investors.

“The recent diatribes against OIDA and its President, Danladi Jeji by some of the minister’s

aides, Land-swap Community Liaison Consultant, Mr. P. D. Busa and others, would only end up driving the FCT natives away from Senator Bala Mohammed, thereby leading to a squandering of the goodwill that the people have towards the FCT Administration,” it said.

Noting that it is a development association and not a political group, OIDA wondered why the minister’s aides were accusing civil servants of belonging to the FCT natives’ umbrella body. It reiterated that it has nothing personal against Senator Bala Mohammed or his political career but is out to defend the interest of Abuja’s indigenous people.

If the minister’s aides are not out to ‘manufacture consent of Nigerians by all means’ for the land-swap policy through propaganda, why are they masquerading as opinion leaders on newspaper pages without stating that they are writing from the FCT Minister’s office or on behalf of the FCT Minister?

20 foreign doctors to offer free medicare

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•From left: Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajimoke Akinjide; Chairman Organising Committee, Mrs. Helen Obiechina; Senator Atta Idoko Ali; Director, Satellite Town Development Agency (STDA), Tukur Ibrahim Bakori and Chairman of the session, Saka Olajide during the 2013 Town Planners’ Day in Abuja PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

HAIRMAN of Kwali Area Council, Mr. Ibrahim Daniel, has disclosed that about 20 medical doctors from the United States of America are expected to carry out free medical treatment on patients suffering from various ailments in the council.

Daniel, in a statement, said some medical doctors from various University teaching hospitals across the country will also be on ground to carry out the free medical services such as surgery, eye treatment, among other diseases.

According to him, the free medical treatment which will cut across the 10 wards of the council is part of his electioneering campaign of free access to healthcare for the people of the area.

He said the free medical service, which the US doctors are com-

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Bukola Amusan

ing to offer, is a voluntary service devoid of any financial involvement.

“About 20 US medical doctors are expected this Wednesday to join some of our doctors here in Nigeria from University teaching hospitals to carry out the voluntary free medical services to cure some of our people - old and young alike - who are suffering from different forms of ailments,” the chairman said.

He called on parents, traditional rulers, village/district heads as well as religious leaders to encourage their subjects to give their support to the medical doctors during the exercise which will take place at Rhema and Kwali township clinics.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

ABUJA REVIEW

FCTA demolishes 110 illegal structures

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HE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished 110 illegal structures in Gaduwa District of the Federal Capital City which it said posed security threats.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed disclosed this at the bi-weekly FCT operations briefing in Gwarinpa I District Abuja.

The minister said that the demolition exercise was carried out in a joint demolition exercise with the Nigeria Police Force following timely security intelligence report.

According to a statement issued by the Assistant Director/Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Muhammad Hazat Sule, Mohammed assured that the FCT Administration is not prepared to toy with the security of lives and property within the 8,000 square kilometres of the Federal Capital Territory.

He reiterated that between March 6 and August 23, 2013, the administration also removed 760 structures/shanties within Mabushi, Kado, Jahi, Katampe, Kaura and Gwarinpa Districts respectively.

According to him, 363 illegal structures in the Federal Capital

I

N furtherance of the Federal Government’s efforts to address the security challenges facing the country, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has facilitated the identification and repatriation of about 2,000 illegal immigrants from the FCT to their various countries within the last one year.

The Secretary, Social Development Secretariat (SDS) of the FCTA, Mrs. Blessing Onyeche Onuh disclosed this during a press briefing on the activities and achievements of the secretariat.

She also stated that, in its determination to boost the tourism profile of Abuja , the FCTA, through the secretariat, has commenced the identification and enumeration of new sites to be developed into tourist destinations.

Mrs. Onuh said the FCT Administration, In tackling the security chal-

•Abuja city

•

•Demolished structures From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

City have recently been marked for demolition and notices served on their owners within the same period.

“Estate plots are now being mandated to adopt the Green Building Concept towards enhancing energy efficiency and

sustainable development,” Senator Mohammed said.

The minister emphasised that some of such approved estates are already marketing the green houses, particularly in Galadimawa District of the Federal Capital City.

Mohammed further disclosed that a total of 908 building plans were received by the FCT Devel-

opment Control Department out of which 837 have been approved during the period under review.

His words: “A total number of 684 setting out / stage applications were received out of which 653 have been approved during the same period.”

On land use contravention, the minister stated that 202 buildings were sealed off in Maitama, Wuse

I & II, Utako, Jabi, Wuye, Gudu, Durumi and Garki I & II. The meeting was attended by the FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Obinna Chukwu; FCDA Executive Secretary, Mr. Adamu Ismaila as well as the directors of all the operational departments in the FCT Administration.

FCTA repatriates 2,000 illegal aliens From Gbenga Omokhunu

lenges posed by illegal aliens in the FCT, a recently constituted inter-agency committee, comprising the military, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the police, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the State Security Services (SSS) are to collaborate with social workers at the secretariat to rid the FCT of illegal immigrants.

Out of the 2,000 illegal aliens repatriated, Niger Republic accounted for more than 50 per cent with over 1,000 illegal migrants.

She attributed the high rate of illegal immigrants from Niger Republic to the porous nature of that coun-

try’s borders with Nigeria.

Other countries whose nationals were repatriated were Cameroun, Togo and Ghana.

On the new tourist sites identified, the SDS Secretary said they included the Dutsen-Alhaji Cave in Bwari Area Council, the Lion Faced Rock at Bwari and Taruga Archaeological Site in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) said to be the first iron smelting site in West Africa.

She added that the SDS has been working closely with the six area councils and the traditional institutions towards authenticating, preserving and promoting the historical and cultural records of the sites.

She said the SDS would soon be

embarking on aggressive publicity to promote the sites; especially at exhibitions, fairs, festivals as well as embassies and major hotels.

In similar manner, Mrs. Onuh revealed that the Arts and Culture Complex, Garki is currently undergoing renovation, stressing that the face-lift would make it more attractive to visitors thereby enhancing cultural and entertainment activities in the FCT. She added that this year, the SDS has increased the tempo of activities by its Performing Arts Unit while also encouraging partnership with private entertainment outfits for weekly entertainment activities in the FCT. Throwing more light on the Taruga Archaeological Site, she disclosed that its architectural design has already been produced as a major step towards transforming it to a major tourist destination in Abuja.

According to her, the secretariat has continued to organise the Abuja Festival of Arts and Culture, (ASOFEST) as a deliberate initiative to use culture to foster unity and coexistence among the diverse communities in the FCT. Mrs. Onuh said the secretariat is at the verge of producing the Abuja Tourism Master Plan which should provide the framework for effective development of the tourism sector.

“We have equally commenced the enumeration of hotels, motels, guest houses, restaurants, eateries and others in the hospitality industry in the

FCT with a view to regulating and classifying the facilities in line with international standard practices,” she said.

She listed, among the major achievements by her secretariat over the past two years, to include the overhaul of facilities at the Bwari Vocational Centre for the physicallychallenged persons, the establishment of the Women Rehabilitation Centre, Sabon Lugbe to provide vocational skills to repentant sex workers and the graduation of over 3,000 vulnerable women from the centre.

Other strides, she outlined, were the fencing and provision of boreholes at the Alheri Beggars’ Colony in Yangoji as well as the building of a market for them to sell their farm produce; the training of about 90 women beggars at the Karamajiji Settlement and their registration into co-operatives with monetary assistance.

In order to ensure strict implementation of the Child Rights Act, she said the Child Welfare Unit of the Secretariat has been strengthened to enable them to effectively supervise and monitor the operations of all orphanages and other child welfare institutions in the FCT. “So far, the Secretariat, through the Gender Department, has also registered 120 Multi-purpose Co-operatives from the six area councils of the FCT,” she disclosed, adding that “it is working closely with the wives of chairmen of area councils to mobilise from the rural communities.

In tackling the security challenges posed by illegal aliens in the FCT, a recently constituted inter-agency committee, comprising the military, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the police, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the State Security Services (SSS) are to collaborate with social workers at the secretariat to rid the FCT of illegal immigrants

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

’

The challenge posed by kidnapping in particular and the general state of insecurity to lives and properties in Nigeria today is highly worrisome. It is a situation that I believe calls for concerted efforts and a holistic approach by the authorities at the local Government, state and federal levels.

It has got to a point where no one is sure of what will become of him or her in the next minute.

’

See page 31

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

INSIDE: ‘Why kidnapping is now big business’

-Page 31

Subsidising our inefficient bureaucracy

-Page 32

Traffic warden wins public service award

-Page 33

Modernising legal practice in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects

• Ozekhome after his release

THE last four years have witnessed an upsurge in kidnapping. It appears all measures, including the death sentence for convicted kidnappers, are futile. The horror seems to have defied all solutions. How can the menace be curtailed? Lawyers proffer the way out. PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU reports.

Kidnapping: A lethal trade booms H

-Page 34

Lagos CJ to release awaiting trial inmates

-Page 35

E is just two years old. He was being taken to school that fateful morning of January 21 when suddenly, four hooded men abducted him after firing several gunshots.

That began little Emmanuel Alonge’s journey to the kidnappers’ den. He was released after a N5 million ransom was allegedly paid to his abductors in Lagos.

His kidnappers initially demanded N150 million, but when the tot’s parents could not afford it, the ransom was negotiated down to N5 million.

Upon his release, the little boy was dumped at a Bus Stop by 3am for his parents to pick him up.

Although the kid may not have understood he was kidnapped or in danger, being in the midst of strangers for six days must have been horrifying.

The todler’s abductors struck in the morning on his street.

Activist-lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) was kidnapped about 3pm on the Benin-Auchi Expressway in Edo State, while he was going to his village. It was not late at night or during the wee hours.

He was also not profiled. The hoodlums operated randomly and swooped on him, just like they did five other

people across the state that same day. Like Alonge, Ozekhome’s abductors demanded N150 million initially. As his family was still negotiating his freedom, his son, Ilugbekhai and head of chamber, Dominick Ezerioha were also abducted by the same gang.

Having spent three weeks in the dungeon, Ozekhome and his wards were released after about N15 million was allegedly parted with.

Similarly, wife of a Supreme Court Justice Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour, a lawyer, was abducted along with her daughter and driver in Edo State. They were kidnapped barely a few months after her son was whisked away by kidnappers in Laagos. He was released after an alleged N25 million ransom was paid to his abductors.

They were held for more than 10 days before they regained their freedom.

High profile kidnap cases

recorded

Among the recorded cases of kid• Continued on page 30

• KIDNAP VICTIM: Two-year- old Emmanuel Alonge

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

30

LAW COVER CONT’D •Continued from page 29

napped victims are a Benin traditional ruler, Patrick Igbinidu, who was abducted on September 11 at his palace at Udo in Edo State; Anglican Bishop, Rev. Ignatius Kattey; Benin-based activist, Athanatius Ugbome, kidnapped on August 23 in Edo State; father of Nigerian footballer, John Obi Mikel and mother of the Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Delta.

Also kidnapped were wife of former Edo State Attorney-General, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, Florence; Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Lagos State, Kehinde Bamigbetan; elder statesman Shettima Monguno in Maiduguri and elder brother of Super Eagles Defender Joseph Yobo, Nornu.

Others include footballer Christian Obodo; the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Benin, Olabisi Ihenyen, and her husband, Lionel; as well as Nollywood artistes, Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh, Nkiru Sylvanus and John Okafor. The list is endless.

•Sagay

•Olanipekun

•Agbakoba

•Adekoya

•Nwobike

•Agbaje

How it started From the abduction of oil workers by Niger Delta militants in the early 2000s to draw attention to the region’s marginalisation and under development, kidnapping became a tactic used by politicians against their perceived enemies.

Although it is a natural law that whatever goes up must come down, the reverse has been the case with kidnapping across the country as the last decade has witnessed the menace blossoming into a full scale and organised business.

In 2007, Nigeria was ranked third behind Columbia and Mexico as kidnappers’ haven.

Kidnapping, no doubt, affects the tourism potential as well as foreign investment of countries. Recently, some multi-nationals that were operating in the country moved out to neighbouring nations as a result of the menace, which in turn, worsens unemployment.

The targets have geometrically progressed from certain profiled individuals who were either sent warning notices or fingered by their relations to just anyone including grandparents and toddlers.

As a result of the thriving nature of the business, kidnappers now ply the streets and major roads in search of victims, a situation which has generated grave security concerns.

There have been instances where market women, hawkers, pedestrians and even people sitting in the comfort of their homes have been whisked away by armed men.

While some regained their freedom after money exchanged hands, some are yet to be seen by their families, and others were killed in the process.

In most cases, kidnap victims are usually locked up with little or no attention paid to their physical needs or hygiene. It has also been found out that treatments meted out to victims vary. Sometimes kidnappers are harsh and hostile to their victims while at other times they are courteous and unusually kind. Sadly, many victims have to cope with post-kidnap trauma even years after being released.

Why kidnapping thrives From the testimonies of many kidnap victims, it could be said that the motives behind kidnapping include poverty, high rate of unemployment, ‘get-rich-quick’ syndrome, porous and inadequate security or intelligence gathering, greed and erosion of value system.

According to a lawyer, Joseph Nwobike (SAN), kidnapping thrives because of the ease with which ransom is negotiated and paid, not because of principles or agitations.

Observers are of the view that the upsurge in kidnapping cannot be divorced from the inadequacies of

Kidnapping: A lethal trade booms the policing system.

It is believed that low level of security and lack of modern tools to contain crime have made arrest of kidnappers difficult.

Moreover, that only few of those arrested have been prosecuted and punished, seem to have made matters worse.

Also pointed out is the issue of connivance by security operatives, who observers believe give out names of ‘influential individuals’ or their families to kidnappers, at the end of which they share the proceeds with the hoodlums.

A losing battle?

Several measures have been put in place to combat kidnapping, but it has only blossomed. The antikidnapping laws have been amended by both the National Assembly and many states, some even making it a capital offence.

In Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, among others, kidnapping attracts death sentence upon conviction. Some other states have a sentence of 14 to 21 years in prison for conspiracy to kidnap.

Moreover, various task-forces have been set up with most state governments especially in the Niger Delta, providing tracking devices to security agencies to enhance their performance.

Unfortunately, most of these efforts, including the training of security agents and additional funding by state governments have yielded little or no result.

Observers have questioned the workability of the death sentence as a solution to kidnapping, bearing in mind that since the enactment of the Firearms and Armed Robbery Act, which prescribes death penalty for kidnapping and other offences, the crimes have increased.

Ozekhome’s revelation after his release on Thursday on why security agencies are unable to track kidnappers is a pointer that the perpetrators are on top of their game.

He had disclosed that the hoodlums cannot be tracked because they do not make contacts with relatives of their victims in the states they are held.

According to him, in most cases, the kidnappers go as far as five states from the camp where their hostages are held.

The lawyer, like several other victims, acknowledged that these hoodlums speak impeccable English and are very intelligent youths, who claim to have taken up arms against the state as a result of unemployment and poverty.

While narrating his ordeal to reporters in Lagos after spending three weeks in kidnapper’s den, Ozekhome disclosed that the kidnappers had cells and units across the country and operated with very sophisticated weapons.

To him, the Federal Government should grant amnesty to kidnappers as a matter of urgency; amend the constitution to enthrone state policing; make policies that will ensure better welfare for Nigerians and create jobs for the populace.

He advised the government to immediately declare a State of Emergency in education and capacity building, security, youth unemployment and infrastructure; as well as organise a national dialogue to quell the menace.

Is amnesty the way out?

Analysts are of the view that there is no justification for amnesty to be granted kidnappers.

Lawyers believe that kidnappers are criminals and should be treated as such. Offering amnesty to them amounts to holding the state captive, they said.

They argue that kidnappers, no matter how they try to justify their reasons for criminality, are fighting no cause and should not enjoy the privileges granted ex-militants.

To them, amnesty can never be the solution, just as they advised the government to concentrate efforts on providing good governance and dividends of democracy.

They said that Ozekhome might have still been overwhelmed and in trauma having gone through a terrible experience to make such recommendation.

Lawyers speak Former Nigerian Bar Association, NBA Presidents, Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN), and Oliseh Agbakoba (SAN); Professor of law, Itse Sagay (SAN); Chair, NBA-Section on Legal Practice (SBL) Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN); constitutional lawyer, Dr. Fred Agbaje and Lagos lawyer Ikechukwu Ikeji spoke on the issue.

To Olanipekun, kidnapping has assumed a consuming dimension in which no one is spared- whether rich or poor, middle class or upper class people.

He faulted the constitutional provisions that allow only one police force, describing same as a deceit.

He also blamed unemployment for the spate of kidnapping.

He said Nigeria’s configuration promotes crimes of different categories.

“We do not want to be honest and reasonable enough to admit that our Constitution itself is a primary cause of crimes in the land.

“It is a Constitution which by Section 214 (1) imperially asserts that there shall be only one Nigeria Police Force in the country. This is negatively peculiar to Nigeria. It is a constitutional aberration.

“We are deceiving ourselves by assuming that the Nigeria Police can effectively cope with and checkmate the wave of crimes in Nigeria.

“State governments and even cities that can afford it should be allowed to have their own police formations...Nigeria is too big for this constitutional deceit.”

He called on governments at various levels to checkmate and substantially reduce the increasing rate of unemployment in Nigeria, which he noted had not made any serious issue by the three tiers of government in Nigeria.

“Our over-bloated anti-corruption agencies do not have the courage and teeth to ask questions about the sources of wealth of the new arrivals into the super rich clubs.

“We must re-enact a true Constitution that would reflect good ideas and ideals, not in the way and manner the National Assembly is going about its periodical constitutional review exercises, but in a practical and realistic manner that would take care of all sundry issues and also make the provisions of Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State policy in the present Constitution justiciable,” Olanipekun said.

Sagay objected to amnesty for kidnappers. He insisted that unlike the Niger Delta militants who had a cause, kidnappers are mere criminals and should be treated as such.

He said: “They are sheer crimi-

nals who have no value for the society and have no cause for what they are doing.

“They are looking for easy ways to make quick money not minding the misery they inflict on innocent people.

“So, they are just terrible criminals and certainly do not deserve any amnesty. What will be the basis for the amnesty?

“I think Mike (Ozekhome) was just overwhelmed by what he has just been through. After he has spent some time at home and has recovered, I think he will withdraw that recommendation.

“Why should criminals be rewarded? Then everybody will take to crime. I certainly do not support that.

“To solve this problem, there have to be adequate security. Mike suggested it. As things stand now, we, ordinary Nigerians can no longer go about our businesses.

“Only the politicians who are the course of the problem can move around because they are guarded by well armed Mobile Policemen.

“So, we must have a different orientation towards governance, in which the masses are catered for; employment policy for youths and better managed economy.”

Agbakoba said the solution is not and cannot be amnesty, just as he called on politicians to be honest and sincere towards national course. He noted that massive unemployment was behing the misery, as youths have been forced to look for easy way out of poverty.

He said all those stealing the common wealth of the nation must be stopped and good governance enthroned in order to secure employment for over 40 million jobless youths in the country.

Adekoya said the solution is the provision of enabling environment for self employment, just as she noted that there must be conscientious investigation and prosecution of kidnappers.

She said: “I do not agree that granting amnesty or extending the amnesty programme to kidnappers will solve the problem of kidnapping in the country. At best it is a ‘quick fix’ solution that does not address the underlying problems which have given rise to this malaise.

“An amnesty programme means that rather than have the ransomed pay as and when victims are taken, the government will pay the kidnappers under some guise or the other on a monthly basis. The kidnappers have then held the government to ransom!

“Like any other crime, kidnapping is on the increase because it goes unpunished and is seen as a means to quick wealth. The National Orientation Agency has job to do in focusing the minds of Nigerians that ‘getting rich quick’ should not be an acceptable method of behaviour.

“Some 20 to 30 years ago, unexplained wealth, corruption and criminal records was a source of shame in the family, but that is all gone now. The nation worships wealth, no matter how it is acquired, as we do not interrogate the nouveau riche as to the source of their wealth, rather we honour them with awards and chieftaincy titles.

“The solution to kidnapping is firstly economic empowerment of the citizens by providing the proper enabling environment for prosperous self employment; secondly conscientious investigation and prosecution of kidnappers to remove the sense of impunity with which they currently operate, and finally putting action into the zero-tolerance stand of the government as regards corruption, to show that getting rich quick is not a viable option.

“The funds for any amnesty programme should be committed •Continued on page 31

31 THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

LAW & SOCIETY Dele Adesina (SAN) is the chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Rule of Law Action Group and chairman, Constitution and Administrative Law Committee of the NBA Section on Legal Practice (SLP). In this interview with Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU, he speaks on the release of Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) from captivity by his abductors, law and security and the last NBA conference in Calabar, the Cross State capital, among others.

‘Why kidnapping is now big business’ Y

OUR brother Senior Advocate of Ni geria, Chief Mike Ozekhome was just released by his abductors. What is your reaction to this?

Let me start by thanking God for the release of Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) to reunite with members of his family and his profession. It will be recalled that he was kidnapped about Friday, August 23, 2013.

He spent about three weeks in captivity.

Well, the important thing is that he has regained his freedom in good health.

How do we overcome the challenges posed by kidnapping and sundry vices in country?

The challenge posed by kidnapping in particular and the general state of insecurity to lives and properties in Nigeria today is highly worrisome. It is a situation that I believe calls for concerted efforts and a holistic approach by the authorities at the local Government, state and federal levels. It has got to a point where no one is sure of what will become of him or her in the next minute.

I was made to understand that a good number of the people involved in these activities are well read and perhaps would have used their knowledge and skill for something more productive, not only to them but also to the society if the opportunity had been provided.

So, what do think is responsible for this?

I want to believe that the deplorable state of unemployment in this nation today has added to the state of lawlessness that we are currently witnessing. The adage that devil will find work for an idle hand appears to be a major factor in the gradual reduction of this nation into a state where might is right and the life is short, nasty and brutish.

Government has to wake up and live up to the demands of their social and security responsibilities. This state of helplessness of the citizens must not continue unchecked.

Next week, a new set of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) will be inaugurated by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, what is your advice for the new Silk wigs?

Let me seize this opportunity to congratulate each one of them for being counted worthy for the exalted title and promotion to this leadership status. The conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria signifies a transition into leadership position in the profession and leadership is responsibility. They have to now join the others to shoulder that responsibility in a demonstrable manner through all of their professional engagements.

What are these responsibilities?

They have to show good examples worthy of emulation by the junior members of the profession who are determined to identify worthy mentors to follow both in and outside the courtroom, indeed in all their dealings within and outside the profession, they must now begin with greater consciousness

to demonstrate high degree of nobility, honour and integrity. I hope that they will not join the league of those whose conduct were responsible for the call by those who want to have the status abolished. I wish to let them know that the level of ethical standard expected of them will be higher than before. Of course, they must also begin to search for what they can do to add more value not only to the rank, but also to the profession.

As the chairman of the NBA Rule of Law Action Group, what are the achievements of that committee and what is your agenda for the coming year?

As you will recall, the Rule of Law Action Group had an outstandingly successful two day workshop in Lagos during the first term of Mr President Okey Wali (SAN), with the theme the rule of law as the bedrock for sustainable democracy and development in Nigeria. We intend to have a similar workshop in the coming year to further highlight the nexus between democracy and development and to make the point that strict adherence to all tenets of Rule of Law and due process are inevitable for a successful and sustainable constitutional democracy.

What are your plans for next year?

More importantly, next year, the Rule of Law Action Group of the NBA which I have the privilege to chair will focus more attention on effective maintenance of law and order in Nigeria. The body is going to campaign in a sustained manner for good training for the law enforcement agents and adequate provision of necessary logistics and equipment to facilitate effective maintenance of law and order.

Emphasise will also be made to encourage the law enforcement officers to grow up in the area of detection of crime, the gathering of evidence and the essence of doing a thorough crime investigation. We will also focus on the need for the branches to constitute their own version of the Rule of Law Action Committee in all branches. Once this is done the Rule of Law Action Group in collaboration with the branch committees can organise periodical visits to the prisons, police stations e.t.c to ensure minimum infraction of due process, Rule of Law and fundamental rights.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) just rose from its annual general conference in Calabar with the theme: Law, Leadership challenges in the 21st Century Nigeria. What would say were the gains of that conference?

The conference as you know focused and quite rightly so in my estimation on leadership and challenges of nationhood in 21st Century Nigeria. I believe there is a consensus opinion that the issue of leadership constitutes the greatest challenge in Nigeria. Talking about leadership, I mean leadership at all levels of authority. Somebody said that the character of the leader determines the character of the organisation he leads. For me this says it all. The keynote speaker did justice to this theme most admirably. As the President of NBA Okey Wali (SAN) said, it is the belief of the Bar that once we get the leadership right in Nige-

•Adesina ria every other component of good governance will follow suit. I believe that the greatest lesson for all from the conference is the need to resolve to turn a new leaf and begin to do things right. Round pegs must be put in round holes in order to get proper symbiotic relationship. The Rule of Law Action Group did not organise a specific programme during the conference because I had to focus attention on the Constitutional Law and Administrative Law Committee of the Section of Legal Practice which I also chair.

What role did the Constitutional law and Administrative law committee of the SLP play at the conference?

This committee organised a very successful session on Section 285 of the 1999 constitution as amended on Election Petition for stable Constitutional Democracy. The Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) was the guest speaker and sev-

eral frontline Senior Advocates of Nigeria were discussants. It was a good session dedicated to rethinking the way out of the said section of the constitution. You will recall that before the said amendment, election petition cases went on ad infinitum, some for over two and half years and some for a period of three years. This certainly was not right.

The post amendment of the section also witnessed several election petition cases terminated purely on technical grounds without being heard on the merit. In the language of the Supreme Court, some suffered Cardiac arrest in a democracy. I believe that if not for anything, it is an issue of public policy for election petitions to be decided on their merits. This was what informed the holding of the session. Like we concluded at the session, the thinking process to locate a meeting point between speed and justice in adjudication of Election Petition cases continue.

Kidnapping: A lethal trade booms

•Police chief Mohammed Abubakar

•Continued from page 30 to these three aspects of a holistic solution to kidnapping.”

Agbaje held that only tackling corruption and providing good welfare aggressively, can solve the problem of kidnapping.

“I say no to amnesty to kidnappers. Otherwise, when will this so-called amnesty to hardened criminals stop? Has amnesty totally worked even in the Niger Delta?

“The menace of kidnapping and other banditry can only be tackled if and only if the problem of welfare, particularly youth unemployment is aggressively addressed and corruption by our political leaders frontally tackled.

“Our political leaders are too self centred to give a hoot about the suffering masses and our security agents lacks the required

professional zeal and d wherewithal to match the enffontery of the hoodlums.

“Also, if the police are provided with the required wherewithdals, will corruption and connivance with the criminals not blur police operational vision?” Agbaje queried.

Ikeji said the proliferation of small arms and ammunition, which are smuggled into Nigeria under the watchful eyes of security agencies should be checked.

He said as long as the present socio-economic imbalance continued, it will amount to wishful thinking to expect an end to the present spate of kidnappings.

“No matter the level of policing you put in place against kidnapping, whether a task force or specialized unit, it is bound to fail because the kidnappers will

always develop strategies to remain a step ahead of the law enforcement agencies.

“If Nigeria can achieve the minimal level of income disparity especially as regards opportunities available to all without discrimination, there will be a natural reduction in crime rate and, by extension, kidnapping.

“Amnesty is also not a solution because that could lead it to becoming an all-comers affair where everybody rushes into kidnapping knowing that amnesty awaits them at the end of the day.

“The solution lies with our leaders giving us good governance. There is no alternative to good governance and a corruption-free Nigeria, which can only be given to us by good leadership in consistent terms,” Ikeji said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

32

LAW AND SOCIETY

Court remands woman in prison for alleged robbery A

N Ikeja Magistrate Court has ordered a 25-year -old woman, Taye Omiata, to be remanded in Kirikiri Prison.

Magistrate Abimbola OshodiMakanju ordered that Omiata, a suspected armed robber, should remain in prison custody pending, legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Police arraigned charged Omiata in court for allegedly being in possession of a gun.

The defendant, who resides at Lusada, in Ogun State, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms and armed robbery.

Stories by Adebisi Onanuga

The police prosecutor, Inspector Samson Ekikere, told the court that the defendant unlawfully had in her possession one locally-made double barrel short gun, with five live cartridges without a licence duly issued to her by the Inspector-General of Police.

Ekikire alleged that the defendant and others at large, while armed with gun, attempted to rob.

He said the defendant and others at large, committed the offence on August 22, at 8:30pm, in Iju, Lagos.

According to the prosecutor, the offence is contrary to Section 5 (b) and punishable under Section 1 (2) (a), 1 (2) (a)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (special provision) Act, Cap 398, Vol XXII, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2003.

When the charge was read to the defendant, she pleaded not guilty.

The magistrate ordered that she should be remanded in prison.

Magistrate Oshodi-Makanju, adjourned the case to October 2.

Woman, 36, five others sent to prison custody

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36-year-old woman, Chioma Ezekwesili and five men have been remanded in Kirikiri Prison by an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court,for alleged robbery. They will be in custody pending the receipt of legal advice from the director of public prosecution Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe gave the order when the defendants were arraigned before her.

The others are: Emeka Igwe, 41, Ignatous Ezerele, 37, Michael Madu, 52,Oke Jerome, 28 and Bright Ikubor, 23.

They were arraigned on a threecount charge of conspiracy, attempted robbery and unlawful

Stories by Adebisi Onanuga

possession of firearms.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Iranus Nnamonu, told the court that the defendants, while armed with two cut-to-size double barrel guns and 12 live cartridges, attempted to rob one Alhaji Bamidele.

The prosecutor also alleged that the defendants were unlawfully in possession of firearms, without due licence issued by the Inspector-General of Police or any other authority.

He said the defendants and others at large committed the offence on August 18 at 10pm.

He said the incident took place at Bolatito Hotel, at Kola in Alagbado, Lagos.

According to the prosecutor, the offence is contrary to Section 5 (b) and punishable under Section 1(2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap 398 Vol XXII, laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2003.

When the charges were read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty.

The magistrate ordered the defendants to be remanded in prison.

She said they would remain in custody while the DPP’s advice was being awaited.

She adjourned till October 22.

•Former Vice President , Atiku Abubakar (right) and others at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Man, 23, remanded for alleged theft of phones Uwadione said the defendant and LAGOS Magistrates’Court, worth N86m others at large committed the Ikeja has ordered a 23-

A

year-old man, Sunday Oladeji, to be remanded in prison custody.

Magistrate Akinde ordered that the defendant should remain in prison custody pending when he is able to perfect his bail condition.

The police arraigned Oladeji before the court, for allegedly stealing N86 million worth of phones belonging to Midcom Logistics Company.

Oladeji is facing a three-count

charge of conspiracy and stealing, preferred against him by the police.

The police prosecutor, Sergeant Chinalu Uwadione, alleged that the defendant conspired with others at large, broke into a warehouse and stole various mobile phones, worth N86 million, belonging to the company.

He said the incident occurred at the company premises in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.

alleged offence on July 21, this year about 8am.

The prosecutor said the offence is punishable under Section 409, 307 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

However, when the charge was read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Akinde, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the matter to October 22, this year, for mention.

Six charged with assaulting Diamond Bank workers

S

IX members of staff of C&M Exchange, a personnel outsourcing agency, have been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate Court for allegedly inflicting injuries to some workers of the Diamond Bank Plc. The defendants – Adebambo Olalekan, Eniola Ilesanmi, Dania Olajide, Michael Benjamin, Chidoba Onyia and Onyeonoro Favour – were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate A.O. Adedayo.

The prosecutor alleged that the defendants while picketing,

assaulted members of the staff of Diamond Bank Plc (names withheld) by flogging and beating them all over their body with sticks.

The incident was said to have occurred during the picketing by the personnel of the agency in July.

He said the offence was punishable under Sections 171 and 172(e) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

The charge sheet stated: “That you Adebambo Olalekan, Eniola Ilesanmi, Dania Olajide Michael, Benjamin Chidoba Onyia,

Onyeonoro Favour and others at large on July 10, 2013 between 0530 and 1100hours at Diamond Bank PLC head office at Plot 1261 Adeola Hopewell Street, Victoria Island, Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District did unlawfully assault staff of Diamond Bank PLC (names withheld) by flogging/ beating them all over their body with sticks and thereby committed an offense punishable under Sections 171 and 172(e) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.”

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

Subsidising our inefficient bureaucracy

T

WO experiences in the past week reminded me how public service in our country is rigged against the ordinary Nigerians.

As things are, the little the poor has is forcefully appropriated to subsidise our duplicitous agencies of governments. The first of the two reminders was when I went to renew my driver’s licence, as ordered by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC). The chaos at the commission’s office was typical of a market scene, with several frustrated applicants desperately seeking to bribe any willing official to bypass the agonising process to get the new driver’s licence. With only one machine to capture the deluge of applicants, the officials were also in a quandary.

Nigerians will remember that several months ago, the Corps Marshal, Osita Chidoka, bamboozled the National Assembly to allow the commission, become a huge revenue earner for the government.

Of course back then, he garnished his arguments with the need to develop a biometric data bank of drivers, as a major cure for the security challenges posed by kidnappers and the Boko Haram sect.

Faking patriotism, the Presidency and the legislature bought the dummy that the commission has wrought the magic wand to end the incidence of suicide bombers.

Now ordinary Nigerians are paying a huge price for the young man’s brain wave, devoid of a thorough appraisal of the technical requirements for such an exercise. With just one machine to capture the biometric data of thousands, if not millions of the drivers thronging the Bariga office of the commission, in Lagos, I witnessed our country’s disgraceful waste of man-hour, and the creation of a disgusting brisk business for the unscrupulous staff of the commission. I spoke to applicants who had visited the commission many times, without gaining the chance of getting captured by the biometric data machine. Many others were given dates in second quarter of 2014 for an opportunity to be captured, among other bureaucratic idiocies.

Of course the real beneficiaries of the unlawful business angle to this national shame are pretentiously putting up a brave face that they have done the country a favour. To show that the protagonists of this project are not different from extortionists and brigands, they failed to consider the contractual obligation the commission owe those whose licence will not expire by the due date of the forceful termination of the existing license. As in other unlawful enterprises of those who foist themselves on us as government agencies, they will likely resort to the use of intimidation or brute force at the end of the unlawfully imposed transition to the new drivers licence.

From experience they know that Nigerians are either too ignorant or timid to subject such a breach of their rights and due process to a text in the court.

Another experience was the first hand experience of my generator repairer. Of course the 3.5 kva gasoline generator, that he came to service after three days of uninterrupted lack of electricity supply (even when the month’s estimated bill was sitting pretty on my table), was my fifth since the advent of our democracy in 1999. But while, no doubt, the denial of electricity after billions of naira have been stolen from the national treasury and the suffering consumers in the unending quest for improvement, is an official cruelty against the ordinary Nigerians, the repairer’s experience and the price I paid has nothing to do with this bureaucratically obfuscated scarce national resource.

Rather, the poor fellow in the course of his work needed to purchase some items for the repairs. So, he quickly dashed out, promising to be back in a jiffy. That trip turned a grueling three-hour wait for me, without my knowing that he was caught, running between his house and the police station negotiating with the police on the appropriate price to bail one of his neighbours, who according to him, was arrested for fighting. Since he was working for me for the first time, I did not have his telephone number, and was worried as to his motive for abandoning the generator, after he had dismantled same.

When he later turned up looking drained of energy and with a story of how he was rallying to raise N5000 to bail his neighbour, after hours of pleading and haggling on the appropriate pricing for his neighbour’s freedom, I couldn’t do more than extend my sympathy. He lectured me that since his neighbour was arrested on a weekend, a failure to raise the required ransom to get him out on bail the same Saturday would have resulted in his neighbour being detained till Monday. While he continued his task, I was comparing his neighbour’s experience with that of the privileged Nigerian big men who in the past week have been receiving deluge of sympathies, over the withdrawal of their so called security details.

I recall that the same last week, as an extension of the civil war in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the security details of a number of the desperados angling to oust President Jonathan from his plume position or negotiate a deal had their police details withdrawn. So while the ordinary Nigerian is a game and is extorted to subsidise the poorly remunerated police, the rich are provided with special security, at the expense of the state. Again, while public commentators are bawling over whether it is right for the police to withdraw those security details, very few spare a thought for the greater injustice that the ordinary Nigerians suffer, as a result of the unlawful appropriation of the nation’s police by the privileged few in the country. Of course with the political elite gaining several unearned privileges, how can our bureaucracy be primed for efficiency?

33

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

LAW & SOCIETY

Traffic warden wins public service award

A

TRAFFIC warden, Sergeant Selbol Audu Selchum, has won this year’s Justice Muhammed Uwais Public Service Award (PSA).

The award was established last year by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Studies (NIALS ) in collaboration with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) . It is aimed at ensuring attitudinal and ethical change in the workplace and to stimulate better public service performance.

Mr Samuel Ladipo and Mr Tajudeen Yinusa won the second and third prizes.

In his welcome address, the DirectorGeneral ,NIALS, Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN),described the public service as the engine of growth for transformation and a catalyst for building a strong virile and purposeful administrative base that will form the cornerstone of political, economic, social and philosophical regeneration.

He said any nation in search of rapid

By John Austin Unachukwu

economic and political growth must boast of role models and mentors that will symbolise the dreams and aspirations of the people.

According to him, Justice M. L. Uwais, former Justice of Nigeria, was a role model public servant bearing in mind his intimidating credentials and his long unblemished career on the bench.

His name, therefore confers credibility and integrity to this award.

He said the PSA could not have been possible without the support of key government functionaries who supported the concept from the beginning.

Born on September 24, 1965, Selchum hails from Zamko in Langt ang North Local Government Area of Plateau State. He had his secondary education in Mabudi and also attended the School of Preliminary Studies, Keffi (then Plateau State).

He joined the Police on November 15, 1992.

•From left: Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Chief Ernest Shonekan; former Court of Appeal President, Justice Umaru Abdullahi and Azinge.

•From left: Rear Admiral O. Oladimeji, Shuaib Musa Ndama, a representive of NTA Director-General and Alhaji Haruna Uwais, who represented Justice Uwais.

•From left: Dr Chinyere Ani; Publicity Secretary, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Afam Obi and Ijeoma Agwu.

•From left: Col. Bello Fadile (rtd), Prof DakasC. J. Dakas (SAN), NIALS Secretary , James Bathnna and Prof. Paul Idornigie.

•From left: Rita Chris-Garba, Mrs Mercy Agbamuche and Hajiya Fatima Kwaku.

Truck driver arraigned for killing 68-year-old woman

A

THIRTY-EIGHT year-old truck driver, Hakeem Quadri, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court for alleged manslaughter.

Quadri was arraigned before Magistrate Abimbola Oshodi-Makanju for alleged reckless driving, which caused the death of a 68-year-old woman, Mrs. Agnes Okafor.

The defendant is facing a two- count charge bordering on reckless driving and manslaughter.

Police prosecutor Inspector Samson Ekikere said the defendant, who is the driver-in-charge of a Mack Truck with registration number LSD 856 XA, drove in a dangerous manner on a public highway.

He said Quadri drove the truck in a reckless manner, which caused the death of Mrs Okafor.

The prosecutor said the truck belongs to Balolas

By Adebisi Onanuga

Ventures.

Quadri, who resides at 62 Church Street, Ijora Badia, Lagos, allegedly committed the offence on August 23, about 3pm, in Ikeja, Lagos.

Ekikire said the incident happened at Ikeja under bridge on the Obafemi Awolowo Way. According to the prosecutor, the offence is contrary to Section 19 and punishable under Section 27 of the Road Traffic Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2012.

When the charge was read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Oshodi-Makanju granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

She adjourned till September 25.

•Dr. Charles Nwufor (left) and Dean, Faculty of Law, Nasarawa State University, Prof. Gidado Idris

•Prof. Bambo Adewopo

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

34

NATIONAL BAR Text of a paper delivered at the State of the Legal Profession Lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) by Chief JOE-KYARI GADZAMA (SAN).

Modernising legal practice in Nigeria: I Challenges and prospects

AM also not unmindful of the fact that there are non-lawyers amongst us, for whom an introduction to these concepts is not out of place.

Legal practice The primary importance of the definition is that it interacts with prohibitions against the unauthorised practice of law to establish what activities or legal services the state will regulate. In other words, the definitions of the practice of law and the unauthorised practice of law determine who can provide what legal services to the public. Only a legal practitioner can engage in legal practice as we all know. A definition of legal practice would therefore centre around all that a lawyer is legally empowered to do and which cannot be done by non-lawyers. What then does a legal practitioner do to the exclusion of all others? It is to these exclusive acts of a legal practitioner that we must turn if we are to arrive at a working definition of legal practice as the Legal Practitioners Act does not expressly define legal practice, while Black’s Law Dictionary simply defines it as: ‘the form or mode of proceeding in courts of justice for the enforcement of rights or the redress of wrongs, as distinguished from the substantive law which gives the right or denounces the wrong.

The form, manner, or order of instituting and conducting a suit or other judicial proceeding, through its successive stages to its end, in accordance with the rules and principles laid down by law or by the regulations and precedents of the courts. The term applies as well to the conduct of criminal actions as to civil suits, to proceedings in equity as well as at law, and to the defense as well as the prosecution of any proceeding.’

This definition, apart from being too academic, focuses largely on legal practice in the courts and not in a general sense. A more simplistic but concise definition is needed to allow for a better understanding of the concept.

In its simplest sense, therefore, the practice of law involves giving legal advice to clients, drafting legal documents for clients, and representing clients in legal negotiations and court proceedings such as lawsuits.

The clients could be either individuals or corporations. If a non-lawyer does any of these things, he may be arrested as he is passing himself off as a lawyer to the unsuspecting public.

There are however instances where certain individuals have opted to represent themselves in such manner. An example is where an individual charged with the commission of a crime has no lawyer to defend him, although it must be noted that the court would in most cases appoint one for him. Only lawyers are permitted by law to offer legal services and it is the art of offering these legal services that is known as legal practice.

Legal practice could be private or public; private when one is self-employed or works for a private law firm or corporation and public when one works for the government. Legal services are carried out only by those authorised to do so. Legal Practice in Nigeria is regulated by statutes like the Legal Practitioners Act and the Legal Education Act as well as Institutions like the Nigerian Bar

Association, the Body of Benchers Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee and the Council of Legal Education Others include the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2007 and the Constitution of the Nigerian Bar Association.

In some countries, Lawyers could either be Barristers or Solicitors. Barristers are Advocates who appear in court while Solicitors focus primarily on the preparation of legal documents. In Nigeria, a Lawyer can practise both as a Barrister and as a Solicitor owing to the fusion of the duo.

Legal Practice will be further discussed as we proceed with this paper.

Modernisation The Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines modernisation as “the state of being modernised”, while the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines the phrase ‘to modernise’ thus: ‘to make a system, methods, etc. more modern and more suitable for use at the present time’.Similarly, the Encyclopedia Britannica states that: “Modernisation is a continuous and open-ended process. Historically, the span of time over which it has occurred must be measured in centuries, although there are examples of accelerated modernisation. In either case, modernisation is not a once-and-for-all-time achievement.”

While there is no express definition of modernisation of legal practice, these definitions aptly define modernisation within the desired context. The modernisation of Legal Practice in Nigeria therefore, refers to the desire to make the practice more modern in all ramifications and in tune with the trends of the present time. The said modernisation is continuous and never remains the same.

This is because society is constantly on the move. Sometimes the progress is slow and sometimes it is almost as if a quantum leap has taken place; but through it all, society moves forward all the time. Old and archaic systems are gradually being phased out, laptops have replaced typewriters, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are all over the place, transactions now take place online, people are a lot more informed than they used to be, while crime for instance, has assumed a technological dimension. For legal practice in Nigeria to keep up with the pace at which society is developing, it must also develop.

That is the thrust of this paper.

The Evolution of Legal Practice in Nigeria In 1862, the British colonial administration introduced a system of courts akin to those found in the British system in order to create an organised legal profession which would gradually familiarise the country with English laws and procedure.

Legal training in Nigeria has traditionally been divided into three phases: 1876-1914, 1914-1962 and 1962 to date. During the period, 1876-1914, two categories of lawyers, namely, the local Attorney and the professionally qualified Attorney undertook legal

•Vice-Chairman, Capital Market Solicitors Association (CMSA), Mrs. Yinka Edu; Chairman, Uche Val Obi and Secretary, Mrs. Ayotunde Owoigbe at a briefing on the association’s seminar on resolution of capital market disputes.

work in Nigeria. The Supreme Court Ordinance empowered the Chief Justice of Nigeria to grant temporary licence to admit fit and proper persons to practice as local Attorneys . To qualify for such a licence the applicant must sit for an examination to test his general education and knowledge as well as principles and practice of law and show good moral character testified to by a judge or two District Commissioners. The licence to practice was usually for six months and renewable subject to good moral character.

The power to grant such licence was discretional.

The second category of lawyers that practised during this period was the professionally qualified lawyers . The professionally qualified lawyers were those who were qualified to practice as Barristers or Solicitors in England and enrolled in the Supreme Court of Nigeria. To qualify to practice as a Barrister in England at that time, a person must pass the Part I and Part II of the Bar Examination, join one of the four Inns of Court , and keep terms by dining in his Inn. Similarly to qualify to practice as Solicitor a person must enroll as a student with the Law Society, serve a period of pupilage – article for a minimum of four years with a practicing Solicitor and pass Parts I and II of the Law Society qualifying examination. It is worthy of note that the first Nigerian Barrister was Christopher Alexander Sapara-Williams. It is also noteworthy that prior to 1945, lawyers trained in England had no law degree until the University College, London started law degrees in that year.

The nature of legal practice during this period was aptly captured by Adewoye thus: ‘ ... of the seven men who served as chief magistrates for Lagos between 1862 and 1905, only three had legal qualifications. Of the remaining four, two were ‘writing clerks’, one was a merchant and the fourth was a commander of the West Indian garrison stationed in Lagos. Also, 14 served as police magistrates in the same period. Of these, four were merchants, six were military officers, two were colonial surgeons, one was a retired naval officer and one was a deputy collector of customs.

One might be tempted to ask the nature of private legal practice in Nigeria during this period. In the words of Doherty “There were no legally qualified private legal practitioners to render services to the business community and the community at large”. However, 1913 was remarkable because it was the beginning of the legal profession and legal practice in Nigeria and those who trained overseas as Barristers and Solicitors joined the profession as legal practitioners.

In 1914, the Supreme Court Ordinance 1914 repealed the Supreme Court Ordinance of 1876. This marked the second phase of legal training in Nigeria. During the second phase, the professionally qualified lawyers monopolised legal practice in Nigeria. This was so because enrolment was restricted to qualified lawyers only.

Clearly, the legal training in the UK then did not take into account the Nigerian Legal System especially our customary law and the strong influence of Islamic law. Accordingly in 1959 the Unsworth Committee was set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the recommendations of the Committee included setting up of the Nigerian Law School in Lagos and establishing a Faculty of Law in University College, Ibadan. Based on the recommendations, in November 1961, a board was constituted to make arrangements for the establishment of the Nigerian Law School.

This was accepted by the Government and the Legal Education Act, 1962 was passed under which the Council of Legal Education was set up. Unfortunately, the recommendation of the Unsworth Committee that a Faculty of Law be established at the University College, Ibadan was not accepted by the Government. However, in 1961, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka established the Faculty of Law – the first in the country. The rest of this chapter will be devoted to the consideration of the third phase, namely, 1962 to date.

At the very beginning, the Law School consisted of just one campus in Lagos but over the years, particularly under the present administration, there has been a significant increase in the number of campuses to wit: (Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Yenegoa and

•Gadzama

Yola). In the last 50 years since the advent of the Nigerian Law School, the pattern has basically remained the same. Students with a law degree from an approved university are qualified for admission into the Law School where they are trained. These students are required to pass the Bar Part II Examinations.

There are at the moment over 30 Law Faculties contained in various universities to prepare students for the Nigerian Law School.

Students who are admitted into the school with degrees obtained outside Nigeria are required to pass the Bar Part 1 examination.

Persons who have completed the professional training offered by the Nigerian Law School are entitled by Section 4 of the Legal Practitioners Act to be called to the Nigerian Bar and are issued a certificate authorising them to practise law in the country by the Body of Benchers. This certificate can be withdrawn by the same Body for reasons usually related to gross misconduct and fraud.

After they have been called to the Bar, they are qualified to practice as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and have the right of appearance in any Court in Nigeria among other privileges (signing of conveyance documents, statutory declaration of compliance at the Corporate Affairs Commission etc). They also consequently become members of the Nigerian Bar Association and are bound by the rules of that Body as well as the Rules of Professional Conduct which serve as a check on the attitude of lawyers whether they are in court or not.

Practice is also regulated by rules of courts, the Nigerian Constitution and various other enactments which govern specific aspects of law (The Criminal Code and The Criminal Procedure Act, the Penal Code and The Criminal Procedure Code, The Companies and Allied Matters Act and the various High Court Civil Procedure Rules).

Those who are hardworking and dedicated may become judges after having spent at least 10 years at the Bar (In the case of High Court Judges), 12 years (In the case of Court of Appeal Judges) and 15 years (In the case of Supreme Court Judges). Those who prefer to stay at the Bar, may after fulfilling the conditions, apply to be made Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).

All these innovations are efforts to ensure that legal practice in Nigeria remains competitive and up to date when viewed against what obtains in other countries of the world.

Unfortunately, it now lags behind the leading countries of the world in several areas and these are the issues that should be addressed if legal practice in Nigeria is to conform to modern times.

Challenges slowing down the modernization of legal practice in Nigeria As already stated, Legal Practice in Nigeria faces some obstacles which have prevented its modernization. Each challenge will be identified and analyzed, after which solutions will be suggested. Some of the challenges have been with us for quite some time while others are more recent occurrences.

•To be continued next week

35

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

LAW & SOCIETY A Lagos-based lawyer, CHUKWUEMEKA EZE, examines the legal implications and consequences of Kenya’s planned withdrawal as a state party to the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC)

Consequences of Kenya’s proposed withdrawal from ICC

W

HERE Kenya’s case differs from that of the U.S. During the debate at the Kenyan Parliament, some parliamentarians referred to U.S. nonmembership of the ICC to support their argument for withdrawal. It is true that USA is not a member of ICC, having signed but not ratified the Treaty. Kenya was among the first few countries that signed and ratified the Rome Statute. USA at commencement of the Statute refused vehemently to accept membership.

On May 6, 2002, the United States, in a position shared with Israel and Sudan, formally withdrew its intent of ratification of the Rome Statute. Positions in the United States concerning the ICC vary widely. The Clinton Administration signed the Rome Statute in 2000, but did not submit it for Senate ratification. The Bush Administration, the US administration at the time of the ICC’s founding, stated that it would not join the ICC. The Obama Administration has subsequently re-established a working relationship with the Court.

In 2002, the U.S. Congress passed the American Servicemembers Protection Act (ASPA), which contained a number of provisions, including prohibitions on the United States providing military aid to countries which had ratified the treaty establishing the court; however, there were a number of exceptions to this, including NATO members, major non-NATO allies, and countries which entered into bilateral agreement with the United States not to hand over U.S. nationals to the Court. ASPA also excluded any military aid that the

U.S. President certified to be in the U.S. national interest. In addition, ASPA contained provisions prohibiting U.S. co-operation with the Court, and permitting the President to authorise military force to free any U.S. military personnel held by the court, leading opponents to dub it “The Hague Invasion Act.” The Act was later modified to permit U.S. cooperation with the ICC when dealing with U.S. enemies. It has been argued that the act was a measure created to protect Americans from ICC jurisdiction or prosecution.

What kenya stands to lose Amnesty International has warned that “a withdrawal would strip the Kenyan people of one of the most important human rights protections and potentially allow crime to be committed with impunity in the future.” In other words, Kenya will be seen as encouraging impunity. Secondly, Kenya may be treated as a pariah State in the comity of civilised nations. This may force Kenya to copy Zimbabwe and Sudan in her relationship with the West thereby tilting towards China in diplomatic and economic co-operation.

The way forward Ms. Fatou Bensouda, the Gambian-born ICC Chief Prosecutor, has already said that the trial of the accused persons, who faces charges of crimes against humanity, such as murder, rape, persecution and deportation, will continue notwithstanding the latest vote.

According to her, “The judicial process is now in motion at the International Criminal Court. Justice must run its course.”

The African Union has shouted it-

•Kenyatta

•Eze

self hoarse to the effect that the United Nations Security Council should invoke its power of deferral of prosecution for 12 months contained in Article 16 of the Rome Statute. To exercise or invoke this power, the UN Security Council must adopt a Resolution under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter.

From the look of things, it seems the UN Security Council has more problems to tackle in Syria than give attention to Kenya now. The way forward for Kenya is to cooperate with the ICC since there is a possibility that the Prosecutor may not obtain a conviction for the following reasons: (a) some witnesses have

withdrawn their evidence against the accused persons; (b) some of the witnesses have died in questionable circumstances, a situation that instils fear in the remaining witnesses; (c) there may never be sufficient evidence (if some witnesses proceed to testify) to nail the accused at the end of the day.

In fact, the credibility of President Kenyatta will soar in the international community, and even locally, if he stands trial and is eventually discharged and acquitted. Kenyatta, in any event, is not so confident that he will get justice. He is fearful of history: that he is the first sitting president put

on trial by the ICC. Although President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, is the first sitting president to be indicted by the ICC, yet his trial is in abeyance as his warrant of arrest has not been executed.

It is, therefore, expected that Kenyatta and other accused persons will continue to cooperate with the ICC or risk being haunted with arrest warrants to be issued by judges of the ICC, one of who is a Nigerian, Chile Eboe-Osuji.

What Kenya will do in the next few weeks will determine whether Kenya will remain in the global news for many years to come. Already, Kenyans are divided on the subject of withdrawal from ICC. In the same manner, the world will remain divided on the issue of whether a sitting president can be put on trial for the death of about 1,200 people whereas tens of thousands of people have been killed in Syria without the ICC Prosecutor indicting anyone. There is concern that no other president of any country outside the continent of Africa could be subjected to the Kenyan and Sudanese treatment. While the analysis on alleged “race hunt” by the ICC will wait for another opportunity, Kenyans must brace up to see their President Kenyatta in the dock at the Hague this month and their Vice President the son of the country’s first president and leader of the liberation struggle militia known as Mau Mau, in the dock at the Hague in November.

•Eze is the principal of Eze & Associates, a law firm based in Ikeja, Lagos.

•Concluded

Lagos CJ to release awaiting trial inmates

C

HIEF Judge of Lagos Justice Ayotunde Phillips will visit the four prisons in the state next week as part of the activities marking the 2013/2014 legal year.

The exercise is aimed at decongesting the prisons.

It is in accordance with the powers conferred on the Chief Judge by Section 1(1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act CAP C40, 2007 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

According to the programme of activities for the new legal year, Justice Phillips will lead other senior members of the judiciary, the civil society, leaders of the

•Justice Ayotunde Phillips

By Adebisi Onanuga

Ikeja and Lagos branches of theNigerian Bar Association (NBA), among others, on a visit to the Kirikiri Maximum and Medium Security Prisons and the Female Security Prisons on September 25.

The prison visit will be rounded off on Thursday, September 26, with a visit to the Ikoyi Prison.

Informed sources said those who have been in prison custody awaiting trial for three years and above and have been found worthy of release by the civil society and officials of the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) would be released.

It was learnt that the OPD had investigated charges and offences that brought the awaiting trials.

Justice Phillips has so far released 375 awaiting trial inmates from the four prisons in Lagos since assuming office as the Chief Judge last year.

The week-long activities will begin on September 23, with a service that will hold simultaneously at the Cathederal Church of Christ, Marina and the Lagos Central Mosque, Nnamdi Azikwe Street, Lagos at 9.00 am.

On Tuesday, September 24, Justice Phillips will lead other judges to the stakeholders summit titled: “Judiciary Information System (JIS): Introduction to e-filing and an Appraisal of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure Rule) 2012”.

•Okeke holding the trophy. With him are members of the club.

Abuja wins NBA football tournament

A

BUJA branch of the Nige rian Bar Association (NBA) (Unity Bar Team) has won the annual NBA football tournament.

The tournament is part of the activities marking the NBA Annual General Conference.

Abuja defeated Port Harcourt in the tournament played in Calabar, the Cross Rivers State capital, during the just-concluded conference On how the branch qualified for the final, the Abuja branch Secretary, Afam Okeke, said: “We played semifinal with Onitsha branch and Abuja won. 1-1 regulation and 5-4 penalty.

Okeke continued: “Abuja played

By John Austin Unachukwu

the final against Port Harcourt branch and won by 2-1. All the goals in the match were scored in the second half of the game. It was a tension-soaked encounter because that was the third time Abuja and Port Harcourt would be meeting at the final of this tournament.

“In 2011, Port Harcourt mauled Abuja in the final of the tournament which was played in Port Harcourt in 2012.Abuja defeated Port Harcout in the final in Abuja.”

The captain of Abuja team is Odion Okpokuje while Chukwudi Igwe is the acting coach with Onyeka

Obiajulu as the assistant coach/assistant social secretary, NBA Abuja branch.

On the tourney, the Unity Bar Team got a lot of support from many lawyers. They include Chief Adegboyega S.Awomolo (SAN), former General Secretaries of the NBA Ibrahim Eddy Mark and Olumuyiwa Akinboro; and former Chairman of NBA Abuja branch Mazi Afam Osigwe;.

Others were Chairman, NBA Abuja branch, U.M.Yamah; Secretary, NBA Abuja branch, Afam O. Okeke; Social Secretary, NBA Abuja branch, Comfort Enejo; Okey Ajunwa and Kola Omotinugbon.

36

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

LAW REPORT

Court can convict an accused based on voluntary confession In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Date: February 22, 2013 SC. 97/2011, 2013(2)LEDLR-27

WALTER SAMUEL NKANU ONNOGHEN CHRISTOPHER MITCHELL CHUKWUMA – ENEH BODE RHODES-VIVOUR MUSA DATTIJO MUHAMMED CLARA BATA OGUNBIYI BETWEEN A court can convict an accused person based on voluntary confession.

ALHAJI MOHAMMED MMAMMAN APPELLANT AND FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

T

HE conviction and sentence of the appellant pursuant to Count 9 of the Amended Charge by the Tribunal are affirmed and confirmed respectively and accordingly. However, the appellant’s conviction and sentence on count 11 are quashed and I hereby order that the said count 11 against the appellant be struck out.”

This appeal is against that judgment. In accordance with the Rules of this court briefs were filed and exchanged. The appellants brief was deemed filed on February 15, last years, while the respondent’s brief was deemed filed on November 29, last years.

Learned counsel for the appellant formulated a sole issue for determination. It reads: 1. Was the appellate court right in upholding the interpretation of the Tribunal that section 18(1)(b) of BOFID creates two offences and thereby held appellant guilty for granting unauthorised advances or credit facility in contravention of exhibit FB45.

On the other side of the fence learned counsel for the respondent formulated two issues for determination of this appeal. They are: 1. Whether the Court of Appeal was right in affirming the decision of the Failed Bank Tribunal in convicting and sentencing the 1st accused on Count 9.

2. Whether count 9 predicated on section 18 (1) (b) of Banks and other Financial Institutions Decree No.25 of 1991 (otherwise referred to as BOFID) is bad for duplicity of charges.

I have examined the Record of Appeal and the briefs filed by counsel. The appellant was convicted because he granted unauthorised credit.

To my mind the live issue for determination is whether the appellant did in fact grant unauthorised credit. Issue1 presented by learned counsel for the respondent would easily resolve that issue and incidentally the only live issue. At the hearing of the appeal on November 29, last year, learned counsel for the appellant Mrs. E. A. Uwaifo adopted the appellant brief deemed filed on February 15, last year and urged this court to allow the appeal.

Learned counsel for the respondent Dr. V .J.O .Azinge adopted the respondent’s brief deemed filed on November 29, last year and urged this court to dismiss the appeal.

Issue 1 Whether the Court of Appeal was right in affirming the decision of the failed Banks Tribunal in convicting and sentencing the first accused

RESPONDENT

person on count 9.

Count 9 reads: “That you Mohammed Kabir Mamman (m) between November 25,1993 and December 3, 1993 at Kano within the jurisdiction of this tribunal, whilst being Relief Manager of Allied Bank of Nigeria PLC, Kano main branch granted unauthorised advances or credit facilities totaling N61,075,000 to your customer, one Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar Mohammed (m), in violation of the Rules and Regulations of the Bank and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (1) (b) of the Banks and other Financial Institutions Decree No. 25 of 1991.”

The appellant was charged with granting unauthorised advances or credit facilities amounting to N61,075,000 to Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar, a customer of the Bank contrary to section 18(1) (b) of No.25 of 1991, and the Rules and Regulations of Allied Bank.

After reviewing evidence the learned trial judge found the appellant (1st accused) guilty on count 9.

His lordship said: “The 1st accused to my mind contributed in perpetuating the irregularity, if not illegality associated with the instant credit facility granted to the third accused irrespective of the huge amount involved and irrespective of the embargo imposed on granting such facility. The Rules and Regulation shown to have been violated are found in exhibit FB45.The 1st accused was not authorised or empowered by the Bank to grant direct credit as he did. It was granted contrary to the Regulation and circular of the Bank, exhibit FB45 disallowing the grant of credit facility.

The direct facility allowed the third accused was unauthorised and thereby rendered the first accused liable to conviction on Count 9 under section 18 (1) (b) of BOFID.” In confirming the judgment of the trial tribunal the Court of Appeal said: “I cannot agree more with the above stated conclusions of the learned trial judge. The defence of ignorance of the credit guidelines glibly relied upon by the appellant and his exercise that Alhaji l. A. Mohammed had long been accorded special privileges of credit facilities from the Banks Kano branch are of no moment and cannot avail him.

Unfortunately for the appellant, he got ensured and shackled when he contravened his employers guidelines with his two eyes wide opened and his understanding antenna properly tuned. He has himself to blame for his indiscretion.” ‘’... In my sincere view, the Tribunal made far reaching findings

of facts after assessment and evaluation of the evidence adduced before it unhesitatingly, I hold that the case against the appellant on Count 9 proved.”

Learned counsel for the appellant observed that there is miscarriage of justice in the concurrent findings of two lower courts as it concerns Count 9, contending that the interpretation of section 18(1)(b) of the Decree by both courts below affected the charge consequently the entire proceedings at the trial.

She further observed that heavy weight was placed on exhibit FB45 by both courts without calling the maker. She urged this court to acquit and discharge the appellant on count 9.

Learned counsel for the respondent submitted that the Court of Appeal was right in affirming the decision of the Failed Bank Tribunal in count 9 as all the necessary ingredients of section 18 (1) (b) of BOFID was proved and established by the prosecution as required by law. He urged this court of uphold the findings of the lower court on Count 9 of the charge.

To succeed in a charge under section 18(1) (b) of BOFID the prosecution must establish the following to the satisfaction of the court.

(1) that the accused person is a Manager or officer of the Bank.

(2) that the accused person granted an advance loan or credit facility to a person.

(3) that the credit facility was granted without authorisation as provided by the Rules and Regulations of the Bank, or (4) Where security is required such security shall be deposited in the Bank before the advance, loan or credit facility is approved and given to the customer.

(1) (2) and (3) must coexist. (4) becomes mandatory only if security is required.

Now, Section 27 of the Evidence Act states: ‘’27 ‘’A confession is an admission made at any time by a person charged with a crime stating or suggesting the inference that he committed that crime.’’

The position of the law is that once the court is satisfied that the confession is voluntary it can convict an accused person. A confession is an acknowledgment of guilt by whoever makes the confession and it is usually in writing but may be made orally. It is relevant and admissible when it identifies the person who committed the offence and proves the fact that constitutes one or all the ingredients of the offence. See Yusuf v. State 1976 6 SC p.167, Igbinovia v. State 1981 2 SC p. 5 The appellant in his written statement to the Police said: “... I was posted to Kano January 1992 as Asst. Manager. In September 1992, I was given Head of Customer Services in charge of Operations, that is officer in charge of general duties within the banking Hall and in charge of staff duties... sometime on November 29, 1993 Mr Balo Jabo left the branch for Victoria Island Branch. I was overseeing the day to day running of the branch until when the new Manager Mr. Aminu Suleiman resume as the Manager.”

The above satisfies (1) above that the appellant is a Manager or officer of the Bank Under cross-examination the appellant said what amounts to an admission. He said: “...Yes, I granted direct credit facility to the 3rd accused, while I was relief Manager of the branch. It was a regular practice of the bank to allow the 3rd accused direct credit facility. There was no formal authorization and I could not stop it.”

This testimony satisfies (2) and (3) above. The findings of the trial

Tribunal affirmed by the Court of Appeal earlier alluded to are correct. By his own admission the appellant made it abundantly clear that his actions were contrary to the Regulation and circular of the Bank - exhibit FB45. In the circumstances the appellant is guilty of Count 9.Courts should on no account spend precious judicial time on issues that are academic. ‘They should determine live issues, and those are issues that would meet the ends of Justice. See Oyeneye v.

Odugbesan 1972 4 SC P.244, Bakare v. A.C.B. Ltd 1986 3 NWLR Pt. 26 P. 47, Nzon v. Jinadu 1987 1 NWLR Pt. 51 P. 537.

The only live issue in this appeal is whether the appellant granted unauthorised credit facility. He admitted it under crossexamination when he said: ‘’Yes, I granted direct credit facility to the third accused, while I was relief Manager of the branch. It was a regular practice of the bank to allow the 3rd accused direct credit facility.There was no formal authorisation and I could not stop it ...’’

To my mind that settles the live issue in this appeal. But it is important I address whether there was miscarriage of justice as contended by learned counsel for the appellant.

There is said to be miscarriage of justice or failure of justice when the judgment of the court is inconsistent or prejudicial to the right of the party concerned. It is failure on the part of the court to do justice.

That is to say the court did what amounts to injustice. See Oladija sanusi v. Oreitan Ameyegun 1992 4 NWLR Pt. 237 P.527, Harrison Okonkwo & anor v. Godwin Udoh 1997 9 NWLR Pt. 519 Pt. 16, Ojo v. O. Anibire & Ors 2004 10 NWLR Pt. 882 P. 571.

There is no miscarriage of justice where legislation states clearly that it is an offence to grant unauthorised credit and the appellant admitted that he granted unauthorized credit

to one Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar in the sum of N61,075,000. The evidence against the appellant is one way and conclusive. The charge (Count 9) was proved beyond reasonable doubt.

The defence of the appellant is that the third accused had always enjoyed direct credit facility and that he could not stop the indulgence. The fact that this was going on does not make it right and the fact that officers of the bank responsible were not brought to book/ charged does not make similar acts of granting unauthorised credit right.

This court does not upset concurrent findings of fact of the courts below except where: (a) the findings of fact are erroneous or perverse, and/or not based on evidence led. (b) where there has been in the course of trial some violation of some principle of law of or procedure. (c) there has been miscarriage of justice. See Ogba v. State 1992 2 NWLR Pt.222 P.164, Ogbu v. State 1992 8 NWLR Pt. 259 P.255, Dakolo v. Dakolo 2011 46 NSCQR P.669 The trial tribunal based on the admission of the appellant found and quite rightly too that he acting as a relief Manager of Allied Bank of Nigeria, Kano branch, granted unauthorised credit facility of N61,075,000 to one Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar, an act clearly in violation of the Rules and Regulations of the Bank (Exhibit FB45), thereby committing an offence under Section 18 (1) (b) of the Banks and other Financial Institutions Decree No 25 of 1991.

The above was affirmed by the Court of Appeal. My lords, the fact that the appellant told the truth by admitting that he did grant unauthorised credit makes concurrent findings of the courts below correct. The findings are clearly not perverse.

•To be continued next week

LEGAL JOKES

A

DOCTOR vacationing on the Riviera met an old lawyer friend and asked him what he was doing there.

The lawyer replied, “Remember that lousy real estate I bought? Well, it caught fire, so here I am with the fire insurance proceeds. What are you doing here?”

The doctor replied, “Remember that lousy real estate I had in Mississippi? Well, the river overflowed, and here I am with the flood insurance proceeds.”

The lawyer looked puzzled. “Gee,” he asked, “How do you start a flood?”

A young lawyer, defending a businessman in a lawsuit, feared the worst.

He asked a senior partner whether he ought to send the judge a box of cigars.

“The judge is an honorable man,” the horrified senior partner exclaimed. “If you do, I guarantee you’ll lose the case.”

The judge eventually ruled in favor of the young lawyer’s client.

“Aren’t you glad you didn’t send those cigars?” the senior partner asked.

“I did send them,” the young lawyer answered, “I just enclosed the opposition’s business card.”

An elderly patient needed a heart transplant and discussed his options with his doctor. The doctor said, “We have 3 possible donors; the 1st is a young, healthy athlete who died in an automobile accident, the 2nd is a middle-aged businessman who never drank or smoked and who died flying his private jet. The 3rd is an attorney who died after practicing law for 30 years. Which do you want?”

“I’ll take the lawyer’s heart,” said the patient.

After a successful transplant, the doc-

tor asked the patient why he had chosen the donor he did. “It was easy,” said the patient, “I wanted a heart that hadn’t been used.”

A man walks into a friend and sees that his friend’s car is total loss and covered with leaves, grass, branches, dirt and blood. He asks his friend, “What’s happened to your car?”

“Well,” the friend responds, “I ran into a lawyer.”

“OK,” says the man, “that explains the blood... But what about the leaves, the grass, the branches and the dirt?”

“Well, I had to chase him all through the park.”

A very successful lawyer parked his brand-new Lexus in front of the office, ready to show it off to his colleagues. As he got out, a truck came along, too close to the curb, and completely tore off the driver’s door of the Lexus. The counselor immediately grabbed his cell phone, dialed 911, and it wasn’t more than 5 minutes before a policeman pulled up.

Before the cop had a chance to ask any questions, the lawyer started screaming hysterically. His Lexus, which he had just picked up the day before, was now completely ruined and would never be the same, no matter how the body shop tried to make it new again.

After the lawyer finally wound down from his rant, the cop shook his head in disgust and disbelief. “I can’t believe how materialistic you lawyers are,” he said.

“You are so focused on your possessions that you don’t notice anything else.”

“How can you say such a thing?” asked the lawyer.

The cop replied, “Didn’t you know that your left arm is missing from the elbow down? It must have been torn off when the truck hit you.”

“My God!” screamed the lawyer, “Where is my Rolex?”

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

37

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08177298749

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

Prince

Covers

V

Magazine

DOWN

1.Resort (3) 4.Repair (5) 7. Examine (4) 9. Buttocks (4) 10. Peruse (4) 12. Entreat (4) 14. Trunk (5) 16. Perform (2) 17. Insect (3) 18. Ominous (4) 20. Musical Note (2) 21. Full of Mint (5) 22. Yes (3) 23. Single (2) 24. Nipples (5)

1.Begin (5) 2.For Each (3) 3.Convince (6) 5.Mud (4) 6. Fellow (4) 8. Brief (5) 11. End Prematurely (5) 13. Proceed (2) 15. Carry out order (4) 16. Noise (3) 18. Have Dinner (4) 19. Seeing Organs (4) 20. Beam (3) 21. Rug (3)

MISSING LETTERS All the words in the columns below have lost their first letters as indicated by the blank spaces above them. You are required to find and affix them. When done, all the first letters will form a 9-letter, sexually offensive word or action. Happy Puzzling!‘

SANDS OF TIME Prince

Covers

V

FOOD FOR THOUGHT The Chicken

Magazine

Prince will always be better than the rest of us. The flawless 55-year-old icon rocks a tight fro and some shinny threads for V magazine’s issue 84 and chats about a number of topics including his aversion to technology.“Are you serious?” Hell, no,” he says mimicking a woman when asked if he owns an iPhone.

“Where is my phone? Can you call my phone? Oh, I can’t find it.”Okay. Prince is not a fan of the iPhone or any other kind for that matterHe also chatted about his fans and says they come to his concerts because they know they’ll get their money’s worth.

Once upon a time, there was a large mountainside, where an eagle’s nest rested. The eagle’s nest contained four large eagle eggs. One day an earthquake rocked the mountain causing one of the eggs to roll down the mountain, to a chicken farm, located in the valley below. The chickens knew that they must protect and care for the eagle’s egg, so an old hen volunteered to nurture and raise the large egg.

One day, the egg hatched and a beautiful eagle was born. Sadly, however, the eagle was raised to be a chicken. Soon, the eagle believed he was nothing more than a chicken. The eagle loved his home and family, but his spirit cried out for more. While playing a game on the farm one day, the eagle looked to the skies above and noticed a group of mighty eagles soaring in the skies. “Oh,” the Eagle cried, “I wish I could soar like those birds.”

The chickens roared with laughter, “You cannot soar with those birds. You are a chicken and chickens do not soar.” The eagle continued staring, at his real family up above, dreaming that he could be with them. Each time the eagle would let his dreams be known, he was told it couldn’t be done.

That is what the eagle learned to believe. The eagle, after time, stopped dreaming and continued to live his life like a chicken.

Finally, after a long life as a chicken, the eagle passed away.

The moral of the story: You become what you believe you are; so if you ever dream to become an eagle follow your dreams, not the words of a chicken.

Brain Teaser A man in a restaurant asked a waiter for a juice glass, a dinner plate, water, a match, and a lemon wedge. The man poured enough water onto the plate to cover it.

“If you can get the water on the plate into this glass without touching or moving this plate, I will give you $100,” the man said. “You can use the match andA lemon to do this.”

A few minutes later, the waiter walked away with $100 in his a n pocket. How did the waiter get the water into the glass?

First, the waiter stuck the match into the lemon wedge, so that it would stand straight. Then he lit the match, and put it in the middle of the plate with the lemon. Then, he placed the glass upside-down over the match. As the flame used up the oxygen in the glass, it created a small vacuum, which sucked in the water through the space between the glass and the plate. Thus, the waiter got the water into the glass without touching or moving the plate.

You can try this experiment at home with appropriate supervision.

Pep Talk

True Believers The two thousand member Baptist church was filled to overflowing capacity one Sunday morning. The preacher was ready to start the sermon when two men, dressed in long black coats and black hats entered thru the rear of the church.

One of the two men walked to the middle of the church while the other stayed at the back of the church. They both then reached under their coats and withdrew automatic weapons. The one in the middle announced, “Everyone willing to take a bullet for Jesus stay in your seats!”

Naturally, the pews emptied, followed by the choir. The deacons ran out the door, followed by the choir director and the assistant pastor.

After a few moments, there were about twenty people left sitting in the church. The preacher was holding steady in the pulpit. The men put their weapons away and said, gently, to the preacher, “All right, pastor, the hypocrites are gone now. You may begin the service.”

Getting Into Fights A young couple drove several miles down a country road, not saying a word.

An earlier discussion had led to an argument, and neither wanted to concede their position.

ANSWER

“People come to see us fifty times. Well, that’s not just going to see a concert—that’s some other mess going on.

This music changes you. These people are not being satisfied elsewhere by musicians, you feel what I’m saying? It’s no disrespect to anyone else, because we’re not checking for them. But we don’t lip synch. We ain’t got time for it. Ain’t no tape up there.”

HUMOUR

As they passed a barnyard of mules and pigs, the husband sarcastically asked, “Are they relatives of yours?”

“Yes,” his wife replied. “I married into the family.”

Touch a life today with a smile, a word of encouragement or any kind gesture.

Our ideas like orange plants, spread out in proportion to the size of the box which imprisons the roots.

– Edward Bulwer Lytton

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

38

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08077706130

Looking Through A Child’s Eyes When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.

When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.

When I hear music I love, I know I can’t carry a tune and don’t have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen.

My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words.

If they don’t know them, they make up their own.

When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.

When I pray I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say, “Hi God!!! Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy.”

When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and clothes, and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross and worms to play with.

I wonder if we are given kids to teach, or to learn

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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Sands of Time Bruce Lee

Martial arts expert Bruce Lee was born on November 27, 1940, in San Francisco, California. Lee’s mother called him “Bruce,” which means “strong one” in Gaelic. Young Bruce appeared in his first film at the age of three months, when he served as the stand-in for an American baby in Golden Gate Girl. In 1941, the Lees moved back to Hong Kong, then occupied by the Japanese. As a teenager, he became a member of a Hong Kong street gang, and in 1953 began studying kung-fu to sharpen his fighting skills. In 1959, after Lee got into trouble with the police for fighting, his mother sent him back to the U.S. to live with family friends outside Seattle, Washington. Lee finished high school in Edison, Washington, and subsequently enrolled as a philosophy major at the University of Washington. He also got a job teaching the Wing Chun style of martial arts that he had learned in Hong Kong to his fellow students and others. Through his teaching, Lee met Linda Emery, whom he married in 1964.

On July 20, 1973, one month before the premiere of Enter the Dragon, Bruce Lee died in Hong Kong at the age of 32.

The official cause of his death was a brain edema, found in an autopsy to have been caused by a strange reaction to a prescription painkiller he was reportedly taking for a back injury. With the posthumous release of Enter the Dragon, Lee’s status as a film icon was confirmed. The film went on to gross a total of over $200 million, and Lee’s legacy created a whole new breed of action hero—a mold filled with varying degrees of success by such actors as Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Steven Seagal, and Jackie Chan.

People & Culture

ACROSS

DOWN

1.Complete (5) 2. Massive(5) 6. Have courage to (4) 7. One who trades (6) 10. Bow (3) 11. Uncooked (3) 13. Specialist (5) 14. Perch (3) 15. Quarrel (5) 17. Liabilities (6) 20. Lobby (5) 21. Epoch (3) 22. Pitcher (4) 23. Expands (5)

1. Mammary Glands (5) 2. Pull Forcibly (5) 3. Mix (5) 5. Thread (6) 8. Recess (4) 9. Bemoan (4) 12. Afloat (5) 14. Influence (4) 16. Stay Upright (5) 17. Sketch (4) 18. Wager (3) 19. Anger (3)

WORDWHEEL

Rwanda

The original inhabitants of Rwanda were the Twa, a Pygmy people who now make up only 1% of the population.

While the Hutu and Tutsi are often considered to be two separate ethnic groups, they speak the same language, have a history of intermarriage, andshare many c u l t u r a l characteristics.

Rwanda has been a unified state since pre-colonial times with only one ethnic group, the Banyarwanda, and a shared language and cultural heritage.

Music and dance are an integral part of Rwandan ceremonies, festivals, social gatherings, and storytelling.The most famous traditional dance is Intore, a highly choreographed routine consisting of three components - the ballet, performed by women; the dance of heroes, performed by men, and the drums. Drums are of great importance, the royal drummers having enjoyed high status within the court of the mwami. Drummers usually play together in groups of seven or nine. The country has a growing popular music industry, influenced by East African, Congolese and American music.

Traditional arts and crafts are produced throughout the country, .Woven baskets and bowls are especially common. The south east of Rwanda is noted for imigongo, a unique cow dung art, whose history dates back to when the region was part of the independent Gisaka kingdom. The dung is mixed with natural soils of various colours and painted into patterned ridges, forming geometric shapes. Other crafts include pottery and wood carving.

There is a strong oral tradition ranging from poetry to folk stories.

Many of the country’s moral values and details of history have been passed down through the generations. The most famous Rwandan literary figure was Alexis Kagame (1912 – 1981), who carried out and published research into the oral tradition as well as writing his own poetry. The Rwandan Genocide resulted in the emergence a literature of witness accounts, essays and fiction by a new generation of writers such as Benjamin Sehene. A number of films have been produced about the genocide, including the Golden Globe nominated Hotel Rwanda and Shooting Dogs, which was filmed in Rwanda itself, and featured survivors in the cast.

Form as many words as you can with the letters in the wheel.

Every word must make use of the letter at the center, i.e. the letter T. A 9-letter word with the meaning “ UNPLEASANTLY NOTICEABLE” is hidden in the grid. This is the star word. 2letter words and proper nouns are not allowed. Words up to forty score excellent.

JUMBLEWORD Unscramble the word jumbled in the grid below and place the deciphered word in the blank grid.

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Humour A Nigerian Naval officer was addressing the rank and file of the force and told them of new uniforms, boots, increased remuneration the force has approved for them. As he mentioned the approved items, the crowd kept shouting “hurray!”such that the officer could not hear even his own voice again. He got angry, brought out his gun and fired in the air. Everyone became quiet and the officer, quite enraged warned “ if you hurray againnnnnnnna, you shall hurray yourself”.

Got wind of a criminal act, plan?

Alert your friend,The Police.

To conquer oneself is the best and noblest victory; to be vanquished by one’s own Pep Talk nature is the worst and most ignoble defeat. - Plato

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

39

ABUJA REVIEW NEWS

•From left: Minister of Sports Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi; Vice President Namadi Sambo; Moscow IAAF World Athletics Champion Blessing Okagbare, President Goodluck Jonathan; the Coach, Moscow IAAF World Athletics Championships, Daniel Etsebiminor and Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan when Blessing received N3m reward at the State House, Abuja.

• From left: Special Adviser on Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation to the President Prof. Sylvester Monye, Minister of State for Education, Mr Nyeson Wike and Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio during a visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

• From left: Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, Governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Odughan andGovernor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi during a meeting on education at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

• From left: Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed; Chief Security Adviser, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Mohammed Musa Sada, and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, during the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa inAbuja

•From left: Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe; Director General United Nation Education Science and Culture Organisation (UNESCO) Ms.Ireina Bokova, Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo,Permanent Delegation of Nigeria to UNESCO Mrs. Mariam Yahuaji Katagum and Minister of State Education Nyelson Wike during their courtesy visit to the State House, Abuja.

•Chairman, Council, National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education, Dr Esther Uduehi; Registrar, Joint Admission, Matriculation Board, (JAMB), Prof Dibu Ojerinde and Chairman, Peter Eze during the inauguration of the board in Abuja.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

• From left: Kehinde Adesanyan, Mustapha Mubdiyu and Leke Olusola, members of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planers, during this year’s Town Planners’ Day, in Abuja

•From left: Chairman, National Association of Judiciary Correspondents, Joe Nwankwo Chief Registrar, Supreme Court of Nigeria, Sunday Olorundahunsi and Representative of Director General, SSS, Cliff Osagie (left) at the 2nd Annual National Workshop on the Media and the fight against terrorism in Abuja.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

40

ABUJA REVIEW

W

EDNESDAY September 11, 2013 is a date that will not be hurriedly forgotten by some ministers who served in the cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Nine members of the cabinet were shown the way out of the Federal Executive Council in a surprise and shocking manner.

The sledge-hammer fell on Foreign Affairs Minister, Olugbenga Ashiru (Ogun), Education Minister, Ruqqayatu Rufai (Jigawa), National Planning Minister, Shamsudeen Usman (Kano), Land and Urban Development Minister, Amal Pepple (Rivers), Environment Minister, Hadiza Mailafia (Kaduna), Science and Technology Minister, Ita Ewa (Akwa Ibom), Minister of State, Defence, Erelu Obada (Osun), Minister of State, Power, Zainab Kuchi (Niger) and Minister of State, Agriculture, Tijani Bukar (Borno).

It was the first major sack by President Jonathan since he assumed office as President and CommanderIn-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Neither were the affected ministers nor majority of their surviving colleagues aware of what was in store for them last week Wednesday.

They all looked radiant as they met in groups chatting before the FEC meeting started, others went from seat to seat to exchange the normal weekly pleasantries with their colleagues.

One of the affected ministers, Hadiza Mailafia, even presented a memo on the day on the Constitution and Cooperation Agreement establishing the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL). Approval was given for the ratification before she was relieved of her duties.

The tough side of Jonathan was seen by both the affected ministers and the surviving ones as they were swept off balance when the Big Boss, in his usual cool manner, delivered the news of the termination of appointments just before the meeting was brought to a close.

The nine ministers’ sack came on the 17th day after the Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdukadir (Sokoto) was sacked for incompetency on his job.

Apart from minor cabinet reshuf-

...And they got the boot From the Villa

By Augustine Ehikioya fle, where some ministers exchanged their portfolios, and situations where ministers willingly resigned their appointments, the former Minister of Defence, Bello Haliru Mohammed alongside the former National Security Adviser, Late General Owoye Azazi were removed from offices in June last year.

The day of the nine ministers’ sack was unique because it coincided with

the 12th anniversary of the September , 2001 deadly terrorists attack in the United States, where many innocent souls were sent to their early graves.

But in the Nigeria case, no life was lost, except for loss of juicy and plumb jobs by some Nigerians.

Beside many of the affected ministers shedding tears and sorrowful last week, many of the surviving

Women fight growing violence

N

IGERIAN Women have gathered in Abuja to seek ways of curbing the growing incidence of violence against them and called for concerted efforts and law to curb the scourge.

From Bukola Amusan

The various women groups led by the 36 states commissioners of Women Affairs said domestic violence has now become a norm despite concerted efforts to end the trend.

They all spoke at a one-day National Stakeholders Consultative and Pre-Data Collection Testing Forum on the Development of 7th and 8th Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

•Managing Director, Platinum Mortgage PLC, Mr. Emmanuel Mbaka; his wife, Ngozi (left) receiving an award from Chairman, Abia North Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty Eze J. O. Akaliro (right).

With them is Ezeaya 1 of Ezebe, G. U. Ekeh and Eze Captain Ahia

ministers also could not hide their emotions.

Most of the surviving Ministers wore long faces as they left the chamber for their ministries. When they stepped out, Culture and Tourism Minister, Edem Duke, Foreign Affairs Minister of State 1, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Works Minister, Mike Onolememen almost gave journalists, who had gathered at the corridor when the news of the sack filtered to them, the impression that they were affected by the ‘Tsunami’.

While some Nigerians have applauded the President’s action, some felt that majority of the nine ministers were more or less shown the way out because of the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where seven aggrieved governors from Kano, Adamawa, Rivers, Sokoto, Niger, Jigawa and Kwara left the party to form the ‘New PDP’.

But the Information Minister, Labaran Maku, explained that the termination of the appointments had no political undertone but done to inject fresh blood to the system in order to

deliver more dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

“There is no government in the world where the leaders do not reshuffle their cabinets, there is none.

And cabinet reshuffle is part of a systematic public administration and I believe what the President has done is simply to address the issues of retooling his government to achieve service delivery,” he stated Even with the courageous step by President Jonathan, some Nigerians still believe that there are still some ministers in the cabinet who may be using their portfolios to milk the nation dry or are incompetent in handling the affairs of their ministries.

This set of Nigerians are still pushing for beaming of the President’s searchlight in all direction in order to identify any other clog in the wheel of progress and block any corrupt and economic waste so that Nigerians can get more dividends of democracy.

(CEDAW).

They bemoaned the absence of a comprehensive national law on violence against women, noting that a number of draft bills, such as the 2006 bill on ‘violence against women’ remain pending before the National Assembly.

Presenting the report, Ms Banke Akinrimisi said the committee remains concerned about the absence of a comprehensive national strategy and programme to combat all forms of violence against women, adding that the majority of services for victims, including shelters, are provided by nongovernmental organisations with limited support, including financial support, from the state party.

The committee, however, urged the state party to ensure the full implementation of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act, including the persecution and punishment of offenders.

The Minister of Women Affairs

and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina while declaring the forum open said it was regrettable that with the efforts made by stakeholders, the CEDAW or Gender and Equal Opportunity bill is yet to be domesticated in Nigeria.

Maina said while Nigeria accepts this set back, she will continue to strive and advocate for its passage by the National Assembly hoping sooner than later they will see the sense in passing laws that will protect and empower the interests of mothers, wives, sisters and daughters in the country.

The minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Habiba Lawa, charged the stakeholders to ensure the objectives of the meeting were achieved so that at the end of it all that, Nigeria will come out with report that could be reckoned with.

The committee remains concerned about the absence of a comprehensive national strategy and programme to combat all forms of violence against women...majority of services for victims are provided by non-governmental organisations with limited support from the state

42

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the public may easily contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

115TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

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t is fair to say that whether one is a member of a political party or not, whether appreciative of the person and public performance of Governor Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso or not, Governor Kwankwaso has one widely acknowledged quality, which even his adversaries readily admit to, and this is personal courage and willingness to go the whole hog to implement new and resourceful policies for the development of the State as a whole. It is on this basis that his struggle for the institutionalization of democracy at both the national and State levels should be comprehended. His efforts should be seen as societal for it seems hard to conceive of democracy without the presence of some degree of equality or egalitarianism among the citizens. It is in realization of that, Council endorsed his and the other Governors stand on democratization.

In general, leadership can be defined as one's ability to get others to willingly follow him in the implementation of a policy or a course of action. Every organization needs leaders or a leader at every level. A leader has to have vision, a clear, vivid picture of where to go, and a firm grasp on what success should look like and how it could be achieved.

Moreover, a leader should be able to communicate his vision to those who would implement the policies and he should communicate as clearly and creatively as possible. A good leader should have the discipline to work towards his vision single-mindedly, and also be able to direct his actions and those of his team towards the goal that has been set. In other words, action is the mark of a leader. A leader does not suffer from indecision and what is called "analysis paralysis" but is always doing something, some activity and project, in pursuit of the vision that he has got, and inspiring others to do the same in the interest of the People and the Government. There is no question that Governor Kwankwaso has got all these leadership qualities, as can be attested to by the record of his achievement in office between 1999 and 2003, and now since May 29, 2011, and by his personal conduct as the Governor of Kano State in all those periods.

Consider the fact that in just two years, the Administration has built thousands of classrooms for primary and secondary schools; has renovated all the major hospitals and health centres; has led the way in the rejuvenation of the physical assets of the State, from road and building, modern land administration, construction of super flyovers to important milestones in agriculture, sports, youths employment, healthcare provisions to the population, fiscal discipline, and prudent management of resources, improved Internally Generated Revenue, pioneering tax incentives, brand new urban mass transit policies and transportation facilities, novel maternal and health policies, innovative reform of the civil service for better performance and service delivery, and ground-breaking policies in traffic management, public safety, and other inventive rational management of urban infrastructure, which saw the establishment of institutions such as Kano Road Transport Authority (KAROTA) and Kano Roads Maintenance Agency (KARMA). This is not to mention the Administration's enviable track record in the establishment of new institutes for the development of the youths and other talents in the State, public housing such as the establishment of new housing estates such as Kwankwasiyya, Amana, and Bandirawo housing projects.

In addition, one needs to consider the phenomenal achievement of Governor Kwankwaso in higher education, from the renovation of facilities to the establishment of new policies in order to build up best practices in higher education administration. Consider, for example, the fact that he is the founder of the State's only non-Federal universities, namely the Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil (which he established in his first term between 1999-2003) and the Northwest University, which has admitted its first set of students, and is about to admit the second, all within such a short period.

Today, Wednesday 11th September, 2013 (6th Dhul -Qa'adah, 1434 AH) the Kano State Executive Council held its one hundred and fifteenth (115th) sitting, which was presided over by Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. Council deliberated on (39) thirty-nine memoranda submitted by nine (9) MDAs. Fifteen (15) of them were approved for execution with an expenditure of two hundred and ninety-two million, three hundred and sixty-four thousand, three hundred and thirteen Naira and thirty-eight kobo (N 292,364,313.38) covering fifteen (15) projects.

Thus: 1- OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT This Office submitted sixteen (16) memoranda on behalf of some MDAs for deliberation by Council. Two (2) of them were approved for execution and two (2) were noted being information memoranda as follows: a) Information Memorandum on the Completion of the Construction of Bank Road Project This project was amongst the uncompleted projects inherited by this administration. However, like all abandoned projects, this administration revalidated the contract and mobilized the contractor back to site to complete the project due to its significance. The road is a major street serving Banks and other commercial businesses. The information memorandum from Kano Urban Development Authority intimated Council on the successful completion of the project with a saving of the sum of N100,270,811.38 from the initial budgeted sum of N540,246,353.00 approved by the previous administration. In this vein, the contract for the construction of Bank Road now cost the State Government the sum of N462,461,178.38 instead of N540,246,353.00. b) Information Memorandum on Muhammad Abubakar Rimi (S/Gari) Market Properties This is an information memorandum for the attention of the Council on the properties owned

by Muhammad Abubakar Rimi (S/Gari) Market Company. These are summarized as follows: Government Owned Stalls 1. Red Bricks Stalls -3018 2. Sand crate (Fire Disaster)- 992 3. MBG (Special) - 226 4. Open Stall- 3120 5. Platform- 1300 6. Public Convenience -8

Other Properties 1. Parking Spaces -2 2. Fire Service -1 3. Office Block -1 4- Office leased by the Management-2 Agencies/Parastatals 1. Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority - MBH 15 (28 Shops) 2. Kano State Pension Fund Trustees MBG 2 & PBE 10 (36 Shops) 3. Kano State Sharia Commission- MB 44A (8 Shops)

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso

c) Memorandum on Request for Financial Assistance to Hassan Usman Hassan to complete his studies Council recalled the sponsorship of hundreds of students to study overseas since the inception of this Government. Examples could be cited such as: - The sponsorship of 501 Postgraduate Students to study various courses overseas - The sponsorship of 100 students to Jordan for Pilot training; and - The sponsorship of over 150 Medical and Pharmaceutical students to Sudan, Egypt, India, etc.

This brings us to the basis of this memorandum seeking financial assistance to one of the State indigenous youths studying International Law at the International University of Africa, Sudan.

The student, who is currently at Level II, was under the sponsorship of his late father and since the demise of the sponsor, the student has found it hard to continue with his study. Based on the foregoing, the Kano State Scholarship Board submitted a request informing the Government that the late father decided to sponsor the son because of his (son) determination of acquiring higher education. Council deliberated on the merit of such a request and based on the commitment of the Government on education approved the release of the sum of N2 million financial assistance to the student to complete his study. d) Memorandum on Request for the procurement of Ambulance to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources The Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources submitted a request for the supply of vehicles to facilitate daily vaccination of cattle, small ruminants and other animals for diseases control. The memorandum explained that the vehicles that have been performing such schedules are grounded for years and it is not economical to maintain them, hence, the need for the supply of new ones that could be able to take the rigor of vaccination exercise. In recognition of the importance of the request for animal healthcare, Council approved the procurement of One (1) Ambulance vehicle and one (1) Toyota Hilux DC at the total sum of N14,450,000.00.

2. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING This Ministry submitted five memoranda for the deliberation of the Council. Out of them, two were approved for execution as follows: a) Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Continuation of Interlock tiling Works for the additional 21 Roads.

Council recalled that interlock tiling works along the streets and walkways of the State Capital is going in accordance with the policy of the present administration. Public are appreciating the efforts as the State Capital is being transformed into a modern city. The project is not only beautifying the city but also providing easy movement for pedestrians thereby safeguarding lives of citizens and guarding against hawkers and road encroachment.

So far, over N600 million has been expended in the payment of work done on interlock tiling and improvement of intra-city roads and drainage. More than 40 major roads have undergone interlock tiling within the metropolis. Amongst these were, Ahmadu Bello Road, Audu Bako Way, Airport Road, Alu Avenue, Bompai Road, etc. This memorandum sought an additional release of funds for the continuation of the project. Council measured the progress so far made on the project and approved the release of N100 million to Kano Urban Planning Development Authority for the continuation of interlock tiling of roads/streets not covered. b. Memorandum on request for Funds for the Revalidation of Contract for the Construction of Sheka Achi lafia Road This Administration inherited abandoned projects and unpaid contract sum worth over N70 billion from the previous administration. In fact, some of these projects were awarded at the tail-end of the administration. Despite this, the Government since inception has revalidated all inherited projects with a view to completing them for the development of the State.

Amongst those revalidated and completed were Daula Hotel-Hadejia Road, MandawariFagge Road, etc. This explains the basis for this memorandum. The memorandum informed Council that the Fact-Finding Committee reviewed the Sheka Achi Lafia Road, which was one of the abandoned projects and located within a densely populated area in Kumbotso Local Government, cutting across Gidan Zoo- Yar Kasuwa- Sheka Achi Lafia- Sheka Abuja-Sheka Makaranta. The road is a single carriageway with a total of 2900m, a width of 10.3m, including shoulder of 1.5m and a functional drainage line at both sides of the road, which serves as vital link to other locations within the area.

The contract was completed with only retention money yet to be certified and paid. However, noticeable defects were identified and the Contractor was directed to mobilize to site to effect all repairs on the failed portions after which his retention of the sum of N9,378,603.82 should be paid.

3. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES This Ministry submitted nine memoranda and six of them were approved for execution. Thus: a) Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Renovation of Drainages, Large Animals' Enclosure and Animal Cages at the Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency

TH

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 The memorandum informed Council of the need to rehabilitate animal enclosures and cages as well as the drainage at the Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency. The failed drainage has been the cause of flooding with the surrounding making walkways passages water logged especially during the rainy season. To arrest the situation, the sum of N5 million was requested based on the Bill of Quantities prepared. Council approved the request. b) Memorandum on the training of Five (5) Youths by Kasha International Agriculture Development Organization Council was informed through the contents of this memorandum that Kasha International Agricultural Development Organization is a non-profit aid agency based in Britain. The organization specializes in the training of farmers on Artificial Insemination in the U.K. through cross breeding technology and genetics for grass based system. The memorandum proposed a two (2) week training program for the Staff of the Ministry for the benefit of the State farmers. Five staff were recommended for the training at the total sum of 22,500 Sterling Pounds. This amount will cover tutorials, practical, feeding and accommodation of participants.

Council deliberated and weighing the importance of the program approved the attendance of two staff and the release of the sum of N980,000:00 to facilitate the training. c. Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Rehabilitation of Wall Fencing and Installation of Barbed Wire at the Kano Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency The contents of this memorandum informed the Council of the incessant trespass of hoodlums being experienced by the Garden causing serious threats to the general security of the staff and the wildlife in general. The memorandum proposed the need to reinforce the wall fence and install barbed wire to control uninvited guests who have turned the vicinity into something else. Efforts have been made to secure the vicinity with the construction of a Police Outposts but still these hoodlums are threatening the wildlife in the zoological garden. The sum of N4,994,720.00 was submitted for the reinforcement of the wall fence and the installation of barbed wire. Council approved the expenditure. d. Memorandum on Request for Funds for the conduct of the 5th Batch Training at the Kano Livestock Institute, Bagauda This institute is amongst the 21 skill acquisition institutions established by this administration for the training and empowering of the State's teeming youths. The institute has trained around 2000 unemployed youths, both male and female. The contents of the memorandum requested the release of the sum of N20,781,400.00 for the training of 132 participants livestock management. Council approved the request. e. Memorandum on Request for Funds for the conduct of 2013 State Agricultural Show at Bagauda Permanent Site Council recalled the benefits of staging Agricultural Shows in States such as Kano, which is endowed with large number of commercial and subsistence farmers. 2011 Agricultural Show was hugely successful with the participation of private agri-businesses and industrial concerns leading to exchange and fertilization of ideas and technology in the areas of food production, processing and marketing. The contents of this memorandum informed Council of the preparation on the ground for the staging of this year's Agricultural Show in the State.

The theme of this year's event is "Agricultural Development in Kano State: A Promise Fulfilled."

This title indicates clearly the tremendous achievement of this administration in the upliftment of agricultural sector through the engagement of youths and women. The event is expected to feature agricultural produce, services, machinery, etc. The Show is expected to expose the rich agricultural potentialities of the State in general and the individual farmers in particular. In the process, small farmers may have the opportunity to learn new ideas, technology and methods, thereby improving their capacity to produce more crops for economic prosperity.

Considering the significance of the event, Council approved the release of N9 million for the conduct of the agricultural show. The Ministry is directed to involve agri-businesses in order to make the event successful. f. Memorandum on Request for the Need to Distribute the Remaining Balance of Fertilizer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Custody to Wards The memorandum informed Council that there are 26,247 bags of 50kg and 1200 bags of 25 kg of fertilizer currently left in the Stores of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources from the 2012 Fertilizer consignment. Some farmers made payments for the commodity but due to the State participation in the Federal Government's Growth Enhancement Support Program for the 2013-farming season, the traditional role of direct supply of the commodity could not be implemented.

Thus, based on the need to meet the transactional commitment entered into between the farmers who paid their money for the commodity and the State Government that collected the payment, there is the need to supply the commodity to the farmers. The memorandum proposed the utilization of 2012 left over fertilizer now in the stores of the Ministry to supply farmers that had paid for the commodity. Council blessed the submission and at the same time approved the setting up of a Committee comprising the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry with the membership of Senior Special Assistant (Agric), Director (Agric Services), Director (Final Account), Resident Auditor and the Director (Admin. and General Services) as Secretary to distribute the commodity to those (farmers) who paid. The sum of N823,410.00 was approved for the distribution of the commodity to the wards.

4. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT Out of the three memoranda submitted by this Ministry, two were approved. Thus: a) Memorandum on the Request for Funds for the Installation of Streetlights at Eastern ByPass, Yan Awaki and Naibawa U-Turn Extension, Zaria Road The contents of this memorandum informed Council of the efforts of the present administration in the installation of streetlights and Traffic lights within the metropolis. Majority of the major roads have streetlights thereby controlling incessant criminal acts, reduce social vices and extend business hours. The benefit of such expenditure could not be quantified easily.

Kano metropolis has joined other developed business centers in rapid modernization.

In order to continue with this project, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport submitted a proposal for the installation of streetlights at the Eastern By-pass, Yan Awaki and Na'i'bawa U-turn extension at the sum of N 51,327,757.00. Council approved the request. b. Memorandum for the construction of Overhead Pedestrian Bridge at Kura Town This administration has constructed Overhead Pedestrian Bridges along Zaria Road (Sa'adatu Rimi College of Education), Bayero University Road (Aminu Kano School for Islamic Legal Studies and Old BUK Campus) and Katsina Road (Kurna) to curtail accidents along these major roads. In fact, taking into cognizance, the huge success recorded in the provision of these facilities and the observed level of compliance by the public, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport proposed in this memorandum the construction of an overhead pedestrian bridge in Kura town. The town is an important agrarian-cum-commercial area with sizeable number of population. The bridge will serve pedestrians from both side of the town thereby reducing the rampant cases of road accidents. Council approved the sum of N41,437,785.56 for the project.

5. MINISTRY OF RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Ministry submitted two memoranda for deliberation. One was approved for execution, while the other was noted. Thus: a) Memorandum on Request for Funds for the Purchase/Installation of Relief Transformers

43 in Minjibir and Kunya Towns Provision of electricity in the urban and rural areas is an essential part of development. This administration has since inception expended millions of Naira in the rehabilitation of vandalized electricity supply equipment/gadgets and has installed new transformers for improved electricity. Recently, Government had approved the sum of N20 million for the rehabilitation of vandalized networks in the towns/communities of Farantawa ITC Maintenance, Fajewa ITC maintenance, Lakwaya, Rigoji, Shakogi, L/Kara and Dalangashi ITC Maintenance, Dosan and Shade ITC Maintenance all under Albasu, Takai, Gwarzo and D/ Kudu Local Government Areas. This submission is in this context too.

Minjibir and Kunya towns have been facing erratic electricity supply, which has been affecting the socio-economic activities of these communities. The sum of N15, 231,391.00 was requested for the supply of two 500KVA transformers to the affected communities. Council approved the request.

6. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT The Ministry submitted one memorandum, which was deliberated upon and approved for execution. Thus: a. Memorandum on Request for Funds to Tackle Deforestation in the State The contents of this memorandum informed members that deforestation is one of the ecological problems that impinge and destabilize the ecosystem resulting to ecological imbalance in our forest estates thereby reducing agricultural productivity. To tackle this situation, the memorandum proposed an enrichment planting scheme project to restore the ecological function of the forest ecosystem in some selected communal forest areas located at Paracha Ginju in Danbatta Local Government Area using indigenous tree species that are on the verge of extinction. Council blessed the proposal and approved the release of the sum of N5,970,000.00 for the project.

7. OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF SERVICE Council approved the two memoranda submitted by this office for execution. Thus: a) Memorandum on In-house Training of Three categories of Staff from the Office of the Head of Service This memorandum appreciated the efforts of this administration on the sponsorship of civil servants to attend seminars and conferences within and outside the country. The contents of the memorandum is a request for the release of funds from the Office of the Head of Service to organize series of In-House Training Programs for Three (3) professional cadres in the service as a means of boosting/upgrading the official capacities of such officers. The seminar will cover health, governance and media sectors of the Civil Service. Council approved the conduct of the 3 -day seminar and reiterated its commitment to transform the service for better result.

The sum of N3,489,250.00 was approved for the in-house seminar. b) Memorandum on Request for the Allocation of Vehicle from the Association of Senior Staff Civil Servants of Nigeria, Kano State Council This memorandum is a request from the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Kano State Council soliciting the procurement of one Toyota 18-seater Bus for its official engagement. The Council serves, and, is amongst the most vibrant and active trade unions in the State. It draws its membership from staff that belongs to the officers' cadre. Council acknowledged the support of the membership in the running of the State and in order to consolidate the existing harmony/relationship between the Government and the Association approved the release of the sum of N7,500,000.00 for the purchase of the Bus. UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 115TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL i. OFFICIAL VISIT BY THE GOVERNOR TO CHINA AND DUBAI Council noted the visit by His Excellency Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to China. During the visit, he attended the International Conference on Investment and Trade in Xiamen where discussions were held with investors who are interested in investing in housing projects in the State. A MoU was prepared for signing in October 2013 between the State Government and the Investors. The Governor also discussed with investors interested in market development and are expected to visit Kano in November 2013. During the visit, the Governor also visited CCECC, China Railways, CGC and CRCC where discussions were held on existing contracts being executed in Kano by some of these companies and on the proposed Kano Light Rail Project.

Similarly, Council noted the visit to Dubai by the Governor where he visited Star Sewing Machines Industry on the proposed establishment of eighty-eight (88) Garment industries in the 44 Local Government Areas of the State. An inspection team by officials of the company will visit Kano by month's end to inspect the proposed industries.

2. COMMENDATION TO THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE Council noted with appreciation the Aqua culture-training program at the Fisheries Institute, Bagauda in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to train participants from the Northern part of the country.

Council also noted the recognition given to the State by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture as the pioneer school feeding State and its involvement in formulation of a blueprint for its possible adoption by other States in the country.

Furthermore, Council also noted the recent assessment of the 36 states Ministries of Agriculture by the International Agency on Africa Livestock and Federal Ministry of Agriculture where Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources was rated as the Best Performing State on Agricultural Transformation Agenda on Livestock and Artificial Insemination (AI).

Council wishes to commend the efforts of the National Economic Council (NEC) for initiating meaningful policies and programs in the country.

3. VICTORY OF KANO PILLARS BASKETBALL TEAM Council noted with delight the victory by Kano Pillars Basketball Team at the recently concluded national tournament. The team clinched first position and will represent Nigeria at the upcoming West African tournament, which will hold in October 2013.

4. CONDOLENCE Council condoled the families of the Coordinator of the State Corporate Security Institute, Gabasawa. Council prayed to the Almighty to grant the deceased eternal bliss and Jannatul Firdaus.

5. SWEARING- IN OF A NEW CHAIRMAN FOR KANO STATE PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AND ANTI- CORRUPTION COMMISSION Council witnessed the swearing-in of the new Chairman, Kano State Public Complaints and Anti- Corruption Commission, Alh. Umaru Idi. Council pledged its continuous support to the Commission to usher in a new era where corruption will be erased or be at a decimal level.

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports andCulture

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POLITICS Senate Committee on Agriculture Chairman Emmanuel Bwacha represents Taraba South District in the Senate. He spoke with Assistant Editor ONYEDI OJIABOR on the protracted crises between Governor Danbaba Suntai and his deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar.

Umar playing religious card in Taraba, says Bwacha

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EGISLATORS from Taraba State recently held a meeting on the crisis in the state in Abuja. Why were you not there?

I was not there because I cannot be associated with illegality. At this level of my legislative experience, I don’t want to condescend so low to behave as if I were a local government counselor.

With due respect to my colleagues, they veered into a territory that does not belong to them. First, there is no law backing what they did. It was a total illegality. It is a nullity, it does not make sense. In a civilised society nobody is expected to do what they did.

You cannot just wake up and ask a governor, who is protected by the law of the country, to proceed on a sick leave. This is a governor who has just been discharged from a hospital in the United States, and he was asked to come home and stay with his family, stay with his associates, so that he can have full recovery.

Now, for you to wake up and say you are passing a resolution that he should go back for treatment, that sounds ridiculous. It is as ridiculous as it is bizarre. It is never heard of any where. That was why you did not see me there because I cannot ridicule myself.

Those who addressed the press spoke on the platform of Taraba State National Assembly caucus...

That is not true. I’m a serving senator. How many senators are from Taraba State? Three. How many were there. Only one. Does that answer your question? How many House of Representatives members are from Taraba State? Six. How many were there? So, does that reflect our larger view?

This is the opinion of a few people who are unconscious of situation that the state is in, and what the law says. It is either they chose to ignore what the law says or they are ignorant. Among these two things, one must be happening. It is either they know and refused to say the truth and chose to go with an unpopular view, either informed by sentiment or primordial and very negative sentiment or they don’t know.

But these are stakeholders from Taraba State...

I know they are elected people. Don’t elected people blunder?

How many elected people have blundered in this country? From Independence, how many elected people have behaved as if they did not even go to school? I’ telling you what the law says. It is very clear, the provision is incontestable. The House of Assembly has limitations. So, the power of the House of Assembly or the National Assembly is not in contest but it does not include advising a governor to go for treatment. Is that the function of the parliament? There are processes through which you determine a governor who is sick. The Sections are there Sections 189 and 190 of the Constitution are there for you to seek clarification. If you say, well the governor is sick, fine. You will implore or deploy the necessary legislative instruments to drive home your points. You don’t go and stand in the street and make a press statement asking the governor to proceed on leave. That sounds very ridiculous.

You are aware that the state is boiling. What is the way out of the crisis?

We need to undersdtand onre thing first. This is a man, a deputy governor, who never contested election with the governor. The deputy governor, who contested election with the governor was impeached.

The governor in his own magnanimity went and brought this man from

• Bwacha

nowhere because he came from the same local government with the deputy governor who was impeached. It is in the governor’s policy that where he removed a public officer he prefers to patronize the people from those areas and he brought him.

Also mindful of the fact that his deputy was a Moslem and he needs to bring a Moslem.That is to tell you the type of person Suntai is. He believes in every Nigerian, and trusts that every Nigerian should behave normal.

Otherwise, the way the deputy governor has poisoned the minds of our Moslem brothers, if Suntai had brought a Christian to be his deputy at that time, heavens wouldn’t have fallen because it wasn’t an election.

But, here you see a convergence of morality and law. The governor is protected by law. He went on treatment, was involved in rare air crash, very uncommon. He belonged to three percent globally in the history of aviation industry three per cent that an aircraft will fall from the sky and nobody dies there. That is amazing grace and mercy of God. He returned from the hospital, the hospital authorities told him go back and recuperate finally at home. And he is coming back home to meet a hostile deputy governor. This world is not our home. Certainly we are here on pilgrimage. And in a market place you will meet all kinds of characters, the good, the bad and the ugly. Certainly, this is not an exception of the ugly scenario.

I am still asking you the way out of the situation ...

The way out of the situation, except if the deputy governor has refused that he is no longer the deputy governor; the way out is simple, the deputy governor was a deputy governor when he was brought in. Your principal here returned, you revert to your position of a deputy governor. But the deputy governor is refusing to revert back to his position as deputy governor. He wants to assert himself. What sort of heartlessness is this? Why can’t be patient for God’s sake? Has he for gotten

‘If God wants him to be governor no man can stop him. If he is a true Moslem he should know this.

He knows that God would have killed Danbaba (Suntai) at the scene of the accident.

Yero in Kaduna is now governor, was Yakowa not involved in air crash?

Yakowa is dead because that is how God wants it’

so soon how he joined the governor?

He was barely two weeks old in the government when the governor had the accident. Has he thrown morality to the dust bin that he flies all over the place visiting traditional rulers in the north telling them lies?

He wants to assert himself as the governor. Does he know that there is one God that rules over the affairs of men?

Let me tell you, the deputy governor remains the deputy governor, Suntai remains the governor. Suntai has just been discharged from the hospital.

Suntai is also known to be somebody who is not economical with power.

Ask about him, the deputy governor that was impeached, when he was there the man was virtually the governor because Suntai has no crave for primitive accumulation that you see around.

He delegates power to the deputy and the deputy acts as if he were the governor.

Why is the deputy governor refusing to accept the position he was before? Must he be substantive governor before he begins to act? If you know that this is your principal that brought you and if loyalty is there, you can go to him. Suntai doesn’t necessarily want to come around and start jumping around as if he wants to play football. He can delegate power to his deputy to represent him any where.

What are Nigerians talking about?

There are talks of religion and ethnicity in the whole affairs...

It is true that there is politics of ethnicity across the country. It is also true that they do politics of religion.

The deputy governor is holding on to politics of religion to recruit sympathisers from outside of Taraba.

That is exactly what he is doing.

Now, he is telling the world that Taraba people don’t want a Moslem to be governor. If God wants him to be governor, no man can stop him. If he is a true Moslem, he should know this. He knows that God would have killed Danbaba (Suntai) at the scene of the accident. Yero in Kaduna is now governor. Was Yakowa not involved in air crash? Yakowa is dead because that is how God wants it? His deputy is now governor. God that preserved the governor’s life at the scene of the accident; is the God no longer there?

Some observers say what is unfolding in your state is the politics of 2015 I don’t know about that because I’m a Christian. I practice true Christianity in the sense that I do not do so much projections about the future. If any thing else, I submit to the will of God and allow the Holy Spirit to lead me. First and foremost, nobody can stay here and begin to talk about 2015 when he doesn’t even know what is the situation in the world. Would the world still be the same in 2015? How close are you to your God? Do you know that the world is in the rapture mood? People are so crazy and wild about power and they forget that any moment from now, the rapture can take place. People don’t bother about this. What will happen in 2015 can only be determined by God, especially in Taraba. That has always been the scenario by the way. That God decides who emerges governor. Suntai never contested to be governor. Go and ask.

The popular ones eventually don’t end up being the governor. That is how God treats Taraba. That is our own natural gift from God. It is not by might, it is not by money, it is not by connection. God, in His own way, will just bring up somebody He wants. So, people should stop wasting their time.

I will also advise even Suntai loyalist, I’m very close to Suntai, I also know that I’m not expected to fight his fight, why because God that preserved him is there to do the fighting for him.

• The late Dr Agagu

Ondo PDP after Agagu

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

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HE death of former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Agagu has created a vacuum in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Until his demise at the weekend, the frontline politician was the arrowhead of the party in Ondo State. He was respected by the majority of the chieftains.

Political differences disappeared when the news of the tragedy was broken. Chieftains of the PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC) lamented his death, saying that he was an, intellectual giant and consummate politician, who shunned materialism. However, he loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest. Agagu was a university don, technocrat, politician with a mission, and socialite. His target was power, but he loathed inordinate wealth acquisition. Many believe that he left his footprints on the sands of time.

The former governor was popular at home, especially at his home town, Iju-Odo, and environs. His legacy is the Ondo State University of Science and Technology. In the future, the government may name the institution after him.

Agagu was a Geology teacher at the University of Ibadan (UI) in the seventies. Later, he moved into the oil industry, emerging as power broker in the sector. His first contact with politics was in the Second Republic. He was one of the young stars who assisted Governor Adekunle Ajasin’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) with his expertise in statistics and information technology. Their efforts assisted the party in detecting the pattern of rigging by the desperate National Party of Nigeria (NPN).

However, in the Third Republic, Agagu was one of the leaders of the proscribed Social Democratic Party (SDP). He had wanted to become the governor. However, since Ekiti had been on the queue for the governorship, the party gave the ticket to Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, who defeated other Ekiti aspirants at the primaries. For ethnic balancing, Agagu emerged as his running mate. They defeated the National Republican Convention (NRC) candidate, Chief Ayo Ogunlade, at the governorship poll. Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko was the Commissioner for Health in that administration, which was short-lived.

In 1999, the former deputy governor had crossed over to the conservative camp. He contested the governorship election on the platform of the PDP against the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). He lost with a slim margin. President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him as the Minister of Aviation. Later, he was posted to the Power Ministry. In 2003, he emerged as the governor of Ondo State.

A group of aggrieved AD chieftains, led by Mimiko, defected to the PDP. They collaborated with Agagu to defeat Adefarati. Since then, eyes had been on Mimiko as the man of the future. In 2007, Mimiko, who served as the Secretary to the Government under Agagu, and later, the Minister of Housing, defected to the Labour Party (LP). The former governor could not prevent the split. In particular, he could not manage Mimiko. Agagu was defeated at the poll by his former collaborator, the shrewd politician from Ondo Kingdom, who party faithful had nicknamed ‘Iroko’. Although the electoral commission rigged the election for the PDP, progressives in the Southwest assisted Mimiko in retrieving his stolen mandate.

Agagu never bounced back, although he was held in high esteem by the members of the PDP. He contested for the Senate in 2011, but he was defeated by the LP politician, Kunlere, his former disciple. Initially, one of his boys, Eddy Olafeso, insisted that he would contest against him at the primaries. For Agagu, the senatorial race was not a do-or-die affair.

Despite the electoral misfortune, his leadership position in the Ondo PDP did not diminish. President Goodluck Jonathan had respect for the political warhorse. Thus, the PDP national leadership appointed him into the new reconciliation committee to resolve the protracted crises.

Many chieftains in Ondo State looked up to him as a father figure and rallying point, who could the various caucuses together.

With his demise, the troubled chapter is bereaved. Who steps into his shoe? Agagu’s departure has implications for the party’s future. Only a few has the stature of Agagu in the Ondo PDP. Few people command the type of respect he commanded. The chapter may be in disarray without a proper guardian. An opportunity may have been created for the ruling LP to woo more PDP members into its fold. This will be relatively easier, since Mimiko has intimate political relationship with many PDP leaders before he defected to the LP. Many of them may also defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

PROPERTY

Tuesday, SEPTEMBER 17,2013 Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

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

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

•House 25 Baale Street, being demolished by the escavator ... last Friday.

It was an early morning invasion, which caught many residents unawares. They woke up to see some houses in their neighbourhood being demolished. The action, they were told, was in execution of a Supreme Court verdict, which gave the land to the Ojora Royal House. But, the way the houses were demolished, they said, seemed to be an ambush of sorts. They are afraid that their homes may be next, reports SEYI ODEWALE.

Living in fear of losing their homes M

ANY residents of Orile-Iganmu in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State are living in fear. The fear of losing their houses.What happened in the neighbourhood last Friday has heightened their fear. That day, the police, in a convoy of over 10 vehicles, with a court Sheriff and bailiffs, stormed the area to execute a warrant of possession known in legal parlance as Form O. The early morning invasion caused panic among residents of Aloko, Savage, OsoOfin, Oso-Olodi, Tokosi, Coker, Ajagbe, Laniyonu, Tapa, Bankole and Imoru streets, and the adjoining areas.

The action was a fallout of a Supreme Court verdict, affirming the judgment of the Lagos High Court and the Court of Appeal in a case involving Chief Israel Esurombi-Aro and others and Chief Bello

Davies and 12 others. The judgments were in favour of Chief Esurombi-Aro and others, including the Ojora of Lagos, representing the Ojora family.

Accompanied by three excavators, the police and the court officials made for 2C, Savage Lane, Orile-Iganmu and pulled down the house of Lt. Col. Eyitayo Akintola Akinbami (rtd). With despatch, they moved to the house at 25, Bale Street belonging to the late Nurudeen Omobalufon, where residents of the two-storey building were given about two hours to pick their belongings and vacate the building before it was demolished.

Although the residents were not molested by the security personnel and those that came with them, the panic created by the heavy presence of security officers, led by Dickson Onyeka, a Superintendent of Police and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Orile-Iganmu

Police Station, was obvious. Residents scurried from one point to the other, ferrying their belongings out of the building to be destroyed.

With no resistance from any quarter, the building at 11:30am came under the heavy thud of the earth-mowers and its frontage and the adjoining boys’ quarters gave way. Perhaps the fear of being rough-handled by security personnel and the possibility of losing their belongings to the demolition made quietened most of them. They wore long faces.

Those who could not keep their emotions broke down in tears.

“Where do I go from here?” was the question on the lips of most of them.

But a lawyer, who pleaded not to be named, said the demolished houses belonged to the recalcitrant ones among those affected by the judgment.

He said they were asked, several times, to

revalidate their ownership of the land, but they refused almost four years after the original owners had taken possession of the land.

“The overlords of the land, as ruled by the Supreme Court’s pronouncement are Chiefs Esurombi-Aro and Chief AbdulFatai Aromire, the Ojora of Lagos and others. This is upholding the judgments of the High Court and the Court of Appeal. But these people refused to comply with what the family decided, which was revalidating their titles on the land with the payment of a token. So, they are the architects of their own misfortune,” he said.

About 500 houses are likely to face the same fate unless their owners comply and revalidate their titles on the land.

In a letter to the Inspector-General of Po•Continued on page 52

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PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Living in fear of losing their homes

Lack of planning breeds slums Stories by Seyi Odewale

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•Continued on page 51

lice (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, received on August 1, this year, by the IG’s office, Oluseyi Okunuyi, another counsel to Ojora family, applied for intensive police protection to execute Form O. Concluding the letter, Okunuyi listed Col. Akinbami – 2C, Savage Lane; Taiwo Tokosi – 10, Lasisi Giwa Street; Nurudeen Omobalufon – 25C, Bale Street and Ganiyu Animashaun – 26, Coker Road as “the leading leaders of those who have continued to violate lawful order of the courts.”

Samuel Olujimi Ololade Owojuyigbe, a consultant and estate manager to the Ojora family and others, also said the people were the architects of their misfortune by refusing to obey the court order on the land. He traced the history of the dispute to the early 1970s when his clients dragged the other party to court to repossess their land.

He said: “The land in question, ab initio, belonged to the Ojora family and others. The Ojora put some people in-charge of the land as he could not always come around to oversee the land. Those people subsequently sold all the land to various people, including those who are the present landlords.

“Those people, who were tenants then, appointed for themselves one Gafaru Bello, as Baale, traditional head of the community. But the then Ojora rose against it and wrote to then local council to complain that the said Gafaru Bello could not be a Baale on Ojora’s land and that he, Ojora, was the overlord of the land.

So, based on that the then local council refused to recognise Bello. The tenants later came to Ojora’s palace, wrote a letter and apologised for their insubordination to their overlord.

“Thereafter, when Orile-Badagry Expressway was being constructed in the 1970s, the tenants began to sell the land. They did it without the consent of the Ojora royal family. So, the Ojora royal house went to court. There was also a time they did a deed of transfer, claiming that all the interests on the land had been transferred to a particular company owned by them.

“The case got to court in Suit LD/ 562/72, and judgment was given on December 28, 2000, by the then Justice of the court, in favour of the Ojora family, and the land was given to them. The tenants then lost their customary rights to the land and were asked to vacate and give possession to the owners.

“The tenants proceeded to the Court of Appeal in Suit CA/L/86/ 2001 and on November 8, 2004 they lost. The Appeal Court upheld the lower court’s judgment. Thereafter, they went to the Supreme Court to appeal in Suit SC/54/2005 and judgment was again given in favour of the respondents -Ojora family and others – on April 3, 2009. On July 31 of the same year, the Lagos High Court through its Sheriff and the police came to take possession of the land and gave it to Ojora Royal family.

“And since then this family has been pasting posters, writing letters and advertising in the dailies that all the tenants should come and revalidate their titles by paying a token that is less than N1 million. For a plot of land, they were asked to

•Some of the residents picking their belongings.

pay N750,000 while half a plot went for N350,000. Most of them refused to do this. Later, they (about 480) went to court to challenge the Supreme Court’s judgment. Their lawyer, Vincent Nwana, later withdrew the case from the apex court after seeing the futility of such exercise and the case was struck out,” Owojuyigbe said.

What happened last Friday, Owojuyigbe said, was the execution of Form O on the land, which is the certificate issued to the Ojora family granting them the land. He added that the family also got a demolition order from the High Court about two years ago.

“Since then, the family has been asking them to comply by making some payments, but they refused,” he said.

Reacting to Col. Akinbami’s claim that the land was acquired by the state government, Owojuyigbe said: “No, the land was not acquired at anytime by the government. If the land was acquired by the government, of course, government is still alive. The government could have come to the High Court to contend the judgment. The family is not aware of any acquisition and, if indeed there was, we would have known this for the whole duration of the case. Don’t forget, the case lasted about 40 years.”

When asked about the fate of other buildings and if they had all complied, he said: “They have not really complied, those whose property were destroyed today are the judgment debtors - they were the ones that lost at the courts. We are appealing to those who have not complied that we would not hesitate to demolish their buildings. For instance, those who have made some payments would be left alone, but we want them to comply.”

Shortly after the verdict of the apex court, Col Akinbami and 383 others, in 2010, sued the Ojora and six others in Suit LD/1394/2010 to stop them from taking possession of their land, but Justice OyekanAbdullahi, directed the parties to seek alternative means by reconciling. However, efforts at reconciling them, according to a letter

by Nwana to the judge, dated December 14, 2010, were futile as a result of a publication in one of the dailies.

“This meeting could not take place because a few days to the meeting, a publication appeared in The Punch newspaper of Tuesday, November 30, 2010, which completely undermined the efforts and spirit behind the reconciliation,” he wrote.

Akinbami, in a telephone chat at the weekend, branded those who demolished his building as lawless.

To him, they ought to know that there is a pending suit in court, which has not been disposed.

“Their action is an act of lawless-

ness. They are lawless people. In fact, it was an ambush on my part. They did not notify us that they were coming. They just came with the heavy presence of the police to perpetrate their lawlessness. I am talking to my lawyer about it,” he said.

Nwana said he was not aware of the demolition as he was out of town.

“I am not aware of that. It’s news to me. In fact, as I’m talking with you I am out of Lagos to attend the funeral of a sister of mine. So, I cannot say much for now,” he said.

Prior to last Friday’s action, Nwana sent Save-Our-Soul message, to Governor Babatunde Fashola asking him to intervene in the matter. One of them was dated February 8, 2010 and received on February 10.

Titled: Save Our Souls from the siege of Ojora family vide Suit SC/54/2005, he wrote: “This is why we are writing you this letter to further solicit your assistance towards the maintenance of law and order in the OrileIganmu area. Our fear is that if the conduct and activities of the leadership of the Ojora family are not restrained by the executive fiat, they may resort to unnecessary violence and unbridled lawlessness.”

On June 4, of the same year, he wrote a reminder and copied the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command; the state AttorneyGeneral/Commissioner for Justice; Commissioner for Land and Survey; his counterpart in Information; the Oba of Lagos and Oba Fatai Aromire, the Ojora of Ijora.

On December 14, of the same year, Nwana wrote again to the governor to show appreciation “for the concern and interest you have so far shown in this matter. By setting up a committee to review the interests of the feuding parties as well as by the numerous publications/pronouncements of your government on the issue. You have demonstrated an uncommon commitment and sensitivity towards the plight of the downtrodden. For these, we are, indeed, very grateful.”

These correspondences, however, could not stop the bulldozers last Friday from pulling down at least two houses.

DPO Onyeka, under whose watch the exercise was carried out, said his men and the court officials were only carrying out a lawful order of a court of competent jurisdiction.

“It is a normal exercise. If a court of competent jurisdiction has given a judgment, it should be carried out without fear or favour. We are here to maintain law and order and to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order as directed,” he said.

He continued: “I feel he who owns the land, owns everything on the land. And if the judgment has been given by a court of competent jurisdiction, especially if it has gone to

PHOTOS: SEYI ODEWALE

• Owojuyigbe

the Supreme Court, the judgment should be carried out without fear or favour. We have no challenge from anyone whatsoever. Everywhere is calm, the bailiffs, who are supposed to carry out the order, are doing their job without any molestation. No arrests were made.”

Meanwhile, two double-barrel guns were allegedly found in Akinbami’s house when it was demolished. They were subsequently seized by the police.

Onyeka said: “I have asked my men to take possession of the guns until the licences are produced. I have asked the Col. to get us the licence to the guns, if we see that their licences are genuine, we will release the arms to him. But, if they are not, he will be charged accordingly.”

About 900 other residents of the area covered by the judgment are worried that what befell their neighbours may be visited on them as the bulldozers are still on the ground, but Owojuyigbe said the judgment debtors were the ones whose houses were pulled down.

“We are mindful of this and that is why we are appealing to those affected to come and perfect their titles. Mind you, those who have shown the willingness to comply would have their houses spared.

And we are being elastic about the payment. We take as low as N50,000 as instalments per month,” he said.

About N10 million have so far been paid by those who complied in March, last year when payments started before it was stopped. In a letter Nwana wrote to the Ojora on June 20, 2011, he said in paragraph 12: “As it stands today, our clients have paid well over N10 million into your coffers in bank drafts drawn in favour of your solicitors, Messrs S.O Owojuyigbe & Co. since this payment was commenced only this March. All of our clients are eager and willing to continue with this payment exercise and probably would have exceeded N20 million by now if not for the sinister dimension now introduced by your purported agents.”

ACK of [proper planning as a result of not having a good mapping leads to slums, an environmental expert has said.

Oluropo Olajugba, a surveyor, who spoke with The Nation last weekend, said good planning through mapping and survey are the pre-requisites for development of cities and towns, adding that haphazard planning leads to emergence of slums in most cities.

To surmount problems associated with the growing of slums, which he said is a result of lack of up-todate technology for mapping or surveying, Olajugba said policy makers and surveyors in government must acquit themselves with the latest technology that will aid their jobs.

He said with the growing population and the lack of equipment for those engaged to plan cities, “everything gets muddled up, therefore, you begin to see slums springing up.” “Nobody has come to think about doing something to check the menace. The result of plan less settlement is slum and economic retardation,” he said.

Successive governments, he said, refused to grow with technology that could have solved the problem associated with mapping or accurate surveying. “In the 60s and 70s, even during the pre-Independence era, the colonial masters realised that it was important to know what was where, and that was why they invested heavily in mapping. It is regrettable that we still rely on the information provided by those maps. Nigeria invited the Europeans and the Canadians who did a lot of work in mapping the whole country, but they could only provide information relevant to that period,” he said.

The advent of the military rulers, Olajugba said, made matters worse as they were not ready to build on what was on the ground when they came.

“The military, whose mandate was getting things done with despatch, were very impatient in following normal processes. Everybody dealt with them the way they wanted and things degenerated for decades.

Firm unveils estate in Lekki

A

real estate firm, Propertygate Development and Investment Plc, has unveiled 33 housing units built on about 9,000 square-metres, in Sangotedo-Lekki Peninsula, within the Skyview Residential Scheme, Lekki/Ajah. The firm’s effort, according to its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Adetokunbo Ajayi is to help the state in providing affordable housing to its residents.

At the unveiling and a tour of the facilities in the estate, reporters were shown how space was managed to achieve the best scenic and aesthetic results, with emphasis on the environment. “We gave attention to affordability, not compromising on quality and standard,” Ajayi said.

Tagged: Alexandria Quarters, the estate, Ajayi said, was a direct allocation from the state government under the New Town Development Authority (NTDA). “The project took off in May 2011 when the contractors moved to site and has reached about 90 per cent stage of completion.”

The about a hectare of land estate, comprising of 10 terrace units of four-bedroom duplex each, six units of semi detached four-bedroom each, 15 units of five blocks of fourbedroom apartments each and two units of one-bedroom apartment; all en suite, Ajayi said, was built with emphasis on beauty and airflow.

“The development planning allowed us to build more houses on the land, but we are concerned with the airflow and we don’t want to have an environment that is choked.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

53

NEWS

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (sixth left); his deputy, Prince Segun Adesegun (sixth right); Chairman of the State Elders’ Consultative Forum Prince Bola Ajibola (fifth left) and members of the Forum at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, the state capital…yesterday.

Bamidele joins Ekiti governorship race

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

H

OUSE of Representatives member Opeyemi Bamidele has said he will contest next year’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

He said the decision was in response to “a popular call to service”.

In his letter of intent to Governor Kayode Fayemi, the former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy said he would inaugurate his independent campaign group, Ekiti Bibire Coalition, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Thursday.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Inspector-General of Police, the State Security Service (SSS) Director, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs and his counterparts in the House of Representatives.

Bamidele, who represents Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency, alleged that some aides of the governor were planning to disrupt the ceremony and urged Fayemi to intervene.

Some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders told The Nation that Bamidele would not be prevented from pursuing his ambition.

A party stalwart, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “Bamidele is trying to create an impossible crisis. Nobody is planning to disrupt any political gathering. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants have been holding meetings and rallies and their functions were not disrupted. He is afraid of himself. APC is one strong and united family in Ekiti. The preoccupation of the party is to continue to support the Fayemi administration to record more successes.”

Bamidele did not indicate whether he would contest the election on the platform of the APC or another party.

Man held for ‘rape’ in Ibadan T

HE police in Oyo State have arrested a middle-aged-man, Emmanuel Liadi, for alleged rape.

Liadi, who was said to be a “notorious rapist”, was allegedly caught in the act in a bush at Oluyole in Ibadan, the state capital.

Police spokesperson Ola-

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

bisi Clet-Ilobanafor said: “The victim’s father, who reported the crime, heard his daughter screaming in a nearby bush and rushed there. He found the suspect on top of his daughter, forcibly having canal knowl-

edge of her. The father said he saw the suspect holding her neck.

“The victim was rescued and taken to the hospital.

The suspect was arrested and the police visited the crime scene.”

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal

Investigation Department (SCID).

Clet-Ilobanafor said Police Commissioner Mohammed Indabawa had directed that rape cases be immediately charged to court.

She said out-of-court settlement would not be allowed in rape cases.

Ekiti govt meets with Efon monarch, chiefs

T

HE Ekiti State government yesterday took steps to resolve the rift between the Alaaye of Efon Alaaye, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare, and his chiefs.

It met with the parties at the Old Governor’s Office Complex in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The six quarter chiefs Obanla Fakorede, Obaloja Pariola, Oisajigan Ejigan, Peteeko Ojo, Alaayo Folayan and Ojubu Olowookerehad been shunning meetings at the palace following

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

their exclusion from the list of obas and chiefs the government gave vehicles to.

They accused the monarch of high handedness and not protecting their interests.

One of them, who pleaded for anonymity, said Oba Aladejare had “been suppressing moves by smaller communities in the area to gain autonomy”.

He said: “The state government has just given autono-

my to, at least, six communities and we observed to our chagrin that our monarch is not supporting such a move in this local government.

“We realised that he had been opposing agitations for the upgrading of traditional rulers in Efon Local Government Area.”

The government was represented by the governor’s Special Adviser on Chieftancy Affairs, Chief Aderemi Ajayi, at yesterday’s meeting.

After the meeting, the Chairman of the Peace and

Reconciliation Committee, Chief Kunle Olajide, said: “Issues raised would be resolved based on resolutions reached at the meeting.”

Chairman of the State Council of Obas and the Onitaji of Itaji-Ekiti, Oba Idowu Babalola, was at the meeting, which lasted five hours.

President-General of the Efon Development Association Chief Patrick Ojo said scommunity leaders had intervened in the dispute and things would soon be resolved.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

M

y relationship sex life is poor. My fiancée hardly ejaculates and lasts too long during sex. Infact he has to masturbate before he can ejaculate. He is very worried. And for me, I don’t get wet for long. What can I use to get wet? Hoping to hear from you soonest – Ify Dear Ify, your fiancée is experiencing what is known as retarded ejaculation or inhibited ejaculation. It is a rare form of sexual dysfunction among men but some people experience it. The severity levels of retarded ejaculation also vary from mild to moderate, severe and very severe.

Your fiancée’s case ranks as severe because he can ejaculate but only through masturbation. In very severe cases of inhibited ejaculation, no semen comes out at all. This is also known as retrograde ejaculation when semen is ejaculated internally instead of externally.

There are physiological and psychological causes of this condition. Physiologically, retarded ejaculation can be caused by thyroid disorders, pituitary disorders, prostrate surgery gone wrong, pelvic surgery gone wrong and trauma to the pelvic nerves responsible for orgasms. Drug and alcohol use can also cause it. The psychological causes include insufficient sleep, distraction and performance anxiety. Another main cause of delayed ejaculation is the adaptation to a certain masturbating technique. Most men masturbate more often than they have actual intercourse and the body can get more used to ejaculation through masturbation than through vaginal intercourse therefore leading to retarded ejaculation. So as you can see, the possible causes are many. Only your doctor can determine his own exact cause. But the solution lies between sex therapy and hypnosis.

And for your own problem, to get wet and enjoy sex just requires an orgasm gel and a vibrator. Ask for the Mood Arousal Gel and the 7 inch Vibrating Jelly Dong. That will fix your situation easily – Uche I am 58 years old and my sexual desire and performance is no longer what it used to be. Sometimes I get an erection and sometimes I don’t. After several recommendations

from friends of mine who have used some of your products, I decided to take one capsule they gave me which they called Zen Power or something like that and I like it. For the first time in years, I had a very strong erection and had sex three times in one night. Please I am interested in this Zen Power.

I really need it. Thanks – Samuel Dear Samuel, the Power Zen Gold supplement you just experienced is one of the best sexual enhancement pills known to man. In addition to giving you very hard erections and ensuring your erection never gets weak, it also enlarges the penis, stops premature ejaculation and increases semen volume and thickness. With Power Zen Gold, you can have nonstop intercourse for hours and you will always get another erection a few minutes after ejaculating. You can call the numbers here to order it or you can order it from www.zeevirtualmedia.com – Uche I have a small penis. I am dying of embarrassment and cannot undress in front of my girlfriend. I hear that penis enlargement takes time but I need something that gives quick results - Oscar Dear Oscar, one trick that men with small penises can use to look bigger involves the use of a penis sleeve during intercourse. It is like a condom but it is thicker, longer and reusable. It makes the penis look big, two inches longer and fuller in the vagina. So get the Stud Extender sleeve. You can also use an instant penis enlargement cream to look bigger during intercourse. An example of this is the Liquid Sex Dick Plumper Cream. But for more permanent enlargement, use Max Size capsules – Uche Hello sir. That Power Zen Gold you suggested is very powerful. I really enjoyed it. Thank you so much - Ezenwa You are welcome. That’s it for today. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 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, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 16-09-13

U

South African firm buys 49% of UAC Restaurants’

AC of Nigeria (UACN) Plc has sold 49 per cent equity stake in its wholly-owned quick-service restaurantUAC Restaurants Limited (UACR), to Famous Brands Limited, a leading quick service and casual dining restaurant operator in Africa, which is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

In the strategic partnership, UACN will still hold 51 per cent majority shareholding while providing opportunity for Famous Brands to expand its operations in Nigeria. Famous Brands Limited is an integrated food and beverage company whose primary activities include franchising of trademarks, either company owned or licensed, to Quick Service Restaurant franchisees and the manufacture and supply of products to these franchisees and the retail trade.

Some of Famous Brands’ well known operations already in Nigeria include Debonairs Pizza and Steers.

UACN’s share price rose yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in spite of the bearish overall market situation. UACN added 49 kobo to close at N55 per share.

The stock market yesterday suffered average decline of 0.65 per cent.

Group Managing Director, UAC of Nigeria (UACN), Mr Larry Ettah, said the strategic partner would unlock the considerable value potential in

•Equities open with N76b loss

By Taofik Salako

the quick service restaurant landscape which Mr Bigg’s defined 25 years ago and in which it still maintains a leadership position.

According to him,, UACR will be availed of Famous Brands’ tested and highly successful brand stewardship to enhance and reinforce the Mr Bigg’s brand market power.

“This deal further reinforces UACN’s commitment to ensure we collaborate and leverage international partnerships to accelerate our strategic growth and progress,” Ettah said.

Chief executive officer, Famous Brands, Mr Kevin Hedderwick, noted that one of the key challenges of expanding into the rest of Africa has been how to source suitable local partners.

He said the acquisition of UACR’s shares has surmounted the obstacle and enable the company to not only acquire a substantial stake in an existing leading home-grown brand in Nigeria with opportunities to unlock value in that market, but also to export the format to other markets.

“We foresee our operations in the rest of Africa becoming increasingly significant to the Group over time. This joint venture delivers compelling benefits for both parties: UACR will be vending in a formidable

brand-Mr Bigg’s, local expertise as well as a nationwide distribution network and Lagosbased manufacturing infrastructure. In exchange, Famous Brands will add value to the business through our expertise in managing intellectual property, growing brands and optimising supply chain operations and efficiencies,” Hedderwick said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian stock market opened yesterday on a negative note as investors continued to dump highly capitalised stocks. Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities dropped by N76 billion to N11.418 trillion as against its opening value of N11.494 trillion.

The All Share Index (ASI), the main common index at the NSE, declined by 0.65 per cent from 36,098.07 points to 35,861.88 points. The downtrend further depressed average year-to-date return at the stock market to 27.72 per cent.

Nigerian Breweries topped the losers’ list with a loss of N3 to close at N159. Unilever Nigeria and Okomu Oil Palm lost N1.89 each to close at N58.11 and N45.53 respectively. Guaranty Trust Bank dropped by 89 kobo to close at N24.01 while Dangote Cement lost 85 kobo to close at N189.15.

Total turnover stood at 196.58 million shares valued at N2.09 billion in 4,027 deals.

Banking subsector contributed 127.83 million shares worth N833.84 million in 1,454 deals. Diamond Bank was the most active with a turnover of 59.60 million shares valued at N370.66 million in 45 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 16-09-13

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

55

MONEY LINK

Bank PHB board ratified N25.7b loan, says Utomi A Lagos High court, Ikeja heard yesterday that about N25.7billion loan for which the former Managing Direcctor of the defunct Bank PHB, Mr Francis Atuche is facing trial was approved by the board and did not offend the code of corporate governance for banks.

A renowned economist, Prof Pat Utomi made this declaration at the resumed hearing of the matter before the court presided by Justice Lateefa Okunnu.

Utomi, who was the vice chairman of Bank PHB’s board of directors, in his evidence in chief led by Atuche’s counsel, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), insisted before the court that the loans granted by Atuche, were ratified by the bank’s board of directors.

The Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged Atuche to court for allegedly stealing N25.7 billion belonging to Bank PHB. Charged alongside Atuche as de-

By Adebisi Onanuga

fendants are his wife, Elizabeth and former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, UgoAnyanwu.

To butress his position, Prof. Utomi read from the minutes of the board meeting where the loans were ratified.

He said that the loans were ratified during the Board of Directors meeting of Bank PHB held on July 9,2008.

He listed the companies that benefitted from the credit facilities to include Extra Oil Ltd., N3.9 billion; Tradjeck Ltd., N3.5 billion and Future View Securities Ltd., N3.5 billion; Petosan Oil and Gas Ltd, N4 billion and Falcon Securities, N8 billion.

Utomi said the ratification of the loans did not offend the code of corporate governance for banks in Nigeria.

tees during the process.

The witness who was also crossexamined by the EFCC counsel, Mr Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Utomi maintained that ratification of loans was a routine thing in all banks.

The minutes of Bank PHB Board meeting, dated July 9,2008, was later tendered before the court by an employee of Keystone Bank, Mr Seyi Ogundipe.

The bank had been subpoenaed by the court to present the documents and others, vital to the trial, which were in its custody.

Earlier, the prosecution objected to moves by the defence to have the

He said that neitherAtuche nor Anyanwu violated the bank’s corporate governance ethics in granting the loans as the bank during its 38 board of directors meeting would not have ratified the loans if they did.

He said:” In the business of banking which involves risk, it is the duty of the board to take decisions on the optimal risk that the bank can be exposed to.

“We always ensured that illegality was not pursued but we also recognised that management needed to act and take risk on behalf of the bank.”

Utomi also told the court that integrity was the high point of the process and that the board did not notice any fraudulent practices or illegality from any of the commit-

T

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

of the Senate after its two months recess.

He added that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Constitution Review, Emergency Rule, Rivers crisis, 2014 budget among others are expected to be considered during plenary.

Enang said that MTEF is expected to contain the Federal Government’s revenue projection and the crude oil benchmark for the 2014 budget.

He said the two items would be crucial for the consideration of the 2014 national budget.

The lawmaker said the Senate would also give priority to the ex-

I

NCREASED demand for a broad range of client services saw Deloitte grow for the fourth consecutive year, with Deloitte member firm network revenues of $32.4 billion for the fiscal year ending 31 May 2013.

The network experienced healthy growth across all businesses and regions – in local currency – due to the strong demand for Deloitte’s capabilities and services.

“Our continued growth is a true testament to Deloitte’s client-centric approach. Deloitte has made strategic investments in important markets, the right businesses and talented people. As a result, Deloitte is helping many more clients navigate the changing business environment,” said Barry Salzberg, Global CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL).

“Despite major economic fluctuations in some regions, clients are seeking the full range of Deloitte’s services and advice as they invest in innovation and other catalysts of growth.”

pected conference report of the National Assembly committees on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.

He stated that issues related to the development of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would also be considered.

According to the Notice Paper for today, the report of the Committee on the Establishment and Public Service on the National Assembly Service Commission Act Cap N7 2004 (Repeal and enactment) Bill 2013 is expected to be laid.

Also, the report of the Committee on foreign Affairs on the screening of presidential nominees for the appointment as Career and non-career ambassadors is also to be considered.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 16-09-13

SYMBOL JOSBREW AIRSERVICE THOMASWY NEIMETH PRESTIGE LEARNAFRCA UAC-PROP TRANSCORP COURTVILLE TRANSEXPR

O/PRICE 7.52 3.35 0.72 1.05 0.55 1.80 15.06 1.35 0.72 1.13

C/PRICE 8.27 3.68 0.79 1.15 0.60 1.95 15.79 1.41 0.75 1.16

CHANGE 0.75 0.33 0.07 0.10 0.05 0.15 0.73 0.06 0.03 0.03

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

239.4810 212.4997

244.0123 207.9023

245.6422 209.2910

-2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

UPL WAPIC IHS IPWA COSTAIN CONTINSURE VONO AFRIPRUD INTENEGINS OKOMUOIL

O/PRICE 4.00 0.90 3.31 0.83 1.25 1.20 1.94 2.00 0.63 47.42

C/PRICE 3.60 0.81 2.89 0.75 1.17 1.13 1.84 1.90 0.60 45.53

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%

CHANGE 0.40 0.09 0.33 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.10 0.10 0.03 1.89

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

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%

Movement

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 19-09-13

SYMBOL

Growth in consulting and other advisory services was particularly strong in the period as priority markets contributed nearly onefifth of revenue. Nearly 30 strategic acquisitions were also made in FY 2013, marking significant investment in the future by Deloitte.

Americas led growth by regions with a growth rate of 6.3 percent in local currency, with the strongest growth experienced in Chile (18.1 per cent) and LATCO (14.3 per cent).

The United States, the largest member firm in the network, produced particularly strong growth, contributing more than 80 percent of the network’s total revenue increase.

Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) grew by 5.6 percent with the UK member firm experiencing solid growth of 8 percent, despite a challenging economic climate.

The Middle East and Turkey firms posted strong double-digit growth, largely driven by their tax and advisory businesses. Together, the Southern and East African member firms grew by a solid 8.3 per cent.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

minutes of the board admitted as an exhibit from Utomi on the ground that the witness is not the maker of the document.

Deloitte reports $32.4b in revenue

2014 Budget: MTEF tops Senate agenda

HE presentation of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper to the National Assembly in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, is one the immediate priorities of the Senate, as it resumes from its two months vacation today, it was learnt yesterday.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, told reporters in Abuja that President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to transmit the 2014 - 2016 MTEF to the National Assembly anytime soon.

Enang said the Senate President, David Mark is expected to today deliver an address on the direction

• Utomi

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 141.19 153.72 0.80 1.16 1.18 100.00 1,000.00 1,820.49 13.63 1.39 1.87 11,004.94

9.08 1.00 140.70 153.19 0.78 1.16 1.16 100.00 1,000.00 1,816.36 12.97 1.33 1.80 10,860.29

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

56

NEWS Lawmakers to probe non-remittance of N2m

L

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

AWMAKERS in the Edo State House of Assembly are to investigate alleged financial impropriety levelled against the Ministry of Agriculture and National Resources.

They said the N2million generated weekly by the Urhonigbe Rubber Plantation in Orhionmwon Local Government Area was not remitted to the government.

The lawmakers mandated its standing committee on agriculture to investigate the allegations and submit its report in two weeks.

This followed a resolution sequel to a motion by Friday Ogieriakhi calling on the government and relevant agencies to expedite action on the resuscitation of Urhonigbe Rubber Plantation under the Public Private Partnership Initiative (PPPI).

Ogierakhi alleged that officials of the ministry constituted a committee to oversee the operations of an ailing rubber plantation.

The Commissioner, Abdul Oroh, described the allegations as untrue.

He added that he had directed in his letter to the management of the rubber estate to pay N1million monthly to the state board of internal revenue service.

Flood sacks communities

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Dickson to aides: Resign if you don’t like my style

OME communities in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State yesterday counted their losses as properties worth millions of naira were destroyed after a down pour.

The communities included Amanuke, Isuaniocha, Urum and Achala communities but that of Isu-Aniocha was the worst.

The flood cut off roads leading to Amanukle and Urum and destroyed appliances, fences, farms, economic trees and public facilities.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

Toilet facilities at St Patrick’s Anglican Church, Isu Aniochja, were destroyed.

Governor Peter Obi yesterday assured that his government would tackle all environmental challenges as part of activities to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

Obi said environmental challenges will be tackled but did not say how much his government was committing to flood challenges.

•Blames school management for varsity woes From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

•Dickson

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AYELSA State Governor yesterday told members of the executive council and his aides who are not comfortable with his style of administration to quit.

The governor, in a live radio broadcast, blamed the management of the stateowned Niger Delta University (NDU), Wilberforce Island, for allowing the school to lose accreditation of key courses, including Law. Dickson flayed some of his aides who reportedly attacked his leadership style and complained that he was stingy.

He insisted that aides who were not contented with their salaries and allowances should quit as they were not prepared to serve in his administration.

Dickson said his government would not allow appointees to enrich themselves with public funds and become “super commissioners and super special advisers”.

The governor advised persons aspiring to live above their constitutional entitlements to approach banks for facilities to finance their expensive lifestyles.

Dickson asked the people to report any aide, who complains of being starved of funds.

“The mandate you gave me does not include misappropriating your resources. People who are in government, who are making those kind of statements, I will like you people as soon as somebody who is in government makes a statement like that, you look for a way to send the names of those people to our security number.

“For those who are in government, they should know that there are several other qualified people. What you need are salaries and entitlement; every other thing is what we use in this state to develop the state.

“That is why people did not do what we are doing. Peo-

ple in government realised so much money on their own and became super commissioners and super special advisers. It is not like that in this administration.

“There is no one in my exco you can compare with aides who served before. I know how a chief of staff was getting N500million to spend and share to people to do terrible things. So people who are commissioners and special appointees need to understand and come to terms with what we are doing.

“What the people in government need are their legitimate allowances and salaries.

If the state wants to make progress, all of us must understand that this is the right way to go, including me. If you want to build mansions and buy big cars, you should go to bank and take loans.

“Nobody can live like a big man, millionaire or billionaire all from the public purse.

For those in government who are complaining, tell them that if they are not happy, they should resign.

There are other people who are ready to take their places.”

On the withdrawal of accreditation of courses by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the governor directed his anger to the management.

The NUC last month withdrew accreditation for seven courses, including Law, and placed 20 other programmes on interim official recognition during its last accreditation.

Dickson said he was particularly angry that Law, which had full accreditation was denied the status because the dean of the faculty was not a PhD holder.

Blaming the authorities for not being proactive, he said he had despatched delegates with a protest letter to NUC in his efforts to resolve the problem.

The governor insisted that that the reason for the withdrawal was not lack of funds, adding that his administration had begun upgrading facilities in the school.

Pupils protest school closure in Delta

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NGRY pupils of the Government Model Primary School, Asaba, Delta State, yesterday protested the closure of their school on the orders of the Delta State government.

As early as 7.30am over 20 pupils, who had turned out for the first day of the new term, were stunned to learn that the government had shut down the school.

Some parents, who spoke to The Nation ,wondered why sufficient notice was not given.

A parent said he was shocked that the school had been shut without adequate notice to parents, adding that he had to enrol his children in a private school.

Another parent accused the school authority of demanding gratification to enroll pupils, stressing that the enrolment process was opaque and lacked transparency.

An angry Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who arrived at the scene after he was told of the pupils’ action,

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

warned parents to desist from using their wards for any form of protests.

Uduaghan directed the relocation of the pupils of Government Model Primary School, GRA, Asaba.

He said it was not in the best interest of children to be used for protests, explaining that it was not the right way to bring up a child.

His words: “The school was specially built for a particular standard which has not been attained and we have not finished putting all the facilities in place.

“All the electronics, security gadgets are not in place.

Yet somebody opened the school and put children here before I realised it. I allowed them to finish last session before I took back the school to enable government complete the infrastructure.”

A source said Uduaghan was peeved with the mishandling of the admission process by the Ministry of Basic

‘The school was specially built for a particular standard which has not been attained and we have not finished putting all the facilities in place’ and Secondary Education.

Uduaghan told the protesters that the standard for the school must be maintained.

“Special teachers will be employed and given special training, the management will be restructured and the infrastructure will be in place to enable the pupils attain the standard for the school”.

The governor urged the pupils to avoid being incited by their parents and teachers to carry out protests.

He said the government would relocate them to better schools where facilities have been completed rather than insisting on remaining in the uncompleted school.

Kattey’s travails, a wake-up call, says Abe

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ENATOR Magnus Abe representing Rivers South East has advised Nigerians to see the travails of the Dean, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rev. Ignatius Kattey as a wake-up call.

He said the country could no longer afford to play with security.

Abe spoke when he visited Rev Kattey shortly after he was released by his abductors.

The senator said joblessness and financial challenges should not be accepted as excuses for indulging in kidnapping and robbery.

Kattey, who is also the Archbishop, Province of the Niger Delta and bishop of the Diocese of the Niger Delta

North, was released by his abductors on Saturday night after spending nine days in captivity.

“I just want to use this opportunity to thank the Christian faithful across the country. What God has done is a wake-up call for us as a country. We can no longer afford to play with security.

“It is by the grace of God

that we are today, gathered here smiling and clapping, the story could have been the other way; joblessness and financial challenges are not excuses for kidnapping and armed robbery. It is an insult to all the millions of people who are poor, who are struggling, and who have refused to kill anybody or to harm another to better their lot.”

Kidnapped monarch yet to be released

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From Osagie Otabor, Benin

HE Iyase N’ Udo of Udo community, Patrick Igbinudu, who was abducted last Thursday, is yet to be released.

He was kidnapped by four armed men at his palace while playing draught with some of his chiefs.

His son, Prince Osarense, said the abductors came in an Audi car and made them crawl in the mud.

It was gathered that the kidnappers opened negotiation on Saturday demanding N100m as ransom but reduced it to N10million.

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THE NATION TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

NEWS

‘Why INEC should recognise Nwoye as PDP candidate’

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HERE seems to be no end in sight to the legal tussle over the rightful candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State.

The legal team of Tony Nwoye, who emerged PDP’s candidate in the primary election conducted by the National Working Committee (NEC), has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise him (Nwoye) without further delay.

In the letter addressed to INEC Chairman Prof.

Attahiru Jega dated September 13, Joe-Kyari Gadzama said contrary to some reports that the court had upheld Andy Uba’s nomination as the PDP candidate, nothing of such transpired in court.

It noted that on September 12, , a Federal High Court presided over by Justice H.A Nganjiwa made the following specific orders: •“That the parties are hereby ordered to maintain the status quo antebellum, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

•“That the parties, espe-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

cially the first and second defendants/respondents are hereby ordered to comply and obey the orders of this court delivered on May 31 by Justice I.L Ojukwu and August 22

by Justice S.A Aliyu.

•“That the first and second defendants are hereby ordered to recognise and deal with the plaintiffs in all election matters in Anambra State, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive matter.

•“That the suit is hereby adjourned till September 19 for mention.”

It said: “Sadly, this court order, most especially the third paragraph which states that the first and second defendants (PDP and INEC) should recognise and deal with the first plaintiff ( Ejike Ogbuebego) in all matters in Anambra State has been badly misconstrued and the position of the court deliberately and mischievously misrepresented.

“Some media houses even reported that the court had upheld Andy Uba’s nomination as the PDP’s governorship candidate in Anambra State when nothing of the sort

‘Therefore, the fact that the court directed the party to recognise Ejike Oguebego and work with him in respect of its affairs in Anambra State does not translate to the recognition of Andy Uba’ transpired in court.

“It is our humble but firm legal opinion and the position of the law, that the third paragraph of the order which is referred to above, does not in any way relate to the nomination and election of Tony Nwoye as the PDP candidate in Anambra State (whose nomination and selection have not been invalidated or nullified by any court in Nigeria), rather it is with respect to who is the PDP chairman in Anambra State.

“The issue of who is the valid candidate does not in any way concern the state

chairman; rather it is a function of the National Executive Committee of the party.

“Therefore, the fact that the court directed the party to recognise Ejike Oguebego and work with him in respect of its affairs in Anambra State does not translate to the recognition of Andy Uba, who never participated in the primaries organised by the National Executive Committee.

“Andy Uba cannot therefore by any form of ingenuity become the Anambra State PDP candidate when he was never an aspirant in the primary election that was transmitted and watched both nationally and globally.”

Insisting that “only the NEC of the party has the power to conduct congresses within the party”, the letter added that “Nwoye’s name was submitted by the party to your esteemed organisation (INEC), thus making him the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State.

“The Commission is therefore urged to recognise Tony Nwoye as the Anambra PDP governorship candidate.”

•Anambra State Governor Peter Obi (second left), National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Victor Umeh (left), Commissioner for Education Uju Okeke (right) and some primary school pupils presenting cheques of N1.5 billion to the Catholic Archbishop Valerian Okeke (middle) and the Anglican Archbishop Christian Efobi for the rehabilitation of primary schools.

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PDP‘ll resolve its crisis, says Orji

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji yesterday said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will sort out its problems to the disappointment of the opposition.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Public Communication, Ben Onyechere, Orji wondered why “opposition politicians are crying more than the bereaved.”

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Onyechere quoted Orji as saying that “they will be terribly disappointed because the PDP leader, President Goodluck Jonathan, is equipped with the instrumentality of interest aggregation and harmonisation” which he will use to resolve the internal matters of the party.

He said in politics “what is permanent and para-

mount is interest which must be devoid of misplaced ambition arrowed to undermine the authority of the president because anybody who wants to be a king must first be subordinate to an existing kingship.

“The fact that opposition parties are agitated and concerned about the challenges of the PDP is a pointer that they are hinging their fu-

ture on the expectation that the party may break up.

“There is random insinuation and instigation from known chronic opposition quarters over matters that are internal to the party.

“It is laughable that their only manifesto is focusing on misunderstanding among party members which is an indication that they are building on a sandy soil.”

strain the electoral commission from recognising Obiano as the flag bearer, claiming that he did not emerge at the primaries conducted by the duly recognised National Working Committee (NWC).

Defendants were Sowumi, Chief Onwuka, Ifeanyi Mbaeri and INEC. The plaintiffs said that the shadow poll

conducted by Sowumi and his team violated the party’s constitution.

Justice Shittu ordered INEC to also accept Obidigbo as the candidate of the party, pending the determination of the motion on notice.

He said: “In the interest of justice, I direct both candidates’ names be submitted to the INEC, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice before the court.”

Court orders APGA to recognise two governorship candidates

FEDERAL High Court in Awka, Anambra State, yesterday ordered the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to recognise the two feuding candidates for the November 16 governorship election.

Justice Mohammed Shittu ruled that the APGA Screening Panel chaired by Alhaji Tayo Sowumi should submit the names of William Obiano and Chike Obidigbo

By Emmanuel Oladesu

as governorship candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), pending the determination of the suit arising from the governorship primaries.

Obidigbo and the factional APGA chairman, Maxi Okwu, urged the court to re-

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NEWS

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

PDP dissolves Kano Exco as Abacha rejoins party

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HE national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday dissolved the Executive Committee of the Kano State chapter and constituted a caretaker committee to run its affairs.

The dissolution came after the party’s leadership received Mohammed, son of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, back into the PDP. Alhaji Alhassan Kafayos was named Chairman of the caretaker committee. Mr. Andrew Musa was appointed Secretary. They were immediately sworn in by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Mr. Victor Kwom.

PDP’s National Organising Secretary, Abubakar Mus-

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

tapha, who unveiled the committee, said other members would be appointed in Kano during the week.

PDP’s National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur said the tenure of the dissolved exco expired on August 15 and that there was need for a caretaker committee to come in.

According to him, the party observed the rules and provision of its constitution in setting up the caretaker committee.

Tukur urged the committee members to ensure that they address the grievances

Kwankwaso condoles with Madu-West’s family

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ANO State Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso yesterday described the death of Kano Bureau Chief of National Mirror, Mr. Augustine Madu-West, as a great loss.

The governor spoke at the Kawaji, Kano home of the Madu-Wests during his condolence visit to the family.

Kwankwaso described the late journalist as a gentleman and an astute legal practitioner.

In a message he delivered through his Director of Press and Public Relations, Ibrahim Halilu Dantiye, who led the government delegation to the Madu-West’s family, the governor noted that the late Bureau Chief was a seasoned and humble journalist.

He said: “The death of Madu-West was not only a loss to his family and his employers but also to the journalism in Nigeria. Madu-

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From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

West, who practised journalism for over 30 years, lived and died serving the common man.”

The governor also urged the family to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived and died honourably.

Receiving the government delegation on behalf of the family, Mr. Kolade Adeyemi, the Kano Correspondent of The Nation, thanked Kwankwaso for his compassion.

He promised that journalists in Kano would continue to support the government to fulfil its mandate.

The late Madu-West died last Thursday morning following a long battle with diabetes.

He is survived by a wife, four children and two grandchildren.

Millions gone as fuel tanker fire razes shops in Makurdi From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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ROPERTY worth millions of naira were destroyed yesterday morning when a fuel tanker caught fire at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) depot at Apir, a suburb of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The fire destroyed over 10 shops and other property.

Two fire service officers were burnt in their battle to put out the fire.

The incident caused panic amongst residents. There was heavy traffic on the Makurdi-Enugu Expressway, where motorists came to a halt for over three hours.

An eyewitness, James Kwagh, said the tanker, with registration number, KN 506 KMC, fell at a bend and went on flames.

‘Kwara spends N7.2b on Federal road’

HE Kwara State Government yesterday urged the Federal Government to approve its request to intervene on the reconstruction of the Kaiamma-Kishi Road, which goes across the state and Oyo. It also called for the Federal Government’s prompt reimbursement of the state government on the N7.2 billion it

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

spent on the project.

The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Abubakar Kannike, spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, during the inauguration of the 20th National Council on Works.

Kannike estimated the Federal Government’s indebtedness to the state on road reha-

Three die in Nasarawa clash

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among the party’s members in Kano.

He advised them to ensure that the PDP wins the Kano governorship seat in 2015.

Abacha said he joined the PDP in 2010 and left for the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) the same year.

He again left the CPC in the same year, following what he called a lack of internal democracy in the defunct party.

Abacha said he had held consultations with various PDP interests in the state, except Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who he promised to consult later.

HE Nasarawa State Police Command said yesterday that only three people were killed in the renewed communal clash between the Alago and their Eggon counterparts at Assakio in Lafia Local Government Area.

Police spokesman, Cornelius Ocholi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), told The Nation that three people died and four others were injured.

He said the injured were receiving treatment at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital in Lafia, the state capital.

Ocholi said Police Commissioner Umaru Shehu was touring the affected area with his men.

The spokesman said the situation had been brought under control with riot policemen as well as soldiers deployed in the area.

On the extent of damage, Ocholi said about 30 houses were razed on both sides.

He denied the reports that 50 people died in the clash.

The police spokesman urged

From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

journalists to crosscheck their facts before going to press.

Though calm has returned to the affected areas, it was learnt yesterday that tension still hung in the air.

bilitation at N5.5 billion.

He said: “The state government has continued to intervene on federal roads in the state in the spirit of shared prosperity of the Kwara State Government. For instance, about N8 billion was committed to the Oyo State boundary-Chinkanda (125.8 kilometres) road alone of which about N2.5 billion was refunded about three years ago.

“Other roads intervened or being intervened on include: Pategi-Kpada-Kogi State boundary road; South-link road, Ilorin; Kulende to Oyun, Ilorin; Post Office to Michael Imoudu Road; Omu-AranLandmark University Road and Orhan Bridge on the Ilorin-Igbeti road...”

Anambra 2013: NLC endorses Ubah

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Augustine Avwode

HEAD of the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has endorsed the Labour Party’s (LP’s) candidate, Dr Ifeanyi

Ubah.

A statement by Ubah’s Media Adviser, Ayo Akinola, said NLC President Abdulwahab Omar endorsed Ubah and his running mate at the weekend in Abuja when the LP candidate visited the NLC headquarters.

The governorship candidate unfolded his manifesto in which he emphasised security of life and property, provision of qualitative education and focus on human capital development, besides creating and providing jobs.

Ubah said: “We all know that security of life and property comes first. We will provide this and ensure that investors do not see insecurity as a reason for not coming to Anambra State.

We all know the place of education in the world of today. We will provide quality education, make it affordable and accessible and invest heavily in human capital development.”

It was the first the time in the history of the state that the NLC was endorsing a candidate for an election.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

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FOREIGN NEWS Rwanda: RPF aims to retain parliamentary majority

UN confirms gas ‘war crime’ in Syria U

N investigators have found “clear and convincing evidence’’ that chemical weapons were used on a relatively large scale in an attack last month in Syria that killed hundreds of people.

The UN report was presented to Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and made public yesterday.

It said: “The environmental, chemical and medical samples we have collected provide clear and convincing evidence that surface-to-

surface rockets containing the nerve agent sarin were used ... in the Ghouta area of Damascus’’ on August 21.

The report specifically mentioned the areas of Ein Tarma, Moadamiyeh and Zamalka.

Al Jazeera’s James Bays, reporting from the UN headquarters in New York, said ambassadors to the Security Council were being briefed about the findings of

the report.

He said the report said sarin gas was used and that the gas was delivered by rockets.

The August 21 attack took place as a UN chemical weapons team was in Syria to investigate earlier reported attacks.

After days of delays, the inspectors were allowed access to victims, doctors and others in the Damascus suburbs.

The inspectors were mandated to report on whether chemical weapons were used and if so which ones - not on

Shipwrecked Concordia wrested off NGINEERS yesterday 2012 when the Concordia Italian reef 13, succeeded in wresting slammed into a reef and cap-

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the hull of the shipwrecked Costa Concordia from the Italian reef where it has been stuck since it capsized in January 2012, leaving them cautiously optimistic they can rotate the luxury liner upright and eventually tow it away.

Never before has such an enormous cruise ship been righted, and the crippled Concordia didn’t budge for the first three hours after the

operation began, engineer Sergio Girotto told reporters.

But after some 6,000 tons of force were applied using a complex system of pulleys and counterweights, “we saw the detachment” from the reef thanks to undersea cameras, he said.

Girotto said the cameras did not immediately reveal any sign of the two bodies that were never recovered from among the 32 who died Jan.

sized after the ship’s captain steered the luxury liner too close to Giglio Island.

Images transmitted by robotic diving vehicles indicated that the submerged side of the hull had suffered “great deformation” from all its time on the granite seabed, battered by waves and compressed under the weight of the ship’s 115,000 tons, Girotto said.

Several killed in U.S. Navy base shooting

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EVERAL people have been killed and others injured in a shooting at the US Navy Yard in Washington, officials say.

Police were searching the Navy complex after the shooting yesterday morning to track down the gunmen involved in the attack.

Police chief Cathy Lanier said one shooter had been killed and that two other suspects - a white and a black male - were still at large.

She said the suspects were not believed to be military personnel but were wearing uniforms.

Earlier, reports said at least four people had been killed and eight others wounded.

A police spokesman said a police officer and one other law enforcement officer were among those shot.

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•Ban Ki-Moon

who was responsible.

The opposition and its Western and Arab supporters blame President Bashar Assad’s regime for the attack in the rebel-controlled area of Ghouta.

The Assad regime insists that the attack was carried out by rebels.

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WANDANS are going to the polls to elect a new parliament, with the governing RPF widely expected to retain its huge majority.

The party of President Paul Kagame had 42 of the 53 directly elected seats in the outgoing parliament.

Helped by quotas, Rwanda is the world’s only parliament where women form a majority.

The polls come days after two people were killed in two grenade attacks in the capital, Kigali.

No group has said it carried out the attacks but officials have blamed the rebel Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which is accused of links to the 1994 genocide.

The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) government has

Top Afghan female police officer gunned down

TOP policewoman in southern Afghanistan has died after being shot by unknown attackers, months after her predecessor was also slain in similar circumstances.

Sub-Inspector Negara, who like many Afghans goes by one name, was buying grass for her lambs outside her home on Sunday when two gunmen drove up on a motorbike and shot her in the neck, said Omar

Zawak, a spokesman for the governor of Helmand province.

Doctors tried to save her, but police spokesman Fareed Ahmad Obaidi said she died at 1am on Monday.

Zawak also confirmed her death.

Kandahar government spokesperson, Javid Faisal told Al Jazeera that Negara had believed what she was doing was important for all women in Helmand province.

been praised for maintaining stability and overseeing rapid economic growth since the slaughter of some 800,000 minority ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus.

But President Kagame has been increasingly accused of ignoring human rights and stamping out any opposition.

Egypt: Army storms Islamistheld town

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GYPTIAN troops have stormed the central town of Dalga, which has been held by Islamists loyal to the ousted president, Mohammed Morsi.

Army and police backed by helicopters entered the town early yesterday.

Coptic Christians living in the town of 120,000 people had appealed for help, saying they could not pray safely and were being taxed by “thugs”.

Egyptian authorities are cracking down on Islamists following Mr Morsi’s removal from power on 3 July.

Supporters of Egypt’s ousted President Mohammed Morsi chant slogans during a demonstration in Dalga Village, in upper Egypt last month. Dalga has seen enthusiastic displays of support for the ousted president since Islamists took control of the town

NEWS Nigeria puts $200m SWF cash in investment

‘I didn’t say I won’t run in 2015’ Continued from page 2

ment on Tukur, although he admitted that there was a sign of weakness on some issues on the part of Tukur.

The aggrieved governors reportedly said Jonathan could bring anyone to lead the party, except Tukur. Amaechi is expected to withdraw all cases in court, respect the Presidency and party leadership. The media “war” should stop because the crisis is heating up the polity and inflammatory comments capable of dividing the country should be avoided, the meeting was said to have agreed.

It was learnt that when the 2015 agenda came up, the President took on the Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu.

A source said he pointedly accused Aliyu of misleading Nigerians that he said he would not seek a second term in office.

The source added: “At a stage, it became a matter between Jonathan and Aliyu at the meeting because the President felt bad that the governor had been hammering on one term in office for him.

“There was silence when the two leaders tried to sort themselves out on the 2015 thing.

“But the governor countered the President by saying he made the commitment at Ethiopia, United States, Expanded National Caucus Meeting and in the agreement he signed with PDP governors.

“He said there was nothing bad in asking the President to stand by his words to allow power shift to the North in 2015.

“The President said he did not at any time promise to spend one term in office.”

The source quoted the President as saying” “I did not give anybody any commitment that

I won’t seek re-election.”

The source said: “Jonathan clarified that what he said in Ethiopia was that as a democratic leader, he would not elongate his tenure under any guise.

“The President also reportedly told the session that on the events referred to by Babangida, there then an ongoing debate on a single term of six years for Nigeria’s President. And he told his audience that he would not seek a second term or elongate his tenure under any guise.

“Jonathan said since the crisis in the party was basically on 2015, it is a matter that can be addressed later.

“His body language suggested that he won’t compromise his ambition to contest in 2015. But it was not a major issue yet at the peace talks.”

The source added: “At a stage, Governors Godswill Akpabio, Liyel Imoke and Idris Wada raised their voices against Aliyu, saying: ‘You cannot stampede the President to spend one term in office, you cannot do that.”

The Niger State Governor, however, inisted: “2015 is central to whatever compromise the parties would reach and demanded that it should be properly addressed.

“The issue might be addressed on October 7 when the groups reconvene. When the G-7 governors came out, they held a brief discussion and vowed to pursue one term for Jonathan.”

The session was, however, not without its drama. The communiqué was drafted by Governor Liyel Imoke, who was part of the Jonathan team.

The Jonathan team tried to sum up the session that the two warring groups had almost “resolved the issues”, Amaechi wanted the mood captured in a manner suggesting that “the two

sides are still talking”.

But Imoke went ahead to draft the communiqué and he gave the hand written copy to Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State to read.

It was learnt that it was at the point of drafting the communiqué that Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso got to the meeting.

Although Amaechi sustained his point but, Kwankwaso could not settle down enough to grasp the issue at stake.

Only the state-owned Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) was allowed to record the reading of the communiqué.

Notwithstanding the outcome of the peace talks, the G-7 and the Baraje faction of PDP met behind closed doors yesterday.

A source in the faction said: “The G-7 governors and the National Chairman of the New PDP, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, may visit the leadership of the House of Representatives in Abuja today.

“They want to brief members on the development in PDP. We hope the House leadership will receive them.”

A principal officer of the House, who spoke with our correspondent last night, said: “We have been told that they want to visit us.”

Continued from page 2

in the developed world stock markets. “We find quite a few asset classes, such as US equities, to be a bit rich at the moment,” he said. “We see more value in emerging markets.”

For the infrastructure fund, which will invest in Nigerian projects in sectors including power, healthcare, transport and agriculture, the NSIA has signed memoranda of understanding with the Africa Finance Corpo-

ration and International Finance Corporation to work together on transactions. It also has an agreement with General Electric (GE), and is in talks with Power China about a possible electricity investment.

Mark, Ekweremadu, others survive PDP crisis Continued from page 2

stage that they had to recall members of the PDP caucus in the Senate from vacation abroad.

“They are working on a permutation of a simple majority in the Senate to retain the leaders.

Though Mark has not been part of the crisis, he is seen as the sustaining power of President Goodluck Jonathan in the National assembly.

“With a radical House of Representatives, the presidency and Mark decided to consolidate in the Senate.

The Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, who read the resolution of the caucus last night, said: “The Senate will remain united and alive to its responsibility of stabilizing the polity.

“That the PDP is the biggest party in Nigeria; its problems would have consequences on the polity.

“That the Senate must remain available to stabilize the nation as it has always done. The Senate is not a Senate of parties but the Senate of the Federal Republic of

Nigeria.

“Other parties have had their problems in the past but such problems have never been imported into the Senate.

“That the leadership has our support and we will continue to provide the required support to navigate the situation till it becomes normal.

“The Senate has a historical place in time of crisis in our nation and it will continue to perform this role because the Senate is conscious of the need for the nation to remain stable and united.”

‘Aggrieved governors agreed not to stop Jonathan’

were few states that had difficulties. Some states complained about may be thier delegates were not allowed entry to Eagle Square; some complained about party positions and some had court issues. But these are all things that we cannot allow to affect the fabric of the party and, of course, by im-

plication the fabric of the nation because the PDP is Nigeria.”

“We have been in power for the past 14 years and Nigerians have confidence that this is the only truly national party that expresses true aspirations of all and sundry and, of course, it is also the only party that is not owned by any individual. It’s a

postings to six different company accounts domiciled in Union Bank’s Marina branch in Lagos.

“The accounts are: Gona Bureau De Change Limited, Jaxmine Bureau De Change Limited, Dan Kawu Bureau De Change Limited, Godswill Great Communications, ZHG Services Limited and A and B Console Limited.

“The postings were carried out and the syndicate thereafter went to the bank to draw all the funds. Friday was paid as promised and other syndicate members now at large shared the remaining balance.”

The EFCC said it had so far recovered N475,326,720 from the suspects, including $2,129,900 and N134,542,720.

Continued from page 2

party that belongs to all Nigerians. Even the market woman in Sokoto claims ownership of the PDP and, of course, the same thing with the trader in Akwa Ibom state. The same thing with somebody in the Southwest and the same thing in Southeast. So, the PDP is Nigeria and so anything that affects the PDP will affect the entire country.”

Alleged N2.05b fraud: EFCC arrests four suspects

Continued from page 2

order to carry out some postings. They promised to give Friday N1, 500,000 if the deal succeeded. Friday obliged and on the day the crime was committed, Samuel disguised as a colleague of Friday who had accompanied him to work in order to gain access to the bank’s premises. They carried out the

The statement added: “Other items recovered include: furniture worth N10 million from Salihu Liman’s one-bedroom apartment in Yaba, Lagos, four vehicles, landed properties in Kano and Kaduna and a fourbedroom duplex worth N45 million in Lagos.

“Investigation into the scam continues.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

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TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘The first lesson from Awo’s political persecution and eventual triumph has remained unlearned: that political persecution and brazen attempts to destroy political opponents are ill winds that blow no one no good’ VOL. 8 NO.2,609

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

W

HAT a difference an umbrella makes – any umbrella, but the Umbrella of the PDP especially.

If you are standing under it, you are protected against the law and the Constitution, to say nothing of the ordinary annoyances and vagaries of life in Nigeria. In fact, I m almost prepared to insist that you are the law and the Constitution.

Step outside it voluntarily or involuntarily, and you instantly become a prime illustration of the instability of human greatness, bereft of any rights that the law and the Constitution are obliged to respect or protect.

When he was comfortably ensconced under the protective canopy of the PDP Umbrella first as unelected governor of the State of Osun, retired Brigadier-General (Prince) Olagunsoye Oyinlola was for all practicaly purposes the law. His every utterance was an edict. He could make and unmake, without having to answer to anyone. He had his way on practically every issue.

Continuing a practice he had inaugurated as military administrator of Lagos State, he turned Okuku Day into one of the most prominent signposts on the nation’s calendar. On that day, grateful contractors, desperate supplicants, plain hustlers, and all manner of influence-peddlers assembled in his place of birth and tried to outdo one another in contrived gestures of solidarity and philanthropy, Perhaps they still observe Okuku Day but, like Ibogun Day which brought national and international attention to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s birthplace when he was in office, it is no longer what it used to be.

All those ingrates! If invited, hardly any person who used to flock to Ibogun and Okuku will show up today, much less make pledges that they have no intention of redeeming. But while the applause lasted, those towns occupied the spotlight as never before – nor since.

In his latter career as national secretary of the PDP, Oyinlola also wielded enormous powers that only the wishes and desires of those who belong in the upper echelons of the party could countermand. If you did not belong in that group, you learned not to mess with him.

Then, Oyinlola found himself, along with other dissidents, outside the Umbrella, in circumstances not entirely of his own making, and a different reality set in.

Men who once had the power to deploy the police to break up any assembly, however lawful, and did not hesitate to exercise it, found themselves obliged to tell a lie to keep the police from breaking up their perfectly lawful assembly.

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Here, there, and yonder

•PDP logo

According to Oyinlola, the breakaway faction of the PDP, which calls itself the New PDP, could assemble at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja and elect its officers only because they had given the authorities to understand that the facility was going to be used for a wedding reception.

They should not exult yet. For all I know, in the on-going war of attrition between those standing under the Umbrella and those operating outside it, Oyinlola and company may yet be charged with gaining entry into a restricted facility under false pretences.

Next time they meet, they should announce to the world that the purpose is to generate ideas to help Her Excellency the Lady of the Rock realise her agenda of women empowerment and peace building. Heaven help the police officer or government official who would be temerarious enough to question

RIPPLES

HARDBALL

PHCN will cease to exist in few weeks– minister

H

And has it EVER EXISTED!

the motives of those assembled for such a purpose.

I was also going to suggest that if, for their next meeting, the New PDP could put it out that they were gathering to offer prayers for peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria, with General Yakubu Gowon billed to deliver the invocation, the forces of law and order would keep a respectful distance from the event.

But a certain diffidence supervened when I was reminded of what happened to a group in Swaziland which had fashioned such a pretext for staging a political meeting, something that the king of the Swazis categorically forbids. The purpose, they said, was to offer prayers for peace and prosperity in the land.

The Swazi authorities were not fooled.

The police swooped on the scene and disbanded the group on the perfectly sensible grounds that, first, there was no turmoil in the land, no conflict, no street protests to warrant such public supplication, and second, that offering payers for the nation’s prosperity carried the dark and impermissible imputation that the economy was not being run adroitly.

Go back to your homes and say your prayers there as fervently and for as long as you wish, the police admonished them sternly.

Since news travels so fast these days and bad practices travel even faster, the authorities in Abuja may well have heard of this incident and foreclosed a resort to such tactics by those who had taken themselves outside the protective canopy of the biggest Umbrella in Africa.

Even if they should now say that their secretariat building the police prevented them from commissioning the other day is in fact designed to mobilise support for the PDP’s transformation agenda to ensure a landslide victory in the 2015 general elections, it is

OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

doubtful whether they will be allowed to proceed. The authorities are taking no chances.

And after what happened to him last week, the beleaguered governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, must know that he has lost the protection of the big Umbrella irretrievably, and that nothing will avail him a place under it again.

The police would not even let his convoy take the usual route to his official residence.

A public relations officer for the Force, obviously seeking to distance the police from the act, ended up actually deepening the confusion. No blockade took place, she said.

And no order for a blockade was given by the state commissioner of police, according to the officer, DSP Angela Agabe.

Now, if the Commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu, Abuja’s point man in Rivers State and Governor Amaechi’s sworn adversary, did not order the blockade, who did? Who is in charge?

Adding to the confusion, another account quoted the police on the scene as saying that Amaechi’s convoy would be allowed to move on only if Mbu gave an order to that effect. But it he had not ordered a blockade in the first place, why would they require his approval to lift it?

The police order, it now seems in retrospect, was designed to block access to Amaechi’s former campaign headquarters, lately converted to the state secretariat of the New PDP. As the authorities might well argue, Amaechi suffered nothing worse than collateral damage, and was, in any case still able to get to his residence through another route; so, where was the so-called blockade?

Collateral damage is also what some of the former ministers whom President Goodluck Jonathan dropped curtly from his Cabinet last week suffered, especially those of them who owed their positions to persons no longer entitled to the protection of the Big Umbrella. Some among them were no doubt casualties of the Administration’s preference for loyalty over competence.

According to a leaked account, one of the ex-ministers badgered parastatals reporting to him or her into contributing N17 million to buy an SUV for his or her personal use.

Don’t count on Dr Jonathan to refer the matter to the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission for further investigation and thus turn it into a teachable moment. He is busy transforming the PDP, with the consolation that if he cannot transform Nigeria, he can at least transform the political party in whose name he governs the country.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

nuisance Value Added Services (nVAS)

OW many unsolicited Short Message Service (SMS) have hit your phone today? A dozen, 15 or 25? Yes you can have that number of banal, intrusive and desperate messages hitting your device on a daily basis these days. It has turned out to be something of a scourge in the last few weeks with voice calls being added on: your phone rings, you pick it and someone begins to sell you something. This can be particularly heart-troubling when you are in the midst of a crucial matter. Someone will get wise to sue a telco someday for aggravated heart condition. It does not matter whether you are in the middle of an important meeting or you are on the sick bed fighting off a whale of a headache; they just come at you in the frenzied bid to dip their grubby fingers into your wallet willy-nilly.

Some samplers: “NOW OR NEVER! You can win Etisalat’s MERCEDES G-WAGON TODAY 14 Sep! The game ends! Text win to 777 and get 80,000 EXTRA POINTS. Text WIN to 777 now!” Here is another: “YES or NO? Do you want to win a MERCEDES G-Wagon?

It is worth N27,000,000! ONLY THREE DAYS LEFT! Text YES to 777 and win 71000 POINTS! Text YES to 777 now.” There are over a dozen of these purportedly from Etisalat. Here is

another bearing the imprint of MTN N: “To you my dear customer, we offer you a free 7day trial of the “GradJob” service. To receive it, text GradJob to 38261. SMS is free! Offer ends 11.59 pm, 10th Sept ’13. The offers are limitless – on health, football, breaking news, spiritual quotes, inspirational quotes, bargain laptop and blackberries, intimate gists, sex products, real estate deals, exotic autos, just name it.

The cries of the much abused telecoms consumers must have filtered up and roused the graven images ensconced on mount NCC. Yes, at the 58 th edition of the consumer outreach programme (you may call it circus show) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the matter came up. And this is how an executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission responded to the worries of some consumers present: “Recent trends have shown that while the consumers will want to continue enjoying the freebies coming with promotions, the astronomical increase in the number of these promos is at the same time bringing some challenges to network congestion, drop calls and poor voice quality.”

The major telecom operators (telcos) who were at the forum simply claimed ignorance

of the so-called value-added service operators saying their messages do not emanate from their networks but the nuisance value-added stuff are routed through their channels. Besides the telcos, in their bid to out do each other churn out voice and text messages of their own with which they hound their subscribers. As opposed to what the NCC executive said, most consumers, Hardball can wager, are really not interested in the so-called freebies of the telcos; not anymore because over and over again, they have been found out to be scams coming in various outlandish guises.

The other day it was an aeroplane, today it is G-Wagon or N5 million. Next it will be the key to paradise on offer but you can bet that terms and conditions will apply; a proof that theirs is a bagful of Greek gifts.

Since the NCC has long proven to be a ‘development’ partners with the telcos or bed mates more like, who will rescue the consumer from the current rapacious scourge? If only they will have mercy on us and stop all forms of ‘feebies’, promos and value-added services for at least one year, what a huge relief that might be; we just might grow some flesh around our ears!

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