September 03, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

•Oyo tribunal concludes hearing in Ladoja vs Ajimobi •NPA begins plugging of ports’ revenue leakages •Kwara won’t introduce new taxes, says Ahmed •EFCC returns N2.314m to Polish love scam victim •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3326 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

P8 P11 P57 P6

My dad, by Fernandez’s daughter NEWS Page 4

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

Unity Forum’s case against Saraki to go on

N150.00 •Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) Managing Director Mallam Habib Abdullahi (right) and Western Port General Manager Chief Michael Ajayi at the unveiling of a fully Integrated Revenue Invoicing Management System (RIMS) for the ports in Lagos ...yesterday

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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HE Senate Unity Forum (SUF) yesterday vowed to forge ahead with its legal battle against Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

Other defendants in the alleged Standing Order forgery suit are the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Clerk of the Senate, the Senate and the National Assembly.

Senators Suleiman Hunkuyi, Kabir Garba Marafa, Abu Ibrahim, Robert Ajayi Boroffice and Gbenga Ashafa insisted that their case before the Federal High Court, Abuja should go on.

The Forum, in a statement by its counsel,

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

Continued on page 4

Bad fuel likely cause of air crashes, says Otedola

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

A

IR accident investigators have been advised to keep an eye on aviation fuel.

Household Kerosene (HHK) is being sold to airlines as a substitute for Jet A1 fuel, also called aviation turbine kerosene (ATK), it was alleged yesterday.

This is a rising trend that needs to be arrested, frontline businessman Femi OtContinued on page 4

•INSIDE: FIVE TO TESTIFY AGAINST DASUKI P6 ‘NNPC WON’T SELL REFINERIES’ P11

Osinbajo: cash coming for ‘extremely poor’ Nigerians School pupils meal ‘to create 1.14m jobs’ From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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RITICS of the Muhammadu Buhari administration’s anti-poverty battle plan got a reply yesterday.

The government will go ahead with two of its key programmes to fight the scourge.They are: •one-meal-a-day for school pupils; and •Conditional Crash Transfer (CCT) for 25 million “extremely” poor households.

To benefit from the CCT, there are two conditions. Beneficiaries must be vulnerable and fullfil their civic responsibilities. They must participate in polio vacination, school enrolment and support other government programmes.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who spoke on the administration’s plan, said the government would carry out “social sector investment”.

Osinbajo spoke at the 45th Annual Accounting Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja on “Repositioning Nigeria for Sustainable Development: From Rhetoric to Performance”.

He stated why poverty rate remained high despite rising oil prices, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign reserves in the last 16 years.

WILL THE In his view, the main reaCHIBOK sons are: corruption, lack of GIRLS EVER Continued on page 4 RETURN?

?

•END OF THE R OAD: The scene of an accident in which a container fell RO off a moving truck and landed on two cars at Ojuelegba in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Three die as container falls on two cars in Lagos

ST OR Y ON STOR ORY PAGE 60

•A car crushed by the container...yesterday.

PHOTO: PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

•ENERGY P14 •PROPERTY P16 •SPORTS P23 •POLITICS P45 •N/HEALTH P47 •FOREIGN P59

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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National Assembly: So far, not so good •President Muhammadu Buhari (second right); Director-General, Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Chinelo Anolu Amazu (second left); Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari (right) and the Commissioner Technical, Mr. Reuben Omotowa (left) after the presidential briefing by the National Pension Commission at the State House in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

Since its inaguration on June 9, the National Assembly has been grabbing the headlines, albeit, for the wrong reasons. The session, which began on a faulty note, has continued to progress in error - to the dismay of the public.

Scramble for leadership positions, which is driven by crass opportunism, may hinder progress in the legislature if the trend is not checked, report GBADE OGUNWALE and VICTOR OLUWASEGUN

I

•Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (middle); Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo (second left); Executive Director, Enterprise Risk Management, Mr. Dotun Adeniyi (left); Deputy Managing Director, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu and the General Manager, Lagos Public Sector/Southwest states, Mr. Ayo Abina, when the bank’s management team visited the governor at the Lagos House, Alausa, Lagos...yesterday.

•Katsina State Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari (middle); Trade Partner, MTN Nigeria, Katsina, Alhaji Salisu Mamman (left) and Senior Manager, Government Affairs, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Austin Iyashere (right) at the inauguration of MTN Foundation Y'ello Doctor Project in Katsina… yesterday.

•Former Kogi State Governor Prince Audu Abubakar displaying his certificate of return as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governoship candidate in the November governorship election. He is flanked by APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Lawan Shuaib Lawal (right) and National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso in Abuja...yesterday.

(STORY ON PAGE 57) PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

N another 26 days, the National Assembly will reconvene for the fourth time since the inauguration of the Eighth Assembly on June 9. The dual chamber has proceeded on recess three times within three months. The first two adjournments were forced by in-fighting in the Senate and the House of Representatives for leadership positions by the lawmakers.

But the third adjournment, which they voluntarily began on August 13, will end on September 28, after a sixweek vacation.

The emergence of Bukola Saraki as the Senate President and Yakubu Dogara as House of Representatives Speaker unsettled the bi-camera legislature from the blast of the whistle for the four-year race on June 9.

The two principal officers had defied directives by their All Progressives Congress (APC) party that tipped Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila to lead the Red and the Green Chambers.

Initially, the bickering from the leadership crisis was seen by many as intra-party squabble that would fizzle out in a matter of days, but the open confrontations between the two opposing camps within the APC in both chambers, gave way to muffled indignation simmering in the pouch.

The suppressed indignation is more clangorous in the Senate, where a minority Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member Ike Ekweremadu emerged as Deputy Senate President, to the chagrin of the APC lawmakers and the leadership of the ruling party.

An aggrieved APC senator, who considered the emergence of the duo of Saraki and Ekweremadu as leaders of the chamber had gone to court to challenge the process that led to their emergence. The alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rules that paved the way for their emergence was to become a subject of police investigation and subsequent litigation by the Unity Forum, a vocal group of APC senators.

The excitement created in the camp of the defendants over the rumoured withdrawal of the suit challenging the emergence of Saraki and was short-lived by the chambers of Mamman Mike Osuman & Co, which dismissed the purported withdrawal as “erroneous and mischievous”.

According to a document signed by Chief Mamman Mike Osuman in his capacity as the lead counsel to the plaintiffs, what was withdrawn was the first suit filed by Senator Anthony A. Adeniyi, who served in the Seventh Senate.

Not a few Nigerians have expressed concern over the inability of the federal lawmakers to settle down to legislative business since inception.

Cumulatively, the senators had so far

•Dr. Saraki

sat for 14 days before they went on recess without displaying their lawmaking prowess for those who voted for them on March 28 to see.

Despite the overwhelming confidence vote passed on the leadership of the Senate, Nigerians have no reason to cheer.

The confirmation of Service chiefs, a development that was in tandem with public mood, was done with dispatch and without rancour.

Within the 14 days that they sat, the Senate President led a delegation of senators to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Maiduguri, Borno and parts of Adamawa states.

The senators also passed a few resolutions on a number of issues regarding erosion in parts of the country, approved $75 million World Bank loan for Edo State among others.

Though a handful of bills were referred to the various ad-hoc committees for attention, the business of the upper legislative chamber was largely dominated by oversight functions Before the latest adjournment, the Senate President had played host to a some delegations from the various Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and members of the diplomatic corps. Observers say the peripheral actions have not done much in straightening the rough edges and the smoothening the frosty relations between the Senate and the executive arm.

In the midst of the hazy atmosphere, a group of senators, apparently prodded by Saraki, decide to embark on what many described as a wild goose chase. Led by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the Senate ad-Hoc Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, summoned the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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d •The National Assembly

Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde for questioning over alleged short-changing in the remittances of recovered loot from corrupt public officials in the past.

The committee’s hearing was hinged on a petition allegedly filed by an aggrieved citizen. For some sinister reasons, the purported petition did not go through the normal process of scrutiny and debate by the Senate in session. It was allegedly routed through the back door to serve some

SOME ACTIONS AT THE SENATE •Confirmation of the CDS, NSA and three Service Chiefs •Visitation to IDPs camps in Borno and Adamawa states •Passage of few resolutions •Approved $75m loan for Edo State •Referred some bills to ad-Hoc Committees •Did more of oversight functions •Hosted a number of diplomatic corps members •Invited some heads of MDAs predestined ends.

Strangely, both the APC and PDP

caucuses in the Senate dissociated themselves from the hearing on

grounds of its illegality. The hearing was held nevertheless but the pro-

ceedings there from further exposed the Senate to ridicule.

It is doubtful if the Anyanwu-led committee and its promoters could muster the courage to forge ahead with the hearing. It is also doubtful if the committee’s report and recommendation would go beyond its narrow shelf. The Senate in session cannot entertain or debate the report of an exercise that did not emanate from its chambers. So, the hearing is dead on arrival.

10 out of 37 bills scale first reading in House of Representatives

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NKNOWN to many, the House of Representatives has put some bills in the works despite its burden. When the APC took the centre stage in the new dispensation, the expectation of Nigerians shot to the rooftops.

Many Nigerians believed that the era of institutional profligacy, crass impunity and corrupt tendencies in the APC-dominated chamber were gone for good, especially, on the integrity of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Naturally, with the performance of the APC in the National Assembly elections, many believed that the change mantra of the ruling party will not only be visible in the executive arm of government, but will also be allowed to permeate to the parliament. The electorate had expected quality legislations, profound oversight and robust representation.

However, with almost three months gone, the National Assembly is still struggling to find its footing in terms of lawmaking and quality representation. But there is a slight difference in what obtains in the Red Chamber from the show in the Green Chamber. Sequel to the inauguration of the Eighth House on June, 9, a protracted face-off over leadership positions became an albatross that impeded the work of the lower legislative chamber. Members spilt into camps and physically assaulted one another. The seeming apathy of the APC on zoning in the wake of its resounding victory over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 28 and April national elections became a catalyst for a free for all on the floor of the House over majority leadership positions. The development triggered two forced adjournments in a bid to calm frayed nerves and prevent the House from recording fatalities as was the case in the Sixth House.

The fracas also became a subject of litigation as two members of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Lado Abdullahi (APC, Niger) and Olajide Abdul Jimoh (APC, Lagos), in the suit with file no, FHC/ABJ/CS/625/2015 before the Federal High Court, Abuja, praying the court to grant an order restraining the Speaker for not toeing party lines.

Apart from two holidays in the early life of the Eighth House, it has gone on another sixweek recess to the chagrin of Nigerians, who believe that to whom much is given, much is expected.

Though the incendiary issue of party list for majority positions which began with the party’s June 23letter to Dogara, has been resolved, the lingering question is if the impression of the Eighth House as a mace- grabbing, punchthrowing, missile-hurling and clothes-sripping chamber will ever be erased in the mind of Nigerians.

However, despite being combative in its approach to issues and contrary to the people’s

impression, 10 out of the 37 bills listed in its official gazette, have scaled through the first reading the Eighth House of Representatives.

Speaker Dogara has also inaugurated a committee to conduct a Needs Assessment of the running of the House of Representatives/ National Assembly. The committee members, drawn from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other eminent Nigerians, has a mandate to “judiciously determine the proper cost of running the legislative arm of government to enable it play its constitutionally assigned

•Dogara

responsibilities.”

In other words, the committee will answer the question: is N120 billion to little or too much for the National Assembly to operate.

An area the House is being cautious is the selection of committees because of its touchy nature. No doubt, the non-constitution is slowing down operations as the House has been operating with ad-Hoc Committees, an arrangement that cannot be as effective as standing committees.

The House has also increased committees from 89 to 95, which many said counter Dogara’s costsaving promise in his legislative agenda.

In terms of motions and resolutions on issues affecting Nigeria and Nigerians, the House could be said not to have done too badly but the quick succession of recesses has given many citizens the impression of the lawmakers as a pack of overpaid but under-utilised lawmakers.

For a legislature that many expect to be a reflection of the change mantra as espoused by the President, the vicious struggle for leadership positions shocked Nigerians, who had been hitherto indifferent to political happenings and happenstances.

A flurry of activities by the Speaker may have

Sponsors of Resolutions Name Yakubu Dogara Babajimi Benson Mark Igbilla Patrick Asada James Abiodun Faleke Edward Gyang Pwajok Uzo Abonta Abubakar Amuda Kannike

Party State APC Bauchi APC Lagos APC Benue PDP Enugu APC Lagos PDP Plateau PDP Abia APC Kwara

confirmed the assertions that the crisis-prone Green Chamber will take a longer time to settle down to its statutory mandate of legislating for good governance.

In the first instance, the House has adopted a draft legislative agenda to give the Eighth House focus and a sense of direction. Also, the House ad hoc-Committee on Rules and Business listed 37 new bills for consideration prior to the resumption of the House on July 28, of these bills, only 10 had so far passed first reading before it went on a six-week break.

The Speaker has his name as co-sponsor on four of the gazetted bills.

They are: Public Interest Disclosure Bill, 2015; Subsidiary Legislation (Regulation) Bill, 2015; Federal Competition Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2015 and Data Protection Bill, 2015.

Sixteen of the 37 bills are being sponsored by a member, Uzoma Nkem-Abonta.

They include: Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015; Satellite Towns Development Agency Bill, 2015; Statutory Instrument (Legislative scrutiny) Bill, 2015; National Programme on Immunisation (Repeal) Bill, 2015; National Primary Health Care Development Agency (Amendment) Bill; Petroleum Refineries Incentives, Regulation and Miscellaneous Provision) Bill, 2015; Environmental Managers Registration Council of Nigeria Bill, 2015 and Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria Bill, 2015.

Others are: Federal Capital Territory Area Councils (Administrative and Political Structure) Bill, 2015, Free Trade Zones Bill, 2015; International Trade Commission Bill, 2015; Telecommunication Facilities (Lawful Interception of Information) Bill, 2015; Investment and Securities (Amendment) Bill, 2015; Gender Equal Opportunities Bill, 2015; Emergency Communication Bill, 2015 and Commodity Exchange Bill, 2015.

Another lawmaker, Gideon Gwani is sponsoring 10 bills. They include: Environmental Health Bill, 2015; Environmental Health Officers (Registration, etc.) Act 2002, (Amendment) Bill, 2015; Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan Bill, 2015; Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development of Nigeria Bill, 2015 and Nigerian Agency for Foreign Assistance Bill, 2015, National Judicial Institute (Amendment) Bill, 2015; Chattered Institute of Management Information Technology of Nigeria Bill, 2015; Federal Roads Authority Bill, 2015; Nigerian Rail-

way Authority Bill, 2015 and Nigerian Postal Commission Bill, 2015.

Ossai Ossai (PDP-Delta) has six bills to his credit. They are: Two Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bills, 2015; Federal Capital Territory District Court (Amendment) Bill, 2015; Pension Rights of Judges (Amendment) Bill, 2015; Companies and Allied Matters (Amendment) Bill, 2015 and National Industrial Court (Amendment) Bill, 2015.

In the last legislative session, 767 bills were introduced and passed through first reading.

Of the lot, 679 were private bills and 70 emanated from the Executive arm, which spanned the four-year term.

Besides petitions and matters of urgent national importance, the Green Chamber treated an average of 12 motions at the plenary sessions of the last few days before the House adjourned on August 13.

Some of the resolutions passed and their sponsors include: urging the federal government to set up Northeast Development Commission (Yakubu Dogara and others); Representatives to investigate N430 billion IkoroduShagamu Road reconstruction project (Babajimi Benson); the investigation of non-payment of 3,600 midwives (Mark Igbillah); setting up the Haman Pategi-led ad-Hoc Committee to probe the non-implementation of capital allocations (Patrick Asadu); urging President Buhari to constitute the Council on Public Procurement (James Faleke); telling the Federal Government to fill INEC Vacancies (Edward Gyang Pwajok); urging the Federal Government and Police Commission to employ more policemen (Uzo Abonta ); investigating the accounting procedure of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over N89 billion deduction (Abubakar Amuda Kannike).

Other resolutions passed are: decision to investigate state of AGIP, other oil companies’ equipment; inviting Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor to face Representatives over the new dollar policy; intervention in ALSCON stalled re-opening; investigating the Federal Government over N4 trillion debt owed contractors.

With the majority leadership issue resolved and the House at peace with itself, many have predicted that the House will settle down to business upon resumption on September 28 and that the expectations of the teeming Nigerians voted for change would be met.

The two chambers cannot but shape up for the challenges ahead. If the mood of the nation and the expectations of the electorate are anything to go by, any sign of deliberate floppiness on the part of the lawmakers could trigger public indignation. Nigerians appear in a hurry to reap the dividends of the change they voted for and the National Assembly must not be seen to constitute a clog in the wheels.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

NEWS Bad fuel likely cause of air crashes, says Otedola Continued from page 1

edola said. He called on the Federal Government to focus its searchlight on the sector.

In a statement he signed, the oil magnate said: “This illicit act has been identified as a major factor contributing to the rising cost of kerosene in the country and may also be the cause of some of the air mishaps we have encountered in the country in recent times.

“It is pertinent to state that HHK is sold by the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), an arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at the ex-

depot and regulated price of N40.90k with the objective of selling to the average Nigerian at the pump price of N50.00k per litres.

“However, HHK shares some physical and chemical properties with Jet A1 fuel (except for the storage and handling procedures to eliminate contamination in Jet A1 fuel) is being sold by some petroleum marketers to both local and international airlines at the international market price, which may be as high as N140/litre. This huge arbitrage has led to evolution of some mushroom aviation fuel

marketers who see this as an opportunity to make big profit.”

Otedola noted that more worrisome is that these mushroom marketers are not established and do not have the infrastructure to store, transport and handle Jet A1 fuel in such a manner to eliminate contamination which is a key safety requirement for global aviation practices. The proper care and handling of ATK is paramount in maintaining safe aircraft operations, he added.

He stated that one of the requirements that operators with high safety standards try to

ensure is that their fuel is free from contamination. Contaminated fuel can cause significant damage to the aircraft and engine. Damage can range from fuel system corrosion, clogging of fuel filtration components, failure of aircraft fuel system instrumentation, and even stopping the fuel supply to the engines during flight, he said.

“But with proper handling procedures in place, fuel contamination capable of causing problems to the aircraft can be eliminated. In addition, Jet A1 DEF STAN 91-91 (UK) and Continued on page 58

My father, by Fernandez’s daughter

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ILLIONAIRE businessman Antonio Oladehinde Fernandez who died on Tuesday in Buessels Belgium has been described as “a happy and very reliable man,” by his daughter, Mrs. Teju Phillips.

Mrs Phillips, a one-time Lagos State commissioner for commerce, also said the Lagosborn business mogul and diplomat, renowned for his immense wealth, was also “a very strict man who had no drama

•Ambode mourns

By Seun Akioye

around himself.”

Contrary to media reports about the age of the late industrialist, Mrs. Phillips said her father was born on August 12, 1929, making him 86 years at the time of his death.

Mrs. Phillips, the first child of Fernandez, appeared to be in shock and confirmed that no burial arrangements had yet been made.

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode expressed sadness over his death.

In a condolence message signed by his Chef Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the governor described the deceased as a bureaucrat and an experienced diplomat who gave his all to the service of the African continent during his life time.

The Governor paid glowing tributes to the business tycoon, saying he offered himself for service to ensure the unity of

the nation adding that he would remain a true hero.

He said the leadership role of the late Chief Fernandez who saw himself foremost as an African serving as representative for Mozambique, as well as the Central African Republic at the United Nations, should be an inspiration to all.

“Among other virtues, Chief Fernandez dedicated himself to the service of the African nation and will be remembered for his Continued on page 58

Army uncovers biggest illegal bunkering site in Port Harcourt HE army yesterday •13 arrested made a shocking dis-

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covery – Nigeria’s biggest illegal bunkering site near the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and two kilometres from the Rivers state Government House, Port Harcourt.

The Commander of the 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Brig.-Gen. Stevenson Olabanji, told reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt that the discovery followed a tipoff. Thousands of litres of illegally refined diesel was discovered at the site.

Soldiers were immediately deployed in the Makoba Beach area.

The Commander said: “About 16:40 hours on Monday, we got information that some illegal bunkering activities were going on along Makoba Beach.

“On arrival, our personnel discovered illegal activities, which involved bunkering (of illegally refined petroleum products) and lifting of diesel to local boats.

“At the site, we found over 5,000 drums loaded with illegally refined diesel, four tanker trucks containing 132,000 litres of diesel combined and a

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

badge with 165,000 litres of stolen diesel.

“This discovery is unprecedented, because since we started our operations 10 days ago, this is about the biggest that we have uncovered.”

Gen. Olabanji added that additional 150 drums loaded with about 3,150 litres of diesel were also discovered in 21 Cotonou boats in the area.

He said 13 suspects were arrested at the scene of the illegal activity.

The commander stressed that the illegal bunkering dump was yet to be set ablaze, in line with the Joint Task Force’s (JTF’s) mandate, in view of its proximity to residential buildings and the NPA. Olabanji said: “Our mandate requires us to destroy the site in situ, but we cannot do this because it will degrade the environment and affect residents, as it is situated in the heart of Port Harcourt.

“Our plan is to move them Continued on page 58

Unity Forum’s case against Saraki to go on Continued from page 1

• Prof. Osinbajo (right) greeting ICAN Council Member, Alhaji Ismaila Zakari during the conference ...yesterday. With them are 1st deputy Vice President ICAN, Alhaji Razak Jaiyeola (left) and ICAN Vice President, Titus Soetan (second right) PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN), against the backdrop of reports that the SUF withdrew its suit on the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Orders 2015, made its position public.

There were reports on Tuesday that Justice Ademola Adeniyi of the Federal High Court struck out the suit by the five Senators on behalf of the Senate Unity Forum (SUF).

The counsel to the SUF, Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN), said it was “erroneous and mischievous” to claim that the suit by the five senators had been withdrawn.

He added that it was the first suit filed by Senator Anthony Adeniyi, who was in the 7th Senate, that was withdrawn to avoid abuse of court process.

He said: “Despite the legal possibility that the suit discontinued by Sen. Anthony Adeniyi could be re-filed, the media should have been more specific about the case with-

drawn.

“Contrary to the misinformation put out there, we hereby confirm that the originating summons in suit no: FHC/ ABJ/CS/651/2015 filed at the instance of the above-named senators against Saraki, Ekweremadu and the National Assembly.

“The above particularised suit differs in contents from that of Sen. Adeniyi as can be distilled from their respective grounds, reliefs sought, affidavit evidence, parties and declarations sought.”

Osuman insisted that the prayers sought by the five senators in the originating summons were still subsisting.

He said the plaintiffs maintained their position that the election of Saraki and Ekweremadu was “illegal, irregular and non-sustainable because the Senate Standing Orders (2011) was not amended in the manner stipulated by Rules Continued on page 58

Osinbajo: cash coming for ‘extremely poor’ Nigerians Continued from page 1

transparency and unstable power supply.

“So why are most (of our people) poor despite rising revenues and GDP growth?

Our main revenue earners, the extractive oil and gas economy, do not by themselves create many jobs,” Osinbajo said, adding: “Such is the irony of a top-down economic model when the major revenue earner is extractive and the value chain is poorly developed.”

The Federal Government, he said, will carry out social

sector investment – investing in the people, education, job creation, national school feeding scheme, conditional cash transfer and reflating economies of the states. These are indices that will boost the economy, he declared.

According to him, the government has already put in place a bailout package for workers being owed salaries to reflate the economy.

“One of the most important interventions required in the education sector is capacity building to improve teacher

quality. This programme is intended to drive teacher capacity development; boost basic education and attract talents to the teaching profession.

“Better educated population increases economic potential for productivity,” the Vice President noted.

He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) made a commitment to provide one-meala-day for all primary school pupils - a programme that will create jobs in agriculture poultry, catering and delivery services.

The multiplier effects of the introduction of the scheme, he said, include 1.14 million new jobs; increased food production – up to 530,000 mt/a; attracting investor by investment – up to N980billion.

Osinbajo also identified conditional cash transfer as another avenue for alleviating poverty.

He said that the programme was intended to support the 25 million poorest households to incentivise vaccination, education and production.

The multiplier effects of the introduction of the programme, he noted, would include: lifting millions out of poverty; putting millions into rural production; and boosting rural economy.

He said the government needs to improve the power sector; have a one-stop shop for approvals; innovation and fighting piracy; diversify the economy in agriculture – selfsufficiency in rice and wheat (staples) production, manufacturing, entertainment and technology.

On the power sector, Osinbajo said: “Despite the challenges, there have been measurable improvements over the past three months (June to August 2015).”

“A 26% increase in operational generation capacity (June to August 15, 2015 compared to January to May 2015); decreased pipeline vandalism boosting gas supply; a 10% reduction in transmission losses (June to July 2015 compared to January to May 2015); reduction in red tape to

remove delays blocking the 450MW Azura-Edo IPP and the 500MW Exxon Mobil QuaIboe IPP; the imposition of a September 2015 deadline for the submission of the DisCos’ revised tariff trajectories”.

Also yesterday, President Buhari expressed his commitment to boosting national productivity. He vowed to end incessant strikes by workers in vital sectors of the economy.

He spoke during a meeting with the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Onubuogo Clement Illoh, and other officials of the ministry.

Buhari said he was disturbed by the seemingly endless strikes in the health sector which have contributed to the fall in health services.

He directed the ministry to liaise with other stakeholders to work out proposals for ending the recurring strikes in the health, education, transport, oil and gas, power and other critical sectors of the economy.

Osinbajo, who was also at

the meeting, urged the ministry to make an input into ongoing plans for the extension of welfare services to the poor and the disabled.

Illoh attributed incessant strikes to the inclination of some government officials to enter into agreements with financial implications without carrying the ministries of Finance and Labour along.

The Ministry of Labour he said, has introduced a Code of Conduct for government negotiators, barring them from entering into agreements with financial implications without the consent of the President.

Illoh told reporters that “at the end of discussion, the president and the vice president showed critical interest in three areas. First is the issue of national social insurance trust fund, that has to do with social security and social Continued on page 58

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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AU leaders: how Nigeria, others can develop

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IGERIA and other African countries have been advised to increase funding for capacity building to enhance economic development and budgets implementation.

The African countries have been urged to support the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), which aim to build manpower on the continent.

These were some of the key messages by continental leaders, top capacity building leaders and strategic partners at the opening of the 24th Annual Meeting of the ACBF Board of Governors, which kicked off in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia yesterday.

Its theme is: “Developing Capacity to Mobilise Domestic Resources to Finance Africa’s Transformation”.

•Delegates begin ACBF’s 24th annual meeting From Bola Olajuwon, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Those, who spoke at the event were the Executive Secretary of ACBF, Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie; Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission Erastus Mwencha; Ethiopian Minister of State for Finance Alemayehu Gujo; Chair of Board of Governors of ACBF and Gabon’s Minister of Budget and Public Accounts Christian Magnagna; Chair, ACBF’s Executive Board Chair Prof.

Callisto Enias Madavo, represented by Mrs. Gun-Britt Andersson of Sweden and Director of Capacity Building of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Adeyemi Dipeolu.

Nnadozie said: “In fact, African countries are faced with, among other challenges the capacity to mobilise domestic resources to implement Agenda 2063 and the post-2015 development agenda; the national institutional and human capacity to domesticate and coordinate regional and continental policies; and the capacity to implement national, regional and continental policies which has a lot to do with the ability to design, plan, execute, monitor and evaluate programmes.

“Looking ahead, the forecast for much of African countries remains very encouraging. For example, Africa is ranked as the second fastest growing region and is more likely to maintain such position and even be the

fastest in the world. Africa can make faster progress and take its rightful place in a globalised world. The fundamentals are in place in many countries: performance is better now than over the last three decades, young people will be wellschooled and well-trained for good jobs, etc.

“African governments are heavily investing in development as witnessed by the large number of infrastructure projects taking place across the continent at both the national and regional levels.

“But when it’s all said and done, infrastructure does dilapidate over time, requiring maintenance and at times renewal. Investing in human capital and institutions there-

fore remains the single most important investment a country can make. This is what the continent needs to focus on,” Mwencha said.

The AU Commission’s chief noted that in the rapidly changing world, the most important asset any country could have” is firstly its people and then its institutions”.

He added that many countries believed that capacity building “is a basic prerequisite for structural transformation, inclusive growth and sustainable development”.

Ethiopian minister of state for Finance hinged the country’s solid economic performance and double-digit growth in the last decade on investment in capacity building.

Gujo added that his government recognised that capacity

building “is a building block of the country’s poverty reduction strategy, as capacity limitation both in the public and private sector are the main challenges to provide the required services”.

He urged African countries to take a cue from Germans, which “year after year, decade after decade patiently building up skills, investing in workers, institutions, new technology, research and innovation”.

“They do it, not because it yields immediate results but because they know it gives them an unassailable lead several years down the road. They keep building at it. There are no short cuts to capacity building, the earlier you start the better off you will be in the long term, this is a key take away point from the Ethiopian experience,” he said.

Buhari’s wife to lift mother, children

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•The wife of the President Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari (second right) with the Country Representatives of UNFPA Mrs. Ratidzai Ndhluvo (right) and UN Women Dr. Grace Ongile (middle) and their staff when they visited the president’s wife at the State House, Aso Villa, Abuja...yesterday.

‘Crashed Air Force plane has no insurance cover’

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HE Nigerian Air Force Dornier-228 aircraft that crashed into a residential building in Kaduna State, killing four crew and three passengers did not have insurance cover.

Air Force spokesman Commodore Dele Alonge confirmed this yesterday in an SMS message.

He, however, said the individual personnel had life insurance cover.

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

Experts have said the noninsurance of aircraft by the Force amounts to waste of taxpayer’s money.

Director-General of the Nigeria Insurers Association, Sunday Thomas, when contacted by The Nation, gave an insight into what should be the norm for insurance of military and air force aircraft.

He said: “Typically, when

it is not a commercial aircraft, it is not compulsory or mandatory for insurance.

The Montreal Convention only mandates that commercial aircraft must be insured.

“It is only on the basis of prudence that the military, airforce or navy will insure their aircraft. This would have allowed them have a replacement instead of wasting the taxpayer’s money”.

Thomas said the omission

of insurance of their aircraft is part of the errors of the past.

He said they as insurers will need to draw the attention of the Government to it so that taxpayer’s money is not wasted.

The Dornier-228 aircraft took-off from Kaduna Military Airfield Saturday morning bound for Abuja, when it crashed into a house in the Ribadu area.

National Assembly caucus defends appointments

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GROUP of lawmakers in the National Assembly has defended the appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Coming under the aegis of the Northeast caucus, the lawmakers, including senators, enjoined critics of the appointments to exercise restraint.

At a press conference held at the National Assembly yesterday, the leader of the caucus, Senator Danjuma Goje said the President still had thousands of appointments to be made.

The lawmakers assured that subsequent appointments would be spread across the six geopolitical

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

zones, to reflect the federal character principle. Of the 31 appointments made by the President, 24 were picked from the North, with the South getting seven.

A text jointly signed by Senators Goje and Isa Hamma Misau and read by Goje urged Nigerians to dwell less on sentiments, statism and zoning.

Such tendencies, he said, tend to divide the people along ethnic, religious and other primordial lines.

“Fellow Nigerians, it is high time we got it right. It is not about where a man comes from but about what he can

deliver, especially in the interest of his people.

“President Barack Obama started with over 20 of his Harvard classmates and David Cameron of Britain started with most of his schoolmates.

This has in no way made the news in those countries because they had their eyes set on the bigger national picture.

“If Nigeria must move forward, we need to make a choice, either we decide on an ethnic free future and move on to greater heights, or we continue to hold on to ethnic sentiments, statism and zoning and remain backward. We must shun all recessive agents and embrace change in the interest of democracy.

“Back home herein Nigeria, we recall that most key appointments in the last administration, especially that of Chief of Staff to the President, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Special Adviser on Media, Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters and other key appointments were made from t he southern region and nobody made huge cry about it.

“Thus, we appeal to Nigerians that this administration is just about a 100 days old and there are thousands of appointments to be made by Mr. President. Therefore, we believe that no section of the country will be marginalised”, the lawmakers said.

ONCERNED about the plight of mothers and children, the Office of the President’s wife is to partner the United Nations and a team of development partners on a programme to complement the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

In a statement, Mrs. Aisha Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant, Dr. Hajo Sani, the UN under Secretary General (USG) and Executive Director of UNFPA, Prof. Babatunde Osotomehin and a team of development partners are exploring opportunities through the Office of the Wife of the President to develop a program of support to complement the present administration’s efforts at improving Health, Nutrition & Population outcomes in Nigeria.

According to the Executive Director, the program will target the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria. He mentioned that this is good practice globally with Kenya and Namibia as countries that have used similar programs to support health improvement efforts in their countries.

To confirm the commitment of Mrs. Buhari, Dr. Sani indicated to the meeting that the wife of the president is determined to use her privileged position to become an advocacy champion for raising attention and resources necessary to make a difference in Maternal New born and Child Health outcomes in Nigeria.

Also, Mrs. Buhari has met with two Country Representatives of UN bodies, the UNFPA Mrs. Ratidzai Ndhlovu and UN Women Dr. Grace Ongile, who discussed extensively about the collaborative efforts on rapid identification of the issues that have militated against good health outcomes especially in Reproductive, Maternal New-born Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH in Nigeria.

‘Anti-graft war will secure Nigeria’s future’

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured Nigerian youths that the anti-corruption campaign would secure their future.

He made the remark in an address to members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who marched on the gate of the Presidential Villa, Abuja to pledge their support for his anti-corruption campaign.

President Buhari promised that he would do his best to place Nigeria well on the way to becoming the nation of their dreams.

Buhari, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said: “Everything you have asked for are the things that will make for a good country, and what we are after is a good country, a country where our youths can have a future and a hope.

“We are totally committed to building a country where our youths can realise their full potential.

“You can be assured that your welfare and well-being are topmost in our minds and very soon you will see the things we have promised come to fruition.

•President Buhari From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

“During the campaigns, change was our slogan, but today it is no longer a mere slogan, it is now a reality and we will see it in every facet of our lives.

“The youths will feel it, the adults will feel it and old people will feel it and we will get the country of our dreams,’’ Mr. Adesina later received a document addressed to President Buhari from the NANS President, Comrade Tijani Usman Shehu, and he promised that the President will look into their requests.

In his remarks, Shehu said the students were united against corruption, cyber crime, prostitution, human trafficking, drug abuse and other anti-social vices.

“Nigerian students demand that our future must be secured and we strongly believe in the President’s zero tolerance for corruption,’’ he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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NEWS Dasuki’s trial: Fed Govt to call five witnesses

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HE Federal Government has indicated its intension to call five witnesses in a bid to prove its case against former National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Sambo Dasuki.

It said the witnesses, who are mostly operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), who participated in the alleged recovery of firearms in Dasuki’s Abuja home, would give details of the recovery.

Dasuki was arraigned on Tuesday before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a one-count charge of illegal possession of fire arms, an offence punishable under section 27(i) (a)(i) of the Firearms Act Cap F28 LFN 2004 and which attracts 14 years jail term.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, following which Justice Adeniyi Ademola granted him bail on self recognisance, upon an application by his lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN).

In a list of witnesses filed by the prosecution team led by Mohammad Diri of the Federal Ministry of Justice, the intended state witnesses included Dahiru dodo, Ali Gurara, Samuel Ogbu, Franklyn Us-

Why I approved bulletproof cars’ purchase, by Oduah

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

man and Musa Duniyo.

The prosecution also gave insight into the nature of evidence to be given by its witnesses when trail opens on October 26.

It said Dodo will give eye witness account of how Dasuki’s residence was searched and items recovered from the house located at No: 13 John Khadiya Street, Asokoro; Gurara, Usman and Duniyo will give evidence on the operation carried out in Dasuki’s house. Ogbu is expected to testify on how he obtained statement from Dasuki.

The prosecution said it intends to tender 10 sets of items recovered from Dasuki’s Abuja residence by operatives of the DSS. The items include five Tavor riffles, 20 magazines, five rifle slings, five packets of rifle servicing kit, one packet of MOD AP9 calibre 9mm Luger No: 033373, small magazine containing 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition and bigger magazine containing 23, five rounds of 9mm ammunition, one Macro Uzi with serial No 60244, one magazine with 16 rounds of live 9mm ammunition and 36 rounds of live 9mm ammunition.

Air Force pounds more Boko Haram targets in Sambisa forest

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HE Air Force Alpha Jets yesterday hit strategic Boko Haram targets in the heart of the notorious Sambisa forest.

A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Air Force, Air Commodore Dele Alonge said mostly hit were Ngoshe and Pulka during combined raids with ground forces on the insurgents’ hideouts.

“The targets, which included solar panels believed to be used by the sect for generating electricity within the Sambisa forest, were hit during the recent take-over of Gamboru-Ngala by own troops”, Alonge said.

The statement added that the Air Force would continue to sustain the air assault against the insurgents, with a view to decimating the capability and the fighting spirit of the sect members.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

•Mrs. Oduah

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FORMER Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, has justified the 2013 purchase of two bulletproof BMW cars by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

She told the Federal High Court in Lagos that the cars were not bought for her personal use.

The court, however, restrained anti-graft agencies from inviting her for questioning concerning the purchase.

The vehicles were said to have cost N255million, an amount that sparked outrage.

Justice Mohammed Yunusa barred the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting Oduah until her suit is determined.

A copy of the order, made on August 26, was obtained by our correspondent yesterday.

The judge also stopped the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police from inviting the former minister for interrogation.

Oduah, who represents Anambra North in the Senate, said there was a move by the respondents to persecute and humiliate her.

She, however, explained that the vehicles were bought for the use of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) officials, who were in the country to inspect and certify the 22 airports being rehabilitated under her watch.

According to her, the vehicles were acquired to safeguard the foreign officials lives so that they would not be bombed, attacked or abducted by the rampaging Boko Haram insurgents, who were creating havoc in the Northeast.

Oduah said the bulletproof cars were especially necessary because the visit of the airport inspectors coincided with “the peak of Boko Haram terrorists’ menace in the country, when the United Nations building and the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force were bombed in Abuja.”

“It was thus imperative that the NCAA, which is an apex regulatory authority in the Nigerian aviation industry, operating under the SARPs of the ICAO and subject to assessment by ICAO, acquire its own armoured vehicles for the use of the ICAO officials coming for inspection and certification at the time,” Oduah said.

She added that the bulletproof vehicles were captured in the 2013 budget, adding that they were duly procured in line with the Bureau of Public Procurement regulations.

The ex-minister said upon her assumption of office in 2011, she “quickly realised

that the quest for direct foreign investment in Nigeria could not be optimally successful without world standard airports for international and domestic air travels.”

Because of this, she said, she directed that the proposal of N9billion made for the rehabilitation of four airports be made to cover the 22 airports.

She said the respondents would be doing the bidding of her political enemies if they were not stopped.

In the papers she filed before the court, the former minister said the bid to arrest her for a crime she did not commit began as the general election approached.

According to her, the House of Representatives, led by Aminu Tambuwal (now Sokoto State governor), and its Committee on Aviation, were especially out to get her.

But the lawmakers’ move, she said, was part of a grand plan by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to capture power by all means.

The party, she said, carried out a campaign of calumny by “demonising” the most visible leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Being a frontline PDP member, she also became a target, especially as she was seen as playing a crucial role towards the realisation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid.

She said as part of the APC’s campaign of calumny against her and others, the party’s leadership commissioned some faceless organisations to

write letters to the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation.

Among others, she said she was falsely accused of “all manners of corrupt practices and offences in respect of my stewardship as Minister of Aviation.”

Oduah said was shocked by the allegations because the aviation ministry under her watch was run in the cleanest manner imaginable.

The former minister said despite her selfless service to Nigeria and the posive changes made by the ministry under her watch, including the revamping of the country’s air transportation, Tambuwal still ordered her investigation based on the petitions containing “spurious and wild allegations.”

She said because of her electoral value and strategic politicking, she had been a target of the ploy by the APC to weaken the PDP and distract its leaders with trumped up charges.

According to her, part of the APC plan was to charge PDP leaders “in a criminal trial in a Lagos State Governmentcontrolled court.”

Oduah said unless the court intervened, “the APC will unleash repression against her and others and this may cause the country to recede to a oneparty state, with gross adverse effects and irreparable damage to our nascent democracy.”

Justice Yunusa adjourned to October 2 for hearing of her suit.

APC dismayed by Kogi tribunal’s rulings

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HE counsel to the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate for Idah Federal Constituency, Emeje Ajuwa, has expressed unease at the decision of the Justice Akinniyi Akintola-led Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal to revert a ruling it granted.

The counsel, representing Ismail Inah Hussain, who is challenging the election of Emmanuel Egwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as member of the House of Representatives for Idah Federal Constituency, said the panel 2 of the Kogi Election Petition Tribunal on Monday rejected a report not to rely on documents it certified true.

The lawyer said: “The tribu-

From James Azania, Lokoja

nal had on July 24, 2015, granted an order permitting the petitioners to inspect but not examine ballot papers used and unused in respect of some specified polling units of Idah federal constituency.

“Petitioners had on August 5, 2015 complained to the tribunal of the efforts made by the respondents to frustrate the commencement of the inspection which by order of the tribunal was to terminate on that August 5, 2015.

“The tribunal ruled that no extension of time would be granted for purposes of inspection and that the parties should proceed same day to INEC for purposes of the inspection ordered”.

•Lamorde (left) and Budohoski (second left) signing the transfer document...yesterday. With them are EFCC officials and others.

Love scam: EFCC returns N2.314m to Polish victim

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it recovered and returned 10, 540 Euros (N2.314million) to a Polish victim of Internet love scam.

The agency’s Head of Media and Publicity of the agency, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, made the disclosure in a statement in Abuja.

The statement said: “The victim, simply identified as

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Jamina, was allegedly duped of 40,000 Euros by the suspect, Gabriel Oseremen Xavi, who operates a fake Facebook account with the name, Collins Page.

“The suspect was traced to Benin City, Edo State, where he was arrested by EFCC operatives following a petition by the victim.

“Speaking yesterday, at

the Belgium Embassy, Abuja during the presentation of 10,540 Euro recovered from the suspected Internet fraudster, Ibrahim Lamorde, chairman of EFCC, urged Western diplomats to sensitise their citizens against Internet love scam.

“Lamorde also urged them to focus more on lonely elderly people who have been found to be easy prey.

The statement quoted Lamorde as saying: “All the

assets acquired by the suspect from the proceeds of the crime will be disposed off at the conclusion of trial, and the money returned to the victim.”

The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of the money to the Belgian Ambassador, Mr. Stephane De Loecker and his Polish counterpart, Mr. Andrzej Dycha, by Lamorde On his part, De Loecker, thanked the Nigerian gov-

ernment as well as the EFCC for what he described as ‘its commitment to curbing Internet scams.’’

He said it was his first time of witnessing the restitution of a victim of scam by any law enforcement agency and urged the EFCC not to rest on its oars.

The envoy assured that the Belgian government would carry out rigorous campaigns to sensitise its citizens on the dangers of love

scam.

In his remarks, Dycha, who also expressed his gratitude, extended invitation to the EFCC to be part of the meeting of association of EU Consuls to further “advise and sensitise them on Internet scam.”

The presentation was witnessed by the Deputy Head of Mission, Belgian Consulate, Veronique Bernad; Polish Consul, Jakub Budohoski, and EFCC officials.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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NEWS N9.6b loan: Ekiti APC demands explanation From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has asked Governor Ayo Fayose to explain the reason for applying for N9.6b loan as part of the special Federal Government facility for states owing salary.

It said there was no need to draw from a facility approved for states indebted to workers, since the governor had always claimed he did not owe salaries.

The APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said in a statement that the governor’s explanation became pertinent against the backdrop of persistent claims that he did not owe workers.

He added that Fayose’s explanation became necessary on account of Ekiti people’s experience with him on the alleged history of lack of accountability and transparency in the running of the state’s affairs.

“It is difficult to trust a one-man government where the House of Assembly doesn’t have any voice and the Executive Council is not functioning, while the accountant-general and the auditor-general sign documents without questions on what they are asked to do by the governor,” Olatunbosun said.

Oyo tribunal concludes hearing

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HE Oyo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has concluded hearing, after the counsel to the third and fourth respondents, Yusuff Ali (SAN), closed his case yesterday without calling any witness.

The Accord candidate in the governorship election, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, challenged the declaration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the poll before a three-man panel.

The petitioner joined the APC, Dr. Rufus Akeju, the Resident Electoral Commissioner and the Independent

•Adjourns till Sept 30 From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

National Electoral Commission (INEC) as respondents.

Chief Richard Ogunwole (SAN) represented the first and second petitioners. Olumuyiwa Aduroja (SAN) and Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) were counsel to the first and second respondents and Yusuf Ali (SAN), led a team of lawyers for the third and fourth respondents.

Ali said the original INEC documents before the tribunal were evidence that election was held, contrary to the petition by Senator Ladoja and his party.

He added that the original documents admitted as exhibits were testimonies that the results garnered by parties and their governorship candidates were recorded accurately and not falsified as alleged by the petitioners.

Ali said: “Since nobody has tendered any result besides the one announced by INEC, it shows there was no falsification of the results as included in the petition of Senator Ladoja.”

Following the closing of defence by the third and fourth respondents, the threeman tribunal, comprising Justices Muhammad Aliu Maiya-

ki, Muhammad Karaye and J.E. Ikede fixed September 30 for the adoption of final addresses of the lawyers.

Justice Mayaki said: “Time is available for the tribunal to give maximum to the parties involved. “Respondents now have 10 days to write and file their final written addresses, while the petitioners have seven days.”

He said the parties had five days to reply on points of law.

“The parties also have additional 10 pages besides the 40 pages meant for the final addresses of their objections to the admissible of documents tendered during the hearing session,” Justice Mayaki said.

UCH seeks private aid to fight sickle cell From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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HE University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, is seeking private partnership for the treatment of sickle cell anaemia.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Temitope Alonge, spoke yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when conducting the representatives of a Japanbased health providing company, Terumo, on a facility tour of the hospital.

The company donated a medical equipment, Aphresis, for the management of sickle cell anaemia.

Its representatives assured of more assistance to the hospital after the tour.

Facilities inspected included the sickle cell anaemia centre still under construction, the geriatric centre and the renovated blood bank, among others.

The Terumo Group Chairman, Koji Nakao, said: “UCH has potential and Prof. Alonge has been trying to do many things. Just like many endeavours, there are also challenges. But we believe with what we have seen on ground, the hospital is forging ahead and should be supported and encouraged.”

The CMD said findings by the UCH showed that in recent times, the major causes of deaths were infection, cancer, injuries (trauma), cardiovascular problems and sickle cell anaemia, noting that it was doing its best to ensure that patients suffering from any of these diseases got the best treatment.

•Governor Aregbesola (second right), CP Sodipo (second left) and outgoing CP Marafa, during the visit ...yesterday

Osun’s support to police immeasurable, says Aregbesola O SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said no state has equipped the police as Osun in the last five years.

Aregbesola, who hosted the new Police Commissioner, Mr. Kola Sodipo and his outgoing counterpart, Mr. Abubakar Marafa, said Osun was committed to ensuring that the police and other security agencies were supported to protect life and property as well as maintaining the peace.

He noted that the police command was an extension of the civil society and the most visible agency, which protected the people from security threat.

The governor urged the new police boss to maintain professionalism and enjoined his officers and men to uphold the ethics, rules and regulations of policing.

•Police chief promises peace

Said he: “In the last five years of my administration, no state has invested in support of the police as this state has done.

“We have demonstrated this support in the area of procurement of gadgets for effective policing as well as remunerating officers and men of the command.

“As the agency of government that is most visible in the society, we must see police as an extension of ourselves so that we can live peacefully without threat to our life and property.

“The only way the police can reciprocate the gesture of the government is to uphold the ethics of professionalism

’

The only way the police can reciprocate the gesture of the government is to uphold the ethics of professionalism and the management of men and officers

‘

and the management of men and officers.”

Aregbesola hailed the outgoing police commissioner

for his quick response and capacity to prevent crisis.

He said throughout his tenure, no case of robbery was recorded, adding that other police bosses, who served in the state, left indelible marks.

Sodipo said he would secure the state.

He sought the cooperation of the government and the people, noting that the police could not succeed without the cooperation of the people.

The police chief promised to leave the state better and peaceful than he met it.

Marafa thanked the governor, the executive council, the judiciary, Osun monarchs and reporters for their cooperation when he was the police chief.

He said although there were financial hitches in the state, they should be put behind to enable Osun move to glory.

NAFDAC impounds ‘fake’ oils at Oyo markets

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NE thousand five hundred kegs of unregistered vegetable oils were seized on Monday by the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) when the agency raided Agbeni and Bodija markets in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

It said the raid was a continuous exercise to sanitise markets.

The agency’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Mr. Idowu

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Joseph, who led his team from Lagos, stormed the markets about 1:15pm.

He said: “We are in these markets to mop up unregistered vegetable oils, particularly MOI oil.

“They were smuggled and are sold in the markets.

They have not been tested and certified for human consumption by NAFDAC or any approved laborato-

ry.

“We have intelligence gathering informants, intelligence units within the agency and citizens, who give us information on what is going on at the markets. The information gathered led to this operation.”

Joseph said 1,200 kegs of vegetable oils (25 litres) were seized at Agbeni market and 300 kegs were confiscated at Bodija market.

Said he: “At Agbeni mar-

ket, five shops were shut.

One of them contained about 750 kegs. Three people were arrested at Agbeni market. Although some traders were not nabbed, they were invited for interrogation.”

The NAFDAC chief said the traders claimed ignorance of the unregistered items, adding: “We have enlightened the public and the traders to avoid products without NAFDAC numbers.”

‘Lagos ‘ll strive for quality education’

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AGOS State government has said it will strive for the attainment of high standard in education.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Olabisi Ariyo, who spoke yesterday in Lagos at the opening of the eighth edition of the Lagos Book Expo, organised by the Lagos State Television, said developed nations prioritised educational service delivery, hence the need for Nigeria to do so.

Mrs. Ariyo, represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs. Omolara Akin-Aderibigbe, said government’s initiatives were aimed at not only improving learning in the education sector, but also building the capacity of workers to deliver services to the populace.

She hailed the initiative of the organisers at reviving reading culture and for offering opportunity for books to be purchased at discounted rates.

The permanent secretary said: “Let me urge stakeholders to see this eighth edition as an opportunity to improve on their reading culture, bearing in mind that reading leads to information. I enjoin you to take advantage of the expo to imbibe the habit of reading books for your development, using the knowledge acquired for the country’s advancement.”

Army chief visits Ondo, Ekiti governors

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HE Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kuta A.Y. Isiyaku, has visited Governors Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi and heads of para-military in Ondo and Ekiti states.

He visited them after assuming duty at the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Military Cantonment, Akure.

The Army chief hailed Governor Mimiko for supporting security agencies in the struggle to combat crimes.

He promised, with the support of his officers and men, to sustain the fight against insecurity.

Gen. Isiyaku praised the governor’s efforts at ensuring the collaboration of security agents and urged the public to inform them of suspected actions and persons that could threaten security.

He enjoined the indigenes to be law-abiding, assuring them of the security of life and property.

Dr. Mimiko advised the officers and men to be disciplined. He promised to support the brigade and hailed the officers and men for ensuring peace.

In attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Aderotimi Adelola, the Chief of Staff, Dr. Kola Ademujimi, the Secretary, Cabinet, Mr. Gbenga Elewuju and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Awogbami.

8

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

NEWS ALL FOR GANI

Father paraded for ‘sleeping with’ daughter

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• Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise & Campaign for Democracy (third right); Comrade Ayo Adewale, former Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government (second right), Comrade Ayodele Akele, Chairman, Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation (GAFAMORG) (second left) and others at the memorial procession & rally to mark the sixth anniversary of the death of Gani Fawehinmi, organised by (GAFAMORG) in Lagos...yesterday

Fayose to teachers: resume late and be sacked

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KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose has told teachers to be prepared for surprise visits.

He said anyone who resumes late or is absent, would be sacked.

The governor warned civil servants against engaging in private businesses during office hours, saying such workers would also be dismissed.

Fayose, who spoke yesterday at a meeting with stakeholders in the education sector ahead of an education summit holding next week, said there must be attitudinal change by parents, teachers, pupils and other stakeholders.

The governor at another forum with civil servants said he had pardoned those apprehended on Monday, adding that the government would no longer discipline them.

He urged indigenes and residents to pay taxes, to assist his administration to make life easy, stressing that “there is no more free launch

•Pardons those ‘apprehended’ on Monday From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

anywhere.”

Addressing stakeholders on the summit, Fayose said the education sector was in a shambles, hence the need to invite stakeholders to rescue it.

Emphasising his love for teachers, the governor said he would not condone indiscipline and other acts that could jeopardise the future of the pupils.

He said: “Although I love teachers, I will pay unscheduled visits to schools and if I take the roll call and you are not there, you are gone. You people don’t like the truth, but it must be told.

“We have a great country, great people, but bad attitude. There must be attitudinal change. In many government offices, some workers sell pepper and palm oil.

Anybody caught selling in offices will be in trouble.

“Many governments can no longer pay WAEC fees. We have to face the fact. If returning the (mission) schools to the owners will help some solve many of these problems, I’m ready to do it.

“I advise our people to plan their family because educating these children is not easy.

The standard of education is very poor. Some of these girls in our universities can’t speak correct English.”

Fayose said private school owners must be ready to pay new taxes.

He vowed to compel them to declare the number of pupils in their schools by swearing to an affidavit.

The governor said: “You have to declare your pupils and you will swear to an oath. If I visit your school, which has 500 pupils and you declare 200 pupils, you are in trouble.”

Addressing civil servants, he said he would hold a dialogue with them on the way forward.

Fayose urged the workers to meet their labour union leaders and agree on a decision whether Ekiti should take the bailout or not.

He said the bailout would commit the state to a debt burden for 20 years.

“Anything that will bring you relief, I’m ready to do it and I will take your permission before I give them the Irrevocable Standard Payment Order (ISPO) in Abuja.

“I want you to know that N8 billion in 20 years will be N22 billion. I am saying this because after I might have left office, it will not look as if I deliberately plunge the state into debt.

“I need to remind you that it is from the same allocation that I will accommodate N600 million bond, deduction of the commercial loans plus the wage.

“When allocation comes and they deduct everything from it, you will not say I didn’t tell you.”

Assembly okays Amosun’s N18b loan request T HE Ogun State House of Assembly yesterday approved Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s request to obtain N18.9billion loan facility to offset outstanding deductions and subventions owed civil servants.

The loan, which is expected to be sourced from the Guaranty Trust Bank, under the Federal Government bailout programme, was broken down into N9.779billion for outstanding deductions and subven-

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

tions and N9.139billion for the local governments.

The approval followed the governor’s letter to the Assembly, read by Speaker Suraj Adekunbi during plenary.

The House in a Resolution 008/2015 authorised the restructuring of the commercial bank loans into Federal

Government bonds.

Mrs. Yetunde Sogbein, representing Odeda Constituency, who spoke in support of the motion for the N18.9billion loan, as moved

by Yinka Mafe (Sagamu), said it would serve as a relief to the government in paying the backlog of debt owed public servants.

Mrs. Sogbein said the payment would also give sucour to the workers and boost their

T

By Adebisi Onanuga

NSCIA, in a statement by the Chairman, Sanni Yakubu Olaide, berated Fayose for his criticism, saying: “Fair as this observation may appear, we feel it may interest the public to know what this governor that is now calling the kettle black is doing in his own state”.

They accused Fayose of lopsidedness in appointments, saying he had appointed only four Muslims so far, representing 0.05 per cent of the 80 political and career appointments, “representing 80 per cent of the total appointment he intends to make, compared to that of

Buhari, who has appointed less than 20 per cent of his political appointees, of which 22.5 per cent are southerners.”

While conceding to the governor, his right to criticise President Buhari on equitable distribution of political offices, the NSCIA urged him to correct what it called lopsided appointments, to give the people freedom of expression he enjoyed under the President.

The organisation lamented that while Fayose did not consider it fair to appoint Muslims into political offices, he appointed his son as his personal assistant, bringing to five the number of people appointed from his home town, Afao-Ekiti, “when most big

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

married another woman, who bore him two children, before she died two years ago.

Addressing reporters, Ahmed said: “I don’t know what came over me. Since April, I’ve been having sex with my daughter. Anytime we are doing it, I don’t see anything wrong in it. I had sex with her six times.”

NSCDC spokesman Wale Folarin said: “We were informed by one of Ahmed’s neighbours that he usually hears the girl’s cries every night. He said this made him to enquire from the girl, who told him what has been happening to her.”

Card readers ‘worked’

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday opened his defence at the Election Petition Tribunal in Abeokuta.

His four witnesses said the card readers functioned at the polling units where they were accredited before voting in the April 11 governorship election.

Amosun’s defence was opened after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Gboyega Isiaka, closed his case on Tuesday, having called nine witnesses and tendered over 4,000 evidence.

The governor’s four witnesses designated as RW1 RW4, were led in evidence by his counsel, Dr. Olumide Ayeni. The quartet adopted their sworn statements of affidavit on oath deposed to by them on May 14, before the court.

The witnesses, who also showed the court their permanent voter cards, were, however, cross examined by Isiaka’s counsel, Adetunji

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Oyeyipo (SAN) and they testified that the card readers worked in their units.

The witnesses are: Hazzan Olajide (RW1) of Borehole Unit 12 in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Sitonji Joel Omobolanle (RW2) of IdiOta Unit 15 (Ado/Odo/Ota), Pastor Wale Onaolapo (RW3)(the All Progressives Congress-APC Chairman, Odeda Local Government) and Sumbo Odemakinde (RW4) of Unit 3, Ward 4, Odeda Local Government.

In his oral application for adjournment, Ayeni said the witnesses, whose number initially were put at 25 during the pre-trial phase, would be streamlined, adding that there might not be need to use all the days recommended by law to defend the case.

The tribunal Chairman, Justice Henry Olusiyi, adjourned the case till tomorrow for further defence by Amosun and the APC.

‘Osun staff audit not for witch-hunt’

O •Amosun

morale, as they are partners in Amosun’s mission to rebuild the state.

NSCIA slams Ekiti governor on Buhari’s appointments HE Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Ekiti State chapter, has slammed Governor Ayodele Fayose for criticising President Muhammadu Buhari’s political appointments.

The governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Lere Olayinka, said of 31 persons appointed by President Buhari since May 29, only seven were from the South.

Fayose described the appointments as lopsided and “tinted in ethnic and tribal colouration”, stressing that “if such step is not checked, it will threaten the unity of Nigeria”.

34-YEAR-old man, Mohammed Ahmed, was paraded yesterday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, by the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for alleged incest.

The suspect was alleged to have been sleeping with his 14-year-old daughter since April. He was recently apprehended by officials of the NSCDC. It was learnt that the girl, a primary 4 pupil in a public school, lived with her father and her nine-year-old sister in a room.

The Nation gathered that the girl’s mother separated from her father for unknown reason.

The suspect reportedly

towns are yearning for one appointment.”

NSCIA recalled that Muslims, at different times and under different democratic governments, were elected and appointed as deputy governors, secretaries to the state government, chairmen and members of statutory boards and commissions, special advisers, permanent secretaries, chairmen and members of parastatals, among others.

It said it wondered why the governor thought what the Muslims deserved in his government “is one special adviser, one of the 16 council caretaker committee chairmen and one member of the House of Assembly”.

SUN State government has assured that the staff audit, which ended on Monday, was not to witch-hunt any civil servant.

The exercise, which began on August 19, was to determine the staff strength and address ghost workers, if any.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Before the exercise, the government said the monthly wage bill was N3.6billion.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, said the audit was done in good faith.

‘SIEC members are Fayose’s loyalists’

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HE former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Femi Bamisile, has said the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) comprises loyalists of Governor Ayo Fayose.

Bamisile, in a statement yesterday, alleged that any election conducted by the commission might not be free and fair because of the closeness of the SIEC members to the governor.

He urged his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to field candidates for the council election.

Bamisile said: “Our party has the final say on whether to participate or boycott the election, based on the factor of cordiality between the governor/PDP and the EKSIEC, which is supposed to conduct the local govern-

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

ment election.

“I want to implore that APC should allow its members to participate in the council poll on the grounds that it will assess our preparedness and efforts in party building.

“It will give the public the opportunity to understand the political desperation of the governor in holding on to power, confirming that he is the defacto EKSIEC boss. All elections are not meant to be won.

“I am confident that Ekiti people will vote for our party in most councils and wards, if not all, during the election, considering the poor performance of the Fayose administration.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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NEWS Ijaw community threatens to shut NPDC’s operations From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

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HE Diebiri-Batan community of Diebiri clan in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State yesterday threatened to shut the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), if it fails to meet its demands at engagement with Alex Ebi Fenineme-led executive.

But the community hailed the company for upholding a court judgment which it said was in line with international best practices in the Oil and Gas sector.

In a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Alex Ebi Fenineme and copied to the Delta State government, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander, State Security Service (SSS) and the police, the community urged NPDC to convene a meeting where the award of contracts and employment opportunities, stipulated in their letter, would be addressed.

The statement said: “In the event of your (NPDC’s) failure, we shall not hesitate to resort to self-help.

“Our executives are prepared to work with you for smooth and unhindered operational activities as the authentic executives of DiebiriBatan community.”

The community hailed Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for swearing in the board members of the state’s Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

Jonathan, others for Dickson’s declaration From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

F

ORMER President Goodluck Jonathan, former Bayelsa State Governor D. S. P. Alamieyeseigha, Ijaw leaders and other political heavyweights from the Southsouth are among dignitaries expected at the second term declaration of Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson next Tuesday.

Others include the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party’s governors and National Assembly members.

Alamieyeseigha described Dickson as a good product, who would be easy to market for a second tenure in office.

The former governor spoke when Dickson visited him at his country home in Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

He said Dickson performed well and deserved a second tenure to consolidate on the gains of his Restoration Agenda.

Alamieyeseigha noted that Dickson’s candidature would give the PDP victory in the December 5 governorship poll.

Party faithful, the governor’s supporters, friends and well wishers are expected to attend the event, scheduled for 10pm.

Dickson, Sylva mourn as ex-PDP Chair Inokaba dies at 66

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AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson and his predecessor Chief Timipre Sylva have expressed sadness at the death of former Chairman of the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Col. Sam Inokaba (retd.).

He was 66.

Inokaba defected recently to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and bought the party’s nomination form ahead of the governorship election on December 5.

Inokoba passed on 19 days after dumping the PDP, a party he led for over three years, for the APC. It was gathered that the APC chieftain died a month to his 67th birthday at the Military Cantonment Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State.

Prior to his demise, Inokoba was said to have paid N6.5 million to obtain the nomination and expression of interest forms ahead of the governorship election on December 5.

Following some political developments in the state, Inokoba reportedly relocated his family to Lagos State. He was said to have slumped and died yesterday while visiting them.

Before his death, Inokoba’s health generated some concerns as he was said to have slumped on some occasions at public functions.

While some claimed the former PDP chairman died of food poisoning, others said he died of cardiac arrest.

But his son, Waripamo Inokoba said: “My father slumped at 2am on Wednesday and was confirmed dead before he was taken to the hospital. Some of our people are on their way to Lagos to bring back his body.”

A statement by Waripamo and Elder Clee Inokoba confirmed the incident.

It said: “We, the Inokoba family of Amakiriebiama and Akengele family of Isounbiri compound, all in Odi Kingdom, Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, wish to announce the death of our son, uncle, father and grand-father, Col. Sam Inokoba, who passed on in the early hours of Wednesday.”

Inokoba’s death shocked Bayelsa APC stalwarts and members.

•Inokoba (second right) being handed a broom, the symbol of the APC, at the mega rally in Yenagoa

When Inokoba joined APC

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HE late Col. Sam Inokoba (retd.) was the surprise package of the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

He dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he chaired for over three years, following his travails in the party.

That he joined the progressives was an indication that the crisis in the PDP had worsened, despite efforts by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and former President Goodluck Jonathan to resolve it.

The PDP crisis worsened when the State Working Committee (SWC), supported by politicians loyal to Governor Seriake Dickson, suspended Inokoba for alleged diversion of money donated for the party’s presidential campaign.

Despite his reported proof of innocence, the SWC insisted that Inokoba should go and approved Chief Serena Dokubo as the party’s acting chairman.

The NWC reportedly rejected the move.

The Bayelsa PDP became more chaotic when it suspended and expelled some of its leaders, after indicting them of anti-party activities.

The aggrieved members described the action as illegal.

PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) mediated in the dispute on August 1 at a meeting in Jonathan’s courtyard in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area. It lifted the suspension and expulsion of some members and ordered the party to revert to the status quo.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

The state’s APC Leader and former Governor Timipre Sylva, in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, described the late Inokoba as a great community leader and an intelligent politician.

The former governor said Inokoba’s contributions to the society would be missed by

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

But peace gesture crumbled, following the insistence of a splinter group loyal to Dickson, that Inokoba was not among those the BoT reinstated.

The anti-Inokoba forces were said to have mounted pressure on him to resign, leading to the formation of the PDP Unity Group by his loyalists.

The former PDP chairman was reportedly fed up with the overtures of Dickson’s supporters and decided to dump the PDP. He expressed eagerness afterwards and declared for the APC at the mega rally. The former PDP chairman mounted the rostrum and identified himself as the leader of the party’s defectors.

He described the occasion as a day of decision, referring to those who defected with him as people of like minds who were taking their destinies into their hands.

Inokaba said the defectors were compelled to join the APC because the state’s party leadership had abandoned the tenets of good governance.

The former PDP chairman said their decision to join the APC was driven by the spirits of patriotism towards a corporate destiny, adding that the labour of their founding fathers should not be in vain.

Calling for a change in the state, he said: “Today, Bayelsa, the glory of all lands, has become a Fuji House of Commotion and madness. The government of restoration has now turned to become a government of retrogression and stagnation, virtually in all sectors of our economy. “

Bayelsa residents and Nigerians.

He said his death left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

Sylva said: “The news of the death of Col. Inokoba (retd.) was a terrible shock to me, my family and the APC family in Bayelsa State and other parts of Nigeria. We share the grief of his family and friends.

“Inokoba was not only close to me, personally, but as a new convert to the current change agenda in Bayelsa State, we shared dreams of a better state, thoughts about the challenges ahead and regrets about the condition of things in our state.

“He leaves a vacuum that can never be filled. His intellect, political sagacity, insight and passion for the state, the Ijaw and Nigeria, generally, are

Amaechi’s probe: IHRHL cautions Rivers Government

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HE Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL) yesterday asked the Rivers State Government to pay attention to issues raised on procedural fairness against the Judicial Probe Panel investigating the past administration of Governor Chibuike Amaechi.

It advised members of the panel to excuse themselves from the inquiry if it becomes compelling on them to bow to pressure from the powers that be.

The IHRHL gave the advice in a statement by its Executive Director, Anyakwee Nsirimovu.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

The statement said: “The attention of the Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL), has been drawn to the alarms being consistently raised on the subject: Procedural Fairness of the Rivers State government Judicial Probe Panel to investigate the past administration of Governor Chibuike Amaechi . “ It is in this regard that we issue the present Advisory to the State government, to the effect that due consideration be given to such critical alarms, as it has everything to do with the legitimacy of the Panel

process and delivery of its eventual outcome.

“IHRHL therefore, calls on the State Government and the Panel as constituted to take seriously the issues of procedural fairness and bias as raised, with a view to correcting same and make necessary amends in the interest of natural justice.

“This is critical because of the gravity of the attachable punishment or consequences of the outcome of the panel decision on the accused.

“It is pertinent that patience, not impatience and unnecessary speed is necessary to foster justice. In the quest for justice, two wrongs have nev-

er and will never culminate in a right.

“IHRHL calls on the membership of the panel to insist on not failing principles, but if it becomes necessary, fail principalities and powers, who may be out to subvert justice, by excusing themselves from the panel.

“They should do justice to the accused, the state and to history. They must show that the Rule of Law knows no fear, and when duly applied, heavens never fall.”

The organization also advised the state government to appreciate that the nation is in a constitutional democracy.”

wonderful qualities that we cherished.

“Inokoba was a true leader, a successful family man, a great community leader and a retired soldier. Our thoughts are with the bereaved family at this time of grief. Inokoba will be missed by all of us.”

He added: “We know that the memory of Inokoba will serve as an inspiration to Bayelsans that knew him.”

Dickson, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, expressed shock and disbelief on the incident.

The governor described Inokaba’s death as a sad and painful loss, adding that he would be missed by his family and close associates, especially the political class.

He prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Dickson assured the bereaved family of the government’s preparedness to support and participate in the funeral of the deceased.

One of the early sympathisers to the house and former member of the State House of Assembly, Indutimi Komonibo, in a condolence register at the home of the deceased, wrote: “Inokoba is a great loss to us. (It’s) Hard to believe.

But no one can question God.” Also, a former Guardian employee and ex-Special Adviser on Media to the Goodluck Jonathan administration in the state, Dickson Ageda, described the death of the former PDP chairman as “shocking and a painful exit”.

Ayade seeks partnership with legislature

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ROSS River State Governor Ben Ayade has assured the legislature of a strong relationship with the executive arm of government in the state.

The governor said his administration would take the state to an enviable height.

Ayade spoke yesterday in Obudu at the inauguration of the constituency office of the House of Representatives member representing Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra, Legor Idagbor.

The lawmaker also empowered his constituents in collaboration with a mobile network service provider, Airtel.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

NNPC to unbundle PPMC • Says refineries not for sale From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

I

N a bid to ensure lean, efficient and profitable operations, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is to commence the unbundling of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Ltd into three different companies.

Its Group Managing Director, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu who spoke during an official tour of the Okrika Jetty and the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited yesterday, said the PPMC would be split into a pipelines company that would focus primarily on the maintenance of the over 5,000 kilometers pipelines of the Corporation; a storage company that would maintain all the over 23 depots and a products marketing company that would market and sell petroleum products.

He said the move would ensure that the right set of skills are rightly positioned and the number of leakages in terms of pipelines break and products loss are reduced to the barest minimum.

Its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ohi Alegbe in a statemnt, explained that the GMD also noted that the ongoing phased rehabilitation of all the stateowned refineries would be given an accelerated vigour with the aim of reducing petroleum products importation into the country, adding that at full capacity, all the refineries could supply only 20 million litres of premium motor spirit otherwise known as petrol on a daily basis.

Dr. Kachikwu assured that the refineries would not be sold, adding that joint venture partners with established track records of success in refining would be invited to support the running of the refineries in order to ensure efficiency.

He said efforts are in top gear to fix all the crude oil and petroleum products pipelines across the country stressing that the Nigerian Airforce would be engaged to provide aerial survey of the pipelines, the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps to fix and police the pipelines. The Nigerian Navy will provide marine surveillance for the network of pipelines.

Dr. Kachikwu commended NNPC’s engineers for the successful execution of ongoing phased rehabilitation of the refineries and urged them to prepare a replacement programmes for obsolete spare parts of all NNPC’s installations in order to avoid intermittent shut down of facilities.

Speaking in a similar vein, the Managing Director of the PHRC, Dr. Bafred Audu Enjugu said ongoing phased rehabilitation of the company cost a little less than $10 million adding that the job was holistically carried out by indigenous engineers without any foreign support.

“The governors owe Nigerians explanations why they could not pay their workers because they collect money from Abuja every month. So, what did they do with all the money? Some of them were launching ambitious projects that were unrealistic such as building airports.”

-Managing Director, Neo Media & Marketing, Mr Ehi Braimah

‘Buhari’s directive led to improved power supply’ T HE Permanent Secre tary, Ministry of Power, Dr. Godknows Igali, has said the steady increase in power supply in the country was due to President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to actors in the power sector to redouble their efforts.

He said the president charged them to leave no stone unturned in ensuring uninterrupted power supply to Nigerians during his tenure.

Igali spoke in Abuja during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two indigenous investors in the power sector – Messrs. New Horizons Energy Resources and Quaint Global Energy Solutions.

The two firms are interested in renewable projects, especially solar, biomass and thermal plants respectively.

Igali said the recent increase in power supply is not as a

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

result of rain, as being speculated in some quarters, as marginal improvement from our hydro cannot be responsible for this fact, but it is as a result of increase in gas supply to the thermal plants, adding that our Anti-Vandalism Campaign is also yielding positive results.

In a statement endorsed by the Ministry’s Deputy Director (Press), Timothy Oyedeji yesterday, Igali said to sustain this trend, the present administration is determined to look in the direction of renewables, hence more emphasis will be placed on solar energy source.

He reasoned that with clusters of solar plants built across the country, technical losses occasioned by hauling of energy over long dis-

tances will be reduced because the renewable source can be deplored effectively.

Captive power in embedded manner will also be available to distribution companies (DISCOs) at the distribution levels.

He commended the companies for working with the Federal Government in the development of mini power generation and micro grid, stressing that these efforts will translate to power stability and reliability.

Igali said the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is working on the critical corridors that would enhance the nation’s transmission capacity, enough to evacuate all energy to be produced that more gas will be available to the thermal plants.

An official of Quaint Glo-

bal Energy Solutions, Seun Solesi, told the Permanent Secretary that his company is to enjoy a grant of $1.3 million from the Obama Power Africa Initiative’s United States Trade Development Agency to carry out feasibility studies for its 50megawatts (Mw) solarpowered plant in Machiok, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. He said with foreign partners, the project will start in earnest on 150 hectares of land approved by Governor Nasir el-Rufai.

The representative of New Horizons said when the project come upstream, Nigerians will be recruited and trained in the U.S, while materials for building the plant would be sourced locally.

He said the plan of the company is to build 100Mw solar power plant in Nasarawa State, 300 – 400Mw of biomass in Cross River and 300Mw of thermal in Rivers State.

• President Muhammadu Buhari in a handshake with the Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu when the Commission briefed the President on its activities in Abuja yesterday.

Labour pickets Costain over unpaid salaries

By Toba Agboola

W

ORKERS of Costain West Africa Plc,yesterday in Lagos picketed the construction firm over backlog of unpaid salaries and pensions.

The angry workers who besieged the company as early as 7am with placards, expressed dissatisfaction over unpaid salaries and refusal of the owners of firm to keep to their promise of paying up.

The workers said its workers in Lagos, Yola, Adamawa State, Abuja and Port Harcourt, Rivers State are owed six, 10, nine and nine months respectively.

Besides, pensioners of the firm claimed they are being owed 62 months arrears.

Chairman, Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA), Costain Chapter, Mr. Ibrahim Opeola, who addressed the workers, said the management and of the firm are insensitive to the plight of the workers.

He alleged that managemnt of the firm diverted its resources to developing their personal businesses leaving the workers to bleed.

He said: “Our retirees and workers are dying and contractors and suppliers are being owed millions of naira, yet the management of the company abandoned us. We have not been working since the past two weeks because there is no money to buy fuel while our electricity company has disconnected us.’’

One of the retirees, Peter Ehijiejba, who spoke with reporters said life has become intolerable to him due to his unpaid pension.

“I have worked with this company for 21 years, but I am yet to get my entitlement. It is sad because most of us are dying and some of our colleagues are on sick bed. We want to plead with the management of the company to consider our age and give us what belongs to us,” he said.

Chairman of the company, Mr. Kola Kareem , however, confirmed that the company owes junior workers three months, while senior workers were owed four months salaries

We’ll block revenue leakages, says NPA chief

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EINSTATED Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director Mallam Habib Abdullahi has unveiled a fully Integrated Revenue Invoicing Management System(RIMS) to block all leakages, lower operational cost and shorten the time for documentation to boost quick cargo clearance and make the ports leader in Africa.

Addressing over 3,000 stakeholders during a oneday sensitisation forum in Lagos yesterday, the NPA chief said the RIMS was introduced to improve efficiency in ports operation, reduce costs and time of clearing cargoes from the ports and give value to customers

• Nigerian ports eye leader in Africa

By Oluwakemi Dauda

and stakeholders.

He said the Electronic Payment System (EPS) and the Electronic Ship Entry Notice (E-Sen) that were introduced by the NPA in February and September last year, was the first step towards full automation of its processes.

According to him, NPA in the last three years, has made gradual but giant strides in addressing inefficiencies at the ports through technology driven process improvement.

Abdullahi said the initiative is complementary to the previous ones which will make ports wit-

ness further growth in its performance indices and a step towards making the ports the leader in Africa.

He said port operations involves a networkof processes and documentations along the chain of activities from the port of loading to the port of destination, adding that effective coordination of these activities makes the integration of the processes through automation necessary in order to facilitate seamless operations thereby reducing both costs and time.

Stakeholders at the forums agreed that the E-Sen has

improved efficiency in port operations as well as giving value to them.

He said: “Today, we are presenting the Revenue Invoicing Management System and Customer Portal that are fully convergent and real time platforms for our processes, which will lower operational cost and shorten the time for documentation.

These platforms fully integrate the electronic flow of information for business– to–customer and business– to–business streams realtime, with higher availability and flexible architecture.

The platforms are also fully

integrated with all our existing solutions such as Oracle Financials, Oracle Human Capital Management, NPA Paydirect via Interswitch and Electronic Ship Entry Notice (eSEN).

“The introduction of this system has the potential to improve our service offering, improve our partner relationship, create efficient payment method, maximise revenue and minimise loss associated with fraud and revenue leakage.

“The Customer Self Service Portal, he said, provides a platform for NPA customers to initiate and conclude their business process with the agency and also communicate with it.”

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Oil glut: GE, others explore non-oil sectors M

ULTINATIONAL oil service firms, inc luding General Electric and Schlumberger are investing and consolidating their non-oil investments in order to lessen the impact of the fall in price of crude oil.

The glut in the global oil market has exceeded a year, a development which made the companies to review their portfolios by way of increasing investment in non- oil sectors. The new-found sectors by oil firms include transportation, construction, aviation and healthcare, among others.

The Chief Operating Officer, General Electric, West Africa, Uzochi Nwagwu, said the firm will not scale down its operation in response to the slump in the oil price, because it has invested considerably in many areas outside oil. He listed the areas to include aviation, health, power and water resources.

He said the organisation is supplying and servicing equipment used in hospitals, servicing aviation operators such as Arik, Kenyan and Ethiopian Airways, among other airlines. He said the firm is equally providing equipment and services to power generation companies (GenCos); and exploring opportunities in rail transportation by moving heavy goods across the country in order to help reduce hazards, occasioned by road and water transportation.

By Akinola Ajibade

Nwagwu, while speaking during a tour of GE facility in Onne, Rivers State, said the firm has diversified its operation, so as to have a balanced portfolio and further reduce whatever shocks that are coming from the tumble in the oil market.

“We at GE have created a balanced portfolio as part of efforts to guide against turbulence in the oil and gas sector. A downturn period is a period that is actually meant for investment. During turbulent times, we invest more because we are looking for more friends or customers. It is during such period that an organisation knows its true friends,” he said.

He explained that the fall in global oil crisis has resulted in lack of new investment and reduction in number of activities carried out by operators, noting that GE has positioned itself in such a way that it can actually prevent a spillover effect of the fall in oil prices on its operation.

“In terms of value proposition, GE is there. The firm is providing services to multiple companies or institutions. Apart from rendering services to oil majors such as Shell, ExxonMobil, Agip, Seplat, and others, GE provides services for the Niger Delta Development Company (NDDC) and other local operators in the oil and gas industry. That is why the company

is not bothered as such,” he said.

Also, Schlumberger is said to be considering investment in rail construction as part of its divestment programmes. The company, which has a long record of service in the nation’s oil and gas has intimated Nigerians of its plan to diversify its operations, with a view to expand its growth.

Efforts made to speak to Mr. Tonye Briggs, Vice President, Africa, Schneider Electric on measures his organisation is putting in place to reduce the shocks created by the slump in oil price proved abortive as he neither picked his

calls, nor replied to the short messages (sms) sent to him on the issue.

The President, Petroleum and Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Emeka Ene, said it is normal for companies to strategise during a turbulent period by looking for areas where they can maximise their potentials in order to improve their earnings.

He said the decline in the prices of oil is impacting negatively on operation of both local and foreign owned oil service companies operating in Nigeria, adding that firms rejig their portfolios to enable them turn their weaknesses into strengths.

He said a well diversified portfolio is a good option to foreign conglomerates operating in Nigeria because they want to continue in business. He noted that indigenous oil servicing firms are witnessing what he described as a period of realignment of ideas, as a result of challenges facing the sector.

Ene listed the problems to include the divestment of shares in the industry by the International Oil Companies (IOCs), absence of new business, reviewing of the old contracts by operators, fall in the global oil price, and many others.

Fed Govt urged to key into process technology

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HE Federal Government’s efforts to overhaul the petroleum industry has been commended.

Giving the commendation was the Principal Consultant, Lonadek Oil and Gas, Dr Ibilola Amao, who said process technology must be given given urgent attention to exploit the abundant natural resources including oil and gas, which the country is endowed with.

Process technology is basically taking crude and putting it into a process whereby it is translated from its natural state to finished products. Amao said lack of process technology strategy was the end result of poverty, unemployment and lack of value creation ravaging the nation’s economy.

She stated that the energy and power equation would be solved when gas is utilised appropriately to drive the Independent Power Projects (IPPs), adding this would ensure uninterrupted power supply in the country. According to her, with process technology in place, crude and other mineral resources would rather be refined incountry and be exported as finished products The oil and gas sector accounts for about 35 per cent of gross domestic product while petroleum export revenue represents over 90 per cent of total exports revenue. Economic analysts say Nigeria is losing so much money by exporting the crude to other countries and importing them as finished products. “According to them, when you export crude you are at the same time exporting other by-products” she said.

Amao, who spoke with The Nation on telephone, said Nigeria is wasting money exporting crude oil blaming the development on lack of process technology strategy. “With process technology strategy in place, our refineries and the petrochemical plants would be working. We will be optimising our natural resources, and with this, the country would become an industrial and agro-based

By Ambrose Nnaji

economy,” she said.

She said the country does not have enough qualified personnel to understudy the experts and also lack the zeal and passion to acquire knowledge. If this development is not checked, she noted, technology transfer would only be a mirage, documented on paper with little or no result.

“We really need to get carrier counseling in place, people with the right passion to acquire technology and deploy them with a strategic roadmap that will give the succession plan a minimum number of years,” she said.

She also said there was the need to address the calibre and number of human resources in the regulatory arm of the hydrocarbon industry in the country. This, she said, would help to address some of the anomalies that currently plague the industry. She said some of the regulatory bodies such as the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR); Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB); Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) charged with the responsibility of developing, communicating and enforcing regulation as well as supervising compliance through monitoring and evaluation, are, however, do not focus on certification, competency and field development.

According to her, some of the regulatory bodies do not have the right manpower to do their jobs effectively, which she said makes it possible for people to practise what they like and get away with it.

“We really need to be focused on the development and socio-economic transformation of the nation, but if you and I go about soliciting for our own comfort and our private well-being, we will continue to be in economic decay in this country,” she said.

•From left: Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Dr. Ibe Kachikwu with former Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba at the Special Panel Session on PIB at the ongoing 55th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja.

Operators decry losses from non-passage of PIB

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PERATORS of the Nigerian oil and gas industry are counting their losses arising from the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which has been before the National Assembly for over a decade.

The non-passage and its consequences, according to them, include uncertainties over investment in exploration and production, which boosts oil output and reserves as well as funding of operations.

The bill has been undergoing changes from one legislative assembly to another as a result of disagreements between stakeholders over fiscal and structural provisions in the bill. The development led to abandonment of decisions in taking risks to make new discoveries, developing existing acreages and injecting new technologies, therefore, activities have been very low in the industry over the years.

The lingering bill has created uncertainty that has continued to hang on the business environment, compelling foreign and local investors to cancel or delay business decisions that would have kept activities in the industry alive and growing.

The Managing Director of Seplat Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Austin Avuru said: “There are too many contending issues that are lumped into one piece of legislation including issues that were never in dispute; including issues that we didn’t need to revisit. And in the process they have thrown the indus-

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

try into an impasse; you can’t move forward because everybody, especially the multinationals operating in the deep offshore and who have to make multibillion dollar investments, are in an uncertain business climate. Clearly they have pulled back their pen and they are not taking final investment decision (FID).

“What is stopping the industry from moving forward is the uncertainty created by the possibility of a new legislation that is not clearly understood. And, therefore, you can’t take the risk of making heavy investments because you can’t be certain until that piece of legislation becomes law. And so, as long as there is suspense, there will be a lull.

The entire industry is in suspense.

Every month, you hear about dwindling revenues in the federation account. Yes, it will continue,” he pointed out.

On the whole, he said: “our survey of oil industry challenges in the wake of the oil price fall exposed crippling challenges that are eroding profitability.”

Avuru also said: “Across the industry, cost has gone up 10 fold from where we were 25 years ago. As a young well-site geologist in the 1980s, and if you recall those terms of the 1985 and 1987 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) nominal technical cost was pegged at $3.50 per barrel. It was expected that average technical cost (operating expendi-

ture and capital expenditure) was $3.50 per barrel. That means you have to be operating below $3.50 to be efficient. If you are doing above $3.50 you are considered expensive.

“Today, that cost has gone up to $30.50 per barrel. So, in the past 30 years, we have allowed a lot of things to creep in. There is the crisis in the Niger Delta; increase in the security apparatus to do the business, there is an increase in everything.

All the costs have piled up onto the cost of production.

“And one of the biggest issues, why there appears to be a disagreement between government and operators over the PIB is because government believes that the fiscal regime cannot be predicated on $35 per barrel. And you can understand their frustration. They were there when the cost was $3.50 per barrel.

“But the industry is saying the cost is the cost. If it is $35 per barrel then it is $35 per barrel. People don’t realise that this is where the disagreement resides. The debate is on the cost parameters used to model the fiscal regime. So, the industry has undergone a huge escalation in cost.

Unfortunately, nobody has tried to stem that tide because it has escalated beyond control.”

However, beyond the arguments is the fact that the domestic operating environment appears to be losing the necessary conditions required for commercial investments to make appreciable returns and deliver profits to shareholders.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

15

ENERGY For several years, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was an epitome of corruption as it was hardly accountable and transparent to tax payers. The new management is battling to address these issues, writes JOHN OFIKHENUA.

AVIATION NNPC embarks on recovery measures

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HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) now churns out press releases almost every day on its activities; a departure from the past when the corporation’s operation was shrouded in secrecy. Previously, little or no news emanated from the information unit of the corporation, but now the unit is super-active.

The NNPC made the security of pipeline the responsibility of private individuals for no justifiable reason other than outright shirking of the duty of the police and navy, but according to an analyst, the step was a measure to placate kinsmen and political allies. Now it is no more business as usual.

Several years of alibi for why the country could not refine crude in its refineries, and undue dependence on imported fuel suddenly seems to be coming to an end as the refineries have become functional.

The body language of the Presidency and the changes already made, point to how the corporation can flourish in the next four years.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s first action to transforming the NNPC, was the removal of a near dormant Group Managing Director (GMD), Dr. Joseph Dawha. It was either the former NNPC boss was bereft of ideas about how to run the corporation or someone weighed him down, and made the office suffer neglect.

But on August 3, Buhari returned the corporation to the path of revival , competitiveness and profitability with the appointment of Dr, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu as the new NNPC and the retirement of eight Group Executive Directors ( GEDs) namely: Mr. Bernard Otti, GED Finance and Accounts; Dr. Timothy Okon, Acting GED Exploration and Production, who also doubles as Coordinator, Corporate Planning & Strategy; Engr. Adebayo Ibirogba, Engineering and Technology; Dr. David Ige, Gas and Power; Ms. Aisha Abdurrahman, Commercial and Investment; Dr. Dan Efebo, Corporate Services; Engr. Ian Udoh, Refining & Petrochemicals; and Dr. Attahiru Yusuf, Business Development.

•NNPC Tower. Inset: Kachikwu

Prior to their retirement, analysts were already clamouring that the Presidency should purge NNPC of all the players that have run it like a personal business. The populace was tired of the mystery that surrounded the operation of the corporation and the deluge of fraudulent allegations.

The media were awash with various stories of mismanagement and corruption in the Corporation, which made the cleansing of the top echelon necessary.

The Presidency in a one fell swoop pruned the directorates from eight to four. With the approval of the presidency four new GEDs and Chief Executive Officers were appointed for some of the NNPC subsidiaries.

Those appointed were Dr. Maikanti Baru, Group Executive Director, Exploration & Production; Mr. Isiaka Abdulrazaq, Group Executive Director, Finance & Services; Engr. Dennis Nnamdi Ajulu, Group Executive Director, Refining & Technology; and Dr. Babatunde Victor Adeniran, Group Executive Director, Commercial & Investment.

New Company Secretary/Legal Adviser and Managing Directors were also appointed for the Strategic Business Units (SBUs). They are Chidi Momah, Group General Manager, Company Secratarty & Legal Adviser; Mrs. Esther Nnamdi Ogbue, Managing Director, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC); Engr. Chinedu Ezeribe, Managing Director, Warri Refinning & Petrochemicals Company (WRPC); Mr. Babatunde Bakare, Managing Director, Nigerian Gas Company (NGC); Mr. Inuwa Ibrahim Waya, Managing Director, Hyson; Mr. Abubakar Mai-Bornu, Managing Director, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC); and Mr. Ladipo Fagbola, Managing Director, NNPC Retail.

Others are: Mr. Rowland Ewubare, Managing Director, Integrated Data Services Ltd (IDSL); Mr. Modupe Bammeke, Managing Director, NNPC Prpoerties; Mr. Abdulkadir Saidu, Managing Director, Duke Oil; and Mr. Dafe Sejebor, Group General Manager, Nigerian Petroleum Investment Man-

Shell to train 150 Niger Delta youths

‘Power will stabilise by 2018’

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OWER supply will stabilise by the end 2018 when the electricity firms must have fully implemented their five- year turnaround business plan, the Group Managing Director, Aiteo Power, Dr Ransome Owan has said.

He said power firms took over the unbundled assets from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) on November 1, 2013, and as a result of this, have not spent two years generating and distributing electricity in.

Nigeria.

Owan said: “Let us give power companies 60 months from today to execute their business turnaround programmes, and I believe that power would stabilise before the expiration of that 60 months, which by implication marks the end of their five- year turnaround plan.”

He was optimistic that the power situation would normalise by the end 2018 in view of the efforts being made by the Federal Government to remove the problems hindering generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in the country.

He said electricity consumers

By Akinola Ajibade

in the country would enjoy soon, noting that they have been in darkness for sometime due to power outage. “I’ m optimistic that power would improve in the next three to five years. The government and the private sector operators have come to realise that power is key to economic development, and are working towards achieving stable power supply.

Owan said when power normalises, the economy would improve and by extension the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would improve. This according him, would bring growth to operators at both the formal and informal sectors of the economy.

He stated that people should try and pay for the electricity they consume because it costs a lot of money to provide power, adding that electricity costs money to produce He stressed the need to match resources with long-term plans because it is imperative for the growth of the sector, and noted there is a disconnect between what was expected in terms of gas supply and power generation and distribution.

agement Services (NAPIMS).

Besides his intimidating curriculum vitae, it was evident that Kachikwu’s job was already cut out for him with strident terms of reference. With his private sector background, he has started running the corporation with his eyes on profit for the benefit of the citizenry. His actions since assumption of office on August 4 have shown that he is ready to live long in the hearts of Nigerians. Critics, especially labour economists, may view the reduction of the Directorates from eight to four and the retirement of 38 top management staff as inimical to the economy, especially now that there is global economic downturn.

But the GMD’s explanation is that he wants to reposition the NNPC. The new NNPC, according to him, should take a leap from its civil servant orientation to a business-driven entity. With this conception, he has employed 12 personnel from the private sector to jump-start a new business outlook to intensify operational space as a profit-driven business.

The Group General Manager,

Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ohi Alegbe clearly explained this in a statement saying: “the new appointments are in line with the Federal Government’s aspiration to transform the Corporation into a lean, efficient, business-focused, transparent and accountable national oil company in keeping with international best practices.”

Besides, one thing, however, goes for him, his principal, President Buhari, is also bent on leaving indelible legacies in the country’s oil and gas sector. He has demystified the longstanding politics of turnaround maintenance without results without results. Surprisingly, NNPC on July 29 announced that the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries have been successfully restreamed after a nine-month phased rehabilitation exercise conducted by its in-house engineers and technicians.

The Corporation said with the successful re-streaming of the PHRC and WRPC attention has now moved to the 110, 000 barrels per day Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company, which is billed to come on stream soon.”

Kachikwu has also vowed that all Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) and Joint Venture Agreements and all other contracts between the NNPC and its various partners would be reviewed to reflect current day realities in the global oil and gas industry. The decision, according to him, is to put in place efficient, transparent and profit-oriented processes and not to embark on a mass retrenchment of the workforce.

The Corporation has cancelled the current contract for supply of crude to Nigerian refineries due to exorbitant cost and inappropriate process of engagement and appointed NIDAS Marine Limited to handle the job in the interim. It also terminated the Offshore Processing Agreement (OPA), entered into with Duke Oil Company Inc., Aiteo Energy Resources Limited and Sahara Energy Resources Nigeria Limited and the process of engaging new contractors is ongoing.

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HELL Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) operated Joint Venture, said 150 youths from the Niger Delta are to benefit from its 2015 LiveWIRE programme, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 6,000 since the launch of the programme in 2003.

LiveWIRE is a flagship youth enterprise development programme which provides access to training, business development services and start-up capital.

“LiveWIRE presents a good opportunity for bright young people to bring their ideas to fruition,” said SPDC’s General Manager External Relations, Igo Weli. “We are pleased

to see the youths transform to employers of labour after going through intensive business training that is reinforced with theoretical and practical sessions.”

The two-week training slated for September will be held for the selected youths in Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa states. Media Relations Manager of Shell, Mr. Precious Okolobo, said in a statement that the programme is open to university and polytechnic graduates with innovative business ideas from the three states.

The curriculum includes business planning and management and post start-up mentoring, incubation and market linkages. Successful candidates will be linked to third parties

such as Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), banks, and allied financial institutions and provided a volunteer mentoring programme.

Okolobo said in 2014, the Livewire scheme was broadened to include a specific focus on people with physical impairments. Some 180 physically challenged people had already benefited from training and grants. Shell Companies in Nigeria work with government, communities and civil society to implement programmes that have a lasting impact on lives in the Niger Delta and beyond. “Social investment activities are focused in particular on community and enterprise development, education and health,” he added.

‘Why Nigeria cannot use renewable energy’

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HE Director-General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria(NAPTIN), Engineer Rueben Okeke and the Managing Director, Ikeja Electric, Mr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje, have said Nigeria cannot get the required volume of electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar, coal, biomass and wind.

They said solar, coal, and biomass cannot generate megawatts of electricity that can meet the power demands of the 170 million Nigerians. They spoke to The Nation at different fora.

Okeke said the three renewable energy

By Akinola Ajibade

sources put together cannot generate one third of electricity that either hydro or thermal would provide.

He said the money, which the government would spend in providing 10 or 20 megawatts (Mw) of electricity from solar, biomass, wind or coal can generate an appreciable number of megawatts when hydro or thermal form of generation is used.

He said the country is not ripe for renewable energy, urging the government and other investors to concentrate

on hydro and gas powered plants for growth. He said it is impossible to grow the economy with renewable energy, arguing that conventional sources of energy is the best and widely acceptable means of generating electricity globally.

Okeke said the country boasts of 70 per cent gas power, and 30 per cent hydro electricity, advising that the two should be developed to meet the growing energy needs of the populace.

Ajifowobaje also said solar, biomass and coal provide insignificant quantum of electricity megawatts, and as such, cannot meet the needs of the masses.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

THE NATION

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

BUSINESS PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT HE Federal Housing Authority (FHA) will no longer be responsible for the sale and maintenance of its estates nationwide, the Authority’s Managing Director, Professor Mohammed Al-Amin has disclosed.

Al-Amin, at a meeting with the Lugbe Estate Residents Association in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Tuesday, said a new subsidiary, FHA Facilities Management Company Limited was being incorporated to handle the maintenance of estates while FHA Mortgage bank, and another subsidiary would handle the marketing of FHA estates.

Al-Amin said the Authority was adopting what he termed the “FHA Tripod” model of construction, marketing and maintenance to enable it concentrate on improving the quality of its buildings and the timeline for delivery while the other two functions would be undertaken entirely by subsidiary companies.

In the same breathe, the FHA, according to Al-Amin, is poised to begin holistic regeneration and upgrade of its estates nationwide beginning with Gwarinpa Urban Renewal Programme (GUREP), and subsequently Maitama Urban Renewal Programme (MUREC) and Lugbe Urban Renewal Programme (LUREC).

Al-Amin, a professor of Urban Environment, said he was committed to restoring green areas in all the authority’s estates as a way of enhancing the quality of life of the residents. Towards that end, he disclosed that a monthly environmental sanitation (MES) programme would soon start in all the estates during which staff of the authority would join residents to clean up the various estates. He assured the residents that a new joint consultative commit-

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com 08114495369

property@thenationonlineng.net muyiwalucas2002@yahoo.com

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•The FHA Estate in Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State...One of the several FHA estates for regeneration.

FHA floats subsidiary to maintain its estates Stories by Muyiwa Lucas

tee of senior staff of the Authority and the residents would soon be set up to create a platform for closer interaction between the two parties.

The FHA boss frowned at past abuses of spaces meant for services, utilities and recreation in the Authority’s estates, and assured

that such instances would be reviewed on a case by case basis. Besides, he said, the authority was working closely with the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA) on a proposal to integrate Lugbe into the Federal Capital City, a development which when implemented, would transform the area with world class infrastructure. As an interim measure, he said, work would commence im-

mediately to clear blocked drains and patch pot holes on the roads within the estate.

The Chairman, Lugbe Estate Central Residents Association, Mr. Odelana Adesina, praised Al-Amin for being the first FHA chief executive to hold such engagement with them since the estate was built.

He then called for urgent intervention by the FHA to address the de-

caying road network in the estate, the acute water supply shortage and the security challenges facing residents.

Odelana also said the residents would like to be carried along in the conception and implementation of the Authority’s programmes for the estate, urging him to create a forum for regular interaction with residents.

Surveyors, stakeholders endorse improved research

•Aliyu

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HE Second Research Conference 2015 (NIQSReCon2) of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), comes to an end today in Akure, Ondo State capital.

The three-day conference, held inside the 2, 500 capacity University Auditorium of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has its theme as

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HE Chief Executive of 3Invest Nigeria, a Real Estate firm, has said that there is an urgent need for the regeneration of slums in the country and in Africa as a whole. To this end, the firm is set to launch an initiative that will not only draw attention to this malaise, but one that will change the tide and strengthen housing development.

The initiative, known as “Run 2 Build”, aims to create awareness and raise funds for slum regeneration, as part of the firm’s practical approach to put a dent to the housing deficit.

Besides, the initiative is being designed to serve as an effective vehicle in the eradication of the deficit within the housing sector. This will come by way of awarding cash grants to non-profit urban developmental projects with a special focus on social housing and

project, advice based on your budget and design, ensures that there is compliance with the budget, and ensures that you have value for your money.”

He restated the zero tolerance of the institute for corruption and unprofessional practices amongst its members. The institute, to this extent, has put in place a monitoring and sanctioning process by which erring members are dealt with.

The vice chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, thanked the institute for choosing the institution as the conference venue, and commended NIQS for choosing a contemporary topic “Sustainability.” According to him if knowledge has been generated it required that the knowledge should be sustained and that because an academic institution is where knowledge is generated but practice is important which also form part of the community service ex-

pected of an academic institution, hence their support for the conference.

Mr Giwa Olayemi, an Estate surveyor with Tunde Adejumo & Co., told The Nation that attending the conference has added value to him and his professional practice. “There is so much in the field and being here has given me the opportunity to garner knowledge and will make me stand out among my colleagues,” he said.

Professor Deji Rufus, member, NIQS, reckoned that the ideas generated at the conference will be useful to improve the country because the gap between the ideas generated and the actual practice is getting wider by the day, which he said is a disservice for the profession.

And as the conference ends today, stakeholders and participants all agree that it has been a worthwhile experience considering that several new things have been learnt.

3Invest set to connect Africa’s Real Estate

entire world.

Over 40 exhibitors have already confirmed their participation and will showcase products and services that could result in an attendee walking away with the key his first property or finance to his first housing project.

The Real Estate Unite, now in its fourth year, will hold on the 29th and 30th of September, 2015 at Eko Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The conference will be declared opened by the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. Speakers billed for the event include Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, the Managing Director, UPDC; Mr. Mark Bradford, JLL, Niyi Adeleye of Stanbic IBTC, Mr. Ronald Chaugoury, South Energy, amongst others.

“Confluence of Research, Theory and Practice in Quantity Surveying Discipline for a Sustainable Built Environment.”

In the introduction paper presented by the Secretary , Professional Development and Library of the institute, Dr. Ejike Anunike, said the institute places a lot of premium on research and its attendant benefits, because it recognises its great potentials in contributing to existing knowledge and solving man’s enormous challenges in an ever-changing world. He said the NIQS’ belief in research is not by accident, but it is a concept that has been embedded in the institute’s constitution and all past executives had not relented in their efforts at carrying it out.

According to Anunike, the research conference is one of the endproducts of the research policy mounted to create a forum for colleagues in academia to promote sharing of cross-border research ex-

slum upgrade.

The “Run 2 Build” initiative is part of a larger conference- the Real Estate Unite- an annual conference that brings together key stakeholders in the built environment business across the continent to deliberate on real estate.

According to the organisers, this year’s theme: “Connecting the D.O.T.S in Africa’s Real Estate’’ will see stakeholders participating in engaging conversations on Drivers, Opportunities, Transformation, and Sustainability (D.O.T.S), in the sector, which are believed to be the four building blocks that contribute to the long-term viabil-

periences necessary to enhance career progression and better results and to foster closer interaction and collaboration between academics and practitioners in research activities to boost quantity surveying practices and enhancing national development.

The conference, he insisted, places on the front burner the much desired interface between academia and practice in research endeavours as an invaluable partnership necessary to act as a catalyst to transform the research agenda.

In a similar vein, NIQS President Mallam Murtala Aliu, reiterated the importance of building an institution and the ability to utilise the outcome of the conference. For him, the outcome of the conference will be useful for application in the environment, while it will also create opportunities for authors to produce materials for the practitioners’ use and that of the public.

Enumerating the qualities of the quantity surveyor, Aliu described him as “one that is involved in the cost of a

ity of the real estate sector. “ Real Estate Unite – the Industry Annual Flagship Summit provides an important platform for global real estate leaders to discuss most pertinent opportunities and issues in Africa’s Real Estate sector yearly,” Obih explained.

She revealed that the conference is driven by the core goal of unlocking Nigeria’s real estate potentials for economic prosperity.

Real Estate Unite is a three-tiered event hosting a conference, exhibition and awards with exclusive roundtable sessions on “Leaders Meeting”- which is a closed-door meeting between industry stakeholders, government

officials, investors and 3Invest with an emphasis on interacting and building relationships; “African Women in Real Estate Meeting” (A.W.i.R.E), a networking platform that fosters growth and economic prosperity for women in real estate; Exhibitions, and an awards dinner to cap the event.

Obih explained that the Real Estate Unite Awards is aimed at elevating the standards of the industry, as it provides an opportunity to encourage, promote and recognise spectrum of talents, achievements and excellence in the building sector and expose the huge potentials in Nigeria to the

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

17

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Forewarned is forearmed •About N400 billion at stake in a cassava disease

ATURALLY, warning about a possible outbreak of a cassava killerdisease in the country should be a cause for concern, especially considering Nigeria’s position as the world’ s largest cassava producer. The National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Abia State, sounded the alarm about Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) at the launch of WAVE Project, a campaign against CBSD, at its base. It is a reflection of the importance of the project that the event attracted agricultural researchers from Ivory Coast, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana.

Apart from the likely negative impact on the country’s food production level, the institute pointed out that, in economic terms, the crop disease which attacks mainly cassava could result in a loss of about N400 billion (about $2 billion) yearly. In food terms, the institute said the disease could bring about complete loss of root yield in cassava and constitute a severe threat to food security not only in Nigeria, as it may affect sub-Saharan Africa as a whole.

According to the institute, “CBSD used to be confined mainly to coastal areas of eastern and southern Africa, but in the past few years it has become substantially more virulent and begun spreading across the continent.” The institute warned that there is “great need to prepare against it as it is already having devastating effect in some East African nations like Kenya.”

Defining the disease, NRCRI said: “With symptoms like folia necrosis, stem lesions and root necrosis, it has since emerged as

N

one of the two most important diseases of cassava, the other being the cassava mosaic diseases.”

The institute’s role in publicising the disease and its dire dimensions is laudable and underlines its relevance in the field of cassava research and development locally and internationally.

There is no doubt that the disease represents a disturbing threat to food security, with undesirable socio-economic implications. The scale of the challenge is suggested by information that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is funding CBSD-focused research and campaign with $3.6 million domiciled with the University of Felix HouphouetBoigny in Ivory Coast.

The foundation’s example recommends itself to authorities in the country’s agriculture sector. It should be stressed that the publicisation of the disease by NRCRI cannot be enough and needs to be backed by research funding as well as public enlightenment programmes.

The institute should appreciate how vital it is to carry cassava farmers along as they constitute an important public.

The crop is produced in 24 of the country’s 36 states. The major cassavaproducing states are Anambra, Delta, Edo, Benue, Cross River, Imo, Oyo and Rivers, while Kwara and Ondo, among others, produce the crop on a comparatively lower scale. Statistics show that in 1999, the country produced approximately 33 million tonnes of cassava, and a decade later produced approximately

45 million tonnes, which is put at about 19% of world production.

It is noteworthy that cassava’s major position as a food crop was further highlighted by the NRCRI executive director, Dr. Julius Okonkwo, who noted that advancements in research involving the institute yielded cassava bread. Although the development of cassava bread generated controversy in the country largely because it was politicised by ambitious and insincere politicians and political leaders, the product makes a strong statement about the possibilities of cassava.

Thankfully, the alert by the NRCRI is timely and gives the relevant authorities time to take pro-active steps against the spread of the disease. Forewarned is forearmed. There should be no excuse for not taking prompt action to prevent any outbreak of the disease.

‘Thankfully, the alert by the NRCRI is timely and gives the relevant authorities time to take pro-active steps against the spread of the disease. Forewarned is forearmed. There should be no excuse for not taking prompt action to prevent any outbreak of the disease’

Enforce that order

•Policemen and doctors who fail to heed the IG’s order that victims of gunshot wounds be treated unconditionally should be punished

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HE age-long directive that has denied victims of gunshot wounds treatment has been lifted by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase. Reacting to the lives lost in the process of seeking police report, and the relentless cries by families of the victims and the general public, the IGP said lives must be saved first.

Till date, no one has produced the directive that has seen doctors turning away patients, many of them victims of horrendous attacks by armed robbers, cultists and hoodlums. Many hapless citizens have been caught in the crossfire between gangs, and in some cases as the policemen engage criminals in shootouts. Hospitals turn down the victims based on experiences they had in the hands of policemen and the gangs.

Unfortunately, the experience is not limited to private hospitals. Even general and teaching hospitals are known to have

‘We call on Mr. Arase to go beyond the verbal order, to send signals to the commands and institute punishment for violators. Nigeria cannot afford the needless loss of lives. The ministries of health and police affairs should also collaborate in organising seminars to promote good relations between the two services’

come up with flimsy excuses to dodge the responsibility of saving lives. While they do not directly ask for police report, they are known to hide behind non-availability of specialists and bed space.

It should be realised that every life is precious. No doctor should be told that they swore to the Hippocratic Oath to save lives at all times. It is therefore untenable to avoid the sacred duty under any excuse.

We also call on the IGP to go beyond this fresh directive. We remind him that this is not the first time such an order would be issued. One of his predecessors, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, had similarly warned policemen against harassing doctors for performing their duty.

The instruction was backed by former health minister, Unyebuchi Chukwu, who called on doctors to focus more on caring for all patients before attending to the requirements. The minister assured them of the support of government at all levels. Yet, doctors appear too frightened to heed the call.

We call on Mr. Arase to go beyond the verbal order, to send signals to the commands and institute punishment for violators. Nigeria cannot afford the needless loss of lives. The ministries of health and police affairs should also collaborate in organising seminars to promote good relations between the two services. The police force in particular has a duty to improve on its public image. Many citizens refuse to accept them as friends.

Rather, they are regarded as fiends who must be avoided at all cost. The people refuse to pass information to the law en-

forcement agents for fear that it would be leaked to criminals or that the complainant, when they seek solace, could be turned to the accused.

For the same reason, accident victims have been left unattended to by the public. Many tell stories of woes in the hands of the police for merely lending helping hands to accident victims. This is particularly so when such victims die in the process of caring for them.

Agencies of government at all levels like the departments of information, the National Orientation Agency and the ministries of health should step up campaigns to get the people to be more compassionate in attending to accident and gunshot wound victims.

As is the case in developed countries, the ambulance service in all states of the country should be adequately funded and equipped to cater for victims of any form of accident - domestic, motor, collapsed building, fire or gunshot within reasonable time. This has the twin advantage of affording the victims first aid treatment and shutting out the fear of victimisation by public-spirited individuals who first reached them. This also connotes that there should be functional short-code emergency numbers on which the ambulances and emergency services could be reached. We note here the good work done by the Lagos State government and commend same to other governments.

If Nigerians wish to be treated as members of the decent and humane world, public officials have to treat the public with utmost decorum.

Questions for Mimiko

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IR: Despite many harsh and unreasonable policies of his government, I have always surmounted the temptation of assuming the figure of critic of the Governor Olusegun Mimiko-led administration in Ondo State.

Alternatively, I have consistently offered suggestions and constructive criticisms via close acquaintances who serve in the government.

However, since this is the era of false alarm, the government must hear some open truths.

For instance, I don’t know what sense to make of a government policy to build ‘mega’ primary schools at the cost of N3.2billion each. As fantastic as the idea seems, it is wasteful and has failed to solve any of the challenges confronting primary education in Ondo State. On the construction of about 36 of such primary schools, the Mimiko-led government wasted a huge N120billion. The lame defence tendered by the government the other time was that the idea is to protect the children of the poor and to make the children of both the poor and the rich study under one roof. Dr Mimiko got it wrong. Class segregation is hardly an issue with primary education in Ondo State. The challenges remain: lack of adequate teachers, shortage of qualified teachers, indiscipline on the part of both teachers and pupils, lack of culture of periodic training for teachers, poor monitoring and oversight functions on the activities of primary schools, and poor funding amongst others. I am afraid the N120billion wasted on few buildings has not addressed any of the highlighted challenges.

If the huge N120billion was channelled to the creation of small businesses in Ondo State, Governor Mimiko himself will be amazed and flabbergasted at the enormous rich families he would have created.

Also, I cannot fathom why any responsible government will abandon the ýreticulation project of Owena Multipurpose Water Dam. This is a project that was designed to supply water to six local governments of Akure North, Akure South, Ifedore, Idanre, Ondo West and Ondo East. The project was awarded by the administration of the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu and contractors have been on site until Dr Mimiko terminated the contract. The defence from the government was that the contract lacked route survey. Nigerians, let’s even concede without admitting the no-route-survey excuse. The government claimed the project lacked route survey in 2009. Six years after, nothing significant has happened. For God’s sake, how many years will it take the Mimikoled administration to do a route survey and mobilise contractors to site? Those who have been writing and sponsored to write about the development and miracle in Ondo State should know that drinkable water is still a big issue in Akure, the state capital. The abandoned water reticulation project is, perhaps, the face of the development in Ondo State. No matter the propaganda and outright falsehood, the people can see through what they now call cosmetic development under the Mimiko-led administration.

• Kayode Fakuyi, Okitipupa, Ondo Stateý.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

18

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: The age-long ethnic divisions and mutual suspicion among Nigerians have been brought to the fore once again.

President Buhari recently announced the appointment of six individuals including the Secretary to the Federal Government and this announcement has been met with criticisms from different sections of the Nigerian society. A statement in defence of the president’s appointments of twenty five persons since the beginning of the administration stated that the president would right the wrong and would ensure to pacify all frayed nerves in subsequent political appointments.

Some Nigerians have also faulted this statement saying that the president knew all along that the appointments made so far were tilted towards a certain section of the Nigerian society.

Now President Buhari has been tagged the “King of the North” in an article by no less a person than Chief Femi Fani-Kayode who described the president’s appointments in three months after he was sworn into office as a mess. This article has lent its voice to the various criticisms and attacks on President Buhari’s political appointments and has also increased the debate about the intentions and agenda of the president.

We the Nigerian people, especially political parties and politicians, have to champion the task of nation building through cohesion and integration of the diversity of cultures and ethnic groups in Nigeria. We need to move away from our old ways of thinking because Nigeria has been experiencing a setback on account of tribalism, ethnicity, sectionalism, zoning and federal character. President Buhari should not see these attacks and criticisms over his government’s appointments as personal but rather as a wake-up call and an opportunity to work earnestly towards achieving nationhood and national unity as many Nigerians do not have an outlook of one Nigeria.

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode said in his article that the logic of ignoring federal character for merit is absurd. Besides, he concluded that

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Buhari’s appointments and ethnic divide equitable distribution of political appointments is a pre-requisite for peace, security and national unity.

I beg to disagree with this assertion as federal character and zoning have not served our collective interest since independence. What they have done at best is to inflict pains on the Nigerian people and hamper the country’s growth and development. That is why the issue of tribalism, ethnicity and sectionalism still remain a big problem in Nigeria after 54 years of independence. Nigerian politicians and leaders should not fan the embers of discord and disunity among the different tribes and ethnic groups of the Nigerian society.

They should rather champion the cause of national unity and nationhood.

Federal character, zoning and the likes have been used over the years

as a way of addressing the problem of ethnicity and tribalism in Nigeria but these principles have failed to solve the problem of disunity —creating ýmore problems that the APC had to run away from them due to the negative impact they had on the PDP during their 16 years rule.

Some people have admonished those who argue in favour of merit over federal character not to speak like illiterates. Well, being in support of federal character over merit as a criterion for government appointments does not mean that a person knows very much either.

President Buhari has to work tirelessly towards achieving national unity and nationhood.

Though the present administration has security, the fight against corruption and jobs creation through the economy as its top priorities

due to the ýexigency of our current national crisis, the Buhari administration now has to include national unity as one of its top priorities.

The president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, has said that political appointments would be balanced in the long run. It is not enough to balance government’s appointments but it is important to change our sectional and regional outlook which has affected our ability to see ourselves as Nigerians first.

President Buhari and all political elites have to work towards fostering social harmony among over 170 million Nigerians and not contribute towards widening the ethnic divide that has plagued the country for many years. Governor Adams Oshiomhole in his defence

of the president’s appointments said that we must not reduce governance to political patronage of bread and butter but unfortunately, we are yet to move beyond this point as a country. Besides, political appointments have over the years been consolation prizes rather than getting the best minds to move us into the future.

Nigerian leaders and politicians must recognise the dangers posed to the unity of Nigeria by being sentimental, encouraging tribalism and playing the ethnic card. It is high time they began to work on addressing issues emanating from our stark contradictions and flawed political foundation; and which are responsible for Nigeria’s perennial crisis as well as the current criticisms and reactions trailing President Buhari’s recent appointments.

We are at the early months of the new administration and there is no better time to work towards national unity and nationhood than now.

•Bolaji Samson Aregbeshola is the author of ‘’Nigerian Political Parties and Politicians: Winding Road from Country to Nation’’.

Conspiracy of silence on Local Governments’ Joint Account

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IR: “Are campaign promises meant to be fulfilled or they are just tricks used by crafty politicians to win the votes of unsuspecting public?”

Anytime I watch the Bauchi State Governor lamenting about the lack of financial discipline and transparency in government business. I always ask myself whether the man is aware of the clear double standard in what he is doing.

All the arguments about having issues of confidence with the civil service are unrealistic and untenable. Whether His Excellency likes it or not, the civil service remains the engine room and translators of any government vision. The earlier His Excellency realises the futility of his actions in sidelining the career civil servants, the better for him. The civil service is a necessary evil and a cross any head of gov-

ernment must carry.

Therefore, the best any chief executive can do is to try and reposition the service through showing leadership by example. I hope His Excellency will borrow a leaf from the unfolding scenario we are witnessing in the federal government.

Let His Excellency engage himself in retrospection and carry out a prioritisation exercise. I believe, if something like this was done in the early stages of this administration, a revelation in the transition committee report where the immediate past governmentt is accused of misappropriating the colossal sum of N114 billion in eight years from the controversial JAAC account would have made the government to see the wisdom in addressing this very important issue.

Moreover, the promise made by His Excellency during the cam-

paign has giving people hope that this issue will be addressed with dispatch. The unpopular decision

by His Excellency to keep a deafening silence over this issue is been interpreted in very uncharitable ways. The rumours making the rounds are that his silence is meant to buy time. While others are alleging that His Excellency is more comfortable with maintaining the status quo, even though that is in breach of his earlier promise to end the scourge of running the JAAC as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of the governors. But with the way things are going, nobody will have the moral right to blame the people making those allegations.

The present arrangement of JAAC is highly centralised, highly dictatorial and highly exploitative.

Thus, it is high time for any honest

governor to appreciate the bigger picture in the overall interest of his people and say no more to these gross violations of human rights and shameless double standard.

The way to go is by reaching out to all major stakeholders like ALGON, Bauchi State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts and the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Others include anticorruption agencies residing in and outside our state, civil society organisations and the media both within and outside Bauchi State, in order to form a formidable coalition that will be capable of pressing our Just and Simple Demand for Transparency.

• Aminu Abdu Azar aminuazare75@gmail.com

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

19

COMMENTS

The Iran nuclear protocols: To be or not to be?

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FTER grueling negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the P5+1 namely the USA ,Russia ,Great Britain ,France ,China and the Federal Republic of Germany an agreement was reached to prevent Iran from proceeding to build nuclear weapons while tacitly accepting Iran’s sovereign right to conduct and develop its nuclear engineering expertise. The United States as the most important power in the world and self-appointed guardian of the nuclear non- proliferation international regime was the lead negotiator. The United States in recent years has been saddled with the problem of limiting the number of countries that have become nuclear weapons states, especially following the joining of the nuclear weapons club by unstable states like Pakistan and North Korea and the possibility of these weapons falling into wrong hands precipitating their usage with worldwide ramifications.

But the most concern is the extension of nuclear weapons arms race to the tinderbox of the Middle East where it is generally known that Israel has the weapons obviously as defence against being overrun by the hundreds of millions of Arabs who still do not recognise the right of existence of a Jewish state in the Arab Middle East .For quite some time the status quo seemed to have been the bedrock of some precarious stability in the Middle East because the Arabs were technically far behind nuclear weapons capability; and secondly the Arabs seemed more inclined to enjoy their petroleuminduced wealth rather than worry too much about the military imbalance in their region; thirdly, American and western influence helped to moderate possible Arab radicalism.

Egypt which remains the most important Arab country has remained in the western orbit since the death of Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser and the richest Arab country Saudi Arabia is more concerned with the stability of the monarchical regime of the kingdom than on foreign adventure, and in this regard it enjoys AMERICAN military, political and financial support. Arab radicalism in Libya, Iraq ,and to some extent in Syria has largely been neutralised following the so-

‘These two issues are going to be the main foreign policy issues in the area for foreseeable time to come and it will not be solved unilaterally by Israel or Iran and the Arab states and foreign powers as patrons of one group or the other’

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HEY had everything cut out long before they left office last May 29. At a secret meeting in Abuja, former President Goodluck Jonathan and his ministers mapped out strategies on how to react to criticisms after their exit. They knew that they were leaving the country in a mess, which will become so glaring after their exit that the people will call for their heads. How to avoid the people's wrath became their headache. The meeting decided that the only way out is for them to continue to bond together after their exit.

Truly, since May 29, these men of yesterday have remained together. They and their principal have held series of meetings in the last three months amid the clamour for a probe of their tenure. In one of its sessions, the meeting advised Jonathan to seek the help of the Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar-led peace committee to reach out to his successor, President Muhammadu Buhari. The meeting felt that the president is breaching the understanding he reached with Jonathan and that only the peace panel could intervene to remedy the situation.

What is this understanding they are talking about? It all has to do with the agreement signed by Buhari and Jonathan to accept the outcome of the March 28 presidential election. The essence of the pact is to ensure that there was no

507 DAYS AFTER

STILL WAITING FOR CHIBOK GIRLS’ RESCUE

called Arab spring uprisings and American intervention which have totally reduced those three countries to shells of their former selves . The removal of Saddam Hussein paved the way for military superiority of Israel for a long time to come. In fact, the chaos within most of the Arab countries, even though not particularly welcome by the international community, has given the West and Israel opportunity to shape events in their own fashion.

But the coming of non-Arab Persian Iran into the military and political equation has become a matter of serious concern in the West .This is not only in the West but also in the Arab world. Iran since the Islamic Revolution of 1979 has decided to confront the USA and Israel in the Middle East.

Iran is now a major player in Iraq where it is supporting the Shia government in Baghdad and ironically for its own reasons involved in joining the USA to fight the so-called Islamic caliphate in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS).. The agreement reached with Iran followed a previous agreement some six or seven months ago urging Iran not to continue the enrichment of its nuclear fuel to weapons grade in exchange for easing of the UN imposed economic sanctions following the reluctance of Iran to permit unrestricted UN inspection of its nuclear facilities . Iran appeared to have complied with this agreement . The p5+1 then after grueling negotiation with Iran which will permit UN unrestricted inspection of Iran’s nuclear facilities including its disposal of nuclear fuel to prevent its upgrade to weapons grade agreed to recommend to the UN the lifting of all sanctions incrementally according to the speed with which Iran complies with this internationally agreed protocol. This agreement to become binding will have to be approved by the Iranian parliament and the U.S. Congress. The other powers that negotiated the agreement seemed to have said implementation will follow the signing of the agreement by Iran and the USA . Iran stands to gain a lot in trading with the rest of the world once the sanctions are lifted .And in spite of the protestations of ayatollah Khamenei who still sees America as an enemy ,the Iranian parliament will ratify the deal . It will then be left to what the American congress will do The agreement has been subjected to unrestrained campaign by the Republican Party and even some members of the Democratic Party in spite of their man in the White House . The Jewish lobby is very powerful in the USA .This is also a pre election year and the agreement has unfortunately become a victim of electioneering campaign in America . All Republicans claim that the agreement will lead to the destruction of Israel and this emotional mantra has been aided by Binyamin Netanyahu the pugnacious prime minister of Israel who against all known international norm seems to en-

joy being a player in domestic American politics by openly criticizing the American president Barack Obama . One can of course appreciate Netanyahu’s concern because for Israel it is a matter of life or death. This is why the A m e r i c a n president said AMERIJide CAN commitment to Israeli security is absoOsuntokun lute and that no American president will negotiate away Israel’s security. In spite of this assurance Israel remains unconvinced. Of course there are voices within Israel that supports the agreement but Netanyahu feels Iran would receive so much money from the lifting of the UN sanctions against it that it will have money to destabilise the entire Middle East and threaten the state of Israel whose existence many in Iran are opposed to.

President Obama has argued that if at any point Iran is found not to be complying with the agreement the UN would be called upon to reimpose the sanctions.

Israel says Iran cannot be trusted in spite of public declaration by the Iranian government and the grand Ayatollah Khomeini that nuclear weapons are unislamic and that Iran is committed to peaceful use of nuclear knowledge .The grand ayatollah had previously issued a fatwa against Iran’s development of nuclear weapons . It is simply an impossible situation. Israel has genuine fears and if it attacks Iran, the Islamic republic will retaliate and there is no certainty that America will go to war with Iran unless Iran first attacks Israel. This is the dilemma facing Israel and it is in the interest of both Israel and Iran to moderate their rhetoric while the USA and the rest of the international community seriously finds a solution to the Palestinian problem based on two sovereign and independent states within secure borders ,one for Israel and the other for the Palestinians . This is the cause of the interminable problem in the Middle East .The other problem of Persians and Arabs ,Shia and Sunni Muslims living together will eventually be resolved within the overarching pan Islamic religious architecture . These two issues are going to be the main foreign policy issues in the area for foreseeable time to come and it will not be solved unilaterally by Israel or Iran and the Arab states and foreign powers as patrons of one group or the other.

The Jonathan circle breakdown of law and order over the election result.The parties complied with the terms of the agreement because the election came and went without violence.

But does this imply that Buhari would not call Jonathan to question for his deeds in office? Of course, it does not. But those who want the immediate past administration to get away with all its atrocities want to tie Buhari's hands with that pact, which centred mainly on a peaceful, free and fair election. With the elections over, the peace panel should automatically close shop and allow Buhari to do his job. But, Jonathan, his ministers and others who want to use it to achieve their aims will have none of that.

The former ministers' thinking is that if things continued like this, Jonathan may end up being a villain in the people's eyes. So, to avoid that, they felt it was expedient for the peace panel to do something before it is too late. That informed the meeting the panel had with the president last month. But the panel met its match in Buhari, who insisted on probing the Jonathan administration for leaving the country in a mess. The panel's argument that a probe may rubbish Jonathan's good deed of of conceding defeat to Buhari in the last election did not cut ice with the president. He was said to have told the panel that all those who abused their office must pay the price for their actions.

Jonathan also met with Buhari, who stood his ground on probe.

As if he knew things would turn out this way, Jonathan had at the valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on

May 27 said he was not afraid of probe but that it should be extended to the administrations before his. ''Anyone calling for probes must ensure that probes are extended beyond the Jonathan administration otherwise it will amount to a witch hunt''. This has been the line of the former ministers, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its senators that have been accusing Buhari of being selective in his anti-corruption war.

But is that the case? No, says the All Progressives Congress (APC), which points out that some of its members have also been caught in the anti-graft war web.

But Jonathan and his ministers believe that they are the target. This is why they have resolved to fight back with all they have. After their last meeting in Abuja, one of them, the former National Planning Minister, Dr Abubakar Suleiman, was appointed the group's spokesman. It is part of their larger plan to ensure that none of them goes down alone. They want to fight as a group. But there is danger in that because each person must answer for his own deed.

Was the treasury looted as a group? No. The ministers might have worked together in Council, but every individual must give an account of his stewardship, given as we all know that they did not all hold the same portfolio.

Could it be that they are afraid and so, are seeking solace in a group? The failure of the peace panel to secure a soft landing for them may have heightened their fear that eh, this is prison! If they have no skeletons in their cupboards, they need not fear, but if they do, they should be prepared

to face the consequences of their actions. Performing his first duty as the group's spokesman, Suleiman, in a statement, claimed that lies were being peddled about the Jonathan administration, submitting : ''But such sensationalism may achieve the unintended effect of de-marketing our country within the international community''. How can? uleiman is wide of the mark. Rather, Nigeria is en joying its best time ever in the comity of nations. The president has been to the United States, where he stayed in President Barack Obama's guest house; he has attended the G7 summit as an observer and last week, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon was in Nigeria. I don't know what Suleiman is driving at with such a claim. Is he saying that Nigeria will be de-marketed because we want to ask our past leaders questions? Has he ever heard of any country being demarketed for looking at its past in order to shape its future? Were countries that jailed their leaders for corruption and other misdemeanours de-marketed?

Jonathan and his men need not fear since they say they served the nation with all their hearts. ''We are proud to have served Nigeria and we boldly affirm that we did so diligently and to the best of our

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Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204, 08112661612

abilities. The improvements that have been noticed today in the power sector, in national security and in social services and other sectors did not occur overnight.

They are products of solid foundations laid by the Jonathan administration...the Jonathan administration did not encourage corruption, rather it fought corruption vigorously...for the benefit of those who may have forgotten so soon, it was the Jonathan administration that got rid of the fraud in fertiliser subsidies, which had plagued the country for decades...''

Huh! This will be sweet music in the ears of the probe panels.

Suleiman and his colleagues should go and sing it there. But will they have the courage of their conviction to appear before such panels when the time comes?

‘Jonathan and his men need not fear since they say thy served the nation with all their hearts. This will be sweet music in the ears of the probe panels. They should go and sing it there’

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

20

COMMENTS

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THINK President Buhari should worry more about how to keep his own side of the social contract with Nigerian voters. Elders who claim to speak for Ohaneze and old Afenifere, associations of less than ten veteran politicians, saw no evil and heard no evil. Now that the chickens have come home to roost, elders who behaved as if they didn’t have stakes in Nigeria are using their control and influence of the media to jam our earlobes with howling newspaper headlines such as ‘outrage grows across Nigeria’, ‘more outrage over Buhari appointments’, ‘Buhari’s lopsided appointments’ split the north’, ‘Buhari’s war against the south’etc And why is the country being heated up?

The APC spokesman Lai Mohammed and Governor Adam Oshiomhole made some disturbing disclosures. They claimed N3.8 trillion of the N8.1 trillion earned from crude oil between 2012 and 2015 was not accounted for by NNPC; they spoke of $2.1b unauthorised withdrawal from the excess crude account; missing N109.7b royalty from oil firms;N6b allegedly looted by ministers, 160b barrels of crude worth $13.9b lost between 2009 and 2012.; $15m from botched arms deal with South Africa and N183b yet to be accounted for in NNDC, $700m taken from the Sovereign Wealth Account for the second Onitsha Bridge without any bridge and the money-gobbling Onitsha-Owerri-Enugu dual carriage that is leading nowhere. Added to all these are ‘a mind-shattering $2.2billionarms scandal and an alleged $6.9 million fraud by chief of security (CS)) to ex-president Jonathan committed under the guise of buying three mobile stages for Jonathan’s campaign But these are all mere allegations which according to Olisa Mentuh, PDP spokesman are ‘irresponsible, reckless and provocative ‘bandied imaginary figures’. But while one would have expected our respected Nwabueze to wait for the judicial process to start, he chose

‘I think President Buhari should worry more about how to keep his own side of the social contract with Nigerian voters... the mood of the nation today allows Buhari to ignore the noises of errant elders’

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Why Buhari must ignore, Nwabueze, Clark, Okunronmu to issue a statement titled ‘Corrupt Practices: “Igbo leaders position on probe of past governments’, where he argued against limiting the probe to the administration of Jonathan which according to him ‘would be ‘selective, unjust and unfair’. He speculated that such a probe will be used to humiliate political opponents of government. The question to ask is why Prof. Nwabueze has chosen to fight for those who have neither been accused nor charged. As for Chief Edwin Clark, ex-president Obasanjo who he alleged is corrupt must first be probed. But for many, that Chief Clark is only just discovering that Obasanjo is corrupt after he had single handedly promoted Jonathan from deputy governor to governor, vice-president, and President with grateful Jonathan describing Obasanjo as the third most important influence on his life after God and his parents is a measure of the quality of his advice to Jonathan who ended up describing Obasanjo as a ‘motor park tout’.

And those who have taken up arms over appointment forget we run a presidential system where the buck ends on the presidents table. As soon as Buhari named Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu as the Group MD of NNPC, an institution that controls over 75% of the nations earning, Dr. Ezeife, who had openly expressed lack of faith in Buhari, said the position was not enough for the Igbo. But with the filling of some 30 positions, ranging from his chief of staff, national security adviser and SGF, a post he gave to a pastor from one of the minority ethnic groups in the north, perhaps as an answer to Dr Eziefe and others

IGERIAN Pensioners have high expectations on the new Government to ensure an effective implementation of pension regulations existing in the country.

These expectations arise from the need to have sustainable standard of living in retirement and their benefits paid as at when due.

The different pension regimes operating in Nigeria, Defined Benefit (DB) and Contributory Pension (CPS) Schemes, give rise to varying set of problems that limit the capacity of key stakeholders within the Nigerian pension industry to meet pensioners’ expectations.

This paper highlights the key challenges facing the stakeholders in the pension industry and the possible solutions from an actuarial perspective. In broad terms, the challenges arising from different areas of pension management include but not limited to the following: Transitional Pension Management, Guaranteed Minimum Pension, Additional Voluntary Contributions, Pension Protection Fund, Investment Guidelines, Public Education and Enlightenment.

Transitional Pension Management Key Challenges The current problems that beleaguered pensioners from PayAs-You-Go (PAYG) defined benefit (DB) scheme in Nigeria (which have always been to the fore) include, inter alia: • Delayed or non-payment of pension entitlements and misappropriation of existing pension funds.

• Low standard of living (or high poverty incidence) among pensioners due to pension increases not in line with salary inflationor no pension increase at all.

• Too frequent verification of pensioners by Pension Transitional Arrangements Directorate (PTAD)(section 42 of PRA 2014) leading to pensioners dying during verification exercises.

• Inadequate Enforcement of Pension Regulation– Over 10 years of existence of CPS, not all State Governments had enacted their pension Laws to establish CPS which is a sign of regulatory weakness. The actuarial valuations of the old DB schemes required by PENCOM at the point of implementation of the new CPS have not been carried out even for those State Governments that have already established their CPS. Possible Solutions The establishment of PTAD and various penalties for pension funds mismanagement introduced by PRA 2014 would address some of the lingering challenges of pensioners in the public service pension administration in the country.

However, below are other ways to address the problems described above: • Create pensioners’ biometric database that is suitable for future actuarial valuation, demographic and financial projections, which would also eliminate ghost pensioners.

•Adopt a pragmatic approach to pensioners’ biometric veri-

who said they mobilised against Buhari for fear of Islamisation of the country, these permanent Igbo office seekers have decided to heat up the polity. They now say the SGF position recently vacated by Anyim Pius Anyim ought to have been ceded to Igbo by a president they said they don’t trust. Didn’t he say he “belongs to all and he belongs to no one”?

- they reasoned. And suddenly Kachikwu ceased being an Igbo man but a Delta Igbo.

And those who have suddenly forgotten South-South and South-East cornered 30 out of the forty most important parastatals in the country only yesterday, ostensibly on behalf of the Igbo poor are now set to wage war against Buhari for appointing those he trusted.

The thousands of offices yet to be filled, they openly argue, is not as important as being a member of the kitchen cabinet of a president they said they would mobilise against if another opportunity comes up tomorrow.

Self serving Igbo leaders who fraudulently swear in the name of their people to secure positions have their counterparts in the Yoruba country. The self-styled Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA) hosted by Mimiko in Akure last week where President Buhari was criticised for what was described as “his lopsided appointments and selective war against corruption”, was the same group which in January this year endorsed Jonathan for reelection in Enugu. Unfortunately at the Akure gathering, Mimiko and his relevanceseeking group spoke not for the Yoruba but for themselves. Yoruba are often more concerned about a leadership that will guarantee

fairness and justice for all. As Bode Thomas argued during the constitutional debate leading to independence, Yoruba quest for regionalism was to prevent the country from being subjected to the rule of a one-eyed-king. During the 1959 elections, Awo offered to serve as Zik’s deputy. He voluntarily resigned as Finance Secretary and de facto Prime Minister under Gowon after the civil war. If Yoruba supported MKO Abiola in 1993, it was because he was the best material in that election, a fact confirmed by his landslide victory all over the country including military barracks and in Kano where Tofa was floored in his constituency. Yoruba rejected Ernest Shonekan the impostor and was literally chased out of power through the judicial process. It was for the same reason Yoruba rejected Obasanjo who lost his Abeokuta ward election in 1999 when the military and those who constituted themselves into the hegemonic power bloc in Nigeria graciously decided to allow a Yoruba man become president. In the not too distant past, the Yoruba supported Tambuwal to become the Speaker of the seventh assembly against a Yoruba candidate. It is therefore a disservice to the Yoruba nation for Mimiko to give a wrong impression that the Yoruba are fighting Buhari’s government they helped to put in place over appointments.

The mood of the nation today allows Buhari to ignore the noises of errant elders, and if he so desires, seek from his Daura village a minister for Abuja Territory who would not cede prime Abuja land to a sitting president, his wife and a Secretary to government, Ministers of Petroleum and Finance who will not jointly preside over the theft and disbursement of N1,7triilion to fuel fraudsters, a Minister of Defence who will be loyal to Nigeria instead of fighting the president’s dirty political wars in the colours of ‘Ekitigate’, pacification of Oshun and disruption of public work with soldiers in Lagos, a Minster of Education who will not be too engrossed mobilising militants for the president’s reelection bid while universities and polytechnics shut down for close to a year and a Minister of Internal Affairs who will not fleece young job seekers of over N1b and end up supervising state murder of some of them through sloppy arrangement. And if it is from Daura he can find a replica of ‘Kashikwu’, said to be a round peg in a round hole for NNPC, to clean up other stinking parastatals, he has the support of Nigerians.

Key challenges of Nigerian Pension Industry and possible solutions (1)

By Dr. Pius Apere fication process (a system of self-verification by pensioners capable of automatically updating the pensioners’ database) having conducted an initial face-to-face verification in order to minimize the frequency of subsequent face-to-face verification exercise.

• An automation of pension/gratuity calculation and payment system to ensure that pension increases are implemented on a timely basis relative to increase in workers’ salaries and also allowing pensioners to receive their pensions/gratuities as at when due. The Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) for the Federal public service should be emulated at the State and local Government levels, •A periodic actuarial valuation of the old DB pension scheme as required by law needs to be carried out in order to ascertain the value of the pensioners’ liabilities at a given date as the scheme runs off. This will enable a realistic annual pension budget estimate to be made for the Government(s) which will reduce the insufficient funds being allocated for pension payment. This would help in the administration of PTAD in minimizing the delays and arrears in pension payment.

• PTAD should set up a realistic pension stabilization fund (to be invested) with the primary aim to stabilize the pension/ gratuity payment system which is always in arrears. This will ensure that money is readily available to pay the arrears of pension liability.

In summary, the relevance of professional actuaries and information technology experts cannot be ignored in the implementation of the above suggested solutions.

Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) Key Challenges The guaranteed minimum pension (GMP), which will be specified from time to time by PENCOM, is a provision for protecting all retirees who have not accumulated enough to have a decent standard of living in retirement (Section 84(1) of PRA 2014). Thus, it is anincome support from the government, which can act as a safety net for pensioners.

The modalities for implementing GMP are yet to be finalized by PENCOM for more than 10 years of its existence. This may be due to the computational complexities involved in determining the GM that require actuarial techniques which might not have been considered important.

Possible Solutions The assessment of the level of GMP including the cost of guarantee requires stochastic modelling techniques, a task under the control of an actuary whose services PENCOM should obtain on a regular basis.

Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) Key Challenges There is lack of valuation of an individual member’s DC plan (individual projectionsof likely pension benefit at retirement) by PFAs with a clear objective to measure sustainable retirement income (using metrics such as replacement ratio which represents a sensible estimate of the standard of living in retirement) before allowing an individual to make his/her choice of AVC. The concept of replacement ratio provides an effective connection between the accumulation and de-accumulation phases of a DC plan member’s life cycle.

With the exception of tax benefit, there is also no incentive for additional savings (AVC) towards retirement, particularly where there is a GMPto be funded by the Government. Thus, there are relatively small RSA balances of some retirees pending the implementation of GMP. This results in a growing sense of disenchantment with the token monthly pension benefit being received by pensioners under the new CPS relative to the huge gains (from investment returns and dividends) the Pension Fund Administrator (PFAs) are currently making.

The above arises from the expectation that all returns on invested funds belong to contributors (employees) except for the minimal fees/chargesexpected for the pension operators.

The lack of frequent review of fees/charging structure (including the stipulated fees by PENCOM representing the maximum amounts) chargeable by operators and possible nondisclosure of hidden charges, interests and commissions accruable to pension assets might also be the cause of above dissatisfaction.

Possible Solutions The fees/charging structure needs to be constantly reviewed

by PENCOM in order to eliminate any hidden charges in order to increase the RSA balances.

There is also a need for sensitization of potential benefits to workers in making AVC having considered the expected living standard in retirement.

• Dr. Pius Apere (PhD / FCII) is Deputy Managing Director Linkage Assurance Company PLC

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

21

COMMENTS

A

NUMBER of times in this column, I have urged caution and common sense in the way we handle our many nationalities in the course of our efforts at building Nigeria. I have urged that we can build a harmonious, stable and prosperous country only if we build everything upon a culture of respect for all our nationalities, large and small, and if we structure and manage our country according to that culture. Repeatedly, I get compatriots who ask me whether I am right in comparing our nationalities – Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Kanuri, Ijaw, etc – with European nationalities like the English, French, Germans, etc. I am asked whether our nationalities are not too primitive to be compared with these European nationalities.

The answer is NO. Our nationalities are like any other nationalities in the world. Every nationality has its own uniqueness. On every continent, different nationalities have survived for many centuries as members of large countries (for example, the English, Scots, Irish and Welsh in Britain, or the Spaniards, Basques and Catalans in Spain). Therefore, we must assume that our nationalities will most likely be alive for many centuries to come in Nigeria (if Nigeria lives that long). It is extremely foolish to behave as if we are sure that our nationalities will meld together and disappear as distinct entities. To bequeath a stable and peaceful country to our descendants, our only sensible option is to handle our nationalities carefully and make each confident that its interests are protected in Nigeria.

In answer to those who believe that our nationalities are primitive entities that we can deal with anyhow and treat anyhow, my answer is to describe a few of our nationalities – especially our three largest nationalities – Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo. In population and land area, each of these three is larger than most nationalities of Europe. I need to give some space here to each of the ones I choose to describe, and therefore I may have to extend this answer into next week. I start with the Hausa-Fulani and Igbo today.

The Hausa nation is the single largest nationality in the broad West African grassland north of the Niger valley and south of the Sahara Desert. The Hausa had lived in their homeland for thousands of years, and had developed into a number of kingdoms (each with a main town) many centuries before the 19th century. Though separated by vast grasslands, the kingdoms had the same national culture and language, and were interconnected by powerful traditions. The Hausa country was copiously interconnected by trade, and had culturally and commercially rich contacts with non-Hausa neighbours in all directions.

S

INCE the trouncing of the anti-democratic elements and whatever they represented at the polls by the votes of the Nigerian people, they have refused to come to terms with the reality of change by attacking the President Muhammadu Buhari administration at every turn not minding how ridiculous and infantile their positions sound.

Just when the dust had hardly settled on the brouhaha raised over appointments by Mr. President, some of these characters as expected, have drawn out the daggers again calling on him to fulfill his promises of a hundred days in office when from all available records, there was nowhere throughout his campaign platforms both at home and in the Diaspora, where President Buhari promised 100 days of governance in a four-year mandate.

Realistically and rationally, periodic assessment of a democratic government by the citizenry has become a fad in the world in order to keep the government on its toes and prevent a derailment from its campaign promises and developments in the polity. Thus, Nigeria cannot be exemption, but to attempt to blackmail a government on the basis of a 100 days promise which cannot be traced, pointblank to it, is the height of absurdity and a sad reminder that agents of the old order of lawlessness and impunity are still on the prowl.

Despite the Presidency denying knowledge

‘Since the trouncing of the antidemocratic elements and whatever they represented at the polls by the votes of the Nigerian people, they have refused to come to terms with the reality of change by attacking the President Muhammadu Buhari administration at every turn not minding how ridiculous and infantile their positions sound’

Yes, ours are respectable nationalities – 1 Located immediately south of the Sahara Desert, the Hausa country benefited greatly from the trans-Saharan trade with the Mediterranean world, and some of its towns ranked among the leading trading centres in the West African Sudan and Sahel. With this trade also had come Islam, with the result that the Hausa kingdoms and rulers were mostly Muslims, with the important cultural asset of literacy in Arabic.

Another ethnic group, the Fulani, a mostly nomadic people, who had for centuries migrated slowly from the grasslands far to the west, had become part of the Hausa towns and countryside by the 18th century. In the first years of the 19th century, some of the town-settled Fulani started an Islamic reform movement, and launched a jihad against the Hausa kingdoms. The Fulani immigrant people were very few in comparison with the Hausa, but their call for reforms in Islam won the support of the masses of Hausa Muslim folks. The jihad quickly subdued the rulers of the old Hausa kingdoms and replaced them with Fulani rulers with the title of Emirs.

Loosely federated, Hausaland became one large Fulani-ruled empire or sultanate.

This homeland of the Hausa (more correctly Hausa-Fulani from the early 19th century) then grew more rapidly in commerce and wealth, as well as in Islamic literacy and scholarship. There is no doubt whatsoever that this sultanate, as it stood by the late 19th century, before the coming of the British, commanded the capacity to evolve into a dynamic and prosperous modern country of its own in the heart of West Africa in our times. This was one large nation-state with clear attributes of a nation-state – a commonly accepted government, reasonably clear boundaries, common language (the Hausa language), a culture of writing, and a well-developed economy in agriculture, animal husbandry, very ancient and far-flung commerce, and a rich multiplicity of crafts and manufactures in iron and other metals, in leather, wood, otton, dyes, etc.

Then, let us look at our Igbo nation. In the country east of the Lower Niger, the Igbo nation had evolved probably 6000 years before the coming of the British. They had early evolved a rich and artistic culture, mostly in small village polities that were parts of larger

entities such as clans. All were however united by one cultural heritage, language, religion and customs. By the 19th century, the Igbo were a great trading people, and the available evidence indicates that they had been a trading people long before then. They were a major contributor to the very substantial trade that evolved with the outside world along the Lower Niger in the course of the century.

Probably more than that of any other major Black African people, the image of the Igbo nation has, since the beginning of the 20th century, suffered much distortion and downgrading at the hands of European colonial agents, colonial scholars, and colonial propagandists. It has also suffered the same in the hands of even some Nigerians who believe that building Nigeria requires that the various nationalities in Nigeria be pushed down and suppressed. In general, the tendency among such writers has been to take the absence of large political structures (kingdoms, empires, etc.) among most of the Igbo as proof that the Igbo were a primitive people – or that they were not even a definite people or nationality at all.

Happily, however, in more recent times, though that tone has not been completely silenced, stronger and more scholarly voices have arisen to restore to the Igbo nation a more balanced picture for its image. It would be difficult to doubt today that the Igbo nation had the cultural attributes that might have transformed their nation, on its own, into a virile and dynamic nation state in the modern world. But then, in the last decades of the 19th century, the Igbo were forcibly incorporated into the evolving British Empire in West Africa, ultimately becoming part of Nigeria.

In the course of the 20th century, the Igbo have proved to be a very dynamic and modernizing people. They command a kind of national uniqueness that would have built a restlessly exploring, experimenting, and pushful country in the eastern part of West Africa. The Igbo nation is an indisputable example of an African nation denied the chance,

by European imperialism, of growing into a prosperous country on its own in the modern world.

Once, in Obafemi Awolowo University in the mid-1970s, in one of the introductory Ni-

Nigerian thoughts gerian History classes that I loved to teach, one of my y o u n g Igbo stud e n t s asked me a touching question. “I strongly believe, Banji Akintoye sir”, he started, “that if we Igbo people had been allowed to have our own country from the beginning of the 20thcentury, even if we had been a British colony, we would be easily competing with a country like Japan today in technology, industries and world trade. What do you think, sir?” I answered that I agreed absolutely with him, and I could see that he was surprised that I would agree so promptly and so definitely. The truth is that nobody who has spent a whole adult life learning the history of our Black African peoples, as I have had the privilege of doing, can deny that any of our peoples (Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani, Kanuri, Edo, etc), is a proudly achieving nation that commands the native and intrinsic capability to make a success of its life in the modern world.

I believe that we should, and can, stop the crudely integrationist policies, and the destructive centralization of power and resources, that we have been pursuing since independence. I repeat – we need to make everyone of our nationalities feel belonging.

Such steps are crucial to making Nigeria live long in stability and prosperity.

‘I believe that we should, and can, stop the crudely integrationist policies, and the destructive centralization of power and resources, that we have been pursuing since independence’

As daggers are drawn out on Buhari’s 100 days

By Nelson Ekujumi and authorship of a 100 days promise and corroboration by renowned lawyer, Festus Keyamo who stated in a Punch newspaper publication of Tuesday 01/09/2015 that “But then, I can vouch for President Buhari. I travelled with him and I was with him at Chatham House when he was asked a question on what he would do in the first 100 days; and Buhari’s reply was very simple. He said, ‘I consider all of these promises about my 100 days in office fraudulent. I am not going to commit myself to any 100 days promises.’ These agents of, see-no-good in President Muhammadu Buhari, will not relent.

And even, when Mr. President’s party came out categorically to deny ownership of the 100 days promise of governance based on its position that such a promise never emanated nor was authorised by either the party through its national publicity secretary, nor its then Presidential candidate, some of these characters would rather not hear of such and have gone to town painting it in fake red, trying to blackmail the government on an alleged figment of their imagination;100 days promise of 100 things to be done which include among others, the following: 1. Making the exchange rate of 1 dollar equivalent to 1 naira 2. Ending the Boko Haram insurgency 3. Making the refineries work at 100% 4. Eliminating corruption 5. Ensuring successful transplant of all Nigerian men to women and vice versa 6. Ensuring that all bachelors and spinsters get married and produce children, etc.

All these so-called ridiculous 100 days promises by the sponsors of this campaign of, we must bring down the government by distracting it through campaign of calumny and sowing seed of discord in the polity, are

laughable and must be understood within this context by all and sundry.

What we must all understand and recognise is that while the Buhari Presidency tsunami was on the loose, millions of Nigerians scattered at home and in the Diaspora became willing volunteers on their own, contributing time and money to save their fatherland from an impending calamity. It’s an indisputable fact, that sane Nigerians were absolutely fed up with the way and manner the PDP-led Goodluck Jonathan government was likely to run the country aground and so, they launched themselves patriotically headlong into various kinds of campaign promises centred around the party’s manifesto of fighting corruption, insecurity, economy comatose, employment generation, etc to produce all kinds of materials to convince people to vote for a Buhari Presidency and it is not unlikely that overzealous supporters or mischief-makers from the other end who were deploying their political war chest against change through bribery of persons and groups with local and foreign currency in mind-boggling sums, also capitalised on the frenzy to produce materials and disseminate information which was ridiculous in order to disparage and make mockery of the movement.

But one clear message which Nigerians must hold very dearly from this whole episode of sowing seed of discord between the government and the people is that both Mr. President and his party have reaffirmed their unalloyed commitment to implementing the party manifesto based on its electioneering promises of fighting insecurity, corruption, unemployment, economy comatose, infrastructural decay, among others in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria within the next four years of their democratic mandate and to us, this is reassuring.

As Mr. President gets set to release his longawaited ministerial nominees, it is important to admonish the government and the citizenry to be watchful and ever-ready as enemies of progress and democracy are on the prowl and more than ever determined to psychologically wear down the people and the government by campaign of calumny and division along religious, ethnic and other negative lines.

In the mean time, instead of dissipating its energy in always responding to criticisms and sinister comments, it is imperative to call on Mr. President’s media team to live up to their responsibility by disseminating information, prompt and relevant information, across all channels to Nigerians on the achievement and giant strides being recorded by the government in areas of national life, which we are all living witness to, such as, improved electricity generation and supply, improved security and updates on the war against Boko Haram, the revitalisation of the refineries in reducing fuel imports and decentralisation of distribution and supplies, the state of recovery of looted funds, instilling discipline into our national life through responsible leadership, appointments into public office based on character and integrity instead of godfatherism and other primordial sentiments, etc.

To the vanguards of the old order of lawlessness and impunity in violations of the Constitution and God’s law, who have refused to sheathe their daggers of, Nigeria shall know no peace, our message to them is that, we are more than prepared because eternal vigilance is the price for liberty. Again, our prayers is that may the Good Lord grant them good health to rejoice with the generality of Nigerians as things change for the better under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari within the next four years to the glory of God and man.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

22

SHOWBIZ

I’m glad my house help left, says Rukky Sanda

N

OLLYWOOD actress, Rukky Sanda is not a new name in the Nigerian movie industry. To her credit are several hit movies since her debut in 2004.

Only last weekend, she capped it all up with the premiere of her latest production, Dark, which witnessed the presence of the who-iswho in the Nigerian movie industry.

The actress who looked very sultry at the event says that her journey into moviedom has been amazing so far, especially considering the learning process she has had to go through.

The CEO of the production house, Rukky Sanda Studio says that she has a recipe for keeping fit and it does not include any hard work. “I don’t know; I just try to be myself and try to be healthy, I think that’s the most important thing,” she said when asked about her beauty routine.

She also has an interesting story to tell. Not a foodie herself, she says, it came as both a surprise and a relief when two weeks ago, her house help stole her money and ran away.

“He cleaned my room a day before and I didn’t see him again in the morning. He ran away. He told me he wanted to go, that his father told him to come home like five days before he ran. I’m glad he left because I don’t eat as much anymore, the boy knew how to do everything and it was annoying because before I finish one he is bringing another and I don’t even go out I was eating like a glutton so I’m glad he left,” she recounts.

• P-Sqaure

By Adeniyi Adewoyin • Rukky

Waje in One campaign visit to New Afrika Shrine

T

• PSquare's damaged vehicle

How P-Sqaure escaped death

P

OPULAR singing duo, Peter and Paul Okoye of the P-Square fame, their assistant manager and Joseph Ameh, who is their official drummer, escaped death along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway over the weekend.

This unfortunate incident occurred on their way back from a show in Ibadan when a lorry hit their car, dragging them along for about 12 seconds. Peter Okoye made the revelation on his Instagram page, saying; “Fans pls help us thank God. Myself @rudeboypsquare @papiijameh and our assistant manager @wandoskie had an accident early hours

By Ruth Iluobe

of today on our way back from a show in ibadan.

Along Lagos/Ibadan express road. A Lorry hit and dragged us for over 12 seconds. But Our Lord and Our God is always faithful and quick to show Mercy.

Thank God we survived.#ThankYouLord.”

The twin brothers are known for churning out hit songs since they gained stardom over a decade ago. Only recently, they emerged the Artistes of the Decade and Best Group at the MTV Africa Music Awards held in South Africa.

Day Fela brought EMI Record MD to his knees

By Jane Kolade

P E

VEN though the late Afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has been gone for 18 years, memories of his life and times remain evergreen. During a live recording of The Kalakuta Chronicles on iGroove Radio, the anchor, Abdul Okwechime reminisced about the maestro, and his uncanny, unorthodox way of getting his way.

Fela had a recording contract with EMI records to distribute his albums in Nigeria,

and West Africa. After that, he had a bestselling record that was a massive hit on the continent. Oblivious of the fact that it is not only Africans that enjoy Afrobeat music, Fela was surprised to receive a call from a friend in Japan who told him that he had bought his record, and loved it.

Shocked at the deviousness of his record label, who had conveniently forgotten to inform him that his music was a massive hit outside Nigeria, he proceeded to their office to confront the Managing Director who apologised, and promised to reimburse him.

However, Fela was totally unaware that the Oyinbo man was about leaving the country, but a little bird informed him that the EMI boss was on his way out of the country for good. So, after confirming the man’s departure date, and other information, Fela showed up at the departure lounge of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, and grabbed the man’s shirt, refusing to let go of him. When it was obvious that the man would miss his flight because Fela was unwilling to let him go despite entreaties from onlookers, and security agents, they retired to the EMI office, where the case was settled. Baba was compensated. Trust the one and only Fela; he wrote a song about it, Unnecessary Begging.

HAT Aituaje Iruobe, stage name Waje, is a Nigerian superstar is not in doubt.

However, the diva has crossed over to the world stage; not with her music, but with her humanitarian efforts via the One Campaign; a non-profit organisation with a mandate to fight world poverty.

In her submission about the effect of the work of Femi Kuti on younger musicians, Waje said, “It is so amazing to be part of this entertainment industry where you are not afraid to say the things you need you to say, so that when we open our mouths, we know we have someone pushing us from behind.

We may never meet you, (some of us have never met you, some have, some have never even sat down to have conversations with you).But we know that there is a path we should follow because you want your community, and the people that associate with you to understand the concept of living, and making sure that your community gets the best.”

Waje was part of the One team at the meet and greet session between Irish born Rock superstar; Bono, and Afrobeat star, Femi Kuti that held last Thursday at the new Afrika shrine. Bono, who is a Knight of the British Empire (OBE), was on a brief visit to Nigeria in association with his work with One; an organisation he cofounded.

Waje says that her involvement with the campaign stems from her belief in women’s empowerment, and girl child education, as a way of eradicating poverty. “In Africa, there is a saying that ‘when you educate a boy you educate an individual, but when you educate a girl, you educate generations,” she said.

A face of the Strong Girls Campaign, which is part of the One Campaign in Nigeria, she

By Jane Kolade

is involved in an ongoing campaign in Nigeria tagged “Poverty is Sexist”. It urges world leaders to take speedy action against denying girls education, being forced into marriage; avoid mothers risking their lives when they give birth; and to stop the farmer from being prevented from owning the land she works in.

• Waje

9janimi Channel to pay royalty to artistes

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S 9janimi music streaming channel relaunches its service, the management of the platform has promised that it would begin paying royalties to artistes.

Founder of the network, Soltesh Iyere, said that the new platform is designed as an alternative to popular streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. 9janimi Channel, he says, lets independent artistes keep 75% of the proceeds through its “Fair Trade Streaming” agreement.

“The Media 360 Company, owners of 9janimi Channel, originally projected the streaming service as an alternative to the music industry through which they could directly distribute their music to music fans and lovers,” says Iyere.

The online platform, he says, offers two tiers for customers, and streaming on the Web

By Ovwe Medeme

and on iOS and Android (Which they plan to launch before the end of the year for mobile users). The free version comes with ads, lets users into thousands of songs from its catalog, and they have to purchase songs they wish to download or keep, the internet entrepreneur said.

He also adds that the streaming service was originally announced about a year ago, after a couple of years of being operated a music channel, but for some reasons it was delayed and now a streaming service has risen to pay artists royalties.

“It’s not clear yet how large 9janimi Channels music catalog is, or how well it will do, though its sure to resonate with artists who are finding the models used by Spotify and others as unfairly stripping them of much of their earnings,” Iyere added.

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

• Participants displaying placards at a museum organised by the Dream Project for Africa in partnership with Junior Chamber International with the theme: "End Sexual Harassment and Bribery in Nigerian Colleges". The event held at the Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos.

The fallout of the scandal about a part-time lecturer in the University of Lagos (UNILAG) who raped an admission seeker has revealed the evil practice of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions. In this report, some victims recount their encounters.

Sexual abuse victims tell their stories

T

HE rape scandal rocking the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has, once again, thrown up questions on why undergraduates fail to seek redress through the channels provided by their institutions when sexually harassed by their lecturers.

Dr. Akin Baruwa, a part-time lecturer of UNILAG, on Thursday, July 23, this year raped a teenager, one Cecilia (not real name), who was seeking admission into the university in an office in the Faculty of Business Administration.

The victim's father and Baruwa are said to belong to the same landlord association in Abesan, Ipaja area of Lagos.

On the fateful day, Cecilia's father had asked her to follow Baruwa to UNILAG to sort out her admission issue. But the journey ended in jeopardy.

Though Baruwa, upon arrest, owned up to the act, he insisted that it

By Adegunle Olugbamila, Oluwatoyin Adeleye, Jane Chijioke, Mojisola Clement and Aderenike Gbadebo

was by mutual consent.

The university has set up a committee to investigate the scandal and promised to address the press on the outcome soon. The Dean, Faculty of Business Administration, Prof Rasheed Ojikutu claims that Baruwa is not among the about 120 lecturers in his faculty. However, there are indications that he lectures in the Distance Learning Institute.

Cecilia’s case is one of the few to get public attention because she reported to her parents. Many more students have been harassed, who for fear,

‘

I was immediately looking for a way to leave the room before things degenerated, so I dashed for the door.

He came after me and pinned me to the door fondling my breasts INSIDE

Crisis looms PRESIDENT Muhammadu has been over planned Buhari urged to reverse the downgrading varsities’ of four new universities of back to downgrade education colleges of -Page 27

education.

failed to speak up. As a result, the lecturers were not punished. Though the procedure for seeking redress is spelt out, The Nation learnt that students hardly exploit them for fear of being victimised.

Most of the female students interviewed about the matter refused to give their names to avoid getting into trouble. Even those who have already graduated pleaded anonymity to avoid the social stigma.

A female student of Mass Communication at UNILAG has been harassed. But she did not report the inci-

dent which she described as “an abuse of power.”

"It was during my days as a postgraduate diploma student in the Department of Mass Communication in UNILAG. During one of my papers, my lecturer - I can't mention his name, because he would probably know if he reads this story - announced in the exam hall that 'if you are not writing well or you know you do not know the questions, don't cheat, just see me after the paper.'

"I was not sure of myself, so I decided to see him, just to confirm if he would use my Continuous Assessments and attendance to give me extra marks or something. So, I went to

70 pupils deliberate at UN confab -Page 40

CAMPUS LIFE Extortion scandal rocks NTA College -Page 29

’

his office and he told me to write down my name and I did. Then, he asked me a funny question: 'Cash or kind?'

I was confused at first, but he said I should better stop behaving like a child.

"I decided to push my luck, just to see if he meant it. So, I offered N20, 000. He got angry and told me to get out that I am not ready to pass. He said my mates are offering him N100,000 and above. After a lot of begging, he accepted the money. I also bought him some expensive wines and gifts, though. In the end, he still did nothing, because I had a D in the course. I am just grateful he did not decide to fail me."

Explaining why she did not report, she said: "Who would I report to? I was even a bit guilty that I paid in the first place, so my mouth is shut. That is why this must be written as anonymous. Thank you."

Miss Yetunde (surname withheld) •Continued on page 26

•A 10-page section on campus news, people etc

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

26

EDUCATION

Sexual abuse victims tell their stories •Continued from page 25 recalled a horrid sexual harassment story as a part-time undergraduate of UNILAG. She lacked the courage to report. But another lecturer helped her out.

Her account: "I was sexually harassed when I was pursuing a Bachelors programme in Education as a parttime student of University of Lagos.

A lecturer was hitting on me, but I refused to answer him. He continued to disturb me to no avail. He failed me in my core course. I, then, went to his office to ask how I failed because I was very sure of what I wrote in the exam. He said I should give him an answer to his proposal if I wanted to pass his course. I later found out that he got other teachers to fail me just because I turned down his advances.

"Fortunately, for me, a lecturer who knew I was very intelligent noticed that I was failing some of my major courses. He came to my rescue by investigating the case and found out that the said lecturer had conspired with his other colleagues to fail me.

This kind lecturer then reported the case to the Head of Department. The erring lecturer was sanctioned and later lost his job."

Modupe's experience while seeking admission into the Lagos State University (LASU) was similar to Cecilia's.

Hear her: "It happened in 2008, when I was still seeking admission into LASU. Though I did well in my UTME, yet my father felt a connection from the university had to be involved to make my admission sail through "My father suddenly remembered he had a female colleague whose immediate younger brother was a lecturer in the Department of English in the school. I later called the lecturer who asked me to come on a Saturday, which was the day I was to sit for the post- UTME. "I called him (lecturer) and he directed me to his office. As I made to enter, I noticed the quietness of the one storey, including the offices most of which were locked up.

"I was 16 and a virgin, but had known and read a lot about sex. Un-

Facilitator of Ornaments of Grace and Virtue, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to promoting the welfare of young girls, Mrs Kehinde Omojola, speaks to OLUWATOYIN ADELEYE on how they can prevent sexual harassment.

‘Girls should learn to speak out’

M

ANY students who are either sexually abused by their lecturers or others hardly open up. Why is this so and what can be done to help them?

Girls and even boys must come to the understanding that they need to stick with the values they have been taught. They must learn to say no to passes and have access to groups that can support them when such things are proposed. If they dare to be different, refuse to give in, and get help from support groups, we will be able to curb it However we also need to investigate whether some who do not have values offer themselves without being asked to get good grades.

Some girls are not aware of sex education because it is forbidden in their homes.

Sex should not be treated as a taboo in homes. When God said: 'Train your children...' I am sure it included the matter of sex. Sex education is not just about doing the act. There are so many things taught under this topic. For example, how to say no, self awareness, and how to protect oneself during an attack. When children hear about this from their parents, they become free to discuss any issue with them.

If a student is in a position that makes her vulnerable to sexual abuse, what should she do?

She should avoid being alone with the said lecturer. Always walk with a group of friends. Students all have phones. Record on tape any advances made and let him know you have done so. There are lawyers who could assist.

Seek their counsel on what to do.

fortunately, sex was an abominable subject in our house. I prepared my mind for whatever would happen because I had been taught not to trust any man at all.

"I entered the sparsely-furnished office and sat down. He stood up from his seat, made for the door and locked it with a key and my heart skidded.

He sat down again and asked me for my credentials. He then became more serious and started asking me personal questions. 'Are you a virgin?'

'Do you have a boyfriend?' 'How do you feel about your big breasts?' (I have very big boobs and my flat tummy made it more obvious)?

"I was immediately looking for a way to leave the room before things degenerated, so I dashed for the door.

He came after me and pinned me to the door fondling my breasts and moaning loudly. I got very angry and tried to push him away but I could

not because he was very strong, despite his frail physique. I removed his spectacles and threatened to pluck out his eyeballs if he did not allow me to leave the room. Reluctantly, he opened the door and I bolted down the stairs. I felt humiliated, used and angry, but I knew I was not going to tell anybody at home because sex has

‘Students are not idiots. Once they feel short-changed, they should complain. And once we receive a complaint, we will act’

•Mrs Omojola

Do not give in to fear. If forced, teach him a lesson he will never forget using self defence moves.

Specifically, how is your organisation helping out?

We have an OGAV Girls Club in schools to teach girls sexual awareness, because we realised one of the causes of sexual abuse is lack of awareness. Even if one has gone through this kind of experience, it is not the end of the world. I know people who have gone through sexual abuse and came out victorious. Do not condemn yourself. Look to the future and come out and get help so that you can make the best of your life. never been spoken of in my family."

Another alumnus of LASU, who simply identified herself as Harriet, recounted how she almost fell into the trap of her project supervisor during her final year.

"I was sexually harassed by my lecturer while I was in the first semester of my 400-Level," Harriet said. "It is an unfortunate scenario that I will not forget in a hurry. It took place in one of the faculties at the Lagos State University.

"I was assigned to one of our lecturers who was widely rumoured to have a liking for young girls.

"During our first meeting, I noticed that he kept staring at my breasts and I was very uncomfortable.

"Anytime I went into his office to seek clarification over my project, he would always engage me in sexual talks. He is either complimenting me about my straight legs which would

• Some pupils of David Akintola Secondary School, Ilorin holding educational pamphlets donated by the Self Reliance Economic Advancement Programme (SEAP), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), to five secondary schools in Kwara State to guide their career choices.

T

WO weeks of internship at SLOT Systems Limited, a mobile phone merchandise firm, came to an end for 20 technical college teachers on Monday.

They were exposed to electronics training at the company under the Teachers Industrial Work Experience Scheme (TIWES), an initiative of the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board, to update the practical knowledge of teachers of the five Government Technical Colleges (GTC).

Under the scheme, the teachers spend some time during the long holidays in firms related to their fields to brush up their knowledge to improve their delivery in the classroom.

be easy to spread out on the bed or other things which I would pretend not to pay attention to.

"I was at the concluding part of my project on that fateful day. I'd gone to see him. I entered his office and he started rectifying all he needed to do in my project. Then, he started glancing at me in an unusual way and told me point blank that he wanted me to hold the table and him 'doing it' from behind. I thought he was joking and stood up immediately to leave, but he blocked the exit and forcefully dragged my hand to hold his already turgid manhood. I started begging him to let me go but he would not yield. I made to shout but he quickly blocked my mouth. He said I could go on only one condition- that I must not report to anybody, otherwise I would never graduate. He reminded me that he was an executive member of ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) and he is well connected.

"I never reported to the school authority and he never tried it with me again. I only told my friends I graduated without any issue."

However, contrary to the students' claims of fear of victimization, authorities in various tertiary institutions insist that the formal procedure for redress works.

Ojikutu, for instance, said UNILAG, where he has worked for nearly 30 years, does not joke with allegations by students, especially those relating to sexual harassment.

He said the channels provided by the institution for students to seek redress when their rights are being trampled upon function well.

"There is a process. You can write to your counsellor or course adviser. If he or she is not attending to your prayer, you approach your Head of Department. If your HOD does not attend to you, you approach the Dean.

If the Dean is not attending to you, then you approach the VC. "Students are not idiots. Once they feel short-changed, they should complain. And once we receive a complaint, we will act. If you write to me and say you are being sexually harassed, the first thing I will do is to query the person concerned. And I must get a response within 24 hours and the student will be protected. You people just believe that the only crime in the university is sexual harassment.

But there are lots of other issues that we address. Offences are not only committed between lecturers and students, sometimes it is between students. So, you think that the students are orphans and that there is nobody to protect them? No!" The Public Relations Officer of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Mr Charles Oni, also told our reporter that abused students could seek redress.

He said: "In a school environment like YABATECH, we have a process for addressing such issue (sexual harassment). We have the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee, which deals with misconduct from erring lecturers. They listen to complaints by students and the lecturer will be tried based on evidences supplied. If found guilty, he is either demoted or dismissed depending on the gravity of the offence."

Oni added that sexual harassment was not rampant in the institution. "As much as I know, I have not witnessed any case of sexual harassment. It is not common here," Oni said.

Technical teachers laud internship at SLOT

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

At the onset of the event at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Executive Secretary of LASTVEB Mr Olawumi Gasper said the board recognised that the teachers needed to interact with practitioners in the private sector to keep them relevant, especially as the students they teach also get exposed during their industrial attachment.

"This is the third in the series of industrial training we have had for teachers. For the past eight-nine months these teachers have been in the classroom. But we believe we should ex-

pose them to new technology. We cannot do this alone as government. The private sector is the pivot of technology. They have made the investment.

It is the private that absorbs the students after graduation. What the teachers learn during the internship would be translated to the students," he said.

Director, Technical Vocational Services, LASTVEB, Mr Laolu Oguntuyi, said the scheme is mandatory for teachers because it helps bridge the gap between the colleges and the industry.

"We discovered that there is a mismatch between the industry and the colleges. To bridge this gap, we must

move closer to the industry," he said.

Chief Executive Officer of SLOT Technologies Mr Nnamdi Ezeigbo praised the state government for revamping Technical/Vocational Education (TVE) because it provides students with skills to start up businesses without capital.

He said that was how he started his business without capital - by offering computer repair services.

"The importance of vocational training in any society, especially an emerging society cannot be over emphasized. One major problem in Nigeria is that SMEs have problem with

startup capital. But if you have sound technical knowledge, the startup capital will be the least of your problems," he said.

Training Coordinator for SLOT Mr Collins Uwadia said the teachers were responsive during the two-week internship and equipped with skills relevant to the mobile technology business.

He was optimistic they would perform better back in the classroom.

A participant, Mrs Mabel Omojake, said she learnt a lot and urged the government to provide the equipment needed to practicalise what they learnt during the internship.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

27

EDUCATION

Crisis looms over planned varsities’ downgrade

Gratuities payment excites Akwa Ibom teachers

P

•Seek pension remittance

P

RIMARY School teachers in Akwa Ibom State have commended the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for paying the 2011-2014 gratuities, April and May salaries as well as last year’s leave grants to some beneficiaries.

They described it as steps taken to address the plight of teachers and improve service delivery.

The teachers, in a statement by the concerned teachers of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, under the aegis of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), however, appealed to the governor to address non-payment of 7.5 per cent pension contribution from 20052013 to contributors both the dead and the living; implementation of 2012/2013 promotion and payment

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

of arrears of beneficiaries.

Other issues raised by the teachers included the payment of 2011 promotion arrears; release of the just concluded promotion interview; payment of short fall (variation) to teachers since June 2013 to date; payment of 2013 leave allowance and full payment of 2014 leave allowance to those who were left out.

They also made case for release of fund to pay subvention owed school heads for more than three terms as well as renovation of school buildings and other facilities that have suffered neglect and dilapidation to add quality and

• Emmanuel

value to the free and compulsory education policy of the government.

The teachers also urged the governor to use his position to impress upon those keeping the 7.5 per cent pension contribution to pay the money to owners before school re-opens to avoid industrial disharmony.

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to reverse the downgrading of four new universities of education to colleges of education.

Workers of the four universities (Federal University of Education, Kano; Federal University of Education, Zaria, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo and Alvan Ikoku University of Education) which were upgraded in May have also called on the Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education Mrs Hindatu Abdullahi, to withdraw the letter she signed (dated August 19, 2015) ordering the reversal.

The workers, under the auspices of the Joint Trade Unions representing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) NonAcademic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), faulted claims that the institutions were hurriedly elevated in the twilight of former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration for political reasons, noting that they had been running undergraduate programmes in affiliations with various universities for decades.

Chairman of the Joint Trade Union, Dr Abubakar Haruna, told journalists at a briefing in Abuja that the four institutions had requisite infrastructure and had made enormous progress during the transition process, such as inauguration of senate, appraisal and placement of staff, curriculum and academic brief.

Urging President Buhari to let them be, Haruna said allowing the institutions to operate as universities would boost teacher education in the country, and is in line with international best practices.

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

He said: "We are aware that some unscrupulous elements within the academics of the colleges have, for their own personal interest, teamed up to overthrow the upgrade of the institutions.

"They are trying to do so by misinforming Mr. President on the circumstances which led to the emergence of the colleges as universities.

"We urge Mr. President to step in and address this issue because some individuals are trying to take advantage of their closeness to the presidency to truncate the good intention."

Haruna vowed that the unions would work against the planned reversal of the institutions by going on a one week warning strike, the third in the series, to draw the government's attention to the union’s position.

"If there are flaws in the upgrade, they could be corrected while the transition goes on; already, there is draft bill for onward transmission to the National Assembly. We have started 2015/2016 admission process in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and JAMB directives.

"We do not have problem with NUC because as it were, we have been having free flow communication with the commission; they still consider us as universities; we are still on their list and template.

"Our only concern is the recent letter, which emanated from the office of the acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, which is quite contrary to the practice of issuing circulars.

"That letter has a lot of flaws-for every circular to be out, there must be a reference point to the memo that gave that directive,'' he said.

‘Don’t scrap staff schools’ • Mrs Iyabode Ogbonna (second left) of the Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, one of the camp sponsors, presenting a prize to Temitope (middle). With them are: Ms Darabido (second left) and Mr and Mrs Bolanle.

Camp exposes teenage girls to technology

W

ITH skills such as video production, 3D design, and mobile app development, 27 teenage girls are ready to carve a niche in the world of business using technology.

They impressed their parents with their new skills at a ceremony to close the 2015 Girls Technology Camp organised by Women in Technology (W.TEC).

The programme also featured an exhibition of projects executed by the girls during the camp.

Camped at the Laureates College in Mafoluku, Oshodi for two weeks, the girls, aged 11-17, also learnt about photography, self-defence, financial literacy and careers, and went on field visits to General Electric and MainOne Data Centre.

The girls presented summaries of their skills, entertaining their parents and other guests present as they did.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of certificates to the girls and prizes to those who excelled in individual and group projects, as well as character-wise.

Temitope Bolanle was crowned Ms W.TEC for being an all-rounder in academics, character, and camp life.

She also won awards for the holiday resort she designed using 3-Dimension design technology.

Parents were left in no doubt of the value of the training the girls received from the camp.

Ms Kate Duru, whose niece, Stephney, won an award for creating the best mobile App, using MIT App Inventor, said the programme gave parents value for money as the teenagers gained skills they could use to earn a living.

"I am glad to be here to watch my

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

niece win this award. I learnt about this programme about two years ago when my colleague's daughter attended the camp. She is now our web designer today. There is nothing like waste of money here. I know my niece will also come and join us," she said.

Mrs Monisola Balogun, an interior designer, said she was impressed about what she saw on the exhibition stand. She particularly praised Temitope's work.

"I saw the exhibition stand. I am a professional interior designer. I was so overwhelmed. What she (Temitope) has done is great. She designed a resort. She is just in secondary school. Please keep up the good work," she said.

Mr Omotoso Bolanle, Temitope's father, encouraged parents to expose their wards to various skills training to enable them find their feet early. He said early exposure to tech-

‘I saw the exhibition stand. I am a professional interior designer. I was so overwhelmed. What she (Temitope) has done is great. She designed a resort.

She is just in secondary school.

Please keep up the good work’

nology has helped Temitope to decide her course of study in the university which is Computer Science.

Representatives of some of the corporate supporters of the programme also lauded the initiative.

Mrs Adebisi Olukayode, Cloud and Data Centre Specialist, MainOne, which provided free internet service for the duration of the camp, said of its benefit to the girls: "They may not really realise the import of what is happening now. This can be a defining moment for some of them based on what they have done. It is a foundation. But they can actually build on it."

Babatunde Akinola, Corporate Affairs Manager, Intel Corporation for West Africa, added: "We accept it because it is giving opportunity to the girls to learn new skills in technology. I feel it is going to be transformational because they are learning skills they can grow with."

Programme Manager for W.TEC, Ms Modupe Darabido, said beyond technology, a good take away from the camp was how to make money from each skill they learnt.

"For all the ICT programmes they learnt, we tied it to them making money out of it - even starting small.

We are helping them to open their minds to possibilities around them using ICT," she said.

A participant and recipient of the Mobile App Development Award for creating a game using Game Salad software, Tolulope Taiwo, said she would further develop her game beyond Level 4 after the camp.

“I loved the camp. I learnt a lot. I hope to develop my game further, said the 13-year old pupil of White Dove Schools, Lekki.”

T

HE Federal University Staff Schools Association (FUSSAN) has begged President Mohammadu Buhari to jettison the idea of privatising staff schools by stopping their funding by the Federal Government.

President of the association, Rev Chidi Nwankpa, at their 16th Annual National Conference at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), said the development was a threat to the existence of staff schools, which would lead to the destruction of education at the foundation level.

The president said the staff schools have done well over the years, producing a lot of people who have done well in various endeavours.

He wondered why the University Staff Schools should be singled out to be privatised when schools belonging to the Navy, Police, Army etc are still funded by the Federal Government.

He said privatising the schools would lead to loss of jobs as well as water down the quality of education at this level.

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

"We work daily from morning till night. Teaching children is where the major work is, else secondary and tertiary institutions would not get good products," he said.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof James Epoke, said the Committee of Vice Chancellors in its last meeting had resolved against the privatization.

He said the staff schools were an an area building manpower for the nation and must be nurtured.

Chairman of the board of governors of the University of Calabar Staff School, Prof Simon Utsalo, said the schools which is 39 years old has grown over the years by efforts made by various Vice Chancellors.

He was particularly grateful for the contributions made by Epoke towards the school's development.

Headteacher of the Unical Staff School, Mrs Florence Eleng, hoped that the conference would provide answers to most of the problems facing staff schools.

Varsity holds maiden convocation

T

HE Samuel Adegboyega University, in Ogwa, Edo State will graduate her pioneer set of 50 students tomorrow.

Listing the achievements of the fouryear old university, At a press briefing to announce the convocation, its Vice Chancellor, Prof Benard Aigbokan, said the institution has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to nurture 100,000 oil palm nursery for sale to small-scale farmers and offered international ICT training to students in collaboration with New Horizon, an e-training firm, among others.

"In order for the students to achieve the competence necessary to prepare them for the labour market, the university has ensured that all students graduate with a minimum

By Oyewole Priscilla

of three certificates which include a certificate for their course of study, ICT certificate from New Horizon and entrepreneurial certificate in which students are empowered with additional skills in hair dressing, tie and dye, farming and so on," he said.

The vice chancellor debunked the allegations that National Universities Commission (NUC) rated the university as substandard, noting that the rumour has been corrected by the regulatory agency.

Activities that featured as part of the convocation included a novelty match, convocation drama as well as the inauguration of a multipurpose hall and Centre for Economic Research (CERDEL).

•

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Peace at last

*CAMPUSES

‘Quacks are killing pharmaceutical practice’

*NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS Page 34

Page 31

THE NATION

*GRANTS

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Students of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Television College (TV COLLEGE) have accused the management of extortion, following the hike in tuition fees and introduction of N7,500 industrial training monitoring fee. The students are misguided, says the Acting Rector. YAKUBU BUSARI reports.

•The TV College gate. Inset: Ms Bewell

Extortion scandal rocks NTA College A

LL is not well at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Television College (TV COLLEGE), Rayfield in Jos, the Plateau State capital. The management and students are at loggerheads over a hike in tuition and introduction of N5,000 as penalty for late payment. Students described the action as extortion.

The students alleged that the Acting Rector, Ms Halima Bewell, is extorting them by raising the school fees arbitrarily and making the school unaffordable to the poor.

Because of the hiked fees, many of them, the students complained, have dropped out of the college.

The college was established as a

•Rector: allegations are misguided diploma-awarding institution for courses, such as Television Production, Journalism and Engineering.

In 2003, it partnered with the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State, to become a degree-awarding institution for

Television Production and Journalism disciplines only.

Since the partnership with ABU, the aggrieved students alleged that the Bewell-led management has continued to raise the fee without any improvement in teaching and

supporting facilities. The students said since the college is owned by the Federal Government, its fees should be affordable.

“We pay exorbitant fees that cannot be accounted for,” they wrote in their letter of complaint made

‘The college does not have enough camera and recording gadgets; we usually hire the equipment. The school has only two cameras for about 2,000 students’

available to CAMPUSLIFE. The letter reads: “In 2014, the school fee was raised to N81,000, which we agreed to pay. When we resumed for the 2015 session, the returning students were informed by the school authorities that the fee had been raised to N91,000. We were not told the modalities used to arrive at the figure.

“There was no memo to the effect. The information came to us as rumour and we complied. Those who could not meet up with the deadline of tuition payment were asked to pay N5,000 as fine. Defaulters face compulsory deferment of their programmes.”

•Continued on page 30

•‘How my room-mate died’ •Students arrested for threatening to kill lecturer -P32

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Making certificates count

Pushing Out with

Agbo Agbo 08116759750 (SMS only)

A

S the world shrinks due to globalisation, new and complex challenges are emerging rapidly; these challenges need newer and sometimes radical tools to help address them. Most people agree that education, especially at the tertiary level, plays a fundamental part in addressing complex present day challenges. For us to address a critical challenge like the shrinking labour market and the rapid production of graduates yearly, we have to explore ways of making our certificates count.

For those who have been opportune to sit on job interview panels, one recurring decimal is the gulf between certificates presented and applicants. How, for instance, do you reconcile a first class or second class upper degree certificate with an individual that can hardly express himself, either written or orally? Our tertiary education system – more than ever - has an onerous task of looking beyond the mere award of certificates to ensuring they beneficial to individuals and the larger society.

I find it strange that some undergraduates go through higher education for four, five and sometimes six years without having inkling about where the degree they are acquiring will lead them after school other than the porous hope that they will get some job and start a career somewhere.

This lacuna has led to the proliferation of workshops, seminars, refresher courses and conferences bent on bridging the gap created by the quest for certificates by graduates, a failure of our educational system in adequately preparing graduates for the future. Trust Nigerians for not missing out on opportunities. A new “industry” of motivational speakers and “life” coaches has developed with a very ripe market of “buyers” for these services in the half-baked, poorly trained and ill-exposed products of our educational system. This is, however, not to imply that some of these workshops and conferences are not necessary, some credible ones definitely are.

•aagboa@gmail.com Without doubt, education is one of the major arbiters of socialisation but when it is reduced to mere ability to obtain a certificate by fair or foul means; it becomes a tool for underdevelopment and retrogradation, sometimes on scales hardly imagined.Our past leadership crises is a pointer to this.

For qualitative education to be achieved and sustained, critical value must be placed on it so that those who receive it can see beyond its “putting food on the table” and refocus on the imperative to apply the gains of education to the needs of society. In other words, education, especially at the university level, needs to be properly valued and repositioned.

A look at some of the curricula in our tertiary education system seem to suggest that we are gradually being left behind as some courses have not been reviewed to fall in line with the changed times. It is sad to know that some of our lecturers are still relying on researches conducted years ago; some of these no longer fit current challenges. For instance, of what use is churning out hundreds of thousands of graduates every year without requisite entrepreneurial skills? But today, as I have argued elsewhere, teaching and scholarship has been watered down with regular research gradually becoming a rarity.

Education is supposed to prepare young people for the challenges of facing the future and making the best of it. It is supposed to help students to discover themselves, nurture their innate abilities and give vent to their God-given talents. Education is not supposed to put food in the hands of a hungry lad. It is supposed to help him learn the skills of scouting, hunting and getting food to satisfy the hunger as well as create value out of his acquisitions which can be exchanged for a store of further value which eventually translate to wealth creation.

Education can therefore not be about pass-

Extortion scandal rocks NTA College •Continued from page 29

CAMPUSIFE gathered that freshers admitted for degree programmes will pay N100,000, while their diploma counterparts are expected to pay N120,000.

The management, the students said, extorts them by asking those going for Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) to pay money to the school.

It was learnt that students, who will have their SIWES in Jos, are asked to pay N5,500, while those going outside the state are to pay N7,500. The management gave students three weeks to pay the fees, after which defaulters would be fined.

Despite the increment, students alleged that the TV COLLEGE lacked equipment that could aid their learning.

“We are wondering what Ms Bewell do with the funds the school generates, because we don't have necessary equipment. We want the world to know that students are financially responsible for all the expenses on our production assignments. We don't get anything from the school.

“The college does not have enough camera and recording gadgets. We usually hire the equipment. The school has only two cameras for about 2,000 students. When students write to the management to release the cameras for use, it is almost impossible for the school to release them, because of the bureaucratic procedure, which made the management to decline approval. As the only television school in the country, the college is supposed to be transmitting but we don't. We are supposed to have a radio station, but the management does not look in that direction except to exhort us.”

Ms Bewell denied the allegations, saying the students were misguided. She said the decision to hike the fee was taken by the

management team. She said since she resumed as Acting Rector of the college, all funds accruing to the college had been judiciously channeled for the development of the institution.

She said the increment was necessary to enable the school cope with cost of administration.

She said: “We struggle to maintain the college. We have been using our internallygenerated revenue to upgrade the school elibrary and sustain our website. We also provide facilities for accreditation of our courses and pay lecturers.”

Asked if it was lawful to ask students to pay money before they could be allowed to go for industrial training, Ms Bewell said the money to be spent by the college to supervise the scheme would be more than the amount students were asked to pay.

She said the college had managed its resources judiciously, adding that the major source of revenue for the college is from sale of Diploma and degree programme forms.

Despite paucity of funds, Bewell said the management was able to maintain standard hostels and classrooms to provide conductive environment for learning.

‘We struggle to maintain the college. We have been using our internally-generated revenue to upgrade the school e-library and sustain our website’

ing examinations and getting promoted into the next grade. It cannot be about acquiring certificates or certifications that do not empower the holder to add value to society in real terms.

I see it as a journey in self-discovery (which is why it never ends), a journey that leads

a man to the place of his assignment, the duty post that enables him to contribute not only to the enrichment and betterment of society but also towards empowering him to attaining self-actualisation.

It will appear the one thing our educational system has not failed to do is to glamorise riches and make it the ultimate in any human pursuit. In spite of the hollowness of the type of scholarship that is delivered across the educational chain in Nigeria, young people are not left without the now common desire and vaulting ambition to get rich as quickly and ‘effortlessly’ as possible. Is becoming successful no longer a process?

A side effect of this is that ‘success literatures’ have taken over the book stands and libraries as a testament to the widespread subordination of hard work and diligence to riches at any cost. This in addition to the earlier stated point about the success-teaching entrepreneurs who have created a burgeoning industry out of the lacuna that has been created by formal education.

Where did we derail? From the beginning of the quest for certificates, our prospective undergraduate is engaged in a rat race of passing his Unified Tertiary Matriculation examination (UTME) exams to scaling the extra road block of Post-UTME screening exercises. While in this race, most of them may not have been properly mentored to know what they are up against.

The journey of higher education in Nigeria places unduly strong emphasis on students passing examinations and acquiring certificates. Serious attempt to link or lead the students and eventual graduates to discovering their calling and how the education being acquired will empower them to be masters of their destinies in the very near future are most times discounted.

It is very easy to find graduates who know next to nothing in their chosen field of study.

Ebenezer Wikina, 22, is famous for his activities on the social media. A student of the Institute of Journalism in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, Ebenezer is also an online volunteer for the United Nations. This gave him the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the recently-held World Economic Forum (WEF) regional conference in South Africa. He shares his inspiration with CALEB ADEBAYO (Law, Obafemi Awolowo University).

‘Youths must engage social media wisely’

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OU seem to have a passion for journalism. How did you come about it?

When I was 10 years old, I watched the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) news each time I visited my paternal grandmother. She never missed the NTA Network News, and she always made me watch. My childhood memories were filled with names like, Fatima Abass Hassan, Eugenia Abu and Cyril Stobber.

My dad would also keep old books and magazines for me to read. These stoked my

Again, you may ask, “how did he get the certificate?” The answer is simple - by passing exams! So those who contend that Nigerian graduates are ill-prepared for the real world of work cannot be more right after all.

What’s my take on this? I believe the time to rethink our entire tertiary educational system is now. Education must be structured to unleash the potential in every learner, leading them to acquire the much needed skills to become a source of value addition to life and the nation.

Much of the ignorance that encircles contemporary Nigeria today certainly stems from the education industry. It is easy to point to government’s lacklustre attitude as the major problem of the educational sector. But that cannot be the whole truth. The education industry is also an adversary unto itself. Beyond turn-coat Ministers of Education, who even as academics helped to under-develop education, teachers and students have not lived up to expectation. In the lower levels (especially in the public schools), there are quack teachers who cannot read or write good English, and yet English remains the language of instruction.

Given the role of education in human societies, Nigeria’s future remains very bleak indeed. I say so because the educational system is merely a pastiche of the society. This is especially true of the universities which should be centres of excellence, but which have become a pitiable extension of the rotten political system in Nigeria. If the universities – indeed, the entire educational system – must be the vanguard of excellence and development, they have to operate at a level higher than the ugly realities that define contemporary Nigeria.

An important question to ponder is this: must every secondary school leaver go to the university? Why can we not resuscitate technical/vocational schools, equip them to award certificates in select vocations such as carpentry, auto mechanics, masonry, photography, craft, pottery, printing technology, etc.? If done properly, it would reduce the unnecessary strain on the varsity system while affording some youths the opportunity to gain practical proficiency in some chosen fields without acquiring degrees in the universities for which they are ill-equipped.

More than anything else, we need the return of a vibrant intelligentsia that can bring back the era of all round research that addresses societal needs. We should rebound from the long history of the humiliation of the collective psyche of the intelligentsia which dates far back to the military era. It is not too late for a reawakening.

•Ebenezer

passion for writing and journalism.

How did you come about your blogs - Write Paragraphs and The Stroll - for which you are now famous?

Mary Ajayi and I started Write Paragraphs blog, because we wanted to give voice to the youth. Since, I had interest in the United Nations (UN) activities, I registered with the UN online volunteering service. We created Write Paragraphs to share our thoughts on global issues. But, it grew to what it is today. The Stroll is a column on the blog, where we interview people and share their stories and ideas to inspire youths across the world. I always conduct the interview on social media and I have published over 90 interviews of high-profile people, including Mr Ahmad Alhendawi, the UN youth envoy; UN Under Secretary General Gyan Acharya; Prof Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director, United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA); Richard Wurman, founder of Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED), and Nathaniel Bassey, a gospel artiste, to mention a few.

•Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Students’ Union Government (SUG) President Peter Oji has been reinstated by the parliament, three months after he was suspended for misconduct. KINGSLEY AMATANWEZE (Metallurgical and Materials Engineering) reports.

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HE crisis rocking the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) Students’ Union Government (SUG) have been resolved following the reinstatement of the suspended union president, Peter Oji, last week.

Peter was suspended in May over the allegations of gross misconduct and financial mismanagement levelled against him by members of the Student Representatives’ Council (SRC) – the union’s parliament.

But the inability of the parliament members to adopt the report of a panel set up to investigate the allegations led to Peter’s reinstatement.

It was learnt that the report of the panel found the embattled union president guilty of the allegations, but the parliament could not get a quorum to adopt Peter’s impeachment as stated by the union’s constitution.

But, Peter denied the corruption allegations when he spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, identifying communication gap between members as the cause of the crisis rocking the union. He said his intention was misunderstood, adding that his controversial activities were done in the best interest of the union.

According to him, things fell apart in the union when members could not agree on budget harmonisation.

He said: “Apart from the lateness of some members of executive to the union meeting, what caused the disagreement was the expectation of some people, who wanted us to disburse all the money in the union’s account to all offices. I was opposed to this thinking and maintained that all members of executive should source for fund for their respective projects. Controversies broke out and exchange of strong words followed.”

On the allegation of unapproved letting of the union building, Peter said: “I leased out four shops in the building at the rate of N250,000 per shop and I went out to source

•Peter

Peace at last for interested parties. The money was to be used to renovate the building, but many of the parliament members thought the school released money for the project.

“I suggested that the union could use only three offices, in which every member of the executive and leadership of the parliament would be entitled to a desk when the renovation work is completed. The remaining spaces should be let out to business operators to raise money for the union’s activities. But some people opposed this suggestion, saying they preferred every member should have partitioned office.”

Peter said he had resolved the thorny issues with his colleagues in the executive arm of the union, noting that the union had emerged united.

•Eberechi

•Godwin

A 300-Level Electronic Engineering student and a member of the parliament, Godwin Nwangele, told CAMPUSLIFE that Peter’s action to bypass the union’s procedure led to the crisis. Godwin said some of the allegations levelled against the president were blown out of proportion.

He said: “There were a lot of allegations against Peter. But from my understanding, some were blown out of proportion. He truly made some mistakes, which, in my judgment, were just evasion of the union’s procedures. Peter did not make proper consultation before taking steps, which seemed to him as being proactive. He breached procedures in most cases. I believe he has learnt his lessons. In leadership, everybody must be carried along.”

The union’s Treasurer, Eberechi Nwachukwu, a 300-Level Civil Engineering student, who fought the president, blamed the crisis on Peter’s failure to carry other

executive members along. He said some of Peter’s intentions were later found out to be good but the embattled president, he said, left members of the union in the dark.

An English and Literary Studies student, who simply gave her name as Confidence, faulted Peter’s suspension. She said: “I think the suspension was motivated more by personal interest. The suspension did not stop corruption in the union and this is why I think it was self-serving. Campus journalists must delve in and investigate the issues at stake.”

Peter said his reinstatement did not come as a surprise, praising some members of the parliament, who, he said, stood for justice by throwing out a “doctored report” of the panel.

It should be recalled that the union was restored a few months ago, after almost 10 years of proscription by the management.

Members of the Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS) have organised free medical service for members of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to mark their annual Week. EDDY UWOGHIREN (300Level Medicine and Surgery) reports.

Sharing the joy of gospel

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HE University of Benin (UNIBEN) chapter of the Nigerian Federation of Catholic Students (NFCS) has held its Week. Members of the fellowship suspended their academic engagement to participate in the week-long event with the theme: Evangeli Guadum, which mean “the joy of the gospel” in English.

The event started with a rally that had the Catholic students moved round the campus to sensitise members of the university community on the week.

Reverend Father Joseph Edia of St Patricks Catholic Church in Ugbowo, while declaring the event open last week Monday, urged the students to share the benefits of Christ’s gospel with unbelievers. Giving the distinction between a missionary and a preacher, Edia called on the students to live their lives in line with the dictate of the Holy Bible.

The cleric revealed that the theme of the week was the message of the first encyclical of Pope Francis upon assumption of office.

On the next day, members of D’Reperio theatre, NFCS’ troupe, acted a drama titled Eda (The wasted life). The drama, which was staged at St Albert Catholic Church in UNIBEN, featured choreographic display, poetry and musical rendition.

On Wednesday, the students held a medical outreach at Hall 3 Car Park on the campus, where no fewer than 200 students benefited from the gesture. The beneficiaries got free medical counselling, eye screening, dental check-up and free drugs distribution.

There was also blood donation exercise.

Emmanuel Uchechukwu, the NFCS president, while speaking during the medical outreach, said the association deemed it im-

portant to bring free healthcare to the students, because of their busy academic schedules that prevented from going for regular check-up at the school health centre.

He said the aim was to make students fit to write the upcoming examination. He added that NFCS members had a mandate to touch lives their immediate community.

The outreach was followed by a visit to the Benin Medium Prison on Sapele Road, Benin City, where they were received by the officers, who conducted them round the facilities. The visit provided opportunity for the prison warden to share some of the challenges being faced at the penitentiary. “We have a school here for the inmates but the school lacks teachers to teach them. We would be glad if you can create time during your holidays to teach the inmate,” said one of the officials, who refused to give his name.

The students later held a fellowship session within the prison premises. Addressing the inmates, Godwin Abhulimhen, a 400Level Medical Laboratory Sciences student, told them not to feel condemned because of their present predicament. “Being free is a thing of the mind,” Godwin said.

The sermon was based on story of biblical Joseph, who went to prison for an offence he did not commit. Godwin told the inmates that God had better plans for them, despite their condition. He ended his sermon, telling them to acquire skills while in the prison and apply lessons learnt when they are released.

On Friday, the students held a dinner, where they presented award to some affiliate associations and some staff of the school.

The awardees include the UNIBEN Public Relations Officer (PRO) Micheal Osasuyi,

•Some members of the fellowship after the thanksgiving

who was named the fellowship’s Man of the Year, and Mrs Jane Chinelo, NFCS Woman of the Year.

Also, Catholic Law Students Association (CALSA) was honoured as Most Outstanding Faculty Unit, while Catholic Science Students Association (CASA) was awarded as the fastest growing faculty unit.

On Sunday, the fellowship held a thanksgiving, which had members dressed in uniformed attires.

Reverend Father Andrew Obiyan, who presided over the thanksgiving mass, praised the students for the success of the event.

He encouraged them to let the lessons they learnt during the week reflect in their behaviour. He later told the students to return back to classroom and

•A NFSC member (right) prescribing drug to a student

study for their examination.

Ekure Elohor, a 400-Level Dentistry and Dental Surgery student, hailed the association for holding successful week, saying the event gave her an opportunity to relax and move close to God.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE Youths are partners in nation building, says students’ leader

‘How my room-mate died’ •UNIPORT student relives colleague’s death

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ORE facts have emerged on how a 200-Level Theatre Art and Film Study student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Miss Precious Kelechi, died mysteriously on Monday.

Her roommate, Kainti Dauebimoere Chant’elle, revealed how her close friend slumped in the hostel bathroom and died after the deceased was rejected by the UNIPORT Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

Kainti, a 300-Level Theatre Art and Film Study student and the deceased bedmate, narrated: “Precious and I woke up almost at the same time on Monday at 5m. She left the room to have her bath. A few minutes after, I heard her screaming. I ran to the bathroom to know what was wrong with her, but I saw her on the floor, shivering.

“I rushed back to call other roommates. We got a car at 5:45am to take her to UPTH. When we got to Accident and Emergency section, doctors on duty told us there was no bed space. Our plea to the doctors to admit her fell on deaf ears.

Precious was rejected.

“We left for Fountain Hospital in Ozuoba area. The doctor on duty told us to inform her parents and advised we should take her back to

P

From Precious Dikewoha PORT HARCOURT the UPTH. When we told the doctor she was rejected at UPTH, he directed us to Ebonyi Hospital, where Precious was also refused admission.”

Kainti said: “Then, we rushed her to military hospital, where she was confirmed dead. We were advised to make statement at the Choba Police station, after which the body was taken to UPTH mortuary. The same UPTH management, which said there was no space to accommodate the distressed students, accepted her corpse in their mortuary.”

Kainti said her friend died because she could not be admitted for medical attention.

When the news hit the campus, the students, led by the president of Students’ Union Government (SUG), Endwell Chuku, abandoned lecture and blocked the popular East-West Highway to protest Precious’ death.

They accused the UPTH management of complicity in the death of the late student, criticising the hospital for rejecting a student of the university.

The UPTH Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Aaron Ojule, said

•The late Precious

there was no space when the victim was brought to the hospital, noting that the hospital could not have willfully rejected the late student.

He said: “We did not reject the late student. We cannot reject anybody, not to talk of the student UNIPORT. But, when the wards are filled, we cannot ask patients to come down from the bed to accept another. We sympathised with the deceased’s family and the university.”

Meanwhile, normalcy has returned to the campus as students returned to classrooms. The union advised the management to reach agreement with the Teaching Hospital to give students in distress a preferential service anytime they go to the hospital.

RESIDENT, the National Association of Ondo Students (NAOSS), Adeolu Iwakun, has urged the youth to be patriotic and promote peace.

He was the guest at an event organised by Orange FM in Akure, the Ondo State capital, to commemorate the International Youth Day. Describing the youth as partners in national transformation, Adeolu said no nation can develop without carrying young people along in any programme.

He said: “The youth are the today and tomorrow of every society. They are partners, because they supply the needed energy and their efforts shape the future of the country. The development of a nation is solely depended on the level of empowerment of its youths, because young people are vital stakeholders in the decision making process.”

Adeolu enjoined young ones to be law-abiding and peaceful in their conduct, saying there was need for reorientation to insulate the youth from the effect of corruption, insecurity, moral decadence and poverty, which,

From Kemi Busari AKURE he said, could expose them to destructive vices.

He added: “Our leaders should live by examples and invest reasonable resources in youth empowerment to create an enabling environment for young people to develop their minds through sound education.

“Youths must be considered when decisions are being made at all levels of government. We must be fully incorporated into nation-building process, so that we can develop the positive attitudes and thoughts needed for an ideal society. It is what is impacted on the youths today that will reflect how they will lead the country tomorrow.”

Other activities held to mark the day included tree-planting project, which was declared open by Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

Adeolu described the project as laudable and remarkable, saying it would control erosion and other environmental challenges.

Institute elects union leaders

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•Prof Babawale and Lanwu (middle) with members of the union after the event.

Students must speak against injustice, says senator T

HE senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Gbenga Ashafa, has urged students to speak against injustice wherever it is perpetrated.

The lawmakers spoke at the parliamentary summit organised by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Akoka, Lagos.

Represented by Chief Dimeji Lanwu, Ashafa, who spoke on the theme: Parliament: A panacea to judicial injustice and delay trials, said injustice thrived in the society because many people show indifference.

The lawmaker said the slow justice administration system had helped the scourge to increase, noting that there was need for reforms that would accelerate court hearing in matter bordering on human right abuse and injustice.

He said the eighth National Assembly would ensure the removal of impediments slowing down the justice system to enable the masses believe in the egalitarian nature of the country.

He said: “We will be proactive and innovative in our efforts at the National Assembly to introduce

From Mark Orgu YABATECH legislation that ease our justice system.

“We will ensure accelerated hearing of criminal proceedings in court, improve the rapidity of justice dispensation and eliminate the hurdles, which created bottlenecks in justice delivery. I will advise students to always speak out wherever they experience injustice.”

In his keynote address, the Dean of Students’ Affairs of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Tunde Babawale, said principle of separation of powers as enshrined in the Constitution must be obeyed if injustice must be tackled.

He noted that the propensity of each arm of government to see itself as law giver and justice dispenser made injustice to thrive, because of selective approach to justice administration. He said parliament remained the most prominent arm of government, adding that the legislature must understand its limitations by not attempting to usurp powers of other arms.

Babawale advised students to ac-

quire skills that would make unionism to be vibrant as it used to be in the 1980s. “You should believe that students’ unionism transcends representing students and campus socialisation. It should be seen as a platform to train and recruit students for leadership positions,” he said.

Former chairman, AmuwoOdofin Local Government Area, Ayodele Adewale, said the confidence of the poor could only be restored if judicial system underwent reforms that would make the court as the last hope of a common man. He said students must push and intensify the campaign for make the judiciary independent.

The Dean of Students’ Affairs of the college, Mr Abayomi Adegbenjo, said the management would support the union to get functional judicial arm.

The SUG speaker, Ibrahim Oladimeji, said the event was to enlighten students on their role to end injustice and victimisation.

Highpoint of the event was presentation of award to Ashafa and Babawale, after which the union leaders led the guests to unveil a mace sculpture designed by the union’s parliament.

HE Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Delta State, last week, came alive with electioneering, which culminated in the Students’ Union Government (SUG) election.

For students, it was the first time they freely elected their leaders without interference from the management. The campus witnessed a carnival-like campaign as candidates moved round with their supporters to seek votes.

At the end of the election held on Saturday, the Chairman of the Independent Student Electoral Committee (ISEC), Ikechukwu Okam, declared Isaac Onoriode, an HND 1 Electrical Electronics Engineering student, president-elect.

Also Henry Obinna was elected the Vice President while Anthony Okonkwo is the General Secretary.

Others were Assistant General Secretary - Ernest Efienador; Welfare Director Oghenekome Akpareva; Treasurer - Olivia Uche; Social Director Prince Wilfred; Financial Secretary Samuel Isong, Sport Director - Kenneth Dimkpa, and Jonathan Obulor, Public Relations Officer.

A Mechanical Engineering student,

•Isaac

From Gbenga Ojo PTI Emmanuel Etim, who was elected Deputy Speaker of Student Representatives’ Council (SRC), hailed the electoral committee for its fairness in the conduct of the election.

An HND 1 Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences student, Bridget Aborigho, said despite her preferred candidate losing, the election was free and fair.

Students’ Affairs Officer Mr Ajima Jackson said the fairness of the exercise was in line with the management’s pledge to provide an enabling environment for the success of the election.

Isaac praised students for electing him as their leaders, promising to transform the union.

Students arrested for threatening to kill lecturer

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HREE students of the Department of Economics of the Kogi State University (KSU) in Anyigba have been detained at Anyigba Police Division for threatening to kill a lecturer.

The suspects are Daniel Attah, Solomon Idamahare and Adinoyi Bello, with matriculation numbers 11EC1071, 13EC1082 and 12EC1046.

A letter addressed to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), which was signed by the school Chief Security Coordinator, Major M. J. Adama (rtd), said the students threatened to kill Dr A.O. Adofu should the lecturer give them F grade in ECO 307 examination.

The course was taken by the lecturer.

Adama wrote that students of the department had the highest cases of cult-related crimes among students residing off-campus, stressing that threat from any student of the department must not be handled with kid glove.

The school security unit, the letter said, has started an investigation of staff and students of the department, adding

From James Azania and Yabagi Mohammed LOKOJA that intelligence report showed that there were collaborators in the department.

Adama urged the police to furnish the university with information on the outcome its investigation to guide the school in their efforts to prevent further attacks.

The security officer noted that a lecturer of the department, Mr Alehile Kehinde Samuel, was shot on the leg at his residence in June. This incident, he added, increased the cases of death threats in the department.

The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Hassan Isah, confirmed the arrest, saying the institution was investigating the matter.

He said: “The matter is with the security department. The school Public Relations Officers cannot have much information on it, because the matter is with police. I can confirm three students were arrested on allegation of threatening their lecturer.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE CAMPUSLIFE man returns to alma mater with writing contest

A

•Ayomide (middle) being assisted by a CFC member to present the award to Oyeyemi (right)

Why students need digital media skills

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ETERANS and young media professionals, last Thursday, converged on the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for this year’s edition of Communicators for Christ Fellowship (CFC) academic summit. The event, which was held in the main auditorium, had the theme: The digital age media: A marriage of skills opportunities and technology.

It featured panel of discussion on pressing media issues, drama, award presentation and exhibition.

CFC President, Ayomide Ekerin, said the event was aimed at keeping students abreast of development in the media. He said the summit would enable participants to learn the workings of the digital media.

The keynote speaker, Mr Kola Oyeyemi, who spoke on the theme, said there had been gradual shift from traditional media to digital media, saying media convergence was growing with the development of social media.

From Miftaudeen Raji and David Daniel UNILAG He said: “Eighty-five per cent of communication done globally is done via mobile phones. By 2020, the major means of communication will be mobile devices. The platforms are changing every day. Students must begin to think out of the box and break new grounds. You must possess the requisite skills to tap into the available opportunities in the digital media age.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rahmon Bello, represented by the Dean, Students’ Affairs, Prof Tunde Babawale, commended the students for organising the summit, noting that it would help students to acquire modern skills of communication.

The Head of Mass Communication Department, Dr Abigail OgwezzyNdisika, said the department understood the dynamism of the media

world, which was why it initiated programmes to help students acquire skills they would not learn in classroom.

The panel of discussion, which was moderated by Fola Afolayan of 99.3 Nigeria Info, had Mrs Olabisi DejiFolutile, Saturday Punch Editor, Chude Jideonwo, Chief Executive Officer of Red Media Africa and Mr Yomi Badejo of CMC Connect.

Others are Managing Director of Noah’s Ark Communications, Lanre Adisa and Deputy Director Programmes at Television Continental, Mrs. Morayo Afolabi-Brown.

The fellowship presented distinguished personality award to some of the facilitators. Participants were also presented certificates of attendance.

A participant, Kafilah Jimoh, 100Level Mass Communication, said she the summit afforded her to learn new techniques in digital photography session.

Candidate kidnapped as poly holds SUG election From Richard Obote AUCHI POLY

•Joseph

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HE Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi (AUCHI POLY) in Edo State has held its election amid intimidation and violence.

One of the two presidential candidates in the election, David Utibe of the Department of Computer Science, was kidnapped by unknown hoodlums a few days to the election.

David, who was kidnapped with

others, was released on the day of the manifesto. He had bandage on his arm and walked with the aid of crutches.

The school authorities are investigating the incident, which prevented David from carrying on with his campaign.

Despite the violence and pressure from students, the Auchi Polytechnic Electoral Commission (APECO) did not postpone the election, clearing the way for David’s rival Joseph Iroghama, an HND 1 Accountancy student, to intensify his campaign. The election was held at the Philipa Idogho campus.

Announcing the results, the electoral committee declared Joseph the winner, having polled 4,639 votes to beat David, who had 3,687 votes.

Also, Adaeze Ofuzor is Vice-President with 3,437 votes, while Courage

Ohenzuwa emerged the General Secretary with 4,414 votes.

Others are Assistant General Secretary, Chinenye Ossai, Director of Finance, Smart Osarodion, Treasurer, Peter Nwaoshai, Director of Welfare, Itama Omoye, Deputy Director of Welfare, Taofiq Yakubu, Director of Socials, Samuel Ekhator, Director of Publicity, Isaac Imohimi, and Director of Sports, Ezekiel Osarumwense.

Joseph, in his acceptance speech, promised to pursue policies that would have a direct impact on students’ welfare. He said dialogue would be the key tool of his administration, saying: “I will serve as an intermediary between management and students. I will not give reason to students to fight management or make management see reasons to victimise students. I will always employ dialogue and negotiation to drive our agitation.”

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that David had been admitted into an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

Graduate trains students in online business skills

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TUDENTS of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have been trained to be online entrepreneurs by Sky Combabs Nigeria Limited, an Information Communication and Technology (ICT) firm.

The campus became a beehive on Saturday when the seminar was held to equip participants with digital media skills.

The event, with the theme: Business empowerment invasion, lasted for 12 hours.

Samuel Ugwumba, a 500-Level student and participant, described the seminar as inspirational, saying it would stoke the passion of students to channel their energy for productive use.

From Ezekiel Efeobhokhan UNIBEN The organiser, Adebayo Ajayi, a graduate of the university, said the training was necessary to help students prepare for life after school.

He said the possibility of getting whitecollar jobs was getting slimmer daily, adding that he spent four years to look for non-existent jobs.

His words: “During the times I spent waiting to be mobilised for National Youth Service, I tried to empower myself.

Many people graduated from school and have nothing to do; they wait for the government. I found out that I could do genuine business on the Internet and this worked out for me. This is why I come back to my alma mater to equip students with knowledge I learnt for free.”

Adebayo said the seminar would enable students make legitimate money online, adding that there was no need for graduates to wait on the government.

Adebayo described Facebook as a blessing to the current generation, noting that social media is platform to make money.

“The government also needs help.

There is abundant money that can be made legitimately online. We need to let students know this, instead of wasting time chatting on Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. They can convert their megabytes to dollars,” he added.

Many students registered for the free mentorship programme and pledged to start trading on social media. After the training, a raffle draw was held in which lucky students won fans, pressing iron and blenders.

GRADUATE of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), Ibrahim Jatto, has returned to his alma mater to engage students in writing contest.

Ibrahim, who graduated from Department of Zoology, is a CAMPUSLIFE correspondent and a member of Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ).

The writing contest tagged: ElCritical Writing Spree, was organised

by Pen Press in honour of Ibrahim, who was former Editor-in-Chief of the club. It featured three categories of creative writing, which are prose, poetry and short story.

The club Staff Adviser, Dr Jimoh Hamzat, a lecturer at the Department of Sociology, extolled the virtue of the honoree, praising Ibrahim for his contribution to the development of campus journalism in the school.

Hamzat also hailed Ibrahim for bringing gifts to the winners of the competition, saying the items would

From Ismat Anifowose UDUS motivate students for more participation.

An alumnus, Mallam Abubakar Anka, described the gesture as wonderful, urging other ex-members of the club to emulate the honoree by giving back to the association that made them.

Highlight of the event included presentation of award to winners.

Jameelah Yusuf, a 200-Level Law student, emerged overall winner from the three categories.

Abdulqaudry Hassan, a 200-Level Education Biology student, was the first runner-up, while Abiodun Adewunmi, emerged the second runner-up. Five other students received consolation prizes.

The Editor-in-Chief of Pen Press, Halimah Akanbi, hailed the sponsor for the initiative, urging him to sustain the contest.

Exam fraudsters will be expelled, freshers told

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HE School of Environmental Studies of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in Lagos has held orientation for freshers to acquaint them with the rules and regulation of the college.

The faculty Dean, Oludare Balogun, advised the new intakes to make sacrifices for their future. He said the freshers were privileged to be admitted out of 110,000 applicants, who applied to the school. He said the students must be dedicated to their studies, adding that the management would not hesitate to show unserious students the way out.

He said: “We do not teach and train lazy students, but those who are ready to learn with the right attitude. We expect the best from you. We oblige you to take discipline and excellence as your core values.”

Balogun warned the students against misconduct, noting that the school would not condone indiscipline. He charged the freshers to study hard, stressing that the faculty is not synonymous with poor academic performance.

“You must imbibe the right attitude and culture to succeed; otherwise, the purpose of being in this college would be defeated,” he added.

The Director, Academic Planning, Inyang Udoh, urged the students to maximise the opportunity to add values to their lives. He told the freshers

‘Fight corruption in construction industry’

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EMBERS of the Southwest chapter of the National Association of Quantity Surveying Students (NAQSS) have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to fight graft in the construction industry.

They made the call at the end of the association’s congress at The Polytechnic, Ibadan (IBADAN POLY).

In a statement signed by their President, Eniola Ayodele, and other officers of the association, the students hailed the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) for its effort to protect the ethical standards in industry.

The statement reads: “It is imperative that quantity surveyors are engaged to monitor implementation of contracts from the procurement stage to the completion stage in the ministries and agencies if the government must fight corruption in building industry. This is why we call on President Muhammadu Buhari to engage building professionals in the fight against corruption in the construc-

From Mark Orgu YABATECH that challenges would come in the course of their academic pursuit, but he advised them not to allow themselves overwhelmed by the problems.

He said the school has stringent policy against vices and examination malpractice. He warned the students not to encourage corruption by giving lecturers bribes in exchange for marks.

He said: “I advise you to read study hard and make use of the college library. You must take cognizance of the rules and regulation in the college, which is contained in students’ handbook given to you.”

The Dean, Students’ Affairs, Mr Omobayo Raheem, warned the freshers on involvement in cultism, stressing that the college frowned at any violence act on the campus. He advised the students to ask questions before joining any association, clubs and other groups they may like to join.

President of the School of Environmental Studies Students Association, Victor-Cletus Mfon, praised the freshers for turning out for the orientation, promising to continue to do his best to create conducive environment for the students to succeed in their academic pursuit.

From Temitope Yakubu ADO POLY tion industry.”

The students urged quantity surveyors to stem the rate of building collapse in the country, lamenting that lives were being lost through the incidents. The association said it was concerned about the state of infrastructure and cases of abandoned projects.

The students expressed displeasure on what they called poor standard in quantity surveying teaching in higher institutions, saying students must be equipped with practical knowledge and research.

The statement added: “We call for review of curriculum used in teaching quantity surveying in higher institution. Teaching must focus on building manpower for construction industry using innovation and modern, tools that will enhance prestige of the profession.

It is important quantity surveying students are given the opportunity to engage and compete favourably with their counterparts worldwide. We, therefore, demand change of syllabus and access to grants to aid research works that will benefit students and lecturers.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE Quacks have been identified as the major setback to the development of Clinical Pharmacy in Nigeria. The 98th inaugural Lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) focused on ways stakeholders could tackle the scourge, reports OLADELE OGE (NYSC ENUGU).

‘Quacks are killing pharmaceutical practice’

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AN the intake of unapproved medications be dangerous to health? This was the riddle the 98th inaugural lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) sought to resolve.

The use of unapproved drugs is another form of drug abuse, Prof Chinwe Ukwe, the lecturer, said.

She said using drugs prescribed someone to treat another person’s illness is condemnable and must be discouraged by pharmacists and doctors.

Prof Ukwe spoke on: Clinical pharmacy in Nigeria: The issues, challenges and way forward.

The lecture held at the Princess Alexandra Hall.

The event, which was attended by scholars from various academic disciplines within and outside the institution, was declared open by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, represented by his deputy (Academics), Prof Polycarp Chigbu.

Prof Ukwe, who expressed worry on the state of primary healthcare centres in rural areas, said illiterate store keepers disguising as pharmacists were on the prowl, prescribing wrong drugs to unwary patients to compound their

•Prof Ukwe (standing) with her colleagues while her presentation was being recited

cases.

She blamed the trend on trained pharmacists, who, she said, use their licences to get approval for untrained persons to open drug stores for quick profit. She urged quack pharmacists to desist from dispensing wrong drugs to save lives.

Prof Ukwe said the media must use its platform to spread the awareness against wrong prescription of drugs in rural and urban communities. She warned hypertensive and diabetic patients not to stop using their pills after they are relieved.

The professor of Clinical Pharmacy said: “Proper diagnosis should be carried out when the sickness bordered on malaria. This is necessary because drugs will be useful only when the nature of illness is known.”

She observed that the profession had undergone changes in philosophy and practice, with the aim to improve the standards and promote quality healthcare delivery.

Prof Ukwe said she had carried out a personal research on the control of Drug Therapies (DTPs), in which it was discovered that wrong medications could have negative out-

comes in the course of treatment of several medical conditions and such could result to death.

The lecturer said new developments in clinical research had provoked many thoughts, which, she said, had been changing the objectives of research from productbased to patient-oriented. This, she said, has shaped her pharmaceutical practice in the past years.

Prof Ukwe said efforts had been made by practitioners to improve clinical pharmacy, noting that there had been local and international seminars and conferences on clinical pharmacy. “Patient care,

knowledge and professionalism are the major criteria for clinical research and practices to flourish,” she said.

While urging pharmacists to always respect lives and maintain effective communication with patients and health attendants, the lecturer said pharmaceutical practice would make meaning if pharmacists put up best ethical behaviour in the field.

She said challenges facing the clinical pharmacy practice were surmountable if stakeholders could focus on drug therapies and centre their practice on patients’ care.

Prof Ukwe suggested that there was need for a change of curriculum in pharmacy teaching to encapsulate the latest development, advising the Federal Government to bring about the change through the National Universities Commission (NUC). This, she said, would give rise to change in the practice of pharmacy.

She said the committee of Deans of Pharmacy Colleges must be committed to implement the change of curriculum, while urging them to develop their professional skills through innovative and commitment to the practice of pharmacy.

The VC said the lecture was remarkable, because it highlighted the importance of research and knowledge in restoration of lost glory of the nation’s healthcare sector. He urged pharmacists to promote good living, particularly in rural communities, through fidelity to the oath and ethics of their profession.

The Faculty of Education,University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has held an orientation for its students going for teaching practice. Teaching practice is a requirement for the award of a Bachelor’s degree in Education. AFIS ODEYEMI (300-Level History) reports.

Tips for excellent teaching T

HEIR readiness to impart knowledge could be seen in their enthusiasm as they filed into the auditorium.

Since they are being trained as teachers, the 300-Level students of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) Faculty of Education seemed ready to teach others everything they had learnt.

The school auditorium was besieged by the students for an orientation, which was part of the activities to prepare them for a 12week compulsory teaching practice in line with the requirement for the award of Bachelor’s degree in Education.

The event was attended by members of professional bodies, academics and stakeholders in teaching. A renowned education psychology scholar, Prof Olasehinde Williams, was the guest speaker.

Williams, who had an interactive session with the students, said the process of imparting knowledge must be holistic. She said if education must achieve maximum effect, it must furnish the learner with the right proportion of knowledge, valuable skills and improved attitudes for proper readjustment and general adaptation to his society.

Learning, she said, must involve an embodiment of three parts of the human body – head, hand and

heart. While using Waldorf theory of educating a child to buttress her points, the scholar said: “Meaningful learning will take place only when the head, hand and heart are involved in every bit of learning process to stimulate the interest of the learner.”

The chairman of the occasion and the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali, represented by his deputy for Academics, Prof Nahimat Ijaya, urged the students to be peaceful and dutiful in their places of assignment, noting that students of the university were welcomed for teaching practice by schools.

The Dean of the faculty, Prof Alfred Adegoke, said the exercise was important to enable the participants acquire on-spot training in teaching. He said: “After you have had years of preliminary training in the university, the curriculum demands that you should also need to bring everything you learn to bear in practice. When you live university, you will be judged based on your performance on the job and not your qualification.”

Adegoke, a professor of Counselor Education, urged the students show interest and dedicate their energy towards acquiring practical skills that would benefit their career. He advised them not to

•Prof Williams (left) presenting the Trainee Teacher of the Year award to Fisayo

‘After you have had years of preliminary training in the university, the curriculum demands that you should also need to bring everything you learn to bear in practice. When you live university, you will be judged based on your performance on the job and not your qualification’ misrepresent the school by engaging in unwholesome conduct, saying: “You are the image of this university, because whatever you do during your teaching practice will come back at the university in one way or the other.”

A students’ group at the faculty, 21st Century Pedagogy, urged trainee-teachers to keep faith with the ethics of the teaching profession and contribute their quota to

the development of education. The group decried the influx of untrained teachers in the country, which it attributed to reluctance of graduates of education to teach.

To encourage the students to give in their best and energy in teaching, the group presented certificates of excellence to honour some past participants of teaching practice.

Fisayo Falusi of the Department

of Arts Education was honoured as Trainee-Teacher of the Year for his outstanding performance last year.

Coordinator of the group, Patrick Akorede, said there would be other mouth-watering benefits for subsequent awardees, noting that the aim was to dignify teaching profession.

A student, who gave his name as Sanni, hailed the guest speaker for her inspiring lecture, saying: “Prof Olasehinde Williams has just made the task of a 12-week teaching practice much easier.”

The event was organised by the faculty’s Teaching Practice Coordinator, Dr Charles Olumorin of the Department of Educational Technology, was attended by the Head Counsellor Education Department, Prof A.A. Talabi, Sub-dean, Students’ Affairs Unit, Dr L.A Yahaya and lecturers, including Dr A. Yusuf, Dr. M.I. Oniye, Dr U.A Ajidagba and Dr I.O. Amali, among others.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE

MDGs and post-2015 agenda: Where are we?

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ternal cause of death. In my opinion, much effort should be made by other countries that are still battling with working data on maternal cause of death. This must be done without further delay.

The fifth goal harps on improving maternal health.A significant level of improvement has been recorded since the adoption of the MDGs. For instance, Southern and Eastern Asia have recorded great advancement in plummeting maternal mortality. Despite this development, every day hundreds of women die during pregnancy or from childbirth-related complications. The causes of their death must be revisited to avert a re-occurrence that may truncate the SDGs. Combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases is the sixth goal.

New cases of HIV infections fell by approximately 40 percent between 2000 and 2013 and by June 2014, about 13.6 million people living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) globally, an immense increase from just 800,000 in 2003. However, the level of discrimination, stigmatisation and marginalisation of people living with the deadly disease is still very high. The United Nations should, as a matter of urgency, address this global menace.

The seventh agenda lays emphasis on ensuring environmental sustainability. Interestingly, 2.1 billion people worldwide have gained access to improved sanitation. Globally, 147 countries have met the

HEN world leaders gathered in 2000 to unanimously draft and adopt a visionary agenda for the world tagged the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a set of eight basic objectives expected to be fully achieved by this year, people across the world lauded the bold move and its prospects.

The goals include: to eradicate extreme poverty, inequality and hunger; to achieve universal primary education; to promote gender equality and empower women; to reduce child mortality; to improve maternal health, to combat HIV/ AIDS, malaria and other diseases such as tuberculosis; to ensure environmental sustainability; and lastly to develop a global partnership for development.

It is expedient to ask the world leaders at this critical period a question that demands urgent answer: how far have we gone in actualising the salient goals listed above? This question becomes necessary owing to the need to assess the gains and pains of the journey so far and what the future holds for us, especially at this point when world leaders are gearing up to review and reset the agenda towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a student of history who has been monitoring and following the trend of things, especially as regards the above subject matter, I am optimistic that a keener and purposeful pursuit of these goals will make the world a better place.

And what if we were to take a fair assessment of these goals and measure progress made so far?

Goal number one centres on eradicating extreme poverty, inequality and hunger. According to the Millennium Development Goals Report of 2015, the scheme’s determination to eradicate poverty and inequality has yielded some results as over 1 billion people have been lifted out of poverty line, and also, there is an upward improvement in nourishment levels. Notwithstanding, over 60 million people have fled their respective homes at the end of last year due to conflict.

It is, therefore, important to address the root and remote causes of conflict and lasting solutions should be profferedappropriately before jumping to Sustainable Development Goals.

The second goal dwells on achieving universal primary education. The progress made so far on this is quite commendable. UNDP reports reveal that school enrolment in Sub-Saharan Africa has doubled from 62million to 149 million and the literacy level among the youths between the ages of 15 and 24 years has also increased globally from 83 percent to 91 percent.

Nevertheless, there is still much efforts required to ensure that the universal primary education must be universal in theory and practice.

This is achievable only if poverty is eradicated.

Promoting gender equality and empowering women occupies the third place. Looking at the statisti-

I

Taking off when the ovation is loud

N a society where voluntary resignation is a scarce resource, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi has chosen the honourable path. He has bowed out of public service when the ovation seems to be loudest.

As soon as the 2015 general elections were over, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi was one of the people reported to have visited General Muhmmadu Buhari in his Daura home in Kastina. While there is nothing wrong in him visiting Buhari, being kinsmen from the same state, the motive of the visit can only be explained by Dikko.

Before now, the media was awash with startling reports of how Abdullahivisited former President Goodluck Jonathan to seek favour from the then incoming President Buhari to remain in office since he was appointed by the Jonathan administration. Some online news media even claimed that Abdullahi was walked out by

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MAJOR problem has reared its head. It is a challenge that resonates among the youth: the craze for fast food, fast success, fast marriage, fast admission, fast money, fast this and fast that. It is a problem rooted in everybody trying to be successful at all costs, damning the consequences.

It is also heart-rending how people go through life without taking the right steps in the pursuit of their dreams. Rather, they resort to easy means and short-cuts to subvert the system for their selfish interests. A wise man once cautioned: “You can run away from your responsibilities but you can never run away from the consequences.”

This demonstrates the place of consequences in the face of our routine choices.

I believe that it is better to achieve your goals through the just procedures – such as hard work, determination and perseverance – rather than manipulating your ways to future destruction. Consider this

By Dayo Ojerinde Buhari.

As soon as President Buhari took over the mantle ofleadership on May 29, 2015, it became clear the sort of individuals that would drive the engine room of his administration. It became clear, too, those whose services would no longer be required by the new regime. Hence, the service chiefs were replaced with new ones. The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) now has a new Group Managing Director, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service has joined those that have been shown the exit door.

A few weeks ago, there were reports that Abdullahi resigned his appointment as the Comptroller-

By Sheyi Babaeko cal analysis of the report, much progress has been made. The increase from 11 per cent in 1995 to 22 percent in January 2015 shows that progress has been made but in a very slow pace. 1995-2015 is 20 years which means only the progress within 20years is just 11per cent. Women should be encouraged to take up top leadership positions and be actively involved in governance and public service.

The fourth goal is anchored on reducing child mortality. More than 71 percent of births were assisted by skilled health personnel globally in 2014, an increase from 59 percent in 1990. In the developing regions, only 56 percent of births in rural areas are attended by skilled health personnel, compared with 87 percent in urban areas. 51 percent of countries have data on ma-

General of the Nigerian Customs.

Abdualhi, born in 1960, hails from Musawa Local Government Area of Kastina State, was enlisted in the Customs in 1988. He became the boss in 2009.

Having not reached the retirement age of 60 and not spent up to 35 years in service, it took many by surprise when Abdullahi announced his voluntary resignation. According to him, he is leaving so the younger ones can be given the opportunity to serve their fatherland. Some other news media reported that he took the option of resignation to avoid the embarrassment of being fired by President Buhari.

The Customs, in the eye of an average Nigerian, is not different from the Nigeria Police in terms of corruption. Many Nigerians who have crossed the path of the men

of the Nigeria Customs believe President Buhari should probe the establishment, owing to alleged cases of mismanagement. With our porous borders, many contraband goods have always found their way into the country right under the nose of the men of the Customs. This piece is not about the corruption at the Customs, but an appeal to anti-graft agencies to quickly investigate the Customs, especially under the leadership of Abdullahi. Those who are found wanting should be made to face the full wrath of the law. This will send a message to anybody holding public office that the era of "stealing is not corruption"is gone for good.

However, Abdullahi is worthy to receive encomiums for the treading the honourable path. Not many

Toeing the right path to success

By Joel Alfred scenario. There are scores of students who do not read or study for examination. They rely on examination malpractice, bribery and other illegitimate measures to succeed. Such students have only achieved the certificate but will never have real fulfilment from such certificate because they do not deserve the credentials they brandish. The dearth of integrity, selftrust and discipline coupled with a heart ingrained with laziness only help to further taint the character of the student. For me, real success is predicated on working hard to achieve set goals and objectives which ultimately leads to personal fulfilment and genuine satisfaction.

Most graduates carry certificates with various honorary awards. The certificates cannot be duly qualified

with the adjective “success” due to the fact that they were acquired through dubious methods and scheming. Such acts and certificates will stand against the bearers in the

‘The road to success is neither straight nor smooth. It is paved with failures; a loop called confusion, speed bumps called enemies and caution light called family and friends. But if you possess a spare called determination, a shield called endurance, an engine called perseverance, the fuel called focus and a driver called God, you will certainly make it to a place called success’

nearest future because they will have no capability to defend themselves when the occasion demands.

For anyone who desires real progress, laziness is an act that must be nipped. The victory over the forces of laziness is the most potent weapon to win. To be vanquished by one’s own nature is the worst and ignorable defeat and to conquer one’s self is the best and noblest form of victory. Exploring illegitimate means to succeed is an ignoble act that will continue to hunt people in their everyday life and in the future.

The big truth is that one can only claim to be successful when there is personal fulfilment and genuine satisfaction which only comes from hard work. Success should be your target for every goal you set and it should be built on the tenets of the “SMART” principle. The principle states that your goal must be spe-

MDG drinking-water target, 95 countries have met the MDG sanitation target and only 77 countries have met both. This is equally commendable.

Goal eight dwells on developing global partnership for development. Official development assistance from developed countries increased 66 percent in real terms from 2000 and 2014, reaching a record $135.2 billion.

After taking a meticulous examination of the achievements so far recorded within the last fifteen years of the MDGs, it’s apparent that so much have been done and more is needed to be done especially at this point in time when the poverty index has shifted from $1.25 to $2.00 and insecurity remains a global challenge.

I want to seize this opportunity to appeal to world leaders, as they gather in September, to look at the democratisation of the UN Security Council. More so, accountability should be demanded from African leaders on how the aids received are spent and henceforth, all foreign aids and financial assistance coming to Africa should be used for projects rather than releasing the funds to African leaders who are fond of recklessly mismanaging and siphoning public funds.

Lastly, more attention should be placed on security; the remote cause of conflicts and the best way of addressing the challenges should be proffered.

•Sheyi, is a Master’s of Conflict, Development and Security student, University of Leeds, United Kingdom. people are privileged to serve their fatherland in such capacity. However, one cannot shy away from the fact that Abdullahi leaves with his integrity intact. He refused to wait till he gets booted out of office like many public servants. This is commendable.

Whatever the situation maybe, the sit-tight-to-power syndrome common in this clime should be discouraged. Governance is not a family business neither is it a hereditary affair. It is a continuous process and it will do the country good if we all play our part to lift the country high in whatever capacity we can.Posterity will not forget Abdulahi as someone who resigned honourably, rather than waiting to be sacked. Such is the hallmark of great leadership.

•Dayo is a graduate of Mass Comm., AAUA.

cific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound and it should be pursued with a heart filled with optimism. It is always advisable to follow the right path to achieving enduring success. Not the fleeting success which comes like a tinkling time bomb waiting to unleash its fury on those who brandish it. Such achievements are sure to create stumbling blocks in the future of anyone who craves them. That is the unfortunate flipside of that sort of success.

Furthermore, our goals, when properly planned, can bring us face to face with significance.

In conclusion, the road to success is neither straight nor smooth. It is paved with failures; a loop called confusion, speed bumps called enemies and caution light called family and friends. But if you possess a spare called determination, a shield called endurance, an engine called perseverance, the fuel called focus and a driver called God, you will certainly make it to a place called success.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE ‘Human capital development key to growth’

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•Dr Aliero presenting the trophy to Hashim.

Faculty wins soccer contest

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HE Faculty of Management Science of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has won the maiden Inter-Faculty Football Competition organised by the school’s management to develop students’ skills in sport.

The school stadium was filled by students, who were there to support their faculties’ players. All the 11 faculties that make up the school participated in the contest, which had the participating teams divided into two groups in the preliminary stage.

The opening game was between faculties of Social Science and Sciences; it ended in favour of the former after a penalty shootout.

However, Management Science team beat Social Science 3:1 after a

From Yasin Olawumi FCE UMUNZE penalty shootout to qualify for the final match, where it met Faculty of Education team.

In the first 12 minutes of the final match, Faculty of Education team scored a goal, which left the opposing Management Science team distressed. But, the Management Science team equalised in 29 minutes. After 90 minutes, the match ended in draw, leading to penalty shootouts.

Faculty Management Science team beat its rival team 3:1 to win the trophy.

The Dean, Students’ Affairs, Dr Adamu Aliero, described the match as interesting, praising the students for showing spirit of sportsmanship.

He hailed the school’s management for organising the contest.

A player in Management Science team, Yusuf Adeyemo, said: he was excited by the feat, praising his teammates for their efforts.

President of the winning faculty, Buhari Subair, who was the team’s coach, said his side won the contest because of teamwork.

Management Science captain, Muttaka Hashim, said: “The feat did not only show the corporation of teammates, it also shows the level of success students can achieve if they work together.”

The presentation of trophy was witnessed by the Deputy Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Y. A. Gobiri, his counterpart in City Campus, Dr A. A. Umar; Dr K. J. Jimoh of the Faculty of Law and Chairman of Caretaker Committee of Students’ Union Government, Al-amin Wushishi.

PUBLIC affairs analyst, Mr Innocent Osaghe, has spoken on how the nation can surmount its challenges at a symposium organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Held at the FirstBank Lecture Theatre, the lecture’s theme was: Developing leadership qualities and positive thinking among university undergraduate.

Osaghe said lack of thoughtful and competent leadership was the cause of the problems facing the nation, dismissing the belief that the challenges were political or financial.

He said: “Leadership problem has been the bane of African countries and I believe Nigeria has been worst hit by this factor. There are qualities that must be present in a leader, without which the nation suffers. These are competence, personal drive, character, diligent, hard work and fear of God. All these must be present in anyone aspiring to lead others.”

Noting that the strength of any nation and its people is determined by the strength of it leaders, Osaghe said thoughtless leaders are liabilities on the society. Liability leaders, he said, will make a nation unproductive and underdeveloped.

Despite its endowment with milk and honey, the speaker said Nigeria lacked quality leadership, which is why, he said, poverty remains a scourge in the nation.

He said countries, such as Qatar, Singapore and Malaysia, which have

From Afees Lasisi OAU no resources, fought poverty with visionary leadership and achieved prosperity through human capital development.

He said the rot in education made the youth to migrate to developed countries in search of knowledge, stressing that the nation’s health and tourism sectors are nothing to write about.

“Our leaders need to follow the footsteps of their counterparts in Qatar and Singapore. We must develop human capital for the nation to progress to its dream destination in terms of economic growth and physical development,” he said.

Osaghe hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s character, saying: “When a leader distinguishes himself in behaviour and character, everything will work well with the nation.”

Earlier, the former Dean of the faculty, Prof Anthony Akinlo, said the seminar was to help students develop good character that would position them as future leaders.

He said: “So much has been heard about leadership, and yet we are having leadership challenge.

Since students are the leaders of tomorrow, we must prepare their minds for that task. This is the reason the faculty put in place this seminar.

The Dean, Prof Chris Ajila, described the event as a good youth development initiative.

•Members of audience at the lecture

‘Youths must engage social media wisely’ •Continued on page 36 Why did you volunteer for the UN programme?

I always believed I can contribute my quota to world peace and progress; so, when I heard of the UN volunteering programme, it was an opportunity for me. I like volunteering for anything that will benefit my peers.

What inspired the TED event?

I learnt about TED in 2008 when my mum bought a Java phone for me, which gave me access to the Internet.

In 2013, I applied for a license to host TED event in Port Harcourt, but I was told Donald Okudu had already got the license for it. I located the team and volunteered to work with them.

After Port Harcourt event, I sought Donald’s approval to replicate the event in Ile-Ife. It turned out to be the only TED event in West Africa in 2014.

You represented Nigeria at a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) regional conference in South Africa.

What lessons did you draw from the event?

I was one of the 80 youths drawn from Africa to represent our respective countries. I was not the only representative from Nigeria. There were youths from Lagos, Abuja, Calabar and Kano. In the course of the event, I became a member of Global Shapers, a group of youths of ages between 20 and 30 years, which was founded by Prof Klaus Schwab. I wish our government officials were at the meet-

ing, because of the relevance of the theme. How can we re-shape Nigeria’s future? Would the nation still be the giants of Africa in the next 15 years?

How does the nation provide jobs for the school leavers? These were the questions discussed during the event.

How do you manage school work and your activities?

I have a to-do list. Sometimes, my activities get so many and I won’t be able to sit for a second. I still believe this is a training stage; I am getting better at multi-tasking now.

Who are your mentors?

My mum and dad are my mentors.

Then, I see Reverend T.O. Adeleke, my spiritual father, as a good role model. The spiritual part of a man is what determines his happiness. So, I always approach the clergy for advice.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I don’t know. I may be at the United Nations headquarters holding a key leadership position. I am not good at prediction. But, I believe I would have been through with school and hope to further my studies in Columbia University School of Journalism.

What is your advice for young people?

As young people, we have great energy but some of us lack direction.

We must find our direction and passion. Also, we must engage social media positively, because it is a wonderful platform to learn, network and project our ideas.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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EDUCATION UNILORIN FILE

Envoy, VC decry rush for foreign certificates

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IGERIA’S High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Ademola Onafowokan, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Isaac Adewole, have faulted the rush for foreign certificates.

They warned parents that a high percentage of the foreign institutions they send their wards to are nothing but mushroom schools.

They argued that Nigeria has institutions that are of better quality than some of the so-called foreign institutions.

Speaking at the opening of the Sixth Ibadan Sustainable Development Summit (ISDS) hosted by the UI in collaboration with the African Sustainable Development Network (ASUDNET) and Nigeria Sustainable Development Solutions Network (NSDSN), Ambassador Onafowokan said he had visited one of such institutions, where some Nigerian students were studying medicine in a four-five room apartment.

Describing the situation as disturbing, he said: “I have been around the world – and I have been on this job for about 34 years – the worst I have seen was that of a medical school where Nigerians study . It is just like a boys quarter of about three to four rooms and this is a medical school; that is where they study; and they are Nigerian students. And you can

ASUU sets 45-day target for mall

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

imagine, Nigerians just in a bid to get certificates send their children there . They don’t get education, they get certificates. There are universities in Nigeria where Nigerians can get quality education, so parents should think twice before sending their children abroad for education.”

He counselled parents to visit the prospective institution before enrolling their wards there.

The week-long Summit, which drew development practitioners, policy makers and politicians from all over the continent, had as its theme: “The post-2015 sustainable development agenda: Whither Africa.”

In his keynote address, Onafowokan also lamented the high rate of poverty in Nigeria and poor funding of education, which he attributed to leadership failure and corruption.

The UI Vice Chancellor, Prof Adewole, who was represented by

•Onafowokan

•Adewole

the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Emilolorun Ayelari, said the only thing Nigeria needs to triumph economically is good governance.

“Without good governance all efforts may come to naught. And this is why I like to challenge all Nigerians, Africans and indeed, the global community to support the renewed efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari at engendering transparency and good governance in Nigeria. If Nigeria gets it right, Africa will get

it right and the world will be the better for it,” he said.

He advised the participants to inaugurate a think-tank to proffer solutions that will ensure the realisation of the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Other speakers at the summit included Prof Godwell Nhamo (University of South Africa); Prof Sulaiman Gbadegesin (Vice Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso); Prof N. E. S. Lale (President, African Sustainable Development Network (ASUDNET); Prof Ikenna Onyido (Director, Nigerian Chapter of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN-Nigeria); and Prof Labode Popoola, Co-Director of the Nigeria Sustainable Development Solutions Network (NSDSN).

‘The worst I have seen was that of a medical school where Nigerians study.

It is just like a boys quarter of about three to four rooms and this is a medical school’

NYSC skills development centre for Iyin-Ekiti

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HE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has laid the foundation of a Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Ekiti State to tackle unemployment facing the youths and students after graduating from tertiary institutions.

The centre is sited in Iyin-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Aea of Ekiti State, hometown of the NYSC Director-General, BrigGen. Johnson Olawumi.

Performing the groundbreaking, Olawumi said students desirous of learning various vocations while schooling for economic empowerment could do so at the centre.

To achieve the goal of skills/en-

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

trepreneurial training, Olawumi said the NYSC secured the approval of the Federal Government in 2012 to establish a Department of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) to drive the initiative.

Since then, he said the agency had trained over 410,820 corps members in various vocations to make them self-employed rather than job seekers.

Of the number, Olawumi hinted that 1,600 of them had established businesses in various parts of the country.

When completed, the DG said the

centre would be equipped with facilities to train corps members and others in 12 vocations that are in the NYSC SAED Curriculum.

They include agro-allied, food preservation and processing, culture and tourism, cosmetology, information and communications technology, environment, beautification/fashion design and construction.

Others are education, power and energy, film/photography and automobile engineering.

He said the community donated the land for the project, while funds for its execution were being raised through appeals to philanthropists and other well-meaning citizens.

Lauding the project, Governor Ayo Fayose said it would bring development to the community and the state.

Fayose, who was represented by the Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka, urged the Ekiti people to support the project.

The Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaye, said his community was in support of the initiative to succeed, describing its establishment as an opportunity to reinvigorate the economy of the town.

The state NYSC Coordinator, Ibeh Chidubeh, thanked the monarch for donating land for the project, saying SAED was introduced to tackle unemployment among graduates.

THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) branch, has commenced the construction of a 14-shop mall, which its Chairman, Dr AbdulRasheed Adeoye, said would be ready for inauguration in 45 days.

At the turning of the sod for the building on Monday, last week, Adeoye promised that the shopping mall would be built to standard. He assured that funds for the construction were available.

He described the project and an earlier one, a block of women hostel, as a manifestation of UNILORIN ASUU's mantra of "constructive unionism" hinged on the welfare of members and the students.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON) praised the union for investing in the future of its members.

“I am glad all the unions in the University are thinking positively and making plans for tomorrow.

You are leaders that foresee tomorrow and you can be assured that the administration is behind you," he said.

300 dons for U-6 Confab NO fewer than 300 academics from about seven countries are expected at the third International Conference of the U-6 Consortium of African Universities being hosted

by UNILORIN between September 6 and 9.

The Chairman of the Conference Local Organising Committee, Prof A.T. Oladiji, said the event was being expected to deepen research collaboration and academic exchange among participating universities and the countries they represent.

The U-6 Consortium comprises six African universities: UNILORIN; the University of Eldoret, Kenya; Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria; Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa; the University of Science and Technology, Kenya; and the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

Members of the Consortium had, on March 10, 2012, at UNILORIN, decided to collaborate on some activities, such as facilitation and coordination of joint researches, curriculum development, collaborative seminars, workshops and conferences as well as academic exchanges to further expose academic staff and students.

Oladiji, who is also the Director, UNILORIN Centre for Research Development and In-House Training (CREDIT), said more than 160 academic papers would be discussed at the five-day conference.

Asset declaration is official, EKSU workers told • From left: Mr Soji Akinyemi PRO, NITAD; Rev Salawu, Mr Oguntuyi, Mrs Jolaoso, and Alhaji Mugisu Yusuff, member conference planning committee at a press briefing.

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HE Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD) has declared support for the Federal Government's efforts to develop human capacity in the country.

That is why the 23rd Annual Trainers' Conference of the institute coming up in Calabar from September 8 to10, will focus on talent management.

Speaking on the upcoming conference scheduled to hold at Monty Suites, Northern Industrial Layout, Calabar, Chairman of the conference planning committee, Mr Laolu Oguntuyi, said the theme of the programme, "Emerging trends in talent management", was a testament to the institute's determination to stay true to its mandate of promoting human capital development.

The Second Vice President, Mrs Janet Jolaoso, said the review of the

NITAD holds training conference Sept 8

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

curriculum to include acquisition of vocational and entrepreneurial skills from basic education level, would enable proper talent management early in life.

The First Vice President of the institute, Rev Tunde Salawu, said the Buhari administration's recognition of the need to groom the right talents to serve in the right positions was in order.

He urged the government to provide a conducive environment for talents to excel locally to discourage brain drain.

"The emerging trend in talent management is to develop people and make them useful locally. I hope the current administration will work to make the economy vibrant so they can stay. Many people abroad want to come back home but because the environment they are in is better,

‘The emerging trend in talent management is to develop people and make them useful locally. I hope the current administration will work to make the economy vibrant so they can stay’

they stay put. But as our economy improves, many will be encouraged to stay," he said.

Keynote speaker at the conference will be Mr Ezekiel Gomos, CEO, Jos Business School. Other speakers include: Mr Louis Ijenwa, and Mr Solomon Avbikoro, who will speak on "Role of learning and development in talent management."

Mr Oguntuyi said participants would learn from the experts; all they need to know about hiring, retention, training, competency management, succession planning, among others.

He added that the event would provide a platform for networking with other human resource professionals, as well as an opportunity to visit tourist attractions in Calabar.

MEMBERS of staff of the Ekiti State University (EKSU) have been told they are required by law to declare their assets.

The state Director of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Mr. F. Feyisola, stated this at an orientation seminar organised by the university in collaboration with the bureau.

He said the law covers all workers in public institutions as against the belief that it only affects political office holders like the president, governors and legislators.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oladipo Aina, represented by the Provost, College of Post Graduate Studies, Prof. Dipo Ogunleye, said the university would cooperate with government officials on all genuine and obligatory responsibilities required by law.

Aina described workers of the university as honest, hardworking and responsible members of the community who earn legitimate means of livelihood.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

38

CAMPUS LIFE Dr Ahmad Rufai is the Acting Dean, Faculty of Education, Sokoto State University. He was recently appointed guest editor for the special edition on Education for the South African-based Journal of Politics, Economics and Society (JPES). Rufai tells ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA that it is unethical for a scholar to pay to get his works published in a journal. He also speaks on what it takes to produce a reputable journal.

‘Reputable journals don’t charge fees’

C

ERTAIN bodies request that potential contributors pay an amount to get their works published. Is this practice academic?

Reputable journals are not involved in such a practice. It is a despicable practice and is, unfortunately, a growing trend among academics in various parts of the world, Nigeria inclusive. Virtually, every Faculty in Nigeria has a 'contractor', who claims to be capable of assisting colleagues to get published once they pay publication fees which may range from $50 to $250.

Desperate lecturers with dead brains even pay more than that to get a substandard paper published in a substandard journal. We seem to be living in a dangerous academic world. It may interest you that several journals have published studies that are totally baseless and replete with cooked data all because the authors paid publication fees. A European journalist called John Bohannon, who is not a scientist, recently exposed this dimension of academic fraud after submitting a fabricated scientific study to 304 peer reviewed scientific journals which are all open-access between January and August 2014. The study was all about a molecule extracted from a lichen, as a potential treatment for cancer. He intentionally incorporated unscientific material to determine whether such foul play would be detected by the journals'peer reviewers. Alas, 157 of the 304 journals accepted the fake work for publication.

It is also observed that some teachers fraudulently cashed in on journals to move themselves up to professorial status. How true is this?

Yes, of course and that is a fastgrowing trend. However, just as I stated earlier, different individuals have different levels of prestige or esteem.

So, when I come across professors including ISBN number of other books in the references of their own published books, I become amazed.

And when I see them meandering between the concept of a lesson note and a lesson plan, in their journal articles, I smile! And again, when I come across publications where academic leaders erred in distinguishing between a research question and a research topic, I'm disturbed. So, I think it is wise not to keep bothering oneself about the substandard nature of the scholarship or research involved in some emerging academic leadership.

What is the essence of academic journals to the academia and individual contributor in particular?

Publishing in scholarly journals is integral to the job of an academic who is not expected to restrict himself or herself to teaching. Academic publishing is characteristically a product of scholarly research for there certainly cannot be a publishable material unless there is a research which itself is a path to knowledge sharing and experience dissemination. In other words, a good scholarly journal fulfills the role of a transmitter between an academic

and his/her peers for it exposes his/ her scholarship to them, especially with regard to emerging concerns or issues in his/her discipline and also avails them of the opportunity to subject such scholarship to peer assessment for the purpose of making it better and of merit, and with a view to accessing new vistas therefrom.

What are the attributes of an ideal journal?

An ideal academic journal, to my own mind, is one that does not publish materials that ordinarily should be committed to the dustbin. It must have a well-articulated professional focus. Call it philosophy, if you like.

What matters is that it must be a good specialised direction. This is without prejudice to the rising clamour for interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinarity. There also must be a solid peer review arrangement for quality control.

The peer review process is expected to be strengthened by a disciplined Editorial Board whose members should be qualified, competent, active and productive scholars. It should be pointed out that two editorial officers have challenging editorial role to play and, therefore, must be carefully selected. The Managing Editor, who normally, is the recipient of submission from contributors, wherever a sophisticated online system is not in place, should be scholarly and versatile for it is at his/her end that a preliminary decision is taken concerning whether a submission is worthy of being listed for peer review or not.

To review a journal, what are the procedures?

Once submissions are received by a journal through its Managing Editor, Assistant Editor or Editorial Assistant, a selection is made of the ones that comply with the guidelines as stated in the journal's notes to contributors. A preliminary decision is taken at this state concerning which article should be submitted for peer

•Site of the proposed NYSC Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State, under construction.

• Dr Rufai

review, subject to approval by the Editorial Board whose decision may be taken through an executive approval by the Editor.

Each paper is normally assigned to three experts who are tagged as Reviewer 1, Reviewer 2, and Reviewer 3. The reviewers, who must be familiar with the journal's assessment criteria, are then contacted for notification on the assignment which must not offer any hint on the contributor's identity. Once the reviewer consents to the assignment and the report submission deadline stipulated for feedback, the review process has begun. A paper is rejected if two of the three reports are negative. It is however returned to the author for correction if all the three reports are positive but recommend major or minor amendments or if, at least, one of the three is negative. Once resubmitted by the author after correction, the paper is reassigned to the same set of assessors for the second round of the review process.

The essence of this reassignment is to determine whether the amendments recommended by them have

been effected by the author. In most cases, at least one or two of the reviewers spot few areas that should be further addressed by the author.

Unless, such additional recommendations are minor or insignificant and could, therefore, be addressed administratively by the editor (provided they are not structural or conceptual issues that an author may not consent to), the paper is, again, returned to the author for recorrection. After final submission by the author, the Managing Editor or whoever fulfils his role, compiles a list of finally corrected submissions for final editorial decisions by the Board.

What mistakes do contributors make when submitting a journal?

Failure to prepare one's manuscript according to the journal's guidelines is a major mistake. Failure to consider the scope of a journal before sending one's submission is another.

More grave than the earlier two is failure of young scholars to learn and cultivate a good sense of academic writing, especially during their doctoral studies; before venturing into submitting their papers for consideration for publication in journals.

But journal managers too make their own mistakes. I recently received a review assignment from a notable Nigerian journal which failed to conceal the contributor's identity.

The contributor was an Associate Professor from a Southeastern Nigerian university. Having been impressed with her work, I, two months after the appearance of her paper in the journal, invited her to contribute to a book project I was then coordinating. She promptly replied my email, stating the area she wanted to address in her research. I'm glad she never asked me where I got her email address. Alas!

I got it through a "security breach" of a reputable Nigerian academic journal!

Edo Poly graduates for NYSC From, Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

G

RADUATING Higher National Diploma (HND) students of Edo State Polytechnic, formerly Edo State Institute of Technology and Management, Usen in Ovia Southwest Council of the state are to be mobilise for the next batch of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

This was the fallout of the visit by 12 representatives of the National Board For Technical Education (NBTE) accreditation team to the school.

Leader of the team, Elder Augustine Efedika, described their visit as a rescue mission to enable the affected students participate in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the next batch.

He said a similar move had been carried out at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, and the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. Programmes to be accredited in the school included: HND in Computer Science and Electrical and Electronics.

Efedika recalled that last year,the 12 courses presented to NBTE were accredited.

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Washington Osifo, who was represented by Dr Irene Okakua, a Director in the state Ministry of Education, also said in the previous year, the first phase of accreditation was successful, adding that the government has deployed enough resources to ensure the success of the HND courses.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Rev. Peter Obadan and the Acting Rector, Comrade Patience .O. Edomioya, praised the government's repeated assistance especially during accreditation period. Edomioya promised that workers, management and students will not disappoint the government.

SCHOLARSHIPS APPROACHING DEADLINE British Ecological Society Grants in Africa, 2015 APPLICATIONS are invited for British Ecological Society grants from ecologists in Africa to carry out innovative ecological research. The maximum value of a grant is £8,000 for research. An additional sum up to £2,000 may be requested to fund travel to help grantees develop connections with other ecologists outside their usual peer group. Travel funds are available for the applicant to spend time working with ecologists in developed countries where facilities and experience will help the grantee on return to their own institution.

Successful applicants also receive two years of free BES membership and free online access to the Society's journals.

The grant can be used to pay for basic tools needed to conduct the research project, travel and in some cases part of the applicant's salary. It cannot be

used for tuition fees.

The application deadline is 11 September, 2015.

Study Subject: Funding is available for any area of ecological science excluding research focused solely on agriculture, forestry and bioprospecting. Please note that neither purely descriptive work nor studies that might be considered incremental will be funded.

Course Level: Grant provides support for ecologists in Africa to carry out innovative ecological research.

Scholarship Provider is British Ecological Society, Scholarship can be taken at Africa and Abroad Eligibility: Applicants must: •have at least an MSc or equivalent degree •be working for a university or research institution in Africa (including field centres, NGOs, museums etc.) that provides basic research facilities •carry out the research in a country in Africa or its associated islands •The proposed work must be

completed within 18 months Scholarship Description: This grant provides support for ecologists in Africa to carry out innovative ecological research.

Selection Criteria: The applications will be judged by a panel of reviewers on the basis of the applicant's personal qualifications, the scientific excellence, novelty and feasibility of the proposal, and the academic and non-academic impact of the planned research.

Applicants need to demonstrate that they have made connections with ecologists in a developed country that can provide advice during the proposed project. If international travel is part of the application, applicants must demonstrate close links with those they propose to visit.

Notification: University aims to notify applicants if they have been successful or not within two months of the deadline.

How to Apply: •Applications will only be assessed once the online referee statement of

support has been received from the applicant's institution, and if applying for travel funds, from the overseas host institution. This referee statement should include why the project is important, what support will be given to the applicant and a statement that any equipment bought for the project will be made available for anyone in the host institution to conduct ecological research. We will automatically contact the referees using the email addresses provided in the application; both reference statements must be completed online before the application deadline. We cannot accept referee statements sent independently via email or by letter.

•Applications for this grant must be made using the BES online application form. Important: Only complete questions 3, 3a and 3b if you are requesting additional travel funds.

Application Form: http:// www.britishecologicalsocietygrants.org/ Africa/images/logo.gif

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

39

EDUCATION

Grand exit of hard working teacher

T

HE multipurpose hall of Agege Senior Government College, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos shimmered blue and gold from the dress code of guests, who trooped in to send off the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary (TG/PS), Lagos Education District 1, Mrs Florence Ogunfidodo, as she retires from teaching.

Many, who worked with Mrs Ogunfidodo, testified of her virtues of hard work and humility at the event, none the least of whom was, Dr Yinka Ayandele, who took over from her as TG/PS. She said: "I learnt about perseverance on the job from Mrs Ogunfidodo. Perseverance ensures that you give effective and qualitative service to humanity, because education is about service to humanity and development of human beings. What she (Mrs Ogunfidodo) has done as far I am concerned is to ensure that all wastages are removed, to have a clean baseline and I am going to build on that foundation."

Retired TG/PS, Education District IV, Otunba Ayo Obajimi, also praised Mrs Ogunfidodo's humility.

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

"I always knew her to be of exemplary humility and, of course, highly dedicated to duty. When she attained the level of a PS, I was surprised that she did not change.

“She still gave the same respect she used to give when I was her supervisor. That makes her someone of special humility and thank God for her, but that humility did not stop her from being hardworking to the point that every school where she was the principal got an award and she also got an award as the best principal of her time. So, her appointment is a good reward for hard work and I congratulate her," he said.

Obajimi advised the retiree to take her time to make calculated business decisions.

"Retirement is the period when we expect her to relax and look very well before she leaps into the business world and be sure that she only goes into profitable business if she needs to at all. We have a lot of friends who people have been able to dupe of their resources after retirement. Naturally, she is to devout more time into the service of God

•Mrs Ogunfidodo with other retired and active Permanent secretaries.

and other humanitarian activities that she normally had no time for.

With all that and with good rest, God will give her longevity in Jesus name," he said.

Mrs Ogunfidodo was full of joy and gratitude to God for a fulfilling career. She thanked the Lagos State government for giving her the opportunity to serve.

"I give glory to the almighty God. It has been God alone. If not for Him, what can I say? I thank the Lagos State government for the opportunity given to me to serve even from being a teacher to the peak of being a tutor general permanent secretary," she said.

The retiree advised colleagues still in service to be diligent.

"My advice to teachers is that they should continue the hard work, they should be loyal and dedicated, because without their loyalty and hard work, there is nothing. We all want to move Lagos State forward to the highest level. So, I pray for them that they should be able to move Lagos state education family to the next level and so shall it be," she said.

‘Quality education key to economic growth’

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•From left: Assistant Director, Lagos State Ministry of Education Curriculum Services, Dr Olufunke Oyetola; Executive Director, Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative, Ms. Toyin Adesola; Director, Red Media Africa, Mr. Adebola Williams; Ms Imoka; Ms. Lara Oriye of Falana & Falana Chambers; CEO, Leading Learning Ltd, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo; and CEO, Ofilispeaks & Okada Books, Mr. Okechukwu Ofili, at the event.

UALITY education, particularly at the basic level, is the panacea for economic growth, a Director at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Oyinade Osinubi, has said.

Mrs Osunubi, who was the guest speaker, stated this at the presentation of scholarships to 12 pupils by CANI School in Egan-Igando, Lagos.

Delivering the keynote address, Mrs Osinubi said: "Qualitative education will contribute immensely to building a strong and vibrant Nigerian economy.”

These awards by CANI School is a welcome development particularly as it would encourage parents to ensure active participation of their children to learn and focus on the need to acquire education.

These scholarships would no doubt, help more children in Nigeria gain

Experts push for ‘inclusive education’ as best system

E

XPERTS have urged governments to adopt inclusive education as part of their schools' curriculum, saying it is the best system of education.

They spoke at an event by Unveiling Africa (UVA) in partnership with the Education Partnership Centre (TEP) at the Oxbridge Tutorial College, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. A non-governmental organisation (NGO), UVA aims at transforming the continent by engaging and equipping youths with skills to contribute to its development.

UVA's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chizoba Imoka, said the forum was to draw government's attention to the imperativeness of inclusive education.

Defining inclusive education as a form which ensured that pupils irrespective of their differences study in the same environment, Imoka condemned any arrangement in contrast to that definition.

She said: "We advocate for inclusive education based on the premise that every student regardless of his social physical differences and cultural background, has a right to feel included and equally engaged in our schools. How should this happen?

For one, students need to have equitable access to school.

"For example, children living with physical disabilities are excluded

By Joseph Eshanokpe

from entering the school/are not equally welcome when we don't have ramps in our schools, our teachers and students haven't been taught to see them as equals with rights and equipped to provide the necessary support."

Imoke also highlighted the importance of exposing youths to indigenous culture. She argued that ''without a strong sense of identity, knowledge of history and positive valuation of the nation's rich culture, the next generation of Nigerians will be ill-equipped to provide the muchneeded transformative and culturally responsive leadership.

“From a cultural standpoint," she continued: "our education system and national infrastructure need to move beyond its focus on WAZOBIA and English as a language of instruction.

In our focus on WAZOBIA, we systematically exclude the other 247 ethnic groups from our national consciousness and national understanding. We indirectly communicate to their groups that they and their group are of secondary importance. In upholding English as the language of instruction and academic publications, we contribute to the death of the cultural knowledge systems associated with the indigenous cultures of this land. We assert that the knowledge system associated with the En-

glish language and culture is superior to the sum of at least 250 ethnic groups that make up Nigeria.” ''But what is responsible for such judgment? The expert asked rhetorically. “How does one compare cultural knowledge systems? Culture is the way of life of a people in rela-

tion and reflection of their unique history and heritage. Now, why are some groups (our indigenous heritage and history) good for throwing away and forgetting while others are worthy of being the foundation and lifeline of our society/schooling system?”

By Aderenike Gbadebo

access to opportunities that will help them explore their potential.’’

The Proprietress of CANI School, Ms Gbemi Aminu, who presented the certificates to beneficiaries, said since the institution started in 2012, giving of scholarships to children in its host community had become an integral part of its culture.

She said: "We recognise qualitative education as key to grooming children. If a child is equipped with adequate knowledge and intellectual prowess, it will in the long term contribute to the success and benefit of the family, which will in turn have a positive effect on the community and Nigeria."

On the criteria for the scholarships, she said pupils from between Basic One and Basic Four, wrote basic tests at the school premises which were marked same day and results announced.

The 12 beneficiaries would join other children as the school resumes later this month.

"The scholarships to each winner means that CANI will give them free tuition; books, uniform and all other materials needed to ensure the pupils attain quality education spanning their study duration," she said.

• Crosssection of winners of Twelve scholarships awarded by CANI School, during the ceremony at the school premises, Egan-Igando, Lagos. The winners emerged following tests in English and Mathematics.

Backrow are the staff of the school.

40

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

EDUCATION

FEDPOFFA plans vehicle diagnostic centre •Entrepreneuship centre opened

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HE Federal Polytechnic Offa (FEDPOFFA) has concluded plans to establish a Mechanical and Electrical Diagnostic Centre.

Director, Entrepreneurship Development Centre of the Polytechnic, Mr. Kamaldeen Arowomole, said the workshop, apart from serving as a source of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), would solve the problem of members of the Offa community and environs having to travel far to repair their vehicles.

He said the centre would follow the newly-established Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC), which is a platform for students to enhance their entrepre-

neurship training.

The EDC was built with funds provided by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for 2011/2012 session.

It consists of offices for the Director and other workers, 40 workstations, conference room, business centre, and an incubator room to conceive and develop new ideas.

Arowomole urged the students to make the best use of the facility to prepare themselves for the future.

"With the government's focus on entrepreneurship development in our tertiary institutions, one hopes that the next generation of Nigerian youths would not depend on what

government can do for them to make a living but what they can do to help themselves and contribute to the nation's economic growth," he said.

The director also thanked the polytechnic management for equipping the centre with modern facilities.

"I say a big thank you to the Polytechnic Management under the leadership of Dr. Mufutau Olatinwo, for the support and encouragement to make this permanent office complex a reality.

“Among plans in the pipeline is the plan to propose to the Management on the expansion of our Concrete and Block-making Unit to meet the contractors' demand and others willing to patronise us,” he said.

70 pupils deliberate at UN confab

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OR four days last week, 70 secondary school pupils from Lagos, Anambra, and Rivers states deliberated on issues of international importance at the maiden conference of The African FutureTrust Model United Nations (TAFMUN), a simulation of the UN General Assembly.

Acting as representatives of various country members of the UN, they discussed and negotiated solutions to their 'countries' problems during the event holding at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Convener of the conference and founder, FutureTrust Initiative for Capacity Building (FTI), Dr Maureen Egbuche, said the participants, as a result of researches done on their countries and presentations and debates they made at the conference, would gain soft skills not taught in schools which would help them in future.

"The ultimate aim is to prepare these children for the future. Today we are teaching critical thinking; negotiation skills. In participating in this conference, they take away these skills without even knowing it. Here you are representing a country that is not your native country. But after your research, you are suddenly at home discussing issues, being quite passionate about it, remaining in character of the country you have been assigned. And then you have to listen to views that may be opposing to what you generally believe in. But the thing is that at the last day of the conference all of you would have come up with solutions that are win-win for everybody," she said.

The teenagers'deliberation was coordinated by a conference staff made up of university undergraduates who had participated in similar conferences in the past.

Secretary-General of TAFMUN 2015, Eugene Uwiringiyimana, who read the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon's goodwill message at the opening of the conference, is a student of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola.

Chisom Ogbummuo, a 200-Level student of Political Science at the University of Lagos, acted as the Under-Secretary-General (Protocol).

•Dr Egbuche presenting a certificate to TAFMUN Ambassador and winner of a return ticket to New York, USA for the 2016 High School Model United Nations conference, Master Campbell Omuboye of Community Secondary School Amadi, Ama, Port Harcourt.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Of the value of the conference to the pupils, Chisom said: "It will go a long way for them. At present, I work for the UN and it is because I started activities related to this kind of conference as a student of Holy Child College," she said.

A teacher from the Federal Science and Technical (FSTC), Yaba, Mrs Adebanke Akano, who prepared her 24 delegates for the conference, said the conference would prepare participants to have a say in their future.

In his message, Ban Ki-Moon hoped that the conference would influence the participants to support good international causes.

"Through your participation in this Model United Nations, you demonstrate your concern for peace, justice, human rights and human dignity. I hope this conference will inspire you to be a lifelong global citizen who advances these common goals," he said.

In her keynote address, former Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi, who was represented by the former Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Dr Richard

‘The ultimate aim is to prepare these children for the future. Today we are teaching critical thinking; negotiation skills.

In participating in this conference, they take away these skill without even knowing it’

•Mrs Lawrence-Nemi

Ofuru, counseled the participants to form Model UN clubs back in their schools to continue to harness the skills they learn. She recalled with pride how some pupils sponsored by the Rivers State Government to New York for the UN Youth conference returned with prizes.

Dr Egbuche said 70 participants were chosen in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the UN this year.

They were selected from the Federal Government Girls' College, Onitsha; Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba; Atlantic Hall, Lagos; and Queen's College, Lagos.

Other are: Archdeacon Brown Education Centre, Port Harcourt; Community Secondary School Alode Eleme; Community Secondary School, Amadi Ama; and Jephthah Comprehensive Secondary School, Port Harcourt.

EDUTALK

with

Oh My! Are we retrogressing?

Y

ES! Edutalk is back! I am sorry for the u n c e r e m o n i o u s 'disappearance' of this column for six weeks. I was on Leave. I ought to have informed my esteemed readers but forgot in my rush to get away from the office for a welldeserved holiday. I apologise.

Well, here I am back to hear of Kofoworola policy somersaults. Why is the Federal Government trying to degrade the newly upgraded Kofosagie@yahoo.com universities of education? What 08054503077 (SMS only) will the reversal achieve but to plunge the institutions into crisis that would take months to contain - time that is precious to students who would be forced to spend more than the appointed period for their studies. It is a step that would bring retrogression to the institutions.

Whoever sat wherever to give the directive certainly did not think it through. The institutions in question are not recently established mushroom colleges. They have existed for at least four or more decades.

They all run degree programmes in affiliation with recognised public universities. As a result, their facilities are inspected regularly by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in addition to the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

Should their upgrade be reversed simply because of a change in government? No. The conversion has been a long time coming. It was only effected by the last administration. Those considering the reversal should go back and check so many reports prepared by committees set up by various administrations that had penned down the former colleges (Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo; Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri; Federal College of Education, Kano; and Federal College of Education, Zaria) for upgrade to universities. There was the Yabani Report of 2000 that even included the Yaba College of Technology and the Kaduna Polytechnic. There was also another committee in 2007 called the Presidential Technical Committee on the Consolidation of Tertiary Institutions chaired by Prof Mahmood Yakubu, which announced plans to consolidate 17 federal-owned polytechnics and 21 colleges of education into campuses of contiguous universities. The YABATECH and Kaduna Polytechnic were out rightly meant to be converted into universities and called City University of Yaba, and City University of Kaduna. The committee did not complete this task before Chief Olusegun Obasanjo left office on May 29 of the same year.

Prof Ruqayyat Ahmed Rufa'i who served as Education Minister under President Goodluck Jonathan may have tried to implement the upgrade.

On July 21, 2010, she announced the upgrade of YABATECH and Kaduna Polytechnic as Universities of Technologies. She also announced that the four colleges now in the heart of the current conversion row had been upgraded to universities of education. She was reported to have made the announcement when she received the report of the Implementation Committee on Guidelines for Degree-Awarding Institutions. A newspaper reported that the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Julius Okojie, who is still the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) today, noted that the institutions "were found worthy in line with the earlier recommendation of a report on their conversion to degree awarding institutions." However, a few days later, Prof Ahmed Rufa'i backtracked and said it was not so.

If all this amount of work - spanning over 15 years - has gone into this upgrade of a thing, what then is our problem? Is it that we just have some people somewhere who want to continue to under-develop Nigeria? We all know that there is a preference for university education in Nigeria; and that many graduates of other classes of institutions suffer discrimination in the job market - a situation that is further fueling our craze for certificates and watering down their value. Is it not time we corrected this error and put it behind us once and for all? Do we need another committee to work out whether the institutions can operate as universities? How did the United Kingdom achieve it so many years ago when it converted all its polytechnics to universities at the same time? It is no secret that some of these institutions are better equipped and run than some universities. What exactly are we afraid of?

I support Dr Abubakar Haruna, Chairman of the Joint Trade Union (the umbrella group under which the Academic Staff Union of Universities [ASUU], Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities [SSANU] Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities [NASU], and National Association of Academic Technologists [NAAT] of the four new universities of education are fighting the downgrade) who said as the transition proceeds, whatever may be wrong can be corrected. In heaven's name, the transition should continue. All those fighting will only go the way of the dinosaur - into extinction.

Belo-Osagie

Those considering the reversal should go back and check so many reports prepared by committees set up by various administrations that had penned down the former colleges (Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo; Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri; Federal College of Education, Kano; and Federal College of Education, Zaria) for upgrade to universities

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

NATION SPORT EXTRA

43

INTERVIEW... INTERVIEW... INTERVIEW...

Pizarro: Let’s make the most of this generation

•Pizarro

H

AS Chile’s Copa America triumph taken on a new dimension now that several weeks have gone by?

David Pizarro: We achieved something important. Winning a championship that our national team had never won before is a very big deal, and we’re fully aware of that. What worries me now is hearing that they want to make 4 July [the date of the 2015 Copa final] a national Day for Sport in Chile. That makes me wonder: do people think we’re never going to win anything else? (Laughs) What’s the next step for this squad of players?

The plan is to make the most of this generation of players and keep challenging for trophies. The way Chile play was [originally] put in place by [Marcelo] Bielsa. I compare it with what Cruyff did at Barcelona: he instilled an ideology which to this day is bringing significant results. That’s the issue in question. The goal is to change the destiny of Chilean football history.

The Copa America success has earned Chile a ticket to the FIFA Confederations Cup. How much will it mean to take part?

We’re really excited about it! We’ll be competing against heavyweight national teams and it’ll be an important preliminary test ahead of, God willing, another World Cup campaign.

It’ll mean a great deal for a generation of players that are very bold, very gutsy and have a lot of character. We want to keep breaking records and build on the Copa America success.

What’ll be the hardest part about trying to stay successful?

Staying humble and not letting egos become a problem. Let me give you an example: social media. I can’t say that I see much point in it, in my view it’s a tool that, more than anything else, serves to inflate people’s egos. The key will be to maintain the same levels of pas-

sion and commitment, particularly given how hard it was to get this far. If we can manage that, we’ll be on the right track.

Earlier you mentioned the World Cup, a competition that you’ve yet to appear in.

At the age of 35 and with a new qualifying phase about to begin, do you dream of making it to Russia 2018?

Very much so. Due to decisions I took at the time, and which I still totally stand by, I missed out on other World Cups, but I’m still in with a chance of staying involved with the national squad. And there’s nothing bigger in football than the World Cup. Even so, if I don’t manage to make it as a player I won’t let it get to me. Perhaps I’ll need to wait until I’m a coach instead…

(Laughs) I’ve got to get to a World Cup, whatever it takes!

(Laughs again) Is there any risk of complacency setting in after making history at the Copa America?

I ask because South American Zone qualifying will begin shortly...

For a footballer, at nationalteam level, [appearing at] a World Cup will always be the pinnacle. In world football, that’s the highest you can go.

We’re now champions of South America, but Chilean players shouldn’t settle for that. We’re part of a process.

There are players coming through with the same hunger [for success] as those currently in the squad. And for this generation, the likes of Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez, Gary Medel and Claudio Bravo, they’re at major clubs where life is constantly demanding.

They’re called upon to take responsibility at their clubs, they’re all under pressure to win, and that helps the national team to stay competitive too.

Chile mustn’t lose that determination to go toe-to-toe with anybody. As a Chilean footballer, that’s what concerns me.

Players like the ones you mention and Chile’s performances in general mean they’ll now be among the favourites at every competition, including World Cup qualifying. What are your

No other member of the Chilean national squad has been part of the senior set-up as long as David Pizarro, the cultured 35-year-old central midfielder having made his national-team debut back in 1999. Yet despite also being the only current Chile international to have been in the squad that grabbed bronze at the Olympic Football Tournament Sydney 2000, several of his Roja team-mates have nearly double the player's tally of 46 senior caps.

The reason for this can be found in the eight years, between 2005 and 2013, which Pizarro spent in the international wilderness for personal reasons, a period which coincided with arguably his most fruitful seasons in European club football. Turning on the style for the likes of Inter Milan, Roma and Fiorentina, the gifted orchestrator was a trophy winner on seven occasions, including during a brief loan spell at Manchester City.

His eventual return to the national-team fold came with coach Jorge Sampaoli’s squad in the final stages of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. In spite of typically assured displays, El Fantastista did not make the cut for Chile’s Brazilian adventure, though he took the setback in his stride and waited patiently for another opportunity. That chance would come this year, as part of the squad that made history by claiming Chile’s first ever Copa America – Pizarro playing his part with four appearances, all as a substitute, in his country’s six games.

Now once again back in Chile at his first club Santiago Wanderers, following 17 seasons spent on European soil, Pizarro agreed to speak to FIFA.com about La Roja’s glorious present.

•David Pizarro of Chile lifts the trophy after winning the 2015 Copa America Chile Final match between Chile and Argentina thoughts on that? long time in Europe and I’d No doubt about it. Spending always pulls in the same direcThere’s no doubt that Chile always give my [European] so much time abroad means tion, that nobody goes off have earned that [favourites] team-mates stick about their you miss the day-to-day stuff, alone down the wrong path or tag. But, if there’s one thing the national teams’ qualifying and now that I’m back I’m still tries to put themselves before Copa America made clear it’s phases… They just don’t finding myself surprised by it. the squad.

Those are things that these qualifiers will be the compare to ours!

Not just by the amount of that I won’t stand for, because hardest they’ve been for a long On an individual note, thanks we get for having won I understand that this is a time. On top of the leading conhow would you define the the title, but by the amount of team sport. tenders from previous camrole you play in La Roja’s coverage the national team is paigns you’ve got Peru and a dressing room? getting. But we have to be a Has the fact you’re back resurgent Paraguay. What’s I see myself as having an bit wary: Chile isn’t just about playing in Chile again given more, you’ve got to go and important role in terms of the the national team, we’ve a you a different perspective on play in places like Bolivia and group as a whole. That’s domestic championship too pulling on the national-team Ecuador, which is always insomething that’s always matand that must be shown rejersey and the success you’ve credibly tough. Look, I spent a tered to me, that the squad spect. had?

44

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

45

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

RIVERS POLITICS Controversy has continued to trail the activities of the Commission of Inquiry set up by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike to probe his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi. A section of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) believes that the investigation is necessary to foster accountability. But, many indigenes have cried foul, saying that the governor set up the panel to humiliate his former boss because he collaborated with progressives in other geo-political zones to abort the second term ambition of former President Goodluck Jonathan. EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the politics of the probe and the crisis it has unleashed on the Southsouth state.

T

THE probe of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi is generating ripples. Governor Nyesom Wike, who set up the Commission of Inquiry to investigate his predecessor, has explained that Amaechi has a duty to shed light on the finances of the state when he was in charge.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has hailed the probe, said that it is a moment of accountability.

But, many indigenes have objected to the probe, saying that the governor is full of vendetta. The investigation, in their view, was meant to dent the image of the former governor. They argue that, a credibility crisis is being orchestrated by the PDP to discourage President Muhammadu Buhari from nominating Amaechi for any position in the Federal Executive Council. Between now and the time the President will name his cabinet, the campaign of calumny will intensify in the media to pull down the former governor.

According to the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC), Wike is afraid of the rising influence of Amaechi, who is perceived as one of the heroes of democracy.

In a statement, the APC Chairman, Davies Ikanya, said: “These retrogressive forces, led

by Governor Nyesom Wike, are so afraid of the shadow of Amaechi to the extent that they are willing to go to any length to ensure that he is not accommodated in President Buhari’s cabinet.” The party chairman said that it is ironical that Wike, who rode to power through a flawed electoral process, has raised a panel to probe his successor.

Four years ago, Wike and Amaechi, were political allies. Wike, a lawyer, was Amaechi’s Chief of Staff. During the second term battle, he was also the Coordinator of the Amaechi Campaign Organisation. Little did the two friends know that they will part ways, ahead of the last general elections.

Their political difference has polarised the Southsouth state. While Amaechi defected to the All progressives Congress (APC), following protracted rift between him and former President Goodluck Jonathan, Wike became the arrowhead of the PDP in Rivers.

Amaechi worked for President Buhari’s success at the poll. But, he was succeeded by Wike, although the battle has now shifted from the ballot box to the court.

On the campaign podium, Wike had threatened to probe his former boss. When he was sworn in, he unfolded a plan to carry out a forensic audit of government accounts.

He said the probe is consistent with the anticorruption crusade of the APC-led Federal Government. Amaechi challenged him to carry out the threat.

On June 19, the governor set up the panel.

The commission is headed by Justice George Omereji. Other members are Dr. Edith Chukwu, Chief Monday Ekekenta, Ven. Alex Isifo and Elder Ignatius Piegbara. Reacting to the setting up of the panel, Amaechi said it was not set up in good faith, adding that it was a sham and fraudulent witch-hunt to deceive the people. “All the noise Wike is making is to grab media headlines with his lies of monumental corruption against Amaechi. It is all drama made for the media. What is playing out is a script written and directed by Nyesom Wike. Wike should move to Nollywod where his devious skills would probably be useful. While it is no longer in doubt what would be the report of Wike’s sham probe commission, what may shock Nigerians is the extent Wike has gone and is ready to go to manufacture stories of corrupt practices and the kind of bogus tales of corruption against Amaechi that he would soon be feeding the nation,” he added.

It is not the first time Amaechi will run into storm in his political career. When he vied for the governor, powerful forces nearly de-

Wike/Amaechi rift: What manner of probe?

He unfolded a plan to carry out a forensic audit of government accounts. He said the probe is consistent with the anticorruption crusade of the APC-led Federal Government

All the noise Wike is making is to grab media headlines with his lies of monumental corruption against Amaechi. It is all drama made for the media. What is playing out is a script written and directed by Nyesom Wike •Wike nied him the mandate. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said his ambition had kleg. He survived. The second term battle was also fiercely fought in Rivers. At the end, he was victorious. His second term was turbulent. The former President, Jonathan, and his wife, Dame Patience, who hails from Rivers, moved against him. At a public function, the former first lady snatched the microphone from him. Later, the police, led by Joseph Mbu, became a thorn in his flesh. He was even denied entrance into his office. The battle shifted to the House of Assembly. Efforts to impeach Amaechi unlawfully were resisted. Despite the awesome presidential powers, he triumphed.

The on-going probe is another phase of his political life. Efforts to stop the probe has failed. A court has affirmed the right of the governor to probe the previous administration. A High Court Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, said the panel was set up, not to investigate the former governor in person, but his defunct administration.

However, many stakeholders have picked holes in the investigation. Former Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Worgu Boms described the probe as a comedy of errors. He accused Wike of bias, saying that he has demonstrated preju-

•Amaechi dice. He also alleged that some members of what he described as ill-conceived and illmotivated panel, have their bias towards the former governor.

His counterpart in the Ministry of Information, Mrs. Ibim Seminitari, described the probe as an unnecessary diversion from subsisting electoral issues. Besides, she said the probe cannot dent Amaechi’s image because he lived up to expectation as governor. The former commissioner said that the people will always applaud the achievements of the governor in the last eight years.

“These achievements are visible in all sectors,” she added.

Amaechi, who has never underestimated Wike’s capacity for politicking, reasoned that the governor set up the probe to create more crisis so that stakeholders can bring the two sides to reconciliation. He said, since Wike knew that he got to the State House through fraudulent election, he decided to witch-hunt him so that he can yield to pressure to withdraw the suit against his victory. Amaechi said that the APC and its candidate, Hon. Dakuku Peterside, will now bow to pressure to abandon the case.

Explaining why he has refused to appear before the panel, the former governor said the panel is illegal. “He has not complied

with the law in setting up the panel. The rule of natural justice and fair hearing is not adhered to. You sit down and you tell a man, ‘go and find him guilty openly. He is guilty; go and investigate him,” Amaechi stressed.

The former governor denied the allegations of corruption. He said Wike should reflect and examine himself before throwing stones.

He challenged anyone to name any account in his name, except his official salary account and the FCMB account. When the time is ripe, he promised to open upon Wike.

Amaechi said: “The funny thing about the young man is that he knows that I know him.

I know Nyesom Wike up to his companies.; Zico, Easy E. I was his governor and I have documents to show that he is a contractor. I have Wike’s account details. But, you don’t reply him by saying, you see, you are a thief, see what you stole. It will appear like I am a thief, but you are also a thief. So, what you do is to say no, I am not a thief and I don’t know what this man is talking about.

“Rivers people forget so easily, and I annoys me. During the campaign, I named the roads that nyesom Wike did and abandoned.

He is reconstructing some of them after we have paid him and no Rivers man is talking or asking, except the young boys who are replying him on the social media.”

46

THE NATION THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

If Wike says he’s not lying that he met an empty ‘treasury, we challenge him to publish the statements of these government accounts ’

POLITICS

RIVERS POLITICS Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah is the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Rivers State Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike. In this interview with PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA in Port Harcourt, the state capital, he speaks on Wike’s achievements and the ongoing projects executed by the administration.

‘Wike fulfulling his promises’

M

ANY people have described the road projects by Governor Wike as a way to attract the public sympathy in case the Rivers State Election Tribunal nullifies the election. Is it true?

That is not true; first and foremost it is the constitutional responsibility of any government to initiate projects that have direct impact on the people. But, whatever tendentious interpretation people are trying to weave in, I wish his predecessors find themselves in similar situation to have done what he is doing. Probably, if they had done it, Wike wouldn’t have been doing it now. Because, those projects would have been taken care of. So whatever it is, this is the dividends of democracy. The people are yearning for it, and that is what he is dishing out. What is wrong in carrying out projects that would endure you to the heart of the people? As a governor is he supposed to carry out projects that would scare people away from you? You are to carry out projects that would make people to love you and like you that is why it is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. To have voted him into office they must have appreciated certain qualities in him.

So it would be wrong to go there and betray the confidence reposed on him. As a voter and as a man seeking for vote there is a social contract already, it must not be in black and white. And during electioneering campaign you must have promised the people something, is there any particular time to fulfill those promises. Of course, there is no such law that he should begin the massive development after the tribunal has fulfilled the litigation process. So Wike has started, he has set the ball rolling, there is no time to waste, he took off from the inauguration ground where he declared operation zero pot holes in Port Harcourt. You can testify that governor Wike has turned Rivers State to construction site, what we used to hear in Akwa-Ibom is what we are seeing in Rivers State today.

Don’t you think it is too early to appraise Wike’s achievement?

No, it is not, if within a very short period a man has achieved this much

then I think the ‘pull down syndrome’ should stop. Let us rally around him and encourage him so that he will do more. Are we talking of the backlog of pensioners entitlement that cumulated to eight months, remember that all efforts to pay the pensioners by the immediate past administration fell on deaf ears. What about the salaries of civil servants that Wike cleared?

Which one would you talk or leave, what about the scholarship, the students were sent abroad and abandoned callously? Monies that were meant for them were fictitiously spent.

Where are you going to start from?

We all know that our roads became death traps, most of them impassable, and this is a man that has come to salvage the state. Because we became despondent in Rivers State, you could see frustration on the faces of everybody, but today there is joy in the land because you have the righteous and it is said, when the righteous rules the people rejoice.

You believe we can’t capsize with Wike as the captain of the ship?

Of course, instead we should expect more, it is a continuous process; I can’t sit down here and tell you that this is what you are going to witness in Rivers State under the administration of Chief Nyesom Wike. All I know is that all facet of the state would be touched.

Not just the road network, he has already taken a step to build and renovate schools in the state. He just completed the faculty of law building in the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, the project started during the military era and was abandoned but today the people are rejoicing. He has touched many areas, if you say Wike has cleared the backlog of pension and if your family or relative is not a pensioner you would not feel the impart. But it would have an impact on the beneficiaries who appreciate the need to have someone like Wike. That is why some people may not know that Wike is doing better in other sectors of the state. When a governor is insensitive to the plight of the

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi's Media Office, in this piece, argues that Governor Nyesom Wike is chasing shadow by probing his predecessor.

‘Wike’s probe of Amaechi, a distraction’

A

•Tariah people there would be crisis even in the family. You can image that you have a brother among those on scholarship and he cannot write exam over there, will you be happy with the government? But because everybody has access to road that is why people thought it was only road project that is going on in the state. Even in the health sector he is doing wonderfully well. He has restored calm in the traditional institutions with the amended law. Because there were so much rubble and bickering, before now the sanctity of our traditional institution was profaned by the former governor for egocentric reasons. Even the traditional rulers are now happy because they find out that he has touched almost all the facet of life. But, what readily come to mind are the roads and the bridges, because even the blind uses the road, the death also uses the road; by conveying the corpse to his or her internal resting place.

What is the controversy on the alleged empty treasury about when the former governor said he left something in the bank?

This is one issue that had been over flooded; I don’t want to be embroiled with such issue. If the past administration said they left so much amount like N7.5billion or N10billion as they claimed. Inconsistency alone obviates their claim, because before now they said N10billion and later they said it was N7.5billion the inconsistency alone obviates the need that there is no truth in the assertion.

‘

Even the traditional rulers are now happy because they find out that he has touched almost all the facet of life

’

GAIN, our attention has been drawn to comments by the governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, where he attempts to justify his fraudulent, sham probe of the immediate past governor of Rivers State Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and distort our statement on the amount of money Amaechi left in the State treasury.

No matter how hard Wike tries, the public can clearly see through his fraudulent deception and the sham he calls Commission of Inquiry 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 former governor 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 Amaechiis 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 Lodge bare, saying that the former governor stole spoons, plates, knives, cups, mattresses, forks and even curtains from the Governor’s Lodge! However, in the images Wike showed to back his lies, the curtains in the lodge were clearly there, seen and intact.

Wike then claimed he met a completely empty treasury. That again is another big lie and grand deception to steal state funds. We have said that former governor Amaechi left billions of naira and we even went ahead to mention the banks and give the names of the accounts the money were, as at May 29, 2015.

We repeat that N7.5billion cash were left behind as balances in the

•Wike State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account with Skye Bank, FAAC account with Zenith Bank, balances with Access Bank and funds in the State reserve fund account in First Bank. This is besides other balances in the state Government House account with Zenith Bank and other government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) accounts, like the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).

Amaechi left N939 million naira in the Commercial Agric Credit Scheme Account in Zenith Bank. By the time you pull all these balances together, we are looking at readily available cash in the region of eight to ten billion naira left for the Wike administration. We have mentioned banks, account names and funds left in the accounts. These are facts that cannot be distorted by Wike.

If Wike says he’s not lying that he met an empty treasury, we challenge him to publish the statements of these government accounts that we have mentioned and other Rivers State government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) accounts as at May 29; to prove his claim and show the public that Amaechi left an empty treasury for him. But, we dare say, he will not because he runs a government of lies, deception and fraud, always wanting to hoodwink the public as he siphons billions of naira of State funds.

Rather than this comedic, puerile and silly distraction he calls probe commission, Wike should explain to Rivers people what happened to the funds Amaechi left, the N30 billion naira loans he took under 30 days and other funds that has accrued to Rivers State since he became governor. Amaechi left a legacy of accountability; Rivers people expect nothing less from Wike.

New political group launched in Ondo

A • Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi flanked by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo (left), Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Prince Cornelius Nnaji (right) and other council chairmen, as he cuts a tape to open the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Office in Enugu.

NEW socio-political group to check the imposition of candidates has been launched in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

The group ”Owena Collectives”, is to ensure that those who are elected into public offices emerged through transparent electoral process.

A statement issued by its chairman, Theo Adebowale, and Secretary, Kayode Arowosola, said it had begun consultations with the democratic forces in the state.

The group vowed to ensure the

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

effective participation and monitoring of all political processes in the state to ensure popular polls.

The coalition, which made up of 10 socio-political groups, said that it would resist the imposition of candidates or any attempt to undermine a transparent democratic process by any party.

It urged party chieftains and officials to comport themselves with decorum and eschew imposition under any guise or face its wrath.

47

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

CLINIC DAY The Managing Director, Fashoggi Health Shoppe, Akute, on the outskirts of Lagos, Mr Yinka Fashipe, proffers solutions to question one. The Chief Executive Officer, Towersea Nigeria Limited, Dr Solomon Abutoh, answers the second.

Why man needs deep personality analysis

‘Causes ‘ll determine remedies T for men’s poor libido’

A

S we age, our energy, stamina and virility level reduces.

Many men have problems with their sexual lives, which we will rather not admit because of our ego.

But it is high time we did so, as there are effective natural remedies guaranteed to reverse such problems.

Indeed, of what use is it for your “third leg” to fail to perform adequately on the field of play and when it matters most. This could be most embarrassing not only for you but equally for your woman. That is why you must ensure it does not happen to you at all and or not again.

The good news for men is that nature has provided us with several herbs to help men suffering low sex drive/low libido, weak erection, premature ejaculation and others.

There are herbs in nature’s pharmacy for increasing and stabilising testosterone production and others that soothe and calm nerves. Most of them are essential in increasing the men’s libido and are available in my stable.

A man should consult his physician/healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements. This is because one needs to understand the cause and health profile of a man before providing solution. For instance, prolonged stress and poor circulation are common causes of diminished libido in men. Not only will Korean ginseng (paxan ginseng) increase your blood circulation, but it also has the added benefit of working on your central nervous system to calm nerves and quiet anxiety. It is the most commonly prescribed treatment for low sex drive in men in Japan and China. Korean ginseng is available in standardised powder, tablet and tincture form.

A less common cause of low sex

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TRESS: The body reacts to stress by releasing adrenaline and cor tisol. Chronic stress, in particular, can interfere with your body’s hormone levels, and result in a low libido.

The arteries can also narrow and restrict blood flow in response to stress, which can also lead to erectile dysfunction. Stress can also reduce your libido by distracting you and taking your mind off sexual desire.

Depression: Libido and depression share a complicated link. “Depression can change the body’s biochemistry and therefore reduce libido,” says Mark L. Held, PhD, a clinical psychologist in the Denver area. “It’s also harder to feel sexual when you’re depressed.”

Some medications commonly used to treat depression may also lower libido as a side effect.

Low self-esteem. It’s hard to feel sexy when your self-confidence is down or when you have an unhealthy body image. “Someone who feels unattractive is less likely to want to engage in sex,” says Held. “Fears of rejection may also come in to play.”

Alcohol or drug use. While a little alcohol can help lower inhibitions, too much can impair your nervous system and lead to fatigue making it dif-

Question (1) I am a 47-year -old geologist with a multinational. My spouse complains about my sexual performance. Also, a clinic confirmed that I am suffering from premature ejaculation.

Can you recommend a traditional treatment?

(2) I have heard of deep personal analysis (DPA), how can this help my overall wellbeing?

• Emeka Okonkwo, Ibadan, Oyo State • Fashipe drive is low testosterone production.

Wild oats will increase its production. There is also the extract from wild oat straw, avena sativa, which will free up and increase your circulation of testosterone. Read labels, many extracts available lack the essential active ingredient avenacosides. Stinging nettle root will work in conjunction with wild oats and avena sativa by keeping your testosterone in an active form and available for use. Nervines are a group herbs that work directly on the central nervous system. They can bring you to a more relaxed state of mind, which is required for a healthy sexual libido. Herbal aphrodisiacs increase sexual arousal and desire, usually in a short amount of time.The strongest natural aphrodisiac available is yohimbe. Take caution when taking this herb. It works so quickly

that it can have a sharp and sudden change in blood pressure.

Other, more subtle herbal aphrodisiacs include sarsaparilla, horny goat weed, damiana and maca. You can also increase your sex drive by including zinc and kelp into your diet, which are also aphrodisiacs.These are what helped our forefathers to maintain great virility despite old age. They are what they took from time to time to enhance performance. The secret of how they impress their many wives and concubines. You can also benefit from the secret and surely change your sexual life for the better. These herbs are good for intense sexual pleasure and stamina for repeat pleasurable performances, not stimulants; they are very natural, effective and highly guaranteed to work.

Causes of low libido ficult to become aroused. Other drugs can decrease your sex drive as well.

For example, marijuana suppresses the pituitary gland, which regulates the production of testosterone.

Lack of sleep. A good night’s rest might be hard to come by, but you need sleep to keep a sharp mind, a healthy body, and an active libido.

“When you’re exhausted, you’d rather catch up on sleep,” says Alan W. Shindel, MD, clinical instructor and fellow of andrology at the University of California at San Francisco. Physically, a lack of sleep can elevate cortisol levels, which also leads to low libido. Even more surprising in the sleep-ED connection? One recent study found that men with restless leg syndrome (a neurological disorder characterised by jumpy, creepy-crawly sensations as you’re falling asleep) are at higher risk for erectile dysfunction, probably due to low dopamine levels.

Medication. Some medications used to treat depression, high blood pressure, and other common illnesses can affect libido or cause sexual dysfunc-

tion.

Erectile Dysfunction. Low libido is a common emotional side effect of ED. “Once a man experiences ED, he may get anxious,” says Shindel. “His confidence is shaken, and he might be afraid it will happen again. His libido shuts down to preserve his ego.”

Hormone imbalance. Libido is directly influenced by testosterone levels. Therefore, low libido is often caused by low testosterone levels — a hormone imbalance. “Low testosterone can be caused by injury, inflammation, or tumors in the testicles,” says Ira Sharlip, MD, clinical professor of urology at University of California at San Francisco and a spokesperson for the American Urological Association.

Other causes of a hormone imbalance include cirrhosis of the liver or pituitary diseases. “The liver is responsible for breaking down estrogen; when it fails, estrogen level goes up, and this causes low libido. And pituitary diseases reduce the amount of testosterone in the body,” says Sharlip.

•Source: www.everydayhealth.com

HE World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as a com plete state of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and not mere absence of a disease. This underscores the tripartite nature of man.

Man is made up of spirit, soul and body, according to the Bible.

For a proper and lasting solution to the various health challenges, it is imperative that man’s overall composition be taken into account.

Man is very complex, and as such can be described as ‘complicated’. To maintain harmony or optimum health, man should look beyond the physical for solutions his problems.

Man has passed through several civilisations, with each age developing its own level of sophistication as to how best to survive in different, unique environment, situation or circumstances, however primitive. With the advent of modernity, scientific knowledge, especially the so-called primitive ideas were jettisoned in every sphere, including health care delivery systems.

Ironically, the more man tries to put aside ancient ideas, the more problems he confronts. The solutions, however, remain elusive. It is difficult to deal decisively with diseases, such as breast cancer, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, renal failure, prostate cancer, stroke, HIV/AIDS, even malaria, these days.

There is drug abuse/dependence, which often leads to impaired reasoning, violent crimes, prostitution, and even mental illness. All these take their toll on countries across the world (socially, economically and politically) Although conventional allopathic approach to health care recognises certain inadequacies, with the theory of psychosomatic factor; this unfortunately has not been far reaching.

Attempts in the area of astrology, tarot and others, have their drawbacks, compounded by individual prejudices or religious or spiritual beliefs.

Deep personality analysis (DPA) is a therapy. It is an all–encompassing one at that. It is specially developed by me, taking into cognisance, the frailties of other schools of thought, and one that breaks religious, spiritual and cultural barriers. This therapy sets to address the following:

Life path

Nobody was born by accident. Man must be traced right from the very point of pre-existence, getting into the womb, and being born. Having been born, what is the purpose of coming into this earth?. So, there is the need to look at the course of his sojourn, necessary accomplishment, before eventual departure. These are meticulously outlined, spelt out in this therapy, without any ambiguity whatsoever.

Career

Against the backdrop of the tendencies by man to copy others hook– line-and-sinker in career choices, ultimately leading to frustration and even avoidable death. This therapy is able to deftly identify what career suits the individual, bringing fulfillment, joy, necessary pecuniary rewards, and social recognition – leav-

• Abutoh ing one’s footprints on the sands of time.

This also applies in choosing candidates for positions in corporate, diplomatic, defence and even leaders at various strata of governance for peace and progress.

Marriage

Every man is expected at a certain stage in life to have a spouse. The timing may vary from person to person. A lot of people undoubtedly encounter or have difficulty in even coming to a decision or realisation, not to talk of being able to make the proper choice. This therapy would help guide the subject as to the right spouse, with the right temperament, and hence compatibility, not mere facial appearance as many want to do, ignorantly of course. This leads to series of problems sooner or later, sometimes resulting in irreversible damage (socially, emotionally and economically).

Disease pre–disposition

No two individuals, even twins can be the same. There would always be that uniqueness in the workings of the internal organs/systems. As the engine of a car does not break down, without first issuing warnings on the dashboard (however subtle) so is the human body prone to disease conditions. This therapy helps to guide the individual, based on his peculiar make up as to which specific health challenges lie ahead, and necessary measures outlined to avoid or prevent same.

Diet

You are what you eat. This therapy designs tailor–made diet plan to suit the subject’s unique genetic composition.

This way, the individual maintains optimum health, thus avoid expensive medical bills, on diseased conditions that would ordinarily have been addressed through diet alone.

Colour therapy

Colours without doubt, abound in nature around us. God made the colours, with each of them peculiar for a purpose. This therapy ipso facto carefully identifies the most, specific, homogenous colour in harmony with the subject, as colours affect our moods, behaviour, attitude and actions, under different situations or circumstances. Whether we are talking of the right colours in our dresses, offices, homes, even cars, this therapy comes very handy.

Deep personality analysis erases the cross road experience that many are going through across the world. Man is not created to grope aimlessly.

48

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

NATURAL HEALTH

Sinusitis, mucus discharges, systemic candidiasis (3) T HE exploration of Nature for some solutions of these health challenges threw up the orange peel as a cure for some conditions, including inflamations cough, asthma and skin blemishes. So were good, old garlic and onion. I meet later with Mrs. Yemisi Ojo of Zenith Bank and reminded her of the onion juice nose flush for her cough and catarrh a few years ago, and she confirmed it to her colleagues as a cure. These remedies were some of the ammunition in the armoury. In the first part of the series two weeks ago, Shark Liver Oil was easily the star remedy for cold and flu and other ailments which included vision challenge, blood clots, skin conditions and some cancers. In that segment, also, an what may appear as a passing remark was made about a study by the reputable Mayo Clinic which linked the occurrence of Sinusitis to the activity of candida albicans a fungus often classified as a member of the 200 – plus varieties of the yeast family. In today’s part of the series, the Mayo Clinic study is further explored. An outcome of this is the impression that many diseases which are assumed to have different origins actually derive from candida overgrowth the system. Thus, a headache may not be caused primarily by muscle and nerve spasms which, in the case of migraine, may be injecting too much blood into the brain but by another factor, in this case Candida albicans, which bring the muscle and nerve agitation about. The scenario paints for me the picture of a kite fluttering in the air, tugging hither and thither.

Does it on its own do this or is there someone somewhere on the ground maneuvering its string? The following column attempts to answer this question and more in respect of the connection between sinusitis, mucus discharge and systemic candidiasis…

THE THOUGHT OF CANDIDA is the beginning of wisdom for many women. For among many of them candida is associated only with embarrassing infections in the vagina which cause itching, thick white discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, and swollen tissue around the vagina, bleeding and burning during urination among others. About seven in 10 women are reported to experience virginal candidiasis at least once in a lifetime. Many others contract it routinely. The causes may range from sexual transmission and the wearing of infected briefs which are not laundered with hot iron to the over use of broad spectrum antibiotics, birth control pills, hormonal changes, especially before and after menstruation, and a diet superfluous in simple sugars. Candida lives naturally in the vagina, mouth, throat and in the intestine along with other micro-organisms which act as a check on one another.

This balance of forces is important to keep candida within its bounds. One of the useful anti-candida operatives in these places is a group of bacteria called friendly bacteria or probiotic. Among other functions already mentioned, they produce lactic acid which makes these candida habitat inhospitable for candida population overgrowth. This count lever is removed through the use of antibiotics which wipe away probiotic. Candida has a field day. Candida has a better field day when the diet is rich in simple sugars because yeast feeds on simple sugar. Any Nigerian in the 1980s or thereabout when Professor OlukoyeRansome-Kuti was health minister of General Ibrahim Babangida’s military government should easily remember KARGASOK TEA. Kargasok is a rural locality in Russia. Kargasok tea, which found its way to Nigeria from there, was known by common local Russian names such as kombucha tea, kombucha mushroom or mancaurian tea or spumonto. It is said not to be a fungus or a mushroom but a gray pancakeshaped patty. The patty grows when it is placed in a mixture of black tea and sugar.

This leads to fermentation of the tea and sugar to a mix grill of yeast and bacteria. It was amazing in those days how a cut of the kargasok yeast (as it was known in Nigeria) not bigger than a beer bottle cap could grow in two weeks to the size of a dining table top that can seat eight persons.

In Nigeria as in Russia, drinking the tea was said to cure many ailments. But there was no scientific evidence to validate these claims. Prof. Ransome-Kuti, a pediatrician, waged a one-man battle against the consumption of kargasok tea in Nigeria. Today, with the knowledge of yeast proliferation in the body Prof. Olukoye-Ransome-Kuti immeasurable gratitude for this one-man battle. Today, I wonder about how many yeast cells many of us kargasok tea drinkers would have fed our bodies with, and if this may not account for the proliferation of many diseases today, going by the insight of the Mayo Clinic study. For not all the strands of the pancake patty could be filtered out of the tea.

Mayo Clinic Study

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LTOGETHER, mayo clinic examined 210 patients. Of these, 96 percent had fungi in their mucus. An average patient had between three and four strains of fungi in their mucus. This led to the questioning of the traditional orthodox medicine belief that only about 10 percent of sinusitis cases were caused by fungi. That meant that if the assumption of the cause of sinusitis was wrong, the premise of its treatment, that false assumption, would also be wrong.

In that wrong premise, the mayo study suggested, were the following wrong prescriptions for acute sinusitis.

1. Antibiotics, to kill bacteria 2. Analgesic, to reduce pain 3. Decongestant 4. Corticosteroid According to a publication of MAYO CLINIC: “Mayo Clinic researchers have proposed that most chronic sinus infections maybe caused by an immune system response to fungi.

Many studies at Mayo Clinic have added evidence to the

other external cancers (including a rectal enema), where the baking soda solution comes into direct contact with the cancer, the restriction does not apply. This treatment is primarily used for cancer of the digestive tract, including cancers of the throat, colon, intestines, rectal area, and other cancers in-between. Cancers outside the digestive tract generally need a health practitioner to inject the baking soda solution.

Dr. Simoncini has been persecuted as a quack and his license has been withdrawn. He is even not permitted to answer questions on baking soda therapy in his email.

His therapy goal is similar to that of many alternative medicine physicians who, like him, believe Candida and even cancer manifest when the internal environment is grossly acidic, and that a reversal to status quo ante is possible hen the intestinal environment is alkaline. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is alkaline. But too much of it may over alkalize and cause hyper alkalinity problems.

N our time, it is possible no one has pushed this need to alkalize and fight Candida, yeast or mold harder than Dr. Robert young, author of pH Miracle , a book which teaches the reader how to prevent his or body from becoming acidified and prone to diseases. Dr. Young makes a distinction between bacteria and Candida along the thinking of science and medicine greats as naturopath Stephen Huer of Sonny Vale, California who said they evolve from microscopic proteins in the blood. “Much like the butterfly starts out as an egg, becomes a caterpillar, and finally becomes a butterfly”, says huer, “so, too, can this microscopic blood protein called the symprotit\prion become a bacteria in the blood and then a fungus in the tissues.” He adds: “monitoring the life cycle of this protein can give you the correct understanding of biology to help you heal cancer, arthritis, Candida, chronic fatigue syndrome, prostate issues, multiple sclerosis, bacterial, viral and yeast infections, depression, sleep disorders, headaches, constipation, excess body fat, potency or fertility problems, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause” Dr. Robert Young speaks of a microscopic organism inside every living cell, human, animal or plant, named MICROZYMA which is inert in the cell for as long as the cell is alkaline. At varying stages of acidosis in the cell, microzyma evolves, he says, first into bacteria, virus, or yeast (fungi, Candida, mold etc).

These various stages generate various levels in the severity of symptoms. To reverse the symptoms to status quo ante calls for removal of toxins which caused the acidosis and them alkalizing the system. Modern orthodox medicine adopts, rather, the position of destroying the bacteria or fungi or yeast with antibiotics and antifungals without detoxifying the cell and alkalinizing it. The result is that bacteria, yeast and virus die, anyway, why the drugs leave the system not only more toxic and acidic, but with an impaired balance in the crucial balance between friendly (probiotic) and unfriendly bacteria. Some other day, the toxicity and acidosis would make more microzyma devolve that are more resistant to those drugs. And, with little or no check by friendly bacteria, the emerging, more virulent bacteria or yeast would easily over run the body.

That is most probably why, today, there is more Candida albicans in the vagina, mouth, throat, stomach, and intestine of many people. Studies worldwide suggest that more than 70 percent of the world’s population is afflicted with an overgrowth of Candida albicans. If you check your tongue in the mirror, it is likely to be heavily patched with a gray carpet over the pinkish-red tongue.

Viewed under a microscope, the tongue presents like a garden bed of mushroom. The cap is visible at the top.

The mycelium has dug deep into the tongue tissue with long roots. In the throat, Candida may grow similarly, causing such infections that predispose the sufferer to, say, sleep apnea, in sleep apnea, the sufferer finds it difficult to breathe in his sleep and may experience neardeath situations often attributable to witches in this part of the world. What happens in sleep apnea is that infection at the back of the throat causes inflammation there which narrows the air space passage. It may also be the cause of snoring. In the brain, Candida may cause autism in infants and brain fogginess in adults. In the throat, it has been the cause of malignancies which may warrant the entire throat being removed and replaced with a section of the intestine. In people not so lucky, the vocal cord may be removed as well.

Where this happens, the patients may be unable to produce a sound, let alone speak for life. In the intestine, roots of Candida may bore such holes in intestinal wall through which leakages may occur into adjourning cavity. This is called leaky gut syndrome. If the leakage falls on the adjourning prostate gland in the region of the rectum, prostate enlargement or prostate cancer may occur. If undigested food particles leak out of the intestine, immune cells may recognise them as foreign bodies and purse them.

The immune system may therefore open fire on tissue which incorporates these molecules, damaging them in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Some headaches follow this pathway. Ditto many organs, including the kidneys, the lungs and the heart, not to mention the pancreas (diabetes) the eye (vision questions), the reproductive organs (fertility questions), we cannot forget digestive problems, abdominal cramps, bloating, food allergies etc.

So, how do we rid our bodies naturally of candida? That’s a question for another day.

I

thinking that chronic rhinosinusitis is caused by an immune reaction to fungi in the nose. Our original study linking rhinosinusitis to fungi in the nose, which was published in the Mayo clinic proceedings in September 1999, has been reproduced and confirmed by a sinus centre in Europe (ENT University Hospital in Graz, Austria).

HERE are currently 16 studies at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, to further investigate the role of fungi in inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. In addition, researchers from the Allergic Disease Research Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester found that certain white lood cells called T-Lympocytes are reacting to the fungi and were producing the kind of inflamation we see in the sinuses, and that healthy people did not react in that way. This work was presented at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and will be published soon. The evidence was so convincing that the National Institute of Health (NIH) has given Mayo Clinic a S2.5 million grant to further investigate the mechanisms behind this immunologic response to the fungi. If you have chronic sinusitis, that is, a sinus inflamation that persists for three months or longer, we recommend that you see your personal physician or an ear, nose and throat specialist (otorhinolaryngologist) for the pronate treatment for this disease many times, the disease is associated with asthma or allergies and treatment of those associated problems tends to help the chronic sinusitis.

Antibiotics do not help chronic sinusitis in the long run because they target bacteria, which are not usually the cause of chronic sinusitis.

Antihistamins, nasal steroids, sprays and systemic steroids are the mainstays of treatment today, depending on the symptoms of the patients. Over the counter medications, including salt water nasal washes and must sprays are useful in treating the symptoms of chronic sinusitis, but do not eliminate the inflammation.”

Harvard University, community on the Mayo Clinic study, produces a link to LISA RICHARDS on www.the candidadiet.com Richards says: “Treating a chronic sinusitis with antibiotics could actually make it worse, because the balance of the intestinal flora would be further disturbed. Even though the evidence might seem clear this wasn’t filtered through to common medical practice. Just take a look at the list of most common treatment for sinusitis on webMD.com first on the list is antibiotics (even through a chronic infection is far more likely to be fungal than bacterial). Next up are Decongestants, to relieve nasal congestion, Analgesic, to relieve any pain, and, finally, Corticosteroids, to relieve inflammation. These treatments are either addressing the wrong problem (i.e. the antibiotics) or simply attempting to relieve the symptoms. The one thing that is totally absent from this list is any kind of treatment for fungal infection.

And according to the research from the mayo clinic, there is a 96 percent chance that fungus is the underlying cause of your chronic sinus problems.”

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Candida beyond chronic sinusitis

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HERE is increasing scientific evidence worldwide that Candida is at work in many diseases, including cancer.

Even when the low thyroid gland is blamed for about 250 degenerative diseases or more, can the thyroid gland, like the kite fluttering in the air, not be responding to an agitation, say, from Candida? Italian Dr. Tullio Simoncini says in his book, CANCER IS A FUNGUS, that he routinely treats it successfully in many cases with bicarbonate of soda.

Under the section titled Baking soda treatment for cancer, he advises that:“this treatment should not be used for more than three weeks at a time. During the first week, no more than two teaspoonful’s a day of baking soda should be taken orally. During the second and third weeks, no more than one teaspoon of baking soda should be taken orally. Only under the care of a medical practitioner should this maximum internal doses be exceeded. For skin cancer and

e-mail:johnolufemikusa@yahoo.com or johnolufemikusa@gmail.com

Tel: 08116759749, 08034004247, 08116759749

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

49

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

NACCIMA, firm sign N500m contract to build Abuja plaza

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HE Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has signed a N500million building Contract with XMATRIX 369 Limited for the construction of the first phase of its Plaza in Abuja.

The National President of the association, Chief Bassey Edem, signed on behalf of the body.

Speaking at the contract sign-

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

ing ceremony at the NACCIMA Secretariat in Lagos, Edem said NACCIMA has returned to its rightful place as the apex body for all business associations that interface on behalf of the business community and operators on all issues of business, as well as ensure the promotion and development of all matters affecting business in the country.

According to him, the members will take measures towards making NACCIMA the first point of call of government for business information, regarding any member of the association and the entire business community, while also enhancing its representation in any trade/bilateral mission of the Federal Government, and continue to play its leading role in the ECOWAS sub region through the

Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FEWACCI).

Therefore, Edem said, to achieve the above, the association needs to be more viable, hence the need for a befitting secretariat in the nation’s capital. “As you are aware, NACCIMA is the umbrella organisation for all Chambers of Commerce and Industry nationwide. The association’s membership also includes business

associations, professional bodies, trade groups and some corporate bodies in Nigeria.

NACCIMA has the strategic role of promoting trade, investment and other commercial activities in a conducive business environment, to be provided by governments at Federal, state and local levels. This would enable the private sector to create wealth which in turn generates more jobs,” he added.

NIA, Lagos to partner on development control

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HE Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architecture (NIA) has resolved to partner with the state government on ways to evolve and consolidate an effective development control mechanism.

This, the body says, is to help in curbing cases of uncoordinated development and building collapse in the state.

According to the institute, the partnership will also help in eliminating quackery in the practice of architecture in the state and restore the sanity and beauty with which the city was initially envisioned.

To this end, the body plans to present some proposals to the government, which will include equipping each planning approval office of the state government with a register of licensed architects, so that unqualified people would not present building drawings for approval. This,

Stories by Muyiwa Lucas

in the NIA’s thinking, would ensure that an architect in charge of a building can be held accountable for quality and sustainable building designs, free of any form of defects.

This and others where the fallout from the body’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which held last week. At the event, various reports, including that of the secretariat, treasurer and of the auditors were considered. The report of the recently-concluded Lagos Architects Forum was also considered.

Appreciating members at the meeting for their unflinching support in ensuring the success of the first year of his second tenure, Chairman of the chapter, Mr. Ladi Lewis, appealed for the continued support to enable his administration realise the goals set for his second tenure.

Ogun unfolds home ownership scheme for workers •Targets 1000 housing units yearly

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HE Ogun State government has unveiled its plan that will enable residents in the state, irrespective of their state of origins, to own their home within a short time.

The Managing Director of the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation(OPIC, the business arm of the state government, Babajide Odusolu, who made this known to The Nation, said the scheme is targetted at “career persons in paid employment”.

He added that OPIC came up with the scheme christened “OPIC Advantage Home Purchase Plan” to make housing not only affordable, but also make subscribers move into the home of their choice upon payment of initial 30 per cent of the total cost of the house.

According to him, it is a “quasirent-own house” arrangèment where subscriber would be required to paymonthly, quarterly or yearly rent while living inside but with a mandate to liquidate the full cost of the house in three years.

He said the increasing cost of building materials was making it quite difficult for many workers to own houses of their own while others who managed to build, did so after aggregating their resources over a long period of time.

OPIC, he explained, decided to intervene to make ownership of a home flexible to workers whether in government or in the private sector.

He said the scheme, which is

•Amosun From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

available in three OPIC estates in Alamala(Abeokuta) New Makun City(Sagamu) and Agbara(Ogun West) with prices of N7.5 million, N12million or more.

He said the scheme is undertaken with partnership of some banks where prospective owners will open OPIC Home Advantage Plan and make deposits of 30per cent of the home desired.

He said OPIC in its 25 years of existence has built 100 housing units while the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun has constructed 250 housing units in the last few years.

According to him, 200 units of house would be built and delivered in six months to investors who keyed into the scheme while the target is turning out 1000 housing units yearly.

•From left: Team Leader, Client Account Management, Halogen Security, Mr. Isiakpona Dennis; Member, Advisory Board, 3Invest Nigeria, Mr Kunle Omotola; Chief Executive Officer, 3Invest Nigeria, Ms. Ruth Obih and Assistant General Manager, Haven Homes, Mrs. Ufuoma Ukueku, at the 2015 Real Estate Unite briefing in Lagos.

PHOTO: MUYIWA LUCAS

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Firm woos govt for mass housing

FRONTLINE manufacturer of polyurethane prefabricated buildings in Nigeria, Vitapur Nigeria Limited, is seeking deal with the Federal and state governments to bridge the country’s estimated 19 million units of housing deficit in the country.

Besides, Vitapur, reputed for its dry construction devoid of blocks, is willing to partner experts to construct mass houses at low costs and high speed.

At the recently held 15th Annual Exhibition of the Association of Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) in Abuja, Vitapur’s Acting Managing Director, Mr. Akin Oladiran, explained that Vitapur had been positioned to serve as a unique solution to the country’s housing deficit.

The choice of dry construction in the industry may not have gained momentum, but Oladiran noted its uniqueness, explaining that it uses composite panel to build external and internal walls, ceiling many other applications.

He explained that the new building structure enhances comfortable indoor temperature, thereby enhancing the living and working environment of the occupants

and helping to keep energy consumption low.

“With the enabling environment in place, dry construction process will go a long way in reducing building shortfall in Nigeria. Such an enabling included available policy on land, housing, finance, affordable building materials, appropriate institutional framework and sustainable construction workforce. The government should create a platform for long and short term fund for real estate and establish infrastructure development bank,” he said.

Vitapur, Oladiran explained, is positioned to serve as a unique solution to housing deficit in the country given that since its commencement of business in 2010, the firm has undergone a robust transformation which led to its acquisition of state-of- the- art sandwich panel plant, which he noted has increased its utilisation capacity by over 300 per cent.

Yet, Vitapur, which has a technical partnership with Resichem of South Africa and Duna Discontinuous Plant of Italy, has further put its operations on the global map.

Vitapur’s Technical Adviser, Mr. Sare Len, called on the Federal and

state governments as well as real estate operators to take advantage of the company’s high quality products to achieve the vision of housing for all.

Len explained that Vitapur’s prefabricated buildings is cost effective, flexible and ensure site safety and waste reduction.

The Chairman, Lagos Chapter of the NIA, Mr. Ladi Lewis, commended Vitapur for the initiative of dry construction and urged existing and potential house owners to patronise the company’s products. Lewis noted that the company’s newly acquired machine had reinforced its adherence to global best practices.

Vitapur, which co-sponsored the 2015 Archibuilt Exhibitionin Abuja, is a subsidiary of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc. The insulation manufacturing company specialises in manufacturing of Polyurethane Rigid foam products. Among the company’s top products are preferbricated structures using Dry construction, sandwich panels, insulation board,chemical system, spray foam and pre-cut pipe sections.

Lagos stresses ban on illegal sand mining, filling

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HE Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Mr Oluwatoyin Onisarotu, has directed the enforcement arm of the ministry to enforce the state’s ban on illegal sand dredgers in the Lekki and Victoria Island axis of the state.

Similarly, the Ministry’s Department of Drainage Enforcement and Compliance has been directed to mark for demolition structures built on drainage alignment and others flouting on the state’s drainage and planning laws.

Onisarotu gave the order during a tour of drainage sites in Ikoyi,Victoria Island and Lekki area, where he inspected the degradation caused by illegal dredgers in the Agodogba Avenue, Park View Estate in Ikoyi as well as Igbon-Efon-Ologo l-Igbokusu

drainage channels.

Onisarotu bemoaned the activities of illegal sand dredgers, which have blocked the major drainage projects of the state government in the areas.

He lamented that despite the state government’s huge financial commitment to deflood these areas, sand dredgers and building contractors degrade the environment as well as prevent discharge of water into lagoon.

It was also discovered that most buildings in these areas have erected structures on drainage setbacks and alignment, thereby disrupting the flow of water into the lagoon.

Onisarotu lamented the high level of illegal dredging in these areas, warning that this has grave implications on the environment,

especially since the perpetrators did not the nod of the state government, saying it has led to a loss of revenue to the state government, which spend on drainage projects.

He, therefore, directed officials of the ministry to serve the owners of the contravening structures notice and requested such owners to present their building documents.

He warned those who build on drainage alignment or divert drainage channels to desist from such act, adding that such actions were responsible for flooding in many parts of the state, warning that the administration will not hesitate to sanction any recalcitrant land owner who flouts the state’s law on drainage channels.

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EQUITIES UPDC outlines new growth plan as shareholders get N859m dividend

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ACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc plans to source additional capital through a supplementary equity issue and disposal of certain surplus assets as part of a medium-term plan to deleverage the real estate company and boost its liquidity.

Chairman, UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) Plc, Mr. Larry Ettah, outlined the strategic plan of the company at the annual general meeting held at Golden Tulip, Festac, Lagos.

Shareholders approved distribution of N N859.4 million as cash dividends for the 2014 business year, representing a dividend per share of 50 kobo.

Ettah said the company is focused on long-term value creation and has put in place strategies to enable it take advantage of emerging opportunities in the market place.

He outlined that the company would be raising new equity funds through a supplementary capital issue while it would also dispose its surplus equity stake in the UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust (UPDC Reit) to reduce its debt overhang and free more earnings for shareholders.

“Our strategy for 2015 and beyond include deleveraging the business through equity

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

capital injection, disposal of the surplus stake currently held in UPDC REIT, about 21.5 per cent, to generate liquidity and re-creating our products portfolio to include more commercial and retail offerings which have proven to be more resilient revenue sources in periods of depression,” Ettah said.

He noted that the Nigerian real estate market remained attractive as there were significant untapped potentials in the residential segment, and numerous opportunities in the hospitality, retail, commercial and industrial segments of the market in the near term.

According to him, in recent years, foreign private equity firms have invested millions of dollars in the Nigerian real estate market due to existing and emerging huge demand which is driven by increasing urban population and changing shopping culture among the expanding middle class.

“The real estate market is gradually rebounding and has experienced reasonable growth and performance in the last few years. This performance is largely driven by the re-emergence of the Nigerian middle-class and the increasing demand for decent resi-

dential and commercial accommodation by high networth individuals, corporate organizations and key players in the retail segment of the economy,” Ettah pointed out.

He added that the upturn in economic activity which started in the last quarter of 2011 has led to an increase in demand and supply for commercial and high end residential developments, particularly in the key cities of Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.

He said UPDC has continued its ongoing developments in 2014 and commenced some new ones, assuring that the company is on a good footing to sustain good performance.

Ettah however highlighted that challenges being faced by the industry in terms of title uncertainties, high cost of funding, inadequate mortgage financing and poor infrastructure are expected to persist in the medium term and might continue to prevent effective demand in the low to medium residential market segments.

Audited report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2014 showed group turnover of N11.70 billion in 2014 as against N11.29 billion in 2013. Profit before taxation stood N3.54 billion compared with N3.71 billion in 2013.

Transcorp on course for greater returns, strategy was based RANSNATIONAL says CEO The largely around the recovery Corporation of Nige-

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ria (Transcorp) Plc yesterday highlighted key developments across its business segments with an assurance that the conglomerate is on course for sustained growth and greater returns to investors.

Chief executive officer, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom, during a visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday in Lagos, said the conglomerate has continued to witness exciting developments across its business segments.

He said the conglomerate has consolidated its power, agribusiness and hotel and tourism businesses with strategic business partnerships and contracts that should enhance performance in the period ahead.

Transcorp, which is owned by more than 300,000 shareholders, holds a diversified portfolio comprising strategic investments in the power, hospitality, agribusiness and oil and gas sectors. The conglomerate’s notable businesses include Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja; Transcorp Hotels Calabar; Ughelli Power Plc, Teragro Commodities Limited, operator of Teragro Benfruit plant and Transcorp Energy Limited.

Nnorom said The Coca-Cola Company, which is launching a new line of fruit juice made from concentrate, has announced Transcorp as the sole local-concentrate sourcing partner for the line.

Teragro Commodities Limited processes orange, mango and pineapple concentrates for industrial markets at its processing plant in Benue State. The 26,500 metric tonnes

capacity Benfruit Plant is the first and only Nigerianowned and operated juiceconcentrate processor of its kind. It first began producing concentrate for Coca-Cola in 2014.

“The partnership reflects Teragro’s ability to deliver a product that meets international quality standards.

The company has its ISO 9001 and FSSC22000 and has proven it can compete with concentrates imported from countries such as the United States, Spain and South Africa, among others,” Nnorom said.

He added that Transcorp Hilton Abuja is embarking on a full renovation of its 670 rooms and on- site facilities, the first renovation of its kind for the property since 2003.

According to him, the renovation entails a total overhaul of existing facilities and development of additional facilities. The company plans to refurbish rooms, commission a congress centre, upgrade restaurants and the spa area and use the surrounding territory to commission high-end apartments, offering access to hotel facilities, for wealthy Nigerian individuals.

He pointed out that the Abuja renovation comes alongside other key milestones by the hospitality business including the development of new properties in Lagos this month and Port Harcourt, the addition of a luxury apartment building and the creation of a 5,000 person capacity convention center.

In the power business, Nnorom said the conglomerate has fully achieved its short term post-acquisition operational strategy for the Ughelli power plant as set out in 2013.

of installed capacity at the power plant and included detailed assessment of the turbines on a case-by-case basis to determine the optimal route for return to operations of each of the turbines.

He noted that the development of a sound and executable strategy laid the foundation for the ramping up of generation capacity from 342 megawatts by December 2013 to 610 megawatts by the end of 2014, a 78 per cent increase in available capacity yearover-year and a 300 per cent increase from takeover.

Transcorp recorded a turnover of N41.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014, indicating an increase of 120 per cent over N18.8 billion recorded in 2013. Group gross profit also rose by 92 per cent to N27.6 billion as against N14.4 billion in 2013.Group operating profit rose by 33 per cent to N13.6 billion. However, profit before tax declined by 14 per cent to N7.7 billion in 2014 from N9.0 billion in 2013. But total assets for the group grew by 14 per cent from N149.6 billion in 2013 to N170.8 billion in 2014. It declared a dividend per share of 6.0 kobo.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) named Transcorp as the most compliant quoted company in 2014.

According to the NSE, the most complaint listed firm award is given to the company that demonstrates the highest degree of compliance with the rules and regulations regarding disclosure obligations of listed companies to the Exchange in a particular year.

Such a company is also expected to have demonstrated its recognition for the importance of corporate governance.

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 02-09-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 02-09-15

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MONEYLINK

FRCN investigates Stanbic IBTC over unapproved transactions

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HE Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) has said it is investigating Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc for allegedly engaging in unapproved transactions with its foreign technical partners in the last four years.

Its Executive Secretary/ CEO, Jim Obazee, who spoke yesterday in Abuja during a meeting with the Director-General, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dan-Azumi Ibrahim, said the Council was responding to a petition written by shareholders of the bank “drawing the attention of regulatory authorities to some unapproved transactions conducted by the bank with its foreign technical partners. The petition from stakeholders, is on issues relating to the way

From Nduka Chiejina

they have been accruing some monies in their account.”

The bone of contention however is whether Stanbic IBTC properly disclosed these accruals into its account which is what the FRCN is investigating.

The accruals he said, “must be disclosed properly and they (Stanbic IBTC) require NOTAP approvals before they can make those payments. Now the person petitioning is saying that there is no need making those accruals because IBTC has not being able to secure NOTAP approval.”

Obazee maintained that “the petition kept coming and then we invited Stanbic IBC to hear their side of the matter. And having listened to their side of the story, we believe that the petitioners

have a good case.”

In line with its investigation, the FRCN chief said the Council will be meeting with regulatory agencies, such as the “NOTAP which will give the approval, Central Bank of Nigeria as regulator and Security and Exchange Commission because they (Stanbic IBTC) are asking for general mandate for the treatment of third party transactions which we were against because that will not be in line with related party transactions accounting standards.”

Efforts to reach the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mrs. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo were unsucessful as her phone was switched off. However, a source within the bank, who asked not to be named, said the lender cannot comment because the case is in court.

Firstmonie, MMIT partner on int’l payments

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IRSTMONIE, the mobile money platform of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, is partnering with Mobile Media Info Tech Global Limited (MMIT) to commence a mobile wallet.

The product would allow consumers to purchase services on international merchant websites, the lender sai, adding that the initiative is expected to enable online purchases, and download apps through the Firstmonie platform.

Leveraging on its expertise in electronic payments, FirstBank said it is constantly exploring innovative ways of enhancing its service offerings to ensure products are well suited to its existing and potential mobile subscriber base.

With the upswing in digital applications, Firstmonie sub-

By Collins Nweze

scribers can now directly pay for applications download from their mobile wallet. This has eliminated the limitation posed by daunting payment process, especially for the youth market, many of whom have no access to international payment cards and have been un-served within the global ecommerce space.

CEO of MMIT, Kim Fraser said: “MMIT is very excited about the launch of services with FirstBank’s mobile wallet. The ability to use an African based mobile wallet to transact with international merchants is a first in the alternative payments space, and MMIT is very proud to be working with First Bank of Nigeria on this initiative”.

Acting Head of Mobile Financial Services at

•FirstBank Onasanya

CEO

Bisi

FirstBank, Celestine Okobi, further asserted that the Bank is proud of this innovation which is the first of its kind anywhere in the world.

Chams Mobile, Skye Bank launch Visa virtual vard

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HAMS Mobile Limited, a licensed Mobile Money Operator, and Skye Bank Plc, have launched the first Virtual Visa Card in Nigeria. The virtual Visa card is an entirely digital payment card for online and mobile use, both locally and internationally. The card is unique in that cardholders get a full card image (the Virtual card) on their mobile device, PC, or tablet, with a plastic card offered as an option if customers prefer.

The new payment system is expected to expand financial inclusion to millions of Nigerians by offering a low cost mobile banking solu-

tion, as the card is issued free and linked to a broad range of financial services. It also offers an online payment alternative for eCommerce savvy individuals, small businesses and corporate companies, membership associations, and more.

The new Visa Virtual card is available under the Kegow brand at www.kegow.com.

Kegow is the program and card brand of Chams Mobile Ltd. Deputy Managing Director Chams Mobile, Mr. Gavin Young, said that he was excited to partner with Skye Bank and Visa on this unique and ‘First in Nigeria’ Visa Virtual Card payment solution, which was devel-

oped with the company’s international joint venture partners Bancore AS (as the mobile financial services processor) and Global Technology Partners (as the Visa prepaid card processor).

“It’s unique in that customers actually see an image of their card on their mobile phones, tablets and PCs, whereby all the essential features of a physical card are shown in it’s ‘Virtual form’; card number, expiry date and CVV number, for example.

This, for many customers, negates the need for a physical plastic card, although we offer plastic cards as an option for customers requiring such.”

Keystone Bank gets ISO certifications

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eystone Bank has obtained two certifications from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). The certifications are the ISO 20000 for IT Service Management Systems (ITMS) and ISO 27001 for Information Security System (ISMS).

The certification attests that the bank aligned with world class standards in protecting customer information and providing stellar services to its stakeholders via efficient and effective use of Information Technology.

It was issued after a rigor-

ous audit exercise conducted by the British Standard Institute (BSI), in keeping with the lender’s vision to be the preferred partner to its customers via the use of Information Technology.

According to the Executive Director, Operations & Technology, Mrs. Yvonne Isichei “Keystone Bank is committed to following global best practices and standards in all its operations because we believe our customers should be assured of consistent service delivery, convenience and reliability.

“These certifications also

give our stakeholders increased confidence and confirms the security of information and information technology service at all levels.”

Mrs. Isichei also said “With this, customers can be assured that we have put processes in place to protect the information that they give us.”

The British Standard Institute (BSI) recognizes companies that have implemented systems and structures that ensure their operations are in line with international best practices.

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NEWS PZ takes “Community Wash-A Thon” to consumers From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

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•From left: Brand Manager, Morning Fresh, Miss Iminabo Georgewill, Area Sales Manager (Abuja), Mr Kelvin Emeanuwa, customers; Mrs Emily Uzoka and Mr Oladapo Olatunji at the Morning Fresh community Wash-A-Thon activation in Abuja

Z Cussons Nigeria Plc has begun a Pan-Nigeria consumer engagement campaign for Morning Fresh dish wash liquid tagged: “Community Wash-a-thon”. The initiative is part of efforts aimed at ushering a new era of hygiene and cleanliness into the Nigerian environment.

Speaking during the activation in Abuja, Brand Manager, Ms. Iminabo Georgewill, explained that Morning Fresh comes in three variants: Original Fresh, the very first variant; Zesty Lemon for those who love to indulge in the lemon fragrance and Antibacterial–for the confidence of a germ-free kitchen.

“Morning Fresh comes in a handy pack and is economical as it has a rich lather with superior grease-cutting ability, that removes oils easily from your dishes, pots and pans.

“Morning Fresh takes pride in being the kitchen cleaning expert. For every Nigerian woman, there is a Morning Fresh,” she said.

She noted that the campaign is being carried out in nine states-Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Enugu, Warri, Calabar, Lokoja and Minna, adding that as Nigeria’s No. 1 dish wash, there was need for everyone to experience its quality.

“We are visiting communities to enable people experience morning fresh first-hand, and experience the fact that one drop of morning fresh can wash a lot more dishes than other dishwash liquids.”

Area Sales Manager, Mr. Kevin Emeanuwa, noted that the company was committed to giving its consumers value for money. He added that for over a century, PZ Cussons had set a standard in the production of quality consumer products in the country, with a proven track record of satisfying the needs of its massive customer base.

Emeanuwa explained that PZ Cussons was focused on making lives better through quality, value and innovation.

“The company is committed to giving its consumers new experiences and ensure the availability of the products because the kitchen is the heart of most homes and pride to every woman,” he said.

Emeanuwa hailed the consumers for their patronage in making the product the No1 dish wash brand in Nigeria, while promising that the company will continue to offer superior product performance that will make the consumers proud of their choice.

NIPP employee electrocuted in N employee of the NiLagos

A •Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Rev Alfred Adewale-Martins (second right), Chairman, Lagos Archdiocese Catholic Men Organisation 2015 Induction and Convention Ceremony Planning Committee, Mr. John Aigbokhaode (left); President, Lagos Archdiocese, Catholic Men Organisation, Chief Emeka Asoegwu and National President, Catholic Men Organisation of Nigeria, Dr. Deji Adebajo at the 2015 Lagos Catholic Archdiocese Catholic Men Organisation Induction and Convention PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL Ceremony held at St. Gregory’s College, Obalende.

•From left: Samuel Obayemi, FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone RS9, Enugu, Austin Aipoh, Assistant Corps Marshal, Command Administration and Strategy, Bisi Kazeem, Head, Media Relations and Strategy during Operations Scorpion targeted at articulated vehicles in Enugu.

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By Precious Igbonwelundu

curred at about 4.30pm on the Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA, Ikeja.

“A call came to the command at about 4.30pm that some workers of NIPP contractors working for the Lagos State Government on cross bar got electrocuted.

“Some policemen went to the scene and it was discovered that two men were affected, Oluwaseun and Seyi Adekunle. They were rushed to LASUTH where Oluwaseun was confirmed dead.

Adekunle sustained injuries and is being treated at the hospital. Both men are employees of J. Plamer NEPA contractors in Ikoyi,” Amadin said.

‘Second Niger bridge on course’

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Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe to review joint development authority

R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said Nigeria and Sao Tome & Principe must sit down soon to review their Joint Development Authority to make it more efficient and productive.

He spoke at a meeting with the Prime Minister of Sao Tome & Principe, Patrice Emery Trovoada, at the Presiodential Villa in Abuja.

Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity,

gerian Independent Power Project (NIPP) in Ikeja was yesterday electrocuted.

The deceased, attached to the Ikeja Distribution Company (IKDC), was working on an electric pole when he died.

His face was burnt and would have fallen off the high tension pole but for his safety belt.

It was gathered that the deceased was discovered by passers-by, who signalled policemen from the Police College.

The security officials were said to have brought his body down and rushed him to the General Hospital, Ikeja, where he was confirmed dead.

Police spokesperson Patricia Amadin said the incident oc-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Garba Shehu, said the two countries needed to intensify their collaborative efforts to curtail piracy and insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.

He said with their shared strategic interest in securing the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria and Sao Tome & Principe must work harder with stakeholders to keep it safe.

President Buhari also noted that pirates who took

advantage of the present low level of security in the gulf were causing incalculable damage to the economies of countries in the region.

He therefore assured the visiting Prime Minister that

Nigeria will do all within its powers to enhance security in the Gulf.

The Prime Minister told President Buhari that his country will welcome a meeting next year to review the management of the Joint Development Authority.

Pa Patrick Obele for burial

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HE family of Kenneth Obele of Etiti, Igbo-Ukwu, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has announced the death of their father, uncle, brother and in-law, Pa Patrick Udoye Obele (aka Papa Igbo), on June 28, at 83.

The late Patrick was a community leader, a devout Christian and a patriot. He was the former chairman of Etti. He will be buried on September 11 at Etti.

HE Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr. Aminu Diko, has said the construction of the second Niger bridge was on course.

A statement by Diko disputed reports that the project was “on hold”, “stalled”, “being probed” or even “suspended”.

His words: “During my visit to the President, I expressed concerns about the cost, vis-à-vis projected toll fees and engagement of community stakeholders, whose land would be affected.

“The commission would like to see the bridge completed to alleviate the plight of travellers, especially during festivities.

“We know that it is critical; we also know how Nigerians suffer during festive holidays and we hear people sleep on the old bridge. The time has come to bring succour to Nigerians.”

Diko said as a Public Private Partnership initiative, the project must pass through checks to satisfy the government and investors of its viability, and to ensure people got value for money.

The director-general said besides the Niger bridge, ICRC was working with private partners on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, the Sagamu/Ore/Benin road and the Murtala Muhammed road.

He added that the three seaports at Akwa Ibom, Lekki, and Badagry, the silos and hydro-power scheme, were some projects the commission was working on.

“These projects are important to the country and it is in our interest that they are successful.

“Most importantly, our duty is not only to oversee the provision of quality infrastructure services, but also to ensure that the country and its citizens are not shortchanged by investors,” Dikko said.

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NEWS Kwara won’t introduce new taxes, says Ahmed

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WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has said the newly established State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) will not impose new taxes.

He said it would only boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through the diversification of the state’s economy.

The governor spoke at Ilesha Baruba, Baruten Local Government Area at the presentation of the staff of office to the Emir of the town, Prof.

Halidu Abubakar.

Ahmed said the mandate of KWIRS was to change the process of collecting taxes by

•Members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) during a solidarity march in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption in Abuja...yesterday.

Audu: EFCC looking for court to jail me

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ORMER Kogi Sstate Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the November 21 governorship election, Prince Abubakar Audu, yesterday accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of looking for a court to jail him for alleged corruption.

Audu was reacting to the protest by a group of youths from the state on his nomination as the APC governorship candidate.

The former governor said he needed to first clear himself with the EFCC before seeking their mandate.

He described the protesters as mischief makers, adding that people without electoral value were using cheap means to discredit him.

Audu said: “...The fact that you have a case with the EFCC does not make you a criminal. I have contested four different elections since 2007 and I was not disqualified. So, what are they talking about?

I contested in 2003, 2007 and 2011. What are they talking about now?

“The case with the EFCC dates back to 2003. Since then, I have been contesting elections. It is those who do not have electoral values that are making noise and using cheap means to discredit me. It is an unfortunate situation.

•Gets APC’s Certificate of Return •Protesters seek his disqualification From Tony Akowe, Abuja

“The EFFC has so far gone to four courts in Lokoja. When I wanted to get judgement, it went to another court and restarted the case. EFCC is shopping for where to nail me. This country’s constitution states that one is innocent until a court proves one guilty. They are mischief makers.”

The protesting youths said Audu should first clear himself of the N11 billion corruption charges with the EFCC before seeking to become governor again.

But the APC flag bearer noted that having a case with the EFCC had not made him a criminal.

Audu defeated 27 aspirants last Saturday in Lokoja, the state capital, to emerge the party’s governorship candidate.

Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai headed the party’s primary officials.

The former governor was initially denied the Certificate of Return on Tuesday by APC’s national secretariat on the grounds that the grace period allowed other aspirants to submit the petition against the conduct of the primary

had not lapsed.

The party gave him the certificate yesterday in Abuja.

But while the presentation of the certificate was going on in the party’s conference room, the youth blocked the entrance to the secretariat, carrying placards and chanting anti-Audu slogans.

Some of the placards read: “Enough is really enough – Audu”; “Kogi State says no to Audu”; “Kogi wants total change”; “Kogi people says no to Audu”; “APC is all about change”; “APC, Kogi State says no to Audu”; “Audu, have mercy on Kogi State”, among others Leader of the protesters, Suleiman Muhammad, told reporters that youths were against the party’s presentation of Audu as its candidate because of his case with EFCC. Their leader said the matter was enough to disqualify him from the race.

He said: “We are here to protest against the candidature of Prince Abubakar Audu, under the platform of APC for the forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State. We say no to Abubakar Audu because he has N11 billion corruption case with the EFCC. Until he clears himself

of the case, he has no moral right to present himself for an election.

“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has declared war against corruption. We, the concerned citizens of Kogi State, support his anti-corruption move. We want to toe the line of APC’s change mantra and we will not support Audu because of his alleged corruption.”

APC’s National Organising Secretary Senator Osita Izunaso, who presented the certificate to Audu, said the party had not received any complaint on the conduct of the primary.

He hailed the aspirants for being good party men.

Izunaso said: “We began this process about four weeks ago with the screening of those who brought forms.

There were 28 of them who bought forms. Fortunately for us, the 28 qualified to contest the primary. The committee, which conducted the primary, headed by Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rural, went to Kogi and conducted the best primary.

“The party is proud to announce that internal democracy has been given a pride of place. Without internal democracy, we cannot advance this internal democracy further. Charity must begin at home...”

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ICPC probes petitions against OLLOWING the receipt ex-governors

of some petitions, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission( ICPC) has started probing the tenure of some former governors Four separate teams were deployed on Monday in the affected states by the antigraft agency to confirm the veracity or otherwise of the allegations against the ex-governors.

The commission has also placed four other ex-governors on waiting list for investigation.

A source in the commission said: “So far, out of eight governors, we have sent four teams to verify the allegations against four.

“Our teams left on Monday and they will be on ground for a while to get to the root of the issues in the petitions. Even if it means sighting some projects, the teams will do so.

“We have studied the petitions against these ex-governors but we need to be on ground to establish whether they are true or not.”

The source added: “We have not invited the affected

the international community to partner Nigeria to defeat Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.

Saraki spoke at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York, the United States, when he delivered the keynote address at the 4th World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

He noted that the menace of insurgency and other forms of brutality visited on innocent people by terrorists across the world required international collaboration to curtail.

The Senate president said they posed great threats to global peace and democracy.

According to him, terrorism has become a clog in Nigeria’s wheels to achieve sustainable development.

Saraki said terrorism could no longer be treated as a local problem, adding that it was time the world joined Nigeria to decisively defeat Boko

Haram while urgently rebuilding the Northeast.

He said: “The time to act is now. For us in Nigeria, with the new leadership at the executive and legislature, we are reacting already. You have a reliable partner to work with.

“Boko Haram represents the greatest terrorist threat we face. The insurgents’ senseless terror has brought untold destruction and hardship on our people in the Northeast of the country. I, therefore, call on the international community to partner Nigeria to defeat Boko Haram.

“Thankfully, our military has, in recent times, significantly degraded the morale and capacity of the insurgents to launch attacks in the area, a feat that has since seen many settlements liberated, roads reopened and hope restored.

I call on the global community to join hands with Nigeria to rebuild the overwhelming destruction of the NortheEast.”

The Senate president said the world had become embattled by several challenges without easy answers.

He listed some of the challenges as climate change, regional conflicts and terrorism.

Saraki said the conflicts had caused internal destitution, displacement and dislocation of people, adding that democracy and development cannot take place in such conditions.

The Senate president noted that the challenge the global community faced was how to quickly turn the tide around to achieve sustainable development.

He said: “Since 2009, we have seen many of our innocent citizens brutally and senselessly murdered and others rendered internally displaced. The idea of a 15year-old girl suicide bomber, wherever it may be in the world - be it in the Middle East, South America, Asia or in my country Nigeria - is not the world of our dream. It is

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IGAWA State Governor Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar has said his administration saved over N500 million on this year’s hajj.

The governor spoke yesterday at the Dutse Internation-

•Saraki delivering his speech in New York, USA...yesterday.

not reflective of a world where sustainable development is the agenda.

“Surely, it is not a local problem. Terrorism is evil that we must confront. Its brutality, lack of purpose and crossborder activities make it imperative that we adopt a global approach in tackling it.”

Saraki bemoaned the plight of internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Northeast and other parts of the country, saying the human misery in the various camps he recently visited was horrendous.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ex-governors because we have not reached a convenient bend.

“We have adopted international best practices. Rather than invite the former governors, with hysteria in the media, we will make sure that there are issues against them before grilling them.

“The law presumes them innocent until proven otherwise. Do not forget: some of these petitions might be frivolous.

“ICPC’s ongoing probe is about the mismanagement of public funds, abuse of office and internal corruption. The EFCC deals with money laundering issues.”

The source said four former governors were placed on the waiting list because of shortage of funds.

“Our investigation is capital intensive, we need sufficient funds. We have to do the probe in batches.

“We want to try as much as possible to insulate our investigators from corruption in the course of their assignment.”

Jigawa saves N500m as pilgrims begin flights to Saudi Arabia

Saraki to UN Conference: partner with us ENATE President Bukoto defeat Boko Haram la Saraki yesterday urged

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deploying technology to block loopholes and increase efficiency.

The governor noted that with an increased revenue, his administration would complete existing projects, establish new ones in all sectors and inject additional N2 billion into the state’s entrepreneurship development scheme.

He urged the new Emir to build bridges of harmony and peace among the people of his domain and beyond.

Prof. Abubakar pledged not to betray the confidence the people of the emirate and the state government reposed in him.

He said: “Nowhere are these challenges more keenly felt than in the plight of displaced persons, migrants and refugees, where due to conflict and natural disasters, citizens are bereft of human rights, even certifiable citizenship identities, such as the ongoing situations in Northeast Nigeria, with the attendant shockwaves being felt in other parts of the world through the rising tides of unsafe and unregulated, emergency migration, to Europe and other regions...”

From Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

al Airport when he addressed reporters on this year’s pilgrimage before departing to the holy land.

He said: “We spent N280 million on this year’s hajj, against the N780 million spent last year. We are confident to have better and effective services.

“This year, we stopped government’s sponsorship and reduced the number of board’s members and officials whose services are not needed there.”

Abuabkar urged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria and avoid carrying illegal materials.

Four hundred and eighty intending pilgrims were conveyed in the first batch from the Dutse International Airport at 2pm.

Funeral for engineer

T

HE funeral for a engineer, Chief Albert Ige Ibironke, will begin today at his home, 136, Ikare Road, Odo Emure Street, beside Emure Local Government Area’s secretariat, Emure, Ekiti State.

He was 72.

The lying-in-state and service of song service will hold today.

A church service will precede interment tomorrow at 11am at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Emure, Ekiti.

The late Ibironke, the Asaolu of Emure-Ekiti is survived by children, including Mr Ibikunle Ibironke.

58

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

NEWS Unity Forum’s case against Saraki to go on Continued from page 4

110 of the 2011 Senate Standing Orders to produce the purported document titled: Senate Standing Orders 2015 (as amended).”

The senators urged the court to prevent Saraki and Ekweremadu from “proceeding with the constitution of committees and appointment of chairmen and deputy chairmen of committees respectively”.

He said the demands of the Senate Unity Forum are as follows: •The Senate Standing Orders 2011(as amended) was not amended in manner stipulated

by Rules 110 of the 2011 Senate Standing Orders to produce the purported document titled “Senate Standing Orders 2015(as amended); • The purported election which produced Saraki and Ekweremadu as President and

Deputy President of the Senate respectively are illegal, irregular, and non-sustainable; •That Saraki, Ekweremadu, the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Clerk of the Senate wrongfully relied on the Senate Standing Orders 2015 (Exhibit “B”) in electing the President and Deputy President of the 5th Defendant (Senate); •That Saraki and Ekweremadu still seek to abide by these contrived Rules which are at variance with the valid, regular and subsisting Senate Standing Orders 2011(as amended); and •The instant suit seeks not only the reversal of the illegal elections and appointments but also to restrain Saraki, Ekweremadu and the Senate from proceeding with the constitution of committees and appointment of chairmen and deputy chairmen of committees.

Army uncovers biggest illegal bunkering site in Port Harcourt Continued from page 4

to a safe location for destruction. Preliminary investigation has already begun to unravel the sponsors of the facility. The 13 suspects will be handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution.”

The commander also warned against sabotage of oil and gas installations by

thieves. He said the JTF would not rest, until the state is free of illegal bunkering.

His words: “Let it be known that the army will not and will never tolerate illegal bunkering in our area of responsibility.”

Gen. Olabanji also called on the public to provide the JTF with information which could lead to the arrest of oil thieves and pipeline vandals.

My father, by Fernandez’s daughter Continued from page 4

contributions to promote peace, harmony and above all, equity. He has surely left his footprints on the sands of time”, he said.

The governor added that it was quite remarkable that the late Fernandez had the privilege of being among the few diplomats that played a prominent role in promoting peace in Africa and had taken ambas-

sadorial positions in many African countries.

“I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, the good people of Lagos State and Nigerians on this painful loss”, Ambode said.

He also prayed that Almighty God grant the soul of the departed peaceful repose and for the family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

‘Bad fuel likely cause of air crashes’

•Otedola Continued from page 4

ASTM D1655 (international) specifications allow for certain additives to be added to jet fuel, these include; Antioxidants to prevent gumming, Antistatic agents, to dissipate static electricity and prevent sparking , Corrosion inhibitors and Fuel system icing inhibitor.

“Based on the foregoing, it is pertinent that the unwholesome activities of these mushroom operators be curbed in order to ensure highest levels of safety and global best practice in the Aviation industry in

Nigeria,” said.

According to experts, the difference between fuel families (kerosene, diesels and petrol) has to mainly with the molecular weight, which is a function of the boiling point/ vapour pressure of the fuel components - from heaviest to lightest. The differences within each family are related to refining, blending, and additives, as well as process controls imposed on the fuel.

Jet-A is a high-purity kerosene based fuel manufactured under a specific ASTM standard (D1655), with specific physical properties, and is used in jet turbine engines.

Fuel not meeting the Jet-A specification is generally recycled in the production chain for other purposes (for example it may be used in blending kerosene for heating or blended into highway diesel).

The Chairman, Airline Operators of Nigeria, (AON) Captain Nogie Meggison yesterday dismissed insinuations making the round that some independent fuel marketers were selling kerosine as aviation fuel to airlines.

Meggison said if kerosine is

sold as adulterated aviation fuel, it could affect the performance of aircraft engines thereby reducing the lifecycle of engines powered by such adulterated product .

He said such product if adulterated could make the aircraft engine burn faster and cause major malfunction that could become an impediment to safety.

He said operators were still investigating the rumour and were yet to establish any veracity in the claim of adulterated aviation fuel being sold to airlines from kerosine.

Speaking at a one day breakfast meeting organised by Aviation Round Table (ART) in Lagos yesterday, Meggison said major oil marketers were alleged to be selling kerosene as aviation fuel to the operators.

He explained that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) had sent a Notice to Airmen, NOTAM, to all airline operators coming into the country to beware of aviation fuel being sold to them.

He said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) has been notified of the devel-

opment.

Last month, the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN), Saleh Dunoma advocated a central quality control procedure for aviation fuel supplied by independent marketers to domestic and foreign carriers operating in Nigeria.

Dunoma said the central quality control measure has become imperative to ensure that aviation fuel supplied complied with the required standards by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Towards this end, he said FAAN, fuel suppliers and airlines met to arrive at the best quality of the product to be certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Organization (NCAA).

He also urged aviation agencies to initiate quality control procedures to strenghten controls over Jet A1, otherwise known as aviation fuel .

Dunoma stated this while delivering a keynote address at the annual public lecture organised by the Aeronautical Division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

Osinbajo: cash coming for ‘extremely poor’ Nigerians Continued from page 4

welfare.

“At the moment, the agency covers all sectors, both private and public, that is organisation employing five or more persons. You will also know that the ruling party has as its manifesto, the issue of providing social welfare. We have keyed into this.

“The second area is incessant strikes and lockouts with special reference to health sector. We listed the causes of strikes and how we can quickly ameliorate this in all sectors. One way of doing that is to curb impunity.

“And establish rule of law in the management of trade disputes. Towards this end, the institution for the management of trade disputes will be strengthened. Institutions of conflict mediation,industrial arbitration panel, up to the industrial court of Nigeria, there need for capacity development to be able to cope with the challenges associated with knowledge, technique, attitude and behaviour because if you look at the causal factor responsible for strikes and lockouts.

“It can be categorised into three individual. Some individuals have propensity for trouble making. There are pol-

icies that encourage strikes between management and workers and there are external factors.

“For instance, when Nigerians go on strike because of increase in prices of products, those are not directly related to work. These are factors outside the work environment but bear great influence to industrial relations and harmony.

“The third area is employment opportunities, which is the greatest problem challenging Nigeria. We are ready to show with statistics the different levels of unemployment from 2011 to June 2015 and shows the very dangerous

trend.

“No household today in Nigeria that does not have unemployed persons in spite of the new tabulation of what unemployment means in reality, we know it is a concrete problem. President and vice president want to know our efforts in tackling this issue and we have a classified document that was developed through the instrumentality of international labour organisation that projects employment issues in 12 critical sectors of the economy with high propensity for job creation-entertainment industry, tourism, energy, ICT and maritime,” he said.

Rivers: 1,100 to testify for INEC, Wike, Peterside

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ARRING any lastminute changes, the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja will start hearing evidence from witnesses today.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, are challenging the declaration of Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) Nyesom Wike as the governor.

Peterside and his party want the tribunal to call for a re-run on the basis that there was no proper election in the state.

Wike and PDP insist the election was free, fair and credible and should stand.

About 1,100 witnesses are expected to be called.

The APC and Peterside will call 200 witnesses and tender material evidence to prove its case. INEC intends to call 400 witnesses; although Wike was

reluctant to attach a number to his intended witnesses, the tribunal has ordered him to call only 300 witnesses within the 10 days allotted to him to conduct his case. The PDP intends to call 200 witnesses also.

The tribunal has also specified the time each witness will spend. A star witness has been allotted 85 minutes – examination-in-chief, 30 minutes; crossexamination, 40 minutes and re-examination, 15 minutes.

Ordinary witness is expected to spend on 20 minutes - examination-in-chief, 5 minutes; cross-examination, 10 minutes and re-examination, 5 minutes.

The tribunal has said it will sit at 10am every day, including weekends, if necessary.

The legal teams of the two parties are optimistic of carrying the day. While exiting the tribunal’s sitting venue on August 28, lawyers representing the disputants, on being told that the tribunal intends to commence trial today, expressed their readiness for the next phase in the tribunal’s proceedings.

Akinlolu Olujinmi (SAN) leads the petitioners’ legal team, while Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) leads Wike’s legal team.

Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who leads the team of the petitioners - APC and its candidate, Umana Umana – at the Akwa Ibom State governorship tribunal, is leading PDP’s team at

the Rivers State governorship tribunal, with Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) as head of the INEC team.

As the tribunal opens trial in the petition, a lot of issues will be revealed, which will determine the eventual decision of the tribunal at the end of the day, the major being the quality of evidence led by parties.

Although the petitioners have, so far, survived all land mines thrown their way by the defendants, they have also had rulings given against them on some vital applications.

On many occasions, the tribunal headed by Justice Mu’azu Pindiga, refused moves by the respondents to truncate the hearing of the petition.

First, they challenged the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja from Port Harcourt for security reasons and demanded its return to the Rivers State Capital. They had insisted that it was wrong, by virtue of the 2005 decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Ogboru against INEC, it was wrong for a tribunal to sit outside a state where election was held to decide a dispute from such election.

The tribunal resolved the issue against them by holding that the tribunal’s relocation to Abuja on security ground was in order.

Second, the respondents challenged the constitution of

the tribunal and its jurisdiction to hear the petition. Their argument was to the effect that the tribunal, having wrongly constituted, lacked the powers to hear the petition by APC and Peterside.

At a point too, the respondents also challenged Peterside’s locus standi (right to sue), arguing that he was not validly elected a candidate of his party. It was their contention that the APC did not serve INEC the mandatory notice of its primary 21 days before the primary was held.

The tribunal resolved this set of issues raised by the respondents against them, following which the petitioners applied for the issuance of prehearing session notices on parties.

Again, the respondents raised objection, faulting the petitioners’ application for prehearing session notices. The respondents argued that the petitioners failed to pay the requisite fee for its application.

The petitioners, in a counterargument, insisted that no fee was required for such application, a position the tribunal upheld and dismissed the respondents’ objection.

It has not all been victory for the petitioners as the tribunal had, on some occasions, refused the requests by the APC and Peterside. The tribunal turned down the petitioners’ request to direct INEC to move

materials used for the election to Abuja to allow ease of inspection.

The petitioners had complained that the respondent had consistently frustrated their (petitioners’) effort to inspect the materials and obtained certified-true-copies (CTC) in line with the leave granted them on June 11, 2015 by the tribunal. There were allegations to the effect that INEC officials, working with thugs’ influenced by the PDP and Wike, had on some occasions, attacked petitioners’ officials and experts, who were at INEC’s office to inspect election materials.

The last request by the petitioners was for an order compelling INEC to allow them scan, photocopy the election materials.

The tribunal, in a ruling on August 28, held that granting the petitioners’ request will amount to it varying its subsisting order for inspection made on June 11.

Now that parties have been able to streamline issues at the pre-hearing session, the picture of what the trial process will look like is now fairly clear.

The petitioners have formulated three issues for the tribunal’s determination in deciding their petition. They are as follows: *Whether, from the pleadings and evidence led in the petition, the governorship elec-

tion held on April 11 this year ought to be invalidated and a fresh election ordered, for reasons of various acts of noncompliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010, the INEC manual for election officials 2015 as well as INEC guidelines and regulations for the conduct of the election. *Whether, from the pleadings and evidence led by the petitioners, the governorship election for Rivers State held on April 11 this year ought not to be invalidated by the tribunal and a fresh election ordered for reasons of various acts of corrupt practices that marred the conduct of the election. *Whether, on account of the first two issues, the petitioners have established that the 2nd respondent (Wike) did not score the majority of lawful votes cast in the election to be declared winner by the 1st respondent (INEC).

INEC, on its part, raised three issues also. They are: Whether the petitioners have established that the 2nd respondent was not duly elected by majority of the lawful votes cast at the election; whether the petitioners have established that the election was invalidated by issues of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, which substantially affected the result of the election, and whether the petitioners have established that the election was invalid by issues of corrupt practices.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

59

FOREIGN NEWS NIDO berates former Nigerian ambassador for assaulting journalist

Fresh migrant protests in Budapest

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

H

UNDREDS of migrants have protested for a second day at Hungary’s decision to prevent them from travelling on towards Germany and other EU countries.

They are among 2,000 people camped at Budapest’s Keleti train station, having bought tickets for onward journeys.

Meanwhile, more than 4,000 migrants arrived in mainland Greece from the island of Lesbos overnight.

The EU is struggling to agree a common policy across member states for dealing with the crisis.

The BBC’s Chris Morris in Brussels says the European Commission, the executive of the EU, is trying to draw up a list of safe countries of origin that failed asylum applicants can be sent back to.

• Protesters at Keleti train station, Budapest...yesterday

And an EC spokeswoman said today it was preparing proposals for a mechanism to automatically redistribute a proportion of those seeking asylum among EU states.

Italy and Greece have complained that they are overwhelmed by the numbers arriving on their shores.

Journalists at the scene said

tensions were high with migrants involved in a stand-off with riot police.

A confrontation also broke out an another railway station in Budapest where a group of migrants occupied a platform after refusing to board a train sending them to a reception centre in the eastern city of Debrecen.

PHOTO: Getty Images

Police quoted by Hungarian TV said the “illegal immigrants” held their children aloft and demanded they be allowed to proceed freely to Germany.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban is due to meet EU chiefs on Thursday to discuss Hungary’s handling of the crisis.

Under an EU rule known as

the Dublin Regulation, refugees should seek asylum in the first EU country they enter.

But this has proved hard to uphold, with border countries such as Hungary, Italy and Greece saying they cannot cope with the numbers. All three are members of the borderless Schengen Area.In other developments:

Obama secures enough senate support for Iran deal

U

S President Barack Obama has secured enough support in the US Senate to ensure that the Iran nuclear deal will go into effect.

Democrat Barbara Mikulski of Maryland became the 34th senator to back the deal on Wednesday.

US Congress could still oppose the deal, but Mr Obama has now enough votes to over-

ride any resolution of disapproval.

He has said the deal cuts off "every pathway to a nuclear weapon" for Iran.

"No deal is perfect, especially one negotiated with the Iranian regime," sad Ms Mikulski in a statement. "I have concluded that this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is the best option available to block Iran from having a nuclear bomb. For these reasons,

I will vote in favour of the deal."

Republicans have been unified in their opposition to the Iran accord, saying the deal would only "embolden" Iran.

Two Democratic senators Chuck Schumer of New York and Robert Menendez of New Jersey -- are also opposed, as are a handful of Democrats in the House.

Congress is set to vote on the accord later this month, but the

White House is hopeful it can secure seven additional votes to allow for a legislative move known as a filibuster.

A filibuster would prevent a final vote and Mr Obama would not need to use his veto power to keep the Iran deal on track.

Negotiations between Iran and six world powers - the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany - began in 2006.

The deal, reached with the six world powers in July, would begin to be implemented by November.

The so-called P5+1 want Iran to scale back its sensitive nuclear activities to ensure that it cannot build a nuclear weapon.

Iran, which wants crippling international sanctions lifted, has always insisted that its nuclear work is peaceful.

More refugees not answer, says Cameron

D

AVID Cameron has said "taking more and more refugees" is not the answer to the EU's current migration crisis.

The UK has faced calls to take more of the hundreds of thousands of refugees arriving in Europe, many from Syria.

Mr Cameron said: "We are taking action across the board... the most important thing is to try to bring peace and stability to that part of the world.

"I don't think there is an answer that can be achieved simply by taking more and more refugees."

Asked about calls for the UK to do more, the prime minister said: "We are taking action right across the board - we're helping the countries from which these people are coming, stabilising them and trying to make sure that there are worthwhile jobs and stronger economies there.

"We're obviously taking action at Calais, in terms of the Channel - there's more that we need to do, and we're working together with our European partners as well. These are big challenges, but we'll meet them."

The number of migrants entering Europe has reached record levels, with 107,500 arriving in July alone.

Germany expects to take in 800,000 migrants this year - four times last year's total.

The risks for migrants travelling through Europe were highlighted last week by the deaths of 71 people found in a lorry that had travelled to Austria from Budapest.

EU interior and justice ministers will meet in Brussels on 14 September to address the crisis.

DR Congo's Bosco Ntaganda pleads not guilty at ICC trial

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• Ntaganda

ORMER Congolese rebel leader Bosco Ntaganda has pleaded not guilty to all charges at the start of his war crimes trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague.

The 18 charges include murder, rape and the recruitment of child soldiers.

Evidence has been gathered from more than 2,000 alleged victims, including former child soldiers.

Nicknamed "The Terminator", Gen Ntaganda's trial is the biggest and most complex case

in the ICC's history.

He fought for different rebel groups as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo's army.

He made his not guilty plea in a barely audible voice, standing in the dock with his signature pencil moustache, reports the BBC's Anna Holligan from court.

The start of the trial was a historic moment for international justice and for the Democratic Republic of Congo, our correspondent adds.

Thai police: Suspect acknowledges being near bomb scene

T

HAI police said yesterday a prime suspect in Bangkok's deadly bombing has admitted to being near the shrine where the attack took place but denied placing the bomb, as other clues increasingly linked the blast to Thailand's forced repatriation of members of a minority ethnic group to China.

Thai authorities said the suspect's fingerprints also matched those on a bottle of bomb-making material found in an apartment that was raided

this past weekend.

Deputy National Police Chief Chakthip Chaijinda was asked by reporters if the man whose name and nationality have not been released - had confessed to involvement in the Aug. 17 blast at Erawan Shrine that killed 20 people and injured more than 120, or another explosion the following day near a busy river pier that caused no casualties.

Thai authorities say the man, identified only as a foreigner, was arrested Tuesday near the

border with Cambodia as he was attempting to flee.

Police announced separately that they are seeking the arrest of a Turkish man, Emrah Davutoglu, who they believe is also linked to the blasts. He is at least the third Turk among eight suspects for whom arrest warrants have been issued.

The Turkish connection has fuelled speculation the suspects may be part of a group seeking to avenge Thailand's forced repatriation of ethnic Uighurs to China in July.

Media caption The BBC's Anna Holligan: "Bosco Ntaganda founded the M23 rebel group" The 41-year-old is accused of killing at least 800 civilians during separate attacks on a number of villages between 2002 and 2003.

He is also accused of raping girl soldiers and keeping them as sex slaves.

"Humanity demands justice for these crimes," ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda told the court.

The prosecutor used her

opening statement to describe the experience of one witness in chilling detail. It was the aftermath of an attack on a village in the Ituri region of eastern DR Congo.

Ms Bensouda said the witness searched though a pile of bodies, and found his wife, toddler son and daughter, whose head was punctured and her throat slit. Then, he discovered his remaining two children who had been killed in the same way. He gathered the bodies of his family and buried them in a field.

Mali, neighbours plan force to ALI's defence minisfight extremists try adviser says that

M

five neighbouring countries have met to discuss a joint force to fight extremism in the region.

Lt. Col. Diarran Kone said yesterday that representatives from Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and Chad are meeting in Bamako to strategize. He said they are meeting with experts from the African Union and the West African economic bloc, ECOWAS, to discuss what is

necessary to deploy such a military force.

There have been several meetings of the five Sahel countries.

The G5 Sahel is an institutional framework for coordinating and monitoring security in the region. The first summit was held in February in Mauritania to coordinate development and security policies.

The Sahel is a band of African countries nestled on the southern edge of the Sahara desert.

THE Nigerians In Diaspora Organization (NIDO), Zambian chapter, has strongly condemned the action of Nigeria's former Ambassador to Zambia, Mrs Sifawu Umoru Momoh, who assaulted a photojournalist of the Post Newspaper, Salim Dawood, while covering events at the Lusaka Magistrate Court in Zambia.

Mrs Momoh was at the court in connection with a matter where she sued the Geological Survey Department employees for allegedly swindling her huge sum of money in a precious stone business transaction.

In a statement yesterday, the NIDO Chairman in Zambia, Mr Seyi Alaba, said it is quite unbecoming of a person of such a respectable position as an ambassador to fight a cameraman.

"It is most shameful that all these nefarious activities were conducted first in our High Commission office and secondly with our diplomatic vehicle even when she is no longer an ambassador" They called on President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate Mrs Momoh's attitude and sanction her appropriately, if found culpable.

Travel ban for Guatemala president A judge has barred Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina from leaving the country.

The travel ban was imposed just hours after congress voted to remove his immunity from prosecution.

Prosecutors accuse the president of masterminding a scheme to defraud the customs service of millions of dollars, which he denies.

The president, whose term runs out in January, could now be summoned to appear before a court.

A spokesman for Mr Perez Molina said the president would be "very respectful and submit himself to the rule of law".

On Tuesday, all members of congress present at the vote endorsed a move to strip the president of his immunity.

Image copyright EPA Image caption President Otto Perez Molina refused to step down on Monday They included members of the president's own party.

A previous vote to remove his immunity failed last month.

But since then, more details of the corruption scandal have emerged and calls for the president to resign have increased.

For the past four months, Guatemalans have been going out on the streets to protest over government corruption and calling for the president to resign.

This paves the way for the country's leader to be tried like any ordinary citizen and there is a sense of relief that, finally, politicians are not above the law.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

60

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

Three die as container falls off bridge

A

CEMENT-LADEN container fell off the Ojuelegba bridge yesterday, crushing to death three passengers in a black Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) below.

The container was on a truck coming from Apapa Port. The truck was said to have fallen on Apapa road, apparently under the weight of the container, before it got to Ojuelegba.

The incident attracted large crowd which made efforts to remove the SUV and another car from under the container.

The crowd gathered round the container, with some wailing and cursing.

They could do nothing until officials of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), National Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) arrived on the scene.

It took the combined effort of the emergency workers, soldiers from the nearby Abalti Barracks and the police to lift the container about 7.50p.m., about four hours after the accident.

Lagos State Fire Service Director Rasaq Fadipe confirmed the death of three persons, adding that the 25-year-old driver of the other vehicle escaped unhurt.

The driver is said to be getting married on Saturday.

The truck driver, however, ran away after •The scene of removing his vehicle’s number-plate.

By Precious Igbonwelundu, A survivor, Mrs Roseline Basirat Braimah, Idayat Omojutobo thanked God for Bello and Solomon Odeniyi saving her life.

Akindele described the situShe said: “I was driving beation as unfortunate, saying: hind the car that was affected. “The trailer carrying this conI am in shock, I was on my tainer fell off the bridge. We way to the Lagos University recovered a white vehicle but Teaching Hospital (LUTH) there was no life lost in that. because my girl told me she The problem we are facing in was not feeling well, so I was this country is that when govtaking her to the hospital for ernment use tax payers’ check-up and we stopped at money to build bridge and the red traffic light. It was put barricade, some touts when we were waiting that vandalised them. The barrithe container fell off the cade should have prevented bridge. I thank God I am alive this incident, the part of the today. I don’t care about my bridge that the container fell damaged car but am glad that has no barricade because it I am alive today. I just want has been vandalised. The abto thank God for this; I am sence of barricade was going to the church to give a among the major cause of the big testimony on Sunday.” accident. The equipments we LASEMA General Michael have available now is only

the accident ... yesterday

for an emergency purpose, we do not have fork lift here.

I have ordered for crane and LASTMA Metro vehicle is also on its way here but was affected by traffic congestion.”

An eyewitness, Tunde, who trades under the bridge said the woman (SUV driver) asked for the description to Victoria Island before the container fell.

“Before it fell, people shouted but her vehicle’s air condition was on so there was no way she could hear us. If there was a barricade on the bridge, they would have survived it. Immediately it happened, the trailer driver removed the trailer plate and ran away,” he said.

Another eyewitness said

•The truck when it fell on Apapa road ... yesterday.

PHOTOS: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

the Toyota Camry tried dodging the container but it couldn’t.

“I think there were three people in the car. There was

coming up this Saturday. The container hit his car and was damaged beyond repair, but he survived it, he only sustained a minor injury,” he said.

Student charged with manslaughter

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STUDENT, Onyebuchi Nwaebonyi, 21, was yesterday arraigned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, for alleged manslaughter and reckless riding.

The accused, who resides at Fatiregun Street, Ebute Meta, is facing trial on a five-count charge bordering on reckless riding, manslaughter and obstructing the highway.

Posecuting police Inspector Cousin Adams said the accused committed the offence last Thursday at AbuleNla junction, on Apapa Road, Ebute Meta.

Adams alleged that the accused rode his motorcycle in a reckless manner which caused the death of one Garuba Wasiu, a pedestrian.

He said the offence contravened Sections 18, 19, and 20,

Vol. 45 of the Lagos State Traffic Law 2012.

Adams said the offence also contravened Section 31 of RTA Cap. 126 Vol. 4, Laws of Lagos State.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate O.A. Omisore granted him N500,000 with two sureties in the like sum.

He adjourned the case till September 15.

Prayer for ex-council chief’s dad

T

HE fidau of Alhaji Moshood MafeMayeleke, father of the former MosanOkunola Local Council Development Area chairman Alhaji AbdulRasheed Abiodun Mafe, will hold tomorrow at Itayo Street in Porogun, Ita-Osu, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Alhaji Mafe-Mayeleke died last Friday and was buried the same day according to Islamic rites at Porogun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Before his demise, he was a community and a religious leader.

Aged 96, the late Mayeleke was a successful businessman and commanded respects from the community.

He is survived by children, grand children and great grand children.

In his condolence message, an APC chieftain Alhaji Jubreel AbdulKareem described the deceased as a devout Muslim.

AbdulKareem said his fatherly counsel on issues will be missed.

“He dedicated his life to serving his creator and elevating the community. He did not only give to the needy, he also en-

joined his children to be charitable. We thank Allah he lived and died as a Muslim,” he said.

AbdulKareem, the former Agege Local Government chairman urged children of the deceased to emulate their father’s simple lifestyle.

Former Lagos State Independent Electoral Commissioner Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso, described Alhaji Mayeleke’s death as painful because he lived a fulfilled worth of emulating.

“We are pained because we lost a good father; IjebuOde in particular has lost an industrious person. He was very religious and passionate about the development of the community,” he said.

•The late Mafe-Mayeleke

this white car next to the woman’s car; the driver, Lasisi Akeem was coming from where he went to make arrangement for his wedding

Ikotun-Ejigbo road ready September 30

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HE rehabilitation of Ikotun-Ejigbo-OkeAfa road may be completed before the end of this month, Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) said yesterday.

The repair, LSPWC General Manager Ayotunde Sodeinde said, would end a decade-long menace of flooding and erosion, caused by abuse of drainages and collector drains along the corridor.

Sodeinde spoke while inspecting the road, which he said had collapsed before the repair began.

By Oziegbe Okoeki

He said the 6.67 kilometre - road was abandoned for almost one decade, causing undue hardship for motorists and other users.

He said the road “completely collapsed; the drainages were not functioning again and the collector drains around Ejigbo junction was blocked. The state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode was amazed by the condition of the road when he inspected the area something in July.”

The road, he said, is being rehabilitated to make it motorable and ease traffic

congestion in the axis.

The road is expected to last between five and 10 years when completed.

Sodeinde said: “The lifespan of a road depends on usage.

The drains are blocked, and people are supposed to clean the drains. The roads can last between five and 10 years if it is well-maintained,” he said.

Originally, Sodeinde said approval was given for the reconstruction of IkotunEjigbo wing of the road covering about 2.6 kilometres, but LSPWC management reviewed the project and extended it to Oke Afa.

Ex-perm sec decries increase in rape

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FORMER Permanent Secretary in Lagos, Mrs Regina Obasa, has described as alarming a report by the government that about 300 cases of rape are reported monthly.

She said cases of elderly men raping minors, incest, homosexuality and lesbianism were prevalent, calling for urgent government intervention to stem the tide.

According to Mrs Obasa, rapists do not stop at violating their victims; they sometimes kill them.

Her non-governmental

By Joseph Jibueze

organisation (NGO), the Counselling Ambassadors Organisation (TCAO), is organising a summit on rape, to be held on September 9 at Westown Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

At a media briefing, she said the summit, with the theme: “Let’s talk it and pray it”, will feature stakeholders who will explore ways to curb the prevalent incident of rape.

She said: “The daughter of a council official was raped to death by four boys. We have had a case of a female

teacher abusing a four-yearold pupil.”

While urging the government to do more towards preventing rape, she said parents must learn to protect their children from the crime.

“A girl that dresses in a way that makes a man look and lust after her should be blamed. Women and girls should dress modestly. Parents should find time for their children and make them their friends so that they can freely talk to them whenever anyone makes advances at them.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

Driver in court for ‘stealing’ four cars

Don’t carry drugs to Mecca, pilgrims warned

By Robert Egbe

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NY pilgrim caught with hard drug in Saudi Arabia will not enjoy diplomatic immunity, a lawyer Wasiu Amoo, has said.

Such pilgrim, he said, would not be saved from execution despite Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

On Tuesday, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wrote to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), urging it to educate pilgrims on the consequences of bringing hard drugs to the Holy Land.

Amoo spoke at a seminar organised by Hajj Mabrur Ventures Limited (HMVL) for its pilgrims in Lagos.

According to him, Saudi Arabia being a strict Shariah Law nation doesn’t allow external interference in dealing with culprits.

He said: “To be forewarned is to be forearmed, I am telling you categorically that if you do not comply with Saudi Arabia law, the Nigeria government cannot intercede on your behalf; it is better not to indulge in anything that will earn you punishment there. There are offences that attract punishments in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, it depends on the levity of one’s offence, so you have to be well informed and that is the

•Pilgrims at the seminar

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

reason for organising this enlightenment programme.

Nigeria cannot intervene when it comes to offence that attracts punishment from the Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, drug trafficking attracts death penalty. By the virtue of diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, we are expected to comply with all the rules of Saudi Arabia. So, for the period of your pilgrimage, which is three or four weeks, you have to comply with all the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia.”

Amoo enjoined the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and HMVL, because by so doing, “they will not blacklist our country and the company.”

The Principal Staff Officer, Operations and Intelligence of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command, Isiaka Opeloyeru,

hoped that none of the pilgrims would bring shame to Nigeria.

Opeloyeru told the pilgrims to stay off illicit drugs that could implicate them, urging them to get doctor’s prescription if they must go with drugs.

HMVL Managing Director Alhaji AbdulHamid Solate appealed to the pilgrims to heed the lawyer’s and NDLEA official’s advice.

Hajj Mabrur, Solate said, was not out for profit-making; but to assist pilgrims perform the hajj in line with prophetic tradition.

“We are here to help you accomplish the essence of hajj, hence our name – Hajj Mabrur. Our core value is to lead pilgrims through all stages of the exercise. You will always see us by your side because we will stay in the same hotel with you.

“After winning several awards locally and internationally as the ‘Best Hajj and

Police, lawmaker to end cults’ clashes

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MEMBER of Lagos State House of Assembly, Olayiwola Olawale, has promised to partner with the police to end cults’ clashes in his Mushin constituency.

Olawale, at an interactive session with members of the Zodiac Club of Nigeria, said the move was necessary for his constituency’s development.

He noted that the clashes had resulted in loss of lives and given his constituency a bad name.

Plans, he said, were at an advanced stage by stakeholders, including monarchs and community leaders, to organise a joint car-

By Tokunbo Ogunsami

nival to promote peace and curb crimes.

Olawale said an empowerment programme designed to orient youths would be adopted to curb crimes.

His words: “I’ve been meeting regularly with the police chiefs at the area command and headquarters. We will soon come out with a strategy to end gang clashes and reduce crimes in Mushin. Although I will not disclose the strategy for security reasons, I can assure you that the result will be positive.

“We will organise empowerment programmes to discourage youths from crimes.

Stakeholders and leaders in the community will soon organise a summit to promote peace and reduce crimes.”

The club’s Chairman, Mr Tunde Adio, identified lack of mentoring and guidance as the factors responsible for youths’ involvement in vices.

He said parents should be held responsible for their children’s involvement in crimes, noting that most of them shirked their responsibility because of career and business.

Adio said the promotion of moral values among youths would reduce their involvement in crimes.

•Amoo

Umrah Services,’ our resolution is to continue to improve on our service. We pray not to disappoint you,” he said.

Former Secretary General of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN) Dr Abdulwaasi’ Gabadeen urged the pilgrims to coop-

•Opeloyeru

erate with Hajj Mabrur officials before and during the pilgrimage.

“Let’s be patient with our tour operator; we must understand that Saudi Arabia is not their own country when making demands. They cannot go outside Saudi law,” he said.

Hawker charged with assault

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HE police have arraigned a 24-year-old hawker, Nnamdi Onua, before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly assaulting Jide Offor.

The defendant, who sells Compact Discs (CD) in traffic was said to have punched Offor in the face.

Offor, it was learnt, freed a lady being beaten by Onua on Monday and told her to go home.

Onua was said to have traced Offor home in Costain and beat him up. He allegedly injured Offor on his left eye.

“During the fight, a mob wanted to apprehend Onua but he was said to have brought out a knife to scare

them”.

The victim whose eye is presumed blind is in Mainland General hospital.

Onua pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of assault and unlawful possession of weapon.

The offence, according to the prosecuting Police Sergeant Igodalu Daniel, contravened Sections 310 and 243 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The defence counsel, O.B. Otigi, prayed the court to grant his client bail in “liberal terms”.

Magistrate M.O. Olajuwon granted Onua N50,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum. He adjourned the case till September 29.

DRIVER, Musibau Akinsuyi, was yesterday arraigned in an Ikorodu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for the alleged theft of four vehicles.

Prosecuting police Corporal Abosede Adegeshin told the court that Musibau, 34, of New Site, Igbe, Ijede, Ikorodu, was arrested by the police in Abuja.

After investigations, three Toyota Sienna buses and one Toyota Corolla saloon car were allegedly found in his custody.

She alleged that Akinsuyi, who was sacked as a senior driver at a bank in Lagos some years ago, owns two houses in Ikorodu.

The charge reads: “On May 7, 2015 around 1:20pm at Metal Bus Stop Acme Road, Ogba, Musibau Akinsuyi stole one 2004, light blue, Toyota Sienna with registration number AGL 560 AA valued at N2.3million, property of one Mr Olufemi Omotoso.”

“Akinsuyi posed as a driver and collected the key to the Toyota Sienna from the owner on the pretext that he was going on a test drive, instead he zoomed off with it,” the prosecutor said, adding that the picture of the guarantor the accused provided to the vehicle’s owner, was found to have been downloaded from the internet.

Akinsuyi pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate O. O. Olatunji granted him N500,000 bail with two sureties each in the like sum. The sureties must provide evidence of tax payment for six months.

Olatunji adjourned the case till September 17.

Boy, 15, ‘rapes’ girl, seven

By Precious Igbonwelundu

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15-YEAR-OLD boy was yesterday remanded at the rehabilitation home in Oregun, Lagos, for allegedly sexually assaulting a seven-year old girl.

The teenager who was brought before a Yaba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos was charged with unlawful sexual activity under Sections 263 (1)(2) and 261 (1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

He pleaded not guilty.

He was alleged to have committed the offence at Ogunfunmi Street in Surulere, between 2013 and last year.

According to the charge sheet, the defendant unlawfully caused his seven-yearold victim to engage in “sexual activity” with him.

My wife broke my head with toilet seat, divorce-seeking pastor tells court

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CLERIC, Gerald Adetiba, has sought the dissolution of his marriage to his wife, Tito, before an Igando Customary Court in Lagos. He is accusing her of frequent fight, lack of care and embarrassment.

Pastor Adetiba said since they got married 16 years ago, his wife has been accusing him of sleeping around with neighbours and church members.

The petitioner said several meetings by their families to

By Basirat Braimah

reconcile them, have not changed anything.

“She pretends everything is fine but it’s a lie. When our relations leave, she starts again with her trouble,” he said.

Adetiba said he has lost count of the number of times she has embarrassed him in church.

He said: “There was a day I was ministering in church, my wife stood at the church’s gate and chased female members away. It got to a stage I advised

her to go for a two-day special prayer; when I returned home that day, I was shocked to see her. She said the reason she returned home was that immediately she got there, a prophet revealed to her that I have another family.”

He said he brought her to court because she broke his head while sleeping with a toilet seat.

“I have always been responsible for our upkeep. At times, I cook and clean the house because she doesn’t.

There is no love anymore. I should have left her since but I waited till this moment to make it legal,” he added.

The respondent, Mrs Adetiba, said their marriage troubles started when she began to nurse an ailment, adding that was when her husband stopped sleeping at home regularly.

“When I got discharged from the hospital, my husband was told not to beat me because I fell on my head which affected my brain; still he strips me na-

ked when he beats me. Recently, he pushed me inside the gutter in the presence of neighbours. Whatever I do is because of the things he has done to me,” she said.

The mother of five said before her ailment, she spent her savings on her family when things weren’t rosy for her husband. According to her, she always tried to do many things but she was not getting her husband’s support.

Was asked why she broke her husband’s head, she re-

plied: “Last Sunday, I pleaded with my husband to forgive me for all I have done but he squeezed my breast that I bled so much and the only thing at my reach was the toilet seat I used. I am not healthy. I have emotional and psychological problems. I am not ready to leave my marriage because of my children.”

The Court’s President, Mr Hakeem Oyekan, fixed an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for the couple for September 7.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

PREMIERSHIP... PREMIERSHIP...PREMIERSHIP...PREMIERSHIP...

Willian: 'Jose Mourinho respects me' C

HELSEA midfielder Willian has insisted that there is a mutual respect between him and manager Jose Mourinho.

The recent signing of Barcelona winger Pedro has led to speculation that the Brazilian could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain suggested as potential destinations.

However, Willian has said that he sees himself as an important part of Mourinho's side.

"We have a great relationship. He has always re-

spected me, and I truly respect him. It is a professional relationship of two guys with the same goal," the 27-yearold told FourFourTwo. "I know I've got my tactical responsibilities at Chelsea – I must close spaces and help with marking.

"But I don't really mind doing it. This is something you must do in modern football.

Every single player has his defensive role to play. I also have freedom to attack and I try to give my contribution offensively."

Willian joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013.

•Cleverley

Arsenal can't afford big transfers, insists Campbell

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•Willian

Cole: 'Manchester United must play David de Gea'

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NDY Cole has insisted that David de Gea should be reinstated to the Manchester United starting lineup.

The goalkeeper, who has been United's Player of the Season for the last two campaigns, has not featured for the club this season as speculation over his future at Old Trafford intensified.

It appeared that the 24year-old would leave the club on Monday when United agreed a fee for his services with Real Madrid, who were prepared to let Keylor Navas move in the opposite direction, but the move fell through because of paperwork issues.

Now that it has been confirmed that De Gea will stay put for the time being at least, former United striker Cole has encouraged manager Louis van Gaal to put aside any differences with the keeper because the team "need him".

"I know David and know a lot of people who know him too. I've never heard any of them say a bad word against him. He's not greedy or snidey, nor argumentative or unprofessional. He never said that he didn't want to play for Manchester United - it's all good," Cole wrote in his Eurosport column.

"He's no good to United as a number two or playing in the Under-21s. Get him in the

team because United need him. I'm sure he'll be fine in playing for the club again.

He's one of the best two goalkeepers in the world and that's the bottom line. If you want to win football matches then you want him in your team."

Recent speculation has suggested that having seen his move to the Bernabeu collapse, De Gea may now consider extending his contract with United.

RSENAL still cannot compete with the spending of their Premier League rivals, according to former Gunners star Sol Campbell.

Petr Cech was Arsenal's only senior signing of the summer transfer window while Manchester City splashed out over £100 million on Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Nicolas Otamendi, Manchester United brought in six new faces and Chelsea acquired Pedro from Barcelona.

Having been frustrated in his search for an "exceptional player" in Karim Benzema and baulked at Southampton's asking price for Morgan Schneiderlin, boss Arsene Wenger opted instead to trust his current squad to compete for a first Premier League title since 2004.

And Campbell believes that his former club has neither the ability nor the financial resources to compete with their wealthiest domestic rivals.

"You can see they're in the market, trying to do a deal but sometimes it's almost too little, too late," Campbell told Omnisport . "That type of deal might need a few more days to get it going.

"You can't compete with

•De Gea

Cleverley out with ankle ligament injury

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•Campbell

them. Manchester United had to spend money [to return to the top of the Premier League] and it's not worth talking about Manchester City because they're in a different type of galaxy.

"It doesn't always bring you success though. The trouble with Arsenal is they've just got to get everyone fit. That's the trouble already - there's a few players out and we haven't got that depth."

VERTON midfielder Tom Cleverley faces a spell on the sidelines after damaging ankle ligaments, although his injury is not as serious as first feared.

England international Cleverley, 26, was carried off during the 0-0 draw at Tottenham on Saturday after a challenge with Eric Dier.

There was initially concern he may have suffered a broken bone.

"We have mixed feelings because we feared the worst when that challenge happened," said boss Roberto

Martinez.

"We thought it was a fracture and to have a fracture at this stage of the season would have been devastating for Tom because his form has been terrific.

"He has got ligament damage and the next step will be to see how long he is going to be out. But clearly it's good news from when we saw Tom falling to the ground."

Cleverley joined Everton from Manchester United on 1 July, having spent last season on loan at Aston Villa.

No pressure on Rodgers - Rush

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IVERPOOL great Ian Rush insists manager Brendan Rodgers is under no pressure despite his side's indifferent start to the season.

Rodgers' men suffered a 30 loss at home to West Ham on Saturday in what was their first defeat following an unconvincing start to the Premier League campaign.

Philippe Coutinho's stunning goal saw Liverpool past Stoke City, they needed luck to overcome Bournemouth and performed well in drawing at Arsenal before the West Ham loss.

But Rush said only Manchester City, who are top with a perfect record, had made a bright start and Rodgers was not yet under pressure.

"There's pressure on everyone now. If they beat West Ham, they'd be saying what a great start. It's amazing what one game can do," he said.

"Manchester United are in exactly the same position as Liverpool, Chelsea are worse. It's only Man City who have come out the blocks running.

•Rodgers "I don't think there's any pressure on Brendan. The job is to get it right. A big game against Manchester United [coming up] and hope everyone comes back fit and available [from the international break]."

Behind league leaders City on the table are a trio of surprise packets in Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Swansea City.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

GLO ADVISES SUPER EAGLES

Okagbare may run in Diamond League

Show your strength in Tanzania •Athletes jostle for US$40,000 N S PONSOR of Nigerian national teams, Globacom has advised the Super Eagles to embrace the new dawn inspired by the team’s new technical crew and show the stuff they are made of when they play the Tanzanian national team this weekend. Nigeria will trade tackles with Tanzania in a 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Dares Salaam.

Globacom, in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday, tasked the Super Eagles to ensure a victorious outing by defeating the Taifa Stars and picking the three points at stake to lead their group.

“It’s a crucial encounter from where the Eagles must emerge victorious and take the commanding position in the group,” Globacom said.

Egypt currently tops Group G with 3 points, but with superior goals having walloped Tanzania 3-0 in Cairo, while Nigeria, also with 3 points, occupies second place with two goals from the victory of Super Eagles over Chad in Kaduna in the first match.

“We believe that the stiff competition for shirts among the players introduced by Coach Sunday Oliseh would help to raise a formidable

squad that would make Nigeria's qualification for the Gabon 2017 finals a possibility,” the statement added, stressing, “the Match is a must-win for Nigeria.”

The Company further enjoined the Glo Premier League players in the Eagles’ squad to maximize the opportunity of the selection to

live up to the mark they have made on the domestic league by demonstrating that their selection was not a fluke.

“We strongly believe that the players in the Glo Premier League will not disappoint Nigeria, especially with the successes they have recorded in the camp since preparation began for this

match,” the statement further stated, while urging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) not to waver in its robust support for the team.

"At a time like this, all hands must be on deck to enable the Eagles beat Taifa Stars in their home,” the statement concluded.

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By Stella Bamawo Fraser-Pryce once in the series, taking the victory in Shanghai in 10.98s.Fraser-Pryce has since bounced back, winning her other races in the Diamond League in Eugene, Paris and Stockholm.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian athlete has also been tipped for a gold medal at the All Africa Games as Athletics commences September 13 in Congo Brazzaville In a chat with the NationSport, the Director of Sports of the Nigeria Security and Defense Corps (NSDC), Ayodele Titus, noted that Ivorian Murielle Ahouré seems to be the only rival for Okagbare in the women's 100 m race in Congo Brazzaville.

It would be recalled that Okagbare had returned a poor time in the women's 100m race at the just concluded IAAF World Athletics Championship in Beijing, China while she had pulled out of the 200m race at the last minute in Beijing due to hamstring injury.

Eagles struggle to stop Abuja College • Super Eagles and Al Ain forward, Emmanuel Emenike, (2nd left), returnee and former Nigeria junior international Lukman Haruna (right) and Eagles defender Godfrey Oboabona (left) leads other players in training ahead of Tanzania clash in Abuja on Wednesday PHOTO: NAN

FIBA Africa Zone three hails D’ Tigers’ AfroBasket win HE executive board of the FIBA Africa Zone Three yesterday sent a formal congratulatory message to the victorious D’ Tigers of Nigeria, following the team’s historic AfroBasket 2015 victory.

According to FIBA Africa Zone Three President, Col. Samuel Ahmedu (rtd), the victory of Nigeria is one worthy of celebration, given the fact that

IGERIA'S Blessing Okagbare has been listed as one of the top athletes in contention for the IAAF Diamond League slated for today in Zurich.

It is, however, still too early to confirm if Okagbare who is expected to be recuperating from a hamstring injury, would lock horns with four-time world champion and double Olympic champion, Shelly-Ann FraserPryce, who currently leads with 12 points ahead of Okagbare who is on eight points. Bronze medallist Tori Bowie (USA), and Fraser-Pryce’s three 4x100m cochampions are in the line-up for the race, as well.

Meanwhile, at stake are 16 Diamond Race titles, which comes with the magnificent Diamond Trophy and a winner-takes-all cheque for US $40,000.

However, Okagbare’s best hope for the trophy is for an outright victory against her strongest rival Fraser-Pryce which might indeed prove abortive.

Okagbare has only beaten

it is the country’s first ever in the annals of the championship.

He noted that divergence of opinion is good for any polity and where there is such divergence it should not be taken to a ridiculous level of hatred. “On a personal note, I congratulate D' Tigers and Nigeria for this win.

“It is hoped we can take advantage of this victory to

build our basketball and not waste it's goodwill like we did with our qualification for the 2012 Olympics. If we cannot build the local league and give the so called home-based players a sense of belonging, then our victory will be of no use. Again on behalf of the Executive Board of FIBA Africa Zone 3, I congratulate D'Tigers and Nigerians.”

The President and his Vice, Engr. Musa Kida who were in Tunisia for the AfroBasket 2015, noted that the executive board of FIBA Africa Zone Three Board is elated and proud of this championship win. “This is because the last time a team from Zone Three won the championship for men was in 1985, which was achieved by Cote d' Ivoire.”

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HE Super Eagles did not look like a team primed to beat Tanzania in Dar es Salaam this weekend as they struggled to beat Abuja Football College in a test game at the Abuja National Stadium on Wednesday.

The Eagles under new coach Sunday Oliseh struggled for cohesion and did not play the high tempo passing game the coach promised his team will play.

They will have to do a lot more if they are to get a result at the high altitude Dar es Salaam on Saturday afternoon.

The first set of players led by skipper Ahmed Musa paraded home boys Solomon Kwambe at right back and Usman

Mohammed in midfield.

They led by half time courtesy of a scrambled goal by Emmanuel Emenike, who led an attack that included Moses Simon prompted by a midfield packed with Rabiu Ibrahim.

Kenneth Omeruo partnered Troost-Ekong in the heart of the defence, just as they did against Chad in June in Kaduna.

For the second half, Godfrey Oboabona was skipper and this team scored twice. First through Antony Ujah and then Lukman Haruna.

Wolves of England goalkeeper Carl Ikeme looked safe in the Eagles goal with his imposing physique as he barked out commands to his defenders.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

RIPPLES POLICE ARREST TWO MASQUERADERS FOR ROBBERY –News

Beware you’ve just ARRESTED SPIRITS

LAWAL OGIENAGBON

VOL. 10, NO. 3326

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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ET’S forget about politics and politicians – just for a while. Let’s take our minds off the crashing oil prices and the battered Naira, the dizzying figures of the cash laid at the foot of the demon of corruption and the row sparked by President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointments, a harmless action that has been hijacked by ethnic warriors to feather their nest. Let’s turn our gaze off Sambisa to other forests that are as dreadful as that evil redoubt of the redoubtable Boko Haram terrorists. Just for a while.

I don’t expect you to hail me for raising the alarm: sexual crimes are on the rise. We all know this. What is unclear is: how many of us are worried? The stories range from those of deranged minds in mindless assault on minors, rape and sexual peccadilloes of celebrities. All in August.

I tried my all to ignore them all, but the subject kept coming up like the phoenix. How do we, in a family newspaper such as ours, deal with salacious matters, especially those bordering on concupiscence, eroticism and, in some cases, sheer rumpy pumpy, without offending the reader’s sensibility? How? Many homes have been broken since the shocking unveiling of the Ashley Madison adultery website. Some women, unable to stand the reality that their husbands could philander with other women, quit their marriages, hacked to marital death by those merciless hackers. There have been reports of suicide and company chiefs stepping down.

The revelations have been earth-shaking.

Now, Alabama has been described as the adultery capital of the United States after it was found to have the highest levels of credit card movements on the extra-marital cheating website among the 50 states. In the United Kingdom, Cambridge –yes, Cambridge, the university city - has the highest number of potential cheats. One in 20 of its adults, including many academic giants – men and women - are registered on the website.

What is the relationship between learning and technology for which Cambridge, home of a world famous university, is known and extra-marital indiscretions? I am sure researchers will soon let us into this amazing secret.

In South Africa, the police announced that a case of assault had been opened against a grandson of the late statesman, Dr Nelson Mandela. The young man had earlier been accused of raping a 15-year-old girl. He was allowed home on a R7,000 bail by a Johannesburg magistrate. He spent a week in custody.

A relation of the suspect denied rape. He said it was all consensual and that the girl was of age. Do rape victims always get justice?

Hardly. Any doubt is often resolved in the favour of the accused. The complainant is subjected to so much questioning that she would regret ever bringing up the matter. The burden of proof is often so heavy that cases get abandoned. The result is that many victims of rape would rather suffer in silence, sink into depression and, in some cases, take their own lives.

The other day at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, a female police officer and her lover, apparently seeking a way out of the regimental camp life of rigorous exercises, parades and examinations, went inside a parked car and

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘Jonathan and his men need not fear since they say they served the nation with all their hearts. This will be sweet music in the ears of the probe panels. They should go and sing it there’

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

•Editor of the Year (DAME)

Of love, lust and justice Of all these cases, none ‘ has been as sensational as carried on as if they were home in the bedroom. A senior officer on routine checks, a flash lamp in his hand, found a stationery car moving rhythmically. Curious, he decided to check.

And what a spectacle. An eyeful. He ordered the show stopped and subjected the panting actors to some grilling. Unable to take it anymore, the man, who claimed to be a police officer, fled the scene. His companion lost a rank for indecent conduct unbecoming of an officer.

Is that fair? Well, it is neither here nor there.

I waited for our army of women rights activists and Beijing champions to take up the matter and fight for the poor woman’s rank to be restored but they did not seem to be interested.

When does an unrestrained lustful desire become a crime? Is such an act done in the night in a car by two consenting adults and away from public glare an affront to public sensibility and decency? Isn’t this why our people say bodi no be wood? Is the police chief’s action not a brazen assault on the female police officer’s copulative rights and privileges? I really don’t know. Where are our legal experts?

In Anambra State, women of easy virtue went on the rampage, razing a market because the brothels in which they practise their trade in Amansea, Awka North Local Government, were demolished by the Urban Development Board, which claimed that the place was a haven for criminals. That was on August 14.

It has been suggested by some analysts that instead of taking the law into their hands, these women should have gone to court to demand damages. The question, however, remains: in

that of Mrs Emily Richard-Obire, who petitioned... To complain that Justice Olamide Oloyede of the Osun State Judiciary – remember her?...

’

what capacity? Do they have an association?

What will they tell the judge? Isn’t there a difference between human rights and the liberty to practise an illegal trade? Can they ever get justice?

Also in August, a University of Lagos (UNILAG) teacher was accused of raping an admission seeker. The university disowned the randy teacher who reportedly denied the accusation. The matter, I learnt, is still being investigated.

Of all these cases, none has been as sensational as that of Mrs Emily Richard-Obire, who petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to complain that Justice Olamide Oloyede of the Osun State Judiciary – remember her? Her Lordship was the one who petitioned the Assembly to impeach Governor Rauf Aregbesola had snatched her husband. An Ashley Madisonian stuff, the story attracted a flood of comments.

How? Her husband and Justice Olojede were co-habiting, she alleged and urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to issue a perpetual injunction restraining Justice Oloyede, her agents, privies, servants and others from snatching her husband.

Apparently realising the urgency of the matter, Chief Justice Mahmoud Mohammed asked Her Lordship to defend her integrity in 14 days. A source said she did with dispatch.

Did Her Lordship deny all the concubinary exploits ascribed to her by the petitioner?

I do not know yet how this matter will be

settled. As I said, it drew an avalanche of comments and an army of emergency experts – family lawyers, psychologists, psychoanalysts, physiologists and all manner of charlatans who have lunched into exotic theories on the matter of Her Lordship’s yet unproven concubinary adventure.

They have been asking: When does co-habitation become snatching? Can there be snatching without violence? Any sign of violence in this instance? Why will a man leave his family to warm a strange woman’s bed? What is the attraction? Is it normal? What is the other woman doing better – culinary adventurism? Copulative virtuosity? Erotomania? Mere romance?

Said Mrs Richard-Obire, a mother of four: “I have evidence that she has been addressing my husband as ‘my husband’ and my husband has been addressing her as ‘my beautiful wife’.”

It is incredible how this matter of co-habitation and all the corollary of such actions has been blown out of proportion, leaping straight out of the inner recesses of a home somewhere in a city to the streets where some strange rights activists have seized upon it as a weapon to fight their battle against Aregbesola – all because workers are owed salaries.

A hitherto unknown Civil Societies (sic) Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State joined the fray, nestling like a dutiful coach in Justice Oloyede’s corner. It suggested that the NJC was usurping the functions of a magistrate’s court by entertaining Mrs Richard-Obire’s petition. Her husband, said the coalition, is free to fall in bed –sorry, a slip there – in love with whomsoever he chooses. In fact, the fellows went on, the man had filed for divorce.

The activists added other details, which I would rather leave out here, again because this is a family newspaper.

The emergency experts, aforementioned, would also not rest. They keep probing. When does fantasy end, giving way to adultery? Is cohabitation adultery? What proof is Mrs RichardObire going to present – pictures of late night inner-room hot kisses or just a pat on the buttocks in the kitchen? Or the gentle touch on the chin? Does she have a video/audio evidence?

Has she been involved in some voyeurism?

A little bird tells me this story is just unfolding, waiting to blossom in typical kiss-andtell manner. For instance, we are yet to hear from Mr Obire, the man at the centre of all this.

What kind of man is he? Seductive? Quiet? Active? Handsome? Will the NJC summon him?

Will he be asked to choose either of the two women? If so, who will he like to go with?

Whichever way the NJC resolves this delicate matter, which those who know nothing about law and its practice said should have been left for a magistrate, our jurisprudence would have been richly enriched at the end of the day. It may well turn out that indeed, not only justice is blind, love also shares that attribute; it is blind.

C-o-u-r-t!.

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•Hardball is not the opinion

I

N managing the defeat of the old political order under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, the losers were not expected to accept their loss without attempts to romanticise their gone era. But even idealisation of the past should have limits and the voices of historical revision should also know their limits even if they don’t recognise their limitations.

Some former ministers in the Jonathan administration who jointly issued a statement on August 30 made revisional claims that fly in the face of the record. They said: “The improvements that have been noticed today in the power sector, in national security, and in social services and other sectors did not occur overnight. They are products of solid foundations laid by the same Jonathan administration.” If the failed administration demonstrably laid such “solid foundations”, does it suggest that Jonathan’s electoral ouster was misguided and undeserved?

The statement continued: “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.” Were the ex-ministers talking about the

of the columnist featured above HARDBALL Jonathan’s dubious defenders same administration known to have encouraged corruption premised on Jonathan’s famous defensive remark that “Stealing is not corruption”?

They added: “It was also the Jonathan administration that mobilised and secured the support of our neighbouring countries to ensure a robust multinational response to the menace of terrorism and insurgency, resulting in notable advancements in the fight against terror.” The “notable advancements” referred to must include the tragedy of over 200 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram terrorists over a year ago and who are still missing.

The former ministers blamed “the Muhammadu Buhari administration and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC)” for what they described as “an orchestrated and vicious trial by media…that discredits our honest contributions to the growth and development of our beloved nation.” Did they honestly mean “growth and development”?

In an implied admission of a degree of rotten-

ness that can be associated with the Jonathan administration, they said: “In addition, the Buhari administration should be fair enough to acknowledge the good work of the Jonathan administration. No administration can be either completely bad or completely good. President Jonathan’s achievements in moving this country to greater heights deserve to be duly acknowledged.” It is the height of illusion to claim that the discredited government took the country to “greater heights.” Clearly, the electorate graded the Jonathan administration as more bad than good.

In conclusion, Jonathan’s dubious defenders said: “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.” One question: Is it possible to rubbish a “legacy” that is rubbish?

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