September 01, 2015 by The Nation

Newspaper of the Year

•Fed Govt to review import policy on rice, others •Ambode orders recruitment of medical workers •Three policemen missing in clash with vandals •Saraki, Ekweremadu shun suit seeking their sack •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3324 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

P63 P63 P5

Oyo tribunal: 160 to testify for INEC NEWS Page 8

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

Akpabio’s convoy, U.S. Embassy’s car collide in Abuja

N150.00

Nigeria’s first IVF baby to study medicine abroad

IGERIA’s first test tube baby is heading for Hungary to study medicine. Hannatu Kupchi, 17,was born at Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja on February 11, 1998. A ceremony was organised by the hospital on Sunday in Abuja to mark her departure. Medical Director Dr. Ibrahim Wada said Kupchi’s birthday marked the fulfillment of his medical career. “It is very difficult to make a statement on a day like this. When I was out of this coun-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

ORMER Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio yesterday spent hours at the National Hospital in Abuja after a car accident . He was discharged at about 5.10pm, accompanied out of the hospital by Governor Udom Emmanuel and Senator Theodore Orji. They left in the governor’s official car. Akpabio, who is also Senate Minority Leader, was said to be on his way to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, to catch a flight when the accident occurred. He was rushed to the National Hospital in Continued on page 4

P11

•Akpabio’s Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) after the accident...yesterday.

Continued on page 4

•INSIDE: POLICE: WE’RE WORKING TO SECURE COLUMNIST KOGBARA’S FREEDOM P10

APC, governors, others join row over Buhari’s choices SGF, Oshiomhole, Okorocha, Oyegun: they’re on merit Ohanaeze urges Igbo to be calm

From Augustine Ehikioya, Tony Akowe, Abuja, Osagie Otabor, Benin and Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

RITICS of President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointments yesterday got a reply - they are based on merit. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and some governors defended the appointments which have been criticised as sectional. The President’s men also denied that they were appointed based on sentiment, after three of them took the oath of office yesterday in Abuja. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Southeast’s leading socio-cultural group, urged the Igbo to remain calm. Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo) and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) said the appointments came strictly on merit. President Buhari swore in Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr. Babachir David Lawal, National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. BaWILL THE bagana Monguno and Special Adviser on Media and CHIBOK GIRLS EVER Publicity Mr. Femi AdesiRETURN? Continued on page 4

•UP NIGERIA: Nigerian athletes at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja before their departure for Congo for the 11th All Africa Games…yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

•E-BUSINESS P13 •TRANSPORTATION P17 •SPORTS P24 •POLITICS P45 •FOREIGN P62

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

NEWS

Anti-graft war: After a long while, former President Goodluck Jonathan is set to defend his integrity. He has rallied his troops - members of his cabinet where actions and inactions contributed to the mess the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is cleaning. How will this battle be fought? Ask BUNMI OGUNMODEDE and OLADESU EMMANUEL

P •All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (second right); Lagos House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa (right); the Ayangburen of Ikorodu,Oba Kabiru Adewale-Shotobi (second left) and former Lagos Commissioner for Agriculture & Cooperatives,Chief Kaoli Olusanya, when the Anyangburen visited Asiwaju Tinubu in Lagos...yesterday.

•From left: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar N. Onyema; Mr. Adewale Peter Obadare (Digital Encode); British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Ray Kyles; Head, Information Security, NSE, Mrs Favour Femi-Oyewole and Executive Director, Market Operations & Technology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo, at the closing gong of ISO 27001:2013 Certification at The Exchange...yesterday. PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

•From left: Wife of former Ekiti State Governor, Bisi Fayemi; Managing Director, Bookcraft Publishing House, Mr. Bankole Olayemi; his wife and seasoned journalist/activist, Mr. Kunle Ajibade, at a special evening organised in honour of Prof Wole Soyinka and other outstanding literary writers by Globacom in Lagos...at the weekend.

•Former Chief of General Staff (CGS) and Chairman of the occasion, Gen. Oladipupo Diya (second left); Managing Director, Genesis Specialist Hospital, Dr. Roger Olade (left); Dr. Muyiwa Onabanjo (middle); Dr. Gbadebo Adebayo (second right) and Dr. Ayotunde Adeyeri at the opening of Genesis Specialist Hospital at GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL.

INNED against the wall with allegations that they mismanaged public resources and plundered the nation’s wealth, some of the ministers who served in the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan regrouped at the weekend. But for the fact that they were no longer in government, the gathering, which held on Sunday in Abuja, would have passed for a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, chaired by the former President. No fewer them 15 of the former FEC members attended what many called ‘the Abuja strategy session”, at the end of which took exception to bashings from the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration that they grounded the economy. After appraising their performance in government, they scored themselves high and said they were not corrupt as being portrayed by the Buhari adminstration. Not a few Nigerians have been calling for the probe of those who flattened the nation’s economy. Some even want the probe extended beyond the immediate past administration to serve as a deterrent. The All Progressives Congress (APC) said the looting by public officials under the Jonathan administration was so massive that over-looking it by the Buhari administration will amount to a disservice to Nigerians. Its spokesman Lai Mohammed said in a statement on August 16 that only the total recovery of every kobo stolen from the public till could placate Nigerians, who have been shortchanged by those entrusted with the commonwealth. Mohammed said that whoever attempts, either by deed or word, to sabotage the recovery efforts of the Buhari administration could not be seen as patriots. The APC statement reads: “It is absolutely gratifying that Nigerians are vehemently opposed to the few who would rather have the government of the day turn a blind eye to the looted funds and, in their words, carry on with the process of governance. “Truly, what sort of governance can go on if the billions of naira in a few hands are not recovered? In the first instance, the government needs every kobo of the funds it can muster to bring about the change it has promised Nigerians. “Secondly, leaving such hair-raising funds in the hands of the few looters is dangerous, because they can use the funds to destabilise any government. “In fact, no one will be surprised if the looters use their dirty funds to sponsor public demonstrations against the government’s determination to recover the funds. “Thirdly, allowing those who privatised the commonwealth to get away is offering a thumbs-up for looting. No responsible government will do that.” According to the APC, the government will be sleeping with fire on its roof by allowing looters to walk the streets free as ill-gotten wealth could be used to cripple governance. It alleged that the looters were already embarking on a relentless and an increasingly-bold campaign to discredit the government—- in a spirited attempt to sabotage funds’ recovery, using newspaper columnists, “talking heads” and otherwise respectable opinion leaders.

“They and their paid hirelings have tried to employ sophistry to muddle the waters, but Nigerians are much wiser, and will not succumb to the dirty antics of the looters’ megaphones,” it said. The party listed some of the looting to enable Nigerians have a better appreciation of the seriousness of the issue at stake. They are: N3.8 trillion out of the N8.1 trillion earned from crude oil (2012-2015) was withheld by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); $2.1 billion from Excess Crude Account (ECA) unaccounted for; N109.7 billion royalty from oil firms unremitted by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and $6 billion allegedly looted by some ministers in the immediate past administration. Others are: $13.9 billion being proceeds of 160 million barrels of crude lost between 2009 and 2012; $15 million from botched arms deal yet to be returned to Nigeria; $13 billion Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) dividends mostly unaccounted for; N30 billion questionable waiver granted to rice importers and N183 billion unaccounted for at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The party said these “missing” funds constituted just a tip of the iceberg since they were from a few sectors of the economy – mostly the oil sector – and were discovered even before the forensic audit now being undertaken in some key areas. “The level of looting that went on in other sectors is better imagined, hence the need for all Nigerians to rally around the Buhari administration to recover the loot, bring the looters to justice and to put in place measures to prevent such looting in the future.” But at their strategy session, the former ministers dismissed the APC’s claim and mandated Abubakar Suleiman, a former National Planning Minister, to speak for them. The former ministers said “contrary to what the APC and its agents would rather have the public believe, the Jonathan administration did not encourage corruption; rather, it fought corruption vigorously, within the context of the rule of law and due process.” They listed the introduction of the e-Wallet in the distribution of government-subsidised fertiliser, the development of the Government Integrated Financial Management Platform, the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management Systems (IPPIS) as some of the anti-corruption measures initiated by the Jonathan administration. At a forum during the electioneering campaign in the run-up to the March 28 and April 11 general elections, Dr Jonathan described as petty stealing what Nigerians were describing as corruption. Jonathan’s position was a sharp contrast to Buhari’s conviction that corruption could kill Nigeria if the authority failed to decisively deal with the cankerworm. As part of his electoral promises, Buhari, who identified corruption in public office and insecurity as frontline problems plaguing the country, promised to wage an unrelenting war against the twin-menace —if elected. Though their best may not have been good enough for Nigerians, the

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

NEWS

r: Jonathan’s ministers fight back

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•Shekarau

•Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala

•Onolememen

•Mrs. Alison-Madueke

•Chidoka

•Prof. Chukwu

In fact, no one will be surprised if the looters use their dirty funds to sponsor public demonstrations against the government’s determination to recover the funds.

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Jonathan’s legacies

The mess left by PDP

•Got rid of the fraud in fertiliser subsidies with e-Wallet •Supported institutional development of strong systems and mechanisms to curb corruption in the public service and plug revenue leakages. •Development of the Government Integrated Financial Management Platform •Designed the Treasury Single Account (TSA) •Introduced Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management Systems (IPPIS) •Saved over N100 billion paid to ghost workers and ghost pensioners with the introduction of biometric registration of civil servants and pensioners. •Cleansing of the oil sector •Tarred 25, 000 kilometres of roads •Promoted multinational response to Boko Haram insurgency with the formation of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) •Commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to audit the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) •Introduced the Nigerian Content Policy •Unbundled the Power Holding Company of Nigerian (PHCN) Plc. to encourage completion in the power sector

•A mind-shattering $2.2 billion-arms scandal. •A $6.9 million-fraud committed under the guise of buying three mobile stages •A N2.5 billion-scam involving the renting of house boats. •N3.8 trillion out of the N8.1 trillion earned from crude oil (2012-2015) withheld by NNPC •$2.1 billion from Excess Crude Account (ECA) unaccounted for •N109.7 billion royalty from oil firms unremitted by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) •$6 billion allegedly looted by some ministers •$13.9 billion being proceeds of 160 million barrels of crude lost between 2009 and 2012 •$15 million from botched arms deal yet to be returned to Nigeria •$13 billion Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) dividends mostly unaccounted for •N30 billion questionable waiver granted to rice importers •N183 billion unaccounted for at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

former ministers said: “We are proud to have served Nigeria and we boldly affirm that we did so diligently and to the best of our abilities.”

said they were pushed to defend themselves because the scathing remarks on them have not stopped. “We have reserved our comment

Demanding a stop to the name-calling of those who served under the Jonathan administration and the trial by news media, the former ministers

until now, in the fervent hope that once the euphoria that may have inspired the various attacks on the past administration wears off, reason will prevail.

“But we are constrained to speak up in defence of the legacy of the Jonathan administration, and shall do so again, for as long as those who are determined to rubbish that legacy are unrelenting in their usual deployment of blackmail, persecution and similar tactics.” Six ex-ministers were closer to showcase Jonathan’s legacy landmarks “No administration can be either completely bad or completely good,” the former ministers said. The ministers said the contributions of the former President to Nigerias development deserved acknowledgement. They mandated some of their colleagues to showcase the legacy projects of the Jonathan government for Nigerians to see that the “kettle is not as black as it is being painted”. Saddled with the responsibility are: Mike Onolememen (Works); Osita Chidoka (Aviation); Ibrahim Shekarau (Education); Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Finance); Mrs. Diezani Alison Madueke (Petroleum Resources) and Onyebuchi Chukwu (Health). But critics have been wondering how some of these ministers will defend their integrity, considering the massive infrastructural deficit facing Nigeria. The airports projects remain unfinished, their contracts immersed in secrecy despite the huge cash thrown into their execution. Nigerian’s finances, hobbled by questionable subsidy payments, doubtful withdrawals and sheer recklessness, have been in trouble, even as Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala claims to have done well. The oil sector is being cleaned up, after it was bled almost to death by those who saw it as a big pipeline to siphon away Nigeria’s wealth. There are, however, those who believe that Dr. Jonathan should hold his head, having put up a noble action of conceding defeat in the March 28 presidential election. “He should be proud, continue to play the statesmen and shrug off the accusations”, a source said, adding: “Did they expect Jonathan to allow more Nigerians to die before conceding defeat? Does he not deserve to enjoy his retirement in peace?” The source, who pleaded not to be named, urged Nigerians to show more understanding “as far as Jonathan is concerned”.

Jonathan, ministers versus Buhari...and the battle ahead

ORMER President Goodluck Jonathan may not be enjoying a blissful retirement. Outside power, he is left in the cold. The presidential privileges are gone. But, the public perception about him as a former leader is also giving him a headache. Critics are asking him to render a proper account of the administration he presided over for six years. They blame him for poor governance, national economic adversity and a legacy of incompetence. However, the politician from Otuoke, Bayelsa State, is taking an exception to what he described as media trial. He is now fighting back. Dr. Jonathan is trying to mobilise his army of former ministers, advisers and personal aides for battle. It is a collective resistance by the former men of power, some of who are now in the bad book of his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari, for alleged corruption. As Jonathan’s men regroup, the criticisms against them become more intense. Regressing to a tactical defence mechanism, the former leader seeks to lift the burden of accountability by diverting public attention to some sorts of achievements, hoping to achieve a relief. But, according to ob-

servers, Nigerians who endured the lean years of his rule are not assailed by “collective amnesia”. Irked by the persistent call for the probe of his administration, especially some ex-ministers who held sensitive portfolios, Jonathan, according to reports, met his successor for 20 minutes. He made two requests: the subjection of his team to media trial should stop and election petition tribunals in Rivers and Akwa Ibom should not be hindered by interference by the Department of State Security Service (DSS). President Buhari’s response was unknown. But, sources said that the President will not compromise his anti-corruption crusade. Instructively, Jonathan cried out, barely two weeks after the activistpriest, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Dr. Mathew Kukah, who lauded Jonathan’s performance in office, advised the Federal Government against what he described as selective trial and lack of due process. For President Buhari, there is no going back on the promise to recover looted funds and try culprits in court. On the campaign podium, he had made the promise to Nigerians. Any attempt to look back after placing his

hand on the plough may backfire. There are startling revelations by Permanent Secretaries and other ministry officials who merely operated under the shadow of powerful ministers and special advisers. The rot, sources said, has not motivated the President to immediately settle down for work by appointing ministers. The National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said doing that would be tantamount to building a neat edifice on a flawed foundation. Public anger has not been doused. Under Jonathan, Nigeria had become a fragile nation; a stepping stone to a failed state. To observers, there should be explanations for billions of naira that went down the drain as the infrastructure battle failed. If Nigeria has suffered from power outage for years, if the National Assembly has blown the whistle on oil subsidy scam, if money earmarked for arms to fight insurgents were not properly utilised and billions that should be in the government purse developed wings, some people must be ready to accept responsibility. The trial of suspected corrupt officials has not commenced fully. Inves-

tigations are still on. But, the sack of government officials appointed by the past administration underscored President Buhari’s resolve to maintain a clean break from the past. Clearing the Augean stable is a major priority. The President has appointed new helmsmen for the Armed Forces, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Customs and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). In the first 100 days of Buhari in office, Nigerians have been heaving a sigh of relief. They have invested hope in change. Electricity is becoming more stable. Even the refineries are being revived. Also, despite the fall in oil earnings, the country can boast of improved revenue. The Federal Government has embarked on the proactive measure of bailing out distressed states from their financial mess. Civil servants are turning a new leaf. The government is sharpening its arrows against fraudulent public officials. The President has said that there will be no sacred cows. What the Jonathan forces have resorted to is to pre-empt the Commander-In-Chief’s move to bring erring officers to book. Reminiscent of the presidential campaign days, a battle

signal has been given. The approach is to move from the defensive to the offensive position. A respected priest has reminded Nigerians that former President Jonathan’s performance was spectacular in some ways. Thus, in few weeks time, when the new opposition cabinet assembled by the former leader swings into action, there will be a sort of media war. Ahead of their investigation by the anti-graft bodies, the former ministers will render accounts in the people’s court to swing public opinion. They will tell Nigerians that Jonathan was the architect of the relatively stable power supply, the notable success recorded in the anti-terror war and the improved revenue base. Ethnic voices in the South will be recruited to criticise the President over his silence on the report of the defunct National Conference. Critics will challenge the President to tell Nigerians what he has done differently in three months. Also, Jonathan’s men will beam a searchlight on the political appointments made so far by President Buhari, to demonstrate their lopsidedness and violation of the federal character principle, and to the detriment of the Southwest and the Southsouth.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

NEWS Nigeria’s first IVF baby to study medicine abroad Continued from page 1

•President Muhammadu Buhari (second right), Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (middle) with (from right) Secretary to the Government to the Federation (SGF) Babachir, David Lawal, National Security Adviser (NSA) Maj.-Gen. Babagana Mongonu and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina after they were sworn in by the President at the Council Chambers in Abuja...yesterday

‘Fear of competition forced Obasanjo, others out of PDP’

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said stiff competition from formidable opponents was responsible for the exit of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the party. At a press conference in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said the PDP’s loss of the May 29 presidential election also contributed to the exodus of its members. Some of its foundation members who quit the PDP are Mr. Audu Ogbeh, Senator Barnabas Gemade and Dr. Iyorchia Ayu. Others who left on grounds of injustice include a former National Secretary, Prince Ola-

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

gunsoye Oyinlola; Senate President Bukola Saraki; Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal. Also, five of the party’s former governors left in 2013. They are Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Musa Kwankwaso (Kano); Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); and Abdulfatai Ahmed (Kwara). Metuh said: “In PDP, no matter where you come from or who you are, you compete. People left because they could not stand competition. Some members felt that they were not well protected when they sought assistance. “Others left because we lost

election, others for individual ambition, while some others left when they honestly felt they were not accommodated in the party. “We recall with pride that the founding fathers of the PDP are heroes who rose to the challenge, stood up for millions of other citizens, confronted the military and restored genuine democracy, national unity and stability, entrenched the rule of law and enlarged the political space we all enjoy today”. The party’s spokesman, however, said despite the loss of the presidency, the PDP was in the process of being repositioned to reconnect with the people and ensure that its position was not misunderstood.

According to him, the party will soon organise a national conference where the reasons why PDP performed poorly in the last general elections would be dissected. Discussions at the planned conference, Metuh said, would be based on the findings by the Senator Ike Ekweremadu led post-election assessment committee. Faulting the anti corruption campaign under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, Metuh said the PDP did not magnify its anti-corruption war to the extent of “de-marketing Nigeria”. “We fought corruption with the extant laws of the country. Everybody was investigated in obedience to people’s fundamental rights”, he said.

Insurgency ’ll end soon, says Defence spokesman

HE Defence Headquarters said yesterday that the end of insurgency in Nigeria is in sight and that all known camps of insurgents on Nigerian territory have been dislodged. The Acting Director, Defence

Information, Col. Rabe Abubakar, spoke yesterday in Abuja when he visited Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Mr. Ima Niboro. Abubakar said the military will continue to dominate the insur-

gents’ hideouts in the North East so that the Boko Haram menace would end soon. ``We, for the past weeks, have been in the North East to ensure that we do all what we can as military personnel to quell the activities of these insur-

gents. ``So far so good as I’m speaking with you the major hideouts and the major camps of the militants are no more. ``They are in disarray now, the central command of the terrorContinued on page 61

try, I knew there were people who wanted babies. I made the decision to come back to Nigeria to help people. It happened on February 11, 1998 when this historic event occurred at this hospital. “The baby of that historic day is going to become a doctor. Because the parents stood firm, we were able to help others. You gave us government recognition and that was important. It was the first time that a minister came to receive a baby in Nigeria. I want to assure you (Hannatu),that after graduation, there is an automatic employment for you. .” Kupchi expressed gratitude to the hospital for giving her “a life”. Continued on page 58

Akpabio’s convoy, U.S. Embassy’s car collide in Abuja Continued from page 1

the city, where doctors described his condition as stable. Akpabio’s car ran into a convoy of a U.S. diplomat. A Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) personnel, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Akpabio may

have suffered some injuries in the chest region “due to the way he held his chest after the incident”. The FRSC operatives also said “from the look of things other occupants of the vehicles in the convoy and Akpabio’s driver did not seem to have Continued on page 61

Boko Haram: US reassures Nigeria of support

NITED States (US) have strongly condemned the recent attacks in the Northeast. In a Statement by John Kirby, U.S. Department of State Spokesperson, Washington, D.C. reassured Nigeria of continued support in the fight against terrorism. The statement reads: "The

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

United States strongly condemns the raids on villages in northeast Nigeria on August 28, and we extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones of the civilians who were killed and injured. " These recent raids are just Continued on page 61

CORRECTION Former Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) Managing Director Mr. Haruna Momoh, did not travel to Switzerland as reported in The Nation on Sunday of August 30. We hold Mr. Momoh in high esteem. We will not do anything to denigrate him. The error is regretted.

APC, governors, others join row over Buhari’s choices Continued from page 1

na. Adesina was appointed on May 31. Monguno was appointed on July 13 and Lawal was appointed August 27. At the brief ceremony, Lawal, who spoke on behalf of others, said: “We want to thank God for granting President the vision, wisdom, kindness and boldness to consider us worthy for positions of responsibilities. “We got appointed into these positions, not because of our tribes or our faiths or our political groups. “If it is such, I am sure none of us would have been con-

sidered worthy of these appointments. We appreciate the President and we appreciate God that he has blessed us with these privileged appointments. “It is a privilege to serve Nigerians in these capacities at this point in time. Nigeria is at the threshold of achieving greatness and it is our honour and privilege to be senior members of the team that will propel the country to this greatness.” He told the President: “We have in you and the Vice President leaders that lead by example, leaders that are focused; whose goal is to build a Nigeria where there is lib-

erty, security, economic prosperity and the rule of law. “We are grateful that we are part of the team to deliver this goal. Accept our assurances that by the grace of God, we will not fail you, we will not fail our country, we will not fail ourselves, our families and our friends. By the grace of God. We will strive at all times to serve our country and to serve you with excellence, hardwork and integrity.” APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun assured Nigerians that President Buhari is not unmindful of the principle of federal character in the appointments of public officers. He said the President will definitely balance appointments across all the geopolitical regions. Speaking when he received a delegation from MBO Dynamic Support Group, led by its national coordinator, Hon. Usman Ibrahim, the APC chairman urged Nigerians who are aggrieved by the appointments to remain calm and give the President the chance to balance his appointments.

Odigie-Oyegun said there was a lot of fight back from the people who want to draw back the nation under the Buhari administration, adding: “There have been a lot of unfortunate misinformation and uproar against appointments at this stage. We have two sets of appointments that have been made. “One set is the personal privilege of Mr. President - as far as his personal staff are concerned. The other set has to do with a few important and strategic persons that are going to help him either in the fight against corruption or the fight against insurgency in the Northeast of our country, but this is not where to play the political balancing game. “These are serious and the President has the right to appoint those he has confidence in because these are the areas where he has made promises to Nigerians. But we have thousands of political appointments and he has just made a few appointments while thousands are still waiting. “The balancing must happen when the political ap-

pointments are being made but we must not at this particular point in time with the few appointments say that one must be from the North, one must be from South or from the East; not at this stage. “So, one must make that clear. Nobody, no leader can disadvantage any part of this nation, that will not happen.” On the anti-corruption battle, Odigie-Oyegun said: “If a particular group has ruled for 16 years, then who is guilty of corruption? And all the fight, witch-hunt are neither here no there. “What is important is that everybody who has a skeleton in his cupboard has something to fear; if you do not have any skeleton in the cupboard you go to sleep and sleep very sound but of course if you have, you will pretend and try to divert attention.” Ohanaeze Ndigbo yesterday urged Ndigbo in Nigeria and in the diaspora to avoid any confrontation with the government. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Secretary-General Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, told reporters in

•Odigie-Oyegun

Enugu that the best option “especially in view of the present circumstance of skewed pattern of appointments by President Buhari, which has completely excluded Ndigbo from key strategic positions in the Federal Government is to remain calm and watch events as they unfold.” Continued on page 61

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

NEWS

Saraki, Ekweremadu shun suit seeking their sack

ENATE President, Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and three others yesterday in Abuja shunned the resumed hearing of a suit seeking their sack. Although it was not mandatory for Saraki, Ekweremadu and the other defendants in the suit to attend proceedings in person, they were required to be represented by their lawyers. Yesterday, none of the defendants was represented by lawyers when the case was called before Justice Adeniyi Ademola, to whom the case was transferred from Justice Gabriel Kolawole, who ended his sitting as the vacation judge at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Justice Ademola, who was uncomfortable that none of the defendants was represented in court, noted that the choice of Monday was with the consent of lawyers to parties in the suit. The judge, following the decision by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Mamman Osuman (SAN) to withdraw his motion for interlocutory injunction, struck out the motion. Justice Ademola agreed with Osuman that the motion, which sought to restrain

Buhari orders increase tempo against polio From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

•Judge deplores Senate leaders’ conduct •Returns case file for re-assignment From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

the Senate leadership from constituting ad hoc committees, had been overtaken by events, and that the prayers contained in the motion were similar to those contained in the plaintiffs’ ex-parte application which Justice Kolawole earlier refused to grant. The judge, whose time as the vacation judge, will end soon, said he would return the case file to the chief judge for reassignment at the end of the court’s vacation. Other defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/651/ 2015, are the National Assembly, the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Clerk of the Senate. Senators Abu Ibrahim, Kabir Marafa, Ajayi Boroffice, Olugbenga Ashafa and Suleiman Hunkuyi are the plaintiffs. It is their contention that the election of Saraki and Ekweremadu as president and deputy president was invalid on the grounds that the Senate’s Standing Orders 2015 used for the election was a forged doc-

ument. The plaintiffs argued that since the Senate’s Standing Order 2011, which was the valid Senate Rules as at the proclamation of the Eighth Senate on June 9, was not known to have been validly altered before the election, the 2015 Rules could not be said to be a legitimate document. They stated, in a supporting affidavit, that the Senate’s Standing Orders 2015 was “contrived” from the amendment of the 2011 version of the Orders without following its (the 2011 edition’s) relevant provisions and those of the Constitution. The plaintiffs argued that the amendment was in breach of the “prescriptive procedures” stipulated by Section 60 of the constitution (as amended) and Rule 110(1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the Senate Standing Orders 2011 (as amended). They prayed the court for the following reliefs: *A declaration that the Senate’s Standing Order 2011(as amended) is the proper, valid, constitutional and subsist-

ing Rules/Standing Orders of the Eighth Senate. *A declaration that the Senate’s Standing Order 2015(as amended), not being a product of any legitimate amendment pursuant to Rule 110 of the Senate’s Standing Orders 2011 (as amended), is invalid, illegal, unconstitutional. *A declaration that the election of the 1st and 2nd defendants as the president and peputy president of the Senate of the Eighth Senate pursuant to the Senate’s Standing Orders 2015 and contrary to Rules 3(3)(e) and (k), Chapter II of the Senate’s Standing Orders 2011, is illegal and unconstitutional. *An order setting aside the purported election of the 1st and 2nd defendants as Senate president and deputy Senate president of the Eighth Senate; an order setting aside the Senate Standing Orders 2015 and an order directing the Eighth Senate to elect its presiding officers in accordance with Section 54 of the Constitution and Rules 3(3)(e) and (k)of the Senate’s Standing Orders 2011.

•President Buhari

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday ordered increase tempo against polio virus in Nigeria. He gave the directive while receiving polio high level advocacy team at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja. Efforts, he said, should be doubled in order not to allow any gap that might prevent Nigeria being certified polio free by World Health Organization (WHO) by the year 2017. Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the closed-door meeting, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health, Linus Awute said: “As it is now there is no polio in our country but then we still need to monitor that throughout a period of two years. “That is why we need to intensify routine immunization, ensuring that there is

no leakage, no gap until 2017 when we shall be certified a polio free country having arrested the transmission for upward of one year plus. “The president directed us to sustain the tempo that has led us thus far after 17 years and how to do that is clearly developed in the template upon which we are going to work in collaboration with the state governors,” he said. According to him, there is need to interface and make further pronouncements that would boost the gains so far recorded in polio eradication in the country. He added: “In doing that, the stakeholders are required and that is why a strong advocacy group, a high level advocacy group that happens to be the pillar and foundation of this tremendous effort was led down here to interface with President. “We also needed that one to happen at the instance of the governors of the 11 states where polio before now was endemic. “So, the gains of it, is that we have a consensus on what we must or must not do to be able to cherish the gains that we have made,” he stated

Omotola, D’Banj, Bono make case for women, girl-child

OPULAR Nollywood star Omotola JaladeEkeinde, star musician D’Banj and others are involved in a campaign seeking an end to abuse of women and the girlchild. The campaign, being championed by ONE.org, involves nearly seven million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease. They intend to achieve this with the theme, ‘Poverty is Sexist’ and a remix of the song: ‘Strong Girls’, which is about women’s empowerment and justice, written by Arielle T, Blessing, Gabriella, Judith Sephuma, Selmor Mtukudzi, Vanessa Mdee, Victoria Kimani, Waje and Yemi Alade . The remix will feature D’Banj, Diamond, Banky W, Femi Kuti, Bono and will be produced by

•Banky W (right), D’Banj (fourth left), Omotola (third right) and others at the event.

Rivers: Appeal Court reserves judgment in Wike, PDP appeals

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

against Wike’s election. PDP and Wike also want the Court of Appeal to set aside the permission granted the petitioners - All Progressives Congress ( APC) and its governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside - to inspect materials used for the April 11 governorship election. Arguing his client’ appeal yesterday, Wike’s lawyer, Emmanuel Ukala urged the court uphold the appea on the ground that the tribunal was wrong in granting the petitioners the permission to inspect election materials without given them (the appellants) adequate notice. Ukala equally urged the

court to reverse the tribunal’s decision to the effect that it could sit outside the state where election was held to determine dispute from such election for security reasons. Lawyer to the PDP, Ifedayo Adedipe aligned with Ukala in his submission and urged the court to allow his client’s appeal. In a counter-argument, lawyer to APC and Peterside, Akin Olujinmi (SAN) urged the court to dismissed the appeals for lacking in merit and substance. Olujimi was of the view that the tribunal was right in sitting in Abuja for security reasons. He also argued that the tribunal was in order in granting permission to the petitioners to inspect all the materials

Abuja

Cobhams Asuquo. The news conference on the campaign held at the weekend. It was attended by A-list music and movie stars like Omotola, Waje, Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), D’Banj and Bono, who is the lead singer of U2 and cofounder of ONE, Banky W, Selmor Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe) and Dr. Sipho S. Moyo. “Women and girls everywhere are disadvantaged from the moment they are born. Who doesn’t want their sisters, daughters, nieces to have the same chances in life as their brothers, sons and nephews? That’s why this Strong Girl remix is so important. Our message is loud and it’s impossible to ignore, I hope that our leaders are listening.” Omotola said.

Online investigative newspaper debuts

•Party seeks reversal of tribunal’s relocation to Abuja HE Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgment in the appeals filed by the Peoples Democratic Party ?(PDP) and the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike. The PDP and Wike, who was the party’s governorship candidate in the last election, are by their appeals, challenging two decisions by the Rivers State governorship election petitions tribunal, currently sitting in Abuja. The appellants want the appellate court to set aside the tribunal’s ruling, where it held that it was validly constituted and that, for security reasons, it could sit in Abuja as against Port-Harcourt, to determine the petition filed

From Augustine Ehikioya,

•Wike

used for the disputed election. Olujinmi said the tribunal, headed by Justice Muazu Pindiga, was right when it held that it was properly constituted to determine the petition by the APC and Peterside. Presiding judge, Justice Abubakar Yahaya, after listening to arguments by parties and heard them adopted their briefs, informed them that a date will be communicated to them for the court’s decision.

N online investigative newspaper, Untold, has debuted. The newspaper is published by JADES Communications Limited, an Information Technology and Media Company. A statement by its Editor-in-Chief, Adejuwon Soyinka, yesterday said it launched the investigative news medium after realising that the online media landscape “is totally devoid of a truly investigative news publication wholly devoted to serving the readers with news behind the news”. The statement reads: “And this is exactly where Untold comes in. Served on an aesthetically appealing web platform, easily accessible at www.untoldng.com, the publication employs investigative journalism skills to take on issues that affect every day lives of the people and expose the facts and news behind the news. “So when the news breaks, the Nigerian online audience, which as at the last count, stood at over 62.4 million and is reputed for being the largest in Africa, can rely on Untold news website for not only the breaking news but an exposè on why the item in the news made the headlines.” Soyinka, who also doubles as the chief executive officer, JADES Communications Limited, is a multiple award- winning journalist who has to his credit not less than 10 Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NMMA) and a few others, including the Diamond Award for Media Excellence (DAME) and the Wole Soyinka Prize for Investigative Journalism. He was until recently the Deputy General Editor, TELL.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

NEWS A GOVERNOR AT WORK

•Fayose addressing late comers who prostrated and knelt to beg for forgiveness...yesterday.

•Fayose pricing palm oil

•Fayose being cheered by some people while driving a van

•Fayose distributing Christmas chickens

Fayose...One day, one drama G

IVE it to him, he is the king of drama. Ayodele Peter Fayose, the Ekiti State governor, knows the game. Hardly does any day pass without him being involved in one drama or the other. In Ado-Ekiti, the state capital yesterday, civil servants whose penchant for coming

By Olukorede Yishau, Assistant Editor

late to work gave the governor a good script to act out. His Excellency was punctual and on hand to catch the late comers. Mr. ‘no-nonsense’ gave it to the late comers and in their suits, they prostrated and

knelt down, begging His Excellency to spare their lives sorry, their jobs. If he is not at the buka, eating pounded yam with some of his aides, he is at the palmwine shop taking some shots of the natural drink. You can also catch him on okada, going to the market to buy pepper, onion or palm

oil. At some other times, His Excellency is driving a pick-up van, cheered on by excited passers-by or distributing Christmas chickens to workers. Do not be shocked too if you see His Excellency clearing the drainage or personally hanging the picture of his

predecessor on the wall in the government House. Last Friday, Fayose stunned many when he appointed a 72-year-old illiterate carpenter as a local government caretaker committee chairman. He gave him a graduate as a Personal Assistant. Not a few believe the PA will end up doing the job.

It means nothing whether or not the man can sign papers or not. The Osoko, as he loves to be addressed, does not give a damn. Criticise him from now till eternity for his actions or inactions, he simply does not have any apology. Afterall, it’s all in day’s work

Ex-legislative aides protest unpaid N9b severance package

IDES to members of the National Assembly yesterday protested their unpaid N9billion duty tour and severance allowances. No fewer than 3,000 former aides were yesterday represented at the National Assembly. The Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Ben Efeturi, assured the protesters that everything would be done to address their concerns. Efeturi said the National Assembly’s management would not unduly cause them pains. The protesting aides were led to the office of the Act-

From Jide Babalola, Assistant Editor, Abuja

ing Clerk by the Chairman of the Southwest chapter of National Assembly Legislative Aides Forum (NASSLAF), Al-Maroof Yinka Ajibolu. According to Ajibolu, the aides were demanding to be paid Duty Tour Allowances (DTA) that have been due since April, last year. “We had to meet them over our delayed severance benefits and our unpaid DTA”, Ajibolu told The Nation shortly before the peaceful protest march to the Acting Clerk’s office.. He also said the Severance

Gratuity Allowance which ought to have been paid immediately after legislators received theirs about two months ago. Mr. Efeturi, who made futile efforts to reach the National Assembly’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Alhaji Lasisi Bukoye on telephone, gave assurances that he would ensure a meeting between the aggrieved aides’ leaders and Bukoye today. “They promised to pay the DTA, which ought to have been paid since April after legislators collected theirs but till date, the National Assembly management has kept quiet on the matter, knowing that we would be

‘

They promised to pay the DTA, which ought to have been paid since April after legislators collected theirs but till date, the National Assembly management has kept quiet on the matter, knowing that we would be more focussed on the severance allowance

more focussed on the severance allowance. “Also, they ought to have paid us the severance allowance immediately after paying that of legislators but all that we are hearing is that some people are trying to figure out the best way to short-change us and ensure that we do not get our full

’

entitlements. “Such problems have occurred in the past but this time, we are more than ready for them as we know that President Mohammadu Buhari and Speaker Dogara would bring down the full weight of the law on any of the officials who may be implicated in National Assem-

bly shenanigans,” an aide, who requested anonymity, stated. On July 24, in response to The Nation’s enquiry, Bukoye blamed the delay in payment on paucity of funds. The outstanding (DTA) being owed each of the approximately 3, 000 aides is about N75, 000. Also, in conformity with the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission’s stipulations, each of the five aides serving 109 Senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives is entitled to amounts ranging from N1 million to N4 million after four years’ service.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

NEWS Fayose attacks Buhari again

Ibadanpoly workers begin strike

•’President promoting northern agenda’

•Protest unpaid salary

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose has again attacked President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing him of carrying out a “tainted ethnic and tribal colouration inimical to the country’s unity.” Fayose, reacting to the appointments by the President, accused Buhari of carrying out what he called “northernisation of Nigeria.” He said the appointments “negate the principle of federal character and it appears the unity in diversity of Nigeria is being taken for granted by the President.” In a statement yesterday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said it was wrong for Buhari to have made 31 major appointments and only seven would come from the South. He accused the President of abandoning the key projects initiated by former President Goodluck Jonathan, such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Lokoja Highway and the Second Niger Bridge. Fayose asked: “Under Buhari, are people from the South only meant to be hounded and harassed by anti-corruption agencies and the Department of State Security (DSS), while those from the North are meant to enjoy Federal Government’s juicy appointments?” He said: “Besides the lopsided appointments by the President, I’m worried that the building of the LagosIbadan Expressway has been slowed down and work has stopped on the Lokoja-Abuja roads, which are the major roads linking the South with the North. “Also, we have been told by the Federal Government that the Second Niger Bridge project has been suspended and one is beginning to remember how Buhari cancelled the Lagos metro-line project in 1985 at a loss of over $78 million (then) to the Lagos tax payers.” Fayose, who noted that the country could only move forward if there was equity and fairness, said those who made the constitution and enshrined the principle of federal character were mindful of the nation’s ethnic diversity, adding that President Buhari’s running Nigeria as if he was a Northern Nigeria’s President was not in the country’s interest. His words: “They said the President made the appointments on merit and I wish to ask whether there are no competent people in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South, especially in the Southeast where no one has been appointed. “Are they saying Igbo leader like Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, who graduated with a first-class degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos, is not competent to be appointed as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)?

•Governor Aregbesola (right), Amb. Sosa (second right), his wife, Nelba Peirg Morales (second left) and Deputy of the Mission, Miriam Morales Palmero (left), during the visit... yesterday

Cuba is committed to mankind’s development, says Aregbesola

SUN State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola yesterday acknowledged the Republic of Cuba as a nation that has demonstrated high capacity for international human compassion based on humanitarian commitment to the development of mankind. He spoke when the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Trejo Soza, visited him in Osogbo on the death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade. Aregbesola hailed the Cuban government for its response to the fight against the Ebola virus in West Africa. He said the government was elated when religious associations in Cuba wrote to commiserate with the state on the demise of the monarch, adding that they included the Council of Elder Priests of Ifa in Cuba,

•Envoy mourns Ooni the Council of Elder Priests Oba-Oriaye of Cuba and Council of Elder Iyalochas Priestesses in Cuba. Others, according to him, were the Council of Elder Babalochas Priests of Cuba, Council of Elder Arará Priests of Cuba and Council of Priests Chiefs of Cabildos in Cuba. The governor said he shared in the ideologies of Cuba, adding that the country was the focus of his activism. Speaking on his relationship and love for Cuba, Aregbesola recounted that his eldest child and son was sent to a Cuban university after his secondary education in Nigeria. He said: “This is an opportunity to let the world know how my son went to Cuba to study. He went to Cuba on scholarship from The Ni-

gerian-Cuba Friendship, Business and Cultural Association in 1999. He was there for six years. “Interestingly, the boy graduated from the University of Matanzas in 2005 and again, it was interesting that the person who accompanied me to his graduation was Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. It is nice to recount these so that Nigerians will know how long and how far we have been with the Cuban people.” Amb. Soza said he was in Osun to pay tribute to the late Ooni of Ife, whom he described as the father of the world. He prayed for the repose of his soul, saying: “We join in the pains of the Yoruba worldwide, Osun State, the children and the family of the late father of the world for the loss of such a dear fa-

ther. “Besides paying tribute to the late Ooni, I have come to pay homage to my ancestors. There is an enormous contribution by Africa, Nigeria, most especially the Yoruba, which has helped Cuba to develop. “We will continue to keep tradition, religion and the relationship we have with Africa. Studies have shown that Cubans have a DNA that is 100 per cent African and 60 per cent Yoruba. We have everything in common with the Yoruba.” Soza said he was not surprised that Osun State had a man who was highly respected in Cuba as its governor. The Cuban ambassador came with the Deputy Head of Cuban Commission to Nigeria, Mrs. Miriam Morales Palmero and the wife of the ambassador, Mrs. Nelba Peirg Morales.

Woman politician killed in Ondo

50-YEAR-old politician, Mrs. Ronke Adelugba, has been allegedly beaten to death in her home in Akure, the Ondo State capital, by the policemen attached to the Ala Division. Sources said the deceased was the Woman Leader of the Accord at Ward five in Akure South Local Government. She was allegedly hit with a gun and beaten up by two of the seven policemen, who invaded her home, after a disagreement. The policemen reportedly came in a white police hilux van registered as NPF 4236 B. They were said to have stormed No. 1, Akinyemi

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Street, off Ijoka Road, Akure, after searching a nearby bush for boys suspected to be Indian hemp smokers. The sources said when the policemen did not see anybody in the bush, they headed for Mrs. Adelugba’s home in search of the suspected hoodlums. It was learnt that an argument ensued with the deceased, who insisted that only her children were in the three-bedroom apartment. According to the sources, the woman said she would not allow her children to be arrested without any explanation or warrant. The deceased, it was gath-

ered, was beaten up with the gun and she slumped and died. The eye witnesses said the policemen were fond of raiding bars and ‘drinking joints’ at weekends to arrest young boys, who would later be asked to bail themselves with money ranging from N5,000 to N10,000 without being charged with any offence. It was learnt that the policemen, after allegedly killing the woman, fled. Neighbours later carried her body to Ala Police Station. The policemen took the body to the State Specialist Hospital morgue. One of the deceased’s children, who identified himself as Henry, told reporters that

his mother had no history of illness and had never been hospitalised. He said she only asked one question from the leader of the policemen before she was beaten up by the other two. One hit her in the head with a baton and the other hit her with a gun. Police spokesman Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the incident, said the woman panted and died after the policemen left the house. He claimed she was not killed by the policemen as alleged by the family. Ogodo said an autopsy would be carried out on the deceased, adding that they had begun investigation to unravel the cause of her death.

ACADEMIC activities were paralysed yesterday at The Polytechnic, Ibadan as members of the Academic staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) embarked on an indefinite strike to protest non-payment of five months’ salary. Before the union announced the beginning of the strike, the workers went round in procession to sensitise members, following the state government’s inability to pay outstanding salaries. The ASUP Secretary, Comrade Akande Adekunle, told reporters that members were hungry because the government failed to pay their five months’ salary. Adekunle, who urged the government to pay their salary arrears, noted that ASUP members had been experiencing irregularity in the payment of their salaries since last year. Efforts to speak with the institution’s spokesman, Adewole Soladoye, proved abortive. Despite the peaceful protest by ASUP members, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) has promised to revive the school’s radio station, which it said would create employment opportunities. The new SUG President, Joseph Esho, addressing reporters yesterday at the swearing-in, said the station was one of the innovations the SUG planned to bring into the institution.

Osun Assembly urges agencies, ministries, others to cut cost From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

THE Osun State House of Assembly yesterday advised agencies of government, ministries and parastatals to minimise the cost of governance. After reviewing the progress of the state since its creation about 24 years ago, the 26-member Assembly passed a resolution that arms of the government should work out ways of reducing the waste of resources associated with governance. It urged civil servants to change their partisan attitude to work, expressing worry that the level of partisanship in the public service had negated the principle of the ethics of their job. Conveying the resolution of the House, the Speaker, Najeem Salaam, said: “The waste of government must be reduced to a minimal level so that we will focus on the things that will improve social benefit for our people. “Political functionaries and technocrats must be called upon to look into this and be ready to develop the state. It is a collective responsibility that we must join hands to achieve. “The attitude of our workforce and the orientation has to be changed. The rate of partisanship of workers has become a thing of worry.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

NEWS How Buhari should honour Fawehinmi, by activists

Two feared killed in Ogun cult clashes

IVIL rights campaigners have renewed calls for the renaming of the headquarters of the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja after the late human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi. Speaking yesterday at a conference in Lagos, organised by the Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation (GAFAMORG), Dr. Joe Odumakin, Olufemi Aduwo, Venerable Folorunsho Oginni and Goodluck Obi, among others, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to establish a Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Square in Abuja where aggrieved people and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) could gather for peaceful protests. Dr. Odumakin, the president of Women Arise for Change Initiative and Campaign for Democracy, supported a call by the Chairman of GAFAMORG, Ayodele Akele, on how Fawehinmi should be immortalised. She said: “Gani was one of the most principled defenders of human rights and democratic values. He died without realising his dreams for Nigeria. Gani gave his life for all of us. If he did not fight, what would have happened to human rights? What would have happened to education without Gani? We must remember this illustrious son of Africa, this dogged fighter and all he lived and died for.” Fawehinmi, a fiery social critic, died of cancer in a London hospital at 71. Mr. Obi, the deputy chairman of the National Conscience Party in the Southeast, relived how the legal icon represented him (NCP) for free when he was an undergraduate at the University of Ibadan. He said: “We must all emulate Gani’s ideals.” Mr. Aduwo, the president of the Rights Monitoring Group, hailed the late legal icon’s role in the defence of civil rights, while Venerable Oginni recalled Fawehinmi’s role in the June 12 struggle. He admonished students’ un-

•The late Chief Fawehinmi By Robert Egbe

ions and their leaders to follow the path of honour in the defence of their rights. The convener, Comrade Akele, said Fawehinmi was the conscience of the nation “and Nigerians owe it a duty to immortalise the ideals he stood for, hence the call for the renaming of the commission and the establishment of the square after him, by President Buhari.” He enjoined the President to change his tactics in the war against Boko Haram insurgency, as over 1,000 people had died in 92 days of the new administration. Akele decried mass termination in the federal civil service and disagreed with the bailout funds allocated to the states without querying how they accumulated their debts. “The Buhari I used to know would have questioned the states; how they spent their past allocations before giving them a bailout,” he said. Akele advised the President to screen the people around him if he wanted to win the war against corruption, “because one man can definitely not fight corruption, particularly if he’s surrounded by corrupt elements and processes.” Accusing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of playing to the gallery, the activist said: “There is no reason the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, is still in office. The Buhari of the past would have removed him.” The conference was the first in a three-day, four-legged series of events in memory of Chief Fawehinmi and will include a rally in Lagos, as well as a public lecture and a night of tributes in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Oyo tribunal: INEC to present NE hundred and sixty 160 witnesses witnesses are to testi-

fy at the Oyo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Ibadan, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lead counsel, Yusuf Ali (SAN), said yesterday. Sikiru Sanni, who held the fort for Ali, said the witnesses would be selected from the 33 local governments to prove to the tribunal that INEC conducted free, fair and credible election. The Accord candidate in the April 11 governorship poll, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, challenged the declaration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner. He joined the APC, Dr. Rufus Akeju, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and the commission as co-respondents. Chief Richard Ogunwole (SAN) represented the first and second petitioners. Olumuyiwa Aduroja (SAN) and Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

(SAN) were counsel to the first and second respondents, while Ali led a team of lawyers for the third and fourth respondents. He prayed the court to adjourn the case till tomorrow to enable him gather his witnesses. The lawyer said: “We have substantial witnesses to present to this tribunal within the five days allotted to us. We promise to utilise the time allotted to us judiciously.” The lead counsel to the second respondent, Chief Akeredolu, who ought to present his witnesses yesterday, closed his case without presenting any witness. He said: “We are not presenting any witness because we have light evidence presented by the petitioner’s counsel. We will not want to waste the time of this panel by presenting any witness.”

WO persons were feared killed and many were injured yesterday in an attack between suspected members of cult groups. The incident occurred at Agodo, Elega, Iberekodo and Adatan in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State. For over two hours, there was panic in the communities. Residents, who came out early, ran back for safety, as the suspected cult members used cutlasses, guns and other weapons on one another. At Ago-Odo, a 32-year-old

•Scores injured •Police nab 122 From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

man, Babatunde Alamutu, was found dead in a pool of blood. Another person was reportedly killed at Elega. Senior police officers and operatives of the special units, including men of the Department of State Security (DSS), the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) and scores of police officers, who were led by the Abeokuta Area Commander, Presley Dodeh and the Divisional Police Officer of Adatan,

Ogunjobi Tolani, restore peace. The security operatives, who stormed the areas in 14 Hilux vans and an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), raided a house believed to belong to one of the leaders of a cult group. He was said to be a suspected member of the Oodua Peoples Congress. Three buildings at Sodolamu compound were damaged and vehicles were vandalised. Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi told The

Nation that one person, Babatunde Alamutu, was killed. He said his remains was taken to a morgue in Abeokuta, adding that 33 suspected cult members were arrested. Adejobi said 84 suspected cult members were nabbed a forest at Igbesa on Sunday while they were planning to carry out cult-related rites. Seven others were apprehended in Ilaro. He said the suspects, who had been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), would be screened to ascertain their cult groups.

•Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade (middle); Chairman, Adegoke Adelabu Foundation, Oloye Lekan Alabi (third left); members - Nurudeen Adelabu (son of the deceased) (right); Mrs Adeteju Adelabu (left); Adekeye Adelabu (second right) and others when members of the Foundation visited Oba Odugade to brief him on the Adegoke Adelabu post-humous. Centenary Birthday Celebration in Ibadan...yesterday PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

Fayose vows to shut four banks for ‘tax evasion’

KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose has threatened to close four commercial banks for alleged refusal to pay taxes running into several millions of naira. The governor, who spoke yesterday at a meeting with retirees in Ado Ekiti, the capital, said he obtained a court order to shut the banks. Fayose, who accused the banks of shortchanging the government despite making profits, said it would not be business as usual, adding that he would not allow banks and other corporate organisations to defraud the state. He warned the banks and organisations owing taxes and levies to pay or risk being closed. Fayose stressed that he would compel private nursery, primary and secondary schools to pay the newly-imposed taxes before resumption. Each private school is ex-

•Locks out civil servants for lateness From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

pected to pay N150,000. Anybody who buys one cow to be slaughtered for any ceremony will pay N1,000. The governor told the pensioners that he was targeting haulage vehicles passing through the state, as taxes would be imposed on them to generate revenue. He urged them to be patient, saying he was battling with the debt incurred by the last administration. He promised to meet their demands as soon as the financial situation improved. Fayose caught hundreds of civil servants by surprise when he visited the secretariat unannounced. The governor, who arrived at 8am, ordered that the main gate be locked. Fayose, sporting a black suit over sky blue shirt and

black trousers, stood on the road leading to the secretariat. He ordered his aides and the Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka, to take a headcount of those who had resumed, promising to punish latecomers. Erring female civil servants went on their knees, begging the governor, while their male colleagues prostrated. Fayose said it would not be business as usual for the civil servants, whom he insisted must work for their salaries, as there were many unemployed graduates roaming the streets. He said: “If a labourer is worth his wages, the employer is also worth his services. I have warned workers against late coming and trifling with their jobs. Despite the paucity of funds, we pay civil servants regularly. “If workers are paid regu-

larly, they must justify our efforts and work for the money they earn. There are many people looking for jobs. I want to surprise the workers. I will visit a lot of places. “It will be a continuous exercise. Those not disciplined and not ready to key into our policy of taking the state to a greater height will be shown the way out.” Dr. Faseluka said since punctuality was the soul of business, workers must be hardworking and shun lateness. He said: “It is a consummation of what we have been doing concerning punctuality on the part of the workers. For the past few weeks, we have been emphasising this. “It is time to instil discipline and we have to sanction the erring workers. When you issue circulars, pleas and some people are recalcitrant, you have to sanction them.”

Ekiti SIEC boss assures parties of fairness

HE Chairman of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), Justice Kayode Bamisile, has assured people that the commission would conduct a free, fair and transparent council election. Speaking in Ado Ekiti at his inaugural meeting with

the commission’s workers, Justice Bamisile said SIEC would conduct the poll without fear or favour and devoid of bias. He said the commission would demonstrate fairness to parties and other stakeholders, stressing that the election would follow the

guidelines of the electoral laws. The SIEC boss urged parties, politicians and their supporters to comport themselves peacefully, emphasising the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment to achieve the desired result.

He enjoined journalists to support efforts at conducting a free, fair and credible local government election, saying the media must ensure responsible journalism. Justice Bamisile assured the commission’s workers of training, preparatory to the election.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

NEWS

Appeal Court: Faulty card reader can’t invalidate an election

FAULTY card reader cannot be a ground for invalidating an election, the court of Appeal in Lagos said yesterday. The court held that the Electoral Act (2010) as amended does not recognise the malfunctioning of a card reader as one of the factors that can lead to the nullification of an election. This, the appellate court held, is because the Electoral Act predates the introduction of the card reader. The Court of Appeal stated this in a verdict on a crossappeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging parts of the Governorship Election Tribunal’s verdict in the case of Jimi Agbaje versus Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and oth-

By Joseph Jibueze

ers. APC filed the cross-appeal on two grounds. In the first ground, it said the tribunal erred in law when, having held that Paragraph 14 of Agbaje’s petition challenged Ambode’s nomination, went ahead to hold that it was a valid ground. The party said any complaint about a pre-election issue falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal or Lagos State High Court, therefore, the tribunal ought to have declined jurisdiction. The party also asked that Agbaje’s petition be struck out because its paragraph 13b which complained about faulty card readers did not qualify as a ground to chal-

lenge the April 11 election. The Court of Appeal, in a judgment by Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya, resolved the first issue in Agbaje and PDP’s favour, and the second issue in APC’s favour. A copy of the judgment, delivered on August 26, was obtained by our correspondent yesterday. Other justices on the panel were A. J. Abdulkadir, Mohammed Danjuma, Emmenuel Agim and Saidu Hussaini. Agbaje, the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ambode and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) were the cross-respondents. The appellate court held that both the High Courts and the tribunal have concurrent jurisdiction over the

APC backs Buhari over appointments

HE National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed has debunked reports that some party leaders were not happy over the appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari . Mohammed, who spoke on a programe-Sunrise Daily monitored on channels Television yesterday insisted that the party is happy about the appointment and stressed that “all the APC members are behind the President on the issue of this appointment”. He said it is too early to judge the administration of President Buhari based on about 40 out of 1,000 appointments made so far. According to him, the President will make the right decisions on appointments and he will be gender-friendly. The APC spokesman disagreed with the statement credited to Chief John Odigie-Oyegun that APC will be more involved in other appointments. He said: “I read the full statement of the National Chairman of my party, and what he said was that these are personal staff. It’s too early to make a judgment, you do not take part to be the whole. Future appointments will be different but these are personal staff.” Talking about personal staff, Muhammed said: “I have been a Chief of Staff, and as the Chief of Staff, I was the first person the Governor saw in the morning and the last he saw at night almost on daily basis. As the Chief of

By Leke Salaudeen

Staff, I was the link between the Governor’s personal and public life. “You can’t choose anybody from any party for that kind of job. There must be a relationship between you and your principal which must be personal,” he said. The APC image maker said that the calculation and permutation by Nigerians on who the President will appoint is wrong.” There should be no fixation on any particular office going to any particular part of the country. The fact that it went to a particular part of the country in the previous administration does not mean it will go there in this present dispensation. “What we should focus on is the assurance from the government that in the fullness of time, no part of this country will feel marginalised by the kind of appointments that would be made.” Speaking on the role of social media in influencing the APC in making decisions on appointments, Mohammed said as much as we are going to be a responsive government, we won’t be stampeded by any opinion to take a decision which clearly does not fit into our own vision. Gender Rights activist, Mary Ikoku said it was too early to say that the appointments made so far is a reflection of gender imbalance. She said since Buhari said he is a born again democrat, he cannot shut out women that constitute more than 50 per cent of the population in appointing his

team. Nigerians should allow him to make all his appointments rather than distract him, she pleaded.

issue of a candidate’s qualification/disqualification. Justice Ogbuinyi held: “The cross-appellant (APC) implored this court to declare the paragraph 14 a pre-election matter cognisable only in the regular courts because it alluded to 21 days notice decreed in Section 85 (1) of the Electoral Act. The crossappellant made heavy weather of this point. “The paragraph 14 of the petition qualifies as a valid ground for querying the qualification of the fourth cross-respondent (Ambode) to contest the election. “The trial tribunal is the forum competens for the first and second cross-respondents (Agbaje and PDP) to ventilate their grouse on his (Ambode’s) qualification/ disqualification. Put simply, the trial tribunal was clothed with jurisdiction over paragraph 14 of the petition. “In the end, I have no option than to resolve issue one against the cross-appellant and in favour of the first and

second cross-respondents.” Resolving the second issue in APC’s favour, the appellate court held: “The paragraph (13b) displays a vitriolic attack on the irregularities germinating from the improper or non-use of the smart card readers in the polling units. “As it is, it has no life of its own as a ground. It endeavours to introduce the defects in the use of smart card readers. The evolution of the concept of smart card reader is a familiar one. It came to being during the last general election. On this score, it is a nascent procedure injected into our infant and fledgling electoral system to ensure credible and transparent election. “The extant Electoral Act (2010) which predates the concept (of card reader) is not its parent or progenitor. Since it is not the progeny of the Electoral Act, fronting it as a ground to challenge any election does not have its (the Electoral Act’s) blessing, nay

Section 138 (1) of it. “Put simply, a petitioner cannot project the non-presence or improper use of smart card reader as a ground for questioning an election. It does not qualify as one. “On the whole, having resolved the two issues for and against the cross-appellant, the fate of the cross-appeal is obvious. It is partially-meritorious and succeeds in part. Consequently, I allow the cross-appeal in part. “Accordingly, I affirm the portion of the trial tribunal’s decision declaring paragraph 14 of the petition as competent and triable by it. I set aside its part of the decision which approved paragraph 13 (b) as a competent ground for presenting a petition.” The Court of Appeal had upheld the Governorship Election Tribunal’s decision which struck out Agbaje’s petition and upheld Ambode’s victory.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

NEWS

•Son of the deceased and scholar Prof. Adebayo Williams and his wife Bolanle at the final burial of Babagbimo of Ogbomoso Chief Christopher Adepoju Adeyanju at Yiron Hall, Ogbomoso...at the weekend

Court jails man for setting wife ablaze From Osagie Otabor, Benin

37-year-old man, Lucky Esonahae, was yesterday jailed by an Egor Chief Magistrate’s Court, sitting in Benin, the Edo State capital, for setting ablaze his pregnant wife. Esonahae, a beer parlour operator, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with hard labour. He pleaded guilty to the one-count charge. The offence was committed on July 6 at 5 Uwelu Street, Benin, in Egor Local Government Area. Police prosecutor, Sergeant Ganiyu Yahya, told the court that the accused poured kerosene on his wife, Stella, for returning home late from an antenatal clinic. Yahya said Mrs Esonahae was seven months pregnant when the accused committed the offence because he suspected the wife of seeing other men with the pregnancy. Pleading for forgiveness, Esonahae said: “My wife’s phone would not stop ringing from her exhusband. They even discussed how they were making love in my presence. “With annoyance, I poured kerosene on her head and I struck the matches. I want this court to forgive me. It is the work of the devil. This will not happen again. I still love my wife.” Mrs Esonahae said she and her husband had been living together for nine months, even before the accused paid her bride price. The offence is punishable under Section 333 (B) of the Criminal Code Cap. 48, Vol. II, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976, as applicable to Edo State. Presiding Magistrate, Mrs Igho Braimoh, sentenced Esonahae to five years’ imprisonment with hard labour.

•Businessman Dr Wale Babalakin (left) and Prof. Olatunde Makanju on the ocassion PHOTOS: FEMI ILESANMI

UNIPORT students protest colleague’s death

TUDENTS of the University Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) yesterday protested the “mysterious death” of their colleague and 200-level student of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, Miss Kelechi Precious. She was said to have collapsed at her hostel bathroom and died after the university’s teaching hospital (UPTH) rejected her for lack of space. This angered the students, who were led by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) to protest the death. The protesters locked the entrance to the school. They also blocked the popular East-West Road, including Choba Ada-George Road and UNIPORT Aluu Road, which caused a gridlock. The students vandalised the school’s property as they chanted war songs.

•CMD: incident will be probed From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

The protesters accused UPTH of causing Kelechi’s death. At the time of filing this reporter last night, UPTH management was discharging patients for fear of a breakdown of law and order. Some of the students, including the SUG President Chuku Endwell accused UPTH management of “killing” Kelechi because the hospital’s workers refused to treat her promptly. Endwell said UPTH failed the students, adding that the university would be shut temporarily because of the hospital’s insensitivity to the condition of Kelechi. He said: “This is not a col-

lege of education; it is not a polytechnics or a secondary school either. It is one of the famous universities in black Africa. The students are the reason for the establishment of UPTH. I don’t know why a student would be taken to the hospital and he or she would be rejected. “This shows that our lives are no longer safe. But by the Grace of God, SUG has summoned a meeting of those concerned. Before the end of today (yesterday), we will reach a compromise, especially on the safety of our lives as students. If there are people who should be given a priority in UPTH, they should be the students of UNIPORT.” But UPTH’s Chief Medical

Director (CMD) Prof. Aaron Ajule said there was no space when Kelechi was brought to the hospital. He said: “It was not an issue of rejection. We cannot reject anybody outside the campus, let alone a student of the university. When the hospital is filled, it is filled. We cannot ask somebody to go down to accept another. We sympathise with the victim’s family and the university over what happed. “The information I am giving you now is still going to be investigated and confirmed. We have set up a panel to investigate the incident. They came here and we told them there was no space at the time they came. When the lady died, they said it was UPTH that killed her. We have always told the people that UPTH is oversubscribed.”

Police parade 214 suspected criminals in Rivers •Commissioner posted to Edo •152 firearms, 41 vehicles, others recovered

HE Rivers State Police Command paraded 214 suspected criminals in the last two months, former Police Commissioner Chris Ezike said yesterday. Ezike had declared one month of anti-crime emergency on the state during his maiden briefing in July 2 to stem violent crimes. Over 100 suspects were arrested and detained for alleged involvement in various crimes and over 120 arms were recovered within the period. Impressed with the

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

record, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase extended the emergency period for another month when he visited the state in July. The two months ended yesterday. Ezike spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, at his valedictory speech. The police chief, who has been posted to Edo State, was giving his report on the twomonth emergency period. He said 214 suspects were

being held for offences ranging from cultism, kidnapping and robbery, adding that 145 of them had been charged to court. Ezike said 152 firearms were recovered within the period, including 20 magazines, 27 pump action guns, among others. The police chief said also recovered from the suspects were 950 ammunitions and cartridges, 41 brands of vehicles, 30 motorcycles and N470,000 cash. He hoped his successor will improve on his records. Ezike attributed the suc-

cess of the command to the efforts of its officers and men as well as the cooperation of the public. The police chief urged them to extend same support to the new Police Commissioner Musa Kimo, who has not arrived in the state. He said: “I am humbled by the desired outcome of the operation. Within the period, we reawakened service delivery zeal, orientation and courage of our work force to meet up with the challenges of their expected duties, responsibilities and functions.”

Wike’s probe is comic distraction, says Amaechi

ORMER Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said the commission of enquiry set up by Governor Nyesome Wike is an unjust distraction from the governor’s wrongdoings. In a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Amaechi said: “Again, our attention has been drawn to comments by Governor Wike, where he attempts to justify his fraudulent, sham probe of ...Amaechi and distort our statement on the amount of money Amaechi left in the treasury. “No matter how hard Wike tries, the public can clearly see through his fraudulent deception and the sham

he calls commission of enquiry to probe Amaechi. That panel was set up to indict Amaechi of corruption. Everything about the probe commission is at variance with the ethics and laws of a fair, just and unbiased probe commission. “Indeed, the hack panel has not disappointed its paymaster since it started its shambolic public hearings. As we earlier warned, it is a comedy to grab media headlines with bogus, phantom and fabricated claims of corrupt practices against ...Amaechi. The public hearings have become a comedy of errors for the media. We maintain that Wike’s probe

commission shall not achieve anything beyond political excitements, entertainment and theatrics. “However, what the public may not know is that Wike’s deceptive probe of Amaechi is a distraction to entertain and keep the public focus on his circus show, while he siphons and salt away billions of naira from the state treasury. From the moment he stepped into Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike has run a government of lies, deception and fraud. “He first made a show and gave a performance of his false accusations that Amaechi stripped the Governor’s

•Amaechi

Lodge bare, saying the former governor stole spoons, plates, knives, cups, mattresses, forks and even curtains from the Governor’s Lodge! However, in the image Wike showed to back up his lies, the curtains in the lodge were clearly there, seen and intact...”

APC seeks release of abducted columnist • We’re on top of situation, say police From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

IVERS State All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday called for the unconditional release of the abducted columnist with Vanguard, Donu Kogbara. The party said the Ogoni woman’s abduction underscored the breakdown of security in the state. Through its Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, in a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, APC noted that it was pained by the abduction of the writer. The gunmen, who kidnapped Kogbara on Sunday morning, stormed her Nkpogu, Port Harcourt home in a CRV car, amid gunshots. Police spokesman Muhammad Kidaya Ahmad, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the abduction. He said the police were on the trail of the gunmen and assured that the columnist would soon be rescued unhurt. Rivers APC said: “A sundry reflection on the security situation of our dear Rivers State indicates that several efforts made by the previous administration, which significantly brought criminality to its lowest ebb across the state, have now been reversed in just three months of the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike. The present sorry state of security in the state did not come by accident...” The party added: “Donu Kogbara must be rescued.” Also, the police yesterday said they were on top of the situation to free Kogbara. But they are yet to establish contact with the family, 24 hours after her abduction. Sympathisers thronged her Nkpogu home yesterday to pray with the family for her safe return. Outgoing Police Commissioner Chris Ezike said the police were working hard to rescue her. He urged the public to assist the police with useful information Ezike said: “I was with the family. We are working on a few theories. The details we may not make public. We call for support of all and sundry and we beg for reporting that will not be hurting to her...”

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

NIMC postpones mandatory NIN use • Mulls smart enrolment By Lucas Ajanaku

HE National Identity Management Commis sion (NIMC) has postponed the date for the commencement of the mandatory use of the National Identification Number (NIN), from September 1, this year to January 9, next year. The Commission had earlier directed that all transactions involving the identification of individuals as specified in Section 27 of NIMC Act, must be done with the NIN beginning from September 1, this year. Its General Manager, Corporate Communications, Abdulhamid Umar said the extension of the September date is sequel to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) should expeditiously harmonise their biometric databases. The extension would enable the Commission to progress further on ongoing efforts with the MDAs that have reached advanced stages of harmonisation with NIMC including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Safety Commission (FRSC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Pension Commission (PenCom), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD). This would help avoid situation similar to what was experienced when the CBN wanted to enforce the terminal date for the bank verification number (BVN), leading to a late rush to meet the deadline/massive turn out of citizens and the troubles they had to go through. It would also help ensure that the need for double enrolment is reduced to the barest minimum during this transition period when the harmonisation is being implemented. Furthermore NIMC management has taken into consideration the fact that the CBN had extended by a few months, the deadline for the completion of the BVN exercise thus extending the time frame for the completion of the harmonization it has begun with the CBN on the BVN programme. It is expected that with the planned harmonisation which will effectively link all MDA biometric databases - INEC, FRSC, PenCom, FIRS/JTB, NHIS, FMARD and others, citizens will not be required to have their biometrics taken every time by these institutions in the near future. Also the MDAs will invariably act as valid agents to the NIMC, collecting their own data as well as providing data required for the issuance of the NIN by the NIMC, based on the minimum national standards for biometric and demographic data capture already set by the MDAs.

‘It is regrettable that the damaging consequences of the Ecowas CET policy on the local pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Nigeria were not considered despite our desperate attempts to draw attention to this. This policy undoubtedly spells doom for the local industry as imported medicines will become far cheaper than locally produced ones’ Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG MAN), Mr. Okey Akpa

Fed Govt to review import policy on rice, others T HE Federal Govern ment said it plans to review import policy on staple food items such as rice, wheat and fish. The government, which described the policy as “unfavourable,” added that it would ensure that the country was self-sufficient in food production before the restriction of the importation of these food items. Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sonny Echono, spoke in Abuja during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Uju Hassan-Baba. A statement endorsed by the Director of Information and Protocol, Mr. Tony

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

Ohaeri, explained that government will soon seek ways of reviewing the unfavourable policy. He said:“The ministry would in the next three years seek the review of the current unfavorable policy by the Federal Government which allows the importation of staple food items such as rice, wheat and fish into the country.” It added that the Ministry and NIPC had resolved to partner in the promotion of strategic investments in the agricultural sector. It underscored the need to attract more investments in the

sector, explaining that Nigeria has comparative advantage in the development of agricultural sector in view of her vast arable land, huge population and markets. Echono pointed out that the main target of the Ministry was to guarantee food security for the country as well as export food items to other countries in the West African sub-region. Echono also stressed the need to link Nigerian farmers to the market, adding that it was one of the critical factors that would determine productivity and incomes of farmers as well as promote exports through value addition.

In her response, the Executive Secretary of NIPC, Uju Hassan-Baba, called for the reestablishment of synergy that had existed over the years between the Commission and Ministry. Hassan-Baba said there had been an increase in the demand for market information on agricultural activities in Nigeria by foreign investors, adding that a Desk Officer from the Ministry should be posted to NIPC’s One-Stop-Shop. She further disclosed that the Commission would organise stakeholders’ forum on promoting investment in the agricultural sector, noting that the Ministry had critical role to play to ensure the success of the proposed forum which will hold soon.

• From left: Assistant Brand Manager, Robb, Gboyega Otolorin; Managing Director, Family Care, Alex Goma; Brand Manager, Premier, Deedi Modey; Brand Manager, Olympic, Bamise Oyegbemi all of PZ Cussons and Marketing Services Manager, Nutricima, Funsho Jacob, during the unveiling of PZ Cussons and Manchester City FC Partnership in Lagos.

CPC summons DISCOs over alleged ‘crazy bills’

NUNDATED with con sumer complaints over exploitative electricity billing, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has summoned all electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) in the country to a hearing over alleged outrageous billings, based on estimated consumption. The CPC, in response to complaints of electricity consumers on estimated billings and non-provision of meters, summoned each of the DISCOs, warning that absence of any of the companies at the hearing would be regarded as a violation of its enabling Act. The CPC, in a letter dated August 26, this year and signed by its Director-Gen-

eral, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, September 7 this year for hearing on the complaints. The agency, in its letter, stated that it “has been inundated with complaints commonly referred to as ‘crazy billing’, through which DISCOs are alleged to arbitrarily determine consumption level of consumers of electricity and bill them accordingly”. It added that it also “received complaints that many consumers have paid for meters for periods spanning over 12 months, but are yet to be supplied same by their respective DISCOs”. It pointed out that pursuant to these complaints, it has decided to commence investigation to “enable your organisation as well as other DISCOs

make representation and state your position regarding the said complaints, particularly as they affect consumers in the area of your coverage. “You are, therefore, by this letter summoned to attend, make representation and submit a status report on the aforementioned complaints in your area of coverage, including any other document or evidence, to support your position at the hearing”, the Council declared. CPC, in its letter, cautioned the DISCOs to be “guided by Section 18 of the CPC Act that criminalises disobedience of its summon, which include neglect or refusal to attend and testify before the Council or to answer any lawful enquiry or to produce any

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

an existing cordial relations between the two countries, which is being strengthened by business and religious trips by Nigerians to Saudi Arabia year in year out. “This is based on culture, religion and many things and I think we want to continue building on that relationship. We continue to treasure

this beneficial exchange. What remains is for us to have robust, thriving mutually beneficial business and investment-related exchange,” Saraki was said to told the envoy. He further stated that the desire to improve on the relationship has become necessary in view of the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari and the emergence of King Salman

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

NERGY sent out by the Transmission Com pany of Nigeria (TCN) at the weekend hit 4,029.83megawatts (Mw), it was learnt yesterday. Federal Ministry of Power in its Power Statistics of Sunday 30th August, showed that power supply leaped by 32.02Mw from the last statistics of August 25. Of the total energy generated in the period under review, the company recorded 87.9Mw spinning reserve or stranded energy which it could not wheel to the electricity distribution companies. This information was obtained form its website yesterday. It added that the peak power generation that was 4,810.7Mw on August 25 slumped to 4,516.5Mw on Sunday. It also noted that Energy Generation rose to 4,117.73Mw from the last record of 4,080.86Mw. Highest peak power generation in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) was the 4,810.7 Mw of August 25. There has been significant increase in the electricity supply to customers, which most consumers have described as the usual ploy of electricity distribution companies when they are preparing to dispatch their monthly bills. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had recently decided that the Discos’ fixed charge should now be proportional to energy charge. The Nation could not however confirm whether the adjustment was effected in the August bill or whether it would commence in September.

New Customs chief yet to resume From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

T • Mrs Atoki

document as may be required”. It advised the companies to “note that, whether you attend or not, far reaching decisions, which may be of consequence to your operations, may be taken after the hearing”.

Saraki seeks closer economic ties with S/Arabia ENATE President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has sought closer economic ties with Saudi Arabia for the benefit of both countries. Saraki spoke yesterday when he received the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Fahad Sefyan in his office at the National Assembly. A statement by his media office quoted the Senate president to have acknowledged

Power supply now 4,029.83Mw

bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as leaders of Nigeria and Saudi Arabia respectively. According to him, the leaders of the two countries desired improved economic relationship, adding, “I want to assure you on behalf of the Senate and the senators here that Nigeria highly appreciates the relationship with the Kingdom and also to urge you to pass our best wishes to King Salman.

HE new ComptrollerGeneral, Nigeria Cus toms Service (NCS), Col. Hammed Ali (rtd) was yet to assume office, it was learnt yesterday. Officers and men of NCS have been apprehensive about the appointment of the new helmsman, whom they said is a “no nonsense man.” Ali’s appointment last week was expected to be with immediate effect, but the tension that gripped the Customs Headquarters, Zone 3, Wuse, Abuja has not letf. Its Deputy Public Relations Officer, Mr. Joseph Attah who spoke on phone with The Nation only said: “please no” to questions asked him. It was however learnt that President Muhammadu Buhari would inaugurate the new appointees and give them terms of reference before assumption of office. Our reporter also gathered that the management of the NCS is expecting the new boss this week.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

MONEYLINK

‘MPC members slam CBN on naira policies’

WO members of the Monetary Policy Committee have criticised the Central Bank of Nigeria attempts to prop up the naira by restricting access to dollars, while others said the regulator should allow a more flexible exchange rate. Bloomberg quoted Chibuike Uche questioned the legality of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s June decision to stop importers of around 40 items, including rice, furniture and toothpicks, accessing official foreign-exchange markets. Doyin Salami said the measure would slow economic growth and that foreign investors were confused by the central bank’s attempts to defend the naira since March. Investors are “baffled by the CBN’s expressed unwillingness to countenance any further currency adjustments and market liberalizations,” Salami, a lecturer at Lagos Business School, said at an MPC meeting attended by all 12 members on July 23 and 24, according to a statement published on the cen-

19m enrol on BVN platform

•Forex reserves up 1.12% to $31.43b Stories by Collins Nweze

tral bank’s website on Friday. “The credibility that CBN has carefully cultivated, if not lost, is most certainly undermined.” The naira plummeted 21 percent to a record low of 206.32 per dollar between the end of June and Feb. 12 as the price of oil, Nigeria’s main export, crashed. Governor Godwin Emefiele reacted by introducing trading curbs and bans on purchases of dollars to stem the rout. The currency has since been mostly flat in the interbank market, averaging 198.94 since the end of February. Meanwhile, foreign exchange reserves were $31.43 billion on August 27, up 1.12 per cent from $31.08 billion a month earlier, data from the central bank showed on Monday. The forex reserves of Africa’s top

•CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

crude exporter were down 20.65 percent year-on-year from $39.61 billion a year ago. The decline from $31.63 billion on Aug. 14 reflects consistent dollar sales by the central bank to bureau de change operators to narrow the margin between the naira currency’s official and black market rates.

Adesina takes charge today at AfDB

HE newly elected president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina , will be sworn in as its eight President today. Adesina is taking over an institution entering a much tougher economic environment than the one his predecessor, Donald Kaberuka inherited when he won the job a decade ago. His investiture ceremony, holding today at the Palais des Congrès of Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in the presence of Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Nigerian Vice President,

Yemi Osinbajo and outgoing AfDB President, Donald Kaberuka, among other dignitaries. Adesina, the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development was elected on May 28 during the AfDB’s annual meeting in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. He will face a slowdown in some of Africa’s biggest economies after a plunge in oil prices and rising political risk. He said the AfDB needs to focus on promoting investment by businesses. A report from the African top lender said today is the last full day in office for Kaberuka, who steps down after 10 years in office.

Speaking to bank staff at the weekend, Kaberuka said, “I was optimistic then, and I’m optimistic now: I leave the Bank as confident as ever about where Africa is heading. Presidents come and go, but the Bank stays. Africa needs a strong AfDB – and we have an AfDB that gets stronger by the day. “In all of our challenges, we have always been sure of the cause we were fighting for – the economic transformation of this continent. I’ve fought the fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Whatever I do now, I know that it will be about Africa, for Africa, and most likely in Africa.”

ITH two months to the expiration of the fresh deadline set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the conclusion of the exercise, the number of bank customers that have so far enrolled on the Bank Verification Number (BVN) platform has risen to 19 million. CBN Director, Banking and Payments Systems Department, ‘Dipo Fatokun, disclosed this at an interactive session with journalists during the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) BiMonthly Forum held in Lagos at the weekend. Fatokun, who was represented by CBN Deputy Director, Banking and Payments System Department, Musa Jimoh, urged bank customers who were yet to enroll on the BVN platform to endeavour to do so before the expiration of the October 31 deadline as there would be no further extension of the registration period for the exercise.

According to him, customers who do not obtain their BVN at the expiration of the deadline may not be able to deposit into or make withdrawals from their accounts. He emphasized that there would be no hiding place for people who use multiple identities to perpetrate fraud in the industry after October 31 2015 when all bank customers are expected to have their BVN. The CBN top official pointed out that the BVN would also allow the industry to determine the actual number of bank customers in the country. As he put it, “There are various estimates of the total number of bank customers in the country. But some people have two or three accounts. However, with the BVN, we will be able to know how many bank customers we have in the industry.” The CBN had extended the initial June 30 2015 deadline for the BVN registration by four months to October 31, 2015.

Access Bank, GMT partner to support SMEs

CCESS Bank has entered into partnership, with GMT Limited, aimed at facilitating the participation of small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) in international business transaction. The bank’s Head of the bank’s Corporate Business Banking for Northwest, Muhammad Usman, explained that the project is to build confidence of its numerous customers engaged in international transactions. Also, he observed that prior to the introduction of its product, tagged “Financial and Logistics Worldwide Scheme” (FLOWS), businesses encountered hiccups and other logistic problems. The even was held over the weekend in Kano. “People encounter numerous problems in their effort to import goods into Nigeria, ranging from documentation, development, legislation

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

and a lot more, especially when it involves international businesses,” Usman lamented. The bottleneck, encountered by SMEs, according to Usman, prompted the lender to partner with GMT Ltd, to tackle the problems. He said SMEs play significant role in Nigeria’s economy, adding that they are also leading employ of labour in the economy.” “So we are sensitizing our customers to appreciate how the process works, the knowledge of which could reduce problems they are facing,” he assured. Usman listed the benefits to include the reduction of spending cost in such businesses, stressing that, the process is a lot easier and reduces the time frame.

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

126.04 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,744.73 1,104.77 112.34 121.16 1.67 1.2457 1.3572 0.7762 1.1739

125.82 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,744.73 1,104.00 111.75 120.30 1.62 1.2393 1.3572 0.7637 1.1739

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

PZ OKOMUOIL NAHCO ACCESS TRANSCORP GUINNESS AFRIPRUD OANDO FCMB UBCAP

21.91 19.60 4.25 4.67 2.11 127.01 2.36 10.19 2.20 1.24

24.15 21.60 4.68 5.14 2.32 138.99 2.58 11.10 2.39 1.32

2.24 2.00 0.43 0.47 0.21 11.98 0.22 0.91 0.91 0.08

LOSERS AS AT 31-08-15

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

Inflation:April

8.5%

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

$28.2b

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$67.91

CHANGE

FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) May 28, 2015 Interbank ($/N)

199.00

Black Market ($/N)

215.00

London Inter-bank Offered Rates (LIBOR)

Money Supply (M2)

GAINERS AS AT 31-08-15

SYMBOL

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

Tenor

16.5%

12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15

Overnight (O/N)

14.683

76.583

15.033

15.977

15.809

17.177

16.493

17.908

Tenor 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 6 Months 12 Months

May 27

May 28

Rate)%

Rate (%)

0.1735 0.2147 0.2615 0.3841 0.6709

0.1715 0.2108 0.2626 0.3857 0.6744

Nigerian Stock Market Indices 27 May Statistics 5 May All Share Index 34,649.3 29,383.93 Mkt Cap (NGN’bn) 11.8 9,804.36 Deals 3,385 3,714 Volume (mn) 564,28 377,75 Value (NGN’mn) 6,087.80 6,568.66 GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

CAVERTON

3.42

3.25

-0.17

ETRANZACT

2.71

2.58

-0.13

CWG

2.96

2.81`

-0.14

T-bills - 91

12.44

RTBRISCOE

0.53

0.51

-0.02

T-bills - 182

13.85

13.00

12.00

-1.00

ABCTRANS

0.54

0.53

-0.01

T-bills - 364

13.92

AIICO

0.81

0.80

-0.01

Bond - 3yrs

15.92

Bond - 5yrs

17.22

Bond - 7yrs

16.59

JBERGER

DANGSUGAR

7.26

7.24

-0.02

UPL

5.18

5.17

-0.01

Transaction Dates 03/02/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

Tenor

Feb. 13, 2015

Rates

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

e-Business THE NATION

Tel: 08023335695/08111813065/08099400179

lukajanaku02@gmail.com

Over the years, factors such as inconsistent government policies, lack of patronage, poor infrastructure, corruption and others have been fingered for the high mortality rate of indigenous companies. The closing down of CharmsCity, a multibillion naira information communication technology (ICT) edifice, has brought pains to its shareholders, LUCAS AJANAKU reports.

STORY ON PAGE 14

GONE... ChamsCity

‘Secondary market for spectrum ‘ll spur development’ Page 50

MTN pushes for naira devaluation Page 15

NCS accuses MDAs of patronising quacks for ICT projects Page 49

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

e-Business

Gone... ChamsCity

HAMSCITY, the pioneer ICT firm that caught the attention of both local and international community, has closed shop. With the closure, it appears, has gone down the drain, the hope and aspiration of its shareholders and founders that had raised money to put the peice of architectural edifice at Ikeja, Lagos, in place. The story of the firm is a gripping tale of a firm that began so so well but which sun suddenly at noon. To save the naira from further free-fall, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) barred importers of 40 “frivolous goods” from sourcing foreign exchange through its official windows. Justifying the measure, CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele told CEOs in Lagos that the country must start to imbibe the culture of producing for local consumption and export. He said: "The only thing that will reduce pressure on our currency is producing those things we are importing today. "We will try as much as possible not to hurt your business, but we need to be able to work together." Though software on which telcos and other big corporations spend hundreds of millions of dollars yearly to import is not on the list, the policy underpinned the need to encourage local firms to flourish. There are some indigenous original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) producing international standard personal computers (PCs), laptops, tablets and other high-tech accessories, but ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) prefer to patronise offshore OEMs at the detriment of their indigenous counterparts.

Attempt to enforce indigenous OEMs’ patronage Worried by the folly in adorning Federal Government’s MDAs with foreign PCs, the administration of former President Olusegun Obasajo issued a circular in 2006 directing MDAs and Federal Government institutions to patronise indigenous OEMs. Endorsed by former Secretary of the Federation Chief Ufot Ekaette, the circular had also made locally written software to be patronised. The directive was obeyed only in its breach as MDAs and public institutions patronised foreign OEMs. Many PCs assemblers in Nigeria did not survive the stiff competition by the foreigners whose brand had become a household name in the country. Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Peter Jack, on patronage of indigenous OEMs, in an interview with The Nation in Lagos, said: "There are two things we are doing. In 2013, the former Minister of Communication Dr Omobola Johnson launched the Local Content Guidelines and Policy for the country. Now what we are also doing is to call, any moment from now, we are calling for the local OEMs to come to a table. As you know Intel is non-specific, you know the Intel processor is in all computer, both local and international, such as IBM; Nigeria systems, such as Omatek and Zinox. What we are trying to do is to encourage Intel because they have already built a plant in a place like Gambia, why can't we build a plant in Nigeria?"

ChamsCity's cruel fate

Chams Nigerian Plc has shut the doors of all its four ChamCities across the nation due to the company's inability to sustain the upkeep of the ultra-modern malls which housed some of its equipment. The closure of the digital cities, it was learnt, may not be unconnected with its impasse with the Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC), which culminated in the termination of the concession agreement it entered into with Chams Plc for the National ID card project. It was alleged that the concession deal was overturned to a contractual agreement, a situation which has badly affected Chams Plc through its subsidiary ChamsConsortium. Reacting to the closure of the centres, the founding Group Managing Director, Chams Plc, Sir Demola Aladekomo, expressed sadness over the fate of the company. "Today is a sad day for entrepreneurship and innovation as we close down ChamsCity at Ikeja that got Nigeria into the Guinness World Record because my government could not protect Chams Plc from the onslaught of the NIMC management; a nation that kills its own." It was learnt from a source that Aladekom’s company awarded the concession in a transparent bid process that involved 65 international companies in 2007, following the recommendations of a 2006 Presidential Implementation Committee, headed by the then Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasir El-Rufai, who is now Kaduna State governor, on how to deliver on a project that has cost several billions but has remained largely in limbo for decades. He added that other notable members of the committee were the former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; former Managing Director, Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia and Chairman, Heir Holdings, Tony Elumelu. According to him, trouble began after the DG started foot-dragging in getting the concession agreement ready, adding that it took the NIMC chief executive three years to prepare the concession agreement. "Meanwhile, because we have promised the president that we were going to deliver in 2009 and he said 'don't wait for the concession agreement, start work'. We invested. We did an IPO, raised N8.4 billion, spent N7.1 billion on the project. One of the things we got out of the project was the Guinness World Record for the Chams City that we built. We built a switch that could handle 100 million Nigerians. We built a card plant that could produce 1.7 million cards a day in Abuja for national ID. We spent N7.1 billion of shareholders money preparing for the take off so that we can do consumer finance and credit bureaus, this man was busy writing concession agreement," Sir Aaldekomo said. Furthermore, he spoke about how corruption and vested interests

have made the resources invested in the project a waste. "N9.2billion shareholders' funds was wasted for pecuniary interests of converting a concession to contracts. May God help Nigeria! We tried, we begged, we did our best to protect a concession we won after a major international tender process," he lamented. The other operations of Chams Plc remain solid even though the NationalID was a substantial investment for Chams PLC. Chams PLC has other investments in ChamsMobile (a Mobile Banking and Payment operation), ChamsAccess-the only thriving independent automated teller machine (ATM) deployer) and ChamsSwitch, a payment processing company. It is instructive to note that Chams Plc is the company that implemented the successful bank verification number (BVN) project which has so far registered about 20million bank customers in less than two years. Sector analysts say it is strange why such an innovative entity could have one of its flagship project killed by government manipulation of converting a concession into a contract regime. Sir Aladekomo said ChamsCity was established to handle multiple challenges associated with the substantial registration of Nigerians in the National ID card project. The IT guru also said his aspirations for the world-class ICT hub was for it to exist beyond the ID card project, offering government agencies, educational institutions, professional and corporate organisations, IT service providers, and small businesses the opportunity to experience efficient qualitative services in information and communications technology. He said: "Data capture was not a new exercise in Nigeria. The usual procedure was to assemble people in schools, hospitals, local governments, under the tree or makeshift venues to collect their details. But when Chams got the concession, we decided to do the data capture in a different way. "We calculated that to do 50 million cards, we needed at least 1,000 computers in about 29 locations, such that within the first five years, the 50 million Nigerians would have been fully captured. We settled for this option because part of the concession agreement gave us the right to operate the agreement for 10 years. So, we designed the mall, and went to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) where we were able to raise about N8.4 billion from the market. We also added N800 million from our internally generated money, making total of N9.2 billion," It was a huge project such that Apple Inc., the giant U.S-based technological firm, was astounded by the quantity of devices Chams ordered for installation at ChamsCity.

•Sir Aladekomo

"When we placed the order for the first 2,000 machines, the Apple people called from US to tell us that nobody had ever placed an order for 2,000 machines, not even the US State Department or the US Education Department. They demanded to know why we needed 2,000 computers. We explained to them what we were trying to do and it baffled them," he said. Chams Plc brought the ChamsCity dream alive. It was built and opened for business in Lagos and Abuja in 2009 while the Port-Harcourt and Benin branches were subsequently created. The ChamCities were a sight to behold as the various facilities in the different states were majestically furnished with stateof-the-art equipment. Abuja had 1,200 workstations, Lagos had 1,100 workstations, PortHarcourt had 1,000 workstations, and Benin had 800 workstations, effectively serving the identification registration process and other ICT needs. The significant and valuable importance of ChamsCity to Nigeria and the world could not be overemphasised as reputed historian recorders, the Guinness Book of World Records, certified it as the only digital mall globally to have the largest number of PC's in a single location with over 1000 fully networked PC's, processing and enabling the activation of a wide range of activities simultaneously- a world record which positively portrayed Nigeria's image on the world stage. For now, the equipment has been converted for storage at the company's warehouse in Lagos. Are we likely to see such initiative again? Only time can tell but for now, an incisive entrepreneurial

‘N9.2billion shareholders’ funds was wasted for pecuniary interests of converting a concession to contracts. May God help Nigeria! We tried, we begged, we did our best to protect a concession we won after a major international tender process’

initiative, due to sleaze, brazen highhandedness, and vested interests of a few, has unfortunately kissed the dust. It would be recalled that the project, ChamsCity, fully began in 2008, a year after the concession agreement was signed. ChamsCity was Nigeria's pioneer digital mall that provided enormous capital-intensive resources to facilitate services specifically for the National Identity project such as payment transaction, identification management, research findings, pleasure, and large scale data management in a conducive, serene, and secured environment. Chams Plc is Nigeria's foremost ICT firm, renowned for providing a variance of qualitative products and services in the digital arena. The company which began operations in 1985 as a privately-owned business, specialising in Computer Maintenance has over the years, successfully migrated to the developing enterprise technology solutions, initiating several ground-breaking accomplishments and has remained the industry's leading player. Its core objective right from inception has been to create and deploy innovative and beneficial technologies for the betterment of Nigeria. It is in line with this objective that the company created another trailblazer project called ChamsCity. ChamsCity was a technological project conceived and developed after its parent company, Chams Plc won a hugely competitive bid for a concessional agreement to develop and syndicate the process of identity management during the twilight of Obasanjo's presidency in 2007. After winning the bid which involved a number of distinguished international companies and getting the brief from the Federal Government, the company realised it had a herculean task to accomplish and therefore sought unique ways to fulfill the government mandate. Electronic mail sent to NIMC helmsman requesting his response did not elicit any response. This may not be unconnected with the fact that the matter is pending in a court.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

e-Business TD Mobile, Transcend seal distribution pact

MTN chief pushes for A naira devaluation

O attract the requisite foreign direct investment (FDI) for the implementation of the National Broadband Plan of the Federal Government, the Federal Government will need to further tinker with the value of the naira. MTN Senior Manager, Transmission Access Planning, Mr Olusegun Salami, who spoke at the weekend, said broadband penetration required huge FDI, which must be deployed in bridging the country’s digital divide. He said the issue with broadband penetration is how to make it available for everyone. Salami, who spoke during the quarterly seminar of the Nigeria Information Communications Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), with the theme Foreign Direct Investment-An impetus to achieving ubiquitous broadband penetration, said there was a huge funding gap to be filled. Only naira devaluation could do the magic, he said. He said in the next two years, there had to be significant investment in long-term evolution (LTE) or 4G to achieve up the target. ‘’The kind of phones that we need is those that are 3g and also LTE so that we can achieve the national broadband plan, he added. He said: "We note that further devaluation of the naira will attract FDI. We commend the anti-corruption campaign of the Federal Government but need an efficient and effective judicial system for crime fighting." Taking a retrospective look at the industry when it all started, he said: "We started with the 2G network in

By Olatunde Odebiyi, Modupe Elegushi and Tolulope Lawani

2001 and today it is at 90 per cent of the population. In 2007, we introduced 3G and, today, it is at 60 per cent. It is the one that is truly giving us the true broadband experience, but it is still not the right capacity that we want; the one we want is LTE in wireless technology in which we will need spectrum, right regulatory frame work and more investments in the telecoms sector so that we can attain 100 per cent broadband penetration. He said: "There are two major ways of accessing broadband; it is either through fibre optics or wireless. The fibre optic is the one that we need physical cable to come to your door for you to have the internet connectivity, but, there is challenge to this because of the issue of right of will. "On wireless which is also referred to as mobile broad band, its effectiveness will be dependent on lowering of the price of smart phone which will increase broadband use in smart phone and stop the channel of feature phones, because smart phone will give you the right Internet access. "When we achieve low price in smart phone, it is going to turn on that credibility, because if the smart phone and the feature phone cost the same amount, people will buy the smart phone since it gives more enablement. In Nigeria, about 40

per cent of internet access is still being done through feature phones, while 30 per cent on desktop and only less than 30 per cent are on smart phones. We need to drive the feature phones out so that smartphones will rise and 30 per cent broadband penetration will be a reality in 2018. "With the use of the internet, you do not have to consult anybody for common questions.Google will give you answers to your questions. Most people are changing their phones because they want to belong to the social network. With the smartphones you can reach people across the world from your bed, you can use the social media, watch movies, listen to news and do whatever you want to do on your device; these are the things that will drive the usage of the broadband, it will become a life style will put in people the desire of broadband.’’ He said many people can do more now with their phones than going to cue in the bank or at the post office. "You can access health services, by communicating through your device with your doctor. You can also teach a child,by downloading an app to teach the child any subject. This also apples in agriculture; with one device you can target every area of human endeavour. As a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) start up, you do not need to have all; you just need a laptop, and you can keep all your company asset online; you can use the cloud as a storage device,” he added.

Business Manager, TD-Mobile, Mrs. Gozy Ijogun (R) receives the Authorised Distributorship Certification from the Sales Manager, Transcend Information Inc., Mr. Wilson Chen during the unveiling of the partnership at Zinox Technology Head Office, Lagos.

LEADING manufacturer of storage and multimedia products, Transcend Information Inc., has signed a major partnership distribution agreement with TD-Mobile for its complete product lines to provide various memory & storage solutions, as well as multimedia entertainment in Nigeria. This deal will see Transcend leverage on TD-Mobile's wide reseller base and impressive distribution network to increase the market share of its range of renowned solutions in Nigeria's fast growing mobile devices market. TDMobile, a subsidiary of Technology Distributions Ltd, will add Transcend to a wide product portfolio distributed which includes phablets, tablets and smart phones from renowned brands such as HP, Apple, Lenovo, Infinix, Dell, Samsung, Injoo, Techno, Yezz, Wiko, Zinox, Blackberry, Nokia and Toshiba, among others. As a pioneer in the industry, Transcend continues to diversify product portfolio and provide complete memory and storage solutions to satisfy various demands of users, including the award-winning Car Video Recorder, new-generation storage Solid State Drive, Apple Solutions for Mac storage expansion or upgrade and Mobile Storage for all smart devices. In his keynote presentation, Country Manager, Transcend Inc., Mr. Wilson

By Tolulope Lawani

Chen, who traced the company's global trajectory, huge market share and consistently strong financials, noted that Transcend has strategically positioned itself as a value-added one stop shop for all classes of mobile devices users. According to him, Transcend has diverse solutions ranging from multimedia devices, IT components and storage devices for every operating software, including Android, Windows and Apple devices. "Transcend remains the market leader in the storage and multimedia field as we have consistently shown over the years the ability to respond quickly to the market's changing needs. "Our wide range of products include standard and proprietary memory modules, car video recorders, Apple solutions, flash cards, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, solid-state drives, digital music players, card readers, multimedia products and industrial products; all of which have enjoyed huge patronage in various markets, including best seller status on Amazon in countries such as France, Germany, United States, United Kingdom and Japan. Transcend products and solutions are also hugely popular in Europe especially in Sweden, Turkey, Spain, Poland as well as the UAE, Kuwait and in Central America."

Airtel, Wari partner over financial inclusion

S part of its contribution towards Federal Government’s efforts to deepen financial inclusion in the country, leading telecoms operator, Airtel Nigeria, has collaborated with payment solution provider, Wari, to provide an innovative payment platform for Nigerians. Designed as a convenient and easy-touse payment solution, Wari allows users to make payment for goods and services, buy airtime, pay bills, deposit cash and make withdrawals within the country or outside. Wari can also be used to transfer money and remit through accredited agents across Nigeria, and the service is available to anyone irrespective of whether they are account holders or not. Speaking on the innovative service, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Maurice Newa described Airtel’s partnership with Wari as a collaboration of two forward-thinking brands, coming together to offer accessible and convenient payment service to millions of Nigerians, helping them carry out

their day-to-day transactions seamlessly. “‘Wari is designed to meet the needs of Nigerians, including the banked and unbanked; everyone who needs to make or receive payment for good and services. It also reduces the risk of carrying cash while travelling since you can deposit and withdraw at your destination through Wari agents whether within the country or outside Nigeria,” Newa noted. In his own remarks, “Mr Damilola Bamiro, Country Manager, Wari Nigeria, says that the partnership will strengthen Wari’s local presence in all the local governments inNigeria. This strategic plan will greatly increase access to financial services of the various institutions especially to the unbanked”. According to him, “Wari as an African grown agent network has always ensured the best user experience, taking into consideration all local peculiarities and cultures. This, it has done in its 23 countries of presence”.

Yudala online goes live with mega deals

Y NIG urges Buhari to force down internet access cost

HE Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to force down the cost of internet access in the country, adding that it is only by doing this that more people will use the internet and tap from its immense benefits. Its President, Bayo Banj, who spoke during its yearly conference and exhibition in Lagos, said the government should limit itself to policy and regulatory matters but must intervene in pricing to allow more people to benefit. He said the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) should also be prevailed upon to force internet service providers to make a distinction between local and international internet traffic. “This is the first step. It will also allow groups to host their servers incountry. NCC must force internet providers to make a distinction between internal

data and international data. They should also be forced to take services to other parts of the country. They are comfortable remaining in Abuja, Lagos and other major cities where they serve the banks and other big companies,” Banjo said. With Internet Penetration: The way forward as its theme, NIG chief said internet is one of the very innovations meant for the youth, adding that cybercrimes are most associated with the youths. He therefore urged policy makers to factor the youths into making any policy that has to do with this age bracket. He wondered if the laws allow a brilliant hacker, who is only 15 years old to be employed by an agency of the government, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to help burst cyber crimes. He also stressed the need for a reorientation and reform of the education sector, arguing that with the state of the

sector, it is doubtful if it would be able to produce the required skilled manpower that would drive the economic development of the country. Banjo said the time has come for the government to exert a form of control over what people put on the internet. He took exception to the current practice where people go to the internet to insult people and cast aspersions on their reputation. He said to address this, “Swift Courts” should be set up across the country to deal with character assassination and defamation using the internet, adding that the need to restrict what happens on the internet is informed by the fact that young persons are becoming indoctrinated through the internet. He took a swipe at excuses, such as spectrum unavailability holding back internet penetration, saying a country, noting that as South Korea has 2.3 gigahertz (GH) spectrum is adjudged to have full penetration.

UDALA, Nigeria's first true composite retail chain, is set to unveil its online shopping platform, in addition with the roll-out of more physical retail stores in various locations across the country. This is coming on the heels of the successful launch of four outlets in Lagos: two Experience Stores and two Smart Stores. Yudala enjoys strong partnership and comparative advantage for products from major brands including HP, Apple, Lenovo, Tecno Mobile, INNJOO, Infinix, X-Touch, Wiko Phones, Sony, YEZZ, Dell, Philips, ITEL, IBM, Microsoft, APC Schneider, Cisco, Canon, D-Link and many more in the ICT space, with the company expected to roll out additional product lines such as consumer lifestyle, urbane fashion, food, wines and spirits, healthy living products, consumer electronics and many more in segments soon. Yudala Online Co-ordinator, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, said online platform was unveiled with promotions and mega deals. This is in addition to shoppers enjoying an unbeatable deal on select ICT and mobile devices everyday till September 5. He said: "Nigerians are guaranteed a mind-blowing experience of online retail with the official launch of Yudala Online. All you have to do is make sure you are logged on the Yudala website to stand a chance of enjoying this massive daily deal. "Yudala Online is ushering in a revolution in customer experience and service. Very soon we shall be guarantee-

•Ekeh

ing same day delivery nationwide. "We are offering a faster and more efficient delivery and logistics chain which will keep the customer abreast of details right through the order placement to the delivery phase. More importantly, you enjoy core after-sales support on both warranty and out-of-warranty products when you buy from yudala.com from any of our offline stores nationwide as we shall be populating every nook and cranny with Yudala Experience Stores. "In line with the Yudala mantra, you are guaranteed peace of mind when you shop on our website. This is a state-ofthe-art website with the full complement of security features which guarantees you a secure, safe shopping experience. Shoppers also get to enjoy All Risks Cover (except theft) on every product purchased from the website from Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc. Added to this is the fact that the Yudala Management will take responsibility for every product purchased from and delivered by us."

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

e-Business

Cyber attacks imminent on telcos, banks, corporations

NFORMATION Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) has raised the red flag for banks, telcos, other financial institutions and large corporations over renewed cyber attacks on their servers by crooks as the year runs to a close and desire to make quick cash increases. Its Abuja Chapter President, Opeyemi Onifade, who spoke to reporters as part of preparation for ISACA's 10th anniversary and yearly conference in Abuja, warned that as a member of the global society, Nigeria cannot be insulated from the opportunities and threats of globalisation. To overcome cyber-attacks, he warned, the banks would need to strengthen their cyber resilience through implementation and adoption of process-oriented practices, technology and standards, and engagement of right skills and competencies.

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

"We need to understand that we cannot succeed by accident. The cyberspace is now recognised as the fifth domain of warfare in addition to land, air, sea and space. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, our cyberspace domain is still a neglected and unprotected territory. Yet, we depend so much on mobile telecommunications, electronic banking and electronic commerce for our socio-economic survival," he said. Onifade said the internet has become imperative to address Nigeria's collective capacity to respond to the inevitability of cyber threats, especially Advanced Persistent Threats (APT). "The purpose of the majority of APTs is to extract information from systems-this could be critical research, enterprise intellectual property or government information, among other things. Talking about the shift in the motive for hacking

(that is compromising the security profile of information systems), you will find that there is an evolution in the motivation for attacks. "Motivation for attacks can be explained as being attacked because you are on the internet and you have vulnerabilities. Or because you are on the internet and you have information of value or because of who you are, what you do or the value of your intellectual property (IP). These would include state-sponsored attacks and corporate espionage. According to recent research, Cyber security is a top global concern as 82 per cent of enterprises will experience a cyberincident in 2015," he said. To him, the government should declare an emergency in the cyber security education domain of the country in order to promote cyber security expertise and create a formidable "army" that would ensure effective national cyber defense.

GADGET REVIEW

APC by Schneider Electric power packs

URING the early days of digital telephony in Nigeria, feature phones became the order of the day but with the introduction of technologies such as 2G and 3G, smartphones took over. With this came the issue of battery power depletion. APC by Schneider Electric introduced its Mobile Power Packs - M10 - 10,000mAh & M5 5,000mAh which it said allows users to watch videos on your flight from New York to China or listen to music during a long outdoor adventure. The lightweight, compact design can charge multiple devices from MP3 players to smart phones and tablets. APC by Schneider Electric's Mobile Power Packs ensure device availability and keep you connected throughout all of your life's journeys. With two USB charging ports, it allows simultaneous charging of smart devices (phone, tablet) It said the 2.4A charging port is ideal for tablets while the 1A charging port ideal for smartphones It said M5 has a 5000 mAh battery that provides up to 2 full charges for a smartphone and half a charge for a tablet. M10 has a 10,000 mAh battery that provides up to 4 full charges for a smartphone and a full charge for a tablet. Both comes with a full two year warranty in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) with LED battery indicator while its push-button display shows available battery life at a glance. Its slim, leek, compact profile makes for a comfortable addition to users' everyday life while its efficient charging saves battery life

Stories by Modupe Elegushi

and energy by automatically shutting down when the connected devices are fully charged. It key takeaways include M5 and M10 provide exceptional availability to USB devices such as smartphones and tablets; M5 provides approximately two full charges to a smartphone, and the M10 provides 4; numerous safety features extend the Mobile Power Packs usable life and provide peace of mind for the consumer. The firm said there have been reports of Mobile Power Packs overheating and causing damage. The mobile power packs have numerous safety protections, including over-heating protection. The protection benefits to customer include: prevention of battery cell over charge and extends mobile power pack battery life; prevents battery cell over discharge and extends mobile power pack battery life. It also revents charging current from exceeding 1.5A from high power adaptors to battery cell and reduces the risk of battery cell damage. For over-temperature, prevents battery cell from deforming and even exploding because short circuit unit automatically shuts down when the output is short circuited. This protects connected, charging devices from overheating and sustaining damage. In over-voltage case, connected devices are protected from surges and spikes while it ultra low stand-by current / auto shut-down when connected devices are removed saves mobile power pack cell energy and extends serviceable life. It also prevents output overload condition, eliminating risk of high temperature damage (even fires).

Why smartphones’ battery runs down •From left: CEO, Chams Plc, Mr. Demola Aladekomo; Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Peter Jack; Commercial Director, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Bilal Al Rais; former President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), Mrs. Mary Uduma and President, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Lanre Ajayi, at GITEX preparatory forum in Abuja.

NPC mulls biometric-based population census

HE National Population Commission (NPC) has said it is proposing a biometricbased census next year that will link demographics with biometric particulars of all residents. Its Chairman, Chief Eze Duruiheoma (SAN) who spoke during the visit of the management team of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) led by its Director-General, Mr Chris Onyemenam in his office in Abuja, described the visit of NIMC’s chief as timely, adding that its management had discussed the need for the two agencies to collaborate at its meetings the previous week. He said: “The issue of NPC/ NIMC collaboration has been a topical issue within our commission. This matter was in the front burner in our deliberations during our meeting of two weeks ago and I actually set up a committee to commence preparatory works in this respect.” He said the mandates of the NPC were clearly spelt out in Section 24 of the 3rd schedule of the 1999 Constitution. This

•Seeks NIMC’s collaboration on data harmonisation includes among others, to undertake periodic enumeration of population through sample surveys and census and to establish and maintain machinery for continuous and universal registration of births and deaths throughout the federation. Onyemenam called for collaborative effort with the NPC to ensure seamless data harmonisation as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari to all government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). Speaking during a courtesy visit to the NPC’s office in Abuja, NIMC’s Director-General, said his visit to was pursuant to the implementation of the presidential directive. He said the directive by President Buhari that agencies and departments concerned with the collection and storage of the various biometric databases and ongoing data collection and harmonisation was the primary reason for the visit. Onyemenam gave a background of previous futile efforts at Na-

tional Identity Management (NIM) in Nigeria which ultimately led to the establishment of the NIMC in 2007, stressing the distinctions between the roles of the NIM and the NPC. He identified the areas where the activities of both commissions converge, which he said led to the inclusion of a representative of the NPC on the board of the NIMC. He also gave a historical background into previous attempts by NIMC and NPC to further broaden collaboration. As a way forward to the collaborations, Chief Duruiheoma proposed the setting up of an InterAgency Committee to midwife the NPC/NIMC collaboration within a defined timeline. But reacting to NPC chief\s suggestion, Onyemenam said NIMC already had in place a harmonisation committee comprising of representatives of the various MDAs and security formations concerned with citizens data collection and usage, the committee meets regularly and has made several headways in the area of harmonisation with NIMC’s infrastructure.

ITH the replacement of feature phones with smartphones came the challenge of batteries depleting at almost the speed of lightning. Smartphone users practically go out with either conventional chargers, desk top charger or even car chargers. People who do not even own car now buy car chargers and put them so they could charge while on public buses or given free rides. A Computer Village-based engineer, who specialises in mobile phone and laptops, Mr Rotimi, said one of the reasons smartphones’ battery doesn’t last long is because it has a lot of applications running on it. He said this could not be said of a phone worth N3,000, which is only used to make and receive voice calls and text messages. He said applications, such as WhatsApp, BBM, Twitter, Facebook, and Skype through which instant messages are sent run batteries down. He said the only the battery could be saved is by switching off your data connection. “Even if you are not online and your data connection is on, it as will deduct the percentage of your battery because several messages, chat, friend request are always going on online. So, my advice is that you shut down

unnecessary applications,” he said. He also blamed this problem on people who buy mobile phones and fail to charge them ‘to the prescribed optimal percentages required by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). “They buy mobile phones and just start using it because there is the little charge that is on the battery which is known as test charge that is the lithium (the chemical use in producing battery) has not been added up to. So this can also cause the damage of smartphone batteries,” he said. He further said the battery capacity for smartphones start from 1400MH(megahertz); so; if you are having more application, then the chemical (lithium)should be increased because they are making more functions as well as the application available on the smartphones “Additionally, people should be cognisant of the hours of charging new smartphones batteries. They must strive to complete the hours of charging the batteries of brand new smartphones and also during the hours of charging a quality charger must be used because the voltage of this batteries varies,” he added.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION

E-mail: ynotaderibigbe@gmail.com

As the enforcement of the speed limiter policy by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) begins today, stakeholders believe the success of this initiative to reduce accident rate lies in the hands of the safety regulator as unavailability of the device and soft enforcement might be the killing punch, writes ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE

Ember months: Mixed expectations as FRSC begins speed limiter enforcement F

OR the nation’s chief road safety officer Boboye Oyeyemi, the ‘Ember months promise to be the most remarkable in the nation’s history. Going by his prognosis, it might witness the least accident rate record in the nation’s entire history. This, he hoped to achieve by the enforcement of the speed limiter, a device governing speed rate of reckless drivers, a novelty which he said, has come to stay in Nigeria. From this morning, FRSC is expected to roll out a massive enforcement on all roads across the country, to begin the first phase enforcement of the installation of the device meant to reduce the number of deaths as a result of reckless driving. Since he assumed duties, Oyeyemi has left no one in doubt of his commitment to the achievements of the United Nations decade of action and the Accra, Ghana declaration to reduce Road Traffic Crashes (RTC), and deaths on the nation’s roads significantly by 2020. At several fora, he has enunciated strategic action plans to change the nation’s road profile known to the United Nations as the fourth most unsafe in the world. One of the strategies being deployed by the Oyeyemi-led Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was the introduction of a speed limiting device to check reckless driving, a major cause of accidents on the nation’s network of death trap roads. Should it succeed, Oyeyemi would have scored a bull’s eye on a scourge that has taken an incurable tone, defying successive initiatives. And to ensure its success, the take-off of its enforcement had to be moved from June 1, earlier this year, to September. At a forum recently, the Corps Marshall said going by the worrisome trend of accidents on the nation’s roads, there is no going back on the enforcement of the device. He said: “Eighty per cent of crashes and accidents last year were caused by over-speeding and attendant loss of control by drivers. Research has shown that at a speed of 100 km per hour, a vehicle is moving at 28 metres per second, this reduces as the speed increases and we must not forget that the total width of our roads is 12 metres. If any driver driving at a very high speed suddenly encounters a challenge on the road, his instinct would be to swerve, but such act is inhibited by the narrow width he had to contend with, this would lead to loss of control, making the last obvious option inevitable. It is much easier to control the wheel if the driver is able to control his speed than when he is over-speeding and that is why we believed that with the coming of the device, the commission would be able to checkmate drivers’ recklessness, and non-compliance to speed control regulation.”

How prepared are we? Though its enforcement was expected to have begun in June, its postponement has become a blessing in disguise. This is because the political heat at the time took its toll on the importation of the device in such a scale that could ensure its market availability, and the seeming tardiness of the enforcers in handling the device.

• Speed limiter devices

The deadline’s shift, therefore, it was learnt, enabled the product to be more readily available in the market, give opportunity to more technicians to learn the installation and avail appropriate training of corps’ officers on the “complicated” device as well as other packages such as the speed guns and the alcoholisers being introduced into the mix to curtail tragic accidents by the Corps. While the speed gun is meant to help detect speed violators, which may be further corroborated by the speed limiter that is expected to come with a speed recorder device, the alcoholiser, a breath analyser, is meant to detect drunken drivers for the purpose of pulling them off the road before they cause any accident on the road. Though the country subscribes to globally accepted regulations guiding permissible speed levels on all classes of roads, their breaches, in part by drivers and poor enforcement of sanctions by road safety officials have led to worrisome colossal losses to human lives and property, slurring the nation’s roads as one of the worst in the world. Though the Corps had been silent, in the run down to the anticipated enforcement, with checks made during the week drawing blank about strategies being put in place to make the roads safe, Oyeyemi before now left no one in doubt that the agency would not contemplate any other shift. For him, simultaneous enforcement must begin with commercial vehicles, trucks and tankers across the country today. Going by the flurry of activities organised before now, the FRSC could boldly attest to its readiness, as it has galvanised at different fora the support of critical stakeholders and indications are that all critical road operators are on the same page with the agency to rid the roads of the menace, fast becoming the highest killer agent. Between June and now, the FRSC had taken the campaign to the door of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), National Association of Transport Owners (NATO), the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) unit of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) as well as

• The odometre after SLD installation

independent trucks and fleet operators to join it in the move to make the roads safe for all. Defending why the agency singles out the commercial vehicles as the first to be tackled, Oyeyemi said with a minicommercial bus carrying a minimum of 10 passengers, and a midi and maxi buses going for between 24 and 47, no doubt, more casualties are being recorded daily by commercial operators than a driver crashing his vehicle.

Compliance assessment An assessment of the readiness of all stakeholders for the take-off of the limiter enforcement showed that many more commercial vehicles, especially the fleet operators and trucks have complied and had the device installed on their vehicles. Big operators, such as the Ekene Dili Chukwu, The Young, ABC Transport, Cross Country, the BRT and its franchise operators, among others, have had their fleet installed with the device in compliance with the directive. Similar compliance are also being recorded from the PTD, which not only corralled all its members to imbibe the right road attitude while on the wheel, but has gone a step further by making its membership data available to the FRSC with an affirmation that any driver caught after the deadline driving any tanker without the limiter should be meted with appropriate sanctions. But one of the operators, Mr. Abdul Bamgbopa, insisted that the compliance is too far in-between, compared to anticipated compliance rate when the enforcement was shifted in June. Asked to give a rating to the level of compliance as the country prepares for a new phase in safe driving, Bamgbopa, Managing Director of Sattrak Telematics, a speed limiter pioneer and the agency’s first major collaborator, told The Nation that the rate is still low. “Most of the commercial vehicle operators are kind of sizing up the air to see if the FRSC will be able to enforce the initiative or not. Of course, this trend is typical of any deadline based action particularly coming from a government agency,” Bamgbopa said. He, however, said even if the operators had wanted to fully comply, there would have been a sharp crisis in

the supply curve. “The Speed Limiting Devices (SLD) is yet to be widely available in the market largely because FRSC and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) are yet to conclude their certification processes for companies intending to engage in the SLD business. Then he gave the punch which might define the agency’s success: “Without appropriate and uncompromising enforcement by the FRSC, demand will continue to be soft and far inbetween.” Bamgbopa is not alone in conjecturing a low success rate in event of poor implementation and the seeming unprepared supply architecture. Similar fear were expressed by a safety expert and activist Mr Patrick Adenusi, who said the agency has the onus of proof to convince Nigerians of their commitment to the mouthing of a reduction to accident rate in the country. Though admitting the presence of some bottlenecks still in the processes, especially the impediments laid out by the tardiness in certification of the companies registered to run the business, he however warned the FRSC against contemplating another post-ponement which could deal a devastating blow on the initiative. Adenusi said: “Just as the Corps Marshall has declared, I am expecting to see the FRSC roll out men nationwide to begin the enforcement. All FRSC commands should wake up to ensure that compliance is pursued with vigour as this is the only thing that could prove to Nigerians that the agency is determined to ensure that its commitment to accident reduction goes beyond sloganeering, so that by the time we are entering into December, there would have been concrete demonstration of effects of the efficacy of the speed limiter in preventing crashes. I think all Nigerians would want to see how far this new device can go in reducing fatalities on our roads and what or how to deal with the remaining percentage if there are across the country.”

For Adenusi, founder and Executive Director of Safety Without Borders (SWB) a nongovernment organisation (NGO), the agency and SON should not make the process of accreditation difficult unnecessarily or skewed it against any operator, but ensure an open field for all serious investors. He said the enforcement, regardless of the status or the immediate challenges, would determine how far the initiative would go among Nigerians, adding that all eyes are on the agency to either succeed with the limiter or be dammed. Enforcement need to be total and must be sustained, he insisted.

No excuses Adenusi and other experts contend that no excuse is tenable for the retention of the status quo that sees all manners of driving and all shades of recklessness on the nation’s roads. According to him, cost should not be an issue for speed limiter enforcement. “No cost,” he said, “is too high to be equated to the life that might be lost due to overspeeding or as a result of the recklessness of any driver and the untold hardship that could cause to the relations of victims.” Citing the accident involving a 16passenger bus on the Ondo Ore road last week, Adenusi said the accident which left all occupants of the vehicle dead is another indication that the country might indeed be getting late to put appropriate regulations in place to check reckless driving and avoidable carnage on the roads. “The drivers of some of these small buses are notoriously reckless. You see them overtake in bends, slopes, steep and other very dangerous terrains with scant regard to the lives they carry in their vehicles. The war against defaulters of this device must be carried to the door of the companies who own these buses and the owners should be prosecuted for non-installation of the device and any loss of lives recorded by his vehicle, while any driver caught driving such vehicle must equally be sanctioned and prosecuted for failing to comply with the regulation,” he added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS MARITIME

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

Shippers Council chief makes case for local shipowners in crude oil lifting • ‘Review auto policy’ C

AN the President Muhammadu Buhari administration end foreign domination of the capital intensive crude oil lifting business and make indigenous shipowners participate in the highly lucrative enterprise? Yes, said the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr Hassan Bello, and other stakeholders in the maritime industry. Bello, who spoke with The Nation at the weekend, said the involvement of the indigenous shipowners in the trade would be in the national interest. Their participation, he noted, would provide gainful employment for many Nigerians, reduce crime, generate more revenue and ensure security at sea and around the ports. “I have no iota of doubt that the administration will involve the indigenous shipowners in the crude oil lifting to provide jobs for Nigerians and put an end to foreign domination of the trade. Everybody in the country knows that it would

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

be more profitable for a Nigerian ship to lift our crude and President Buhari led-administration can be trusted to deliver on that agenda,” he said. Also, a member of Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Mr Fola Badmus, said there are many qualified Nigerians in this field, but that they have no jobs, adding that using foreign vessels was not in the best interest of the nation because when the dependent country has crisis, Nigeria may have challenges lifting its crude. He said at the last count, indigenous investments in the sector have created over 40,000 jobs across the hydrocarbon value chain. “We will gain about N900 million a day if we use our own indigenous ships to lift crude oil. This is because the country carries more than

two million barrels of crude a day at the rate of $2.50 per barrel,” he said, adding that the huge sum would have accrued to the country and created employment for at least 5,000 professionals in the sector. “The advantage is that indigenous ships will get their foods, water, tug boats, chandelling, engineers and rags from Nigerians,” he noted. Badmus added that the volume of vehicles being imported through the seaports has reduced drastically due to the introduction of the automotive policy by the past administration. He corroborated the position of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the yearly general conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) that the hike in Customs duty on imported items has created jobs for the neighbouring

Benin Republic. He alleged that over 70 per cent of fairly-used vehicles, popularly known as Tokunbo, being imported into the market come through the Port of Cotonou, Benin Republic. “The volume of imported vehicles into the country has reduced by half since the introduction of the auto policy,” he noted. A senior official of one of the terminals at Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, Lagos, who craved anonymity, said the policy has affected operators at the ports, urging President Buhari to address the issues to bring succour to terminal operators dealing with imported vehicles. “Before the introduction of the policy, we were discharging 5,000 or 6,000 vehicles every month. It is a pity that we are doing less than 1,200 vehicles and we have to service our equipment, pay NPA and salaries at the end of the month. “We have noticed that the number of vehicles coming into Cotonou has increased dramatically, so we are losing business while Cotonou is gaining. Everyone can understand what this means and we know that

• President Buhari

Cotonou’s population has not increased from its 10 million people. “This policy is surely affecting the port industry and this is affecting the economy of the country because we read in one of your reports about few weeks ago that smugglers are using many un-approved routes around Idiroko border in Ogun State to bring their vehicles into the country,” he said. He said many Nigerians could not afford to buy brand new vehicles and urged the Federal Government to review the auto policy.

CTN may hike costs of business

HE Head, Operations Management, Department of the Lagos Business School (LBS), Pan Atlantic University, Dr. Frank Ojadi, has said the planned re-introduction of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) may increase the cost of doing business at the seaports. Ojadi told The Nation in Lagos that he came to that conclusion after carrying out research on the seaports for over five years, adding he was not convinced by the argument of the NSC that the CTN would be at zero cost to shippers. “NSC is yet to tell us who bears the cost of the planned scheme. Economic regulation of port operations does not cover issues of this nature,” he said. Ojadi alleged that CTN will not

•The seized vehicles.

check under-declaration or corruption at the ports as claimed by the NSC. He urged the management of the NSC to state the modalities for issuing the CTN before shipment is done “The CTN will be issued by an appointed agent. You cannot write a CTN without inspecting to confirm what has been stuffed into the container. Clean Reports of Inspection (CRI) were issued at foreign ports by appointed agents during the pre-shipment era. I’m not sure I understand why this will be different. During the days of pre-shipment inspection, a Nigerian company once received a container that had goods not meant for that company. But the container had supposedly been inspected and a CRI issued,” he said.

Customs impounds two bulletproof SUVs

HE Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’, Owerri has seized another two bullet-proof Prado Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) among other vehicles and contraband goods on Aba/Eleme axis and Agbor-Benin Expressway. The seizures came barely a week after the unit seized 100 vehicles with fake documents on the Benin Expressway, Agbor-Asaba and Aba/Owerri highways. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) on the seized items is N545,651,050. Speaking with The Nation, its Area Controller, Mr David Dimka, said the seized items included 85 bales of second hand clothings with DPV of N8,160,000 and one 40ft container containing 373 bales of used school bags with a DPV of N22,477,200. “A total of 13 smuggled vehicles, all brand new models that include: two bullet-proof Prado Jeeps, nine Toyota Landcruiser Prado and three Toyota Corolla cars with DPV

of N285,242,000 were seized by the officers of the command. “Also, two trucks carrying a total of 1,220 bags of 50kg rice with DPV of N22,814,000 were impounded among other smuggled trucks with DPV of N110,187,000 and many cartons of imported frozen poultry products with DPV of N96,770,840 which we have destroyed,” he said. Dimka said while a good number of well meaning Nigerians are appreciative of government’s efforts to rid the nation of corruption in its ramification, some smugglers are unrepentantly bent on circumventing the lofty mission for their selfish interest. He warned that Customs will not relent in the discharge of its statutory duties until smugglers are brought to their knees and sent to permanent penury. He added that the seized imported bags of rice neither have National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and

Control (NAFDAC) registration number nor date of expiration. The frozen poultry products, he said, were destroyed to spare innocent and unsuspecting consumers from possible health problem or death. He commended officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), NAFDAC and Department of State Services (DSS) for their sustained support to the Customs in their onslaught against smuggling and enjoined members of the public to supply useful information that will enable the service to attain greater heights in the performances of its functions. Dimka said five suspects are helping the Customs in its investigations into the illegal importations of the seized items and warned smugglers that the Customs is better trained, equipped and motivated with necessary logistics to meet its challenges.

• From left: Customs Area Controller, Kano-Jigawa Command, Comptroller Abutu Mathias Onoja presenting a sourvenir to Kano State Governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during a courtesy visit by Onoja to the governor at the Government House, Kano.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Special courts? • If it will fast-track corruption trials, why not?

ONSIDERING the myriad allegations of corruption, in recent times, the proposal that special courts should be set up to try looters is attractive. The challenge, however, would be how the government can make that happen. To create a new set of courts, the government may be confronted with the task of amending the constitution. An alternative would be to collaborate with the judiciary, to designate some courts to specifically handle corruption-related cases. We believe however that if the government can successfully set up special courts to expeditiously deal with corruption cases, the anti-graft war will be more efficient. Luckily, the new Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, if implemented, will also help to reduce the abuse that criminal trials are fraught with in the country. It is hoped that the act will bring an end to the abuse of court procedure, through irrelevant applications meant to stall quick trials for criminal offences. Again, the act will arrest the use of frivolous injunctions by especially politically exposed persons, to frustrate their trials. So, if in addition to the new act, special courts are put in place, trials in criminal matters may seize to last for years, as we presently experience. It is also hoped that the recently reported screening of judges by security agencies, to sift the upright ones from the pack, to man such courts for corruption related cases will further give

impetus to the fight against corruption. Considering that the integrity of a judge is the fulcrum of a court of law, we urge the government to be thorough in the screening. There is no doubt that unless the guilty are confronted with their sins before upright judges, the chances of wriggling out from conviction are higher, as our recent experience showed. As we witnessed in recent past, a number of judges had handed out ridiculous sentences, or mere fines, for serious criminal offences. While a few of them later got sanctioned for their misconduct, the beneficiaries of the miscarriage of justice got away based on those ridiculously light punishments. So, the sanctity of the judicial process, which hinges on the integrity of the judges and other judicial officers, is fundamental to a successful prosecution of the war on corruption. Nigerians expect that with the help of the National Judicial Council (NJC), judges who have proven cases of corrupt tendencies would be shown the way out. In beaming the searchlight on the judges, those who have been overtly soft on corruption, and those with unexplainable wealth, should not be saddled with serious corruption cases. While it will be unfair to witch-hunt any judicial officer, it will be fair to subject their past actions to scrutiny. Where there is the need to amend the constitution or other extant laws,

we urge the legislature, both at the federal and state levels, to give their maximum cooperation to the exercise. For most Nigerians, the war on corruption should be treated as a national emergency, such that the three arms of government would work together to ensure maximum efficiency. To underscore the importance of the war against corruption, we call on the opposition parties to support a bi-partisan war on corruption. While hoping on the cooperation of other critical stakeholders, it is encouraging that President Muhammadu Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), have made the war on corruption a priority. As the president has said severally, if Nigeria does not kill corruption, the cankerworm will kill Nigeria. So, if special courts are needed to slay the corruption dragon, we urge the government to take every expeditious action to create them.

‘As the president has said severally, if Nigeria does not kill corruption, the cankerworm will kill Nigeria. So, if special courts are needed to slay the corruption dragon, we urge the government to take every expeditious action to create them’

Double jeopardy •We cannot reward a government that failed to run an airline and oversee private ones by giving it a new one

HE plan to set up a national carrier for air travels in Nigeria and abroad reels back memories of the defunct Nigeria Airways. And it is no fond recall. It was racked with inefficiency, nepotism, chaos and ultimately a disgraceful failure. The President, Muhammadu Buhari, had lamented during the presidential campaign season that Nigeria had not succeeded in managing its national carrier as well as such other establishments as the Nigerian National Shipping Line. His diagnosis was right. Not so his solution. The Nigeria Airways failed because it had no obligation to make profit. So long as it flew, it had fulfilled its purpose. It did that at the expense of public funds and national morality.

‘Airlines outside Nigeria, especially in the developed world, whether it is the British Airways or Lufthansa or United Airlines, all thrive on the virtues of free enterprise. If the government has a zeal for it, it should run on a public-private partnership model. That will ensure that the private stocks hold the government accountable’

It was also an indictment on government and its top office holders, especially during the military era. In local and international flights, purchased tickets did not guarantee assigned seats. Assigned seats did not guarantee flights. Punctuality did not place one ahead of late passengers. It was common to see passengers run to the planes to secure seats. Some weak and older people brought sprinters with them to the airport who secured seats for them first and then rose for the rightful owners. Anxiety of the rebirth of a national carrier trailed a recent decision by the Federal Government to inaugurate a 13member committee to intersect with international partners to facilitate the establishment of a national carrier. The terms of reference include: “reviewing previous consultants submission and recommendations; to invite submissions from the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria on the debt profile of the domestic airlines; and to consult widely with stakeholders on the establishment of a national carrier.” The committee is expected to x-ray why the Nigeria Airways failed, and, cheerily, to explore the prospects of setting up an airline on public-private partnership basis. The membership of the committee gives room for cheer since it encompasses persons from both public and private sectors, including those who have managed private and public airlines. Nigeria has had enough experience to know that we should not make public decisions based on the present crop of

leaders’ integrity. Some have argued that under President Buhari, a national carrier will be marked by efficiency because the present leadership is serious. This is not the way to build institutions. It turns the nation into an enclave of men and not of laws. But our desire is to ennoble our institutions, so that they expose and convict the bad and ride on the integrity and efficiency of the wise and upright. Airlines outside Nigeria, especially in the developed world, whether it is the British Airways or Lufthansa or United Airlines, all thrive on the virtues of free enterprise. If the government has a zeal for it, it should run on a public-private partnership model. That will ensure that the private stocks hold the government accountable. The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd. is a good example of how it can be profitable. Yet, it can also be fraught with corruption, as evident in the lack of remittance of hundreds of billions of Naira to the national coffers. We also know that part of the logic for considering the national carrier option derives from the inefficiencies of some private airlines. Some of them are mired in debts and a few have brought mourning to homes because of crashes traced to inefficiency. We cannot, as they say, throw the baby away with the bath water. One of the reasons for the crashes was a lack of strict regulations by the aviation authorities. These same government bodies cannot be asked to run an airline. It will be double jeopardy.

Buhari’s busy 100 Days

IR: While 100 days is infinitesimal in the life of a four-year administration, yet it beats the imagination of many patriotic Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari has, within the period under review, been able to rein in the Boko Haram terrorists. In 100 days also, the scarcity of petroleum has literally disappeared across the nation, while electricity supply has spiked. President Buhari’s shuttle diplomacy to some key nations like Chad, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Niger Republic, all of them most often referred to as Lake Chad Basin has gone a long way to bolster the efforts of the new administration in the war against Boko Haram. There is no doubt that following from these travels, the international community has begun to review their perception of Nigeria, especially regarding the war President Buhari is waging against corruption. Obviously, Buhari’s commitment and dedication to ensure that Nigeria returns to the path of moral rectitude and restoration is unshakable, and we desire it as a nation. Therefore, in taking stock of his activities over the last 100 days, we must take into consideration the numerous efforts he has made to turn things around. In all facets of our national life, things are beginning to straighten up in a way that government officials who used to do things with reckless abandon now look before they leap. If the amount of care being invested these days in carrying out the affairs of government had been the practice over the years, perhaps the country would have reached the much desired El Dorado. With Buhari’s ability to mobilise the Lake Chad Basin countries to join in the onslaught against Boko Haram, there is little doubt that the President’s target of routing the Boko Haram terrorists from Nigeria’s North-East in three months’ time will be met. Already, available information indicates that the terrorists are in disarray and unable to regroup to carry out their mindless killings. In the area of oil supply (downstream sector)even the most ardent cynics will agree that Nigeria is now witnessing sufficiency in fuel supply across the country, as the industry players are now in tune with global best practices, again on account of President Buhari’s insistence on integrity and due process. This upsurge in the oil sector is also the case in most sectors of the economy that have started to deliver optimally since President Buhari came on board. In all sectors of economy, there are noticeable improvements. In the power sector, it has moved up to 4,810 mega watts from paltry 2000 mega watts on May 29th, 2015. These successes can be attributed to Mr. President’s commitment to service delivery to Nigerians, and his zero tolerance for corruption. Again, with his assumption of power, there has been a noticeable attitudinal change among the workers and other stakeholders in the industry. With 4,810 mw this is the highest peak ever in Nigeria history. In the oil industry, there is constant and regular supply of petroleum products across the country and it is unimaginable the positive effects of these two factors in the growth and sustenance of the nation’s economy. Therefore, if President Buhari can attain these heights in 100 days, there is no doubt that in the months and years ahead, there would be a quantum leap in the growth of the nation’s economy. Lastly, it must be appreciated that the journey of one thousand miles begins with a step and all indices point to the fact that he has indeed put the right step forward. • Chukwudi Enekwechi, Abuja

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: The ill-fated journey of the sacked Abia non- indigene workers started in 2011 when the previous administration initiated a policy to identify and expel those who are non-Abians but work in the state civil service. The policy urged its citizens to emulate other Southeast states which had in the past transferred non- natives to their states of origin. The policy was contained in a circular entitled “Back-loading on Transfer of Non-indigenes” in the Abia State Public Service to their States of Origin, signed by the Head of Service, G.C. Adiele and subsequently approved by the government. The circular states that all non-indigenes in the public service, including local government, should be transferred to their states of origin with effect from October 1, 2011. However, it exempted those working in tertiary institutions but further directed heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies and the Local Government Service Commission to submit the names of all non- indigenes in their employment on or before September

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Relief for sacked non-Abia workers 1, 2011. It noted that failure to either comply or any connivance would attract serious sanctions from the government. It has been pain and agony for the sacked non-indigenes as some have reportedly died in the process, and some incapacitated. But a “Daniel has come to judgment” in the person of the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, and their burdens have been relieved. Ikpeazu, in fulfilment of his campaign promises, has reinstated 102 sacked non-indigene staff of Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB) and they have been paid their June salaries. Also, out of the 295 non-indigenes

formerly in the employment of the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), 63 have been cleared for reinstatement and are to receive their July salaries while the rest will also be reinstated after being cleared by the Auditor-General for the local governments. The governor’s action has been trailed by a series of commendations. The mainstream chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state, Prince Nnanna Ukaegbu, describes Ikpeazu as a man of his words. He said that Ikpeazu is a man to be relied on any time, any day. A few days before the elections, the mainstream APGA in Abia adopted Governor Ikpeazu as their sole can-

Buhari, three months after

IR: When a highly respected person suggested to me to join the Buhari Support Group, I declined to avoid handcuffs. The Yoruba say once a person eats dòdò(fried plantain), he or she can no longer s’òdodo (tell the truth); it’s a play on words; so cute. The former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan fed Drs. Reuben Abati and Doyin Okupe with dòdò; the same way the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua fed Prof. Dora Akunyili (now late) with dòdò, by appointing her as Communications and Information Minister, to defend indefensible governmental policies and actions. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fed Prof. Maurice Iwu with plenty of dòdò, and he perpetrated stunning electoral wùrùwúrú (fraud) for the party. A virtual or actual member of the Buhari Support Group (BSG) spoke on Radio Kwara, Ilorin, recently. He said the President Muhammadu Buhari is justified in giving all the key positions to the Northwest, which is Buhari’s zone, because what matters is honest and compe-

tent persons. He said southern Nigeria has discredited itself with the corruption allegations leveled against former Governors Raji Fashola and Rotimi Amaechi. Abati will shudder to see that he was using the same type of logic to defend Jonathan. Because Fashola and Amaechi are suspected of corruption, everybody in southern Nigeria is corrupt; implying incorruptible persons can be found only in northern Nigeria, with particular reference to Buhari’s Northwest. Buhari has demonstrated that he is prone to imbalance, not just in his appointments, but also in the way he described jihad wars as a “great civilisation” in his inaugural speech; and in spite of what he called “empty treasury”, he sold dollars cheaply to pilgrimagemakers without even attending to the instability in fuel price at that point. Buhari has also not demonstrated balance in his lip service to dialogue with the Boko Haram rebels. They are rebelling, let’s give them a voice. Why are Nigerian rulers running away from listening to the grudges of the rebels?

They are saying Nigeria is violating Islamic order as they understand it. Allow them to speak if you are sure of your own positions and actions. Every time the rebels call for dialogue, even when they wanted Mama Sarah Jubril to midwife the connection, they were shunned. What is fishy? And how can it now be said that all those who said Buhari was not the expected Messiah were wrong? Nigerians were yearning for change. They were tired of bloodshed and mass abject poverty. They were tired of political instability. What steps is Buhari taking to stop bloodshed and stabilise Nigeria politico-economically? None. His war with Boko Haram is futile, and he will keep pouring Nigeria’s human and material resources into it. After three months in office, Buhari has nothing concrete and definite to show. Be patient, be patient – the butterfly is flying away into the jungle. •Pius Oyeniran Abioje, PhD, University of Ilorin

didate, and one of the cardinal points was the pledge by Ikpeazu to revisit and reverse the sacking of the nonindigenes from the state civil service within his first 100 days in office. The issue, the party members said, was very dear to their heart and they pursued it vigorously. A notable civil rights activist of the Civil Liberties Organisation stock in the state, Dr. Charles Chinekezi, describes the action as “the height of responsive and responsible governance”. He wants Ikpeazu to continue on the track.

The disengagement policy, it will be recalled, attracted severe negative image for Abia State. The policy dented relationships between the sister Southeast states and Abia. It displaced workers from their legitimate and visible means of livelihood. Some analysts declared the action as punitive and a brazen breach and disregard to Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution. It was trailed by several litigations. One of the reasons cited by the previous administration that justified the sack was over-bloated work force, but Ikpeazu is earnestly addressing the problem through the biometric workers verification exercise. Indeed, the reinstatement is a true expression of Ikpeazu’s policy of making Abia a home for all and a comfortable state where the hopes and aspirations of all law- abiding residents will be guaranteed. •Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu, Umuahia, Abia State

The pen also lies in Imo

IR: In Imo state, the pen is no longer mightier than the sword because “the pen also lies”. It has gotten so bad that even in the face of commendable achievements, some abusers of the government among us have through the print and electronic media continued to strive with malignant pleasure to set the people’s governor, Rochas Okorocha, in opposition to the people. Sometimes, whenever I read most of the allegations against the people’s governor, I just laugh. One doesn’t need to be close to the government to know most of these lies don’t just add up. How could one say the past Imo state House of Assembly members were paid N5 million each as monthly salary? Meaning they earned more than the past president and federal law makers. Isn’t such allegation folly? Another lie: The governor has converted the whole land in Imo state for personal use, including the land and houses he bought more than 10 years back before he became a governor. And yet no one has genuinely come out or gone to court to challenge the governor for coveting his or her land. I am yet to know the section of the Constitution that says: a governor does not have the right

to acquire landed properties. Again: The governor built N6 billion mansion for himself. Please, how big is the house? Is our currency that valueless that such a huge amount of money would be expended on a house that is not as big as a stadium? Again: Our governor has used workers’ salaries to buy and service his retinue of aircraft that’s why Imo state cannot pay its work force and you ask, did the governors of more than 22 states that found themselves in the peculiar situation use public funds to buy and service their retinue of private jets? Another: Every month, local government workers’ salaries are being deducted for no reason and it is still reported that the same local government workers have not been paid for 10 months! Incredibly hilarious! Whose money are they now deducting monthly? To the good people of Imo state that re-elected Gov. Rochas Okorocha, it is high time we dissociated ourselves from those people whose “metaphoric pens also lie in Imo State”. They are critics with vindictive agenda and have lost every sense of propriety. • Joseph Chimezie, Owerri, Imo State.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

COMMENTS into the Iran University in EJA Mwangi, the Kenyan Ghana, an Islamic faithnovelist, in Going Down River based university, with a Road, did a good parody of N200, 000 yearly fee, and the all-mighty Kenyan parliament. another N50, 000 a month for His fictive People’s Parliament, of the feeding and allied living exover-worked, underpaid, hungry and penses. angry workers, during their break Twitter: @Lordbeek1 Still, why would Lady of time, railed at the high-and-mighty. Africa charity send these From their break-time hell-raising poor kids to expensive priOlakunle came an immortal line: “Germs don’t vate schools in Lagos, where kill Africans, only hunger does!” lordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola the state government runs That, beyond the biting sarcasm, free schools? On the surface, makes the pungent point: millions of no reason — for the governAfricans do need help — and maybe ment runs free schools bethe government alone cannot provide cause it pays the bill for the all of that help. majority poor, who cannot The American playwright, Arthur Osogbo and Abeokuta. She also runs a charity, Lady of afford it. But Lagos public schools are day-schools; and the FounMiller, was even more audacious, gifting his creative Africa and Advocacy Foundation. dation was anxious the children, who otherwise could space to the common man, the “everyday people”, in his By virtue of this charity, Miss Fasuyi would appear, have become street urchins, and maybe laboratories for tragic play, Death of a Salesman. Classical tragedies enindeed, a princess of the streets, with the NGO funnelling future criminals, needed boarding facilities for something joyed the artistic pleasure of cruelly cutting to size, the help to the distressed and disadvantaged, basically in closest to a home setting, so that it is only during the proverbial movers-and-shakers, who often love to play the field of health and education. holidays that the Foundation has to worry about providgod, over fellow men. The gods, ever so malevolent, seize Indeed, it was in the cause of this charity that the “prin- ing them homes. alleged hubris to mercilessly humble these greats. cess” met with her “angels” — poor children rendered Despite the Foundation’s efforts and Tohibat’s gamely But Willy Loman (pun it as low man, and you probably orphans, after their parents, and former Lady Africa Foun- response, it is a case of the spirit willing but the body would get the full gist), the tragic hero in Death of a Salesdation (afterwards cited as Lady of Africa) charity benefi- tired. Tried as it has, Lady of Africa has been finding it man, is not Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony or King Oediciaries, had died of cancer. difficult to raise the children’s school fees, thus subjectpus. Still, by Miller’s contraption, he fell from his low One is Kayode Olabiyi, 12, whose mother, Bunmi Olabiyi ing these young minds to some hiccups and disruptions. and humble level to a no less profound tragedy. To make died of breast cancer, in the course of raising the N7million On the Tohibat front, it so happens that a new set of the point hubris is no exclusive preserve of the great? estimated bill for her treatment in India. Kayode, with his investors are taking over the school. Alhaja Adeniji, 92, Well, this is no foray into literary appreciation. It is two siblings, Balikis and Emmanuel, were taken in by the founder, is advanced in age. But it is not quite the rather a dramatic way of saying today, Ripples stays the Lady of Africa, with the permission of their family. coming of a Pharaoh who knew no Joseph — no. The with lowly and the humble, even if the polity booms, Another is Ifeoluwa Bello, 6, who also lost her single new investors are still willing to help. quakes and aches with blistering crossfire, over PresiIndeed, the Foundation has got a further rebate of N40, mother to breast cancer. Baby Ife was barely nine months! dent Muhammadu Buhari’s latest set of appointments. After the death, according to a Lady of Africa release, Ife’s 000 on each child: the cumulative fee is now N100, 000, Maybe next week, if the battle still rages, and the controaunty (her mother’s elder sister) took over her care. But instead of N140, 000, aside from an additional N10, 000 versy still “trends” (as they say on the social media), she too would die when Ife was three. Afterwards, Lady rebate for ICT training (with other pupils paying N15, Ripples may yet join in the fray. of Africa took over her care, with her family’s permission 000). So, instead of N140, 000, each child now pays N110, But right now, it is full attention on a princess and her 000. of course. angels, one the benefactor, the others the putative benefiThe snag though, is that the N100, 000 would now be Ifeoluwa, and the Olabiyi siblings, are only four of the ciaries, of a heroic (o, that word again!) effort to ease the 10 kids in the Miss Fasuyi’s charity NGO, all at different paid off-front, at the beginning of session, instead of the mass pain and anguish in the land — if not aborted for stages of formative education, courtesy of a collaborative former practice of N50, 000 off-front, while the monthly lack of funds. scholarship by a Lagos private school, Tohibat Group of N30, 000 feeding fee is paid as it falls due. That payment front-loading creates a huge challenge for a cash-strapped First, the “princess”. Bukola Fasuyi is chief executive Schools, at Gbagada Estate, in Lagos. of Proclips Media Communication Ltd, a Lagos PR firm, The Foundation had approached the school’s founder, NGO. That therefore is the essence of this appeal — for the movie producer, and fashion entrepreneur with a bent Alhaja Tohibat Adeniji, herself a philanthropist, for help. Foundation needs urgent help, if it is not to abort the edufor culture. She owns an Adire fashion line (wears and According to the Foundation, the school agreed to take in cation of these children. If help does not come, the chilaccessories), with a special eye for the Diaspora market. the children, and bear part of the cost. dren would not resume with others, when Lagos schools Adire is a traditional Yoruba tie-and-dye fabric, native to Instead of N450, 000 per child for a term, the school reopen in two weeks. charged each of the children, all boarders, N50, 000 a You want to help? Thank you. Please reach Princess plus another N30, 000 monthly fee for boarding ex- Fasuyi, of the Lady of Africa Empowerment and Advo‘If help does not come, the children term, penses. Thus, instead of N450, 000, each child pays N140, cacy Foundation on 08027647056 and 08093287614 or would not resume with others, when 000 a term, N310, 000 less than the normal fee. visit the Foundation’s website: www.ladyofafrica.org. Not only that: Tohibat School is also in the process of If you did, you have save the soul of a part of Nigeria’s Lagos schools reopen in two weeks’ helping two of the Foundation pupils secure admission future.

epublican ipples

A princess and her angels

OW time flies! Exactly 50 years ago on 1st September, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) got its Charter, and since then it has been continuous delivery of excellent services and worthy sacrifice all the way. ICAN, the first Accountancy professional body recognised and registered by the government in Nigeria is unequivocally standing tall with laurels, landmark successes and records of impeccable achievements by virtue of its seasoned professionals, founding fathers and members, who have been pillars of support and institutions which have remained friends and great sources of encouragement to the Institute. Celebrating ICAN, therefore, is celebrating the achievements of these icons and great Nigerians. By their collective labour, ICAN has continually been able to create opportunities for millions of Nigerians and non-Nigerians home and abroad to realise their ambitions and potential and help build a Nigeria that hopefully everyone will be proud of. With about 40, 000 members and approximately 30, 000 students of ICAN, the Institute is no doubt one of the largest concentrations of professionals in Nigeria and Africa. To our the Doyen of Chartered Accountants in Nigeria, Pa Akintola Williams, who turned 96 in August this year, this is clearly a marvelous moment of rich fulfillment. Many would testify today that ICAN, for all intents and purposes, has done well for itself and lived up to the founding fathers’ expectations even in the face of myriads of challenges. The path to becoming a member of the Institute looks simple enough. Pass the ICAN examinations and arm yourself with 36 months of audit training and you have your VISA to membership of this towering professional body which is a founding member of International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Association of Accountancy Bodies of West Africa (ABWA) and Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA). Yet, not so fast! Many also would swear that the examinations are the most difficult to pass! True, the examination is not for the lily-livered. The integrity of the process which is rigorous and unassailable, is awe-inspiring and the result is that many are called but only few are chosen and those ‘few’ are the ones rendering excellent services in the public interest and making the Institute tick today in various walks of life within and outside the country. The process is simple and not so simple, but doubtlessly based on pure merit, leading to professional and academic excellence! ICAN formation was unique. In order to forestall proliferation of accountancy bodies, the forerunner of the Institute ensured that all the professional bodies represented in the country at inception were accommodated to create a formidable body with a solid foundation. This was due to the

Golden ICAN @ 50 By Sunday Abayomi Bammeke foresight and ingenuity of the founding fathers led by the Doyen himself, Pa Akintola Williams who is now reverently referred to as the Avatar of Integrity. By implication of the Act which was handed over to ICAN in 1965 by Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN, the Institute is saddled with enormous responsibilities and the statutory role of setting the standards of knowledge and skill to be attained by persons wishing to become members of the Accountancy profession in Nigeria, upgrading skills, experience and competences of all practitioners, encouraging and expanding professionalism in Audit and Accountancy in Nigeria and Africa. These responsibilities ICAN has sought to achieve over the years through rigorous but qualitative training with a view to producing thoroughbred professionals who can hold their own anywhere in the world; effective statutory regulatory and supervisory role that contribute in no small way to the growth and development of the private and public sectors of the economy; delivery of world class Audit and Accountancy services to individual and corporate citizens, governments, NGOs and other clients in Nigeria, Africa and all over the world in consonance with prevailing laws, statutes and guidelines; collaboration with other local and foreign professional bodies in the pursuit of global best practices and good governance and in discharging professional services in its core specialisations. It is also public knowledge that ICAN has always been at the forefront at every stage of the crusade against corruption in Nigeria, with its members serving on probe panels, participating in audit and forensic investigations and giving professional advice and trusted solutions when contacted. In the present probe exercise of the present administration which is a commendable step in the right direction, it goes without saying that not much could be achieved without the expertise of chartered accounts and ICAN whose members are responsible for auditing many of the quoted companies in the country. However, if any probe would be effective, President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) would do well to note the following which are in line with the ICAN motto of Accuracy and Integrity: There must be no sacred cow, injustice or sympathy for any individual or institution, no matter his

relationship to any member of the ruling government; the exercise must be thorough, honest, extensive, and exhaustive; there must be fair hearing and the exercise must permeate the states and local governments; due process, transparency, and the rule of law must be strictly adhered to; probe must not be ‘open ended’, it must have time frame, and such timing must not be unduly prolonged; all prosecutors and judges must be well paid, protected, monitored and made to live in secluded areas or reserved location while probe lasts; special courts and judges have always been favoured by the majority in Nigeria because of the busy schedule of the conventional courts and time constraints; probe should not be a distraction to PMB who has the onerous task of fulfilling the promise of economic rebirth and human welfare development which he made to Nigerians. It is noteworthy that PMB will be judged by his achievements in terms of the exchange rates, cost of living, state of infrastructure, inflation, external reserve, standard of education, other micro and macroeconomic and human development indices - not only probe! The structure established over time by ICAN is available for the present administration to latch on to for the purpose of realising its objectives. For one, ICAN has established whistle blowers’ protection fund, aimed at reducing corruption in the public and private sector. The motive of this idea is to ensure financial, ethical, moral and legal standards among members of the Institute in the discharge of their duties. The fund aims at protecting members and the public from any form of reprisal or victimisation when an alarm is raised on financial impropriety in any public or private establishment against individuals or groups within the country. ICAN also has a strict Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics by which its members must abide, the breach of which is sanctioned. As testament to the professional worth of this golden body and that of its members, its members are still the first choice and the preferred option of all blue chip and multinational companies within and outside Nigeria as duly licensed and recognised auditors because of the proven track records of satisfactory performance and non-compromise of integrity, code of conduct and international standard. ICAN has really come a long way and the founding fathers and the entire membership should roll out the drums as they are doing in the first week of September to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this phenomenal body which has become a household name in the country today and the envy of many a professional body. • Bammeke is a Lagos-based Chartered Accountant and ICAN Council Member

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

COMMENTS

T is really appalling that one so often gets to read some gibberish in newspapers, all in the name of commentaries or opinion. In this latest, my attention was drawn to a piece, titled, “Emmanuel’s will”, written by Olukorede Yishau, published in The Nation newspaper edition of Friday, August 28, 2015. In his column, Above Whispers, Yishau made lame attempts to portray the Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel, and his predecessor, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in bad light whilst inventing false scenarios in order to drive home his jaundiced viewpoint. It is unfortunate that those who ought to know better sometimes condescend to mislead the public with personal bias and prejudices dressed as public affairs analysis. So, what is the kernel of Yishau’s musing against the Akwa Ibom Governor? I will make haste at this beginning to lay bare how the writer unwittingly invalidated his entire ‘hypothesis’ with his own inking. Lifted from the last paragraph of his essay, Yishau submitted, “My final take: what is Emmanuel really afraid of? A fight with Akpabio? Or is he just postponing the fight? Or he does not want to open Akpabio’s yansh in the public? Or is the oracle still in charge and capable of pulling the rug off Emmanuel’s feet? Whatever it is, it is the people and accountability that is being taken for granted.” Before I proceed with the arguments and interrogation of Yishau’s real intention, another poignant conclusion of his is pertinent here: “...THERE IS NOTHING WRONG IN TAKING LOANS ONCE THEY ARE JUSTIFIED”. One therefore wonders why Yishau embarked on the whole academic exercise of blowing hot air on the issue of Akwa Ibom State’s debt profile, if he knows, as he confesses, that there is nothing wrong with taking loans once they are justified. What does he want to achieve in this twisted castigation of Governor Udom Emmanuel over the disclosure or not of the debt profile of his state? If Yishau is fair and objective-minded, he would agree that playing to the gallery is not the norm of serious governance and politicking. Will the so-called disclosure of loans taken by the State Government write

IGERIA’S major shortcoming as an independent nation is her clashing contradictions. Another challenge is that the memory of her people is short; indeed, too short that since we tend to forgive and forget the past so easily, it has become practically difficult for the sinners of, especially, our immediate past to either repent or be treated to the real wages of sin. For instance, despite Yakubu Gowon’s geo-political absurdities and socio-economic silliness, he is now Nigeria’s chief prayer warrior. Sani Abacha, the Maximum Dictator, is now seen as a saint compared to Olusegun Obasanjo, the Maximum Democrat; while the Maximum Democrat is already comparing his place and space in history to Abraham Lincoln. Emeka OdimegwuOjukwu, who rated personal ambitions above national pursuits, eventually became “the voice of the injury of the Easterners” while Alfred Papapreye DieteSpiff, that military governor who once humiliated professionalism, is now seen as the ‘beacon of hope’ for the oppressed and the depressed people of the Niger Delta. Besides, while Michael Ani, Victor OvieWhiskey, Eme Awa, Ephraim Akpata and Abel Goubadia died without treating Nigerians to what derailed their plans for the country, Humphrey Nwosu, on his own part, was literally too dull to comprehend what his job as umpire entailed. And Maurice Iwu only ended up wooing Nigerians into another round of electoral mess. Tragically, we now seem to have lost interest in our ability to put things right that, even, in the face of mindboggling revelations of how our

On ‘Emmanuel’s will’ and futile wishes By Aniekan Umanah off the debt? Is the disclosure an instrument of debt rescheduling? What are the benefits of amplifying the indebtedness of Akwa Ibom State, or indeed any other State, on the pages of newspapers to the disclosing authority? Yishau should well know that, before the State Government takes up any loan facility, local or foreign, there are constitutionally prescribed procedures by which such loans are approved and accessed. One of such is that it must be tabled before the State Legislature, where the people’s representatives evaluate the necessity of such loans as justified by the Executive. As such, the undertaking of trying to personalise issues surrounding the loan portrays mischief. More worrisome is the fact that, in canvassing reasons to energise his opinion, Yishau thinks aloud. His dark wish of seeing a political street brawl between Governor Emmanuel and his predecessor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, is carelessly leaked. Hear him:”... what is Emmanuel really afraid of? A fight with Akpabio? Or is he just postponing the fight?” Haba Yishau! Even you, an otherwise respected opinion moulder? Yishau should do well to answer these questions: what will be the value- added of any political fight between predecessor and successor? How does such a brawl advance the course of the much-needed good governance and attainment of development in the state? Who stands to benefit from the stoking or outbreak of acrimony between leaders of a state who enjoy a robust relationship? Until Yishau comes clear on all these questions and justifies his call for that big fight he so anticipates, I will hold this as his biggest folly ever.

Of course, Yishau is not infallible, so we can excuse him this goof. My counsel is simple: those who have the rare and sacred privilege of wielding a platform as credible as a commentarial slot in a national medium of the stature of The Nation must not abuse it by employing its advantage to foul the air of reasoning. Honestly viewed, that is what Yishau’s subtle pressure on Governor Emmanuel to embark on a dog-fight with his illustrious predecessor amounts to. The public, I dare posit, have absolutely nothing to derive from such event. I have followed Yishau for quite some time on his beat, which he presents as a weekly intervention restricted to South-South people and matters. One sore point stands out however. His interventions on Akwa Ibom issues are consistently garnished with slander and spite for Governor Emmanuel and his predecessor. This trait has spiced his reportage on the Governorship Primaries of the PDP via which Governor Emmanuel triumphed, the coalition of the other PDP aspirants who didn’t make it then known as the G-22 and post election events in Akwa Ibom. Yishau is decidedly anti-Akpabio and has blacked out the internationally acknowledged sterling performance of his administration, which gave him the acronym The Uncommon Transformer. Our brother has also declined to see that Governor Udom Emmanuel is already off

to a flying start and is focused on delivering on his Five-point agenda of Wealth Creation; Economic and Political Inclusion; Poverty Alleviation; Infrastructural Consolidation and Expansion; and Job Creation. I will not allay Yishau’s fear about the strong camaraderie existing between the duo of Their Excellencies, Governor Emmanuel and former Governor Akpabio. They are not going to fight anytime soon or later as you wish. Indeed, for those who are waiting to be entertained with a fight by both leaders, they should prepare for a long wait. The fact as it stands now is summarised as follows: (I) Governor Emmanuel is focused on the onerous responsibility of delivering on his campaign promises to the people who overwhelmingly elected him and will not be distracted. (Ii) Former Governor Akpabio has since moved on. After selflessly serving his people for eight fruitful years, he is now the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in the National Assembly and is currently the Minority Leader of the Senate. That enormous responsibility is soaking up his time and there is no room to bicker. (iii) The vast majority of Akwa Ibom people are grateful to Senator Akpabio, CON, for his stewardship and are equally satisfied at the pace his successor, Governor Emmanuel, has started implementing his promise to industrialise the state, create wealth and develop skills among Akwa Ibom people. Nothing else matters to them, least of all a needless fight between their illustrious sons. • Umanah is Commissioner for Information and Communications, Akwa Ibom State

‘The vast majority of Akwa Ibom people are grateful to Senator Akpabio, CON, for his stewardship and are equally satisfied at the pace his successor, Governor Emmanuel, has started implementing his promise to industrialise the state, create wealth and develop skills among Akwa Ibom people’

How far can Buhari go? By Abiodun Komolafe commonweal was recklessly abused and selfishly converted, we think ’go and sin no more’ remains the best approach to issues of governance. This is Nigeria in 2015! Nigeria, now the world’s 7th largest country has also been rated as the world’s 2nd most deadly country. No thanks to the terrorist activities of Boko Haram and its affiliates! Again, Nigeria is not only the largest economy in Africa with over-$500m dollars in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), she also ranks as the 21st largest economy by nominal GDP. But more than 60% of her population is below poverty level, courtesy of poor government and administrative laxity. Though Nigeria now ranks 6th in agricultural output globally; and first in Africa, her food exports continue to decline even as imports are on the increase. As if these are not enough, Nigeria is ranked 10th largest country with illicit financial flow even as her debt profile under former President Goodluck Jonathan alone was about 34.2% of Nigeria’s total debt. The country’s services sector is 63rd in the world but her economic situation remains precarious, thus making life ”an absurd desire” and lack “a sign that we were born wrongly”. In 1985, Nigeria had 19 states, with a population of 83.9million. Now, it has 36 states, and Abuja, her capital city; and

‘Where do we go from here and how far can the president go in clearing the Augean stables? ...we know how Nigeria was before former President Jonathan took over as president in 2011 and we also know how bad things had gone by the time Buhari was taking over on May 29, 2015’

with a population of about 177,155,754. By that year, Nigeria’s per capita incomes had dropped to about one-quarter of their 1970s’ high; and oil had become the major source of income for the government. Then, our oil export stood at 1.82 million barrels per day; and the cost of a barrel was US$18. Now, Nigeria produces about 2.52 million barrels per day with a barrel selling for less than US$45. Naira as at 1985 exchanged at NGN0.894 to the dollar. Now, it hovers between NGN200.00 and NGN250.00 to US$1. In any case, we need not forget that it was the introduction of the infamous Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) by the Ibrahim Babangida-led junta in 1986 that eventually changed the face and the fate of the naira-dollar relationship. Thirty years ago, a prospective secondary school leaver would gladly aim at lofty and profitable ambitions that would make his family proud. Babangida came and unwittingly mortgaged the spirit of courage and creativity of Nigeria’s youth. Before Judas Iscariot was Judas Maccabaeus. But Judas lost his place and popularity among Christian and Jews alike after the Betrayer came to fulfill ”all things ... which were written in the law of Moses.” Now, our youth would rather prefer graduating as ‘yahoo boys’ to appreciating the true meaning of meritocracy and social justice. Having said that, where do we go from here and how far can the president go in clearing the Augean stables? What can this land, which currently sacrifices transparency on the altar of efficiency, do to feel the beauty, tenderness, and freedom of healing that the Buhari administration is bringing on board? Indeed, this is why I am deeply worried! In its July 17, 1966 reaction to Nigeria’s first coup, The Sun (a prominent British newspaper), described democracy as

a ”sophisticated form of government needing time and economic security to develop.” Students of history will readily admit that Nigeria’s political space is full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Of course, that’s why I don’t envy the president. Amid this chaos however, it is gratifying to note that Buhari has within a short period of time in office done a lot to close up the gulf that has hitherto weakened our collective resolve to forge a common front. Needless to repeat that its results, so far, have been awesomely impressive; at least, we know how Nigeria was before former President Jonathan took over as president in 2011 and we also know how bad things had gone by the time Buhari was taking over on May 29, 2015. Let me by way of conclusion state that the hallmark of a leader is his ability to realise that change begins with selflessness and sacrifice; that discipline is very germane to effective leadership even as war on corruption ensures better service delivery; and that political process gets corrupted when unfettered pursuit of money becomes a way of life. Therefore, irrespective of constraints like age, party patronage, artificial sentiments and class solidarity, Nigerians see in Buhari a man who understands better the complexity of the issue at stake as well as how to confront all those stubborn situations that have hitherto resisted remedy. So, as he defines concrete objectives with a view to realising the vision and showing to the world that a sustainable pathway to development is possible, one can only pray for him and wish him well! After all, who knows but that Buhari has come to this presidential position for such a time as this? •Komolafe wrote in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Nigeria

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

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We have to deal with the issue of integrity in our judicial system even as we deal with general problem of corruption. There is no question at all that, if we don’t handle corruption squarely, if our justice system is so degraded, that it will be practically impossible to get very much done or to encourage anyone to come into our environment

’

See page 26

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

At the just-concluded yearly conference of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), speakers, including President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), were unanimous that the nation’s quest for reawakening and sustained growth is imperilled without the support of the judiciary. They suggested ways law could be effectively deployed as a tool for national development. ERIC IKHILAE reports.

•President Buhari (middle), Vice President Osinbajo (right), Alegeh (left) and Akeredolu (second left)

Law as tool for national development F

INSIDE:

OR eight days last week, lawyers gath ered in Abuja to examine, among oth ers, ways to improve society through the law. From August 21 to 28, speakers and other conferees examined the suitability of the nation’s legal framework, identified some flaws and recommended ways the Law and the judicial system could be effectively deployed as agents of national development. The event, the 55th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which was well-attended, attracted dignitaries, such as President Muhammad Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mahmud Mohammed; Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Dr. Willy Mutunga, and key players in the critical sectors. About 39 papers, touching all aspects of legal practice, were presented by experts, who were both lawyers and non-lawyers. Drawing from the broad theme of: Lawyers and national development, speakers at the

‘Lawyers in public service must be accountable’ -Page 27

various breakout sessions, addressed issues affecting every facet of the nation’s sector and suggested how, with everyone diligently playing his/her part, the required growth and development could be attained. Areas explored included: “the role of lawyers in national development; contribution of lawyers in public office to national development; providing legal support for talent based industry; special focus on movies, music, comedy and sports; law officers and national development; the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in election petitions; ending the scourge of abandoned projects in Nigeria, anticorruption: Fresh strategies, new initiatives.” Realising the importance of the involvement of the law community in his administration’s anti-corruption stance, President Buhari, while inaugurating the conference on August 23, urged lawyers and judicial officers to partner with the people in this crucial period of national reawakening. Buhari, while enlisting the lawyers’ support for his administration’s resolve to combat cor-

What’s wrong with Administration of Criminal Justice Act? -Page 28

ruption and impunity in the land, acknowledged their professional responsibility of defending their clients. He urged them to do so without compromising their professional ethics and the integrity of the legal system no matter how lucrative the brief may be. The president drew the lawyers’attention to how pervasive corruption and impunity, which signposted past administrations, have combined to deny the masses access to basic needs. “It is the reason pensioners are not paid and potable water is scarce. In effect, corruption diverts public resources meant for millions of people into the private pockets of a greedy few, thereby causing a lot of suffering, deprivation and death. In my view, there can be no greater violation of human rights. “Viewed in this way, I think we can all fully appreciate the gravity of this oppressive and destructive evil. This should rouse us to fight it with the same zeal and doggedness as we deploy in the defense of fundamental rights. “I am convinced that law, lawmakers, lawyers, law courts and the law enforcement agen-

cies all have pivotal responsibilities to discharge, if the change we seek is ever to materialise,” Buhari said. While speaking on the topic: “The role of law in national development,” Prof Osinbajo laid before the gathering, the policy thrust of their administration on the reform of laws necessary for economic growth and strengthening of legal and institutional framework of key justice institutions in the country. Osinbajo, who assured Nigerians of the commitment of the Federal Government at ensuring the effective management of the nation’s resources for the benefit of all, said the government will ensure that all avenues of leakages were plugged and take steps to change every aspect of the economic value chain, while working to improve infrastructure, food production and power generation. The Vice President, however, noted that

How to make Administration of Criminal Justice Act work -Page 38

•Continued on page 27

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

LAW COVER CONT’D

Law as tool for national development •Continued from page 25

there was need to reform the justice sector to enable it function in aid of government’s objectives. This, he said, was imperative, because the effective interplay of the components of the justice sector will largely affect the performance of the national enterprise, which elements include security of lives and property, the economy and rights protection. Osinbajo stressed the need for players in the justice sector to work with the government to effectively deal with “theft, official corruption and the privatisation of public resources” to allow for the attainment of the anticipated national growth and development. “We have to deal with the issue of integrity in our judicial system even as we deal with general problem of corruption. There is no question at all that, if we don’t handle corruption squarely, if our justice system is so degraded, that it will be practically impossible to get very much done or to encourage anyone to come into our environment. “We should be able to hold people to account; to ensure that people cannot escape justice. The self-seeking ways of a few should not be allowed to stall our national enterprise,” he said. In apparent response to the challenges thrown at his sector by the President and Vice President, Justice Mohammed assured of the support of the Judiciary and his commitment to sustain the ongoing reforms in the judiciary, which include the review of the process of judges’appointment, deployment of information and communication technologies (ICT) to aid court process and moves to ensure commitment and dedication by judicial officers. The CJN, who blamed the delay in court proceedings on mostly lawyers, sought an enhanced collaboration between the Bench and the Bar for the court to effectively play its role of justice dispensation. “While it must be acknowledged that our Judiciary is not perfect, we cannot overlook the role of counsel in facilitating the onset of delay. “As we all are aware, delay in most instances are either occasioned by the lack of diligent prosecution of a case, antics of counsel such as the use of interlocutory appeals to stall and frustrate a legitimate expectation of justice, or indolence on the part of some Judges. “My learned colleagues this state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue. It is one thing to talk the talk, but I am also determined to walk the talk. “As we continue to fish out and discipline

indolent and lazy Judges by showing them the way out of the system, we must also acknowledge and praise those judges that are diligent and hardworking. To this end, the NJC’s Judicial Officers Performance Evaluation Committee has also been strengthened to perform its functions,” the CJN said. He called for enhanced financial allocation to the Judiciary to enable it meet the expectation of the society. The conference, in one of its breakaway sessions, emphasised the importance of infrastructural development in the realisation of a nation’s quest for development. It was the general position that there was the need for a synergy between the public and private sector for the nation to overcome its current infrastructure deficit. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Wale Babalakin, argued that the government has no reason to abandon any ongoing project on the ground of paucity of funds. He said with planning and proper management of resources, the scourge of abandoned projects in the country will end. Babalakin, who spoke from a private sector perspective, warned that the nation’s hope of developing critical public infrastructure as a vehicle for economic development, will remain a mirage without a change of attitude by public officers. Relying on his experience as private investor in public infrastructure, Babalakin contended that the prevailing practice, where public officers violate contracts and agreements at will, perceive private investors in public infrastructure as either competitors or inferior partners, would only help sustain the scourge of abandoned projects. Babalakin said it was impossible for the government to fully meet the nation’s infrastructure need without the involvement of the private sector, particularly in the face of dwindling national revenue from oil sales.To him,

achieving success requires conscious effort by the government to protect private investors from the activities of self-centered public officials. Citing cases where negative attitude of government officials have destroyed beautifully conceived private initiatives in the past, Babalakin noted that the lack of cooperation from government officials helped to frustrate such projects that would have helped resolved the infrastructure deficit. He argued that, had government officials planned, the current fall in government earnings from oil would not have had any major impact on government’s spending capacity because there were sufficient indicators before now of impending fall in revenue. The conference also examined the role of lawyers in the protection of consumers’ rights in Nigeria: Lessons from the telecoms and power sectors in view of the realisation that the interplay of market forces and the investor’s quest for enhanced returns mostly work at the detriment of the consumers. Speakers, including the Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi and, Joe Gadzama (SAN); Head of the Consumer Protection Council, Mrs Dupe Atoki and Moyo Onigbanjo (SAN) examined the nature of violation of consumers’ rights in both sectors, issues of enforcement and effectiveness of the Consumer Protection Act, and how the legal profession can contribute to the promotion and protection of consumers’ rights. Amadi, who recently queried the court’s right to question his commission’s decisions, attempted to defend the nebulous charges his commission and marketers of power impose on Nigerians, Superior arguments, however, prevailed and it was the general opinion that these charges, particularly the fix charge was not justifiable, and amounted to multiple taxation, a position the NBA adopted in its communiqué, and which

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I am convinced that law, lawmakers, lawyers, law courts and the law enforcement agencies all have pivotal responsibilities to discharge if the change we seek is ever to materialise

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•President Buhari (right) and Vice President Osinbajo.

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As we all are aware, delay in most instances are either occasioned by the lack of diligent prosecution of a case, antics of counsel such as the use of interlocutory appeals to stall and frustrate a legitimate expectation of justice, or indolence on the part of some Judges

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it specifically sought the abolition of the fixed charge. On how to improve the legal and regulatory framework of the petroleum industry, speakers, including the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Ibe Kachikwu, and Senator Victor Ndoma Egba said there was an urgent need for the review of the regulatory framework in the oil sector if the country seeks to improve its earnings from the sector. They reviewed key fiscal, commercial and regulatory changes proposed in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), discussed how the Bill could address the challenges in the sector and suggested an urgent passage of the Bill into law, but with some amendments. Some of them recommended that emphasis should not only be on the upstream subsector for export purposes, the downstream subsector should also be emphasised for job creation and diversified developmental purposes They advised that a review of the Bill should include provisions to ensure that oil companies causing environmental degradation, shall, in addition to fines imposed by the government, pay a fair, full and adequate compensation to any persons aggrieved as determined by a judge sitting in the jurisdiction of injury whether state or federal, provided that the sum payable shall be as determined by an advisory ad hoc multidisciplinary college of referees appointed by the judge comprising toxicologists, surveyors and values, whose fees shall be charged to the polluter. They also suggested the streamlining of the new agencies, which have overlapping functions, the removal of clauses, which disregard the right of citizens to legal redress in the courts and the reduction in the overriding powers of the Minister for Petroleum, before the PIB is passed by the National Assembly. Presenting the conference communiqué last Friday, the NBA President, Augustine Alegeh (SAN) reassured the commitment of the body to support the government’s anti-corruption effect and all other efforts aimed at the good of the society. “The NBA shall play a leading role in the fight against corruption; the NBA shall continuously pursue systemic reform of the legal system in Nigeria in order to enhance national development. “The NBA shall make as a cornerstone of its advocacy, transparency in the appointment of judicial officers as critical to building confidence in the judicial system, a necessary plank in national development,” Alegeh said.

De-registration of political parties is unconstitutional, says NCP chairman

ATIONAL Chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Dr. Yunusa Tanko has said de-registration of political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is unconstitutional and a violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights(Ratification and Enforcement)Act . He has therefore asked that the provisions of Section 78(77)(ii) of the Electoral Act 2010 which empowered the INEC to de-register political parties on the basis of not winning any elected seat be abrogated from the statute book.

By Adebisi Onanuga

Tanko stated this in Lagos last week at a world press conference held at the Jabita Intercontinental Hotel, Ikeja to celebrate the judgment of the Court of Appeal which stopped INEC from de-registering NCP. A three-man judge of the Court of Appeal, made up of Justices Chinwe Eugenia Iyizoba, Joseph Shagbabor and Abimbola Osarugie Obaseki-Adejumo, had in a unanimous judgment had granted two out of the three prayers sought by the appellants and set aside the judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the Fed-

eral High Court delivered September 16, 2011. The judges of the Court of Appeal, in their judgement delivered July 24, 2015 had made a declaration to the effect that “the provisions of Section 78(77)(ii) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended (hereafter referred to as the Electoral Act) is inconsistent with Article 10of the African Charter on Human Rights(Ratification and Enforcement)Act Cap 10 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended (hereafter referred to as “the Constitution”) and is ipso facto null and void and of no legal effect having regard to the provisions of section 1(3) of the Constitution”.

They had also granted “a perpetual injunction restraining the third defendant(INEC) from further disbanding or deregistering the first plaintiff (NCP) or any other political party in Nigeria for that matter in breach of the provisions of the Constitution”. “In the final result, I hold that this appeal has merit. It is hereby allowed. The judgSment of Abang of the Federal High Court Lagos delivered on the 6th of March, 2013 is hereby set aside . in its place, reliefs 1 and 3 of the originating summons dated 14/411 are granted as prayed”, Justice Iyizoba had declared.

THE NATION SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

LAW & SOCIETY

‘Lawyers in public service must be accountable’

AWYERS in public service have been urged to contribute to national development by offering sound legal advice. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in a communique issued at the end of its 55th Annual General Conference in Abuja, urged lawyers in private or public service to discharge their functions creditably. The NBA stated that lawyers, who find themselves in public service, must offer quality leadership. “In this regard, lawyers in public service have a duty to uphold the rule of law, and observe the ethics of the legal profession in carrying out even their public service responsibilities,” the NBA said. Speaking at the session with the theme: Contribution of lawyers in public office to national development, immediate past Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) said it was necessary to review the role lawyers have played in the country’s development to appreciate what they are expected to do to develop the society. Human resources, he said, are very important in the development of any country and Nigeria has benefited more from the role of lawyers in its effort to build a stable polity. “In our existence as a nation, our parliament, the executive, the judiciary, in fact all aspects of our existence as a nation is circumscribed by law, and if that is the case, lawyers are more qualified to govern. What is the essence of governance? We have to focus on what we have decided to do. “Therefore, we cannot over emphasise the role of lawyers in national development. We must provide the society with the so-called ‘dividends of democracy’. We must emphasise on the state of the nation and the restructuring of the society. Dividends of democracy has been interpreted in various manners. How does it affect the lives of the people, the amendment of the constitution, the polity, the National Assembly and the rest? “We must not put aside the fundamental issues of human rights. The constitution as an organic document needs to be interpreted and amended in such a way that it will give quality life to the people.” The Senate Minority leader and former Governor of Akwa Ibom

By John Austin Unachukwu

State, Godswill Akpabio, in his contribution, said: “ There is no state in the country that does not have a lawyer, therefore, lawyers must be in government at both state and federal levels. He said: “ I abolished child labour in Akwa Ibom State. I promulgated the Child’s Labour Law and created the Akwa Ibom State Infrastructure Agency, which drove the infrastructure renaissance that led to the uncommon transformation of my administration. “ Once God gives you the grace to manage any place, please, leave that place better than you met it.” He called on Nigerians to assist the lawyers to move the country forward in a bi-partisan way. “The lawyer must not only do well, the society must also see him as doing well, otherwise, they will lose confidence in the law. It is only lawyers that have taken Nigeria to the Guinness Book of Records. This I accomplished through the Godswill Akpabio Choir.” The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase said: “Intelligence-driven investigations will reduce the number of Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATN). The Police has embraced community model; the Alternative Disputes Resolution Mechanisms (ADR) and restorative justice approach will no doubt, reduce the awaiting trial inmates. The police paid over N1billion in garnishee proceedings in the last one year and this has to be reduced.” The IGP said he gave all the legal units of the police in the 36 states of the federation new cars so that they do not go to courts carrying their wigs and gowns in their hands. He warned that any police officer, who engages in extra-judicial killing will be properly investigated and prosecuted. The NBA President, Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN) urged the IGP to make police men, who are of other ranks, officers. Bauchi State governor, Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, said: “The Annual General Conference of the NBA is just coming at a point when the country is undergoing economic and political transformation. The general election of 2015 has put Nigeria in a

•Abubakar and Lalong

•Kifasi and Dr. D.C. Enamhe

community where if possible, every lawyer must be in government because democracy is predicated on the rule of law. Lawyers have gone to school to read the law and understand what the rule of law is all about.” He added that lawyers have acquitted themselves well in Nigeria’s democratic experience in three areas, namely: good governance predicated on the rule of law, the need to completely eradicate corruption and the need to reform the economy of the nation. He called for the reformation of the law because the law itself is the beacon of reformation. “The All Progressives Congress (APC) manifesto has come up with a comprehensive way by which Nigeria can develop and possibly

eradicate all the ills in the society,” Abubakar said. Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said: “Lawyers in the legislature are engaged in the business of making laws because Section 4 of the Constitution empowers the legislature to make laws for peace and good governance of the country. These laws are aimed at the development of the country by building institutions such as hospitals, schools, markets and so on. “With the assistance of my colleagues, I ensured that there is purposeful leadership for the country. Members of the legal profession are needed in the legislature more than any other arm of the government because of the drafting of bills for passage into law, the validity of the laws and

compliance with the procedural processes of law making. “Aside from the grace of God, the greatest asset and weapon that made me what I am today is the law; we made sure that the Childs Right Act was passed into law by the legislature and even now, we are trying to make sure that no child is left outside school. We want to criminalise it and make it an offence for any parent to take a child of school age outside the school,” he said. Plateau State governor, Simon Bako Lalong, said: “ I thank lawyers in Plateau State for assisting me to defeat a sitting governor in a contest, which I liken to the Biblical contest between David and Goliath. Plateau lawyers took it upon themselves and made sure that I emerged victorious in the governorship election.

Group to Okiro: resign over fraud allegation

PRESSURE group, Access to Justice (AJ), has asked the chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Mike Mbama Okiro, to resign following the findings of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which indicted the Commission of corruption and fraudulent activities to the tune of N133.4 million. In a statement in Lagos last week by its Executive Director, Joseph Otteh and Okechukwu Nwanguma of the Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria (NOPRIN), the AJ said the indictment of the PSC by the ICPC was enough reason for the chairman of the Commission to vacate office. Access to Justice said the PSC “leadership has brought upon the Commission a huge credibility crisis and degraded its moral authority too much to be able to effectively hold police officers accountable for misconduct”. In view of this, the group contended that the findings made by the ICPC has reached the thresholds for demanding that the PSC chair vacates office immediately. “The Police Service Commission

By Adebisi Onanuga

cannot be indulging in an entrenched pattern of malfeasance and misappropriations and remain positioned to discharge its constitutional mandate of fighting corruption or abuse of power within the police force or sanctioning police officers guilty of corruption or misconduct,”it argued. The group noted that the PSC is responsible for the disciplinary control of police officers and for ensuring that police officers comply with all police laws and regulations, including those on corruption. “Where the PSC cannot effectively perform its oversight disciplinary responsibilities, a huge disciplinary and control gap will be created within the Nigerian Police Force, which will, consequently, further entrench and facilitate systematic corruption within the institution. “The continuance of the present incumbent of the office of the Chairman of the Police Service Commission is, therefore, no longer tenable. It is in the best interest of the body and for the sake of preserving the PSC’s ability to effectively perform

its constitutional duties, that we are, therefore, demanding that he vacates the office now,”AJ contended. The ICPC on August 11, ordered the PSC and its Chairman, to refund to the government treasury the sum of N133.4 million out of the N350 million it received from the Federal Government for the monitoring of the conduct of the 2015 elections following an investigation carried out by the commission based on a petition by Mr. Aaron Kaase, a staff of the PSC. The petition alleged acts of corruption, abuse of office and fraudulent acts to swindle the PSC to the tune of N275.5 million on the part of the chairman of the PSC. Access to Justice noted that the findings of the ICPC on the activities of the PSC revealed that “the Police Service Commission (PSC) received the sum of N350 million from the Federal Government to monitor the conduct of police personnel in the recently conducted general election. “The Commission budgeted to expend the fund on training and physical monitoring during the election. Investigation revealed that the

Commission budgeted for training of 900 staff to conduct training in Abuja, Lagos and Kano. However, the entire staff force was not more that 391 and that was the figure actually trained in a programme held in Abuja only… “ The group, in spite of having called for the resignation of PSC Chairman, Okiro, however, faulted the conclusion of the report of the ICPC on the investigation conducted into the commission. “Judging from the ICPC’s statement, it is fairly evident that, from the start, an intention to misappropriate funds was clearly incubated, set in motion, and manifested when the Commission projected to train 509 more staff than it actually had. In other words, the Commission received training monies for a large retinue of “ghost staff”. “Those preparatory steps were subsequently consummated: the Commission got taxpayers’ monies based upon the misrepresentations it made, and held on to the money that remained afterwards. “As the ICPC found, the Police Service Commission even know-

ingly paid its staff based in Abuja return air ticket money for a programme that held in Abuja; yet another fraud! “How these corrupt practices and deceptions could come to be characterised by the ICPC as merely “administrative in nature and within the ambits of career public servants handlings” is baffling,” AJ argued. The group recalled that in 2008, a former Minister and Senator were arraigned and prosecuted for failing to return unspent funds in their Ministries/Committees to the government’s coffers. “The ICPC’s working definition of criminal corruption sets our alarm bells ringing; it is clearly too flawed and deficit to help Nigeria’s war against corruption. If there were no criminal acts committed, it becomes open to question the business of the ICPC in ordering the PSC to refund money. The ICPC’s mandate, it may be said, extends only to the investigation and prosecution of acts that constitute corrupt practices,” the group said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

LAW & SOCIETY

What’s wrong with Administration of Criminal Justice Act? •Continued from last week

ART 11 on ‘Control of Criminal Proceedings by the Attorney-General’is concerned with “Discontinuance of criminal cases and Withdrawals from prosecution in trials and inquiries before a court.” PART 12 on ‘Institution of Proceedings’deals with “different methods of instituting criminal proceedings, mode of instituting criminal proceedings in a magistrate court and returns by Comptroller-General of Prisons.” PART 13 on the subject matter of ‘First Information Report’deals with “Procedure for receiving complaint and first information report.” PART 14 covering ‘Enforcing Appearance of Suspect’is concerned with “Compelling appearance of a suspect. Summons and warrants, Making of complaint and issue of process.” PART 15 providing for ‘Issue, Form and Service of Summons’deals with”Issue and service, Issue of summons and contents, Hearing by consent before return date of summons, Summons with immediate return date in special circumstances, Discretion in ex parte application, Summons to be in duplicate, Service of summons, Normal methods of effecting service, Service where person summoned cannot be found, Service on public officers, Service outside jurisdiction of court, Proof of service when serving officer not present, Receipt of service of summons, Person refusing to sign receipt may be arrested, Proof of service, Summons disobeyed, warrant may be issued, Issue of warrant for suspect in the first instance, Application of sections 35 to 47 to such warrant, Warrant may be issued before or after return date of summons, Power to dispense with personal attendance of defendant in certain cases.” PART 16 on ‘Miscellaneous Provisions Regarding Process’isconcerned with”Irregularity in summons, warrant, service, or arrest, Irregularities which vitiate proceedings, Variance between charge and complaint, Process valid notwithstanding death or vacation of office of person issuing.” PART 17 on the subject matter of ‘Saving of Validity Of Process’ deals with “Validity of process: warrant of commitment and warrant of distress, General addressee of process for issue and execution, Certain provisions applicable to all summonses and warrants in criminal matters.”

PART 18 on ‘Search Warrants’is concerned with “Application for search warrant, Cases in which search warrants may be issued, Discharge of suspected person, Search warrant to be signed by Magistrate or Justice of the Peace, Search warrant to whom directed, Time when search warrant may be issued and executed, Person in charge of closed place to allow access, Occupant of place searched may attend, Execution of search warrant outside jurisdiction, Magistrate may direct search in his presence, Detention of articles recovered, Perishable articles may be disposed of by court, Search for and disposal of gunpowder, Disposal of counterfeit currency and certain other thing, Transmission to court of other State.” PART 19 covering ‘Bail and Recognizance: Generally’is concerned with “General entitlement to bail, Power of court to order person in custody to be brought before it, Recognizance by parent or guardian of a child, Bail where a suspect is charged with capital offence, Bail where a defendant is charged with offence exceeding three years imprisonment, Bail where a defendant is charged with offence not exceeding three years imprisonment, Bail in respect of matters in other offences, Conditions for bail, Recognizance in respect of a child, Sureties, Judge may vary bail fixed by Magistrate or police, Reconsideration of bail, Before whom recognizance may be executed, Release on execution of recognizance, Mode of entering into recognizance, Continuous bail, Defendant bound by recognizance to appear before acourt or police may be committed to prison, Reconsideration of amount of bail on application by law officer or police, Variation of a recognizance if surety unsuitable, Discharge of sureties, Order of fresh security upon original order, Forfeiture of recognizance, Mitigation of forfeiture, Where defendant fails to find surety, Forfeiture on conviction, Where recognizance forfeited warrant may be issued, Arrest on failure to appear, Payment on recognizance, Appeal, Registration of bondsperson, Bondspersons may arrest absconding defendant or suspect.” PART 20 on ‘Property and Persons’covers “Methods of stating multiple ownership of property, Description of persons in criminal process, Remedies of married woman against her husband and others in respect of her person or property, Husband and wife competent as witnesses.” PART 21 ‘On the Charge’deals with “Forms of charges in Second Schedule to be used and adapted, Offence to be stated in charge, Legal

presumption of charge, Particulars in charge, Charge of criminal breach of trust, Charge of criminal falsification of accounts, Charge may contain the manner in which the offence was committed, Sense of words used in charge, Description of property and joint owners, Description of bank or currency notes, Provision as to statutory offences, Description of persons, Description of document, General rule as to description, Statement of intent, Defendants who may be charged jointly, Separate charges for distinct offences, Attempt same as substantive offences, Trial for more than one offence, Offences falling within two definitions, Acts constituting one offence but constituting a different offence when combined, Where it is doubtful which offence has been committed, Incidental offences in the same transaction.” PART 22 on ‘Alteration or Amendment of Charges’ covers “Alteration and amendment of charge by permission of court, Procedure on alteration of charge, When court may proceed with trial immediately after altering, adding to or framing charge, Recall of witnesses when charge is revised, Effect of error, Objection to a charge and Effect of material error.” PART 23 on ‘Conviction When Charged With One Of Several Offences Or Of Another Offence’deals with “Where defendant charged with one offence may be convicted of another, Full offence charged, attempt proved, Attempt charged, full offence proved, Liability as to further prosecution, On charge of an offence conviction as accessory after the fact to that or connected offence may follow, Defendant tried for lesser offence but a higher offence is proved, Conviction of kindred offences relating to property, Defendant charged with burglary may be convicted of kindred offence, On charge of rape conviction under defilement, incest, unnatural or indecent assault may follow, Procedure for trial on charge for certain offences, On charge of defilement conviction of indecent assault may follow, Where murder or infanticide is charged and concealment of birth is proved, Where murder is charged and infanticide is proved, Where offence proved is not included in offence charged, Withdrawal of remaining charges on conviction on one of several charges.” PART 24 on ‘Previous Acquittals or Conviction’covers “Defendant convicted or acquitted not to be tried again for same or kindred offence, a defendant may be tried again on separate charge in certain cases, Consequences supervening or not known at

•Shittu

previous trial.” PART 25 on ‘Witnesses: Compelling Attendance and Taking of Oath or Making of Affirmation’deals with”Issue of summons for witness, Service of summons and other processes on witnesses, Warrant for witness after summons, Issue of warrant for witness, Mode of dealing with witness arrested under warrant, Penalty on witnesses refusing to attend, Non-attendance of witness on adjourned hearing, Persons in court may be required to give evidence though not summoned, Manner of taking oath or affirmation, Witness refusing to be sworn, or produce documents.” PART 26 on ‘Witnesses: Expenses’covers “Expenses of witnesses for the prosecution, Expenses of witnesses for the defence, Adjournment may be granted subject to witnesses’ costs, Ascertainment of witnesses’ expenses”. PART 27 on ‘Examination of Witnesses’deals with “Application of the Evidence Act, Power to call or recall witnesses, Certificates of certain government technical officers, Right of reply, Public to have access to hearing, Court may exclude certain persons while taking evidence of a child or young person, Order under section 259 or 260 not to apply to press and certain others, Prohibition on children being present in court during the trial of other persons, Visit by court to locus, Determination of age, Age in •Concluded

NBA business section to build lawyers’ capacity

HE chairman of the Nigerian Bar Asso ciation Section on Business Law (NBASBL), Mr. Asue Ighodalo, has pledged to improve in its bid to build lawyers’ capacity. He spoke during the section’s Annual General Meeting held during the NBA general conference in Abuja. Ighodalo vowed to embark on continuous legal training for members. To further enhance their capacity, the SBL set up a committee dedicated to training, chaired by Dr. Adeoye Adefulu. The committee has begun with the process of identifying the training needs of SBL members (particularly young lawyers), and has developed a curriculum. The Section is also working to improve the database of members. ”One of the things we found out of the section on business law is that we need to improve our data base. We need to get more members involved and include more members in our programmes and events,” he said. He explained that SBL needs to capacitate its secretariat to be more effective. “Our secretariat is presently constrained, however, we have plans to expand and improve our operations to cater for a larger SBL,” he said. The chairman in his assessment of the conference praised the NBA president, Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN) and the conference organising committee for doing a great job. He said: “It is well organised. We had slight hiccups with registration, but it was quickly

•Mr. Ighodalo (third left), with members of the council after the AGM at the NBA conference.

taken care of. I think it is a better organised AGC. This is the first time in the history of the Bar that we had a sitting President and Vice President attending the opening ceremony together. I think the president and the NEC have done very well. I’m very impressed with what has been done so far. I noticed some kind of togetherness and camaraderie among colleagues in this AGC.”

The NBA-SBL, in its report of activities to the NEC for the period of 2014 and 2015, said its council has not relented in its efforts at increasing its active membership and diversifying their membership profile. His words: “We are also working diligently regarding revenue generation by organising seminars and also through membership subscriptions. Indeed, I am seizing

this opportunity to invite interested NEC members and our other colleagues to join the Section and actively participate in our programmes. “The recently concluded Conference also provided us with another opportunity to increase and diversify our membership, as well as update our membership database,”he said.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

It was conceived to provide the best medical services and end recourse to facilities overseas but, six years after, this sprawling Kaduna State hospital has not taken off. Will Governor Nasir el-Rufai make the difference? TONY AKOWE reports

PAGE 29

INSIDE From NYSC with skills

PAGE 30 •The uncompleted hospital

Will el-Rufai get this hospital working? B

EFORE becoming vice president, former governor of Kaduna State Namadi Sambo had a wonderful health plan. The only trouble was that the sprawling 200-bed hospital he conceived and started building could not get off the ground; in fact, it was abandoned at completion stage. Then, in came his successor Ramalan Yero who loved the project so much he went shopping for cash to complete it. Still, the jinx remained unbroken, six years after. Is there any hope in the administration of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai? Will the hospital see the light of day, and not only justify the huge cash forked into it but provide the services Kaduna State residents and other Nigerians crave for? Sambo laid so much emphasis on reversing the ugly health situation in the state. One of the ways he proposed was providing a stateof-the-art medical facility in the country. He said then that the medical facility which would be a 200-bed

‘With the structural work of the hospital almost completed, the complex was abandoned for almost three years. The contractors left the site and are yet to return even though the state government said it had enough money to continue with the project’ hospital will provide the best of medicare comparable to the ones in other countries where Nigerians rush to for medical attention. He said he believed that the hospital will put an end to Nigerians traveling out of the country on medical tourism. The government went to the capital market to generate part of the funds for the construction of the hospital which was later scaled up to a 300 beds. The contract for the construction was awarded to Nahman Construction, a Lagos-based firm for an undisclosed sum in 2009.

However, with the structural work of the hospital almost completed, the complex was abandoned for almost three years. The contractors left the site and are yet to return even though the state government said it had enough money to continue with the project. When The Nation visited the site of the project located at the Kaduna Millennium City, only the security guard and two broken-down trucks were seen, while the place has been overgrown with weeds. The walls of the hospital were already suffering from lack of maintenance while part of the roof was giving way.

Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul Dogo told The Nation that work on the project had to stop to allow for the installation of equipment. Investigations revealed that the hospital was initially scheduled for completion in 2012, but was delayed and rescheduled for completion in 2014 due to the inability of the state government to take delivery of some state-of-the-art equipment for the provision of comprehensive health care services to the 6.1million people in the state. It was gathered that Mukthar Ramalan Yero government in the state went shopping for loan from the Islamic Development Bank to provide the needed facilities for the hospital and other developmental projects in the state, some of which were also to have been funded from the bond taken from the Capital Market by the state government. The bank was to provide $141 million with the breakdown including, $81 million for the construction of •Continued on page 30

DSS cautions Jigawa youths on social media comments

HE Jigawa State office of the Department of State Security has expressed concern over the disruptive tendencies and threat to peace by political groups on the social media. This was disclosed by the state DSS director, Mr Yusuf Isiyaku in a speech at a one-day sensitisation seminar organised for social media groups across the state. The seminar held at Three Stars Hotel, Dutse. Isiyaku urged parents and

From Ahmed Rufai, Dutse

guardians to monitor how their children use the social media with a view to guarding against moral decadence. The DSS director explained that an independent investigation by the Channels Television indicated that the Jigawa State has more followers in the government activities in the federation, “but in our own analysis the followership is not progressive but destructive”. According to him, report from an

independent body revealed that youths in Jigawa State have higher participation in political discussion on social media more than any other state in the country. The Director added that, according to his department’s assessment, the participation was more destructive than constructive, putting the state in bad light. “In view of this, we deem it necessary to come up with programmes to re-orient our youth on how to best use social media for their betterment and that of the state and country at large.

“We invited traditional and religious leaders, legal practitioners, security agencies to enlight the representatives of youth group across all 27 local government of the state on proper usage of social media in tandem with religious norms and culture of the society”. Speaking at the occasion, Emir of Dutse Dr Nuhu Sunusi urged the youths to abide by the usage of decent words and respect to their leaders in any of their discussion or posting on the social media and other platforms.

Our grouse with agric scheme, by Kwara farmers

PAGE 32

Pupils’ breakthrough in phone tech

PAGE 33

A new orientation in sports

PAGE 36

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

THE NORTH REPORT A job creation component of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is yielding fruit as Corps members become promising entrepreneurs. TONY AKOWE reports

From NYSC with skills

‘The idea to equip graduates of tertiary institutions with skills during the Service Year informed the introduction of the skill acquisition and development scheme’

CIVIL engineering graduate of University of Nigeria Nsukka Ifeanyi Okereke and his Osun State University counterpart Dupe Faith Adeoyin, a biochemist, will end the one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme without worrying about jobs. The reason is simple: they are already entrepreneurs and well on their way to being employers of labour. They tapped into the job creation vision of the Corps and learned to make shoes and bags and do so quite well. The idea to equip graduates of tertiary institutions with skills during the Service Year informed the introduction of the skill acquisition and development scheme. Okereke and Adeoyin were passionate about the skills scheme and are already making a living out of producing shoes and bags. Okereke told The Nation that the three weeks of camping were not enough to equip them with the required skills and so he had to continue learning the skill after orientation. Ifeanyi who is doing his national service with the Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT said even though the management of the council may not be officially aware of their activities, he has received tremendous encouragement from staff of the council and other residents of the Area a Council she to the patronage he receives from them. He said that one of the problems he faced in forging ahead was the •Continued from page 29

Transmission Mains and Service Reservoirs at the Zaria Regional Water Supply Project, $43.13 million for the provision of modern equipment at the 300 bed-space Specialist Hospital at the Millennium City and $17.32 million for the construction of four (4) new Science Secondary Schools to be located in the New Kaduna City, Koreye, Sabon Gari LGA, Rigachikun, Igabi LGA and Manchok, Kaura LGA. While signing the loan agree-

•Shoes and bags made by the Corps members lack of a ready market for his finished products, adding that people tend to patronise foreign-made shoes, while ignoring hand-made shoes which he believes have the capacity to stand the test of time. In spite of that, he said he hopes to engage in mass production of shoes in the near future and transform into an employer of labour. He also believes that government should ban the importation of shoes as a way of encouraging lo-

cal production as well as generate employment for the youth. Okereke who had his products on display at the NICON Luxury in Abuja, venue of the 2015 National Productivity Order of Merit award believes that with the right funding, especially in the area of infrastructure and machinery, he will come out with quality shoes that will compete favourably with the imported ones. Adeoyin has to do something that

will brighten her future since the government is not providing jobs for the youth. She is doing her primary assignment with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital did not allow the opportunity offered by the training to pass her bye. But how do they source the materials they are using? She said, “Sourcing the materials is not a problem for us. They are available in the open market. But we are very careful in buying them

because we recognise that we need quality leather to come out with something of quality. When we make them, we sell according to the materials we get. We want to make the best and so, we go for the best quality leather”. While expressing gratitude to the NYSC for introducing the skill acquisition programme, she appeal to the government to assist them in setting up their trade after their service year. On her part, Queeneth Inyang who graduated from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana is already savouring the reward of the training as she is already having client asking for her footwear and •Continued on page 31

Will el-Rufai get this hospital working? ment with officials of the bank in April 2014, the former governor, Mukthar Ramalan Yero said, “We have promised the people that we are going to complete all ongoing projects in the state and I want to assure the people that we have not abandoned any project and we remain committed to completing them based on availability of funds.” Dr. Dogo told The Nation on the telephone that the El-Rufai govern-

ment was committed to completing the project and has set up a Project Monitoring Unit that is saddled with the responsibility of reviewing the project with a view to completing it. According to him, the government is concerned with the poor state of health facilities in the state. According to him, it is the concern of the government that led to convening the recent health summit in the state. The government has put in motion

machineries to upgrade about 255 primary health Centres across the state and has signed a memorandum of understanding with General Electric Healthcare to provide modern health facilities for the health Centres including the 300 bed hospital. He said, “If we get it right this time, we can begin to reverse the ugly trend”. Governor Nasir el-Rufai confirmed this in a state broadcast. He said, “Kaduna State has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with General Electric Healthcare to modernise our primary health centres and public hospitals. Both parties have committed to identifying the specific needs of the centres and hospitals, so that modern equipment can be installed to improve

the diagnosis and management of patients. “We shall sharpen our focus on primary healthcare by full implementation of Primary Healthcare Under One Roof (PHCUOR). We have therefore sent this framework as our first Executive Bill to the State House of Assembly. This focus includes a project to fully equip at least one primary health care centre in each of the 255 wards in the state, and at least one general hospital in each of the three senatorial districts. In addition to providing better facilities, we would be recruiting more doctors, nurses, midwives and technologists for our improved hospitals”. If el-Rufai does get the hospital working, he would have pulled off a feat his predecessors could not.

Taraba governor ‘didn’t mock PDP’ T

•From left: District Head of Malumfashi, Justice Mamman Nasir; Chairman, Local Relief Distribution Committee, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi and Senator Abu Ibrahim (APC, Katsina South), at the handover of relief materials to flood victims by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State

ARABA State Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku is not an ungrateful person, and did not mock the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), his media and publicity aide, Sylvanus Giwa has said. Giwa, in a statement, denied reports making the rounds that the governor made some derogatory comments against his political party, the PDP. He asked the leadership of the PDP and party supporters to disregard the reports, which he noted, have portrayed the governor as disloyal to the party on whose platform he came to power. He advised reporters against doctoring reports when quoting a newsmaker. Ishaku, according newspaper re-

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

ports, had pointed the finger of accusation at the leadership of the PDP for being responsible for the party’s poor performance at the general election. Giwa said the information in the report was far from what the governor said and meant. “The governor was not accurately quoted. What he said that very day was that the leadership of the party (PDP) should try and re-organise the party so as to take over government in 2019. He said so with the believe that the PDP Continued on page 32

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

THE NORTH REPORT

•IDPs

HE details may not be quite out yet, but it is clear that with the liberation of most communities in the Northeast from Boko Haram insurgents, coupled with the massive return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon and Niger, focus has shifted from handing out relief packages to comprehensive rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery of other affected persons and communities. The Director General of National Emergency Agency (NEMA), Muhammad Sani Sidi disclosed this at an African Union Regional Consultative meeting

•Continued from page 30 door mat as well as toilet cover and small pillows made from wool. She told The Nation that she started her own training barely three months ago and still trying to perfect the skills. She said she was trying to finish a client’s job, adding that she was already running behind schedule. “One woman placed an order for a complete set,” she said. “Unfortunately, when I went to the market, I could not get the colour she needed. But right now, she has chosen another colour and I am working on her order which will be delivered soon”. Unlike others who are looking forward to setting up a trade, she is still looking forward to a white collar job and will practice her skills part time. She also intends to train others in tuft craft and probably set up a small business on the side to earn additional revenue. The pair of Adeniji Sunday and Nwaobi Victoria are not left out. Together, they have learnt how to produce paint which they believe can compete favourably with the established ones in the market. They have also the chosen the name, Copalux as the brand name for their paint. With the NYSC logo to go with it, Adeniji told The Nation that many of them learnt different skills while in camp and can produce different kinds of paint. According to him Copalux is produced with the best quality materials which are environment friendly and non toxic. He said further that the materials are sourced in the local market and are not expensive to buy, pointing out that they have been able to come up with the paint purely from the little allowances they are paid at the end of every month. He said “the greatest challenge

IDPs: Focus shifts to rehabilitation, reconstruction

for West Africa for the development of a common African position on the World Humanitarian Summit in Abuja. He said the agency was collaborating with State Emergency Management agencies with the support of the UN System and has undertaken damage and loss assessment of the affected communities in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. He added that the agency has also made submissions to the government for appropriate intervention

by line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). He noted that the humanitarian outcome of the insurgency has equally impacted the contiguous states of Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau and Taraba and the neighboring Republics of Niger, Chad and Cameroun. He said there were about 57,743

•Sunday Adenine and Victoria Nwaobi with their paint products

Nigerian refugees in Cameroon, Chad and Niger, with Cameroun having 40,366 who were taking refuge in Minawayo, Mora, Fotocol, Limani, Amchide, Douala, Kentzou and Garoua Bouali refugee camps; 15,000 in the Republic of Niger who were taking refuge in Diffa, Bosso, Maine and Kablewa, and 2, 377 in Chad taking shelter in Ngouboua,

•Queeneth Inyang demonstrating how to make a toilet seat cover

From NYSC with skills we are having is the capital. If we can get enough money and the machines, we can produce in large quantity for sale. It is a very lucrative business and very rewarding. We hope to go into full time production after our service year. What we have produced in accordance

with international standard and I can assure you that it can compete with the already established paints in the market”. Victoria on her part wants government to come to their assist financially so that they can set up a small plant and become employers of labour. She said “we are

Lake Chadi region. Responding to questions, the Director General lamented how about 12,000 Nigerian refugees were expelled by the Camerounian authorities and dumped at the border while UNHCR was watching. “I expressed my concern to UNHCR when the Nigerian delegation went to Chad, Niger and Cameroun for assessment of the condition of Nigerian Refugees which was misconstrued as forceful evacuation by UNHCR.”

not saying they mugs give us the cash. They can assist us by providing us with the equipment to start. I believe the President should look into this. The NYSC has done well by introducing the skill acquisition programme. I think they should look for a way of helping those who

passed through the programme so that the skills acquired is not lost due to lack of capital to start”. However, officials of the NYSC were not forth coming on the motivation behind the programme. An official of the scheme who came with the Corp members refused t speak saying “we have been warned not to speak to the press. It is only the Director that can talk to you”.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

THE NORTH REPORT

MALLHOLDER farmers in Kwara State have made their position clear on the impact of the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS), saying it has been of little help. The farmers including women met in Ilorin, the state capital, to pronounce a damning verdict on the scheme, stressing that they gained nothing from it last year. But the federal government attributed the not to impressive performance of the scheme on the Smallholder farmers themselves. GESS is a federal government’s programme that aims to provide subsidised agricultural inputs especially fertilisers and seeds to smallholder farmers through a voucher system. It was also designed by the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to ensure that subsidised fertiliser and seeds get to actual farmers, rather than providing a general subsidy to all farmers. The assessment of the GESS performance is contained in a scorecard CCEPE presented to the stakeholders in Ilorin. The score-card is dubbed “Dissemination of Community Participatory Assessment on Government Expenditure on Agriculture and Score-Card on Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) 2014”. The programme was convened by the Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication (CCEPE) and supported by the Actionaid Nigeria Participants were drawn from rural communities across the state. The report noted that the GESS programme did not improve for 2014 in Kwara as much as it did in 2013 unlike in Bauchi and the Federal Capital Territory, where there was a significant improvement in the year under review. “However, some states like Kwara, Delta and Ondo made significant improvement on the number of farmers that benefitted from the programme in 2014. “In spite of these individual state’s improvement, the programme is still plagued with several challenges, most of which were identified in the 2013 assessment. “For instance, farmers still experienced acute delay in inputs delivery, far redemption centres, and difficulty collecting inputs at redemption centres. “All persisting as a challenge is the poor phone networks and low farmers’ ownership of telephone handsets”, the score-card said. The Programme Officer of CCEPE, Mr Abdulrahaman Ayuba,

•Some of the women farmers

Our grouse with agric scheme, by Kwara farmers From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

who presented the report explained that the real smallholder farmers were still left out of the scheme as many of them complained of registering, but not redeeming their input and the inconsistency in input redemption from year to year. Ayuba said that the NGO, which engaged a consultant to assess the performance of the scheme, discovered that its performance dropped in Kwara from average in 2013 to poor in 2014. He added, though that the scheme improved in states like Bauchi and the Federal Capital Territory, where the Actionaid Nigeria carried out a similar research when the 2014 performance was compared with that of 2013. Ayuba added that “generally, among the eight states the scheme performed averagely with 2.63 points, which could be because five of the eight states scored average points. “Compared to 2013 performance, the overall performance of 2014 GESS was not better than the 2013, because they rated the scheme average in both years. Only Bauchi state improved its performance from average (3.15 points) to good

‘Farmers still experienced acute delay in inputs delivery, far redemption centres, and difficulty collecting inputs at redemption centres. There are also challenges of poor phone networks and low farmers’ ownership of telephones’ (3.45 points). The remaining states either maintained their performance or dropped in their performance. “At the commencement of the programme in 2012, 1.7 million farmers were reached with fertilizer and seeds, which means, it fell short of its target by 3.3 million farmers. By implication, the scheme performed woefully in its first year. In 2013, the programme redeemed 5.9 million farmers, cumulatively, a remarkable improvement from 2012. “What this suggests is that 4.1 million were the actual addition in

the 2013 farming season. Again, the progamme could not meet five million farmers targeted. In 2014, the scheme also redeemed seven million; meaning only two million farmers were added. This implies that the annual number of farmers redeemed dropped geometrically. “Instead of having a total of 15 million farmers benefiting from the programme, only seven million farmers were doing so. Less than half of the projected number of farmers benefited from the programme in 2014. And there is no guarantee that farmers that benefited in the previous year will do so in any current year.” The report therefore, advocated for a review and continuation of the GESS programme to serve as a pro-active measure considering the danger of it being discontinued by the new regime. “All stakeholders advocate for an act on GESS to guarantee

sustainability of the programme and the financial commitment of the state and local governments. “Improve the delivery time of inputs by improving on settlements with agro-dealers, which in turn should improve loan repayments and transactions for input supplies”, it said. Other recommendations of the report include a detail study on redemption process with the aim of better understanding why farmers are saying they are not redeeming their inputs; further increase in the redemption centres so as to bring the inputs closer to the farmers; involvement of traditional rulers in warehousing the inputs to improve accessibility; involvement of farmers and agro-dealers in decision affecting them and integration of the department of agriculture of the local governments in the process. The report also recommended that the department of agriculture of the local government be integrated in the process to improve farmers’ registration and continually generate needed data on the performance among others. In his response, Kwara State Acting Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Raphael Adeponle advised farmers to see agriculture as a business. He noted that farmers see whatever that is given to support them as largesse and did not bother to pay back credit facility they accessed. Adeponle said he had noted all the observations raised in the score-card, promising to channel them to the appropriate quarters.

Taraba governor ‘didn’t mock PDP’ Continued from page 30

•A gully caused by flood in Daura, Katsina State

still has solid structures on ground to triumph in the next general election.” The Nation gathered that the said comments by the Taraba governor, is raising dust in the PDP, with some groups calling for his immediate suspension from the party. He is said to have made the comment when the leadership of the PDP in the North-East zone paid him a condolence visit on the death of the party’s North-East Secretary Bala Ndaforo who hailed from Taraba. Giwa said “the report might have been a blunder by the reporter or a ploy by some foes aimed at pulling the governor, who is determined to work for the success of the party, down.” “I wish to clarify that the governor only advanced constructive advice to the delegation based on his genuine patriotism for the PDP and deep desire for the party’s progress. “The Governor did not mock PDP. He knows the demerits of imposing candidates on the electorate and used the forum (visit) to proffer a way forward for the party and its ideals. This, he (Ishaku) said it in plain language, void of any undertone that could be misinterpreted by any objective listener.” “Governor Ishaku has been and will remain a loyal member of the PDP. He seeks nothing but for the party to rise from where it fell.”

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 33

In barely two weeks of UNESCO-sponsored training, pupils show remarkable promise, developing 14 phone applications. OLUGBENGA ADANIKIN reports

•The pupils at the workshop

Pupils’ breakthrough in phone tech P

UPILS are making life easier in several respects. They can now access school libraries, for instance, from the phone in their hands. And if you like to avoid the dangers of answering calls while driving, a new application can send an automatic message to your caller informing them that you are behind the wheels and that you are at such and such location, just in case it will be of any use to them. Secondary school pupils have come up with these and other applications, all to make life a little easier. It is no less than a breakthrough. It was all thanks to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation or UNESCO, which organised a rigorous Mobile Application Training exercise for about 68 secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It is known as YouthMobile.

Each of the schools sent one pupil who gathered at the Government Junior Secondary School (GSS), Jabi for the four-week training programme. It started on July 27 and ended August 21, with the participants taught basic principles of computer coding and application designs for mobile phones. Away from conventional computing, the students were about to develop 14 mobile applications crucial for stakeholders in the education and health sector as well as measures to reduce road accidents. The workshop was supported by Samsung. About 150 Samsung ATIV Book 2 laptops were donated to the participating schools to further complement the training. Executive Director, Zariah Elizabeth Foundation, Mr. Dayo Akindolani, Lead Consultant for the training, empowered the students using the MIT Application Inventor, the major software used

‘UNESCO really wants to empower young people on mobile developments. They want to create tech entrepreneurs from young students. Globally people are developing phones and they will want mobile applications on them’ to design the 14 mobile applications. According to him, the training became imperative to equip secondary school students at a very young age so as to prepare them ahead of time and they could compete with their colleagues’ home and abroad. “UNESCO really wants to em-

power young people on mobile developments. They want to create tech entrepreneurs from young students. Globally people are developing phones and they will want mobile applications to be on them. There is an app that teaches students current affairs because most students are ignorant of public office holders in their states, local

FCTA teams up with security agencies against crime

HE FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. John Chukwu has assured that the FCT Administration will continue to support security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory to make Abuja safer. Chukwu gave this assurance while receiving the new Commander of the AHQ Garrison, Abuja, Brigadier-General Abba

By Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

Dikko who paid him a working visit in his office. He remarked that Abuja is the seat of government of Nigeria and therefore needs more security attention considering that the city is the window in which the world sees Nigeria.

According to him, Abuja hosts Mr. President, members of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the federation as well as members of the diplomatic community and therefore every effort must be made to ensure adequate security of lives and property of the residents. He emphasised that security agents are stakeholders in project

Abuja and stressed that FCT Administration will continue to cooperate and partner with them. The Permanent Secretary reiterated that the Administration will continue to carry out its statutory functions of city management diligently and promised to assist in solving the environmental and ecological problems affecting the Mogadishu Barracks.

governments even at the federal level. So with this application, they are easily empowered about their President, governors, lawmakers and the rest,” Akindolani said. “There is an application designed by the students which can send short messages to your loved ones in your local dialect, during emergencies,” he added. ýMusa Yakubu Maikasuwa representative of FCT Education Secretariat, described the students as super and intelligent, saying, “The set we have now are more exposed to bring FCT the deserved honour.” Maikasuwa said irrespective of the quality of education or status of education acquired, everyone is expected to be computer literate, emphasising that the students should count themselves very lucky being selected from over 150, 000 secondary school students in the territory. “When you are not ICT compliance you are an illiterate so the students should count themselves extremely lucky for being selected to participate in the workshop. You have been provided the skills to make you self-reliance, so you can be established somewhere for being part of this process” he said. “Make sure that the laptop is being utilised and also use the skill for you benefit and that of the society,” Maikasuwa added. UNESCO Regional Director, •Continued on page 34

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

ABUJA REVIEW

Pupils’ breakthrough in phone tech Continued from page 33 Benoit Sossou said the YouthMobile training was one of the several UNESCO programmes aimed at enabling universal access and preservation of information knowledge. Sossou, who was represented by his assistant, Mrs. Adele Nibonal noted that the programme was to empower secondary school students in building inclusive knowledge, societies, creating the conditions for sustainable development and peace by promoting universal access. He said a similar training would be held in Cross River State for 80 secondary schools from Oban, Akamkpa Local Government. “The curriculum used for this training is the MIT App Inventor which is high-level and open-licensed for easy translation, localization and innovations. 68 secondary school students from the FCT were trained within 4 weeks. “The YouthMobile Initiative builds on the experience of many worldwide initiatives that intro-

HE word is out that six in ten families in the FCT are grap-

pling with one form of substance abuse or the other. This was revealed when the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) visited the FCT command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). On the visit, AGIS Director, Mrs Jamilah Tangaza said the organisation will partner with agencies in order to achieve good governance. Exchanging views with the Agency commandant, Mrs. Chinyere Obijuru, the AGIS chief expressed shock at the statistics given by the NDLEA Commandant that as high as six out of every 10 families in the FCT are battling substance abuse. She added that the substances ranged from such hard drugs such as cocaine to over-the-counter medications like cough syrups. Mrs. Obijuru added that most causes of deviant behaviours amongst university students in the

duce young people to computer science programming (learning-tocode) and problem solving (codingto-learn). It also builds on experiences targeting young women who are vastly underrepresented in this field. “Finally, it builds on the consideration that for millions of young people, the smart phone in their pocket is a very powerful computer, it will be their only computer and they use it in nearly every aspect of their lives; communicating, learning, taking pictures and playing games.” Sossou added. Miss Aminat Mohammed from Army Day Secondary School, Maitama described the training important to her life, especially computer literacy and application development. ýMohammed said, “I have learnt a lot because now I can develop an app on my own without anyone assisting me, before now, I can’t even operate a laptop but now, I can to a reasonable extent. “I will advise other students to learn more on ICT because it’s very important. You can be self-employed without waiting for anyone to offer you jobý.”

•Akindayo Akindolani receiving his certificate

‘Six in 10 families battling drug abuse’ By Gbenga Omokhunu

FCT today can be traceable to drug use. “Drug follows money and one of the greatest source of money in the FCT is land business.” AGIS Director assured the commandant that the agency would also be useful to the agency in the area of the deployment of geospatial technology in the war against drug abuse. AGIS, she said, boasts a corps of capable experts and requisite technological knowhow that the agency could leverage to digitize NDLEA processes especially, the deployment of geospatial technology to stem the activities of drug agents and end-users. During the visit AGIS Director recalled her works on the scourge of drug addiction and abuse while at the BBC, saying, “It was clear then that if one did not have one, he or she knew someone battling

‘The issue of addiction is a global phenomenon prevalent amongst both celebrities and the homeless, the old and young as well as the rich and the poor and has proved too hard to tackle’ with the drug.” She lamented the devastating impact of drugs on marriages, families, careers and physical well-being of the victims. “Unfortunately,” the Director noted, “the issue of addiction is a global phenomenon prevalent amongst both celebrities and the homeless, the old and young as well as the rich and the

poor and has proved too hard to tackle.” Mrs. Obijuru, had called on the residents of FCT to be alert to any possible existence of methamphetamine laboratories which, she disclosed, does not only pose risks to its users but also to people resident within the vicinity of the laboratory; “the soil within the vicinity of the methamphetamine lab does not only get contaminated and become hazardous to health but, also, the effects on the soil lasts for nearly six years.” She informed AGIS Director of the Command’s plan to build a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts and would appreciate it if the AGIS could support its desire for a plot of land to bring the plan to reality.

The Command, she said, therefore thought is necessary to solicit the support and collaboration of relevant stakeholders in the battle against drug as well as to generate public awareness on the subject. Responding, the Director, AGIS, Mrs. Tangaza welcomed the new Commandant to AGIS and expressed appreciation for the enormous task before the drug agency in the FCT. She noted that any effort to win back our youths and indeed, our citizens from the grip of drug abuse is one that deserves the cooperation of everyone. Mrs. Tangaza expressed concern over the near absence of a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation of drug victims, especially among stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. She added that the agency’s need for a rehabilitation centre was a welcome idea and is something that the Commandant could take up when the new Minister arrives, promising to give the agency the support of AGIS in its quest. While being conducted round AGIS facilities, the NDLEA Commandant expressed delight at the quality IT infrastructure she observed, which she said has enabled better services, more secured land data management operations as well as a solid disaster recovery back-up system that is resistant to even terrorism or fire.

Council chief urges calm after bank robbery By Gbenga Omokhunu

•Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi (left) Director General, National Identity Management Commission, NIMC Chris Onyemenam and Deputy corps Marshal Legal, Chidi Ukachukwu during a meeting between FRSC and NIMC in lieu to president directive to harmonise data in Abuja PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

HE chairman of Àbaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Yahaya Garba has called on residents of the council to remain calm and go about their normal businesses, as effort is being made by security agencies to track down the armed robbers who attacked First Bank in the council. Garba, who made the call while on a visit to the robbery scene at First Bank in the council, sympathised with victims of the bank robbery, urging the residents to be vigilant and security conscious. The chairman assured the résidents that the security operatives are doing their best to arrest the robbers. The council chairman also paid visit to the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, to assure him of the council commitment to ensuring proper security of lives and property in the council.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

ABUJA REVIEW

NDIGENES of Kpaduma communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to save them from officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and Development Control who allegedly harass and threat to demolish their houses. The indigenes through their leader, Hon. Bala Iyah, made this call during a press briefing on the incessant attempts by officials of the FCDA and Development Control to demolish their houses, despite a court order restraining them from doing so. The indigenes who lamented over the recent demolition attempt by the FCT authority, explained that they have been going through rough times in the hands of the two FCT agencies, since the administration of the past FCT Minister, Sen.

‘Save us from bulldozers’ Bala Mohammed, where their houses were marked and demolished without due process. “We thought that after the administration of Sen. Bala Mohammed, things will change for the better and peace will return to this community, since the slogan of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is based on ‘Change’. But, to our disappointment, things still remain the same way it was, because those two departments are still constantly harrassing our people and threatening our lives. “We are original inhabitants of Abuja and Kpaduma communities have been our ancestral home right from the days of our forefathers up until today. Hence, after bringing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

Fed Govt urged to scrap council legislature

OUTHS in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the auspices of Abuja Original Inhabitant Youth Empowerment Organisation (AOIYE) have called on the federal government to scrap local government legislative houses, which they described as comatose. The President of the indigenous organisation, Commandant Isaac David who made this call in Abuja on behalf of the youths, in a press statement, blamed the prolonged and negative relationship between the councils and the FCT administration on the incompetence of the area councils legislators. According to David, the FCT administration which is being run by bureaucrats who are not close to the grassroots, rely on information and data metrics fed them by the leadership of the area councils who run the councils as a family business without enough consultation with the public. “The Legislative Houses are comatose and may need to be scrapped as they are not doing their work. Because of their incompetence, the chairmen run the council as if it is their family business. “Recently, the media has been inundated with commentaries on the management of resettlement issues in the programme of the Land Swap and especially the Centenary City and how the original inhabitants were shortchanged in the process. “All this adverse publicity would have been avoided if the area councils being managed by the elected

Stories by Gbenga Omokhunu

representatives of the people did their work in a transparent and accountable manner. There is also not only poor communication between the Councils and the public, but also internal communication among themselves. “Government communication involves not only sending out persuasive messages to the public, but also explaining working policies, creating awareness of the rights of citizens, and developing mechanisms that enable two-way communication between citizens and the government. The Councils need to understand that government communication is not propaganda,” he said. Commandant David further said that effective public communication efforts enable citizen participation, but the FCT area councils lack a culture of consultation and participation, exacerbated by low literacy rates and lack of information provision even with the passage of the Freedom of Information Act. “Without better communication governments risk losing public support for their programmes, policies and development interventions. We note that it is the intention of Government to provide the public with timely, accurate, clear, objective and complete information about its policies, programmes, services and initiatives. The public has a right to such information,” he said.

‘We are original inhabitants of Abuja and Kpaduma communities have been our ancestral homes right from the days of our forefathers up until today. After bringing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Abuja by the federal government, nobody has engaged us in any move or discussion of resettlement or compensation’ to Abuja by the federal government, nobody has engaged us in any move or discussion of resettlement or compensation. “Because of our simplicity and peace loving nature, our farmlands were forcefully taken over by the

OUTHS in Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the auspices of Abaji Concern Youth Movement (ACYM) have praised the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari on the fight against corruption. Speaking at a joint press briefing chairman of the group, Comrade Usman Abdulkadir and Secretary, Comrade Hussaini Sanusi, said the steps taken by Buhari administration to checkmate corrupt people in the society, would go a long to redeeming the image of the country in the eyes of the world. They expressed concern over the spate of corruption across all sectors, saying there was need for all citizens, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to give their support to ensure the present administration succeeds in the fight against corruption. “It is obvious that some politicians and a section of this country are not happy with the anti-corruption by Buhari administration. But we the youth are fully in support of the move, as we are calling on the Buhari not to be deterred by any attack and criticism on his fight

HE FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr. John Obinna Chukwu, FNSE, has urged the FCT contingent to the 2015 Hajj Operations in Saudi Arabia to pray for the peace and security of the country. The Permanent Secretary gave the advice while bidding farewell to intending Muslim Pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah, Saudi Arabia at the FCT Permanent Hajj Camp, Bassan-Jiwa, Abuja.

government and private allottees without compensations, and now our residencial buildings are at the danger of been taken away too. The question is if we are removed from our houses without proper alternatives, where do we go to?” he said.

According to Iyah, Kpaduma indigenes are not Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), “we are not trespassers, strangers or settlers. We have been in Abuja for over 200years, before the coming of the Capital City to Abuja. We are true Nigerians and we should be treated as such. “Nobody should treat us as foreigners in our own country. We are therefore appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to save our souls, by coming to the aide of Kpaduma inidgenes and the indigenes of the entire FCT, to avoid us been turn into refugees in our country. “We are also appealing to President Buhari to consider an indigene of the FCT, for the position of an FCT Minister, because he or she will know more about the plight of the people and how to improve on the living standard of every indigene and resident of Abuja,” he said.

Youths hail anti-corruption battle ‘Government communication involves sending out persuasive messages to the public and also explaining working policies, creating awareness of the rights of citizens, and developing mechanisms that enable two-way communication between citizens and the government’ against corruption,” the group said. The group urged President Muhammadu Buhari to heed the peoples call in making one of the indigenes of the territory as a minister, saying appointing an indene as minister will break the jinx and set a precedent for any future government to follow. They said the original inhabitants of the territory have suffered neglect and marginalisation from successive admirations, adding that indigenous people have been reduced to second class citizens in

their ancestral home. “The non-inclusion and consideration of the original inhabitants into the federal executive council has also negatively affected the socio-cultural development of the natives, especially the teaming youths,” they said. They also appealed to the Buhari administration to set up a committee that would look into the state of the newly completed Abuja University of Science and Technology, Abaji (AUTA), in order to commission it for academic activities to fully commence.

‘Pray for the nation’ By Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

Chukwu urged the pilgrims to pray for the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration so that it would be able to overcome the numerous problems confronting the nation especially insecurity and

•Alhaji Sheikh Nurukhalid (right), addressing intending pilgrims before their departure at the Permanent Hajj Camp, Bassan Jiwa in Abuja

corruption. According to a statement issued by the Deputy Director/Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad Sule, the Permanent Secretary challenged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country by abiding with •Continued on page 36

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

ABUJA REVIEW

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has turned his attention to sports, seeking to revolutionise it. He wants Nigeria to be second to none in major sporting events not only in Africa but globally. As a starting point, the President last Monday tasked the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Alhassan Yakmut to do everything possible for Nigeria to top medals table in swimming and other sporting events at the 11th All African Games holding in Brazzaville, Congo from next Thursday to 19th of September. 2015. From his body language, he was not satisfied with the levels of Nigeria’s performance in the various sporting events. Nigeria, which was ranked 3rd in Africa based on her performance at the 2011 All Africa Games with 29 Gold, 29 Silver and 42 Bronze medals, has now been ranked 2nd based on the result from the 2015 African Championship. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glassgow, Nigeria was ranked 9th with 11 Gold, 11 Silver and 14 Bronze medals. Nigeria Female Football Team, the Falconets won the Silver Medal at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada. Before flopping in Beijing, China last week, Blessing Okagbare was ranked 2nd in the world in the 100m event, while Aruna Qadri is currently rated 2nd in Africa in Table Tennis. But Nigeria, however, currently holds number one position in power-lifting and scrabble. Buhari is now determined to develop Nigeria’s sports sector to world class level for a number of reasons. Apart from exploiting agriculture and other non oil sectors to reposition the Nigeria economy, President Buhari is also focusing on sports to address youth restiveness and ethical orientation. Through sports, he also wants to promote national unity and social development in the country. He plans to use sports to prevent crimes in the country by gainfully engaging a large segment of the youth population in sports. The President also aims to boost the image of Nigeria internationally through sports. To further raise sports as a crosscutting sector in the Nigeria economy, Buhari wants to use it for infrastructural development, foreign currency earner and to boost tourism and the environment. The President did not mince words last Monday when he gave his mind on the direction he wants sports to now take in the country. Yakmut as a technocrat, who is normally referred to as ‘Armored Tank’ in the sports circle for his

A new orientation in sports ability to evolve strategies that can demolish Nigeria’s sporting opponents and his experiences of transforming raw talents to champions, promised the President to carry out the directive of turning around the fortunes of Nigeria sports. Speaking with State House correspondents, Yakmut said: “We briefed Mr. President on sports development in Nigeria and its retinue of social economic values. Mr. President was impressed with the presentation but he raised observation on the need for us to rekindle the exploitation of the medals available in swimming in order to make Nigeria top in All African Games table in future and that is actually the presidential observation that we have taken technical interest to ensure that it is implemented to the letter. “You know that we also have cultures that are oriented with gymnastics and that culture is the one that we will first of all technically invest in terms of facilities, coaches and programmes to make sure we compete with other ... in swimming.” He added Despite commending President Buhari for his supports to sports from the federal government purse, he pointed out that a major challenge was inadequate funding from the private sector and the Nigeria Lottery Trust Fund. Besides the issue of inadequate funding, some of the weaknesses facing the Nigeria sports sector include

guests joined them on the dancing floor. They did not leave the hall without first getting gifts presented to them by their colleagues. The two aides, who got the promises of the NGE to back them up on their new assignments, expressed their appreciation to the group. With all these, they can now settle down with all confidence to continue with their national assignment.

From the Villa

Buhari as SSS

By Augustine Ehikioya sports medicine and sports science, coaching and officiating, policy implementation and poor sporting facilities at local government level. Threats to the sector include insensitivity of private sector, technology and innovation, advanced sports medicine and science, inadequate International Technical Officials (ITOs) and representation in international sports bodies, high leadership turnover and doping. It is hoped that these challenges would be adequately tackled in order to take sports in Nigeria to higher heights.

Celebrating Buhari’s media aides The day 21st August, 2015 is a day that the two Presidential media aides

to President Muhammadu Buhari will not forget in a hurry. It was a day drums were rolled out to celebrate the appointments of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu. The dinner, which was organized by the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, was attended by who-is-who in the journalism profession. The joy of the two presidential aides knew no bound as the night was dedicated to them, and standing tall as their citations were read. The duo, who were at one time or the other President of the NGE, were also made to dance before other

President Muhammadu Buhari, due to his unique style of governance has been given another acronym, SSS. The acronym, which describes what Nigerians should expect from his pace of work, was given to the President by some Nigerians in Diaspora. The former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Abike DabiriErewa disclosed this while speaking during the commemoration of the 2015 Diaspora Day at the Presidential Villa, last Tuesday. According to her, Nigerians abroad now refer to President Buhari as Slow, Steady with Surprises (SSS). Nigerians are definitely waiting patiently for those surprises that will turn around the fortunes of the country.

‘Pray for the nation’ •Continued from page 35 the rules and regulations covering Hajj Operations in the Holy Land. His words: “I must remind you that each pilgrimage comes with its peculiarities; consequently, I urge you to abide by the flight schedules, because due to the new arrangement, whoever misses his/her flight stands the risk of missing the Hajj.” He said that the FCT Administration gives high premium to the welfare of its residents at home and abroad, and therefore it’s the desire of the Administration to continue to ensure that FCT contingent gets the best treatment compared to any other state of the federation. Chukwu reiterated that the FCT Administration has continued to introduce a number strategy such as orientation and education, medical screening and other programmes designed to address observed obstacles to successful Hajj Operations over the years. He thus, announced that a total number of 3,107 intending pilgrims are on the contingent of the Federal Capital Territory for this year’s Hajj Operations. Also speaking at the occasion, the Director of FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Bashir Muhammad assured that the Board has put a wonderful mechanism on ground to ensure successful Hajj operations.

•Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Muhammad Sidi (right), presenting relief materials to a flood victim, Alhaji Lawal Haruna, in Daura, Katsina State

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

LAW & SOCIETY Being a paper presented by Sylva Ogwemoh (SAN) during the Nigerian Bar Association young lawyers’ yearly summit, which held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

How free is movement of legal practice within ECOWAS? L IKE the European Union, the liberalisation of legal serv ice in North America was conducted under the aegis of NAFTA. According to Paul D. Paton, (‘’Legal Services and the GATS: Norms as Barriers to Trade’’), The NAFTA, drew on the initial experience of the GATS to entrench basic principles governing cross-border trade in services by declaring that the agreement covered all cross border non-financial services, unless such a service is specifically excluded. The NAFTA was based on the principles of improvement of national/MFN treatment for all of its service providers and a commitment to eliminate citizenship and permanent residency requirements for licensing or certification of professional service providers within two years from the effective date of NAFTA (by January 1, 1996), failing of which retaliation by equivalent was permitted. In 1998, the three NAFTA signatories signed an agreement permitting lawyers from any one of the three to act as foreign legal consultants in the other two. Lawyers licensed to practice in one country are, under this agreement, allowed to set up offices in the other countries and advise on laws of their home country, as well as represent clients in international commercial transactions. Like its regional counterparts in Europe and North America, West Africa has not been spared this pressing need to regionalized and harmonize trade relations. Cross border trade in legal services Though widely used in theory and practice, the term Cross Border Legal Practice (CBLP) is devoid of any clear precision. The term means different things to different people depending on the jurisdiction. This lack of clear definition notwithstanding, I will adopt the loose definition by L. Terry in his article ‘’GATS’ Applicability to Transnational Lawyering and its Potential Impact on U. S. State regulation of Lawyers’’, who referred to Cross Border Legal Practice as: ‘’the general situation in which a lawyer originally licensed in one jurisdiction, the Home State, provides legal services in another jurisdiction, the Host State. This can occur when the lawyer physically travels to the Host State, or when the lawyer provides services through other means’’. The evolution of this new concept is spearheaded by the fact that, traditionally, lawyers practice law in the country where they completed their legal studies. This practice, though still present, is slowly but surely going to change soon in the West African Community as greater economic integration leads to the greater mobility of lawyers... Legal services as a commodity in international trade In recent times, the World, including the region of West Africa, has noticed a phenomenal growth in International Trade and Investment, which is substantially larger than the growth of domestic economies. International business appears to provide more opportunities for expansion, growth and income than does the domestic business alone as a result of increasing flow of ideas, services and capital across the world. As a result, innovations can be developed and disseminated more quickly, human capital can be used better and financing can take place more quickly as well. In addition to all the above, international investment provides challenging employment opportunities to individuals with professional and entrepreneurial skills... Cross border trade in legal services in West Africa Apart from information from Eastern African Region, there is scanty information on the progress made in other regional groupings in Africa on the concept of cross border legal practice. It would appear that the concept is still in its nascent stage

given the fact that the basic frameworks for engaging in it are being established. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which comprises West African states, appears not to have given effect to the concept despite the fact that Article 3(2) (d) (iii) of the revised ECOWAS Treaty makes provision for elimination of restriction in the movement of factors of production, including restrictions in the movement of services, and also the provisions under Article 3(2)(h) and Article 57(1) regarding the establishment of an enabling legal environment and harmonization of judicial and legal systems. It is hoped that with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and recent effort of the ECOWAS to strengthen its common market by the formal launching of the Common External Tariff (CET) which became fully operational on 1st of January, 2015, amongst other steps being taken by the regional body to strengthen trade cooperation amongst member states, ECOWAS will be in a position to effectively adopt the concept of Cross Border Legal Practice (CBLP) in the near future. It is pertinent to point out unlike its counterparts in the West and South, the East African region is seen moving at a modest speed towards the establishment of the Cross Border Legal Practice by establishing the Common Market under the provision of the Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community as a vehicle for implementing Cross Border Legal Practice. Qualification for legal practice in some west african countries (i) NIGERIA: The Legal Practitioners Act prescribes the qualification for persons to practice law in Nigeria. This includes persons whose names are on the Roll of legal practitioners, persons who apply to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and are entitled to practice as advocates from countries where the legal system is similar to that of Nigeria and the Chief Justice of Nigeria is of the opinion that it is expedient for that person to practice as a Barrister for the purpose of the proceedings described in the application. Under the Legal Practitioners Act a person shall be entitled to have his name enrolled if, and only if- a) he has been called to the Bar by the Body of Benchers; and b) he produces a certificate of his call to the Bar to the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. At the moment the Nigerian legal market is closed to foreign lawyers from other jurisdictions. (ii) GHANA: In Ghana, there is no dichotomy between solicitors and barristers. Foreign lawyers are permitted to practice in Ghana provided they have the required qualifications from their home jurisdiction. A letter of good standing is required from their local bar which must be certified by the General Legal Council. The foreign lawyer must also pass the required examination in Ghanaian Constitutional law and the Customary law of Ghana. Non-Ghanaian citizens are also required to demonstrate seven years post qualified experience (PQE) in a country with compatible legal system. A few Nigerian law

‘The ECOWAS Community envisioned the transformation of the Union into one “massive borderless region, an ECOWAS of peoples, not countries’’’

•Ogwemoh

firms have already established offices in Ghana. (iii) SIERRA LEONE: The Legal Profession in Sierra Leone is regulated by the Legal Practitioners Act, 2000 of Sierra Leone. The Act allows a qualified lawyer to practice as solicitor and barrister upon a written application made to the General Legal Council of Sierra Leone. The application shall be accompanied by two testimonials of good character sufficient to satisfy the Council, copies of qualifying certificates and a certificate that the applicant has served the period of pupilage applicable to him... Conclusion Trade liberalisation and regional integration have already become a reality in most parts of the world and even in other parts of Africa, with Regional Economic Communities growing from strength to strength. Indeed, it is widely believed that regional economic integration is the only way for African countries to survive the negative effects, and collectively, take advantage of the opportunities of globalization. The message for policy makers then is that the elimination of those visible and invisible controls and barriers to the implementation of the ECOWAS trade liberalization scheme as well as Cross-Border Legal Practice (CBLP) will increase investment in the region and thus restructure economic activity towards greater global competitiveness. As we may all know, there are Medical Doctors already operating on the internet. There are some commercial agreements you can easily download from the internet. The world is already a global village and the best way to overcome the challenges anticipated in opening the Nigerian legal industry to foreign lawyers to practice is to immediately formulate and put in place acceptable, legitimate and reasonable limitations to cross border legal practice in order to protect and shield from competition Nigerian Legal Practitioners until such a time we will be able to compete effectively with our foreign counterparts. Ogwemoh (SAN), a renowned litigation lawyer, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb, UK) •Concluded.

CJ reverses transfer order on trial of ex-council chairman

HE Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, has reversed his decision transferring the trial of the former Caretaker Chairman of the Ogori/Mangogo Local Government Area of Kogi State, Gabriel Daudu to Justice P.M. Ayua of the Lokoja Judicial Division. The reversal of the order of Justice Auta was sequel to an appeal made to his office by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through its lead counsel, Wahab Shittu. The EFCC, which is prosecuting Dauda, had in a letter dated August 19, and signed by its Director, Legal and Prosecution Department, Chile Okoromu, informed Shittu of the new posture of Justice Auta on the matter. “Please be informed that the Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court has reversed his earlier decision concerning the above mentioned case and has therefore directed that it be re-assigned to Honourable Justice I. E. Ekwo for conclusion,” the letter stated in part. In view of this development, the trial of Gabriel Daudu would no longer start de-novo, but to now continue and be concluded under the former trial judge, Justice I. E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Lokoja. The reversal of order by the Chief Judge was sequel to series of letters of appeal written by the EFCC through its counsel,

By Adebisi Onanuga

Wahab Shittu, pleading that the matter be concluded by the trial judge, who has been handling it since it commenced. The case of Daudu, file number FHC/LKJ/17C/2011, was one of the four cases that were being prosecuted by a team of prosecutors led by Wahab Shittu on behalf of the EFCC, before Justice Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Lokoja, before his transfer to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State last year. Other cases include FRN Vs Yahaya Abubakar (FHC/LKJ/15C/2011); FRN Vs Raji Owuda Ahmed (FHC/LKJ/17C/2011) and FRN Vs Stephen Ropo Asala (FHC/LKJ/16C/2011). In 2014, Justice Inyang Ekwo was transferred out of Lokoja, which prompted the EFCC, through its lead counsel, Wahab Shittu, to appeal to Justice Auta to allow Justice Ekwo continue with the matter. Shittu had in a letter addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Auta, dated June 30, 2015 said: “Parties in the proceedings including the prosecution and the defence were well shocked during proceedings of the court on June 29, 2015 when his lordship, Honourable Justice I. E. Ekwo informed the parties of the directive to commence the matter de novo before another judge of the Federal High Court”. He had expressed displeasure over the development and

urged the Chief Judge to take a second look at the case with a view to reviewing the decision. He argued that the directive starting the matter afresh would lead to great inconvenience and injustice to the parties. “We are constrained to inform His Lordship that this matter, which has been pending for almost five years has progressed to an advanced stage with both the prosecution and the defence having closed their respective cases paving the way for addresses by counsel. “In the light of the above and in the interest of justice, we humbly appeal to His Lordship to allow the presiding judge, Honorable Justice I. E. Ekwo, to conclude this matter, in view of the length of time it has taken and the progress already recorded in the proceedings. “We believe that in view of the above and the seriousness and urgency guiding the treatment of corruption related cases, His Lordship would treat this request strictly on the merits in the interest of speedy and fairer adjudication of corruption related cases, given the length of time involved and progress recorded in the proceedings”, he added. Daudu, who was also a lawmaker in the Kogi State House of Assembly, is currently facing an amended 210-count of money laundering and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of about N1.4bn.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

LAW & SOCIETY In this article, activist-lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) examines the basic provisions of new Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015

How to make Administration of Criminal Justice Act work •Continued from last week

HE central criminal registry and database of criminal record

There shall be established at the Nigeria Police Force a Central Criminal Records Registry and at every state police command to which shall be transmitted all criminal records. All police commands shall ensure that the decisions of the courts in all criminal trials are transmitted to the Central Criminal Records Registry within 30 days of the judgment. The Attorney-General of the Federation shall establish an electronic and manual database of all records of arrests at the Federal and State levels.

Detention pending trial A suspect arrested for an offence which a magistrate court has no jurisdiction to try shall, within a reasonable time of arrest, be brought before a magistrate court for remand. An application for remand under this section shall be made ex parte and shall be returnable within 14 days...

Control of prosecution of criminal cases Subject to the provision of section 174 of the Constitution, relating to the powers of prosecution by the Attorney-General of the Federation, prosecution of all offences in any court shall be undertaken by: (a) the Attorney-General of the Federation or a Law Officer in the Ministry or Department; (b) a legal practitioner authorised by the Attorney-General of the Federation; or (c) a legal practitioner authorised to prosecute by this Act or any other Act of the National Assembly. By this provision the prosecution of federal offences by police officers who are not legal practitioners is no longer permitted...

Payment of costs, compensation damages and restitution to victims of crimes The Act has made provisions for costs, compensation, damages and restitution. A court may, within the proceedings or while passing judgment, order the defendant or convict to pay a sum of money: as compensation to any person injured by the offence, irrespective of any other fine or other punishment that may be imposed by law, where substantial compensation is in the opinion of the court recoverable by civil suit. In compensating a bona fide purchaser for value without notice of the defect of the title in any property in respect of which the offence was committed and has been compelled to give it up; and in defraying expenses incurred on medical treatment of a victim injured by the convict in connection with the offence.

Plea bargain Under the Act the prosecution may enter into plea bargain with the defendant, with the consent of the victim during or after the presentation of the evidence of the prosecution, but before the presentation of the evidence of the defence. Plea bargain may be allowed if the evidence of the prosecution is insufficient to prove the offence charged beyond reasonable doubt; where the defendant has agreed to return the proceeds of the crime or make restitution to the victim or his

representative; or where the defendant, in a case of conspiracy, has fully cooperated with the investigation and prosecution of the crime by providing relevant information for the successful prosecution of other offenders.

Imprisonment and death sentence If a defendant is convicted the court shall impose the penalty prescribed by law for the offence depending on the circumstances of the case. Any convict who is sentenced to death may apply for prerogative of mercy. The Prerogative of Mercy Committee shall review the application and make appropriate recommendation to the President. If the plea for clemency is rejected the sentence of death shall be executed by hanging the convict by the neck or by lethal injection. The Act has also made provisions for noncustodial alternatives including probation, parole, suspended sentence, performance of community service etc. Suspended sentence Where a defendant is charged before a court and the charge is proved the court may decide not to convict the defendant having regard to: (a) the character, antecedents, age, health, or mental condition of the defendant, (b) the trivial nature of the offence, or (c) the extenuating circumstances under which the offence was committed. In the circumstance, the court may dismiss the charge or discharge the defendant conditionally on his entering into a recognizance to be of good behaviour and to appear at any time within 3 years as may be specified in the order. The court may, in addition, make order the defendant to pay damages for injury or compensation to the victim of the crime and such costs of the proceedings as the court thinks reasonable. Community service Notwithstanding the provision of any law creating an offence, where the court sees reason, the court may order that the sentence it imposed on the convict be, with or without conditions, suspended, in which case, the convict shall not be required to serve the sentence in accordance with the conditions of the suspension. The court may, with or without conditions, sentence the convict to perform specified service in his/her community or such community or place as the court may direct. A convict shall not be sentenced to suspended sentence or to community service for an offence involving the use of arms, offensive weapon, sexual offences or for an offence which the punishment exceeds imprisonment for a term of 3 years. ParoleWhere the Comptroller-General of Prisons recommends to the court that a prisoner: (a) sentenced and serving sentence in prison is of good behaviour, and (b) has served at least one-third of the prison term of at least 15 years or life imprisonment, the court may, after hearing the prosecution and the prisoner or legal representative, order that the remaining term of the imprisonment be suspended, with or without conditions, as the court considers fit, and the prisoner shall be released from prison on the order. A prisoner who is so released shall undergo a rehabilitation programme in a government facility or any other appropriate facility to enable him to be properly reintegrated to the society. Conclusion No doubt, the AJCA is a timely intervention in the criminal

•Falana justice sector in Nigeria. If implemented the Act will redeem the criminal justice from the tiny grip of rich and powerful criminal suspects and assist the anti graft agencies in the prosecution of corruption cases. But it is doubtful if the implementation of the new law will not be frustrated by the forces that have made a mockery of section 36 of the Constitution, section 40 of the EFCC Act and the 2013 practice directions of the federal courts which provide for the expeditious trial of criminal cases. The Federal Government which is desirous to prosecute cases of economic and financial crimes should take advantage of the provisions of the AJCA.In particular, the federal government should provide adequate funding for the criminal justice sector. Setting up and maintaining a central criminal records registry, rehabilitation centre for ex-convicts, compiling electronic and manual database of criminal records and video-recording of the statements of criminal suspects, visiting of detention facilities by magistrates and judges require etc sufficient funding. The Administration of Justice Monitoring Committee should be encouraged to conduct enlightenment programmes for members of the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies on the basic rights of suspects guaranteed by the law. From time to time, the human rights community and the media should promote civic education with respect to the relevant provisions of the AJCA. They should ensure that the rights of suspects in detention facilities and prison inmates are recognised and respected by the police and other law enforcement agencies. Apart from the Lagos, Ekiti and Anambra states which have amended their criminal procedure laws before the federal government, other state governments are enjoined to adopt the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. Such adoption will ensure uniformity in the criminal justice system in the country. •Concluded.

‘Harmonise outdoor advertising taxes’

•Godwin

•Prof. Azinge

•Adedoyin

HE Lawyers in the Media (LIM) has called on state governments to harmonise the taxes paid by the Out door Advertising Agencies. It made the call during the 55th Annual General Conference of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja last week. LIM Chairman, John Austin Unachukwu, said multiple taxation was harmful to the business of advertising. He praised LIM’s partners, the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OOAN), for their presence at the event. In a communiqué after the conference, the group said: “The Federal Government cannot lay claim to the doctrine of covering the field in justifying its actions on the FOI as it is neither in the exclusive nor concurrent legislative lists; and as such can be legislated upon by the state and Federal legislature. ‘’On the time for response to requests for information under the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, the National Assembly should consider amending the seven-day frame to a more realistic time. “The office of the Attorney-General charged with producing guidelines under the FOIA should give attention to monitoring compliance with the Act. “There should be harmonisation of laws on taxation of outdoor advertisement by different agencies and calls were made for the NBA to lead in this campaign.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

LAW & SOCIETY

N1.2b ‘debt’: AMCON ‘takes over company’s property’

N a bid to recover a debt of N1.2billion from G.CAPPA

Plc, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) said it has taken possession of the company’s property at Kano Street, Borno Way, Ebutte Metta, and at 8, Taylor Road, Iddo, Bond Line, Lagos. It follows an order made by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos on May 14. The court also froze the company’s bank accounts and restrained G.CAPPA from dealing with, assigning or leasing the property to a third party pending the hearing and determination of the substantive debt recovery action. In a supporting affidavit sworn to by Mr Victor Igabor of AMCON’s Credit Directorate, the corporation said G.CAPPA approached UBA for

By Joseph Jibueze

working capital to the tune of N880million as overdraft, short term advance, direct credit, bonds and guarantees for corporate restructuring, which were granted through offer letters of April 28, 2000; April 30, 2001 and March 14, 2002. The property was said to have been used to secure the loan, which was bought over by AMCON. “At the expiration of the facility, the defendant failed, neglected and/or refused to liquidate its indebtedness to it, leaving an outstanding balance of N1,207,296,646.45 being the outstanding balance as at the 4th day of June, 2014,” AMCON said. But in its defence, G. CAPPA denied failing or refusing to repay the debt, saying the issue has always been that of ascertaining its

exact indebtedness to UBA Plc. The defendant said it has made some payments to UBA amounting to N250million, adding: “The defendant is not bound to pay the sum claimed by the plaintiff because that is not the actual amount it owed the plaintiff.” G.CAPPA has also filed a counter-claim against AMCON and UBA, saying that the overdraft facility it took from UBA was N250million by commercial paper and that it owes the bank only N86million. It said UBA unilaterally varied terms of the agreement to the detriment of G.CAPPA, which adversely affected its business. Meanwhile, AMCOM has filed an application, urging the court to enter judgement against the company as per the N1.2billion claim. Justice Aneke adjourned to October 6 for hearing.

•From left: Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter N.C. Umeadi; Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Augustine Alegeh (SAN) and former NBA General Secretary Olumuyiwa Akinboro at NBA conference in Abuja.

How smoke sacked Magistrate’s Court

WAS almost choked by the smoke. It made me sneeze once or twice. I had to rest a little to catch my breath in the middle of trial.” These were the words of Mr. O. O. Olatunji, the presiding magistrate of Court 2 at the Candice Johnson Courthouse, Ikorodu, Lagos on the haze of smoke that wafted into his courtroom from a fire kindled some buildings away two weeks ago. The Nation learnt that the smoke, which filled the courtroom, disrupted proceedings by making breathing and seeing difficult for the spectators, litigants and their counsels, a few of whom were seen rubbing their smarting eyes and covering their noses. “It was very bad,” Mr Olatunji said, “I had to rise and pause trial for 20 minutes so that everyone could get fresh air and catch their breath.” High Court Assistant Chief Registrar, Gbose Adetola, told The Nation that apart from the smoke, the Magistrate and High Courts, which share

By Robert Egbe

the Candice Johnson Courthouse building, are also affected by a bad smell which occasionally seems to emanate from a Nigerian Telecommunications (NITEL) premises beside the court. ‘’There is a NITEL facility that borders this court,’’ Mr. Adetola said. “It looks like it’s abandoned, and a portion of the wall around the buildings there is broken, so anyone can gain access to it.” He added: “There must be a burst septic pipe or maybe some people defecate in the open around there because stench from there sometimes reaches some of the offices and courtrooms here. It can be quite bad. The places most affected are the magistrate court downstairs and the high court upstairs that are closest to the fence adjoining both premises.” A court source, who preferred to remain anonymous, told The Nation that “The room was made darker

and more uncomfortable by the smoke.” “It even caused the magistrate and some spectators to sneeze,” he said. On why the generators were not on, he replied: “The generators are turned on at 10am, but you know His Honour’s court begins sitting by 9am.” The source added that on noticing the discomfort of everyone, the magistrate, who had already resorted to reading by flashlight because of the poor visibility, promptly announced the suspension of proceedings. “He directed that the matters which had earlier been stood down would be heard when the smoke cleared. This is the second time smoke will suspend proceedings in court, in the few years I’ve been here,” he said. The source suggested that the smoke came from the firewood stoves of food sellers in front of the NITEL premises, but The Nation investigations showed that this was not the case.

Court rejects foreigner as surety

MAGISTRATE’S Court sit ting in Ikorodu, Lagos has rejected a Beninese national, Jimoh Ameida, as surety for his brother, Lamina Ameida, in a case involving the damage of two Mercedes-Benz trucks. Lamina, a 30-year-old employee of Blue Sky Pure Water Company, Igbogbo, was first arraigned in June for allegedly pouring salt into the engines of both trucks belonging to one Emily Nwokeduko, and valued at N2.3million each. He was granted bail and presented Jimoh and one Christiana Ishola, as his sureties.

By Robert Egbe

Police prosecutor, Mrs. Abosede Adegesin, however, told the court that there was reason to believe that the brothers were from Cotonou, and Jimoh, who gave his surname as Hammed, had provided a questionable address. She added that the bond provided by Jimoh was unsigned while that given by Christiana had an address different from the one on her utility bill. Mrs. Abosede, who substituted the former charge against Lamina for a fresh three-count charge,

urged the court to reject the two as sureties for the accused because it would be impossible to trace them if they absconded. The defendant’s counsel, Mr. Ilesa Obatayo, argued that there was no evidence that Jimoh was not a Nigerian and prayed the court to allow Lamina to enjoy the bail previously granted. The presiding magistrate, Mr O. O. Olatunji, upheld the prosecution’s argument and granted the accused fresh bail of N500, 000 and two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned to September 3.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

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

Buhari’s kitchen cabinet

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s (PMB’s) appointment of his close aides has stirred some controversy. Particularly livid are some political actors from the Southeast, followed by a fringe from the Southwest; considered to be the order of neglect, as figuratively demonstrated by a national newspaper. With 30 appointments made so far, covering the military, the para-military, and the close aides of the presidency, the paper graphically represented the zero patronage for the Southeast. Many political actors have angrily described the appointments as sectional, parochial and an abuse of the constitutional provision on federal character. PMB, reportedly, has taken the protests in his chin, and has promised to look farther afield in future appointments. Expectedly, many sympathisers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who lost their voice after the shellacking by PMB and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), have been gloating, claiming that they had forewarned that the man hates unabashedly, the Southeasterners. For them, the recent appointments have vindicated them. Agreed, the recent appointments clearly favoured the North, but if I may ask, what gain did those appointed from the Southeast in the immediate past regime bring to their states? I am afraid that if there were any exceptional benefits, then it was substantially personal. So, except the style of governance changes, which is the hope of Nigerians under the government of PMB, the fact that this cadre of appointments have favoured the North may amount to nothing of significance in the lives of the people. Even the Southwest, which had the privilege of producing former President Olusegun Obasanjo for eight years, continues to strenuously argue that the regime did not bring them any special succour. While I have no enthusiasm to defend PMB from those now gloating that they told the APC’s sympathisers that they have entered what in Nigerian parlance, is referred to as “a one chance bus”; (i.e., a bus controlled by rough necks, who will rob a passenger of his/her belongings, and then push him/her out of the bus); I had wished that one of the die-hard APC stalwarts, such as Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Dr. Chris Ngige, or even any of the less prominent ones, had been honoured with a top position in the kitchen cabinet. My thinking is that such an appointment would have brought serious enthusiasm to the ongoing effort to build a stronger APC in the Southeast. But the president still has opportunities to demonstrate his panNigerian broadmindedness, as there are still many more appointments to be made. One such opportunity would be the key ministerial appointments, particularly the economic team, which is yet to be fully constituted. As we witnessed under Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan, the more influential associates of the presidents were not members of the famed kitchen cabinets. After all, while the cook works in the kitchen, he reserves the choicest meals for those that end up in the dining area.

Gov. Ugwuanyi and Wawa House Since May 29, 2015, I have not commented on the style of governance of the new helmsman at the Lion building, the seat of government, of Enugu State. As predicted on this page, before the elections, Governor IfeanyiUgwuanyi, popularly referred to as Gburugburu, rode into power, with minimal stress. As a scion of the famed Ebeano family, his forbearers, Governors Chimaroke Nnamani and Sullivan Chime, had already paved the road to the building, with blood, tears and subterfuge;whileforbidding any match, by an opposition party. Indeed, the succession plans of the Ebeano, has not failed them, yet. What usually fails them, is managing ‘the successes’. In my village, when the infant is presented to the village sage, during the naming ceremony, the sage would intone: phuoezeenu, igaephukaani, (grow the upper tooth, before you grow, the lower tooth); among other admonitions, forbidding any abnormality. The challenge of the Ebeano family, is usually how to avoid abnormalities, like a child, spewing shit, into his father’s face, for a minor or no reason at all. So, you see a successor governor, growing all the lower teeth, before any of the upper ones. And to make matters worse, they use it to clobber their forbearers. That was the faith of Chief Jim Nwobodo, the progenitor of Ebeano family; same for Dr. Nnamani, the founder of Ebeano family. Of note, Chime, the immediate past governor, has after the debacle of a failed Senate seat, opted to stay away from the flurry of power and influence peddling. Who knows, that may save him. Gburugburu, so far acting his name, appears to be treading a different part. Last Thursday, I had tried to locate the Enugu State Liaison Office, to obtain the state of origin certificate, a requirement for admission, into government colleges. Believing that the Wawa house was my destination, I made my way to the Victoria Island location.With the rains pummelling my windshield, I was hoping to drive into the premises; after all, I had reasoned, that the compound is big enough to take in a bonafide visitor. But nay, no deal, as the place was locked. Surprisingly, I was told at the adjourning Imo Liaison Office, that the office had been relocated, to another part of town. When I raised the issue with some indigenes later, they were angst that the WaWa House was leased out, and another house, hired, as liaison office. Gburugburu, I hope that transaction was done in the best interest of our state?

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

LAW REPORT

Breach of rules can only render a proceeding irregular, not a nullity IN THE COURT OF APPEAL IN THE BENIN JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT BENIN ON WEDNESDAY, THE 15THDAY OF JULY, 2015 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS HELEN MORONKEJIOGUNWUMIJU, J.C.A PHILOMENA MBUA EKPE J.C.A HAMMA AKAWU BARKA J.C.A CA/B/47/2010 (2015) LPELR-25585(CA) BETWEEN: AFRICAN TIMBER AND PLYWOOD NIGERIA LIMITED................…APPELLANT AND DARLING PETROLEUM NIGERIA LIMITED....………….......…………. RESPONDENT LEAD JUDGMENT DELIVERED BY HELEN MORONKEJI OGUNWUMIJU, J.C.A

HIS is an appeal against the judgment of the High Court of Delta State sitting at Sapele delivered by Hon. Justice E.N. Emudiainohwo wherein the learned trial judge awarded the sum of N10,488,678.80 to the Respondent. The Respondent by a Motion Ex-parte pursuant to Order 23 Rule 1 of the High Court (Civil Procedure Rules) 1988 of the defunct Bendel State then applicable to Delta sought that the Writ of Summons regarding the suit be placed on the undefended list. The Respondent had attached exhibits to buttress his prayers in the said motion. The trial Court granted the order as prayed and ordered that the Writ of Summons bemarked undefended and placed on the undefendedlist, service was ordered on the defendant now Appellant. The Appellant’s counsel filed a notice of intention to defend with a supporting affidavit after being served with the court process. On the return date, both counsel addressed the Court based on the affidavit evidence filed by them. The Respondent argued that judgment be entered in his favour, but it was the contention of the Appellant that the matter be transferred to the general cause list. Judgment was entered in favour of the Respondent. Dissatisfied, the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal through a Notice of Appeal filed containing one ground of appeal wherein two issues for determination were raised as follows: i. Whether the case before the trial Court was properly brought under the undefended list inaccordance with the provision of Order 23 Rule1 of the High Court (Civil Procedure Rules)1988 of the defunct Bendel State now applicable to Delta State. ii. Whether the failure by the Respondent tocomply with the provision of Order 23 Rule 1 ofthe High Court (Civil Procedure Rules) 1988 ofthe Defunct Bendel State now applicable toDelta State, is a fundamental defect capable of rendering the Writ of Summons and consequently the proceeding null and void. The Respondent in his brief identified one

issue for determination, the Court however adopted the first issue identified by theAppellant. Appellant’s counsel submitted that the procedure under Order 23 Rule 1 of the High Court (CivilProcedure Rules) 1988 of the Defunct Bendel State applicable to Delta State is a special procedure ofplacing certain category of cases under the undefended list, to facilitate expeditious determination of non-contentious cases. Counsel further submitted that the decision to place a case on the undefended list is a judicial function of a presiding judge who is empowered to exercise his discretion after giving due consideration to the processes before the Court. Appellant’s counsel posited that the Writ was markedas undefended before the order was given and thattakes away the jurisdiction of the trial judge to hearthe matter. See Nwakama v Iko L.G.A ofCross River &Ors. (1996) DTLR pg 112 at 113ratios 1 & 2, Drexel E and N Res v Trans Int’lBank Ltd (2009) Vol. 15 W.R.N pg 1 at page 10ratio 2, JagalPharma Ltd v Hussaini (2008) 14W.R.N pg 160-167 ratios 1-6. Counsel further contended that the Respondent hasto first apply to Court to list the matter asundefended and the grant of such application is acondition precedent to the exercise of the Court’sjurisdiction and as such, the lower Court lackedjurisdiction to entertain the suit since the provision ofOrder 23 was never complied with by theRespondent. The exercise of the Court’s discretion inthe matter was never sought and granted. Counselcited ACB Int’l Bank Plc v Out (2008) All F.W.L.Rpt 406 pg 1817 at 1820 ratio 2, Confex Limitedv Nigeria Arab Bank Limited (1997) 2 N.W.L.R(Pt. 496) pg 643 ratio 1; (1997) LPELR-882(SC), City Eng (Nig) Ltd, vNAA (1999) N.W.L.R (Pt. 625) pg 76 ratio 1,2,6; (1999) LPELR-867(SC)and Drexel E and N Res v Trans Int’l BankLimited (Supra).Appellant’scounsel urged this Court to allow the appeal. Respondent’s counsel, argued that there is nothing under Order 23 Rule 1 of the HighCourt (Civil Procedure Rules) 1988 of the defunctBendel State as applicable to

Delta State thatrequires an applicant for a Writ of Summons underthe undefended list to apply directly to the judge orany other person than the registrar for the issuance of a Writ of Summons as provided for in Order 5 Rule1 of the High Court (Civil Procedure Rules) 1988. Counsel submitted that the Respondent is only required to complete and submit the pro forma Writ to the registrar of the Court who will determine, bythe accompanied documents, whether the Writ is oneto be placed on the general cause or undefended listwho, based on the supporting affidavit, can infer that the case is one the Respondent wished to haveplaced on the undefended list. Counsel insisted that in this case, the Writ of Summons was placed on the undefended list upon the order of the Court and theWrit remains a valid Writ of Summons. Counsel cited Waade Investment Nig. Ltd &Anor v TradeBank Plc(2006) All F.W.L.R. Pt 336 pg 352and Order 5 Rule 1 of the HighCourt (Civil Procedure Rules) 1988 of the DefunctBendel State now applicable to Delta State.Counsel argued that it is the registrar or any otherofficer of the Court that marks the Writ “undefended”and Appellant’s position that it is after the Court Order is made that the Writ of Summons is enteredunder the undefended list procedure is deemedissued is fallacious. That the trial judge is notconcerned with the issuing of the Writ of Summonsbut with the placement of the Writ in the appropriatecause list for hearing. Counsel cited Order 23 R 1. Respondent’s counsel argued that even if the Writwas marked before the Order of Court was given; it does not invalidate the Writ. Counsel cited Abayomi&Anor v Attorney General Ondo State (2007)All F.W.L.R. (Pt. 391) Pg. 1683 at 1686 R.7 & 8,and said that even if the Writ in this case ought notto have been issued before the Order of the trialjudge placing the Writ on the undefended list, thefact that there is no appeal against the Order madeon the 26/05/09 in favour of the Respondent, theCourt should apply Order 2 R. 1(1) of the High Court(Civil Procedure) Rules of the defunct Bendel Stateas applicable to Delta State and treat the situation asan irregularity which will not nullify the proceedingsor any document, judgment or order given by thetrial Court and as such, the Appellant has waived hisright to complain. Counsel cited Ramadan Nigeria Limited &Anor vAfribank Plc. (2005) All F.W.L.R (Pt. 285) pg482 at 486 R. 8 and 9, Barr. EdwardEhimwenmaOsifo&Anor v Okogbo CommunityBank Ltd (2007) All FWLR (Pt 372) pg 1803 at1810 R. 9 and 10, Ezekiel Okoli v MorecabFinance (Nig) Ltd (2007) All F.W.L.R (Pt. 369)pg 1164 at 1170 R. 10 and 11; (2007) LPELR-2463(SC) and urged thisCourt to dismiss the appeal. Resolution The Court stated that the rules provide that a suit may be placed by thetrial Court on the undefended list where it is inrespect of a claim to recover a debt, liquidatedmoney demand or any other demand where the debt is clear and there is no defence against it after perusal of the

•From left: Albert Akpomudje (SAN); Blessing Ukiri; Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch Martin Ogunleye; Chairman NBA Abuja Branch Elachi Agada; former NBA presidents Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN); Anozie Obi, Sule Usman and NBA First Vice President Taiwo O. Taiwo after NBA’s pre-conference National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

affidavit filed by the defendant in support of the notice of his intention to defend the suit. The Court reviewed the facts on record and the sole ground of appeal and stated that the Appellant who was defendant at the trial Court is not disputing the amount of money or in any other way trying to negate the claim; his complaint is with the regularity of the process the Respondent used at the trial Court to activate judicial process to get the money back. The Court set out the following steps to be followed by the applicant as plaintiff to activate the undefended list procedure thus: i. An application must be made to the Court for the issuance of a Writ of Summons. (Ostensibly, the application was made hence the issuance of the writ by the Registrar filed on 18/05/09). ii. The application must be to recover a debt, liquidated money demand or any other claim. (The endorsement on the writ showed a demand for the liquidated sum of N10,488,678.80). iii. The application must be supported by an affidavit setting forth the grounds upon which the claim is based. (The affidavit filed with the motion ex-parte set out the factual basis of the claim in support of the writ). iv. The affidavit must state that the deponent believes the defendant has no defence. (Paragraph 12 of the affidavit declared that the defendant has nodefence to this suit). v. The Court should enter the suit for hearing on the undefended list if it believes there is indeed no defence. (In this case, after considering the motion ex-parte on 26/05/09, the trial Court declared that the suit be placed on the undefended list, marked undefended and all processes served on theAppellant who was the defendant). vi. The Court shall mark the writ of summons accordingly. (In this case, the writ was marked “undefended”) vii. The Court shall set a suitable date for hearing. (The Court set a date- 11/06/09 for hearing as shown on the order). See Nkwo Market Community Bank (Nigeria) Ltd v Paul EjikemeUwaabuchi Obi (2010) LPELR-2051 SC; (2010)14 NWLR (Pt.1213) 169 S.C. From the above, the Court held that it is clear that the general position is that a Writ of Summons should be marked undefended by the Court before it be placed on the undefended list. See Bayero v Mainasara&Sons Ltd (2006) 8 NWLR (Pt. 982) Pg. 391; (2006) LPELR75587 CA, Nwakanma v IkoLocal Government of Cross Rivers &Ors(Supra), Enye v Ogbu(2003) 10 NWLR (Pt.828) Pg. 403; (2003) LPELR-7152 CA, Obaro v Sale Hassan (2013) LPELR-20089 SC. Relying on the authority of Olubusola Stores v Standard Bank (1975)LPELR- 2610; (1975) 1 All NLR 125; (1975) 4SC 37, the Court stated that it is clear that a plaintiff starts the processby applying for a Writ of Summons. The Writ must be filed with a motion on notice supported by affidavit. That it is that same Writ that would be markedundefended AFTER the Order of the Court and served on the Defendant along with other processes. That EveryWrit is issued by the Registrar of the Court. The Court agreed with Respondent’s counsel that the purport of Order 23 is not to mandate the judge to issue a Writ of Summons but the placement of the Writ in the appropriate cause list for hearing. In essence, what the trial judge did was not issuance of Writ of Summons on the undefended list by the Order made on the 26th May, 2009. See WaadeInvestment Nig. Limited &Anor v Trade BankPlc (Supra). It was held that there is a presumption of regularity in favour of the Writ of Summons that it was marked after the Order had been given by the trial judge and not before and that even if the Writ was indeed marked ‘undefended’ by the Registrar before the Order was given, the act hasbeen regularised by the Order of Court given on the26th May, 2009. That it is trite that the breach of practice and procedurecan only render a proceeding irregular and not a nullity. See Saliba v Lababedi (1972) 12 S.C.197; (1972) LPELR-2993(SC) Agbakoba v INEC (2008) 18 NWLR (Pt.1119) 489 SC; (2008) LPELR232 SC. In the circumstances, the sole issue for reasons stated above was resolved against the Appellant. The appeal was dismissed. Edited by LawPavilion. Citation: (2015) LPELR-25585(CA).

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

9TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING 26TH AUGUST, 2015 (11TH ZHUL QIDAH, 1436AH) PREPARED BY THE COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO.

he ample availability of natural and human resources will turn out to be of no use if there is no political will on the part of the leadership to explore, exploit and harness these resources for optimum utilization for the development of the society. There is no doubt that the Ganduje administration in Kano State has exhibited undaunted political will in its resolve, commitment and unwavering focus to consolidate and build on the gains of the last four years through the execution-cum implementation of people-centred policies and programmes for the State to take its rightful place among its peers as a pacesetter and trail-blazer it has been since its creation in 1967. In the continuation of the pursuit of these noble objectives, the Kano State Executive Council held its 9th sitting on Wednesday, 26th August, 2015, corresponding to 11th Zhul Qadah, 1436AH, under the distinguished chairmanship of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR during which in his opening remarks, the Governor, expressed the State government’s delight over the constant rainfall being recorded in the state which is a harbinger for a bumper harvest as well as its concern over the occurrence of flooding in different parts of the State which informed the decision of the government to embark on massive clearance of drainages in the metropolitan local government areas to avert further catastrophe. The Governor, therefore, warned that the government will continue to demolish all illegal structures erected on water ways, urging the people to complement these efforts by clearing their drainages through individual and communal efforts. He equally touched on some salient policy issues that have positive bearing on the wellbeing and development of the state like the launching of SERVICOM in the state in line with the global good governance trends to fine-tune the machinery of government in the State for efficient and effective service delivery. He also disclosed that the administration has organized the first retreat for top government functionaries in Kaduna from 27th to 30th August, 2015 to enable the participants to understand the focus of the administration’s policies and programmes and make valuable inputs where necessary for the overall development of the State. During the 9th sitting, the following memoranda were presented before the Council by MDAs for consideration and approvals were granted to the tune of N95,691,364.9 thus: a. Memorandum on the Implementation of the Policy on Games and Sports in Basic

requirements of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria scheduled to take place either in this or next month. In consideration of the relevance of the request, the Council graciously approved the release of the sum of N22,487,060:00 for the conduct of the exercise and the provision of the muchneeded items preparatory to the accreditation exercise.

His Excellency, Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR Education Schools in the State The memorandum is from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for the kind consideration and approval of the esteemed Council of the proposed draft Policy on Games and Sports in Basic Education Schools aimed at reviving and inculcating modern sporting activities in the minds of the pupils for sound mind and body which will enable them take up sports as a profitable profession later in life. The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) proposed the policy to develop the abundant sporting talents among the young ones covering various modern sports like football, volleyball, discus, tracks and fields, high jump, long jump, etc and even traditional ones like langa, gada, charafke, katantanwa, among others in consideration of which the Council approved the draft policy. b. Request for Funds for the Conduct of Accreditation Exercise and Provision of Required Facilities at the Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso College of Basic and Remedial Studies, Tudun Wada The request is also from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for the approval of the Council for the release of the sum of N22,487,060:00 to facilitate the conduct of the impending accreditation exercise and provision of facilities at the above college situated at Tudun Wada Local Government Area. The items required include text books covering 14 core subjects, biological garden, weather station, geography laboratory and laboratory furniture, among other undertakings which will enable the college to meet the inspection/accreditation

c. Request for Funds for the Participation of Kano State Contingent in the Special Edition of the African Arts and Crafts Expo (AFAC) from 27th August - 15th September, 2015 at the Abuja International Trade Fair Complex The request from the State History and Culture Bureau routed through the Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture following an invitation from the National Council for Arts and Culture is for the release of the sum of N5,223,000:00 to enable the State contingent participate in this year’s special edition of the African Arts and Crafts EXPO to mark its over 40 years of existence and considering the excellent performance of the Kano State History and Culture Bureau in pavilion construction, food fair events, among others and the fact that the state artistes will add colour to the occasion by showcasing to the world the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the State, the Council therefore approved the release of the trimmed sum of N5,220,000:00 to the Bureau to cover DTA for officials and artistes, registration fee, etc. d. Request for Funds for the Construction of 2-Cell Ring Culvert Across River Getsi Along Maimalari Road The request is from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning for the release of the sum of N8,295,940:41 for the construction of a 2Cell ring culvert from Maimalari RoadDakata Quarters to overcome the difficulties motorists and other road users plying the road face and the Council approved the amount in view of the importance of the project socially and economically. e. Request for the Provision of Toyota 18Seater Bus to the Kano State Radio Committee on Qur’anic Competition (Musabaqah) This request is in fulfillment of the pledge of the Government to donate the vehicle to the committee during its members’ earlier courtesy call to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, in view of its imperativeness toward the smooth conduct of the activities of the organization by easing its mobility problems within and outside the metropolis. Having considered this, the Council approved the release of the sum of

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 N8,600,000:00 for the supply of an 18-seat bus to the Kano State Radio Committee on Qur’anic Competition (Musabaqah) by Messrs Alhamsad which submitted the most reasonable rate. f. Memorandum on the Review of Hectorages Leased Out to Dangote Farms Limited for Tomato Processing Plant and Tomato Plantation The esteemed Council’s attention was drawn by the contents of the memorandum to the earlier leasing of 96 hectares of land at Kadawa Livestock Development Center and another expanse of land at Kadawa Irrigation Farm Centre to Dangote Farms Limited for the establishment of a tomato processing plant and tomato plantation in Kano State which is a welcome development in view of the huge economic and job creation potentials of the undertakings. The Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2010 contains the leasing of a total of 358 hectorages to the company which informed the request to the Council to approve the ratification of the hectorages from 96 to 358 hectres of lands at the two locations and Bunkure which was granted. g. Memorandum on the Preparation of Kano Master Plan and Other Urban Centres The request is from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning for the upgrade of the Kano State Master Plan and other urban centres to meet the global standard of systematic land titling, improve land administration and ensure control against tampering of existing plans as guiding instrument for all physical development in the State and the Council approved the process of developing a master plan in line with global best practice for the State. h. Request for Funds for the Accreditation of North-West University, Kano The request is from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for the release of funds to meet the accreditation requirements of the North-West University, Kano. The National Universities Commission (NUC) has concluded arrangements to pay its first and most crucial visit to the university in October, 2015 which informed the need for the provision of essential logistic requirements for the successful conduct of the exercise which include laboratories, equipment and consumables as well as internal renovation and information system needs which will collectively gulp the sum of N911,532,033:88. The Council, however, approved the release of the sum of N21,657,600:00 and directed the university to seek for financial interventions from Tetfund account. i. Request for Funds for the Execution of Electrification Projects at Dawakin Tofa and Ungogo Local Government Areas The request is for the release of the sum of N15,564,886:00 to enable the State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development to undertake the vital electrification projects for the socio-economic development of the two LGAs. The beneficiary communities are Ganduje and Yakasai towns in Dawakin Tofa LGA and Fegin Liman Jajira in Ungogo LGA and the nature of the electrification works include maintenance/repairs of ITC installation, completion and execution of electrification projects. Having been satisfied on the need for the execution of the

three projects, the Council approved the release of the amount to the Ministry.

UPDATES ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE 9TH EXCO SITTING

j. Request for funds for the Completion of Juma’at Mosque Construction Project at Bachirawa Quarters The request is from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport for the completion of Juma’at (Friday) Mosque as the residents of Bachirawa in Ungogo LGA are in desperate need of a befitting mosque in which to observe their prayers. Accordingly, the Ministry conducted an assessment of works and prepared a Bill of Quantities for the execution of the project to the tune of N4,725,878:49. The Council, therefore, considered and approved the execution of the project at the sum of N4,725,878:49.

DINNER ORGANIZED BY GUILD OF EDITORS IN HONOUR OF SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT ON MEDIA

k. Memorandum on the Performance of Street Lights and Solid Wastes Management in the State Kano State Government has in recent times tried to explore all possible avenues of addressing the challenges posed by solid wastes management and sustenance of the performance of street lights in the eight (8) metropolitan Local Government Areas and a committee was set up to address these challenges. Worth mentioning is the existence of 178No. officially recognized refuse disposal centers and 114No. roads provided with street lights in the metropolis which are now grouped into 14No. supervising centres to be supervised/monitored by Hon. Commissioners/Council Members who are mandated to periodically brief the Council on the performance and functionality of the street lights and solid wastes disposal. Accordingly, the Council approved for the commencement of the operations of the committee to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the measures put in place.

DONATION OF 18-SEATER BUS TO THE STATE NLC COUNCIL Council noted the appreciation by the Kano State Branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) regarding the donation of an 18-seater bus extended to the union by the State Government.

l. Request for Funds for the Settlement of Outstanding Audit Fees in Respect of the Hospitals Management Board and its 12No. Zones The request is from the State Ministry of Health for the release of the sum of N6,712,500:00 for the settlement of outstanding audit fees in respect of the Hospitals Management Board and its 12No. zones. Having observed the relevance of the request, the Council readily approved the release of the amount for the stated purpose. m. Request for Funds for the Payment of Registration and conduct of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria Examination The request is from the Ministry of Health for the release of the sum of N2,427,500:00 for the registration and conduct of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria Examination slated for 7th – 16th October, 2015 at Gusau, Zamfara State and Jahun, Jigawa State respectively. The Council was notified that the professional/ regulatory body has required the students of the affected schools to pay their registration fees on or before 3rd August, 2015 and in line with the free education policy of the State Government at all levels, the Council’s approval was sought for the shouldering of the total sum to cover registration fees, feeding of 75No. students, fuelling and servicing of two vehicles and DTA for three (3) days in respect of three (3) staff that will escort the students as well as drivers. The Council graciously approved the release of the sum of N2,427,500:00 for the stated purposes.

Council noted with appreciation the representation of the Secretary to the State Government at the dinner organized by the Guild of Editors in honour of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Alhaji Garba Shehu, and Special Assistant on media, Femi Adesina, where he informed the Council that the Guild of Editors were full of praises for His Excellency the Governor for honouring their invitation.

CONDOLENCE Council commiserated with the family and entire people of the state over the ghastly motor accident involving the State APC Women Leader and her entourage that occurred along Kebbi - Sokoto Road which claimed the life of her Personal Assistant and prayed for the repose of her gentle soul in Jannatul Firdaus. Accordingly, Council has extended a financial assistance of the sum of N1million to the family of the deceased and prayed to Allah for speedy and full recovery of the other victims. LAUNCHING OF FUMIGATION EXERCISE AT PILGRIMS HAJJ CAMP IN THE STATE Council noted the successful launching of the fumigation exercise against mosquitoes at the State Pilgrims Hajj Camp on 25th August, 2015 marking the beginning of this year’s airlifting of the intending pilgrims from Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) to Saudi Arabia. SIGNING OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET BILL Council witnessed the signing of the 2015 Supplementary Budget Bill by the Governor in the sum of N21,377,741,000.39. Accordingly, Council commended the efforts of the members of the State House of Assembly, Executive Council members and top senior civil servants for their cooperation towards the successful amendment of the Supplementary Budget Bill.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY The council has endorsed these useful phone numbers provided by the security agencies in case of any emergency. Accordingly, members of the general public may contact KAROTAfor breakdown of vehicle(s), traffic congestion, accident or illegal/wrong parking on 08091626747, the State Police Command on 08032419754 or 08123821575 and the State Fire Service on 07051246833 or 08191778888.

SIGNED: Hon. Commissioner of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture Kano State

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, in this interview with JOEL DUKU in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, speaks on the insecurity in the Northeast, President Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade and the imperative of good governance.

‘APC ’ll not tolerate disloyalty’ W

HAT is your assessment of the fight against insurgency by the Buhari administration? The North eastern states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and lately, Gombe have suffered gross security challenges arising from insurgency since 2009 to date. Many lives were lost, hundreds of thousands of private and public properties were destroyed and, like you said including mine. Many, many families were forced to flee their communities and becoming Internally displaced persons. The number one change in strategy by the Buhari administration in the fight against insecurity in the North east was the directive by the president in his inaugural speech, directing the military authorities to relocate the army command center from Abuja to Maiduguri for effective coordination of the fight against insurgency which has already been complied with massive deployment of troops and equipment. The appointment of new service chiefs and the National Security Adviser has also opened a new chapter, approach and strategy in the war against security challenges in Nigeria and, especially in the North east. It may interest you to note that the very day the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Tukur Buratai, took over office, he flew to Yobe state, one of the frontline states bedeviled with the problem of insecurity. He spent four days with soldiers in the state during the Sallah period. This action motivated the officers and men of the military with a new strength and vigor in the war against insurgency. He personally visited some of the dangerous areas and drove through Damaturu to Biu road. He was also at Maiduguri, Konduga and Damboa. The army chief said the visit was to afford him with a first hand opportunity on the state of equipment, mental and physical preparedness of soldiers at the war front, with a view to plan and restrategise the fight against insecurity in the affected areas. Thirdly, the regional and international approach of the Buhari administration in the fight against insecurity, has promoted and strengthened unity among Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin Republic to collectively fight insecurity in the region. Let me also remind you that shortly after his inauguration, President. Buhari was invited to the G-7 summit in Germany and the African Union meeting in South Africa. The problem of Nigeria’s security challenges was extensively discussed at these meetings. Again, President Obama invitated President Buhari to the United States of America and security was a key issue of discussion be-

tween the two leaders. All these were achieved in just about two months since Buhari assumed office as the president of the federal Republic of Nigeria. These have therefore given a new approach to the fight against insurgency with positive results. I wish to assure you, now more than ever, Borno and Yobe communities have a new sense of security in the fight against insurgency. There is a new hope that Nigeria is fast approaching towards the end of the security challenge posed by insurgency. The 2015 election was adjudged credible, transparent and acceptable. Do you think Nigeria can sustain this in subsequent elections? Well, the success of the 2015 election can be attributed to some factors among which includes, the electoral body INEC, the political parties, the security, media , civil society organizations, opinion, community and religious leaders and, the amazing determination of the Nigerian electorates. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) departed from the ‘business as usual’ posture of the past to a more committed electoral process to conduct a credible election. It introduced the use of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and Card reading machines to produce the incontestable results. Security is a key factor in the conduct of elections everywhere in the world. The security organizations prepare peaceful and conducive atmosphere that guarantees the security of the environment, the electoral officers, election materials and indeed the well being of the electorates to cast their votes peacefully and, for the results to be declared fairly, justly and accurately. However, our experience in the 2014 Ekiti governorship election in which heavily armed security operatives were deployed and a lot of people were arrested, harrassed and intimidated thereby creating bias and unequal opportunities for contesting parties and candidates, made the APC to launch the campaign against massive deployment of heavily armed security operatives at polling units to pave way for unnecessary advantage to one party. As a party, the APC also cultivated and promoted the principle and practice of internal democracy within the party. For the past 16 years of our democratic experience, this vital aspect of democracy was missing. We upheld transparency in our primary elections with popular aspirants elected as candidates of the party. I am proud to say that the National Working Committee of the party never tampered with the list of those elected to fly the party flag and, we presented competent, cred-

•Mai Buni

Well, the success of the 2015 election can be attributed to some factors among which includes, the electoral body INEC, the political parties, the security, media , civil society organizations, opinion.... ible and acceptable candidates to the electorates. This, made it much easier for APC candidates to win the elections with incontestable margins forcing the incumbent president, governors, state and national assembly legislators to concede defeat. Our party’s principle of internal democracy has now become a role model for other parties. In other words, what I am saying is that, if the electoral body remains upright to conduct elections without fear or favour, when security operatives maintain a neutral position and, treat every political party equally, when political parties field competent candidates, when the media remain objective, when religious and community leaders preach tolerance and when the electorates insist on competence and capability against primordial sentiments, subsequent elections in Nigeria will remain credible and transparent with a target of good governance and service delivery

What is your response to arguments that party supremacy and loyalty were aimed at controlling public officers? Mai Mala: I think it is important for us to remember that, political parties were formed with clear, defined missions and visions. In every democracy political parties have manifesto which are fashioned to promote participation in governance, service delivery to improve the lives of the electorates and good governance generally. The APC came with a defined mission to save Nigeria after 16 years of gross maladministration by the PDP administrations. Therefore, we attach a lot of importance to our defined goals and to pursue same with passion and commitment to change the lives of Nigerians. Now, for those who contested on the platform of the party, it is expected that, there is a working synergy and cooperation between such public officers and the party to effectively achieve our set targets as defined in the manifesto. I do not see the party doing anything different from public officers nor, the public officers contradicting the position of the party. The party serves as the rallying point and the engine room that spurs us individually and collectively to provide service delivery and good governance to Nigerians. Therefore, the party which served as a ladder and, on whose platform the public officers were elected will always remain the bedrock and rallying point for all members so as to achieve our campaign promises to the people of Nigeria through a well articulated structure. Let me mention here that President Buhari himself has always declared his unequivocal support and loyalty to the party. He has supported party supremacy and loyalty as a definite measure to achieving party manifesto and set targets for good governance and service delivery to the electorates. I wish to use this opportunity to once more appeal to all stakeholders, members and supporters of the party that we should remain focused to support President Buhari on this rescue mission, to re-establish peace and security, revamp the economy, fight corruption and provide job opportunity to Nigerians. This is our collective resolve and commitment to Nigerians that we must strive to achieve. There are moves by the APC government to recover stolen funds from former public officers, but the PDP is accusing the government of selective recovery. How do you see this? I am happy the PDP is not saying that funds were not looted. Neither did they argue that innocent people were pursued to return the looted funds. I also wish to remind them that the EFCC is conducting its operations with very free hands. If you look at the figures flying which were said to have been diverted into private pockets, no responsible government will close it’s eyes against these brazen abuse of public trust. I believe government is obliged by national interest to recover public funds that were established to have been taken away by private individuals.

My administration has delivered, says Wada

OGI State Governor Idris Wada has said the welfare of the state has been the cornerstone of his policy in the last three and half years. He said Kogi has made remarkable progress, compared to other states with better resources, adding that government has met the aspirations of the people. The governor spoke with reporters in Lagos. He said the state has focused on agriculture by establishing 20,000 hectares of pilot farms for the production of rice, engaging youth and rural dwellers in farming activities and promoting small and medium scale industries. Wada said: “We constructed and re-

By Musa Odoshimokhe

habilitated over 700 KM of roads which include welcome to Lokoja International Market road, Lokoja township roads, Ganaja-Otokiti bypass, Idah township road, Ankpa-Okaba roads, Odenyi-Ogunma road etc. “We resuscitated the Kabba dam water scheme, Ozi dam, and water scheme in Ankpa, Ayingba, Idah, Egbe, Isanlu, Agaliga, Ajaka and over 200 rural communities benefited from the rural electrification project.” On why he had to go through the primaries for his second term ticket, he said, except the Peoples Demo-

cratic Party (PDP) does not give automatic ticket to its flag-bearers. Wada said Jonathan got automatic because at the eleventh hours, some of the contestants pulled out, leaving him as the sole candidate. “Normally when you contest for the leadership of a state, people show interest and see the incumbent as a challenge, because you are incumbent, it is just for you to follow the procedure to allow for fairness in the choice made. The party takes decision on issue, and you have to abide by the party decision.” The governor refuted the claim, that the PDP leadership in the state

demanded N1 billion from him in order to support his second term bid. “Whoever passes out such information is a liar and that is evil machination. In Kogi State, we don’t have N1 billion. If we have, we will use it for infrastructure development. I can tell you nobody or the National Working Committee (NWC) demanded such money from me.” He governor said the PDP will retain Kogi State during the election, adding that the All Progressives Congress (APC) success in the state during the Presidential election was because of President Muhammadu Buhari whose emergence was a movement.

•Wada

THE NATION TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

should show the world and Bayelsans what he ‘hasDickson used our money to do. Governance is beyond talking

’

POLITICS Former House of Representatives member Hon. Warman Ogoriba has defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State. He speaks with MIKE ODIEGWU on why he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other issues.

Hon. Wale Odunlami, a chartered accountant, is a chieftain of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, he speaks on the people’s expectations about the Buhari administration and how they are being met.

‘Only APC can develop Bayelsa’

‘With Buhari, things have improved nationwide’

HY did you defect to the APC? On the 17th of July, myself and over 40 of my political associates formally defected to the APC. It took us a lot of time: we talked, we negotiated, we consulted, we looked at the reasons why we should go to the APC, and at the end of the day, we decided APC is the best option if we must give Bayelsa a place in the national politics. It is not about individual benefits, it is about bringing development to Bayelsa state. We sat down and looked at the happenings in Bayelsa today, we looked at PDP government, and specifically Dickson’s led government has not brought meaningful development to Bayelsa state. Before we left, we tried to talk to the party to see reasons with us why Dickson should not be given a ticket again. But from all consultations, all body language, we found out Dickson will be given the party ticket. And the only way to fight Dickson, or to end Dickson’s-led government is to leave for another platform where we can galvanize support and replace Dickson with somebody we believe will give Bayelsa what they want. The first thing you do in government is to put down projects that will impact the people of the state. We believe that the APC government will do that for the people of Bayelsa that is why we left PDP for APC. What has Dickson done wrong? If we begin to count the sins of Dickson, I call them sins, because they are sins to man and to God. As a governor, you must have the right attitude to governance. As a governor, I don’t think that you must be a ruler. You must be a servant, because it is not what you want, but what the people want that you give them. And when you have a governor who does not have respect for the people of the state, he is no more a leader, he is

a dictator. This is democracy; it is not a military government. The governor needs to allow people to access him; he needs to listen to people, because nobody has monopoly of knowledge. The governor needs to work with people. But Dickson believes that he knows all. Dickson is a man that since he came into government has not commissioned one project, and he doesn’t see anything wrong in that. But, don’t you think that his government has attracted more development. Dickson should show us the developments. Where are the developments? Is it these uncompleted projects he has everywhere in the world? Dickson should show the world and Bayelsans what he has used our money to do. Governance is beyond talking. Governance is not about saying things that are not on ground. It is a government of deceit and falsehood. A government should be able to say, ‘Tomorrow, I will do this’, and put it in place then. That is governance. Dickson is used to saying things that are not possible. He went to my community recently and said, ‘Within two weeks, he will do A, B, C’. The people should ask Dickson why he hasn’t started those things he promised the community. Once the people lose trust in a government, the government has failed. That is where we are today in Yenagoa. Nobody knows Dickson? How many times has Dickson walked on the streets of Yenagoa since he became governor to interact with his people? What we see today everywhere is convoys of fifty, sixty cars. This is waste of government funds. As a governor, you are not above everybody; you are just opportune to serve your people by the grace of God. So don’t undermine them, you respect them. The body language of the

The change has started. And I am sure in the next one year we can begin to sing a new tune. We can do a proper assessment

•Ogoriba

former President suggests that your defection to the APC is like driving a spear into the heart of the Ijaw nation... What Ijaw nation? In the PDP constitution, there is nothing like the Ijaw nation. How many Ijaw man was there when PDP was formed? I laugh when people say PDP is an Ijaw party. How? We are talking about development- bringing development to Bayelsa state. So any platform that will bring development to Bayelsa state is the platform we want. As at today, we believe that the only platform that can give Bayelsans development, which can place Bayelsa in the committee of states, is the APC. When an Ijaw man formed a party, in the name of Melford Okilo, how many of them joined NSM? That was the real Ijaw party then. Dickson was in AD then. Did he not see NSM? When they say Ijaw party, I want to say, the real Ijaw party is NSM, formed by the late Melford Okilo. How many of them joined NSM? When it suits them, they call Ijaw. Were they even there when we formed PDP? They were not there. They came and joined the party. Does Dickson even understand what PDP stands for? He was not with us. He was with AD; he now left for APP, before he found his way back to PDP. When we were in PDP during Alameiseigha’s government, Dickson was busy writing petitions against everyone, against our government. So, nobody should say that PDP is an Ijaw party. How many Ijaw men were there when PDP was formed? We adopted PDP. It is as simple as that.

•Senate President Bukola Saraki (middle), Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Mrs. Okowa, Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, Senator James Manager (second right) and wife Mrs. Manager during the burial ceremony of Senator Manager's father Pa Manager Emiemokumor at Ogbein-Ama town, Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State at the weekend.

•Odunlami

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been criticised for delay in setting up his cabinet. What is your comment? I think President Buhari is on course. We can see that the country has changed since May 29. Everybody is going about their lawful business. Nobody wants to do anything bad. And like the elders always say, if you want to know if the fish is rotten, smell the head. When the head is good, everybody straitens up. You can see that everybody is toeing the right path. Nobody wants to be caught napping. And that is what Nigerians have been craving for. During our campaign, our national leader, Asiwaju Tinubu mentioned it that we will benefit from age, experience and all that. And that is already showing. Decisions are not taken hurriedly, and there is a mature handling of the country, of governance of the nation. Nigeria has gained even the respect of the world powers, the super powers as they say, with his visit to UK, G7 and all that. Even amongst African nations, we are now well respected in the comity of nations. Are you saying that the change that Nigerians voted for is here? The change has started, but I don’t want you to join those who are so much in a hurry. What do you expect to see in two months from the destruction of about eight years? What do you expect to see in two months? The change has started. And I am sure in the next one year we can begin to sing a new tune. We can do a proper assessment. What do you think about the resolution of the crisis in the National Assembly by the APC? You can see that the crisis is virtually resolved, and we are growing. Democracy is growing. You never can predict people. But I believe those who are there are mature, and they are now listening to the party, at least. So, I think we are growing and we will get there. We are going in the right direction. Some people are saying that Buhari has no economic blueprint. Is he continuing former President Goodluck Jonathan’s economic policies? Who says? You see, you should start from the speech at the inauguration. If you start from the speech at the inauguration, you will know the direction the country is going,

and it is already started. Things are being done rightly and it is a question of time. On the economic front, are you saying that any improvement is expected? Yes, of course. You know the foreign reserves have improved and the Central Bank is enunciating nice policies now. In fact, in the last one week, truly, the naira has gained strength. Things are improving. Light has improved whether by accident or design, the power generation, everything is improving, within two months. So, extrapolate the time and see what will come in a year time, not to talk of even four years. Do you think we can defeat Boko Haram so soon, given that there have been enhanced and more ferocious attack on Nigerian soil since Buhari has been inaugurated. I believe that the President knows what he is talking about. Don’t forget that he is a retired general, a veteran at that, former Head of State, ex-this, ex-that. He definitely knows what is talking about. And I believe things have improved. What kind of educational policies will you want this government to adopt? Partnership between the public and the private sectors should be encouraged, the encouragement of the private sector and public to move our educational policies. That is the encouragement of private schools, private universities, private institutions with strict controls, monitoring. Government cannot do it alone. Some people are criticising Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State that he ought to conduct local government elections. Is there any stipulated time that council elections must be conducted? Well, I don’t know about that, unless you see the governor. He has just come in, so he needs to settle down. I believe very soon, they will do the elections, very, very soon. Taking about the Federation Account, where all revenue accruable to the Federal Government go to, some people feel that each ministry should have its own account so that it will be clear who is defrauding the country and who is not. I believe that there is a section in the Constitution, Section 68 or thereabout where it is stated that all revenues accruing to the nation must go to a dedicated account, which is the Federation Account. After that, there is appropriation. The funds in the Federation Account could be appropriated to the Federal, the State and the Local Government and ecological funds and oil producing derivation fund. Whatever accrues to the Federal Government, that is appropriated to the Federal Government that is now utilised by federal ministries and federal agencies.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS AVIATION FAAN boss gets award THE Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mr Saleh Dunoma, has been honoured with the National Productivity Order of Merit Award . The presentation was made at the 15th National Productivity Day, where Dunoma was presented with a certificate. President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Clement Iloh, urged all Nigerians to work assiduously towards a new country. Speaking under the theme: “The Role of Productivity in the Change Agenda, he said “Our concern is to build a productivity culture among the citizenry”. “We shall dedicate ourselves to the ideals of resilience, integrity, excellence, standards, goodwill, accountability, good governance, patriotism and productivity,” he said. Also speaking Dunoma thanked President Buhari for the honour, stating that he and his team will continue to give their best. He also expressed appreciation for being recognised out of over 10,000 nominees.

Egypt Air boss urges drive for excellence THE General Manager of EgyptAir in Lagos, Mr. George Wadie, has called on Nigerian youths to aim for excellence in their various academic pursuits in a bid to become eminent future leaders He made the call during a courtesy visit to the airline by a contingent comprising of winners of the recently concluded 6th National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC 2014/15) in the company of their parents . Wadie congratulated the winners for their exceptional performance and urged them to keep up the good work, adding that EgyptAir chose to sponsor the travel industry writing contest because it goes with the airline’s vision of investing on future generations . This, he said, is an effort to help contribute to the growth and development of the aviation sector in the country while encouraging research, industry awareness and healthy competition among the youth. Mr. Ewos Iroro, Editor, Travel & Business News and Founder of NTEC who led the contingent to visit the General Manager, praised the airline for being a reliable partner . He said :”We remain ever grateful to EgyptAir for this mutually beneficial partnership that has grown over the years into a close bond that has positively affected the lives of over 60 Nigerian youths.”

Mixed reactions trail agitation for bailout for indigenous carriers EXPERTS and stakeholders in the aviation sector have expressed mixed reactions over agitation by the Senate for government to work out any form of intervention packaged as a bailout fund to rescue struggling indigenous carriers . According to experts, the agitation for such a bailout will be a hasty and unhealthy remedy unless government carries out a wholistic diagnosis of the challenges the airline sub sector is grappling with . The managing director of DANA Air, Mr Jacky Hathiramani , president Aviation Round Table, Mr Gbenga Olowo, former president of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) Comrade Solomon Ohioma and an aircraft engineer , Roland Ahmed said government should not hastily embrace the agitation without carrying out a forensic investigation on the challenges indigenous carriers are struggling with. They spoke in separate interviews . Hathiramani on his part said there is need for government to assist domestic carriers because previous efforts to come to their aid was insufficient in getting them out of the woods . He said :” Most airlines certainly do need Federal Government intervention, what was done before was not enough and neither did all airlines benefit equally. “Federal Government needs to consider an aviation policy like the kind of policies fine-tuned for other sectors, why not for airlines too. ‘’Airlines need to be motivated to perform long-term for the good of the country and to entice more travellers as well as stimulate commercial activities in the economy and tourism within the country . “Currently airline operations are not profitable enough to invest further in new aircraft and explore additional routes to connect more cities with the country. ‘’Banks need to support airlines more too as they currently shy away from supporting the industry’’. He said if airlines were better funded, there would be far less than 146 private jets in the country, and neither would there be a need for a national carrier which will unnecessarily burn up the scarce financial resources of the country. He added: If government wants to help, then they should first help existing airline operators, otherwise even the threat of a national carrier is enough to depress the aviation sector as it de-

From left : Tanimola Oluwaseke winner of competition receiving a gift from Manoj Nair Regional Manager West Africa, Emirates Airlines in Lagos. Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

ters further investment by the main airlines.” Olowo on his part said there is need to consider the uncontrollable cost element indigenous airlines are struggling with before any form of funds injection should be considered He queried :”We need to know what sort of bailout , Could it be a repeat of the AMCON failed previous experiments? “Yes the move is positive but a more wholistic diagnosis of the problem is essential because if the hole is not blocked , funds injected will go same way as in the past. ‘’As regards support for the airlines on several challenges,this forms part of the wholistic approach identified above. Uncontrollable cost elements among others do require deliberate government attention for our airlines survival.” Ohiomah opposed any consideration of bailout for domestic carriers, arguing that the struggling carriers should approach commercial banks on their own rather than resorting to government for “ hand outs “ . He said :” No, to any form of

bailouts again to Nigerian owned airlines.The first bailout ended up not been used for aviation purposes. “Secondly, government has no business giving public money to selected individuals. Government is not a lending house. They should approach their banks. ‘’These were the people who killed Nigeria Airways with dangerous systemic manipulation so that they may thrive. ‘’They should either merge or straight acquisition be allowed. It is the tendency of ownership syndrome for ego sake that is deluding them.” Ahmed however said there is need for transparency and accountability by the operators that are seeking financial assistance to ensure any funds injected into their business is not wasted. He said :’’As interesting as the debate may be to bail out the airlines, we must first ask what happened to the initial bailout the airlines got from the government (AMCON), until they are able to show or tell us what they did with the money, we cannot continue to bail out airlines. If so, government should bail out every market man and woman out there struggling and cannot break even’’.

14-year-old wins emirates competition A 14-YEAR-old Tanimola Oluwaseke, student of Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, has won the Emirates grand prize for the “Be There Campaign” competition. The winner got two return tickets to travel to any destination of his choice on Emirates routes – London, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Phuket, Jakarta, Bali, Los Angeles, New York, and Mauritus.The “Be There Campaign” is a phone-in Radio competition , in which callers were asked to describe the features of a given

Emirates destination, after which winners are selected every day. The Regional Manager Emirates West Africa, Mr. Manoj Nair, said the ‘Be There’ Campaign is part of the global campaign of the airline aimed at celebrating curiosity and the adventure that comes with travel. He said: “In Nigeria, we partnered with Radio Continental to spur Nigerians, who are passionate about travelling to phone-in and describe features/attractions of the chosen destination for the day.

The best is out to bring his/her passion to life by capturing unique places or attractions of the given destinations wins for that day. This is to showcase how travel helps them know places and fulfill their dreams.” He further stated : “We, at Emirates are delighted that, a 14-yearold student has won the grand prize for this competition. This shows that Emirates supports responsible competitiveness and gives equal opportunities to everybody succeed succeed.”

The Ondo state born grand prize winner was highly elated, and said he didn’t know he would win. His words: “I didn’t expect I would win because I was the youngest amongst adults. When I came here and saw myself in the midst of adults, I felt intimidated. I’m very happy to be the grand prize winner. I won two tickets meaning I will have to travel to any of these destinations with someone, but it’s a very hard decision to say whom I will be travelling with – dad or mum.”

NAMA chief: pay attention to safety related issues THE Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has taken measures to further strengthen its air traffic management and surveillance strategy aimed at ensuring a fool-proof safety network in all its operations across the country. Towards this end, the Managing Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam has issued a fresh directive to airspace managers and air traffic engineers across the nation’s airports to remain extra vigilant and pay utmost attention to minute details that are safety related. Abdulsalam who issued this directive in an enlarged meeting with airspace managers and air traffic engineers at NAMA headquarters in Lagos. He said :” In view of recent incidents involving some airlines and the unfortunate Bristow helicopter crash, it has become imperative that we maintain the highest standards of safety by promptly reporting and dealing with even the slightest safety related issue that comes up. “Although NCAA has commenced an audit of the airlines, as the airspace managers, we must also gear up efforts to compliment what the regulator is doing by going a little further than we used to, in ensuring maximum safety.” He charged Air Traffic Operations Managers and Quality Assurance Managers at the various airports to work in close synergy with Airspace Managers to make for a harmonized network of operations. He said NAMA will continue to maintain zero-tolerance for aviation incidents. Abdulsalam also the agency’s personnel to take advantage of the dedicated hotlines for all complaints and enquiries where issues could be promptly reported to the headquarters office for immediate action. Meanwhile, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has commenced another round of training of air traffic controllers and engineers at the Lagos Area Control Centre ahead of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract/Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (ADS-C/CPDLC) billed for deployment in September, 2015. The three-day training taking place at the NCAA Training Hall, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos is meant to sensitise and train staff on the installation and usage of the facility as commissioning date fast approaches. Also attending the training are members of staff of other aviation agencies as well as stakeholders in the sector. While declaring the programme open, the Managing Director of NAMA, Ibrahim Abdulsalam noted that “the decision to deploy ADS-C/ CPDLC to Nigeria falls in line with the agency’s vision of being a leading air navigation service provider in the world by deploying modern technologies for communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management within the Nigerian airspace.” He maintained that the agency’s efforts at developing Nigeria’s air traffic management and airspace capacity such as this are geared towards safely and effectively accommodating increasing flight operations in an aviation sector that has witnessed remarkable growth and structural expansion over time.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

e-Business

•From left: Former Communications Minister and Chair, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) Board of Trustees, Olawale Ige; Deputy President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Mrs Ola Veronica Owolabi; and CEO, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), Edith Jude, during NIG’s annual conference and exhibition in Ikoyi, Lagos.

NCS accuses MDAs of patronising quacks for ICT projects

HE umbrella body of all Information Technology (IT) professionals and interest groups in Nigeria, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), has accused ministries, department and agencies (MDAs) of preferring to patronise quacks when executing information communication technology (ICT) projects. It lamented that the practice has left so many projects abandoned, poorly executed and urged President Muhammadu Buhari to include membership of the group and registration with Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) as pre-qualifications for awarding IT-related projects. Its President, Prof Sola Aderounmu, said the group could no longer fold its hands while projects being funded by taxpayer money get abandoned, poorly implemented or cost being over bloated. "It is most unfortunate to realise

By Lucas Ajanaku

that a significant number of these jobs are either awarded to foreign firms or local entities that are unknown to our profession. "We want to state categorically that the failures experienced in IT project implementation in Nigeria rest squarely on the continuous patronage of quacks by various MDAs. These quacks are not accountable to anyone, lack professional ethics and constitute a major drain on the economy. "We thank the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for saving the country a total sum of N658.88billion from inflated contracts submitted by contractors of the MDAs between 2009 and last year.

However, with the highest professional regards from the NCS, we also call on President Buhari to immediately direct the office of SGF (Secretary to the Government of the Federation) and various MDAs to refrain from patronising these quacks. Contracts advertisement and awards relating to IT must be made to include registration with CPN) and membership of the NCS. This should be applicable to other professional bodies. "Hence the pre-qualification requirements for IT projects should be amended to include evidence of registration with CPN and NCS in addition to the newly introduced pre-qualification requirements such as evidence of registration with PENCOM, and evidence of

•Prof Aderounmu

remittance of fund to Industrial Training Fund (ITF)," he said He added that such a move would add quality and value to governance process and ensure seriousness and commitment to usher in the much desired change.

‘Online platforms can drive tourism sector’

HE Chief Executive Officer, Unraveling Nigeria, Omolola Daniyan, has said the online medium can be used to transform the tourism sector to boost national development. She spoke in Lagos at an event titled: Active Tourism organised by Daniyan’s firm in collaboration with Love Fitness Nigeria at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos. She said if the government would invest more in the tourism sector of the economy; it would improve on tourist attraction which would help to create more jobs. Daniyan, who launched an online platform, www.unraveiling Nigeria.com, said the website is aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s tourism potential; adding that it will help people find where to go to in Nigeria for tourism.

By Olatunde Odebiyi

She said: “Nigeria is not boring, people come here for business, but the website is to show another side of the country. During my free time, I go to tourist attraction in Nigeria and I write about them, review them, take pictures, write what the country can do to make it better, write about how much it cost to go in, what fun to expect from the place, what to wear and the basic information that people would want to know about such places would need and I place it on my website and a lot of people are responding to it, both Nigerians and international readers.” Daniyan said she hoped the company becomes one where they can organise tours, where people send message that they are coming to the country, or even within the

states, for tourism adding that the goal is to actually organise tours, in terms of places to eat, sleep, rocks to climb, waterfalls to see and everything about tourism. She said the event was to show people that there is nature at work in Lekki and that there are places to have fun in Nigeria, which are not expensive. Based on her tour round some states, Daniyan called for more to be done in the tourism sector of the country. She said nothing is being done to publicise the tourist centres. She advised President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint someone who is sharp, dedicated and has the drive and passion to make tourism a more attractive place in the country as Tourism Minister. She noted that the unique thing about her website is that it has lots of pictures and

users will be able to see what exactly they are looking for because there is enough information on whatever you need to know about any tourist attraction that will help you to plan your logistics and enjoy your stay, so that you can get the full package of the tourist centre. She identified some of the website challenges to include time, money, power supply, internet access and lack of proper guide. She added that the website is the first of its kind. “If you are looking for a place to stay, some where to put your kids, a place where you can learn about arts and culture, art gallery and whatever it is that you are looking for, that is visual or tourism based, whether you are within or outside the country, you should come to

Rlg gets NITDA’s certification

LG Nigeria has been awarded certification by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to produce laptops and other Information Comunication Technology (ICT) devices locally for government agencies. NITDA is the clearing house for all IT projects and infrastructure development in the

country. It is the prime agency for e-government implementation, Internet governance and general IT development in Nigeria. The accreditation positions Rlg Nigeria to produce laptops and other ICT devices for government agencies. Its Regional Director, Communications, B2G West and Central Africa, Tosin Ilesanmi, was excited about

the certification. He said: “We started the process of getting certified by NITDA last year and it has taken us this long to get certified as a lot of processes had to be followed.” He said a rigorous IT product certification is a necessity as it would save Nigeria from being a perennial dumping ground for substandard and pirated products.

• Ilesanmi

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

e-Business In the telecoms and broadcast industries, spectrums are considered scarce and essential intangible commodities. For quality and ubiquitous services delivery, they are central. But some people are hoarding these commodities. In this interview with LUCAS AJANAKU, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) President Lanre Ajayi says the government should create a secondary market for buying and selling spectrums to fast-track service rollout and enhance growth. Besides, he urges telcos to inform their customers before deactivating their SIMs. Excerpts:

‘Secondary market for spectrum‘ll spur development’

ET’S begin with recent subscriber identity module (SIM) card deactivation order handed down to telcos by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC). Some people have blamed the telcos and NCC for bringing pains to over 10 million subscribers. Do you agree? I have not seen anybody that disagrees with the concept of SIM registration. Even ordinary Nigerians seem to have accepted that it is important to register SIMs. They have realised the fact that for growth, national security, and for so many other reasons. I haven't really seen anybody that has argued against SIM registration. And if that is the case, why would anybody continue to use a phone beyond the deadline set without registering the SIM. So, I think it should be known by everybody that at a point such phones that are not registered would be suspended. And to the best of my knowledge, what NCC directed operators to do was not to remove them from the network but to suspend them. Suspension simply means that if you go back and register, you will get your SIM activated. So I don't see how that becomes a problem. Whoever has his phone suspended should walk to the nearest registration point, and get the SIM registered and the phone will be reactivated. But the telcos inundate customers with unsolicited SMS and calls. Don't you think the customers should have been warned before the rude deactivation? I agree that there should have been some kind of warning, informing subscribers that they have one defect or the other and asking them what to do. I agree to that maybe that's an area that could to be improved upon. This brings the issue of integrity to the data gathered. Security experts have described SIM registration as a charade because of obvious shortcomings. What is your reaction to this? The data collected may not be perfect but I think it's the best for achieving security to a great extent but those can be improved upon over time. Certainly, there are many people who would want to play some games on the system but over time, they will be sorted out over time. It would not have been good if we did not start at all. But what is more important is for us to start first and we have started registering. Then, those areas that are deficient can be improved upon. That is my take on that. What about the huge money spent by the NCC and the telcos. Is it justified? My personal view when SIM registration issue came up was that it should have been left for the operators to handle. That was my own opinion in respect of that but in the wisdom of government decided that regulators should also participate and that has been done. So i think we should just leave that as it is. The National Broadband Plan set ambitious milestones and timeline for achieving them. With what is on ground, do you see these milestones been achieved? At this stage, we are very slow at achieving these milestones. But if we accelerate and expedient actions on certain this that we are meant to do, there is enough probability that we can achieve those milestones. The National Broadband Plan is very detailed, very thorough, and very specific about what has to be done so if those things that are meant to be done are done so why not? You can speed up action on implementation. What do you think government and the operators can do towards the realisation of those goals? Create the right enabling environment for the operators to expand their network. Create the right environment for the investors to put down necessary investment for these expansions. Somebody has to bring money on the table to build infrastructure. You need to encourage that person, that investor to bring that investment by creating the right environment. People call it policy inconsistencies, regulatory inconsistencies, appropriate fiscal policies, taxation and all the rest. So, if you create the right environment, people will come. The market is here, we all know it. That's a pull to come, that's an incentive on its own for people to come and invest but that s not enough. If the market is there and there are disincentives, there are obstacles or barriers, people will still hold back their investment in the industry. What role for the freed spectrums after digital migration?

•Ajayi

It is one of the factors that will enable us achieve penetration. Spectrum is one of the reason will enable us to achieve it and that the only thing if you listen to his presentation this are basically two ways of that will be providing access to people the fibre active and the wireless . We need the 'digital dividend' spectrums so it will help but it certainly not a magic wand. However, it is not digital migration that will lead us there, digital migration will help us it is the fact that we need those spectrums that are being used for broadcast; it will help but that not the only critical success factor, it is about investment. You have to put money there so that operators can roll out networks and the investment will come when the environment is right. If people see that ok we put down investment and the environment is hostile and the policies are inconsistent, nobody will put down investment to expand the network very quickly. We need the right environment to be able to make that expansion and if the environment is not there based on the issues that have been identified, even today nobody will put down the appropriate investment. You advocated the creation of a spectrum market. When you create a spectrum market, don't you think that would lead to people buying spectrums, keeping them and reselling them? What is wrong with that? Is it not better for someone who bought a spectrum and is not able to use for whatever reason to sell it to someone who is able to use it than for him to just keep the spectrum without being able to use it for whatever reason? Well you are denying him of his resources. He is losing money. The Nigerians that are meant to benefit from the usage of that spectrum; you are denying them of the services. So from both ends you are losing. The nation is losing, the investors are also losing. Is it not better that that man has an opportunity to sell that spectrum, to make money and Nigerians are able to obtain services from the spectrum that is sold? So which one is better? It simply makes sense that a secondary market is sensible

because sometimes, you set up a plan that I want to roll out, and along the line there are unexpected distortions. For example, the money you expected to raise to do the roll out is not forth coming and you have paid for spectrum. So why will you hold on to the spectrum when it is not useful to you, it is not useful to Nigerians? Is it not better that you find someone to sell it to so that you will recoup your money or at least part of it and that spectrum is sold to someone who has the capacity to roll out? I think it is better for the country. I want someone to fault that my line of argument. But will this not result into speculators taking over the spectrum space? You see every good thing has its own down side. That's a downside for it but it could be managed through regulatory framework. Put a regulation around it, once you recognise that there is a secondary market and there would be rules around the market. Once you set down the rules and enforce it, all those side effects would be managed. The NCC has set up a task force to address the issue of service quality. How do you see this? I would not know the reason why they will be setting up a tax force , but am sure they will be having a good reason for that .ordinarily , what we do is that would have been a job of a particular department. NCC do sanction operators, now they have set up a tax force. Do you think those sanctions are right? I don't think sanction is the solution because there are so many challenges. So we need to remove those challenges if those challenges are removed, operators can now be sanctioned if they fail to meet the key performance indicators. But as long as those challenges are there, we cannot we talking of sanctions. Let us do simple logical reasoning, the market is there and service and the operators are not able to provide the service. If they provide more services, they will make more money. Do you think they will not want to make the money? If they

‘So, if you create the right environment, people will come. The market is here, we all know it. That's a pull to come, that's an incentive on its own for people to come and invest but that s not enough. If the market is there and there are disincentives, there are obstacles or barriers people will still hold back their investment’

are handicapped they will not be able to do it, so let us remove these challenges and see if the operators will expand the network or not Certain factors have been identified as bottlenecks to service quality. Are the telcos ever going to meet up with the KPIs jointly agreed to by the NCC and the telcos? The operators are still part of the industry. NCC certainly have to do more because the number of obstacles that have been identified ,numbers of challenges have been identified , is not that we expect the problem to disappear overnight but we expect accelerated actions in some of the issues that have been identified. And we all know the issue of difficulties in getting the right of way. We need to address these issues holistically and set up action and also ensure that issues are resolved because there are other challenges and we need to start adjusting. Over the past 10 years, mobile subscriptions have gone up but these have not translated to coverage in several rural communities in spite of the money available at the disposal of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). How can rural access be achieved? There are two basic things for achieving universal access. One of them is by the Fund you have just mentioned that will provide incentives to operators to move into both underserved and unserved rural areas. That is one way. Another way is by having service obligations to operators. In other words, when you are giving license, you say to them that if you must rollout in this urban area, it is obligatory for you to also rollout in the rural areas too. So it becomes an obligation. So it's no more voluntary. But as it is now rollout is more or less voluntary. People concentrate in areas that are profitable and that is logical for any business man. But if your license makes it obligatory for you to also do some areas that are less viable, you will factor it together in your business plan, you will know that this where you are going to loss and this is where you are going to profit. And you even it out. So we need to do a combination of both. That is my suggestion in this area. The world is moving from the internet of things to internet of everything. How prepared are we for this considering that the country is far down in the network readiness ladder ranking? Let me be honest with you, I know of internet of things not internet of everything. That may be a new concept. I know we are doing internet of people now and that the new paradigm is the internet of things, in other words, machine will be able to communicate with machine (M2). And that is internet of things. Internet of everything, I guess is a company's slogan. I don't think it's a generic concept, it's like a company's slogan. For the internet of things, the basic thing is to put the infrastructure in place and people will have knowledge of developed applications that would make those machines communicate. We are able to do it. It is not something that is that difficult. We are not breaking atoms here. It is just that difficult; just let the internet be available, let it be ubiquitous, let it the devices be intelligent. You know it means that the devices that would be manufactured would be intelligent enough such that it can communicate and for example, the tracker is a device connected to a machine such that if a car is jail-fenced; and maybe the car is not required to move beyond certain restriction, if it does and the GPS discovered that it has traveled beyond the specified space, the machine will notify another machine that will set up an alarm and maybe that machine can also send another information to the car to completely shut it down. They are communicating. That is the internet of things. That is just an example of internet of things. So, it is already happening, it is not futuristic. But ubiquitous use of it is what we have not seen but it's already happening with us. As we look forward to the appointment of a new minister for Communication Technology, what will be your advice? We need someone who is able to move with time, who understands that technology is trendy and realises that quality environment is crucial; someone that also has to be dynamic. So we need someone that is forward looking; that can quickly understand issues and attend to those issues. Ws need experienced people who understand and have good understanding about the industry.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

e-Business

IT capability vital for enterprise, says Huawei L

EADING global information communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, Huawei, has said with the rise in new tech trends such as cloud computing, big data and software defined network (SDN), the place of information technology (IT) capability has become the more important. Vice President, Huawei West Africa Region, Mr. Shi Weiliang, who spoke during the opening of the Huawei Network Congress (HNC) West Africa 2015 in Lagos, said the firm as a technology firm will continue to innovate and come out with solutions such as its Agile Network that will allow users to optimise resources as well as lower cost. He said: "We are in a fast-changing era where cloud computing, big data, and software-defined networking (SDN) are no strangers to us. As mobility, bring your own device (BYOD) , and digital social networking become terms commonly used in our work and life, the rapid changes of this era are more and more evident. In such an era, IT capability is becoming an extremely important core competency for an enterprise. "Huawei's Agile Network focuses on services and user experience instead of technologies and connec-

tivity, and implements a tremendous transformation from 'best effort 'to 'all in control'. Huawei will continue to put forth innovative business models, and enable networks to be more agile for services, to help enterprises build their own differentiated competitiveness in a better connected world." HNC had From Agility to Imagination as its theme and focused on "introducing SDN technology upgrading customers' experience". More than 200 stakeholders from banks, power DisCos, governments, channel partners including CEOs, CTOs, analysts and others graced the occasion. Huawei's Agile Network is the industry's first network centered on services, users, and experiences. Since its rollout in 2013, the solution has been deployed in nearly 200 networks for commercial use in seven industries: government, finance, medical services, large enterprise, transport, education, and broadcast media. The solution has helped customers to build multiple high-profile solutions such as intelligent transport, wireless cities, smart shopping malls, and smart travel. HNC 2015 is the forum being used to share and discuss with industry partners the practices and future of the Agile

Network, with the aim of helping enterprises to quickly enter the age of agility. The ICT industry's first agile switch, Huawei S12700 agile switch which was designed with services, users, and experience in mind, and can support customisation on demand was unveiled during the congress. The VP explained that the S12700 shortens service provisioning time from two years to one month and fault location from two weeks to several seconds, and is capable of identifying failure points down to the chip level. Based on agile technology, the whole network can be virtualised into a super chassis switch, significantly simplifying network deployment and management. "At HNC 2015, Huawei has broadened the scope of its Agile Network Solution and is showcasing an end-to-end Agile Network architecture. This more comprehensive architecture consists of agile campus, cloud data center, and high-efficient wireless area network (WAN) sub-solutions. It meets requirements of mobility, cloud computing, social media, big data, and Internet of Things (IoT), and brings new benefits to enterprises," Huawei added.

FEEDBACK Tips on managing data, airtime on smartphones

OOD day sir, I would like to commend you on your e-business column that features every Tuesday in The Nation newspapers. Great job sir. Your column, which I find very informative, is always the favourite part of the Tuesday’s paper as I am a tech enthusiast myself. However I observed that people complain often through your column’s Complaints Box about their smartphones, Android devices particularly consuming their data subscription and even their airtime as well as putting all the blame on their service providers. This shouldn’t always be the case. Here is a little write-up, a sort of techtips that will help your readers reduce data usage on Android devices.

How to manage your smartphone’s data subscription Smartphones generally consume a lot of data as most of their features are internet-dependent but users can still manage to control their device data usage. You can however control your smartphone’s data subscription by:

By Ibitoye Feyisara

and then unmarking the auto sync icon. Turning off automatic update Turning off automatic updates of apps and switching to manual update allows you the freedom of choosing which essential apps you wish to update and saves you more data by preventing the frequent and unnecessary update of less important apps.

Restricting background data By restricting background data, you prevent background apps and services on your phone from eating your data. So unless you open an app, it can’t use your data. Restrict background data can be turned on by going to settings>network>mobile data>options and then marking the restrict background data icon.

Data conserving apps

Data monitoring and conserving apps can help you to monitor and conserve your device data usage. Some good apps such as my data manager or dataeye would do the job. Also some browser apps consume more data than others. Recommended Turning off auto sync data browsers such as operamini and uc Auto sync data is a feature that allows browser minimise data usage but still your smartphone to automatically offer great browsing experience. It is however noteworthy that it is alsynchronise data from your phone to ways advisable to turn off mobile data your email and google accounts which when not in use so as to conserve data in turn consumes internet data. Auto sync can be turned off by going and battery usage. Feyisara, a graduate of physics and electo settings> general> accounts and sync tronics awaiting the National Youth Service Dear Sir, Corps (NYSC) deployment, wrote from Lagos. My number is: 08187580759 I write to express gartitude to this platform that has facilitated solution to my data problem. I had earlier complained about my data getting wiped off in the speed of lihthning and appealed to my service provider to do something about it. Over the past three weeks, I have noticed an improvement spent in my data service. The speed has not only increased, it is no longer wiping off. The minimum number of weeks my data lasts now is four. This is significant because the same amount of money I was spending and was disapperaing in two days now lasts for so long. I commend my service provider for acting proactively to address my problme and enjoin other service providers to borrow a lfrom it.

COMPLAINTS BOX

•From left: Neil Spark, Opera Mini PR Manager, Jo Crawshaw; and Mr. Bassey during the unveiling of the partnership that gives free internet services to Nigerians.

How to drive internet penetration, by Payporte

HE Managing Director, PayPorte Global System, Eyo Bassey, has stressed the need to do more by both the private and public sectors of the economy to drive internet penetration in the country to boost the growth of e-commerce and job creation. He said pursuant to this, Payporte, a leading online shopping portal is giving away free internet to hundreds of thousands of Nigerians on the Airtel network. According to him, it has been made possible through Opera's Sponsored Web Pass, which enables brands to sponsor no-cost internet access through

mobile operators to provide customers with easy-to-understand methods of accessing the net. According to a research firm, Ipsos, Nigeria is taking the lead in Africa in terms of online shopping uptake with over half of internet users having engaged with online shopping portals. However, data usage in Nigeria remains low when compared to mobile penetration. He said initiatives such as this aim to provide a free taste of the internet for those who do not regularly go online. Payporte is sponsoring 100,000 days of free internet every month for six months.

He said: "E-commerce is revolutionising the way many Nigerians shop. We at Payporte are thrilled to provide free internet to current and future online shoppers and give them a taste for everything the internet has to offer." VP Africa, Opera Software, Richard Monday, said: "Opera Software strives to pioneer solutions that facilitate low or no-cost access to mobile internet. We're excited to work with Payporte and our operator partners in Nigeria to help bring more people online." Airtel Nigeria subscribers can find the free pass by going to webpass.opera.com.

My name is Temitope Odebiyi and my face book ID is Topsticks drummergirl. My grouse is with Facebook. I opened my first Facebook account years back and it was closed over four years ago. I opened another account about four years ago and it was closed last year having gathered contacts of 5000 each. Now I have no Facebook account now and I don’t know what to do about it. Whenever I try to log into my account, it will request for verification, asking me to identify people on my page; how many people do I know out of 5000 people in each account. I was asked to upload my ID which I did but heard nothing so far for both accounts. Each time I try to log into the account, it is the same process all over again and I wish I can have a link to speak to an agent because this has cost me to lose about 10,000 contacts. This means so much to me because I use the account for my business and many other things that I am into. I have nothing to do with them again, this is quite unfair because it takes me years to gather fans and they will now close it again. Feyise Akeeb Kareem is my name; my number is: 08098245620 Sir, help us tell Etisalat that its data runs out too quickly. All the MNOs should be told to stop sending us unsolicited messages. Also, assist in drawing the attention of MTN, Airtel,Etisalat and Glo to the poor coverage of their networks in Ogwashi Ukwu town, Delta State. There are areas in the town where there’s no coverage at all. This is very worrisome to the residents. My number is 08023254106 About two months ago, I travelled to Dubai for an official engagement. When I checked my airtime account, it was too low. I asked somebody in Nigeria to load my phone with N6,000. I am not

sure if I received more than two short calls and in less than three hours, my N6,000 got depleted. Back to Nigeria, I have been loading the phone with N2,000 and N3,000 regularly and I watch my service provider ‘steal my credit’ instalmentally. My operator waits for me to buy airtime, and as soon as I do that, it gets depleted. I got the rude shock of my life when I took time out of my busy schedule to visit the Ilupeju, Lagos care centre of my MNO. A lady that attended to me was rude, and not giving a hoot about my age, she said: “From what I can see here, you have not been recharging this number. There is no truth is all your claims.” I will consider porting out of this network if my challenges are not addressed. My phone number is 08033242256. I always receive unsolicited text messages from my service provider . This SMS can come anytime of the day including weekends! They come through coded numbers such as 5201, 5031 ,3021 ,3031 and others. They normally command me to subscribe to one thing or the other like health tips, sports, music, wise sayings ,proverbs and all sorts of stupid distractions! I normally delete these SMS but am getting tired and frustrated ,pls ,advise them to stop all these rubbish or else I will be forced to tear their SIM card into shreds! I don't need the messages at all! There are lots of problems in this country and it is unfair that my service provider should be adding more through numerous and high provoking and insulting unsolicited and vexatious messages! My number is: 08165255703 Each time I buy airtime on my phone, it disappears with the speed of lightning.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

e-Business

INTERNATIONAL China, Russia target U.S spies via hacked computer databases

HE White House is considering applying sanctions against Chinese companies and individuals who have benefited from the Chinese government’s alleged hacking of valuable United States (.S). trade secrets, which China has denied doing. Spy services in China and Russia, among others, are collecting and scrutinizing hacked United States computer databases to target American intelligence agents and officers. Foreign spies have penetrated government websites and emails, social media accounts and massive data troves containing personal information on millions of Americans, including medical forms, Social Security numbers and airline records. These data files are used to identify and track — or even blackmail and recruit — U.S. undercover operatives and agents overseas. The foreign spy services employ so-

Google under fire for rigging search results T

HE Indian government has accused Google of manipulating its search results to favor its own products. According to the Economic Times of India, the government took actions after receiving a host of complaints from Google’s competitors, including Facebook, Microsoft, Flipkart, Nokia’s maps division, and MakeMyTrip.com. The charges made by India’s Competition Commission closely mirror the anti-trust charges filed earlier this year by the European Commission.

The Times story said the agency had canvassed 30 businesses that provide a range of services that compete with Google. The case was filed last week, and Google has until Sept. 10 to file a response. If the ruling goes against Google, the company could be forced to pay up to 10 percent of its revenues in penalties. The charges are the latest regulatory headache for a company that has been trying to argue for years that it is not abusing its dominant position in search across the globe. While U.S. regulators opted not to pursue a

case, EC officials filed their formal case after spending years trying to negotiate a settlement with Google. With Google essentially locked out of the massive Chinese Internet market, it would be a big blow to the company if it is also forced to curtail its activity in India. That country is one of the fastest-growing in terms of smartphone use and Internet adoption, making it a lucrative target for many U.S. tech companies looking for ways to continue growing.

Lenovo cuts smartphones' prices, unveils YOGA series laptops ENOVO has reduced the prices of its P70 and A5000 smartphones in Nigeria, in a drive to deliver rich mobile experiences and superior smartphone technology to more Nigerians. Through this offer, customers can now purchase the Lenovo P70 or A5000 smartphones from accredited retail outlets nationwide at a recommended retail price of N41,500 and N23,000. Executive Director, Mobile Business Group at Lenovo Middle East and Africa (MEA), Shashank Sharma, described the move as a demonstration of its commitment to strengthening its bond with its Nigerian consumers. "Our P70 and A5000 smartphones are built to meet Nigerians' demand for mobile phones with firstclass design, smarter features and improved functionalities. We have

reduced the retail prices in these categories so that a larger set of consumers can enjoy the optimal mobile experience that smartphones provide at even more affordable rates. We believe that every Nigerian should have access to the exciting world of smartphones and these new prices provide another platform through which we can achieve this goal," he said. The Lenovo P70 Smartphone features a huge 4000mAh battery with a 'Quick Charge' feature that allows you to charge the battery to 100 per cent in just three hours, power-saving software that extends the battery even further and an OTG charging functionality to power other devices. The Lenovo A5000 smartphone also features a long-lasting 4000mAh battery with a Quick

Charge feature, energy saving software as well as a splashproof Nano coating that protects from rain and spills. In sync with its drive to provide consumers with innovative and consumer-oriented technology products, Lenovo also announced the availability of three brand new members of its ground-breaking YOGA series of convertible laptops the YOGA 300, the YOGA 500 and the YOGA 3 Pro - in Nigeria. As with other members of Lenovo's YOGA family, the new YOGA range of laptops offers 360 degrees of flexibility and can be used both as tablets and laptop computers. The devices boast of four user modes - Laptop, Stand, Tent, and Tablet - with intelligent software that optimises user experience.

phisticated software to reveal “who is an intelligence officer, who travels where, when, who’s got financial difficulties, who’s got medical issues, [to] put together a common picture,” William Evanina, the top counterintelligence official for the U.S. intelligence community, said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. Evanina declined to say which countries were involved, but other U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity said Chinese and Russian adversaries in particular were aggregating and cross-indexing vast U.S. computer files for counterintelligence purposes. The Russian Embassy did not respond to requests for comment, but Chinese Embassy spokesman Zhu Haiquan said Friday China’s government “firmly opposes and combats all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with the law,” the Los Angeles Times reported.

NITDA to showcase 20 tech exhibitors at GITEX

HE National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is firming up the country’s participation in the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) holding this October in Dubai with about 20 companies and organisations selected to participate inside the Nigerian Pavilion. The exhibitors include public and private enterprises notably ICT startups for which the NITDA is hinging its 2015 participation in the 2015 GITEX Expo and Conference which usually attracts over 145, 000 participants from about 120 countries. In a GITEX Prep Forum in Abuja, the Director-General, NITDA, Mr. Peter Jack, said Nigeria would leverage on the theme of this year’s event ‘The Internet Future of Everything’, to promote some of its budding innovators who have created solutions with strong market or commercial values. The innovators cut across sectors across including the retail industry, agriculture, education, security, oil and gas, and health care. “We want to ensure promotion of local start-ups, projection of the country’s vast and untapped information technology potential, organisation of Nigeria’s IT Investment Forum within the Nigerian Pavilion as well as distribution of IT intelligence material from Nigeria to the rest of the world at GITEX,” said Mr. Jack while addressing participants that included heads of other government agencies, industry associations and corporate institutions including the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mrs. Uju Aisha Hassan-Baba, President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Lanre Ajayi, and CEO of Chams Plc, Mr. Demola Aladekomo,. “GITEX is not about you buying space or setting up as an exhibitor or trade visitor, the question is whether you think it’s time to take your business global. Business has to be both local and global, that is where GITEX can help you leverage on its global

By Olatunde Odebiyi

networks to build interest in your enterprise and also to endear foreign partners to your business,” said Commercial Director at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Mr. Bilal Al Rais. The DWTC are the organisers of GITEX. Nigeria was the Country Partner for Gitex 2014 and first debuted at the 35 years old event in 2013. The NITDA, Nigeria’s IT clearinghouse, is facilitating the country’s participation through the DWTC partnering organisations: Pinnacle International Consulting LLC and Knowhow Media International (KMI). The exhibiting companies include: the NITDA, Nigerian Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), a professional, non-profit, non-political umbrella organisation of all telecommunications companies of Nigeria. Others are Nigeria’s first indigenous computer company, Data Sciences Nigeria Limited; indigenous software development company, Precise Financial Systems (PFS) Limited; system developers and system integrators, Sidmach Technologies Nigeria Limited; and Sasware, an investment subsidiary of Signal Alliance that provides seed fund for technology and technology-enabled start-ups and those in their growth phase. The list also include: Chams Plc, reputed as the first home-grown company to be listed in Guinness Book of World Records, for setting up the ChamsCity Mega Digital Mall and also the first Computer Technology Company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the Smartcity innovation Hub; Rlg Communications, an ICT company that started in Ghana but with strong presence in Nigeria, the Gambia, China, Dubai, Kenya, South Africa, Angola, and Rwanda; and multi-services communications company, SKtel Nigeria Limited.

ASUS CEO Shen increases ZenFone family

SUS CEO Jerry Shen, has announced the pricing and availability of ZenFone 2, ZenFone 2 Deluxe, ZenFone 2 Laser and ZenFone Selfie for users in Brazil". The announcements were made at an exclusive Incredible Comes to Latin America event held at the iconic Ibirapuera Auditorium in São Paulo, designed by the world-famous architect Oscar Niemeyer. Mr. Shen also revealed the upcoming ZenFone 2 Deluxe Special Edition model. The event opened with a superb musical performance by the popular Brazilian singer Luiza Possi. Following this, Brazil's first astronaut,

Marcos Pontes, joined Mr. Shen on stage to present the ZenFone 2. "We are very excited to bring our latest ZenFone models to the Latin American market," said Mr. Shen. "They offer Latin American consumers, empowering luxury with perfectly-balanced beauty, functionality and performance, together with a premium user experience that can be tailored to the individual needs of mobile users." ZenFone 2 is a marvel of craftsmanship and engineering that is the world's first smartphone to feature a 4GB RAM. ZenFone 2 Deluxe introduces a stunning new multifaceted

polygonal design aesthetic to the ZenFone 2, offering beauty and power in abundance. ZenFone 2 Lasers also include laser auto-focus technology in its 13MP PixelMaster camera for clear, near-instant shots. ZenFone Selfie is the ultimate choice for selfies, with its twin 13MP PixelMaster cameras and a dual-color, dual-LED Real Tone flash at both front and rear. The incredible capabilities of ZenFone Selfie were demonstrated by Zenny and Brazilian celebrity Marina Ruy Barbosa, who appeared on stage for a group selfie with members of the audience. Mr. Shen also revealed at the event was the ZenFone 2 Deluxe Special Edi-

tion, a brand-new addition to the hugely-successful ZenFone family. This exciting model features two exclusive color options and is equipped with 4GB of RAM, an incredible 256GB of internal storage, plus an exclusive pre-loaded version of the Asphalt 8 racing game. The new Zenny World game app was also announced at the event. Available in English, Portuguese and Spanish, this fun-packed game features four levels - based on the four key ZenFone features of fast charging, design and color options, performance and PixelMaster low light mode - with the user guiding Zenny through fea-

ture-themed worlds to reach his chosen destination planet. 2 Deluxe (ZE551ML) delivers powerful performance and beauty in abundance, with a gorgeous new multifaceted polygonal ZenFone finish accentuating the signature ZenFone 2 Ergonomic Arc design. ZenFone 2 Deluxe features a 5.5-inch Full HD IPS display, 13MP/5MP PixelMaster cameras, 2.3GHz 64-bit Intel Atom processor with 4GB RAM, 128GB ROM and 4G/LTE connectivity. ZenFone 2 Deluxe also features ASUS Boost Master fast-charge technology for 60 per cent capacity in just 39 minutes.

THE NATION TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

NEWS others die Three dead as Biafran activists, Nigerian, Canadians, in Saudi fire T security clash T HREE persons were feared dead and over 20 others injured in a clash between security operatives and members of the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOD) in Onitsha, Anambra State, at the weekend. It was gathered that the group was on a routine evangelism on the need to embrace the Biafran struggle when the clash happened.

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

A survivor, Chinwendu Ikechukwu, alleged that a combined team of Navy officers and policemen attacked the group. “On reaching Okpoko junction, we were accosted by a detachment of policemen, who fired tear gas at us. “They later allowed us to

go because we were not violent but on reaching Uga junction, before the Niger Bridge Head, the Naval men opened fire on us. “Three people died while about 20 sustained injuries. The police, who initially allowed us to go, later joined in the shooting,” Ikechukwu said.

But the police denied involvement. Spokesman Okechukwu Ali said the police were in a Show of Force operation at the time but they never shot at the group. A Naval officer, who pleaded for anonymity, described the allegation as false. “They are liars, if they insist that their members were killed, let them produce one of the bodies,” he said.

HREE Canadians, a Pakistani and a Nigerian were among those killed in a fire that engulfed parts of a residential compound in Khobar, Saudi Arabia’s oil-rich east, a Saudi official said. The blaze began early Sunday in a sprawling, multi-storey housing complex which accommodates workers for state oil giant, Saudi Aramco. A civil defence spokesman for the kingdom’s Eastern Province, Col. Ali bin Saad alQahtani, provided the update in comments carried by the official Saudi Press Agency early Monday. He said a total of 10 people died and 259 were injured in the blaze. The civil defense directorate previously said 11 people were killed. Al-Qahtani did not provide the nationalities of the other five people. A spokeswoman for Canada’s

Foreign Affairs Department, Diana Khaddaj, said consular officers in Riyadh are in touch with Saudi authorities “to gather additional information and are providing consular assistance to those affected and their family during this difficult time.” Of those injured, 179 have left the hospital after receiving treatment. A preliminary investigation suggests a short circuit in an electrical transformer in the building’s basement sparked the blaze, which spread through 130 cars parked in the basement, al-Qahtani said. The complex, known as Radium, is a gated community of eight six-storey buildings with a total of 486 residential units, swimming pools and other leisure facilities, according to Aramco’s website.

Permanent Secretary challenges officers on ethical standard

•Executive Secretary of Mushin Local Government, Lagos, Jide Bello (fourth left), Director, Establishment, Training Pension, Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Samson Olawoye (middle) Head of Department, WASAMA, Mr. Ashimiu Adekunle (third right) during the monthly environmental sanitation at Idi Araba, Mushin... at the weekend.

‘64 million Nigerians are mentally ill’

ORMER Power Minister Prof. Chinedu Nebo has rated governments at all levels low in the provision of psychiatric and mental health care. He said this was worrisome in the face of findings that about 64 million Nigerians suffer from one form of mental disorder or the other. Nebo spoke yesterday at the second public lecture of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, in collaboration with the West African College of Nursing. Speaking on the theme: “Psychiatric and Mental Health in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects”, the former minister said whereas gov-

From Chris Oji,Enugu

ernment had done much in Primary Health Care, much was yet to be done in psychiatric and mental health. “I will confess that while government had built modern diagnostic centres, dialysis and ophthalmological centres, and constructed more than 710 Primary Health Care centres in all political wards in Enugu, we are only beginning to optimise and modernise our psychiatric and mental health institutions to meet demands. “Despite the efforts of all levels of government, Nigerians still grapple with social challenges, such as poverty and unemployment.

These situations have escalated because of the lack of understanding of the malaise of mental health disorder and the treatments required”, he said. Nebo identified causes of mental illness as genetic composition, early development, neurological and psychological experiences and environmental stresses. While calling for increased awareness on the treatment and management of the sickness, Nebo said “the belief of many Nigerians that mental disorder comes due to supernatural forces and can only be cured through traditional practices and supernatural incantations, must give way

for the realities of modern conditions, which in fact, produce the stresses that causes these conditions.” The former minister called for adequate research funding and training of workers, stressing that “this will increase our output of psychiatric nurses and create more positions for residency training in psychiatry”. Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Dr. Jojo Onwukwe said the institution was the only one east of the Niger, with a strength of 1,000 workers, including eight consultant specialist psychiatrists, more than 400 psychiatric nurses and 27 resident doctors.

Baptist Convention backs Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign

HE President, Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS) Ogbomoso, Rev. Emiola Nihinlola, has said the Seminary and the Nigerian Baptist Convention are in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anticorruption crusade. He spoke in Ogbomosho yesterday while briefing reporters on the annual NBTS Ministers’ Conference. He said the two major religions in Nigeria abhor corruption, sexual immorality and violence. He promised that the Baptist Church would continue

to preach against corruption, sexual immoralities and other social vices, adding that a nation cannot grow when such vices existed. Nihinlola said the NBTS would from September 7 to 10, host no fewer than 5,000 gospel ministers across the world at its 2015 Ministers’ Conference. He said the conference, with the theme “Ministering to a Hurting World”, was packaged to look into contemporary challenges facing the world. “We will identify and train participants on how

to minister to people within and outside the church. “Ministrations to those living in the context of poverty, violence, terrorism, persecution, hurts, pains, tears, conflicts, war, sexual immorality, deceit and corruption,” he said. The Associate Professor of Christian Theological Studies said the Church would also define ways of reaching out to the people in need including widows, orphans, poor, strangers, weak, oppressed and the marginalised. “The Church must do

something today. The people in the world are living in want, penury, bondage and enslavement leading to anxiety, fear, frustration and hopelessness,’’ he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NBTS, Ogbomoso, was established in 1898 by the Southern Baptist Convention of United States of America for Christian education and leadership training. According to Nihinlola, the Seminary is the first tertiary institution to award degrees in Nigeria.

HE Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Folarin Adeyemi, yesterday challenged Information Officers to improve their performance in order to raise the bar of excellence in Information management. Adeyemi, who is the first Information Officer to be appointed as Permanent Secretary in the 47-year-old ministry, spoke at a maiden meeting with over 200 Information Officers of the government, from different Ministries, Departments and Agencies held at the LTV 8 Combo Hall. He urged the officers to brace up and display high ethical standard in order to ensure that the vision of the current administration is well communicated to the world. Adeyemi stated that his appointment is historical and should be seen as a positive development as it is an indication that any Information Officer can rise to become permanent secretary. He expressed his determination to take the ministry back to the era where quality, productivity and professionalism are watch words of the ministry, saying: ‘’I have come to raise professionalism to the highest level’’. The permanent secretary expressed the need for officers to forge good relationship with the media to be effective and efficient, adding that they should also develop work plan at the beginning of the year on the activities of their MDAS. Adeyemi urged them to get acquainted with the Lagos State Development Plan and what he called “the 11 commandments of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’’ to keep them abreast of event and position them to talk authoritatively on government policies, plans and programmes. He said that posting of Information Officers would henceforth be based on on performance, just as he assured them that regular in-house training would be organized to build their capacity. In her welcome address, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Adetoro Oladapo, said the ministry can now move in the right direction as there is now a round peg in a round hole with an Information Officer as Permanent Secretary. Mrs Oladapo solicited the support and cooperation of the officers to ensure the success of the administration of the permanent secretary, saying that it behoves every Information Officer to work hard to justify that one of them is now at the helms of affairs.

‘No to competence test for Ondo workers’ HE Joint Public Ser-

vice Negotiating Council (JNC), Ondo State, said yesterday that they would not partake in the planned competence test for workers in the state Board of Internal Revenue (BIR). The rejection was part of the resolutions reached at the end of the meeting of the leadership of the JNC, where issues on the welfare of workers were said to have been discussed. Prior to the resolution, JNC officials led by the Chairman, Sunday Adeleye and Secretary, Wole Akinlolu, stormed the BIR office at Alagbaka, Akure and directed workers in the office not to show up for the test. A letter was addressed to the BIR Chairman, Akin Akinterinwa, with a declaration that workers were against the competence test. The JNC in the letter described the proposed test as illconceived and a booby trap

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

for the workers to enable the management achieve ulterior motive, saying the organised labour had no confidence in the competence test being masterminded by the chairman of BIR. The council said “as a political office holder, the chairman has no right to enter into any alliance with any consultant to conduct any test in order to retrench in the board, which is a surreptitious move to retrenchment in the public service. “We wish to state in clear terms that under no circumstance should workers in any sector of the state public service, especially the Board of Internal Revenue, be subjected to such a ridiculous test. “All workers in the public service were recruited, following due process.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

NEWS

Millions lost as militants hit community RMED militants yesterday attacked Odimodi community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. They destroyed several homes and other property worth millions of naira. The casualty figure, if any, was unkown at last night. But it was gathered that some of the embattled residents of the oil-rich community, who ran into the bush, had not returned. The homes of the interim chairman of the local government, Chief Alex Pukon, and another community leader, Chief Sunny Gbegha,

•Homes razed By Our Reporter

were among the five the hoodlums reportedly torched. The attackers were believed to be members of a gang, the Red Beret. Gbegha, who confirmed the report in a telephone chat with our reporter, accused a key player in the community’s leadership crisis as the mastermind of the attack. A terse short messaging service (SMS) from Gbegha sent to our reporter at 3:03am, reads: “Militants, led

by (the suspected mastermind) just burnt my house and Chief Alex Pukon’s house at Odimodi.” Some community leaders, who spoke in confidence, confirmed the report. They accused the military, especially the Navy at the nearby Forcados Crude Oil Export Terminal, of ignoring early warnings and the message sent by the community during the invasion. A highly respected leader of the community said: “When the shooting and burning started, we contacted the Commanding Officer (Lt.-Col. Bassey Ekong) of

the Army (3 Battalion) but he said he could not take action without the governor giving directive.” Although the claim could not be independently verified, another source accused the Navy of compromise. The source alleged that top officials of the force were on the payroll of the mastermind of the attack. There was an uneasy calm in the community yesterday, following the deployment of soldiers in the area. The soldiers chased away the hoodlums, although it was not clear if security operatives made any arrest.

Adamawa APC chief dead

HE Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Shedrack Gajere, is dead. The politician had been battling stroke for months, it was learnt, and had been bed-ridden in the last few months. APC’s Secretary in the local government, Mr. Lawson N. Ignatius, announced Gajere’s demise to reporters. The late Gajere, according to Ignatius, was recuperating from a stroke, for which he was hospitalised at the state’s Specialist Hospital in Yola, the state capital. Ignatius said: “...Death has finally snatched away our

From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

chairman, Mr. Gajere, who ...was the chairman of the APC in Lamurde Local Government Area. He was recuperating from a stroke.” The APC secretary said the late politician would be buried this weekend. He said: “We urge you all to pray for the repose of his soul. His legacy as a steadfast and loyal party man, who laboured to entrench firmly the APC in Adamawa State and Lamurde Local Government Area will continue to endure.” The late Gajere is survived by a wife, Blessing, and five children.

Midwives protest 35-month unpaid SURE-P allowances

•The weapons Akwaze surrendered on display at Government House, Makurdi...yesterday

Gang leader surrenders 84 rifles in Benue

ENUE State Governor Samuel Ortom yesterday granted amnesty to a notorious criminal gang leader, Terwase Akwaza (aka Ghana). The governor also extended the amnesty period for the surrender of illegal weapons till end of this month. He told reporters at the end of a Security Council meeting that Akwaza responded to his call to surrender the weapons he possessed illegally. Ortom urged him to desist from his activities, which he said constituted a security threat to individuals and

•Ortom extends amnesty communities in Benue and Taraba states. The governor said the amnesty became necessary, following a plea by the gang leader that he needed time to persuade some of his friends to follow suit. He expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, his Taraba State counterpart, Darius Ishiaku, the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Bishop Peter Adoboh and others for supporting the amnesty programme. Ortom said it had become imperative to

secure the state so that a conducive environment would be created to attract investors and boost the state’s economic fortunes. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Colonel Edwin Jando (retd), said he received 135 assorted rifles and 770 rounds of ammunition from those who voluntarily surrendered, with 84 rifles from Akwaza. Akwaza said he became a militia leader to secure his community but responded genuinely to calls from Ortom to embrace peace.

Shettima stops birthday greetings to honour deputy

ORNO State Governor Kashim Shettima has urged his friends, political associates and others planning to congratulate him on his 49th birthday to shelve advertisements. The governor said he took the decision to honour his deputy, Alhaji Zanna Umar Mustapha, who died about three weeks ago, and victims of Boko Haram attacks. A statement yesterday in Maiduguri, the state capital, by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau, said: “Mr Shettima has strongly appealed to his political appointees, political associates in the All Progressives Congress (APC), foreign and local contractors having dealings with the state, kinsmen, former colleagues in the Banking sector as well as friends in different parts of the country not to place any advertisement in newspa-

From Duku Joel, Maiduguri

pers, magazines, on television, in radio, online and social media platforms to congratulate him. “The restriction is to respect the memory of too many Borno residents killed by Boko Haram insurgents in recent and previous attacks as well as the utmost need to honour the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Mustapha, who died on August 15, less than three weeks ago.” The statement called for the people’s understanding and conveyed Shettima’s apologies for the inconveniences the directives may have caused them. It noted that the governor contacted some of his friends and associates he suspected were planning to place advertisements in the media. The statement urged

“those willing to place adverts in the media to channel the funds to private organisations in Abuja and Maiduguri, especially those seeking funds to support ...internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by insurgency attacks in Borno and other parts of the northeast”. It appealed to them to pray for the return of peace in Borno and other parts of Nigeria. The statement noted that it was not the first time Shettima was making such a decision. It added: “Governor Shettima had refused to allow any birthday party from taking place since becoming a governor in 2011, maintaining that he would only celebrate birthday, if necessary at all, when peace is completely restored in all parts of Borno State, with

affected residents fully rehabilitated and reintegrated into reconstructed communities. “It could be recalled that in 2014, Governor Shettima had, as reported in the media, rejected a birthday bash by a group of his friends from Lagos and Abuja, who wanted the party as a surprise to mark the governor’s 48th birthday. The governor got wind of the plan, called the organisers to cancel the party the day it was to take place. He explained that it would be insensitive of him as governor of Borno to be partying while the residents were being killed as result of serial attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, who destroyed dozens of communities, rendering over 1.5 million internally displaced, besides forcing others to take refuge in neighbouring countries.”

IDWIVES and community extension workers, under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Maternal Child Health Care (MCH) in Kaduna State yesterday protested the non-payment of their 35 months’ allowances by the state and local governments. The protesters said since they were engaged in 2012, they had not received any payment. Hajia Habiba Suleiman led the protesters to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Kaduna. She said the state and local governments had not paid the health workers, adding that they were only paid by the Federal Government. Hajia Suleiman said: “We were engaged by the federal, states and local government areas because our engagement letter stated that federal, state and local Governments are to pay us our allowances. When we started it was only the Federal government that was giving us allowances. “The state and local governments have not given us

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

anything. This is the 35th month and the third year we have been working. We started working in September 2012.” The protesters urged Governor Nasir El-Rufai to intervene and pay the backlog of allowances. The health workers carried placards with various inscriptions: “Save! Save!! Save!!! Maternal and Child Mortality and Morbidity”; “We demand the payment of our arrears” and “We demand that all our outstanding allowances be paid.” The protesters also went to the Government House. They accused the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health for allegedly holding their allowances. The protesters said they sensed a foul play with the way the ministry was handling the matter. Hajia Suleiman said: “We were surprised when the ministry only agreed to pay us for 2014 and 2015 while we have been working since 2012. So, what happened to our two years’ arrears?”

Cattle rustling: Army recovers livestock in Sokoto forest

DETACHMENT of the Army in Sokoto State on Sunday recovered 94 cows and six camels at the Gidan Kare Forest in Tureta Local Government Area. The military expressed its resolve to tackle cattle rustlers. The forest is approximately 30 kilometres south of Tureta town. Also recovered from cattle rustlers, after a gun battle, were hundreds of goats and sheep. Our reporter, who, on Monday, visited Tureta, the headquarters of the local government area, learnt that the recovered livestock was “camped” at the Abdulbaki Model Primary School at Tureta. The recovered livestock is being guarded by heavily armed soldiers, who are assisted by some vigilantes from the local government area. The hoodlums were reportedly “ambushed” when they were conducting a naming ceremony in the forest. A source, who spoke in confidence, told our reporter that some of the hoodlums had either been killed or arrested; others were said to have fled during the gun duel.

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

None of the soldiers was killed or injured in what the military called a successful operation. Military officers at Tureta refused to speak on the incident, saying they had no “orders” to do so. The spokesman for 1 Brigade in Sokoto, Capt Umar Shu’aibu said the livestock would be handed over to the “civilian authorities” for the identification of the owners. Police spokesman Al-Mustapha Sani confirmed the development. He said the command, with other security agencies and the public, were happy with the breakthrough. Sani said: “We are happy with this development and efforts will be made to curb the menace of cattle rustling across the state.” The police spokesman hailed Northwest governors for the renewed battle against cattle rustling and other related crimes. He said: “This development is part of the expected dividends of their collaborative actions.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

NEWS Akpabio’s convoy, U.S. Embassy’s vehicle collide in Abuja Continued from page 4

sustained any injury”. The officer said he was at the scene of the accident around 7.30 am near Bolingo Hotels on the Abuja Airport Road in the Central Business District of the Federal Capital territory (FCT). It was learnt that Akpabio was on his way overseas to visit his family when the accident happened. One of the early callers at the National Hospital was the Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi. Mrs. Olujimi said she was told by an official at the hospital that the Akwa Ibom North West lawmaker was in a stable condition. Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel, who was at the hospital, declined comments. The hospital’s Chief Information Officer Hajia Rabiah

Labaran, said Akpabio was brought to the hospital by some FRSC officers. Labaran said: “He (Akpabio) was brought in this morning after he had a car crash as I learnt. He was brought in from the Bolingo Hotels junction where a vehicle crashed into his own vehicle from behind. “Luckily enough when they brought him after the preliminary check –up, it was found that he did not have any serious injury. ”He was talking when he was brought in and the medical team that attended to him gave him necessary attention at the trauma unit. “I learnt that as at this afternoon, (12:30pm), he had been taken to the private wing of the hospital for proper care but there was no serious injury. “It is something he can get over in a few days. He is recuperating. He was with his driver but the driver did not sus-

tain any injury.” Last year, Akpabio’s convoy was arrested in Abuja by security operatives for driving against traffic. At the time, Akpabio was governor. The convoy was en route to the Three Arms Zone, the area of Abuja where the administrative offices of the executive, legislative and judicial arms of the federal government are located. The drivers encountered a mild traffic jam close to the Nigeria Police Headquarters and chose the one way. Reports show that at the time of the incident, the then President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, was leaving Aso Rock Villa for the National Executive Council meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Wadata House national secretariat of the party. Security operatives blocked the road as the presidential convoy moved towards Shehu Shagari Way. Other road users halted move-

Boko Haram: US reassures Nigeria of support Continued from page 4

•Akpabio

ment to make way for the presidential convoy, Akpabio’s convoy was unwilling to queue. They made a detour and speed against traffic at a high, blaring siren and swerving from side-to-side. Heavily armed soldiers and police officers arrested the convoy. The convoy was released with a warning, after the intervention of security operatives attached to the then governor.

additional examples of the horrific and indiscriminate violence that Boko Haram continues to use to terrorise civilians in northeast Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region. "August 27 marked the 500th day since Boko Haram kidnapped 276 girls from their school in Chibok. We send our continued condolences to the families and loved ones of the girls who remain missing. " The kidnapping of the school girls in Chibok galvanized international attention for the Boko Haram conflict. It is one of many attacks, kidnappings, raids and other acts of indiscriminate violence that

continue on a frequent basis in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. "The United States continues to support the governments and people of the Lake Chad Basin region in their ongoing struggle to degrade and defeat Boko Haram. "We contribute to these efforts through a number of security and counterterrorism assistance programs, which provide intelligence, advisors, training, equipment, and logistics. We actively provide support on a bilateral basis and through the Multinational Joint Task Force, which the Lake Chad Basin countries and Benin are standing up to coordinate the regional efforts to counter Boko Haram."

APC, governors, others join row over Buhari’s choices Continued from page 4

Okorocha said the President’s decision was in the nation’s best interest. He said the President had the right to appoint anyone from any part of the country and that no one could dictate to him who to appoint. “Most of the appointments the President has so far made are like his personal staff. I don’t think the Southeast will ever be forgotten in this administration. We will get our due. He has the right to make appointments that will make him succeed and nobody should dictate to him who to appoint or who he should not appoint,” Okorocha said, adding: “What I can only do is to continue to appeal to the President to consider the Southeast in his appointments. And as far as I am concerned, the President has executed what the office empowers him to do, and it is

believed that he did that in the best interest of the nation. “In fact, if you ask me, I would say we should be more interested in the projects coming down to the Southeast, and as much as we can get. The projects will bring about development of the Southeast. There is no cause for alarm. It is too early in the day to begin to judge Buhari’s intention. I think he means well. Let us give him a chance. Nigeria is one nation. A nation for all of us. We must start thinking about the nation rather than thinking about sentiment of where we come from. “Although the Southeast had expected so much, we believe all will be well with the Buhari presidency and for the development of the Southeast. It is wrong for some people to begin to use the issue to incite the people of the Southeast against the President. The government is about to celebrate its 100 days and the appointments are just

beginning to come and, by and large, the Southeast will get its due. “The point is that we cannot begin to judge President Buhari with the appointments so far made. We cannot obviously use it to judge his intention. I think he means well for the nation and with every geo-political zone inclusive. So let us give him a chance.” Oshiomhole said Nigerians should praise Buhari “for having the uncommon courage to take plausible decisions in the appointments”. He said the appointments were based on merits and not political sentiments or ethnic consideration as some tribal jingoists would want Nigerians to believe. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, Oshiomhole said it was time to use the best hands to confront the peculiarity of the country’s problems and not descend to the level of geopolitical balancing. Oshiomhole noted that un-

usual methods should be used to solve an unusual problem and added that the level of decay required very seasoned hands and incorruptible Nigerians that would help to translate the APC agenda of change for the benefit of all Nigerians. “We must not reduce governance to political patronage of bread and butter. The Comrade Governor wishes them well in their new jobs of helping to sanitise a system that has become so rotten and corrupt as a result of manifest incompetence and mismanagement. “If we must make a huge difference in the lives of Nigerians, things must be done differently. We cannot continue to apply same template in the recruitment of persons and expect different results. The new appointees are Nigerians who have served the country in different capacities before now and deserved every bit of our cooperation and support to make them excel in their new jobs.”

Insurgency ’ll end soon, says Defence spokesman Continued from page 4

ists, the center of gravity is no more with them so are scattered all over the place. ``So, what they resort to doing now is one of the characteristics of insurgency where they identify sub-targets to attack it. ``So the issue of suicide bombing here and there is not in any way bravery but is a sign of decline in their activities. ``They are now very week and we will maintain that level of momentum so that they will not regroup again.’’ Abubakar said that information was one of the weapons of the Boko Haram insurgents and that they capitalised on it to instil fear on citizens and to portray their successes even when they have been conquered. ``Insurgency strives on information because it is the oxygen of terrorists, they live by it and survive on it’’, he said. Abubakar identified the media as important partners in the fight against insurgency and sought media partnership to help in moving the nation forward. ``Since I assumed command, I felt that I should go round, meet key stakeholders and talk

about how to move this nation forward. ``The essence is to seek the partnership and have a synergy between the military and the civilians. ``So, I am here to seek collaboration on information dissemination and control. ``And we in the military have identified the media as one of the most important components to partner with in the fight against insurgents. ``The military alone cannot do it, there must be joint efforts of military and civilian components. Let them know we are all stakeholders in moving our country forward.’’ Responding, Niboro commended the efforts of the military and assured it of the agency’s support in ensuring that

the aim of ending Boko Haram soon was achieved. He also expressed joy that the ``initial period of surprise’’ on the nation was over because the military had taken charge of the situation by destroying the insurgents’ camps. Niboro, however, urged media blackout on Boko Haram activities, advising that it should wield its powers with a greater sense of responsibility. He said that as long as the media keeps using sensational headlines, the insurgents would have a reason to continue. ``We are helping Boko Haram with our headlines, if we stop those headlines, Boko Haram will fizzle out because there’s no incentive. ``The Nigerian media must

wield its immense power with all so tremendous sense of responsibility because it is the lives of our people that are at stake. ``We must help the government succeed and how can we help the government succeed if we celebrate the wickedness of terrorists on the front pages of our newspapers and on the screens of our television sets.’’ Niboro expressed confidence in the ability of the Nigerian Armed Forces to end insurgency, urging for greater public support for the ongoing counter-insurgency operation. He also advocated the formulation of a national strategy to incorporate the military, police, civil populace and all other stakeholders in the country to help end the menace in Nigeria.

Presbyterian prelate hails Enang’s appointment

HE Prelate of the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Prof. Emele M. Uka has congratulated Senator Ita Enang on his appointment as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate). In a statement issued by the Director of Information & Pub-

lic Affairs of the Church, Rev. Kalu Eme, the Prelate said the appointment, which was one of the five special appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari, was well deserved considering Senator Enang’s rich pedigree in legislative matters as a former House of Representatives member and a Senator in the present demo-

cratic dispensation. “Besides, he is a result-oriented, transparent and God-fearing person who, I believe, will add value to the government of President Buhari,” the Prelate added. Senator Ita Enang is the immediate past Chairman of the Rules and Business Committee of the 7th Senate of the National Assembly.

•Miss Kupchi

Nigeria’s first IVF baby to study medicine abroad Continued from page 4

She said what informed her choice of study was the desire to help save the lives of other children. She said with her birth, misconceptions about IVF were broken and that many more children would be born. She said: “I am very grateful to be sent off like this. It is not everybody that gets this opportunity. God has a big hand in this. God was behind me. I want God to use me get more children. I am hoping that through me God will make people see the value of having

children. I will specialize in genealogy and obstetrics. Hannatu’s father Hosea Kupchi, said: “We had 13 years of marriage without a child and we went through the orthodox method without any success. But along the line, my sister in law told me that there is one Dr. Wada that has been helping couples. That is how we came. “Then challenges came again on how to let the world know that we achieved this feat locally here. There are a lot of couples out there that are not ready to speak out. One, there is issue of stigmatization.

Intercontinental Distillers gives millions to customers

NTERCONTINENTAL Distillers Limited has given N253 million to its customers in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. There were also 50 million worth of gifts items. The grand prize winner, Comrade Joseph Ogoamaka Ugwoegbu, emerged the company’s number one customer. He went home with N11.4 million. The region also produced 1 gold winner, 10 silver winners and many bronze winners. The company’s Managing Director Patrick Anegbe, said: “It is evident that customers who invested time and hard

By Tonia ‘Diyan

work in their businesses are reaping the fruits.” He added that the company would continue to support the marketing of the brands. He congratulated the winners and encouraged other distributors to put in more effort. Presenting the winners their Awards, Head of Sales Chief Hope Gbagi said: “The entry of the bitters and café liqueur has harnessed some of the untapped potentials of the industry. He added that the company’s innovative way of distilling and presenting their products have paid off.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS

Bangkok bombing: Police hunt for two new suspects

Thai court has issued arrest warrants for two new suspects believed to be connected to the deadly explosion at Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine this month. The warrants were issued Sunday and also related to an explosion heard at the Sathorn pier on the banks of the city’s Chao Phraya River on the day of the shrine attack, national police spokesman Lt. Gen. Prawut Thavornsiri told CNN on Monday. Images of the two suspects, a Thai woman and an unidentified man, were made public during a televised statement by Thai police yesterday afternoon, following a weekend

raid on their Minburi suburb residence, where bomb-making material was found. Wanna Suansan, 26, is seen in a photo released by police wearing a hijab. She’s originally from Phang Nga, a province in southern Thailand, Prawut told CNN. She is the only suspect Thai authorities have identified by name to date, but her mother has told police that she left Thailand two months ago “to stay with her husband in Turkey,” Col. Saharat Saksilapachai said. The unidentified male is seen in a police sketch with dark hair and a mustache.

• Suansan

• Unidentified suspect

Obama tries to strike a balance in Alaska

• Obama

RESIDENT Barack Obama arrived in Alaska yesterday for a trip aimed at highlighting the pace of climate change - but not everyone in this oil-rich state is welcoming the US president with open arms.

Rising sea levels, shrinking glaciers, melting permafrost: the effects of climate change are stark in this vast but sparsely populated state. Obama, who will speak at the closing of an international conference on the Arctic, wants to shore up public support to tackle what he calls "one of the greatest challenges we face this century.” His visit comes just months before a crucial conference in Paris -- known as COP21 -- in December that will aim to cap global temperature increases by two degrees Celsius (3.6 degree Fahrenheit) over preindustrial levels. “What's happening in Alaska is happening to us,” Obama said before leaving Washington. “It's our wakeup call. And

Jeb Bush slams Donald Trump on N Sunday, Republi- immigration can presidential

candidate Jeb Bush once again went after Donald Trump head on, taking aim at the front-runner's policy proposals for dealing with immigration. “He wants everyone deported, which would tear family lives asunder,” Bush told New York radio talk show host John Catsimatidis, later calling Trump's plans “unconstitutional." “It's not conservative and it's not realistic and it does not embrace American values,” Bush added. Similarly, on Trump's signature idea of building a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border, Bush charged that the proposal is likely impossible.

“What Donald Trump is proposing is a wall that can't be built, and if it was, it would cost hundreds of billions of dollars.” Bush added that “right now the number of Mexicans crossing the border is basically flat," suggesting that Trump misunderstood the immigration issue. Bush charged that “the immigrants that are crossing legally or illegally in both cases are from Central America now.” Last week, Bush went to McAllen, Texas, where he also criticized Trump and his views for dealing with the immigration problem. Still, Bush lobbed the billionaire who has roundly criticized him since getting in the race some praise.

as long as I'm president, America will lead the world to meet the threat of climate change before it's too late.” Obama, who will visit glaciers and also meet fishermen who work the front lines of a changing environment, is clearly looking for strong images to highlight his message. Obama has just imposed, much to the chagrin of his Republican opponents in Congress, strict standards to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. America is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases behind China and has committed to a reduction of 26-28 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 compared to 2005. Alaska is often just a fuel

stop for US presidents headed for Asia. But Obama will spend three days in The Last Frontier and become the first sitting US president to visit the Alaskan Arctic. Many in Alaska, which became America's 49th state in 1959, fear Obama has forgotten the economic difficulties they face. His visit comes as lowered oil prices have eaten into Alaska's earnings. The Standard & Poor's ratings agency this month lowered Alaska's credit rating from "stable" to “negative.” US President Barack Obama has warned that melting glaciers in Alaska are threatening hunting and fishing “upon which generations have depended for their way

of life and for their jobs”. Governor Bill Walker has warned that he has a clear message for Obama. “We have an excellent pipeline in Alaska, except that it is three-quarters empty” Walker said last week. “So I'll talk to him about what we need to do to put more oil in the pipeline.” Republican Congressman Don Young, who supports the expansion of drilling areas, also voiced his concern. “We are not just a fancy photo on a postcard or a green screen backdrop for the antiresource development agenda; we are a unique and diverse people that rely upon our lands and our resources to survive,” he wrote in an opinion piece in the Alaska Dis-

patch News. And the Alaska Oil and Gas Association called on Obama to “strike a reasonable balance" and reminded him that the oil and gas sector accounted for 110,000 jobs. Only about 737,000 people live in Alaska. Finding a satisfactory balance seems unlikely, as environmental protection groups also make noise. They are furious the Obama administration gave the green light to Shell to drill in the Chukchi Sea, north of Alaska. “If Obama is going to be the climate change leader the world needs, he must revoke Shell's permits to drill in the Chukchi Sea,” said Rebecca Noblin, Alaska director for the Centre for Biological Diversity.

China endorses Nigeria`s bid for UN Security Council permanent seat

HINA has promised to support Nigeria's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council. The Chinese endorsement of Nigeria's ambition was announced by the Speaker of the People`s Parliament of China, Mr. Zhang Dejiang after a meeting with Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara in New York, United States on Sunday. In a statement yesterday by Turaki Hassan, Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, it was also disclosed that a parliamentary collaboration between Nigeria`s National Assembly and the Parliament of the People`s Republic of China would soon be es-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja tablished. The Chinese government has also promised to assist Nigeria in its war against terrorism as well as review the 5percent tax on Nigeria`s agricultural exports. Dejiang and Dogara met on the sidelines at the convention of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York. The statement reads in part: Speaker Dogara had pleaded with China to use its position as a permanent member of the UN security council to support Nigeria`s quest for the democratisation of the council. “We appreciate China for its effort to democratise the institution of the United Nation and

appeal that you support our bid to occupy a permanenr seat on the security council," Dogara said. “Responding, Mr. Dejiang said there must be a better representation of developing countries in the United Nations and that Nigeria being an influential country in the world deserved a seat on the council. “We support the legitimate demands of Nigeria for a permanent seat on the UN security council, together with the reform of the UN," Dejiang added. “Both Speaker Dogara and Mr. Dejiang of the Chinese parliament gave their approval to the proposal for the creation of such group in the coming months.

“The Speaker had also appealed to the Chinese government to review its 5 percent tax on Nigeria`s agricultural exports. “He said Nigerians had pleaded with him to take up the issue with the Chinese authorities. “Mr. Dejiang promised to forward the request to the appropriate authorities in China for necessary action. “The meeting was held at the instance of the Chinese delegates led by Mr. Dejiang who also promised to attract Chinese investors to come to Nigeria. “The Chinese delegation also pledged to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism describing it as a global scourge”.

Violence erupts in Kiev

LASHES between protesters and police left dozens injured yesterday in Ukraine after its parliament supported a measure to give more autonomy to separatist-controlled regions in the country. The Donetsk and Luhansk regions are territories in dispute between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists. Negotiations to stop the fighting resulted in agreements for a ceasefire, though the fighting continues. Another part of the accord known as the Minsk Protocol is for the decentralization of power in Donetsk and Luhansk. This is the point the Ukrainian parliament was acting upon. But protesters against decentralization massed by the parliament building in Kiev, and violence broke out after the first round of voting on

the measure. A police representative said that supporters of a political party attacked the parliament building and police confronted them. Protesters threw a grenade at police, lawmaker Anton Gerashchenko said via Facebook. Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said at least 90 people were injured, four in critical condition, and one police officer died. The person who threw the grenade was among 30 people who were arrested, Avakov said. “He had other shells on him. There will be other arrests,” the interior minister said. Wednesday's vote moved forward a proposed constitutional amendment to decentralize power and allow self-government in the separatist-controlled regions.

• A performer wears a costume as she takes part on the first day of the Notting Hill Carnival in west London yesterday Photo:AFP

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

Ambode orders recruitment of more medical workers •Governor hands over 10 Hilux vans, 15 motorcycles to police

O ensure 24-hour service in general hospitals and health centres, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the recruitment of more parademic staff and special medical coordinators. Ambode made this known at the Lagos House in Ikeja yesterday when he commissioned 20 Mobile Intensive Care unit (MICU) ambulances and 26 transport ambulances in fulfilment of his promise to bring quality healthcare service closer to the people particularly during emergencies. He also handed over 10 new Hilux Vans and 15 motorcycles to the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni in furtherance of his commitment to ensure a crime free state. The governor said: “In my inaugural address, I pledged my total commitment to run a government that will leave no one behind; a government that will implement programmes that make life simpler, easier and happier for our people, Today we are launching the free ambulance service as a demonstration to that pledge”. He said the acquisition of

•The vehicles commissioned by Ambode ... yesterday. PHOTOS: OMOSEHIN MOSES

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

the ambulances was also in consonance with his administration’s mantra to run a government of continuity with improvement. “I recall with much satisfaction, the great strides we have witnessed in the health sector in the last 16 years; commencing from the foundational leaps of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the significant landmarks of Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)”, the governor said. The transport ambulances, he said, would be in the 26 general hospitals for easy access, adding that his administration has restructured the State Emergency Ambulance Services and increased the fleet of MICU by 20, bringing the number to 33 units. Ambode promised to upgrade the general hospitals

•Ambode (second right) assisted by his deputy Dr Oluranti Adebule (right); Senator Ganiyu Solomon (left), Alara of Ilara, Oba Hakeem Abiodun Adesanya (third left), Opemoluwa of Lagos, Chief Lateef Ajose (second left) to cut the tape ... yesterday.

and also build a Medical Park. Handing over the vehicles and motorcycles to Owoseni, the governor urged the Police to utilise them judiciously for

Vandals ‘kill’ three policemen •They are missing, say police

HERE was confusion yesterday over the fate of three policemen after an encounter with vandals in Ikorodu, Lagos. Unconfirmed report said they were killed in gun battle with the vandals. But the police denied the claim, saying the policemen were missing. The policemen – an inspector, a sergeant and a corporal – from Owutu Police Station were allegedly killed at Olainukan, Agric in Ikorodu around 6am. They were said to have demanded bribe from the vandals. Another policeman identified as Yerima was said to have been injured and was rushed to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). It was gathered that the officers, who were on patrol, were shot by the vandals, who were in a vehicle containing several jerry cans of petrol. It was learnt that the 50-litre kegs were hidden under the vehicle’s seats. The fuel was scooped from ruptured

By Precious Igbonwelundu

pipelines around Ikorodu. According to a source, an altercation ensued after the vandals refused the policemen’s demands. “The armed vandals opened fire on the patrol van, killing the three policemen on the spot, while two others escaped with bullet wounds,” he said. A trader around the police station said he saw sternlooking policemen when he returned from the mosque early on Monday. A food vendor said she ran away on hearing sporadic gunshot around 5am. “When the gunshot was becoming unbearable I had to run away, abandoning what I was preparing. When everything became clear, I heard that two policemen were killed and the vandals also sustained injuries. We are sitting on gunpowder here in Olainukan, because this is the transit point where black market business thrives. Government should come to our aid,” she said. She told The Nation that riot policemen have been parad-

ing the area in search of the suspects. A police source said some suspects had been arrested, adding that they were being profiled. But police spokesperson Patricia Amadin, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), denied that any policeman was killed in the incident. She said three officers have been missing since the incident, adding that the command headquarters was aware of the development. About seven policemen, she said, were deployed in from the division following information that armed militants had infiltrated the area. “At about 3am, we got information that some armed militants were heading towards the direction and the division was put on alert. “On sighting the policemen, the vandals opened fire but no policeman was killed. At the moment, three of the seven policemen who went on the mission have reported at the command while three others are still missing,” she said.

the enhancement of security. Owoseni thanked the governor for the gesture, promising that the vehicles would

be deployed for crime prevention. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr

Bricklayer drowns in stream

HE body of a bricklayer was yesterday recovered from a stream in Magodo Phase II by officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). He was said to have gone to the stream for a bath after close of work at a construction site at Magodo waterside on Sunday evening. It was gathered that the deceased simply identified as Abdullahi got drowned on the stream. His fellow workers reportedly became worried after waiting for him for long and contacted emergency workers. The Nation gathered that the

By Precious Igbonwelundu

emergency workers’efforts to rescue him on Sunday night failed. They returned to the scene yesterday and fished out his body. It took a combined team of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) officials, police and local divers to recover the body about 4:30pm. LASEMA General Manager, Michael Akindele said the body has been deposited in a morgue. The police, he said, would investigate to ascertain the cause of death, appealing to developers to monitor their

TINUBU Magistrate’s Court in Lagos yesterday sentenced Olatunji Abejoye, 28, to one year imprisonment with hard labour for beating up a woman who refused him sex. Magistrate L.A. Owolabi found Abejoye guilty of the four-count charge of assault preferred against him by the police. The convict, who was arraigned on August 14, was alleged to have assaulted one

•200 pupils get free GCE forms By Oziegbe Okoeki

on Sunday. He said: “This resource centre will have all the necessary modern information and communication technology (ICT) equipment and vocational training machines of different types and it will be responsible for

training and empowering youths and women not only in Agege but also in the entire state.” The aim of establishing the resource centre, Obasa said, is to make youths and women self dependent adding: “Our aim is to teach you how to fish rather than giv-

workers closely to forestall such incidence. “LASEMA received distress call at about 6:45pm on Sunday of a young artisan working at a construction site by Magodo waterside who drowned in a stream. “Our response team searched through the night and continued Monday till his body was recovered at about 4pm. “The body was handed over to State Embalmment and Mortuary Unit (SEMU) by LASEMA officials with police officers from Magodo police station. The police will carry out further investigation on the incident,” he said.

Man jailed for sexual assault By Precious Igbonwelundu

Jumoke Adepoju, who allegedly owed him N300. Prosecuting Sergeant Aondohemba Koti told the court that the convict and complainant had known each other for two years and were neighbours in Ibeju-Lekki. Led in evidence by the prosecutor, Adepoju said on August 13, at 2pm at Kajola Town, Ibeju-Lekki, Abejoye hit her with plank and injured her after she refused

Lagos Speaker to build resource centre in Agege AGOS State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has promised to build a resource centre in Agege for the training and empowerment of youths and women. The project, he said, would begin soon. He spoke during the distribution of free General Certificate of Education (GCE) form to some pupils

Modele Osunkiyesi, said the acquisition of the MICUs was a fall-out of a stakeholders’ meeting with the governor.

ing you fish to eat. By training and empowering youths and women, we are not only making them independent but also making them employers of labour,” he said. Obasa described the free GCE forms distribution as one of his educational development programmes aimed

at assisting indigent pupils in realising their dreams. “We have been doing this since 2003 and this is the 12th edition. Annually the number of beneficiaries keeps increasing. Last year, we gave out 100 forms, this year, we are giving out 200 forms and I want to assure you that the number will increase next year by the special grace of God,” he said.

him sex. She alleged that Abejoye also beat her up when he saw her with her boyfriend. The complainant said Abejoye was arrested after she reported the matter at the Elemoro Police Station. But, the convict denied assaulting her over sex, saying the reason for his action was the N300 change she owed him. He told the court that he had given her N500 when she requested for N200 loan, adding that he later told her to keep the change, which she refused to give him. Abejoye alleged that the victim fell on the plank while he was chasing her. Delivering judgement, Magistrate Owolabi said some residents of Ibeju-Lekki, who were brought in as prosecution witnesses, testified that the convict is violent. He described the convict as “a violent person”, going by the injuries he inflicted on the victim over money.

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO. 3324

‘If help does not come, the children would not resume with others, when Lagos schools reopen in two weeks’ OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

HE international news network Al Jazeera sparked off a debate the other day about what to call the tens of thousands of persons from Africa, the Middle East and Asia flocking to Europe in a wave the continent has not seen since World War II, most of them enduring misery and suffering on a Biblical scale: Are they primarily refugees, or just migrants? An opinion writer for the UK Guardian sought to widen the debate still: Why not just call the multitudes what they are basically: people? At first blush, this debate may seem academic, a semantic excursion at best, and unhelpfully diversionary to boot. But it is nothing of the sort. Definitions matter. As the sociologist Ruth Benedict noted long ago, if we define a situation as real, it is real in its consequences. By whatever name you call them, those arriving in such large numbers in the European Union – some 100, 000 in July alone— constitute a daunting challenge to its member-nations grappling with serious social and economic problems of their own. But how you characterise them will influence, if not determine, how they are perceived or received. Call them refugees, and they could in good measure be received with empathy and fellow-feeling. Call them migrants, and they could face the visceral hostility of those who regard the “other” as the source of all problems, as elements who must be kept away at all cost. Not surprisingly, Germany has been more welcoming to the beleaguered persons pouring into Europe, seeing them principally as refugees fleeing from war and persecution in their homelands. Forty percent of them are likely to find accommodation in Germany, as against eight per cent France and four per cent in the United Kingdom where they are viewed principally as migrants seeking better economic opportunities at the expense of the nationals. Poland and Slovakia will accept only Christians; no “Islamists” please, and no “jihadists.” In Hungary, vigilantes actually took up arms to chase away asylum-seekers who manage to navigate the120 kmlong barbed-wire fence it has erected to keep them away. The news media are the principal purveyors of the frames through which we select and interpret and organise what we see and experience, and by that fact the purveyors of our definitions of “reality”. Through the use of selection, emphasis, exclusion and elaboration, the media suggest, and large sections of the attentive audience come to accept, what the issue is. That is why countries pay particular attention to, and often seek to influence, the

RIPPLES

I’M A PROFESSOR OF POLITICS –Fayose

...DIRTY POLITICS!

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

The power of definitions

way they are profiled by the international news media. Defining the situation is a task not to be taken lightly, and Al Jazeera is right to examine its own role in performing that function. In this, it is following the BBC which long ago decided to drop the term “terrorist” from its news reporting on the Israeli Palestinian conflict, if not from its entire reporting, and to employ less evocative terms, such as “militants” or “insurgents.” To the Israelis, the Palestinians are invariably “terrorists,” a definition echoed by the largely sympathetic Western news media. There is no redeeming grace to that term, no patience with and no sympathy for any cause espoused by any person stamped with that label. Its effect is to strip individuals or groups identified as “terrorists”of their humanity and to render whatever is done them not merely acceptable but just. But framing is an indispensable element

in the contest for influence and preferment in the policy debate. Sparing no effort, no expenditure, each side seeks to come up with a frame that will dominate the debate and ultimately shape its outcome. Take as an example the September 11, 2011, attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, masterminded by Osama bin Ladin and executed in the main by his fellow Saudi nationals. Few disputed the attacks as acts of terror, and few questioned the American response – a war on terror. But that soon morphed into an invasion of Iraq, which had absolutely nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks, framed as an expedition to oust Saddam Hussein, rid Iraq of its frightful arsenal of “weapons of mass destruction”and plant the seeds of American democracy – genetically engineered, to be sure — in the barren sands of the Middle East. That frame, kept alive by relentless propaganda, dominated the debate and won en-

HARDBALL

“D

ADA is a weakling,” a Yoruba saying direly warns, “but he boasts a mighty younger sibling”. That would appear the story of (once almighty?) Nigeria, vis-a-vis the latest cheery news from the Boko Haram front. First, cheery news. At last, Boko Haram’s nose appears finally being bloodied — and about time too! — with Nigerian troops’ reported crushing victory, in the ill-fated Boko Haram raid on Maiduguri, capital of Borno State; and epicentre of the Islamists’ insurrection. Boko Haram attacked twice; and twice it was put to the sword. That is the sort of news Nigerians want to hear — and Hardball says Bravo to our brave troops, including the volunteer militias that joined to repel these blood thirsty anarchists. Though it is still audacious Boko Haram must attack and our military defend (it should have been otherwise), the victory is no less sweet and reassuring. Cheery news, of sorts too: according to news reports, foreign armies from neighbouring countries — Chad, Niger and Cameroun — have now fully joined the anti-Boko Haram column. But that is no altruism. It is only strategic thinking that Boko Haram be checked before spreading its fatal doctrine into these countries, and

thusiastic support in America and even abroad, notably from former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who would be undone by the misadventure. The term “weapons of mass destruction” was a key element in the framing. It was designed to conjure up weapons so novel that the English language had not yet found names for them, or so frightfully destructive that their names were unmentionable. Iraq had no such weapons. It had nothing resembling the nuclear, thermo-nuclear, chemical and biological weapons that those who invaded and occupied it have in super abundance. Today, Iraq lies in ruins. Millions of Iraqis, combatants and noncombatants alike were killed, and much of the country’s population has forcibly dispersed. Several thousand American and several hundred British soldiers in the occupation force lost their lives. Definitions matter. And as the case of Iraq shows powerfully, they can have tragic consequences. Back home, former President Goodluck Jonathan, remembered now more for the culture of grand larceny that thrived during his tenure than for the “transformation” he claimed to have wrought, even tried his hand at framing the debate on probity in public life. Chafing at those who were forever talking glibly about the lack of public accountability, he said the issue was not corruption but stealing and that the one must never be mistaken for the other.As usual, his point was not entirely clear. Was he saying that stealing was a lesser, more acceptable, crime than corruption? There were those who thought he was only creating a distinction without a difference. I thought he was advocating plain speaking; a thief is a thief in the exact sense that a spade is a spade and not a device for excavation. Too bad Dr Jonathan did not avail us of his seminal thoughts on the difference between mere stealing and outright looting, the term that has come to dominate the discourse on the conduct of a good many of the men and women who served with him. What cannot now be disputed is that a great deal of what Dr Jonathan preferred to call stealing went on unchecked during hiswatch. Each passing day brings forth staggering new allegations of stealing that make the revelations of the previous day seem like amateur pilfering. •For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Chad to the rescue? contaminating their peoples. Besides, it is the decision of the African Union (AU) to raise a regional army to contain this menace. That is just as well, for an injury to one is injury to all. Still, from this cheering news would suggest some jeer: “Chad captures Gamboru from sect”, was a headline in the February 4 issue of The Nation. Gamboru is a NigeriaChad border town, which Boko Haram had earlier over-run, after putting Nigerian troops on the run. Indeed, it is good news that Gamboru is free. If the lunatic boasts and taunts of Ibrahim Shekau, and the Stone Age savagery of his band of Islamist lunatics are anything to go by, the liberation of Gamboru is very good news. But by Chad? That is not so good — particularly that, within four days, Chad is reported to have liberated other towns in Borno State like Baga, Dikwa, Malam Fatori, Damasak, Ngala and part of Bama! So, to use the Yoruba saying as metaphor, is Nigeria now the elder weakling, relying on the muscles of Chad, its younger sibling? That must be very traumatic to a people who have always worn a chip on the shoulder as “the giant of Africa”!

Sure, the Defence Headquarters has pooh-poohed the reported Chadian military driving seat story, insisting the Nigerian military was in control, busy directing affairs and calling the shots. That might well be. Still, results are results: even if Nigerians were indeed in charge, the Chadian troops’ intervention would appear clearly fatal for Boko Haram. Besides, if Nigerian troops had earlier attained the reported Chadian level of success, the intervention of neighbouring countries would have been needless. It would appear, therefore, that the once-upon-a-time lion of West Africa, imposing peace and order in Liberia and Sierra Leone, after those countries’ civil war; and favourite peacekeepers in global trouble spots, has now become a mere lamb, to be rescued by Chad! But what if Chad suddenly develops appetite for territorial ambitions? That should trouble every patriot; for a country unable to defend itself leaves itself open to foreign domination. •This article was first published on February 5, 2015

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