The Nation September 06, 2011

Nigeria’s truly national newspaper

News Jonathan to meet IBB, Gowon, others over security Sport Why I left Enyeama out, by Eagles coach Siasia Business Nigeria adds Chinese currency to external reserves

P9 P24 P11

http://www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 7, NO. 1875 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

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HE Federal Government has recovered £22.5m (about N6.18 billion) loot from the family of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

There are plans to recover $400million more, it was learnt yesterday.

The money is stashed away in the tiny Island of Jersey from where the £22.5m was recovered two weeks ago.

Jersey is an Island off the coast

N6.18b Abacha loot recovered From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

of Normandy, France.

Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guemsey are often referred to as the channel of Islands. They are not part of the United Kingdom (UK), but the UK is constitutionally responsible for the defence of

Jersey.

Although not part of the European Union, Jersey is treated as a member for the purposes of free trade in goods.

The latest recovery adds to the millions of dollars and pounds recovered from the family of Gen. Abacha, who died 13 years ago.

It was gathered that the loot was recovered by a three-man negotiating team, led by Attorney-General of the Federation Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN). The team visited the Island.

Damien Dodo (SAN) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Secretary

N150.00 Emmanuel Akonmaye were on the delegation.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Gen. Abacha stashed the funds through a Lebanese.

“When the Office of the AGF was alerted by a whistle-blower, the government opened discussions with the Attorney-General of the Island of Jersey, who cooperated fully with the government, Continued on page 6

Buhari kicks as Salami’s successor names panels CPC: it’s betrayal of trust PDP alleges plan to influence decision

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HE massive shakeup of election petitions tribunals has sparked another major row.

Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential candidate in last April’s election Gen. Muhammadu Buhari last night kicked against the disbandment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

The tribunal is hearing Gen. Buhari’s petition against the April 16 election

From Yomi Odunuga, Kamarudeen Ogundele, Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja and Emmanuel Oladesu

of President Goodluck Jonathan. Dr Jonathan contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Acting President of the Court of Appeal (PCA) Justice Dalhatu Adamu has transferred the remaining four members of the tribunal out of Abuja.

WHERE THEY ARE NOW

•Justice Muhammed Garuba (Calabar) •Justice M.A Owoade (Owerri) MORE ON •Justice I.I. Agube (Ilorin) PAGE 6 •Justice Obande Ogbuinya (Ilorin) Justice Muhammed Garuba, who took over as head of the panel following the suspension of Justice Isa Ayo Salami as PCA, has been transferred to the Calabar Division. Justice M.A.

Owoade is moved to Owerri Division. Justices I.I. Agube and Obande Ogbuinya, are now to operate from the Ilorin Division of the Court of Appeal.

The new postings are con-

tained in a memorandum dated September 2, 2011 and signed by Justice Adamu.

The postings are comprehensive, affecting all the 64 Justices of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Salami presided over the Tribunal before he was suspended on August 25 by the National Judicial Council (NJC) as a result of his disagreement with former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Aloysius Katsina-Alu, over

the Sokoto Election Petition Tribunal. Justice Salami alleged that Justice KatsinaAlu asked him to disband the panel – a directive he rejected.

The new panel to hear Buhari’s petition is to be headed by Justice Adamu, who, it was gathered, is away in Egypt on medical vacation.

The new panel has less Continued on page 6

11 killed in Jos attacks From Yusufu Aminu Idegu and Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

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HERE seems to be no end to the bloodletting in Plateau State.

Eleven residents were killed on Sunday night in two attacks by unknown gunmen in Targan-Babale, Jos North Local Government Area and Dabwak village, near Kuru, home of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

Ten others were injured in a similar attack on Farin Lamda village.

The dead at Dabwak were a 74-year-old man, Chukwak, his 70-year-old wife and their two grandchildren, all of them shot at home.

The Tarson-Babale attack claimed seven lives. Three other residents were injured when four houses were set ablaze.

Eleven people, including a family of eight, had earlier been killed on Sunday at Heipang in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

The Targom-Babale attack was said to have been launched at about 9p.m. on Sunday by Continued on page 6

•From right: Vice President Namadi Sambo, Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, EFCC Chairman Mrs Farida Waziri;and Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola at the 8th EFCC National Seminar on Economic Crimes in Abuja ... yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•POLITICS P17 •SPORTS P23 •PROPERTY P25 •ENERGY P37 •MARITIME P43

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

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PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

better days

For residents of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, life has not been the same since the suicide Over 50 million bombing of the UN House. Fear now walks on all fours and the fear of the dreaded Islamic sect, Nigerians not literate, Boko Haram, is the beginning of wisdom, reports Assistant Editor ONYEDI OJIABOR says Minister

UN House bombing: Changing face of Abuja

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BUJA, the Federal Capital Territory, is a city of beauty. A modern city by all standards. Skyscrapers. Well-laid out road network. Places of power and influence. And people who matter. With its endowments, Abuja gives the impression that life is good. But all that is changing. Not that the beauty, the power and the influence are gone. But fear has practically turned the once bubbly city into a ghost of itself. And the question on the lips of many is: where will the terrorists bomb next?

Before October 1, 2010, the day Nigeria marked its 50th anniversary as an independent nation, Abuja was considered its safest city. With its many military formations and Police headquartres, it was unimaginable that fundamentalists could dare come near it, not to talk of bombing it. But that was exactly what they did near the Eagle Square that day. Many died and several were injured. And to show that they were in charge, the terrorists struck again on December 31, 2010, when they bombed the mammy market of the Mogadishu Barracks. It was a major assault on a nation, which prides itself as having one of the strongest armed forces the world over. And last June 16, it was the turn of the Police headquarters to witness the fury of the terrorists.

But more than any other blast, the August 26 devastating suicide bomb attack on the UN House, Abuja, despite its heavy security cover, has altered the face of the seat of power. 23 people are confirmed dead and scores of others injured.

Residents now face a new challenge: the challenge of fear. The fear of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, which sees anything western as evil, is now the beginning and end of wisdom.

‘Churches should not leave security to God’ From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

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HE Archbishop of St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Church, Revd.

Moses Eze has urged churches to take internal security serious.

He spoke at the weekend after the church’s annual Choir Festival in Abuja.

He said churches should not only pray for security but put in place adequate internal security to safeguard lives of the people. He urged churches to partner with security operatives.

His words: “The government should find better means to step up security. The church, aside praying and believing God for divine intervention, should also enlighten people on issues of security.

“There is this fear that the security outfits can no longer be trusted.

This is one of the problems we are having; otherwise, I think churches, particularly in the Northern area, should see a way to liaise with security operatives to beef up security within and around the church premises.

But this day, you don’t know who is who.

“Churches should also go a bit ahead to internalise their own security mechanisms.”

‘Before October 1, 2010, the day Nigeria marked its 50th anniversary as an independent nation, Abuja was considered its safest city. With its many military formations and Police headquartres, it was unimaginable that fundamentalists could dare come near it, not to talk of bombing it’ Church services in Abuja on Sundays now bear witness to the changing face of the city. Pastors no longer leave the security of their members to God alone. They hace taken extra measures. While some have outlawed vigil, others are building security cordon in

and around their places of worship. In some churches, for instance, all activities must end by 6 pm. Some that have multiple entrances are forced to block gates they cannot police. Some worshippers, due to apprehension, now avoid church service.

For others, they spend less time than they are used to.

That residents have been thrown into trepidation is evident in the fact that not a few now avoid areas and places they consider prone to terrorist attack.

Certain high class hotels though heavily fortified have become nogo-areas for some people. Measured caution is observed by those who still patronise such highbrow hotels frequented by foreigners.

Clubs and bars are the worse hit, especially with government order that their operators should close shop by 10 p.m. the implication of which is that the once bubbling night life in the city is at risk. Many residents were used to visiting clubs, bars and relaxation spots after office hours to unwind and at times discuss business.

The 10pm deadline given to

owners of such relaxation spots to close shop was the beginning of business for many of them. Now, the law and fear have forced them to become day clubs and it is not good for their line of business.

The heavy presence of soldiers on the streets of Abuja is also a clear signal that the city has been raped. It has lost its virginity to fear. Residents now fear going to certain places because soldiers man roadblocks often searching for explosives. Some residents may have cautioned themselves that it is better to avoid certain areas instead of incurring the anger of red-eyed soldiers on the road. Interestingly, the soldiers have not found any explosive since the massive security blockade was introduced.

To underscore signs of the times, 24-hour emergency help lines have been opened by the police and other security agencies for residents in distress.

Perhaps the only place in the city, where the reality of the day has not properly sunk in is the National Assembly complex. The only sign of the times is a metal detector recently installed. By and large, the security is still halfhearted and this is giving workers and others who have business to frequent the place goose pimple. Some workers wonder whether the authorities could secure the Assembly complex through the epileptic security network in place. The business as usual syndrome is still very much with the security operatives. Though the do-it-all metal detector has been introduced, observers say there is more to security than just the use of metal detectors to screen people and vehicles.

With the authorities still in search of a way out of the siege, the question on the lips of not a few Abuja residents is: after UN complex bombing, where next?

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

MINISTER of State for Education Nyesom Wike has said no fewerthan 50 million Nigerians are illiterate.

Wike, in a statement, said about 38 percent of the children population is out of the schooling system, adding that at least one in every three or four adults is not literate and over 22 million children are out of school.

He said: “This further implies that unless something drastic is done to accelerate literacy and education for all Nigerians, Nigeria may not only miss the 2015 target for EFA goals and MDG’s; it may also fail to achieve significant milestone of its development targets under Vision 20: 2020.

“Faced with this reality of high illiteracy rate and its negative implications for national development, the Federal Ministry of Education has set itself a goal of significantly increasing levels of literacy by 10 million each year for the next four years in line with national development targets through concerted efforts and initiatives.”

He added: “The high malefemale gap in literacy rates is also a matter of serious concern to the Federal Government. Consequently the Federal Ministry of Education has since been given priority to women’s literacy and education. We have accordingly created and test-run some specific education programmes with target for the education of girls as pilot scheme in some states which was funded by DFID. “It is important to emphasise that the scope of literacy can no longer be limited to merely to one’s ability to read or write especially at this stage of our national development.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

4

NEWS ENDGAME IN LIBYA

Anti-Gaddafi forces ready for Bani Walid assault

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IBYAN interim authority forces are readying for an assault on the Gaddafi-held desert town of Bani Walid after surrender talks broke down.

One key negotiator told the BBC that forces loyal to fugitive leader Col Muammar Gaddafi had demanded his forces enter the town unarmed.

NTC forces are now preparing to attack Bani Walid, 150km (95 miles) south-east of the capital Tripoli, one of four towns which remain loyal to Col Gaddafi.

The former rebels say the negotiations with the tribal elders of Bani Walid were never serious, because pro-Gaddafi forces continued to fire while the talks were going on.

They have now moved on Bani Walid from three sides.

Negotiator Abdullah Kenchil told the BBC the loyalists

•NATO: our mission closer to end had wanted anti-Gaddafi forces to enter the town unarmed.

Civilians in the town could not move, he said, and he feared they could be shot in revenge or used as human shields.

As well as being a Gaddafi stronghold, Bani Walid is also the home of the biggest and most powerful Libyan tribe, the Warfalla.

The whereabouts of Col Gaddafi remain unclear, but Mr Kenchil said his son Saif al-Islam Gaddafi had only left the town on Saturday, heading to an unknown destination further south.

NTC chairman Mustafa Abdel Jalil said the pro-Gaddafi bastions were being given humanitarian aid and time to surrender “to avoid further bloodshed”.

For now, the NTC is preaching a gospel of reconciliation, says BBC Middle East editor Jeremy Bowen, who is Tripoli. The NTC do not want to start off as a government with a bloody fight in Bani Walid, he says.

Bani Walid is one of four towns and cities - the others are Jufra, Sabha and Col Gaddafi’s birthplace in Sirte - that are still controlled by Gaddafi forces.

The Non-alligned Treaty Organisation's (NATO) mission in Libya has moved significantly closer to success and will end soon, the military alliance's secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.

NATO's mission in Libya has moved significantly closer to success and will end

soon, the military alliance's secretary general said on Monday.

"Our operation to protect civilians has moved significantly closer to success, but we are not there yet," Anders Fogh Rasmussen told a news conference.

It will be up to NATO's decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council, to determine when Operation Unified Protector can end, based on the assessment of military commanders, he said.

While he said he could not give a precise date for the mission's end, Rasmussen said: "I believe it will come soon."

The ability of the rebel National Transitional Council (NTC) to protect civilians will be a key factor in the decision-making, he said.

NATO has carried out air

•Fogh Rasmussen... yesterday

strikes against Moamer Kadhafi's forces since March under a UN mandate to protect civilians from attacks.

The rebels, who have tak-

en control of Tripoli and most of Libya, are readying for battle in Kadhafi's last strongholds of Bani Walid and Sirte.

UK terrorism inquiry to examine Libyan ties

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•A group of rebels resting in Tripoli...yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

Controversy over China’s ties with Gaddafi

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OCUMENTS that show China offered to sell stockpiles of arms to Muammar Gaddafi in the waning days of his rule are “the real deal,” a senior member of Libya’s transitional government told CNN on Monday.

The accusation follows a report by The Globe and Mail newspaper that reveals state-controlled Chinese arms manufacturers were prepared to sell weapons worth at least $200 million to Gadhafi, violating United Nations resolutions that banned such sales.

The Globe and Mail says one of its reporters found the documents, which were written in Arabic, in a pile of trash in Tripoli’s Bab Akkarah neighborhood, an enclave that was home to some of Gaddafi’s most loyal supporters.

The documents, which were

posted Sunday on the website of the Toronto-based newspaper, do not confirm whether any military assistance was delivered to Libya China denied the accusation, saying it strictly implemented the U.N. Security Council resolutions that banned the export of arms to Gaddafi’s government.

“The Gadhafi regime sent people to China to engage in contact with certain individuals of relevant Chinese companies in July without the knowledge of the Chinese government departments,” Jiang Yu, a spokeswoman for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs told CNN. “Chinese companies have not signed any military trade contracts with Libya — let alone provide military exports to Libya.”

But Mohamed Sayeh, a member of the National Tran-

sitional Council, said Libya’s new leaders have seen the documents.

“This deal is a real deal and we have seen the official documents,” he said. “It was signed by Chinese officials, and it was to send guns and artilleries to Libya through Algiers to expedite the deal.”

The four-page memo detailed a trip by Gaddafi’s security officials to Beijing on July 16 where they met with four state-controlled weapons manufacturers, the newspaper reported.

“The companies suggest that they make the contracts with either Algeria or South Africa, because those countries previously worked with China,” the documents say.

According to the newspaper, the documents show the Chinese companies noted that many of the items wanted by Gaddafi were in Algeria and

could quickly be moved across the Libyan border.

The Chinese said they would replace the Algerian arms sent to Libya, the document said.

China is a voting member of the U.N. Security Council.

It abstained from voting on a resolution in March that authorized the protection of Libyan civilians by any means necessary, with the exception of a ground invasion.

China, however, did approve a U.N. Security Council resolution that banned military assistance, including the sale of weapons, to Gaddafi’s government.

China, Algeria and South Africa have been opposed to the NATO bombing campaign, and the three countries were slow to recognize the authority of the National Transitional Council as Libya’s legitimate authority.

BRITISH inquiry into the country’s pursuit of terrorism suspects confirmed Monday that it will examine new allegations about close ties between U.K. intelligence officials and Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.

Security documents discovered after the fall of Tripoli have offered embarrassing examples of the warm relationships that British and American spies developed with their Libyan counterparts.

Files discovered among tens of thousands of papers collected from an External Security building in Tripoli also document how Abdel-Hakim Belhaj, now Libya’s rebel military commander, was targeted for rendition.

Belhaj, who was seized in Bangkok in 2004 and delivered to Tripoli, alleges that U.S. and British intelligence planned his capture and were later involved in his interrogation.

An inquiry - known as the Detainee Inquiry - being led by retired appeals court judge Peter Gibson said it would include the allegations in its examination of Britain’s conduct in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

“The Detainee Inquiry is looking at the extent of the U.K. government’s involvement in, or awareness of, improper treatment of detainees - including rendition,” the inquiry said in a statement. “We will therefore, of course, be considering these allegations of U.K. involvement in rendition to Libya as part of our work.”

British Prime Minister David Cameron’s spokesman said the leader also planned to address the allegations in a statement to Parliament on developments in Libya and Syria later Monday.

“We don’t yet know what those allegations amount to, but this government has made it very clear that it will address these kind of issues,” spokesman Steve Field told reporters.

He said the government hoped Gibson would consider the claim alongside its primary focus - allegations put forward by former Guantanamo Bay detainees who accuse Britain of being complicit in their mistreatment.

UK diplomats re-establish ‘full presence’ in Libya

U

NITED Kingdom is set to re-establish diplomatic presence in Lib-

ya.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said it was “another significant step” and reflected the increased stability in the capital.

He said the team would strengthen ties with the new regime and help address humanitarian needs in the Tripoli area.

At the start of the crisis in February, the UK’s diplomatic base was moved to rebelheld Benghazi.

Staff from the Foreign Office and the Department for International Development are among those returning to Tripoli, with British diplomat Dominic Asquith temporari-

ly standing in for Special Representative John Jenkins.

“It will help strengthen relations with the National Transitional Council [NTC] authorities and support their efforts to rebuild Libya,” Mr Hague said.

“The team will also liaise with international organisations in order to help address humanitarian needs in Tripoli and the surrounding areas.”

France and Italy have also said they are moving their embassies back to Tripoli, but the NTC is still currently based in Benghazi.

David Cameron told Parliament that the UK’s “full diplomatic presence” was moving back to the capital, but he also sounded a note of caution.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

5

NEWS IBADAN FLOOD OF TEARS Though their temporary home offers some comfort that many dream of, victims of the Ibadan flood beg government and philantropists to help them get new houses, reports OLUKAYODE THOMAS.

‘Life is good at the camp, but…’

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IFE seems good at the camp: free food,water and beddings. But, the psychological trauma of losing their all to the floods is too much to bear for many. They would rather be at home, they say.

Pastor Olayiwola Taiwo, 46, of the Shepherd of Cherubim and Seraphim Gospel Church, OkeAyo, Ibadan, who lost his church and house, is one of the leaders of the camp.

Pastor Taiwo could still not believe that he has lost what took him many years to acquire within a few hours.

But he had a premonition of the disaster. Taiwo had slept a little earlier that Friday night to prepare for the weekly prayer vigil. While asleep he dreamt about a church member who was struggling to save his children from being carried away by flood.

He said: “I just felt something like water on my body. That was when I woke up members who were also resting before the vigil.

We started carrying the little things we could carry to another part of the church that had not been flooded. But, all the efforts were in vain as the water had covered all the building. All our musical instruments, my motorcycle, chairs and everything in the mission house was carried away by the water. My wife lost all her nursing books, certificate, all the equipments we use in making gospel films were washed away. I could only retrieve the church bell.”

But, nothing will please him more than getting a new home.

“Schools will soon resume and when they do, what will be our fate?” he said.

Funmilayo Adeyemi was a fashion designer at Jolly Bread, OkeAyo, before the flood swept her shop and home away.

That fateful day, Adeyemi had stayed awake because her husband had gone to watch the European Super League Cup match between Barcelona and Porto.

Twenty minutes after they went to sleep, they were woken by the water.

“The water was above my head.

I thank God my husband is tall.

He carried me on his shoulders. I was naked. He had to remove his shirt for me when we got outside.

I also thank God my children had

•Ojo

•Saka

•Adeyemi

•Omisakin

•Azeez

•Taiwo

gone to visit my grandmother,’’ she said.

She added: “We lost everything.

The water was pushing us the way policemen push criminals.”

Like others, Funmilayo pleaded with government to provide them with a new home.

Mrs. Joke Omishakin’s urgent need, she said, is a new home. So do 32- year-old fashion designer, Aliu Kehinde, Mrs. Alice Ojo, Mrs. Christiana Azeez and Mrs. Ruth Saka.

Mrs. Saka said: “Though I am pregnant, I had to jump the fence to escape from the water. We lost everything, even the baby things I

bought are all gone. We appeal to the government to assist us with new abode.”

Others who spoke also appealed to Nigerians to assist.

“Governor Abiola Ajimobi cannot do it alone. He did not plan for us in the budget. We urge the Federal Government and other well meaning Nigerians to come to our aid,” said Omishakin.

Co-ordinator of the centre, Oluwole Parker said the stay of the people at the centre would not be a long one.

But for now, life at the centre is

good. Assistance, in various forms, keeps flooding into Sacred Heart Primary School in Ibadan SouthWest Local Government Area, where victims of the flood which devastated Ibadan are staying temporarily.

Daily, relief materials came in from different parts of the country.

T.Y Danjuma Foundation yesterday set up its stand at the centre. The foundation gave out tons of blankets, diapers, provisions and clothings.

Senator Ayoade Adeseun, representing Oyo Central senatorial

13 days after, decomposed bodies litter waterways T HIRTEEN days after the Ibadan flood disaster, an unspecified number of decomposed bodies were still trapped in the water at Oke-Ogbere area of Ibadan, in Ona –Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The said bodies, yet to be removed by men of the Fire Service, have become a source of concern to the inhabitants of the communities of Ifelodun, Ariyo, Abaounde, Agric and Idi-Agbon in Oke -Ogbere area of the city.

Speaking to the House of Representatives member representing Ibadan Northeast/Southeast Federal Constituency, Mrs Abiola Adebukola Ajaja at the Oke-Og-

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

bere Elekuro High School Relief Camp, Mr. Adebayo Akeem, one of the victims of the flood said offensive odour have been oozing out from the bodies since the tragic event 13 days ago.

The lawmaker, who was accompanied by her husband, a former Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc, Chief Ariyo Ajaja told the victims that she was at the camp to express her heartfelt condolence and donate her widow’s mite to alleviate their sufferings.

A similar visit was also paid by the lawmaker to other relief camps at the United Africa Methodist Church (UAMC), Odo-Ona, Apata Ibadan and Sacred Heart School, Oke-Ayo, Ibadan Southwest Local Government Area, where she donated bags of rice, beans, gari, and clothing materials to the victims.

She said: “I have come to you to donate these little items on behalf of myself and my husband out of our deepest concern for you. What happened has been so devastating, but we thank God that our lives were spared. My prayer is

that God would never allow this to happen again in Oyo state.”

The water where the said bodies were lying was in a deserted storey building beside a waterway and a collapsed bridge along the road. The building was flooded during the heavy down pour that claimed over 100 lives.

It was gathered that since the flood disaster, many residents were afraid to enter the storey building, fearing that anyone who attempt to do so would be risking his life.

Part of the storey building had caved into the waterway, thus making it impossible for residents to enter the building standing precariously above the water channel.

district also donated four mobile toilets and water tanks. A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi, was also at the camp yesterday to play football with the children.

Nurses and other paramedic at the centre said most of the residents are fine and that there is no major health problem.

For security, policemen and Civil Defence officers offer protection round the clock. Should public power supply fail, there are electricity generating sets to fill the gap.

Akinjide blames flood on poor planning From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

M

INISTER of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mrs Olajumoke Akinjide yesterday blamed the flood disaster in Ibadan on lack of sustainable city planning.

The minister spoke at opening ceremony of the Lead Pan-African conference on sustainable development in Abuja.

She said a critical look at the factors that led to flooding in most communities, especially the cities, had shown a failure of the authorities to put sustainable plans in place.

“The flood disaster that claimed hundreds of lives and properties in Ibadan in the Southwest of the country is no doubt as a result of failure to plan sustainable cities,” she said.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

NEWS

N6.18b Abacha loot recovered Continued from page 1

•President Goodluck Jonathan greeting the chairman of Floor Mills of Nigeria Plc, Mr. George Coumantaros. Standing behind the President is a non-executive director of the company, Mr Atedo Peterside at the State House in Abuja ... yesterday.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

leading to the repatriation of the £22.5m.

“An agreement was signed with Adoke’s team and the loot has been repatriated to the Federal Government’s treasury.”

The source, however, added that in the process of repatriation of the N6.18billion, $400million was uncovered.

The source added: “Again, the AG of the Island of Jersey has offered to cooperate with the Federal Government to repatriate the $400million.

“We will soon start negotiation with the government of Island of Jersey.”

The Abacha family is said

Anger, tears as 11 are killed in Jos attacks Continued from page 1

gunmen who arrived in the village in three Vectra cars.

A resident, Talatu, who claimed to have watched the assault from a nearby bush, said the gunmen parked their cars across the road, walked into the village and set two houses on fire before shooting everyone on sight.

The arrival of the gunmen, Jalatu told reporters, was followed by that of some other people in Hilux pickup vans.

The last set of invaders stood by the Vectra vehicle while using torches to communicate with the first group,

she said.

Residents were in tears yesterday.

Jos North Local Government Area chairman Timothy Buba condemned the attack as “barbaric” and said it was obvious, going by the accounts of the incident given by villagers, that it was affected with the connivance of some military men.

He asked for the withdrawal of soldiers from the area.

Commissioner for Information and Communication Yiljap Abraham, who led a government delegation to the villages, broke down in tears,

saying Plateau is under siege by external aggressors.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Pam Ayuba, in a statement on the Babuak village attack, said: “By 9 pm on Sunday night, a 70-year-old woman, her 74 –year-old husband, Chukwe, alongside their grandchildren, Philip and Titan, were shot dead in their home.”

In Farin Lamba, 10 members of the village were injured as a result of the attack.

The House of Assembly remains on recess. It is scheduled to resume next month.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Diket Plant, told reporters that lawmakers would call off their recess “when necessary”.

“For now, we believe that the security agencies are on ground to handle the situation,” he said.

Asked if the continuing loss of lives was not enough reason for them to suspend the recess, he said: “The House will take a look of situation and will respond when necessary.”

On calls for emergency rule in the state, Plang said: “No comment”.

to be panicky over the government’s fresh moves.

It was gathered that the family was shocked by the return of the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi OkonjoIweala.

A source said: “Some members of the family have not been comfortable since the return of Mrs Okonjo-Iweala, who facilitated the repatriation of over $600m stashed away by the family in Switzerland.

“As if to underscore her determination to repatriate more looted funds, OkonjoIweala even wrote a letter of commendation to AGF Adoke to encourage him to help relocate more of Abacha loot in other parts of the world.

“Some members of the Abacha family have been meeting with some government officials to prevail on the government for reprieve.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the National Seminar on Economic Crimes, held at the EFCC Training School in Abuja yesterday, the AGF alluded to the recovery of the looted fund, but did not give details.

He said: “Only recently, we negotiated the recovery and repatriation of the sum of £22.5m from the Island of Jersey, being the proceeds of money laundered from Nigeria.

“I wish to seize this opportunity to commend the Attorney-General of Jersey for the support and co-operation we received and urge other jurisdictions to also extend to us the much-needed cooperation to enable us repatriate stolen assets within their jurisdictions.”

Adoke said: “We also intend to vigorously pursue stolen assets and the confiscation of other instrumentalities of crime within the country by strengthening our confiscatory and forfeiture laws.

“In this regard, we have commenced work on a comprehensive Assets Forfeiture legislation that will address the present inadequacies in our various laws.

“The Nigerian Proceeds of Crime Act and Bribery Act are also in the pipeline. What these legislative interventions portend for Nigeria is that we are actively responding to global initiatives to make corruption a high-risk venture that is ultimately not rewarding.

“Other notable initiatives that we have embarked upon at the Federal Ministry of Justice is the drafting of Regulations to give effect to the Terrorism (Prohibition) Act 2011 to aid the effective prevention and prosecution of terror-related acts and the Regulations to give effect to the Freedom of Information Act 2011.”

Buhari kicks as Salami’s successor names panels Continued from page 1

than three months to deliver judgment in the petition. The law allows the petition to be heard within six months. The panel headed by Justice Salami started sitting in May, barely one month after the election.

At its last sitting on August 29 under Justice Garuba’s leadership, the Tribunal reserved ruling in an application filed by the CPC. Gen. Buhari asked the Tribunal to declare him the winner of the election by default.

The Tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow CPC access to some sensitive electoral materials.

Following alleged refusal of the commission to comply with the order, the petitioner filed an application asking the tribunal to enter judgment in its favour.

It alleged that Jonathan and the PDP were conniving with the INEC to frustrate its petition.

The INEC, having violated the order of the tribunal, counsel to CPC, Oladipo Okpeseyi (SAN) asked the panel to enter judgment in its favour.

The motion was brought pursuant to paragraphs 18(11) of the first schedule of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, section 149 (d) of the Evidence Act and under the inherent powers of the honourable tribunal.

But INEC argued that allowing the petitioner access to the data base is a threat to national security.

Counsel to Jonathan Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN) opposed the application stating that granting CPC access to DDC machines will compromise

POSTING OF APPEAL COURT JUSTICES SEPTEMBER 2011 Abuja(headquarters) Justice Dalhatu Adamu (Ag. President) Lagos Division Justice K. B. Akaahs Justice O. Ariwoola Justice H. M. Ogunwumiju Justice A. Gana Mshelia Justice 1. M. M. Saulawa Justice John 1. Okoro Justice S. D. Bage Justice Rita N. Pemu Kaduna Division Justice Amina A. Augie Justice Jafaru Mika’ilu Justice Abdu Aboki Justice T. N. Orji Abadua Ibadan Division Justice S. S. Alagoa Justice M. Fasanmi Justice J. S. Ikyegh Justice Mohammed A. Danjuma Enugu Division Justice A. Jega Abdulkadir Justice O. Lokulo-sodipe Justice Adamu Jauro Justice S. C. Oseji the privacy of voters.

Buhari last night said the disbandment of the tribunals and setting up of a new panel has crippled the hallowed chamber of justice.

He said the move to subvert the due process and undermine the litigation process is in bad faith, warning that democracy is in danger in Nigeria.

Buhari, who spoke through his spokesman Mr. Yinka Odumakin, said the disbandment has created a hollow in the relationship of trust between voters and courts. He said the power-loaded executive arm of government has swallowed the judiciary,

Benin Division Justice R. C. Agbo Justice G. O. Shoremi Justice O. F. Omoleye Justice C. E. Nwosu-iheme Jos Division Justice C. B. Ogunbiyi Justice J. H. Sankey Justice M. A. Oredola Justice P. M. Ekpe Port-Harcourt Division Justice M. D. Muhammad Justice I. Thoivlas Justice P. A. Galinje Justice T. O. A\/I/Otoye Abuja Division Justice Z. A. Bulkachuwa Justice J. O. Bada Justice Hussein Mukhtar Justice Ejembi Eko Justice R. O. Nwodo Calabar Division Justice M. L. Garba Justice Uzo 1. Ndukwe-anyanwu Justice Joseph T. Tur Justice 1. O. Akeju Ilorin Division Justice Tijjani Abdullahi

which has now become a wounded arbiter.

He said the rearrangement may have been induced by the Presidency to pervert justice in the on-going presidential litigation.

Odumakin said: “If the President, who accepted the illegal removal of the President of the Court of Appeal; an action that was condemned by the whole world; now looks on as they are changing the entire panel, it shows lack of tact and flight of integrity from the system.

What is happening underscores the fact that there was no free and fair election.

Those who said there was

Justice I. I. Agube Justice C. C. Nweze Justice Obande F. Ogbuinya Owerri Division Justice U. Musa Abba-aji Justice M. A. Owoade Justice Haruna M. Tsammani Sokoto Division Justice Amiru Sanusi Justice A. D. Yahaya Justice A. Alkali Abba Yola Division Justice M. Dongban-mensem Justice A. O. Belgore Justice 1. G. Mbaba Ekiti Division Justice S Denton-west Justice C. N. Uwa Justice Tom S. Yakubu Akure Division Justice K. M. O. Kekere-Ekun Justice C. E. Iyizoba Justice M. A. A. Adumein Makurdi Division Justice M. L. Tsamiya Justice A. A. B. Gumel Justice U. Onyemenam

free and fair election should bury their heads in shame.

“It is no more a secret agenda, but an open agenda to swallow the judiciary. It is a gross violation of due process induced by those in power,” he said.

But the PDP faulted claims by the CPC that the posting of members of the panel was targeted at frustrating the CPC’s presidential election petition.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Professor Ahmed Alkali, described the CPC’s outburst as “dangerous schemes to surreptitiously influence judicial decisions.” He questioned the

right of the CPC to choose those to preside over its petition.

“Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in which the party publicly criticised the Court of Appeal over the postings of members of the Presidential Elections Tribunal” “We find it worrisome that some political parties are actively involved in dangerous schemes to surreptitiously influence judicial decisions.

“We wonder when it has become the norm for interested parties in a dispute to choose those to preside over

•Gen. Buhari

cases involving them. It is even more curious to find the CPC attempting to deny the judiciary the right to assign its own officers to any duty post they deem fit.

“Again, we wonder when the CPC suddenly regained its faith in the judiciary having openly declared through its presidential candidate its loss of faith in the judicial process.

“We urge the CPC and other interlopers to allow the judiciary discharge its duties to the Nigerian people and refrain from dragging the hallowed institution into dirty politics”, Alkali said.

CORRECTION The headline of our story on Page 10 yesterday should have read Monarch kidnapped in Bayelsa.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

7

NEWS

Wikileaks: Jonathan ‘sectional, easily swayed,’says ex Army chief A

WIKILEAKS cable on Nigeria written in the days following the return from Saudi Arabia of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2010 , shows that the then Chief of Army Staff, Gen Abdulraham Bello Dambazzau, considered President Goodluck Jonathan at that time to be the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

But Dambazau was uncomfortable that the then vice president was becoming sectional and too easily influenced by others. He also felt that many Northerners considered Jonathan’s major weakness to be his relationship with former President Olusegun Olusegun.

At a February 24, 2010 meeting between Dambazzau and the American ambassador, Robin Sanders in Abuja, Dambazzau reportedly told Ms. Sanders that Obasanjo was “in and out of Aguda House, Jonathan’s residence, several times a day now, and it is making people uncomfortable, particularly in the North.”

He asked the ambassador to tell Jonathan to be “his own man,” which she did in another cable.

On the tension that enveloped the country in the days following Yar’Adua’s return to Nigeria,

Dambazzau explained to Ms. Sanders that the “Katsina group” around Yar’Adua had “caged” him off even before his departure to Saudi Arabia, as a result of which some Nigerians no longer saw him as a national figure.

He told the ambassador that, unfortunately, Jonathan was beginning to exhibit the same tendencies, with the people around him behaving the same way as the Katsina clique, and Jonathan dispensing patronage to people from the Southsouth.

Wrote the ambassador: “He

(Dambazau) gave the example of the recent transfer of N19 billion of GON (government) funds to a Niger Delta environmental project that was done at the end of a meeting that Jonathan had with a group from his region. Dambazau said this was done outside of the normal Cabinet decision-making process.”

The Dambazzau cable is yet another of the many that throw light on how key Nigeria government functionaries routinely empty government’s deepest secrets on the laps of the American ambassador.

Lagos tribunal upholds Senator Tinubu’s election

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HE Legislative Election Petition Tribunal in Lagos has upheld the election of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate for the Lagos Central Senatorial District, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu.

In two separate rulings read yesterday by its Chairman, Justice Maurice Eneji, the tribunal dismissed petitions filed by Labour Party and its candidate Mr. Oladapo Durosinmi-Etti. It held that both petitions were incompetent.

The court upheld arguments canvassed by Senator Tinubu’s lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN).

It was on a motion on notice brought pursuant to paragraphs 18 and 47 of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

The tribunal held that Labour Party and its candidate (DurosinmiEtti) failed to comply with paragraphs 18 (1), (2) and (4) of the Electoral Act, which state that application for pre-hearing notice shall be by motion and not through letter to the tribunal.

It further held that the petitioners merely wrote a letter to the Secre-

By Eric Ikhilae

tary to the tribunal in applying for pre-hearing session, adding that the petitioners’ letter was of no consequence as it failed to comply with the provision of the Electoral Act. On whether the ACN and its candidate could challenge the competence of the pre-hearing notice having participated in the pre-hearing session, the tribunal held that the issue in dispute goes to the jurisdiction of the petition and that the respondents could file an objection at any stage of the proceedings.

It held that no matter how well conducted, once a tribunal lacks jurisdiction to entertain a petition having not properly conducted a prehearing session in an election petition, all that would have been done would amount to a nullity.

“Paragraph 18 (1) of the first schedule of the Electoral Act states that within seven days after the filing and service of the petitioner’s reply on the respondent or seven days after the filing and service of the respondent’s reply, the petitioner shall apply for the issuance for pre-hearing notice as in Form TF008.

“Paragraph 18 (2) states that upon application by a petitioner under sub-paragraph (1) of this paragraph, the tribunal or court shall issue to the parties or their legal practitioner (if any), a pre-hearing conference notice as in Form TF008.

The tribunal held that application for pre-hearing notice in legal parlance did not mean a letter written to the court, but an application by way of a motion either ex parte or on notice.

Olanipekun had urged the tribunal to dismiss the petitions filed by Labour Party and Durosinmi- Etti on the grounds that the petitioners failed to apply for the conduct of prehearing session as required under the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

He argued that the pre-hearing notices issued in the two petitions were incompetent and that the time within which the petitioners may apply for a pre-hearing session had lapsed.

Olanipekun contended that the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate on the petitions.

They had challenged the announcement of Mrs Tinubu as the winner of the election by the Inde-

•Senator Tinubu

pendent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They complained about the non appearance of the party’s logo on the ballot papers and urged the tribunal to annul the election and order a re-run.

ECOWAS court urged to reinstate Salami

By Sunday Omoniyi

T

HE Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a suit against the Federal Government at the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, over “unlawful suspension of Justice Ayo Salami as Court of Appeal President (PCA) by President Goodluck Jonathan.”

An earlier one filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja was withdrawn by the group before heading to ECOWAS Court.

The suit was filed on September 1 on behalf of the organisation by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni.

It was brought pursuant to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance; the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights; the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

SERAP is alleging violation of “the internationally recognised human rights to due process of law; to access to justice and judicial independence; to the rule of law and good governance; to a fair hearing, and to an effective remedy in the suspension of Honourable Justice Ayo Salami, as President Court of Appeal (PCA) by the Defendant while his case is pending in court.”

SERAP also contends that “the Defendant’s action violates the provisions of Section 292 (1) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires that any exercise of power to suspend the President of the Court of Appeal should be supported by twothirds majority of the Senate. This requirement was not fulfilled in this case.

“Unless the reliefs sought herein are granted, the Defendant will continue to be in breach of the Nigerian Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations and commitment”, SERAP said.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

At symposium, artistes, others unite for Essien-Igbokwe

A

S part of the week-long activities lined up for the burial of the music icon, members of the entertainment industry yesterday gathered at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos Mainland for the first Christy Essien-Igbokwe Memorial symposium.

Speaking on: ‘The Artiste in the Socio-Political Development of a Nation,’ Christy’s colleague and friend, Onyeka Onwenu said the entertainment industry owes the deceased a debt of gratitude.

“She went around doing good without letting us know the details of what she was doing. When she died, people were shocked that she was not immensely wealthy because most of her fights were done on behalf of others. She used her contacts in government to help other people and not necessarily herself,” Onwenu said of her.

“There are those who make a lot of money for themselves and they are willing to just live like that.

There are others, and to this group Christy Essien-Igbokwe belongs, who use everything that God has given them to make a mark, to change the society, to affect their environment positively. Those are extraordinary artistes,” she added.

One time presidential adviser, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa described the late Mrs Essien-Igbokwe as an authentic ambassador of Nigeria. “To say that Christy Essien was a great artiste in her lifetime would be stating the obvious.

However, what stood her out was not so much her artistic anteced-

• Akwa-Ibom State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Mrs. Eunice Samuel Thomas (left), Prof. Akunyili, Senator Ita-Giwa, Mrs Onwenu and Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa... yesterday

By Ovwe Medeme

ences and expertise, but her humanity, her compassion and her cheerful candour. Christy was a people person who positively affected the lives of those around her,” Senator Ita-Giwa said.

Chaired by Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi, the symposium was attended by the big names in the entertainment industry as well as the political scene including a member of the House of Representatives Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, one time Minister of Information and Communication Prof Dora Akunyili, Nollywood actor Patrick Doyle, actress Clarion Chukwurah and veteran journalist, Tunde Thompson among others.

• Chief Gbadamosi (left), Mr. Thompson and Martin Adeji, Aritistic Director/CEO National Troupe also at the PHOTOS: RAHMAN SANUSI occasion

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

8

NEWS Relief as Ibadan community gets temporary bridge RELIEF on Monday came the way of residents of Apete, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

A temporary bridge linking them with the rest of the city was opened by the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

The residents had been cut off from the rest of the city when the bridge was swept away by the August 26 flood, which claimed many lives and property.

The governor told reporters after inspecting the bridge that he was satisfied with the job by CCECC Nigeria Limited.

He said the government would find solution to the flood problem in the area by building a “rugged bridge” that would last for a long time.

Besides the bridge, Ajimobi said dredging and embankment would also be done to ensure free flow of the river.

The Deputy Managing Director of CCECC Nigeria Limited, Shi Hong Bing, told the governor that large quantity of sand and other materials were used to build the bridge.

He said the job was done within four days.

The contractor said the bridge would serve the residents pending the construction of a permanent one by his firm.

Some of the residents of Apete and Awotan areas, largely populated by workers and students of the University of Ibadan (UI) and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, hailed the government for promptly constructing the bridge.

The residents include Alhaji Rasheed Osuolale Mogbe, Mrs. Muibat Muibi and Mr. Joseph Ogunyale.

OPC, police trade words over death of members in Oyo From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

THE dust is yet to settle on the clash between the police and members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) in which a policeman and a member of the group died on Saturday.

Both groups have blamed each other for the killing.

While the OPC, through its Oyo State Coordinator, Chief Adeola Adeagbo, claimed yesterday that the policemen, who came for the arrest, shot its member in the head for resisting arrest, the police described the claim as a mere defence.

The police said over 40 members of the group attacked two of their men that went to invite them for interrogation, leading to the death of a corporal.

Police spokesman Femi Okanlawon said 59 persons have been arrested in connection with the killing.

Okanlawon said the suspects have been transferred to the state headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Ibadan.

According to him, the suspects have been reduced to 16 as those who were found to have nothing to do with the case have been released.

He said investigation would continue on the 59 suspects.

‘Our security taken over by agents of destabilisation’ L

EADER of the Shiite Islamic group, Sheikh Ibrahim ElZakzaky, yesterday said the nation’s security has been hijacked by those working for Nigeria’s break-up.

He said such persons are responsible for the spate of insecurity in parts of the country.

El-Zakzaky told reporters at a Sallah feast he hosted in Zaria, Kaduna State, that foreign agents, who are bent on seeing to the breakup of the country, have developed deep roots in the nation’s security system and working hard to turn the country into another Somalia because of the nation’s wealth.

The radical Islamic scholar noted that the Boko Haram menace is part of an agenda to occupy the country by foreign elements.

He lamented that Nigerians seemed to be “more interested in themselves, making them easier to be used as agents by those who are interested in our resources”.

•Cleric: we’ll defeat our enemies through unity From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

El-Zakzaky said: “We know that they have said this century and the past century are the centuries of Africa. There is going to be the second scramble for Africa. So, the world East and West - have their eyes on Africa because the resources needed for the development of these worlds are in Africa, particularly in Nigeria.

“For this reason, all these nations have their eyes here.

Unfortunately, we don’t have what I might call viable ideas controlling us. Rather, we have individual egos for selfcomfort. This will make them easy preys and agents that will be used to tap our resources.

“The problem is that someone has a programme to turn us into Somalia… On the other hand, we are a people that are not mindful of what might come our way. But they are only thinking of individual selves. However, it is time we thought of the nation, of the

future of the nation. I am not giving the solution; I am asking you to think.

“Boko Haram is part of the whole idea of occupying this country. Perhaps that thing you have mentioned is a division within the Nigerian security, not known in the society. It is only an operation within the security and, perhaps, it is also part of the gimmick for those who wish to occupy this country.

“Who is causing the insecurity? Is it not the same government? The security operators have a wing which causes insecurity. So, they are the facilitators of this, and I believe that they are working for those who are interested in occupying this country. The occupation of this country is in the agenda of the outside society.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Affairs (Christian Matters) Rev. Joseph Hayab said Nigerians must work together to puncture any

negative agenda by other countries against the country.

He noted that the problem facing the country was selfinflicted.

Hayab said: “If it is an agenda from the outside world, then we will puncture the agenda. Or, we will actually stop the agenda. The trouble we are having is our self-inflicted problem because we have refused to recognise and appreciate that God created us the same and we must live together as brothers and sisters. We must live together as the people of the same country.

“If we live as one and anybody comes to intrude, he cannot find a ground because of the bond of unity that exists among us. But when we continue to live in divisions; when we continue to live as if we were enemies of one another; then it gives room for an enemy to quickly penetrate.”

NDLEA intercepts N41m cocaine from Brazil

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

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HAIRMAN/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ahmadu Giade has said the agency would tackle the usual increase in drug trafficking during the end of the year.

He spoke in Lagos on the agency’s preparedness to tackle drug trafficking at international airports, sea ports and border posts following the arrest of a suspected drug baron at the weekend.

The suspect was apprehended with 5.850kilogrammes of high grade cocaine with an estimated street value of about N41 million.

The suspect, Oledibe Charles Chiagozie, 37, was caught at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, on his way from Brazil.

He allegedly concealed the drug in his luggage.

Lagos ACN screens 487 chairmanship aspirants

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

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•From left: Chief Martins Onovo; Comrade Wale Adeoye, representing Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi; and Comrade Tunde Agunbiade, Chairman, National Conscience Party (NCP), Lagos, during Gani Fawehinmi Annual Memorial Committee (GAFAMCO) second annual memorial lecture in Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

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Tribunal grants Kwara ACN’s prayers

HE Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday granted the prayers of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) abridging the seven days requested by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to file a motion against use of forensic analysis.

The PDP had prayed the tribunal to grant it seven days to present the motion rejecting the presentation of the forensic results.

The ACN urged the tribunal to abridge the time to three days because of the limited time the court has.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Tribunal Chairman Justice Ngozi Emehelu granted the request.

The ACN wanted to call its expert witnesses to present the outcome of the forensic analysis at the hearing on Monday when PDP raised its objections.

The tribunal had in June granted the ACN leave to inspect, scan, make copies and do forensic analysis of the electoral materials purportedly used in the April 26 governorship poll.

PDP had also got a similar order of the tribunal to inspect, scan and do forensic analysis

of the materials.

The ACN is alleging massive fraud in the poll, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared in favour of the PDP. The party is also challenging alleged gross misapplication of ballot papers, inflation of results in PDP’s favour, multiple thumb-printing, thuggery and violence, and the lack of accreditation of voters in several polling units, among others.

Insisting that he won the highest number of lawful votes, ACN governorship candidate Mohammed Dele

Belgore (SAN) is praying the tribunal to nullify the results in some local government areas, wards and polling units, where malpractices were perpetrated, and to declare him the duly elected governor of Kwara State.

Justice Emehelu ruled that the PDP should file the motion within three days, as argued by ACN counsel, while the ACN has one day to file its reply to the motion.

The tribunal adjourned sitting till Thursday when the PDP is expected to file its response (the motion) to the forensic result and why it is objecting to its presentation.

HE Lagos State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday began the final screening of 487 chairmanship aspirants in the 57 councils spread across the three senatorial districts.

The exercise began amid the struggle for the control of the councils by the two dominant caucuses - Justice Forum and Mandate Group - in the next dispensation.

Observers have predicted a fierce battle at the primaries, especially in local governments where outgoing chairmen are not seeking re-election.

The screening followed the inauguration of a panel headed by the party’s chairman, Otunba Dele Ajomale, who advised the aspirants to abide by the rules of the exercise.

Party leaders from the five divisions of the state witnessed the ceremony, which the chairman described as the beginning of the councillorship and chairmanship race.

The panel is chaired by Prof. Dapo Aderibigbe of the Obafemi Awolowo University OAU), Ile Ife. Other members are: former Information and Strategy Commissioner, Dele Alake; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Bola Badmus-Olujobi; Deputy Registrar of Lagos State Polytechnic, Lanre Kuye; Captain Lisk Keru, a party leader from Lagos Island; Ademola Sodiq, a lawyer; and Alhaja Sade Agbalajobi, the younger sister of the late scholar and politician, Prof. Femi Agbalajobi.

Five injured as hoodlums attack PDP office in Oyo

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IVE persons, including a receptionist, were yesterday injured at the Oyo State secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), when hoodlums attacked the office, damaging property.

PDP state Secretary, Bashiru Akanbi, addressed reporters on the attack, saying it was unwarranted and unprovoked.

He fingered the Vice-Chairman of the state Muslim Pil-

•PDP, ACN trade words From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

grims Welfare Board, Abass Oloko, and a former member of the fifth House of Assembly, Muhammad Inakoju, among those who allegedly led the thugs to the secretariat.

The spokesman of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Matthew Oyedokun, lamented the attack, saying ACN was not aware of

it.

Oyedokun said the attack was unwarranted and uncalled for.

Police Commissioner Moses Onireti, who confirmed the incident, told reporters on phone that his command is searching for the leaders of the attack.

The PDP chieftain said the incessant harassment of the party’s members was in the 33 local government areas.

The party chairman in Oluyole Local Government Area, Emmanuel Akinlade, is still lying critically ill at a private hospital in the city.

According to him, the Monday attackers, who were on their way from the tribunal, came in about 22 buses and were armed with cutlasses and guns and other dangerous weapons when they stormed the party office.

Akinlade accused some

ACN members of invading the PDP office “at about 10.30am, when the tribunal adjourned its hearing”.

But Oyedokun said: “We did not send anybody. We are surprised that some people could choose to attack the PDP office when we are still in a mourning mood over the flood disaster which claimed several lives. There is no cause for it and we advise the militant ACN supporters to sheathe their swords.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

9

NEWS

Jonathan to meet IBB, Gowon, others over security

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HE President has summoned a meeting of the Council of State for today, The Nation learnt yesterday.

Top on the agenda is the spate of bombings that has worsened the security situation in the land. The meeting is to suggest how to end the state of insecurity.

Confidential briefings by top security chiefs are likely to feature at the talks.

A Presidency source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The only matter being placed before the Council by the President is the security issue, in the light of recent developments in the country.

“Council members will be briefed on recent bombings in the country, the security reports available to the President and Jonathan’s Action Plan.

“One of the steps being

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

proposed by the President is to put an end to the stickand-carrot approach. He wants to be decisive before Nigeria is under siege of hoodlums and terrorists.

“The President also wants to seek the permission of the Council to deal decisively with the sponsors of these bombings, who are gradually being uncovered by security agencies.

“Of course, he will seek the input of the Council members, especially those with intelligence and military background on how to address security threats in the country.”

Section 153 and Section 5 of the Third Schedule Part 1 to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empower the President to consult the Council of State on crucial

security matters, like the terrorist attacks in some parts of the country.

Section 5 of the Third Schedule Part 1 to the 1999 Constitution(as amended) says: “The Council of State shall comprise the following persons: (a) the President, who shall be the Chairman; (b)the Vice-President, who shall be the Deputy Chairman; (c) all former Presidents of the Federation and (d)all former Heads of the Government of the Federation; all former Chief Justices of Nigeria(e) the President of the Senate; (f) the Speaker of the House of Representatives; (g) all the Governors of the states of the Federation; and (h) the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Among other functions, the Constitution adds: “The Council shall have power to advise the President when-

Amosun’s panel to probe Dipo Dina, others’ killings From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

T

•Jonathan

ever requested to do so on the maintenance of public order within the Federation or any part thereof and on such other matters as the President may direct.”

Some former Heads of State being expected at the meeting are Dr. Yakubu Gowon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan, and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.

NUJ shuts LTV, Radio Lagos

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HE Lagos State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) yesterday shutdown Lagos Television (LTV) 8 and Eko FM, as they began a three-day warning strike.

They are protesting their exclusion from enjoying the N18,700 minimum wage by the State Government.

As early as 7am, NUJ officials shut the gate of both stations at Agidingbi, Ikeja, while staff of the stations, mostly journalists picketed the offices, bearing placards and singing solidarity songs.

Some of the placards had

By Miriam Ndikanwu

inscriptions such as, “Enough of cheating,” “Civil servants and public servants are the same,” “We are no slaves,” among others.

Acting NUJ State Chairman Deji Elumoye, who led the workers, said the government has not treated them fairly.

Elumoye said: “We met with the Head of Service, Adesegun Ogunlewe, and the government team for about two hours, but nothing came out of it, so our members decided that the warning strike must continue.

“Before the incumbent

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Aderemi Ibirogba, was appointed, we held several meetings with his predecessor, Opeyemi Bamidele, and since government is continuum, we believe he should take over from where Opeyemi stopped.

“On July 10, they agreed to pay us the new minimum wage between July and August, but they failed to honour their promise. At this morning’s meeting, they asked us to give them another 20 days to pay up, but the congress disagreed.”

Ibirogba; Ogunlewe; the Permanent Secretary of Eko FM, Mrs. Tinu Badejo and her LTV8 counterpart Lekan

‘Ensure democratic federalism’

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OVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola yesterday praised the efforts of the founding fathers of osun State.

He spoke at the 20th Anniversary Lecture of the state, held at the Centre for Black Culture International Understanding in Osogbo, the state capital.

Aregbesola, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, said: “We salute the men and women of honor who insisted in 1980 that Osun State must be created. We acknowledge the pivotal contributions of all our royal fathers and political elite.”

A Professor of Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania, United States, John Adebunmi Ayoade, in a lecture entitled: “Democratic Federalism: Alchemy for a just Nigerian order,” urged President Goodluck Jonathan to engender true federalism that would restore freedom to Nigerians and guarantee the integrity of states.

He said: “There are as many brands of federalism as there are federations, but each federation must select its own type based on what serves the people best.

“Federations range on a continuum between the extremes of strong federations to weak federations. Strong and weak do not refer to

‘There are as many brands of federalism as there are federations, but each federation must select its own type based on what serves the people best.’

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

strength of the countries, but to the relative distribution of power and control of the federal government and the constituent states.

“Thus a strong federation is taken to mean a strong federal government viz a viz the federating units, while a weak federation refers to strong federating states viz a viz the federal government.

“To a large extent, therefore, federations are configured and classified by the relationships of powers between the composite and the component governments.

“The infinity of permutations and combinations in the assignment of powers between both, as well as the history and socio-political imperatives of the countries, make uniform federal solutions impossible.”

Prof. Ayoade condemned the amendment of the 1999

Constitution and recommended a reform of the National Assembly.

He said the Constitution should be made to restore freedom to Nigerians and guarantee the integrity of states.

Prof. Ayoade condemned the stipulation of a uniform salary scale for workers.

He said: “The Federal Government should allow each state deal with issues of salaries according to the levels of productivity and ability to pay.”

Prof. Ayoade suggested that each state should assume responsibility for the collection of VAT in its area of authority, adding that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation should be split into two.

He said: “The Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice should be split into two: Attorney General which is a career post and Minister of Justice which is political.

“The geopolitical zones should be given constitutional status as the second tier of government to facilitate regional development. States should be able to assign powers within their zone as they deem fit.

This will reduce the negative effects of balkanisation and facilitate horizontal intergovernmental relations.”

Ogunbanwo urged the workers to call off the strike.

Ibirogba said: “It would only take 10 days for the papers to move round the necessary offices and they would be paid. We are appealing to them to understand with us because we are going to pay them on or before the end of the month.”

HE Ogun State Government has set up a Truth Commission to unravel the mysteries behind the unsolved killings of prominent indigenes, such as Otunba Dipo Dina; Mr. Age Animashaun; Dele Arojo and 65 supporters of Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Amosun announced this yesterday at the celebration of his 100 days in office. He said: “You will recall that during the campaigns, we promised that we would not allow the plight of our compatriots, who lost their lives, property or were brutalised, to pass away without appropriate measures to seek redress or at least, investigate what happened.”

The five-man commission will be headed by ex-Supreme Court Justice Pius Aderemi. Members are ex-Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdulahi Mustapha (rtd); former Justice of Lagos Dolapo Akinsanya; Lagos lawyer Bamidele Aturu and a nominee of the state’s branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Tunji Onabawo.

In his speech, entitled: “Ogun: The Rebuilding Mission Continues,” Amosun said he has received President Goodluck Jonathan’s approval to institute a Joint Military/ Police Task Force to police the state.

He said: “We are determined to ensure that hoodlums do not find our state a comfortable base. We have restored an atmosphere of peace in which the government and its functionaries now freely relate with the people. This has defused tension.”

Amosun said there was need to overhaul the education system and panels would soon be set up to assess stateowned tertiary institutions.

He said: “The government will set up visitation/fact finding panels for our higher institutions. The panels will ascertain the true situation of things and make appropriate recommendations on the way forward.”

On healthcare delivery and housing, the governor said: “We have begun the rehabilitation of 50 Primary Health Centres across the 20 local governments. New equipment will also be provided in these centres.

“Our promise to provide affordable housing for the people is gradually taking off. As part of our Rural and Urban Renewal Scheme, we have begun rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads across the state.”

Amosun said the renovation of 100 schools was ongoing and the government spent N271,648,750 on West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) examination fees for indigent students last May.

10

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

NEWS 400 sanitation defaulters prosecuted From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

NO fewer than 400 persons will be prosecuted by Anambra State Government following their inability to pay sanitation levies.

Commissioner for Environment, Mike Egbobike, spoke yesterday.

He said the state took the measure to serve as deterrent to others and urged the people to pay sanitation levies for effective management of wastes.

The commissioner warned that street traders in the state would be prosecuted and urged those who engage in street trading to desist from such act.

Egbobike said the erring traders were responsible for the silting up of drains and gutters in some parts of the state.

He said: “Street trading remains banned in the state.

Anybody caught doing that will be prosecuted.

Labour’s ultimatum in bad faith, says Elechi

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BONYI State Governor Martin Elechi has said the seven- day ultimatum given by the Ebonyi State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to the state government to implement the N18,000 minimum wage was done by some black sheep in the union.

Addressing a news conference in Abakiliki on the lingering minimum wage crisis, Elechi condemned the misrepresentation of facts in the communiqué issued last week

by Organised Labour.

He said: “There is no basis for the issuance of a seven-

•Labour: We won’t accept your chart From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakiliki

day ultimatum by Labour for the government to implement the minimum wage, because the communiqué issued was done by the black sheep in the union; it did not represent the correct situation in our relationship with Labour.

“We had a meeting with Labour which adjourned till last Friday and before that day, somebody was giving an ultimatum, what was the ba-

sis for it? It is only when you reach a stalemate that it becomes necessary to issue an ultimatum, there was no stalemate, the discussions were going on in stages and I believe the last meeting went on smoothly.”

Elechi said he did not envisage any strike action by the Organised Labour, adding that if Labour decides to embark on strike, it is its right.

The governor urged the Organised Labour to be reasonable,adding that the state government spends

over N2 billion annually to pay civil servants.

The NLC rejected the table issued by the state government for the implementation of the new minimum wage at the end of its executive meeting.

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) said shortly after the meeting that the state government simply increased the salaries of workers that are below N18, 000.

He said N1,000 was added to the salaries of those whose salaries were above N18, 000,

•Elechi

adding that the union opposed such arrangement.

Firm accuses NPA of breach of due process in contract award

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N aggrieved firm has accused the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and its consultants, Messrs AIM Consultants, of breaching due process in the award of the contract for the dredging of the Calabar Port.

This is the third controversial contract for the dredging the port. The previous attempts, which failed woeful-

ly, cost the nation several billions of Naira.

The late Gen Sani Abacha regime awarded the first contract in 1996 at N3 billion while the Chief Olesugun Obasanjo administration awarded the second in 2006 to two different dredging companies at $56 million.

The incessant failure of the contract for the dredging of

the 84-nautical mile Calabar Sea Port has been stalling the smooth take-off of the port in the past 20 years.

In its petition to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Jan De Nul Limited claimed that it submitted the lowest bid price for the contract and that the NPA has consistently refused to respond to its request for information regarding the contract.

The company alleged that NPA was considering offering the contract to companies that not only were previously disqualified but submitted the highest bids.

Jan de Nul also observed that NPA’s action smacks of corruption and pleaded with the bureau to address the anomaly.

BPP’s Director-General, Mr Emeka Ezeh, has already

referred the matter to the Transport Minister, demanding to know why NPA took such a decision without reference to the bureau.

He reminded the minister that a procurement of such magnitude ought to have passed through BPP for a certificate of “No Objection”, which will be issued after grievances raised by the contending parties had been addressed.

‘Body to be more effective’

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HE Police Assistance Committee (PAC) is re-strategising its operations to liase closely with the police and other security agencies to address security challenges in the country.

The PAC, which operates through information dissemination to security agencies in secrecy, had instructed its

grassroot members at the various communities nationwide to use e-mail and sms for easier communication process.

In a communiqué issued after a nationwide reorientation seminar organised by the group, its spokesman, Isaiah Richard, informed members that the disturbing

security situation in the country has made it imperative for all stakeholders on security matters to work closely in confront this menace.

The organisation re-emphasised its preparedness to keep assisting the police and other security agencies with information .

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

IFC partners Interswitch on $10.5m e-payments deal

By Okwy Iroegbu, Asst. Editor

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NTERNATIONAL Fi nance Corporation (IFC) announced yesterday an investment of $10.5 million in Interswitch Limited to help consumers in Nigeria and other parts of Africa gain improved, low-cost access to financial services.

IFC’s investment is part of an acquisition of Interswitch by a syndicate that includes Helios Investment Partners and Adlevo Capital Partners.

The investment will help Interswitch, a Nigerian electronic payments switching and processing company that allows shared and interoperable electronic payment services in Nigeria, grow its business in Africa.

The project will allow Interswitch to offer better access to easier forms of electronic payments and reduce cash in circulation, which has been a source of crime, fraud and corruption. It will also allow low-income consumers to access sophisticated financial services and products.

Managing Director of Interswitch Limited, Mitchell Elegbe, said of the deal: ”We value this partnership with IFC that will facilitate electronic payments services to a larger market in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.”

In his remarks, IFC Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, Solomon AdegbieQuaynor, said: “IFC is committed to development that extends access to financial services broadly in Nigeria. In partnership with Interswitch, IFC and its co-investors are supporting the government’s vision of a cashless society.

This co-investment with Helios and Adlevo enables our private equity partners to expand their portfolios through a company that will produce strong development impact.”

Nigeria is a true home of all African-Americans given the statistics, which indicate that one in every three black man on earth is a Nigerian. As your home, you should show more than a passing interest in the development of the country.

–Mrs Stella OduahOgiemwinyi, Minister of Aviation

Nigeria adds Chinese currency to external reserves T

HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) has finalised arrangements to diversify the country’s external reserves holdings by including the Chinese Renminbi (RMB) to the existing currency mix of United States Dollars (USD), the Euro (EUR) and the British Pound Sterling (GBP).

This came hours before the Governor of the CBN, Lamido Sanusi, said the bank would allow investments in Nigeria to be held in Chinese yuan, broadening the available currencies in the country beyond dollars, euro and sterling.

A statement from the apex bank signed by its Head of Corporate Affairs, Mohammed Abdullahi, said: “After due consultations with the Federal Government and other stakeholders in Nigeria, the CBN has gone ahead to engage the Chinese financial

• To allow investments in yuan From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

regulatory authorities to build strategic and mutually beneficial relationships with key Chinese financial institutions.”

He noted that given the growing economic importance of China in the world, and the increasing trade flows between the two countries, the CBN initiative is expected to secure a strategic advantage for Nigeria in its economic and trade relationship with the People’s Republic of China.

This move by the CBN to diversify the nation’s external reserves, according to the

statement, “is consistent with the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and has the full support of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

ITo strengthen collaboration between the monetary authorities of both countries, the CBN yesterday in Beijing, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) to foster greater cooperation in various areas of central banking.

Governor Zhou XiaoChuan, according to the statement, signed on behalf of the PBoC while Sanusi signed on behalf of the CBN. The signing ceremony was

witnessed by Alhaji Aminu Wali, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China and Mr Tunde Lemo, Deputy Governor (Operations) of the CBN. Meanwhile, Sanusi added that Nigeria would enter a swap arrangement with the People’s Bank of China to provide liquidity in its local unit.

“We have already allowed Nigerian companies who want to import from China to settle in Renminbi (yuan). The Chinese government has recently allowed Chinese companies to actually outflow investments in RMB (Renminbi), and we would allow investments to come in RMB,” Sanusi told CNBC news.

“We are trying to go into a swap arrangement with

Swiss bank lobby bids to reassure on asset seizure

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• From left: Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, Group Managing Director and CEO, FirstBank of Nigeria Plc, Bisi Onasanya and Keynote Speaker Prof Muhammad Yunus at FirstBank’s Impact Series International Conference, entitled: Micro-Financing as a tool For Poverty Eradication and Economic Growth in Nigeria, at Muson Centre, Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO:OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$109.7/barrel Cocoa - $2,856/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢78.07.pound Gold -$1,161/troy ounce Rubber - ¢146.37/pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N7.3 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -10.2% Treasury Bills -2.64% Normal lending -24% Prime lending -18% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -6.99% Time Deposit - 6% MPR -8% Foreign Reserve -$34.7bn FOREX CFA 0.281 • 213 £ 241.00 $ 150.7 ¥ 1.5652 SDR 240.3 RIYAL 39.3

the People’s Bank of China ... which will give us the stock of RMB which we can then sell for the settlement of transactions. The Chinese government is issuing bonds creating a yield curve and that is an opportunity for investment,” he added.

Sanusi said the CBN is diversifying its foreign-currency reserves and plans to hold between five per cent and 10 per cent in Chinese yuan.

Dollars and euro will remain an important part of the country’s $33 billion holdings, he said.

A downgrade of the US’s credit rating by Standard & Poor’s last month and financial turmoil in Europe “added urgency to start moving away at least some of the reserve from these currencies and start looking to the future,” Sanusi said.

Electricity service charges to go, says Commission

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HE Chairman, Nige ria Electricity Regula tory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, yesterday said the commission will soon remove the current service charges from the metering system.

Speaking to newsmen at an enlightenment forum for estates’developers and residents in Abuja, he noted that meter service and maintenance charges are component delivery charges, which are, however, backed by the Power Reform Act of 2005.

Amadi explained that it is in accordance with international best practice that consumers are supposed to pay for meters and transformers.

While unfolding how the charges would be in the long-run, the chairman said: “In the industry, all meters and transformers are sup-

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

posed to be paid for by the consumers. The implication is that, for example, if they want meters, each distribution company will bring the bill and we will approve them to embark on the investment. But when they make the investments, they are going to bring a tariff increase; that is the practice all over the world.We are not doing it only here.”

He explained that the task before the Federal Government and the commission is to ensure increased power generation.

According to him, the Minister of Power is intensifying efforts to ensure that demand for power is matched by supply in the next few years.

On the essence of the forum, Amadi stated that there had been series of com-

plaints from tenants of estate developers that the latter were charging them exorbitantly.

He noted that although the developers had licences to distribute and market powers, the law disallowed them from charging above the official tariff. He added that they were not permitted to sell electricity.

“We have got series of complaint from residents of estates, who felt they have been abused. In this industry, estate owners are not permitted to sell electricity,” said Amadi.

The chairman also said: “We expected that even as they distribute it, they don’t charge more than the allowed tariff. So, they install all kinds of meters and over bill residents. You wake up in the morning and ask for N7,000, N10,000 per month.”

Amadi claimed that the residents were worried because they felt they had been abused.

He stated that it was the responsibility of the commission to regulate the power sector and get rid of very arbitrary practice.

He said despite the power bestowed on NERC to discipline any violator, the commission would not wield the big stick until it had enlightened them. ”It is our duty to resolve these conflicts but after educating them, we will go ahead to penalise,” he added.

Without the education, said Amadi, there would be conflicting interests between the power producers and the consumers, and that if the regulatory agency is independent, it would be able to harmonise their differences.

HE Swiss Bankers As sociation is working with the government to give investors more legal certainty over asset seizure after some were alarmed by Swiss moves to freeze the accounts of ousted dictators, its head said yesterday. ”Switzerland has no interest whatsoever to have the wrong monies invested within its borders,” Swiss Bankers Association head Patrick Odier told a news conference. ”But Switzerland has all the interest in making sure that Middle East or any other type of investors will find in Switzerland the state of law that protects them before accusing them,” he said.

In March, wealth managers according to Reuters, said London is gaining in the battle for rich Middle Eastern families seeking shelter from political unrest at home, as its private banks and top end property sector tempt them away from Switzerland. ”Switzerland wants to continue to attract these important countries where wealth creation is at its most,” Odier said.

Keen to clean up its image as a haven for ill-gotten gains, Switzerland has in recent years frozen the assets of numerous deposed leaders including the former rulers and their entourages of Tunisia, Egypt and Ivory Coast.

In its annual report published on Monday, the Swiss Bankers Association said the government’s moves had resulted in a degree of legal uncertainty among investors and said better coordination and communication were needed.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

12

BUSINESS NEWS China may help transfer jobs to Africa

Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY

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HE World Bank is in “very early stage” talks on co-oper ating with China to promote the transfer of low-value manufacturing jobs from the nation to Africa, said Robert Zoellick, head of the Washington-based lender.

An expected end to the expansion of China’s labour force and the government’s push for domestic companies to move up the value chain could help shift jobs that would boost employment in subSaharan Africa and North Africa, Zoellick said at a briefing in Beijing yesterday at the end of a five-day visit.

China’s three-decade-old, onechild policy may accelerate declines in the workforce, forcing companies to upgrade to highervalue products. The pool of 15 to 24-year-olds, a mainstay for factories making cheap clothes, toys and electronics, will fall by almost 62 million people in the 15 years through 2025, according to United Nations projections.

There are about 85 million lowvalue manufacturing jobs in China compared with about eight million to 10 million in sub-Saharan and North Africa, Zoellick said. Transferring five million of those 85 million jobs would boost employment opportunities in the African regions by 50 per cent, he said.

Zoellick said he held discussions with Chinese vice-premiers, officials at the commerce ministry and provincial leaders on how to convince Chinese companies to shift jobs to Africa through methods such as the creation of industrial zones.

Winners emerge in Glo SIM registration campaign

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ELECOMMUNICATIONS gi ant, Globacom, has announced the first set of winners in its ongoing Glo SIM registration campaign.

The campaign, which commenced recently, was aimed at encouraging Glo subscribers to register their old and new SIM cards before the 28 September deadline given by the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), while earning fantastic rewards.

The winners according to a statement, comprise 17 lucky subscribers, who have registered their SIMs and are now winners of N1 million each in the daily draws of the promotion; a set of 10 lucky subscribers have won all-expenses paid trips to Dubai, 9 others who have won free trips to the UK to watch the home matches of English Premier League champions, Manchester United and 100 subscribers who have won N20, 000 worth of free airtime.

Speaking about the development, Globacom’s Group COO, Mohamed Jameel said the winners were picked from Glo subscribers who have complied with NCC regulations and promptly registered their SIMs. He, therefore, urged all Glo subscribers who are yet to register to do so promptly so that they can also benefit from the bumper rewards being given by Glo to its subscribers.

“We are committed to ensuring that all our subscribers are registered before the September 28 NCC deadline for SIM registration. We are also committed to the process of ensuring that our valued subscribers who register their SIMs stand a chance of winning prizes which include guaranteed free airtime, N1 million daily and free trips to Manchester and Dubai. The time to register is now as the benefits of registration are many on the Glo network”, he said.

• From left: Senior Advisor, Retail & Private Banking, Garry Marsh: a winner, Augustine Chima and Group Head, Products & Proposition, Angela Okonmah, at the presentation of cheques to winners of Diamond Bank Saving Xtra reward in Lagos ... at the weekend

Fed Character Commission promises equity in $1b sovereign fund

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HE Federal Character Commission is set to ensure that the $1billion Sovereign wealth Fund (SWF) is distributed equitably in the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The Chairman of the Commission Prof Shuaibu Oba Abdulraheem disclosed this at a briefing in Abuja yesterday.

He spoke at a national retreat on transformation of Nigeria, with the theme, Role of Federal Character Commission on Second Mandate.

He said every Nigerian has a right to share in the resources of the country.

He said the Fund, which took off with $1billion seed capital, will be funded mostly from excess oil revenues from the Federation Account, a great proportion of which will be devoted to infrastructural development and manpower capacity building.

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

“The FCC is the only agency of government constitutionally authorised, empowered and mandated not only to midwife the process but to also supervise its implementation, to ensure fairness and equity in project placement and distribution among the six geo-political zones.

“With this development, the FCC has decided to launch the commissions second mandate, to delay it much longer would be unfortunate, given its centripetal and catalytic role in promoting equity in the distribution of our collective national heritage, and thus engender a true sense of belonging among Nigerians.

“Every Nigeria has a right to share in the resources of our country, just like we all must collectively shoulder the responsibility

of her development and progress.

The effective management of the economy calls for the appreciation of the sensibilities and aspirations of the various groups in the country, and accept the dire need for a balance development and equitable access to socio economic opportunities,” he said.

The chairman maintained that nothing makes the launching of the second mandate more urgent than the recent signing into law of the Sovereign Wealth Fund by President Goodluck Jonathan. “By this single act of visionary leadership and statesmanship, the President has written his name indelibly into the history books, and will forever stand tall, among the pantheon of Nigerian national heroes. ‘’The launch of the second mandate will take place on September 5 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State,” he said.

Naira loses 41k at official market

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HE naira weakened to N152.81 to the dollar on the official market (Wholesale Dutch Auction System) yesterday, down from N152.40 to the dollar at Friday’s close.

The naira, which is exchanged at N148.18 at the beginning of this year, has lost N4.63 or 3.12 per cent of its value. It has also depreciated by N7.80 or 5.05 per cent at the black market, where it trades at N162 per dollar as against N154.20 to a dollar in January.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been using the foreign-currency reserves, which currently stands at $33billion to keep the naira within a 3 per cent band + or - N150 to a dollar

By Collins Nweze

at its WDAS. Demand at the official window stood at $541.23 million, more than the $400 million that was sold by the CBN at the auction. The regulator sold $600 million at the only auction last week.

“The market reacted to the supply shortage at the official window with some traders buying up dollars at the interbank to cover their positions,” one dealer said.

The naira eased against the United States dollar on the interbank market yesterday, as dollar supply from the CBN bi-weekly auction fell short of demand by forex end-users, traders

said. Consequently, the local currency weakened to N155.78 to the dollar on the interbank market yesterday, down from N154.77 to the dollar at Friday’s close.

Traders said Chevron sold $5 million to some lenders, but not enough to provide support for the naira. “We are expecting that Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation will sell about $500 million in the week to some lenders, which could provide some support for the naira,” another dealer said.

Traders said naira should hover around the present level until additional inflows from energy majors come in, and depending on the volume of sales at the bi-weekly auction tomorrow.

Nigerian crude price holds strong

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IGERIAN crude differentials held at high levels yesterday, although some weakening in refining margins could limit the potential for further gains.

While Angolan crude for October is sold out, there is still ample supply of Nigerian, a trader said.

Many dealers were out of the office yesterday, keeping activity levels thin.

Pegged at dated Brent plus $4.35, the highest since July 2008 according to Reuters data. The last known deal was Exxon’s sale heard last week of its cargo loading on October 24-25. The cargo was offered at dated Brent plus $4.60 but did not fetch as much as that.

•Bonny: Lack of demand because of the force majeure on loadings has left many cargoes still available, say traders.

• Ghana’s refinery shuts unit, runs out of crude “I can’t see people buying that while the loading dates are completely unknown,” said one.

•No result of Indian Oil Corp’s (IOC) latest tender, expected to emerge on Friday, has so far been heard. The tender was for November-loading barrels.

•India’s Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited skipped purchases of sweet crude for November via tender because of a lack of competitive offers, trading sources said on Monday.

Also, Ghana’s 45,000 barrel-perday state-run Tema oil refinery shut its main crude distillation unit on August 28 after running out of feedstock, two sources with knowledge of the plant’s operations told Reuters yesterday.

Ghana is Africa’s newest crude oil exporter after starting up its offshore Jubilee field, but the country’s sole refinery in Tema requires upgrades to be able to run the domestically produced oil and generally relies on imports from Nigeria.

“We don’t have crude to process so the main plant is not working at the moment,” one of the sources said, adding the refinery was waiting for a cargo from Nigeria. He did not say when the cargo was expected.

“We have not had a smooth production in the past months - today there is crude, tomorrow there is no crude - it’s been an off-and-on situation since the beginning of the year and its getting worse,” the source added.

LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

3.

4.

LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 Arik 07.30 Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik 1. Dana 1. IRS 2. Arik

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 11.15 13.15 15.50 18.00

LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

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AVIATION

‘It’s cheaper to train pilots, others locally’

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HE Rector, Nigerian College of Aviation (NCAT), Zaria, Captain Adebayo Araba, has said it is cheaper to train pilots locally.

He said it costs about N7.5 million (about $50,000) to train pilots for the 18-month course that leads to the issuance of the private and commercial pilot’s licence. Training in Europe or the United States costs $120,000.

While the fee at NCAT, Nigeria’s foremost aviation school, covers tuition, accommodation and course items, the $120,000 in a European or American flying school, covers tuition only.

It is this reduced cost that attracts more patronage for the NCAT, which admits, however, students only once in two years, perhaps to ensure that students receive the best in studies.

Apart from the lower cost, the proliferation of similar schools in South Africa, located in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, has

Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor Aviation Correspondent

not doused the enthusiasm for pilots to be trained at NCAT. Although the average pilot training course in Cape Town costs about $75,000, the same training in another flying school in Durban costs $25,000.

According to Capt Araba, the college plan to freeze its tuition fees, to allow more airlines and private individuals afford the capacity development that will assist to wrest piloting in Nigeria from the hands of expatriates who currently dominate the industry.

Araba said while the training of pilots is capital intensive, any rise in the tuition fee in the college could send a signal to those who sponsor students to the college, as the current economic realities in the country indicate that Nigerians may not be willing to pay more for pilot training.

He explained that the college has

made huge progress in capacity building, graduating over 255 aviation professionals ranging from aircraft pilots, air traffic controllers, air traffic engineers to aircraft engineers in the last four years.

Araba also spoke of plans by the college to acquire a multi-million naira aircraft flight simulator that will boost the training of pilots in the college, even as he said the institution is on the verge of commencing the training of helicopter pilots.

He explained that two trainer helicopters will be acquired to boost the training, a development, he said, will check the influx of expatriates quota into the aviation sector.

Araba insisted that no amount of pressure mounted on the college would make it increase the tuition fee of students in the next three years.

He explained that the amount charged by the college is still the cheapest anywhere in the world as

tuition fees of other aviation colleges in the continent, Europe and America are far higher.

On the planned comercialisation and privatisation of agencies by the government,Araba emphasised that it was the last option, stressing that this would enable them to partner with private investors within and outside the country.

He said because of the new move of the government, the college would no longer encourage indebtedness from any of its students, adding that it is through this means that the college would be able to function profitably.

Araba said the management was discussing with three universities in the country and two others abroad on some of its progammes.

• Araba

Demuren decries ageing work force

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HE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has raised the alarm over the ageing workforce in the transport sector.

NCAA Director-General, Dr. Harold Demuren, said the situation demands urgent attention by the government. He canvassed recruitment of younger professionals to fill the vacuum.

He spoke at a forum organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management in Nigeria (CIPMN) in Lagos.

Speaking at the forum, entitled: Manpower Development as a Catalyst for Effective and Efficient Management of Transport System in Nigeria, Demuren said the decay in the air

transport sector, is endemic. He advised government to consider how to put an efficient manpower development system in place.

Demuren said: ”Nigeria has an ageing workforce and we must replace them with the younger ones to avoid accidents. We need quality people to man the transport sector. Aviation has been a key driver to national development. We create about 3.6 million jobs in the sector annually.’’

Demuren, however, predicted that international aviation would double in the next 20 years, stressing that if nothing was done urgently, the demand for aviation professionals would be constrained.

New aviation group inaugurated

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• L-R: Special Media Assistant to Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr. Sam Adurogboye; Head, Corporate Communications, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), Mr Basil Agboarumi and Corporate Communications Head, Arik Airlines, Mr Adebanji Ola, at seminar on Aviation Infrastructure Summit by Output Communications, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

African countries urged to form autonomous accident probe agency

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CALL has been made for an autonomous accident investigation agency in African countries to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Commissioner of Nigeria’s Accident Investigation Bureau(AIB), Dr Sam Oduselu, made the suggestion at a regional Accident/Incident Investigation Workshop organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and the Accident Investigation Section at ICAO headquarters and the Safe Skies for Africa in Gaborone, Botswana.

He said such a body would make decision making smooth during accidents. He, therefore, urged African countries to ensure the independence of aircraft accident investigation bureaux and maximise the benefits of such autonomy to raise the bar of safety.

The AIB chief said the recom-

mendation by ICAO that states should separate their accident investigation bodies from the regulatory and supervising authorities is in order and should be complied with.

“The ICAO recommendation to states to free their accident investigation bodies from other agencies is very much in the right direction. I will enjoin all African states to comply with this. The autonomy of such accident investigation bodies must, however, be allowed to be fully realised. This is how to maximise the benefits it offers the industry,” he declared.

Commenting on the benefits of an autonomous accident investigation agency and using Nigeria as an example, Oduselu said: “Unlike when it was a department under the ministry, decision making at AIB is now very

smooth and swift. Most decisions can be taken without deferring to the ministry or go through the civil service red tape. We dispatch investigators to accident sites immediately we are notified.

“Although it may not be enough, there is no doubt that accident investigation has received more funding since the agency became autonomous. Capable hands were recruited without going through the rigours of government rules.”

The workshop, which attracted participants from Eastern and Southern African countries, was put together to provide an opportunity for accident/incident investigators and manufacturers’ representatives to share their expertise and experience and explore further ideas on intra-regional co-operation.

OME experts in the industry have established a new platform, where they can deliberate on how to improve air safety and ensure a healthy work environment.

The body christened Aviation Associates, according to its Secretary, Emeka Anochirionye, is to encourage and sustain safety consciousness within the aviation environment.

The body, according to him, is to promote cordiality, respect and the dignity of labour among aviation workers, maintain of sanity among all airport users through awareness and enlightenment campaigns and sustenance of a stress-free work environment.

In consideration of the exigencies of the operating environment and consistent with current issues bordering on safety and security, the body has chosen topical issues to be addressed by experts at its inaugural lecture.

The parley, which would address

‘Aviation in a Developing Country and the Challenges of Safety,’is in tandem with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. .

To examine the issues are the Managing Director of Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria), Akin Oni as the Guest Speaker, and the DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Dr. Demuren, who is expected to give a key note address.

The association’s scribe said the body would use the occasion, to honour and hold the investiture of grand patrons and patrons of some of its members.

To be honoured as Grand Patrons are: Demuren; Chairman, Governing Board of NAMA Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, who is also the Chairman of the occasion; the Managing Director, NAMA, Alhaji Ibrahim Auyo; Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Richard Aisuebeogun; and Captain Oni, among others.

$122m earmarked by Ghana for rehabilitation of domestic airports

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S. Doreen Owusu Fianko, Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, will be speaking on Ghanaian government’s plan to spend $50.9 million for the third phase of the Kotoka International Airport rehabilitation project.

Besides, she will also be talking on business opportunities for suppliers at Ghana’s domestic airports - Kumasi, Sunyani and Takoradi.

Government has already earmarked $122 million for the rehabilitation of the airport.

These investments come in the wake of tremendous air traffic growth projections for Ghana which indicate a rise in aircraft movements from 15,225 in 2009 to 27,882 in 2024.

Business opportunities to develop Vietnamese and Ghanaian airport infrastructures will be discussed at the Emerging Markets Airport

Suppliers Conference (EMASC 2011) scheduled for 11th &12th December 2011 at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai (UAE).

The conference focuses on major airport projects under construction and expansion in the Emerging Markets of the Middle East, Africa, Asia & Eastern Europe and will provide updates on new solutions and technologies available in the market for efficiency, safety, speed and comfort in airports.

It is estimated that Emerging Markets have allocated more than $150 billion for airport development projects over the next few years. Director of Air Transport, Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority, VO Huy Cuong, will discuss the country’s huge programme for airport expansion and improvement that will see ten international airports operating in the country by 2020.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

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AVIATION Dana Air introduces in-flight journal DANA Air is set to heighten the flying experience of its passengers with the introduction of CLOUD9, its maiden in-flight magazine.

It features a good blend of tourism, food, health, style, music, art, and also includes a mix of celebrity interviews, opinion and trend pieces.

Jacky Hathiramani, Chief Executive Officer of Dana Air said: “CLOUD9 reflects our understanding of the interests and needs of our customers, and it will contribute towards an interesting and engaging inflight experience; everything, from the brilliant articles to the enthralling images, has been well thought out and carefully put together to amplify the flying experience of our passengers.”

“The name ‘CLOUD-9’ evokes the feeling of bliss, and the slogan ‘Love All, Serve All’ reflects the Dana Air corporate philosophy of giving more to our esteemed customers. We have made every effort to tailor the editorial content targeting our multicultural, multi-ethnic passengers, whether they are travelling for business or leisure,” he added.

In less than three years of operations Dana Air has operated over 18 daily flights to Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Uyo. Recipient of several awards for aviation service excellence, Dana Air is reputed for its efficient customer service, world-class in-flight services, on-time departure and arrival, innovative e-airline products and high safety and quality standard.

• L-R: Minister of Transport Tanzania, Hon Omari Nundu; Tanzanian President, Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and Publisher of Aviation and Allied Business journal, Capt Edward Boyo, at the opening of the 17th Annual Aviation and Allied Business Conference in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

Tanzania president, others canvass more investments A FRICAN leaders, top government functionaries and seasoned technocrats have called for massive investment and co-operation among their countries in aviation matters.

President of Tanzania, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, said the era in which African nations operated individually under a protectionist mentality is over, as it only succeeded in stunting the growth of the continent’s economy.

He spoke at the opening of an aviation conference in Dar-es-Salaam. He said aviation could become a money spinner through agriculture, tourism and passenger services.

He said the time for action is now as European carriers are getting stronger, threatening to drive African players out of the global aviation scene.

President Kikwete said excellent leadership, conducive investment environment and various forms of support for aviation remained the only way forward.

Describing aviation as a catalyst for economic development, the Tanzanian President said Africa required a lot of partnerships, cooperation and unity of purpose to succeed in the highly-capitalised sector.

He urged his fellow Presidents not to be wary in supporting the development of aviation, adding that various air treaties should be allowed to function optimally.

In his address, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren, said the country has

• Dr Demuren Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor Aviation Correspondent

done a lot to improve safety and security, especially in confronting terrorists’ threat in the country and globally.

Demuren, who representated the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, also lamented the high accident rate in Africa, calling for pragmatic steps to address the situation.

He also said corruption has played a major role in the stunted growth of Aviation in Africa, urging African leaders to look into the malaise.

“Our domestic markets are weak.

Our airlines are also weak and can-

not compete with European carriers. This should not be so because we have the market. We should dominate it and not be dominated,” he said.

Minister of Transport, Botswana, Hon Frank Ramsden, urged leaders in Africa to ensure the continent’s airlines survive and compete effectively.

He called for alliances and cooperation as a way to develop the sector.

Ramsden lamented that the poor misrepresentation of facts by the European community, explaining that accidents records tend to put Africa on the spotlight when records true show otherwise.

Demuren said security in the aviation sector should be continually improved upon as it is usually the targets of deadly terrorists’ attacks.

He enjoined African leaders to implement the African Aviation Security Roadmap, revealing that there would be a major security conference in Abuja in December this year.

“The Federal Government has resolved to fight terrorism. The war on terror is total. No country is immune and no industry is spared. We enjoin African leaders, aviation agencies and other experts to be aviation security conference coming up in December in Abuja.

We know about the UN building bombing. We also remember the underwear bombing incident. We have installed powerful screening equipment in our airports. We’re continually working to improve safety and security in the sector,” he said.

Dubai airport to become world’s second busiest

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HE Dubai International Airport will become the second busiest international airport in the world by November, according to a new study by the Centre of Asia Pacific Aviation (Capa).

The airport currently the world’s fourth busiest international airport will occupy the number two slot in terms of passenger traffic, with London Heathrow at the top, going by the aviation body’s forward (winter) schedule.

Dubai airport’s jump would leapfrog Frankfurt, Hong Kong and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Capa said in its report, adding that Dubai recently overtook Frankfurt International Airport.

The jump does not come as a surprise going by the latest passenger

numbers for July released by Dubai Airports, the body that owns and manages Dubai’s two airports — Dubai International and Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International. Dubai International handled a record 4.7 million passengers in July.

The Dubai government will host the first “Emerging Markets FOD, Bird Strike Prevention and Runway Safety Conference 2011”. It is supported by the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and United Arab Emirates (UAE) General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), between October 26 and 27.

The risks posed by foreign object debris, or FOD, and bird strike rep-

resent one of the largest economic and cost-reduction opportunities available to the aviation industry.

Ironically, they are also among the least understood and least discussed risks.

More than 500 local, international and GCC delegates are expected at the event, which will feature 15 speakers representing IFALPA, ICAO, Civil Aviation Authority, technical training, navigation aid, radar and regional airlines. Airport safety managers will deliberate on topics related to operational as well as functional, regulatory, economic and legal aspects of the FOD and bird strike risk to aviation, prevention techniques, equipment and technological advancements.

South African Airways gets award SOUTH African Airways (SAA) has added another award to an impressive list of accolades. It received first place in the 2011 Sunday Times Top Brands Category for Domestic Airline category.

SAA in June won two awards from Skytrax, the Best Airline Africa Award and the Service Excellence Africa Award. This is the ninth year it has outperformed other airlines.

The Best Airline Africa is awarded to the airline rated the best in the region in all items of airline front-line product and service. The Service Excellence Africa Award was given to SAA for the second consecutive year.

The Skytrax awards are based on customer responses to an on-line survey, which is run over a 10-month period on the Skytrax website.

The study analyses customer satisfaction across the airport and onboard environments – from check-in to boarding, on-board seat comfort, cabin cleanliness, food and beverages, in-flight entertainment (IFE) and staff service (behaviour, attitude and consistency).

This year, 18.8-million airline customers from over 100 different nationalities participated in the survey. The survey includes over 200 airlines, from the largest international airlines to the smallest domestic airlines, and measured standards across more than 38 different items of airline front-line products and service.

The airline also won an award for Coolest Domestic Airline at the Sunday Times Generation Next 2011 Survey Awards, where the ‘coolest’ brands to the youth were revealed.

SAA Cargo was awarded in April as the Best African Cargo Airline by Cargo News for the fourth consecutive year at the Air Cargo News (ACN) Awards ceremony held in London. The ACN Cargo Airline of the year awards, have been running for 26 years and is run through the Air Cargo News website. SAA Cargo was the overall winner in the category of Best Cargo African Airline.

British Airways floats biggest pilot recruitment drive BRITISH Airways has made plans to take on more than 800 new pilots by 2016, using three combined recruitment programmes. The new programme is to help people trains to become airline pilots for the first time, called the ‘Future Pilot Programme’ and Recruitment of qualified pilots from other airlines.

The other is a joint initiative with the United Kingdom Armed Forces to provide military pilots with a planned career path into commercial aviation.

The British Airways Future Pilot Programme, will help about 400 applicants to gain a place at an approved flight training school, with successful candidates landing a job as a British Airways pilot.

Previously people have been prevented or deterred from starting a career as airline pilots, due to the initial private training costs of around £100,000, which they have to fund themselves.

This programme helps students to secure funding to train as a pilot which they can pay back later in their career. The airline is also using YouTube as a recruitment tool for the first time.

Brazil seeks more aviation sales in Africa BRAZILIAN aircraft manufacturer Embraer is seeking to expand its international aviation markets with focus on Africa, where its jets’ fuel efficiency, prices and payments terms are likely to have an edge over competitors. Embraer’s E-190 jet has already scored successes in Asia, with China emerging as a major buyer for the aircraft. The company earlier unveiled plans to enter the defense aviation market as well to compete with major manufacturers in the United States, Europe and Russia.

The latest African customer for Embraer’s passenger jets is Kenya Airways, a major operator in East Africa and beyond, which will buy 10 of the Embraer E-190 aircraft and have the option to purchase more afterwards. Embraer secured the deal in competition with Boeing as Kenya Airways launched a 10-year plan to expand its operations across the African continent.

The airline plans to double its fleet and extend its network to more cities around Africa. Neither side revealed the deal value which was estimated to be worth up to $4 billion based on the market value.

Embraer will deliver the jets in the third quarter of 2012, ahead of the delivery of five Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets, scheduled for the end of 2013. The E-190 seats up to 114 passengers in a four-abreast layout and has secured more than 1,000 firm orders from 60 airlines, with more than 750 aircraft in operation worldwide.

The aircraft, launched in 2004, is a larger version of the E-170 and E175 family flying on a larger wing, bigger horizontal stabilizer and a new engine, the GE CF34-10E. The E-190 is in competition with the Bombardier CRJ-1000, smaller mainline jets including the Boeing 717200, 737-500 and 737-600, the Airbus A318, and an upcoming Bombardier C series.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

At inception, the Jonathan administration faced crises on virtually all fronts. Now, 100 days after, apprehension grows in the land over the suspect ability of the administration to fulfil its electoral promises to the people.

Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN examines the situation.

What future for Jonathan’s tenure?

O

N the heels of widespread pre-election euphoria, the April 2011 polls came and became history. But the aftermath of the presidential election which produced Nigeria’s Number One Citizen in President Goodluck Jonathan did not come without some tempest, thus the refrain, “post-election violence.”

Predominantly, it came with killings and bombings that claimed innocent lives, especially in the Northeast. So, while President Jonathan and his associates were rejoicing over the outcome of the poll, a part of his heart was presumably being overrun by agony over the plight of the hapless ones who were made to swallow the bitter pills of the post-election rumpus. Then the question: Is this a signal of what to expect under this new dispensation despite the pledge of better times for Nigerians?

It is now 100 days since the President took the solemn oath. It is ever doubtful if any Nigerian, other than a few ‘lucky’ political appointees at various levels, will join others in popping champagne in celebration. The administration had not completely smarted from the post-election palaver when the zoning problem in his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) complicated his headache.

After the elections, his colleagues in the PDP were quick to realise that they had a big knot to untie-the party’s contentious zoning formula. Following the emergence of Jonathan as President from the South-south, other key government slots had to be allotted to other zones by the ruling party bearing federal character in mind. Finding a successor to former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole offered a ready case in point, prompting the Southwest to insist: It is zoning or nothing! Like a bolt from the blues, Aminu Tambuwal emerged the new Speaker from the Northwest, against the President’s wish.

Before he knew it, Mr. President was to find his feet stuck in the mud of another crisis selecting his cabinet. Quite impressive; names of some successful giants surfaced but with a fear: Their loyalty might first go to their party, the PDP. A good number of the nominees came through some godfathers within the PDP, hence the problem of confidence.

After the inherent brouhaha, Mr President got his “full point” in an area: Bringing back Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Her mission according to the President’s passion: To drive the economic team.

No doubt, at that point, the President deserved a sigh of momentary relief. But no; he had grave cases of insecurity to keep him awake several nights. As though they has sworn to an oath to keep hearts quaking, members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect continued their onslaught in the Northeast - Maiduguri, Bauchi – without let.

On Thursday, July 14, they made good their threat to hit Abuja bad. The car park of the Nigeria Police Headquarters was their target in the capital city.

The incident was yet another unsettling follow-up to the “war” of October 1, last year.

Thirteen unsuspecting souls were callously dispatched to an early grave. Some twin bomb blasts near the Eagle Square wreaked the havoc. It was at the same time when Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary was being celebrated.

Again, on May 29, 2011, three homes were thrown into mourning. How? Three persons breathed their last the tragic way after as others were seriously injured in an explosion that rocked a local pub at Zuba, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory.

The United Nations’ Abuja House was not spared by the angry bombing ‘experts’ who

• President Jonathan acknowledges cheersafter taking oath of office ... May 29.

TURBULENCE IN 100 DAYS • Post-election violence • October 1, 2010: Bombing near Eagle Square in Abuja • Zoning problem in the PDP • Cabinet selection palaver • Worsened Boko Haram onslaught in some northern parts • July 14: Nigeria Police Headquarters bombed seemed poised to keep President Jonathan busy the saddening way. Indeed, they had their way: The building was forced to cave in, giving the President something other than genuine state matters to sweat over.

So worrisome; the reinforcement of the chain of ‘presidential torture’ was to come from his ‘family’ as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi came up with a twin bile - Islamic Banking and nationalisation of banks While voices remain somewhat silent on the latter, the former has remained on the headlines. How? Adherents of the two foremost religions - Islam and Christianity – have been threatening fire and brimstones.

The president had remained unable to bat an eye-lid on the issues on ground when the debate on Constitution amendment reared its head, and Mr. President caused it. He incurred the ire of many a Nigerian threw a carrot. He recommended a single term of six or eight years for president and governors. To the opposition, however, it was nothing other than the euphemism for tenure elongation.

• August 26: UN House bombed in Abuja • Islamic Banking and nationalisation of banks • President’s six-year single term proposal • Suspension of Justice Ayo Salami, President of the Court of Appeal • Pending Presidential Election Petition battle at tribunal While beleaguered Nigerians were angling to have their leaders solve the ever-troubling power problems at least, yet another crippling hammer hit the “well-meaning” president’s strained nerves. The face-off between Justice Ayo Isa Salami, suspended President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Justice of the Federation, Aloysius Katsina-Alu did the havoc. Simultaneously, Salami, enjoying public support, jumped into the ring in a fight with the allied force of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Presidency.

Where will the fight end? This remains the question on most lips, but it is doubtful if the president can still go to bed with his heart in the proper place.

Amid the cataclysms, the President has been responding to an election case at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. He and his party, the PDP are bound to respond to allegation of rigging and other irregularities in the petition filed by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). The CPC, which produced exmilitary Head of State, Gen Muhamadu Buhari, as presidential candidate, is challeng-

ing the result of the 2011 presidential election at the tribunal. Though following the controversial exit of Salami, a new Appeal Court President, Dalhatu Adamu, will continue with the case, it is no doubt a debilitating punch on the president’s primary concentration.

Just on Wednesday, a national daily reported the interception by the Army, of eight suspected terrorists in Yola, thus giving the clear impression that the president and his lieutenants have no business in their beds yet.

But will these problems allow the president to concentrate on positively helping Nigerians out of their various deprivations as his tenure inches on? Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Rotimi Akeredolu does not think so. Hear him: “I don’t judge anybody by 100 days, but I am certain that the president did not start well. As things are, he will only fumble and wobble till the expiration of his tenure. The signals are clear and it is pathetic.”

However, the president won’t agree with the legal luminary, neither is he ready to buckle under the growing pressures. He made it clear on Tuesday when the Muslim community in the Federal Capital Territory paid him Sallah visit.

Besides preaching peace, unity and Nigerians’ cooperation with his administration, he told his guests point-blank: “Nigerians can look forward to visible progress in the fulfilment of the promise of socio-economic revitalisation, job creation, and the renewal of national infrastructure in the coming months.”

Now, the countdown to 2015 continues. Will he succeed in elbowing off the ‘cynics’ as he muscles on? Or will he allow them to have the last laugh when the time comes for him to account for his stewardship? The steps he takes henceforth will determine how he would be remembered as Nigeria’s fourth elected President.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

POLITICS

• President Jonathan and a cross section of members of the newly inaugurated Federal Executive Council

Jonathan in 100 days: Still singing transformation song?

State House Correspondent VINCENT IKUOMOLA takes a look at the activities of President Goodluck Jonathan in the first 100 days. He submits that not much has changed around the power house despite the transformation agenda.

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OW much can a political office holder achieve within the first 100 days in office? This is a recurring question. But for many, the take off always has a way of determining the level of delivery. This explains why many want to assess President Goodluck Jonathan’s first 100 days in office as a preview of the remaining 1,350 days. The days since May 29 have been eventful. The circumstances of his emergence, with the division that the pre and post-election period occasioned called for concerted efforts to rescue the country.

Many saw his emergence as a “fresh air” in Nigerian politics, but the recent happenings in the country have quietly dampened the euphoria that greeted his election. Serious challenges in bringing on board men and women who could elicit confidence in the administration and curtailing the rising wave of insecurity soon emerged.

Before the oath taking ceremony, President Jonathan promised to hit the ground running. He even took time off to relax at the popular Obudu Ranch Mountain Resort where many believed he went to prepare his team list, which did not come until after a month in office. And so, in the first 30 days, the president operated without a cabinet in place.

Reacting to worries expressed by the people about the inability of the government to take proper shape in more than three months, the President enjoined the citizenry to wait till middle of next year as the administration just took off. According to him, “what I request for is that by middle of next year we will meet again, but this time around to compare notes whether we are on the right track.” He also said his main “concern is how do we do things differently, that is why we are working and we have constituted the economic team and we are coming out with different things, even in the ministries, because we must do things differently.”

One area that the government has promised to record progress in very short period is in turning around the economic fortunes. The first step towards this was in getting the Managing Director of the

The Jonathan administration approved funds for the rehabilitation of the East – West road in order to facilitate transportation of goods and services around the country.

The Federal Government also awarded

contracts for various road projects across the country whose impact will expectedly soon be felt nation-wide. Also, an enlarged National Economic Team was set up to initiate the administration’s transformation policies and another team to see to the implementation of the policies.

A 12-man Justice Sector Reform Implementation Committee has been set up. He also signed into law the Freedom of Information Bill, a move that many have described as capable of lifting the veil covering governance.

His countenance on the celebrated case involving the former Speaker of House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole for an alleged corrupt practice in the early days of this administration has been variously interpreted. Those sympathetic to the President say he should be praised for allowing the law take its course, while others claim he was the brain behind the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) move.

However, the administration’s inability to tackle the insurgence of Boko Haram, and the recent bombing of the United Nations Abuja building, coupled with the handling of the crisis in the Judiciary have blighted the first 100days of the Federal Government.

Boko Haram has become more daring each passing day. The group proved by its unprecedented bombing at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja under the nose of the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim. Not done with that and some of its activities in some states in the North, the group recently hit the United

‘‘There has been some level of improvement as the Foreign Reserves reportedly rose by 10 per cent to $34 billion, while the GDP was said to have grown month over month from 6.7 per cent in May to 6.9 per cent in July’

‘President Jonathan’s appointment of an acting president for the Court of Appeal has persistently and consistently attracted knocks from lawyers, human rights activists and lovers of democracy who argue that it amounted to taking sides’

World Bank Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to return to the Finance Ministry as Minister and coordinator of the economic efforts of the administration. Official statistics which is not always reliable indicate that there has been some level of improvement as the Foreign Reserves reportedly rose by 10 per cent to $34 billion, while the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was said to have grown month over month from 6.7 per cent in May to 6.9 per cent in July.

The growth recorded in the economy is believed to have given the country a slot among the top three investment destinations of choice in Africa in a survey by the independent Africa Business Panel in The Netherlands.

Also, as part of efforts to improve power generation and supply in the country, the President approved the pioneer board for the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NEBT) Plc. Besides, some major action steps were taken in the power sector, like the removal of heads of generation plants in the country and the approval of N19 billion to pave way for some of the power projects springing up in the country.

Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority was also set up to facilitate direct investments into infrastructure with the priority areas being Power and Roads.

Road projects

Nations, Abuja building, killing over 30 people with scores injured.

Though the government said it was on the trail of those behind the dastardly act, a statement that has become a refrain since the October 1, 2010 bombing in Abuja , apart from the two arrests made, every other effort seems to be on the pages of the newspapers.

Beyond lip service, the President’s commitment to rule of law and the doctrine of Separation of Powers was tested by the judicial crisis rocking the country. President Jonathan’s appointment of an acting president for the Court of Appeal has persistently and consistently attracted knocks from lawyers, human rights activists and lovers of democracy who argue that it amounted to taking sides and politically weighing in on a matter that could threaten the health of the nation.

Controversy unlimited

The other controversy stirred up by the president was that of the proposed single term of six years for the president and governors. To many Nigerians, the agenda was a needless distraction, especially when the administration had barely taken off.

Another area where the president was scored low was in the area of timing or response to issues. Many had complained about his delayed visit to the UN building, scene of the recent Abuja bombing and Lagos and Ibadan, Oyo State following the flooding of both cities. Both incidents brought to question the decisiveness of the president on serious national matters.

On the international front, the president seems to have done fairly well, especially the role he played in installing the winner of the Ivorian presidential election, Alhassan Quatara after so much effort by the incumbent president, Laurent Gbagbo to remain in power. He was among the first leaders to accept the National Transition Council in Libya, a move that was initially condemned for not been in tune with African Union, AU position.

Three hundred days gone, 1,350 more to go. Is President Jonathan in position to transform Nigeria? A poser, no response yet.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

19

EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

California Dreaming

Wasting women •It is bad news that four million girls are out of school in Nigeria

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NE of the most accurate measures of national progress in any country is the state of wellbeing of its female citizens. Going by this yardstick, Nigeria cannot be said to be doing well, if the recent disclosure by Hajiya Zainab Maina, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, is to be believed. She said that four million girls aged between six and 11 were not enrolled in schools in the country.

Pointing out the immense losses Nigeria would endure as a result of this situation, the minister called for legislative and other measures to ensure that girls went to school, learnt effectively and completed their educational careers so that they could contribute meaningfully to national development and improve their own lives.

As is usual in these cases, the minister has said the right things. However, if the

‘If Nigeria is to send more of its girls to school, it must ensure that the education sector is completely overhauled in order to become better attuned to their interests. State governments should set targets for the enrolment of girls and set up action plans to ensure that they are met’

low enrolment rates of girls in schools are to be reversed, those in charge must move beyond mere demonstrations of outrage, no matter how genuine they may appear to be.

The female-enrolment crisis is actually a significant part of a much larger problem. Nigeria is in the grip of a profound educational crisis. The country is confronted by dilapidated schools, poorlypaid and ill-motivated teachers, a widespread lack of equipment and facilities, and an examinations malpractice epidemic. Education is no longer seen as the essential equipment of a well-rounded citizen; it is merely a means of providing the paper qualifications with which to secure comfortable white-collar jobs.

Due to the pernicious influence of culture and tradition, girls and women have been most vulnerable to the general decline in educational standards. Girls are the least likely to go to school, but they are often the first ones to be withdrawn when problems arise. Domestic duties, marriage and other social pressures can force even the most able female students to discontinue their studies.

A whole set of myths have been created to make the task of educating girls harder. One of the most pervasive is the belief that the better-educated a girl is; the less likely she is to behave decently.

The irony in all this is that the mass

education of girls is in fact a major driver of overall national development. As the saying goes, when a girl is educated, a family is educated. Apart from their very significant contributions to the workforce, educated women are much more likely to make informed choices in education, health and related matters that are beneficial to the nation as a whole.

In politics, they can offer viable alternatives and new approaches to current adversarial approaches to politicking.

If Nigeria is to send more of its girls to school, it must ensure that the education sector is completely overhauled in order to become better attuned to their interests. State governments should set targets for the enrolment of girls and set up action plans to ensure that they are met.

Greater attempts should be made to address the cultural concerns of ethnic groups that are averse to the education of girls so that they can become more aware of the benefits of educating them. Legislation should be enacted to set up affirmative-action programmes for women to facilitate their increased presence in the workplace and in public life.

Ultimately, Nigeria must ensure that its educational policies result in the creation of a qualitative and functional education for all of its children and youth. A nation that endangers the development of a critical segment of its own population puts itself at risk.

National shame •How can we be spending N400bn on car importation annually?

R. Aminu Jalal, Director-General, National Automotive Council (NAC), at a public forum reportedly confirmed the high spending of Nigerians on imported vehicles. According to him, ‘Nigerians spend 400 billion naira annually on the importation of different kinds of automobiles into the country.’

Jalal gave a breakdown of how the craze for imported vehicles is affecting the country’s revenue drive and analysed that if all the imported vehicles were locally assembled, the country would be getting 145 billion naira in potential value.

He observed further that because the country’s automotive industry has not been functioning at its optimal annual units of 150,000, about 70,000 skilled jobs and 210,000 semi-skilled jobs could not be created.

No doubt what obtains in the country is presently depressing. Nigeria’s local assembly plants is operating at an annual capacity valued at only N30 billion, compared to 550 billion naira which is its valued annual installed vehicle assembly and manufacturing capacity.

We recollect that till the mid-1980s, the nation’s automobile industry performed optimally as most automobile assembly plants like Volkswagen and Peugeot, among others, were fully operational.

However, the decline began around 1986.

Jalal attributed this to lack of adequate engineering infrastructure, lack of patronage of local products and low tariff on imported fully built vehicles, among others.

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NAC, according to Jalal, wants the government to increase tariffs on imported fully built vehicles to at least 35 per cent.

He cited examples of developing countries like South Africa, Egypt, Brazil, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and China where their governments provide automobile industries with incentives, protection and patronage.

We consider it saddening that a country like India and others that were in the lower rung of developing countries’ ladder have developed automobile technology that is being sold to the nation. For example, ‘Tata’ brand of vehicles, including cars, buses and trucks that are made in India are now shamefully, regular features on the country’s roads.

More disheartening is the fact that apart from the late Professor Ayodele Awojobi’s auto prototype that never came to reality, no further development has been added to his ingenuity years after his death. Yet, other less endowed countries that were once developing like Nigeria have come up with their own vehicular technology.

Increasing the tariff on imported vehicles will not solve the penchant of Nigerians for imported vehicles. What the government ought to do is to address the root cause of the problem of automobile importation. It should quickly address the problem of infrastructure, most especially power. Vehicle assembly plants of different brands like Toyota, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, etc. that once thrived in the country must be encouraged to return and start production (not mere as-

sembling) of their brands. This will afford Nigerians the chance of understudying them and eventually lead to a great leap in the country‘s urge for developing its own vehicles.

For now, grey import which is an indiscriminate act of importing substandard vehicles as brand new ones into the country is one important issue that NAC and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) must address. Even the importation of brand new cars has to be standardised. We also have to beware of the situation where vehicles recalled for various reasons in other countries are being imported into the country as new ones.

NAC ought not be calling for increase in tariff or in protection of local vehicular technology that is not in existence; the issue should be in reawakening the need for setting in motion the creation of a truly Nigerian vehicle.

‘Increasing the tariff on imported vehicles will not solve the penchant of Nigerians for imported vehicles.

What the government ought to do is to address the root cause of the problem of automobile importation. It should quickly address the problem of infrastructure, most especially power’

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ALIFORNIA is on the brink of making a wise investment in its future and delivering a powerful rebuke to poisoned immigration politics at the national level. This week, the Legislature is expected to pass the California Dream Act, a bill to allow undocumented immigrants to receive state-financed college scholarships and loans. Earlier this summer, the state gave such students access to privately financed aid. The new bill should open even more doors to college degrees for young Californians, and Gov. Jerry Brown should quickly sign it.

Making it easier for the undocumented to afford college does not give anyone citizenship or a green card. Only the federal government can do that — for instance, through the federal Dream Act, which has long been stalled in Congress and would give undocumented young people a path to legalization. But passing the California Dream Act would be inspiring, not just for the opportunities it would grant thousands of deserving students, but also for the message it would send.

The response to unauthorized immigration today, at the federal level and in far too many states, conflates all illegal presence with criminality, and seeks to choke off all opportunity for the undocumented regardless of circumstance. California seems ready to say otherwise — that it makes no sense to punish young people who bear no responsibility for their unlawful status, to stifle their education and ambition at the cusp of adulthood. Having grown up in this country, these are Americans in all but name.

The California bill is expected to cost $40 million, about 1 percent of the $3.5 billion that California spends on state college aid. A leader of an antiimmigration organization told a Times reporter that the measure was “a really stupid allocation of limited resources.”

He had it ludicrously backward.

Hopeful, striving, well-educated people are a resource any country needs.

Consigning tens of thousands of bright minds to an illegal existence and deadend jobs, spending millions to purge work forces and to arrest, imprison and deport people who are contributing to the economy — that’s the flagrant waste that too many Republicans are willing to perpetuate.

– •The New York Times

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Wanted urgently: UNDERTAKER

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IR: Before the UN House bombing of Friday August 25, the activities of Boko Haram were somehow laced with domestic issues. It is now evident that this latest bombing which the group through its agent, Abu Dardam, had claimed responsibility has assumed an international dimension, thus lending credence to many intelligence reports that the group is linked to some terrorist groups in Somalia and Al Qeada.

Nigeria as a member of the UN is under obligation to carry out some statutory responsibilities that are in line with various conventions of the UN. UN Secretary –General, Ban Ki Moon, has deployed its senior officials to Nigeria to act with dispatch. The delegation has two officials namely, Aisha-Rose Migiro, a deputy Secretary – General, and Gregory Starr, Security Chief to assess the scenario and possibly confer with the Nigerian government on actions in line with international conventions.

By attacking the UN house in Nigeria, the activities of Boko Haram is no longer an attack on the sovereignty of Nigeria but the global community. For now the group remains faceless and unapproachable which makes it a daunting task on what measures are to be taken by both the UN and Nigeria. In time past the group had spoken through an agent it claims was their spokesperson, Abu Zaif; curiously, the person who spoke on this latest act goes by the name, Abu Dardam, who in turns spoke on behalf of one Imam Muhammed Shekau. At the moment, Nigeria has no better option than to co-operate with the UN by providing useful security

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Nigeria’s obligations on UN House blast tips and paving the way for an unbiased investigation panel that would unmask the hideouts and camps of Boko Haram. Nigeria is obliged to take all measures to prevent other attacks or future occurrence and is also under obligation to take measures by establishing its jurisdiction over the crime which it has done.

Article 6,(1) of the UN convention states; upon being satisfied that the circumstances so warrant, the state party in whose territory the alleged offender is present

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shall take appropriate measures under its internal law so as to ensure his presence for the purpose of prosecution or extradition.

This is the point where the UN is going to be disappointed because in all the series of bomb explosions from last year till this recent occurrence, no useful clue has been given about the perpetrators nor any single individual arrested in connection with them. By this sheer act of inhumanity visited on the personnel and guest of the UN, it is expected that the Nigerian

government should step up efforts devoid of politics and religion to unravel the actors of this heinous crime.

While it is glaring that the federal government will definitely lean on the assistance of the UN for useful clues, Nigeria’s security intelligence networks which hitherto is biased and infiltrated with purported agents of the group needs to be titrated for optimum results to be achieved.

• Prince Pil-Gani Jimwang Langtang South L.G.C Plateau State.

Still on minimum wage troubles

IR: Kindly avail me the opportunity to air my views on the issue of minimum wage which has generated undue friction between the government of Osun State and the workers and which has also grounded work activities for some weeks now.

President Goodluck Jonathan basically capitalized on the issue of minimum wage of N18, 000 to workers not only to create confusion in all the states of the federation, but also to use it as campaign bait to win the last general election.

What the workers and the labour agitating for the payment across the board do not know is that the promise is exclusive to the President and the onus is on him to be

mindful of the consequences by increasing the allocation of funds to states via the federation account.

The agitation embarked upon by labour is worrisome and disturbing particularly as the workers have agreed to go back to their respective and legitimate duty post.

The latest update from Osun State is that the workers in the state have been offered the minimum wage sum of N19, 001 as against the N18, 000 proposed by the president.

What labour should do, if they would let decorum prevail over and above mischief, is to dialogue with President Jonathan to increase allocation to states so that the payment of the minimum wage will be easier for the respective state

governments; they should back down from their unbridled stunt of picketing which will not help them or the workers.

The recalcitrant attitude of Labour in recent time is certainly unhelpful; one recalls the activities of Labour under the leadership of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole compared to the current leadership of Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar. In those days, Oshiomhole would engage the President to solve some intractable problems rather than confining labour activities to one region of the country – as presently the case in the South west.

• Mopelola Gbadamosi, Lagos

Presidential blunder IR: Meddling in a case that is already before a court of law

by President Jonathan in my own opinion amounts to presidential blunder and constitutional suicide.

The president refused to take a decisive decision on Boko Haram mayhem but with a speed of light effected the recommendations of the National Judicial Council (NJC) on the matter between the Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN) and the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA).

The Jonathan administration has not proved that it is in a hurry to change the situation of things. Nigeria still lacks good governance in varying degrees: rule of law, citizen-participation, transparency, responsiveness, consensus, consultation, efficiency, inclusiveness and accountability.

This present administration should seek ways of inspiring confidence among Nigerians.

Our government should speedily address the burning issues that have refused to change since this democratic era began in 1999. We should put our main focus on how to provide uninterrupted electricity, employment, quality healthcare, motorable roads, infrastructural development and security for all.

President Jonathan should please for the sake of our country stop putting the cart before the horse.

There are more important challenges confronting the nation that should take his attention.

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• Paul Oluwalere Ijaiye Ojokoro, Lagos.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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Exit Katsina-Alu (30 August 2011) I am highly impressed by your comparison of the lunatic fringe that bombed the United Nations House, Abuja with the lunatic fringe bombing the Nigerian Judiciary in the Salami case. Please keep on writing. – Uthman Salami, Epe, Lagos State, +2348052067483.

Olakunle Let the dominant ruling class Abimbola continue to desecrate the temple of lordbeek@yahoo.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) justice. Surely, when the chips are down, they need the much abused judiciary more than we commoners do! History is on the side of Salami! +2348023600373.

Well rippled – “Exit Katsina-Alu”! More ink to your pen and more “laakaye” [reasoning power] to your brains. Happy sallah and salaam! – Kayode A, Abeokuta, Ogun State, +2348073821313.

EVIL on the cross”, “Judicial gangsterism” and I just read your piece for today and it is as cool as ever. I “Exit Katsina-Alu” were not planned as a guess you can recall I told you GEJ [Goodluck Ebele trilogy. But somehow, the trio were Ripples’ Jonathan] had no mind of his own and that he would not sequential comments to the current power play in the perform. As for the retired Chief Justice of Nigeria, he is the Nigerian Judiciary. Now, readers this week take over the worst thing to have happened to our Judiciary. – Dave page for their own verdict. Enjoy!

Blankson, +2348058514944.

Like Jonah of Nineveh, our now Brother Jona has suddenly Judicial gangsterism (August 22) taken sides by filling a non-existent post. He should Let all patriotic Nigerian people, irrespective of race, remember that the whales of those days are still very much religious or ethnic group, rise and pray for Nigeria as a around, though in human form. Luckily, a few reasonable nation. NJC [National Judicial Council] has subverted voices have been heard on the side of logic like the Nigerian decency and desecrated the temple of justice. And Bar Association (NBA) and minority members of the House unfortunately, the so-called oath taken by [President] of Representatives. What, however, are the senators doing?

Jonathan was rubbished. It appears the man is not in control.

This judicial gangsterism must be stopped by all men of This government should watch it. – Jayeola Aderemi E, honour and Bro Jona must be prevailed upon to reverse his Command, Lagos, +2347055462803. hasty and unconstitutional partisanship. Nigeria we hail Yeye de smell [peculiar mess]! The accuser becomes the thee! - Kayode A, Abeokuta, Ogun State, +2348073821313. accused. Truth is veiled and falsehood is venerated. Courage Devil on the cross (August 16) is frowned at and cowardice is rewarded. Truth will prevail! – Your hatred for Obasanjo is well known. Only you can’t Arinze Igboeli, +2348058054767. disclose the cause. This is a country that faces complex and Thank you for your excellent one coined “Judicial intractable problems which no single person can solve gangsterism”. May God continue to guide good Nigerians within eight years. Continue with your hate campaigns. – like you aright. Bless you! – Yusuf Y.Y, Lapai, Niger State, + +2348076129862. +2348055005299.

When something is beyond crying, you just have to laugh With your regular Republican Ripples, you often put a snare it off. When two old fools throw mud at each in full public in the path of the wrong. You have again put them into a glare, what is one supposed to do? They both confirm what trap with your “Judicial gangsterism”. Good work! we all already know, anyway. Still laughing? I too still dey +2348023071106. laugh ooo! – Bayo, +2348059353915.

In the matter between PCA [President of the Court of ‘I am highly impressed by your Appeal] and NJC [National Judicial Council], I submit that comparison of the lunatic fringe that NJC be disbanded and an enabling law created whereby of honour, integrity, reason, logic and common sense bombed the United Nations House, Abuja men will be made members. – Kayode A, Abeokuta, Ogun State, with the lunatic fringe bombing the +2348073821313.

Your words indeed are trouble to the guilty – living or Nigerian Judiciary in the Salami case.’ dead. – + 2348064169657

My prayer for Justice Salami is from Psalm 35, though he is not a Christian: “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” (Verse 15). He is a man who seeks after justice and very soon, he will be vindicated. – Shina Victor, +2348184356336.

It is very heart-rending, reflecting on the level of judicial decadence in Nigeria.

Nigeria is a country where there is no parity when it comes to law. As regards Justice Ayo Salami, it will be a grand illusion for some enemies of justice to think of soiling his famous reputation.

Justice Salami is someone widely known to be above board when it comes to any corrupt act. I deeply wonder why some elements should in anyway essay defiling and denting his integrity. But we know all is politically motivated. That is why they are foraying for justice where there is none in view. To the rightly informed, however, Justice Salami’s legacy will remain indelible. – Dapo Ipoola, Omuo-Ekiti, +2348024710243.

Barabbas, not Barnabas, was sprung to nail Jesus Christ. – Acoo, Lagos, +2347034632928.

Well said and well done! I fear that something will give way the way we are conducting our affairs as a nation. It is too obvious that Justice Salami is being persecuted. He should be defended by all people of goodwill. The truth will prevail – Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, +2348055030259 Kudos for “Devil on the cross.” The former CJN suffered a terrible personal loss under mysterious circumstances. Yet, he has not seen the hand of God in it as a timely warning.

The case of the former CJN is like those the gods want to destroy, they first make mad. – Peter, Abuja, +2347044372607.

I agree with you. God will soon expose those crooked elements in the Judiciary and their collaborators outside of it, trying to stain the name of a good jurist. I have no doubt that Salami is clean and has a better name than all of them combined. – Dan, Abuja, +2348065713308.

Thanks, as always for your Ripples of August 16. The truth, however, is that it is not the highly respected PCA, Justice Salami that is on trial. It is rather the men of goodwill, morals, courage and reason – virtues that honourable judge possesses in good measure, as against his dishonourable, morally bankrupt, judicial elements trying to do him in. But I assure him that darkness has never been known to suppress light and will not start now with the Salami tribulations. For standing by his conscience, for standing by the ethics of his calling, for aligning with reason, his time of honour is now!

– Kayode A, Abeokuta, +2348073821313.

Thanks for your divinely inspired article, using our Lord’s sacrificial death as a warning to those who have sold their conscience fully to the devil, especially our learned colleagues on the Bench. I believe hell is being enlarged for their sake. God bless you. – Pius A. A, +2348060427645.

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Was that a creative attempt to douse the PR disaster that her boss had courted for her?

She gave a summary of the challenges facing the economy as follows: the imperative to redirect it from the path of growth without jobs; the urgent task of diversification to suck in the three million man army of the unemployed; the crisis of debt – stemming from the nation’s relapse into the ruinous path of fiscal indiscipline of the last five years, and the awareness of the global appetite for debt as leading cause of the current global financial instability; the food crisis and the imperative to harness our agriculture as a strategy to ensure food security.

She also identified the problem of climate change and its impact on our agriculture.

Here is what she presented as the administration’s main focus. Security naturally came tops. Like she noted, “without security, there can be no development”. With the fear of the Boko Haram now constituting the beginning of wisdom, that seems understandable.

Next was infrastructure. Giving a graphic picture on the state of abandoned projects which she put at over 9,000 scattered in various parts of the country – projects that on completion could have added value to the lives of the citizens, she hinted at a new impetus involving tradeoffs to complete them –that is, taking on mainly critical projects and finishing them.

Of course, she plans on clamping down on borrowing.

She spoke of plans to diversify the economy, to create jobs by focusing on agriculture and housing. She notes for instance, that Nigeria spends N1.3 trillion to sustain our appetites for foods items that are not native to us, earning for us the dubious global distinction of being leaders in the consumption of Pasta and noodles! On housing, how right she was when she observed that the absence of mortgage system is at the heart of much of the brazen stealing in the system. Who does not know that a good number of the mansions in Abuja belong to civil servants?

So, the administration plans on creating a mortgage system while investing also in agriculture – both of which have immense potentials to create jobs down the line.

Now these are all well and good. Clearly, they are necessary starting point in the journey towards development. But then, can someone educate me on how settling on the routine – on tokenism, fixing bolts on nuts, and under-investing in education and technology, the nation of the most populous black people on earth can be said to be on the path to greatness? Why should ambitions be strangers to these parts? When will somebody start to think outside the box?

And someone is talking of a transformational agenda!

Talk of a word losing its meaning.

epublican ipples

Justice on the cross Feedback

“D

N the last five weeks since this column went on vacation, a lot has happened in the economic terrain to underscore the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan’s appreciation of the imperative of a new momentum to rev the economy into full throttle. First was the establishment of the 24-member behemoth – the Economic Management Team to provide the much needed direction; so also is the composition of the 15-member team to oversee the implementation of the decisions of the EMT. To that we may add – the Jonathan novelty of having a coordinating (super?) minister – superintending the team.

(Never mind, the individual is Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – the bright lady from the World Bank – for whom the President has made abundantly clear that the nation ought to be grateful for her return – not the other way round – from her comfy job in Washington.

The two bodies – says the President who promised transformation but has instead opted to go the way of tradition will henceforth run the show. With the likes Aliko Dangote, Atedo Peterside, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede on the Presidential EMT – indisputably captains in either industry or high finance, the President obviously meant to send the signal that his administration means business this time around. Their job: to dissect the problems afresh and hopefully roll out new initiatives to confront the problems which have held the economy down.

Give it to the President for his artful play on public psychology, if the idea of 24 member-EMT wonks supposedly burning the midnight candles to prepare the broth does not seem particularly extraordinary, the supervening 15-man implementation body to ensure that the broth is well cooked ought to convince all doubting Thomases that something is cooking!

Lest we forget, there is also the 42-member executive council of the federation – aside the scores of presidential minders employed to help the now already outsourced presidential briefs to additionally think through and

‘Can someone educate me on how settling on the routine – on tokenism, fixing bolts on nuts, and underinvesting in education and technology, the nation of the most populous black people on earth can be said to be on the path to greatness?’

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

When dreams die possibly attend to the very same tasks!

There are of course arguments regarding how the very notion of economic Czarism a la Jonathan would blend with the all-purpose committees which the President has put in place and which he obviously thinks is necessary.

Mercifully, the iron lady on whose shoulders President Jonathan has dumped the burden of running the economy has not yet betrayed symptoms of that complex called messiahnism otherwise the two committees may well have been dead on arrival.

Didn’t the President gleefully pronounce any contrarian idea null and void ab initio – to the extent of their incompatibility with that of the Super Minister? Talk of the Finance Minister being the final word on every possible policy issue. We may yet have one or two things to learn from President Jonathan’s case notes in management and team building.

Let’s now move on to the all-important question – when will the initiatives come rolling in?

Nothing at this time seems to suggest an acute awareness of the dire emergency currently facing the nation; not even the underpinning ideas driving the policy have changed in any significant sense to underscore the appreciation of the enormity of the problem on one hand and the need for paradigm shift from the old, recycles formulas which obviously won’t do the magic now anymore than they had done in the past. Yet again – it seems the legendary obsession with the fundamentalist market orthodoxy of seeking solutions within the prism of a punishing regime of austerity.

Fortunately for me, penultimate week, as a guest of the Anambra State government on the 20th anniversary of the creation of the state, I listened to Finance Minister OkonjoIweala outline the challenges facing her and the EMT as keynote speaker on that occasion. Much unlike her boss, she stressed the imperative of team-work – noting that brilliance and genius does not always equate achievement.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION IAFRA ended in January 1970 – some 41 years ago. But the temptation to draw public attention to a striking similarity it shares with today’s Nigeria is irresistible. Biafra was a free bombing site, for the simple reason that it did not have an effective air defence system to thwart the raids of the Nigeria Air Force and its mercenary-dominated fighter-bomber pilots. The results were predictably catastrophic.

The free-bombing site status which Biafra epitomized was understandable. It lived for only two and a half years, most of which period was taken up by the pressures of fire-fights in the trenches, and the spectre of mass starvation, not to talk of the secessionist republic’s disadvantage in having London, Moscow and Washington DC viscerally antipathetic to its raison d’etre. In the dire circumstances, the acquisition of deterrent weaponry was a luxury beyond its means. Thus it just got repeatedly and remorselessly raped like a hapless whore whose thighs lay thrown asunder by feet tied to stakes wide apart.

The current status of Nigeria as a freebombing site 51 years after its independence, sticks in the throat. It means that the country is scarcely proactive in security matters, which is utterly shameful and wholly indefensible. This sorry state of affairs explains the freedom with which the terrorists are sowing death and destruction even in the most unlikely places.

The main instrument for fighting terrorism is intelligence. Counterterrorism calls for advanced electronic and other methods of gathering, collating and analyzing information. Terrorists against countries like Britain, Israel and the United States go to great lengths to operate by stealth, knowing that they are tracked by sophisticated operators and equipment every second of each day. In Nigeria the criminals’ modus operandi is characterized by impunity. In societies with comprehensive intelligence credentials, terrorists are more often than not thwarted before they strike; invariably the criminals get apprehended for their atrocious intentions and actions.

There is hardly any means of public

B

P

Biafra, Nigeria; two of a kind

By Chuks Iloegbunam

transportation in Britain today that is not equipped with electronic surveillance. It is difficult to walk on any of the country’s streets, or enter a supermarket or an office building without cameras recording such movements. Ubiquitous surveillance equipment helped Britain to roundup most of the criminals involved in the recent orgy of arson, destruction and looting.

In Nigeria the CCTV is a luxury. Fingerprinting is a luxury. Electronic surveillance is a luxury. Yet everyone knows that extremity of luxury only seals a people’s doom. What to do? To start from the very beginning, a country in Nigeria’s security predicament needs to urgently define the arrowhead of its counter-terrorism operations. A counter-terrorism Tsar is required.

It must also be clear which arm of the security agencies is at the cutting edge of the anti-terrorist intelligence operations. This will obviate situations like the recent one in which the Army and the Police went contradicting each other on seized dynamites meant for rock blasting. There always are bodies for joint security coordination.

As these are sorted out, the country must quickly enter into specific, specialized and immediate cooperation agreements and arrangements with countries like the three already mentioned. International cooperation is a critical element in anti-terrorist operations, and Nigeria needs to learn from the titans.

Now, more on electronic surveillance. If Nigeria heightens its capability in this department, it will immediately move away from the damning status of a free-bombing site. There is no text message that is ever deleted. There is no fax message not permanently stored. There is no internet communication incapable of retrieval. Thus, the inspirers and financiers of terrorism can be guessed through obtaining from his service providers the comprehensive phone and text traffic on the mobile phones of suspected,

captured or ended terrorists. Such data assists in determining those to be thrown into the circle of monitoring and surveillance. All it requires is for the country to dictate terms of operations to, and enter into watertight agreements with, the providers of communication services.

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, recently interviewed by CNN’s Piers Morgan, mentioned that, while he was in office, Britain’s Intelligence services had under surveillance at any point in time some 2000 people who had al Queda and Taliban links. No country achieved this stupendous feat without sophisticated electronic surveillance and monitoring systems. The point is that no country can or will ever claim to have plugged all loopholes against terrorist attacks. What they achieve by being proactive and scientifically sophisticated is to drastically limit the likelihood of terrorist triumphs. What other cases of international terrorism have been reported in the US since September 11, 2001, or in the UK since July 7, 2005?

But, in Nigeria, the terrorists are operating with the regularity of twinkling eyes.

To thwart them, the additional aspect of adequate human capital is vital. Those who should know keep warning that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the State Security Service (SSS), the Police, the Customs, the Immigration and the Civil Defence Corps are all severely understaffed.

A country swamped by terrorists has no business with personnel shortfalls. Yet, there is the more critical variety of security personnel – the deep covert type. You see a bank manager, always in suit, mostly in his office, seriously engaged in banking. But his primary function is in deep covert intelligence. You see a heartbreakingly beautiful woman, elfin and lissom.

She has won all the beauty pageants and is always on TV giggling, winking, and crossing and uncrossing her long legs to tantalize voyeurs. But she is deep cover.

You see a world boxing champion that is a

vicious left hook. He flattens opponents as a matter of course, floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee. But he is deep cover.

The good thing about covert operatives is that they are trained to smell trouble from far off. They are trained to use weapons, to defuse bombs, to smother threats. They have direct reporting lines to controllers able to take pre-emptive, preventive and remedial actions. And they report suspicious and criminal behaviour without the fear of exposure and the consequences.

These are the kind of operatives that infiltrate terrorist cells and blow their cover.

Nigeria could and should have upwards of four thousand covert operatives in each of the 36 states of the federation and Abuja.

Whoever raises concerns about financing has not looked at all sides of everything.

If Nigeria contained the haemorrhage of over-invoiced contracts, it could easily create between 150 and 200 thousand properly trained, middle-and-high-level, operatives across the country, not to talk of doubling, trebling or even quadrupling the number of uniformed and suits-wearing security operatives. On the eve of the Nigerian civil war, the strength of the Army was less than nine thousand. Following the outbreak of hostilities, the figure galloped to a quarter million in a couple of years. Nigeria has entered a new war – the war against terrorism. The numerical strength of its warriors must jump exponentially. If Nigeria has problems funding its security, it should not be “dashing” to each governor a monthly security largesse in excess of N300 million.

The terrorists have demonstrated by their cowardly and indiscriminate bombings that they are nothing to do with religion. Their horrific actions have discounted fence-sitting for the rational. Their wantonness has united Nigerians and won the country invaluable international support. As for the security personnel at all levels, their gallantry and sacrifices are commendable, and call for redoubled security consciousness from the general public. One question, then, to those who may know the identities of the terrorist “heads” but are holding back: Why?

Akpabio and the ‘uncommon’ kindred spirit

ATIENCE Akpan-Obong’s column in Saturday Punch August 20, which dwelt on the exploits of Gov Godswill Akpabio in Akwa Ibom State was truly a lesson in mischief! AkpanObong, an assistant Professor, who teaches Political Science and Women Studies at the Arizona State University, spent a part of the article acknowledging the governor’s “uncommon” achievements. Though she admitted that the story of Akpabio’s “uncommon transformation’’ was “no longer news”, she appears to be sharing the governor’s passion for the good of the state, based on the title of her piece.

Like the governor, Akpan-Obong had been scandalized by the mess in the preAkpabio Akwa Ibom. She had wondered at the level of socio-infrastructural decay, which led to many children dropping out of schools and engaging in child labour and servitude. “ Like him (Akpabio), I was often asked by friends and colleagues to get house help from Akwa Ibom for them. (No, I never did. I always replied with, ‘Are there no house girls or house boys in your village?’”, she wrote.

Even way back in the early 1990s, the lady said she had “ resented the houseboy/girl syndrome that had become our identity. We wanted to stop our people from farming out their children as

‘While some parents may still complain about money for uniform or other school supplies for their children, no one in Akwa Ibom can say that a child didn’t go to school because the parents couldn’t afford the fees.

That is an ‘uncommon transformation’ indeed”!’

By Uduak Edward

house girls and boys. We wanted to stop being the ‘servant state’.”

Disturbed by the increasingly worsening scenario, she joined “Akwa Ibom Seven”, one of the groups that sought to right the wrongs in the state. A few years after, a member of the group and Akpan-Obong’s ally became the governor and she “rejoiced”; hoping for the best. “Finally, I thought, Akwa Ibom would sit at the table as an equal partner rather than wash dishes in the kitchen of the rich and powerful”, she recalled.

Today, Akpan-Obong is not sure if Obong Attah suffered memory loss of all the lofty ideas they had as members of ‘AK Seven’. In her words: “I don’t know if Governor Victor Attah remembered our discussions regarding the house boy/girl syndrome and if he did anything about it during his eight years in the Akwa Ibom Government House”. Certainly, if he did, she would have known, wouldn’t she?

Well, in 2006, while on a brief visit to her home-state from her United States base, Akpan-Obong witnessed the obvious. And then, she flew into a rage.

She recalled how “appalled” she was with the general infrastructural decline and at the sight of hawking streetchildren. Good school facilities were nonexistent and the few available but dilapidated ones charged high fees. The result? She witnessed young girls “carrying trays of water leaves on their heads when they should have been in school. I know that my heart broke for the girls I saw going from one office to the other at the State Secretariat in Uyo selling recharge cards, oranges and “pure water” while dirty old men ogled and pawed at them. They should have been in school”.

In May 2007, Akpabio became the governor. Soon, education was declared free and within the reach of the poor.

Hence, though Akpan-Obong may not be one of Akpabio’s big fans, she appreciates good things: “I am not an ardent ‘liker’ of

Akpabio”, she said. “However, I must say that he earns full credit from the teacher in me for taking away the excuses that parents had for not sending their children to school. While some parents may still complain about money for uniform or other school supplies for their children, no one in Akwa Ibom can say that a child didn’t go to school because the parents couldn’t afford the fees. That is an ‘uncommon transformation’ indeed”!

Then, an apparently long-restrained mischief in Akpan-Obong burst. Akpabio had recently offered an open invitation to Akwa Ibomites in the Diaspora to join the government in developing the state. Many expected commended for that accommodating gesture. But AkpanObong sneered at the patriotic offer because, according to her, there are cases of kidnappings in the state. With that, she threw the baby away with the bathwater!

Akpabio may be God-sent; he may be the hero she long longed for; he may have transformed Akwa Ibom to the admiration, attention and curiosity of the United States. But for Patience AkpanObong, PhD, no matter the commendable work done in the state, she would only “worship from afar”! That’s the only thing her state deserves and would get from her because of kidnapping.

Akpan-Obong knows that there is no crime-free Eldorado anywhere. Akwa Ibom may be experiencing pockets of kidnapping, but Akpabio is doing a lot to check it. He may not talk about them because some security issues are not discussed in the open. Still, one is aware that soon, committed measures, including one involving Israelis, would halt the annoying trend.

Regrettably, kidnapping has become a national malaise now. Recently, Mikel Obi’s father was kidnapped in Plateau and rescued five days later in Kano.

Without making excuses, kidnapping is spreading across the national divides.

Last year, The Punch newspaper reported, based on police statistics, that

Lagos State experienced more kidnappings in 2009 than any other state in the country. How come Lagosians did not scoff at their state and governor? Or is Akpan-Obong saying that she lives in a crime-free society?

Arizona, where she resides, has recently been labeled “America’s kidnapping capital”! Worsened by increasing assassinations, hired killings, etc, Phoenix, Arizona is said to be only second to Mexico, in terms of crime. A combined report by Brain Ross, Richard Esposito and Asa Eslocker from National Terror Alert Response Centre said: “Phoenix, Arizona has become the kidnapping capital of America, with more incidents than any other city in the world outside of Mexico City and over 400 cases last year alone”.

Phoenix Police Chief Andy Anderson reportedly expressed frustration over the matter as it spreads across the border.

Another report detailed “cases of chopped-off hands, legs and heads when a victim’s families don’t pay quickly enough”.

Yet, that’s where Akpan-Obong sweats and pays tax to develop. How come she has not run away only to “worship from afar”? Is it because of the well-paved roads, etc, much like the ones Akpabio is “unleashing” on Akwa Ibom State? Yes, she is enjoying other developed infrastructure, which she rightly admitted we now have under Akpabio. So, why then try to talk down your home? Why play Afghanistanism – a game where you criticize a perceived far away ill; while ignoring the ones under your nose for fear of backlash from nearby authorities?

Akpan-Obong like MKO Abiola would say, was trying to hide behind her finger!

Agreed, she has a stake in the state. But that is the more reason she should not join professional critics to bad-mouth her “newly improved” home - even from her ‘crime-capital’ base.

• Edward, a teacher-cum-journalist, wrote this piece from Lagos.

Siasia: Why I axed Enyeama

Pg. 24

MAPUTO 2011 ALL AFRICA GAMES

Nigerians, athletes facing hardship Pg. 41

Nation Tuesday, September 6, 2011

PAGE 23

NIGERIA VS ARGENTINA

Eagles hit Bangladesh, get 5-star welcome KICK-OFF: 1:00pm Nigerian time

We're not thinking of revenge -Argentina coach

T

HE Super Eagles received a rousing welcome, on arrival in Bangladesh on Monday ahead of today's high profile friendly against Argentina.

The 33-man squad, which was flown to Dhaka on a 40-seater, all business class Royal Jet aircraft, arrived to what was just short of a tumultous welcome.

Officials of the Bangladeshi Football Federation met the squad at the arrival lounge of the airport, and then members of the Bangladeshi national football team mounted a guard of honour to welcome the Super Eagles at the VIP lounge.

Outside, the team were decorated with

garlands and sprinkled with fragrant confetti by a line of Bangladeshi beauties.

Along the drive to the airport, scores of Bangladeshi and some Nigerians with the green white green flag lined the streets waving to the team and taking pictures.

All that was nothing compared to what awaited the squad at their Westin Hotel lodgings where a horde of television and still cameras descended on the team bus as the players arrived.

In the same vein, Nigeria’s opponent in the international friendly scheduled for Bangabandhu National Stadium, Argentina arrived with a 26-member team, led by

super star Lionel Messi on Monday morning.

Meanwhile, Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has dismissed talks of revenge when his side takes on Nigeria today.

Argentina lost 4-1 to Nigeria in Abuja in June when their former coach Sergio Batista fielded an inexperienced side.

“I don’t think about any revenge, it’s no good for human beings, it’s no good for anyone, we will try to win but I don’t think we will go for revenge,” Sabella told a news conference on Monday.

“It’s a different game because we came here with a stronger team, but we will see

tomorrow,” he said.

“I don’t know what kind of team they’ll field tomorrow (today). They played yesterday (Sunday) against Madagascar.”

Sabella said referring to Nigeria’s 2-0 win in an African Nations Cup qualifying match.

Two-time World Player of the Year, Messi was the centre of attention and the prospect of watching the Barcelona forward has sparked huge excitement in Bangladesh, a country ranked only 139th in the world but still very passionate about football.

Sabella handed Messi the captain’s armband after replacing Batista as coach.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

24

41

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

Siasia: Why I axed Enyeama N

IGERIA head coach, Samson Siasia, has revealed his reason for leaving out OSC Lille goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, from the Super Eagles team that defeated Madagacar’s Barea 2-0 in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday.

Siasia told Brila FM from the team’s Carlton Hotel camp in Antananarivo via telephone that he had to take charge of the Nigerian men’s national

team as head coach.

The 44-year-old coach expressed unhappiness that the former Enyimba shot-stopper allegedly attempted to incite other players in the Nigerian camp while in Abuja to boycott the flight to Antananarivo after travel plans had been concluded.

“He (Enyeama) came in (to the camp) and everywhere turned upside down. I have to be in charge of my

‘Yobo is a “real leader”’

N

IGERIA coach Samson Siasia has hailed skipper Joseph Yobo as a “real leader” after the Everton defender set the ball rolling in a crucial 2-0 win away in Madagascar Sunday.

Yobo, who threatened the Madagascar goal several times, finally came good on 68 minutes to open scoring for the under-pressure Eagles.

An Obinna Nsofor rocket 30 yards out seven minutes later made the

•Samson Siasia

game safe for Nigeria.

“He is a real leader. He was always there in the box for set pieces and corner kicks and he kept giving them problems with his ability in the air,” praised Siasia “I just want to say thank you to all the players. They did very well because it is not easy playing under those kinds of conditions.

“But they did not panic, they did not lose focus and they did everything we asked them to do, even when things were not going our way in the first half.”

Meanwhile, striker Victor Anichebe suffered a groin injury in the final minutes of the win over Madagascar.

Anichebe was attended to by the team medics and could be out for two to three weeks.

“It is very sad for him. He was huge for us today, he did all the right things, played well and unfortunately had to come up in the last three minutes with an injury. But that’s football,” lamented Siasia.

“It’s very unfortunate, but I hope he gets well soon so he can continue to feature for his club. That pitch was not very good and we are lucky our players did not get serious injuries.

“Hopefully, Anichebe will be fine after getting some medical attention.

Our thoughts will be with him.”

The striker is expected to fly out to England on Sunday night.

team. I won’t allow anybody to disrupt the team,” said the Nigerian manager.

Enyeama, 29, was left out of the starting line-up of the Super Eagles

by Siasia in Sunday’s game against Madagascar at the Stade Municipal de Mahamasina in Antananarivo.

The former Hapoel Tel Aviv and Bnei Yehuda keeper was not even named on the bench.

Instead Siasia opted for Dele Aiyenugba and Chigozie Agbim of Warri Wolves as number one and reserve keeper respectively.

Enyeama, John Mikel Obi and Victor Anichebe were reported to have expressed dissatisfaction with the flight plan of the Nigerian team ahead of their trip to Madagascar.

The trio had demanded that the trip be shifted from last Wednesday to Friday and requested for a bigger aircraft in order to avoid a stop-over in Congo before travelling with the team.

Enyeama is not the first high-profile player to be sanctioned by the Nigeria coach.

In May and June this year, West Bromwich Albion striker, Peter Osaze Odemwingie, experienced the same ordeal following his rant on a social media network, Twitter in which he took a swipe at Siasia.

NIGERIA/ARGENTINA TIE

Eagles fly in luxury to Bangladesh N

IGERIA’s Super Eagles flew to Bangladesh on the laps of luxury in a Boeing 737/700ER aircraft with allbusiness class seats provided by the match organisers to honour the international friendly against Argentina.

The 33-man contingent, accompanied by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President,

Nigeria in right frame of mind – Okonkwo

O

NE man that faced Messi in the final of the soccer event at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Chibuzor Okonkwo of

•Man City chief fingered

C

•Onuoha

In an email sent to Marwood last October, she said that, although her body was “ravaged with cancer and ongoing chemotherapy”, she was still able to fight her son’s corner.

Two weeks later she received an email, apparently written by Cook but destined for Marwood and sent to Dr Onuoha by mistake.

The Sun claimed: “The e-mail was addressed ‘Brian’ then said: ‘Ravaged with it!!……I don’t now how you sleep at night.

You used to be such a nice man when I worked with you at nike (sic).’”

Dr Onuoha told the paper: “When I opened up my emails and saw the message, it was the worst day of my life.

Even worse than being diagnosed with cancer.

“I couldn’t understand how anybody could behave like that. I just cried and cried for hours.

“I’m critically ill and at that point I was undergoing chemotherapy. I was just so shocked but I couldn’t tell Nedum or any of my family because I didn’t know how they would react.

“It’s incredible that any human being would write this. It’s unforgivable and I still cannot believe it.”

A former executive at sportswear giant Nike, Cook was the subject of negative headlines in the early days of his tenure at City.

He once described controversial former City owner Thaksin Shinawatra as “a great guy to play golf with,” and said an attempt to sign Brazilian superstar Kaka failed because the player “bottled it”.

However, Cook has also played an important role behind the scenes as City have established themselves as one of the strongest teams in England after years of under-achievement.

the sheer leg room available to them for the 10-hour flight, and made their feelings known to Maigari, Green and Coach Samson Siasia.

The team arrived Dhaka, Bangladesh around 1600 local time, and will have a light regeneration training session before the match this afternoon.

BATTLE OF BANGLADESH

Onuoha’s mum sent offensive ‘cancer’ e-mail ONTROVERSY swirled around Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook on Monday after he was accused of sending an offensive e-mail to the cancer-stricken mother of one of City’s players.

Dr Anthonia Onuoha, mother of City defender Nedum Onuoha, told The Sun newspaper that she has asked the Football Association to investigate.

City declined to comment on the story.

Reports suggested the e-mail, which apparently made light of Dr Onuoha’s illness, had been intended for City’s director of football, Brian Marwood.

Cook is expected to claim that he was on holiday when the email was sent and that his account must have been hacked into.

According to The Sun, Dr Onuoha wrote to Marwood about a contract dispute between the club and her son, who is an England Under-21 international.

Aminu Maigari and Technical Committee chairman, Chris Green left Madagascar on Sunday night, straight from handing down a 2-0 defeat to their hosts that kept the Super Eagles’ Nations Cup qualifying hopes alive.

The players were impressed by the opulence of the aircraft and

Heartland believes that the Nigeria contingent is mentally prepared to face a full strength Argentina.

The Nigeria right-back is also looking forward to meeting Messi once again.

Okonkwo said: “We are going for this game with so much confidence after winning in Madagascar. Now we are very prepared to play against Argentina, and we know that they will be a different team from the one that we defeated by 4 –1 in Abuja.

“I am also happy that we will be meeting their best players this time including Messi and it will be an opportunity for us to prove that we are capable of beating them.”

The match is live on SuperSport Seven Nigeria and SuperSport Nine from 2.25pm Nigerian time today.

Alejandro Sabella’s men will be facing the Super Eagles for the second time in the FIFA free window.

In the first meeting between both sides on June 1 at the National Stadium in Abuja, the Super Eagles overran an under-strength Albiceleste side 4 – 1.

But this time in Dhaka, the West African nation will come up against a star-studded Argentina.

FIFA World Footballer of the Year, Lionel Messi will lead the Argentine ‘Galacticos’ boasting the likes of Angel di Maria, Javier Mascherano, Gonzalo Higuain, Juan Roman Riquelme, Juan Sebastian Veron, Jonas Gutierrez, Nicolas Otamendi, Sergio Aguero, Lisandro Lopez and Clemente Rodriguez.

N

ATIONSPORT can authoritatively report that Nigerians, officials, athletes and journalists are finding it difficult in Mozambique as they have to suffer untold hardship at the ongoing All Africa Games.

NationSport learnt from a Nigerian official attached to the ping-pong team, who was compelled to pay thirty-three dollars (about N5,115) to an event’s venue, a journey which should have cost less than one dollar (about N155).

In the same vein, some Mozambiquans in their bid to make quick money have vacated their homes for visitors who in way or the other have business at the Games.

Residents around the biggest stadium in the country, Estadio Nacional located in the suburbs of the country, are overwhelmed by the Games which is enriching them day by day as desperate visitors are left with no choice but to pay $100 (about N15,500) daily for a two bedroom apartment since hotels are scarce in the villages.

NationSport gathered that in the villages, an average day for a Mozambican starts by noon, while the beehive of activities is in the capital of the country, Maputo. Most of the residents are serving as volunteers at the Games.

Apart from the high accomodation cost, visitors are also faced with the prohibitive cost of transportation to and fro the various venues of the events which are sometimes two hours apart.

The sporting events are unevenly distributed among about twenty stadia which are far from one another. The stadiums include :Estadio Nacional, E.s Machel, Pavilhao Desportivo, Pavihao Maxaquene, Arena Coasta do sol, Pavihao E. Vermelha, Lagoa Chidenguele, C.s Banco Mocambique,

forced to pay $66 on arrival •Team Ghana almost stranded, President Mills flies in funds •Libyans protest

O

FFICIALS and journalists whose names were omitted from the master lists of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 2011 All Africa Games holding in Mozambique were forced to pay an entry visa fee of sixty-six dollars (N10,230) before being allowed into the country. Countries affected included Nigeria (Journalists), Zambia (Officials) Ghana (Athletes), Mauritius (athletes, official) and some other countries. Team Ghana were spared great embarrassment by their President, John Atta Mills who flew in money on a private jet to offset the bills of his country’s athletes as their participation fees had not being paid

by Sunday.

NationSports gathered that some Ghanaian athletes had been camped

Ruas de Maputo and Estadio Macheva, C. do Maxaquene, Ruas de Maputo, Praca da Independencia, Clube Maritimo, Jardin Tunduro Centtro Islamica, Pimscina Olympia Zimpeto, I.F.P Munhua and Pavilhao Academia.

Where it exists, internet service is erratic and expensive, especially in

in neighbouring South Africa for close to two months in order to acclimatise, as the Rainbow Nation’s climate is similar to Maputo’s.

However, as they attempeted to cross the border into Mozambique, they found out that the Maputo 2011 Accreditation Officials had not put all logistics in order before the Games proper. Team Ghana were thus compelled to travel nine hours by road to Maputo as they could not afford to pay for their air tickets.

Team Libya which had expressed displeasure at the opening ceremony, withdrew from the games entirely due to the ongoing war in their country. Team Nigeria, decked in different colours depicting the country, was however adjudged the best at the match past ceremony.

O

N the verge of making good their promise to win laurels for Nigeria at the ongoing All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, the Nigeria men’s and women’s Table Tennis teams yesterday booked places in the semifinal stages of the team events.

NationSport learnt that the Nigerian teams showed class in overcoming all oppositions to get to this stage.

Motivated by veteran, Segun Toriola, the men’s team defeated Congo DRC, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Cote d’Ivoire and Angola.

In the group two matches, the Nigerian side was merciless against the Ivoriens with a resounding 3-0 win while Angola was also not spared as the Nosiru Bello-tutored side repeated same score.

A few hours after the Super Eagles beat the Barea of Madagascar 2-0 in the 2012 Nations Cup qualifiers, the Nigeria men’s team compounded the woes of the Madagascans with another 3-0 win.

Women Football: Ghana targets Nigeria's records

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HE Ghanaian U-20 national team, Black Princesses were victorious in their Group B opening game of Maputo 2011 against Tanzania on Monday afternoon and has vowed to emulate the records of

the Super Falcons of Nigeria.

One of the Ghanaian girls, who spoke to NationSport after the game, said: "Wow! Ghana are faced with a big task of making sure that we emulate Nigeria's records.

“We are going through the matches with a target of winning gold. Beating Nigeria has not been a small task.”

It will be recalled that the Ghana U20 ladies beat the Super Falcons of Nigeria to the All Africa Games ticket.

It would be the first time Nigeria, unarguably the dominant force on women’s football on the continent, has failed to qualify for a major championship. The Black Princesses will play Zimbabwe on Thursday.

Nigerian boxers in good start

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•Super Eagles on their arrival at the airport in Dhaka

•As Mozambicans rent homes to visitors for $100 daily the villages.

Visitors who cannot converse in the local language, Portuguese are forced to resort to sign language, while they also have to pay through their noses for services which would be provided for visitors as a matter of course in most countries.

Nigeria T/Tennis teams berth semi final spots Athletes, officials, journalists

Team Trial Cycling cancelled HILE many athletes are battling it out at the events venues, sports politicians are also involved in boardroom fights at the on-going 10th All Africa Games in Maputo.

South Africa, one of Nigeria’s rivals at the Games, seemed to have gained the upper hand yesterday when Cycling officials at the Games cancelled Team Trial Cycling, a sport hitherto approved. Nigeria, a power-house in the sport which has its Cyclists in their numbers at the Games, is shocked that the sport has been expunged.

“It’s one of the dirty politics of African sport. Once you know the sport your opponents are strong in, you destabilise them by cancelling it,” a Nigerian official moaned.

Nigerians have fingered South Africa, who they alleged was providing virtually everything for the poor nation of Mazambique. The Mozambicans are thus alleged to be reciprocating by doing their benefactor’s biddings.

Nigerians, athletes facing hardship

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•Desire Oparanozie

OXING, one of the sports that shot Nigeria into global reckoning but which is stuttering now, has survived the first sucker punch in the on-going 10th All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique.

Five Nigerian pugilists entered into the rings with three coming out with their noses in front. And Secretary General of the Nigerian Boxing Federation, NBF, Dr Patrick Uwagbale heaved a sigh of relief and described their heroics as a good start.

“This is a good beginning for Nigeria. Our boxers made us proud and with what we have seen them do here, there is hope for Nigerian boxing. There are many fears on whether boxing can stand ferocious punches, but with this, we can go all the way”, an elated Dr Uwagbale said moments after the fight.

Nigerian Boxers went through the tough route with Agbaje Taiwo

opening accounts on a losing note.

He lost 16-14 to his Mauritius counterpart who hit more on target and gained the points. He came out crying because he was one of the best tipped to excel.

The second fight was not better either and fear gripped the officials and few Nigerians who watched in dismay. In the 60 kg class, Waheed Sogbamu lost successfully to his Ugandan opponent 26-10. There was no tear to shed for him. Instead, many prayed that there would be no disaster.

But the next three fights brought relief as Ademuyiwa Kehinde beat his Seychelles counterpart 17-13 while in the 64kg, Ganiyu Muyideen won narrowly 8-7 against Uganda.

But Nigerians regained their confidence when Akanji Muyideen climbed the ring in the 75kg turning his Rwandan opponent to a punching bag. He won 18-2.

The team further reaffirmed its superiority in the group yesterday with a win over Zimbabwe while it’s last group game, a formality, will be against Congo DRC. Also the female team which has Edem Effiom, Cecilia Effiom, Olufunke Oshinaike and Efion Janet beat Kenya 3-0 in their first game and went on to defeat Botswana by the same margin before walking over Liberia in their last game to set up today’s semi final clash with Congo DR. The Nigeria male team which is on course to retain it’s title, has Aruna Quadri, Toriola Segun Merotohun Monday, Nasiru Kazeem and Ajetumobi Seun.

In a chat with NationSport after the male team beat Madagascar in the morning game, the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Segun Ogundale expressed belief that the team was on course to sweep all the gold medals at stake.

“The Minister of Sports was here yesterday and he saw how the boys and girls played. His visit has also boosted the morale of the players and you can see from the result, we won all our matches.

“The female (team) has qualified for the semi final, that is position one to four and the boys are on the verge of qualification. We still have two matches to go this afternoon and tomorrow morning, that will determine the leader in the group.

The leader will automatically qualify first, second, third, then there will be round-robin to determine the leader and runners up.

“So, we are still in contention and hopefully we can achieve our target at the end of the day. We have selected the best players the country has to offer and prepared well for the games,” he said.

•Toriola

25

PROPERTY

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

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

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

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

House ownership, architects believe, is central to a stable polity. How? They argue that home ownership imbues respect and confidence. A society that has its majority comfortably housed will remain stable. But, according to them, this can only be achieved, if there is a stabilising factor, such as a rent-to-ownership structure. A deliberate housing guide is also necessary. OKWY IROEGBU reports.

Turning tenants into landlords •Experts advocate rent-to-ownership concept for stable polity •1004 Building, Ikoyi, Lagos •STORY ON PAGE 26

•UNEP seeks $198b investment in water to check scarcity - PAGE 26

• Lagos clears canal to fight flood - PAGE 27

•Why Minister must fight these three monsters - PAGE 28

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

26

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

UNEP seeks $198b investment in water to check scarcity

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HE United Nations Enironment Programme (UNEP) has solicited for yearly investment of $198 billion or 0.16 per cent global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the water sector.

Such investment, a UNEP report said, could reduce water scarcity and halve the number of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation in less than four years.

In the water chapter of its Green Economy Report, UNEP said investing in sanitation and drinking water, strengthening local water supply systems, conserving ecosystems critical for water supply and developing more effective policies can help avert the high social and economic costs resulting from inadequate water supplies.

UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said: “Improving access to cleaner drinking water and sanitation services is a cornerstone of a more sustainable, resource-efficient society. The Green Economy Report shows how accelerated investment in water-dependent ecosystems, water infrastructure and water management, coupled with effective policies, can boost water and food security, improve human health and promote economic growth.”

He stated that with the recom-

‘In a world where more than 70 per cent of global freshwater is used for agriculture, bioenergy development needs to be carefully planned to avoid it adding to existing pressures’

•A mini-water works

By Okwy Iroegbu with agency reports

mendations outlined in the report, global water use could be kept within sustainable limits of the

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of reducing by half the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation by 2015.”

The UNEP boss also said: “Improving the efficiency and sustainability of water use is vital if the world’s increasing energy demands are to be met.”

Another report jointly produced

by UNEP, the Oeko-Institut and the International Energy Agency, found that bioenergy’s water demands are in large part linked with the cultivation and processing of feedstocks, such as crops, which in turn have important implications for sustainable agriculture, land use and food production.

The report says: “In a world where more than 70 per cent of global freshwater is used for agriculture, bioenergy development needs to be carefully planned to avoid it adding to existing pressures.

“This planning needs to reflect the increasing and competing needs for the same raw materials for uses such as food, animal fodder and fibre as the world’s population climbs to an expected nine billion by mid-century.”

Turning tenants into landlords

H

OW can the polity be stable?

It is by ensuring that majority of Nigerians own their homes, according to the President, African Union of Architects, Tokunbo Omisore.

Omisore said: “The confidence and satisfaction that come with home ownership can almost guarantee a full-proof life of contentment to the extent that the owner will never fall foul of the laws of a given society, nor given to bribery andcorruption which of recent have been tied to housing and other related needs.

“But there seems to be a snag, especially in Lagos, with the challenges of land acquisition, land titles, building plan approval and infrastructure development charge (IDC).”

Speaking with The Nation at a workshop organised by the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos Chapter, he said not everybody would build a house or come up with the huge amount required to buy one. But that everyone can own one if the government stimulates the sector by developing a deliberate and a strong housing guide to drive the sector.

Canvassing a rent-to-ownership structure, he said: “If a man can be guaranteed that a particular house he is dwelling in can become his in 15 to 20 years, the possibility of his cheating or being involved in corrupt practices in his office will be slim.

“Housing needs must be taken care of if corruption must be tackled, and how best can it be tackled if not through a policy that will encourage mass housing where any income earner will be able to access mortgage and own his house,” he added.

The government should go a step further to cut down on charges as-

sociated with land. It is only then that mass housing development can appeal to the private sector, Omisore said.

There must be a catch to attract investors in the sector. It can be in terms of liberalised land titles and zero charges for those involved in mass housing, he said.

Furthermore, Omisore suggested that the government could buy 30 per cent stake in property development companies and also stand as guarantor to whoever desires to own a house. By so doing, he said the money will roll back and the private sector companies engaged in housing production will remain in business as funds will always be available to develop more houses.

He reiterated his belief that the government has a major role in mass housing delivery, calling for the establishment of a housing fund that will be championed by the private sector based on favourable and attractive incentives from the government.

On why the government should be involved in the provision of housing, he argued that it needed to be involved to maintain the minimum standards that are fit for habitation. Omisore regretted that most dwelling places cannot pass the United Nations’ standard for housing.

He also urged for urban areas regeneration, green field housing technology and developments, structured skill acquisition for ar-

•L-R: Omisore, Mrs Ajayi, Ogunleye and Shodunke at the workshop.

tisans in the sector and research and development to come up with new and effective ways of building.

Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos chapter Mrs. Abimbola Ajayi stressed the need to develop a construction methodology with emphasis on low cost that is suitable for mass housing.

She said: “The government

should examine, critically, the issues relating to structural design by evaluating building standards, development of appropriate services and infrastructural requirements, with a site lay out and master planning that will make up a mass housing community that embodies an integrated approach and relevance to our socio-cultural requirements and environment.”

‘To achieve rent-to-ownership structure, the government, especially in Lagos, must undertake a deliberate policy to cease from building houses targeted at the middle/high net worth individuals as the masses may not be able to build for themselves or, when they build, it will not be fit for habitation’

PHOTO: OKWY IROEGBU

In his contribution, Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Lagos chapter, Mr Makinde Ogunleye, said “to achieve rent-toownership structure, the government, especially in Lagos, must undertake a deliberate policy to cease from building houses targeted at the middle/high net worth individuals as the masses may not be able to build for themselves or, when they build, it will not be fit for habitation.”

He canvassed the need to create an enabling environment to encourage private sector participation in the production of houses as government alone, he said, cannot do it alone.

UN-Habitat, experts meet on Sept 20 for housing

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“

o fewer than 40 experts will on September 20 brainstorm on the future role of UN-Habitat with a view to preventing, monitoring and assessing the impact of forced evictions globally.

The UN-Habitats synergies with the planning, managing and fi-

nancing of cities in this new millennium will also be explored.

“Unlawful forced evictions are on the increase worldwide in frequency, in number, in scale, and in the level of violence. In many countries, they have become common practice in lieu of urban planning and

inclusive social policies.

“They affect the lives of millions of people, many of them the most vulnerable and poor who live on the margins of society.

“In recognition of what has been described as a relentless rise in forced evictions world-

wide, UN-Habitat has pro-actively responded through, inter alia, the building of a comprehensive body of normative knowledge and practical experience related to the prevention, monitoring and assessment of instances of forced evictions in all corners of the world.

“UN-Habitat is uniquely placed to ensure that many unlawful and forced evictions are prevented through the provision of advice and guidance to governments, cities and communities,” the UN-Habitat said in a statement.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

27

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Abia to earn N1.2b from property tax yearly

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BIA State will earn N1.2 billion in levies on prop erties and business outfits annually when it starts implementing its Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development Fund Law. The will enhance the state’s internally generated revenue to take care of infrastructure provision.

The Law No. 8 of 2010 empowers the state to collect development fees on properties and infrastructure listed in Schedule 1 of the Law. The taxable properties include residential buildings, commercial layout, industries, filling stations, hotels, private schools, financial institutions, communication and

allied sector.

Others are markets, sand excavation, quarrying, warehouses, containers and cattle dumps.

The state Physical Planning and Infrastructural Development Fund Board Chairman, Mr Mike Okey Nwubani, said revenue earned from the levies would be strictly used for the development of infrastructure across the state.

He explained that the infrastructure development fund law "is a constitutional and amaster piece of legislation that stands the test of time" after serious setbacks in the implementation of the previous legislation in 1999 and amended in 2002.

According to him, the mission of the board is not only to enhance

the volume of internally generated revenue through participatory governance but also to improve infrastructure provision to the citizenry.

Nwubani said the Board hit the ground running and has, therefore, identified basic infrastructural projects "requiring urgent intervention". He added that approved consultants had been briefed to carry out studies and designs of the projects, especially at Aba, the commercial city.

HE said the identified projects requiring urgent attention included Cemetery/Market Road, Mosque Road, erosion control at Timber Market, Uratta and link roads.

He revealed that the most criti-

cal issue facing the board is "our society is not tax friendly". Hence, the apathy to payment of taxes and levies tend to question the patriotic credentials of Abia people in particular and Nigerians in general.

"There is, therefore, an urgent need to sensitise our people that it is not business as usual. The government is determined to look inwards in its quest to improve its internally generated revenue and to plough it back by providing needed infrastructure,” he said.

Nwaubani assured that leakages will no longer occur in revenue collection as only the Board will collect the taxes and levies through e-payment platforms at designated

•Abia State Governor Theodore Orji

banks, warning that "defaulters will not be spared.”

Lagos clears canal to fight flood

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ESIDENTS of Aguda/Ijesha in Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area of Lagos have expressed gratitude to the government for de-silting the canal in their area.

While some complain of flood whenever there is a downpour, others said for some years, they have suffered flooding area even when the rain is not heavy.

The Babaloja-General of ItireIkate LCDA, Alhaji Fatai Akanji, told The Nation that the people have been reaching out the government through the council to come to their aid.

“If I am not mistaken, it will be 10 years now that the canal has been dredged and it was not properly clean at that time,” Akanji said.

“We do not allow the marketers to throw waste into the canal. The canal was blocked as a result of dumping of refuse into the drain by the residents during rain. Government should consider installing rod at various drain to forestall the habit of throwing waste during the rain by the residents,” he said.

He urged government to cover the canal with barb wire so that passersby won’t continue to throw waste into it.

Financial Secretary, National

By Osas Robert

Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Pako-Aguda Unit, Seyi Opeifa, hailed Governor Babatunde Fashola and council Chairman Hon Hakeem Bamgbola for the dredging.

Opeifa urged government to sensitise people on the consequences of dropping waste into the canal.

“We, on our part, do not allow commercial vehicles to throw anything inside it because some of us reside around this area and we do not pray to continue witnessing flooding at the slightest of downpour,” he said.

He urged governments to make the dredging a continuous process.

The council Supervisor for the Environment, Hon Ahmed Apatira, who led The Nation to the site where the canal was been cleared urged residents to shun the habit of dumping refuse indiscriminately.

Apatira made the residents realised that they are going to be the major victims of the consequence.

“We have continued to mount pressure on the state to help with the dredging since the inception of this administration. This year, we have written letters to the gov-

Shelter Afrique, mortgage operators partner on loan facility

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HELTER Afrique and devel opers have held talks on boosting provision of affordable housing.

The proposed lifeline between Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN) and Kenyanbased Shelter Afrique is coming under the MBAN Liquidity Facility Limited (MBAN-LFL), which will provide re-financing and rediscounting facilities to Primary Mortgage Institutes (PMIs).

The meeting attended by Shelter Afrique’s Director, Business Development, Mr Femi Adewole, and senior officials of MBAN, considered the possibility of the agency having equity shareholding in the MBAN-LFL and how to enhance its housing finance loan to PMIs in Nigeria.

The meeting agreed in principle that some PMIs will form the pilot scheme for the purpose of extending the facility to the mortgage sector.

Shelter Afrique mortgage financing includes securitisation, generally, through lines of credit to Housing Finance Institutions (HFIs) and off balance financing arrangements with other institutions.

The Board of Directors of Shelter Afrique approved a line of credit of $5 million to Abbey Building Society Plc for on-lending to developers and building cooperatives in Nigeria for residential housing projects and another $5 million was approved for ASO Savings and Loans Plc for on-lending to medium-sized developers of residential estates in various parts of the country. EIB Building Society Limited also benefited from $2.5 billion.

Shelter Afrique promotes strategic partnership in its project financing with a view to mobilising financial and technical expertise for housing development.

It’s financing to the projects averages about 50 per cent of the total project cost.

The balance will come from the promoters, home buyers and other financiers, which increases the flow of resources into the housing market.

Sub-Saharan African countries are the second lowest (after South Asia) in the ratio of mortgage loans to total investment (creditto- value ratio) in both formal and informal sectors.

•A Crane clearing the canal.

ernor, to Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and to the Commissioner for the Environment. Now we have seen the result. They are there right now doing the clearing,” he said.

Like oliver twist, Apatira also appealed to the government to put in place preventive measures against those who may want to destroy the good work.

“I think it will be better if this place is been guided, maybe by

building walls to stop people from throwing refuse into the canal.

“We, on our part, have alerted the neighbourhood to get rid of those who may want to continue to deposit their waste in the canal.

Also, there are needs for lining of the canal from Pako here down to Asimowu Bakare and from Teniola down to Sanya. This is too much for the local government to bear,” he said.

Secretary to the Local government, Hon Gbenga Oyebode said the dredging will bring a big relief not only to the people of the council also neighbouring councils that also victims of the flood.

Oyebode urged the public to have good attitude about dumping of refuse and patronise appropriate agencies in charge of disposing refuse.

He warned that offenders would henceforth be penalised.

Firms embark on estate projects

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WO indigenous firms have launched a massive hous ing project to meet the challenge of housing an anticipated population of 160 million by the end of the year.

Pilot Property Communications Limited (Publishers of Pilot Property Magazine) and Convergence Properties and Estate Limited are embarking on two housing projects in different locations in Lagos.

The first estate known as Pilot Estate is situated in a serene and already developed part of Ikorodu; Igbogbo-Baiyeku.

With a functional Lagos State Ferry Service already helping to reduce transit time from the area to the Island to less than 10 minutes and the prospect of the third mainland bridge coming to the area, Igbogbo-Baiyeku, according to savvy real estate investors, cannot be ignored for future investment prospects.

Plots in Pilot Estate are on sale currently for a giveaway price of N495,000 outright payment and N50,000 monthly payments over 12months period. Pilot Estate is free from all known encumbrances (omoonile troubles) and has a global Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

The estate land is dry, flooding free and easily accessible. Ready for immediate development; estates

By Okwy Iroegbu, Asst Editor

close to Pilot Estate include: Lagos State Low Cost Estate, Law Union Estate and Nichemtex Cooperative Estate.

Convergence Estate on the other hand is situated in another rapidly developing area; Shiun-Owode around the Mowe-Ofada axis. Projected to benefit from the LagosOgun Mega-City development plan; there are currently about 40 other developed and developing estates in the area. About 20minutes drive from Ikeja via the LagosIbadan Expressway, Convergence Estate is covered with a Global C of O and free from government acquisition.

‘We have decided to make the price of land in both estates very affordable to make things easy for our target market, which is both the middle and low income earners’

A Plot of land in Convergence Estate currently sell for a promo price of N295,000 outright payment and N30,000 monthly payments over a 12months period.

Facilities for both Pilot Estate and Convergence Estate include: good road network, perimeter fencing, recreation areas, street lights, 24hrs security, properly landscaped and green environment. Both estates have the support of three major banks, namely: FirstBank, Zenith Bank and First City Monument Bank FCMB. At a media parley to unveil both estates, Mr Goddy Amaezechi, the Publisher of Pilot Magazine and Chief Executive Officer of Pilot Communications Limited, explained that both estates have been priced to ensure that average Nigerians are able to also become house owners in the estate.

“We have decided to make the price of land in both estates very affordable to make things easy for our target market, which is both the middle and low income earners”, he explained.

“While plots in the first phase of both estates are already on sale, the second phase of both projects which will be mainly two-bedroom and three-bedroom bungalow buildings will start by the first quarter of 2012, but prices have not been fixed yet”, he added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

28

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT Building Issues

What to consider before buying an old house

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•County Estate, Agege, Lagos.

‘Why Housing Minister must fight these three monsters’

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HE Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (LHUD), Ms Ama Pepple, was reported recently to have said her “passion is to propel the ministry towards the provision of social housing for Nigerians.”

She said further (according to the reports): “We must begin to focus on the provision of low-income houses that will be affordable to ordinary Nigerians.”

Her words: “I have a passion to address the housing needs of this category of Nigerians.”

This piece of news must have gladdened the mind of many Nigerians who would be affected with these statements.

It is gratifying to see a Federal Minister saying publicly that she has a passion for housing for the low income who are the majority in this society.

The minister was also reported to have said that government will not go into direct construction of houses but will provide the enabling environment and work with the private sector to produce affordable houses! May I remind the minister that this is the same policy of the Federal government in the past 12 years that has yielded no result as far as affordable housing is concerned.

The reason is obvious. The private sector is interested in making profit and housing for the low income is not a profitable venture. The private sector will therefore not be interested in such ventures. Or can somebody tell me how many of the private developers estates in Lagos and Abuja are meant for the low and middle income earners? The Government can, therefore, not afford to leave affordable housing entirely in the hands of the private sector. Whoever is advising the government to do so is laying the foundation for a housing crisis!

There has always been this argument that houses built by government is always more expensive because of the corruption usually associated with the award of contracts for the houses.

The question we should ask is; does this affect housing alone? Is there no corruption in the award of contracts for roads, schools, hospitals, airports, etc? If the answer is no, then should government also stop the construction of roads, schools, hospitals and airports and leave them for the private sectors only? Corruption is a monster that should be fought on all fronts and not just in the award of contracts for housing only.

The other argument that houses built by governments are more expensive cannot be substantiated. Private developer houses are much more expensive because they will build in the cost of finance and their profits. This is why their prices are always in several

By Chief Kola Akomolede

millions and not affordable to the masses.

The other alternative is to give land to the people to build their own houses but this is not feasible for the low income for several reasons which you know. Moreover, it is not an efficient way of utilising land which is scarce and expensive in the cities like Lagos and Abuja.

For these reasons and many others which space will not allow me to enumerate here, our governments cannot leave affordable housing for the low and middle income to the private sector only. It is only a way of government abdicating its duty of providing decent accommodation for its citizens as recommended by the constitution.

If, however, the minister wants to be remembered after leaving office, there are three monsters she must confront. These are: i.

High cost of acquisition of land ii.

High cost of building materials and iii. High cost of finance.

She must start to wage wars against these three enemies of affordable housing.

First, she must start the ‘War against high cost of land’ (WAHCOL) by proposing a bill to first remove the land use act from the constitution to make it amenable to necessary amendments as and when due. Unless this is done, the common man will continue to have little or no access to land. Under the law, even if the Federal Government (FGN) wants to provide houses for the masses, she has to beg the states to give her land and if any state refuses, there is nothing the FGN can do! So the proposed private partnership can only work in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The issue of governors consent which had been an albatrous against the transfer and perfection of title to land should be immediately addressed among others. Easy access to

‘This does not include capital repayment yet. How many people can afford this in a country where the minimum wage is N18, 000 per month?

And you can hardly get a house that will cost less than N5 million’

land is the first step on the way to affordable housing for the masses.

The second is the ‘War against high cost of building materials’ (WAHCOBM). At the present price of major building materials, there is no way affordable housing can be provided. Cement which is a major component in our building system is now about N2,500 or more depending on your location! The minister must make proposals to the government on how to bring down the cost of cement and all other building materials. I have discussed this in one of my earlier article on the subject. Government can do the followings: i.

Give grants or very low interest loan to cement manufacturers to expand their production capacities. ii.

Remove import duties on cement manufacturing equipments. This was done for GSM equipments. iii. Remove excise duties on cement manufactured in the country. iv. As an interim measure, allow the importation of cement for the next 12 months at no import duty. This should stop as soon as the local manufacturers have completed their expansion projects. This country can produce enough cement for our consumption and even export to other West African Countries. We have the limestone in abundance. v.

All the above should be applicable to all other building materials and not cement alone.

The third war is the ‘war against high cost of finance’ (WAHCOF).

This war is on two fronts. The minister must propose to government a way to make finance available at affordable rates of interest as it obtains in developed countries to both property developers and individuals who want mortgage to buy a house.

Interest rates on mortgage is between three per cent and five per cent in most civilised countries but here in Nigeria it is between 18 per cent and 24 per cent! By the time property developers add this to their cost of production of houses, the houses cannot be affordable at all.

For people who want to buy these houses, it is difficult to meet the monthly or yearly repayment even on a long time basis. For example, the monthly interest alone for a loan of N5 million is N75, 000. This does not include capital repayment yet. How many people can afford this in a country where the minimum wage is N18, 000 per month? And you can hardly get a house that will cost less than N5 million.

The Minister must set in motion the necessary machinery to re-examine the National Housing Fund (NHF). The

• Chief Kola Akomolede, Chairman, Faculty of Housing, Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV)

LD and historic houses

By Okwy Iroegbu Asst. Editor are charming, but age often comes with proband a professional builder to lems we all know. Check these tell you for sure if the foundathings before you commit to tion is solid, but if you see signs buying it. of crumbling or cracks, it's best An old house may also have to move on. a history behind it, especially 3. How old is the plumbing? in this clime where we tend to If the house still has the origibe superstitious. nal cast-iron pipes, you might I have listened to people sugneed to replace them because of gest that a particular house may mineral buildup, corrosion or be somewhat jinxed as they link leaks. Make sure you closely inthe owner or past tenants to spect any exposed pipes in the some kind of misfortune or acbasement to see if they're in cidents. working order.

It will, therefore, do you a lot Mineral buildup in the pipes of good to take time to investiwon't be noticeable until you're gate the story behind that Victrying to take a shower and retorian house or colonial type alise that very little water is building you want to buy and coming out besides usually remodel to live or sell. rusted water will trickle down With home prices down, esthat is if the pipes are still in pecially in the upscale housing, good working condition. many people are deciding with 2. How old is the electrical good reason that wiring?

‘With home now is the time to Many old jump into home homes still have prices down, ownership or to surface wiring especially in the invest in real eswhich is not too upscale housing, tate. While living tidy. Although it many people are in a new home works, it can pose has its perks, a fire hazard. If deciding with these newer the home's wiring good reason that homes often lack is outdated, make now is the time to sure you consider myth, history, jump into home charm and perthe cost of updatsonality. ing it. ownership or to This is why 3. How's the invest in real some people are roof, certainly it estate. While drawn to older, must be the old living in a new historic homes, and rustic zinc? which often ooze Beware!

Rehome has its with character. placing a roof is perks, these The downside is one of the most newer homes that they can also expensive home be money pits repairs you'll often lack myth, and cause endmake. history, charm less frustrations Make sure you and personality’ for home owners. check the roof With the benefit of hindsight, I will say, with all certainty, that owning or living in an old house isn't for everyone.

Though, sometimes, it’s not out of choice but necessity and expediency which come with some challenges. So, how do you know if owning a historic home is right for you? Here are five questions you should ask before you sign on the dotted line.

How solid is the foundation?

Old homes often have foundation issues especially with massive flooding experienced in major cities of late which is a cumulative effect of climate change and are incredibly costly to fix.

When you're looking at a historic home, leave the living room and bedrooms for last.

The most important information is down in the basement.

First, check the foundation for signs of cracks or shifting.

Also look for and test for mold in the home, as it can be a sign of a weak foundation and other problems. You'll likely need to get a structural engineer

carefully for leaks this is better down during rainy season for a lay though. If the roof is more than 10 to 15 years old, you might need to replace it sometime during your ownership of the house.

4. Before the leap As you can see, owning a historic home is fraught with potentially expensive repairs, but don't let that scare you off from considering buying one. There are definitely some pros to owning an older home, starting with the fact that they are typically incredibly well-made and built with good, sturdy materials and strong craftsmanship. They are usually cheap with a good make-over you can be swimming in cash if you decide to sale it.

Old homes are often in neighborhoods that are full of character, where you can walk downtown or sit on your deep front porch and visit with the neighbours if you want to mix and mingle. And if you're really lucky? Your old home might come with a friendly ghost to keep you company!

‘There are definitely some pros to owning an older home, starting with the fact that they are typically incredibly well-made and built with good, sturdy materials and strong craftsmanship’ •Contributions, questions? e-mail: quichi3cities@yahoo.com

29

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

Justice Dahiru Musdapher has been sworn in as acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), pending Senate confirmation. He is assuming office at a time public confidence in the judiciary has been badly shaken. Senior lawyers have listed their expectations of Justice Musdapher. They want him to reverse the alleged illegal actions taken by his predecessor, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, especially the suspension of the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Isa Ayo Salami. He is also expected to repair the fractured relationship between the Bar and the Bench.

ERIC IKHILAE and JOSEPH JIBUEZE report

Our expectations of Musdapher, by lawyers F

OR the judiciary and the nation at large, these are trying times. Times that try the soul of judges and others working in and outside the temple of justice. The nation got to this pass because of some untoward events witnessed at the twilight of Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu’s reign as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

The deliberate subjugation of justice and fair play to satisfy certain interests, such as the suspension of President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Isa Ayo Salami, almost brought the institution, once viewed as the hallowed temple of justice, to its knees.

Also, the use to which the Justice KatsinaAlu-led judiciary deployed the National Judicial Council (NJC), despite wise counsel by the Bar, a critical sector in the court’s system, has, to a great extent, helped to shred the sanctity of the judiciary.

Today, the judiciary is laid bare, stripped of its respect and honour. It is viewed as an institution willing to sacrifice its best on the altar of patronage, to satisfy extraneous interests. The public now views the judiciary as an institution that stands for everything but justice.

Can the judiciary survive this crisis of integrity? Will it ever regain public confidence? Who will redeem the judiciary? These and more are the questions the Acting CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, has to answer.

All eyes are now on Justice Musdapher, who is expected to deviate from the path trod by his predecessor, to provide the muchneeded elixir for the restoration of public confidence and hope in the third arm of government. He needs inputs from others to achieve this.

This is because, at this point in time, the judiciary needs a head that listens to wise counsel, and knows when to draw the line between professionalism and partisan politics. The judiciary, in every society, should not only be seen as an arbiter, it must always serve as unbiased.

President Goodluck Jonathan emphasised the enormity of this task when, while inaugurating Justice Musdapher, he urged him to rekindle the people’s faith in the judiciary.

He noted that the new CJN was assuming office at a very challenging time, not only for the judiciary, but for the larger society which looks up to the judicial arm of government as an impartial and courageous arbiter.

“Given his rich antecedents and compelling experience, I am confident that he will be able to face up to these challenges and rekindle the people’s faith and confidence in the judicial process.”

In a move suggestive of his realisation of the great task ahead, Justice Musdapher has given the public a peep into what to expect.

He has promised to do justice for the common good of all, describing the sorry state of affairs in the judiciary as a reflection of the loss of values in the larger society.

His words: “The downturn in the society has not left the judiciary alone, no doubt about it. God willing, we will do everything to ensure that things are better in the judiciary. We will face the challenge squarely and make sure that it (the Judiciary) becomes one of the best in the world.

“The delay in the dispensation of justice will be reduced to the barest minimum. We will make sure that we look at the procedural rules and all the laws and make suggestions for the amendment to laws governing the procedures,” Justice Musdapher said.

Beyond the need to ensure prompt disposal of cases, law experts have urged the new CJN to evolve ways of redeeming the institution’s image by righting the wrongs perpetrated under Justice Katsina-Alu. They also identified other critical issues Justice Musdapher must address.

They asked him to move swiftly to ensure an amicable resolution of the Justice Salami case by convening a meeting of all NJC members, including representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to work out ways of ensuring the reinstatement of the suspended PCA. The lawyers want him to work towards reversing the strained relationship between the Bar and the Bench and carry out reforms necessary to ensure prompt handling of cases.

Former NBA presidents Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) urged Justice Musdapher to correct the mistakes of his predecessor to restore the people’s confidence in the judiciary.

Agbakoba said Justice Katsina-Alu “did very badly” while Akeredolu opined that the retired CJN “damaged the Judiciary considerably.”

He added: “In the short time the new CJN has, he must ensure that he turns things around, because the former CJN, in my view, did very badly. Many of the mistakes that he made were avoidable ones. So, hopefully, the acting CJN can learn from the errors of his predecessor.

“He should call a meeting of the giants in the Judiciary, the NBA President, Court of Appeal President and just say: Look, we are in a mess.”

Akeredolu pointed out that Justice Musdapher was still in acting capacity and urged the Senate “to do a very thorough job” during his screening.

“He is yet to be confirmed by the Senate.

What the Senate should do is to do a thorough job. I’m not saying the man is not qualified, but we are hoping that the Senate would do a very thorough job.”

He said if approved by the Senate, Justice Musdapher must begin the rehabilitation of the Judiciary.

“I think he has a lot to do because his predecessor has damaged the Judiciary considerably. So, he needs to do a lot of work to

•Judicial integrity at stake over investigation

•Justice Musdapher

•Continued on page 31

•Poverty, corruption bane of insecurity - P.30 •Praises, knocks trail NBA conference - P.36

30

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

LAW PERSONALITY Mr Sebastine Hon (SAN) is the author of several law books, including Law of Evidence and Constitution and Civil Procedure in the High Court. The Benue State-born lawyer spoke with FANEN IHYONGO on some national issues.

Poverty, corruption bane of insecurity H

OW do you think the rising insecurity in the country and terrorist attacks can be checked?

Several factors have been responsible for the high-level insecurity in Nigeria. And these have been there for long. The first is youth unemployment. There is no gain saying that a hungry man is an angry man. It is also altruistic that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. It is intolerable that a few socalled leaders have held the country to ransom. And they are shamelessly milking it dry, recycling the blood-stained loot among themselves and telling other concerned persons to go to hell.

Remember that our tertiary institutions are churning out thousands of graduates every year, with no hope for sources of livelihood. These unemployed graduates are from families just like you and I and they most likely have siblings who have not been lucky or able to go to school.

Are you saying poverty is a cause?

Take, for instance, a family that may have even borrowed money to ensure that at least one of their members go to school, nursing fruitless hope of enjoying better days ahead.

There is then this sudden reality that there is no hope in sight for them.

Everyday, dad, mum and children will wake up and have nothing to eat, except upon the benevolence of a Good Samaritan.

What do you expect the frustrated children of that family to do? Most likely, they will turn armed robbers, kidnappers, abductors, thugs and willing tools in the hands of their very oppressors. This is a vicious circle of poverty that leads to destruction.

Is there another cause?

The second related factor is corruption and abuse of office. Imagine growing up with a pauper, who becomes stupendously rich overnight simply because he finds himself in government. Any other person, who feels jealous or challenged, can easily become violent because of frustration and anger.

How can insecurity then be tackled?

The ball is indeed in the court of the various tiers of government, particularly the Federal Government. Even the State and Local Governments have equally important roles to play, because the perpetrators of these unlawful acts are not ghosts but Nigerians from known communities.

Do you support the stick and carrot?

To me, dialogue is still the best as a short term measure, no matter how justifiably angry we might feel at some of the upheavals of late. I have two reasons for this suggestion: first, even God Almighty gave Adam and Eve a hearing in the Garden of Eden, even though God had foreknowledge of their wrongdoing.

Secondly, no battle has ever been won on the battlefield. Thirdly, and more importantly, Government should simultaneously embark on aggressive short and long term plans to curbing the spiraling unemployment in the country.

Religious and community leaders should avoid undue partisanship and inflammatory statements. Above all, we must all rise to the challenge; otherwise Nigeria is hanging precariously on the cliff.

Do you support President Goodluck Jonathan’s six-year single term proposal?

First of all, I want us to believe Mr President that he does not want to be a beneficiary of the proposal. I say so because an amendment of the constitution can never be done in secret; hence Nigerians must know the truth.

My immediate take on the whole thing, however, is a rehash of what I have always maintained: that a single term of five or six years is better, for the stability of our political system. Mr President, who is the moral compass of the nation, has extricated himself from this gamble.

But I say that is not enough: all our elected officials should never hope of being beneficiaries, because Nigerians have a constitutional contract with them for only four years. Any attempt to exceed that constitutional mandate would be starkly resisted and torpedoed like the infamous third term agenda.

Above all, the timing however, is wrong.

It shouldn’t have come now, when Nigerians are groaning under the grueling yoke

•Hon (SAN)

‘To me, dialogue is still the best as a short term measure, no matter how justifiably angry we might feel at some of the upheavals of late. I have two reasons for this suggestion: first, even God Almighty gave Adam and Eve a hearing in the Garden of Eden, even though God had foreknowledge of their wrongdoing’ of Boko Haram and tension-soak post-election disputes qua hysteria. Mr President should withdraw the proposal, consult widely, repackage and re-submit it much later.

How could technicalities be checked as impediment to justice delivery?

Let us first of all, distinguish between a technicality and a substance. A technicality is a rule that is at the periphery. It is abstract in nature. On the other hand, a substance is the major point in a particular litigation. So, running away from technicalities has been part of our judicial system from time immemorial.

If you peruse all the law reports right from when the British authorities handed down their legal system to Nigeria, and we also received it, the courts of law of Nigeria –starting from the West African Court of Appeal to the old Federal Supreme Court to the present Supreme Court and all the levels of our courts, one trend has been running through our history: that we should not adhere to technicalities.

But how is it in practical terms?

But in practical sense, there is a thin line of distinction between a technical rule and a rule of substance. For instance, I am aware of the lots of conflicting decisions on the issue of service out of jurisdiction. Because under the law, before you effect the service of an originating process out of a jurisdiction, you will obtain leave of court to effect that power.

I may feel that some decisions may breach this rule, which is a technical error. So, I am of the view that the breach goes for jurisdiction, in other

words, as it affects the substance for the authority of the court to sit over such a matter.

Therefore, in as much as I agree that the court has been shifting away from technicalities. I want us to believe that this theory or stand point has been with us from time immemorial. Every time the court would say we are shifting away from technicalities, but somehow, they would still find themselves falling into the trap of technicalities.

Should lawyers move away from technicalities for justice?

Now, it is good to shift away from technicalities, but what is the beauty of the law, when a lawyer is supposed to know what to do and he doesn’t do it well? And what he has failed to do well infringes on an express provision of the law? To a non-lawyer, if his opponent applies for that process to be struck out, the non-lawyer would complain that the lawyer is hanging on a technicality.

But the law is supposed to be as it is. So, there is a thin line of distinction that exists between a technicality and a substance, it depends on the facts of any given case. So, it is good to shift away from technicalities so that the substance in our litigations would always be pursued to conclusion, but at the same time, there are some rules that look technical but also form substance.

That is where the difficulty lies; it is not a oneway traffic.

You can’t say from here to there amounts to a technicality and from there to a further point amount to substance. It is a very thin line of distinction, depending on the nature of the is-

sue. I do not support the courts insisting on technicalities, but I assure you, we shall keep on singing this tune till thy kingdom come. Because technical rules would still be applied, as it is difficult to distinguish between it and a rule of substance.

There have been calls for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to be merged. What is your take?

I disagree with the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. I watched when members of the Senate were screening or clearing him for confirmation as minister. Well, that is his opinion, but his suggestion is not based on sound historical and empirical factors. For those who do not know, the Nigerian EFCC was fashioned after the FBI of the USA. And if you know the workings of the FBI very well, it is funded and equipped and statutorily mandated to fight corruption and terrorism.

If you also look at the EFCC Act 2004, it is also funded and statutorily mandated to fight corruption and terrorism. Now, the ICPC is also empowered, under the ICPC Act, to fight abuse of office and official corruption in its own way.

The two set of laws have segmented their functions.

Which has a bigger responsibility?

The EFCC has a bigger stake than the ICPC in the fight against corruption. Now, if you do a comparative analysis between the EFCC/ICPC and the FBI, you would realise that the two Nigerian anti-corruption bodies are currently doing very well. Now, the annual budget of the FBI is 50 times bigger than the annual budget of the EFCC. The staff strength of the FBI is over 50,000 well trained personnel, while the staff strength of both the EFCC and the ICPC is less than 5,000 of half-trained or untrained personnel. The FBI is supposed to police America, made up of 309 million people, as at 2010 population estimate.

The EFCC and ICPC are supposed to police half of that population, about 150 million Nigerians. Now, FBI is fighting corruption and terrorism within a geographic entity made up of 309 million people. The EFCC and ICPC are supposed to fight corruption in Nigeria –made up of 150 million people (half of America’s population) with at least staff strength of 25,000, not less than 5,000 personnel.

The FBI was established over 80 years ago, the EFCC and ICPC are barely 10 years old. The FBI has gone through a lot of institutional and organisational changes and has faced a lot of challenges. The FBI has crime analysis laboratories in all the states of America. The EFCC has only one laboratory in Nigeria. The ICPC does not even have one. Therefore, we cannot expect the EFCC and ICPC to be as effective as the FBI overnight.

What is your assessment of their performance?

The corruption index in America is 7.5 percent, while the corruption index here is 2.5percent, measured upside down over 10 per cent.

This means Nigeria has a very high corruption index, of up to five per cent higher, compared to America. A highly equipped and well funded FBI is fighting a smaller incidence of corruption while poorly equipped and poorly funded EFCC/ICPC are fighting bigger incidences of corruption.

So, instead of publicly attacking the EFCC and ICPC of non-performance, the AGF should look for ways to equip and strengthen these anticorruption agencies, to see whether they would excel in the fight against corruption or not. The EFCC has recovered billions of naira, yet the Attorney-General said the EFCC is recovering money through free bargaining instead of sending people to prison. But I know that there is no free bargaining that goes on in Nigeria without the knowledge of the AGF, because the EFCC submits these proposals to the office of the AGF. What is your assessment of the legislature?

The legislature is an institutional body which, apart from its law-making powers, is vested with the power to exercise oversight functions, over actions of the executive and even the judiciary. In fact, the oversight functions are exercisable in all areas that the legislature has power to make laws. There are also to be exercised to exposed and prevent corruption, and also to enact laws enforceable for the common good of all Nigerians. Having laid that foundation, I would like to say the national Assembly has done fairly well, in terms of enactment of laws.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

31

LAW COVER CONT’D

Our expectations of Musdapher, by lawyers •Continued from page 29

rehabilitate the judiciary.

“He has to start by resolving issues surrounding the President of the Appeal Court,” Agbakoba said.

Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN) urged him to revisit Justice Salami’s case by calling an emergency meeting of the NJC to retable the issue.

He said the meeting should be attended by all members. He urged the CJN to work towards ensuring that the case is resolved amicably out of court.

Besides, Fagbohungbe asked the CJN to ensure that cases are promptly disposed to correct the present situation where cases are left at the apex court for many years.

“The most important thing is that matters can be settled amicably out of court. He should summon an emergency meeting of the NJC. He should consult widely and reach out to the NBA. Everybody must be consulted.

He should re-table the issue before the NJC so that the matter could be resolved amicably,” Fagbohungbe said.

“Let the matter go away with the retired CJN Justice Aloysius Katsin-Alu. The only way is dialogue. Although he has enumerated areas he intends to address, I will urge him to concentrate on ways of making sure that cases are promptly disposed of. The situation where cases spend between five to seven years at the Supreme Court is not acceptable,” he added.

Chief Ricky Tarfa (SAN) said: “Hon. Justice Musdapher is perhaps the most-experienced serving justice in the country today.

“He is assuming the leadership of the Judiciary at a most critical time when the nation needs his vast experience and maturity to restore some of the lost confidence in the administration of justice.

“His tenure may not be long enough, but it is sufficient for him to restore or lay a solid foundation for the restoration of confidence in judges, members of the Bar and the nation at large that the Judiciary will continue to play its sacred constitutional role in nationbuilding and for his successor to strengthen and consolidate on such tasks.

Chief Layi Babatunde (SAN) said: “The starting point is to congratulate and wish His Lordship well. It is gratifying that the CJN has identified the need to speed up our adjudication process.

“However, we need to remind ourselves that justice is rooted in confidence, which in turn is very much grounded in perception.

The general perception of our judiciary, nay the entire legal profession, today calls for urgent improvement which can only be achieved through collaborative effort between the Bar and the Bench.

“His Lordship, having been a private legal practitioner, a former Attorney-General and risen through the ranks on the Bench to become CJN, is in good stead to achieve a healthy liaison with the Bar. “Both the Bench and the Bar must rise to

•Akeredolu

•Fagbohungbe

•Nwobike

•Igbokwe

the occasion and the CJN has a prime role in this regard in the overall interest of our country. In the task of moving our judiciary forward his Lordship deserves our prayers,” Babatunde said.

Emeka Ngige (SAN) said: “He has a short period to preside as CJN. So, he cannot do much. But, if I were him, I would embark on reconciliation with the Bar and other parties to the current Judiciary crisis.

“He can seize the moment by reversing all illegal actions taken by his predecessor as chairman of NJC. He should call a full meeting of the NJC for the reversal of the illegal suspension of Justice Salami and restore him to his office.

“The NJC itself needs to be cleansed. A lot of things are going wrong there. His lordship has a choice: to distance himself from the iniquitous actions of his predecessor or continue from where he stopped. It is up to him.”

Chief Mike Igbokwe (SAN) said Justice Musdapher is fully aware of the problems and controversies in the Judiciary and must rebuild public faith in it.

“I have confidence in him that he would follow judicial process, his judicial oath and the Constitution in resolving the problems; that he would rebuild public confidence in the judiciary as the hope of all; fight corruption wherever it exists in the judiciary; main-

tain high standards that the Supreme Court has been known for and move the Supreme Court and the judiciary to a higher lever than he met it.”

Chief Chris Uche (SAN) said a lot is expected of Justice Musdapher. “The erudite judge has mounted the saddle at a very critical and crucial time in the annals of the Judiciary and of this nation. I am very happy because he is the man for a moment like this.

“He comes from a rich legal and judicial background; and, unlike some others before him, he has a seasoned private legal practice background from where he went to the Bench, and thus comes with a private sector orientation, perspective and initiative necessary to drive the judicial process to the next level expected by Nigerians.

“He is well-known as a highly disciplined judge with a very no-nonsense approach to issues, but with a large heart to accommodate and reconcile competing interests.

“I see him resolving the current impasse between the NBA and the leadership of the judiciary as both are indispensable twin pillars in the administration of justice. I see him resolving the impasse arising from the suspension of the Justice Salami.

“I see him restoring the hope of the common man in the Judiciary and redeeming its image which has been battered lately. Notwithstanding the short time at his disposal, I believe he can surmount the challenges, “His predecessor, Justice SMA Belgore had about the same time, or even less, and he made a great impact. I know Justice Musdapher will hit the ground running, as he is no stranger to the system. I am very confident that he will face up to these challenges and exceed expectations.”

Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN) said: “I think the new CJN is an experienced justice who has risen through the ranks. He should focus on introducing measures which would check the delays associated with the justice delivery system at the various levels of judiciary.

“He should allow the court to determine the fate of Justice Salami as to do otherwise would amount to interference with the powers of the courts to settle disputes. I do not think that it is the business of the new CJN to amend the laws, which confer the statutory powers on the office.

“I really do not agree that the powers are enormous. Those calling for the amendment of these provisions are merely over-reacting to an administrative issue between two principal officers of the judiciary.”

Kemi Pinhero (SAN) said: “I expect Justice Musdapher to promptly and expeditiously initiate and actualise e-filing by the creation of an e-registry at all courts created by the Constitution within six months.

“I expect him to reform the process of ‘selection’ of judicial officers with a view to making it more transparent.”

Falana said: “In accepting the challenge, Justice Musdapher promised to make the judiciary one of the best in the world. No doubt, Justice Musdapher is taking over the Judiciary when the institution is at its lowest ebb.

“But, having not taken part in the illegal decision of the NJC to suspend President of the Court of Appeal Justice Ayo Salami from office, contrary to the well established legal principle of not preempting matters that are pending in courts, the acting Chief Justice is advised to explore an amicable resolution of the self-inflicted crisis in the judiciary.

“The new Chief Justice should move speedily to attack judicial corruption, congestion of cases and the mockery of the criminal justice system by influential accused persons whose cases are allowed to drag on indefinitely in courts.”

Copyright Commission to appeal High Court judgment

T

HE Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has said it would appeal the judgment of a Federal High Court in the suit by the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) and others.

NCC said the July 25 verdict touched on some of its regulatory powers.

A statement by its Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Mr Vincent A. Oyefeso, for the Director-General, said reports of the judgmentgave the impression that an organisation wishing to carry out the functions of a collecting society does not require the NCC’s prior approval to enforce the rights of its members.

It said: “The Commission has carefully considered the judgment, and is of the view that there are fundamental issues of law touch-

By Evelyn Osagie

ing on the interpretation of the provisions of the Copyright Act vis-à-vis the Commission’s functions and powers.

“Consequently, the Commission has decided that it will appeal against the judgment to the Court of Appeal.

“The regulation of the formation and operations of collective management organisations in Nigeria is provided for in Section 39 of the Copyright Act, which empowers the NCC to grant approval to any organisation desirous of functioning as a Collecting Society.

“It is an offence for any person to carry on the business of Collective management or purport to perform the functions of a Col-

lecting Society unless it is approved by the NCC to do so.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 39 (1) & (4) of the Copyright Act Provides as follows: ‘(1) A Collecting Society (in this section referred to as “a society”) may be formed in respect of anyone or more rights of copyrights owners for the benefit of such owners, and the society may apply to the Commission for approval to operate as a collecting society for the purpose of this Act. “‘(4) It shall be unlawful for any group of persons to purport to perform the duties of a society without the approval of the Commission as required under this section of this Act.” The Commission recalled that the Court of Appeal in its decision in Appeal No. CA/L/

787/2008 involving Compact Disc Technologies Ltd & Others Vs. Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) (Ltd/Gtd) delivered on March 17, 2010, held that any organisation requires the NCC’s approval to operate as a collecting society.

“By the provisions of the law, and the decision of the Court of Appeal referred above, the Commission’s powers of regulating collective management of rights remain unaffected.

“Without prejudice to the appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, the Commission wishes to reassure stakeholders in the copyright community and in particular, those in the music industry that it will continue to perform its statutory responsibility within the ambit of its enabling law.”

32

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

LAW & SOCIETY THE NBA CONFERENCE IN PORT HARCOURT

•NBA President Joseph Bodunrin Daudu (SAN) Alternate Chairman TCCP, Okey Wali (SAN)

•Former NBA President T.J. Okpoko (SAN)

•Ziggy Azike

•General Secretary NBA Olumuyiwa Akinboro (left) and First Vice President, Blessing Ukiri

•Chair, Women Forum, Hajiya Fatima Kwaku (left) and President FIDA International Stella Ugboma

•From left Rickey Tarfa (SAN), Chairman Lagos NBA Taiwo Taiwo and Emeka Ngige (SAN)

•From left: Former President NBA Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Mamman Osuma (SAN) and Emmanuel Ukala (SAN)

•From left: Augustine Alegeh (SAN), Chris Uche (SAN) and Omonuwa O. A. (SAN)

•Mr Adebayo Ojo (left) and former Publicity Secretary NBA Abdul-Raseed Muritala

•Former General Secretary, NBA Lawal Rabana (SAN) and former President, NBA Wole Olanipekun (SAN)

•Former Chairman, NBA Lagos, Chijoke Okoli (left) and Fabian Ajogwu (SAN)

33

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

LAW & SOCIETY A RECEPTION IN HONOUR OF PROF PETER AKPER (SAN) BY THE NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED LEGAL STUDIES (NIALS) AT THE GOLDEN HOTEL, ABUJA

•Director -General, NIALS, Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN) and his wife, Dr Valerie

•Prof Peter Akper (SAN) and Mrs Anyiam Uzo Onyi

•From left: Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama (SAN); former Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Roland Ewubare

•Chief Ugonabu Anyiam and Ann Banfa

•Director of Studies NIALS, Prof Deji Adekunle and HRH David Afatyo

•Prof Paul Idornigie and P. C. Okorie

•From left: Justice Kanyis, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, and Akporede Ibrahim of the National Industrial Court

•Tunde Busari and Juliet Ibekuku

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

34

FROM THE COURT

Why and how Election Tribunal dismissed Ogboru’s petition

A

TTACKING the integrity of judges, especially by those who are not favoured by their judgment has become a pastime in Nigeria. Due to the nature and ethics of their job, judges are not allowed to respond to these attacks which more often than not are baseless.

The reaction of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) and its governorship candidate, Chief Great Ogboru to the judgment of the Delta State Governorship Election Tribunal’s judgment which upheld the election of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is that of a desperate politician who is blaming his misfortune at the polls on the judiciary.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Uduaghan winner of the January 6, 2011 re-run Delta State Governorship Election with 275,253 votes as against DPP’s candidate, Ogboru’s 138,244 votes.

For those who are not conversant with the facts but who have chosen to base their support for Ogboru on sentiments, here are the facts.

In his petition, Ogboru asked the tribunal to hold that he won the majority of lawful votes in the rerun elections which took place on January 6, 2011. Specifically, he claimed that he polled 133,39 votes and that Uduaghan scored 82,803 votes. He argued that election did not hold in some local government areas and wards or that the voting exercise was marred with violence.

He called several witnesses to support his case. They all testified that elections did not take place or that the voting was not conclusive.

In reply, PDP and Uduaghan called witnesses to prove that elections actually took place in the same local government areas where Ogboru had contended that elections did not take place. INEC also called its electoral officers who served in the areas where Ogboru said there was no election.

Before going into the merit or otherwise of the substantive petition, the tribunal first dealt with the preliminary objection filed by the PDP and Uduaghan. The objection included but not limited to waiver. PDP argued that since Ogboru had participated in the April 2011 general elections, he had waived his right to challenge the January 6, 2011 re-run elections. They also said that the petition had become spent because the Electoral Act 2006 under which the petition was based, having been repealed by the Electoral Act 2010.

They asked the tribunal to dismiss the petition on the ground that it was

ANALYSIS

By John Austin Unachukwu

incompetent.

Responding, Ogboru and DPP said the petition was competent and that the tribunal had the jurisdiction to entertain it. They argued that the fact that the petitioners participated in the April general elections did not mean that they had waived their right to challenge the result of the re-run.

They asked the court to hold that the election was not an abuse of the process of the court.

In holding that the petition was competent, Justice U. D. Ogwurike who delivered the judgment of the tribunal, said: “Taking into consideration the reliefs sought by the petitioners in this case, the petition cannot be said to be an academic exercise. Also, the fact that the petitioners signified their intention to participate in April 16 election does not derogate from the right to seek the remedy already pending in court in the instant petition and not withdrawn by the petitioners.”

After dismissing the petition, the tribunal then considered the main issue to wit: whether it is the petitioners or the first and second Respondents (Uduaghan and PDP) that scored the majority of lawful votes cast at the governorship re-run election of January 6, for Delta State and fulfilled the requirements of the Electoral Act 2010 and the 1999 constitution as amended, for the return at the election.

In proceeding to determine the issue, the tribunal identified three bases for seeking to set aside the declaration of Uduaghan as the winner of the re-run election. They are: (1) that elements of due process were absent in Warrri North, parts of Warri South, parts of Warri South/West, parts of Bomadi, parts of Ethiope West, Ika North East, parts of Patani and parts of Isoko South Local Government Area. (2) the petitioners further claim some of the scores recorded in the aforementioned local government areas were not lawful or valid votes in that no election was conducted and therefore (3) the 1st Respondent (Uduaghan) was not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast at the election.

The petitioners alleged that there were irregularities and noncompliance with the extant law and invited the tribunal to deduct the votes scored from the local government areas listed above. If that is done, he should be declared winner of the election.

The tribunal asked the question, on who does the burden of proof lie in civil cases including election

petitions? It referred to Section 135(1) and (2) of the Evidence Act. It provides thus: “135(1) whoever desires any court to give judgment as to any legal right or liability dependent on the existence of facts which he asserts must prove that those facts exit.

(2) When a person is bound to prove the existence of any fact, it is said that the burden of proof lies on that person.”

The tribunal noted that in elections petitions, the law placed the initial burden of proof on the petitioner and that the balance of proof is that of balance of probabilities. It further noted that where there was allegation that there were no voting materials, no INEC officials to supervise the voting and that no voting took place in some local government areas, the petitioner had the burden and must prove that allegation by calling at least a registered voter from each of the polling units in each ward in the respective local government areas to show that he could not vote in the said polling unit as there were no voting materials or INEC officials to preside over the voting.

It held that in the instant petition, the burden was on the petitioners to substantiate their allegations. The petitioners alleged malpractice and non compliance in eight local governments. In reply, the respondents denied the allegation. The respondents called oral evidence and tendered relevant documents such as Form EC8 to rebut the petitioners’ allegations.

The reports of the expert witnesses called by the petitioners were also discredited by the experts called by the respondents. The tribunal, consequently, concluded that the experts’ reports from both parties could not be relied upon because they were unreliable.

It then considered the case of the petitioner’s local government by local government. Some of the witnesses, who had deposed to affidavit that elections did not take place in certain wards, admitted in cross-examination that they were not at the particular polling booths. For instance, the tribunal held thus in respect of Ika Northeast Local Government: “In respect of Ika North East Local Government Area, which is one of the eight local government areas being challenged by the petitioners did inform the tribunal that election was not conducted in the said local government area. It is trite law that any averment upon which no evidence is adduced is deemed abandoned.”

•From left: Anthonia Titilayo Akinlawon and Lanre Ogunlesi, at the conferment of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) at the Supreme Court, Abuja, penultimate Friday. (Our error is regretted)

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

Need for international court for economic crimes

T

HE news that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has indicted some top politicians in Kenya for their alleged roles in the postelection violence that resulted in many deaths after the country’s 2008 elections, stirred some thoughts. While commenting on the development on CNN, a Kenyan had thanked the Westernnations for coming to their aid, by setting up a tribunal to try their wayward politicians, since the country lacks the capacity and will to deal with such problem by itself.

What came to my mind following that commentary was the need for an International Court for Economic Crimes to help Third World countries deal with the economic buccaneers masquerading as political leaders.

While I was ruminating about such possibility to help the Third World disability, the scramble for Libyan oil was already afoot. With the rapacious Muammar Gaddafi holed up somewhere in the desert, the ‘liberators of Libya’ were already settling down to their other agenda, the international economic despoliation of Libya. A case of choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea or legalistically double jeopardy, you may call it.

But the lot of Libyans is the lot of the rest of us. When leaders assume power in third world countries, they also acquire unrestrained access to the commonwealth. They steal and steal until their barn becomes bigger than that of the state. At other times, they ensure a blur between what belongs to the state, and what belongs to them. As shown by Gaddafi’s phantom humility in remaining a Colonel for 42 years, they canonize themselves as saints, with a divine right of leadership and their opponents as the arch enemies of the state. Welcome to a Third World heaven and hell.

Compare that to the First World. When Bill Clinton, the husband of Senator Hillary Clinton, former first lady and currently Secretary of State in President Obama’s administration, finished his presidency, he needed to work to make ends meet, and had to engage in paid public appearances and delivering lectures. It is believed that he rebounded financially after his best seller autobiography, entitled My Life raked in massive income for him. Conversely, check out our former African leaders, whether military or civilian. Nearly all of them retire into opulence, and most who retired with their head on their shoulders, and some goodwill to stay within the boundaries of their countries, live like kings.

In our peculiar Nigerian environment, it is clear that our internal systems are too timid to bring to justice, those who had stolen the better part of the trillions of dollars earned from oil since the 1970s. As is increasingly becoming obvious, despite the recent efforts in setting up the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), the challenges of fighting corruption sometimes seems like a tsunami about to overwhelm our country. The regular police that they came to ameliorate its inefficiency continue to plunge into greater disrepute, and what we have is a poorly policed environment, while corruption thrives.

Usually buoyed down by the unceasing assaults from corruption, the criminal justice system in Nigeria as in other Third World countries are never able to rein in corruption. The result is that while corruption is the greatest challenge of nearly all the countries, they are disabled by the same canker worm in finding a solution. A catch 22 kind of stuff; as efforts to fight corruption results in even greater corruption. Example. The allegations of corruption in the power sector programmes, was met by even greater allegations of corruption during the legislative probe of the allegations. As we also witnessed recently, many of the officials recruited to save the banks that have been eventually appropriated, turned the gambit into a rehab programme, allegedly stuffing their pockets as they wished.

Also, the courts have become enmeshed in allegations of corruption, as the twin evils of third world politics and corruption ravage it. Judges that refuse the corruption bait usually get sidelined or end up badly in some extreme cases. Where Judges are determined to ensure justice, the anachronistic judicial process is deployed to frustrate them, through delays and other forms of subterfuge. In Nigeria for instance many public officials who were charged with corruption since five years ago plus have been able to stall their trials, leaving others with the believe that corruption can not be punished under the current legal regime.

So like the inimitable late Sonny Okosun asked: Which way to go, to stem the debilitating corruption ravaging the Third World countries.

Can they on their own ever find the will to confront that monster holding their growth, or should they submit their rambunctious leaders to the scheming western countries. My take is that when it becomes obvious to the westerners that it will ultimately pay them to have clean government across the poor countries, and save their countries from the immigrants, they will set the process in motion to establish a statute to establish a permanent International Court for Economic Crimes. Between a 42-year reign by the Libya dictator and the impeding neo colonisation of Libya, the choice of the people may not matter any more.

While the politicians and the people can, they should bring some decency into governance and citizenship, since a failure usually spins out of control, as the Arab countries are realising. The western powers are pushing democracy as the way out, and as experience has shown, when properly practiced, the leaders and the led are better in a democracy. But as Tatalo Alamu of the Nation on Sunday would argue, propriety is alien to a hunter gatherer nation state.

35

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

LAW REPORT

Taking preliminary objection with main suit amounts to overuling preliminary objection before argument IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA On Friday, the 24th day of June, 2011 Suit No: SC.3/2011 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS DAHIRU MUSDAPHER ....... Justice of the Supreme Court CHRISTOPHER MITCHELL CHUKWUMA-ENEH ....... Justice of the Supreme Court OLUFUNLOLA OYELOLA ADEKEYE ....... Justice of the Supreme Court SULEIMAN GALADIMA ....... Justice of the Supreme Court BODE RHODES-VIVOUR ....... Justice of the Supreme Court BETWEEN 1. HON. ZAKAWANU I. GARUBA 2. HON. LEVIS A. AIGBOGUN 3. HON. FRANCIS O. OKIYE 4. HON. BLESSING AGBEBAKU 5. HON. CHRISTOPHER I. ADESOTU 6. HON. SUNDAY EBOSELE EREGHAN 7. HON. EMMA OKODUWA 8. HON. (DR.) ISRAEL MANDI AGUELE 9. HON. SAMUEL SHEGUN SAIKI, JP.

...APPELLANTS

AND 1. HON. EHI BRIGHT OMOKHODION 2. HON. PETER ALIU 3. HON. PAUL OHONBAMU 4. HON. PHILIP SHAIBU 5. HON. IKPONMWONSA E. OGBEIWI 6. HON. UWAMOSE AMADASUN 7. HON. KABIRU ADJOTO 8. UYIGUE IGBE 9. HON. FOLY JOSEPH OGEDENGBE 10. HON. JUDE ISE-IDEHEN 11. HON. BRIGHT N. OSAYANDE 12. HON. BRIGHT OSAYIMWEN 13. HON. JOHNSON E. OGHUMAH 14. THE CLERK, EDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

...RESPONDENTS

HON. ZAKAWANU I. GARUBA & ORS V. HON. EHI BRIGHT OMOKHODION & ORS CITATION: (2011) LPELR-SC.3/2011 C. M. CHUKWUMA-ENEH, JSC (Delivering the leading Ruling):

F

OLLOWING the pandemonium that broke out in the Edo State House of Assembly on 22/2/2010 over the purported removal and/or suspension of the speaker and Deputy Speaker, the plaintiffs (appellants herein) by way of originating Summons supported by an affidavit of twenty six paragraphs with accompanying exhibits have claimed against the (defendants/respondents herein) at the trial Court the following reliefs, viz; “i. A declaration that not less than twothirds majority of the 24 members of the Edo State House of Assembly is constitutionally required under Section 92(2)(c) of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 for the removal of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, that is 16 members. ii. A declaration that the purported removal of the 1st and 2nd plaintiffs as Speaker and Deputy Speaker by the 1st - 13th defendants is unconstitutional, null and void, with no resolution of the Edo State House of Assembly and votes of not less than two-thirds majority of the members of the House as mandatorily required under Section 92(2)(c) of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. iii. A declaration that the purported Motion used by the 1st - 14th defendants in purportedly removing the 1st and 2nd Plaintiffs as speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively is unconstitutional, null and void and in breach of Section 92(2)(c) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. iv. A declaration that the right of Fair Hearing of the 1st and 2nd plaintiffs as guaranteed by Section 36 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 was breached by the failure of the 1st - 13th defendants to serve a Notice of impeachment on the 1st and 2nd plaintiffs before their purported removal. v. A declaration that the purported appointment of 1st and 3rd defendants as the speaker and Deputy Speaker Respectively of the Edo State House of Assembly is null and void and of no effect whatsoever. vi. A declaration that the purported appointment of the 2nd defendant as the Speaker Protempore on February 22, 2010 is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever. vii. An Order nullifying the purported removal of the 1st and 2nd plaintiffs as the

Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly by the 1st - 13th Defendants on the February 22, 2010. viii. An Order nullifying all purported acts, orders and steps taken by the 1st - 13th Defendants from the 22nd day of February 2010 till the date of judgment. ix. An Order that the purported swearing in of the 1st and 3rd Defendants as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly by the 14th Defendant is unconstitutional, null and void. x. An order that the 1st and 2nd Plaintiffs remain the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, with all Rights and privileges. xi. An Order of injunction restraining the 1st and 3rd Defendants from parading themselves as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively of the Edo State House of Assembly.”

In consequence thereof the defendants (i.e.

four sets thereof) have filed their respective counter-affidavits to the Originating Summons etc and also at the same time various applications and preliminary objections challenging the jurisdictional competence of the trial Court to hear the matter. At the hearing of the matter on 26/4/2010 the trial Court has called for the parties’ opinion on the procedure to be adopted on the way forward to determining of the substantive matter vis-avis the various pending applications and preliminary objections. After having heard argument and submissions of the counsel for the parties on the procedure to be followed the trial Court then ruled to take and determine the various preliminary objections and applications first before dealing with the substantive matter on the merits in the following terms: “I have carefully listened to the submission of both senior counsel, and other counsel in this case by way of observation and suggestion. I want to quickly say that most of the observations tend to commence argument on the issues even before the start of hearing. I shall as much as possible restrain from commenting on those issues.

Upon a calm consideration of the observations and the issues raised in the main suit and the preliminary objection, it is my view that greater justice will be done to this case and the parties concerned to hear and determine the preliminary objection filed given the fundamental nature of the issues raised to the main suit. One of the issues raised is that this suit is an abuse of court process. If indeed it is and which fact will be determined only after argument, it will be a fruitless exercise going into the main case. What is more I am inclined to agree with Mr. Oyeyipo learned senior counsel that taking the preliminary objection along with the main suit will amount to over ruling the preliminary objection even before argument. I do not intend to do that. Consequently, it is thereby ordered that the preliminary objection filed by the respective sets of defendants shall and be heard and determined before the substantive suit. However, the tight schedule of court notwithstanding in view of the sitting arrangement of courts, I shall endeavour to give this case accelerated hearing, with the cooperative of the senior counsel and other counsel involved.”

The foregoing innocuous directive of the trial Court which has accorded priority of hearing to the preliminary objections, vis-avis the substantive matter it appears, has set the cat among the pigeons as the plaintiffs/ appellants have wasted no time to lodge an appeal against it that is the interlocutory order herein by a notice of appeal containing 3 grounds of appeal dated 7/5/2010. The main plank of the plaintiffs/appellants’ contention in the appeal is that the said directive is a decision within the context of Section 318(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and therefore an appealable decision. The defen-

dants/respondents have argued to the contrary. Furthermore, that it is imprudent in the circumstances for the trial Court not to have heard the arguments on jurisdiction and the merits of the substantive case together.

The 1st - 4th, 8th - 11th and 12th - 14th i.e. the 3 sets of respondents hereof have raised their preliminary objections to the appeal and have expatiated on the same in their briefs.

The appellants on their part have replied to these preliminary objections in their various reply briefs filed in this matter. The lower court in its Ruling on the said preliminary objections per of Gumel JCA, found that: “...it is total misconception to characterize the grounds of appeal in this appeal as grounds of law alone. I am more inclined to agree with learned counsel to the 12th-14th respondents that this appeal as presently constituted involved questions of mixed law and facts only. So it is an interlocutory appeal upon question of mixed law and facts and to that extent it could only be brought after the requisite leave had been sought for and obtain from either the lower court or this court as circumstances may necessitate. Pursuant to S.242 (1) of the 1999 constitution. Without this leave this appeal remains incompetent and this court lacks jurisdiction to entertain it. I hereby so hold. The preliminary objections filed on behalf of the 8th - 11th respondents on the one hand and that of the 12th 14th respondents are hereby upheld.”

Thus by the foregoing order, the lower court has disposed of the preliminary objections of the 8th - 11th respondents and that of 12th - 14th respondents. The whole purpose of the objection is to terminate the appeal.

The lower court has no difficulty in dismissing the plaintiffs/appellants appeal in this matter as the appeal is one predicated on grounds of mixed law and facts requiring leave of court pursuant to Section 242(1) and Section 242 of the 1999 Constitution as amended to be competent. The appellants are aggrieved by the decision and they have now appealed to this court as per a Notice of Appeal dated and filed on 24/12/2010. The parties as prescribed by the Rules of this court have filed and exchanged their respective briefs of argument in respect of the matter.

In the appellants brief of argument filed in this court they have submitted the following issues for resolution, viz: “1. Whether or not the lower court has the jurisdiction to subtract or read out of the record of appeal, what is there (Grounds 6, 8 and 9) 2. Whether or not the Court of Appeal ought to take judicial notice of judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria cited in ground 1 of the Notice of Appeal (Grounds 3 and 4).

3. Whether or not the Court of Appeal was right in holding that the three grounds of appeal filed are grounds of mixed law and facts (grounds 1, 2, 5 and 7).

•To be continued

•From left: Uduak Ekpo, Nneka Nweze, Cynthia Onyia, Confort Uma, Pamela Keferuani, Ogechi Ezekwere and Laura Ani, at the party organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) in honour of Prof Peter Akper, who was conferred with the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), at Golden Gate Hotel, Abuja

36

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

NATIONAL BAR

Praises, knocks trail NBA general conference L

AWYERS who participated in the just concluded Annual General Conferenc of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, have scored the conference high, in spite of the early morning rains that almost took the shine off the opening ceremony of the grandiose event. Apart from the rains, construction sites, particularly, the mono rail project of the Rivers State government, made the movement of lawyers to and fro the conference venues a little bit difficult. These challenges not withstanding, lawyers agreed that it was a very successful conference.

In a chat with The Nation, the NBA President and Chairman, Technical Committee on Conference Planning, (TCCP) Joseph Bodunrin Daudu (SAN)said: “The conference went on smoothly and the Bar came out of it more united on a number of issues that concern us. We thank God. To God be the glory and I wish that we continue with the same spirit of co-operation, the same spirit of legal brotherhood that we are enjoying’’.

In assessing the conference, the Alternate Chairman, (TCCP) Okey Wali SAN said: “We thank God. To the glory of God, we have come to a successful end of the conference with all the planning, sleepless nights, and all that. I am a very happy man today that we have finally come to the end of it all. This is, indeed, a very successful conference without any fear of sounding immodest. We had several sessions and I don’t know of any of our conferences in recent times that had been better attended in terms of number.’’

Wali said: “We had even pre-conference registration of over 5,000 lawyers, which is a record; we have never had over 2,000 before this time. And more people registered at the conference venue. So, we had about 8,000 lawyers at this conference and with several break away sessions in several places’’.

“The only thing I hope we really have to work on for purposes of the future are the sections. The sections must be alive to their responsibilities because, to a large extent, they seem to forget themselves. That this is a conference where the sections are still running their programmes.

“They organise very beautiful sectional conferences but, when they come to Annual General Conferences, they now look up to the Central Organising Committee. Meanwhile, it is supposed to be the sections running their programmes.

The General Secretary NBA, Olumuyiwa Akinboro said: “It is a good foundation towards a more professionalised conferencing.

The registration was highly simplified and from there we went to other areas.”

He said: “The quality and content of the conference was very high. It is a remarkable improvement on the previous conferences given the fact that this is the first time we are having a presidency ran conference. By and large, it was a highly successful conference.’’

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Mr Worgu Boms said: “For me, it has been successful. This year, there was minimal complaints in the area of registration and conference materials. The opening ceremony went on smoothly, part from the rains, which was not our making.

The showcase session was fantastic so. It was a successful conference. Our friendship centre was described by the president as first class and everybody can testify to this’’ Worgu said.

Former President of NBA, Lanke Odogiyan said: “It has been a very successful conference. A lot of decisions and resolutions that would not only move the legal profession forward, but that will move the nation forward were taken at this conference.’’

Said he: ‘’Very strong positions have been taken on the issue of the administration of Justice, Lawyers are being encouraged to take advantage of the already existing legislations. We are encouraged to take on public interest matters, a number of areas that have been considered as not being justiceable is actually born out of ignorance on our part.’’

Odogiyan said: ‘’Acts like the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Freedom of Information Act, allows you now to enforce some of the provisions in the budget. The Childs Rights Act, the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act allows us to ask for education for some indigent people’’. ‘’The Companies and Allied Matters (CAMA) Amendment Act, etc allows you to successfully litigate on some matters which are definitely not fundamental human rights issues’’. ‘’Most of the resolutions are what will prop-

•Akinboro

•Gbadamosi

By John Austin Unachukwu

erly position the NBA and very importantly, we are coming out of this conference very strongly.”

Chairman, Women Forum of the NBA, Fatima Kwaku said: “There is no doubting the fact that most of the resolutions taken were favoured by almost all, they are resolutions that are very very essential to the justice sector, very important to the community, very important for moving our country forward’’ ‘’. I am happy with the way it all went, how the members responded favourably, very intellectually and the manifestation of high level co-operation.’’

Mike Ahamba (SAN) said: “The resolutions taken here today are very very positive and I think that what had worked against this country so much is indolence and the habit of condoning what you know is wrong out of fear of personal losses or personal effects on us in whatever we do’’.

He said: ‘’We must learn that everybody in this country must stand up to do what he or she ought to do to move the country forward irrespective of what may be the personal forbearances .‘’ Chairman of NBA, Lagos branch, Taiwo Taiwo said: “Lagos has been and remains a yardstick to measure conferences. The venues for the programmes, the different sessions were scattered quite unlike Lagos where we had them very close to each other, infact they wee in the same place in Lagos and you could easily move from one session to another.’’ However, it was a successful conference except for some hiccups, which were experienced and have to do with the nature of Port Harcourt.

The of Monday morning did not help matters. The traffic situation of the state because of the construction going on there was another challenge and the construction going on in the state capital like the mono rail project, all added to make movement difficult but all the same it was a good conference’’.

•Odogiyan

•Boms

•Ajetumobi

•Enahme

Said the former chairman of NBA, Ikeja branch, Dave Ajetumobi: “Well, measuring this with the conferences we have had recently, the one we had in Lagos in 2009 is still the conference to beat. They tried here for this conference, but technically, they did not do much. There are lots of dislocations here and there. Getting to the venue for the sessions is very difficult and so on.”

You get empty conference bags, we paid so much, but we got nothing for it. I cannot really say that this conference is fantastic, given the hype the organisers had put in place before the conference through text messages, e mails, newspaper commentaries and so on.

Every now and then they kept saying that they have put in place a world class conference. We paid so much, but we have been disappointed. Even the young lawyers were not taken care of. We are talking about juniors being under paid but the conference fees did not really give the juniors some preferences, they hiked the fees and the standards dropped.”

He added: “Some of the resolutions taken here will have far-reaching effects, especially the one on the Katsina-Alu, Salami, NJC matter. I told the NBA President that I was pleasantly disappointed because I used to see him as pro establishment, but for the house to pass that resolution, it was quite commendable and fantastic. “It is a signal to the appropriate authority that the Bar will no longer play a second fiddle.

“That was actually our reason for opposing it. Even though here are some good suggestions in the amendment, but like the third term agenda Kazeem Gbadamosi (KGB) said: “Well everything has gone on very well except for the little fracas we had during the election on the amendment of the constitution of the NBA.” He said: “We voted. Initially the chairman did not want to count the votes. He wanted to bring the votes from Sharks Stadium to the Civic Centre, venue of the Annual General Meeting (AGM). But we insisted that the votes must be counted and it was counted’’.

‘’Now for him to announce the result of the election, he refused and there was problems and confusion in the counting of the last box and we said now, you have to recount the votes, they said no, then announce the results, they said no, the secretary ran away ‘’ When the chairman said no, some of the members of the Electoral committee said, well this is the result that the Secretary gave to us and they now announced it to us, but we said no because it did not reflect the actual voting. Then they said we should bring everything to the President to resolve’’ KGB said”On getting to the Civil Centre, the President in his wisdom said that considering that there is a case which has been filed in court on the issue, conducting the election itself, is even subjudice and for that reason, he would not take any matter on the election or the amendment of the constitution.’’ He, thereafter, closed the matter on the proposed amendment, so every body is happy.”

Mac Enahme said: “Well for organisation, this conference is ok, but the weather has not been fair to us and there have been no social activities. The traffic snarl caused by the construction sites in the State really made movements to and fro the conference venue difficult. Bye and large, it has been a very successful conference.”

Charles Odenigbo said: “Honestly for me, the conference is phenomenal. It surpasses expectations in so many areas, especially in the use of Information and Communication Technology, (ICT).”

Said Odenigbo: “Before the conference, there was constant communication, the mobile phones were inundated with text message, constant mails were hitting the e:mails, everybody was updated and abreast with what was on ground. Then the Barnews is the king on the cake because it has taken NBA out of the dark.

“The days when the Bar grouped in the dark and depended on other national dailies for the reportage of its activities is over. The NBA was able to use its resources, the Lawyers in the media to meet its crucial need in this direction.”

37

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

ENERGY THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Barely two months in office, the Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, is matching words with action on power supply. There is significant improvement in electricity supply in some parts of the country, but there are some areas he ought to focus attention to sustain and improve on the current level of supply, writes EMEKA UGWUANYI Assistant Editor (Energy).

• Olorunsogo power plant

Will Nnaji bring transformation in T power supply?

HE Minister of Power, Prof.

Barth Nnaji, on assumption of duty warned that all managers of the different sections of the utility company – Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), from generation, transmission to distribution, should either sit up or be prepared to be booted out.

Nnaji first had a meeting with the chief executive officers of the different sections of the utility’s value chain, stressing the need for them to show commitment to duty to give Nigerians the long expected power

INSIDE • ‘How power supply aborted planned auto factory in Nnewi’ •••Page 38

• Communities commend Shell for projects •••Page 39

• ‘Only sustainable power can attract foreign investors’ •••Page 40

supply. Although he agreed that the sector had suffered grave neglect in couple of decades ago, particularly under the military administrations, he was convinced if the capacity Nigeria has, is fully utilised, there would be considerable improvement in power delivery.

The essence of the meeting was to tell the helmsmen that their duties don’t end at coming to defend their budgets and collecting same to sit back and seek frivolous reasons to justify spending such funds without practical evidence on ground. Unlike in the past when all the funds that come to the different sections of PHCN pass, through the headquarters, the CEOs of the different units currently go to government to defend their annual budgets and spend the money according to their discretions. However, some of the CEOs cash in on the development to engage in poor utilisation of such funds, leaving undone what the money is meant for.

The chief executives perceived the meeting as the usual routine ones held in the past, but when Nnaji struck and four chief executive officers of the distribution companies fell victims, it dawned on the CEOs that it is no more business as usual and that the minister didn’t come to the combat in child’s gloves. Ever since, the story of power supply has continued to change for better. After his ministerial tour of

power facilities in the southwest of the country, the CEO of Olorunsogo Power Station was redeployed to headquarters for inefficiency and, unbelievably, the power generation from the plant, rose to 150MW from less than 50MW. The minster said the tour would take him to all the PHCN formations across the country. He was at the Kainji hydro power station last week, but the latest development or the minister’s observation and intended action from the tour have not been known as at the time of this report. Kainji has installed capacity of 760mw, although the plant is old having been built in 1968 and the issue of lack of proper maintenance and overhauling bear much on, reducing output drastically.

The plant despite its age is said to be able to generate between 300mw and 400mw, but unfortunately, it currently generates about 50mw.

Power situation report The power supply level has increased considerably in many parts of the country. Currently, available supply has steadied at about 3800mw. Investigation reveals that within the Lagos Metropolis, electricity supply has increased substantially. For instance, within Ikeja, Ojodu and Ogba and environs, among others, for the first time many years had three days uninterrupted supply. Reports received from other parts of the country

OIL PRICES AUG 19 -AUG 26

Light Crude

Source: Rigzone.com

Brent Crude

also showed significant improvements in electricity supply.

On what has been responsible for the current improvement, it was learnt that the minister embarked on what he called ‘Capacity Recovery.’ The initiative was conceived because Nnaji believed human errors and lack of commitment account for considerable capacity loss. In view of this, the minister’s primary focus is to recover a substantial portion or all of the lost capacities, ensure that every capacity recovered as well as existing capacity is sustained from where efforts to increase available generation will begin.

The Minister didn’t mince words when he assured Nigerians that available power generation must hit at least 5,000mw by end of the year. To achieve this, the minister said the government has begun to work to strengthen its transmission and distributions systems to wheel and distribute the generated power.

Constraints to focus on Despite the fact that findings from the Minister of Power show that the PHCN has a bloated workforce of about 60,000 out of which 50,000 is said to be regular staff and between 6,000 and 10,000 as casuals, the utility has a dearth of engineers and technical staff who are the core managers of any power firms. Besides, the existing engineers and technical staff in the PHCN are gradually aging without replacement with younger ones who ought to be understudying them before attainment of retirement age.

Even if the government goes on to implement its planned staff downsizing without replenishing the utility with young engineers and technicians, the workforce reduction can only reduce overhead cost of sustaining the utility company but might not achieve the desire impact on efficiency aimed at sustainable improvement in power supply.

For instance, transmission facilities that are built in different distribution zones just have one or two or don’t have climbers at all. Climbers are the technicians that climb transmission facilities to carry out repairs or fault clearing. It was learnt that in Benin Electricity Distribution Company,

• Nnaji

which covers about four states including Edo and Ondo States, there is only one climber. Therefore, should there be fault simultaneously at different transmission facilities, fault clearing will be delayed, denying customers access to power supply.

Besides, the order is that anybody who is above 50 years should cease to climb irrespective of the person’s expertise and the climber in Benin zone is said to be close to 50, indicating that if urgent measure is not taken to get a younger one to understudy him, the zone may have no climber in future.

Benin Zone is not the only one affected, others such as Enugu Zone has more constraints and these areas should be given attention.

The PHCN in the past had a monitoring helicopter. The helicopter, hovers around the country to monitor PHCN facilities to ensuring that faults are easily identified and clearing promptly effected. Currently, nobody knows what has happened to the aircraft.

The aircraft was of very importance.

For instance, in cases such as tall trees affecting transmission lines as obtains in Edo and Ondo states, the aircraft easily finds this and solutions immediately sourced.

For instance, it was learnt that currently in Edo and Ondo states, some trees have grown so tall and are touching electricity transmission lines, a move which caused supply failure. It was also gathered that there are plans to outsource felling of such trees as the PHCN doesn’t have tree-felling workers.

38

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

ENERGY

‘How power supply aborted planned auto factory in Nnewi’

T

HE Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji, said an auto manufacturing company could have been built in Nnewi, Anambra State if not for poor power supply in the country.

Nnaji, who spoke at the 20th Anniversary of Anambra State, lamented that his efforts then, as a key player in the deal,were fruitless as the planned project was aborted because of inadequate power supply.

In his paper entitled: Anambra at 20: The Power Perspective, Nnaji said: “It was the fledging auto industry in Nnewi, Anambra State, which inspired me in the late 1990s to take steps to establish in Nigeria a state-of-the -art company to manufacture auto parts, including engines. I was then the ALCOA Foundation Professor of Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, on a leave of absence from the University of Massachusetts as Distinguished Professor of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Automation and Robotics Laboratory.

“I was keenly interested in how the Nigerian domestic auto industry could be assisted to produce world class parts, which would be exported to even developed countries. The dream was suspended on account of the worsening electricity crisis in Nigeria. So, I naturally turned attention to how to address the perennial power problem.”

He said when the first phase of the Geometric Power plant in Aba, Abia State, reached a critical point, I made strenuous efforts to include Nnewi and Onitsha in the first phase, despite the great distance between Aba, on the one hand, and Onitsha and Nnewi, on the other.

Members of the League of Anambra Professionals (LAP) as well as the Organised Private Sector in Nnewi did their best to see the fruition of these efforts.

“Much as I am no longer the Chairman of Geometric Power, I am aware that both Nnewi and Onitsha will be covered in the second phase, no matter the cost. The inclusion will mean that these two critical commercial towns will enjoy uninterrupted and quality electricity from year to year. I cannot wait for the day that the full creativity and productivity of Anambra people and, indeed, the whole of the Nigeria will be unleashed through proper electricity supply.

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

“The day may not be far any more.

“There are certain steps the Federal Government is taking to boost electricity in the country, from which Anambra State will benefit directly. President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the building of small dams across the country where mini-hydro power stations will be sited. We are considering places, such as Ogbaru in Anambra (otherwise called Omambala) and Ihiala where there are big rivers in the state.

“It does appear that a lot of Anambra people do not know that Onitsha is the hub of power supply in the Southeast and Southsouth geopolitical zones. Onitsha has a direct generation line from Okpai in Delta State. The Onitsha line goes to Benin in Edo State and New Haven in Enugu, as well as Alaoji in Abia State. Still, Onitsha has only one 320 KV transmission substation and a single circuit to Alaoji, Benin and Enugu. This is unacceptable.

“The Federal Government has taken concrete steps to upgrade power supply to Anambra State.

Before the end of this year, a double circuit line from Onitsha to Benin will be completed, thereby bringing the number of lines to three. By the middle of next year, there will be four lines between Onitsha and Benin. In addition, the OnitshaAlaoji line will be re-conducted, meaning that the wire will be of higher capacity. This will be good news to the industries in and around Onitsha.

“The good news I bring to the manufacturing firms in Nnewi is that one 330KV transmission substation will be inaugurated in 2013. The Nnewi line is coming from the Owerri-Onitsha line to be called the Owerri-NnewiOnitsha line. The power will be sourced from Alaoji in Abia State and Egbema in Imo State.

“Places, such as Awka and Onitsha are not left out as smaller substations are being built for them. In the meantime, I have directed the Chief Executive of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Engineer Suleiman Yahaya, who is not attending this occasion because he is away, to quickly start working to improve power supply to Nnewi and Onitsha. You will soon begin to experience the results,” he said

Oil price falls to $88/bbl on US jobs concern

O

IL prices fell to near $88 a barrel on Friday in Asia as investors awaited a key jobs report later in the day for evidence about the strength of the United States economy.

According to Associated Press report, benchmark oil for October delivery was down 91 cents to $88.02 at late afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Crude rose 12 cents to settle at $88.93 on Thursday.

In London, Brent crude for October delivery was down 48 cents at $113.87 on the ICE Futures exchange.

Crude was bolstered by signs industrial production in the U.S. continues to expand. The Institute for Supply Management said Thursday that U.S. manufacturing grew for the 25th straight month while analysts had expected a contraction.

Investors closely watched the latest data later Friday from the Labour Department on the U.S. jobs market.

Analysts are expecting employers added 93,000 jobs last month.

“Non-farm payrolls report will likely determine how the oil complex finishes this week (last week),” energy consultant Ritterbusch and Associates said in a report. “The flow of economic data during the past week or so has been encouraging and has contributed to the upswing in both the equities and the oil market.”

Crude has jumped about 16 percent since August 9.

In other Nymex trading for October contracts, heating oil fell 1.9 cents at $3.03 per gallon and gasoline futures dropped 2.5 cents at $2.87 per gallon. Natural gas for October delivery slid 2.5 cents to $4.03 per 1,000 cubic feet.

• From left: Dr. Levi Ajuonuma, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, NNPC; Ernest Nwapa, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board and Mr Mayowa Afe, President-elect, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, at the conference of National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) in Lagos.

Controversy trails construction of NIPCO’s filling station

T

HE construction of a mega filling station by NIPCO Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading downstream operators, at AbuleAdo on the Lagos –Badagry ExpressWay is causing trouble as there are conflicting interests which made some indigenes of the place to oppose continuation of the project.

The construction of the mega station has been put on hold as the opposition said to be principally omo nile (miscreants), who according to the people, don’t support construction of developmental projects in the area because the land belongs to them.

The traditional ruler of the area, Oba Biliaminu Lawal, the Ologuntedo of Oguntedo in Satellite Town, had called for the arrest and prosecution of these miscreants whom he referred to as ‘terrorists’ obstructing development initiatives, which are capable of impacting positively on the lives of the people.

NIPCO’s spokesman, Taofeek Lawal, who spoke to our correspondent on phone, said the planned mega filling station is supposed to be constructed on a sixhectare land purchased by the oil company in 2006. The land, he noted, was part of the ones the Federal Government acquired to build low cost housing for the public, but the government later discovered

that the land was more than what it required and had to return the excess land to their former owners.

The land, which NIPCO wants to build the filling station is one of the ones returned by government and the former owner - Radial Circle Telecommunication Limited. After repossessing it, it sold it to NIPCO in 2006. But when NIPCO wanted to start construction on it the same year, the opposing side emerged and drove all the workers away and work stopped.

Lawal said NIPCO followed due process and was cleared by the relevant government agencies and got the deed of assignment. The company further got ‘the traditional receipt’, which is mandatory in Lagos State for buyers of reasonable size of land.

However, in spite of all the authorisation, the opposing side had resisted every attempt by the company to return to site. He noted that just last month, five workers were manhandled and wounded at the site. He said the company had enlisted the assistance of the police to secure the place, but immediately, the police leave there, they (the miscreants) would emerge and obstruct work.

He said the company’s underground tanks meant for the filling station have been lying waste there since 2006.

According to Oba Biliaminu Lawal, the trouble makers led by Mr Lateef Sadiku Olarinde, have over the years opposed construction of several development projects in the area. He said Olarinde’s teams are thugs and their act of terrorising corporate organisations and individuals in the areas calls for urgent security intervention to prevent the group from attacking innocent citizens who have projects to build in the area.

At a recent press conference, Oba Biliaminu Lawal, said: “We are the rightful owner of the land that was sold to NIPCO with legitimate receipt of ownership. NIPCO legitimately bought the land from Radial Circle Telecommunications Ltd and certified by our family members.

“Since 2006, the thugs have been engaging in various forms of attacks on workers on site, thus delaying the execution of the project.

We have all the legitimate documents as the rightful owner including the C of O, deeds of assignment by the allottee - Radial Circle Telecommunication Limited and the official traditional receipt of the Oba in council Oba Biliaminu Lawal.”

OPEC urged to play role in boosting world economy T HE Organisation of Petro leum Exporting Countries (OPEC) needs to take advantage of the resurging global economic turbulence to play a bigger role in the world’s economy instead of focusing on production and price policies, a prominent Arab oil expert has said.

While a new global economic system will take many years to shape, developments over the past few years have highlighted the significant role emerging economies can plan in the new system, said Walid Khadduri, a former adviser at the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries.

According to Emirates Business 247, in an article published by the Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, Khadduri said one of the most dangerous aspects of the current global economic turmoil was that governments did not put necessary controls on currency and commodity speculations, which led to a sharp rise in prices of oil and other raw materials as well as the appreciation and depreciation of currencies without valid supply and demand causes as should be the case in capitalist and free market sys-

tems.

He noted that the oil ministers of the 12-nation OPEC have frequently warned against such speculations but did not elicit considerable response from major industrial countries.

“It is evident that a shift from an existing global economic system into a new one does not happen overnight. It requires several years and is usually accompanied by significant political, military and economic developments. In fact, such changes appeared over the last few years through the emerging countries’ sustainable growth and their being unaffected by these crises,” he said.

Khadduri, an Iraqi, said such changes can also be noticed in the increase of energy consumption rates in emerging countries. His figures showed the annual oil and gas consumption rates in these countries are as high as 10 percent compared to just 1-3 per cent in the West.

He said all these are indications of the important role that emerging countries have tended to play

in the international economy, necessitating that any new economic system should take into account the role and influence of these emerging countries.

“It is beyond doubt that oil-producing countries are able to play a greater role in the international economy considering changes taking place on the global stage. On the one hand, oil-producing countries are still living in the 1970’s when OPEC used to take decisions setting the price levels and set production levels,” said Khadduri, exeditor of the Nicosia-based Middle East Economic Survey (MEES).

“In other words, OPEC memberstates continued to focus on producing and export of hydrocarbons maximizing their incurred capital without establishing other industries that can compete internationally.”

Khadduri said the current changes in the international economy make it possible for altering this reality by developing legal and constitutional systems that suit modern standards of transparency, accountability, stimulation of national competencies and utilisation of immigrant ones.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

39

ENERGY

Communities commend Shell for projects The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) spends millions of naira yearly on health care, roads, water projects, small businesses, training and education in the communities where it operates.

Under an agreement, the oil giant allows host communities to handle the projects. BIDEMI BAKARE writes that this strategy has redefined its corporate social responsibility in these areas.

• Sunmonu

W

HEN Shell Petroleum De velopment Company of Nigeria (SPDC in 2006 signed a pact with some communities in the Niger Delta to enhance its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), it did so not for want of projects in the region. In fact, prior to this period, the company had executed numerous projects for the benefits of the host communities.

But the company still felt it needed to give these communities the privilege to decide on what project to implement by themselves.

The company, therefore, signed a Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) with the communities, which were divided into groups called “clusters” to deliver projects in the Niger Delta the same way other oil companies had successfully done for some years.

Under the terms of GMoUs, the company is expected to provide the communities (clusters) with secure funding for five years while ensuring that the communities have stable and reliable finances as they undertake their work. SPDC also provides access to development experts to help build local capacity and deliver projects. Communities, on the other hand, identify their needs, decide how to spend the money, and implement projects by themselves.

This system replaces past practice where SPDC embarks on hundreds of separate development projects with individual communities and

managed them itself.

GMoU By the end of 2009, Shell had signed and implemented agreements with 187 communities providing $45 million in funding under the programme.It had successfully carried out 250 projects including pre-GMoU legacy projects during this period. Examples of projects undertaken by communities include microcredit programmes, scholarships, infrastructure projects, solar water schemes, land and marines transportation services and a local health insurance scheme.

Beyond the number of projects executed, the GMoUs represent an important shift in the approach to working with the communities.

The model places emphasis on more transparent and accountable processes, regular communication with the grass roots, sustainability and conflict prevention.

Testimonies Recently, at a GMoU fair in PortHarcourt, Rivers State, for communities to give accounts of their stewardship of the funds allocated s to them,the members of the communities spoke glowingly of the GMoU model applauding its workability and success in their domains.

The Industrial Area (IA) cluster, for instance, said in March 2010 that it was able to launch Nigeria’s first private subsidised community health insurance schemes using the N24 million of GMoU funds provided by SPDC. At the time of the launch, it said about 3,000 people had signed up for the insurance scheme. Indigenous community people only need to pay N3, 600 premiums per annum while others from outside the cluster communities can be part of it by paying a premium of N7, 200 annually.

The scheme is managed by a nonprofit organisation called Health Care International. The health insurance provides for a range of medical treatments including check-ups and surgery, caesarean

section births, appendicitis and hernia surgeries and host of others. Treatment is to be delivered at Obio Cottage hospital in PH and more complicated procedures in larger hospitals. When fully operational, it said it is expected that the insurance will cover more than 15,000 people.

Besides the provision of insurance scheme, the cluster said it is involved in human capital development, economic empowerment and infrastructure, all of these being made possible by the GMoU

T

OPEC crude output in August nears three-year high • Nigeria’s production up by 100,000 bbls

By Bidemi Bakare

the states and local governments on the need to improve the effectiveness of their energy supply and utilisation’s systems as a legitimate and effective activity that can contribute to sustainable development of the participating states and the nation, to reemphasise the importance of integrated energy planning as a tool for sustainable development of the energy sector and to expose the professionals on energy from states on key elements of integrated energy planning and analysis for sustainable energy development.

Libya oil output recovery to take one year

L

IBYA’s former top oil official, Shokri Ghanem, who de fected earlier this year, said he doesn’t expect the country’s crude production to return to preconflict levels of more than 1.5 million barrels a day until the end of 2012, according to the September 5 edition of Petroleum Intelligence Weekly.

According to Bloomberg report, Ghanem said markets can expect 200,000 to 300,000 barrels daily of additional output over the next several weeks.

Production slumped to 60,000 barrels a day in July from 1.7 million barrels in January, according to the Paris-based International Energy Agency.

community skill programmes and pipe borne water from the fund provided through the GMoU. Perspective of support partners Aside involving the communities and the company, the GMoU also features support partners, who are among the development actors.

In its contribution at the GMoU fair, one of the support partners, Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) said the GMoU is, indeed, a success story.

• An oil platform

ECN to hold workshop on energy planning, policy HE Energy Commission of Energy (ECN) and the Na tional Center for Energy Efficiency and Conservation (NCEEC) are billed to hold a technical workshop and training on energy planning and policy.

The five-day workshop with the theme: ‘Training of professionals on energy demand and supply projections in Nigeria’ takes place at the Centre for Information Technology and Systems, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State from September 12-16.

According to a statement from the organisers, the event is meant to achieve many objectives among which are to reach out to

funds.

On its part, the Nembe cluster disclosed that it has been able to set up a community-based limited liability company called the KalaEkuleama Transport Company through the funds provided by the GMoU. The company is to be managed independently by their board of trustees.

Another cluster, Degema cluster 1 said it has been able to complete many development projects including low cost housing scheme, micro credit schemes,

• OPEC Sec. Gen., Abdullah Salem Al-Badri

C

RUDE oil production in Au gust from members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rose to its highest level since the 2008 global financial crisis, a Dow Jones Newswires survey showed.

The survey of oil company officials and industry analysts put total OPEC production at 30.518 million barrels a day in August, up 0.151 million barrels a day from July.

This is the highest level since November 2008, according to historical data on OPEC’s website.

That is the month before OPEC agreed to slash production as energy demand plummeted amid a deep global recession.

The biggest production increases came in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria, the

survey showed. The two Gulf oil producers continued to incrementally ramp up production, as they have been since early summer.

Following the fall of Col. Moammar Gadhafi’s regime, analysts said the resumption of oil production in Libya will be a crucial factor determining OPEC production in the coming months. Libya’s oil production continued at just 50,000 barrels a day in August, compared with a pre-war level of around 1.5 million barrels a day.

“As soon as a functional government is in place we could see a substantial uptake of Libyan production by several 100,000 barrels a day towards the end of this year,” JBC Energy said in a research note.

Libya’s rebel-led National Transitional Council hopes Libya will resume exports of 500,000 to 600,000 barrels a day within a few weeks, rising to the full pre-war level of 1.5 million barrels a day within 12 to 15 months, Guma ElGamaty, the U.K.-based coordinator and spokesman for the NTC, said Wednesday.

Many industry analysts predict a much longer path back to pre-war oil production for Libya. U.K.based consultancy Wood Mackenzie said last month it will take around three years after the cessation of hostilities for output to return to normal.

The resumption of Libyan production may not increase overall OPEC output, JBC said. “The question remains on how fast Saudi

Arabia and other OPEC member countries, which are now compensating for Libya’s shortfall, will cut back on their production after Libya’s partial regain of output,” it said.

Saudi Arabia increased output by 75,000 barrels, or 0.8 percent, to 9.85 million barrels a day, the highest level since at least January 1989 when Bloomberg monthly data began. July production was revised 375,000 barrels higher. The kingdom exceeded its quota by 1.799 million barrels.

“The Saudis made no bones about it after the last OPEC meeting - they were going to go their own way,” said Rick Mueller, a principal with ESAI Energy L.L.C. in Wakefield, Mass. “They felt that members were too slow ramping up output earlier this year.”

OPEC’s June 8 meeting in Vienna, Austria, broke up without an accord, the first time in at least 20 years that members could not agree on quotas. Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states wanted OPEC to boost output by 1.5 million barrels a day.

Ali al-Naimi, the Saudi oil minister, said after the June meeting that his country was “committed to supplying the needs of the market regardless of the disagreement.”

Nigerian production rose 100,000 barrels a day to 2.28 million in August, the biggest gain in OPEC and the highest level since February 2006.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

40

ENERGY

‘Only sustainable power can attract foreign investors’

A

NON-Governmental Organisation, Good Governance Initiative (GGI), has called on the Federal Government to explore all means possible to ensure stable power supply, saying that remains the major factor that can attract foreign investors to come to Nigeria and invest.

The Co-ordinator of organisation, Mr Festus Mbisiogu, said the only way to attract investment to Nigeria is for the government to ensure steady and uninterrupted electricity.

Mbisiogu, also the Chairman of Blue Diamonds Logistics, a company based in China, explained that the country is blessed with all kinds of natural resources which can attract any foreign investor but because of the non availability of uninterrupted power, investors are scared to come.

He said most investors after carrying out a feasibility study of the kind of investment they intend to bring into the country will end up being deterred because of the huge cost of acquiring and fuelling a generating set that would be able to power their investment.

He said: “Everyday industries and

By Jude Isiguzo

other manufacturing concerns are collapsing and unemployment rate rising as investors are not willing to come and do business in the country because of lack of sustainable power supply. Sadly, an average Nigerian home spends more than the N18,000 minimum wage a month to power its generator to have power. Much of the economic underdevelopment in the country today is because of lack of power.

This is a trend all patriotic Nigerians must not allow to continue.”

Mbisiogu urged President Goodluck Jonathan and all state governors to make steady power supply their one point agenda and do everything humanly possible to ensure that this is achieved in the next four years.

He said Good Governance Initiative, which is solely established to assist the government achieve its aspirations in the power sector, is ready and willing to partner with government in ensuring that the power problem becomes a thing of the past.

The GGI chief noted that the NGO was put in place basically to assist

government in seeking ways forward in the power sector.

He said: “Nigeria is a land yet to be tapped, land flowing with milk and honey, our resources lye untapped and investors know and they want to come and invest in the country but are discouraged by lack of steady power supply. I have said it several times that no matter how much we spend in jingles and adverts in the foreign media to convince investors to come and invest here, it will continue to be a mirage because if you fix power sector, investors will come on their own to invest.

“Did Ghana advertise in international media before virtually allmultinational and local companies moved to Ghana? I decide to overflog the issue of power because I know how much investment oppor-

tunities we loose every year yet our people are jobless when if we have steady power, youths will be selfemployed and self-reliant but in the absence of steady power our God given resources will remain untapped.’’

He emphasised that major network providers in the country charge high tariff because they run their businesses on diesel generators at huge costs and it is the consumers that are at the receiving end.

“Consumers are the ones that pay for the diesel burnt daily to provide service while countries with steady power charge low tariff. I advise that government should send a delegation to China and engage an energy company that will give the country steady power supply, so that the country can become economically viable, as that is the only

• Mbisiogu

way to generate employment for our teeming youths,” Mbisiogu said.

Oil price may fall as storm passes, survey shows

O

IL price may fall next week after a storm threatening Gulf of Mexico energy installations dissipates and on concern that the global economic recovery is slowing, a Bloomberg News survey showed.

Fifteen of 30 analysts, or 50 percent, forecast oil will decline through September 9. Ten respondents, or 33 percent, predicted prices will increase and five estimated there will be little change during the period. Last week 50 percent of surveyed analysts projected a drop.

Crude traded near a one-month high in New York yesterday as a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico that will probably develop into a storm led energy companies to evacuate platforms and rigs. A Chinese manufacturing index hovered near its lowest point in 29 months in August, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing said yesterday. President Barack Obama will outline a plan for jobs growth in an address September 8.

“The storm threat should subside next week, and the concerns over the economy will intensify as the president addresses the nation,” said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital LLC, a New York-based hedge fund that focuses on energy. “Unemployment will continue to be a drag on energy prices.”

China’s Purchasing Managers’ Index was at 50.9 in August, compared with a 29-month low of 50.7 in July. A separate measure released by HSBC Holdings Plc indicated a contraction for a second month. Factory output in Europe shrank more than initially estimated, according to surveys.

Obama plans to address a joint session of Congress on his proposals to speed job creation while avoiding an increase in the deficit. Republicans generally oppose increased spending or boosts to revenue from taxes.

The Obama administration forecast yesterday that the jobless rate will average 9.1 percent in 2011 and show little change at nine percent next year. It won’t fall below 6 percent until 2016, the Office of Management and Budget said in an update of its economic forecasts through August.

“Slowing growth and the prospect of rising supply from Libya” may curb prices, said Tim Evans, an energy analyst at Citi Futures Perspective in New York.

Libya’s anti-government rebels, who declared an end to the 42-year rule of Muammar Qaddafi last week, have pledged to restore production which slumped to 60,000 barrels a day in July from 1.7 million barrels in January, according to the Paris- based International Energy Agency.

Domestic prices of petroleum products Companies

PMS

AGO

65.00

160.00

140.00

AP

65.00

160.00

140.00

Total

65.00

160.00

140.00

Oando

65.00

160.00

140.00

Mobil

65.00

160.00

140.00

65.00

160.00

‘Oil price to see volatility after August’

U

S crude benchmark WTI settled at $88.81 a barrel on the last day of August, losing $6.08 or 6.41 per cent compared to month beginning.

In London, Brent crude, according Xinhua report, closed the month at $114.85 dollars a barrel, dropping 1.96 dollars or 1.68 percent after a 4.4-percent rise in July.

According to analysts, after the choppy August, crude prices would continue to see volatility given lack of confidence after the first-ever US credit rating downgrade, doubledip recession threat, lingering European debt crisis and uncertainties in Libya in a post-Gaddafi era.

Crude prices crashed on August 8, the first trading day after the rating agency Standard & Poor’s downgraded US credit rating for the first time in history on August

140.00

5.

WTI plummeted 6.4 per cent and Brent crude plunged 5.2 per cent as terrified investors escaped from riskier assets like crude and stocks, and fled into safe havens. Money piled into spot gold, pushing the precious metal price to a historical high.

Ironically, the United States’ Treasury, which was supposed to be sold out as a result of the downgrade, rose. Its yield kept falling as it was still regarded as one of the safest investments.

Many analysts believed that after the initial panic, the only consequence caused by the downgrade to the financial markets was re-evaluation of risks. That was why US Treasury remained safer, while crude oil experienced selloff.

Energy prices Energy & Oil Prices OIL ($/bbl)

DPK

Conoil

Texaco

• Left: Chris Okaa Akamnonu, Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company and his counterpart at Eko Electricity Distribution Company Oladele Amoda at a forum at Egbin Power Plant.

Nymex Crude Future Dated Brent Spot WTI Cushing Spot OIL (¢/gal)

PRICE* CHANGE

% CHANGE TIME

86.45 112.96 86.45

-2.79% -1.49% -2.79%

-2.48 -1.71 -2.48

PRICE* CHANGE Nymex Heating Oil Future 299.74 Nymex RBOB Gasoline Future 283.96 NATURAL GAS ($/MMBtu)

-5.44 -5.31

PRICE* CHANGE Nymex Henry Hub Future 3.87 Henry Hub Spot 4.10 New York City Gate Spot 4.23 ELECTRICITY ($/megawatt hour)

-0.18 -0.08 -0.17

PRICE* CHANGE

INDIGENOUS Energy

65.00

160.00

140.00

Fagbems

65.00

160.00

140.00

Nipco

65.00

160.00

140.00

09/02 09/02 09/02

% CHANGE TIME -1.78% -1.84%

09/02 09/02

% CHANGE TIME -4.40% -1.91% -3.86%

09/02 09/02 09/02

% CHANGE TIME

Mid-Columbia, firm on-peak, spot 43.53 8.48 24.19% 09/02 Palo Verde, firm on-peak, spot 45.17 2.06 4.78% 09/02 BLOOMBERG, FIRM ON-PEAK, DAY AHEAD SPOT/ERCOT HOUSTON 42.50 -6.75 -13.71% 09/02 Bloomberg Oil Buyers Guide subscriber? Log in *Commodity futures and energy

Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, told Xinhua that the downgrade itself would not have significant economic impact, and what it would hurt was the already shaky confidence on the financial markets.

After the unprecedented downgrade, what the markets lack is confidence or reason to restore confidence. That would add uncertainty to crude prices, Raymond Carbone, president of oil brokerage Paramount Options, told Xinhua.

In August, the U.S. reported a series of weak economic data, which pointed to a double-dip recession.

Among all the disappointing data, the sluggish economic growth and the high unemployment weighed most on the crude markets.

After a sluggish growth of 0.4 percent in the first quarter, a government report revised GDP growth rate down to one per cent for the second quarter. Along with the low growth, US unemployment rate continued to stay at around nine per cent.

Investment banks, like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Citi Group, as well as the International Monetary Fund (Fund) cut their forecasts for US growth, citing rising recession risks.

President Barack Obama has recently nominated Alan Krueger to chair the White House Council of Economic Advisers in preparations for a new jobs package in early September. But the markets seemed to care more about the Federal Reserve’s policy.

Since last week, WTI was actually on a rally track as investors hoped that Fed would step into further monetary stimulus policy given the current economic circumstances.

SLIDING TACKLE

"We wouldn't be saying they are dead and buried would we? Why should they be?

42

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Ferguson expects big Chelsea threat S

IR Alex Ferguson is refusing to write Chelsea off as Premier League title rivals.

Manchester United assistant boss Rene Meulensteen has claimed the Blues squad is too old to reclaim the championship crown they lost to the Red Devils last term.

Chelsea have not performed that well so far this term, dropping points at Stoke on the opening weekend of the campaign before struggling to record home wins over West Brom and Norwich.

However, Ferguson has enough knowledge of the players at Andre Villas-Boas' disposal not to take anything for granted.

"They have tremendous

experience - there aren't any young kids in that team," he told Inside United.

"We wouldn't be saying they are dead and buried would we?

Why should they be?

"They'll still be a big threat and we expect them to challenge."

Certainly Ferguson does not feel the relative inexperience of Villas-Boas, at 33 the youngest manager in the top flight, should be a handicap.

"I am sure he'll get plenty of advice from others and he will do fine," said Ferguson.

"I don't know much about him. He is a young man and it's a big step coming into the Premier League from the Portuguese championship, but given time and support anything is possible."

Fabbri: Inter weakertaken due(Mauro) to Eto’o Zarate sale in the

I

NTER Milan had to sell Samuel Eto'o to Anzhi to balance the books, says coach Paolo Fabbri.

Asked to assess Inter's summer market campaign, Fabbri says they're weaker this season for the sale of the Cameroon international striker.

He told TMW: "Inter have

end, but he will not be able to change the flow of the team.

"The Nerazzurri held (Wesley) Sneijder, but they are weakened by the departure of Samuel Eto'o. If they had lost Sneijder also, along with Cameroon, the situation would have been worrying.

Man Utd coach, Sir Alex Ferguson refusing to write off the title chances of English Premier League rivals, Chelsea.

US OPEN...US OPEN...US OPEN...

•Ferguson

Nadal fine after press conference collapse DEFENDING US Open champion Rafa Nadal battled on to b e a t D a v i d Nalbandian of Argentina 7-6 6-1 75 on Sunday to reach the fourth round of the tournament - but cramp got the better of him in the postmatch interview.

Nadal breezed through the second set, but had to fight hard against his friend and frequent practice partner.

The second-seeded Spaniard said he was content with his performance.

"I am happy about almost everything. I think my movements worked pretty well, and the forehand worked really well, and the backhand too," Nadal said.

"Just when I had to win the match with the 5-3, I played a really bad game there. For the rest of the match, I was happy about everything."

After the win, Nadal gave reporters a scare when he slumped to the floor during the post-match news conference because of a severe cramping in his leg.

Nadal was speaking to reporters when he suddenly stopped talking, covered his face with his hands and slowly slid off his chair and on to the floor behind a desk in agony.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

43

MARITIME NIMASA closes Chinese firm

T

HE Director-General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi, has ordered the closure of any illegal ship yards operating within the Eastern Zone of the country.

A ship scrapping yard, Ban Yao Huan Jian Iron and Steel Group, believed to be owned by some Chinese nationals in Calabar, Cross River State, has become the first casualty, with its closure last week, to sanitise the activities of scraping agents.

Based on Akpobolokemi’s order, NIMASA officials from the Eastern Zone, with officials of the Nigerian Navy from NNS Victory Calabar, went to the premises of the company and sealedoff its operational base.

A senior official of NIMASA,

who does not want his name in print, said the effort was geared towards stopping illegal ship scrap yards from causing damage to the nation’s waterways.

The decision, he said, was informed by the alleged failure of the company to follow approved provisions and comply with laws regulating activities on handling of ship wrecks and relics.

Officials of Ban Yao Huan Jian Iron and Steel Group, he alleged, ran foul of statutory International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions on handling of ship wrecks and relics as well as contravened NIMASA provisions on employment of Nigerians, through casualisation.

The source alleged that the company employs about 100 Nigerian workers.

Operators decry multiple agencies

O

• The oil rig.

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

Huge submersible oil rig in Lagos for maintenance A

BIG submersible oil rig, “GSF 140” is anchored on the Lagos water Channel at the Marina for maintenance.

It will be in the country for 80 days. It has already spent almost three weeks.

It is the first time most Lagosians will see such a big submersible oil rig anchored on Lagos waters.

Investigation revealed that about 150 persons are working on the rig and most of them are Nigerians.

The involvement of Nigerians in the servicing and maintenance of the rig is seen as a plus for the local content policy.

Speaking with The Nation on board the rig on behalf of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Omar Suleiman, the General Manager, Marine, Captain Iheanacho

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

Ebubeogu, said the removal of the major wrecks and the dredging of the channels contributed to the authority’s ability to receive the rig.

He promised that adequate security would be provided for the rig and its personnel. NPA, he said, would help the company that owns the rig in other areas too.

Ebubeogu said a delegation of Transocean Support Services Nigeria Limited, the owner of the rig, led by the Operations Manager, Asset/Floater of Transocean, Mr. Andy Rennie, had visited NPA. When contacted, Rennie said his company was happy to come to Nigeria for the maintenance service of the rig rather than go to

Cape Town in South Africa or Las Palmas, Mexico because of the distance from Equatorial Guinea and the enormous cost involved in such a long journey.

NPA, he said, has been supportive, adding that there are about 150 persons working on board the rig, most of them Nigerians.

He said with the bringing the rig to Nigeria, others will be brought in quick succession for such maintenance. He also acknowledged the role of Nigerdock in the maintenance of the rig.

Rennie was accompanied on the visit to NPA, by the company’s Supply Chain Manager, Mrs Oluyemisi Whyte. The General Manager, Public Affairs, NPA, Chief Michael Ajayi received them on behalf of the management.

Council raises alarm over toxic goods

T

HE Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has raised an alarm over the shipment of toxic cargoes into the country.

The cargoes are labelled as aids for some non-government organisations.

Although the council did not give details of the identity of the ships or the origin of the deadly cargoes, a statement signed by one of its Deputy Directors, Mr Abiodun Obimuyiwa, warned that appropriate attention should be paid to ships coming into the country to ensure that the deadly goods are not allowed in.

The council said it has been notified of the impending shipment of the contaminated radioactive consignments, which included vehicles, rice, vegetable oils.

It added that it has also commu-

nicated the alert to relevant organisations, especially those that regularly receive aid for their operations.

“In view of this information, the Council wishes to alert all citizens, particularly faith-based institutions, Red Cross, non-governmental organisations and charity homes, which could be beneficiaries of aid from external bodies to always ascertain the quality of such material support from technicallyequipped government agencies.

Similarly, Nigerians should generally be conscious of all material support from external bodies at this time as contaminated Aid can also be channeled through other routes.

“Though government is taking proactive steps to prevent such shipment from entering the shores of the country, Nigerians are, how-

Senator Umar

ever, cautioned to be more alert.

“According to information made available to the Council, the contaminated radioactive goods include items such as vehicles, rice and vegetables, among others, ‘’ the statement said.

PERATORS in the maritime industry have decried the continued delay in cargo clearance at the seaports.

They say this is caused by multiple government agencies operating at the ports and the multiple documentation processes involved during clearance. This long process has become a source of concern for ports users.

The documentation processes involve face-to-face interaction between the clearing agents and the agencies. Operators say this has raised the level of corruption in the ports instead of facilitating trade.

At present, they say there are over 10 agencies, which form part of the cargo examination system at the ports. Some of such agencies include: Port Health, Quarantine, Immigration, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), among others. They insist this numerous government

By Uyoatta Eshiet

agencies do not facilitate, but rather their they add to the cost of clearance for the clearing agents.

President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Fowarders (NAGAFF), PTML chapter, Mr Ugochukwu Nnadi, said to address this trend, the government should empower an independent body to check the excesses of these numerous agencies. According to him, there is a lot of corruption still going on at the ports during clearance because of the multiple agencies.

Another clearing agent suggest that the government should ban these agents, whose services do not quicken trade and encourage them to have a ‘one- stop- shop’ clearance procedure as it is being done in other countries.

Nnadi wants the government to introduce information technology in the clearance of goods, saying that this will help to reduce contact with clearing agents, save time and reduce corruption.

CRFFN okays NAGAFF

T

HE Council for the Regulation of Freight Forward ing in Nigeria (CRFFN) has okayed the integration of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) into its council.

The approval was given following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the council and NAGAFF. Founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, said NAGAFF has been fully integrated into the Council following the meeting of CRFFN and NAGAFF with the InspectorGeneral of Police.

While commending the leadership of the council for the gesture, he said the Council has granted NAGAFF full accreditation status.

“Well, it is not news that we are in court seeking for certain reliefs from the court on the management of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), particularly in membership.

You will recall that when we had our maiden election into the council, the platform that was used was basically the licences issued by the Nigeria Customs Service and that means that the individual practitioners were disfranchised and you know that the membership of NAGAFF are basically individual members

which the Act is meant to protect.

“Well, so far so good. We were asked to meet Inspector-General of Police and we were all there.

It was a sort of a meeting and both parties have agreed that the act is meant to regulate freight forwarders. All we need is to work together. Our requests so far have been met. In terms of membership NAGAF has been fully accredited as a full member of the council,”Aniebonam said.

Asked whether NAGAFF is going to withdraw the suit filed by it against CRFFN at a Federal High Court in Lagos, Aniebonam said a date for the ruling has already been fixed and this will not jeopardise their agreement, since the case seeks to clarify other issues regarding the Council’s operations.

“No, we don’t have to withdraw the case between NAGAF and CRFFN. The ruling is already slated for this month.

Whatever is the outcome of the case will not mean much but I think the case would help us a lot in the area of interpretation as to who is a freight forwarder.

The court’s position on the council is very important, you recall that there was this discordant tones on the part of the Attorney-General and Usoro who actually the consultant, these things are very important,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

44

MARITIME Maritime Watch

NPA, retirees disagree over pension A

ROW has broken out between the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and some of its retirees over the payment of pension.

The retirees are accusing NPA of deceiving them into agreeing to two types of pension when they were leaving service, The two options are a fiveyear ‘buy-out’ or immediate placement on pension scheme.

Some of the retirees opted for the five-year ‘buy-out’ and were paid off.

But the retirees are now seeking to be placed on the normal pension scheme under which they will be paid monthly.

NPA rejected their demand, saying they can no longer benefit from the scheme since they have received a lump pension sum

By Uyoatta Eshiet

under the five-year ‘buyout’.

The pensioners under the aegis of NPA Retirees Assembly said the NPA deceived them into accepting the ‘buy-out’ pension then.

NPA, they said, has remained adamant despite calls normalise position.

The association’s secretary, Mr Lanre Adisa, said though NPA paid them large sums of money when they were leaving, its refusal to include them in the list of its pensioners was against Federal Government’s directive.

Adisa, noted that the retirees were among the Federal Government workers laid off during the rightsizing of its workforce that took place between 2005 and 2007.

He claimed that the government in a circular dated August 3, 2009, directed min-

istries and Parastatals – agencies to put pensionable employees affected by the rightsising exercise on ‘pensioners list’.

“We are more than 4,000 that retired in 2006/2007, but were not included in the pension scheme of the NPA. We were deceived and cajoled to fill a form with two options, a five-year pension ‘buy -out’ or immediate placement on pension scheme”.

He said over 20 per cent of them opted for the ‘buy-out’ with the belief that it meant ‘a five- year pension upfront payment’.

When contacted, the General Manager Public Affairs of NPA, Chief Michael Ajayi, told The Nation that during the ports reforms/Concession exercise, all workers were given options, either to retire and be “paid off” or to continue work under the

JACOFF set to battle agencies Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

• Managing Director, NPA Omar Suleiman

new arrangement. This category of workers opted to retire and be “paid off”, so there is nothing NPA can do again for them, he said.

Ajayi explained that those NPA workers who retired before the ports reforms/ concession exercise in 2005 are on pension while those who retired during the reforms/ concession exercise (2005/ 2007) and opted for a pension ‘buy-out’ were paid off and as such, there is no other pension arrangement for them.

Stakeholders seek port expansion

T

HE Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, and the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have been urged to encourage deep seaport development as done in other maritime nations.

Nigeria, they said, needs a deep seaport of draught not less than 40 meters with better facilities that can berth and accommodate new and bigger marine vessels. The need, they said, is in line with increased cargo traffic nationally and internationally as global logistics trends and practices.

The result of global trends in port development, the stakeholders said, showed that out of over 100 seaports projects being executed all over the world, about 75 per cent are deep seaports or terminals. The balance, they said, is mostly inland water way ports and Jetties.

The Managing Director, Maritime Energy Base, Mr Charles Irabor, said maritime transportation is a key sector that needs to be developed by President Godluck Jonathan’s administration.

He urged Umar to see to the rapid transformation of the sector so that it would impact positively on cargo handling capacity of the sea ports and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the end of his tenure.

He said the country, as the

I

Seme Customs seizes vehicles THE Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized of four sports utility vehicles(SUV) and sets of furniture.

Attempt by the importers of the vehicles are accused smuggling the SUV cars.

Valued at N50.1 million, the goods which falls under import prohibition was seized in the bushy area of Gberefu village, a community situated between Seme and Badagry Town.

The Area Controller, Comptroller Sahabi Abubakar Sadiq, has reaffirmed the command’s resolve to protect the nation’s economy and security always and has deployed all logistics and personnel of the command to forestall any attempt to smuggle, evade duty, under declare imports or abuse the Ecowas Trade Liberalisation Scheme.

“Our men are up to the task and will rise to any challenge aimed at undermining our presence at the border,’’ he said.

Kaduna NCS nets N750m KADUNA/Katsina Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has generated over 750 million between June and July.

The command, within these months, witnessed a 54 per cent increase in revenue when compared to the same period last year.

The command also recorded eight seizures with duty paid value of N2,040,106 within this period.

According to the Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Yusuf Umar, this was recorded as a result of the effort of his officers in ensuring that all avenues of revenue leakages are blocked.

He said the command under his watch will continue to strive to meet its target.

Umar called all stakeholders within the command to join hands with Customs to ensure that government is not short changed.

Indians arrested over scrap metals • Lagos port

By Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

largest importer and exporter of cargo in West Africa, needs at least one deep seaport as a hub for West and Central Africa based on an increase in its maritime and general trade volumes.

The cargo throughput handled by the seaports, he said, increased from 66,908,322 metric tonnes in 2009 to 74,910,284 metric tonnes indicating a 12 per

cent increase.

The benefits of attaining a regional hub status, Irabor added, included the potential to create directly and indirectly,approximately four million jobs over a fiveyear period and a 70 per cent cut in vessel turn-around time as well as guaranteeing increased revenue from berthing to handling charges for the trans-shipment of cargoes.

The President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Cus-

toms Agents (ANLCA), Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu, said the country needs a deep seaport that can load and offload finished, refine liquid, powder and containerised cargo. Bigger ships, he said, move cargo more efficiently than smaller vessels, adding that the economies of scale make it imperative that shippers buy new bigger vessels, which have to dock at a deep seaport.

Importers, agents lament strike MPORTERS using the Onne Port Complex (OPC), Rivers State, are still counting their losses in the 10-day strike embarked upon by members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Onne chapter.

The strike followed alleged stringent clearing procedures introduced by the Onne Customs Command.

The agents had complained, among others, against the presence of the

THE Association of Nigerian Licensed Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) have resuscitated the Joint Action Committee of Freight Forwarders (JACOFF) to battle what they called unholy treatment of their members by government agencies at the port.

Investigation revealed that JACOFF was reformed after their members were arrested during a raid by by a combined team of Customs and the Police at Tin-Can Island port few weeks ago.

A clearing agent, Mr Abel Osayin-Peju, said JACOFF was re-launched as the immediate response to the raid, the excesses of Customs and other government agencies in the ports, as well as their observed lapses in port operations.

Osayin-Peju warned the leadership of JACOFF to be wary of those he alleged were used to pull the rug of the feet of JACOFF‘s leaders at the peak of the face-off with the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Diko Abdulahi Inde, earlier this year, but now clamouring for pro-active position to be taken against Customs by the groups.

By Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

Enforcement and Customs Investigations units at the exit gate and terminals, transfer of containers to government warehouse, blocking of manifest and alerts on Single Goods Declaration forms (SGDs).

But some importers, who spoke with The Nation, at the port, said they have lost millions of Naira as demurrage to terminal operators and

shipping companies.

Speaking on behalf of other importers,Chief Adams Whyte, said the agents did not consider the cost to their principals and the nation before embarking on the strike.

Whyte said the importers were the worst hit because of the demurrage charges they have to pay on their goods.

“The normal thing should have been for the agents to give notice to the Customs before embarking on the

strike. It is with that notice that customs will now call them for discussion, but nothing like that was done before they started the strike.

Since they knew the strike will last so long, they should have allowed importers to take away containers already loaded because these goods were incurring double demurrage from the terminal operators or shipping companies and the transporters”, Udechukwu said.

THE Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service has arrested 17 Indians for allegedly trying to export four container loads of scrap metals illegally through the nation’s seaport.

The arrests came barely two weeks after a Chinese, Ding Shaw and a Nigerian, Ifeanyi Dike, were arrested by operatives of the same command for allegedly attempting to also export a container load of scrap metals through one of the seaports in Lagos.

Parading the Indians in Lagos, the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Mr Victor Dimka, said the containers were intercepted on their way to the port from an Indian firm on the Lagos-Sagamu Expressway.

NATO anti-piracy website launched THE NATO Shipping Centre has launched its new and improved website, in an effort to provide more comprehensive and timely information to the commercial shipping industry about piracy in Africa.

The NATO Shipping Centre has been in operation since 2001, and is the point of contact between NATO naval forces and the merchant shipping community. It is also the primary advisor to merchant shipping regarding potential risks and possible interference with maritime operations and major exercises.

Having received a briefing on the new website, the Commander of MC Northwood, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar said, “Piracy is a serious threat for the shipping community and anything that can be done to deal with and overcome this issue is to be welcomed. The NATO Shipping Centre has listened to their users and responded to their needs with a new, more interactive and relevant website demonstrating that NATO and the shipping community are working together to tackle the scourge of piracy.”

NATO is working with other international bodies to help develop capacity of countries in the region to tackle piracy on their own.

Over the past few months, the Centre has developed a range of new products to ensure that the shipping community has the most up-to-date information only a click away. Among the new products is a fully scalable map covering the Gulf of Aden, the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean, plotting the latest pirate attacks.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

45

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Telemedicine health care delivery from a distance is gaining popularity in Nigeria and, as OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA reports, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology is looking at ways to enhance e-medicine in some teaching hospitals/tertiary institutions.

Minister harps on benefits of e-medicine A

TELEMEDICINE partnership has been established between the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba. A similar arrangement for the teaching and tertiary hospitals in the country is also in the pipeline.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Prof Ita Bassey Okon, on a tour of LUTH’s Telemedicine Unit, said the emergence of telemedicine, its expansion and use in the health care industry, is a major breakthrough.

He said the success recorded at the launch of SAT 1 AND SAT 2 in China is an indication that the country can benefit more from modern science and technology.

He said: “Through this launch and experience, several examples of telemedicine within a variety of applications have provided a broad context to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the emergence of e-medicine in Nigeria. These provide snapshots of a tele-radiology system used by the military, tele-consultations used in neurosurgery and haemodialysis and home telemedicine used in diabetes care.”

Prof Okon said the majority of telemedicine data is transmitted through terrestrial digital and analogue telephone networks or global system mobile (GSM), either directly or via Internet and the remote sites usually rely on satellite links. High frequency (HF) radio is still available and used worldwide in the commercial aviation, at high seas, in many developing countries and in the radio-amateur community; the very high frequency (VHF) links are widely used in the coordination of local teams.

He identified important parameters to be considered in the selection of communication system for telemedicine to include-coverage requirements: local, regional, global; availability: permanent or temporal; modus and urgency of information transfer: real-time, store-and-forward; minimal and maximal uplink/down-link bandwidths.

He also said transmission protocols and compatibility with multiple senders/receivers; data encryption and safety; cost per equivalent amount of transmitted information; and overall system costs, that is purchased and cost of telecom traffic are important.

On how the rural areas can benefit from emedicine, the Minister said there is the need to identify problems of the locales and thereafter the Ministry will swing into action with the necessary partners.

“The common features of remote environments are geographical separation, logistic problems within health care delivery and with patient retrieval, extreme natural conditions, artificial environment, or combination of all. The exposure can have adverse effects on patients’ physiology, on care providers’ performance and on hardware functionality. The time to definite treatment may vary between hours as in orbital space flight, days for remote exploratory camp,weeks for polar bases and months to years for interplanetary exploration.The generic system ar-

R

ESEARCH has clearly shown the importance of supplementing a pregnant woman’s diet with both macro and micro nutrients for better pregnancy, and later health outcomes. Therefore, promoting good nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life is a concept that is useful towards improving maternal and child health.

It seems, however, there may be more benefits than what we are currently aware of. For example, a recent study investigating the role of DHA in preventing infections, is one of many areas being explored, and may or may not yield recommendations. It is, however, interesting to note that the many existing recommendations for

• From left: Olagunju; Ogunlewe, Prof Okon, Awosika and others during the tour

gerian Telemedicine System is to deliver health care services at a distance to Nigerian peri-urban and rural communities. The System is to provide rural communities access to physicians and ‘specialists’ expertise, that is available at Nigerian Teaching Hospitals and other advanced tertiary medical centres such as LUTH, via Telemedicine technology. The term “telemedicine” is relatively new in medicine but the operating principles are not novel.

“It may be viewed from its literary connotation –‘medicine from a distance’.

Telemedicine can be broadly defined as the use of composite elements of information and telecommunications technologies (ICTs) to make health care information and services at a distance possible. Telemedicine is equally attractive to all sectors, whether public or private, because it allows Medicare to be accessible by remote areas. It engenders better utilisation of scarce medical personnel and resources. It also has the potential of improving access to and quality of medical care at reduced cost to government and end user. In particular, telemedicine may be seen as a valuable tool for providing the much-needed medical services to underserved rural areas.

“It has the potential of opening a vista for Nigerian health care professionals that was hitherto absent before now. Hence, it will increase the tempo of activities in that sector. It promises to enhance continued medical education of young doctors, nurses and other health care practitioners in rural areas, both in training and in established practice. This may translate to equitable rural-urban health

care services. In other words, a National Telemedicine System may assist in the achievement of some of the cardinal points of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”

The hospital’s Director of Administration, Ayo Olagunju said: “Nigeria’s health care system is based on the Alma Ata structure of a three-tier health delivery structure with most of the primary and secondary health facilities being seen in the urban and periurban areas, while the tertiary centres with the more specialised academic/research centres are fewer in the countryside.

“The bulk of these apex tiers are found situated in urban heartlands. The result of the era of health planning is a legacy of inappropriate distribution of health practitioners and expertise that are concentrated in major urban centres, while the vast numbers of citizens in the countryside have poor access to basic health care because of the remoteness or barrier isolation coupled with poor public transportation infrastructure. “Telemedicine is one form of advanced technology that may be part of the solution to a number of health care and education problems in Nigeria. And our brothers and sisters in the rural areas will benefit as well.”

Present at the event were the Director-General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Seidu Mohammed; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr Dere Awosika and Site Engineer of Telemedicine, LUTH, Saikat Kumar Dutta, among other dignitaries.

Nutrition in pregnancy, is there more?

•Frequent small meals are better than large meals. They are easier to digest and you feel less uncomfortable.

•Eat a wide variety of foods.

•Use normal amounts of iodised salt.

•Drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

•Take foods containing iron with foods containing vitamin C, as vitamin C helps absorb iron. Ideally, build up your iron supply before pregnancy.

•It is useful to keep a record of what you eat over a 24 to 48 hour period.

•If you are worried about your diet consult your caregiver.

chitecture, used in any telematic support, consists of data acquisition, data-processing and storage, telecommunications links, decisionmaking facilities and the means of command execution.

“At the present level of technology, a simple data transfer and two-way voice communication could be established from any place on the earth, but the current use of mobile communication technologies for telemedicine applications is still low, either for logistic, economic and political reasons, or because of limited knowledge about the available technology and procedures. Criteria for selection of portable telemedicine terminals in remote terrestrial places, characteristics of currently available mobile telecommunication systems, and the concept of integrated monitoring of physiological and environmental parameters are areas the ministry can work on. We should bear in mind as well, some aspects of emergency medical support in human orbital spaceflight, the limits of telemedicine support in near-Earth space environment and some open issues related to long-term exploratory missions beyond the low Earth orbit.”

Representative of the Chief Medical Director Prof Akin Osibogun, Dr Gbenga Ogunlewe, told the Minister that the hospital commenced Telemedicine in 2007 with Pan Africa School of Telemedicine and Biomedical Informatics, SGPMS, Lucknow, U.P, India.

According to her, LUTH’s telemedicine is in tandem with Nigerian Telemedicine System (NTS). She said: “The primary aim of the Ni-

nutrition during pregnancy have the potential to yield more benefits than what is currently evident. There is the need to continuously engage experts in exploring the many ways in which we can improve the nutritional status of individuals and communities within the African continent.

There are some foods or drinks that one should avoid in pregnancy. Expectant mothers should void all harmful substances that put you and your baby at risk, such as drugs, medication, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.

You should be careful about taking any of

these without consulting your caregiver.

Avoid diuretics. Coffee, tea and bran reduce iron absorption. Don’t take vitamin and mineral supplements on your own – ask your doctor – too many can lead to complications.

General healthy well-balanced meals must be continued into and after pregnancy.

General guidelines: •Foods should be carefully cooked. Grilling, steaming and stir-frying are preferable to roasting, frying and boiling. Try to cook lightly to preserve nutrient value.

•Source: www.nnia.org

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HEALTH

‘Why Nigerians don’t have access to affordable medicine’ E

XPERTS have expressed concern that many Nigerians still do not have access to medicines, in spite of the abundance of resources in the country.

They spoke at the launch of CHAN MediPharm’s access to medicine programme, in Abuja. They said more worrisome is that there is no national medicine implementation plan despite the National Drug Policy.

Managing Director, CHAN MediPharm Limited/Gte, Mr Matthew Azoji, called for the establishment of a National Medicines Policy Implementation Plan to help close the gaps in the various factors hindering access to medicines.

He said the report by the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Country Profile in its June 2011 edition in collaboration with WHO, showed that “Nigeria has not done anything as a member of World Trade Organisation (WTO) to take advantage of the flexibilities in the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) such as compulsory licensing, Bolar exceptions, parallel importing provisions etc to lower the prices of new and patented medicines for Nigerians.” He, therefore, asked the National Assembly to “modify our national laws to use these flexibilities to promote public health.”

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) report on World Medicines Situation confirmed that over two billion people globally do not have access to medicines.

Azoji said further: “WHO reports that one third of the developing world is unable to receive or purchase essential medicines on a regular basis. This estimate rises to over 40 per cent in low-income countries and over 50 per cent in poorest countries of Asia and Africa, where infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria are the leading cause of

•Senator Ekaette (middle) flanked by former PSN President, Azubuike Okwor (second right), Lambo (fourth left), Orhii (fifth left), Azoji (third right) and other dignitaries, at the launch

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

death.

“Again, a 2004 study inaugurated by the Federal Ministry of Health with the World Health Organisation and Health Action International (HAI) reported that generic medicines were up to 82.5 per cent more expensive in Nigeria than in the other seven countries surveyed.”

“Considering that innovator brands were found to cost between two and seven times the lowest priced generic equivalents, it goes without saying that the average Nigerian does not have access to medicines in Nigeria, especially because 70 per cent of Nigerians pay for medicines out of pocket (unbudgeted for), according to the Federal Ministry of Health. The need to increase access to medicines is thus a public health emergency, and must be addressed as such”.

The former Minister of Health, Prof.

Eyitayo Lambo, agreed with him and stressed the need for sustainable financing to overcome the problem of access

medicine.

He also called for, “expansions of the coverage with health insurance schemes (social health insurance scheme, community-based health insurance schemes) to reduce out-of-pocket payments for medicines. Explore other financing mechanisms like solidarity funds, equity funds, earmarked taxes for health/medicines (such as air ticket levy, cell phone air time tax). Also target some external funding (e.g. grants, loans, donations) to the finances of medicines for specific diseases with high public health impact.”

Lambo made a case for the development of Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) and the establishment of Essential Drug List (EDLs) in health facilities in the country.

He noted that the provision of access to medicines depends on four factors: rational selection and use of medicines; affordable prices; sustainable financing and reliable health and supply systems.

A former President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Senator Eme Ekaette,

‘The company applies various procurement strategies including pooled procurement and international price referencing, which enhances our negotiation and ability to drive down prices which is generally passed to the patients through our member institutions’

praised the firm for conquering the menace of drug distribution system.

She said: “Drugs are not supposed to be sold in the open market, but today it forms 60 per cent of our pharmaceutical distribution network.”

The Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii, said the large number of drugs registered by CHAN Medi-Pharm in the past two years is an indication that the agency has streamlined the processes of registering drugs to make them readily available.

He explained how this was achieved: “the company applies various procurement strategies including pooled procurement and international price referencing, which enhances our negotiation and ability to drive down prices which is generally passed to the patients through our member institutions.

“CHAN Medi-Pharm has for many years been a vanguard promoting sustainable drug revolving fund schemes with mechanisms to provide for the indigent and medically needy. Furthermore we ensure we supply essential medicines to health facilities in the most remote of communities of Nigeria, some facilities are located in difficult to reach terrains, and we have had instances where we need to use speed boats to supply essential medicines,” he said.

Ministry restates importance of health insurance

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AGOS State Commissioner for Health Dr Jide Idris has said the adoption of the Community-based Health Insurance Scheme (CBHIS) will lead to the improvement of primary health care centres’ facilities in the state.

Idris, who stated this at the Annual General Meeting of the Ikosi-Isheri Mutual Health Insurance Scheme, reiterated government’s commitment to providing quality health care service delivery to the people within the limit of resources available to government.

He stressed that government alone cannot fund health care hence the need for citizens to augment government’s effort by buying into the health insurance scheme.

He said: “Government can only spend the resources available to it to address competing challenges and the provision of qualitative health care services is just one of the major challenges confronting government. We also have to contend with the issues of environment, education, infrastructure among others and Lagos has a peculiar situation especially against the backdrop of a very high population. This is why health insurance is very important in solving the problem of health care financing.”

The commissioner said the scheme does not leave the bills of health care financing solely to the people, but as government not only augments the premium paid by the people but also provides direction for the survival of the scheme.

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha and Risikat Ramoni

“When we were preparing for the scheme, we got people to study and cost the types of health services we would provide and the amount the community would be willing to pay. We agreed we will start with N800 for a family of six as the Scheme was new and we wanted people to embrace it. I must tell you that with the N800 being paid by a family of six, the government is paying a minimum of N1,200 extra for each person to support and sustain the scheme,” Idris explained.

He expressed happiness that the Ikosi-Isheri mutual health insurance plan continues to offer pre-paid primary health care services on a 24hour basis to enrolled members of the IsheriOke, Olowora and Magodo communities.

“We are using the Ikosi-Isheri community based health insurance scheme as a study, so that we would know what we are doing wrong and what we are doing right in ensuring that people own up to health care financing through insurance. The feedback we have got from the scheme shows that though there are challenges but people of the community have also shown positive response to the idea of the scheme. If we get it right in Olowora, many communities would embrace the scheme too,” the commissioner said.

Idris noted that government is in dialogue with other interested local governments and

private groups who have shown interest in the scheme adding that the scheme has also been introduced in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area to cover Iberekodo and Awoyaya communities.

He stated that the government is determined to sustain and scale-up the scheme through partnership with the scheme board of trustees, the Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), the scheme provider and the people to address the challenges that emanate from the operation of the Scheme to greatly improve services.

The commissioner explained that the partnership entered into by the state government, the LCDA, the scheme provider and the people is very crucial in ensuring the survival and sustenance of the Scheme. He urged the people to see the Scheme as theirs and own up to it stressing that government’s role is to provide financial and technical support and guidance on the Scheme’s operations.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Mutual Health Insurance Scheme Board of Trustees, Mr Kunle Solesi, explained that despite the challenges posed by the scheme, health service delivery in the community has greatly improved since the commencement of the scheme.

“The era of coming back for essential drugs is gone. Our women now deliver safely and the waiting time to receive health care has

•Dr Idris

been greatly reduced. By our record, over 23,000 people at one time or the other have registered with the scheme, but only 5000 are active members; that is those who renew their premium regularly”, he said.

He appealed to rich individuals in and outside the community to sponsor poor families for the scheme, adding that assistance from donors would help sustain it and give opportunities to poor families to partake in the Scheme.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

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HEALTH

Firm wages war against cholera

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•From left: Co-ordinator, Special Project,Dr Dolapo Fasawe; Commissioner for Health Dr Jide Idris (in native attire); Project Co-ordinator, HEW Foundation Dr Dotun Abosede; and Dr Bode Ogunbanjo, Director, Clinical Services, LASUTH, during the Free Surgery on Cleft Palate, at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos.

Minister: health bill will help the common man •Condoles with family of victims of UN house bomb blast

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HE Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, has declared that there is no controversy in the Health Bill, awaiting the assent of the President.

According to him, the Bill represents the interest of the people, particularly the common man who may not be able to afford huge cost of treatment.

He said: “I have gone through the Bill. I was also part of it several years ago even when I was not a minister. It went through all the processes and has gone through four ministers and probably I am the fifth minister the Bill has passed through his tenure. It has gone through several Presidents.

Probably this is the third president of Nigeria whose administration is dealing with it.

“It is not something any particular individual would say it is his personal work. It started from some people and other people have made input. It went through the National Assembly and there was a public hearing, many people took part in it.”

On the regulation of stem cell research and organ transplant contained in the Bill, Chukwu said that it is important that those areas of health care be regulated.

He said the Bill would be beneficial to the development of the country’s health sector. “I read a report that says abortion has been legalised. There is no portion in the Bill that says it has been legalised in the country. It is still the way it was before , which is that, abortion has not been legalised.

“But in terms of organ transplant, we have been performing kidney transplant and blood transfusion. We have started stemcell research in Nigeria. That is the

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha and Wale Adepoju

way to go. But right now they are not regulated so we want it to be regulated.”

He called on all those who were calling for the withdrawal of the Bill, to have a rethink, as their action would work contrary to the interest of the common man.

Chukwu expressed hope that the Bill would soon be signed into law.

Besides, Prof Chukwu has received the report on the Skills and Equipment Mapping of the eighteen Teaching Hospitals in the country. Receiving the document, the Minister identified health facilities and skills as the two factors in health care delivery that the report was mandated to address.

The maping was commissioned to close the gap between facilities and human resource needs in tertiary health institutions.

The objective is to bequeath a functioning and qualitative health care system that is accessible to all Nigerians.

The Minister said the exercise would help facilitate the collation of accurate data. According to him, “accurate data could inform us of the existing gaps, enable us fill the gaps and consequently, enable us to plan”.

In addition, Chukwu said the report would identify the various locations of specialised equipment and skills in Nigeria’s health delivery system such that health tourism will be a thing of the past.

Meanwhile, the minister has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Mrs Kate Bisi Demehin, a victim of the United Nations Building bomb blast in

‘I have gone through the Bill. I was also part of it several years ago even when I was not a minister.

It went through all the processes and has gone through four ministers and probably I am the fifth minister the Bill has passed through his tenure. It has gone through several Presidents probably this is the third president of Nigeria whose administration is dealing with it’

Abuja, who until her death, was an Assistant Director, Nutrition, Federal Ministry of Health. Addressing the bereaved family, Chukwu advised them to take heart, saying Mrs Demehin lived a fulfilled life.

He described her as a role model, who died while carrying out her official duties, and said that the ideals she stood and fought for would not be in vain.

Responding, the widower, Mr Alex Demehin, thanked the minister and his entourage for their concern, and asked the government to ensure that the country enjoys adequate security. “The people in power should sit down and bring a solution to the problem of insecurity in the country. Let them give a listening ear to the agitations of each group and address them,” he said.

The Representative of the United Nations Education Fund (UNICEF), Mr Stanley Chitekwe, described the late Mrs Demehin as a hard working woman whose life and work touched many lives. He expressed shock over her death, saying that she was at UNICEF office on the fateful day to discuss nutrition on behalf of the ministry.

GAINST the backdrop of cholera outbreak in some parts of the country, Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited, maker of Dettol and Dettol soap, has stepped up its hand washing campaign in schools to stem the tide of cholera.

Speaking on the campaign, Chief Strategist, Chain Reactions Nigeria, Israel Jaiye Opayemi, the Public Relations consultants to Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited, said the observation made by the experts has heightened global concern about the need to develop more proactive strategies to combat public health challenges, especially in developing and undeveloped nations, and cholera is one of such.

He said: ‘’These challenges are not for government only to tackle, they require the collaboration of other stakeholders including corporate organisations. Dettol understands that public health issues remain a critical challenge in Nigeria so, one can comfortably say that Dettol’s “Good Health is in Our Hands”, campaign is quite significant in that regard. ‘’Meeting the pupils, who are in their formative years, right in their schools is novel. It will engender early assimilation of health habits and positive attitudinal change in matters of personal hygiene on the long run.

The hand wash initiative by Dettol is quite a major support to the efforts of the tiers of government in Nigeria to address public health matters such as cholera and diarrhoea caused by poor hygiene.’’

Opayemi pledged that Dettol

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

would intensify its effort to make more children and their parents benefit from the initiative. “That way, every member of the community would have had the knowledge about hand hygiene as the cheapest preventive strategy to stem common ailments that occur due to poor personal hygiene,” he said.

The Account Manager, Omowunmi Mumuni said the campaign is a part of corporate social investment of the Dettol brand to promote the wellness of the Nigerian families. The campaign creates awareness about germs and the need for constant hand wash and bathing with soap and antiseptic in order to be free from the harmful effects that day-to-day, and minute by minute contacts with germs cause. Such effects include infections and sicknesses as well as the attendant consequences namely, inactive life, absence from work and inability to do the things one loves to do.

He added that till date, the benefits of the experiential and highly interactive six-step hand wash lesson have reached over two million school children and about 50,000 teachers in nearly 10,000 schools in some Nigerian cities. This initiative has also had a significant effect on several millions of homes as the children become the brand ambassadors carrying the message of hand hygiene to their parents, friends, neighbours and extended family relations.

Five ways to stop cold from spreading in your family •Wash your hands: You’ve heard it many times before, but washing your hands is the single most important way to stop the spread of colds. According to the CDC, about 80 per cent of infectious diseases are spread by touch — the cold germs get on the hands and from there into the eyes and mouth. Look at it this way: you can’t keep cold germs out of your house. But if you keep everybody’s hands clean, they’ll be much less likely to get sick. When you wash your hands, do it thoroughly. Use soap and water and scrub for a minimum of 20 seconds. When you’re not near a sink, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good substitute.

•Cover your nose and mouth: Most of us were raised to cover our mouths and noses with our hands when we sneezed or coughed. Instead, use the crook of your elbow — or a tissue. That way, the cold germs won’t get onto your hands and spread.

•Disinfect: Cold germs can live on surfaces for hours. Consider disinfecting areas like tabletops, doorknobs, remote controls, and toys. Just don’t make yourself crazy wiping down everything your sick preschooler touches — there’s no way to keep a household sterile.

•Go disposable: Colds can be spread by shared towels and cups in the bathroom. When someone in the house is sick, consider switching to paper products for a week.

•Take care of yourself: Can eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress help prevent colds? We don’t really know. There is some evidence that they might help keep your immune system strong — and potentially more capable of fighting off a cold virus.

•Colds are hard to stop: Practicing these tips can help break the cycle of infection. But you still need to know your limits. Colds can be hard to stop. By the time your kid starts coughing, it might already be too late — people can be contagious before they show any symptoms.

If your best attempts to prevent a cold from spreading fail, don’t feel like you did anything wrong. Short of keeping a sick family member in quarantine — or everyone else in biohazard suits — there’s just no sure fire way to stop the common cold.

•Source: www.webmd.com

•Deputy Governor of Lagos State Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (right); Director, Ecology and Conservation Mrs Adebola Afun; and Commissioner for the Environment Tunji Bello, during a visit to an assaulted KAI officer, Mrs Sade Agbalajobi, at LASUTH, Ikeja, Lagos PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

MOTORING

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

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

0803-4693-984 tajudeen1423@yahoo.co.uk

email:- motoring@thenationonlineng.net

For lovers of Lincoln's brand of automobiles the world over, the next two years from 2012, promises to be refreshing and exciting as its manufacturers, the American automobile giant, Ford Motor Company, rolls out seven new or improved models of the brand to assert its position in the industry. SEYI ODEWALE highlights these brands using information from the company

•Lincoln MKZ. Inset: Lincoln Navigator SUV

Ford Motors rebrands F

ORD Motor Company, manufacturers of Lincoln brands, has promised to roll out seven new or improved brands of Lincoln cars and SUVs from next year.

The company's global product chief, Derrick Kuzak, said Ford will showcase some of the new or refreshed Lincoln products before the end of the year.

As Lincolns are redesigned, they will be differentiated from Ford models not only by their technology but by sheet metal, their wheelbase, and the length of the front and rear overhangs. Some models will get unique power trains paired with eight-speed transmissions.

Highlights of the brand in the next two years (2012-14) model years will include compact models; MKZ; MKS; MKX; MKT and the Navigator (SUV) The compact series will be a small crossover based on Ford's next-generation Kuga from Europe, which possibly will come out by 2013 model year. This vehicle promises to sit on the global compact car platform currently underpinning the Focus.

Ford also is considering a compact car for Lincoln, though that may not come before the 2016 or 2017 model year.

The MKZ models will get different styl-

ing from its sibling, the Ford Fusion, when the sedans are redesigned for the 2013 model year and move to Ford's global midsize platform. Its launch could trail the launches of the Fusion and Mondeo by a few months as Ford refines MKZ interiors.

For MKS, Ford is expected to restyle the sedan for the 2013 model year. The biggest change will be in the appearance of the grille and sides, with a more streamlined design. But the model will keep the vertical orientation to the tail lights, even as other Lincoln vehicles evolve to a horizontal look. The MKS will continue to offer the 3.5-liter turbocharged direct-injection EcoBoost V-6 engine. It might get the 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that Ford is giving the Taurus at that time, too. Prospective buyers are to look for the MKS that has a dramatically differentiated style from the 2013 Taurus, with more premium materials used for its interior.

For MKX, Ford may have re-skinned the mid-sized crossover for the 2011 model year the 2014 model will be redesigned on the company's global midsized platform.

While the company is expected to freshen the MKT crossover for the 2012

or 2013 model year, with minor changes to the grille and taillights and possibly an upgraded interior Ford had considered replacing the MKT after the 2014 model year with a vehicle derived from the Ford Explorer that would have exclusive sheet metal and more off-road capability than the MKT. But now Ford is debating whether to add the new vehicle and keep the MKT, targeting the MKT to the limousine and livery markets.

The Navigator is likely to get a restyle for the 2012 model year. It will share power trains with Ford's F-series pickup, getting a V-6 EcoBoost engine. The redesign likely will stay on hold until Ford can figure out what it wants to do with Lincoln's large SUV and decide if it will keep the MKT. Meanwhile, the 2012 Lincoln Navigator is a sports utility vehicle meant for luxurious driving. It is available in only one model that derives its power from a 5.4 Liter V8 engine that is rated at 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. It is equipped with a six speed automatic transmission. It is also equipped with either a rear wheel or a four wheel drive. The fuel economy ratings of the Navigator equipped with a rear wheel drive are 12 miles per gallon

on city streets and 17 miles per gallon on the highway. The Navigator can tow 8,950 pounds.

The model is equipped with 18 inch tires, sensors that help the driver park the vehicle, a powered lift gate, a tilt steering wheel, a console in the center for the second row of seats, powered heated front seats that can be adjusted in 10 different ways, a music system equipped with A CD player that can store 6 CDs at a time and has 14 speakers and a satellite radio. Optional with the lone Navigator model is 20 inch tires, a sun roof, and seats made of leather. One also gets an equipment package with the Navigator titled Elite that adds, a camera at the back of the vehicle, a navigation system based on DVD and running boards that are powered.

The 2012 Lincoln Navigator is equipped with a system that controls stability and has sensors to warn the driver if the vehicle is about to roll over, air bags mounted on the side for those seated in the front and curtain airbags that run the entire length of the vehicle. There is plenty of room for passengers seated in all three rows of seats to stretch their legs and it can store 104 cubic feet of luggage.

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NEWS Activists kick against delisting of parties at Fawehinmi’s lecture

Anti-corruption fight: I won’t protect sacred cows, says Jonathan

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said there will be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption.

He said although the campaign against corruption is daunting, it is surmountable.

He vowed not to shield any individual.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission chair Mrs. Farida Waziri, said Nigeria needs radical, drastic and unorthodox approach to win the war against corruption.

Attorney-General of the Federation Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) said he is not at loggerheads with the EFCC. They all spoke at the eighth

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

National Seminar on Economic Crimes organised by the EFCC at its Training and Research Institute in KaruAbuja.

Represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the President however advised the EFCC to work fairly and firmly within the ambit of the law.

He also asked the Judiciary to sit up if Nigeria is to win the war against corruption.

Jonathan said: “This administration has identified corruption as the major constraint to development. It has become more so under the current economic and security challenges facing the na-

tion. That explains the location of the anti-corruption programme as the central focus of the Federal Government’s transformation agenda.

“It is in this regard that Mr. President promptly signed into law the 2011 money laundering prohibition Act and the Evidence Amendment Act, 2011 with a view to complementing the provision of the EFCC and the ICPC Acts and ensure expeditious treatment of cases.

“The government is equally aware that the passage of laws is a first step, it would therefore give necessary support and encouragement to the anti-corruption agencies to vigorously enforce anticorruption laws.

R

•Dr. Jonathan

“I thereby urge these agencies to do their work fairly, but firmly within the ambit of the law without regards to position or status. There shall be no sacred cows. This government has not and will not protect any so-called sacred cows’’.

EMINISCENT of the position the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi would have taken, human right activists, lawyers and associates of the firebrand crusader yesterday rose against the deregistration of some political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Coincidentally, opposition to the delisting of parties by the electoral umpire was registered at the second memorial lecture organised by the National Conscience Party (NCP) and friends of the late legal icon at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

They described the action taken by INEC as illegal and unconstitutional.

The guest lecturer, Mr. Jiti Ogunye, while delivering his paper entitled: “De-registration of political parties by the Independent National Elector-

Salami: We lack power to investigate criminal offence, says NJC

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HE National Judicial Council (NJC) admitted yesterday that it lacks “constitutional power to investigate any criminal offence alleged to have been committed by any officer,” after coming under fire for its handling of the allegation of perjury leveled at the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Salami.

The NJC had asked Justice Salami to apologise to the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu for allegedly ly-

From Kamarudeen Ogundele

ing against him under oath and proceeded to recommend his retirement for failing to do so.

But addressing reporters in Abuja yesterday, NJC’s Director of Administration Mr Ensene Odunkun said only the court can “ hear and determine cases of perjury against an individual.”

Mr Odukun also described as “a welcome development” the withdrawal of represen-

tatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from the activities of the NJC. He said the council was not disturbed by the withdrawal of the NBA member because the NJC has no power to exclude any member from its meeting It, however, expressed delight that the umbrella body of lawyers has decided to seek amendment of the 1999 Constitution to allow its members sit in the council “not only on matters on appointments of Judges to Superior Courts of record, but discipline, as

well”.

Although he refused to give the correct numbers of members of the Council that sat at the 7th Emergency Meeting where Justice Salami was suspended, he said NJC through its attendance Register would speak on that at the appropriate time.

On the NBA decision to seek amendment of the Constitution to allow its members sit in council when matters on discipline of judicial officers are discussed, he maintained that until the proposed amendment is done, it will

continue to lock out the association’s representatives when such issue is discussed.

“Until the proposed amendment is effected, the current position of the Council is to comply with the provision (Paragraph 20 of Part 1 of the Third Schedule) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to the letter, subject to the decision in Senlong’s case on appeal before the Supreme Court”, Odukwu added.

Justice Salami is at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging his purported suspen.

By Miriam Ndikanwu

al Commission and Politics of Exclusion in Nigeria” said the electoral body ought to have waited for the court to conclude before acting, considering that Section 78 (7) of the electoral act on which it relied to deregister the parties was being challenged.

He said: “Regardless of the fact that the de-registered political parties were not parties to the instituted actions, INEC ought to have awaited the determination of the court case before acting one way or the other assuming it has power under the Constitution to deregister political parties.”

Ogunye explained that once a civil matter has been placed before a court of judicial tribunal for adjudication, parties to the court action must refrain from doing anything capable of overreaching, undermining or foisting a fait accompli on the court.

“Doing so will not only be tantamount to subverting the rule of law, but also will amount to treating the court with contempt, the punishment of which is imprisonment,” he said:” Lamenting that the political situation of the country has not improved 12 years after Nigeria returned to democracy, Ogunye charged progressive groups and civil society organsations to continue to work for alternative in order to make governance more inclusive and participatory.

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MONEY LINK

Microfinance banking is to eliminate poverty, says Yunus

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ICROFINANCE banks should focus on lifting the poor from poverty to self sufficiency and wealth, the founder of the famous Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, known for extending credit to the down trodden,Professor Mohammed Yunus, has said.

Yunus, who was a guest speaker at the International Conference on Micro-financing organised by First Bank of Nigeria, said micro financing is a social service that should focus on poverty eradication, adding that unlike other businesses, microfinance banking should not be built around profit making, but should serve as a social service to the poor in countries where it is operated. Going down memory lane, Yunus said: “The whole idea of micro financing started in a small village. It is not done in a kind of conventional institutional way, but in a very informal non-institutional way. That is the spirit of micro finance banking. The whole concept is all about banking for the poor. Let us not move away from that. If we want to talk about micro-credit, always remember where it came from. It is a credit for the poor. It is all about banking for the poor,” he added.

Yunus explained that while banking for the poor focuses on getting the basic problems of the people solved, banking for the rich or conventional banking, is geared towards profit making, stating that micro finance banks should not compete with conventional banks, as both have diverse views on how banking should be done.

“Every time we look at the conventional banks and how they were doing there things, and once we learnt what they were doing, we did exactly the opposite of what they were doing.

Conventional banks go to the rich, we went to the poor, conventional banks go to men, we ran to women. Conventional banks go to the cities; particularly the larger city centres, we went to the village. That is what

By Collins Nweze

microfinance banking is all about,” he explained.

He stressed that microfinance banking should not operate as conventional banks, citing example of the Grameen Bank which he said does not operate in any urban area. “Anything covered by a municipality is a no fly zone for Grameen. All these years, we have been in the rural areas. Conventional banks want collateral, but we do not request for collateral,” he said, adding that although he created the bank, he does not own it. He said his objective was not to make money, but to see that the problems of the people

branches and cash centres.

A State Microfinance Bank is authorized to operate in one State or the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It shall be required to have a minimum paid up capital of N100 million and is allowed to open branches within the same State or the FCT, subject to prior written approval by the CBN for each new branch.

Also, the National Microfinance Bank, is authorised to operate in more than one state including the FCT. It shall be required to have a minimum paid up capital of N2 billion, and is allowed to open branches in all States of the Federation and the FCT, subject to prior written approval by the CBN.

were solved Yunus said the bank extends $1.5 billion loan per annum to 8.5 million borrowers and that 97 per cent of the shares of the firm are owned by the poor women of Bangledash and two per cent by government.

CBN Director, Development Finance, Paul Eluhaiwe, said the microfinance bank sector has gone through series of reforms in the country. He explained that recently, the apex bank set guidelines for the sector. under the new rules, Unit Microfinance Bank is authorised to operate in one location. It shall be required to have a minimum paid up capital of N20 million and is prohibited from having

World Bank to partner media on devt

T

HE World Bank yesterday said it would explore possi bilities of assisting Nigeria media to attain developmental goals.

Vice President of the Africa Region in the World Bank, Obiageli Ezekwesili said the media is key in development of the country and therefore needs to be supported in carrying out its basic functions especially in areas of training.

She said that the media has to be seen as a development infrastructure that has to be invested in to

achieve good results. According to her, the World Bank will soon unveil its plans for the media in the country, based on recommendations from key playes in the industry.

Speaking during a one day seminar on state of the media in the country, Ezekwesili however said funding for the media goes to government but the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which is the private arm of the World Bank will also be involved in the exercise.

“This is not the first time we are

using this platform to exchange views on development. While on previous occasions the media came as a messenger – receiving the message we wanted to share with stakeholders across Africa and helping to interpret and transmit that message – this engagement is in your capacity as a partner in development,” she said.

Meanwhile, the World Bank President Robert Zoellick has said the World Bank is in “very early stage” talks on cooperating with China to

B

ARRING any unforseen circumstances, the combi nation of businesses between Sterling Bank Plc and Equitorial Trust Bank (ETB) respectively would produce 185 branches across the country.

The bank, in a statement, said the merged entity would become stronger and bigger on completion of transactions.

Sterling Bank Plc has recorded growth in major indices, as evi-

initiative is expected to result in the merger of the two institutions.

According to the bank, the merged entity would become a major financial solutions of choice across its target markets.

It said customers of the two institutions should expect improved services.

The four other rescued banks are in the process of conducting

By Akinola Ajibade

dent in its financial reports. The bank is one of the institutions that remained unscathed by the crisis rocking the industry, a development which industry observers attributed to its robust management frameworks.

Sterling Bank and Equitorial Trust Bank have entered into formal Transaction Implementation Agreement (TIA), and the

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 5-9-11 SYMBOL DIAMONDBNK ACCESS OKOMUOIL GUARANTY ETERNALOIL IBTC AIICO SKYEBANK GTASSURE NB

O/PRICE 4.00 5.63 17.50 12.50 4.25 9.04 0.62 5.38 1.07 79.02

C/PRICE 4.20 5.91 18.37 13.33 4.46 9.48 0.65 5.64 1.12 82.61

CHANGE 0.20 0.28 0.87 0.63 0.21 0.44 0.03 0.26 0.05 0.59

LOSER AS AT 5-9-11 SYMBOL NAHCO NEIMETH DANGFLOUR JOHNHOLT DANGSUGAR INTBREW AIRSERVICE NSLTECH ADSWITCH PAINTCOM

O/PRICE 7.00 1.40 9.61 6.85 10.74 6.15 2.15 0.88 1.79 1.12

their extraordinary general meetings (EGMs) before the end of this month, thus drawing they curtains on the banking crises, which began about two years ago.

The banks and their partners are Intercontinetal Bank Plc/ Access Bank Plc; Oceanic Bank Plc/ Ecobank Transnational Incorporation; ETB/ Sterling Bank, and Union Bank/African Capital Alliance Group.

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

promote the transfer of low-value manufacturing jobs from the nation to Africa. “An expected end to the expansion of China’s labour force and the government’s push for domestic companies to move up the value chain could help shift jobs that would boost employment in sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa, Zoellick told Bloomberg.

China’s three-decade-old, onechild policy may accelerate declines in the workforce, forcing companies to upgrade to highervalue products.

Sterling/ETB merger to produce 185 branches

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

•Yunus

C/PRICE 6.65 1.33 9.13 6.51 10.21 5.85 2.05 0.84 1.71 1.07

CHANGE 0.35 0.07 0.48 0.34 2.53 0.30 0.10 0.04 0.08 0.05

Amount Sold ($)

Exchange Rate (N)

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m

313.5m

250m

150.8

03-8-11

400m

443m

400m

150.7

01-8-11

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

(S/N) Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

23-08-11 N7.137tr 22,313.23

24-08-11 N7.135tr 22,308.22

% Change -0.03% -0.03%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 117.50 112.11 0.79 0.01 0.97 1,620.90 8.70 1.39 1.87 7,745.89 193.00

9.08 1.00 117.22 111.16 0.76 0.01 0.96 1,618.90 8.28 1.33 1.80 7,502.11 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 24 Aug, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 26, Aug, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

57

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 5-09-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 6 7

Quotation(N) 0.50 7.60

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,000 5,000.00 105,200 790,250.00 115,200 795,250.00

Quotation(N) 2.05 6.65

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,000 2,100.00 275,449 1,830,721.52 276,449 1,832,821.52

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.32

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,000 500.00 85,105 112,223.72 86,105 112,723.72

Quotation(N) 5.90 4.25 2.85 5.20 2.02 10.88 0.50 13.40 9.20 0.70 1.15 5.84 1.37 4.11 2.09 0.54 0.75 12.91

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 9,871,287 59,222,360.00 5,458,445 23,130,870.39 188,746 539,270.18 23,181,651 121,601,513.06 4,190,135 8,462,496.50 10,736,507 117,418,211.36 13,630,391 6,815,195.50 25,349,947 339,654,604.38 636,140 5,995,027.00 3,061,884 2,143,318.80 263,830 303,404.50 3,300,859 19,007,538.45 520,577 716,599.84 17,006,653 70,434,175.77 380,915 796,112.35 2,680,633 1,449,748.27 122,000 91,800.00 4,405,078 56,883,428.51 124,985,678 834,665,674.86

Quotation(N) 4.46 218.00 5.81 2.26 82.61

Quantity Traded Value 1,000 141,978 2,175,908 1,000 656,847 2,976,733

Quotation(N) 19.39 7.36 104.00 42.55

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 259,335 4,859,167.07 171,422 1,237,362.00 543,853 56,510,172.69 225,854 9,670,059.19 1,200,464 72,276,760.95

Quotation(N) 9.90 25.50 1.26 5.11

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 26,700 251,737.00 161,664 4,158,284.60 280,000 352,800.00 2,000 9,720.00 470,364 4,772,541.60

AIR SERVICES Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 27 28

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 8 9 BANKING

Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC FINBANK PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC INTERCONTINENTAL BANK PLC. OCEANIC BANK INTERNATIONAL PLC SKYE BANK PLC. STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 192 55 19 71 84 517 23 573 56 29 7 110 19 255 18 35 13 344 2,420 BREWERIES

Company Name CHAMPION BREWERIES PLC GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC JOS INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 61 30 1 131 224

of Shares (N) 4,670.00 31,464,438.11 12,473,048.48 2,150.00 54,243,907.90 98,188,214.49

BUILDING MATERIALS Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 51 11 40 30 132 CHEMICAL & PAINTS

Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC DN MEYER PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 26 4 1 38

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 3

Quotation(N) 2.78

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 138,724 385,532.72 138,724 385,532.72

Quotation(N) 29.25 0.80 39.02 28.00

Quantity Traded Value 151,923 3,115,200 556,092 1,682,193 5,505,408

Quotation(N) 55.11

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 266,532 14,692,004.00 266,532 14,692,004.00

Public offers: SEC to sanction erring issuing houses, issuers

T

HE Securities and Ex change Commission (SEC), has said it would impose sanctions on issuing houses and issuers that fail to file reports on the utilisation of proceeds with the Commission.

In a circular to issuing houses, SEC said it is the joint responsibility of the issuing houses and the issuers to ensure that they file appropriate reports on the application of net proceeds of any issue.

SEC, said it has observed that issuing houses to public offers do not do followup communication with issuers after the remittance of issue proceeds, pointing out that rule 65 (2) of SEC Rules and Regulations stipulates that “the issuer and the issuing house shall file with the Commission not later than 90 days after the clearance of allotment, reports on utilisation of proceeds of issue.”

“This puts a joint responsibility on the issuer and the issuing house. This circular has become necessary in view of the observed failure/refusal of some issuers to render quarterly returns on utilization of issue proceeds,” SEC said.

It said the Commission will sanction both the issuer and issuing house for failure to render the statutory returns as and when due.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), yes-

No of Deals 36 36 71 82 225

of Shares (N) 4,555,840.72 2,456,107.70 21,691,852.12 46,798,684.82 75,502,485.36

terday returned to the negative as market capitalisation reduced by N49 billion to close at N6.860 trillion, while the All-Share-Index dropped 60.94 points to close at 21,538.04 points.

The disparity of an approximately 0.4 per cent in the percentage differences of the key indicators was attributed to the marking down of the three companies and the distribution date of the script recommended by an insurance company.

NSE had marked down the prices of three equities for dividend and bonuses in the just concluded financial year end.

The companies include Honey well flour Plc, University Press Plc and Royal Exchange Plc. Most other segmental indices also closed on the negative with only the insurance index appreciating by a marginal 0.08 points to close at 147.31 points. NSE 30 Index dropped 2.26 points to close at 962.35 points, while NSE Food Beverages Index, NSE Banking Index and NSE Oil and Gas Index reduced by 7.37 points, 1.44 points, 0.44 points to close at 724.36 points, 314.79 points and 257.83 points.

However, the market as

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 5-09-11 UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Sector Totals

1 1 100

CONSTRUCTION Company Name JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 27 27

No of Deals 2 2

No of Deals 15 15

Quotation(N) 0.52

No of Deals 20 54 44 97 71 6 23 47 3 1 15 381

Quotation(N) 45.00 16.55 8.68 9.80 76.00 4.27 4.20 402.00 22.61 0.50 0.53

No of Deals 1 2 14 7 1 25

of Shares (N) 2,851,947.44 7,221,893.85 10,892,766.36 15,941,258.99 25,318,203.51 136,970.00 464,570.00 24,789,941.70 30,196.00 987,750.00 109,600.00 88,745,097.85

Quotation(N) 0.94 1.61 26.00 3.80 1.33

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 6,600 5,940.00 3,500 5,555.00 99,138 2,618,662.00 60,200 217,322.00 5,000 6,650.00 174,438 2,854,129.00

Quotation(N) 7.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 50,000 375,000.00 50,000 375,000.00

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name CAPITAL HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 80 80

Company Name RESORT SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

No of Deals 2 3 1 19 25

Quotation(N) 7.10 40.00 0.50 6.00

No of Deals 2 2 12 16

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.80 0.50

No of Deals 33 5 2 7 14 5 1 22 1 3 2 2 1

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,659,757 1,458,095.02 1,659,757 1,458,095.02

Quotation(N) 0.97

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,994,660 2,822,203.80 2,994,660 2,822,203.80

Quotation(N) 0.68 1.02 2.52 0.50 1.10 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.65 0.50 0.50 0.50

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,000,000 500,000.00 1,000,000 500,000.00

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 185,000 92,500.00 4,445 2,222.50 189,445 94,722.50

Quotation(N) 1.99

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 422,112 839,019.25 422,112 839,019.25

PACKAGING No of Deals 33 33

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 7 23 14 4 25 217 19 310

Quotation(N) 0.50 63.86 34.36 4.68 16.54 148.00 29.00 203.32

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,000 5,000.00 4,899 309,408.81 20,772 682,599.30 126,182 583,372.28 151,100 2,499,194.00 60,680 8,545,232.70 3,952,623 114,645,448.87 21,071 4,151,478.91 4,347,327 131,421,734.87

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 9,802 66,163.50 50,650 2,026,000.00 500 250.00 157,342 926,162.02 218,294 3,018,575.52

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 4,129,400 2,064,700.00 20,490,000 57,372,000.00 3,612,268 1,806,134.00 28,231,668 61,242,834.00

INSURANCE Company Name AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STACO INSURANCE PLC

No of Deals 7 2 9

Company Name NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

Company Name ACADEMY PRESS PLC. LONGMAN NIGERIA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 607,132 395,465.17 41,951 42,834.02 41,750 106,045.00 338,880 169,440.00 1,064,300 1,177,678.00 50,000 25,000.00 1,500 750.00 4,600,000 2,304,000.00 2,000 1,000.00 201,000 331,680.00 2,700 1,350.00 1,500 750.00 100,000 50,000.00

No of Deals 1 9 27 37

Quotation(N) 3.17 4.60 3.60

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,200 3,624.00 229,600 1,053,517.60 301,139 1,084,100.40 531,939 2,141,242.00

Quotation(N) 18.71

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 350,964 6,566,536.44 350,964 6,566,536.44

REAL ESTATE

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name CHAMS PLC IHS NIGERIA PLC STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

Quotation(N) 0.92

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name CRUSADER NIGERIA PLC. ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN ENAMELWARE PLC FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

50,000.00 500.00 4,656,492.19

MORTGAGE COMPANIES Quantity Traded Value 64,650 434,968 1,254,927 1,625,168 326,260 33,500 111,955 61,886 1,400 1,975,500 210,000 6,100,214

HEALTHCARE Company Name EVANS MEDICALPLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Sector Totals

100,000 1,000 7,153,713

MARITIME Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 785,238 408,331.76 785,238 408,331.76

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC NORTHERN NIGERIA FLOUR MILLS PLC TANTALIZERS PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

0.50 0.50

LEASING Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Sector Totals

whole traded 190.550 million shares worth N1.414 billion in 4,187 deals.

Total volume of shares transacted was a drop as against 278.84 million shares worth N1.53 million exchanged in 4,794 deals posted on Friday. Dips in volume and value represent 31.5 per cent and 7.2 per cent respectively.

The banks, as usual, topped the list with 124.986 million shares worth N834.666 million in 2,420 deals.

Others with significant volume of transactions, were Information and Communication Technology, Insurance, Food Beverages, Conglomerates and Petroleum Marketing with 28.232 million shares, 7.154 million shares, 6.100 million shares, 5.505 million shares and 4.347 million shares.

On the price movement table, the overall performance was weak as 13 stocks advanced against previous 25, while those on the flip side increased to 27 from previous 18.

Eterna Oil led gainers’ log in percentage term with 4.93 per cent value gain, to close at N4.68. Redstar Express, Vitafoam, AIICO Insurance and Skye Bank were other major gainers.

Forte Oil shed maximum five per cent value to head losers’ log. Other notable losers, were UAC Property, Dangote Flour and Sterling Bank.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

CONGLOMERATES Company Name PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 13 13

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,000 5,000.00 10,000 5,000.00

Quotation(N) 0.58

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,758 1,019.64 1,758 1,019.64

TEXTILES Company Name UNITED NIGERIAN TEXTILES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 24 24

Quotation(N) 13.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 307,030 4,011,617.14 307,030 4,011,617.14

4,187

190,550,214

1,414,385,660.20

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

58

NEWS

Shekarau’s return from Hajj causes panic in Kano

Adamawa workers begin strike From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

C

IVIL servants in Adamawa State have begun an indefinite strike after the negotiation committee between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the government failed to reach a consensus on the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage.

The NLC said yesterday that the strike became necessary because the government had failed to implement an earlier agreement between it and labour’s Negotiation Council.

The union urged workers not to return to their offices until the government begins the unified implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage.

It said the government had imposed a strange table of payment, which it said is unacceptable to the union.

The union advised workers to reject salaries based on the strange table payment.

Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Abdurahman Abbah Jimeta, accused the workers of being brainwashed by enemies of the government on the new pay regime.

He said the government would pay the workers the minimum wage.

“It is not the increment but the minimum wage that is the problem. The government wants to pay every worker based on the N18,000, formula.”

Tribunal fixes Sept 13, 14 for Makarfi’s pre-hearing notice

T

HE National and State Assemblies Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Kaduna has fixed September 13 and 14 for the pre-hearing proceedings of the petition filed by the

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Kaduna North, Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, challenging the election of Senator Yusuf Baba Ahmed.

The tribunal also granted Makarfi’s prayer to file the pre-hearing notice.

It averred that the objection of counsel to Baba-Ahmed to the pre-hearing application was misconceived.

Lead counsel to Makarfi, Yunus Ustaz, had prayed the tribunal to grant the application for the pre-hearing notice but counsel to BabaAhmed, Abass Ibrahim, opposed the application, saying it was filed outside the stipulated time.

PUBLIC NOTICE. GRANITE DEALERS ASSOCIATION of NIGERIA, Lagos State Chapter. Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Asiribo Ijanikin, Lagos State.

This is to inform the general public that the above Association have applied for registration at the Corporate Affairs Commission [CAC] under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE: Alh. Noah Adebowale [Chairman], Mr. Oyelola Ali [Director of Admin], Mrs Olorunkunle Kolapo [Director of Treasury], Mr. Tosin Jimoh [Finance], Mr. Bolarinwale Samuel [Vice – Chairman], Mr Tijani Ganiyu [Publicity], Mr. Dipo Olaitan [Social], Mr Gbolagade [Chief Whip], Mrs Edoka [Deputy Director of Admin] Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar – General Corporate Affairs Commission [CAC] Garki, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGN ALH. NOAH ADEBOWALE [CHAIRMAN]

•Police suspend political rallies, processions From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

•Shekarau

T

HE anticipated return of former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau from Saudi Arabia this week, after performing the Umrah (the lesser Hajj), is causing panic among residents.

The state police command has consequently banned political campaigns, gatherings, processions and rallies to avert violence.

The police said they took the step to ensure Shekarau’s peaceful return from pilgrimage.

Police Commissioner Ibrahim Idris told reporters in Kano yesterday that the

command had received information that a group had gone to a local broadcast station mobilising supporters of the former governor for a welcome procession.

The police chief described the arrangement as inimical to security because of the fragile peace in the country.

According to him, the situation warranted the police in Kano to enforce Section 227 of the Constitution.

Idris said the measure was intended to protect Shekarau.

He confirmed meeting with Shekarau’s All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) executives where it was agreed to suspend the proposed rally and procession.

The police chief said ANPP leaders denied being privy to the planned rally.

Idris said arrangement had been made to tighten

security and deploy officers and men to escort the former governor from Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) to his home.

He said the measure was not meant to spite any group or individual but to ensure security of lives and property.

Idris said: “We are not living in a normal time as everybody who wishes this country well would try his or her best to help security agencies to ensure that lives and property are properly secured. When you are dealing with security issues, you have to look at things from a far-reaching, holistic manner.

“Our measure is aimed at giving a crack to any opportunity that could be seized by unscrupulous elements and enemies of the state to cause havoc. We are aware that it is not everybody that

wishes this country well.”

Already, the police have arrested a 20-year-old man, Muhammad Ibrahim (aka Chop Better), suspected to be among the masterminds of the killing and burning of a 26-year-old taxi driver, Umar Marau Marau, on March 15, last year, in Kano.

He was arrested with a military face cap and a long sharp knife, after a manhunt that lasted over a year.

“Information showed that the suspect has been terrorising innocent citizens in the community and anybody or persons, who might have been a victim to any criminal activity of the suspect, can come to State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Bompai, Kano, to establish a case against him,” the police said.

But Muhammed denied committing any crime.

He told reporters that the knife found on him was “for protection”.

Gunmen kill two varsity students in Yola OME gunmen, suspected to be armed robbers, have killed two students of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

They are: Levi Nyat Yusuf and Abaagu Charles.

The students were reportedly killed by the hoodlums on Sunday night of at a suya (barbecue) spot near the

S

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

Jimeta main market about 14 kilometres from the institution’s main campus.

A statement by the President of the university, Dr. Margee Ensign, said: “The family members of the deceased students have been contacted by the university authorities and are on their

way to Yola.

“Details of the incident, which led to the sudden death of the two students, are still scanty but the Adamawa Police Command is investigating the matter.

“The late students were reported to have gone to the township to buy suya when the robbers attacked them, taking away their vehicle.

Other student colleagues,

who were with the deceased, managed to escape from the scene as a scuffle between the two friends and the attackers ensued.”

Ensign said she was “deeply saddened by the untimely death of the two students in the prime of their lives”.

A memorial service was held last Monday for the deceased.

Minimum wage: NLC shuts banks in Jos

T

HE directive by the Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that workers should go on strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage, yesterday caused a confrontation between bank workers and their customers in Jos, the state capital.

The NLC had threatened to picket any bank that opened for business pending the implementation of the new salary structure.

But as early as 8am, customers, who were not able to transact business last week due to insecurity, had gathered at bank premises.

The gates of the banks were shut though members of staff were seen in the banking halls.

•Govt adamant over implementation From Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

An official of a new generation bank on Ahmadu Bello Way, who pleaded anonymity, urged the customers to be patient as the bank was working on how to solve the problem.

After the NLC officials had left, the bank opened at 9.45am to customers. But when the NLC officials returned, the gates of the banks were closed again at 10am and only customers with ATM cards could collect their money.

It was gathered that most banks, whose ATM machines were not dispensing cash last week, started pay-

‘We gave the banks last week Thursday and Friday to tidy up their transactions and notify their customers of the development that there would be no transaction from today...’ ing yesterday, as a palliative measure to meet their customers’ needs.

Those who needed to make some deposits were not able to do so.

Speaking with The Nation,

an official of NLC, Comrade Sunny Akinfolaju, who is the NLC Secretary-General in charge of Banking and Finance, said he sympathised with customers.

But he blamed the banks for not informing their customers of the NLC directive.

Akinfolaju said: “We gave the banks last week Thursday and Friday to tidy up their transactions and notify their customers of the development that there would be no transaction from today (Monday) so that the customers would know beforehand.”

Angry customers protested the development, saying NLC has no right to stop banks from opening because bankers are not government employees.

FCTA employs 750 to control traffic challenges associated HE Minister of the in Abuja the with increased urban traffic Federal Capital Terdemands.

T

ritory (FCT), Senator Bala Muhammed, yesterday approved the employment of 750 workers for the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services to control traffic in the metropolis.

The minister spoke in Abuja while reviewing the activities of the FCT Transportation Secretariat.

He said the administration has purchased 35 Hilux operation vehicles; 10 Peugeot cars; and various categories of towing vehicles

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

to assist traffic control officers.

Muhammed said the FCT Administration has also purchased an ambulance for the directorate to improve its rescue operation in road accidents.

He said the improved funding of human and organisational capacity building in the directorate is to ensure effective handling of

The minister noted that to raise the standard of motor vehicle administration in the FCT, the government had brought innovations into its operation.

Muhammed said the FCT vehicle registration procedure has been computerised and become web-based.

He said: “This is in addition to the introduction of eenforcement strategies aimed at improving traffic management in the city.”

The minister said the ban

•Muhammed

on commercial motorcycles in the FCT has been sustained with over 7,000 motorcycles impounded since he took over the leadership of the FCT.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

59

NEWS Monarch’s whereabouts unknown From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

THE whereabouts of the Ebeni Ibe of Attisa Kingdom, Bayelsa State, Godwin Igodo, remain unknown.

Igodo (70) was abducted when two men, posing as visitors, stormed his home at the weekend.

His kinsmen have expressed dismay that the incident is coming barely two weeks after the celebration of the Peace Day. The kidnappers are yet to contact his family.

Niger Delta prays for Jonathan

By Musa Odoshimokhe

THE Niger Delta people yesterday held a prayer session at the National Theatre, Lagos, for President Goodluck Jonathan, who marked 100 days in office.

The organiser and leader of the Ijaw Monitoring Group, Joseph Evah, said the prayers were necessary because the President needs divine intervention to be able to face challenges.

At the event, which attracted a large turnout of people, were clergy men from the region, who led the prayers.

Evah said they could not afford to see the President fail. He urged Nigerians to rise to support him in battling the forces working against the government.

The chairman of the event and President of Ijaw Youth Congress, Amagbe Kenetebe, urged detractors to sheathe the sword and follow the appropriate way of expressing grievances, instead of killing innocent people.

Kidnappers kill Benin musician after collecting N500,000

A

BENIN, Edo Statebased musician, Omoregbe Okpeyen, also known as Bayo Ade, was found dead yesterday after being kidnapped for more than 12 hours.

His abductors collected N500,000 from his family.

Bayo Ade was kidnapped by six armed men on Sunday morning at James Watt junction by Lagos Street in Benin.

His band boys had set up the stage at the residence of the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, where he was scheduled to perform for his pre-birthday celebration.

His kidnapping and killing came one week after the Chairman of Tomline Company, Tes Soare, was abducted in front of his house while returning from church.

Bayo Ade’s younger brother and manager, Peter Etchie (Jnr), said the kidnappers shot his brother in the leg.

Recalling the incident,

•Police to tighten security From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Etchie said he visited his late brother who gave him money to buy diesel and fuel for their show at Igbinedion’s home.

“On my way, I received a phone call that Bayo Ade had been kidnapped. The kidnappers called me with his phone and demanded for N10million.

“I told them I didn’t have such money. Some family members and I later told them that we could raise N500,000. They didn’t call for some time.

“In the night, they called that we should bring the money to Textile Mill road.

We went there and they directed us to Federal Road by Okhoro junction close to the cemetery.

“We went there and they

told us to put on the car’s headlight. After some time, they called and threatened to kill us if the police were with us.

“Suddenly, they started shooting and asked one of us to bring out the money.

They asked us to go and that we should call them in 10 minutes.

“I called after 10 minutes and they said I should call again. Later, they switched off the phone. They called again and told us to go to Ewah Road, by Ikpoba Slope and that we should hurry, that my brother had been shot.

“I went there, opened the vehicle and didn’t see my brother. I opened the boot and discovered that my brother was very cold. He was dead.”

Etchie said the remains had been deposited at the

Central Hospital mortuary.

Some members of his band and sympathisers took to the street, protesting his death.

The Provost of the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi in Ovia Southwest Local Government, Prof. Julius Obahayuijie, has been kidnapped.

He was reportedly abducted on Saturday at Ewohinmi, Esan Southeast Local Government while attending a wedding.

Following the spate of kidnappings , the police command has said it would strengthen security in the state.

Five persons have been killed within the last seven days by kidnappers.

Those killed included the wife of Chairman of Tomline Conglomerate, Bridget Soare, two policemen, Soare’s driver.

Addressing reporters yesterday, Commissioner of Police David Omojola said

Police stop Delta PDP peace meeting From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

T

Woman flees, leaving husband in detention

By Titilayo Banjoko

THE wife of the man arrested in Lagos for allegedly maltreating a housemaid has fled her home, leaving her husband to face the prosecution alone.

Mr. Okpara was arrested last Wednesday for allegedly injuring his housemaid.

She was accused of stealing pieces of meat at Sagbokoji, Apapa, Lagos.

Police sources said yesterday that the suspect’s wife, Mrs. Peace Okpara, packed her belongings on Sunday, while her husband was yet to be charged to court.

“She escaped so as not to be prosecuted with her husband. They both allegedly maltreated the girl. It was at her restaurant that they alleged that the girl stole some pieces of meat,” sources said.

The victim’s grandmother, Mrs. Grace Ukadashi, has taken the victim to Imo State for treatment.

A source said the girl was injured, adding that she needed an urgent operation for an internal wound.

Police spokesman Samuel Jinadu said the suspect would be charged to court today, with or without his wife.

•The late Bayo Ade

more policemen will be deployed to the streets to check kidnappings.

Omojola said the police will overcome the challenge posed by the spate of recent kidnappings.

He said: “We see whatever is happening as a challenge. We will make sure the perpetrators are brought to book. There will be increased police presence in the state.

“We will carry this battle outside Benin. The confidence reposed in the police will be re-asserted. This challenge will not dampen our challenges to fight crime.”

Five suspected kidnappers were paraded.

•Evah leading the service... yesterday

PHOTO:ABIODUN WILLIAM

Uduaghan’s counsel stalls tribunal proceedings

T

HERE was drama yesterday at the Delta State Election Petition Tribunal, following the insistence of the counsel to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Dr Alex Izinyon (SAN), for a pre-hearing report.

The tribunal had adjourned hearing till September 5 in the dispute over the April 26 governorship election in which Uduaghan, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared winner.

Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) is challenging the victory at the tribunal.

Proceedings had barely started when Izinyon demanded for a pre-trial report.

He argued that issuance of the pre-trial report would assist his team in the proceedings.

But Tribunal Chairperson Justice Abisoye Ayo objected, stressing that the pre-trial report was read in the court.

Justice Ayo said the law does not stipulate that the pre-trial report must be

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

served on all parties She said:”Records of proceedings have been transmitted .The tribunal is under pressure. The volume of work is unprecedented in the history of election tribunal.

“The report has been written. It is in the record of the tribunal. There is no reason why the conduct of the tribunal should be stalled.”

The judge said if the certified true copy was needed, the counsel should make an application for it.

But Izinyon said: “I appreciate the pressure, but it

is not an answer. This is a constitutional denial of our right to appeal.”

PDP’s counsel Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN) aligned with the position.

He said the pre-trial report would enable parties prepare “their witnesses for the trial.”

But DPP’s counsel Nichols Ichekor argued that the issue raised on issuance of pre-hearing report should be discountenanced ,stressing that it was “frivolous and devoid of any merit”.

Ichekor said the issue had been determined by the tribunal at the pre-hearing stage, adding that the tribunal was “pountus officio”.

Justice Ayo, however, ruled that the pre-hearing report would be issued to all parties.

Her words: “The tribunal will, in the interest of justice, oblige them with a copy before trial is opened.

“The first and second respondents were represented at all the pre-trial session, where all the decisions of the tribunal were taken. So, they cannot claim ignorance of any such decisions made by this tribunal.

“However, this tribunal is prepared to avail them copies of the pre-trial report only in the interest of justice.”

She adjourned sitting till today.

Edo to revoke contracts for incompetence

T

HE Edo State Government is to revoke some on-going projects in the state over alleged incompetence and slow pace of work on the part of the contractors.

Sources said Governor Adams Oshiomhole will announce the revocation when he returns from a trip.

The source said the Airport Road project

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

in Beninmay be the first casualty.

It was gathered that Oshiomhole is unhappy with the contractor’s pace of work.

The governor had in March threatened to re-award the contract, if the contractor does not buckle up.

HERE was pandemonium yesterday at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Truth and Reconciliation Committee Public Hearing in Delta State, after anti-riot policemen and other security operatives chased away party faithful from its inaugural sitting.

The security men claimed they got a report that the meeting was going to breach the peace.

The incident occurred at the PDP Secretariat in Asaba, the capital.

The committee was inaugurated by the PDP chairman, Peter Nwaoboshi, to reconcile aggrieved members of the party.

It is headed by a former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Senate Matters, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh.

The policemen, led by the Area Commander, Uche Anozia, flanked by the Division “A” Police Officer (DPO), Grace Longe, said: “We have contrary view that the meeting may amount to security threat.”

Nwaoboshi expressed disappointment in the police for acting the script of “unscrupulous elements within the PDP family in the state”.

Displaying a copy of the letter of notification sought from the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe, Nwaoboshi said: “Simple courtesy demands that if there is any contrary reason the police will not provide security, they should have informed us.”

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Isiaku Barau, however disagreed with Nwaoboshi.

He said: “The concept of approval is out of the way. I only saw a letter of notification that the programme is taking place. No approval was given. Security reason supersedes any other reason.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

NEWS

A

Generator fumes kill four in Anambra

FAMILY of four was yesterday found dead in their home at Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government of Anambra State.

According to neighbours, the Nwoye family was suspected to have died of suffocation from generator fume.

The head of the family, Peter Nwoye (46) was a civil servant. His wife, Ebele, was in her early 30s. The two children, Chisom and

From Adimike George, Onitsha

Rapuluchukwu were aged 10 and 13 .

When The Nation visited the community yesterday morning, some people were discussing in hushed tones while others were in mourning.

Neighbours said the deceased family, which hailed from Ezinkwelle village, were last seen on Sunday night when they went in to sleep.

When all efforts to wake the family proved abortive, their neighbours reportedly contacted the local vigilance group, which forced the doors open, only to see them lying in their vomit.

Nwoye’s elder sister Mrs Theresa Umeagwu said the family had slept with the 6 .5 KVA generator on. The generator was placed in one of the rooms, which the neighbours heard working till the next morning.

She said: “I rushed here

from my husband’s place when they told me my brother and his family were found dead this morning. I was told that their big generator continued working until this morning when it stopped on its own. I came in to see the whole family wiped out, and was told it was because the generator was on.”

But one of the neighbours told reporters that the family usually chained the power generating set at the

‘Regional integration key to development’

G

OVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State has advocated regional integration and cooperation to speed the infrastructural development of the Southeast.

He spoke in Enugu at the weekend during the 2011 Southeast Economic Summit at the Nike Lake Resort, with the theme: “Creating a 21st Economy for Southeast Nigeria.”

Obi urged Southeast

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

states to pool resources together to execute inter-state projects and seek a refund from the Federal Government.

The governor called for the restoration of the core values of integrity, and industry and restated the determination of Southeast governors to remain united and work for the good of all Ndigbo.

He urged the organisers of the summit to formulate a communiqué that would provide a framework for regional development.

Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State warned against violence in Southeast.

He said the summit would provide necessary collaboration for strong zonal economic block.

President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo,

back of the house since it was bought last year, adding that he was surprised to hear that the deceased family left the generator on in one of the rooms.

Oduche Nnagbo, an electrician, who said he did the wiring job for the family, wondered what could have persuaded them to drag in the heavy machinery that fateful night.

Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka confirmed the incident, saying the matter was being investigated.

Need for democratic ideals stressed

By Charity Williams

INTEGRATED Marketing Communications consultant and public affairs analyst Charles Anyasi has advocated a strong democratic ideals for Nigeria.

He said Nigeria is currently in a confused state because of the weakness of its fundamental structure.

He spoke at a business lecture organised by JCL Lagos Metropolitian at Eko Hotel and Suites.

Fidau prayer

Amb.Ralph Uwachue, commended the unity of the Southeast governors.

Ndi Onuekwusi, a resource person, urged government to empower the private sector to drive the economy of the zone forward.

Onuekwusi, a former President of League of Anambra Professionals, urged the citizens to be alive to their civic responsibilities.

•Obi

THE 40-day fidau prayer for the late Alhaja Simbiat Akasoro comes up on Saturday 10 at Ipakodo Primary School, Ikorodu, Lagos, at 11am. She died on August 1. She was 95. She is survived by Moshood Adeshina Akashoro and Ganiu Olalekan Akashoro of Lagos State University School of Communications (LASUSOC), sons and grandchildren.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

61

FOREIGN NEWS Jacques Chirac’s trial opens in his absence in Paris

T

HE trial of former French President Jacques Chirac on charges of illegal party funding during his time as mayor of Paris has opened in his absence.

A medical report said he had memory lapses and was too unwell to attend.

Mr Chirac, who denies the charges, has asked the Paris court for his lawyers to be allowed to represent him and the judge has accepted his absence.

He is the first French former leader to stand trial since World War II, facing up to 10 years in jail if found guilty.

Mr Chirac, who was mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995, is accused on two counts of paying members of his Rally for

Wikileaks: Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe ‘has cancer’

Z

IMBABWE’S President Robert Mugabe has prostate cancer which has spread to other organs, according to a leaked US diplomatic cable.

The cable, published by whistle-blower site Wikileaks, cites central bank governor Gideon Gono as saying Mr Mugabe’s doctors had urged him to quit.

The cable, written in 2008 by the US embassy in Harare, also says 87-year-old Mr Mugabe could die by 2013.

Mr Gono, a staunch ally of Mr Mugabe, dismissed the cable as “fiction”.

The cable cites Mr Gono as saying the cancer had “metastasized and, according to doctors, will cause his death in three to five years.”

In an interview with Reuters news agency last September, Mr Mugabe - who has been in power since 1980 - dismissed rumours that he was dying of cancer and had suffered a stroke.

Rwanda terror trial of Victoire Ingabire to proceed

A

RWANDAN judge has ordered the terror trial of opposition leader Victoire Ingabire to proceed.

She is accused of propagating ethnic hatred and “genocide revisionism” - charges she says are politically motivated.

The prosecution wanted the trial to be postponed until more evidence arrived from the Netherlands, where Ms Ingabire lived until January 2010.

She was arrested in April and barred from standing in last year’s election.

She appeared in court in handcuffs, wearing the standard pink Rwandan prison uniform and with her head shaved.

The BBC’s Geoffrey Mutagoma in Kigali says it is common for Rwandan prisoners to have their heads shaved for hygiene reasons.

Her British lawyer Iain Edwards argued for the trial to proceed as planned and judge Alice Rulisa agreed.

the Republic (RPR) party for municipal jobs that did not exist.

The first count accuses Mr Chirac of embezzlement and breach of trust relating to 21 so-called “ghost jobs”.

The second resulted from a separate investigation in the Paris suburb of Nanterre and involves an illegal conflict of interest relating to seven ghost jobs.

As well as a prison term, Mr Chirac could be fined 150,000 euros (£130,000) if found guilty in Monday’s case.

The judge in the case, Dominique Pauthe, read from a letter by Mr Chirac’s lawyers saying the ex-president wanted to be heard because it would be “useful for our democracy” and show that “all people are equal under the law”.

Scuffles outside court as Hosni Mubarak trial resumes in Egypt

•Mubarak

S

CUFFLES have broken out as the trial of former President Hosni Mubarak resumed in Egypt’s capital Cairo.

Riot police had to separate anti- and pro-Mubarak crowds outside the police academy courthouse where the trial was taking place.

The 83-year-old is accused of

ordering the killing of protesters during the uprising earlier this year which ended his rule. He denies the charges.

This is the third hearing of the trial. The judge has banned live TV coverage.

At earlier court hearings, TV images showed Mr Mubarak, who led Egypt for 30 years, in a cage on a sick bed. The footage made compulsive viewing for people across the Arab World.

Emotions were running high outside the court on Monday morning, reports the BBC’s Bethany Bell from the scene in the outskirts of Cairo. Some people were chanting in favour of Mr Mubarak and others were

saying he should hang.

There were even scuffles inside the court, she said. During a recess in the trial, someone raised a photo of the former president - which was then seized and burnt.

The session began after a helicopter flew in the ailing Mr Mubarak from his Cairo hospital. A witness said he was wheeled into court on a stretcher.

State television said his two sons Gamal and Alaa, as well as other defendants were in court..

The court has heard from several senior police officers who were on duty during the 18-day uprising in Cairo’s Tahrir Square in January and February - during which 850

people were killed.

According to lawyers at the trial, the officials said they had been given orders to use teargas and water cannons.

Reuters news agency reports that one senior officer, Gen Hussein Saeed Mohamed Mursi, testified that he had overheard a conversation between top officers in the operations room saying they did not have reinforcements to protect jails and the interior ministry.

This prompted the officers to release weapons and ammunition that were transferred to the interior ministry building in ambulances because police cars were being targeted, he said.

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http://www.thenationonlineng.net

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 7

NO.1,875

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

‘New driving licences, new vehicle licences, for security drive and theft control necessary and yes. But Nigerians deserve better TONY MARINHO treatment’

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

T

HE election campaign for the 2012 United States presidential began officially yesterday, and the chances of President Barack Obama pulling off the kind of victory that carried him to The White House in 2008 are close to zero.

The chances of his squeaking through to victory are better but far from assured.

For now, the only safe bet is that he will clinch the ticket of the Democratic Party; in the unlikely event of his being challenged for the ticket, he will prevail.

Since the Democrats suffered what Obama himself called a shellacking in last year’s midterm elections, Obama has been a study in tentativeness. Gone is the audacity of hope that animated his bid for the Presidency and his imaginative election campaign. Gone also are the stirring oratory and the surefootedness that, together, pointed up vast possibilities.

In the Obama White House, they have been supplanted by a timidity that many have interpreted as fecklessness, and by small gestures that do not even rise to the level of incremental. In place of the audacity of hope, we see the timidity of power.

The man who campaigned in enchanting poetry is governing in leaden prose.

To be fair, the situation in which he now finds himself is not entirely nor even for the most part his own making.

It was in the heat of the 2008 presidential election that the stock market tanked and the huge bubble into which an assortment of racketeers had inflated by the housing market burst. Obama’s cool headedness and his perceived grasp of what it all meant and what needed to be done was what finally broke the statistical tie into which he had been locked in the pre-election polls with his Republican opponent John McCain, who came across during the crisis as erratic and clueless.

As soon as he took office, Obama launched a series of measures designed to pull America out of a recession that was and remains global in character. His intervention saved the banks from collapse, as well hundreds of thousands of jobs at GM and Chrysler.

His reform of America’s scandalous health care system gave some 36 million Americans health insurance cover for the first time.

No longer could insurance companies deny coverage on the ground of a “pre-existing condition” nor charge extortionate premiums for patchy coverage.

The stimulus was just big enough to stem the tide; it was not big enough to turn around the economy. It hardly made a dent on the jobless market, which has stood at a little more than 9 percent on a national average.

But it was all Obama could wrest from a dilatory Republican opposition wedded to tax cuts, tax cuts and more tax cuts as the surefire path to economic recovery, as well

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Obama: Why not the audacity of power?

‘He can raise that chance dramatically by summoning a different kind of audacity. The audacity of hope – hope of bringing civility to government and building a bipartisan consensus — has run its unproductive course’ •Obama

as members of his own party fearful of losing their seats if they identified too closely with Obama’s policies.

And this was even before the shellacking, before Republicans took control of the House of Representatives and cut down the Democratic majority in an election from which the so-called TEA Party (Taxed Enough Already) emerged an insurgent force in American politics.

In the election, they stoked public angst about unemployment and rode to Washington, vowing in one breath to create the jobs they said Obama had failed to create, while remonstrating in the very next breath that government cannot create jobs and should leave the task to the private sector.

Their strategy for creating jobs in a recession is to cut taxes for the wealthy, who would then use the windfall not to buy another executive jet, a yacht or another luxury home, or simply add it to their pile, but commit it to ventures that would provide employment

RIPPLES LOW INCOME EARNERS CANNOT OWN LANDED PROPERTY IN NIGERIA– Expert

...only KIOSKS!

for the many.

The jobs never came, but the ideology became so entrenched in Republican lore that its protagonists can be said with justice to hold it and want it held as the directive policy and fundamental principle of public policy.

Their refrain is “Seek ye first that kingdom where they cut spending again and again without raising taxes even for the wealthiest, and everything else will be added thereunto.”

Cut spending without raising revenues; otherwise, we will not vote to authorise raising America’s debt ceiling to allow for more borrowings. For all we care, the nation can default on its debt and have its creditworthiness downgraded. That was the chilling message they sent to Obama during the recent, long-drawn negotiations on the debt crisis.

To the disappointment of his supporters, Obama, forever seeking the will-o’-the-wisp called “bipartisanship”, handed the Republicans 80 per cent of what they demanded

HARDBALL

F

ORMER International Monetary Fund (IMF) boss, Mr Dominique StraussKahn, appears to be enjoying some sympathetic press after charges of rape of a chambermaid at a New York hotel in May were dropped. During his ordeal, he lost his exalted IMF position, lost his front-runner status in next April’s French presidential election race, lost his dignity, as he was hauled before a court in handcuffs, and very nearly lost his family. He is still facing a humiliating civil lawsuit in the United States.

At least one French woman has also accused the former IMF chief of attempted rape and inappropriate behaviour. In spite of all this, Strauss-Kahn was reported to have returned to France last week definitely not looking the worse for wear.

Though Strauss-Kahn has not given a straight answer to the question of what role he would like to play in next year’s presidential race, or whether he would devote his energies to supporting someone else for a political prize that would have effortlessly been his, he would doubtless be deeply mortified that his indiscretions got the better of him. It is often curious how history plays out. His chances in next April’s polls

and threw in as a bonus some things they did not ask for, such as possible cuts on Social Security and Medicare, the iconic centerpiece of the safety net that 80 percent of Americans want preserved.

It is a measure of the stranglehold of this ideology on Republican politics that one a single one of the aspirants for the party’s ticket said in a recent debate that he or she was prepared to settle for measures that would raise revenues by one percent for ever10 percent cut in spending.

And their elected officials would rather stage another meaningless televised debate than return from recess to hear President Obama’s proposals for job creation before a joint meeting of the two houses of the Congress. That is merely the latest in a series of acts calculated to delegitimise Obama.

It is a truism of American politics that presidential elections more often than not turn on the state of economy. Perverse as it may seem, I will not be surprised if the Republicans are hoping earnestly and their evangelical arm is praying fervently that the economy will remain comatose for another year so that they can realise their goal of making Obama a one-term president.

If two weeks is a long time in politics as has been said, a year is an eternity. So, a great deal can still go right for Obama. A great deal can still go wrong for him also.

Paradoxically, the best thing Obama has going for him at this time is the field of Republican presidential aspirants. All but one of them consider it a mortal insult to be called moderate. Each is trying to outdo the others to claim the mantle of conservative purity. Each is beholden to the TEA Party, which exerts a far greater influence than its paid membership warrants.

The lonely moderate among them, Jon Huntsman, most recently United States Ambassador to China, he has called Obama a good man, accepts scientific evidence, and subscribes to a judicious mixture of tax cuts and new revenues to deal with the problems plaguing the American economy – has absolutely no chance of winning the ticket in this season of unreason.

The Republican field’s hard-charging will help the most uncompromising aspirant clinch the nomination. But it cannot win a general election.

Therein may lie Obama’s chance to grind out a victory.

He can raise that chance dramatically by summoning a different kind of audacity. The audacity of hope – hope of bringing civility to government and building a bipartisan consensus — has run its unproductive course.

So, why not try the audacity of power?

Hear it from the Jesuits: There is no obligation to keep faith with heretics.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

A Strauss-Kahn rehabilitation? were bright before the scandal, and he might very well have become the next president. Now, his place will go to another man, all for nine minutes of pleasure.

But of all the tears shed for the French economist, lawyer and politician, the most intriguing is Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s.

Not only did he condemn the manner Strauss-Kahn was treated in New York, forgetting that developed countries value the rule of law more than he ever did in his 11 years or so in power, he also empathised with the French politician over the anguish he was going through. Putting himself in the shoes of the fallen politician, Obasanjo says that anyone who has ever been the “victim of allegations of crimes not committed and trumped-up charges” will appreciate the anguish of the Strauss-Kahn.

He obviously gives the French man benefit of the doubt.

Finally letting the cat out of the bag, Obasanjo wrote: “I have been a victim of false allegations on more occasions than one. I have been on a charge for a trumped-

up coup, the punishment of which was death…” The context of Obasanjo’s writeup on the sex allegations against StraussKahn indicates to those who follow the former Nigerian leader’s life and times that he was still smarting from a particular accusation against his person too shameful to mention. Yet we thought, as he always swore, that nothing could penetrate his thick skin.

Obasanjo suggests in his article that the disgraced French politician could still be rehabilitated. It is doubtful. Notwithstanding the celebrated French joie de vivre, neither France nor anyone among us would share in Obasanjo’s enthusiasm that one crazy day the French would appoint or elect Strauss-Kahn into any position of prominence. They would be horrified, as the rest of the world, to be represented anywhere in the world, not to talk of in the US, by someone who was put behind bars for a crime he claimed was nothing more than having consensual sex with a chambermaid in a New York hotel.

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