September 04, 2015

Windfall for Oyo, Osun workers NEWS

Page 4

•Sept. pay row in Ekiti

Newspaper of the Year

•Army recalls 3,032 soldiers convicted for mutiny P4 •Tinubu mourns business mogul Deinde Fernandez P4 •DSS retires ex-spokesperson Ogar, 43 other officers P4 •Profit up 40% as UBA declares N7.2b interim dividend P54

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3327 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

14 die in tanker accidents on Lagos-Ibadan expressway •There is horror on the highways as trailers keep dropping their containers and fuel tankers spill their dangerous contents. Emergency workers are struggling to cope and Road Safety officials are battling for a clue.

•See pages 2 - 4

•The scene of an accident on the road...yesterday

P611 •INSIDE: $271,000 SEIZED AT LAGOS AIRPORT P9 THREE FEARED DEAD IN BALOGUN FIRE P6

Details of our assets, by Buhari, Osinbajo •SEE OTHER STORIES ON PAGES 6&60

President has two mud houses, 25 sheep, five horses

ALL THE ASSETS

•Less than N30m cash •One Union Bank account •Shares in Berger Paints, Union Bank and Skye Bank •Five homes in Daura, Kaduna and Abuja •Two plots of land in Kano and Port Harcourt •Farms, an orchard and a ranch •270 head of cattle, 25 sheep, five horses, birds, trees •Cars, two of which he bought from his savings and the others supplied to him by the federal govern ment in his capacity as former Head of State.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

N

IGERIANS got last night a rare view of the wealth of their leaders – President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The assets are as declared before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) on assumption of office on May 29.

The opening of the content of the declaration form with the CCB to the public is a fulfillment of the electoral promise made by the then All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates while contesting for the offices.

The President said he would within 100 days in office make public his assets after they might have been verified by the CCB. It will be 100 days tomorrow since the inauguration of the new government.

A statement released by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said: ”Documents submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) show that the retired General has indeed been living an austere and Spartan lifestyle, contrary to what many might expect of a former Head of State of Nigeria and one who has held a number of top government positions, such as governor, Minister of petroleum and the head of the Petroleum Development Trust Fund (PTDF).

“The documents submitWILL THE ted to the CCB, which offiCHIBOK GIRLS EVER cials say are still being vetRETURN? Continued on page 4

?

•President Buhari

ALL THE ASSETS

•N94m and $900,000 in his bank accounts •4-bedroom residence at Victoria Garden City, Lagos and a 3-bedroom flat at 2 Mosley Road, Ikoyi, a 2-bedroom flat at Redemption Camp and a 2-bed room mortgaged property in Bedford, England.

•Law firm, known as SimmonsCooper •Shares in Octogenerium Ltd., Windsor Grant Ltd., Tarapolsa, Vistorion Ltd., Aviva Ltd., MTN. •Infinity SUV, Mercedes Benz and a Prado Jeep.

•Vice President Osinbajo

•BRAND P13 •AGRIC P14 •INDUSTRY P17 •SPORTS P24 •POLITICS P43 •FOREIGN P59

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

2

NEWS

The evils trailers do live after them •Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle) presenting the Yoruba Statue to the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Trejo Sosa (left), at a dinner party organised by the State government for the Cuban envoy at Government House, Osogbo...on Wednesday. With them is the Deputy Head of the Cuban Commission to Nigeria, Mrs. Miriam Morales Palmero.

Unknown to many, more lives are lost to road crashes involving fuel tankers and articulated vehicles than to deadliest diseases including the dreaded HIV/AIDS scourge. OLUKORED YISHAU writes that truck accidents claimed more than 120 lives between March and July.

H

•From left: Head, Transaction Banking, Diamond Bank Plc., Rob Giles; Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Abuja, M. Olajide Ibrahim; Executive Director, Diamond Bank Plc., OladeleAkinyemi and Assistant Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alhaji A.S. Jibrin at a training on managing effective export desk in banks organised by Diamond Bank Plc. in Lagos.

•From left: Chairman, Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank Plc., Dr. Christopher Ezeh; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nnamdi Okonkwo; Executive Director, Shared Services, Alhaji A.S. Jibrin, longest serving female worker, Chijioke Ugochukwu and her male counterpart, Peter Maison at the unveiling of the New Fidelity Bank Logo in Lagos…yesterday.

From left: Marketing Manager, Intercontinental Distiller Limited, Mobolaji Alalade; No 1 distributor/Meridian Marketing chief, Joseph Ogoamaka Ugwoegbu; Managing Director,Patrick I Anegbe; General Manager, Audit, Umoren Akpan; National Sales Manager, Vincent Orhomre, at the company 's distributors’ award in Port Harcourt.

E was killed and his brains were scattered on the popular Iwo Road in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The calamity drew passers-by. His tattered dress flung on the road. This was the story of a commercial motorcyclist, known in local parlance as Okada rider.

The killer-trailer driver bolted into the thin air after leaving the remains of his victim, strewn on the road. His passenger was lucky to have jumped off the bike before the grim ripper bared its fang. She escaped with minor injuries. The deceased was later identified as Kehinde. Till date, his killer has no face but his conscience will be his torturer-in-chief.

Death came barely 24 hours to Kehinde’s child’s naming ceremony .

Instead of being the chief host, his remains lay cold at the Adeoyo State Hospital morgue, Yemetu in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The cold hands of death denied the little baby the opportunity of growing to know the father. He will be raised by a single parent, not as a result of divorce, but widowed by a reckless truck driver.

Since July when he was mowed down in his prime, smiles have been rare commodities in his home. It will take some time before his relatives get over the shock.

The relatives, colleagues and friends of Ebenezer Olanle, an Assistant Manager with Tell magazine, are still in shock more than a month after a trailer killed him in July. Olanle’s charm and wits endeared him to his colleagues and supervisors. He was crushed beyond recognition by a trailer after alighting from a bus at the Toll Gate, on Sango-Otta Road while returning home on the fateful night.

The trailer veered off the road and rammed into Olanle.

Kehinde’s and Olanle’s cases are proofs that statistics tell only a bit of the story of the evils that tanker and trailer drivers do. But, scary pictures they still paint.

Between March and now, no fewer than 200 lives have been lost to accidents, involving tankers and other articulated vehicles.

Not a few survivors live with various degrees of injuries and valuable properties gone in flames at the scenes of such accidents, taking along means of livelihoods.

Also in July, eight persons, including a student of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), were killed by a tanker driver at Ilaramokin, on the Akure-Ilesa Highway.

The AAUA student, identified as Tolulope Omojola, was a 400-level student of Chemical Science Department and also the President of the AAUA chapter of the Chemical Student’s Society of Nigeria.

In June, 12 students of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), AgoIwoye in Ogun State were killed by a reckless tanker driver, who was driving against traffic.

The tale has been sour in the last three years as tankers and trailers accounted for over 22 per cent of vehicles involved in road crashes.

A sizeable percentage of the victims of these crashes are within the productive age bracket, causing the economy significant losses.

To appreciate the situation more, forget the statistics and take trips to the homes of the families of those who died as a result of the crashes and the truth that the evils trailers do live after them make more meaning.

On Wednesday, 14 people died in two accidents on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Thirty were bruised and badly injured. The same number of people, including a toddler, died on August 26.

Months after it occurred, the families of Okechukwu Odinigwe and his wife, who were crushed by a trailer in Agu Awka, on the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, Anambra State, are yet to recover.

Aside the man and his wife, their eldest son also died. Three of their children – aged six months, four and seven years - escaped by the whiskers.

Like in the late Kehinde’s case, the driver also disappeared. The truck driver refused to heed the warning of those who flagged him down to reduce his speed. He eventually lost control and rammed into the Odinigwe’s car at a junction.

Anambra has recorded its fair share of the tragedies. A petrol tanker fire in Onitsha claimed about 70 lives in the commercial city in May.

The drivers also cry too The victims of the tanker menace also include the drivers themselves. In eight months, 45 of them died in road crashes. The National President of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Aches Igwe, blamed the deaths on poor state of the roads. He, however, admitted that some of the accidents were avoidable.

He said: “We are passing through bad roads and several other dangers on the roads. Tears came down the eyes of membership of this union recently because between January and now, we have lost about 45 drivers.

So, we cannot fold our hands to watch this tragedy continue to happen to us.”

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has been trying to curb the tanker drivers’ menace. On August 13, no fewer than 40 truck drivers were arrested in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital for driving with expired tyres, non usage of reflective kits, as well as driving with fake licences. The agency has also moved its ‘Operation Scorpion’ from state to state, trying to instill discipline in tanker drivers.

The FRSC is also organising training sessions across the country for drivers.

Its Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Officer Boboye Oyeyemi said the training was part of the Corps’ efforts to curtail accidents involving tanker and trailers.

He said: “This is basically one of the efforts of the Corps under its present leadership to ensure that our roads are safe, and that the rate of road accidents involving tanker drivers is reduced to the barest minimum.

“This exercise is not just about their

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

3

NEWS

GOS A scene of a trailer crash at Anthony, Ikorodu Road, Lagos.

• LA LAGOS

GOS A fuel tanker on its side after spilling its contents at Oloosa, • LA LAGOS Mushin, Lagos...last week.

•ABIA ABIA The scene of an accident involving a truck and other vehicles in Aba, Abia State...yesterday.

AD AN The 11 vehicles burnt at the scene of an auto crash at Ojoo in Ibadan, Oyo State • IB IBAD ADAN

•LA LAGOS LA GOS A truck blocking a lane after falling on its side on the Osodi-Apapa Expressway in Lagos

•ABIA ABIA The scene of the accident involving a truck and tricycles in Aba, Abia State... yesterday

•LA LAGOS LA GOS The scene of an accident in which a container fell off a moving truck and landed on two cars at Ojuelgbathe Ojuelegba...on Wednesday. PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS, DAUDA OLUWAKEMI AND SUNNY NWANKWO

training alone, but we are also going to do free medical check-up, including eye test and blood sugar test on every one of them this is necessary because some of them are sick without knowing it, some are suffering from all of these ailments as well as high blood pressure without knowing this, simply because, they don’t make out time to check themselves up, and the crisis associated with these could hit them on wheel on the highway and an accident will occur.”

Another way the FRSC seeks to bring sanity to the road is introduction of the speed limiter, which became effective on Tuesday.

The FRSC insisted: “The September

1, the implementation of speed limiters in all trailers and tankers in this country will begin, and we are going to enforce it to the later.

“So, it is expected that by September 1, drivers and owners of this category of vehicles would have fixed this device in their vehicle or forget about plying them on the road.”

No fewer than 537 drivers of heavy duty vehicles were arrested and prosecuted for reckless driving between July 27 and 31.

The traffic offenders, who comprise tanker and trailer drivers were said to have been nabbed on the LagosIbadan Expressway in the course of a special patrol code named “Operation

Scorpion”.

FRSC Zonal Commander, Assistant Corps Marshal Nseobong Akpabio said: “The recent death, pain and suffering brought on Nigerians from havocs caused by falling tankers laden with fuel and unsecured container carrying trucks have become an embarrassment to the nation, hence the need to address it squarely.

“So, 537 drivers were apprehended based on the designed objectives of ‘Operation Scorpion’ special patrol which was to optimally deploy the human and material resources available to the corps to ensure compliance to traffic rules.

“These drivers who have been

dubbed by many Nigerians as ‘killers on the way’ were all prosecuted at various mobile courts in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states.

“They were arrested for violation of various traffic offences such as trucks moving with unsecured containers, lane indiscipline, rickety vehicles, over loading, driving with worn out tyres and driver’s license violation.

“Personnel drawn from all FRSC formations along the corridor from the Lagos Sector Command headquarters to Ojota Unit Command, Lagos; Mowe, Sagamu, Ogere and Ogunmakin Unit commands, all in Ogun State and finally, FRSC operatives from Oyo State coordinated by

the Oyo Sector Commander with operation base on Oluyoye Unit Command.

“The Corps Marshal and Chief Executive Boboye Oyeyemi who led the National Headquarters team also participated in the exercise from Lagos to Ibadan.”

The crashes may not drive home the point well; the statistics may not amount to much but the reality dawns when the victim is a blood relation, friend or colleague. For observers, it is time these articulated vehicles crashes were curbed before they cripple the country. ‘Operation Scorpion’ sure needs to bite harder.

•More stories on page 63

4

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

NEWS 14 die in tanker accidents on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

F

OURTEEN persons died and many others were injured at Ogunmakin on the Lagos - Ibadan expressway in two crashes.

The crash on Wednesday night, involved a trailer carrying 27 people as well as cows and another trailer with registration number XE 444 KTU. Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), Ogun state Command officials and the police battled for hours to rescue the victims, a witness told

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

The Nation.

According to Ndidi Frederick-Imo, Deputy Route Commander and AG Zonal Public Education Officer of the FRSC, 20 persons were injured and rescued alive; 10 others were confirmed dead at the Ifeoluwa Hospital in Ogunmakin.

Another accident, which Continued on page 60

Boko Haram kills five in Borno

G •Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (right), welcoming the Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Bature Masari, during a visit to the Vice President by SMEDAN executives at the Presidential Villa in Abuja…on Wednesday. With them is Deputy Director, Policy Advocacy and Coordination of PHOTO: NAN SMEDAN, Mr Monday Ewans (left).

Ebonyi, Osun, Niger get N43b CBN bailout loans

B

ANKS have credited three more states with the bailout loans they applied for to enable them to pay workers’ outstanding salaries.

Sources at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which guaranteed the loans, told our correspondent in Abuja that Osun, Ebonyi and Niger states had cleared the hurdles.

Other states will get their own loans as soon as documentation is perfected.

Twenty-seven states are to

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja, Jeremiah Oke, Ibadan and Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

get N338billion as loans to be repaid over 20 years at nine per cent interest. The loan is basically to enable them pay the outstanding workers’ salaries.

Osun’s share is N34.988billion. Ebonyi’s is N4.063b and Niger has N4.306b.

Kwara and Zamfara states were the first set of states to

receive their loans.

The CBN source said “documentation from other states is being finalised before the release of the loans”.

As part of the conditions, each state government is to negotiate an agreeable interest rate with its bank, but the CBN has provided a soft landing for the states to repay the loans in 20 years just like the restructured commercial debts the Debt Management Office (DMO) converted to local bonds to help the states reduce their debt-ser-

vice outflow and free resources for meeting other obligations, particularly arrears of salaries and pensions.

Last week, the CBN approved that Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) should lend money to some states to pay salary arrears owed their workers.

The CBN said it granted the approval following the request by DMBs “to provide financial accommodation to state governments to enable them pay the backlog Continued on page 60

Details of our assets, by Buhari, Osinbajo Continued from page 1

ted and will soon be made public, show that prior to being sworn in on May 29, President Buhari had less than N30 million to his name. He also had only one bank account, with the Union Bank.

President Buhari had no foreign account, no factory and no enterprises.

“He also had no registered company and no oil wells.

“The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) who had been a successful

lawyer before his foray into politics declared a bank balance of about N94 million and 900,000 United States Dollars in his bank accounts.

“President Buhari declared however that he had shares in Berger Paints, Union Bank and Skye Bank.

“This is entirely unlike what one might expect from a former head of state of a country like Nigeria.

“The documents also revealed that President Buhari had a total of five homes, and two mud houses in Daura.

He had two homes in Kaduna, one each in Kano, Daura and in Abuja. One of the mud houses in Daura was inherited from his late older sister, another from his late father.

He borrowed money from the old Barclays Bank to build two of his homes.

“President Buhari also has two undeveloped plots of land, one in Kano and the other in Port Harcourt. He is still trying to trace the location of the Port Harcourt land.

“In addition to the homes

in Daura, he has farms, an orchard and a ranch. The total number of his holdings in the farm include: 270 head of cattle, 25 sheep, five horses, a variety of birds and a number of economic trees.

“The documents also showed that the retired General uses a number of cars, two of which he bought from his savings and the others supplied to him by the federal government in his capacity as former Head of State.

The rest were donated to him

UNMEN believed to be Boko Haram elements yesterday killed five villagers on a raid in Borno state village Mainari.

A military counter attack followed which lasted about an hour.

Six people were injured while fleeing the attack in Mainari, 20 km southeast of Maiduguri, the state capital, according to two armed civilian volunteers who helped the military repulse the attackers.

On Monday evening, sus-

pected Boko Haram gunmen on horseback killed about 24 people in two separate village attacks in the state.

In Cameroon’s north which borders Nigeria, no fewer than 10 people were killed and 100 injured yesterday when a bomb went off near an army camp where soldiers were battling Boko Haram fighters.

Army and police sources said another blast hit a market. Both blasts were suspected to have been carried out

by Boko Haram members.

Army reinstates 3,032 soldiers

L

UCK smiled on 3,032 soldiers yesterday.

There were resinstated to their jobs after being convicted by military courts for various offences.

In all, 5,000 were convicted, but only the 3,032 were lucky.

The reinstatement followed a recommendation by a military screening committee set up to review cases against the soldiers.

The officers and men were handed varying terms of imprisonment or outright dismissal for offences ranging

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

from Absence Without Official Leave (AWOL), insubordination, indiscipline and theft among others.

Army Public Relations Acting Director Col. Sani Usman, who broke the news at a briefing in Abuja, said some of the convicted soldiers had their sentences upheld by the committee.

Col. Usman added that in some cases, the screening committee even made an upward Continued on page 60

DSS sends Ogar, 43 others on compulsory retirement

T

HE Department of State Services (DSS) has sent its former spokesperson, Ms. Marilyn Ogar and 43 other senior officials, including two directors, on compulsory retirement.

A signal from the leadership of the DSS, issued Wednesday night, confirmed the development but did not reveal the

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

identities of other officers affected by the exercise.

Ms Ogar was promoted Deputy Director alongside 44 others in the twilight of the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

But the new administration Continued on page 60

Continued on page 60

Tinubu mourns business mogul Dehinde Fernandez

T

RIBUTES continued yesterday for frontline bussinessman and diplomat Oladeinde Fernandez.

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the late Chief Fernandez’s humaness.

In a statement he personally signed, Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State, said: “I recall, with pride, the gargantuan and extensive contributions of Ambassador Chief Antonio

•What I gained from him, by daughter

By Seun Akioye

Oladeinde Fernandez – who recently transited from this earth to humanity, Africa and Nigeria.

While the news of Ambassador Fernandez’s passing was received with shock, his fulfilling and well-lived life, extraordinary personal achievements and unparalleled selfless and humanitarian contributions serve to take the edge away from the regrets and sadness felt at the

news of his passing.

“As a Nigerian, an African and a member of the community of peace-loving, industrious and humane citizens of the world, I pay homage to the memory of a worthy son of Nigeria whose life and times bear testimony to the noble and enviable heights to which men of all creed and colour may aspire.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

The late Chief Fernandez’s daughter Mrs. Teju Phillips, spoke yesterday on her special relationship with her father, in this interview.

Where were you and how did you receive the news of the death of your father, Chief Dehinde Fernandez?

I was here in Nigeria; I just got back from seeing him in the hospital. I saw him on the bed and you know when you have a loved one, you don’t really want to see him die, I just saw sickness and I knew my father, a strong man, he will get over whatever is there. He was still bubbly in his voice and very sound, so I just thought everything will be alright one day.

So when I came back, I was getting news of the progress of his health, but two or three days before he died, I had been really sad, even before I got the news, I was already crying, so when it came, I was wailing in the house.

I thank God, that I had a few days of beautiful memories with him.

YESTERDAY’S ERROR The second key programme to fight the anti-poverty battle in the second paragraph of the lead story of yesterday’s edition should have read Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) and not Conditional Crash Transfer. The error is regretted.

What were your fondest memories of him?

There are so many, do I want to talk about the time he took me abroad to school or the time he would take me to the jewelers or the time he would bash me to tears.

Why would he bash you, were you very naughty while growing up?

Even as an adult, I am talking about two or three months before he died, he still spoke to me like a little girl, to him I was still his daughter. But he prepared me very well for life, so for the fond memories, it was packed full of so many things. Nobody would know the extent of the love he had for me in those tough days, I guess most of us his kids, we are like him, tough too.

Chief Fernandez has been described as a very flamboyant man, there was a picture of him dressed in animal skin with two tigers in front of him, yet you described him as a man who had no drama around him?

Yes, no drama. He was a genuine person, when I said drama,

it means pretensions, no, he was a real man, he was happy with himself; he says it as it is, no drama. It is either you like it or you don’t like it.

What were the lessons and values he impacted in you while growing up?

The discipline is that, you must appreciate the value of money; you must learn to spend and keep money. And he was quite tough, you don’t get everything you want, no, excuse me.

But he had his own way of spoiling us.

How was that?

Like he will just decide if a thing is good for you, he will give you more than you expect, for example if I say I want to do a project and he believes you are going to succeed in that project, he supports you more than you ever expect and if he believes that that thing you want to do, there is no end to it, forget it, he Continued on page 60

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

5

NEWS NLNG seeks robust partnership with Rivers govt

N •Wike performing the ground breaking of the NLNG Headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Tax collection in Africa rising

P

RELIMINARY statistics on the 2015 African Capacity Report (ACR) released yesterday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia showed that there were significant improvements in revenue collection over the last decade (20062015) in Nigeria and 44 other African countries.

But despite the cheering news, the report said effective mobilisation of domestic resources in the 45 countries under review faced significant challenges.

Executive Secretary of African Capacity Building Foundation Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie, who led discussions on the preliminary report at the 24th Annual Meeting of ACBF Board of Governors in the Ethiopian capital, said the challenges included high capacity constraints and low tax collection efforts.

Nnadozie stressed that be-

From Bola Olajuwon, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

tween 45 per cent and 50 per cent of the 45 countries surveyed required “very high needs in building institutional and human capacity in almost all areas critical to ensuring effective and sustainable domestic resource mobilisation (DRM)”.

He said the affected countries must train experts and workers in tackling illicit financial flows, revenue collection, fiscal sustainability, strengthening of the financial sector, fighting against corruption as well as social security and safety nets.

The report showed that in 27 of the 45 countries covered by ACR 2015, DRM between 1996 and 2010 was low.

This, it said, was due to a narrow tax base; tax erosion due to high levels of capital flight, weak capacity within the tax administration and the inabili-

ty to deal with illicit financial flows.

Preliminary findings also showed that the level of taxpayers’ trust in the tax system was low in 89 per cent of the countries surveyed.

The high proportion of fiscal exemptions extended to investors contributed to tax erosion – 97 per cent of the countries surveyed had tax exemptions dedicated to investors, according to ACR. The African countries surveyed, the report said, also failed to see the value of adhering to platforms as the African Tax Administration Forum – the first platform for exchange between tax authorities, launched in 2009 or the Collaborative African Budget Reform Initiatives (72 per cent of surveyed countries are nonmembers).

The report said a key element for successful DRM must start

with “an effective and visionary, committed and accountable leadership that sets the right tone at the top”.

“Governments must be in the forefront in developing requisite capacities. In the short term, capacity building initiatives should focus on the ways and means to broaden the tax base by, for example, removing unnecessary tax preferences, dealing with transfer pricing abuses and taxing extractive industries fairly and transparently; the conduct of training to develop or improve the skills of workers involved in DRM-related issues.

“There is need to mobilise internal resources to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063, although this does not mean that Africa should not mobilise external resources as well.”

Why Nigeria’s unity can’t be compromised, by Mark

F

ORMER Senate President, Senator David Mark, yesterday said that for the country to experience peace and development, Nigerians must continue to demonstrate strong sense of commitment to the unity of the country.

Senator Mark stated this when he addressed members of the 3rd Regular Course of the Nigeria Defence Academy Alumni Association who met in Abuja yesterday.

He insisted that the unity of the country in the face of its diversity cannot be compromised regardless of the challenges facing the nation.

The former Senate President,

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor, Abuja

who is the Chairman of the 3rd Regular Course NDA Alumni Association, noted that the body is a non-political assemblage that was borne out of the need to oversee the welfare of members and their families.

He said: “This is an annual event, which is like a ritual now, and the date of September 3, is fixed permanently in our diaries.

“The 3rd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy Alumni Association is a nongovernmental association, as well as a non-political one.”

He further explained that the

annual meeting is intended to be a platform for the reunion of all members, as well as a means of ensuring collective advancement of the association.

Mark also maintained that the essence of the annual reunion was designed to be a programme that focuses primarily on the welfare of widows and children of deceased colleagues.

“We’ve been able to keep this going to ensure that we look after the welfare of our own colleagues and families as much as we can. But most importantly I think it it about the reunion that brings us and our families together,” While thanking all members for making out time to attend

•Mark

this year’s reunion event, he urged the retired military officers to be patriotic citizens of Nigeria, adding that they must do all within their powers to keep the nation united.

IGERIA Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited is seeking a robust partnership with Rivers State on the protection of its staff and assets.

Speaking at a ground breaking ceremony of its head office on Wednesday, in Port Harcourt, its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Babs Omotowa, said without Rivers State government’s support, it would be difficult for the company to accomplish the laudable achievements it was known for.

He said: “Any negative impact to our people and assets would hamper our ability to deliver on our obligations to our buyers and adversely affect the value we bring to government revenue.

“Our relationship with Rivers State represents a unique partnership between government and a corporate giant, coming together for a shared purpose: to impact in the most positive way possible a better Rivers State and Nigeria.

“Today, by this groundbreaking to erect our new head office, we make an unequivocal statement, that Nigeria LNG Limited is a partner with the people of Rivers State in the sustainable development of the state and its people.Our resolve in 2010 to relocate NLNG’s head office to Port-Harcourt right next to its support base was and still is a business decision. It made

good business sense to be in close proximity to our worldclass plant located across the river in Bonny. It also made sense to be closer to the people and over hundred and ten (110) pipeline communities whose activities have a direct impact on our company’s ability to deliver liquefied natural gas (LNG) and natural gas liquids (NGLs) to many locations around the world,” he added.

Omotowa assured the Rivers State government of continued support through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.

He said: “We continue to support the government in building capacity and empowering its people through various scholarship awards across secondary and tertiary levels of education and, more recently, through our support for the University of Port Harcourt to upgrade its engineering laboratory. The upgrade comes at a cost of $2 million.”

Governor Nyesom Wike said: “On our part, we promise to provide you with the support you may need to secure the construction site and ensure that work goes on smoothly. We appreciate NLNG for the various intervention projects the company is undertaking in its host communities especially on Bonny Island.”

The governor also hailed NLNG for its Train 7 expansion project.

Fed Govt ‘won’t’ evict IDPs in FCT From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

T

HREE agencies of the Federal Government have assured internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, that they will not be forcefully evicted from their camps until the government permanently resettles them.

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Bem Angwe, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammed Sani Sidi and Director, Internal Security, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Isaac Idu gave this assurance in Abuja on Thursday.

They spoke at a meeting of a committee set up to address the plight of IDPs in the FCT, including facilitating their proper resettlement.

The committee chaired by Lambert Oparah of the NHRC presented a draft report of their activities so far, which a meeting of stakeholders, comprising of representatives of relevant government agencies, will consider in their bid to finding solution to the challenges being experienced by IDPs with no officially designated camps.

Angwe said from interaction with the IDPs, most of them were willing to return to their home towns. He said it was the responsibility of the relevant government agencies to help facilitate the return of the IDPs to the home, and ensure they are properly resettled.

Sidi, who corroborated Angwe’s position, said his agency was ready to work with the NHRC and other related agencies in ensuring the rights of the IDPs are not violated.

“We will ensure their safe return to their home states in dignified manner. They will not be forcefully evicted from their current camps, but will be help to relocate,” Sidi said.

Team Nigeria chases title as 11th African Games begins in Brazzaville

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HE quadrennial African Games will return to its birthplace when the 11th edition of the multisports championship begins today in Brazzaville with over 15,000 athletes from 54 countries compete for laurels in 22 sports.

The opening ceremony will witness the display of the rich culture of the Central African nation. According to the organisers, there will be scientific and cultural activities, which was kick-started on Tuesday to welcome participants to the African version of the modern

By Adeyinka Adedipe and Olalekan Okusan

Olympics.

This edition marks the 50th anniversary of the Games, as well as its return to Brazzaville, which hosted the maiden edition in 1965.

To host a befitting championship, modern sport infrastructure have been built at Kintele, a northern suburb of Brazzaville, while the Congolese government has invested more than CFA 400 billions in the tournament, which is a celebration of youth and excellence.

Also, some sports infrastructure have also been restored such as Ornano Stadium, the complex Omni sport of Ouenze, University and Sport Centre of Makelekele, Massamba Debat Stadium where the first edition of the Games took place.

The organisers said they were expecting 80, 000 supporters each day in different sites and it is expected to be followed by 200 million television viewers across the globe.

Since the inception of the games in 1965, Egypt has dom-

inated the tournament having emerged overall winner six times, while South Africa won it thrice with Tunisia claiming the title once in 1978.

Nigeria’s participation in the tournament dated back to 1965 and the best outing recorded by its contingent was in 1965, 1973, 1978 and 2003 when the team finished second.

At the maiden edition, 29 countries competed for honours in 14 sports with over 2500 athletes. This year, there has been in improvement in the number of participating countries and events. In 2011,

53 countries competed in 20 sports, while this year, 54 nations will jostle for laurels in 22 events.

Nigeria’s 544-man contingent will compete in 20 sports which include athletics, football, basketball, wrestling, judo, boxing, swimming, badminton, table tennis and tennis. Others are weightlifting, taekwondo, karate, handball, gymnastics, cycling, volleyball, fencing, para powerlifting, and para athletics.

Before Team Nigeria departed for Congo, President Mohammadu Buhari charged the

team not to drop below the second position. However, it is looking unlikely as the team has been hit with series of withdrawal with Blessing Okagbare also announcing her withdrawal yesterday.

The first batch of Nigerian athletes, who got to Brazzaville on Sunday, are already training for their respective events.

The technical director the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) and the basketball coach, Sani Ahmed confirmed to NationSport that their players were in top shape and ready to win laurels for the country.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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NEWS

Bulletproof cars: EFCC urges court to dismiss Oduah’s suit

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to dismiss a suit by a former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah, seeking to stop her invitation for interrogation for the purchase of bulletproof cars.

It filed a notice of preliminary objection to the suit, contending that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain it.

Justice Mohammed Yunusa, on August 26, barred the commission from arresting Oduah until her suit is determined.

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 questioning the former minister.

EFCC, in its preliminary objection, said besides the lack of jurisdiction, there was no valid basis for the action.

According to the anti-graft

By Joseph Jibueze

agency, the suit was wrongly filed in Lagos because the subject matter took place in Abuja.

EFCC said Oduah’s claims were baseless and speculative as there was no concrete evidence that she was about to be questioned.

It added that the senator did not show enough material fact to justify her claim that she was about to be invited or arrested.

The commission urged the court to reject Oduah’s suit for lacking in merit.

Oduah, in her suit, justified the 2013 purchase of two bullet-proof BMW cars by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The vehicles were said to have cost N255million, an amount that sparked outrage.

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 bullet proof 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.

She said the respondents would be doing the bidding of her political enemies if they are 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 she was shocked by the allegations because the Aviation Ministry under her watch was run in the cleanest manner imaginable.

The former minister said de-

spite her selfless service to Nigeria and the positive 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 government-controlled 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.

Osinbajo: how Nigeria can match advanced world

•Osinbajo

V

ICE President Yemi Osibajo has a wellstructured small and medium scale industry was the way to go if the economy must be developed and catch up with the advanced world.

Osinbajo spoke yesterday during a briefing session in his office in Abuja by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), led by its Director-General, Alhaji Bature Masari.

He said: “No country develops without vibrant small and medium enterprises. It is the base for commerce and industry. We need to scale up. We must design a strategy that allows us to create an impact with the people. This is what the big nations of the world are doing. Naturally, Nigerians have commercial inclinations. The problem is the absence of capacity building. People have ideas, but cannot execute these ideas, some are even lacking in bookkeeping.

“If we can focus on the mar-

ket women, for instance, and help them build their businesses by training them and arming them with basic business skills, there will be impact, and a positive effect on their value chain.

“We need to focus on the underserved, so that a robust economy can be created. We have 110 million extremely poor people in Nigeria. Take a look at the artisans. We can give them vocational training, which can lead to a certification process and in turn improve their businesses and lives. After which, they can hire more hands and get others out of poverty as well. We need peopleoriented focus.”

Masari outlined the plans of SMEDAN to attract more investment and funding to the SMEs and the frustrations it had encountered. One of them was advising the past administrations to set aside certain taxes on imported items to be used to fund local SMEs. The Vice President also received the executive members of the Northern Reawakening Forum, led by its Chairman, Mohammed Kumalia. The Forum leaders said they were visiting the Vice President because he had shown deep concern for the victims of the insurgency in the Northeast and had visited and interacted with them.

•From left: Executive Director, Soft Alliance and Resources Limited, Mr. Feyi Agagu; Badejo; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NPA, Mr. Olumide Oduntan; Abdullahi; Executive Director, Marine and Operations, David Omonibeke at the unveiling of the fully Integrated Revenue Invoicing Management System in Lagos...on Wednesday.

NPA introduces system to block leakages, improve revenue

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HE Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) has introduced a system to block leakages and improve revenue.

The system is known as Revenue Invoicing Management System and Customer Portal.

Its Managing Director, Habib Abdullahi, on Wednesday said the authority embarked on it to further improve port business and make it attractive for users.

He spoke in Lagos at the un-

veiling of the portal.

He said: “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 real-time, with higher availability and

flexible architecture.”

The company behind the portal, Soft Alliance and Resources Limited, described its introduction as a pragmatic move that would promote efficiency and enhance transparency in the organisation.

Its Managing Director, Mr. Tunde Badejo, expressed his delight while speaking with reporters.

He said: “From any angle one chooses to look at it, the Revenue Invoicing Manage-

ment System and Customer Portal will bring revenue to the country, block leakages and promote efficiency. Soft Alliance and Resources Limited is excited to work with NPA on this, having seen the vision long ago that the way to build a new Nigeria is through innovative ideas that will make us be part of a global revolution. As a people, we must support the clamour for change and buy into President Buhari’s developmental approach.”

Sani, Marwa hail Buhari on federal appointments

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ENATOR Shehu Sani, representing Kaduna Central and former military administrator, Gen Buba Mohammed Marwa were on the same page yesterday on the appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The duo said those reading ethnic meanings to federal appointments got it wrong, as the ability to deliver, rather than filling quota in public office was the guiding principle.

Sani, a civil rights activist, urged Nigerians to judge President Buhari on the moral standing and capacity of those he appointed into

public office rather than looking at religious and ethnic identity.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday, the senator appealed to critics to help the President build “a tower of change” by clearing the rot bequeathed by the previous government.

Tracing the upsurge in attacks on the President to sentiments rather than substance, he described as unfortunate that every issue in the country had to be subjected to ethnic interpretation.

According to him, the concern raised by the people of the Southeast on the appointment, though genuine, credi-

ble and needed to be looked into, the agitation should not allowed to be exploited by “spent forces, vultures and political dinosaurs.”

The lawmaker said as a man who fought the civil war and staked his life for the unity and peace of the country, President Buhari “needs no lecture or homilies on nationalism.”

He said: “It is sad and most unfortunate that every issue in Nigeria has to go through the process of ethnic interpretation or religious translation or sectional categorisation and at the end sapped of its moral taste.

“It is sad and unfortunate

that with over a century after amalgamation and over five decades of political independence, some Nigerians still view our union as an incest; capitalising on every mundane issue to question its morality.

“President Buhari is neither ‘a northern President’ nor ‘King of the North’. Among those on a smear campaign against the President are notorious ethnic irredentists, chauvinists and jingoistic politicians.

“We must collectively safeguard our unity and defend our democracy from the verbal raid and oral onslaught of retrogressive forces

against the currents of change.”

Marwa, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, praised the appointment of Babachir David Lawal, an engineer, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

A statement by his aide, Bello Zubairu, quoted the former Borno and Lagos State military administrators as saying that Lawal’s appointment “is not only a plus to his tribe or state or the North but to the country.”

He described the new SGF as a thorough-bred party

loyalist and philanthropist with great contacts across Nigeria.

The statement reads: “His life as an accomplished businessman, a pastor, his military background will in no little way ensure high level of discipline and impact positively on his duties as SGF. “Lawal is a fair, straightforward and honest man who is not a yes man. He will, no doubt, bring new sense of direction into office and as engine room of government, we are sure the president will get honest advice and as such policies will be well implemented and properly monitored.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

7

NEWS Lawyer arraigned for alleged forgery

Workers disagree with Fayose B on debt profile

ARELY 20 hours after meeting with Governor Ayo Fayose, Ekiti State civil servants have rejected his position on the state’s indebtedness.

They demanded their outstanding September 2014 salaries, leave bonuses for 2014 and 2015, unpaid deductions and pensioners’ entitlements.

Acting under the aegis of the Enlightened Workers’ Forum (EWF), the workers described Fayose’s claim on the indebtedness as “deceitful, bogus and dubious”, saying the debt claim was being exaggerated for alleged sinister motives.

The governor met the workers on Wednesday at the Abiodun Adetiloye Hall of the Trade Fair Complex, Ado Ekiti.

He told the workers that the state was bogged down by “huge debt” incurred by the last administration.

Fayose, whose meeting followed the workers’ agitation that the government should access the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) bailout funds, said he would leave the final decision to the civil servants, as the facility would plunge Ekiti into another debt commitment for the next 20 years.

He said: “They say they are restructuring N18.8billion of our commercial loans and with the nine per cent interest, by the time the money is repaid in 20 years, we would have paid an extra N36 billion as interest and this means the N18billion would have become N56billion.”

But EWF in a statement yesterday by its coordinator, Mike Bamidele, accused the governor of deceiving them and the public on the debt profile, saying workers

•’Pay us September 2014 salary, leave bonus’ From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

would no longer tolerate excuses on the non-payment of September 2014 salaries, leave bonuses and unpaid deductions.

It said: “Although his claims on the total wage bill, loan servicing and allocations to the state have been doubtful, the Nigerian Tribune of August 13, which published the June allocations to the federal, states and local governments shared in July, only threw more light on it.

“This publication was revealing, as it exposed the misinformation of the public by Fayose on the position of the debt owed by the state and what goes into debt servicing.

“The publication was reminiscent of the popular Yoruba adage that ‘if falsehood has gone for 20 years, it will take just one day for the truth to catch up with it’.

“It is certain that the controversies over what the state owes and the amount being used to service it has been put to rest, as the debt has been put at about N48 billion, which of course is the cumulative figure of Ekiti State debts over the years, even beyond the four years of the exGovernor Kayode Fayemi’s administration and the loan repayment, at N523 million.

“We now know who the liar is between Governor Fayose and his predecessor. The publication has exposed Fayose, having gone on air on July 30 to deceive the people

that he only got N2.4billion for the month.

“He was sweating and more or less swearing on the TV that day, saying he would still have to augment this amount with a loan of N200million for him to pay the salaries for July, when in fact, he collected N4.861billion.

“What accrued to the state and the 16 local governments for June was N7.998billion, because the latter got a net total of N3.13billion.

“The disturbing aspect of this issue is that anytime there was an exposure of the antics of Fayose, either in the newspapers or electronic media, the governor would rush to his Ekiti Radio to dispute it and attribute same to the opposition, even when the source was authentic and undisputable. This same scenario played out on the publication in question, as he asked Ekiti people to ignore it.

“We are using this medium to urge Ekiti people to watch out and be vigilant, as

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

A •Fayose

two heavy allocations will get to the state in a few days.

We are expecting the CBN bailout of N9.6 billion and a huge allocation for July, as the three tiers of government will share N511 billion.

“Otherwise, the ore mekunu (friend of the poor) will turn round to tell us he only collected N2 billion and N1.5 billion.

“We disagree with the governor on the wage bill of N2.6billion he has persistently presented to the people of Ekiti State because the last government, which had greater responsibilities, only paid N2.5billion wage.”

Politician’s death: Two officers suspended

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WO police inspectors, who were allegedly involved in the death of a 50-year-old chieftain of the Accord, Mrs. Ronke Adelugba, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, were yesterday suspended by the command.

The officers, Mr. Oladipupo Fabunmi and Haruna Idris, were among the 10 who allegedly invaded Mrs. Adelugba’s home at 1, Akinyemi Street, off Ijoka Road, Akure while searching for suspected hoodlums.

The policemen were accused of hitting the deceased

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

with a gun in the chest.

Outgoing Police Commissioner Isaac Eke told reporters at the command’s headquarters in Akure that the action was taken to ensure the case was not swept under the carpet.

Eke, who has been posted to Abuja, said the command was waiting for the autopsy to ascertain the cause of the death.

He said: “Ten policemen in two patrol vehicles from Oda Divisional Headquarters, Ala

Quarters, led by Inspector Fabunmi Oladipupo, the station officer, acting on a tipoff, raided an uncompleted building at Sijuade in Akure.

“On arrival at the building, the miscreants fled and two of the suspects reportedly ran into the opposite building, the deceased’s home.

“The policemen pursued them into the house and in an attempt to arrest them, an argument ensued between them and the deceased.

“Report had it that in the heat of the argument, the deceased tried to prevent the police from whisking away

Awolumate Bamijoko Bolajoko and Babatunde Thomas.

Unfortunately, the deceased fell down.”

Eke said youths later brought the body of the woman to the police station, alleging that after the policemen left, the deceased took ill and before she could be rushed to an hospital, she died.

He said the remaining eight officers were not directly involved in the matter and had been discharged.

The police boss assured the public that there would be no cover up in the case, as investigation was ongoing.

•Mrs. Ambode (middle), the Publicity Secretary, National Women Conference (NWC), Mrs. Oladunni Ogunbamiro (third left), Chairperson, Planning Committee, NWC 2015, Mrs. Rhoda Ayinda (second left) and members of COWLSO... yesterday

‘Anti-graft war shouldn’t be selective’ From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

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IFE of the Lagos State governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, yesterday unveiled a programme for the coming annual national conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).

The event will hold from September 16 to 18.

Briefing reporters at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Cen-

N Ogun State-based lawyer, Mr. Ogundeyi Adebiyi, was yesterday arraigned at an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court, following the allegation of forging bail bonds to effect a bail for a man standing trial for “carnal knowledge.”

Adebiyi, 60, was arraigned with 40-year-old Emmanuel Oluwumi before Chief Magistrate Anthony Araba, having been alleged to have committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 467 of the Criminal Code Revised Law of Ogun State, Nigeria, 2006.

The lawyer and Oluwumi, according to the charge sheet, were accused of conspiring and forging bail bonds to secure the bail of an accused, Nurudeen Olonade.

Olonade is said to be standing trial before Chief Justice Olatokunbo Olopade at a High Court in Abeokuta.

The duo were said to have provided documents suspected to be forged in respect of a building plan of Mr. Saka Adekunle, to facilitate bail for Olonade.

When the case was mentioned and the charges were read, Ogundeyi and Oluwumi pleaded not guilty.

They were granted bail in the sum of one million naira each and two sureties each in like sum.

The sureties, according to the court, must be employed, live within the jurisdiction of the court and have valid registered landed property within Abeokuta, while evidence of the landed property must be attached to the bail bond with proof of regular tax payment to the Ogun State government.

Ambode’s wife unveils programme

By Oziegbe Okoeki

tre, Alausa, Mrs. Ambode said the theme of the conference: ‘Relevance in Economic Turbulence’, would among others, examine the role of women in economic downturn, especially by orientating them on how they could turn the unpleasant

global economic environment to the advantage of their families and society.

She said over 1,500 participants are expected, assuring that the conference would provide insights into establishing and maintaining good quality life.

According to her, the event

is expected to be an enriching experience for participants.

Answering a question, Mrs. Ambode, the COWLSO chairman, said although the award was for distinguished Nigerian women, who had excelled in their chosen career and mentored other women, it was important that such

women should share and support the vision of COWLSO. She added: “There is no way any woman, who has mentored other women through her activities in her chosen career, won’t share the vision of COWLSO. There will be a presentation of certificates of appreciation to notable individuals, to recognise others who were nominated for the award.”

HE Federal Government has been cautioned to resist the temptation of being selective in its war against corruption, as such could be counterproductive.

It was advised to adhere to the principle of federal character in its next appointments.

The General Secretary and the Founder and Spiritual Head of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Mr. B.S. Aderinto, an engineer and Prof. Sabitu A. Olagoke, in a communiqué after the third quarterly meeting of the movement in Ibadan yesterday, said: “President Muhammadu Buhari must also not allow sacred cow in the effort to retrieve stolen funds.

“The Federal Government should be thorough, impartial, systematic and fair with justice and patriotism, in the war against corruption.”

The duo reminded the President of the need for fairness, equity and justice when appointing public officers.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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NEWS

APC: Fayose worse promoter of lopsided appointments

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in

Ekiti State has decried Governor Ayodele Fayose’s criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointments.

It said the governor was guilty of worse insensitivity to his people in his appointments.

Reacting to Fayose’s criticism in the media, the Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement described the governor as lacking in moral authority to accuse another man of ethnic bias in appointments.

He said: Fayose’s treatment of Muslims in terms of appointments is the worst since the state was created.

Ekiti Muslims were not given up to one per cent of the

appointments made by his administration.”

Olatunbosun said while Buhari’s appointments of his aides were based on merit and a conviction that they would deliver good services to lift Nigeria out of the woods, Fayose’s consideration for appointments was based on narrow selfish motives for self-preservation.

He said: “While Buhari considered competence, merit and track records of sound morality in public conduct in the appointments of his aides, self-preservation is the major criterion for appointments in Fayose’s government.

“This self-preservation is anchored on prospects of the vulnerability of the appointees to manipulation and family affinity, which

Fayose believes he can exploit to enable him have a firm grip on the state and do whatever he wants with the fortunes of Ekiti people, without restraint.”

The APC spokesman said while Buhari saw hard working and honest Nigerians as having equal rights to political appointments, to render their services to the nation, Fayose’s choice of appointees was based on loyalty of such appointees to serve his personal interests.

Listing instances where Fayose chose personal interest above state’s interest in appointments, Olatunbosun said: “In the twilight of exPresident Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, Governor Fayose chose 73-yearold Amb. Toye Olofintuyi from his (Fayose’s) Irepo-

dun/Ifelodun Local Government as Ekiti State representative at the Federal Civil Service Commission, against the wishes of party leaders.

“Fayose’s chief of staff is from his ward. His personal assistant, secretary of the Local Government Education Authority and the chairman of Ekiti State Traffic Management Agency (EKSTMA) are from Afao-Ekiti, the governor’s home town.

“Also, the chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government is from AfaoEkiti. State and local government chairmen of PDP are from Afao-Ekiti, the state secretary of PDP is from Afao-Ekiti, the same with the chairman of the Task Force on Petroleum Distribution and Monitor-

ing.

“The governor’s special assistant on Security is his cousin from Afao-Ekiti, which is not up to a ward in a state that has 177 wards, while political appointees in the Odua Group of Companies are from Afao-Ekiti.”

He added: “In a sevenmember board and commission, Fayose appointed two members from the same town, who are his cronies, while the Igbo, Urhobo, Ebira and Hausa he appointed into Christian and Muslim pilgrims boards are his aides.”

Olatunbosun said in the Christian Pilgrims Board, the governor appointed two people from the same local government into a board of seven members, while in the Judicial Service Commission, he appointed two people from the same town.

Dismissing Fayose as an unconscionable politician in his relationship with fellow Ekiti people, he said the governor was an apostle of impunity and reckless disregard for the nation’s law,

noting that what mattered to him was close family affinity and political cleavages that would serve his personal interest.

His words: “Fayose’s first law in politics is that of selfpreservation. He believes this can only be guaranteed if he engages his family, relations and the cleavages he maintains from other parties to which he had earlier defected before returning to PDP to marginalise members, who built PDP into a strong party to face APC in the last elections.

“Today, he has elevated members of his former Labour Party and those of Progressives People’s Alliance (PPA), who defected with him to PDP above the original PDP members he has marginalised.

“Fayose converted AdoIkere-Akure road boundary to his town road contract.

Although the Ikere-Akure Road contract sum is higher than that of Afao Road contract, the contract variation cash has ended in private pockets.”

‘Why stomach infrastructure must continue’

E •From left: Mr Yomi Adebanjo, Council member, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSAN); Dr. Nat Ofo, President/Chairman; and Mrs Nkechi Onyenso, Acting Registrar/CEO, at a news conference by the Institute on its 2015 Annual Conference and Dinner Awards, at its secretariat in Alausa, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Lagos to establish Customary Court of Appeal

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AGOS State government has concluded arrangement to establish a Customary Court of Appeal, to handle appeals from the customary courts.

The Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, who spoke yesterday at the swearing-in of 107 judges of customary courts, said the court would be headed by a President.

The judges comprise 19 presidents and 88 members.

They are to preside in 52 local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs) and will replace those no longer in service because of

By Adebisi Onanuga

old age, tenure of office and death.

Justice Atilade said under the Lagos State Customary Court Law 2011, the judges have jurisdiction to adjudicate on tenement rates, environmental sanitation offences, minor road traffic offences, among others.

She advised them to be fearless and dispense justice with fairness, adding that they should be responsible in the discharge of their duties.

“I congratulate you on your appointments. The present customary court judges, having occupied the position and

served well, it is important to replace the ageing ones or those who have died.

“I admonish you to be diligent and passionate. You must be a good listener, humble, above board and have the knowledge of the law of the land.”

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Mrs. Ayodele Odugbesan, said Section 3 of the Customary Court Law, 2011 empowered the chief judge to make the appointment and administer oath on them.

She said the presidents and the judges were found worthy of the appointments as spelt out

in Section 5 (1) of the Customary Law of the state.

Mrs. Odugbesan urged the appointees to be “responsible and live above board.”

Speaking on behalf of the judges, Mr. Nurudeen Omotayo thanked the chief judge for the appointment.

Said he: “I thank you for the trust reposed in us. We pledge that we will be faithful, diligent and fair. We will use our experience to handle cases.”

Omotayo assured the chief judge that she would find them worthy of the noble assignment given them, stressing that they would deliver as expected of them.

Oke to Mimiko: be prudent with bailout loan

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CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC)in Ondo State, Chief Olusola Oke, said yesterday that the inability of the government to pay its workers in the last three months had affected the economy.

According to a statement through his media aide, Rotimi Ogunleye, in Akure, Oke said the non-payment of workers’ salary had strangled commerce, impacted negatively on the economy of the people and impeded social service delivery.

The former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) said aban-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

doned projects were also on the galloping increase in the state.

Oke said: “Let me put it on record that we ought not to have been this terribly affected if effective fund planning system and fiscal discipline were put in place and embraced by the present administration.

“Unfortunately, this is what you get when a government decides to dwell on the expenditure side, resulting in mega spending without judicious fund planning.”

He said succour had final-

ly come, especially to the workers, who bore the brunt of the ineptitude of the government directly.

According to him, in order to end the lingering crisis of unpaid workers, President Muhammadu Buhari had approved cash bailout loan for the affected states.

The APC chieftain, however, said the bailout fund approved by the President, which he said was ready for collection, was in the interest of the workers and the citizenry.

Oke said: “I am happy that workers will be paid their arrears and commerce will res-

urrect in full swing. But it comes with a burden on all of us and this is where my concern lies.

“Besides the bailout loan scheme, Ondo State will have its own share of the $1.7billion from the Excess Crude Account and also share from N413.7 billion in fresh allocation between the states and Federal Government.

“The fund that will accrue to the government will therefore come from three sources - the N14,686 billion cash bailout, the 1.7 billion US dollars Excess Crude Account and N413.7 billion from the federation account.

KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday distributed food items to the residents of Ikere Ekiti, in continuation of his “stomach infrastructure” agenda.

He said his stomach infrastructure policy must continue in a bid to put food on the table of the masses and alleviate their suffering.

The governor, who supervised the distribution of items, such as rice, milk, groundnut oil, beverages and maggi, said only healthy people could contribute to the development of their societies.

He said: “We are all witnessing what is going on across the world. People are moving to places they think have greener pasture, even at the risk of their lives. People from Eastern Europe are struggling to get to the West. Here in Ekiti, our concern is the welfare of the people.

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

“When we banish hunger, assist in the provision of health care services, then we can talk of roads and other social infrastructure. A hungry man may not value a road that is tarred because his major concern will be to have food to eat.

“We are not allowing paucity of funds to deter us. When we started last year, mockers thought the programme would fizzle out or die, but it has not and will not. We have held it thrice in Ado-Ekiti and now in Ikere-Ekiti and it will go round the state.”

Fayose said his administration would touch people’s lives in positive ways, despite its lean resources.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on Stomach Infrastructure, Mr. Sunday Anifowoshe, hailed Fayose for the initiative.

Molodo family vows to produce Ooni From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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NEW twist was yesterday introduced in filling the vacant stool of the Ooni, as the Molodo royal family of the Ogboru ruling house vowed to produce the next monarch.

The family said it was robbed of producing the Ooni in 1980 when the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade was installed by the Oyo State government under the leadership of the late Chief Bola Ige. In a statement, the family’s spokesman, Prince Gbenga Adelebare, faulted a claim by Lafogido and Giesi ruling houses that Ogboru could not produce a candidate for the Ooni stool.

He said Ogboru, which produced the late Oba Sijuwade, was different from Ogboru Molodo of Lami royal compound.

The royal family alleged that its candidate then, the late Prince Timothy Adebola Adewuyi, a treasurer with the Local Government Service of the old Oyo State, was picked by the Ife kingmakers, following Ifa consultation and ratification and his name was forwarded to the late Ige before it was upturned in favour of Oba Sijuwade.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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NEWS Smuggling of $271,000 stopped at Lagos airport

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

CLEANER was stopped for smuggling $300,000 cash out of the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

According to the Deputy General Manager Public Affairs of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Nnaekpe Onyekwere, the said cash was found on a worker with one of the cleaning contractors at the airport, Tijani Owolabi, during a comprehensive screening at the ‘D’ Finger of the international terminal.

Part of the money was found on Owolabi while the rest was recovered from the sanitary bucket he was trying to pass through screening.

The airport cleaner who was suspected to be conveying the foreign currency to an accomplice at the sterile area of the terminal, was immediately apprehended by Aviation Security staff on duty and handed over to the appropriate security agencies at the airport for investigation.

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Residents seek speedy completion of roads

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ESIDENTS of Aba have urged the government to speed up work on roads undergoing reconstruction to reduce gridlock.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the residents said the contractors were “too slow and sloppy”.

A resident, Mr. Anayo Okoro, a banker, said the delay was affecting their resumption and closure from work.

“This work started three months ago and we thought that by now, the contractors would have finished or at worse, lessened our sufferings in a city full of failed roads, but it was not to be.

“What they did was to block the roads we were using before and in some cases, make the alternatives inaccessible by damaging them with their trucks and machinery ,” Okoro said.

Honour for Farounbi, Olukanmi

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HE Advanced Media and Communication Academy (AMCA) will hold a public symposium to honour Ambassadors Yemi Farounbi and Ayoola Olukanmi on Wednesday, September 9.

A statement by AMCA’s representative, Clement Ige said former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi is the guest speaker and he will speak on the topic: “Our New Nigeria: The Role of Professional in Government”.

Ige said: “Ambassador Olukanmi was a career diplomat for over 35 years, during which he was Director of Public Communication and spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affair. He retired as Nigeria’s ambassador to Australia few months ago.

Society of Engineers gets new executives From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Ibadan branch, has elected new officials to steer the society from 2015 to 2016.

The election held on September 1 at the Ifedayo Akintunde Engineering House, Kolapo Ishola GRA, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The executives include: Olowe Bolarinwa (Chairman); Kumolu Rufus (Vice Chairman); Ajagbe Wasiu (General Secretary); Olaoye Adekunle (Technical Secretary); Adedamola Falade-Fatila (Treasurer); Ojedele Ayokunnu (Publicity Secretary); Badmus Folaranmi (Financial Secretary).

Others are: Abdulrasaq Jimoh (Assistant General Secretary); Ogunranto Victor (Assistant Technical Secretary); Adekanmi Adewole (Ex-Officio); and Immediate past chairman, Salawu Raufu.

Outgone Chairman, Salawu Raufu urged the new executives to be focused and dedicated to the cause of the profession.

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“Dr. Farounbi is a renowned media administrator and acknowledged professional bureau, who has just served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Philippines.”

The event will hold at the Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

Appeal Court strikes out Ihedioha’s petition

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HE Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri, the Imo State capital, yesterday, struck out the petition of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emeka Ihedioha. Ihedioha challenged the dismissal of his petition by the tribunal.

Chairman of the Appeal panel, Justice Jimmy Bada, said the appeal was dismissed due to improper service of summons on the respondents, whose addresses were not properly listed.

Justice Bada explained that service was fundamental in law and the rules of the Court of Appeal. He struck out the

•Ruling an act of God, says deputy governor From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

case for lack of merit.

Reacting to the judgment, Ihedioha’s counsel, Mike Ahamba (SAN) said he referred to the law and rules that the addresses of those directly affected should be listed in the appeal.

“I have done appeals in the past but I am surprised that the rule is different in election matter. We had good grounds for appeal but for the shortcoming in the service, the substantive matter is still in our favour. We are not done; we have another tier to

go,” he said.

Counsel to Governor Rochas Okorocha, Miletus Nnebedim said the Court had reviewed the appeal and found it incompetent because it did not comply with the rules of the Court of Appeal.

But Ihedioha said he believed that justice would be served on the merit of his petition, even as he insisted that he had the highest votes in the election.

Deputy Governor Eze Madumere has described the ruling as an act of God. A statement signed by his

Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Uche Onwuchekwa said the verdict proved that the hand of God was upon the Rochas Okorocha-led administration.

“The saying that the voice of the people is the voice of God has played out. It is the people’s mandate that has kept Governor Okorocha focused on his electoral promises.

“Despite the barrage of law suits, Okorocha never gave any excuse not to perform beyond the people’s expectation”.

Ambode urged to fix more roads

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IGERIA’s civic technology organisation has called on Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode, to repair the bad roads in the state.

A statement by its Team Lead/Co-Founder, Oluseun Onigbinde, appealed to the government to look into the deplorable state of roads to better the lives of Lagosians.

While hailing the government for the work done on the Omobola Road in Itire, Onigbinde urged the governor to do more on other roads.

The statement reads: “While we understand that traffic congestion is a common feature in major cities around the world, it is obvious that majority of the

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

traffic jam faced within the Lagos metropolis can be avoidable if certain measures are put in place.

“An example of such measures will be the fixing of bad roads, as well as the consistent maintenance of these roads. As the center of excellence, the commercial capital of Nigeria, it is embarrassing to say the least, to have major roads in such deplorable state.

“Major roads like the Ikorodu Road (Fadeyi) and the Herbert Macaulay Way (Along Yaba Tech. Busstop), are two major roads we want to bring to your attention today as we believe that the fixing of these roads will ease the tension we face

daily.

“We however appreciate the present administration on the job so far. The job that on Omobola Road, Itire, is commendable, but we need more work done.

“We have a project tagged:

‘My Lagos Road’ that tracks the status of roads within the state and invariably reports to the government.

The next phase of the project will focus on the extension of road tracking to other areas within the state.

Chief Adebutu passes on

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HE death has occurred of Chief Timothy Adegboyega Adebutu. He was 83.

He died at his Surulere residence on Wednesday, September 2, after a brief illness. Until his death, Chief Adebutu was a Member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (MPSN). He was also a respected community leader at Iperu Remo, Ogun State.

A devout Christian, late Chief Adebutu is survived by his wife, children, grand-children and younger brother, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, (CON,KJW,FISM), the Chairman of Premier Lotto and founder, Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF).

His burial arrangements will be announced later by the family .

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

“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

SIM deactivation: Anger as subscribers storm telecoms offices

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ROM Agege to Ajangbadi, from Surulere to Shomolu, from Ogba to Ikeja, Lekki to Ajah and finally to Fatai Atere Way, Ladipo, Lagos, the story is the same—huge crowd of frustrated customers of all the major carriers in the country-MTN, Airtel, Glo and Etisalat, shouting and wondering why their service providers should subject them to needless stress of doing their subscriber

By Lucas Ajanaku and Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

identity module (SIM) registration again.

A subscriber who spoke with our reporter at Ikeja, complained bitterly that he was shocked that more than 10 years after using his SIM for practically everything possible, he could suddenly be cut off without the slightest courtesy.

The man who introduced

himself simply as Chukwudi, said when he bought his SIM card about 10 years ago, compulsory SIM registration had not been introduced, adding when the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) directed that all SIM cards be registered he complied.

“I am shocked at the turn of things now. It is a shock that I have been deactivated because when I did it, I got confirmation from my serv-

ice provider that my SIM had been registered. My mobile phone is my office. I receive and pay money to my clients through my phone. As a businessman, it is the link between my customers and I so for my service provider to just yank me off the network is embarrassing, you can only imagine how devastating the experience has been,” he said.

Mojeed Adelekan who came along with his wife re-

called how the family had to hurriedly abandon their kids at home when they both received text messages from their carriers. According to him, he and his wife have been standing since 8am in order to do their SIM registration update, lamenting that the rude security men and officials of his telco were not helping matters either.

“I am here because I received a text that they want to block my line. Even a

friend of mine called me this morning to tell me that I should call him with another number because his service provide wants to block his line. That is why we both came here together to register our lines.

“For over three hours now, we have been here and we have not been able to do anything.

Now they even said there is no more forms. I have been us• Continued on page 12

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

12

BUSINESS NEWS

NSIA spends $2.2m on Second Niger bridge, says MD

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HE Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has spent $2.21million (about N439.78million) towards the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Uche Orji, has said.

Orji, who gave an update yesterday at a media briefing in Lagos, said the Agency, acting through its wholly owned subsidiary, NSIA Motorways Investment Company (NMIC), is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Works and Julius Berger Investments (JBI) as joint sponsors on the financing, development and construction of the Project.

The bridge which is estimated to gulp $700million by 2012 estimates, is billed for completion in 48months, he said.

By Simeon Ebulu

The 11.9km length bridge, Uche pointed out, is structured as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) and would be constructed and operated on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis.

He said: “It is expected that the Bridge would be constructed and delivered in 48 months. When completed, the Bridge and adjacent roads will have six lanes with three in each direction.”

He said the Project was initially estimated to cost N108 billion excluding duties and Value Added Tax (VAT), stating that if VAT if duties and VAT are included, the Project cost would jump to N117.9billion. “This was equivalent to $700 million at the then prevailing exchange rate of N154/$, pointing out

that the final project cost would naturally be affected by exchange rate fluctuations and other variables.

Orji, who was accompanied by the Chief Investment Officer/Executive Director, Hanspeter Ackermann and the Chief Risk Officer/Executive Director, Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli, said the Federal Government has made a N30 billion commitment to the Project, but has released N18.3 so far, adding that the consortium would raise the remaining funds for the project from Nigerian and international lenders and equity providers.

He said to underline its commitment to accountability and transparency, the NSIA assembled a team of Nigerian and international advisers with proven capabilities and global experience in PPP infrastructure projects to ensure the

Project gets first-class advisory services, stating that these consultants were engaged through a rigorous and competitive procurement process.

He said the total consultancy services cost so far is less than one per cent of the estimated project cost, saying the cost, was far below going international rates. As he put it: “Whilst there is no standardised benchmark for transaction costs, the European Investment Bank’s Economic and Financial Report No. 3 of 2005, indicates that, on the average, the level of transaction cost for the procurement phase of PPP projects is over 10 per cent of the capital value of the relevant project in Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.” He however pointed out that this EIB survey estimate, excludes other costs related to contrast monitoring and renegotiation in the opera-

tional phase of the relevant projects.

He said NSIA’s technical consultants on this project have been instrumental in valueengineering the project and reducing the initial project cost to the current level, adding that the agency has put in place a multi-stage approval process for all disbursements under which all payments involving construction are made only after approval by a third-party engineering firm, which matches work completed against amounts due.

Orji expressed concern that the NSIA has yet to receive any additional funding apart from the initial $1billion it received from inception, but nevertheless struck a positive cord that it has in its possession about $550million it is managing for two government agencies, including the Debt Management Office (DMO).

• Orji

He said the chances of additional inflow from official sources are slim, given that government’s main source of revenue – crude oil, has suffered about 50 per cent price decline, “consequently, I do not anticipate a substantial growth in the funds under management through that source.”

SIM deactivation: Anger as subscribers storm telecoms offices • Continued from page 11 ing this line for over seven years now. And back then, I bought the SIM for N35,000.

When I bought it then, there was nothing like SIM registration. But three years later, I registered my line. I even did it thrice and got messages that I had been registered. And now I am very surprised to see the text that says that if I did not register my SIM it would be blocked. And many people have called me to tell me that their lines have been blocked.

In Ibadan, hundreds of telecom subscribers also besieged the MTN office at the Mobil Area, expressing outrage over the provider’s registration exercise.

They said the provider had sent text messages to them to visit their centres to complete their mobile registration or lose their mobile lines. The said the manner in which the registration exercise was being carried out by MTN was inhuman.

Dr Luis Oluwadamilola, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association

(NMA), said he was at the MTN office based on the message sent to him to complete his registration.

Oluwadamilola said he had visited the MTN office four times and had not been able to register his line.

He said that he ran away the last time he came to the MTN office because he met mobile policemen there and felt there was no reason to endanger his life.

“I don’t think there is any justification for what we are witnessing here.

“If it is a directive of the Nigeria Communications Commission, then the telecom providers should have increased the numbers of staff to attend to customers for an easy exercise.

“I bought this line for N60, 000 the first week the telecom provider began services in Nigeria and I have been recharging the line since then.

“So, why should they be treating me like a job applicant?

“Considering my profession and holding up here is a calamitous situation because I don’t know what will happen to my patients while here,’’ he said.

Similarly, Mr Gbenga Opadotun, the Chairman, Oyo State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), told NAN that the development was disheartening.

“I got a text message from MTN this morning for registra-

tion of my SIM card and on getting here I met over 1,000 people waiting helplessly with no one to attend to them.

“MTN is a South African company and doing this to Nigerians is heart rending. We are customers who patronise them and pay a stiff price at that.

“I feel very sad and I will like to urge the appropriate authorities to call MTN to order. “ We are their customers and should be treated with respect and dignity,’’ the visibly angry NUJ chairman said.

NAN reports that all efforts to get a staff of the MTN in Ibadan to comment on the development proved abortive as none of them was willing to speak.

A source at the NCC headquarters in Abuja, however, told NAN that the commission gave the directive to telecom providers on noticing that some subscribers had not registered

their lines.

The source, who craved anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, said NCC ordered the providers to get their subscribers registered or be fined N200, 000 per unregistered but active SIM card.

Also, subscribers from Abia State have called on the owners and management of telecommunications operators in the country to establish more revalidation and registration centers in the commercial city.

Some respondents who spoke to our correspondent when he visited some of the MTN outlets in the commercial hub of Abia State said the call for the establishment of more re-validation centers have become necessary in order to accommodate the overwhelming population of its subscribers and to also reduce the stress they (residents) were passing through.

• MTN subscribers waiting to re-register their SIM cards in Ibadan

• Subscribers at MTN care center along Aba-Owerri Road near Brass Bus stop

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

13

THE NATION

BUSINESS BRANDS & MARKETING

e-mail: adedejiademigbuji@yahoo.com /mobile line: 08131075667

Nigerian Breweries and Guinness are, indisputably, rivals. With the recent unveiling of the world’s largest poster, Nigerian Breweries has tactically entered its rival’s book of world record, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

Breaking the Guinness World Book of Records

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HE Nigerian Breweries (NB) has a way of upsetting its competitor, Guinness, which always wants to play by the rules when driving its marketing efforts for market share. Ruthless and offensive, the NB will not care when thinking of the ways to edge out competitors in order to have a good posting and make shareholders smile at the end of financial year.

Last week, the brand handlers did the unthinkable. About 80 journalists were ferried to Enugu. They were oblivious of the purpose of the trip and tricks of the NB this time around. As the event kicked off last Monday, it dawned on them that they have been brought to participate in what appeared to come for a game: Guilder Ultimate search, where the ultimate winner was expected to win an ultimate prize: a Hyundai car. The event was meant to kick off the National Consumer Promotion, with 123 journalists invited from all over Nigeria as participants.

But more important to NB was not just having a winner to go back with the ultimate prize and consolation prizes, but the unveiling of the world largest advertisement poster measuring 5,367 square metres, which, perhaps, was meant to make a headline: NB Guilder’s world largest breaks Guinness Book of Records.

Prior to the competition among journalists, Nigerian Breweries set the world record to unveil the world largest advertisement poster. The epoch-making poster measuring 5,367 square metres unveiled at the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu State broke the record for the largest poster measuring 4,793.65 square metres, which was displayed in India last

• Winner of the Ultimate Chase Chuka Nnabuife a journalist in a joyous mood.

June 27.

The size of the poster was attested to by a chartered quantity surveyor, Mr. Nath Agu, while a lawyer, Mr Onyekwuluje Ogochukwu, legally affirmed the measurement.

The Gulder poster was to kickstart the 2015 edition of the Gulder National Consumer Promotion.

The new poster is said to be another way to showcase the commitment of Nigerian Breweries to win

with Nigerians and is said to be larger than the Baahubali poster, which is rated by the Guinness Book of record as the largest poster in world with a size of 4,793.65 meter square in India.

Winning consumers via EPL PZ is to take consumers to watch live matches in England, in partnership with Manchester City through a new promo, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

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S Nigerian football follow ers continue to show grow ing emotion for English Premiership League (EPL), more brands have continued to sort for partnership with EPL clubs to engage Nigerian consumers.

Brands such as Heineken, Guinness, Chivita, among others have launched various promos and partnership with English premiership clubs with promises to take winners to England to watch lives matches.

While growing fan base of EPL clubs in Nigeria has become a point of engagement with consumers, more brands now design various promos to tap into sales enhancing bond to grow market share and increase share of voice.

Clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona have found one brand or the other in Nigeria signing a partnership deal with them to kick-start consumer promo. On the other hand, many consumers, who have won promo from such deals, have been given all expense paid trips to watch some of the live matches in Europe.

In a latest effort, PZ Cussons has

sealed a three-year partnership deal with Manchester City Football Club to kickstart a promo and as a result four journalists have won free ticket to watch live matches in London at the unveiling of the promo in Lagos last weekend.

While the deal is beneficial to the club, the brand and consumers, PZ will drive the partnership deal through three of its leading brands - Premier, Olympic and Robb.

As a result, PZ Cussons’ customers will by this partnership be given the opportunity to win a number of the exclusive VIP match day experiences at the Etihad Stadium and opportunities to meet the players and watch private training sessions.

The Group Category & Brand Director, PZ Cussons Plc, Mr. Tim Perman noted that the company’s commitment to Africa goes beyond the provision of quality products, but also has a focus at bringing real consumer value through relevant content and services by igniting exceptional experiences to consumers.

He noted: “As a critical part of

this strategy, we are pleased to be working closely with Manchester City Football Club in Nigeria to deliver on our consumer promise.

There is a great fit between our brands in terms of heritage, values and a desire to win. We look forward to delighting our consumers with unique experiences from brands that they trust and a sport that they love,” Perman also hinted that: “The region’s growing Manchester City football club’s fan base will be propositioned with a number of experiences and prizes to get them closer to the club. VIP tickets and meet-and-greets will be made available to competition entrants in the coming months.”

The Commercial Director of Manchester City Football Marketing, Omar Berrada, who brokered Manchester City’s commercial partnerships, said Nigeria, and Africa more broadly, are extremely important markets where its fan base is continuing to grow.

“We will continue to build a strong relationship with PZ Cussons and are looking forward to providing fantastic experiences for their customers and our fans.”

• Biggest poster in the World

In order to attract attention of a large number of people and quickly deliver the intended message, the poster was creatively and colourfully crafted with the Gulder drink.

Speaking during the event at Eagle Square, Enugu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the governor, represented by Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Sam Ogbu Nwododo, said the event was a remarkable investment in advertisement, adding that the Ministry in Enugu will continue to support business activities in the state.

According to him, “Rockefeller Foundation added Enugu as one of the hundred most resilient cities in the world and the unveiling today adds to that as Enugu hosts the first largest advert poster in the world.”

The Commissioner also explained that the award opened up the state and showcased what has been the fruit of long toil in the state, adding that current administration is working hard to ensure the state becomes the first destination for tourists and investors all over the world.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, Nicholas Vervelde, said the event came with a promotion where four million prizes would be won, adding that this is another way to showcase Nigerian Breweries’ commitment to winning with Nigeria through its brands, investment, footprints and social economic impact.

Vervelde noted that Enugu being the choice of state for the launch was strategic as the foundation of the city has been laid by people, who used their strength and power to build the city and Gulder has these same characteristics.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

14

Commodities exchange: Failed project?

Food prices volatility and high transactions costs have remained major problems to farmers. They have given a strong justification for a virile commodity exchange.Farmers and stakeholders believe the commodity exchange has failed to develop into a sustainable trading platform to boost agriculture. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

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ANY farmers in Nigeria and Africa face a myriad of challenges in marketing their produce. They lack proper storage facilities, which makes them incur heavy post-harvest losses.

Most farming areas are inaccessible due to poor road infrastructure, which translates to high transaction costs as they pay heavily to transport their goods. Besides, they are victims of fragmented and disorganised markets where they sell their products lower than the market price.

To this end, farmers need every support that will provide a centralised market place where they can sell their commodities to manufacturers and consumers to make profit.

Experts believe the commodity exchange can help farmers link up to markets.

Commodities exchange, according to the Director-General of African Centre for Supply Chain (ACSC), Obiora Madu, is part of efforts to get small-scale farmers sell their crops at a profit.

Such exchanges come with a warehouse receipts programme by which farmers can store their harvest at a certified warehouse and sell when prices rise. The warehousing system can also turn their commodities into collaterals if they choose to apply for loans.

According to him, if the farmers are able to increase their income, they would be able to afford input such as high-yield seeds and increase production.

Normally, farmers, who have produce sell them through the exchange, just like people would sell shares. Before them, the produce is inspected and certified as tradable.

Sellers and buyers place their products and orders, which they execute in a transparent manner. The future aspect of the exchange takes a price risk management function as it helps farmers to avoid serious losses when prices fall. It also enables farmers to receive a guaranteed price from a purchaser or intermediary and facilitates more effective planning and investment because of greater income predictability.

One of the most prominent examples is The Ethiopian Commodities exchange (ECX) set up in 2008.

The commodities exchange trades coffee, beans, maize and a few other crops.

Analysts say Ethiopia Commodities exchange experiment has helped farmers to sell their commodities at a profit with agricultural mechanisms such as crop insurance and warehousing.

This will help them gain collateral, and then loans to expand their businesses.

The ECX has been a big motivator for African nations to form their own exchanges. Only two countries have produced lucrative models: South Africa and Ethiopia. But there have been a large number of commodity exchanges tried over the past decades, many resulting in failure or little growth and activity.

One of the examples cited is Nigeria. The exchange has not convinced stakeholders that it can improve food security. One of them is Madu.

Speaking with The Nation, Madu, who is also the Chief Executive Officer and Programme Director of Multimix Academy, expressed con-

•From left: MD/CEO of Nigerian Commodity Exchange Commission, Mrs. Zaheera Baba-Ari; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Sonny Echono and members of the management Commission, and a Deputy Director in the Federal Department of Agriculture, FMARD, Mr. Obinna Opara at the event.

cern that the nation’s commodities exchange has had difficulties getting off the ground.

He expected the commodity exchange to do well with an economy made up of large commodity producers and many of them are top suppliers worldwide.

Nigeria one of the largest producers of agro commodities in West Africa, he said, is lagging behind in such market infrastructure. Watchers see Nigeria as a home of a non functioning exchange.

Since 2006 when an intensive effort to get commodity trading off the ground through the Abuja Securities & Commodity Exchange (ASCE), stakeholders said the exchange was operating below potential. Relabeling ASCE to “Nigeria Commodity Exchange”, a roadmap was adopted to put in place a fully functional electronic warehouse receipt system, with some 16 commodities selected for trading.

Notwithstanding, this has not changed the fortunes of the market.

According to the Programme Corodinator, Farmers Development Union (FADU), Mr Victor Olowe, said a functional exchange rests on clear rules for trade and delivery, as well as consistent monitoring to ensure integrity.

Apart from that, the contracts, he said, must define the amount, quality, and location of the commodity traded, as well as an execution date.

Other necessary features include the minimum increment for price fluctuations, duties required of buyers and sellers during the delivery process, and deadlines for those duties to be completed.

Olowe said one of the biggest problems that farmers and producers have is poor knowledge of the market.

A lot of farmers, who belongs to his group do not know that the market exist not to talk of using the platform to sell.

•Madu

His other concern is that the system is not supported nationwide by a warehouse receipts programme, where farmers can store their harvest at a certified warehouse and sell when prices rise. The warehousing systems helps them to turn their commodities into collateral if they choose to apply for a loan.

This gives the farmers breathing room and the option not to sell their maize at harvest time, when everyone else is selling and prices are low. For him, storing commodities in certified warehouses eliminates a range of risks, guaranteeing quality, and ensuring that the crop is secure. Those two factors open the door to financing from banks. On the whole, he observed that the problem is that conditions for success, such as large trading volumes, a strong financial sector, and a commitment to transparency, do not exist yet. In most of the towns, transactions involving agricultural commodities are not based on formal standardised measures. These conditions make it impossible to operate commodity exchanges, which

compel actors to certify quality and quantity by physical sampling. The other issue is lack of reliable market information, not only on commodity prices, but also on available volumes and estimates of demand.

Further, the system has not been able to curtail cheating on weights and measures from which disadvantaged smallholders farmers suffer, and reduce storage losses. As a result of these constraints, commodity exchange, he argued, has not lived up to expectations.

Watchers believe that the system is weakened by an inefficient legal system, small spot markets, limited numbers of potential participants, passive financial institutions, and high levels of policy unpredictability. More broadly, concerns are mounting that the Abuja commodity exchange was being churned out without due consideration for enabling conditions.

The failure of such platforms elsewhere shows how important it is to have the right infrastructure in place from the start. Some are of the opinion that the exchange was created as a political rather than commercial endeavour, with poor infrastructure and political bickering that hampered imminent efforts.

For watchers, trading suffered from the same flaw: a top-down approach that is better at attracting foreign aid than at improving farming practices and developing transportation and communications networks. But AFEX Commodities Exchange Limited (AFEX), a subsidiary of Africa Exchange Holdings Limited, established last year through a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said it is facilitating access to commodity and financial markets for Nigeria’s 35 million smallholder farmers.

The organisation said it operates across 11 states, but are mainly in the north, offering solutions to ag-

‘For him, storing commodities in certified warehouses eliminates a range of risks, guaranteeing quality, and ensuring that the crop is secure. Those two factors open the door to financing from banks’

ricultural problems faced by farmers in the region.

The organisation said farmers face a myriad of challenges ranging from poor distribution structures to limited storage, warehousing and quality control. All these, according to it, combine to drastically reduce the price at which their products can be sold, hence their income.

It said AFEX’s investors, are deploying capital and entrepreneurial skills to create a competitive agricultural sector and a commodity market with price discovery and risk management mechanisms.

Licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission in March this year, as an operator of a commodities exchange in Nigeria; it said Afex is the first private sector-led commodities exchange in Nigeria.

With its facilities, it said farmers will have direct access to high value markets, store long enough to earn over 30 per cent increased profit from sales. While its Electronic Warehouse Receipt System (EWRS) secures the underlying commodities, instills integrity of trade and facilitates access to finance, the organisation said e-WRS is a real-time online inventory management system with the ability to transfer stock between buyers, sellers and banks.

The organisation said it plans to scale up to 100,000 farmers in the 2015/16 season, creating up to 25 million in increased income to the rural communities across Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has resolved to partner with the Nigerian Commodities Exchange Commission to develop the commodity market.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sonny Echono, who disclosed this in Abuja, when he received the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer and management of Commodity Exchange Commission, expressed the readiness of his ministry to collaborate with the board in developing the commodity market and its storage programme, but informed the commission of the presidential directive on the ministry to do an index study before engaging in any concessionary plan.

He said the ministry is promoting ware housing and working very hard to open the market to competitors, saying some may be kept for storage reserve. He advised the commission to consider warehousing, saying 33 of such warehouses are available for offtaking.

Earlier in her remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Exchange Commission, Mrs. Zaheera Baba-Ari said the Commission was in the ministry to seek areas of support and value addition.

She said the Commission would want to have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on storage and co-operatives with the Ministry and equally needs warehouses in some locations in the country.

She said the Commission started working with the Ministry of Agriculture since 2010, with a request for the leasing of some warehouses and had worked with some seed associations in the past.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

15

Don seeks to curb use of antibiotics in chicken

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FORMER Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Prof Abiodun Adeloye, has urged the government to stop the rampant use of antibiotics to grow livestock, especially chicken.

He said such practices could lead to health problems in humans upon consumption.

Stopping the practice, he said, would be a big step towards securing food safety in meat products with regulation on overuse and misuse of antibiotics. According to him, government needs to implement a comprehensive set of regulations including banning of antibiotic use as growth promoters in the poultry industry. Not doing this will put lives of people at risk.

He explained that people may be developing resistance to antibiotics, and falling prey to a host of otherwise curable ailments. Some of this resistance, he added, might

Stories by Daniel Essiet

be due to the large-scale unregulated use of antibiotics in the poultry industry.

He said the poultry sector uses them as growth promoters for them to gain weight and grow faster.

According to him, public health experts suspect that such rampant use of antibiotics in animals could be a reason for increasing antibiotic resistance.

International experts said largescale misuse and overuse of antibiotics in chicken could lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the chicken itself. These bacteria are then transmitted to humans through food or environment. Additionally, eating small doses of antibiotics through chicken could also lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans.

Studies are being undertaken to ascertain the linkage between

overuse of antibiotics in poultry farms and antibiotic resistance in humans. They found that resistance was very high against ciprofloxacin, doxycycline and tetracycline. These are the same antibiotics that were detected in the chicken samples. The problem is compounded by the fact that many essential and important antibiotics for humans are being used by the poultry industry.

In the United States (US), which is one of the largest users of antibiotics for animal food production, more than two million people suffer from antibiotic resistance-related illnesses every year; with 23,000 of them succumbing to the diseases.

Annual healthcare costs due to antibiotic resistance are estimated to be as high as $20 billion.

Global industry operators fear ban on antibiotic in animal feed could hamper poultry and meat sectors.

‘There’s need to revamp agric sector’

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SENSITISATION exercise tagged: “Revamping Agricultural Sector in Nigeria Through Aggressive Industrial Farm Park Project”, was held recently in Lagos, organised by the management of 1.2 Green Limited in partnerships with Chinese Government Export Credit.

The exercise, according to the organisers, was organised to discuss ways in revamping the Agricultural sector through aggressive industrial farm park project.

According to Mr Obada Votu, CEO 1.2 Green Ltd, expressing the company’s readiness and willingness to assist the government in resuscitating this crucial sector stated, “This crucial sector should not be neglected, but should be given the needed attention. Nigerian became a net importer of food and major importer of wheat, rice, sugar and fish. The importation of these four commodities, according to reports, consume over N1 trillion in foreign exchange every year since 2005.

“The CBN report shows that Nigeria is the world largest importer

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

of United States hard red and white winter wheat, with an annual food import of N635billion. Nigeria’s food imports are growing at an unsustainable rate of 11 per cent per annum, while reliance on the import of expensive food in the global market fuels domestic inflation, and Nigeria is importing what it can produce in abundance. And that import dependency is hurting Nigeria’s farmers, displacing local production and creating rising unemployment,” he added Stating further that, there is need for stakeholders to reduce the importation of these products that can be produced in Nigeria. “Nigeria spends N1 trillion annually to import rice, sugar, wheat and fish, translating to N10 trillion from 2005 till date.

The Nation has vast arable land for cultivation, adding that this must be harnessed by stakeholders in order to effectively prevent food crisis considering the growing population and reduce imports to the barest minimum.

NGO urges govt to support women farmers

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• From left: Business Advisory Manager, African Cashew Alliance, Mr Sunil Dahiya; Director, Product Development Department, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr William Ezeagu; the Director, Real Sector Department, NIPC, Mr Reuben Kifasi; Acting Chief of Party, COP Nigeria Expanded Trade and Transport (NEXTT), Isaac Adegun; Director, Cluster Development Department, Raw Materials and Development Council, Mrs Haraja Tanko; President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria NCAN, Mr Tola Faseru and Director, T and Publicity Secretary, NCAN, Sotonye Anga at a cashew forum in Ilorin

Flour Mills mulls job creation, food production

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ROUP Managing Director, Flour Mills of Nigeria Mr. Paul Gbededo has said the company is planning to create thousands of jobs and drive growth with the establishment of large-scale farms.

He said the company is committed to driving productivity and innovation through opportunities offered by markets through the country.

Gbededo, in a chat, spoke of the company’s performance and projections in the light of the award received from the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) as ‘Award for Impactful Contribution to Economy through Backward Integration’ in the industrial space.

Gbededo said the company acquired its 10,000ha Kaboji Farm in Niger State about 10 years ago which has grown to become the biggest mechanised maize farm in the country. It uses 4,000ha to grow maize. He added that soybean has been helpful in its vertical integration, which uses the produce at its feedmills in Ibadan and Calabar for feeds for

poultry.

He said the company is dedicated to sourcing its raw materials locally and further the development of the food industry.

The award is in recognition of the company’s efforts spanning about a decade, when, in the organisation’s plan, backward integration was adjudged the only way to support its food business through local content addition as well as improve food security in Nigeria.

On backward integration, he said the programme helps to support the group’s manufacturing and processing business.

For this, the Group Managing Director said it has invested over a billion dollars in the last five years and projects that an equivalent sum would be spent in another five years in the agro-allied business. He added that the company is expanding its portfolio in the agro-allied space because that would grow the local content and help support the food business and strengthen the growth of agriculture, which would provide more jobs in Nigeria.

On the fall of the naira and impact on the business, Gbededo said there are two sides to the issue of the devaluation of the naira. “In a way, it has put a lot of stress on our ability to bring machinery and spares. It increases the naira cost of those inputs and upsets our projections since we operate in a naira environment – it affects our ability to make profits,” he said.

However, he pointed out that on the other hand, there is a positive side. According to him, using maize for instance, the commodity sells about N45,000 – N50,000 per metric ton, making locally produced maize to be competitive globally; importing the grain would be at about N60,000, thus making it a possibility to export surplus, if any.

Gbededo revealed that it does not need to import maize now to run the operations of the processing plants. The company, he said, is now aggregating maize nationwide to help its 350,000 metric ton plants annually. “Except there is a shortfall in supply, we help boost the fortunes of Nigerian farmers in earning more,” he said.

NON-GOVERNMENTAL Organisation, the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), has called on governments at all levels to provide adequate support for women farmers to make them contribute their quota to the policy of national food security.

The Executive Director of the WARDC, Dr. Abiola AkiyodeAfolabi, made the call at a capacity building workshop organised for women farmers in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

She disclosed that women farmers have just 14 per cent holding rights on the land where they farm and therefore, have limited access to land, credit facilities, farm inputs, training and advice, technology and crop insurance, which the government is in better position to provide, but has failed to oblige them.

Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi lamented government’s neglect of women farmers despite their deep commitments to farming and enormous contributions to food production and security in Nigeria.

She advised government to motivate women farmers in actualising their dreams in farming.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

According to her: “Nigerian women play important roles in food and agriculture. It has been reported that women small holder farmers constitute 70-80 per cent of agric labour force. They produce the bulk of food for domestic consumption and they are the drivers of food processing, marketing and preservation.

“In spite of their strategic roles in food production, the government hardly focuses on supporting them.

I am also calling on government to involve women in the policy-making processes in agriculture to improve their participation in government’s hunger and poverty eradication agenda.”

She lamented that most of the organisations advocating for government support for farmers were made up of male advocates who exclude women’s contributions.

Akiyode-Afolabi, said the workshop was organised to push for a parading shift from male domination and ensure that gender approaches are introduced to government’s agricultural policies and programmes.

Funds’ paucity, equipment hinder fish farming growth

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ACK of funds, fish drying machines and other equipment have been identified as factors affecting the SUTEX Fish Farm at Okongntekong Ete village in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The President of Ukpum Ete Youth Association, Comrade Ubong Essien, highlighted the challenges on the farm and appealed for government’s assistance when the state governor visited and inspected some basic facilities for skill acquisition development in the area.

The Youth President urged the state government to come to their aid through provision of more capital to accelerate efforts in training more youths in the area, and promised to be law abiding.

Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Skills Development Project Centre, Dr. Majorie Abasiodiong George, the governor congratulated youths from Ukpum Ete clan for pro-actively initiating lofty programmes that would engage youths meaningfully in the

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

area.

The governor advises youths to engage themselves in raising fish of all sorts, and engage in other skill developmental activities in order to stem the tide of unemployment in the state.

George, who commended the leadership of Ukpum Ete Youth Association, thanked them for giving youths in the area a pride of place in skill acquisition and other developmental activities, adding that, she was impressed with the fact that, youths in the community did not fold their arms to wait for white collar jobs from the government, but make good use of their resources to establish a fish farm.

She, however, called on youths in the area to support government programmes and shun acts capable of giving the community a bad image.

She lauded the pragmatic efforts of the Managing Director of SUTEX Farm in establishing such farm in the community, adding that, the administration of Mr. Udom Emmanuel is interested in developing skills in youth on all sectors of the state’s economy.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

16

THE NATION

BUSINESS SHOPPING

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

SMS : 07035302326

Back-to-school, the second largest seasonal shopping period after Christmas, usually opens up opportunities for retailers to make brisk business. It is a period when more shoppers, particularly women, troop to both the virtual and physical stores to buy school items for their wards, TONIA ‘DIYAN reports

Back-to-school shopping gets bigger

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ACK-TO-SCHOOL shopping is the second largest seasonal shopping period of the year in terms of consumer spending. It represents an even greater challenge to retailers and manufactures because of its nature.

However, retailers have been meeting shoppers’ numerous demands as they kick-started promotional offers early in May. They are expectant of bumper sales as back-to-school shopping is in full swing in major markets, stores and online.

Online retailers are not left out, as findings have it that they have invested plenty of money into selling supplies to schools, other businesses and directly to shoppers.

Over time, back-to-school shopping has become, perhaps, the most prolonged shopping period of the year, with sales starting two months before school vacates and one month after classes resume.

However, when it comes to backto-school sales, retailers and shoppers might not be on the same

page all the time as some shoppers still believe that the best sales are in September after school begins because the rush would have subsided and items cheaper. More than a quarter of parents The Nation Shopping spoke to, said they plan to finish their shopping after the start of the new session, some for economic reasons, while others because they dread the rush in the market presently.

To some shoppers, when retailers hold special sales months before the start of a new school session, it doesn’t guarantee the best bargain. Some say they are more comfortable waiting till the last minute, because retailers are constantly adding new sales.

This belief however hasn’t stopped retailers from stocking up items for the season, neither has it stopped some of them from putting up promotions.

One thing is sure—prices of these items will become fairer when to the retailer, it will seem the season for the items is rounding up.

A retailer in Aswani Market, Dumebi Akonuwa, said she had introduced ridiculous discounts on all back-to-

•Balogun Market busy with back-to-school sale

school items and that made parents and their wards respond in an impressive manner.

Visits to some shopping places in Lagos where mainly back-to-school items are displayed reveal that retailers are giving away cheap prices on backto-school items. They are also giving out price-matching guarantees to customers in an effort to stay relevant and competitive.

Some retailers are offering two times less the original prices of items such as under wares, stationeries, school uniforms, school shoes, etc. There are some other retailers who are known for their sharp back-to-school promo, they attested to the fact that they have

obviously started selling early and would make sure they stay relevant throughout the season.

Also, owners of bookshops in Mushin, Lagos and its environs said they are responding to competition so they don’t lose out on sales. They are happy parents and guardians. They believe this is the time when a retailer needs to attract shoppers with something other than product. It is important to use price and time.

Retailers are busy serving the needs of millions of shoppers who seem to hold all the cards when it comes to getting cheap merchandise. These retailers prefer to mark down items (place items on discounts) to help them

PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

clear their stock. And they’re doing it out of a need to keep shoppers with hundreds of other options interested, especially during crucial buying seasons such as back-to-school.

On the other hand, while sales remain unstable, school sales have helped push online retail revenue up slightly. Secondary school pupils in particular are very savvy when it comes to shopping via the web. It seems they were born with computers in their hands; they know how to use the internet to their advantage, so they’re surfing the web with a view to getting the best prices and the best deals.

Intercontinental Distillers Limited (IDL), producers and marketers of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, has celebrated distributors of its quality products in Lagos, Ibadan and Port Harcourt with cash and gift items, TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

Intercontinental Distillers celebrates distributors

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O appreciate hard work and productivity, IDL, producers and marketers of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, has celebrated its distributors in major parts of the country as a way of encouraging them to do more.

In Lagos, the event was one trending with faces lit up in smiles as people went home with mouthwatering gifts which evolved around Awards, cash rewards worth N258 million and gift items such as washing machine, plasma television, generators and other household items worth over N55 million.

Aside the awards given to distributors, other good will services rendered to various communities include donation of block of five classrooms and two offices to a secondary school in Ilogbo-Asowo in the Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State in May, the organisation of Bull Fuji Talent Hunt Season 3 which took place in Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta, Oshogbo, Akure and Ilorin within the span of three months.

A few of the strides it made in the last business year are the new bottles of Chelsea Dry Gin, Squadron Dark Rum and Veleta fruit drink which were unveiled and fully integrated into the market with the decision bringing great dividends in the areas of sales and reduction in the risk of

counterfeiting Intercontinental Distillers Limited products.

Its Managing Director, Patrick Anegbe, said Lagos has particularly been a fertile ground for the company’s harvests, adding that the firm is proud of its network of highly mobile salesmen and executives based at its various depots at Mushin, Oke-Arin, Ikeja, Ikorodu and Apapa and other places.

He said: “Other brands like DeRok and Action Bitters have also undergone repackaging and we are pleased to announce to you that all our changes have been accepted in the market.”

He added that all its brands in the last year have enjoyed robust above-theline and below-the-line adverts and marketing campaigns. This is a proof of our commitment to continue and remain the top choice quality drinks.”

He encouraged distributors to boost their sales for better award next year.

“It is our expectation therefore, that today’s award will encourage you to invest more in your business and rekindle your drive to grow your business by improving on current performance so you will continue to benefit from our generous yearly rewards for our distributors” he said.

Awards given to distributors were based on the volume of sales they made the previous year. Mrs. Dorothy Anegbe of Ogbohu Enterprise from Lagos zone emerged winner with top Prize winning a Platinum Award of N9.25 million and a 4.5 tonne truck. Others are; Ollytex

•From left: Busayo Adejuwon of Adebanbutayo Trading Stores and bronze winner; Patrick I. Anegbe, Managing Director; Sir Theophilus Ajunwa of Top Biz International and bronze winner; Vincent Orhomre, National Sales Manager Intercontinental Distillers Limited at the company’s Western Region Customer Awards in Ibadan.

Nig Ltd 20, who went home with a KVA Mikano Generator and N6.8 million. Third place was Emmaogbata & sons with 6.0 17 million and a 20KVA Mikano Generator. Other prizes include 15KVA Generator, wireless theatre system, lasma Television set and Washing machine.

In her moment of joy, Mrs. Anegbe expressed her gratitude to the firm. She said: “I want to say a very big thank you to IDL for this award and on behalf of the other distributors, I say a very big thank you for the cash gifts they have given to us and by the grace of God, we would try to work harder to gain more awards. We are also praying for them

that they would grow from strength to strength and would continue to be the number one distillery in Nigeria.”

Mrs. Olatunji Yemisi, a Lagos zone distributor in Ikota said: “I am very happy and grateful to IDL because they have been wonderful people so far and

by God’s grace, next year, I would try to perform better so I can be able to collect more awards. I like to advise them to continue this way and try to make us happy and God would continue to make them happy also.”

Another distributor, Alhaji Taofeek Aremujeni in Lagos Island south from Oke-Arin market said: “I advise the company to keep it up because they are

inspiring and motivating us to be more productive in the sales of the goods”.

With the company’s relentless effort to reward its productive customers, the regional award ceremony was taken to Ibadan and Port Harcourt.

The awards held in Port Harcourt was the last in the series of awards for the 2014 Business year held specifically for the company’s Eastern & Central regions. Comrade Joseph Ogoamaka Ugwoegbu of Merdian Marketing emerged the company’s No 1 Customer. He was rewarded with a cash sum of N11.4million and a 4.5 tonne truck. The region also produced 1 gold winner, 10 silver winners and many bronze winners.

The company believes that rewarding customers plays a vital role within its sustainable development agenda and, as such, has over the years, been working with the community to highlight key areas of intervention.

Speaking on the challenges in the industry, Anegbe said: “Our industry has not been without its challenges as the power situation in our country, continues to affect production costs among other issues.

It is our prayer that the Government finds a permanent solution to this problem. Also, the instability of the Naira against the Dollar is another factor affecting manufacturing companies in Nigeria especially in the area of equipment procurement. The manufacturing sector lost millions of dollars to devaluation of the naira. The devaluation and resultant increase in the cost of foreign exchange should directly mean increase in prices of goods but there is a limit to the extent that price increase can be absorbed by the trade.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

17

THE NATION

BUSINESS INDUSTRY

industry@thenationaonlineng.net

Despite Nigeria’s huge customer base, leveraging on quality service delivery culture to build brand equity remains a herculean task for most businesses. But The Workplace Centre Limited (TWPC), a human resource and information technology consultancy firm, is set to reverse the trend.

TWPC is to host business managers, chief executives and social entrepreneurs to its customer service training. The aim is to provide insights into consistent service delivery strategies that will revolutionise customer service culture. Assistant Editor OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reports.

• Mr Olalekan Akodu, (third right) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives Lagos State in a pose with some members of Confederation of Indian Industry, Business Delegation to Nigeria during a courtesy visit to the ministry.

Boosting global competitiveness through M service delivery culture

OST successful global brands are built on a track record of excellent service delivery culture. But this is not the case in Nigeria where, despite an intimidating customer base of about 170 million, most companies and businesses have not been able to make their products and services irresistible.

The verdict by brand analysts and managers is that Nigerian entrepreneurs, despite being acknowledged globally for their tenacity and ‘can do spirit,’ have not been able to ride on the platform of a robust service delivery culture to build brand equity.

This much was confirmed by a recent ‘Africa’s Top 50 Companies’ published

by African Business Report, in which only seven Nigerian companies made the list. The survey, which jolted not a few business owners, brand experts and stakeholders, added that many local brands failed in according their customers the required excellent service delivery. The belief is that when compared to some businesses that invest immensely in excellent customer service strategies, Nigerian businesses still have a long way to go.

The ‘care-free’ attitude of most brand managers and chief executives is said to be largely responsible for the poor level of patronage of local brands.

But the situation appears set for a reversal. The Workplace Centre Limited (TWPC), a human resource and information technology consultancy firm, has concluded arrangements to engage managers, supervisors and client interfacing executives on how to make strategic decisions to transform their organisations’ customer relationship management and to emotionally connect and add value to every interaction. Specifically, the firm is set to host business managers, chief executives and social entrepreneurs to its customer service training scheduled for the 24th of this month, in Lagos.

The training is aimed at providing insights into consistent service

delivery strategies that will revolutionise customer service culture in Nigeria.

The forum, tagged: “The Customer Amazement Revolution Master Class” will, according to its organisers, expose participants to current trends in customer service relations, drawing from the wealth of experience of speakers, including Shep Hyken, a customer service expert and the award winning author of books, such as The Amazement Revolution; Benjamin Ola Akande, the 21st president of Westminster College, Missouri, United States; and the immediate past Dean, George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology, Webster University, among others.

To meet the increasing demand for quality customer service, co-founder and Managing Partner, TWPC, Mrs. Bola Adeniyi-Taiwo, urged business owners, managers and social entrepreneurs to join hands with her company, which offers unparalleled quality services in its areas of expertise, to promote the much-needed amazement revolution in customer service delivery.

She expressed optimism that if stakeholders in Nigeria heed the call for a consistent amazing customer service, more consumers of goods and services within and outside the country would increase their demand for products, which would in turn reduce unemploymen in the country. This, she noted, will help the nation gain global competitive advantage.

Adeniyi-Taiwo, who emphasised that TWPC is guided by strong values and high ethical standards, said the company’s mission is to provide innovative solutions and excellent services that maximise client’s return on investment. According to her, the best way to do that is not to view customer service as a cost, but as an investment in building future and long

• Mrs Adeniyi-Taiwo

lasting relationships that would create customer evangelists.

Quoting Shep Hyken, she said: ‘Hitherto, one unhappy customer would tell 12 people about his experience. Now, one customer may have 500 Twitter followers to spread the message to.”

For Tobi Oni, a stakeholder, the theme of the forum is “apt and timely.”

According to him, there is no better time for such a thought-provoking event that is designed to change the face of service delivery in Nigeria and Africa at large. He noted that apart from several economic challenges, thousands of Nigerian businesses have collapsed due to the inability of their owners to manage stardom by adopting amazing customer service culture that can give their customers reasons to come back. “I expect owners of dead and living companies to attend

the TWPC training and specifically learn from the masters (Hyken and Akande among others). We should start looking forward to practicing the much needed consistent service delivery system,” he told The Nation.

Mr. Oni is right. Not a few industry experts and stakeholders agree that the importance of quality customer service training cannot be overemphasized for businesses regardless of their sizes, services or market focus. As AdeniyiTaiwo pointed out, for instance, “The most successful companies take customer-service farther by applying it directly to their employees. When a service or sales team regards and treats one another with the same consideration and respect that they would offer the customer, amazing team spirit is created and the overall work dynamic of the establishment is improved.”

She, however, added that there are certain skills, tools and priorities that are essential to the growth and development of amazing customer service. “We must have the technical knowledge, financial and material resources as well as the required infrastructure and up to date technology to attend proactively to our customer’s needs. The benefits that excellent customer care skills provide to every business are endless,” she noted, adding that not only can it make the difference between an immediate sale or lack, thereof, it can also make or break a potential long term client relationship.

The TWPC Managing Partner further stated that all things being equal, almost everyone will choose the company that recognises and meets their needs consistently over the one that does not. She said when dealing with quality customer service, the most immediate and important factor is establishing an orientation of respect, which is one element that is

immediately felt by the consumer.

“This alone can lead a hesitant customer to make an instant purchase or cause them to walk right out of the door. After the respectful attitude is established, then it is vital to anticipate and very importantly focus on the customers’ needs. This is when active listening skills are essential,” she admonished.

Indeed, such admonishment could not be timelier. At the moment, Nigeria is largely perceived as a nation where businesses/factories are commissioned daily, without adequate plans to relate the sustainability of the business to customer relationship management.

Nigeria and Africa consume mostly imported products and always rate their service delivery higher. This, according to customer service experts, hinders Africa’s quest for cultivating unparalleled quality of its service delivery.

“We are basically a consuming nation; we applaud service delivery of foreign brands and multinationals because we have failed in ours. We praise others for doing what we can do to protect and secure the future of our brands. I believe several local brands can compete internationally if only the correct measures are put in place,” Gbenga Osho, a former manager with one of the defunct local fast food outfit, said.

Interestingly, these are issues that will engage the minds of participants and resource persons at the training.

Already, world’s number one customer service guru, Shep Hyken, has given his words that ‘The Customer Amazement Revolution Masterclass’ would engender more competition among businesses within the same segment leading to positive change in the perception of service delivery in Nigeria.

Founded in February 2013, TWPC is a state-of-the-art skills development centre that provides employability and entrepreneurial skills development as well as human resources and ICT services to its clients.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

18

THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

Govt’s textile revival effort genuine, says Aremu

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ABOUR is upbeat about the Muhammadu Buhari administrations plan to revive the textile industry.

It was part of its campaign, National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) Secretary-General Issa Aremu has noted.

Speaking at the 27th Annual National Education Conference in Kaduna, organised by NUTGTWN, Comrade Aremu, said: “Our chosen theme this year is to assist Buhari’s administration to consolidate on the few gains of the past, avoid policy mistakes of the past and above all, revive all closed factories where past governments, in spite of their efforts, could not stop the free fall.”

Aremu quoted Buhari as saying:”I have made a promise to Nigerians that jobs will be created

Stories by Toba Agboola

as part of efforts to revive the economy and that promise will be fulfilled. We will move as fast as we can to resuscitate the textile and mining industries, and improve production in our agricultural sector. We cannot allow industries and factories to close down. Instead, we should be making every effort to ensure that we re-open the closed ones and attract new ones to reduce unemployment.”

He also urged President Buhari to ensure that smuggling and counterfeiting of textile materials are halted, adding that if such socioeconomic activities are allowed to thrive, they would rub on his good image.

Aremu said: “We were encouraged during Gen Buhari’s campaign that he has resolved to revive tex-

tile and garment industry as part of his party’s overall strategy to reindustrialise the county and create mass employment for the millions of unemployed.

“We recall that in the 70s and up to early 80s, (when General Buhari and his patriotic team were in power) Nigeria was the largest producer of different range of textile, garment and carpet products surpassed in production only by Egypt and South Africa. We are willing to partner with his administration to reinvent this sector, which has propelled newly industrialised countries in recent times such as China, India, Balgadesh and Indonesia among others.

He said 26 out of the 36 states grow cotton of both long and short stable lengths; in addition as an oilproducing country, Nigeria boasts of a large polyester base.

“Combined with the 170 million population rich in fashion and clothing and huge labour force of some 70 million potential workers, Nigeria has the potential of producing 1.2 billion meters of cloth per year. When we factor the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) sub-regional market, Nigeria is a natural textile destination point in the world.

“The major threat to the realisation of the great potential of Nigeria in textile production is high influx of counterfeit and smuggled goods. The real acid test of Gen Buhari’s incoming administration’s anti-corruption is how he frontally fight smuggling.

“Over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s huge market size is dominated by smuggled and counterfeit goods, killing local companies in Kano,

Kaduna, Lagos, Guzau, Aba and Port Harcourt, and millions of direct and indirect associated local jobs. In addition, smuggling denies the government the much needed revenue in unpaid custom duties.

While private sector is the engine of growth, it is the government that must “oil” this engine, failing which it will crash as it has with the textile industry,” Aremu said.

He said nations want to employ their youths, produce goods and services, overcome poverty and under-development. To this extent, he said every nation protects its own industry, whether the industry is in ‘infancy’ or ‘adulthood’, adding that Nigeria cannot be different under Gen Buhari’s administration, which has commendably raised expectations to fight unemployment and grow the economy.

NUPENG, SON to flush out substandard products

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•From left: The Marketing Manager, BEKO, Inyang Ekere, winner of the 2015 BEKO Home2CampNou Instagram Competition, Patrick Obiora and the General Manager, BEKO, Mr Inderjit Singh Kular, during the presentation of prizes to the winners at BEKO’s office.

NLC restates commitment to negotiating minimum wage

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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reaffirmed its commitment to negotiating a new minimum wage with the Federal Government despite the country’s economic crisis.

Speaking with The Nation, a factional President of the Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said it would not accept the blackmail of economic crisis to continue labour abuses through denial of basic rights.

According to him, when the N18,000 minimum wage was approved, it was agreed that it would be reviewed after five years, adding that it is over five years after the introduction of the N18,000 minimum wage, and workers are yet to have their salaries reviewed.

“Government should not deny workers their basic rights and privileges as entrenched in the agreement with labour,” Comrade Ajaero said.

He implored relevant government agencies and state governments not to delay or deny immediate negotiation of a new minimum wage.

He tasked National Assembly to bring an end to its lingering leadership tussle and concentrate on working with President Muhammadu Buhari in tackling national issues for a better Nigeria.

He said one of the best services the Nigerian lawmakers could offer Nigeria was to close ranks and cooperate with the President in ensuring that the financial bailouts availed some salary-owing state governors are judiciously used for paying workers salaries while other national issues are addressed.

“Our lawmakers, by now are supposed to see the national issues confronting the nation as more important than any other thing. Nigerians are waiting for the change promised during the electioneering campaign.

“Now that the politicians have been voted in, they should get to work to strengthen our internal democracy and achieve for all, a better Nigeria through legislations that will bring about constant electricity generation and distribution; employment generation; improved

‘Government should not deny workers their basic rights and privileges as entrenched in the agreement with labour’

primary, secondary and tertiary education; healthcare; security, legislating against corruption; entrenching industrialisation and reforms in the oil and gas industry; among several others,” Ajaero said.

The lawmakers, he said, should join forces with President Buhari in recovering stolen commonwealth of over 150 billion dollars stacked away in foreign banks by past governors, ministers, and other government functionaries.

“We need not search further for any other reason for the perennial decay in the country and the sorry state of critical infrastructure. Our anti-corruption agencies must be repositioned and our justice system must be critically reviewed while international support is also sought to bring an end to corruption in Nigeria.

“All the outrageous remuneration structure for the Senators and members of the House of Representatives and the profligacy of state governors must stop if we want to be reckoned with as a serious entity among the comity of nations,” Ajaero added.

He also challenged the lawmakers to address the issue of income inequality and poverty among Nigerian workers so as to put in proper perspectives the intricate connection between income, consumption and production.

AKE lubricant and base oil producers have been put put on notice – the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) plans to join forces with National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Engine Lubricant Dealers Branch, to stop their trade.

The two bodies have set up a working committee made up of 10 members (five each) to set out modalities for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would set the framework for a planned task force that will drive the change within the next 90 days.

Speaking at the event, which held at SON’s Lekki Office, Lagos the Director-General, Dr Joseph Odumodu said the move is a welcomed as it would enable a cleaner oil and gas sector, adding that there was need to sanitise the sector in the overall interest of Nigeria.

Odumodu said it was on the government interest in seeing that the oil and gas lubricant sub-sector is run in accordance with the laws of the land, hinting that collaboration with NUPENG is what SON needs to bring sanity and due process in that industry.

“I want to assure you that SON will collaborate with you in this battle. Some people bring in base oil and try to adulterate it.

Nigeria cannot be a safe haven for such unscrupulous importers or blenders. We will flush them out

with joint collaboration and ensure that genuine business flourish in the sector.

He assured that base oil, which does not meet the quality that suit our modern day automobiles/machinery in terms of the SAE ranges and API classifications, would be removed from the market.

According to him, it is important to bring in other stakeholders and groups in the sector “so that we can eradicate substandard goods from oil and gas sector”. ”We shall sign an MOU by first setting up a working committee and a task force team that will bring sanity to the sector with in 90 days,’’ he said.

Reacting, Comrade Braimoh spoke against the damages caused by adulterated products to engines and machines and the attendant effect on the economy, expressing worries over complaints about poor quality of imported lubricant brands to the detriment of locally produced ones.

He said this mandated the need that SON and NUPENG should synergise to reduce the incidents of adulterated and substandard products to the barest minimum for the good of the public.

Other top executives of SON at the meeting, include: Mr Bede Obayi, Director Enforcement, Engineer; Timothy Abner, Head Petroleum; Mr Ofalayo, Group Head Chemical Technology, Engineer Gabriel Abba, among others.

‘Don’t allow local govts pay teachers’ salaries’

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HE Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has reiterated its calls on the Federal Government not to allow local governments to be in-charge of paying primary school teachers’ salaries.

The union said the call became necessary due to its fears and concerns over the capability of local government councils and their leaders to pay salaries of primary school teachers, given the history of the councils’ inability to carry out this responsibility in the past.

National President of the NUT, Comrade Alogba Olukoya said this at a press conference in Abuja.

According to him, the NUT views the stance of Mr. President to strengthen the local government system as a step in the right direc-

tion, believing that such an effort will give the needed impetus to the third tier of government to carry out its statutory responsibilities for the overall benefit of the people.

“However, we wish to use this opportunity to draw the attention of President Buhari to our age long fears and concerns about the capability of local government councils and the political will of their leaders to pay salaries of primary school teachers in the country given the history of total failure of the councils to carry out this responsibility in the past. We recall with nostalgia the horrifying experience of primary school teachers between 1990 and 1994 when primary school education was under the control of the local government,” he said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL

LETTER

Anthony Oladeinde Fernandez (1929-2015) •Passage of a remarkable African

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NTHONY Oladeinde Fernandez (12 August 1929-1 September 2015) would appear the Edward Blyden of his age.

Edward Wilmot Blyden (3 August 18327 February 1912), was officially Liberian: at one time, Liberian High Commissioner to the Court of St. James; and at another, ambassador to France. But he was born at Saint Thomas in Virgin Islands, to parents who were freed slaves, emigrated to Liberia, did education and journalism work in Sierra-Leone, where he died and was buried — but not before he became the champion of Muslim education rights in Fernandez’s native Lagos, Nigeria. For that, he got a Lagos memorial: the Edward Blyden Memorial Primary School, off Lewis Street, in Lafiaji, on Lagos Island Ambassador Fernandez, who died in a Brussels, Belgium hospital on September 1, was born Nigerian. But he lived his life as a pan-African, engaged in a trilogy of exertions: business, bureaucracy and diplomacy, in an awesome career that spanned a couple of African capitals; and which yielded humongous fortune.

His pan-Africa diplomatic career was the stuff of sheer fable: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Permanent Representative of Central African Republic (CAR) at the United Nations, special adviser to the President of Mozambique on international economic matters, Ambassador-at-Large for the Republics of Togo and Angola, in 1966 consul for the then Republic of Dahomey (now Benin Republic), economic adviser to the Angolan government, aside from long-time adviser to President Jose Eduardo dos Santos (who has ruled Angola since 1975); and deputy

minister of finance, Swaziland. That all of these countries are non-Anglophone also underscores his proficiency in language. He was a polyglot.

But his diplomatic-bureaucratic career would appear fired by his business interests. Aside from Petro Inett, which did oil exploration in Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, his business interests spanned bauxite exports, gold mines and diamond pits, in these countries, mainly in central and southern Africa.

In real estate, his high rise Tower Fernandez (now reportedly sold), hugs the Onikan skyline in Lagos, an object of neighbourhood buzz: of a reclusive native who made good, but seldom seen. He is also said to own an island in New York, and choice property in Scotland, France, Belgium and England. These, with his array state-of-the-art autos, speak of benumbing wealth.

Yet, all that came from a very humbling beginning, thus underscoring Fernandez’s stupendous rags-to-riches story. Though belonging to the proud Lagos Popo Aguda (Catholic quarters) community, of repatriated former slaves from Brazil, his father was a copy typist; while he himself left school in class four, stowing away to the United States on fortunehunting. When the native returned, he was a far cry from the struggling boy of yore.

He had hit gold.

It is an addition to the Deinde Fernandez mystique that though he never returned to Lagos (in the sense of a native who had conquered the world and come home to re-settle), and was probably more known in some African capitals than he would ever be known in his native Nigeria, his

last home address was in Kano, where he married Haleema, a Kano native. The marriage produced a daughter, Mahreyah. Mrs. Teju Philips, his first child, was commissioner of commerce, in Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu’s first cabinet (1999-2003).

Also, for all his “Africanness” and “Brazilian” flavour, Oluwo Fernandez remained faithful to some native core values. As Oluwo (literally, Yoruba for “chief of cult”), he was a high chief of the Ogboni Confraternity, and was highly revered in that cult. During the Abacha dictatorship and the ensuing battle to revalidate Chief MKO Abiola’s presidential mandate, he was a big but quiet financier of the cause of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

The only chink, in the late Fernandez’s shining armour would appear his philanthropy. At best, it was unstructured and ad hoc. At worst, it was near nonexistent. That is why his estate should put charity structures in place to memorialise him.

‘During the Abacha dictatorship and the ensuing battle to revalidate Chief MKO Abiola’s presidential mandate, he was a big but quiet financier of the cause of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO)’

A novel writing prize •Yet another excellent example of how commerce can foster culture ITERATURE got a boost following the announcement of a novel literary prize, by telecom major, Globacom, on August 28. Named “Glo Literature Prize for Undergraduate Students,” the idea is timely and welcome.

Gloworld Coordinator, Ebenezer Kolawole, who announced the prize, said it would be awarded yearly based on a writing competition open to all students of Nigerian universities. It was fitting that the prize was publicised at an event connected with the Nigerian literary luminary and Nobelist Wole Soyinka “Evening with Wole Soyinka and Nigeria’s Outstanding Literary Stars”, held at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The first edition of the award is billed to hold in 2016 and entries are expected to be original and unpublished manuscripts. Kolawole said: ‘“Our objective is to promote the study of all genres of literature. Therefore, Globacom is offering prizes to winners in the

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‘The beauty of Globacom’s involvement in literary promotion is that it bridges telecom and literary activity in an exemplary fashion. It is a positive demonstration of corporate social responsibility which recommends itself in a land in need of innovative ideas in that area’

following categories: Prose, Drama, and Poetry. The winner in each category will receive the sum of N1.5m.”

It is, importantly, the first prize in the country that would be awarded for all the three genres of literature at the same time, rather than the familiar format of rotation among the literary forms. It is a commendable sign of the seriousness of the organisers that the panel of judges for the prize includes distinguished literary names expected to ensure a credible process: Professor Femi Osofisan; Professor (Mrs.) Akachi Ezeigbo of the University of Lagos; Professor Umar Buratai, Dean, Faculty of the Arts, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Professor Olu Obafemi of the University of Ilorin, and Dr. Promise Ogochukwu, who is the secretary of the panel.

There is no doubt that the introduction of the prize will inspire new writing and promote literary creativity in the country’s tertiary educational institutions. It may be described as a catch-them-young approach, and the country’s significant writers of the future may well be produced on this platform.

It is appropriate to acknowledge Globacom’s contribution to literary development in the country, particularly its sponsorship of the $20,000 Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa organised by the Lumina Foundation, which is awarded biennially to recognise the best literary work by an African writer. The new Globacom prize for undergraduates represents a reinforcement of its services to Literature.

The beauty of Globacom’s involvement in literary promotion is that it bridges telecom and literary activity in an exemplary fashion. It is a positive demonstration of corporate social responsibility which recommends itself in a land in need of innovative ideas in that area. Literature and the arts in general ought to attract greater support from big players in the corporate sector as a way of giving back to the society in which they operate profitably. In this regard, it is noteworthy that another telecom company is behind the Etisalat Prize for Literature, a pan-African prize for “first-time writers of published fiction books.”

It is a testimony to good thinking that Literature is being supported and promoted by corporate entities at a time when there are serious public criticisms of alleged decline in writing skills among the country’s youths in an age that is more visual than literary. Reading and writing are essential skills in a literate society, and the literary focus of the Globacom undergraduate prize has the potential to release new energies in the relevant spheres of authority in the pursuit of an acceptable literacy level in the country.

Before now, at no time did undergraduates in the country have the kind of exclusive opening to strive for excellence in creative writing offered by the Globacom prize. It is hoped that the prize will be sustained by the company well into the future.

No, FERMA, EkitiKogi Road still bad

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IR: I jumped up for joy and relief when I read in a supposedly national daily (not The Nation) that the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) had completed the fixing of the vital Ekiti-Kogi Road that had gone deplorable for years.

The misleading report, which was titled “FERMA repairs Ekiti-Kogi road,” published on August 13, 2015, gave the false impression that the critically failed section along Ifaki-Ikole-Omuo-Kogi State Border, which stretches over three kilometres, had been fixed.

The development, according to a statement by the Engineer in charge of Ekiti, Emmanuel Onu, said the report followed a directive by the agency to all its Field Offices to embark on rescue mission on federal roads within their jurisdiction across the country.

“The agency has mobilised by removing unsuitable materials, clearing of site, provision of earth drain and turnouts, filling with Boulders, Stonebase, Priming and Asphalt overlay on the failed sections of the road where vehicular movement had been impeded for a while now.

“The Executive Management Team has come around to assess the extent and quality of work done and applauded the feat attained. The team also inspected other critical roads in Ekiti State to assess the extent of damage and propose possible measures to mitigate the situation,” the statement said.

Emboldened by the headline, two days after – August 15 – I hit the route from Abuja and headed for Ekiti for a burial ceremony.

Alas, my ordeal was better imagined: The route remained a hell as, like other unsuspecting motorists, I wallowed through for over two hours!

Questions ran riot in my mind as to why the newspaper, Onu and his cohorts at FERMA could decide to delude the motoring public. This is unfair especially on the part of FERMA. There is no reason rushing to the press when the job is yet undone. It is time we realised the fact that members of the public have feelings since blood flows in their veins. Blatant deceit and propaganda won’t do us any good, please!

• Maj. Gen Biodun Alade rtd, Maitama, Abuja.

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •General Manager (Abuja Press) Kehinde Olowu •AGM (PH Press) Tunde Olasogba

•IT\Pre-Press Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) •Press Manager Yomi Odunuga Udensi Chikaodi •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Legal Counsel John Unachukwu •Group Business Editor Simeon Ebulu • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye •Group Sports Editor Ade Ojeikere •Acting Manager (sales) •Editorial Page Editor Olaribigbe Bello Sanya Oni

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: In the words of former United States of America President, Bill Clinton, during the celebration of International Literacy Day in 1994, “literacy is not a luxury; it is a right and a responsibility. If our world is to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century we must harness the energy and creativity of all our citizens.”

Available data indicates that there are now close to four billion literate people in the world. Inasmuch as this represents a positive stride, literacy for all is still a yet-to-beaccomplished objective. Recent UNESCO statistics show that 774 million adults still cannot read or write – two-thirds of them (493 million) are women. Among youth, 123 million are illiterate of which 76 million are female.

In Nigeria, in-spite of efforts by all tiers of governments to address rising illiteracy level, there has not been a progressive increase in the literary level, especially among the adults. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, adult illiteracy rate in Nigeria stands at 56.9%. The implication of this is that about 70% of Nigerians are

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Combating illiteracy in Nigeria illiterates. Considering the fact that globally the illiteracy rate is approximately 20%, the Nigerian situation is rather disturbing.

The Country Comparison Index of Literacy Level by country in 2012 further testifies to the worrisome literacy situation in the country as it shows that Nigeria ranked 161 out of 184 countries with 66 per cent literacy rate. This implies that we belong to the mainstream of the world’s most illiterate countries. A recent USAID study also indicates that an estimated 10 million Nigerian children are not registered in school. A disclosure by a former Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, equally indicates that the number of adults who cannot read and write in the coun-

try is estimated at 60 million, which is about 38% of the country’s population estimated at 170 million. The revelation was made by Wike at the flagging off of the 2014 International Literacy Day. The declining fortune of literacy ratio among Nigerian children is, indeed, an embarrassment to the nation as we currently have over 10.5 million children out of school.

The current Education for All, EFA, Global Monitoring report ranks Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest level of illiteracy. The EFA report on Nigeria affirmed that the number of illiterate adults has increased by 10 million over the past two decades, to reach 35 million.

The current literacy trend in Ni-

geria, if not speedily halted, could obstruct the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s). As it has been earlier asserted, literacy is vital to the achievement of every growth index. The way things stand, the objective of meeting the national mark of reducing illiteracy by 50% by 2015 seems largely unattainable.

To successfully confront poverty, disease, religious fanaticism, political chaos, ethnic bigotry, gender discrimination, economic depression among others, efforts must be made by all to enhance the literary level in the country. Importantly, governments at all levels need to make pragmatic legislation as well as improved funding for the relevant agencies of government

Political appointments: Religion has no place

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IR: What are the relevant constitutional provisions for appointment to political offices in Nigeria? Broadly speaking, there are two sets of political appointments. One is the personal positions to the President and the other relates to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The two sets of political offices can best be described in this form. A complete Yoruba threepiece dress comprises the inner wear popularly called Singlet, the Buba and Agbada. The first set, that is, the singlet, represents the personal staff for which the President or the Governor has the power to pick people he could completely trust while the second batch of appointments entail constitutional injunctions for a spread, Federal character and balance.

I am not sure Governor Fayose has crossed the bar in this exercise, considering the spread of his appointments throughout the sixteen Local Government Areas of Ekiti

State. If anything, allegation that can be made centre on the plausible argument that Fayose, as in most cases, appointed or nominated his trusted friends to top positions throughout the state.

Who would not do that? Let me digress a little. Concerning Fayose’s birth place – Afao-Ekiti, in my larger family we have adherents of the two religions. One of my mother’s siblings was a leading Islamic faithful while my mother, a founding member of the C.M.S Church, was leader of her group in the Church, and we relished it in the family when they were alive. That is typical of many families in Ekiti. No one cares whether your next-door neighbour is an Islamic cleric or Ifa worshiper.

A little history: US President J.F. Kennedy who appointed his immediate sibling, Edward, as Attorney General of the US, a position next in rank to the American Secretary of State. When asked why

he picked his brother, John Kennedy answered, “Is he not qualified? Should I deny him because he is my brother?” Coming nearer home, I don’t know a single governor in Nigeria who did not appoint his relations, including siblings and children, into political office.

Lagos is regarded as having the most efficiently run government in Nigeria. Have the successive governments excluded their relations from the State House?

We all remember how some people have exploited religion, canvassed that political and even civil service positions be shared between the two major religions, Christianity and Islam; and that is why some public servants gravitated towards the Government House based purely on religious sentiments.

The same set of people has used religion for advancement in the public service, especially at political level. Many have always been amused by this undisguised oppor-

tunism. People should rise or fall in their public positions purely on merit, that is, focus, commitment and integrity.

For your information, I had supported in large measure the appointments made by President Buhari because the people so far appointed are nearest to his political body and it is only human that he should look inwards in this respect. By the time larger constitutional positions are made, we will expect him to fulfill the spread enjoined by constitutional requirements of the Federal Republic.

Buhari should be advised not to make the mistake of the Jonathan administration when over 70% of the economic, financial and energy positions of the Federal Government were limited to the South-East and South-South. The trend has to be discontinued.

•Deji Fasuan, , MON, JP Isato, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State

saddled with the execution of the mass literacy programme. Equally, literacy inclined groups and other related NGOs ought to step up activities and campaigns to increase awareness of the importance of literacy. The various States Universal Basic Education Boards, SUBEB, need to intensify efforts to ensure that no child is left out in the mass literacy drive. To this end, all the states need to strictly adhere to the spirit and principle of the Child Rights Law which criminalizes denial of access to any child to school.

The general perceptive of literacy is ability to read and write. But, literacy has bigger dimensions than mere ability to read and write. According to former United Nations Secretary General, Dr Kofi Anan, “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a basic tool for daily life in modern society. It is a wall against poverty, and a building block of development. Literacy is a vehicle for the promotion of cultural and national identity”.

September 8 is globally celebrated as International Literacy Day. It is a day set aside to draw attention to the importance and impact of literacy skills on individuals, communities, and societies. Since the day was first celebrated in 1966, on every 8 September, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO, requests governments, employers, trades unions and other key global organisations to get involved and appreciate the importance of being able to read and write.

In countries all over the world, the International Literacy Day raises people’s awareness of and concern for literacy issues within their own communities. Several activities relating to concerns over low literacy levels have taken place as a result of this increased awareness. Some of these activities include literacy day projects, particularly with regard to technology and literature, which are promoted by various organisations, including reading associations.

• Tayo Ogunbiyi , Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 16

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COMMENTS

Babatunde Fashola as the APC’s broken idol (2) Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040 “In my mind, Governor Fashola and I are and shall always be political allies; that alliance is unshakeable and our journey must not be interrupted.

I would no more attack his character or his administration than I would attack myself” Bola Tinubu.

ABATUNDE Fashola’s descent shows politics as a barbaric ritual drama where the performers periodically trade masks. His frightful demystification presage the capitulation of hubris to karma’s tyranny. At the beginning of his term as Lagos governor, the perceived dominance of Bola Tinubu, as his godfather and puppeteer seemed so complete and absolute. Fashola, to cynical opposition parties and apathetic citizenry, was inert human matter, a pitiful puppet manipulated by an omnipotent godfather, Tinubu. The latter allegedly controlled Lagos while Fashola served as a pitiable front. Critics of Fashola substantiated their claims by tracing his subservience to Tinubu to the period when he served as the two-time governor of Lagos’ Chief of Staff (COS).

Fashola was severally dismissed as a stringed instrument plucked by Tinubu. However, under the latter’s imposing stature, Fashola forged an enviable identity, his bid reinforced by his brilliance, infectious optimism and natural biological authoritarianism. Fashola thus proceeded to serve against a bulwark of antagonism by Lagos elite class and struggling human segments of the backwaters. Governor Fashola proceeded by seemingly tested ideological apparatuses, brandishing a pieta, where the old guard becomes a virgin bustling with bleeding youth and buoyancy. But few months into his administration, one

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thing led to another and the chummy relationship he shared with Tinubu reportedly deteriorated. The ‘subservient’ godson allegedly sought freedom from his godfather and subsequently challenged the latter to a joust in apparent bid to tame him and cast him in a bind. The disconcerting test of might and will raged through Fashola’s first and second terms as Lagos governor; in the ensuing melee, various interests emerged and several people took sides, the media inclusive.

Now, this is hardly about the cause of conflict between alleged godfather and godson - as most of such stories widely perpetuated across the political circuits and media space often turn out to be lies embellished to serve the interests of warring parties - it is about the metamorphosis of Fashola from APC’s poster idol to a broken toy. So, if you are hell bent on establishing Tinubu or Fashola as a monster of sort, you can drop this page right now to seek other writers amenable to your quirk.

Predictably, Fashola exulted in the subtle and often rabid cheers accorded him by his ragtag army of loyalists comprising disgruntled, hungry politicians, civil servants and journalists, all desperate to make a fortune via sycophancy and goading of the former Lagos governor to his doom. Loyalties switched on the political plane . Deceit flared and floundered in the intense political drama. Pride too. Fashola’s brazen challenge to the ‘wailing wailers’ and ‘pigs,’ his perceived political foes eventually, incited backlash that devastated his strut and seeming invincibility with choreographic ritualism. It’s like a parody of ancient turf battles where the

IGERIA should be ready to face a lot of challenges. The biggest in my view is corruption; it is everywhere. There is no department, no ministry that can be said to be free of corruption. There is nowhere that fraud does not take place on a daily basis. It has become embedded in the minds of the people because the rule books have been thrown away and everybody is doing what they like. Nobody follows the rules anymore.”

—— (Malam Ahmed Joda, Chairman of Buhari’s Transition Committee in an interview with the Daily Trust newspaper on June 21, 2015).

If coup-making was still in vogue, the Buhari administration probably would have been history by now. Considering the apparent discomfort (not unexpected) of a significant section of Nigeria’s ethno-religious and economic class and the vehemence with which they are marshaling their collective energy to denounce (because that’s what it is, no matter how they tried to couch it) President Buhari’s stubborn insistence on fighting corruption into extinction in Nigeria, enough signals would have been received by the ever-restless Nigerian military by now that Buhari’s government must go. Either the government would have been overthrown or the coup planning would have reached such an advanced stage for its actualisation to be irreversible and/or irrevocable by now.

This particular ethno-religious and economic class, who would most definitely be negatively impacted, if not mortally wounded, initially, did not have any reason, in their calculation, to take candidate Buhari seriously with his campaign promise to the Nigerian people that he intended to kill corruption before it kills the country if elected. This is because this class held the country by the jugular. They had an iron-grip on all the levers of power. But when it dawned on them that the unthinkable but inevitable God’s day was about to happen in the polity that has been deftly wired on ‘auto pilot’ for very long, they threw in Godsday (Orubebe) as a counter-punch to God’s day. Since His ways are not their ways, they had Godsday for about half an hour, but God’s day was supreme. And it will endure for four years.

What seems to be eerily unfolding since the corruption protection crusaders (championed by Prof. Ben Nwabueze (for an ethnic group) and Bishop Mathew Kukah (for a segment of the religious class) launched out, is a replay of that Jonathan’s diabolical but clever onslaught which was, to a large extent, successful in driving a wedge between the nation’s various ethnic and religious groups during his presidency, most especially in the run-up to his re-election campaign. Generally believed to be the most clueless and patently incompetent chief of state that Nigeria ever had, Jonathan had also broken another record as a leader who deliberately took advantage of the nation’s ethno-religious fault line to further polarize the

weaker clan buckles after launching preemptive strikes to tame and crush stronger opposition.

A flurry of allegations severely rattled him, stripping him of his confidence and characteristic hauteur.

His fate is energized by explosive requiem of the repressed citizenry of Lagos, those whose dreams lay buried in the cavernous chasms of infrastructural lack and perceived maladministration by the immediate past Lagos governor.

It doesn’t matter if this segment of the citizenry comprising the impoverished human integers of the backwaters, struggling working and professional classes among others, are responsible for whatever grievous fate they suffer, it is trendier for them to blame the ruling class for their predicament rather than own up to certain bad choices and quirks of character.

In some cases, this segment of the repressed considers itself justifiably outraged at been unduly shortchanged by their leader. Market women of the sidewalks in Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA) of the state for instance, perpetuate news about the former governor’s recent travails like some urban legend to which they are contentedly disposed. Park urchins, jobless graduates and muscles for hire roaming Alimosho’s bad lands argue that but for their bias for the APC machinery and lack of better alternative, they would have voted against the party. According to them, the district produces decisive votes in the interest of the APC yet it grovels in abject lack compared to Lekki, Victoria Island, Yaba, Surulere and other parts of the state considered major recipients of the former governor’s mega city agenda.

Fashola was and is still variously seen as a governor of the elites or rich upper class by these segments of Lagos populace. While they are entitled to their views, such impressions about the ex-governor may peter out to more favourable testimonies and commendations for his service in parts of the state allegedly

favoured by him in his megacity plan.

This undoubtedly negates the argument by Fashola’s media team that he was a governor of the people.

What manner of people? What segment of the people? I, for instance, was appreciative of the former Lagos governor’s refusal to compromise as he cleared Oshodi of miscreants, squalid shanties and market settlements. But that decision was severely frowned at by the unemployed, commercial motorists, park urchins and market women of the sidewalk that erstwhile profited from the township’s squalor - these human elements no doubt constitute the decisive segment of the Lagos electorate.

There is no gainsaying the government of Fashola took purposeful steps to set Lagos on the path to irreversible progress but at what cost? Recent disclosures by the state under the incumbent administration of Governor Akinwumi Ambode allege financial improprieties against his predecessor hence eliciting shrill cries from Camp-Fashola of perceived witch-hunt by his successor.

Lending his voice to the debate, Tinubu condemned the attacks on his successor claiming Fashola would emerge victorious at the end.

He said: “I for one will not bend to the artificial provocation of those seeking to tear at what we have painstakingly built over the years.

In my mind, Governor Fashola and I are and shall always be political allies and fellow travelers on a vital journey; that alliance is unshakeable and our journey must not be interrupted. I would no more attack his character or his administration than I would attack myself.”

Apparently, the former Lagos governor and APC leader has dissociated himself from what he termed ‘rancid’ attacks against his successor. Perhaps this would put to rest insinuations that Tinubu sponsored this piece. Nonetheless, some frivolous boob would read this and call it an attack on Fashola. I would rather you call it premeditated assault on the vanities and vaingloriousness that gradually nibbles at the core of Fashola’s acclaim, diminishing it, stripping him naked and vulnerable to the charge of random radicals lusting for his ruin in real time.

Considering the huge allocation and Internally Generated Revenue available to him, Fashola didn’t do enough regarding the level of performance expected of his administration. He must come out to convincingly affirm or dispel the insinuations of financial impropriety levelled against him by the obviously over-exuberant incumbent administration.

I do not care what trenchant undertones are ascribed to this as long as Camp-Fashola understands that he was the architect of his misfortune. Brilliance may serve him in oratory and political grandstanding but the incidences leading to the ‘rancid’ disclosures about him could have been better managed with tact and maturity.

Yet the imagery of Fashola as the quintessential APC mascot is merely sullied, not destroyed. If he could learn from his recent predicament and reestablish himself as the citizenry’s true advocate, his ‘indestructible record’ will cease to mesh with his indestructible ego to impede his ascent the rickety ladder of power.

• To be continued...

‘Fashola’s brazen challenge to the ‘wailing wailers’ and ‘pigs,’ his perceived political foes eventually, incited backlash that devastated his strut and seeming invincibility with choreographic ritualism. It’s like a parody of ancient turf battles where the weaker clan buckles after launching preemptive strikes to tame and crush stronger opposition’

Buhari and politics of probe

By Femi Odere country for his ultimate political goal of achieving another term in office. But it failed in the end. We must thank God for little mercies.

Nwabueze’s stance on Buhari’s anti-corruption war in a threepart article in the Vanguard Newspaper of August 13, 17, and 19, 2015 which he cleverly but dubiously titled “Corrupt practices: Igbo leaders’ position of past governments” (it didn’t matter that he was the sole signatory to the article), with all his intellectual gymnastics and illogicalities, was nothing other than a disingenuous ploy to shield the people of Southeast extraction who were predominant in the Jonathan administration from losing the tremendous material gains they had acquired from a man whose government was distinctly NigerDelta/Southeast. It mattered not that these material gains could be glaringly illegal or morally unjustified.

As a constitutional lawyer whose involvement in making Nigeria a great and respectable nation in the world cannot be questioned, and an elder whose moral stock is expected to be in abundance, it is disturbing that Prof. Nwabueze did not only approach Buhari to “let bygone be bygone” before his trip to the United States, but his public declaration in the threepart article that Buhari should jettison his anti-corruption fight leaves a sour taste in the mouth. One would have expected the respected voices in Ndigbo to have dissociated the Southeast from a personal opinion that has now been largely known as “Igbo leaders’ position” in Buhari’s anti-corruption fight.

But it may well be asking too much from Ndigbo, as a collective, to denounce Nwabueze as they are never known to go against anything that will advance their economic interest no matter how illegal or morally repugnant to the nation’s corporate existence, to which Nwabueze himself alluded in his exhortation to his people as to how they should vote. Theirs is the classic case of eating one’s cake and wanting to have it too.

Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah may have denied that his committee’s meeting with Buhari had nothing to do with giving Jonathan, or any corrupt Nigerian, any reprieve in the president’s war on corruption, but Nigerians are no fools. With all his convoluted and illogical reasons why Buhari should “not waste his time” in prosecuting the Jonathan administration, that ill-fated ‘invasion’ of Aso Rock by the so-called National Peace Council (NPC), formerly known as the 2015 Elections Peace Committee (which might as well be renamed the

National Corruption Protection Council (NCPC), of which the Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese is not only its spokesman but also its founder, who may have cunningly co-opted some of its revered members to the committee, had everything to do with not only Jonathan but probably the bishop himself.

It is also not inconceivable that Jonathan may have given the council a marching order to The Villa, having realised, now that he’s out of the cage and his eyes cleared, how he had been conned to dispense a huge fortune for his re-election when these people knew that no miracle could have changed his electoral misfortune.

The religious colouration of the corruption protection agenda became self-evident when the respected Archbishop Anthony Olubumni Okogie joined the fray in which was reported to have said that Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign would fail unless the government appeals to the conscience of the looters to voluntarily relinquish their loots. With Kukah and Okogie, one needs no further evidence of a society whose moral compass may have been damaged almost beyond repair. Pray, how, for instance, can someone who carted away several billions of pensioners’ hard-earned money be considered as having any conscience? How do you appeal to the conscience of someone who never had one in the first place? Bishop Kukah’s unsolicited reminder that we’re not in the military era was a disingenuous put-down of the Nigerian president. What the bishop may have refused to acknowledge is that Buhari may well go down as having the highest democratic ethos among Nigerian leaders since independence for adamantly insisting on the actualisation of his campaign promises to the Nigerian people on which his electoral victory was secured.

Malam Ahmed Joda’s statement used as an epigraph above definitely epitomises the herculean task Buhari faces and anyone who cannot appreciate the enormity of the corruption problem, not to talk of advising the president to concentrate on other national issues, should not only be seen as anti-people but also be considered a traitor. The movement that culminated in the Sai Baba,SaiBuhari catch-phrase during the campaign has now crystallised into a cause probably bigger than Buhari himself. Therefore, the best that the likes of Kukah and Nwabueze can do under the present circumstance is to allow this cause to run its course.

• Femi Odere is a media practitioner. He can be reached at femiodere@gmail.com

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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COMMENTS

Where is our policy on ‘de-corruption’?

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HE announcement that President Buhari’s administration will be attempting to recover funds looted under the immediate past administration of President Jonathan was sweet music to the ears of many anxious but well-meaning Nigerians who have for weeks been awaiting a strong statement of intent from the President.

The people expect no less from a President who is still viewed by many as Nigeria’s Czar of anti-corruption (apologies, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu). It is perhaps the finest thing said since that legendary “I belong to nobody” speech of May 29, 2015. But the fundamental question remains: how prepared are we?

Successive administrations since the Obasanjo era have pledged to battle corruption and have attempted to do so in varying degrees. Suffice it to state that the results have not been encouraging enough even as we have continued to operate this nipple economy which freely allows every willing politician to suckle to his full. The mantra has been recited for too long. It’s time to finally get in the ring and fight for national survival. So, what is the strategy for this fight? What tools are to be deployed? What is the anti-corruption policy of the present administration?

I have no doubt that the President has a plan. I am also of the firm view that this policy should be made clear to Nigerians. As a passionate follower of events in my country for many years, there are questions on my mind. Some of these questions are: 1. Will much stiffer penalties be imposed on corrupt practices?

2. Will there be a refocus on high-profile

‘So, what is the strategy for this fight? What tools are to be deployed? What is the anti-corruption policy of the present administration?’

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By Ogbu Okanga Okanga prosecutions as we seemed to have under the Obasanjo era or will the battle be more of a broad-based one cutting across every nook and cranny of public life down to the bottom of the civil service? (The big fish, small fish question) 3.

Will there be a systematic and concerted effort to recover looted national assets?

4. Will there be established a special anticorruption court?

5.

Will the judiciary be coming up with new rules to fast-track corruption trials?

6. Will the EFCC and the ICPC be merged as one agency or will they continue to function independently?

7.

Will the police play a more prominent role in prosecuting corruption matters?

8.

Will there be room for arrangement and compromise which allows for a return of part of the loot in exchange for lighter punishment and/or enjoyment of the residue?

9. What is the fate of the President’s own men who also face allegations of having sticky fingers?

10. Is there a plan for curtailing the financial extravagance of the National Assembly?

11. Will the probe target only the immediate past administration or will it spread to previous administrations?

12. Will the reports of previous probes, including those conducted by the National Assembly, notably on subsidy payments, PTDF, the power sector among others be retrieved from whatever archives they have been dumped?

13. Will a more transparent model be adopted henceforth for the award of government contracts and licences, including oil blocks?

14. Will there be a more effective project monitoring system to stem the tide of abandoned and unexecuted contracts?

15. Will more stringent technical and legal measures be put in place to detect and check-

ENSION Protection Fund (PPF) Key Challenges The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) to be established and maintained by PENCOM for the benefits of eligible pensioners approved or recognized under section 82(1) of PRA 2014 is to funded by the Government, PENCOM and Pension Operators but the specific ratio of funding had not yet been fully worked out for the operators (section 82(2) of the PRA 2014).

Indeed, the funding of GMP is the responsibility of the government in other jurisdictions (such as in the UK and Chile, just to mention a few).In Chile the cost of funding the GMP is expressed in terms of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

This metric is more appropriate than a percentage of total monthly wage bill of employees in the Public Service of the Federation (section 82(1)(a) of PRA 2014) since private sector employees in CPS who retiree may also qualify for GMP. On the other hand, the adequacy of the PPF will be tested if the GMP is fully implemented to take effect retrospectively, thereby allowing all those who have retired since the CPS was established in 2004 to qualify for the GMP provided the level of pension in payment is below the GMP to be set by PENCOM. As employees of organizations with less than three employees as well as self-employees shall be entitled to join the CPS (section 2(3) of PRA 2014), the number of future retirees qualifying for GMP is likely to increase exponentially over time.

Thus, there will be a corresponding increase in future GMP liability which is also likely to put a strain on PPF, having considered the funding methodology in section 82(2) of PRA 2014 in the light of present economic situation in Nigeria.

Possible Solutions There is likely to be an accrued GMP liability already in existence prior to initial funds being set aside in the Pension Protection Fund leading to an immediate shortfall in PPF. Thus, a periodic actuarial valuation of the fund would be required to ascertain the right level of contribution/levy to be imposed in order to meet the future GMP liabilities.

The assessment of the cost of guarantees becomes an issue for capital adequacy and financial management of the PPF and the test of capital adequacy will be carried out on regular basis in line with generally accepted actuarial practice (GAAP).

The number of retirees qualifying for GMP will be reduced if many employees are encouraged to make AVC and this will reduce the strain on PPF. Investment Guidelines Key Challenges The dearth in wide range of investible instruments is a major problem facing the pension operators, as it will be difficult to determine an optimal investment mix consistent with risk profile as required by section 78(3)(b) of PRA 2014.This will also hamper diversification within PFAs investment portfolios with the aim to maximize their investment returns, leading to an increase in total pension assets.

Empirical evidence shows that Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) have continued to invest bulk of pension funds in

mate money laundering activities?

These questions are even more pertinent because we are now in a constitutional democracy. In spite of his determination and golden intentions, the powers of the president are limited. Gone are the days of arbitrary decrees. Gone are the days of “I pass my neighbour prosecutions”. There can only be an anti-corruption campaign within the framework of the law and constitutional order. The episode of Buruji Kashamu and the NDLEA has given us a quick reminder that we are past those fast-rail days. The leader has lost his blank cheque. So, how he manages the slow pace of the legal order in which he now has to operate is critical?

I am of the considered view that we cannot have zero corruption in this day and age. That is a mirage. You can neither have it in Jerusalem nor Mecca and you certainly cannot have it in Nigeria. Even in China where corruption carries the death penalty, corruption still persists. We can, however, bring it to the best possible minimum from the present nauseating state.

Perhaps, a significant reason why corruption is so prevalent is because we celebrate the fruits of corruption. If a public officer is not lavish with spending or does not accumulate wealth, his kinsmen will not celebrate him. In fact, he is “not smart”. That is why national reorientation must be part of the framework. Under President YarA’dua’s administration, we had the “Good People, Great Nation” campaign powered by the admirable Professor Dora Akunyili of blessed memory.

President Buhari’s military expedition had the War Against Indiscipline and Corruption, a vigorous campaign which, though somewhat crude and unconventional, had its ornaments. This is particularly in the areas of grassroots reorientation and coercive enforcement. Although coercion cannot be a foreweapon in this democratic dispensation, there is no doubt that the administration must be ready to come down hard in order to conquer this hydra-headed monster.

President Jonathan often told us that his anti-corruption policy was to plug the loop-

holes that allowed people to “steal”, perhaps rather than chase after people who have already succeeded in stealing. He often pointed to the “huge” successes recorded in the agricultural sector, particularly in the scheme of fertilizer distribution. Whether that administration’s policy succeeded or not, there is no doubt that our national policy on de-corruption must embrace both preventive (preemptive) and curative (punitive) measures.

No one can expose corruption better than the press. That is where the Freedom of Information Act comes in handy. The press must be encouraged to expose corruption through investigative and objective reporting. Half-truths and fables should not be blown out of proportion as we sometimes see. The populace can be easily misdirected.

A quiet trip to the newspaper stand at your nearby motor park is quite revealing of this fact.

I am of the firm view that we need to develop a standing national policy on de-corruption which will outlive successive leaders. Such a policy must bear the triangular themes of prosecution, reorientation and empowerment. As regards empowerment, although there is huge sense in the argument that greed, more than poverty, is a catalyst of corruption, one cannot dismiss the proposition that concerted mass re-empowerment drive can help douse the flames of corruption and opportunism, particularly in the lower rungs of society where poverty and deprivation are rife. The president’s pledge to implement a welfare pay package for the poorest of society, if sustainable in the current economic Sahara, is commendable. Such steps must be incorporated in the wider scope of fighting corruption and poverty.

The entire de-corruption blueprint must be clearly spelt out and, if need be, statutory. It must be a multi-investment scheme involving the executive, the legislature, the Bar, the Bench, the press corps, civil society organisations, the banks, the public accountants and auditors and, of course, the general populace. This policy must provide protection and encouragement for whistleblowers.

It must be sincere, non-discriminatory, pervasive, durable, dependable, rechargeable and, above all, implementable.

• Okanga wrote in from Abuja

Key challenges of Nigerian Pension Industry and possible solutions (2)

By Dr. Pius Apere Federal Government securities and money market instruments relative to equities, leading to having investment portfolios that are too risk averse.

In other words, most PFAs are adopting low risk investment strategies without taking into account the individual members’ risk profiles and therefore, in the long term, are likely to result in lower emerging pensions than might have been expected of life-style investment strategies for investment portfolios with different risk profiles. Furthermore, it has been argued that the over concentration of pension funds in debt instruments might be limiting the growth potential of the retirement fund for young pension contributors with long term investment horizon.

Possible Solutions An actuarial advice might be needed by the Investment Strategy Committee, which is to be established by every PFA under section 78 of PRA 2014, in carrying out its functions. Actuaries should typically have a part to play in strategic investment decision-making, bringing to bear skills in asset-liability modelling and stochastic modelling of investment portfolios. In addition, actuaries can also provide PENCOM with an independent assessment of the appropriateness of PFAs investment strategies.

Public education and enlightenment Key Challenges Actuarial Involvement in CPS The traditional thinking has been that members in DC schemes bear all the risks and rewards and receive whatever outcomes are produced at retirement. These DC schemes may have the legal ability to adjust member liabilities including contribution rates automatically, as asset values move up or down,therefore limiting the need to immunize asset/liability movements. It is normally assumed that such schemes have limited or no actuarial involvement.

On the other hand, a DC system such as CPS operating in Nigeria that forces compulsory contribution rates (section 4(1) of PRA 2014) and entails significant tax concessions (section 10 of PRA 2014) should not, under reasonable circumstances, be left to require members to bear all risks over many decades of membership. Thus, the introduction of GMP is quite appropriate with the aim to reduce the risk of volatility of standard of living in retirement facing the pensioners. Conceptually, the determination of the GMP and investment strategies to meet accrued GMP liability requires an actuarial methodology.

Knowledge Gap

The CPS has been characterized by general misconceptions and knowledge gap. The contributors (particularly employees with low financial literacy level) are either reluctant to contribute to the scheme due to lack of investment knowledge (many workers misunderstand investment returns, expenses, and how each investment vehicle works) or just because they are unaware of the benefits of such scheme.

Lack of professional advice PFAs and insurance companies are misinforming newly retirees in order to gain undue patronage under the CPS (i.e. demarketing each other) instead of allowing the retiring workers to freely choose their mode of withdrawing their benefits as required in section 7(1) of PRA 2014.

Thus, lack of professional advice on the choice of pension benefit options at retirement has led to more retirees still opting for programmed withdrawal (94,097 retirees) than life annuity (8,479 retirees) in February 2014. The PFAs have failed in their duty to enlighten the retirees professionally simply because the programmed withdrawal is a product of the PFAs (the preferred withdrawal option recommended) while the life annuity is a product of a licensed Life Insurance Companies.

Furthermore, the lack of professional advice has also led to few workers make AVCs and this will affect their standard of living in retirement.

Possible Solutions There should be a regular awareness Campaign/Education to sensitize the RSA holders of the benefits of the CPS by PFAs and the PENCOM. PENCOM should require Independent financial advisers (IFAs)to advise the RSA holders at retirement date on the choice of benefit options. The advice to take either programmed withdrawal or life annuity should be based on individual circumstances in order to eliminate the asymmetric nature of retirees’ decision making process of being influenced by PFAs to buy more of a programmed withdrawal than a life annuity. Regulators should factor into the overall charges the cost of advice retirees received from IFAs. Conclusion The key challenges facing the pension industry and the possible solutions highlighted above (if considered and implemented by all stakeholders) would form the basis for transforming the Nigeria pension industry to meet the expectation of pensioners and also contribute significantly to the nation’s economic development, leading to an increase in the GDP. •Dr. Pius Apere (FCII, PhD) is Deputy Managing Director, Linkage Assurance Company PLC

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

23

SHOWBIZ

John Dumelo on a mission

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By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

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HANAIAN actor, John Dumelo, who is currently in New York on a mission to promote Africa, was in Seattle last weekend where he had the opportunity to speak to some fans on the importance of unity.

According to the actor, “I had the privilege of addressing a group of Africans (Sudanese, Liberians, Ugandas and Ghanaians) over the weekend in Seattle. We spoke about the importance of helping one another to make Africa a great continent and the importance of unity. Let’s all come together to make Africa great”.

Dumelo, also a humanitarian, was nominated for the Most Promising Actor and Best Actor in a Supporting Role categories at the 6th and 7th Africa Movie Academy Awards respectively.

According to reports, the actor, in 2014, became the first Ghanaian citizen to hit a million likes on Facebook.

Sprite to take dance winners to World Finals in Germany

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INNERS of the Sprite-sponsored 2015 edition of the Battle of the Year (BOTY) dance contest, Space Unlimited, will be representing Nigeria at the International BOTY World Finals in Braunshwieg, Germany, later this year.

The Lagos-based B-Boy Crew emerged winner last weekend during the contest which held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the University of Lagos Sports Center, ýAkoka, Lagos.

The three-time winners who had consecutively won the 2011, 2012, and 2013 editions defeated defending champions, 619 Crew in a keenly contested show of Break Dance skills and artistry to clinch the number one spot..

Speaking at the event, Senior Brand Manager, Flavours, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Toyin Nnodi expressed delight at the number of highly talented youths who participated in this year’s contest, saying; “What we have seen at this year’s competition clearly attests to the fact that there are many youths in Nigeria with amazing talent.

Sprite’s commitment is to be the spark that fuels the passions of Nigerian Youths, and we are happy to have brought this to life at this year’s edition of the BOTY event.”

Of the 13 Crews who participated in this year’s edition of the contest, four crews made it to the semi-final round – 619, Floorworkz, Space Unlimited and Squad One. The keenly contested semi-finals saw Space Unlimited and 619 progress to the Finale where Space Unlimited emerged as the judges’ favourites for this year’s competition.

Excited about their win and the upcoming

MultiChoice adds British channels to DStv

• John Dumelo

trip to Germany, the members of Space Unlimited crew thanked Sprite and the organizers of the event, House of Royalty, for the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the international competition.

Speaking on behalf of the crew, Vikbone said; “We are grateful for this amazing opportunity once more to represent Nigeria at the International BOTY World Finals in Germany. This time we promise to bring home the crown.”

The competition which held between 22nd and 23rd of August kicked off with the individual competitions in the Locking, Popping, Krumping and B-boy one-on-one battle categories. 24-year old Michael Obi and Victor Amanjo emerged winners of the Locking and Popping categories respectively, while 16year old Bolu Ewedemi and Adesanya Bolaji came tops in the Krumping and B-Boy Oneon-One categories, respectively.

The event also featured guest performances from budding talents, Mz Kiss, Zyno Spice, Hof and C-Boy who entertained the audience in between the dance competition rounds. Vector Tha Viper, star performance of the event got the audience on their feet, rocking and singing along to his well-known lyrics.

The judges for the event were A-list dancers, B-Boy Red 1 of Pockemon Crew in France, B-Boy Poxy from Cameroon, B-Boy Boon from Texas, USA, Franc Okwara and B-Boy Maxbuck. DJ Mekzy and DJ OZ were on the wheels of steel to provide the beats for the event.

MultiChoice is making true promises to further enrich the quality of content on the bouquet, which it made during the recent re-launch of its DStv Compact.

To that effect, the Pay TV Company has announced the addition of two new British channels; BBC Lifestyle and Cbeebies to the bouquet. The channels which were previously exclusive to Premium bouquet subscribers have been included to the over 95 plus channels list on Compact.

“This further broadens the range of offerings on the Compact bouquet”, said General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho.

According to Mabutho, “As a leading video entertainment company in Africa, we are constantly seeking ways of providing more value to our subscribers and we do this by structuring content that suit their lifestyles and personalities. The addition of BBC Lifestyle and Cbeebies exemplifies our commitment to continually add value to our subscribers.”

He described BBC Lifestyle as an international channel that provides six key programming features in Food, Home & Design, Fashion & Style, Health, Parenting, and Personal Development, and Cbeebies as one that offers a mix of mostly UK-produced entertainment and educational output designed to encourage learning through play. Both channels are wholly owned by BBC Worldwide.

• Martin Mabutho

He disclosed that BBC Entertainment which will be renamed to BBC Brit on DStv channel 120 will be accessible to local viewers on Compact, Compact Plus and Premium bouquets starting from 1 September 2015.

“The channel will become the exclusive home of Top Gear, Undercover Boss and Dragons Den and cover a rich variety of subjects including cars, science, adventure, business, food and life-changing moments,” he said.

MTV Base Top 10: Patoranking displaces Korede from #2 spot

• Patoranking

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ATORANKING’s hit single, My Woman, My Everything has knocked off Korede Bello’s Godwin from the number two spot of the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 music chart.

The video of the Foston music act’s single which features Black Diamond’s singer, Wande Coal was shot by UK-based director, Moe Musa.

Godwin is now on the number three spot followed by other amazing videos such as Runtown’s Banger, Reekado Bank’s Katapot and Seyi Shay’s Right Now which made its debut on the chart last week.

Meanwhile, Olamide’s Shakiti Bobo video has remained on the number one spot for the sixth week running. Other hit videos on the chart are Timaya’s So More, Fans Mi from Davido, Ashimapeyin by Wande Coal and debut entry, Do Something by Chocolate City signee, Koker.

This week’s edition also featured singer, Bigiano who delivered a fantastic freestyle session before giving away autographed CDs and poster, ‘On this week’s give away, I’m giving out two autographed CDs and poster and I’m going to say one word, just stay positive, believe in God first and don’t do drugs’ he said.

Road to Felabration 2015

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NLY God can forgive those who think that Fela Anikulapo Kuti was just a smoker and serial womanizer during his life time. Over the years, the iconic legend of Afrobeat, has remained relevant, not only to Nigerians but to music lovers world over.

Undoubtedly, Fela, who died on August 2, 1997, made an impact on the society during his time.

His unique music has attracted many musicians and individuals. Moreso, his lifestyle and habit made him a brand many people wanted to associate with. Unfortunately for copycats, they found it difficult and failed to get the Fela edge. Nevertheless, Fela wannabes, through emulation, ensure that the icon lives on.

Fela was typically extolled for using his music as a potent weapon to fight injustice, military tyranny and oppression while also advocating for a better Nigeria, nay Africa.

He dared the Nigerian government of his time for entrenching corruption and human rights abuses. His view as regards sociocultural trend was beyond ordinary. Indeed, he was the Abami Eda (The Strange One). In that light, it might not be erroneous if anyone proclaims Fela as a prophet of his time.

By Famuyiwa Damilare

His words, especially through his music reverberated with prophetic outcomes. Many of what he sang about happened or are still happening, making him very relevant in present times.

While alive, Fela was also known for being on the side of the people. His commune, the Kalakuta Republic in Ikeja, Lagos, which is currently a museum, was home to many.

He stood on what he believed to be right without fear, which attests to the fact that he was a brave man, even if he did suffer several beatings by military goons and devious prison terms for maintaining his stance.

And since Fela’s death, his family members, associates and advocates, have been holding his memories and legacies aloft through the annual week-long festival of music tagged Felabration.

Felabration attracts thousands of people from across the world to the New Africa Shrine to keep his legacies alive in grand style. This year’s Felabration would be different – it promises to be a grander celebration of arguably the most iconic multi-instrumentalist ever to come out of Africa.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES

500 sit for scholarship exam in Aba •PAGE 26

Twenty-four years after Abia State was created, many Nigerians say more should be done to match the vision of Abia State’s founding fathers, SUNNY NWANKWO reports

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Ugwuanyi lays hospital’s foundation stone

PAGE 25

Life insurance, jobs tools for residents •PAGE 37

•PAGE 39

Anniversary: ‘Abia deserves more at 24’

I

T has not been 24 wasted years after its creation, but there is this predominant feeling that Abia State deserves more.

Mr. Ofor Ikechukwu, a businessman in Aba, said the commercial city and other towns which give a lot to the state have been neglected for years on end.

Ikechukwu said that kidnapping which blighted the state in 2010, resulted from the inability of government to properly take care of the youth.

“Go to Ukwa East and West,” he said, “and see for yourself what neglect and abandonment of the people can cause. They are the goose that lays the golden egg for the state. The state could not have been among states in Niger Delta Development Commission today if not for the fact that oil was discovered in their land. But go there, the people are really suffering.

“Farmers in those areas including Ugwunagbo have been recording economic wastages because of the nature of their roads; they are impassible. They work hard in their various farms but taking the harvested crops which we know are perishable goods to the market or even people coming from the urban areas to the place, is a story for another day because of the poor road network.

Most of the oil companies have failed to gainfully employ the youths and that is why it seems like oil bunkering business is thriving. But I think that the better the government of the day realises the importance of these areas and other areas they need to explore in order to boost the economy of the state, the better for them.

“Presently, government is focusing more in Aba as a place to generate much income for the state. It might be true, but they should also look at other areas of interest such as agriculture and others. Go to Obingwa, they have virgin lands. Government after tackling insecurity should go into negotiation and partnership with the various communities for them to lease their lands to it where the government in turn will subsidise the land and other farm inputs such as fertiliser among others for

•Abia Specialist Hospital, Umuahia

interested people. By the end of the planting season, if the roads were in good shape, there will be plenty for people to eat in the state and over dependency on imported foods reduced drastically.”

“Apart from the fact that the President Buhari-led government has made all and sundry to be alive in their responsibilities, supply of power has been at its lowest ebb.

Look at the way the Geometric Power project which I understand was meant to serve the interest of the Aba business community has been sidelined for some years now.

The dream of the founding fathers to make Aba truly the economic hub of the state, southeast and the country at large for me, is still far away to be met.

Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, Abia State chair of All Progressives Congress (APC), said, “The foundation of Abia laid by Navy Capt. Frank Ajobeina, was that the state will be one of the fastest growing new states and at the creation of Abia, she inherited a university. Today in Abia, we have two universities; a federal (Michael Okpara Univer-

‘

The major area that I want a change in is infrastructure; road network. Here and there kidnap doesn’t make any sense. There are so many taxations in Abia and the double taxation is affecting business, especially individual enterprise

‘

sity of Agriculture, Umudike) and state (Abia State University, Uturu) universities. Abia has a College of Education (Arochukwu

College of Education Technical), a polytechnic (Abia State Polytechnic) in Aba. “And in terms of infrastructural development,...the past eight years was a period of backwardness; it was characterised by lack of maintenance culture. Besides that, I think that we have really done well.

“In terms of sports, Abia State is the first state that produced the first club (Enyimba) that won an African Cup Championship that eluded Nigeria since the creation of this country as a nation and the state has produced so many sports men and women; Kanu Nwankwo, Chukwumerije Jnr among others.

“If you look at the media aspect of Abia, the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA) has one of the best voices east of the Niger. Our cultural segment is also doing well as Abia parades one of the best cultural troupes in this country. But I know that we are lacking basically in the area of infrastructure.

“If you talk about the human personnel, Abia has produced great people in our time like Okonjo-Iweala, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor; former

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, Dr. Chinenye Nyerere Anyim and amongst other business gurus that the state has produced so far.

“When you talk about business, industries, it still retains its pride of place among the states that rely on individual and human resources. The state enterprise of an Igbo man is purely epitomised with the Abia character. So, as such we are not doing badly. The only area that we have problems is the governmental negligence in infrastructural development.

“The major area that I want a change in is infrastructure; road network. Power is not a state but a national affair...here and there kidnap doesn’t make any sense.

“The government in Abia should make life better for the people. There are so many taxations in Abia and the double taxation is affecting business, especially the individual enterprise.

“There should be more reli•Continued on page 28

26

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•The candidates

O

VER 500 graduates of tertiary institutions in the country have sat for an exam that will qualify them for a free overseas training programme.

The exam took place at Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State.

The programme is sponsored

by Hon. Ossy Prestige who represents Aba North and South Constituency at the House of Representatives.

Speaking at the venue of the exam, the lawmaker said the exam was in fulfilment of his political campaign promises.

He said, “You know that when I was doing my campaign, I promised the people of my constituency many things that I will

Palace agog as Aba monarch buries wife T

HE Enyi 1 of Aba, His Royal Highness Eze Isaac Ajonuma Ikonne has made a rare public appearance to bury his wife.

Apart from when he marked his 86th birthday and the other occasion when he conferred on Candidate Muhammadu Buhari the Ogbuagu 1 of Aba chieftaincy title during the campaigns, the monarch has pretty much kept out public view.

The death of his wife broke that

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

do for them and this project is one of them.

“They do not need to pay any kobo.

Their school fees, accommodation and feeding will be taken care of. It is free because it is a complete package. The only thing that they need to do for those of them that will be successful at the end of the exam is to pack the clothes that they are going to be wearing inside their bags.

“It is any school of their choice in Europe with a few in the United States of America. It is a year programme or at least, a year and six months. I am confident that their families and the state will

enjoy the multiplier effect because they are going there to be equipped academically, exposed to different ways of doing things, improve on their social life and at the same time returning to the country fully equipped and informed having at the back of their minds that they are going to transfer the knowledge that they have acquired to those around them. It is going to be in batches. This is the first batch and the second batch will soon take their exams.

“The only criterion to qualify for the scholarship is that the prospective candidate must be a graduate and has completed their mandatory one year national

Youth Service programme...The exam is for all the graduates living in Aba North and South Federal Constituency no matter their state of originand regardless of their party affiliations”, the Abia Lawmaker stated.

Most of the students could not hide their happiness for the lawmaker’s gesture. They also hope that the organisers would be fair enough in their grading and assessments even as they called on other elected office holders in the state to emulate the footsteps of Prestige which they said would not only make Abians and its residents have the sense of belonging, but would encourage hard work among students.

,

500 sit for scholarship exam in Aba

The only criterion to qualify for the scholarship is that the prospective candidate must be a graduate and has completed their mandatory one year national Youth Service programme. The exam is for all the graduates living in Aba North and South Federal Constituency no matter their state of origin

,

•The monarch, members of his family and others during the burial From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

resolve, as his palace hosted a phalanx of fellow traditional rulers in addition to other dignitaries who turned up for her burial ceremonies.

The event was put together by the

Ikonne family in honour of the departed Ugoeze Eunice Ikonne, a deaconess, who was the second out of the Enyi’s 14 wives.

She died after a protracted illness aged 78.

The funeral service was conducted by the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star located at 100 Faulks Road, Aba, the commercial nerve of the Southeast.

Eze Ikonne narrated how the late

Eunice helped him get much closer to God, describing her as an industrious and hardworking woman, adding that until her death, she never trifled with her farming.

Continued on page 40

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

27

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT Ugwuanyi lays hospital’s foundation stone

E

NUGU State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has laid the ceremonial foundation stone for a 200-bed specialist hospital in Orba in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at the site of the proposed facility, he assured that his government would deliver on his campaign promises and that the state will become a desirable destination for medical tourists as well as investors.

At the event, a representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Mrs. Angela Izegbune, praised the governor for making a good impression in the health sector in his less than 100 days in office.

She also hailed the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sam Ngwu for quickly putting together the activities that culminated in the foundation-laying ceremony.

Ugwuanyi told the huge crowd that the modern specialist hospital would on completion bring succour to the teeming population of residents of communities in the densely populated Enugu North senatorial zone of the state and reduce the current pressure on the existing two tertiary health institutions in the state whose facilities could no longer carry the huge patients-traffic at the moment.

He recalled that a greater percentage of Nigerians who seek medical attention and assistance abroad are from the South Eastern region and that Enugu contributes a good percentage of them.

He enjoined medical workers and other parties to shun / industrial action capable of undermining the efforts of government, especially in the health sector, situations that could result in loss of lives.

The governor further assured that his government will continue to provide a conducive atmosphere for the effective discharge of Medicare in the state He used the occasion to commend the host communities of the hospital project, that include Orba, Imilike, and Ovoko/Iheaka, for their kind understanding evidenced in their gesture of freely donating land and other forms of assistance for the site while assuring the speedy completion of the project.

According to him, apart from providing specialist services for the people in the rural communities, the health facility would also help to check current rural-to-urban drift syndrome that has bogged down Nigerian society for years now.

“I wish to enjoin all stakeholders in health sector in Enugu to key into this worthy initiative we have taken in the sector and give it the support and cooperation it needs to come to fruition.

“I wish to use the occasion to call on medical and allied workers in the state to show more dedication and commitment to their duties and as much as possible to avoid industrial actions that will occasion preventable loss of lives and consequent loss of faith and confidence in our hospitals.

“On our part as a government, we will as we have always promised provide the facilities, .equipments and logistical support necessary for the effective discharge of du-

From Chris Oji, Enugu

ties of health workers in the state.

“I wish to thank members of the host communities of this hospital project for their kindness in freely donating the land and also offering other forms of assistance to make this ceremony a reality,” said the governor.

WHO representative Izegbune noted that Enugu State has been polio-free since 2008.

She also praised the state’s immunisation plan which she said has risen above 90 per cent.

She said WHO will continue to partner with the government in the health sector towards providing qualitative medical care in the state.

Health commissioner, Dr. Ngwu underscored the impor-

•Governor Ugwuanyi puitting the foundation block in place

tance of the project, warning that the state will not tolerate

any vandalism of facilities at the site of the facility.

He also called on the leaders of the host communities to

safeguard the facilities and the personnel of the companies that would deliver the project.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

28

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT This notion that women are only good for childbearing is wrong.

Women these days are achieving a lot in various fields of endeavour like their male counterparts •Mrs Rachel Umahi (middle) at Ivo Council, Ebonyi State,

‘Girl-child just as good’ In Ebonyi State, the wife of the governor, Mrs Rachel Umahi, has taken the campaign for the girl-child to local governments, telling parents to give equal opportunity to their children – no matter their gender. OGOCHUKWU ANIOKE reports.

S

HE is fighting to correct the enduring error that girls are simply made for marriage.

No, shouts the wife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs Rachel Umahi.

Whether girl or boy, both can rise to the peak of their careers, and both can help shape or reshape their world.

That was the message she took to Ivo Local Government Area of the state where she urged the people to give equal opportunity to their children no matter their gender.

She said one of the reasons for the slow pace of development in the country was the preference of parents to educate their male children over their girls.

Mrs Umahi spoke at Akaeze Development Centre in Ivo LGA where she inaugurated the MDG/

CGS Community Development Committee for the area.

She also commissioned a classroom block at Mgbede Community Primary School and a health centre built by the Ebonyi State Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) office under the leadership of Dr Ngozi Obichukwu, Focal Person of Ebonyi SDG in conjunction with the state government.

She said the SDG projects are in line with the objectives of her family support project, pledging to continue partnering with the programme.

She said: “This notion that women are only good for childbearing is wrong. Women these days are achieving a lot in various fields of endeavour like their male counterparts”.

“If you train a woman you de-

•The health centre built by Ebonyi SDG/CGS office

velop the nation because women are the backbone of the society. If I was not educated, the governor probably wouldn’t have married me. Wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Muhammadu Buari is also educated and she is doing well.”

On the SDG/CGS programme, she said, “The inauguration of the community development commit-

tee members today…signifies the commitment of the state government in ensuring the provision of basic amenities for the well-being of our rural dwellers.

“The emphasis being made is for the total reduction of maternal and infant deaths, elimination of diseases, and sensitisation of the rural populace on the need to patronise

the health care facilities in their communities”.

She also reiterated the commitment of the state government to the enhancement of the wellbeing of the less privileged, especially children.

“This would be vigorously pursued under the auspices of my pet project, the Family Support and Upliftment Programme through its various welfare oriented programmers for the women, youths and children”.

Mrs Umahi also urged the committee members to be dedicated to the assignment for the good of the rural dwellers.

Addressing nursing mothers and women gathered to receive her, Mrs Umahi urged them to ensure the education of every girl-child in the community and the state.

She also urged them to ensure they register every new born child so that the state and federal government can utilise the data and plan adequately for the entire populace.

She said: “The child rights law •Continued on page 37

Industralisation tops agenda at Imo Investment Summit From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

argued that if the state could achieve the free education programme given its meager resources, then the aggressive industrialisation policy of his administration will also be achieved.

He disclosed that in the last few months he has taken business trips around the world to lure investors to the state, adding that the tours are already yielding positive results as many business men across the globe have expressed interest to partner with the government in the industrialisation of the state which will translate into job creation.

,

A

LTHOUGH the just-concluded Imo State Economic Summit was solemn and devoid of the usual heavy media blitz and razzmatazz, the focus was clear and the motive defined. Top of the agenda was the planned industrialization of the state. The numerous foreign investors who were in attendance listened with rapt attention as the conveners highlighted the enormous opportunities in the industrial sector of the state.

The state governor, Rochas Okorocha in his address at the trade and investment summit, reiterated his resolve to open up the state to the world through industrialisation. He

Okorocha said if the state could achieve the free education programme given its meager resources, the aggressive industrialisation policy of his administration will also be achieved

,

Some of the investors at the summit, were a sitting Senator in the Unit-

ed State of America Senator Tony Muse who came with a team of investors to see how to partner with the state government in transforming the Sam Mbakwe Airport into an international Cargo Airport and investment partners from China, Vietnam, South Africa and Korea Republic, who indicated interest in the areas of agriculture, tourism, power, construction and automobile assembly plants.

He said that the state government is ready is assist the investors with provision of lands, security, waivers in taxes and enabling laws that will guarantee the success of their investments, adding that the government

has secured over twenty thousand acres of land around the Egbema/ Oguta axis for the industrial park that will be the envy of the African continent.

Okorocha noted further that the 400 mega watt power plant nearing completion at Egbema and the multibillion gas plant been put in place by shell petroleum at Egbema makes the timing of the project apt and divine.

The Speaker of the State House of assembly, Rt. Hon. Acho Ihim also assured of mutual collaboration with the Executive Arm to ensure enabling laws needed to fast track the •Continued on page 38

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

PAGE 29

‘Only 15 per cent of Bayelsa nursing mothers do exclusive breastfeeding’

Ayade: I’ve seen poverty, I’ve seen wealth PAGE 35

Queen of Peace Africa contest holds in Okrika tomorrow PAGES 30

Okowa kicks off ‘Prosperity Programme’ PAGES 34

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35

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

‘Only 15 per cent of Bayelsa nursing mothers do exclusive breastfeeding’ Ayade: I’ve seen poverty, wealth •45 per cent supplement with water, says report •Govt urged to extend maternity leave to six months D I

T is largely a rural state. Its cosmopolitan nature is limited compared to a state like Lagos or Rivers. So, not a few would have assumed that nursing mothers in Bayelsa State were the ambassadors of exclusive breasfeeding. But statistics have shown otherwise. Of the 2,332 breastfeeding mothers sampled in the state, only 349 (15 per cent) exclusively breastfeed their babies, while 1,267 (45 per cent) give breast milk and water to their babies. The remaining gives more of other kinds of food.

It all came out during a programme by the United Nation International Children Fund (UNICEF) and the Bayelsa State government.

The ministries of health and women affairs, including other stakeholders, worked tirelessly to give children in the state their sense of belonging in a week dedicated to breastfeeding. Their focus was on raising healthy intelligent children through a tight schedule of breastfeeding.

The government was worried at the declining rate of breastfeeding among women in the state. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ayibatonye Owei, at a news conference, lamented that only 15 per cent of women in the state engage in the recommended standard of breastfeeding. Owei, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director, Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Prof. Onyaye Kunle-Olowu, advocated stronger workplace polices that promote breastfeeding.

“We know that breastfeeding helps children to survive and thrive, enabling infants to withstand infections, providing critical nutrients for the early development of their brains and bodies and strengthening the bond between mothers and their babies.

The benefits of breastfeeding last for a lifetime. A recent Lancet study found that infants who were breastfed for at least one year went on to stay in school longer, score higher on intelligence tests and earn more as adults than those who were breastfed for only a month,” Owei said.

The commissioner said the government would continue to lead the charge by making breastfeeding a

policy priority in the state development plans, increasing resources for programmes that support breastfeeding and working with communities and families to promote the full benefits of breastfeeding.

He said deliberate workplace policies that support breastfeeding lead to increased job satisfaction and greater loyalty to their employers.

“Breastfed children fall sick less often, so their mothers are absent from work less often, too. These effects in turn contribute to higher productivity, ultimately benefitting businesses and larger economies,” he said.

He said the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has adopted three conventions to establish protective measures for pregnant women and new mothers, including the rights to continue breastfeeding. He named the conventions as time (extended maternity leave), space (crèche at the workplace or close to it) and support (a support group at the workplace).

He said: “Our challenge now is to make breastfeeding work in our workplaces too. Together we can help working women to breastfeed and reap the benefits for themselves, their children and for the health and wellbeing of future generations.”

UNICEF and other stakeholders took their seminar entitled, Breastfeeding and Work - Lets Make it Work, to the workplace of the Ministry for Health.

The ministry’s Deputy Breastfeeding Coordinator, Mrs. Mary DonaldAse; Infant and Young Child Feeding Training Coordinator, Mrs. Evelyn Koru and the Director of Primary Healthcare Service, Dr. Tombara H. Sigah-Ekere, were all present at the seminar.

She said the seminar was arranged to explain to the women the importance of breastfeeding, combining breastfeeding and work, building a crèche close to or at nursing mothers’ workplace and to urge the government to extend maternity leave from three months to six months.

She observed that the Enugu State government has implemented the policy and included a three-week paternity leave for the father too. He said for the first time since 2012, the government has brought to life the world breastfeeding week.

•Baby show for the World Breastfeeding Week at Agudama, Bayelsa State

Also speaking at the seminar, Donald-Ase, who was also resource person for the event, implored the participants to spread the knowledge to other women. She said the event was in tandem with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), part of which aim at reducing infant mortality rate and improving maternal life.

She said of the 2,332 breastfeeding mothers sampled in the state, only 349 (15 per cent) exclusively breastfeed their babies, while 1,267 (45%) give breast milk and water to their babies.

“Therefore, this year’s WBW is set to address the fourth operational target, to enact imaginative legislation protecting the breastfeeding rights of working women and establish means for its enforcements,” she said.

Donald-Ase emphasised time space and support as the three elements of support needed for mothers in any kind of work setting.

“Time includes six months paid maternity leave in accordance with the International Labour Organisation; adequate time to give birth, recover, and nurse their babies; job sharing; longer lunch break, amongst others.

“Space entails providing infant and child care at or near the work-

place; private facilities for expressing and storing breast milk, a clean work environment. Finally, support includes information about national maternity laws as well as maternity provisions provided at their workplace; support from employers, management, superiors and co-workers; network of supportive women,” she said.

Koru spoke on advantages of breastfeeding, breastfeeding styles, and stages of breastfeeding. She defined breastfeeding as an unequalled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and developments of infants.

She named the types of breast milk as colostrum and matu and listed kinds of matu as fore and hind milk.

According to her, the fore milk contains 80 per cent water to quench the baby’s thirst, while the hind milk contains more fat, which the baby needs to fill its stomach.

She said: “The various feeding positions are under-arm position, kangaroo position, cradle position, and cross-cradle position. There is the scissors hold and wrap-round hold on the breast to manipulate the breast in the baby’s mouth.

“On the mother’s part, the best position is to sit comfortably with her back supported. She can get a breastfeeding pillow.”

Explaining how to breastfeed, she said: “Start by placing the nipple between the baby’s upper lip and nose. Then encourage it to open its mouth. Once the baby opens its mouth, the mother should manipulate the breast into the baby’s mouth and allow the breast to go beyond the nipple, and suckle on the areola, not the nipple.

“If the baby suckles on the nipple, the nipple may get cracked or sored. When the baby suckles on the areola, the milk pours into the baby’s mouth, but if left to suck the nipple, the milk will only tickle into the baby’s mouth.

“Mixed feeding is very dangerous for the child. It exposes the child to malnutrition. Complementary feeding must commence only once the baby clocks six months.

This entails giving both food and breast milk to the child. Yet, there are stages and methods that go with each of the stages.

“At 6 months, the baby’s stomach is just 200ml. Therefore, three scoops of feed is the ideal proportion. Pap and little quantity of cube sugar plus egg yolk or grounded crayfish or milk should be added.

“At 6 months up to 9 months, snacks (fruits, not biscuits) and other classes of food should be introduced. And then, at 9 to 12 months,

mid-meal and mid-lunch snacks should be introduced. Mothers must avoid fast foods, but rather imbibe the culture of healthy eating habits in the child”.

The events did not stop at the seminar. It included baby show as the stakeholders visited a workplace crèche to inspect the babies.

They also mobilised trained counsellors for optimal breastfeeding at their wards.

Also at the stakeholders’ engagement on the domestication of child rights, mothers and families? were called upon to ensure that the boy child is morally educated and trained to respect the girl so as to reduce cases of rape.

Giving the charge, the? Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Nengi RufusSpiff said the event was to intimate everyone on the abuse of the children?. She said that the government has constituted a committee to look into the rising rate of violence against women and the girl child in the state.

“My concern is: who are the perpetrators of these abuses? We always say teach your girl child this and that, let her not wear clothes that will expose her but what are we doing about our boys.

“What are the morals ?we send-

ing to these boys? These are the boys that grow up to be men. They are the ones that abuse these girls. So I want to use this medium to tell mothers, families and everyone that need to know that the boy child should be morally educated.

“The boy child should be trained to respect the girl, his sister and anybody that is a female. With that it will go a long way? in reducing these abuses on children and girls,” Nengi Spiff said.

She noted that the forum was formed as a springboard for government and the private sector to come out with a working document towards the uplifting of ?the plight of vulnerable children in the state.

She further revealed that the government has acquired land for the construction of a Creation Centre as well as ready to partner with international bodies and NGOs to move the state forward.

Also, the Chief Field Officer, UNICEF Enugu Field? Office, Mr. Charles Nzuki, said the gesture was about giving children access to their right to education as well as growing up in a protective environment.

He stated that any issue of violation against children will be addressed with the passing of the Child Rights Law. He also said other states of the federation have domesticated the Child Rights Act?, noting that most of the state’s in Niger Delta region have established the law except Bayelsa State. Nzuki hinted that community awareness is very necessary in sensitizing the people on the implications of violating the rights of children.

“We want the community people to be aware and for them to know why it is important to ensure out children are in a protective environment. The main idea is to ensure that people are sensitive, communities are aware, families are aware what we mean and what the implications will be if there is any violation against the child’s right.

“The parents, communities and children should all work together to ensure that children have a better environment for them to grow to their full potential, mainly it means getting them to be in school, getting them to access quality health care, getting them to access services as much as that has been provided by government,” Nzuki said.

Queen of Peace Africa contest holds in Okrika tomorrow A

NON-Governmental Foundation (NGO), the Messen-

gers of Peace Foundation, has found a novel approach to fight violence.

The foundation, which has as National President, Dr. Sulaiman Adejoh, opted to promote the culture of peace, by organising local and international volunteering projects.

The main objective of the foundation, according to Adejoh, is to work for the promotion of peace, which led to its “Queen of Peace Nigeria/ Africa Peace Pageant,” to change the mindset of the people from war and disharmony to peace.

The contestants for the pageant must not have criminal record, be peace-loving and law-abiding citizens, since someone cannot give what he/she does not have.

The maiden edition of the pageant was held in Abuja in 2014, which led to the emergence of Jennifer Uche as the Queen of Peace Nigeria and Debby Duglas as the outgoing Queen of Peace Africa.

The second edition of the pageant

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

will hold tomorrow at the Godfather’s Private Beach, Okochiri, Okrika, the headquarters of Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, featuring Tuface, Wizkid, Timi Dakolo and Mallam Spicey, among others.

Okrika, the hometown of the wife of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience, and the ex-leader of the Niger Delta Vigilance Movement, “General” Ateke Tom, was the hotbed of militancy and violence, before the amnesty initiative.

The messengers of peace worldwide has Ateke as its grand patron, and the ex-militant leader decided to sponsor the second edition of the pageant, to let the whole world know that there is now peace in Okrika and other parts of the Niger Delta.

The contestants are mostly undergraduates and graduates of Nigerian polytechnics and universities, aged between 18 and 24.

The winner of the pageant goes home with a brand new car, N1 million and will represent Nigeria in

Namibia for the second edition of the Queen of Peace Africa Pageant in November.

The first runner-up will go home with N500,000, while the second runner-up will have a cash prize of N250,000, with each of the contestants to go home with 42 inches flat screen television set.

Other queens to be crowned at the event include Queen of Peace Northern Nigeria, the Queen of Peace Southsouth, Southeast, Southwest and the Queen of Peace Nigeria Tourism, in order to give room for other contestants to reach out easily to their zones in preaching the message of peace.

The national president of the NGO, at a news conference in Okrika, where 21 of the contestants were presented, assured that all the 37 ladies, each representing the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) would take part in the contest.

Adejoh said: “Peace is our collective responsibility. We need to use dialogue as a better substitute to settle disputes than bloodshed and also

• A cross-section of the contestants

preach religious tolerance, as a way to peaceful co-existence.

“The Messengers of Peace Foundation is advancing equity, social justice, sustainable development and all-

round peace, where all Nigerians will live together with mutual respect for religious and socio-cultural values.

“The foundation is also promot-

ing the culture of peace. Enduring peace, harmony and progress in Nigeria are achievable through a culture of grassroots economic empowerment and mentorship.”

National president of the messengers of peace foundation also disclosed that the organisation was partnering the Institute for Conflict and Peace Resolution for the second editions of the pageants in Nigeria and Africa.

With the foundation’s open membership, Adejoh admonished wellmeaning individuals to come on board and be part of the peace initiative.

He said: “It is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it, and it is not enough to believe in it, one must make it work. All hands must be on deck to promote peace in Nigeria and other parts of the world.”

The national president of the messengers of peace foundation also mentioned inadequate funding and difficulty in moving round Nigeria’s six geo-political zones as the main challenges facing the organisation.

Adejoh urged parents and guardians not to discourage their children and wards from participating in beauty pageantry, considering the benefits to societal development.

O you understand what it means to be born into a family into poverty? Do you appreciate how it feels to walk all the way to a ramshackle primary school bare-foot, wearing a uniform whose definite colour can no longer be identified due to many different pieces of cloths used in patching it? Have you seen a father who was almost overwhelmed by the harsh vicissitudes of life, yet saw beyond the momentary limitations and prophetically named this same son, “Benyaushuye”, meaning the future is unknown, a poor man can become rich?

The answers to these questions can be gotten from Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade. His father, the late Peter Akinsheye (1920-1997) and the late mother, Mama Beatrice Ayade (akara seller), lived in Kakum community, located about four kilometers to Obudu town.

18 years after the passage to eternal rest of Pa Ayade, his son is number one citizen of Cross River State.

Last weekend, he attracted both the mighty and the low to Obudu for a thanksgiving held at the St. Theresa Catholic Church, Kakum. It was witnessed by a large turn-out of the crème de la crème in the society, including members of the National Assembly from the state, the Deputy Governor of the state and other appointees and top civil/public servants in the state, the Speaker, Cross River House of Assembly and other members, the immediate past governor and deputy governor of the state and their wivies, present and some former council chairmen, former ministers, commissioners and other members of the past state executive council members, religious leaders including the Archbishop of Calabar, paramount rulers and other traditional rulers, investors and other personalities.

Delivering his homily, His Lordship, Most Rev. Joseph Edra Ukpo, Archbishop Emeritus, said God is principled but very kind, and that giving thanks and praises is a quality that pleases the Lord, is a crowning duty and virtue which all wise men must uphold.

His Lordship stated that this was the first in the history of the people from this part of the state to have a son of the northern senatorial district as governor of the state. He explained that thankfulness does not occur in a vacuum but is anchored on the redemptive works of Jesus Christ, and that our heavenly Father, the Redeemer, and the Holy Ghost appreciates those who are thankful as exemplified in the story of the 10 lepers of which one was thankful while other nine were unappreciative of what Christ did for them.

Ukpo, who quoted extensively from Emmanuel Ulayi’s write up on Ayade, expressed confidence that the governor would accomplish the tasks he had earmarked for himself. He admonished the governor to remain totally dependent on God’s direction, follow his laid out developmental agenda including the signature projects, remain focus by not allowing sycophants to distract him while at the same time appealed to the people to desist from unprofitable and destructive criticisms, while at the same time urging him to remain a Christian and a catholic in politics, uphold his spiritual obligation and ensure that he appoints a Special Adviser on Religious Affairs.

He said: “My advice is that you should remain a Christian and a catholic in politics. If the devil tempts you, remember this day and this advice.

Never relinquish your spiritual obligations and also ensure that you appoint a Special Adviser on Religious Affairs. Again, all Catholics in politics must equally remain Christians and Catholics.”

He equally reminded our leaders at the various levels of governance to appreciate and cultivate the spirit of ac-

By Emmanuel Ulayi and Solomon Asha

life long event”.

His Lordship Most Rev. Joseph Effiong Ekuwem, Archbishop of Calabar, thanked God that a son of Obudu (Ogoja) is governor and that Ayade has shown sufficient desire and commitment towards the total development of Cross River State and to transform this part of the state to be at par with the rest, lamenting that Ogoja has remained undeveloped over the years. The spiritual father called on the people of northern senatorial district and part of the central senatorial district to agitate for and embrace the fight for the creation of Ogoja State and that today Akwa Ibom that was created out of the present Cross River has benefitted immensely from the creation.

Ayade used the occasion to announce that the embargo on employment would soon be lifted to provide jobs for the people, adding that by Easter of 2016, the problem of power outage in the whole of northern senatorial district would become a thing of the past.

Ayade said he was a living testimony of God’s hand work on his children, stressing that as a child from a poor background, what he is today is a clear indication of God’s love and favour in his life, •Ayade adding that he had prayed to God not to make him a teacher and it was at that point that he got an invitation from Shell Petroleum.

Ayade said: “I’m here to serve. I have seen poverty, I have seen wealth. What I seek now is to serve the people and to serve God. Iam going to shock the world for good by the grace, mercies and favours of God”, adding that the decisions and policies direction of every leader should be in such a way that they do not under-mind the interest of the common man, and that as a leader; he appreciates that fact and will keep to it.

“Those who say God does not live let them ask me. I’m a testimony of God’s love. It is abnormal and impossible, but God alone has made it for me to address you. I went to the primary school besides the Church and you will wonder how a governor can come out of that place. If, you keep faith with God, God will keep faith with you. God decided to honour a poor boy from the Ayade family who had to go to

‘‘

I have seen poverty, I have seen wealth.

What I seek now is to serve the people and to serve God. Iam going to shock the world for good by the grace, mercies and favours of God

‘‘

countability and service while realizsing the fact that no society grow when its leaders claim monopoly of wisdom, asserting that wisdom must be balance between the leaders and the people. “God fearing leaders are necessary in any society. We need true leader as the idea of serving God is a

sleep most nights without food, and struggle and went to the University of Ibadan to acquire a university education. I wept to God to help and bless me after graduating from the University of Ibadan. I begged God to give me wealth because I know the family I came from.

“After bagging a Ph.D, I told God I do not want to become a teacher because we were too poor, and being a teacher I won’t be able to take care of my family. I promised God that if he prospered me, I will dedicate my whole success and wealth to alleviating the plights of the poor and I promise you I will never disappoint you as governor of Cross River State”.

At the reception held at the governor’s compound at Kakum, Obudu, the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Liyel Imoke, expressed joy that he kept his promise to the people of the northern senatorial district by ensuring that a governor emerged from the area, and lauded Ayade for his passion, commitment and zeal to move Cross River State to another level.

Also speaking, the senator representing the Central Senatorial District, Senator John Owan Enoh, assured Ayade that members of the National Assembly from Cross River State would always support him.

Speaking on behalf of the 18 Local Government Councils of Cross River,

the Chairman of Ogoja, Hon. Rita Ayim, lauded the governor for his development initiatives and assured him of the loyalty of the heads of the third tiers of government in the state.

•Ulayi and Asha are media aides to the Cross River Governor

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

T

HE rural areas, where the majority of the population is found, are mostly neglected in terms of development, with most people moving to the urban centres with social amenities.

A lot of activities take place in the rural areas, especially in the Niger Delta, which when adequately reported, will prompt government and its agencies to focus attention on the areas, thereby ensuing development, which is people oriented.

To properly equip journalists with the skills to effectively and properly report the rural areas, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) chapel, during its maiden conference, invited eminent resource persons, who spoke on various issues.

The maiden conference, which had as theme: “Making the Unreached Heard: Reporting Development Strides in Rural Nigeria,” took place at the Amatu Braide Hall (new Crab), UNIPARK of UNIPORT. The new Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT, Prof. Ndowa Lale, who declared the conference open, stated that it would be difficult to imagine how the world, especially Nigeria, would be like, without journalists.

Lale noted that journalists were always ready to go to jail or die, for defending the truth.

The vice-chancellor, who was represented by a former Chairman of UNIPORT’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Tony Arinze, who is the Director of Quality Assurance of the university, described as noteworthy, a situation whereby persons who do not like the truth, would get worried with the presence of journalists.

The conference, which had as keynote speaker, Prof.

Nkereuwem Udoakah, who is also the Head, Department of Communication Arts of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), was attended by the Head, UNIPORT’s LCS Department, Dr. Virginia Onumajuru.

The Dean of UNIPORT’s Faculty of Humanities, Prof.

Non-indigenes unite in Bayelsa From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

N

ON-Indigenes living in Bayelsa State have constituted an executive committee to oversee their affairs.

The election was adjudged by observers led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Non-Indigenes, Mr. Chinedu Mba, as free and fair.

Obinabor Luke emerged the President-General; Florence Adesiyan, Woman Leader; Onwurah Martins, Youth Leader and Funke Agbeje as Co-ordinator.

Others who emerged unopposed are Kadzai Bitrus, Vice President; Nnah Promise, Assistant Secretary; Eluwa Gladys, Secretary-General; Ochijenu Benjamin, Financial Secretary and Peters Dominion, Treasurer.

Other are Chibuike Appolos, Publicity Secretary; Ezugwu George, Auditor General; Ezeoye Lawrence, Welfare Officer; Godswill David, Provost; Odhozor Paul, Legal Adviser and Mrs.James Data, Assistant Financial Secretary.

Rural, neglected and under-reported From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

John Enemugwem, declared that journalists had never failed the nation and its people.

The Rivers Chairman of the NUJ, Omoni Ayo-Tamuno said journalists were striving, at the risk of their lives, to expose the ills of the society, in order to move the nation forward.

Ayo-Tamuno, who was represented by the Vice-Chairman, Uche Agbam, admonished Nigerian journalists not to be deterred in their determination at ensuring a better society.

The conference was chaired

by Mr. Ibitoye Abosede, who is also the Head, Corporate Affairs of the Niger Delta Devel-

From left: Agbam; Abosede of NDDC; NAWOJ Chairman in Rivers State, Mrs. Lilian Okonkwo-Ogabu; Arinze; Udoudo; Secretary, LOC of the conference, Dr. Chris Ochonogor; and Dr. Jones Ayuwo at the unveiling of the Journal of Media Practice and Research

opment Commission (NDDC).

The Chairman of the UNIPORT’s chapel of the NUJ, Dr. Aniefiok Udoudo, promised to be organising work-

shops and to keep track of the LCS department’s students in the field.

The keynote speaker said: “Journalism, right from its early

beginning, has been identified with development. Journalism has made the coordination of life over wide geographic locations possible. Through it (jour-

nalism), we have knowledge of our society and that of the world as a whole. It is difficult to imagine a society without journalism “Reports on the different aspects of the rural condition, in simple English, have the potential of integrating the rural and urban populations and increasing the audience of the broadcast media or stepping up the circulation of print media, if a good rural distribution system is worked out.

“Reporting the rural condition would serve as a barometer for gauging achievements in the area of citizens’ welfare, since it is in the rural areas that the majority of the population is found. Moreover, a sense of belonging would be introduced among the rural population, leading to greater cooperation in the development efforts.”

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

34

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Bayelsa on the march again...

Governor who?

O

N December 5, the people of Bayelsa State will choose their governor.

Already, stakeholders in the various political parties are not leaving anything to chance. They are daily strategising to have the upper hand.

The oil-rich state has four active political parties. Of these, two seem to dominate: the ruling Peoples Democratic (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Labour Party (LP) are also on the ground.

The state is currently led by PDP's Seriake Dickson. Before Dickson, there was Timipre Sylva, also of the PDP. Sylva wanted a second term of office, but he fell out with the then first family, specifically Dr and Mrs Jonathan.

They stopped him from getting the party's ticket. Jonathan said Sylva was prevented from participating in the November 2011 governorship primaries of the PDP in Bayelsa State because of failure to make impact. He described his reign as "monumental disgrace".

The then president accused his successor of failure to stimulate development and complete worthy projects left behind by his administration. He cited the five-star hotel project among such projects. He did not forget to say the people were frustrated and "openly stoned him (Sylva) during the Presidential rally sometime in October 2010."

Jonathan said: "I was second in command to Alamieyeseigha. One thing I remember is the Tower Hotel. It was not my dream but it was conceptualised under the Alamieyeseigha administration. He discussed with the contractors. It was supposed to be a 5-star hotel and it would attract people from all over the world. But now, it is a monument of disgrace."

Dickson was the beneficiary of Sylva's fall from grace with the then first family. While endorsing Dickson, Jonathan had warned: "Dickson you brought the people from Abuja to present flag, the only thing I want to do is to tell you that sometimes ago I was in Bayelsa and the people stoned the governor. I was here and you must work hard for Bayelsa not to stone you. The day they stone you, I will join to stone you."

Eventually, Dickson won and five months into his inauguration in July 2012, he wanted to show gratitude to Mrs Jonathan. He caused uproar in the country when he announced the appointment of Mrs Jonathan as a Permanent Secretary in the Bayelsa civil

By Douglas Boro

service.

But, it did not take time before they fell out. It climaxed with Mrs Jonathan 'voluntary' retirement as a Permanent Secretary in Bayelsa.

The race is not above Sylva and Dickson alone. There are others, such as Reuben Okoya, Chief Dievikie Ekiogha; Chief Ebitimi Amgbare; a former Senator, Clever Ikisikpo; a former House of Representatives member, Warman Ogoriba; Chief Godknows Powell and Chief Timi Alaibe, who was former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and pioneer Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mr. Francis Dufugha, has also indicated interest.

Dufugha is a journalist and his party won a seat in the House of Assembly.

Dickson Because he is the governor, Dickson seems to be the aspirant to beat. But the crisis in his party and the belief that he has fallen out of favour with those who brought him to power are disadvantages that he needs all the tricks in the book to work on. Not a few in the state also believe that he has used taxation to stifle businesses in the state, a charge the governor has regularly denied. Even the belief that he has fallen out with the former first family has been denied by the governor, who claims Dr. Jonathan knows he is his number one supporter.

But even he will not deny the fact that in the last four years, he has made more enemies for himself. Civil servants complain of high tax burden.

In the run-up to the last general elections, Dickson's supporters and the supporters of the former First Lady clashed. The governor even eased many of them out of his government.

Now, there is a serious schism within the PDP in the state. This, many believe, will work against Dickson receiving the party's ticket. The national secretariat of the party has even made his case more precarious by insisting the ticket is open to all interested.

A member of the PDP, Comrade Tony Ile, said Dickson was alone in his re-election bid, adding that most of his appointees have left him without his knowledge because of his "high-handedness, arrogance".

He equally has friends who are applauding him for some infrastructural

•Dickson

•Okoya

‘

You brought the people from Abuja to present flag, the only thing I want to do is to tell you that sometimes ago I was in Bayelsa and the people stoned the governor. I was here and you must work hard for Bayelsa not to stone you.

The day they stone you, I will join to stone you •Alaibe

developments, such as the first flyover bridge, youth development centre/new NYSC orientation camp, road construction, security, power and agricultural revolution. For these people, he is governor 'talk na do'. He also has to his credits the declaration of emergency in the education sector, free uniforms and instructional materials to primary and post primary schools in the state and scholarship given to Bayelsans to pursue first degrees, masters and Ph.D programmes within and outside the country. He also revived the transport sector by banning 'okada' and replacing them with cabs.

Alaibe and Sylva Alaibe, who is now of the APC, once ran on the Labour Party (LP) platform.

Jonathan and Diepriye

‘

Alamieyeseigha still have fond memories of how he almost snatched power from them. His movement to the AP, where Sylva is seen as the landlord is seen by many as a drawback.

But, his supporters say he is the best thing that has happened to the party and should be given the flag. The party, which is banking on being the one at the centre, is not as cohesive as it should be.

Like Alaibe, Sylva also faces the division in the party as a hurdle. Both men are strong in their own right and there are fears that they may tear down the party.

Sylva's bid is also threatened by the in-fighting in his party. It was recently dragged to court by some expelled

members for violation of their right of membership. The sacked members include Chief Prekeme Kpodoh; Mr Sunday Oputu; Chief Linus Opuakpa; Mr Koripamo Enoch; Mr Christopher Abariowei; Harrod Zuokumor; Mrs Rosemary Okia; and Fred Akamu.

Sued in the matter are the APC national chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun; state chairman, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe, and others. They have constituted themselves into a faction and are threatening the party's chances.

Okoya For Okoya, a technocrat and an architect, some see him as a 'greenhorn' but those who have followed him point at his foot prints all over Bayelsa, especially the designing and building of the state-owned Niger Delta University, Amassoma. He was appointed by by Jonathan, as Special Adviser and Commissioner for Special Duties. Almost all the construction works in the state were designed and built by him.

Okoya left for the United States when Jonathan's tenure as governor ended, but when Jonathan became the president, he was appointed the Development Manager of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The architect has thrown his hat into the ring for the governorship election, and his decision was welcomed by many Bayelsans, who are tired of the old order.

Okoya's popularity was recently proved when a group of former local government chairmen under the auspices of Forum of Former Local Government Chairmen declared its intention to support him.

The forum said their decision to back Okoya is not only because he is very honourable, honest, transparent and development-oriented but because he is a man who has proven track records of experience and expertise in economic management and governance.

A statement by Hon Favour Bozimo Asuje, E.E. Yongbo, Ebimotimi Tei Zion, Chief Purity Gabriel, on behalf of the group, reads: "After reviewing the present state of our dear state (Bayelsa) in the past couple of years, we the former chairmen of local government areas in Bayelsa State unanimously agreed that we must urgently halt the backward slide of governance in the state. It is time for us as Bayelsans to unite and present our best son to contest for the office of the governor."

Okoya has more going for him. His late father, His Royal Majesty Ezekiel Pappah Okoya, sure laid a good foundation for him.

Others Aside Okoya, who speaks fluent English, Ijaw and Igbo, there are the likes of Ekiogha; Amgbare; Ikisikpo; Ogoriba; and Powell. But they are seen as also ran.

As the party primaries draw near, the horse-trading will continue. There will be intrigues, blackmail and all kinds of dirty tricks will be thrown into the game. Interesting times sure lie ahead.

•Boro, a freelance reporter, sent this piece from Port

Okowa kicks off ‘Prosperity Programme’

T

HERE was palpable excitement, hope and expectation among the 1,645 young men and women who gathered at the Songhai-Delta, Amukpe in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, on Wednesday, August 26.

The gathering included young school leavers, graduates and others who are among a batch of 6,000 youths targeted in one of the state government wealth creation programme tagged Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) and Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP).

The STEP and YAGEP are part of the programmes aimed at taking teeming youths off the street. It is also aimed at the fulfillment of the State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa campaign slogan tagged ‘Prosperity for all Deltans’.

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

The governor, while flagging of the programme, explained that the scheme was being executed in phases, adding that the introduction of the scheme has enabled the state government to develop a database of the unemployed in the State.

Okowa said the government has launched a database of unemployed youths in the state through the job and wealth creation scheme, which promises to keep the youths off the streets. He said the database would provide a steady feed of participants for the programme and also enable the government in planning for its future and those of the youths..

“By the next six months when the next phase begins, we will simply pull out the next

set of participants from the database, so, there is opportunity for as many as are qualified to be enlisted in subsequent phases of the scheme.”

He explained that with the performance of the participants, who had been on a weeklong orientation course, he was confident that the programme was headed in the right directions. He said all the programmes were strategically designed, stringently planned and specifically tailored to tackle the problem of youth unemployment and produce lasting and sustainable prosperity across in the state.

He said that his administration had adopted the Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) model which is the best way to tackle youth unemployment, because job and wealth creation are the bedrock of his

“S.M.A.R.T” agenda.

The governor, who was flanked by his deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, said the event was the latest part of his effort to bring prosperity to the state, industrialise it through the YAGEP and STEP initiative which was one of his electioneers promises to Deltans.

“Today’s event is undeniable proof that our administration’s S.M.A.R.T agenda is well and truly on course; it goes without saying that job and wealth creation are the bedrock of the S.M.A.R.T agenda, with YAGEP and STEP as the flagship programmes and other programmes under the Job and Wealth Creation Scheme are Production and Processing Support Programme (PPSP), Development of Agro-Industries, and Extension of Microcredit,” he added.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

T baffles me why a kidnapper will come after me. For what? Me, a bloody writer.

Me, Donu Kogbara, a columnist. What is my business with kidnappers? What will they get from me? My pen? My paper? Or better still my laptop?

On the streets of Port Harcourt, it was a sin for people with white skin to walk freely. Expatriates working in the many oil servicing firms in the oil city dared not walk alone. They went about with security details. Even now, they still dread going about anyhow. They are the sort kidnappers are after. Not me.

Church leaders, children of the rich, the rich, their parents and the likes are also likely preys for kidnappers. From these people, they can get good ransom. Not me, a bloody columnist.

As they stormed my Port Harcourt home last weekend, they shot into the air to scare people around my Nkpogu home. They wanted no interference with their catch. Did they get a wrong target? Had I written something against somebody? Questions crammed my brain. Answers I had not.

These small boys pushed me around and dragged me into their obviously stolen Honda CRV Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). In that instant, I was sorry for my dear state and wondered when will we be safe finally. But uppermost in my heart was my safety. What will these boys do to me? It was a constant question that came to my head.

I have no access to newspaper in confinement but guessed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) would have seen in my fate another route to exchange blow.

I imagine Governor Nyesom Wike's spokesman Mr Opunabo Inko-Tariah saying something like this: “The government is sad over the abduction of respected columnist Dornu Kogbara. We are hopeful that she will be released pronto and in good health. The new law on kidnapping will very soon make the state too hot for kidnappers."

And I imagine the APC saying: “We are in great pains over the abduction of renowned essayist /columnist, Ms Dornu Kogbara last Sunday in Port Harcourt by unknown gun men.

“The security situation of our dear Rivers State indicates that the several efforts made by the previous administration, which significantly brought criminality to its lowest ebb across the State, has now been reversed in just three months of the administration of Nyesom Wike.

The present sorry state of security in the state did not come by accident.”

And I also imagine asking: what is wrong with these people? I also used my mind’s eyes to see the outgoing Commissioner of Police, Mr Chris Ezike, adding his voice: “I was with the family the other day. We have taken preliminaries from the compound. We are working on a few theories. The details we may not make public. We call for support of all and sundry and we beg for reporting that will not be hurting to her. We call for controlled reporting. Because we are dealing with people who take drugs, human beings wearing animal garment. We are on top of the situation.”

I pray none of these guys turning my plight to a game ever experience being abducted.

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people and matters

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

I’m a bloody writer Here you have no choice. The only choice available is what you are given. You can’t choose to want rice when what is on offer is Indomie noodles. You cannot ask for wine when all they are willing to offer is water. Woe betide you if you complain that you find it difficult using the toilet they offer you.

The world of the kidnappers is an interesting one. Some of them have Masters degree. They speak Queens English and you hear them say something like: “ We should have no business with poverty in the Niger Delta. This is the golden hen that lays the golden egg. So, we should be swimming in money. Cash should not be our problem, the problem should be how to spend it. But, our leaders, both at the states and federal levels, have failed us.

•Kogbara

“They deceive us with all kinds of programmes, such as the Amnesty Programme but you find our people put in charge using it to benefit themselves, their families and girlfriends.

Governors lie to us that they are doing empowerment programmes. But, it is all for the cameras. No substance.”

As I heard the chief kidnapper make this speech, what came to my mind was that he was justifying what they are doing. But, for me, there is no justification for crime. If all of us decide to also go into crimes, then the society will collapse.

I felt like telling them my views, advising them like a mother. They were small kids. I could be their mother. But, I respected the guns in their hands and I just kept a sealed lip.

On the second day after they dragged me away from the comfort of my home, one of them came to me and said: “In my town, Gelegele, there is no difference between night and day. No thanks to the gas flaring of the irresponsible oil giant operating in our community. Our farms are no longer yielding fruits. Our streams are polluted. Our lives have been shattered. We have lost our conscience. We have sold our souls. Yes, to the devil.”

I thought he was through but he gathered steam again: “The oil company in Gelegele should await the fate of Shell in Ogoni. We will bar them and no one will be able to bring them back. We are putting finishing touches to the onsluaght against them. If you know them, tell them. The day of reckoning is here. For them, a Daniel has come to judgment.”

As he took his leave all that came to my mind was what is my own in all these? Me, a bloody writer, a columnist. May be my fame is my undoing. I shall sell this fame soon.

LEST I FORGET ‘EMMANUEL’S WILL’

T

HE words and phrases that kept ringing in my head after reading Mr Aniekan Umanah’s reply to my intervention on Akwa Ibom last week are: ‘gibberish’, ‘lame attempts’, ‘bad light’, ‘inventing false scenarios’, ‘jaundiced viewpoint’, ‘condescend to mislead the public with personal bias and prejudices dressed as public affairs analysis’, ‘Yishau’s real intention’, ‘blowing hot air’ and ‘twisted castigation of Governor Udom Emmanuel’.

There are other phrases, such as: ‘the undertaking of trying to personalise issues surrounding the loan portrays mischief’, ‘an otherwise respected opinion moulder’,’ his biggest folly ever’, ‘those who have the rare and sacred privilege of wielding a platform as credible as a commentarial slot in a national medium of the stature of The Nation must not abuse it by employing its advantage to foul the air of reasoning’, ‘anti-Akpabio’, ‘consistently garnished with slander and spite for Governor Emmanuel and his predecessor’ and ‘blacked-out the internationally acknowledged sterling performance of his administration’.

If I were in his shoes, I would have adopted the Gbemiga Ogunleye approach by simply addressing the issues. These words and phrases

LAST WORD

are meant for the gutters. One thing I have tried to run away from since this column debuted is abuse. It is not impossible I have strayed a few times.

Well, I plead guilty to having been critical of ex-Governor Godswill Akpabio. I deserve to be docked for placing him number two on the chart of people I comment on regularly. But, I reject the charge of slandering him and refusing to acknowledge that he brought some transformation to Akwa Ibom. If Mr Umanah had followed me like he said, he would have seen in two or three of my comments on the state that Akpabio left the state better than he met it. Whether or not he could or should have done better is another matter. It is not right to say I blacked-out Akpabio’s achievements. He should go back and read some of my pieces on the state. May be he read only those that did not make reference to the achievements.

As to the outcome of the PDP primaries, it remains my opinion that fair play was not allowed. That does not remove from my view of Mr Emmanuel as a man of gentle mien and soft words. He looks to me as a great guy.

At this juncture, I wish to say that I have got nothing personal against both Akpabio and Emmanuel. Edo State Governor Adams

•Emmanuel

Oshiomhole is a man after my heart but when he recalled teachers who were not qualified, I did not shy away from saying it loud on this space that I was disappointed. I remain disappointed that he took that action.

This is wishing His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel a flying start on delivering on his five-point agenda of wealth creation; economic and political inclusion; poverty alleviation; infrastructural consolidation and expansion; and job creation.

I also wish Senator Akpabio quick recovery from last Monday’s accident in Abuja.

BY MIKE ODIEGWU, YENAGOA

Testy times for the Jerusalem of the Ijaw Nation

B

AYELSA State is unique in many aspects.

It has the least population when compared to other states in the country. It perhaps has the least land mass.

Topographically the state of former President Goodluck Jonathan is always said to be 70 per cent water and 30 per cent land.

Fondly called the Jerusalem of the Ijaw Nation for being the only Ijaw homogeneous state, Bayelsa is rich in maritime assets. It is opened to the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by rivulets, rivers, lakes and other water channels. The state ranks among the richest in petroleum resources. But among its contemporaries, Bayelsa is arguably the least developed.

Now, Bayelsa is under trial. It is marching to another landmark of political transition to choose a fresh vehicle that will drive its development.

The two dominant and big political vehicles begging for boarding in the state are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC). Other smaller vehicles such as the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Labour Party (LP), also exist.

Expectedly, PDP and the APC are at each oth-

er’s throat battling in a game of intrigues and wits to seek the patronage of the state. PDP has been the vehicle of choice for Bayelsa since 1999.

Hitherto, Bayelsa never engaged in a competitive process to select its vehicle and driver.

Election was alien. Selection and coronation were the order of the day. It was taken for granted that whoever emerged a candidate from the PDP would drive the vehicle of the state with little or no input from Bayelsa.

So, it was for the past “drivers” of the state such as Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Timipre Sylva and the incumbent driver, Chief Seriake Dickson.

But the PDP is no longer the same. It has been given a bloody nose by the punches of the APC. Suddenly, the APC has become the vehicle of choice for many people in the state, especially the politicians. Persons who hitherto constituted the backbone and pillars of the PDP are leaving in droves to join the APC vehicle. In fact, the creme la de creme and their followers have already declared for the APC. Even the state Chairman of the PDP, Col. Sam Inokoba (retd) left his job to be counted in the APC.

Some of the heavyweights who deserted the PDP are Timi Alaibe, Dikivie Ikiogha, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Nestor Binabo, Werinipre Seibarugu, Warman Ogoriba, Alex Ekiotene, Senator Brambaifa, Dr. Stella Dorgu; in fact, the list is endless. Most of them were former elected and appointed political office holders. Some of them even abandon the cabinet of Dickson to hop into the vehicle of APC. Therefore, as the vehicle of APC is filling up to a congesting point ahead of the December contest, that of the PDP is looking empty.

The PDP is divided over the reelection ambition of Dickson. An anti-Dickson group, the PDP Unity Group (PUG) comprising mainly former aides sacked in controversial circumstances and other aggrieved party leaders, have vowed to scuttle the governor’s ambition.

Therefore, in PDP some persons are desirous of collecting the party’s ticket from Dickson.

Prominent among persons trying to wrest PDP’s ticket from the governor are Senator Emmanuel Paulker and Reuben Okoya.

There is a belief that the process of selecting the driver of the APC vehicle will generate con-

troversies likely to destroy the party. Most of the bigwigs are aspiring to be at the driver’s seat and unless they bury their ambitions, the dream of the APC to displace the PDP will be a mirage.

Almost all the heavyweights in the APC want the party’s governorship ticket. Former Governor Timipre Sylva, Alaibe, Ikiogha, Ogoriba, Godnows Powell, Ebitimi Amgbare, Inokoba and many others are struggling to get the party’s ticket. Already over seven aspirants have picked the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms valued at N6.5million. However, some names like Alaibe, Ikiogha and Ogoriba in the governorship race of APC have continued to generate fears and tension in the PDP. With the incumbency factor of Dickson who is believed in some quarters to have done well, everybody is waiting to see the kind of candidate that will emerge from the APC. They are waiting to see a popular, credible, political heavyweight, a household name considering the timeline of the election. Bayelsa will then decide its vehicle and driver.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

37

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Anniversary: ‘Abia deserves more at 24’ •Continued on page 26 able and responsible and conscientious leaders in Abia; Abia leadership has been characterised by selfishness. Abia leadership has not taken into cognizance, the collective interest of the people.

“We want a leadership that should derive its power from the collective Abia. That collective Abia can include the traditional, religious, the political class, among other interest groups that would rise up to the challenge to say that the right thing must be done.”

On legislation, he said that “the most important thing that we are aspiring is a self-accounting legislation at all levels that will give the legislators some level of independence, some level of integrity, some level of will and the audacity to legislate on certain issues.”

Mr. Ray Njoku, a lecturer in Public Administration at Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, said, “I cannot say that Abia has come first, second or third when compared with states that were created alongside it, but all I know is that Abia has done well as long as peace has prevailed in Abia. The essence of government is the welfare and wellbeing of the people and in the 24 years of its existence I can tell you that Abia has survived.

“I think I can give Abia and Abians a pass mark. When you talk about infrastructure people tend to look at just the road network and they use it as the only variable to assess the government. But Abia has achieved a lot in the health sector.

The immediate past regime achieved a lot in the health care sector”.

“On education, the past admin-

•A part of Aba

istration did marvelously well there too. Go to the Abia State University, Abia Polytechnic, School of Health and some of the secondary schools you can attest to the fact that they did well. Most of the road networks in Abia State are done by the federal government.

“Much of the blame on the deplorable nature of roads especially in Aba and its environs should go to the federal government, not the state government.

“We want to see an improved infrastructure in energy; we expect entrepreneurial-minded Abians and indeed Nigerians to be provid-

ed with the necessary infrastructure to enable them to be self sufficient and entrepreneurial as they have always been.

“As the state marks 24 years, we ask Abians to assist the government by rallying round the government to enable the government realise their objectives towards the people.”

Chief Nyerere Ayim, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in the general elections, said “On whether our expectations of what we expect Abia to be at 24 is being realised, I will say No. No in the sense that before

Abia State was created out of the present day Imo State, there was already laid foundation of a great state by having a cosmopolitan city like Aba being in present-day Abia State which is regarded as the economic hub east of the Niger. But for you to have Aba and a state is created and Aba happens to be one of the major cities in that state and yet still crippling economically, socially amongst others is something not to be too happy about.

But the Bible said that in everything we should give God the glory. We equally have to thank God. “The problem is that various

military administrations in the state did nothing in the state. They failed to build on what the civilian government, particularly of the late Sam Mbakwe did in the state; Aba and Umuahia in particular and that is where the problem started.

“In 1999, we inherited a civilian administration and for 16 good years, the story, the success and achievement is what we are seeing today. They said that you can only tell a blind man that there is no oil in the soup, but not that there is no salt in the soup. What we have in the entire Abia State today is not a reflection of the hope and aspiration of a better Abia by the founding fathers and by all of us who are in the present day Abia State.

“When we are talking about Abia State, it is not only Aba. Go to Arochukwu, Ohafia; Nkporo, you will wonder if it is a place where people live. We have some many areas in Arochukwu and Ohafia that are yet to have a feel of government and governance. Go to Ikwuano; Oboro, Ariam etc, you hardly can see any passable or motorable roads and we are talking about democracy where people are supposed to reap the dividend of democracy, but the reverse is the case in our own situation.

“You have a state where people from nowhere are so wealthy while the state is impoverished politically, socially and economically. Go to Umunneochi, Ukwa East and West where God endowed us with both mineral and natural resources that made Abia State to be an oil producing state, they have nothing to show for is.

“As I am talking to you today, there is no commercial bank in Ukwa East and West and these people don’t know anything about ATM (Automated Teller Machine).

‘Girl-child just as good’ •Continued from page 28

•Mr Akubue giving out the trycycles to the beneficiaries

Life insurance, jobs tools for residents

T

HERE is something to cheer in Alor community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

No fewer than 35 of its residents were given free life insurance scheme, while eight got a tricycle each with which to fend for themselves and their families.

Their benefactor is Alor Development Union (ADU), Lagos chapter. The largess was given out at the Alor Christian Centre, Alafia, Lagos State.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the community, Chief Emmanuel Ojukwu said, “The essence of our togetherness is not just to make laws only but to discuss the Progress of our community render assistance to others, pray for members and win souls for Christ and also to empower them with skills so that they could be independent.”

We don’t have another community to call our own. If we don’t take care of our own brothers’ needs, one day it will swallow us and by then it would be too late. The only thing you can do for God is to reach out to others

By Emmanuel Udodinma

Ojukwu urged the beneficiaries to ensure that the purpose of the poverty alleviation scheme was not jeopardised.

He prayed for them and also called on the well-to-do to emulate the gesture of the community, saying it will reduce the rate of employment in the country.

Ojukwu’s foundation routinely

feeds the rural dwellers in the community.

He said, “We do not take glory in always giving the proverbial fish to people; we teach them how to catch their own fish. That is what this is all about. Some of our members lost their business in Balogun market fire disaster. We know how difficult it is for these people to get even the smallest amount of funding for their enterprises, so we de-

cided to kick-start it for them. We also mentor them and monitor their progress. Freely we have received; life is about sharing what you have; freely we must give. That is one of pillars our administration, and it can only get better.”

He said that the association gave N3.2millon in cash to the 37 victims of the fire, while a sachet water firm would soon be open.

One of the beneficiaries Mr Obediah Akaose thanked the Alor Community for putting a smile on their faces.

The Vice-Chairman, Chief Chijioke Uzokwe said, “The move is one of community’s modest ways of contributing to the development of our members. The Alor community is ours and we don’t have another to call our own. If we don’t take care of our own brothers’ needs, one day it will swallow us and by then it would be too late.

The only thing you can do for God is to reach others.

was passed in 2006 in Ebonyi State and under this law it is the right of every Ebonyi child to be educated.

Therefore, enrol your child in school as early child education is very important. We must achieve 100 per cent girl-child education within the shortest possible time”.

“Please register the birth of every child in Ebonyi State, so that we can plan for our children educationally, health-wise, their general wellbeing, etc”.

Mrs Umahi also distributed cartons of milk to the nursing mothers in the community which she noted was donated by wife of the president, Hajia Aisha Muhammadu Buhari in her quest to promote maternal and child health.

Earlier, the SDG focal person, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu said the hospital will help in the fight against quackery, maternal, child and infant mortality and help in treatment of diseases like cholera etc which are rampant in the state.

She said the health centre is adequately staffed and stocked with drugs to cater for the health needs of the people.

The Focal Person, urged the people to take advantage of the facility for their health needs.

She thanked the state government ofr its support to the SDG/ CGS programme in the state a partnership she promised will see more of such programmes continue to be rolled out in the state.

In a goodwill message, the Zonal Technical Director of the SDG, South East, Mr Okechukwu Chukwuemeka commended Go Dave Umahi for being the first governor to appoint a Focal Person for the SDG/CGS.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT Community gets diocesan priest

H

ISTORY was made in Umuchukwu, Anambra State as their kinsman Rev. Fr. Kingsley Ibeh was ordained Catholic priest by the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, Umuchukwu.

During the homily, Bishop Okoye reminded the new priest of the cardinal mission of priesthood in the light of the Second Vatican Council. He told him to be prayerful at all times, minister to the people of God and guide them to holiness as well as remain obedient to the Bishop and his successors.

The Bishop commended the people of Umuchukwu, especially the USA-based Dr. Godwin Maduka who has done so much for the town. He said he represented what philanthropy should be, recognizing that he has done so much for the town without being overbearing.

The bishop also commended the former governor of the State, Mr. Peter Obi for his selfless service to the State, which, as he noted, he has continued even after being the governor.

In his vote of thanks, the Parish Priest of the Parish, Fr. Maximus Muoneke thanked all present, especially Bishop Okoye who performed his first episcopal ordination with the ordaining of Fr. Ibeh. He thanked Gov. Obi for the great things he did in Umuchukwu when he was the governor, including the construction of the roads in the town. He thanked the congregation and people of Umuchukwu for their great support.

As for Dr. Godwin Maduka, he said : “In a special way, we appreciate our great brother, Dr. Godwin Mauka, for his colossal contributions in the development of Umuchukwu town, especially our Parish. He provided the major sum of money for this ordination and donated the car for the newly ordained. May God bless him and his entire family.”

•Baby show for the World Breastfeeding Week at Agudama, Bayelsa State

Abia transport firm saves N7m monthly We are well known as one of the safest transport companies in the country and this has given us several awards from the state command of the FRSC because of the low rate of accidents by our drivers

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

A

BIA state transport company has said that it saves N7 million monthly, thanks to the acquisition of a loading bay in Umuahia, the state capital.

The sum was what the firm paid every month to owners of bays rented by the state transport outfit.

Speaking in Umuahia, the company’s General Manager, Ugochukwu Uwaeke said that the firm lost its passengers who could not board their vehicles at their park located outside the city.

He said that the state government has given them a new place in the state capital which they have

developed into a modern park, adding that the volume of passengers has started to increase with its attendant revenue generation.

The 13th general manager of the transport company said that their major challenge is the issue of free vehicles given to the youths of the state.

He said, “This made us to lose customers who patronise them as they are out to make quick money”.

He noted that the free vehicles given to the youths which are bigger than the vehicles they have in their fleet gives them more money, “unlike our vehicles which carry smaller number of passengers and were loading at the parks in the city while we load outside the town”.

Uwaeke said that they are to commence the training of their drivers with the advent of the ‘ember’ months to enable them know the need for them to be cautious while driving.

He said that they are in the habit of training their drivers which are done for them yearly by the members of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the state Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) to ensure safety for their drivers and passengers.

The GM said, “We are well known as one of the safest transport companies in the country and this has given us several awards from the state command of the FRSC because of the low rate of accidents by our drivers”.

Uwaeke used the forum to reiterate the fact that the company has bought metal dictators to ensure that armed robbers do not join their vehicles in any part of the country to attack passengers on the road.

•From right: Rotarian Joe Ikeako; Representative of Enugu State Governor, Dr. John Chukwuani; Emmanuel Lafedeju and Prof. Obiora Ike at a meeting on maternal and child health by the Rotary Club of Tras-Ekulu District 9140 Enugu. PHOTO: OBI CLETUS

•Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (middle, in white) with members of ALGON shortly after he inaugurated PHOTO: OBI CLETUS a complex.

Investment summit ends in Imo •Continued from page 28 industrialisation policy.

He stated that the House has already given accelerated hearing to some bills needed for the smooth take off of the industrial project, which he said will soon be signed into law by the Governor.

Earlier in his keynote address the Chairman of the Imo State Government Trade and Investment Committee, Mr. Rex Anunobi, a lawyer, noted that the summit was packaged to provide opportunities for the business community in the State to interface with the foreign partners with a view of making Imo an industrial hub.

He enjoined the participants to •Continued on page 40

Governor Rochas Okorocha and some Turkish investors

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

39

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Tough time for vandals, kidnappers A security outfit has been set up to end the bloodletting, kidnapping and other violent crimes in Imo State’s oil-producing areas. There is a reason members of the team are drawn from the areas, reports OKODILI NDIDI

T

HERE is little to envy residents of oil-producing areas of Imo State. Their monarchs have fled their thrones for fear of pipeline bloodthirsty cultists, pipeline vandals, kidnappers, among other hoodlums in the areas. Residents who say they have nowhere to run to, have seen their neighbours and relatives killed or robbed, while their communities have remained generally unsafe.

That was why the Rochas Okorocha administration launched the Niger Delta Security Network (NDSN).

At its inauguration, Governor, Rochas Okorocha said members of

the team have been trained and equipped to stamp out criminalities in the oil producing areas.

He also said members of the security outfit were recruited from the affected communities in order to enhance its performance. It takes the indigenes of an area to effectively fight crime in their domain, adding that no criminal operation can succeed without an insider who knows the terrain.

Okorocha sounded a warning to the team, saying, “Your duty is to find out the hiding places of these cultists or miscreants who have been terroris-

ing the oil-producing areas of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta, flush them out and hand them over to the law enforcement agencies for prosecution within three months.

“There are 250 of you who have been recruited to serve in the security network. You must not involve in any criminal activity yourself. If any of you is caught in any criminal activity, he goes to jail. You must be disciplined. You have been called to serve your people. That is why all of you are from the mentioned oil-producing areas. We believe that those carrying out these cult activities are your people. You flush them out so that the majority of your people can enjoy peace.

“Recently, the Inspector General of Police emphasised on the need for community policing and even before now, we have been on that page. It takes those who know the criminals to apprehend them.

The rate of cultism and other crimes in Ohaji, Egbema and Oguta has become worrisome to the government. And we have decided to take the bull by the horn.

“The activities of these cultists have resulted in the death of innocent people and some traditional rulers have fled their homes to avoid being killed by these cultists. The state government will no longer tolerate the activities of such miscreants. We are going to do all within our power to check the ugly situation. That is the reason for setting up this security network”.

The governor gave the Security Network 90 days to put an end to the activities of cultists, pipeline vandals, stating that it will be dissolved if it fails to meet the target within the stipulated time.

The Director General of the organisation, Dr. Justice Harcourt thanked the Governor for the inter-

The activities of these cultists have resulted in the death of innocent people and some traditional rulers have fled their homes to avoid being killed by these cultists. The state government will no longer tolerate the activities of such miscreants est he has shown in the development of the oil producing area of the state including the appointment of a son of the area.

Immaculate Heart opens old people’s home

T

HE Immaculate Heart of Mary’s Sisters has opened an old people’s home at Nkpor, Anambra State.

In her welcome address at the event, the Superior General of the congregation, Mother Mary Claude Oguh thanked God for the successful completion of the project. She said the project, Mater Christus home for old sisters, was conceived many years ago but could not be started until the former governor of the state Mr. Peter Obi came to their support morally and financially. She noted that Mr. Obi visited the project many times even after he left office.

The Superior General who thanked others for their contributions to the project also appealed to the people to continue to support in its maintenance.

The Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Dennis Isizor who dedicated the building, said it was to the greater glory of God. In his goodwill message, Mr. Peter Obi who was accompanied by his former Commissioners, Prof.

Chinyere Stella Okunna and Mr.

Obi said he would continue to assist in the maintenance of the home in line with his belief that the elderly are a critical component of the society, who, having devoted their productive years to the service of the country, need great care and compassion Patrick Obi, an engineer, as well as Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo, described the conception of the project as visionary.

Obi said he would continue to assist in its maintenance in line with his belief that the elderly are a critical component of the society, who, having devoted their productive years to the service of the country, need great care and compassion.

The Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Dennis Isizor (middle), with the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi (right) and the Superior General of the congregation of Immaculate Heart of Mary’s Sisters, Mother Mary Claude Oguh during the dedication of the congregation’s Mater Christus Old people’s home at Nkpor.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT Firm sensitises Imo communities on hypertension

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EIMETH International Pharmaceuticals Plc in partnership with a Lagos-based nongovernmental organisation, Dan Ogechi Akujobi Memorial (DOAM) has taken the campaign against hypertension to four Amaimo communities in Imo State.

A special unit of the firm championing this cause is called FITGAH or Fight the Good Fight Against Hypertension.

FITGAH machinery creates awareness on the prevalence of the silent killer and ensures that medications to regulate the disease are available and affordable in rural settings.

Accepting a range of anti-hypertensive products donated by Neimeth to DOAM Foundation for the management of the isolated patients for two months, the Acting Programme Manager, Sorochi Ugorji expressed her NGO’s appreciation to Neimeth for accepting to partner

From Chris Oji, Enugu

with them and informed the elated patients that her organisation will cater for them for twelve months.

The MD/CEO, Neimeth, Mr. Emmanuel Ekunno, represented by Mr. Okoro Eni Nwaka, Head, Corporate Affairs, said, “Hypertension, like noncommunicable diseases, has a high prevalence and is worsening in our nation. It is assuming an epidemic status leading to sudden deaths of victims, stroke, kidney damage, etc.”

Ekunno said that Neimeth was committed to complementing the efforts of government through FITGAH—an endearing legacy of caring.

The paramount ruler of Amaimo, His Royal Highness, Eze (Dr.) Collins Otumbadi Onuoha, ofor 1 of Umu Ofor Community expressed satisfaction over the turnout of people and thanked the organisations that put together the health programme.

•From left: Okoro Nwaka, Head, Corporate Affairs, Neimeth; Ngozi Oji, Programme Manager, DOAM Foundation; His Royal Highness Eze Collins Onuoha and Sorochi Ugorji. Ag. Programme Manager, DOAM Foundation

Investment summit ends in Imo •Continued from page 38 avail themselves of the opportunities presented by the government and invest in the state as it abounds with both human and material resources.

The chairman of the summit, Dr. Innocent Nzuma commended the Governor for the initiative of opening the state to the industrial world which he assured will transform the state within a short time.

He pointed that Imo State is well situated because of its closeness to such commercial cities as Onitsha, Aba and Port Harcourt, adding that with the population, raw materials, market and quality manpower, in-

vestors will certainly see the state as an investment palace ready to be milked.

Nzuma encouraged the state government to set the ball rolling by making sure that all the instruments of law and security are put in place to protect the investors.

In his contribution, the President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) who was also the guest Speaker Dr. Ray Jacobs, reemphasized the need for Public Private Partnership, insisting that government has never been good at managing businesses, which he said is the reason most profitable investments

made by the government never lived up to expectations.

He enjoined the government to partner with the manufactures and captains of industries in the management of its investments.

The MAN boss called for an enabling environment for the sustainability of the incoming investments and praised the Okorocha administration for taking the bull by the horn by venturing into area dreaded by other leaders.

He assured of the cooperation of his group to see that Imo state becomes the next industrial hub of the nation.

Imo is well situated because of its closeness to such commercial cities as Onitsha, Aba and Port Harcourt, and with population, raw materials, market and quality manpower, investors will certainly see it as an investment palace ready to be milked

FERMA repairs Owerri-Umuahia Road

T

HE Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has started fixing the failed portions of the Owerri-Obowo-Umuahia Road on its Imo State end. The portions of the road were a source of agony for commuters who ply the road.

The agency flagged off the repair of all federal roads in the state in July.

Speaking at the site, the Southeast Zonal Coordinator of FERMA, Mr. Rufus Onimisi, an engineer, urged road users to help the federal government and FERMA in maintaining road infrastructure by desisting from acts that could destroy the roads and initiate failures.

He mentioned indiscriminate dropping of refuse into drains and waterways as a major contributor to road failures.

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

Also speaking, the State FERMA Engineer, Chukwuemeka Maduagwu stated that the agency is poised to sustain the tempo and ensure that in no time, all the Federal roads in the state will be free of pot holes.

According to him, “We have the mandate of the FG to ensure that all Federal roads in the state are in good, safe and comfortable condition. This is why FERMA has started repair operations on all the critically failed portion and pot holes on all the Federal roads in Imo State”.

A motorist, Mr. Steve Emenogu, commended FERMA for the repairs adding that the failed sections had in the past caused accidents and inflicted untold hardship on the people of the area and hindered free flow of traffic.

Abia APC consoles ex-lawmaker

The remains of the late Eunice Ikonne about to be lowered into the grave.

Palace agog as Aba king buries wife Continued from pages 2-27

Her son, Okwubunka Jeff said his mother was loving, peaceful and charitable.

“Being a shy person by nature did not stop her, as her home was a haven for all. She also did not discriminate but indulged everyone with the same measure of love and respect that made her a delight…in spite of Mama’s limited social contact and enlightenment, she loved life to the fullest. She loved nature and its content and was ready to enjoy the best offering the world had to

offer not just in her immediate environment but beyond also. And so it was that for about two years, Mama sojourned to the land of the brave and strong… In all these, mama fought a good fight to stay alive until the early hours of July 28, 2015 when she had to keep her final appointment with the Lord.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in 2015 election, Chief Nyerere Anyim; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) House of Representative lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ossy Prestige and Aba North State

Constituency Abia House of Assembly lawmaker, Emeka Nnamani and the APC House of Assembly candidate for Aba North, Hon. Uba Omeazu described the death of Deaconess Ugoeze Eunice Ikonne as a big loss to not only the Ikonne’s family but to the state in general.

Anyim and Prestige asked the family not to cry like people without hope, but to take consolation that “we all shall meet her on that glorious day when the trumpet shall sounds”.

Prestige said she lived a good life and should be celebrated.

ABIA State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commiserated with Senator Nkechi Nwaogu on the passing of her husband Dr. Roland Nwaogu.

The ex-lawmaker represented Abia Central Senatorial District from 2007 to 2015.

Dr. Nwaogu died after a protracted illness at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Speaking in Aba, the state APC chairman Dr. Donatus Nwankpa described Dr. Rowland’s death as unfortunate and a big loss to the entire state.

He said, “It is a very big loss to us especially this period that we are trying to organise ourselves. He was not just Nkechi Nwaogu’s husband. He was one of our leaders who have participated in the political restructuring of our place. He was very prominent in SDP (Social Democratic Party), NCPN, APP before it became ANPP, UNCP. “So he has been a major actor in the political scene and one thing that we are going to miss about him is his straightforwardness. He is a very, very uncompromising person towards his honesty. He is a man that wants things to be said the way they should and he called a spade a

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

spade.

“The burial is an APC affair. My people are already working, but let me also point out that he belongs to everybody. Dr. Nwaogu is beyond political party. Let me also point out that the period of politicking is over. What we are having now is government; government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and government of Abia State. So, in that regard, every responsibility towards the successful burial of Dr. Nwogu should not be looked at from the political angle; he was one of the oldest knights in the Anglican Church where he worshipped until death and a traditional leader. So, it is a burial that affects all.

“People should also condole with us; the APC because it is not only her loss, but a loss to the APC family,” Nwankpa added.

Dr. Nwaogu died at the age of 63, according to the family, which added that there would be service of songs at his Kamalu, Umungasi residence and Umuagaa Village in Mbutu-Oma autonomous community, Osisioma Local Government Area on August 23 and 24.

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COMMENTARY

FEMI ABBAS ON

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AVE you not seen how Allah has presented the parable of good deed like that of a fruitful tree which roots are firmly planted in the belly of the earth while its foliages sprout gorgeously into the firmament of the sky, yielding (edible) fruits every season by Allah’s permission? Allah presents human beings with parables that they may be mindful” Qur’an 14 verse 24.

PREAMBLE In what is considered a logical move to solidify its strategy in upholding the unity of the Southwest Muslims, a powerful delegation of the Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN) paid a courtesy visit to Ado-Ekiti, the capital city of Ekiti State, last Sunday. The visit was for two main reasons: (1) to congratulate the new President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas of the Southwest, Edo and Delta, Alhaji Jamiu Bello Kewulere who is also the Chief Imam of Ado-Ekiti; (2) to reassure the Muslim Community of Ekiti as well as the League of Imams and Alfas that MUSWEN is as much in partnership with them as it is with other Muslim Communities and organisations in the region.

The delegation was led by the President of MUSWEN, Chief Sakariyau Olayiwola Babalola, OON who is popularly known as Chief SOB Babalola. He became the President of MUSWEN early this year at the General Assembly meeting of MUSWEN. He is the third President of that umbrella body of the Southwest Muslim Ummah. He succeeded Justice Tijani Bolorinwa Babalakin, JSC (Rtd), CON, LLD who also succeeded the late Prof Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa, NMO, CON, the pioneer President of MUSWEN. Ever since he assumed office as President, Chief S.O.B has been taking some revolutionary moves aimed at putting MUSWEN on a very sound footing and at improving the welfare of the Muslim masses in the region. One of his progressive moves was the trip to Ado-Ekiti last Sunday which further confirms that this President is really on course in his determination to move MUSWEN to a higher pedestal. That visit which will soon be followed by similar ones to other states reminds yours sincerely of an article published in this column about MUSWEN in 2009. It went thus: Dynamism and Evolution “Life is both dynamic and evolutionary.

Its dynamism springs incontrovertibly from its evolution. Without evolution, there can be no experience for man. And, without dynamism, every progressive move capable of fetching more experience would have been in vain. To Islam, one of these two phenomena of life (dynamism and evolution) is a corollary of the other.

Thus, the presence of evolution without that of dynamism is like the appearance of the sun without its rays.

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution Contrary to the atheist theory of evolution propounded by a British naturalist, Charles Darwin, in his book entitled ‘On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection’, published in 1859, Islam believes that evolution is rather a matter of reformation than transformation. Darwin had wanted the world to believe that all living organisms were from a single atom, which transformed from nature to nature and from shape to shape until all the living things we can see today came into existence.

He also hinted that all those perceivable living things would not remain what they were and concluded that they would change from time to time assuming new natural postures entirely different from what they looked originally. By this queer theory, cockroaches were expected to transform into man at a stage and man into a cow or an elephant. Can you imagine that?

Thank God, however, that the widely popularised but obviously illogical theory has now been consigned to the refuse bin where it naturally belongs. Falsehood is like a smoke oozing spirally and aggressively into the atmosphere. It may pollute the air for a while. It may colour the atmosphere momentarily. But it will finally and definitely vamoose into permanent oblivion. Allah had alluded to this in

femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

MUSWEN on the Move

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But Allah has a time for everything just as He has a programme for every nation or community. Now is the time for solving the chronic problem confronting the Southwest Muslim. Now is the time to flock together in peace and harmony. Now is the time to fly where we had been crawling and fortunately, MUSWEN has a capable pilot in its President, Chief S.O. Babalola.

the Qur’an where He says: “truth has come and falsehood has vamoosed; surely, falsehood is meant to vamoose”. The Darwin theory of evolution is a typical example of such falsehood.

Readers may be wondering how Darwin’s theory of evolution concerns MUSWEN. This will be explained shortly.

In one of the write-ups published in this column in the past, I described Islam as “a mighty ocean flowing ceaselessly towards all directions and watering all plants into life through the deltas of adjoining rivers”.

Reminiscence When that ocean flowed into Nigeria about 1,000 years ago, it only attracted a few men and women of divinely guided minds who were foresighted enough to embrace the new light of Islam coming to illuminate the dark continent of Africa.

For several centuries thereafter, that light remained in the area now called Northern Nigeria. And when it eventually reached the Yorubaland (now Southwest Nigeria), in the 15th century, it hardly found any tributary with which to water the plants around. All the people who later embraced Islam and became Muslims practised it as individuals and not as organisations. They only came together as congregations in Mosques during observance of Salat.

It was only in 1916 when Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jama’a came to Nigeria via Lagos that the idea of real Islamic organisations began to germinate. Hitherto, all Muslims in the north and in the south were just Muslims of the Sunni doctrine. Shi’ah, at that time, had not yet been known to this part of the world. The little differences that later arose among the Sunni Muslims emanated from the differences of opinions among the four renowned Sunni Imams (Malik, Shafi’i, Hambali and Hanafi) concerning the jurisprudential interpretation of Sunnah. And, with time, when Sufi doctrine began to spread, ignorance took the centre stage as the followers of Qadriyyah and those of Tijaniyyah began to engage in mutual confrontations with each claiming a non-existing superiority over the other.

Nigeria’s First Muslim Organisation It may therefore, be said that the very first real Muslim organisation in Nigeria is Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jama’a, which was imported into the Southwest of Nigeria from England in 1916. Although that organisation later broke up into two main factions in Nigeria, it nevertheless opened door for many other Muslim organisations to spring up especially in Lagos.

Some of such organisations include Jamaatu Islamiyyah, Anwarul Islam, Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Zumratul Islamiyyah, Nawair-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN) and a host of others, like the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), National Council of Muslim Youths Organisation (NACOMYO), Federation of Muslim Women Association in

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Nigeria (FOMWAN), The Criterion, Nasrullah-li-Fatih (NASFAT), Fatiu Quareeb, The Muslim Congress (TMC) and the like, most of which sprang up later in Lagos.

However, except for bodies like Lagos Muslim Council and the League of Imams and Alfas, none of the aforementioned organisations attempted to serve as an umbrella for the entire Muslim community in the region. Even the two that made attempt only succeeded in catering for certain sections of the Ummah. This is in contrast to what obtains in the north where Jamaatu Nasril Islam is the main umbrella body for all Muslim organisations in that region.

NSCIA and JNI Considering the fact that Jamaatu Nasril Islam (JNI) serves the entire north the South West Muslim population which is less than 20 percent of the northern Muslim population, ought to have created a similar umbrella for the region’s Muslim community to serve as a strong compliment to that of the north.

But, even after about 500 years of embracing Islam, the thought of having such a body did not materialise until August 2008 when MUSWEN came into existence.

One can therefore see why the Muslims in this region were so disunited even before a common threat. But it is better to be late than never. At last, MUSWEN has come to stay and it is waxing stronger.

Genesis of MUSWEN The idea of forming MUSWEN as the umbrella body for the Southwest Muslims started in March 2004 at the instance of ‘The Companion’, a Lagos based Organisation of Muslim business and professional youth elite. MUSWEN as umbrella body was inaugurated in Ibadan in August 2008 in the presence of virtually all the frontline Muslim Obas and Chieftains. His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto was the Special Guest of Honour on the occasion where all Muslim organisations in the Southwest were duly represented not as guests but as full members. Their presence indicated their commitments.

MUSWEN’s Vision MUSWEN’s vision is of a united and effective voice for Muslims in the region under a strong, veritable and collective leadership. This had eluded the region for a very long time but the right time has come. The overall aim is to project the right image of Islam and raise the profile of the Muslims in this part of the country with a formidable unity. That aim also includes enabling them and their offspring to live fully worthy lives as staunch believers and practitioners of the faith while at the same time contributing their quota to the development of the country as respected citizens.

Before Now As individuals and organisations, we

had wandered aimlessly for centuries like unguarded flock. We had cried for a guiding umbrella body without getting one.

We had identified disunity as the bane of our existence and yet we had failed to find a solution for it. But Allah has a time for everything just as He has a programme for every nation or community. Now is the time for solving the chronic problem confronting the Southwest Muslim. Now is the time to flock together in peace and harmony. Now is the time to fly where we had been crawling and fortunately, MUSWEN has a capable pilot in its President, Chief S.O. Babalola.

Who can claim to be happy where virtually all the children of school age that are out of school happen to be Muslims? Who can feel satisfied with having fewer schools and fewer teachers than we need at all levels our educational system? Who can claim to be well pleased with a situation where the most skilled and most professionally qualified Muslims have crossed to the other side of the bridge due to lack of guidance? Who does not know that the enclave of penury in this part of the country is domiciled in the Muslim community? Should we continue to be complacent with this gloomy situation and indifferent to a positive change? To put correct perspective in place, only cooperation by all will be good for all.

An Eye Sore If we look around us, we shall find that almost all the touts in our city and town motor garages claim to be Muslims. Overwhelming majority of ‘never do well’ artisans in our region claim to be Muslims.

Most of the hooligans used by the politicians to kill or maim political opponents claim to be Muslims. There are no worthy private Muslim schools in which to enroll our children. No trusted Muslim hospitals are available for our masses. Few Muslim law chambers can compare with those for non-Muslims. Few Accounting firms owned by Muslims are of the highest standard. Even ordinary continuous education centres to coach our children for Secondary School Certificate or General Certificate of Education or Joint Admission and Matriculation exams are not available for Muslims. Why then, are we complaining of attempt in certain quarters to convert our children? Who does not know that anybody who pays the piper automatically has the authority to dictate the tune?

Why MUSWEN? It is in order to end this gloomy situation and rekindle the glow of hope that MUSWEN emerged as a formidable platform for the Muslims of the Southwest to prove their mettle. But why is MUSWEN so named and why is it restricted to the Southwest of Nigeria?

The history of Islam and the conditions of the Muslims in Southwest Nigeria are so unique that they require a special and appropriate attention. The presence of Islam among the Yoruba people who inhabit the area now called Southwest dates back to centuries before the advent of Christianity and the coming of the British colonialists in 1842. Islam had thus made a tremendous impact on the language and culture of the people. Being a religion of literacy and education, Islam brought these to the Yoruba and the rest of West African people for the first time. At that time, Yoruba language was committed to writing in Arabic alphabets otherwise known as Ajami. Arabic, therefore, became the first language of literacy as well as the medium of formal communication and scholarly discourse among Yoruba Muslim scholars. But hasn’t that been reversed today?

Concern It is rather a matter of concern and even an irony that the same Muslims are now far behind their Christian counterparts in education. How did this irony come about? How can it be reversed?

What are the aims and objectives of MUSWEN? What is its structure? What programmes does it have for the Southwest Muslims? What is its position vis a vis the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs? These and many more questions about MUSWEN will be answered in this column in the near future In sha’a Llah.

THE NATION FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

43

There is absolutely no truth in the fabricated story ‘saying Amaechi has an account with a Bank in Minnesota ’

POLITICS

‘Probe cannot rubbish Suswam’s achievements’

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FTER the successful handover of the reigns of office to his successor on May 29, after eight years of service to his state, Dr Gabriel Suswam, the immediate past governor of Benue state has opted to for a low profile.

He has made only one public appearance since leaving office and that was August 14, 2015 at the funeral of his close political associate, the late Hon.Atoza Ihindan, who was cut down by yet unknown political assassins. Suswam has equally avoided public comments in the media preferring to maintain a dignified silence even on matters of state some of them pertaining to his performance in office as governor.

Those who know Suswam very well can attest to the fact that he is a man of the people, who loves company and public appearances as much as he loves engaging the media on issues. Why has the former Governor chosen to maintain studied silence when his tenure is being put on the scale by the new administration? The answer may not far fetched. As former Governor, Suswam sees himself as a statesman who should carefully weigh all his comments on public matters so as not to unduly overheat the polity thereby constitute a source of distraction to those charged with the responsibility to provide leadership at this point in time.

Although Suswam has maintained his quiet stance on issues, it appears the new administration in Benue state is still not comfortable with his silence and seeming inactivity and would want to bring him to the ring for a political bout. The many probes launched against Suswam speak volumes in this regard.

At the last count, there were about five probe committees launched with fanfare by the government against the Suswam administration.

The first was personnel audit of all workers on the state payroll.This probe was ordered by the new helmsman a few days on assumption of office. The objective was ostensibly to check the state’s payroll to fish out ‘ghost workers” and possible reduce the wage bill. That appeared on the surface an objective exercise. But the real reason for the exercise was to identify those employed by the Suswam administration in its last two years in office for retrenchment. In pursuit of this veiled political agenda therefore, the new administration did not wait for a report of the audit, it went ahead and removed from the payroll, all those employed by the outgone administration since 2013, when it had two clear years to the end of its tenure. This obvious political activity has sent nearly 1000 staff off jobs. The “offence” of this people is that they were employed

by Suswam, even though due process was followed in making the appointments.

The second probe of the Suswam era was carried out by the Transition Committee. The committee headed by Chief Mike Iordye, who incidentally served for six and half years out of Suswam’sight-year tenure as Head of Service its report with fanfare. The Transition committee which was supposed to receive hand over notes, study and summarise same for the new administration turned into a probe committee as it traversed the state visiting projects sites. It summoned dozens of civil servants and other private persons to appear and testify before it. The Committee submitted a report with spurious findings on the debts left behind by the

•Suswam

By Terfa Abul

Suswam administration.

Not satisfied with the Transition Committee, the new administration inaugurated two judicial commissions of inquiry all in one day-The first is to investigate and determine all revenues which accrued to the state since June 2007 when Suswam assumed office to May 2015 when he left office. The Panel headed by Justice Margaret kpojime has six months to determine how such revenues were applied, the contracts awarded, who awarded the contracts, the status of the various jobs, and whether there was value for money in the transactions, to identify any case of malfeasance and recommend appropriate measures for consideration of the government.

The other probe panel is for verification of government assets. The committee headed by Mr. Moses Atagher, a Lawyer and former Acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank has the mandate to determine all assetsof the state in terms, landed property, vehicles, shares, equipment, factories, etc their location, whether such assets were under lease arrangement, to determine the identity of the persons behind the lease, the terms of the lease, whether there have been improvements on the property etc.

All these probe panels have since commenced sitting in Makurdi.

And the target from all indications is to get at Suswam, destroy his political base, ruin his reputation, cast his administration is the worst light, and reduce his political viability and dent the image of as many Benue sons and daughters who were privileged to serve their state during Suswam’s eight-year tenure.

Although the administration in the state has denied that it was out to witch-hunt, the series of probes and mandate given the probe panels points directly to the desperation to nail Suswam by all means.

Unfortunately for the administration, the Suswam bashing has so far proved counter-productive as the achievements of his administration which is under scrutiny stand out confront the present actors on the political stage where ever they go across the state. The achievements are most unlikely to be pushed into

oblivion anytime soon.

Take a look at the numerous infrastructural projects executed by Suswam. Most of the streets in Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo and Katsina-Ala were tarred during his tenure. Over 1000km roads were built linking each of the 23 Local Government headquarters in the state. Most of the roads were completed and commissioned, some were at different stages of completion. The rural communities got a fair deal as over 150 communities benefitted from rural electricity projects. The primary and secondary education sectors received a huge boost in the provision of classrooms, toilets, offices, libraries, laboratories and other infrastructure to boost teaching and learning.

The states tertiary institutions were transformed to centres of excellence. The Benue State University particularly benefitted from several projects including a new Faculty of Law complex, convocation square, lecture theatres, faculty offices among others. The University Teaching Hospital was completed and accreditation of the School of Medical Sciences achieved to enable Medical students graduate from the Uinversity.

The Suswam administration completed three major water projects in Makurdi, Otukpo and Katsina-Ala to provide potable water to the populace.

The administration constructed an ultra-modern Government House with offices, logde, banquet hall and guest houses. The facilities are being enjoyed by the new helmsmen.

Suswam’s ill-luck is that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) lost at the polls in the last general election. The on-going political malevolent guised in judicial probe panels is a direct byproduct of the outcome of the hotly contested elections. The inclusion of those who previously served the state and were involved in the very activities now under probe exposes the desperation to craft reasons for Suswam’s political subjugation within the realms of Benue politics. But how far will political vendetta go under the guise of Judicial probes?

The former Governor is confident he will come out clean from the probes. He is sure of his record of activities and has stated that he would subject himself to the probe.

Rather than obliterate Suswam politically, the serial probes are making Suswam even the more relevant in the politics of Benue. His traducers are not bringing anything on the table for the people to appreciate. Benue people are not seeing anything coming from the men on the stage in terms of positive intervention on development issues rather than the façade of Suswam bashing which has unfortunately become the official policy of the administration in place.

It is high time the government in Benue found another area to divert the peoples attention from the real developmental challenges confronting the stateas the probe panels aimed at discrediting the erstwhile Suswam administration are proving to be counter-productive.

Abul, a political Affairs commentator contributed from Katsina-Ala, Benue State.

Suswam’s ill-luck is that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) lost at the polls in the last general election

In this interview MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, Abia State Peoples Party (PDP) chieftain Hon. Ben Onyechere says the state will remain as the stronghold of the party.

‘Abia ’ll remain PDP strong hold’

•Ikpeazu

T

HE burning of the INEC office at Abia State has a spacked a row between the PDP and APGA. What is your position on this It seems like a a row but it is an outright burning of the Inec office by yet to be determined culprits You see because of desperation people have invented tactics to manipulate information in limits of public embarrassment because the opposition Apga faction led by Otti is of the belief that by so doing they will attract sympathy to themselves but we have past that stage now Are you saying your party could not have been responsible Elections are held in the public PDP in abia does not have any burden of proof, the party did not have to destroy INEC office because Abia is PDP stronghold and it has an overwhelming majority at any point because the PDP is unarguably in charge here in Abia and the south east in general because the party had over the time in Abia internalized the norm of equity in the distribution of social amenities as well as political patronage and economic benefits for which reason the electoral populace can behave in a like manner especially during elections when there is a sense of responsibility to attain and sustain an

optimized developmental progression by a massive electoral victory..

The opposition is insisting that the election was rigged...

The PDP in Abia is made up of the major state stake holders spanning across all segment of the state particularly in the rural areas. Apga certainly is not the only opposition party in Abia but it became visible because of the efforts of the former candidate. otti merely left PDP and joined Apga with the wrong assumptions. He believed a big lie that he could arm twist the PDP to get the ticket, but it did not turn out that way and he was told to wait because the party had concluded the strategies to win election by agreeing on modalities and characteristics of the governorship candidate. Before he came to PDP in the first place he knew that the party had the capacity to win the general election but when he did not win the nomination he decided to challenge the PDP from another party rather than join hands with the PDP. You say the PDP is dominant in Abia when there are issues to iron out between the APGA and the PDP...

The issues came as a result of the fact that Apga candidate assumed Abia was still politically naive otherwise it was foolhardy if they did not expect PDP to win with large margin particularly Obingwa local government which is the abode of the governor. .

How will you compare the eligibility of the candidates on individual basis?

There is no comparison because while one is a banker, the other is a politician. But, when you take cursory look at the decision to rotate power to Ngwa axis it becomes clearer why the PDP chose to vote Dr Ikpeazu. The two are not in popularity contest because they are capable in their respective specialization. Dr Otti is a respectable Nigerian and an industrious Abia son but he should understand that Abia politics is based on popularity at home.

Amaechi debunks link with foreign account

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ORMER governor of Rivers state Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has denied the allegation that he has bank accounts in Switzerland and Minnesota, United States.

A statement from Amaechi’s media office said the allegation was concocted by those bent on ridiculing the achievements of the former governor.

It reads: “The stories are all what they are-concocted and failed attempts to ridicule the person and achievements of Rt. Hon. Amaechi.

Our initial reaction was to ignore them, but to clear the doubts of those concerned we have decided to issue this statement.

“There is absolutely no truth in the fabricated story saying Amaechi has an account with a Bank in Minnesota, USA; same as the concocted write-up alleging that CNN’s Christiane Amanpour accused Amaechi of corruption.

“They even went ahead to say Amaechi wrote to Bancorp and another bank in Switzerland stating that the said funds were deposited in error. This is absolutely false.

“It is important for the public to note that no such account or accounts exists. There is also no story of Amanpour linking the former governor with any corruption issue or case whatsoever, not on CNN or any verified news source or website as-

sociated with Amanpour.

“These are all lies, concocted in an attempt to put the public against the acclaimed people’s governor whose achievements as governor of Rivers State speaks volumes and drew admiration and accolades from within and outside Nigeria.

“All these fictitious stories are the product of the ill imaginations of wicked and unscrupulous people opposed to Amaechi; those jealous and unease with his continued rise in the country and beyond; And those whose life ambition is to pull-Amaechi down.

“We therefore urge the people to discard and disregard the unfounded rumours. They are all fake.”

•Amaechi

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THE NATION FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

POLITICS

T

HE invitation extended to Mallam Ibrahim Lamorde the EFCC Chair by the Senate committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions and the drama that played out on the first day of the sitting of the Senate Committee on the matter, understandably have generated controversy.

The invitation followed a petition against Mallam Ibrahim Lamorde the EFCC Chairman received by Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, alleging that the EFCC chair allegedly diverted over N1 trillion of funds recovered from officials convicted of corrupt enrichment between 2003 and 2007. The petition was submitted

by Judge Uboh to Senator Peter Uwaoboshi who in turn drew the attention of the Senate President to same.

The Senate being on recess the President of the Senate reportedly directed the Senate Committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions to investigate the matter. The committee invited the EFCC chairman for questioning on the subject matter of the petition.The EFCC chair wrote the committee asking for more time to appear and furnish documents on the matter and also sent representatives to the committee emphasizing the same point. The committee reportedly went ahead requesting the petitioner to adopt his petition and make further clarifications even in the absence of the EFCC chair who had asked for a postponement of the proceedings. The representatives of the EFCC chair led by the commission’s Director of legal services, Mr. Chile Okoroma reportedly raised a point of order wondering why the committee proceeded to entertain the petitioner without the presence of the other party in line with the fair hearing principle. The objection was overruled and the EFCC representatives requested by the committee to be excused from the proceedings.

The above is a brief summary of the matter and the basis for the present intervention in this analysis.

However, before proceeding further let me disclose my interest. I admit that I am one of the private prosecutors retained by the EFCC since inception even if I am not in any way connected

I

On the part of the EFCC being an anti-graft agency, accountability and ‘transparency in the conduct of its operations is fundamental and very key if it is to be taken seriously by the populace ’

Senate, EFCC and the rule of law

By Wahab Shittu

with the subject matter of the petition since the cases forming the subject matter of the recoveries being investigated were not cases assigned to me neither was I involved in any of the recoveries under consideration. I also admit that I have had cause to handle matters for the National Assembly in the past some of which are also pending. Nonetheless, I am making the intervention under my other platform as a public affairs commentator discussing issues of national interest as a citizen of the country.

Fundamentally, let me also admit some preliminary points. First, I agree that the EFCC being an institution created by law is certainly not above the law and therefore its activities should be open to public scrutiny particularly having been set up as an anti-graft agency to fight the economic and financial crimes and by extension corruption in Nigeria. Secondly, I also admit that the EFCC law demands that the commission sent a comprehensive annual report to the national assembly not later than 30th September every year and this being a statutory provision, it is obligatory on the EFCC to comply. Thirdly, I also admit that the EFCC chair representing the EFCC, an agency of the federal government is under the oversight responsibilities of the National Assembly including the senate. It is also not in dispute that it is not in consonance with the rule of law for proceedings to take place in the absence of any of the parties interested. These are elementary matters that do not call for any controversy.

I am however not unmindful of the fact that we are under a democracy with implications including respect for constitutionalism, rule of law, due process, transparency and accountability, zero-tolerance for corruption and respect for the rights and freedom of citizens amongst other obligations.

These are elements of the democratic culture and the fundamentals of the

•Lamorde

democratic tradition. Again, on this score, there is no controversy. The other point that does not require any debate is that actors under a democracy must be prepared to be democrats. If there is no argument on this, I will then prefer to proceed on whether the actions of the senate and the EFCC in this matter conform to the rule of law and due process – since we operate a democracy founded on the rule of law.

There is no disputing the fact that the senate has oversight responsibilities on agencies of governance among its core mandate, outside law making and representation.However, the responsibility for referring petitions to oversight committees belongs to the senate as a body. The procedure stipulated in the committee webpage of the senate is unambiguous on this point.

Due process in this case will require a petition to be forwarded to a senator who will in turn draw the attention of the senate as a body to same at a plenary. The senate body at a plenary will now determine the issue of referral following which the petition may then be referred to the appropriate committee for investigation by the senate at plenary. The implication of this is that

the decision whether or not to investigate is that of the senate at a plenary and not one vested in the senate president as one senator who is first among equals. This fundamental rule of procedure appears to have been breached in this case since the senate been on recess could not have sat at plenary to resolve the issue of referral.

This may be a clear breach of rule of law in the handling of this particular petition. The senate may want to revisit its own rules in addressing the merits or otherwise of this petition that is of urgent national importance.

The other issue that can be raised is the effect or likely outcome of investigation by the Senate Committee on ethics in respect of the subject matter.

The committee has a responsibility of considering “the subject matter of all petitions referred to it by the Senate and shall report from time to time to the senate, its opinion of the action to be taken thereon together with such other observations on petition and the signatures attached thereof, as the committee may think fit”- Segun Gbadegesin, a columnist in The Nation had argued thus “what can this committee accomplish with respect to the subject matter of a petition that alleges criminal action against the EFCC chair?

It will only render an opinion on what action to take. So why didn’t Senate just refer the petition to the Police or ICPC both of which are also anti-corruption agencies with power to investigate and prosecute?”

The implication of the foregoing is that the outcome of the committee’s investigation is to make recommendations which may include requesting that persons found culpable be advised to be prosecuted. This implies that the senate must act as a body in adopting the resolutions of the committee before the referral for prosecution can be effective.

Given this scenario in the senate as a body on the same page on the procedure adopted on referral of this particular petition?

On the part of the EFCC being an anti-graft agency, accountability and transparency in the conduct of its operations is fundamental and very key if it is to be taken seriously by the populace. The EFCC has a duty under the law to account in respect of the subject matter of the petition and this it must do conscientiously by releasing detailed information to the National Assembly and Nigerian public on how funds recovered from public officials have been managed so far. I dare say that on this particular issue EFCC is on trial and the issue of motive is of no consequence as this border on transparency and accountability and for an anti-graft agency the onus is on it to raise the bar on probity.

Therefore, on the part of the EFCC, what is the state of the account? The public is waiting.

Again, on the part of the EFCC, do we have regular and comprehensive annual reportof the activities of the EFCC to the National Assembly as prescribed by law?

This is also a matter of rule of law for which the EFCC is also obliged to comply.

Finally, I am not concerned about motives and motivations for this faceoff between the Senate and the EFCC. Whether the senate is acting in good faith or in bad faith is a matter of speculation and conjecture which is not the basis of criminal responsibility and therefore not the business of this analysis. But compliance with the rule of law by the senate is a responsibility because the senate itself is a creation of the rule of law.

The duty to also file returns on its activities to the National Assembly by the EFCC is also a rule of law and EFCC being a creation of the rule of law is also obliged to comply with the supremacy of the rule of law.

Finally, the answer to the present controversy between the Senate and EFCC is Rule of law! Rule of law!! Rule of law!!!

Shittu, a lawyer, writes from Lagos.

Another giant stride for Adeleke

F there is anything, that is giving stakeholders in our nation’s educational system headache, it is how to raise the standard in the subsector, such that, some universities, if not all, are striving very hard to join the club of world-class universities, the IVY League.

With this at the back of the minds of the Adeleke Dynasty of Ede, Osun State, it decided a few years ago, precisely 2010, to establish a University that will take its pride of place in the comity of Universities in the world and thus Adeleke University came on board, to also immortalize the family Patriarch, Late Papa (Senator) Raji Ayoola Adeleke, of the blessed memory, who in his life time, was the Balogun of Edeland.

The prestigious Adeleke University, is ably promoted and nurtured, under the able proprietorship of Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, a business mogul; a first class industrialist and notable but silent philanthropist, who has contributed in no small measure, to the well-being of vast majority of Nigeria citizenry. This is one great Nigerian, that has impacted positively on all sectors of Nigeria economy, but will not make noise about it. Dr Deji Adeleke is a rare gift to mankind. May he live long in good health to reap the fruits of his labour.

Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, has left no stone unturned, in ensuring, that in the last four years, Adeleke University blossomed, reaching for a greater height, that will make it a university of yesterday, today and tomorrow, as evidenced in the aesthetic structures, that are currently being constructed at its permanent site at a feverish pitch.

By Olumide Lawal

Well done Dr. Adedeji Adeleke.

There is no way, the history of Adeleke University, will be written, without the mention of an Amazon in the dynasty, Chief Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni, who has been toiling day and night to ensure, that things were put in proper shape. This workaholic woman, is indeed a pillar of strength behind his brother Dr ‘Deji Adeleke, as far as the University project is concerned. For Modupeola Adeleke – Sanni twenty fours are not enough to work in realization of the completion of the permanent site of the University.

A key and prominent figure in the Adeleke University, among others, is the first executive governor of Osun State (1992-1993), Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke (Commander Order of the Niger). The first executive governor of Osun State, is a passionate lover and promoter of education, who in the course of his tenure as Osun State governor, ensured, that the satellite campuses of Ibadan Polytechnic at Iree and Esa-Oke, were upgraded to fullfledged Polytechnic and College of Technology respectively. These two great institutions are today, reference points in technological arena.

Senator Isiaka Adeleke, was also instrumental to the fast and smooth take off of The Federal Polytechnic Ede, after it was approved by General Babangida administration. He was virtually and practically at Abuja for early part of 1992 on the neck of the then Minister of Education, until the takeoff giant for The Federal Polytechnic, Ede was released to the cool hands of Late Engineer Jimi Bamgbose, the pi-

oneer Rector of The Federal Polytechnic. And today, his patriotic efforts, has made the institution to grow in leaps and bounds. It should be recalled, that during his first tenure in the Senate (2007-2011) Senator Isiaka Adeleke awarded hundreds of scholarship, to indigent students of Osun – West District in higher institutions, most of whom are today, holding their own proudly, in many facets of our national life. He also built an ICT centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, as part of his constituency project.

In 2004, Senator Isiaka Adeleke was appointed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, University of Calabar. His stewardship at the University, witnessed phenomenal growth. Jointly with other able members of the University Council, many courses were duly accredited for the University, in addition to farreaching infrastructural development and teaching aids. It is also on record, that during his Pro-Chancellorship of University of Calabar there was no single incident of students’ unrest.

The University calendar year was stable all through his days at the University. University of Calabar tremendously benefitted from his wealth of experience as a former State Governor and Chairman Nigerian Export Promotion Council. His Council was able to appoint a Vice-Chancellor and Registrar transparently and in a rancor free manner.

It was therefore not a surprise, when the Board of Trustees of Adeleke University and the Governing Council, decided to appoint him as the pioneer Chancellor of the institution, purely out of merit, rather than the consider-

ation, that he is an eminent son of the Adeleke Dynasty, the promoters of the University. The decision to that effect, did not come all that easy, as the Board of Trustees, which consist of erudite scholars and great minds in the academic world, subjected his nomination to thorough scrutiny. Senator Isiaka Adeleke was found to be above board and worthy of such exalted position.

See ye men, diligent in their callings.

They shall stand before kings and not before mean men. In this class, Asiwaju Isiaka Adeleke belongs.

As the Chancellor of Adeleke University, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, is coming with vast knowledge of how a University of that status should look like. He believes strongly, that Adeleke University is fully set to break the vicious circle of moral decadence in the nations’ educational system and put the system on the path of sanity, as well as pave the way towards a positive sense of direction.

Senator Isiaka Adeleke believes, that the founding fathers of Adeleke University, have set a goal of raising a new generation of leaders, who will fear God and love their fellow human beings. Those who will rescue the nation, Nigeria from the round decay, when they pass through Adeleke University and hold posts of responsibilities in all sectors of the economy as well as in the social life. For Senator Isiaka Adeleke, the founding fathers were and still are firmly-rooted in ensuring the above goals and make it a legacy, that will be strictly adhered to in years ahead.

Under his Chancellorship and in conjuction with all stakeholders of Adeleke University, the institution will attract a high proportion of top-

•Adeleke

rate researchers and lecturers, many of whom must have won global recognition and academic awards. Well built structures, that now dot the permanent site of the University for academic, administrative, residential, leisure and sporting activities of students of divergent nationalities are secondto none. For Chancellor Isiaka Adeleke, making Adeleke University, a Nigeria version of Harvard, Oxford, Yale is the ultimate goal.

These world-class institutions, Senator Isiaka Adeleke wants Adeleke University to compete with, so as to enhance advancement and creativity in research, innovative teaching, well stocked library and laboratories, as well as information Communication Centres. His wish, is for exemplary behavior on the parts of the studentship of the Universty, as it will continue to maintain zero tolerance for cultism, drug abuse or indiscipline in whatever forms.

Lawal, who is Adeleke’s media aide, writes from Ede, Osun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Lagos restores patients’ hearing N

O fewer than 10 patients will have their hearing re stored at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) between now and next month courtesy of the state government’s initiative.

On Monday, a 64-year-old man had his hearing restored through Cochlear implantation.

The hospital’s Director of Clinical Service and Training (DCST), Dr Ayoade Adedokun, said some patients were medically selected for the implantation.

The hearing restoration, he said, is in line with the vision of the state to give hope to the hopeless.

“The experts have restored hearing to a 64-year-old man already.

He is presently recuperating in the ward. The other nine surgeries would be performed between now and next month,” he said.

Adedokun said cochlear implantation started in the hospital last year, with experts coming from overseas to perform the first cochlear surgery, adding: “but by the end of last year, we were able to carry out another wholly by indigenous doctors. So, the one performed on the 64-year-old man would mark the beginning of the second set of surgeries per-

•From left: Director of Hospital Administration, LASUTH, Mrs. Olajumoke Akinlawon; Adedokun; Adekoya and Director of Accounts Adekemi Adesanya at the briefing.

By Wale Adepoju

formed by the hospital staff.”

Adedokun said the capacity of LASUTH Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) experts was built in Austria about two years ago to enable them perform the surgery locally.

This, he said, will deter Nigerians from seeking such treatment abroad as it is now available locally.

The DCST said people who have lost their hearing because of their

professional lives can be restored.

Similarly, those with congenital hearing problem can hear again with cochlear implantation, he added.

Adedokun thanked the government for initiating the programme, stressing that it is building on the foundation laid by the administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who transformed Ikeja General Hospital to LASUTH. Head, Department of ENT, Dr Vincent Adekoya said the ear is

not just for hearing but also to maintain body balance.

He said deafness can be mild and profound or severe, adding that patients with the latter can be restored because “they need an amplifier or microphone in their ears but if this cannot address their problem will be addressed through cochlear implantation.

The causes of hearing loss, he said, are congenital, meaning somebody was born with it, infections, such as mumps and mea-

sles and drugs.

Some people, he said, can come down with hearing loss due to ear trauma, which can occur when people’s ears are exposed to more than 80 or 90 decibels of noise/ sound.

“This kind of hearing loss is common among factory workers where obsolete heavy equipment/ machines are used as they produce loud noise. Also, people who use headsets are prone to hearing loss, which destroys their ear cells,” Adekoya said.

The ENT expert said the problem can be prevented if expectant mothers have antenatal and deliver at health facilities.

According to him, no Austrian has hearing loss problem because there is a system, which allows experts to pick the condition six months after the birth babies in their country.

Besides, factory workers should have regular hearing (auditory) test so that the problem can be picked early and treated.

The use of headsets, Adekoya said, should be discouraged.

He urged the Federal Government to put in place a policy to help minimise noise in public places, especially in residential areas.

UK experts train Ekiti teaching hospital staff

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HIRTY-four members of the staff of Ekiti State Univer sity Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) have undergone a fiveday training to equip them for better service delivery.

The training, which was organised by JFC Training College, London, was aimed at getting the workers to imbibe new techniques in handling patients in conformity with the basic international health and safety regulations.

In most health institutions in Nigeria, nurses, physiotherapists and doctors move patients in bed, wards and around the hospital manually, which poses problems to the staff and the patients.

Moving and handling patients requires techniques that reduce the rate at which doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other caregivers complain of backache while health workers should also be protected against infections.

A team of resource persons who are experts in health and social care, first aid health and safety among others, took the EKSUTH workers through practical and theoretical aspects of handling patients in line with modern practices.

At the certificates presentation to the participants, Programme Facilitator, Prince Bisi Oyedele, described the performance of workers as “fantastic.”

The workers are competent to practise what they have learnt.

Oyedele urged the hospital’s management to provide them with equipment.

The class governor of the participants, Dr. Taye Ige, thanked the management for organising the training, describing EKSUTH Chief Medical Director, Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, as a “man of vision who stands by his words and a man who wants results.”

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

Ige also extolled the virtues of the facilitator whom he described as “a good teacher and a man dedicated to knowledge.”

Some staff said the training has empowered them and opened their eyes to the best new practices in handling patients.

Dr. Emmanuel Toyin Adeleye of the Department of Internal Medicine said the training was all-encompassing and timely, noting that it has enriched their knowledge to add value to healthcare delivery.

He continued: “The training was all-encompassing; it’s like meeting the needs of the time, getting the participants abreast of what’s needed on patient management.

“This type of training is bringing us on the front page like other cen-

tres of excellence on patient management. It is beneficial to the community, to the hospital and to the workers.”

Mrs. Abimbola Aladete of the Department of Paediatrics said training was very interesting.

She said it was packed with various teachings on health and support, legal implications on injuries that can be sustained by patients, moving and handling of patients by means of instruments not common in the country.

Mrs. Aladete said: “We have been here between Monday and Friday mornings and evenings.

They are things we have known before but taking new shape makes us to see the programme as not tiring.

“We learnt new techniques about first aid, essential treatment that can be given to people, even neighbours

when faced with emergencies. We are privileged to be part of this programme.”

Programme Facilitator, Prince Oyedele, in a chat with The Nation said the skills and knowledge gained at the training would positively rub off on EKSUTH as participants are expected to share knowledge with co-workers.

Oyedele said further: “It is not just about moving and handling patients around, we have international best practices on health and safety, first and both theory and practical aspects.

“This week has been so fantastic; you can see that they really need this in terms of their cooperation and patience in this class.

“We have doctors, consultants, pharmacists, physiotherapists, laboratory technicians and virtually every department has been

‘This type of training is bringing us on the front page like other centres of excellence on patient management. It is beneficial to the community, to the hospital and to the workers’

touched including security of environment of themselves and that of patients.”

EKSUTH CMD, Dr. Ogundipe, said training and retraining of staff occupy a front burner in his development agenda for the health institution even though little resources are available in the state at present.

He said: “We appreciate the fact that we don’t have so much resources in Ekiti State but we admit that in terms of healthcare delivery, Ekiti State is better than many of these states that have resources.

“That is why we have put up this training, in some places, they have equipment but no manpower while in others they have manpower but no equipment.

“We are discussing with the governor and he is excited to make this hospital comply with the latest trends. We have also made calls to philanthropists home and abroad.

“Our aim is to ensure that all the staff are trained towards handling patients and those trained now will also help train others.

“We are able to ask for more people to be trained to so that the rest can benefit.”

Hypertension can aid kidney failure

U

NCONTROLLED hypertension also known as high blood pressure (HBP) and diabetes have been identified as the main reasons for kidney failure.

At a continuous medical education (CME) in Lagos, a Consultant Urologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, India, Dr. Narasimhan Subramanian, said hypertension is a major factor, which aids kidney failure.

He warned that once a kidney

By Wale Adepoju

fails the solution is for the patient to have regular dialysis and or transplant.

He said: “There are four types of kidney diseases: kidney stones, infections, kidney failures and cancers of the kidneys”.

Subramanian said drinking between three to four litres of water daily can help to put kidney stones at bay.

“But, once the stones are formed,

the treatment is different. There are different types of stones which may require dietary restrictions.

Some of them may even require certain medications to reduce the formation of stones,” he said.

He said many of the urine infections do not necessarily affect the kidneys but “if they are untreated or are associated with medical conditions, which are not recognised, then they can affect the kidney”.

Subramanian said early diagnosis and prompt recognition of infections in the kidneys are neces-

sary for treatment.

He identified hypertension, diabetes and the use of pain killers in an unregulated fashion as some of the reason for kidney problems.

“When these are addressed, people will certainly reduce the incidences of kidney-related medical problems,” he said.

The urologist said the concentration of salts in the kidney may lead to stones, adding: “So, if you dilute these by forming more urine it gets washed off the system and reducing this stone formation”.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 03-09-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 03-09-15

UBA declares N7.2b interim dividend in first half

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HAREHOLDERS of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc would share a total of N7.2 billion as interim cash dividends as the bank’s net profit rose by 40 per cent in the first half.

The board of directors of UBA yesterday announced that shareholders would receive a dividend per share of 20 kobo on September 16. The dividend recommendation was part of the highlights of the bank’s earnings report for the half-year ended June 30, 2015.

UBA’s share price rose by 4.85 per cent at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The six-month earnings report showed strong growth in earnings and profits, as the bank continued to optimize its pan-African African network, which now contributing to over 23 per cent of profit after tax.

Key extracts showed that gross earnings rose by 21 per cent to N166.9 billion by June 2015 compared with N138.2 billion in comparable period of June 2014. Profit before tax grew by 35.1 per cent to N39.0 billion as against N28.89 billion recorded in corresponding period of 2014. Profit after tax jumped by 40 per cent

•Profit grows by 40%

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

to N32 billion in 2015 compared with N22.86 billion posted in comparable period of 2014. Earnings per share increased from 71 kobo to 94 kobo.

Commenting on the results, group managing director, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza said the results showed the resilience of the bank’s business strategy in the face of the challenging operating environment.

“Our business strategy has proved to be resilient, balancing prudence, with an ability to significantly grow bottom line and continue to focus on operating effectiveness. We look forward to continuing to support our customers and working with them to achieve financial success for them and the wider Nigerian and African economies,” Oduoza said.

He said the bank’s bottomline reflected better extraction of value across all business segments and ongoing process optimization.

According to him, it was also satisfying to see the bank’s

cost-to-income ratio decline further while the bank has maintained a healthy loan book, a tribute to both its risk management and to the robustness of its clients’ businesses, with non-performing ratio at just 1.8 per cent of total loans granted, one of the lowest in the banking industry.

“We understand that many in Nigeria are facing difficult economic circumstances and we are very much shouldering our responsibility to support and grow wealth creation,” Oduoza said.

Speaking on the performance of the bank’s African subsidiaries, group chief financial officer, UBA, Ugo Nwaghodoh said the bank’s businesses in other African countries have started to significantly impact the group’s returns, contributing 23 per cent of profit after tax, with an even stronger outlook.

He said recent initiatives taken by the bank to improve operational efficiencies have been yielding positive results, thus reinforcing optimism on the future of UBA’s African business.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 03-09-15

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

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MONEYLINK

Access Bank gives N11b facility to women-owned businesses

A

CCESS Bank Plc has empowered businesses run by women with loans worth N11 billion within one year of introduction of its “W” initiative.

According to the lender, a breakdown of the disbursement shows that N9 billion was given out to womenowned businesses, while N2 billion was disbursed to individuals.

The bank, during the year under review, recorded 40 percent growth portfolio with 500,000 women banking with it.

The bank’s executive director, personal banking, said: “July this year, we celebrated one year of “W” initiative, and it has done quite well.

We just started and we have gotten attention of this sector”.

He disclosed that the lender will, in December this year, under its W- initiative, celebrate women who had surpassed all odds to achieve success. The bank has therefore, created four awards category for women whose contributions to the national economy.

Stories by Collins Nweze

The first category is women entrepreneurship of the year award. This is an award for the woman entrepreneur who has a well-defined running business. The second category is young professional of the year award. This award is for women between 25 and 35 years, who stand out in their profession. The third and forth category are seasoned professional of the year award and Amazon of the year award.

While the seasoned award will go to a woman who has seen it all and who has done great things, a special woman who has been able to combine family and business effectively will clinch the Amazon award. The award, according to the bank’s executive director, is part of women empowerment and inclusive programmes of the bank. Presently, the bank is requesting for nominations of women that merit the criteria for any of the award categories.

‘W’ Initiative of the bank offers privileges to women and

•Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe

their families to a variety of products, including access to a comprehensive range of loan products and credit facilities; access to the ‘W’ community with helpful advice on family and financial matters; home and family articles and details of special offers, and access to a wide range of discounts, special offers and freebies on health, beauty and fitness.

Sterling Bank’s ‘Get ready for work’ initiative to support SMEs

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TERLING Bank has said its ‘Get Ready For Work’ initiative for this year will be extended to entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses to enable them add more value to their enterprises.

The bank’s Executive Director, Finance & Strategy, Abubakar Suleiman who disclosed this yesterday in Lagos, said apart from getting the youths ready to pursue their career choices and helping them acquire the required skills, the lender will also through the programme, reduce the unemployment rate in the country.

Suleiman, who spoke ahead of this year’s edition of the event coming up on the September 11, said that Get Ready For Work’, now in its third year, is the bank’s way of giving back to the society and equipping the youths with the right skills to suc-

ceed in their jobs.

He also said the lender is considering extending its ‘Get Ready For Work’ initiative to more states of the Federation and encouraged other banks to join in the project.

He said that the lender was committed to helping to reduce the high level of youth unemployment in the country, pointing out that there would be serious consequences for the society if the problem is not addressed.

According to him, “There is no country in the world that would not be affected by a high level of youth unemployment. Once youth employment stands above 25 per cent in any country, that country is heading for chaos.”

He noted that the problem of youth unemployment in the country had been made worse by the fact that what students are taught in

schools these days often leaves them ill-equipped to handle simple tasks when they eventually secure employment.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director, Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy (FSD) Omowale Ogunrinde, commended Sterling Bank for investing in the future of youths in country through the initiative.

According to her, the bank was responsible for organizations like hers agreeing to take part in the programme without charging participants professional fees. Last year the bank held the ‘Get Ready for Work’ concert in Ibadan which was designed to change the mindset of graduates towards entrepreneurship and equip them with skills to bridge the gap between employee expectations and employer requirements.

NESG summit to focus on growth

T

HE Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), a private sector funded think-tank, in partnership with its public sector counterpart, the National Planning Commission (NPC) is set to host the 21st Nigerian Economic Summit.

Secretary, National Planning Commission, Bassey Akpanyung, said the summit has become the largest and most prestigious annual economic forum for policy makers and captain s of industry from the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy, as well as representatives of the academia, civil society organizations and development partners.

It provides a unique opportunity for the participants to interact and share thoughts on the key issues and challenges facing the Nigerian economy, with a view to evolving a common strategy

and policy frame work for addressing them.

The programme is scheduled to take place from 13th – 15th October in, Abuja. The theme of the summit is: “Tough Choices: Achieving Competitiveness, inclusive Growth and Sustainability”.

Akpanyung said the summit is coming at a unique time in the history of Nigeria when regardless of recent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rebasing exercise which placed the country as Africa’s foremost economic power.

He explained that with the estimated GDP of $536 billion in 2014; the current macroeconomic space is characterized by a continuous decline in international oil prices, weakened public finances, foreign exchange crisis, weak institutions, insecurity weak infrastructure and high youth unemploy-

ment rates with attendant negative impacts on the nation’s competitiveness index.

The summit will examine and facilitate stakeholders’ consensus on the tough choices that need to be made in order to achieve competitiveness and inclusive growth in a sustainable way, through measureable outcomes.

It is therefore expected that the summit conclusions will be crucial in defining the agenda that will help in making Nigeria’s socio-economic environment globally competitive. The summit has been structured to include presidential policy dialogue where His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to lead a conversation which will focus on key strategic elements required to make Nigeria globally competitive.

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EXPRESSO

NEWS

One hundred daze

T

•Continued from Back page

The Deji of Akure HRM Oba Aladetoyinbo Adelusi receiving a Souvenir from Commander 32 Artillery Brigade, Brig.

Gen. Kuta AY Isiyaku when Isiyaku visited the Deji’s Palace

Political appointments in Ekiti: Religion has no place • A senior citizen from Ekiti State, Chief Deji Fasuan, in this piece, defends the appointments made so far by Governor Ayo Fayose

I

AM much reluctant to write this place which is a response and warning to our otherwise well regarded Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State. But it is one assignment which I cannot ignore considering the dust and unnecessary rancor which the writer Yakubu Sanni, a retired Permanent Secretary and a colleague has wittingly or unwittingly raised in our otherwise volatile society.

The Chairman’s grouse ostensibly is the disproportionate representation of a religious body in the government of Ekiti State. Supporting himself with some childish and incoherent statistics, Alh. Sanni has pitifully betrayed his unbridled quest for political office. It is inappropriate, to say the least, for the Chairman to complain that Fayose appointed his son from Afao-Ekiti, his hometown, which he described a small community.

Let me quickly advert our minds to the relevant constitutional provisions for appointment to political and other offices in Nigeria. Broodingly speaking, there are two sets of political appointments. One are the personal positions to the President and the other relate to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The two sets of political offices can best be described in this form. A complete Yoruba suite comprises three parts; the inner wear popularly called Singlet, the Buba and Agbada. The first set, that is, the singlet represents the

personal staff for which the President or the Governor in our dispensation has the power to pick people he could completely trust while the second batch of appointments entail constitutional injunctions for a spread, Federal character and balance. I am not sure Governor Fayose has crossed the bar in this exercise considering the spread of his appointments throughout the 16 Local Government Areas of Ekiti State.

If anything, allegation that can be made center on the plausible argument that Gov. Fayose as in most cases appointed or nominated his trusted friends to top positions throughout the state.

Would you not do that?

Let me digress a little. Concerning Fayose’s birth place – Afao-Ekiti, in my larger family we have adherents of the two religions. One of my mother’s siblings was a leading Islamic faithful while my mother, a founding member of the C.M.S Church was leader of her group in the Church and we relished it in the family when they were alive. That is typical of many families in Ekiti. No one cares whether your next door neighbor is an Islamic cleric or Ifa worshiper. Fortunately the politicians have not successfully exploited this position in Ekitiland.

A little into history. Chairman Alh. Sanni would remember President J.F. Kennedy who appointed his immediate sibling Edward as Attorney General of the US, a position next in rank to the American Secretary of State.

When asked why he picked his brother, John Kennedy answered, “Is he not qualified?

Should I deny him because he is my brother?” Coming nearer home, I don’t know a single governor in Nigeria who did not appoint his relation including siblings and children into political office. Lagos is re-

garded as the most efficiently run government in Nigeria.

Have the successive governments excluded their relations from the State House?

Now, I want to remind Alhaji my colleague, that we all remember how some people have exploited religion, canvassed that political and even civil service positions be shared between the two major religions, Christianity and Islam and that is why right from the time of Deputy Governor Alh. Musa Ayeni of Emure-Ekiti in the old Ondo State, some public servants gravitated themselves to the Government House based purely on religious sentiments. Successively like that, the same set of people has used religion for advancement in the public service especially at political level. Many have always been amused by this undisguised opportunism. People should rise or fall in their public positions purely on merit that is, focus, commitment and integrity.

For your information, I had supported in large measure the appointments made by Presi-

dent Buhari because the people so far appointed are nearest to his political body and it is only human that he should look inwards in this respect. By the time larger constitutional positions are made, we will expect him to fulfill the spread enjoined by constitutional requirements of the Federal Republic. Buhari should be advised not to make the mistake of the Jonathan administration when over 70% of the economic, financial and energy positions of the Federal Government were limited to the South East and South South. The trend has to be discontinued.

Successive campaigns on religious balance for appointments have always been spearheaded by people who have personal ambition clothed in religious garb. Innocent, broad minded Islamic faithful have unfortunately occasionally succumbed to this negative position by pushing forward people who mischievously spearheaded the struggle.

Finally, on a personal note, there is no difference between Afao-Ekiti and Iworoko-Ekiti in geography, in orientation and in affinity. We should discard the opportunistic card in our relationship.

Princess Felicia Aderin for burial

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HE Giesi and Osikola houses in Ile-Ife, Osun State have announced the death of Princess Felicia Mojirola Aderin, wife of retired Bishop Samuel Olufunmilade Aderin of the Ondo Diocese of the Anglican Church. She was 85.

Lady Aderin died on August 19 after a brief illness and is survived by her husband, Rev. S.O. Aderin, children, grand-children and great- grand-children.

A Wake will hold at St John’s Anglican Church, Ilare, Ile-Ife, on Thursday, September 10, by 4pm. Fu-

•The late Aderin

neral service will hold at St Paul’s Church, Aiyegbaju on Friday, September 11 and a reception will follow at Gity Events Centre on Ibadan Road.

Parable of the train, the pilot, baboons and gorillas: To digress a little, to loot the treasury seems the easy part, the real work must be in managing the loot, hiding it, laundering it, keeping it out of the official circuit and most crucial, making sure your accomplices don’t covet your loot and stab you in the back or vice-versa. You will agree with me that it is no mean task. Why do you think the Americans, so far away, yet have dossier of Nigeria’s loot; a certain former governor lodged his loot in an overhead tank; a former IG of Police buried his in the precincts of his country home, but somehow, the hand of the ‘corpse’ was jutting out. My people say one man cannot bury corpse! It is the same way it’s difficult ‘managing’ money that cannot be kept in the bank.

So you ask: why do individuals want to have more money than all the banks in their country can hold?

And once a leader has boarded the loot train, he immediately loses concentration of the arduous task of managing the treasury and ensuring the equitable and wise deployment of the commonwealth.

Once he has cranked the engine of the loot train, he becomes its captain and unknown to him, the show is no longer entirely in his hands; he is spending his tenure managing the loot train, instead of running a country or state. And you know what, it is a longish train whose coaches stretch far back (or down) out of his sight. And of course, all sorts of monkeys and baboons and gorillas would join in on the loot train while the pilot is hurtling on, merrily oblivious of the havoc being wreaked in the coaches behind him. And because the treasury is what any enclave is all about, our captain would soon find he is running a hollow republic of gangsters.

What we have had through most of our history had been loot train captains who have spent time in office managing their loot and the fellow gangsters in their trains instead of running a country. They would pretend at running the country, they would hee and they would haw; they would spew all sorts of rubbish platitudes until their terms were up. This has been largely our lot through history. Sorry we digressed.

Back to PMB, it must be said that he is not bugged down piloting a loot train. He does not have ‘loot challenges’ to contend with and importantly too, the monkeys and baboons who always hover around the treasury are kept at bay. PMB’s challenge on the other hand, is to apply the treasury efficiently, effectively, judiciously and speedily too.

We appreciate the fact that our treasury is intact; we appreciate the fact that this is happening by sheer fact of his personal character and integrity. I cannot remember any other president or leader at the national or even state level one can vouch for who had no loot challenges. We appreciate the fact that as a result of his personal example and good behaviour in office, the baboons and monkeys are behaving themselves so far: the baboons and monkeys of the power sector; of the fuel subsidy saga; of NNPC, etc who were riding merrily in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s loot train are now behaving themselves. We appreciate PMB for this singular – shall we call it achievement, as most of us are mistakenly calling it?

Would I be crucified if I said I think PMB has been dazed by the office so far and that there has been much motion without movement? I have a dozen examples, but for fear of being accused of bad faith or malice, I will proffer just a few. First, they say we cannot form government in 100 days because the rot is deep and needs to be cleansed; he needs to fight corruption; even President Obama did not form government so fast. Fallacy; America’s systems and institutions are so strong government can run pretty well without the presidency.

If the rot is deep, what we need is a proper government to set up systems and institutions quickly. How much can one man do even if he worked alone for four years?

There is also this fallacy of getting permanent secretaries to brief the president on their ministry. The ‘cult of Perm Secs’ is probably the bane of the civil service today. I wager that half of the reports they present to the president is worthless report that will not serve us any purpose. He will probably need 40 years to go through all the junk reports they will generate and seek to ‘bury’ him with.

Would any perm sec tell us how many ghost workers he has bred and ‘owns’ in each ministry or how many unauthorised appointments he has made since May 29 this year? So much for cleansing rot.

We are saying that fighting corruption is not the President’s primary duty. If PMB had done the right things, for instance, by ‘cleansing the EFCC, ICPC, Auditor-General of the Federation’s office and appointing the right Attorney-General of the Federation, some of Jonathan’s ministers would be in jail by now. Or at least they would not have regained their voices to be making public statements.

We are tired of having to repeat this daily. The President should please quickly set up systems to work for us. We don’t have time; the economy is failing; the country is retrogressing further. And remember he is allowed to make mistakes, so long as they are honestones.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

57

NEWS

Alleged N15m bribe: Yobe REC refuses to testify at tribunal

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OBE State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Abu Zarma, in whose accounts an aide to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam allegedly paid N15 million, refused to testify before the state’s governorship election tribunal yesterday.

Zarma, who had indicated his intention to testify and also call his witnesses yesterday, told the tribunal that he would close his case without testifying and calling any witness.

He is named as a respondent in the petition by a former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Adamu Waziri, and the party. Other respondents are: Gaidam, his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Zakari Deba (the Aide De Camp to Governor

•Lawyers commiserate with tribunal over member’s death From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Gaidam).

Waziri and the PDP are challenging the outcome of the last governorship election in which Gaidam was declared winner.

The petitioners alleged, among others, that Gaidam, in a bid to compromise the REC, made Deba to pay N15 million into Zarma’s two accounts with two new generation banks.

To prove the allegation, the petitioners called officials of the banks and an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as their witnesses. The three witnesses confirmed the payments.

Testifying on August 12, an Investigating Officer (IO) attached to the Economic Governance Team 7 of the EFCC, Christopher Adekunle Odo-

fin, said N15 million was actually lodged into Zarma’s two accounts with the banks, adding that the lodgements were reversed days later when Zarma protested.

Odofin, who said he was part of the team investigating the case, said although the investigation had not been concluded, his team made substantial discoveries and made recommendations.

He said his team discovered that on April 8, three days to the last governorship election, Deba made a bank’s Assistant Branch Manager (Damaturu), Bamaji Mohammed Kukawa, to pay N7 million and N8 million into Zarma’s accounts with the two banks.

Odofin added that on April 9, Zarma complained to both banks, in writing, that wrong deposits were made into his accounts, to which the banks’

management asked him to issue cheques in the amounts deposited, to enable them reverse the transactions.

He said their investigation revealed that Zarma wrote on April 29 to (former) INEC Chairman, complaining about the strange cash deposits in his accounts.

Odofin said investigation revealed that based on the cheques issued by Zarma, the banks revered the deposits and returned the money to an account maintained with another bank by a company, Saleh and Hanif.

He said checks at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) linked the company to Deba, who was also discovered to be the sole signatory to the company’s accounts.

“From our investigation so far, we found that there was a clear and concerted attempt

by Deba and Kukawa to financially induce Zarma to get favour,” Odifin said.

The EFCC officer added that the report indicted Deba, who, as a serving police officer, floated a private company, which he said was an illegal act.

“We recommended that Deba and Kukawa be prosecuted for attempting to bribe Zarma,” Odofin said.

Had he testified, Zarma would have had to either confirm or deny the payment and give a picture of the role he played in the N15 million transaction during examination-in-chief and cross-examination.

When the case was called yesterday, lawyer to Zarma and INEC, Abeny Mohammed (SAN), announced that his clients had elected to close their cases without calling any witness.

“The short adjournment afforded me the opportunity to

review and evaluate evidence adduced by the petitioners.

“Our conclusion is that we are not calling any witness but to rest our case on the case of the petitioner. I, therefore, close the case of the third and fourth respondents (Zarma and INEC) in this petition,” Mohammed said.

The tribunal had adjourned for some days because of the sudden death of a member, Justice Audu Bako.

Before the commencement of proceedings yesterday, lawyers in the matter commiserated with the rest of the tribunal members over Justice Bako’s death.

Proceedings resume today, when Deba, listed as the fifth respondent, is expected to present his case.

His lawyer, Titus Ashaolu, assured that his client’s witnesses would attend the proceedings.

13 inmates escape from Sokoto EAD of the Sokoto ReRemand Home

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mand Home, Alhaji Dahiru Lawal, has said 13 inmates escaped from the centre in the last two years because of its poor facilities.

Lawal spoke yesterday in Sokoto when he received a donation from a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Housewives Initiative Development Association.

The head of the home urged the Sokoto State Government to rehabilitate the centre, which was in deplorable condition.

He said the home, which served as reformatory for convicted juveniles, required ur-

gent government support to enable it discharge its responsibility more effectively.

The official said the inmates escaped because of the poor state of facilities.

Lawal said: “The inmates dug a hole under one of the windows of their cell and fled.

It had been repaired and seven of them have been re-arrested.

Four of the escapees surrendered themselves to the court while two are still at large.”

The official said the home had 16 inmates who were either jailed or placed on remand for offences ranging from robbery, theft, rape and sodomy.

‘Fed Govt won’t force IDPs out of FCT’ •From left: Plateau State Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden; Governor Simon Lalong and new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Plateau State University, Prof. Attahiru Jega, at the inauguration of the Governing Council of the university, in Jos...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

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Police smash highway robbers in Kano

HE Kano State Police Command yesterday burst a highway robbery gang which terrorised travellers on the Kano-Zaria and Kano-Maiduguri expressways.

The police arrested two members of the gangs while six others escaped.

The police said they were trailing the fleeing members.

Parading the suspects yesterday in Kano, police spokesman Musa Magaji Majiya, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), told reporters that the gang members usually wore army and police camouflage and used

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

sophisticated weapons.

The spokesman said the suspects barricaded the Kano-Zaria expressway and robbed travellers.

According to him, they snatched $14,900 and a Honda Accord car valued at N1.8 million and two iphones’ valued at N340,000 from a motorist.

Majiya said immediately the police were informed, they began to trail the suspects.

The spokesman said on sighting the police, they fled, abandoning the car.

He said one of the suspects was arrested on the spot and named the other members of the four-man gang.

The suspects reportedly had three rifles and disrupted traffic flow on the expressway.

The police added that in a recent operation, the suspects snatched three Volkswagen Golf cars and one Toyota Corolla car.

Also, Majiya said a member of another four-man gang was arrested, while three others fled.

The spokesman said the gang used military camou-

flage to attack motorists on the highway.

He said the robbers snatched a Golf car and N40,000 belonging to the owner.

Magaji said when the police were alerted, they chased the robbers and engaged them in a gun battle.

The police spokesman said one of the robbers was shot in the leg and arrested, while the others fled into the bush.

He said items recovered from them include two long guns, one locally-made pistol, eight cartridges, two pairs of military uniform and the stolen Golf car.

Tambuwal dissolves 23 councils’ caretaker committees

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OKOTO State Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State yesterday approved the dissolution of the 23 local government areas’ caretaker committees in the state.

The secretaries of the councils were relieved of their appointments.

A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto, said the directors of Personnel Management in the councils were directed to take over the leadership of their local governments.

Also, Tambuwal approved

the appointment of Prof.

Bashir Garba as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Until his new appointment, Bashir was the Rector of the state’s polytechnic.

Born on June 6, 1966 in Minanata area of Sokoto, Garba holds a Ph.D in Applied Chemistry, MSc in Applied Organic Chemistry, PGD in Management and BSc in Applied Chemistry.

He attended Magajin Rafi Primary School, Sokoto, from 1973 to 1979; Government Secondary Technical School, Talata Mafara, from 1979 to 1984; Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto and Universi-

ty of Jos. The new SSG served as the Director of Sokoto Energy Research Centre of the Usmanu Danfodio University between 1999 and 2005.

Tambuwal also appointed Alhaji Abdullahi Danko as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Affairs and Hajiya Aisha Musa Maina as SSA on New Media.

Danko was the Chairman of Sokoto State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Until his appointment, he was the Director of News at Rima Radio, Sokoto.

Hajiya Aisha is the State Chairperson of the state’s

•Tambuwal

chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

T

HREE agencies of the Federal Government have assured Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, that they will not be forcefully evicted from their camps.

They said the IDPs would be allowed to remain in the city until the government resettled them.

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), ProfBem Angwe; the DirectorGeneral of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Muhammed Sani Sidi and Director, Internal Security, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Isaac Idu, spoke yesterday in Abuja at

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

a meeting of a committee set up to address the plight of IDPs in the FCT. The committee, chaired by Lambert Oparah of the NHRC, presented a draft report of their activities.

A meeting of stakeholders, comprising representatives of relevant government agencies, will consider the report to find a solution to the challenges the IDPs were facing.

Angwe noted that from his interaction with the IDPs, most of them were willing to return to their home towns.

He said it was the responsibility of the relevant government agencies to facilitate the IDPs’ resettlement.

Group seeks fair Kogi PDP primary

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GROUP in Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Relevant PDP Stakeholders, has said a leading member of the party is planning to scuttle the party’s primary on September 10.

The group urged the party’s national body to intervene to ensure free, fair and transparent primary.

In a statement in Lokoja, the state capital, by its President, Haruna Khalid, the group alleged that after failing to label Governor Idris Wada a non-performer, the party’s chieftain had resorted to scuttling the ward congress or using other methods to achieve their aim.

Khalid, who said the top member had been spreading falsehood about Wada, urged restraint in the interest of

Kogi State.

The spokesman accused then party’s chieftain of planning to sponsor an unknown candidate, to scuttle the primary.

He said: “Nothing is known about the candidate in the state. Some of the tactics they have chosen to employ is the use of fake ballot papers, spreading unsubstantiated rumour and lies through the media. Credible information reaching us confirms that the party chieftain is acting a script and may use court cases and propaganda after the primary.”

Khalid wondered how the PDP chief, who it alleged had worked against the party’s interest, was insisting on running on the same party’s platform, vowing to resist his emergence.

58

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

NEWS JTF gets new commander

Tribunal dismisses PDP’s, Wike’s opposition to change of chairman

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

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AJOR-GENERAL Alani Okunola has assumed office as the Commander of the Niger Delta Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, at its headquarters in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Okunola took over yesterday from Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe, who commanded the outfit for 18 months.

After a brief takeover ceremony, Okunola pledged to approach his duty with commitment.

The new JTF commander said the fight against oil theft was critical to the nation’s economy.

He urged the various stakeholders, including oil producing communities, multinational oil companies, JTF troops and other security agencies, to ensure steady oil production and reduce pipeline vandalism and other oilrelated theft.

Okunola, who was formerly the Chief of Training (Army) at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, hailed Atewe for his exemplary leadership qualities, adding that the ex-JTF chief had always been his mentor.

He said: “May I plead with Maj.-Gen. Atewe to always receive me with open arms whenever I come running for help and advice. Please, remember me in the Promised Land.

“May I also solicit the cooperation of officers and men of the task force for all of us to work in unity and move the JTF to a greater level.”

Atewe urged JTF officers and men to extend the support he enjoyed to the new commander.

He said the Bayelsa communities were hospitable in the fight against oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and sundry crimes.

Benin Airport resumes operations From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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HE management of Benin Airport in Edo State yesterday said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authorities (NCAA) has certified the airport fit for flight operations, following its suspension in June because of its bad runway.

The flight suspension was meant to enable the authorities rehabilitate the runway and put in place other essentials for smooth flight operations.

The Airport Manager, Mr Sunday Ayodele, told reporters yesterday in Benin that the runway needed to be fixed for the safety of passengers.

He regretted the pains airline operators and passengers might have experienced.

Ayodele said: “It was only suspended to flight activities by the various airlines flying in and out of the state. It was for their safety and better services.”

It was learnt that flight operations will resume this weekend.

Ayodele said adequate measures were in place to prevent intruders from accessing the runway.

A

BOUT two months after it began sitting in Abuja, the Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal opened hearing yesterday in the petition by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate Dakuku Peterside challenging the election of Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The tribunal’s proceedings had been delayed by a series of preliminary applications filed by the respondents to the petition – Wike, PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Also yesterday, a new Chairman, Justice Mohammed Ambrosa, resumed at the tribunal to replace Justice Mu’azu Pindiga.

Following the development, respondents queried and sought that proceedings in the petition begin afresh.

Respondents’ lawyers, Em-

•APC, Peterside open trial, call witnesses From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

manuel Ukala (SAN) and Chris Uche (SAN), representing Wike and PDP, queried Justice Pindiga’s replacement.

Ukala, who told the tribunal that he was appearing in protest, gave the tribunal the options of either adjourning the matter to enable his team consult on what to do or start the proceedings afresh.

He said: “We are worried because yesterday (Wednesday), a number of newspapers published a story that there were subterranean moves by some powerful forces to implement changes in the election tribunal. We got here this morning (yesterday) to find out that the story was not a mere hallucination but a reality that is starring at us in the face.”

Uche said the sudden change of the tribunal’s chairman could

threaten “a fundamental pillar of confidence in justice administration”, which he said was “rooted in transparency”.

The petitioners’ lawyer Akin Olujinmi (SAN) said his team was only aware of Justice Pindiga’s replacement at the resumption of proceedings yesterday.

Olujinmi said he had no reason to protest the change of the tribunal’s chairman because the petitioners had lost time.

He said: “We also came in this morning to find out that a new chairman has been posted to head this tribunal.

On our side, we cannot question your obedience of the order posting you to head this tribunal.”

Justice Ambrosa dismissed Wike’s and PDP’s protests, saying the tribunal could not afford to waste more time.

The chairman noted that

since the tribunal had 180 days to determine the petition, it must conclude its sitting by October 30.

He noted that as a result of the earlier delay and with trial just starting yesterday, the tribunal would have just five days to prepare its judgment when parties conclude their cases.

Justice Ambrosa ordered the petitioners to open their case.

Most of the witnesses called yesterday were APC collation agents in some wards.

They said elections did not hold in their areas because of the violence by armed thugs allegedly loyal to the PDP. The witnesses include Jack Olugu, John Koottee and Alabrabra Jappalli.

They insisted that the unfriendly atmosphere allegedly created by the PDP’s agents prevented the conduct of the election in their areas.

Hearing resumes today.

•All Progressives Congress (APC), National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunazo (right); Bayelsa State governorship aspirant, Timi Alaibe (second right); APC Director of Organisation, Abubakar Kari and Senator John Braimbaifa, during the submission of PHOTO:ABAYOMI FAYESE Nomination/Expression of Interest form by Alaibe at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja...yesterday

Alaibe: no excuse for Bayelsa’s poor development

F

ORMER Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Bayelsa State, Timi Alaibe, has said the difficult terrain in the state is not an excuse for the lack of development by successive governments.

He said only those who are not prepared for leadership and have nothing to offer the state would give such excuse.

The APC chieftain said Bayelsa residents were tired of having those he called accidental leaders as their governors.

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

Alaibe addressed reporters yesterday at the APC national secretariat in Abuja after submitting his nomination form.

The governorship aspirant noted that past and current leaders in Bayelsa State found themselves in office without preparing for leadership.

He decried the lack of development in Bayelsa, one of the nation’s major oil producing states, adding that only those without adequate preparation for leadership could fail to deliver democracy dividends to the people.

Alaibe noted that such leaders used the state’s difficult terrain as the excuse for their failure.

The APC chieftain said he supported Governor Seriake Dickson four years ago because his party then, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urged him to do so.

He said: “I am a party man; that is what I have always been.

I even have cause to step down for people by following party’s directive in those days. But however hard we try to support them, the leopard and its skin refused to change. You cannot give what you do not have.”

Alaibe refuse to agree that the difficult terrain might have contributed to the slow pace of development in Bayelsa State.

According to him, the terrain does not stop the clearing of refuse and the drainage in Yenogoa, the state capital.

The former NDDC chief, who said he was coming out with a lot of experience on the development of Niger Delta, argued that the state’s difficult terrain did not stop him from building roads and schools when he headed the NDDC. He said: “There is no terrain challenge that cannot be resolved.”

Fresh allegation hits EFCC From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

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S the Economic and Financial Crimes C o m m i s s i o n (EFCC) battles the allegation by a security expert, Mr George Uboh, that over N1 trillion is missing from its coffers, the man has slammed a fresh fraud allegation against the antigraft agency.

Uboh’s petition has led to a probe against the commission by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja, Uboh, who said he had three full boxes of documentary evidence against the EFCC, claimed that the agency failed to remit N1.7 billion it allegedly collected on behalf of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as taxes for 2010 and 2011.

The documents Uboh tendered to reporters showed that the taxes were collected from Zakham Construction Limited, WAPCO, Mikano, Protea Hotel, Reiz Continental, Coscharis Motors, Elizade Limited, Efab Apartments, Le’ Meridien (Port Harcourt, Rivers State) and Northern Nigerian Flour Mills, among others.

Uboh said the recoveries made for the FIRS by the EFCC could not be confirmed by the commission, adding that the FIRS denied seeing any transfer of the amount from the antigraft body.

The security expert said the documents on the allegation of over N1 trillion against EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Lamorde, had been posted on his website, pasecng.com, for Nigerians to access.

He explained why he finally reached over N2 trillion as the amount the EFCC failed to remit to the Federal Government coffers.

Uboh said he had forwarded the petition to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The anti-graft campaigned noted that, besides the EFCC, he had documents against former President Goodluck Jonathan, sitting and former governors, who had stolen public funds.

He said this would be released as soon as the EFCC case was concluded.

Uboh said governors, lawmakers, the media and others were scared to speak against the EFCC because the commission operated “like a Gestapo organisation”.

Obadan to Buhari: no corrupt act should be overlooked

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FORMER Edo State Deputy Governor Peter Obadan has urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to sweep any act of corruption under the carpet.

Obadan was reacting to the controversy that trailed the abandoned East-West Road and the second Niger bridge by the ex-Goodluck Jonathan administration.

The former deputy governor, a renowned accountant,

said many things needed to be probed to enable the public see the realities behind some acts.

On the outburst of former Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Elder Godsday Urubebe, and former Minister of Works, Chief Mike Onolememe, Obadan said President Buhari should let the public see what happened under their watch.

He said: “Let them know that this country has been

abused by a clique of Nigerians.

“I think that roads should be probed and, if everybody, who stole returns their money, there would be no prosecution. Yet, they stole. So, I will say the man that stole should steal no more. That is the amnesty that could be granted by Mr. President, if they are willing to return all they have looted.

“There are some things you

can justify and there are certain things you can’t justify.

When a man fills his house with money, he is even afraid to go to the back with what he has stolen. He is wicked.

“We are building a new Nigeria and God has given us a President who is spearheading it. My prayer is that the lieutenants and anybody invited to join his administration should also catch his vision. It is only then we can

•Obadan

leave a testament behind for children unborn.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

59

FOREIGN NEWS

Drowned boys’ father speaks of heartbreak

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HE father of a threeyear-old Syrian boy found drowned on a beach in Turkey has told the BBC of the harrowing circumstances of his death.

Alan Kurdi's father Abdullah said that shortly after their boat left Turkey for the Greek island of Kos it was hit by waves and the captain swam off.

"I tried to catch my children and wife but there was no hope. One by one they died," Mr Kurdi said.

The family were among thousands fleeing Syria and seeking a new life abroad.

Images of Alan's body being recovered from a beach near Bodrum caused an outpouring of sympathy for the plight of those fleeing Syria's civil war and criticism of European governments for not doing enough to answer the crisis.

The Kurdi family was trying to reach Canada to re-

unite with Abdullah's sister Teema but their asylum applications had been denied.

They had two strikes against them: the UN would not register them as refugees, and because they were unregistered, the Turkish government would not grant them exit visas.

Abdullah clearly felt he had exhausted all official avenues out of Turkey. The family joined a group of refugees aboard two boats setting out from the Turkish resort town of Bodrum.

Thousands of migrants have died this year trying to reach Europe by sea.

"I tried to steer the boat but another high wave pushed the boat over. That is when it happened," Mr Kurdi said.

"My children were the most beautiful children in the world. Is there anybody in the world for whom their child is not the most pre-

• From left: Aylan, brother, Galip and their father, Kurdi

cious thing?" Mr Kurdi said.

"My kids were amazing.

They woke me every day to play with me. What is more beautiful than this? Everything is gone.

"I would love to sit next to the grave of my family now and relieve the pain I feel," he said.

Alan, his five-year-old

brother Ghalib and mother Rehanna were among 12 Syrians who died after two boats capsized soon after setting off for Kos. Turkish police have arrested four suspected traffickers over the deaths. The four men are all Syrian nationals aged between 30 and 41, according to the Turkish Dogan news

Twin blasts kill 19 in Cameroon, 140 wounded

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T least 19 people have been killed and 140 wounded in two bomb attacks in northern Cameroon, officials say.

The blasts happened in the Kerawa region, where Cameroon's army is fighting Nigeria's Boko Haram militants.

There have been a spate of recent attacks in northern Cameroon blamed on jihadists from Boko Haram.

The authorities in August said that the militants are believed to enter Cameroon disguised as refugees.

Boko Haram fighters were accused of a series of suicide bombings in the northern town of Maroua, that killed dozens of people in July.

The first explosion on Thursday went off just after 0900 local time (0800 GMT) in the market in Kerawa.

The second was detonated soon afterwards, about 200m (218 yards) from the military infantry camp, an army officer based in the north told Reuters.

Some reports say at least 30 people were killed.

A local government official told Reuters that the attacks were carried out by female bombers although there has been no independent confirmation of this.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Boko Haram has vowed to attack Cameroon because the country is supporting the Nigerian

military's mission to defeat them Boko Haram militants have increased the number of attacks on countries bordering its north-eastern Nigerian stronghold - Chad, Niger and Cameroon - after they participated in a regional offensive against them earlier this year.

Cameroon has deployed thousands of troops to its northern border where militants regularly carry out raids, killing some villagers and kidnapping others.

Boko Haram has vowed to attack Cameroon because the country is supporting the Nigerian military's mission to defeat them - and is part of a newly boosted multi-national force to battle the militants.

Prosecutor to seek jail for Guatemalan president

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UATEMALAN Attorney General Thelma Aldana says she'll ask a court to jail President Otto Perez Molina during a probe of alleged illicit association,

W

ITH swarms of fighter jets and helicopters flying overhead, some 12,000 troops marched through the centre of Beijing as China marked the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II with its biggest ever display of military might.

Presiding over the extravaganza yesterday, President Xi Jinping, the country's most powerful leader in decades, said that China would remain committed to "the path of peaceful development" and unexpectedly pledged to cut 300,000 troops from its 2.3-million strong military.

The parade was the first since Xi came to power in 2012 -- but it was largely shunned by Western leaders, including China's former wartime allies, the United States and UK. Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Park Geunhye of South Korea and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon were the highest-profile dignitaries to take their seats on a podium in Tiananmen Square, in the ancient heart of Beijing.

fraud and receiving bribe money.

Perez Molina resigned at midnight, though he technically remains president until Congress meets to accept it. The Congress plans

to meet later in the day.

He's appearing in court and maintains his innocence. A probe of corruption earlier led to the resignation and jailing of his vice president.

PHOTO: Facebook

agency.

Alan and the rest of the group his family was travelling with are believed to have been Syrians from the besieged town of Kobane who had fled to Turkey last year to escape advancing militants from the Islamic State (IS) group.

A Turkish hospital official told AFP news agency that the

Refugee crisis: UNICEF calls for action

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HE Executive Director, United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Anthony Lake has expressed shock over the recent migrant and refugee crisis in Europe.

Lake in a statement issued

by UNICEF called for action to sooth the heart-breaking images of children's bodies washed up.

He said “Heart-breaking images of children's bodies washing up on the shores of Europe … lying suffocated in the backs of trucks crossing borders … being passed over barbed wire fences by desper-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja ate parents.

“As the migrant and refugee crisis in Europe deepens, these will not be the last shocking images to ricochet around the world on social media, on our televisions screens and on the front pages of our newspapers.

“But it is not enough for the world to be shocked by these images. Shock must be matched by action.

“For the plight of these children is neither by their choice

were cancelled for the parade's duration and, just to ensure that the city's airspace was safe, monkeys, falcons and dogs were deployed to scare away birds.

One leader whose absence was never in doubt was Japa-

nor within their control. They need protection. They have a right to protection.”

UNICEF urged for measures be taken to “Protect these children through the provision of essential services at all times including health care, food, emotional support, and education - and adequate shelter for migrants and refugees that keeps families together.”

The agency also called for deployment of “adequate numbers of trained child welfare experts to support children and their families.

Ugandan bodies flown home after Somalia attack

T

HE bodies of 10 Ugandan soldiers killed in Somalia by militant Islamist group al-Shabab have been flown back home.

The attack was a "game changer", and al-Shabab should expect an "appropriate response", said an army spokesman.

Twelve Ugandan soldiers were killed in Tuesday's raid

on an African Union (AU) base in southern Somalia.

Al-Shabab said it had killed 50 AU troops.

Ugandan troops are part of a 22,000-strong AU force battling the militants.

In the Ugandan army's first comment on the raid, army spokesman Lt Col Paddy Ankunda said in a tweet: "We will not relent in

China celebrates World War II victory Hundreds of ballistic missiles, tanks, amphibious assault vehicles, drones and other military equipment were paraded past the gathered leaders, veterans and guests.

To cap the celebration, some 200 fighter jets took to the skies and 70,000 doves and balloons were released above Tiananmen Square.

Among the 12,000 troops were contingents from Russia, Pakistan and 15 other countries. Yvonne Chiu, assistant professor of politics at the University of Hong Kong, said that Xi's pledge to cut troop numbers was relatively insignificant given that China's military budget would likely continue to rise at a double-digit pace. "China's military is huge.

It's an easy gesture for him to make."

No effort was spared to ensure the landmark event proceeded without a hitch.

Hundreds of factories were shut in the build up to the event to ensure crystal blue skies, flights in and out of Beijing

bodies of the family would be flown to Istanbul and then to Suruc on the Turkish border before reaching Kobane.

Meanwhile, Canadian immigration minister Chris Alexander has said he will investigate why an asylum application made by a relative of the Kurdi family had been turned down.

nese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. In his speech, Xi said that China's victory "crushed the plot of the Japanese militarists to colonize and enslave China" and "put an end to China's national humiliation of suffering

successive defeats at the hands of foreign aggressors in modern times."

While China has said that the victory parade wasn't aimed Japan, it's clear that anti-Japanese sentiment underpins the celebrations.

our efforts to help in the pacification of Somalia despite the attack."

He did not give details of the other two Ugandan soldiers who were killed.

Other reports put the number of soldiers killed at the Janale base, 90km (55 miles) south-west of the capital Mogadishu, at between 20 and 50.

TV dramas about the war against Japan will be shown this week despite a nationwide ban on entertainment programming.

And in Shanghai, an ice cream chain is giving away popsicles that resemble Hideki Tojo, Japan's wartime Prime Minister who was hanged as a convicted war criminal.

• Chinese President Xi Jiping, in the middle stands with (from left) South Korean President Park Geun-hye, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and former Chinese Presidents Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao...yesterday PHOTO: Getty Images

60

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

NEWS Don’t distract us with frivolous allegations, Presidency tells PDP

DSS retires Ogar Continued from page 4

reversed the promotions, citing irregularities and breach of extant rules guiding such actions.

Ogar was said to earned her promotion following the commendation she received from former President Jonathan for doing “a fantastic job” as spokesperson of the DSS.

The erstwhile spokesperson was said to have been transferred outside the Abuja headquarters of the Service shortly after the change in government.

The DSS does not appear to have a substantive spokesperson now. Mr. Tony Opuiyo, who signs press statements on behalf of the Service, is not designated as spokesperson.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Army reinstates 3,032 soldiers Continued from page 4

review of years of imprisonment given to some of the convicted soldiers by the military courts.

The Army spokesman, however, said the cases of 66 soldiers who bagged the death sentence were not reviewed by the committee since their lawyers had appealed the verdict and the process was on.

Col. Usman expressed the commitment of the military to quashing the Boko Haram insurgency by December - in line with the directive given the military and other security agencies by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“It is in that regard that we are working round the clock to meet up with the deadline in total synergy and cooperation with other services and security agencies,” he said, adding: “It is also in keeping faith with the public that we are working with a renewed re-

solve to always keep Nigerians updated of our operations as well as other activities of the Nigerian Army.

“We would like to reassure the President and indeed the good people of our great nation that we would definitely meet up with the three-month deadline and do the nation proud.”

Col. Usman acknowledged instances of misconduct and brutalisation of unarmed members of the public in various parts of the country by some “misguided” soldiers.

He said: “I want to state here that we are striving hard to improve our relationship with the public and we would not tolerate any act of indiscipline or misconduct form our troops.

“Therefore, I want to assure the public that in line with our procedures, we are taking appropriate measures to prevent such happenings and to sanction all those involved.”

Tinubu mourns Fernandez Continued from page 4

is not going to give you a kobo.

So he was your business mentor?

He was a mentor on so many things, behavior in life, choice of so many things that you will do in life and even when it is hard, he turns to you and say no. He had his moments and we all appreciated that and I guess his peculiarities are him. He lived life the way he wanted it and God made it possible for him.

He was very prominent on the African scene, he was the Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the United Nations, and he was adviser to the President of Mozambique and Special Adviser to the President of Angola. But he never did anything for Nigeria?

He was a man of people who knew how to manage people, he endeared himself to them and they appreciated him, he represented so many countries in the world, but Nigerians never gave him any honour in Nigeria. They didn’t give him the opportunity to serve them, it is sad.

But did he try to?

He tried, several governments, they appreciate him over there.

In his own way, his people in Nigeria, he touched lives and they really loved him for that, he believes in Africa a lot and believe

that it should be a united Africa and his sermon all the time is that it is best when we are united.

He was a friend to the late Nelson Mandela, Koffi Anna and a host of others. What do you remember about his friendship to all these great men?

For those two people, he made them to speak to me in my house on the phone. I spoke to Koffi Annan and I spoke to Mandela on telephone, when he was with them, he will say talk to my daughter, she is in Nigeria.

What were his hobbies, the food he loved, he was reputed to fly Tuwo from Nigeria to New York Yes, he loved African foods, he enjoyed eating them, he was not pretentious anyway, he will eat Western food in the most cultured way but he would come back to his level and appreciate the African food.

Some people have described him as a recluse, who was always hiding all over the world.

How does that make you feel reading that?

Excuse me! You are free to your own impression but I know he was not like that.

What are the things you will miss most about him?

His phone calls, those phone calls are educative. Three, four, five hours, we had done eight hours on the phone, from night till morning time.

So he kept in touch anywhere he was?

Anywhere and anywhere I am. I am going to miss his calls.

I knew I have a genuine relationship, natural one with him. He fought me, he loved me.

•Metuh

T

HE Presidency yesterday advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop distracting President Muhammadu Buhari with frivolous and unfounded allegations of selectively waging war against corruption.

Reacting to a PDP allegation by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olisa Metuh, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam

Garba Shehu, said that contrary to the PDP allegations, President Buhari has not and would not shield any All Progressives Congress (APC) government official from facing prosecution for corruption.

The Presidential Spokesman explained that since President Buhari came into office, he has never told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) not to touch any APC Governor because they belong to the same party.

Malam Garba Shehu said it was convenient for the PDP to remember the cases of Sule Lamido while it pretended not to notice the fact that former Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, who is an APC member, was also arrested and arraigned at the same time.

The Senior Special Assistant challenged Mr. Metuh to pro-

duce any evidence or instance when President Buhari interfered in the activities of the EFCC by telling them who to prosecute and who to shield from prosecution.

He also condemned as malicious and unfounded the allegation by Metuh that funds from the Excess Crude Account are being depleted by the Buhari administration to allegedly pay back APC Governors that contributed to his presidential campaign.

Malam Garba Shehu advised Metuh to either come forward with evidence, or apologize to Nigerians for willfully propagating falsehoods in order to gain cheap publicity or public sympathy.

The Media aide said that it was the responsibility of the former PDP administration to prosecute APC and PDP Governors whose alleged cases of corruption were brought to its attention.

He said that if the unseated PDP administration had these

facts against APC governors, it was within its powers to prosecute them.

The Presidency also advised the PDP to stop crossing its bridges before it came to them only to intimidate the current administration from going ahead with its resolve to fight corruption at all levels.

On the allegation that the Buhari administration was secretly planning to award oil refining licences to its cronies, the Presidency describes the accusation as absurd and ridiculous, stressing that adherence to transparency and due process would always be President Buhari’s philosophy on doing things.

The Presidential statement reiterated that the Buhari administration is passionately committed to fighting corruption in all its ramifications, and that no amount of blackmail, distraction and false allegation would deflect him from this course in line with his campaign promises

14 die in tanker accidents on Lagos-Ibadan expressway Continued from page 4

also occured in Ogunmakin yesterday morning left four persons dead and 10 others injured.

The accident involved a diesel tanker loaded with petrol coming from Lagos and marked MKA 338 ZB and a luxury bus with registration number AAA 656 XN coming from Abuja. They crashed into each other.

The FRSC officials and policemen rescued 50 people from the scene.

Ten passengers were injured. The four who died were evacuated to Fakoya

mortuary, Sagamu.

Frederick-Imo said following the dangers associated with night travel, the FRSC’s Assistant Corps Marshal( Zone 2 ) Lagos, Nseobong Akpabio, has warned Nigerians to desist from embarking on night travels by road.

He said: “We all know that night traveling at night is extremely dangerous and should not be encouraged by families and companies because night driving is fraught with more dangers than daytime driving due to poor visibility, drivers’ fatigue and other associated human er-

rors.

“The Assistant Corps Marshal, Nseobong C. Akpabio (MON) enjoins the motoring public to be more careful on the road as the latest crash was due to loss of control and over speeding.

“Drivers should ensure that their vehicles are in good working condition including brake lights, reverse lights, turn signals and any functioning lights.

“We completely discourage all Nigerians from travelling at night irrespective of the emergency, in view of its associated dangers /conse-

quences.

“And all patrol teams have been briefed to carry out strict enforcement on all corridors and impound all non-road worthy vehicles and test drivers who are susceptible to driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs and anyone arrested to be prosecuted.

“Fathers, mothers, brothers, family members as well as companies and organisations to warn their relatives and staff not to embark on night journey as no amount of money or insurance can replace one’s life once lost.”

Details of our assets, by Buhari, Osinbajo Continued from page 4

by well-wishers after his jeep was damaged in a Boko Haram bomb attack on his convoy in July 2014.

“As revealed by the same forms, highlights of the VicePresident, Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s asset declaration include; his four-bedroom residence at Victoria Garden City, Lagos and a thtree-bedroom flat at 2 Mosley Road, Ikoyi. The Vice President also has a two-bedroom flat at the popular Redemption Camp along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and a two-bedroom mortgaged property in Bedford, England. Aside from these, the Vice President has

no other landed properties on the form.

“Apart from his law firm, known as SimmonsCooper, the Vice-President also declared shareholding in six private companies based in Lagos, including Octogenerium Ltd., Windsor Grant Ltd., Tarapolsa, Vistorion Ltd., Aviva Ltd. and MTN Nigeria.

“According to details shown on the form, the VicePresident has about ninety four million naira, nine hundred thousand US dollars and nineteen thousand pounds in Nigerian Banks with the foreign currencies kept in local domiciliary accounts. His personal vehicles

are one Infinity 4-Wheel Drive SUV, one Mercedes Benz and a Prado Jeep.

“As soon as the CCB is through with the process, the documents will be released to the Nigerian public and people can see for themselves.”

The Fifth Schedule (part 1) of the Constitution (Code of Conduct for Public Officers) Sub section 11. (1), says: Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, every public officer shall within three months after the coming into force of this Code of Conduct or immediately after taking office and thereafter (a) at the end of every four

years; and (b) at the end of his term of office, submit to the Code of Conduct Bureau a written declaration of all his properties, assets, and liabilities and those of his unmarried children under the age of eighteen years.”

While it is not mandatory for the assests declared to be made public, the president and vice president have chosen to make their declaration public in line with transparency and accountability.

Before now, only the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua among other leaders had publicly declared his assets.

Ebonyi, Osun, Niger get N43b CBN bailout loans Continued from page 4

of salaries of their workers.”

The conditions for accessing the loan facility from the designated 14 banks include: *resolutions of the State Executive Council authorising the borrowing and state House of Assembly consenting to the loan package; and *issuance of Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) to ensure timely repayment.

The SPO indicates “that the facility is not free, the states’ financial exposures to the banks becomes first line charges that will be deducted from their monthly allocation from the federation account as a result of the ISPO”.

The CBN official explained that specific figures were attached to the facilities to be disbursed to the state governments because “every state is to come up with its specific needs in order to access the facility from the commercial banks. They’re (states) working out what they need from the banks according to the conditions they reached with the banks.”

An Osun State source said yesterday that the loan “is being expected to drop either today, Friday or on Monday.”

He said workers’ salaries would be fully taken care of.

Ebonyi State Commissioner for Finance Dennis Ekumankama said yesterday after-

noon that he was still expecting the loan to “drop” into the account.” The state is expecting N4.063b.

He said: “I came back from Abuja yesterday pursuing the approvals but we are hoping it will be given. Not yet as at today” Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who is optimistic that the state’s N26.606b request would be released next week, said: “We’ll pay all outstanding salaries by the end of this month.”

He spoke at the event marking the centenary posthumours birthday of the late First Republic Ibadan politician Adegoke Adelabu.

He added that the state will improve upon its internally

generated revenue.

But the Kwara State Government said yesterday that it had not got the full complement of the loan. Kwara is to receive N4.320b.

A statement by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, said although the state had paid arrears of workers’ salaries, that of the local governments was yet to be released.

The state government called on primary school teachers and other local government workers as well as pensioners to exercise patience as the government is doing everything possible to accelerate the payment.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

CITYBEATS T

HREE persons were feared dead yesterday when fire razed the second floor of a sixstorey building at Balogun Market on Lagos Island.

The fire, which started at 10am, was caused by an electrical surge.

It was learnt that the cause of the fire was electrical surge.

The building was filled with shoes, bags and fabrics.

Lagos State Fire Service Director Rasaq Fadipe said three fire trucks were deployed to fight the inferno.

“The second floor is like a hall demarcated with metal sheets into 20 shops and at the same time, the traders disrupted us from doing our job because most of them made sure they evacuated some of their goods.

“To prevent it from spreading to the third floor, we used chemical foam.

Traders associations should ensure that they have first aid fire equipment to combat such incident before emergency workers are contacted,” he said.

An eye witness said the fire started as the complex manager was trying to op-

61 CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

By Basirat Braimah

erate the power switch.

The fire brigade, he said, was unable to access the building because of the cubicles on the street.

Some eye witnesses, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigerian (NAN), said that some people who jumped out from various floors of the burning plaza to escape the fire were carried away dead.

Mallam Hamza Abdullahi, a trader in the market told NAN that he saw three dead bodies and five people who were wounded.

“People were shouting and jumping down from up stairs, I saw a woman dead with her skull open,” he said.

Another witness, Ismail Adebanjo, confirmed that the cubicles had caused damages in the past, leading to the destruction of three buildings in January.

Nonso, a trader, said he watched his good burning, pointing out that he wanted to kill himself.

Ogbona, another trader, said he ran to a nearby bank for fire extinguishers but got no positive response.

Three feared dead in Balogun market fire

•The affected building ... yesterday

Lagos pledges support for healthcare investors

L

AGOS State Government has assured investors in the health sector of its support.

Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Adebule said the government would give them incentives for the provision of modern healthcare facilities for Lagosians.

She said there was need for private-public partnership despite the government’s provision of 20 mobile intensive care units; 26 transport ambulances; modern equipment and facilities in its hospitals.

She spoke yesterday at the commissioning of a health facility, Clinix, at Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

The health sector, she said, was one of the areas where the public-private partnership has worked successfully in the state, adding that government is committed to more collaborative effort in that regard.

“Our health sector is one of the sectors that has benefited significantly from the public-private partnership model. The Private sector participation in

•Dr Adebule assisted by Ighodalo (left) and the Clinix Managing Director, Paul Nwosu to commission the facility... yesterday

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

healthcare has complemented government’s efforts and yielded tremendous dividends through qualitative healthcare,” she said.

Mrs Adebule hailed the promoters of the facility, noting that with such modern facilities, more people can get accurate and quick diagnosis of ailments and immediate treatment.

Earlier in his address,

Clinix healthcare board chairman Ituah Ighodalo said the facility would serve the diagnostic and health care needs of Nigerians especially, residents of Lagos.

Ighodalo said the facility

is of international standard, promising that it would provide pocket-friendly services to people.

The board, he said, had set up a foundation to assist those who cannot afford the cost of treatment.

Civil servant wins Skye Bank’s N1m savings prize

A

WORKER with Lagos State Government, Kazeem Adewale, has won the N1 million star prize of the “Reach for the Skye Millionaire” scheme draw held in Lagos.

The scheme is meant to encourage people to save.

Adewale thanked the bank for putting its customers first.

He said he would divert the prize

By Solomon Odeniyi

in something that would help him to save more.

According to the Head, Retail Banking, Skye Bank Plc. Nkolika Okoli, “the scheme provides a unique opportunity for the bank to stay in touch and reward its SavePlus account holders, who have a unique role to play in the country’s future economic expansion.

“We are passionate about driving

the CBN’s financial inclusion strategy in ensuring the under banked and unbanked, begin to find the propositions of banking services more attractive and convenient and then take the bold step of patronising our numerous cost saving products and offerings, a passion which we fully share with existing customers.”

The monthly draw would, she said, would afford three customers; both

old and new, to emerge millionaires, adding that 10 will be rewarded with N100, 000 each and four, N250, 000 each as consolation prizes for having at least a minimum of N2,000 balance in their accounts within that month.

Skye Bank will give away N60 million under the scheme to customers who operate the Skye Save Plus account and maintain a minimum credit balance of N2,000 on an incremental basis.

Govt to LASTMA: stop arresting erring motorists

T

O ensure free flow of traffic, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials have been directed to go for booking of offenders, instead of impounding their vehicles.

Ministry of Transportation Permanent Secretary Mr Oluseyi Whenu told

By Oziegbe Okoeki

LASTMA top officials yesterday that emphasis should, henceforth, be on flawless flow of traffic.

“That is the minimum we owe the people of the state,” he said, adding that LASTMA should synergise with other security agencies to ensure

enforcement of Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012.

He directed LASTMA officials to consider alternative traffic management methods rather than arrest of offenders and seizure of their vehicles.

Whenu said a more perfect traffic management and documentation regime is coming

under which offenders would be booked and given time to pay. Defaulters, he added, would be apprehended at home through the information on the motor vehicle database.

He said: “Since LASTMA officials are a reflection of the state government, they should ensure that their activities add value to the government’s cov-

enant with Lagosians to make life easier for them.”

The permanent secretary implored Lagosians to reciprocate government’s efforts by obeying traffic rules.

Whenu also called on motorists whose vehicles were apprehended to visit LASTMA depots to recover their vehicles after documentation.

Group for fitness walk

T

HE University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) has expressed its readiness to partner with government at all levels and other major stakeholders to ensure regular voluntary blood donation.

Its Coordinator, Dr Khalid Adekoya, said this would end recurring loss of lives during emergencies because of unavailability of blood.

He said it was unfortunate that hundreds of people die yearly because of lack of blood during surgical emergencies, citing the case of women during child birth.

Adekoya said UMA would hold the third edition of of its yearly fitness walk and blood donation at the University of Lagos tomorrow.

Blood donation, he said, is a simple act that benefits both the giver and the receiver.

Rep sympathises with bereaved families

By Medinat Kanabe

T

HE lawmaker representing Ojo Federal Constituency Tajudeen Obasa, has commiserated with Lagos State Government on Wednesday's tragic incident at Ojuelegba.

He also condoled with the bereaved families and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.

Obasa, in a statement, called on those in the haulage trade to drive within the regulation of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

"The primary aim of any government in the world is to protect lives and property. Enough is enough, there must be a proper legislative framework to strengthen the activities of agencies saddled with road transportation," he said.

Two friends ‘assault’ female police officer

By Vivian Anaba

A

30-YEAR-OLD woman, Onyemere Vivian and her friend, Promise Mbaduga were yesterday arraigned before an Ogba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ikeja, Lagos for allegedly beating a policewoman, Odion Lusota of the Elere Police Division while performing her lawful duty.

They were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and assault.

The defendants, according to the prosecuting Inspector Uche Simeon were alleged to have conspired to commit felony by unlawfully assaulting Lusota.

Simeon said the offence contravened Section 409 of the Criminal Code, Law of Lagos state Nigeria 2011.

The defendants pleaded not guilty.

Chief Magistrate Y.R Pinheiro granted them N20,000 bail with one surety in the like sum.

She adjourned till September 10.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

62

NEWS ADEGOKE ADELABU’S POSTHUMOUS CENTENARY

•Ajimobi (second left); former Governor Adebayo AlaoAkala (left); Oloye Alabi (second right) and representative of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Lateef Gbadamosi... yesterday

•Grand children and great grand children of the late Alhaji Adelabu...yesterday

Adelabu lived before his time, says Ajimobi •Posthumous birthday holds in Ibadan

T

HE memory of the late first Federal Minister of Social Services and Natural Resources, Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu (aka Penkelemesi) came to the fore yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. It was at the politician’s posthumous centenary birthday celebration and foundation launch.

The late Chief Adelabu died in a road accident in 1958.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi spoke glowingly of the late ‘populist politician’.

He said the late Adelabu lived before his time and achieved everything before he attained 30 years The governor said that Adelabu’s death at the dawn of his enigmatic and pragmatic quest to salvage the dreg of the society marked the end of an era.

He noted that he was envious of the achievements of Adelabu, adding that “at the age of 21, he became the manager of UAC, the largest company in Africa. Most of us were either in modern school. He was so gifted. But it saddened my heart that we Ibadan indigenes –– do not celebrate our own, even in death.

He noted that somebody of Adelabu’s stature must not be forgotten.

“He was a contemporary of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr Nnamdi Azikwe. We have

From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

been celebrating them but why not our own Adelabu? It is not the family of Awolowo that remembers him but outsiders and associates.

The nucleus of those who celebrate Awo were the Ijebus but Ibadan people are not like that; we don’t celebrate our own.”

Ajimobi went on: “Why is it that Adelabu as the most brilliant Ibadan I have ever seen, whose record is still unequalled, not celebrated?

“It was not the sudden demise of Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu that was both tragic and traumatic; his emergence on the socio-political scene of the colonial Nigeria also left an indelible mark.

“His activities as a grown up and his evolved political philosophy did not only threaten, but actually culminated in the abrupt termination of promotion of British colonial interests and hegemony at the expense of the educated Nigerians.

He was a meteor, prodigy, wordsmith, an orator, peculiar and a unique personality.

“It was Dr. Victor Omololu Sowemimo Olunloyo, himself a brilliant mind, and an old boy of Government College, Ibadan, former Executive Governor of Old Oyo State, who described Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu as perhaps the

•L-R: Managing Director, First Bank Plc, Mr. Bisi Onasanya and son of Alhaji Adelabu and Deputy Governor Central Bank (CBN), Mr. Bayo Adelabu...yesterday

‘

It was not the sudden demise of Alhaji Hon. Adegoke Adelabu that was both tragic and traumatic; his emergence on the socio-political scene of the colonial Nigeria also left an indelible mark

‘

most remarkable person that Ibadan has ever produced… a genius… better endowed than virtually all his contemporaries on both sides of the political divide… a deep

•The widow of Alhaji Adelabu, Kosenat (left) and first daughter Mrs Fausat Adepate...yesterday

thinker, widely read, philosophically accomplished strategist and master tactician.

“Adegoke Adelabu lived for the people. The masses, he told them in his book, African in Ebullition, “are known by their wants, distinguished by their disabilities and conspicuous by their incapacities”.

“Alhaji, the Hon. Adegoke Adelabu was a man of great ideas who lived before his time. His book, published in 1952 was more of a manifesto of social welfare programmes for improved living condition of the people.

“He utilised his position as the leader of opposition to Action Group under the sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo to offer such robust political direction that kept the government in power to be constantly on its toes to provide better services for the people.

Chief Anthony Enahoro as the House Leader once acknowledged it in the Western Region House of Assembly Hansard in 1953, when he stated that “this is not the time for partisanship, but I wish to say, Mr. Speaker, that nobody realised better than we on the government

PHOTOS: FEMI ILESANMI

bench that Alhaji Adelabu provided that useful check without which democratic Government could not survive”.

“The stormy political life of Adelabu was based on a tripod that was easily identified by the master of the game himself. He possessed what it required to dislodge the condominium – sound education, discerning power, political articulation, courage of conviction, iron will and uncompromising stance in the face of threat and intimidation,” Ajimobi added The renaming of the major ancient street that divides Ibadan into two historical parts; from Felele Roundabout to Agodi-Gate-Yidi, Adelabu Adegoke Way, drew an applause from the audience.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Oloye Lekan Alabi, said the late politician was being honoured because of the honour that that had eluded him since he died 1958.

A revised edition of the late politician’s book and selected speeches which was first published in 1952 was launched alongside his foundation.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

63

SPORT EXTRA NIGERIA VS TANZANIA

Amuneke fires up Eaglets ahead Brazil clash

Oliseh not under pressure G S UPER Eagles’ Chief Coach Sunday Oliseh has said he won’t be under any pressure to lead the Nigeria’s national team to beat Tanzania in Dar es Salaam in the battle for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifier slated for tomorrow.

In a chat with sports reporters in Abuja before departing for Tanzania, the former Super Eagles defensive midfielder said he was put under pressure once in his life as a player while playing against Bulgaria in the 1994 USA World Cup and since then he had never been under pressure, no matter the situation.

“Look I think the only time in my life when I was really, really under pressure was 20

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja minutes of getting on the pitch between Nigeria and Bulgaria during the USA 1994 World Cup and ever since then , we have learnt that pressure is what you bring on yourself and there three things that can happened in the game of football and they are either you lose, win or draw.

“As you can see we are in the process of building up a new team. We are getting to know each other. I am very optimistic that we will win in Tanzania. I am not looking at what happen if you lose or whatever, what we are going there to do is to see my team go there and play to serve Nigeria and whatever the result we take it like

• Oliseh that.

“Our objectives are to qualify, if we win on Saturday we have not qualified anyway. It is not because we will lose that we are out, the journey has just started”, Oliseh said.

IAAF DIAMOND LEAGUE

Okagbare places second

F

ASTEST woman in Africa, Blessing Okagbare’s time of 10:98s in the women’s 100m race at the IAAF Diamond League in Zurich yesterday finally quelled the fears of athletics buff in the country that the Nigerian champion might be suffering from a severe injury, which saw her pulling out of the just concluded IAAF World Championship

By Stella Bamwo held in China.

Okagbare, who was also reported to have pulled out of the Africa Games slated for Congo Brazzaville today due to injuries, would, however, need to explain to Nigerians her excuse for not taking part in the quadrennial event, as all hopes were placed on her to garner gold medals for the country in

her events.

Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann FraserPryce ran a time of 10.93sec to outshine Okagbare, who had been tipped to give her a tough time.

Meanwhile, the first of the 16 Diamond Race titles to be decided in Zurich went to Poland’s newly crowned discus world champion Piotr Malachowski.

At stake was 16 Diamond Race titles, which come with the magnificent Diamond Trophy and a winner-takes-all cheque for US $40,000.

OLDEN Eaglets coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has advised his charges to step up the tempo when they face Brazil today in their second game at the ongoing 2015 Suwon Continental Cup International Youth (U-17) Football Tournament.

In their opening fixture, the world champions shared the spoils with hosts South Korea but the African Footballer of the Year expects a tougher contest against one of the super - powers of youth football tomorrow.

“I want to commend all of you because there were doubts about what you can do before we came here but we have to be focused especially against Brazil today.

“Of course, Brazil would be a tougher match but that can only be possible if you allow them to play.

“We need power, skill and coordination against Brazil and if you do what is needed, we won’t have much problem today.”

The Golden Eaglets received a massive boost ahead of the game against the South Americans with the arrival of skipper Kelechi Nwakali, who missed the opening game due to a visa hitch.

KING OF SPORTS AWARD

Enyeama, Musa, Martins battle for honour

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UPER Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama, team mate Ahmed Musa and former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins have been nominated for the King of Nigeria Sports award in a ceremony to be held in Abuja this month.

The award, put together by FABPAN Awards, is to recognise and appreciate Nigeria’s sportsmen and women, who have done well.

The women category, tagged the Queen of Sports Award, will be contested by Nigeria’s football star and BBC women’s world Footballer of the Year Player, Assisat Oshoala and Nigeria’s women’s 100 metre champion Ese Brume.

Also, three times Nigeria’s Premier League champions Kano Pillars is billed to receive a special award for playing 200 matches at home without defeat before bowing to home defeat in the hands of Nasarawa United in the Professional Football League.

There will also be honorary award for past champions.

Leading the pack is former Africa 100 metres champion Mary Oyali.

Others are former Falcons’ Chief Coach Eucharial Uche, former Olympic gold medallist Chioma Ajumwa, President of Nigeria Basketball Federation Tijani Umar and several other

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja dignitaries.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Romanus Osang, “the idea for the award is to appreciate Nigerians who are doing well in sports and have played a part in the development of sports from the grassroots.

He said there would also be a beauty pageant, tagged Miss Falconet, where the winner would go home with a new car.

"Apart from the King and Queen of Sports Award, there will also be other awards, such as the Queen of Basketball Award, Queen of Athletics and Golf Award and Queen of Wrestlemania and Boxing Nigeria Award," he said.

• Martins

NEWS

Over 120 lives lost to truck accidents despite summit, Continued from page 3

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F road accidents involving articulated vehicles in the last four months are anything to go by, trucks and trailers can best be described as “coffins on the wheels.”

No fewer than 120 persons have been killed by these trucks that have taken over the jobs of trains on Nigerian roads following the absence of a functional rail system.

In the first week of June alone, 80 lives were lost, the heaviest being in Anambra State, where about 69 people, including expectant mothers died when a tanker laden with petrol lost control as it descended a slope and rammed into the Asaba Motor Park in Onitsha, busting into flames.

In quick successions, similar incidents were recorded in at different points in Lagos, Oyo, Osun and Edo states.

Following the string of calamities, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi, restated the agency commitment to arrest the drift and bring the situation under control.

He held separate meetings with the leaderships of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) unit of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

At the different fora, the FRSC chief read the riot act to erring operators and against lawlessness on the roads. The meetings formed the plank of a National Summit that was attended by all critical stakeholders in the haulage business on July 16.

According to Oyeyemi, the agency would not fold its hands and look the other way while “reckless drivers” turn the roads into killing fields.

The agency, he said, organised the summit to brainstorm with the operators and other stakeholders on how to promote safe-driving and boost attitudinal change in drivers, especially those in flammable products haulage.

Participants at the summit were: the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR);

How to avoid road crashes, by FRSC ORRIED over the spate of road accidents, the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi, has warned construction companies to install warning signals at construction sites.

He said mounting such signals will warn motorists and other road users of the need of to apply caution while approaching such areas.

The FRSC chief who expressed concern about the safety of motorists during the ‘ember months’, spoke through a statement issued by the organisation’s Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Mr. Bisi Kazeem.

He blamed the recent crashes along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on inadequate construction warnings and diversions without warnings. Messrs Reynold Construction Company (Nig.) and Julius Berger Nig are handling the reconstructing of the road.

The statement said the Corps Marshal’s call for adequate warning signs was borne out of the FRSC commitment to ensure safety of all road users travelling home to meet their loved ones.

Oyeyemi described as regrettable the recent crash at Ogunmakin, where a M.A.N. Diesel tanker, laden with petrol collided with a luxury bus, leaving four people dead.

According to the statement, officers and men of the FRSC have been put on the alert to work round the clock to ensure reduction in rad traffic crashes, “especially, during this ember period.”

Acknowledging that the ongoing massive road and rail projects will continue throughout the ember months, Oyeyemi urged construction companies to attach value to lives and properties.

Besides, the Corps Marshal warned travellers, and transport operators to be wary of night trips, given the inherent dangers they pose due to poor visibility.

In the words of the Head of Media Relations and Strategy, “the Corps Marshal stated that aside the possibility of encountering brigands while travelling at night, the risk of becoming victims of road crashes is also very high”.

The statement reads: “The Corps Marshal has issued a rallying call to all Nigerians to desist from travelling at night owing to the fact that most times, intercity commercial drivers who are desperately seeking to make profit take the risk of not having sufficient rest after one journey during the day, they immediately jump at the opportunity of undertaking another trip because of the availability of passengers, not minding the time of day, distance, safety of their lives and that of the passengers.

“The Corps Marshal advised passengers to think of their safety first before the thought of meeting up with appointments compel them to embark on night journey. In a word, he summed, “better to be late than to be the late”.

W

By Yinka Aderibigbe

the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), cement manufacturing firms, flour millers, tank farms’ owners and major fleet operators.

They resolved that the FRSC should adhere to minimum safety standards, part of which include: barring of under-aged drivers, delisting of non road worthy vehicles from loading petroleum products at any tank farm and barring wornout and rickety trailers from loading goods at the Apapa Quays.

Owners of petroleum tankers were also

mandated to install safety valves on their trucks, while no containerised trailers must leave the ports until the containers have been properly pinned down or securely latched to the trailer.

Oyeyemi urged fleet operators and owners to intensify the training and retraining of their drivers. He suggested the introduction of a loading authorisation, or safe-to-load permit policy at the tank farms, even as the FRSC recommended the decentralisation of tank farms at Apapa and the closure of all illegal ones.

The agency also canvassed a national

policy on the best time of movement for trailers and tankers. It also directed that all tanker and trailer drivers must observe a mandatory rest period to be determined by the length of distance covered, to avoid stress and fatigue.

Bouyed by the willingness of all stakeholders to cooperate with it on reducing the tanker/trailer road carnage, put at above 70 per cent of all the total road accidents, the FRSC embarked on the training of all PTD members in 18 locations across the country last month.

Opening the training at the proposed Trailer Park site on White Sands, OrileIganmu, Lagos, Oyeyemi urged all articulated vehicle drivers to be “ambassadors of road safety.”

He restated the determination of the FRSC to bring down the rate of accidents relating to tanker/trailer or other articulated vehicles and will mete out stiff penalties to violators of its regulations.

In an operation, code-named “Operation Scorpion”, which followed the nationwide training, over 1000 vehicles were impounded for sundry offences, ranging from wornout tyres, poor braking system, non availability of reflective neon signs, improper latching of containers, under-aged drivers and expired vehicle/drivers’ licences.

Also last Monday, the FRSC, as part of the summit resolution to promote a safe loading culture at the tank farms, deployed more than 100 of its personnel in the tank farms to monitor loading activities.

“We are just deciding to do same for all trailers and post our officers to the Ports to monitor the loading of all trailers and to ensure that no vehicle leaves the Ports unless the containers are properly latched to the trailers,” head of Media and Strategy of the FRSC, Bisi Kazeem said yesterday.

Nigerians may, however, wait for time to feel the dividends of the summit and the deployment of FRSC personnel as the container that fell off the flat bed on the Ojuelegba flyover began its journey at the Apapa Port.

The container, laden with cement, landed on a car and a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), killing the three occupants in the SUV.

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO. 3327

‘Fashola’s brazen challenge to the ‘wailing wailers’ and ‘pigs,’ his perceived political foes eventually, incited backlash that devastated his strut and seeming invincibility with choreographic ritualism. It’s like a parody of ancient turf battles where the weaker clan buckles after launching preemptive strikes to tame and crush stronger opposition’ OLA TUNJI OL OLADE OLATUNJI OLOLADE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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HANGE was the magic word that attracted Nigerians to the All Progressives Congress (APC) train and to its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari. They wanted change from the direction the country had been pushed in the last 16 years. They trusted the man from Daura because they saw him, not as a typical politician, but as a man of an uncommon disciplined approach to life and an unusual integrity. They rallied round him because they believed it was time to rescue the nation and this was the man who could make it happen.

Buhari himself noted with trepidation the burden of high expectations that he had to shoulder. He tried to play down his capability to deliver and do so especially in such a short run as the people apparently desired and expected. He didn’t find it amusing that all eyes will be on him within three months of his inauguration.

To be sure, there is still a lot of goodwill for President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) and there are numerous Nigerians willing to extend his period of honeymoon. The majority of these patient citizens are Buharists to the core. For them, PMB is still the answer and he can do no harm.

On the other side, however, there is a vocal minority, many of who have never hidden their disdain for the man and have been critical of his moves from the day he won the presidential election. “We told you so” has been the refrain from this circle.

For them either Buhari has a northern agenda or he is on a jihadist mission.

Between the two groups, there is a third, the non-aligned, independent and neutralminded willing to give the President the benefit of the doubt. Their first reaction to any “shocking” news from the second group is to find out the truth, then the rationale, before making a judgment. They refuse to jump to conclusions about motivation. So they ask questions and refrain from pronouncing any verdict until they are sure.

More importantly, the neutral independent-minded group is interested in how the President pursues the substance of change. But what do they understand by the substance of change and what does it matter? They certainly want concrete and material change as opposed the façade, periphery, or margin. For them, the change mantra can be more of the same, business as usual masquerading as change.

What this group craves cannot be achieved in a jiffy, and they know it.

Therefore they are not among the crowd demanding the head of PMB because nothing has happened in 100 days out of at

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

The substance of change

•President Buhari

least 1,460 days that the President has to effect substantial change in the polity.

Take the case of appointments. The neutral group grants that Buhari cannot wait for four years before he finalises the appointment of the men and women who will help him achieve the substance of change that they desire. He will have to do this pretty soon; otherwise precious time is wasted. But they also grant him the benefit of the doubt. They are sympathetic with his cautious approach to get it right so he doesn’t simultaneously hire and fire.

Secondly, they are also willing to concede to him the prerogative of hiring those he knows and trusts into strategic positions that he requires to deliver on substantial change.

Therefore they don’t grumble about the appointment of the Chief of Staff (CoS) or Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The concern of some in the first group mentioned above with respect to the latest appointments is twofold. First, if the appointments are a reflection of the mind of PMB with respect to trust, then it follows that he trusts members of his ethnic nationality more than other groups. Second, they contend that the appointments come with enormous power, which has multiplier effects for the constituencies of the

Waltzing dazedly through time

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

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O soon, 100 days have wheezed by since President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) was sworn into office to lead the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the next four years. One hundred days out of four years may be insignificant, but 100 days could also make all the difference in a four-year programme. Besides, 100 days is a whale of a time if you reckon it by seconds, minutes and hours. To make the point and cut this paragraph short, what I am saying is that the world can actually be changed in 100 days for anyone so minded.

It has become difficult especially for columnists to make a candid assessment of PMB’s nascent era without Nigerians (even ardent readers) labelling you a spoilsport or a saboteur. The feeling is understandable. The generality of Nigerians have been starved of quality leadership for so long that they may have lost some of the capacity to assess leadership and governance adequately.

This is why in a situation where nearly the entire populace is convinced they have never had it so good, it may be dangerous and inimical to one’s well-being to try to state otherwise or showcase some obvious misconceptions. How many Nigerians would accept if it is pointed to them that we have had 100 days of all motion

appointees.

To the first observation, members of the independent and neutral group are not impressed by the criticism. They know that the new President can jeopardise the goals and objectives of his promise of substantial change and thus alienate the electorate with a do-gooder approach to filling the most sensitive positions. They know that there is an enormous danger for the President and for the nation in a strategy that canvasses political correctness in matters of grave importance.

Surely, there is also a grave danger in the appearance of failing to respect the traditional approach of satisfying all constituencies in a democratic setting. After all, he or at least his party will have to come back to these same constituencies for their votes in short 48 months. The anti-Buharists are gleefully entertaining these prospects of a Buhari or an APC coming back cap in hand for votes and being shunned or worse by voters.

There is the prospect of a different outcome, however. Buhari’s trusted hands perform beyond anyone’s expectation. They succeed in stamping out corruption. They revive the comatose economy. They surprise us all with a thoughtful and effective agenda for restructuring the nation for optimal performance. And they bring back sanity and probity to governance. In this scenario, Buhari would have achieved the change that he promised, not marginally but substantially. Who in his or her right senses will then deny him or his party a second term on the parochial excuse that his uncle was not appointed SGF? I am not even interested here in the certainly legitimate argument of the third neutral group that for 16 years PDP presidents religiously adhered to the mantra of spreading the goodies. They invited every ethnic nationality to the dinner table. But those invited only filled their pot bellies without even allowing crumbs to fall off the

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

•Columnist of the Year (NMMA)

One hundred daze PMB’s Igbo challenge

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NE cannot help but say a word on PMB’s appointments so far. It has been confirmed now that he has Igbo challenge. When he excluded the Southeast from the security council posts and one had mentioned it here that it was a calculated act of inequity, I had been assailed all round and branded a tribalist.

It has become plain now and even some of my traducers are yelping. I also said that ‘provocative discrimination’ (a la Tunde Thompson) against Ndigbo would harm PMB’s persona and presidency more than the victims of his calculated action. No matter how many more appointments to be made, the mindset is clear and obvious now. What has happened is neither a mistake nor an accident.

Now you hear people say, oh it’s true what they say about this man being parochial and hegemonic in nature. PMB is in danger of being recorded by history as a sectional and parochial leader. That would be sad indeed for a leader who would easily have become Africa’s greatest statesman out of Nigeria. with nary a movement forward yet? Many readers and of course the establishment would take offence and yell bad faith if they

were pointed to the fact that PMB has started on a wrong footing and has in fact been in a daze of sort in the past 100 days. Even

dinner table for their kith and kin to snatch.

An eight-lane dual carriage Lagos-Ibadan Expressway would have benefitted everyone from every nationality. Didn’t we have Ministers of Works and Transport from the South? Is Benin-Ore Road the better for that?

There are two more considerations.

First, some in the first group made reference to other climes, including the United States from where we copied our presidential system. But in those climes, no one cares where the president’s appointees come from as long as they are competent, accountable and trustworthy. If they don’t deliver, they are fired without any scruple, though the man who made the mistake of hiring them in the first place will have to eat the humble pie. He cannot blame anyone for his error of judgment.

Our system is not different. What is different is that when it is convenient we preach the gospel of one nation. However, when we look ourselves in the mirror, we see many nations. But our constitution already provides for this paradox of one and the many. Ministers must come from all states of the federation and in the matter of board appointments, it is also expected that the federal character of the nation is respected. Can we then just allow Caesar to take what is his, and God to have what belongs to Him? Finally, while the first anti-Buhari group mocks the leaders of the ruling party, especially those from the South as if they have been used and dumped, the neutral group and, naturally the unrepentant Buharists, can only sympathise with the ignorance so unashamedly displayed. Does it really make sense that Buhari doesn’t confide in the leadership of his party before announcing his appointees? And does it make sense that party leaders would not scrutinise the record of those prospective appointees as well as his reasons for choosing them?

Take the case of the new SGF. His bio shows a man of great intellect and accomplishment. He is an achiever in his discipline. But he is also a strong and loyal party man. Combine these qualities with the fact that he is a Christian from a northern minority nationality. Why don’t Buhari’s critics see this appointment as a plus for him—for recognising and trusting a Christian for the position of SGF and acknowledging and correcting the marginalisation of a northern minority?

Blowing in the wind—the answer is.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080 his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), was caught up so swiftly by ‘100 days’ it now denies time-bound promises it made. How time flies.

There is no doubt that many will disagree and fiercely too, but that is one’s candid reading of the situation. Many will be quick to jump into the fray with the fact that hey; but power has become more stable, fuel has been selling at N87 per litre with those obnoxious marketers back in their damp holes like the worms they are.

Refineries are also said to be working; anticorruption agencies are acting up once again and cheery things are generally happening to us.

I agree. All these and many more have happened in the last 100 days. In fact the most significant happening (notice that I refrain from calling it achievement) in the Buhari second coming is the instant death of impunity. Perhaps for the first time since Tafawa Balewa, we have a president or head of state who is not lasciviously eyeing our treasury every waking moment the manner a stud eyes a beautiful woman.

I wager that most of our leaders who have had access to our treasury spend more time ‘plotting’ treasury plunder than national development.

•Continued

on page 56

•For comments, send SMS to 08111526725

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