September 18, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

•Woman held for ‘kidnapping’ three kids in Lagos P49 •Bailout cash: Oyo workers worried about delay P47 •WAEC adjusts WASSCE timetable for Sallah break P4 •’N3.25tr pension funds invested in govt securities’P11 •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3341 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

How I was freed, by The Sun DMD’s wife

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

States to share N535.5b

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N150.00

•F AREWELL: •FAREWELL: Founding Managing Director, Chams Plc, Sir Demola Aladekomo beating the gong to close trading at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in Lagos in commemoration of his retirement and 30th anniversary of Chams...yesterday.

Applauding are new Managing Director Olufemi Williams (left) and NSE’s Executive Director, Business Development, Mr. Haruna JaloWaziri.

•Govt reimburses cost of Federal roads repairs NOTHER “bonanza” has landed for states.

They are to share N535.5 billion —the Federal Government’s reimbursement of the cash spent on federal roads.

The decision was taken at yesterday’s National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja.

The meeting was presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele told the meeting that 18 states – up from 11 as at last month – had benefited from the Special Interven-

NEWS

Page 49

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

tion Fund aspect of the presidential relief package.

Emefiele said some other states were being processed for the soft loan. This is part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s relief package designed to help states pay backlog of salaries and ease their financial challenges caused by the drop in allocation from the Federation Account.

The Director-General of the Debt Management Office, DMO, Mr. Abraham Nwankwo, told the NEC that the second phase of the debt restructuring offered to the states was Continued on page 6

6 GOVT TO SAVE N180B IN NEW ITF SCHEME P11 P46 •INSIDE: CBN: NO NAIRA DEVALUATION P4

Saraki fails to stop trial Court to tribunal: show why Senate President’s prayers shouldn’t be granted From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Six held for alleged bid to swallow $156,000 cash

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ENATE President Bukola Saraki failed yesterday to stop his arraignment today before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja A Federal High Court in Abuja refused his prayer for an ex-parte order restraining the CCT, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) from proceeding with his planned arraignment on a 13count charge brought against him by the Office of the AGF. Justice Ahmed Mohammed, who heard Saraki’s lawyer, Mahmud Magaji (SAN), in relation to the ex-parte motion in chambers, directed that the respondents be put on notice.

The judge directed the respondents to appear before the court on Monday to show cause why Saraki’s prayers, as contained in his ex-parte motion, should not be granted.

The Judge ordered that the respondents be served with all the court processes, including the motion of notice for interim order or injunction, motion ex-parte and a hearing notice.

The office of the AGF had filed the charge

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•Onwuasoanya...swallowed $111,000 in 74 wraps

•Some of the dollar bills

Continued on page 6

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WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS EVER RETURN?

INSIDE •EFCC declares Saraki’s associate wanted for alleged N3.3b fraud •PAGE 6 •CCB relocates Buhari’s, Osinbajo’s, others’ assets files

•Nwokenta...held while trying to swallow $45,000 cash •The wrapped dollar bills

IX persons, including a Bureau de Change (BDC) operator, have been arrested for allegedly trying to swallow $156,000 in a money laundering bid.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Joint Task Force (JTF) smashed the money laundering syndicate at a hotel on Airport Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

This is the second suspected money laundering case involving a BDC operator in two months.

The suspects are: Kingsley Nwokenta, the BDC operator, who is also known as Buchito, Augustine Onwuasoanya and Christian Ifor, who are based in Brazil.

Others are Emmanuel Nwokenta, Ikenna Ezenwa, and Uzoma Ezenwa, the hotel manager.

NDLEA JTF Commander Muyiwa Adeniyi described the BDC operator as the brain behind the criminal act.

He (Nwokenta) allegedly supplied $120,000 to be swallowed and exported to Brazil.

Onwuasoanya swallowed 74 wraps of dollar bills

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

amounting to $111,000; Ifor wanted to swallow $45,000.

Nwokenta, manager of Amazon Bureau de Change, played a supportive role in the alleged crime, it was alleged.

Ezenwa was hired to wrap the money.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Ahmadu Giade promised to track down smuggled narcotics and currency.

He warned that BDC operators who fail to work within the law establishing them would be sanctioned.

“The agency will continue to rely on manpower training to outwit criminal syndicates. We shall take reasonable measures to dislodge drug cartels and eradicate narcotics from our society.

Any bureau de change operator that violates the law shall be punished accordingly,” Giade said.

Giade directed that the suspects be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

•ANTI-MILITARY PROTESTS IN BURKINA FASO P53 APC BERATES PDP OVER BUHARI P4

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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NEWS

•General Manager, External Relations, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited Kudo Eresia-Eke (middle), Director of Programmes, British Council Louisa Waddingham and 15 awardees of the 2015 edition of the NLNG Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme at the award ceremony in Port Harcourt…yesterday.

WAEC adjusts exam timetable for Sallah

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HE West African Examination Council (WAEC) has adjusted the timetable of the September/October 2015 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for private candidates to meet the demand of Muslim candidates.

Head of WAEC’s National Office Mr Charles Eguridu announced this yesterday in Abuja at a media parley with the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ECAN).

He said WAEC had re-

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

scheduled the examination, which was to hold on September 25 to October 10 because of the Sallah festivities.

According to the new timetable, Government 2 (Essay) and Government 1 (Objective) scheduled for 2 pm and 4 pm on Friday, September 18, would now hold by 2:30-5:30 pm for papers 2 and 1 on the same date.

Mathematics (2 & 1) scheduled for Friday, September 25,

was postponed to Saturday October 10, with Paper 2, holding from 9:30 am to noon and paper 1, from 3-4:30 pm.

He said the examination body was concerned about the yearning of the people.

His words: “Our Muslim brothers expressed concern about the timetable. Some papers were scheduled between 2 pm and 4 pm, and some just before the end of Jumat prayers.

“Our attention has been drawn to this concern and only this afternoon the chairman of

WAEC in Nigeria, called my attention and we have decided to effect some amendment to address the concerns of our Muslim brothers.”

The board chairman, who is also the director of Basic and Secondary Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Ann Okonkwo, called on Nigerians to support WAEC in its efforts to meet growing demands.

She pledged the support of the Federal Government in ensuring that examination malpractice is reduced.

APC berates PDP for distracting Buhari

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HE Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ‘’irrational heckling and outlandish statements’’ on the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Accusing the PDP of plotting to pit the millions of Nigerians, who voted for “change” against the Federal Government by distracting the Buhari administration, the ruling party urged the rival party to bury its head in shame.

The APC said the rival party was dissipating energies on a wasteful venture as Nigerians have not forgotten how the PDP plundered the wealth of nation between 1999 and May 29.

“For a PDP that totally destroyed the Nigerian economy and stole 16 years of the nation’s providential oil boom to now mount a daily credo of rootless criticism of a regime that is working so hard to recover the country from PDP’s wasteful hangover shows that it is insulting the intelligence of Nigerians, who roundly rejected it a few months ago,” the party said in a statement by Lagos State spokesman Joe Igbokwe.

The party said the shocking revelations of looting, corruption and the plundering of the nation’s treasury by officials of the PDP were enough to lead to the proscription of the party, wondering why the PDP should believe it would make a headway distracting the Buhari government from rescuing Nigeria.

The statement reads: “We advise the PDP to bear the burden of its corrupt acts as its pranks will not deter President Buhari from rescuing Nigeria from the pits dug by the PDP. “We observe that rather than keep quiet as Nigerians brace themselves for the shocking details of its nefarious acts of public stealing and corruption, the PDP has inundated the Nigerian space with spurious wolf crying as a way of staving off prosecution for its many corrupt acts.

“When it is not crying wolf, the PDP is making specious and ridiculous allegations of non-performance on an administration that has in three eventful months cleared much of the debris of rot and decay it studiously built to wreck Nigeria in 16 years of crimi-

•Buhari

nal leadership.

“It said that what survived the regrettable PDP years are the litany of self-scripted spurious testimonials of superlative performance of the economy in the face of debilitating poverty, dead and crumbled infrastructure, relentless stealing of public funds and stupendous promotion of corrupt acts in every sector of governance.”

NLC, ICPC to monitor bailout funds in states

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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it will partner the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to monitor the disbursement and use of the N338 billion bailout funds in 27 states.

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

Its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, in a statement in Abuja, said he had directed councils in the benefiting states to be on the alert.

The congress praised the commission for ensuring the return of about N1 billion be-

ing public funds criminally diverted by some corrupt officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Federal Pay Office.

Wabba said the congress was in agreement with the commission that the painful days of the public “running

after funds after appropriation” are over.

Wabba urged the relevant ministries and agencies of government to “ensure that the recovered looted funds were properly channelled to the activities they are meant for.”

UN chief urges monitoring of Development Goals

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NITED Nations (UN) Assistant Secretary General for Policy and Coordination Thomas Gass has urged Nigerians to engage their leaders on the implementation and monitoring of the soon-to-beadopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Gass spoke at an international news conference yesterday with a team of Nigerian journalists from the United Nations Information Centre in Lagos through a WebEx (video) link to New York.

“The big change in mov-

By Hannah Ojo

ing from the MDGs to the SDGs is that this is no longer a deal between donor and receiving countries. The SDGs will become the basis of a new social contract between the leaders of Nigeria and the people. The quality of debate and dialogue at the national level will determine to what extent the SDGs are to be monitored in Nigeria”, he said.

The UN chief added that the yardstick for implementing the SDGs in African coun-

tries would be by the people mounting pressure on their government since it was targeted at addressing the causes of conflict and poverty.

“We have realised in the last 15 years that the biggest progress was not made when one country puts pressure on another country but rather when the people of the country put pressure on their government. This is why we are investing time in the media to ensure that when our heads of government come to New York in September, they will promise

the citizens that this shared vision will be the basis of debate at the national level for the next 15 years and they will be held accountable.

The UN Information Officer in Nigeria, Oluseyi Soremekun, told The Nation that the people must be aware of the transition from MDGs to SDGs. “It is important to get people and members states to understand what the 17 goals and the 169 targets are so they can drive the monitoring and implantation in their countries,” he said.

Ekweremadu’s committee to submit report Sept 30 From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

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HE Post-Election Review Committee set up by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), headed by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, will submit its report to the party on September 30.

This was announced yesterday in a statement by Ekweremadu’s Media Adviser Mr. Uche Anichukwu.

The statement quoted Ekweremadu to have given the assurance while interacting with journalists in Abuja on Thursday at the end of a retreat by the committee to harmonise and adopt its report ahead of its submission.

Senator Ekweremadu was further quoted to have told reporters that his committee did its best in diagnosing and addressing the challenges facing the PDP, even as he declined comment on the contents of the report.

“I do not have the mandate of the committee to speak on the details of our work yet. That will be done at the appropriate time. But for now, I want to assure members of our party that we have done our best in accordance with our terms of reference and that our report is ready for submission”, the senator was quoted to have said.

The committee earlier gave a September 23 date for the submission of the report, but said the date coincided with the Eid el Kabir holidays.

He expressed happiness at the enthusiasm and interest shown in the work of the committee by party faithful within and outside the country.

The Post-Election Review Committee was inaugurated on May 5, 2015, by the PDP with a nine-point agenda to identify the immediate and remote causes of the party’s poor performance in the last general election and to propose a roadmap to restore the party’s fortunes.

The present crop of the party’s National Working Committee has been apprehensive about the committee’s pending report, owing to fears that the committee could recommend a total overhauling of the NWC. This might have informed the reluctance of the NWC members to call a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC), which has the powers to call for dissolution of the NWC.

Environmentalists seek review of PIB

By Wale Ajetunmobi

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HE Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to re-present the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to the National Assembly. The draft bill, the civil rights group said, must be amended by the President before it is sent to the legislature for ratification.

The group said the present bill would not solve the crisis in the petroleum industry and the agitation of oil communities, stressing that the bill would not adequately address the environmental degradation and spillage if sent back to the National Assembly without amendment.

Speaking at a news conference yesterday, Executive Director, ERA/FoEN Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo said debate on the bill was politicised by members of the Seventh National Assembly, led by former Senate President David Mark. He said the lawmakers became the mouthpiece of oil companies, which threatened to pull out of the country if the bill was ratified.

He described last-minute efforts of the Seventh National Assembly members to speedily pass the PIB as hypocritical and a mockery of the legislative process, stressing that the censorship of the bill by lawmakers was a grand collusion to water down its vital provisions in favour of the oil companies.

Ojo said: “We do not want a bill that will be referred to as ‘Minister’s PIB’, because this will defeat the key objective of the bill in providing a level-playing field for all actors, while creating efficient and effective regulatory agencies. We demand that the power of minister in Section 6 of the bill be properly scrutinised and that Section 6 (k) be expunged.”

He said the provision, which gives exclusive right to the President to award oil blocks should be reviewed, noting that the bill should be made to build strong institutions rather than individuals.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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NEWS

INEC Electoral Officer denies rigging in Rivers poll

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WITNESS for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said allegations of rigging and the hijack of electoral materials in the Rivers governorship election were false.

An Electoral Officer (EO), Mr Ebikoru Tebekaemi, gave evidence in support of INEC at the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

The tribunal is considering a petition filed by the APC candidate, Dr Dakuku Peterside, challenging the return of Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner.

INEC counsel Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu said the commission

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NON-governmental organisation (NGO), Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.PE), has appealed to the Lagos State government and the society to provide a comprehensive cancer centre for cancer patients in the state.

Chief Executive Officer of C.O.PE (an NGO that caters to breast and cervical cancer patients and survivors), Mrs Ebunola Anozie made the call at a special session of her NGO’s cancer patients and survivors’ monthly meeting, at the organisation’s office at Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos mainlandyesterday.

She lamented the poor and costly state of Nigeria’s cancer treatment and diagnosis units in hospitals and called for government’s intervention.

Anozie said: “We need a comprehensive cancer centre in Lagos State, so that people do not have to fly abroad anymore for treatment. Not everyone can afford treatment or even diagnosis abroad and many people have died because they do not have money for treatment. Government has a lot to do, because it seems as if they are leaving the work to NGOs. We must let people

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

would call witnesses to prove its claim before the tribunal.

Ikpeazu led Tebekaemi, who supervised the election at Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, in evidence before the tribunal.

Tebekaemi, an electoral officer at the election, said the election was duly conducted in 15 of 17 wards in the local government area he monitored.

“My lords, it was only at wards 12 and 13, which are Rumuigbo and Rumokuta, that election did not take place. I was also not aware that people were seen at a football pitch thumb-printing ballot

papers in favour of Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),’’ he said.

According to him, sufficient electoral materials were distributed across Obio/Akpor and other parts of the state.

He tendered as exhibits a copy of the election result sheets of Obio/Akpor.

Tebekaemi denied irregularities when asked by the counsel to the petitioners, Chief Akin Olujimi, (SAN) if he was aware of rigging and snatching of electoral materials by armed thugs.

The witness told the tribunal that from his records, 304,745 voters were accredited at the local government area, adding that 40,481 were accredited by the Card Read-

er Machines.

Tebekaemi’s statement contradicted evidence by two senior INEC officials, who told the tribunal that the election was marred by violence and that all over the state less than 300,000 were accredited.

INEC’s Deputy Director on Information Communication Technology (ICT), who also heads its Data Management Unit, Mrs. Abimbola Oladunjoye, said only 293,072 voters were accredited all over the state.

Head of INEC Election Monitoring Unit Charles Okoye described the election as sheer terrorism. Giving testimony under subpoena, he said no elections took place in the state.

“The election we observed

was warfare. It is also militant terrorism and a sham. It was a kangaroo election and a mockery of democracy.

“The election was characterised by largescale violence and disruption of polls in many places. There were snatching of materials, nonstop shooting, allocation of figures and all forms of impunity.

“All these happened on April 11. What happened on that day could not have passed as an election and my observations are in that report which I signed with members of my monitoring team,” he said.

When he was asked by counsel to the PDP, Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) if it was true that lack of electoral ma-

Court validates BGL’s ‘sack’ from capital market

Survivors, caregivers push for comprehensive cancer centre

By Joseph Jibueze

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•Mrs Anozie in a session with members of C.O.PE...yesterday.

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

see that cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence or a stigma.”

She encouraged the public to reach out to cancer patients by providing care and donating money for their treatment, rather than condemn them to death.

The caregiver wept as she identified some of her mem-

bers, whose cases have become malignant due to lack of funds to buy medication and further treatment.

“It seems as if the society is doing nothing. Cancer treatment is expensive, especially in Nigeria and when we write to people for funds sometimes, some wonderful people donate but many others simply ignore it as if it is not their business. Anyone

could be diagnosed with cancer and the treatment is so expensive that some people go bankrupt from it. Every form of help from society would help a lot,” Anozie said.

Some survivors at the meeting, who also pushed for the establishment of a comprehensive cancer centre, appealed to the public not to stigmatise cancer patients and survivors.

Rose Ikem, who is still undergoing chemotherapy, said: “People need to know that being diagnosed with cancer is not a death sentence. You must fight it. And more importantly, the public must stop looking at us strangely when they hear we are fighting cancer, because encouragement from people helps to boost our will to survive.”

‘Federal lawmakers do not earn jumbo salary’

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HE view that federal lawmakers are the highest paid in the world is wrong, the Director-General of the National Legislative Institute (NILS), Dr. Ladi Hamalai, has said.

Hamalai said it was also a misconception to describe the salary and allowances of the lawmakers as ‘jumbo pay’ because the budget of the National Assembly was a fraction of the National budget.

According to her, the $16,000 basic salary of the lawmaker was the lowest when compared to his counterparts in the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), South Africa and Benin Republic.

The director general spoke on Tuesday at a media parley where she explained the reasons behind the negative perception of lawmakers.

She said her institute would require huge resources to enlighten Nigerians about the legislature, including its oversight functions; law making and amendment as well as representation.

terials marred the governorship poll, Tebekaemi said he could only give evidence with regard to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, which was under his control.

“But I can confirm that sufficient electoral materials were distributed across Obio/Akpor and other parts of Rivers State during the governorship election,” the witness added.

The Justice Suleiman Ambrosa-led tribunal adjourned till today to enable INEC produce more witnesses.

The petitioners closed their case on Wednesday after they calling 58 witnesses, who testified that the election was marred by violence and widespread irregularities?

From Yomi Odunuga and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Poor performance; jumbo salary and allowances; lack of integrity; indiscipline as well as corruption and insensitivity, according to Hamalai, were common misconceptions Nigerians have about the National Assembly.

“Misperception and lack of proper projection of the work of the National Assembly in the public domain is a major issue.

She said: “We do not believe in the institute that we should sermonise. What are the facts? Let people look at the facts and verify the facts themselves and make up their minds”.

On jumbo salary, the director general explained that N1.154 trillion was appropriated to the National Assembly from 2005 to 2014 of the country’s budget of N35.67 trillion.

She said: “Of the national budget of N1.79 trillion in 2005, the National Assembly got N55.43 billion.

“In 2006, N54.78 billion

was appropriated to the National Assembly of N1.89 trillion national budget; N70.748 billion of N2.47 trillion in 2007; N112 billion of N2.748 trillion in 2008; N106 billion of N3.10 trillion in 2009 and N154 billion of N4.60 trillion in 2010.

“In 2011, the National Assembly got a budget of N150 billion of N4.48 trillion national budget; N150 billion of N4.87 trillion in 2012; N150 billion of N4.98 trillion in 2013 and N150 billion of N4.69 trillion in 2014".

Besides, she noted that in relative terms, the budget to the National Assembly declined from 4.1 per cent of the national budget in 2008 to 3.01 per cent in the 2013 fiscal year.

She said recurrent budget accounted for nearly 90 per cent of the funds allocated to the National Assembly, saying: “This is understandable in that most of the Assembly’s functions require recurrent funding and the Assembly, unlike the executive arm of government, is not involved in

the execution of major capital projects.

“In line with this, the overhead component accounts for the lion’s share of the recurrent budget. “ The lawmaker’s $16,000 basic salary is the lowest compared to $174,000 in the United States; $105,998 in the United Kingdom; $56,400 in South Africa and $18,000 in Benin.

“However, the $208,000 allowance received by a Nigerian lawmaker is higher than that of his colleague in South Africa, who gets $9,680.

“Also, compensation for a a Nigerian lawmaker is the highest compared to what is paid in US; UK, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Benin.

“While the compensation for a Nigerian lawmaker is $224,000, $174,000 is paid in US; $66,080 in South Africa; $33,120 in Ghana and $157,080 in Kenya”.

Hamalai, however, decried the dearth of aides with highlevel technical capacity in many African legislatures, in-

cluding Nigeria, which denies legislators the benefit of good briefs from their aides on issues.

She put the number of staff in the National Assembly at 3,373, adding that the number of aides per member in Nigeria is five; in the US, 18; one in South Africa; none in Ghana and Benin.

She also said committee staff in the US were 2,492; 90 in South Africa; 25 in Benin and 300 in Nigeria while research staff in the US were 4,479; 50 each in Nigeria and South Africa; seven in Ghana; 25 in Kenya and 20 in Benin.

She said oversight instruments in the National Assembly included receiving briefs from ministries departments and agencies; visiting MDAs; project inspection; engagement with appropriation bill/ budgetary function and public/investigative hearing.

Hamalai said there was need to correct the misconceptions about the National Assembly and properly project its work.

HE Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday validated the suspension of BGL Group from the capital market by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Justice Mohammed Yunusa nullified an interim injunction barring SEC from expelling the group from all capital market activities for alleged malpractices.

BGL was accused of owing investors about N5.7 billion, including the Rivers State government.

SEC reportedly received about 40 petitions on BGL’s alleged failure to return investments at maturity.

In its preliminary objection to BGL’s suit, the commission said the group was indebted to investors to the tune of N5,769,993, 553.67 as at June 2.

It added that BGL was having liquidity problems and ran at a loss of over N48 billion as at last December.

According to SEC, BGL Asset Management Limited, contrary to its mandate, wholly transferred funds received from the investing public to BGL Plc without engaging in any form of Fund/Portfolio Management.

But BGL on May 27obtained to an order restraining SEC from “holding and or conducting any trial or hearing in respect of the alleged complaints against the plaintiffs…” and from giving effect to the ban pending the suit’s determination.

The plaintiffs are BGL Plc, BGL Asset Management Limited, BGL Capital Limited, BGL Securities Limited, Mr Albert Okumagba, Chibundu Edozie, Teddy Okumakube, Loraine Awoonor-Renner, Ehime Alofoje, Joseph AshleyOsuzoka, Andre Ewubare, Victor Obire and Nkechi Azubuike. They sued SEC, its Administrative Proceedings Committee (APC) and Mounir Gwarzo.

But SEC applied to the court to discharge the order.

Justice Yunusa yesterday held that BGL concealed facts from Justice Saidu.

Justice Yunusa agreed with SEC’s lawyer Kayinsola Ajayi (SAN), who argued that the order was granted in error.

He adjourned to September 22 for ruling on pending applications.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

NEWS Alleged N3.3b fraud: EFCC declares Saraki’s associate wanted

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•Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele and Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed during the NEC meeting at the State House, Abuja ...yesterday.

Saraki: CCB chairman under pressure

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OLLOWING filing of charges against Senate President Bukola Saraki, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Mr. Sam Saba, is under pressure.

It was gathered that the CCB boss summoned a meeting of all commissioners to retrieve and relocate some key assets declaration forms to a special safe.

The retrieved assets forms were those of President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice Pres-

•Relocates Buhari’s, Osinbajo’s, others’ assets files From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ident Yemi Osinbajo, Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara and the governors.

A source said: “Since the charges became public knowledge, there had been pressure on the CCB chairman but the bureau has no choice than to do its statutory work.

“Following the pressure, the CCB boss on Wednesday met with all his commissioners (who represent the six geopolitical zones) to retrieve some key assets declaration forms.

“At the session, one of the commissioners asked why he wanted to retrieve the assets forms from them, Saba said “to keep in a special safe to avoid anyone tampering with

them.”

The source in CCB added: “We are hardly noticed as an agency but since Wednesday, the pressure has been much on the CCB chairman, commissioners and top directors.”

As at Thursday, the process of relocating the assets forms to the special safe had started.

States to share N535.5 billion

Continued from page 1

in effect, with 13 new states now being considered. Twelve banks are involved.

This is in addition to 11 states whose debts were restructured last month, according to Nwankwo who also told the Council 23 states are now involved in the restructuring. A total of over N322 billion of states loans were restructured last month, about N252 billion have been restructured this month.

The presidential relief package has three core elements.

These are: •The sharing of about $2.1b

in fresh allocation between the states and the federal government. The money was sourced from recent LNG proceeds to the federation account, and its release okayed by the president leading to the sharing of federal allocation twice for month of June.

•A Central Bank-packaged special intervention fund that will offer financing to the states, to the range of about ranging around from N300B. This is a soft loan available to states to access for the purposes of paying backlog of salaries.

•A debt relief program de-

signed by the Debt Management Office, DMO, which is now helping the states restructure their commercial loans put at over N660B, and extend the life span of such loans while reducing their debt-servicing expenditures.

Yesterday’s NEC meeting also received an ongoing report from its Ad-Hoc Committee of five governors on the management of the Excess Crude Account (ECA) and related Federation Account issues. The Committee told the Council that it has observed a lack of transparency and accountability in the operation of

the Federation Account, adding that there were no checks and balances in the running of the ECA in the recent past.

The five governors on the Ad-Hoc Committee are Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe); Mallam El Rufai (Kaduna); (who presented the report to Council) Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom) and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos).

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi briefed correspondents at the end of the meeting.

He was accompanied to the Continued on page 8

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) yesterday declared a former Director of the defunct Societe Generale Bank Nigeria Plc, Kennedy Izuagbe, wanted.

Izuagbe is also the Managing Director of Carlisle Properties and Investment Limited, which is mentioned in the alleged discrepancies in Senate President Bukola’s Saraki’s asset declaration forms.

The development suggest that the EFCC may have been probing the defunct SGBN. A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said Izuagbe is wanted for alleged laundering about N3.6 billion.

The statement said:”Kennedy Izuagbe, a former Director of Societe Generale Bank Nigeria Plc and Managing Director of Carlisle Properties and Investment Limited, has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. “Izuagbe, 45, who is being investigated in a case of conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of over N3.6 billion, has gone into hiding and all efforts to reach him have proved abortive.

“He is linked to the several shady deals and gross financial misconducts that took place in the bank, in which several millions of naira were granted as loan without due diligence.

“The suspect, who is believed to have fled the country, is a native of Iviukhua village, near Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

“The EFCC enjoins members

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

of the public with information on the whereabouts of Izuagbe to contact any of its offices in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Gombe and Kano, or the nearest police station.”

The EFCC announced the arrest of Alhaji Umar Audu Bida, chief executive officer, Universal Contractors Limited, for alleged possession of some documents of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for the supply of crude to his American business partner, Donald Laletta, CEO, North Park LLLC. A separate statement said: “The 62-year-old suspect, who was picked up by EFCC operatives on Tuesday, September 15, at his residence on Gumel Road, Kaduna, was in possession of fake documents pertaining to the lifting of crude by the vessels, MT Antartic, MT Sonagol Namibe and MT Caped Bowen.

“The suspect, however, said that he obtained the documents from the agents to the seller-Lambda, Double Wonder and Days Marines Services- who allegedly claimed to have crude oil for sale.

“The complaint an alleged that the suspect had attempted to defraud him after signing a Sales and Purchase Agreement, SPA, with him.

“The complainant’s claims that he paid the suspect, who acts as his agent in Nigeria, the sums of $8m, $10m and $12m at different times, and that he raised a letter of credit, via a courier company, in favour of Universal Contractors Limited to the tune of $100m (One hundred million dollars) are being investigated by EFCC.”

Four killed in Port Harcourt gas explosion

A

GAS explosion last night rocked River State capital Port Harcourt killing four persons.

The explosion took place in a panel-beaters’ workshop at Eliozu-Port Harcourt, near the office of ABC Transport

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Company, on the ever-busy Easy-West Road.

The explosion, which might be caused by leaking gas, made residents, business owners, motorists Continued on page 8

Senate President not likely in court for arraignment

S

ENATE President Bukola Saraki’s arraignment will go on today before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), in spite of the absence of a sitting Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of justice, it was learnt yesterday.

But Saraki must be at the court, having been advised that his presence will not be necessary at the first mention of his alleged false declaration of assets matter.

The Federal Ministry of Justice has filled a 13-count charge against Saraki.

The allegations are under Section 2 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. The offences are purnishable under paragraph nine of the fifth schedule of the Constitution.

A senior official of the CCT told our correspondent that the trial would go on today “because Saraki has already been summoned by the Bureau”.

He said the Act of the Tribunal empowered it to “cause to summon” any alleged offender.

The official said the CCT was ready to arraign Saraki today.

He said the trial would be-

Saraki fails to stop trial

Continued from page 1

dated September 11 against Saraki before the CCT, accusing him of committing, among others, offences ranging from anticipatory declaration of assets to making false declaration of assets in forms he filed before the Code of Conduct Bureau while he was governor of Kwara State.

Saraki is accused of failing to declare some assets he acquired while in office as governor; acquiring assets beyond his legitimate earnings and operating foreign accounts while being a public officer – governor and senator.

The Senate President is, in the charge endorsed by a Deputy Director at the FMJ, Muslim Hassan, said to have, by the offences, breached Section 2 of the From Yusuf Alli and Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

gin by 10 am at the tribunal’s office in Jabi, Abuja.

He noted that “the tribunal has taken judicial notice of the issue of the absence of a substantive Attorney- General for the Federation” as it has to do with the case.

He added that the issue of the absence of a substantive Attorney-General “is mute”

Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. The CCT, on Wednesday, fixed today for Saraki’s arraignment. But, in an effort to prevent the CCT from proceeding with its business, Saraki raced to the Federal High Court, Abuja with the exparte application.

Saraki urged the court to restrain the Federal Ministry of Justice, CCB, CCT and Mr. Hassan, who signed the charge, from taking any further step to arraign or prefer any charge against him, pending the hearing and determination of the suit he filed along with the ex-parte motion.

He is, in the substantive suit, praying the court to declare that the ministry has not complied with the provision of the 3rd Schedule of Section 24(1) of

and “arguable.”

The official said the trial judge reserves the right to make a ruling on whether or not the prosecution could go on and be valid without a substantive Attorney General.

He noted that the issue could go up to the Supreme Court for determination, saying “it is a new case which judges will be interested to hear”.

He said: ”The issue is a very

the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act to act before proffering a charge against him.

He contends that based on the provision of Section 24 of the CCB and Tribunal Act, it is the AGF or any officer directed by him (AGF) that must initiate charges against him (Saraki).

Saraki contends that “in the absence of any substantive AGF in the time being, this court has the jurisdiction to direct parties to maintain status quo, pending the hearing of the motion on notice”.

He argued that since there is no subsisting AGF, the charge against him by the official of the AGF before the CCT is void as the provisions of Section 24 (1) of the CCB and tribunal.

contentious one because this will be the first time a case of this nature will be prosecuted without an Attorney General on seat to give directive for prosecution. But it offers a good opportunity to test the case. It can go as far as the Supreme Court to get the law tested. ”The law allows that the Attorney General could delegate responsibility on prosecution.

There is always somebody who sits in the absence of the Attorney-General of the Federation.”

There were indications yesterday that Saraki may not be at the CCT. There were fears that the prosecution might ask the tribunal to remand Saraki in prison custody pending application for bail.

It was gathered that Saraki’s

•Dr. Saraki

loyalists were suspicious that some forces had been pushing for “Sule Lamido’s treatment” for Saraki.

It was learnt that Saraki has secured legal advice indicating that it was not compulsory for him to appear.

In deference to the tribunal, Saraki may send a representative to the court when the case comes up for mention.

A source said: “The Senate President will not personally Continued on page 8

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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NEWS

N9m fraud: Court jails pastor, mallam

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PASTOR in the Deeper Life Bible Church, Anjorin Adanikin and a Mallam, Maliu Aliyu, are to spend the next one year in prison for defrauding local farmers in the distribution of fertiliser.

An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate’s Court yesterday found them guilty of diverting the fertiliser for their personal gain.

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

Police prosecutor Sergeant Oriyomi Akinwale told the court that the accused committed the offence between May and June 2013 in Emure-Ekiti, Emure Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

According to the prosecutor, the accused fraudulently converted 1,800 bags of

fertiliser meant for distribution to farmers in the local government.

The commodity was to be sold for N2,750 per bag but the accused connived to sell the fertiliser at N3,500 per bag.

The prosecutor noted that the offence contravenes Section 1 (3) of the Advanced Free Fraud and other Related Offences Act LFN 2006.

The defence counsel,

Ademola Okeya, pleaded with the court for leniency.

But the Magistrate, Bayode Owoeye, rejected the plea.

He described the defendant’s action as “callous”.

He said the court would not shy away from dispensing justice to deter others.

Magistrate Owoeye sentenced the duo to one year imprisonment without fine option.

Emergency centre inaugurated

By Wale Adepoju

L

AGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday called on the private sector to support the government to provide quality healthcare service for the people.

Ambode spoke at the inauguration of the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Centre of Ikorodu General Hospital and the renovated Paediatric Ward of Agbala Health Centre in Ikorodu.

The facilities were donated by Heinekan African Foundation (HAF) in collaboration with Nigerian Breweries Plc. Ambode, represented by Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule, said the facilities would provide quality healthcare during emergencies.

The governor said the location was strategic, adding that: “It will provide quality healthcare service to a rapidly growing population with attendant increase in road and riverine transportation activities.”

Ambode told the people to utilise the services available in the facilities, adding that they should preserve them because “they belong to them”.

NB Plc’s Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer Nicholas Vervelde said his company was happy to partner with the government to create excellent shared value and contribute to the development of the society.

Alaafin: my son attended UNIBEN

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HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has said his son, Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, attended the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

This newspaper yesterday erroneously quoted him as saying the younger Adeyemi,

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

a member of the House of Representatives, attended the University of Nigeria.

The monarch said: “My son studied geology at the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

He graduated with a second class upper degree.”

Man, 73, arrested for attempted rape From Damisi Ojo, Akure

T

•An accident scene at Adamasingba in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital…yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

Lagos abolishes special adviser status at council

T

HE Lagos State government has abolished special adviser status and reviewed other administrative procedures for the 57 local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The changes were effected yesterday at a stakeholder’s meeting with executive secretaries, council managers on the revised guidelines on administrative procedure for local government.

The Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Folashade Jaji, said parts of the reform included the

•Govt reviews administrative procedures

By Oziegbe Okoeki

change in the designation of council managers to heads of administration, abolition of special advisers at the local government level, limitation of technical department to two and the pegging of the number of units to five in each LCDA. According to Jaji, the guidelines would change and maximise returns on how resources are managed in the councils and ensure

community participation.

The HoS reiterated that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had directed that the 2010 administrative guidelines should be reviewed.

“As you all aware, the governor has assured residents of grassroots development.

“He has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the government in the provision of infrastructural amenities in our communities,” she said.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Jafar Sanuth said the guidelines were parts of government’s reforms in ensuring proper accountability and promoting cordial relations.

The Chairman of Conference 57, Kolade Alabi, praised Ambode for the inclusive reform and assured that all the cardinal points as adopted would be used in line with the guidelines.

Ambode, Mimiko seek end to doctors’ strike

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AGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his Ondo State counterpart, Olusegun Mimiko, have called on doctors to stop using strikes to agitate for their demands.

They made the call yesterday at the 33rd convocation of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Ijanikin, Lagos.

Ambode, represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Demilade Alonge, said the spate of incessant and often needless strikes in the health sector had damaged the profession’s image.

He lamented that compromising the health of millions of Nigerians, have led to “needless deaths”.

The governor called on the Federal Government to invest more in the sector.

Mimiko said as recognised leaders in the health sector, doctors should devise innovative and ingenious ways of expressing their grievances

HE police in Ondo State have arrested a 73-year-old man, Agidi Omolola, for allegedly attempting to defile his nine-year-old daughter in Ijare, Ifedore Local Government Area.

Sources said Omolola was caught trying to force the girl on the bed.

It was learnt that the suspect had removed the minor’s underwear.

The matter was reported at the Ijare Police Station, where a team of detectives arrested Omolola.

Police spokesman Wole Ogodo said the victim’s brother, Muyiwa, reported the incident.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

without punishing innocent citizens.

“The fact that Nigeria is poorly ranked today in the health sector is a pointer to the fact that all must cooperate to reverse this unfortunate and embarrassing trend.

“We are duty bound as the recognised leaders in the health system to develop in-

novative and ingenious was of expressing our grievances without punishing the innocent needlessly.”

The college’s President, Prof. Rasheed Arogundade, said the 343 graduates were the largest so far since the college’s inception.

He said the graduates have been saddled with independent specialist patient management.

“In effect you will now be a part of the management of any institution where you may be called upon to manage patients.”

Arogundade appealed to the Federal Government to reinstate the Governing Council of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) , noting that the body is the only regulatory agent of medical practice in Nigeria.

Funeral rites for monarch

T

HE stool of the Jegun of Ile-Oluji in Ondo State will be filled after the funeral of Oba Stephen Adedugbe, the Lisa of IleOluji, High Chief Akin Fagbamiye, has said.

The rites began yesterday with the traditional riding of a white horse by one of the deceased’s children.

Oba Adedugbe (77), who reigned for 25 years, died on June 6.

Addressing reporters in the community, Fagbamiye said

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

the new monarch would come from Jumoko ruling house.

He urged interested princes to be diligent, transparent and ensure a peaceful conduct in all the processes.

Fagbamiye said two lectures would be held today with a key note address on Ilode, the original home of Ile-Oluji, which is a quarters in Ile-Ife. According to him, due to the primordial connection of IleIfe and Ile-Oluji, the late Ooni

of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, before his demise, had agreed to deliver a key note address on hearing of Oba Adedupe’s death.

He said there will be a carnival procession of clubs, societies and cultural groups tomorrow beginning from the palace to Gboluji Grammar School, where guests will be entertained.

The final outing service will hold at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter’s, Ile-Oluji on Sunday.

Residency card: Court fixes hearing for Tuesday

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N Ondo State High Court has fixed Tuesday for the hearing of a suit by an Akure lawyer, Morakinyo Ogele, challenging the government on the compulsory collection of residency cards (Kaadi Igbe-Ayo).

The state has mandated residents to have the residency card before accessing any government facilities.

The government, Governor Olusegun Mimiko and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice were joined as defendants.

The lawyer is urging the court to declare as unconstitutional the demand for residency card by the government from residents before having access to government utilities, infrastructures and amenities.

The suit reads: “A declaration that the demand for residency card (Kadi Igbeayo) by the respondents from all resi-

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

dents before having access to government utilities, infrastructures and amenities to Wit: Primary schools, secondary schools, secondary schools, state polythenic, state Universities, hospitals and maternities is unconstitutional, null and void, crude, unprogressive and retrogressive and contrary to Section 18 (1) 42 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

“A perpetual injunction restraining the first and second respondents from demanding residency cards Igbeayo from residents before having access to public utilities and amenities and all category of hospitals maternities and schools.

“That the introduction of this card met with sundry of criticism from all residents of the state as they viewed this oppressive retrogressive and crude.”

Ogun appoints more principals

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HE Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) has appointed 25 principals, 66 vice-principals and three zonal secretaries, bringing the total number of principals and vice-principals appointed by the Amosun administration to 233 and 572.

Speaking at the induction held at Abeokuta Grammar School, Abeokuta, the Full time Commissioner I, Otunba Timothy Adebowale, said the appointment was done in consonant with the state standard template.

Adebowale urged the new officers to be more dedicated in the discharge of their duties.

The Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Olabisi Akinnuga, said the screening process was a radical departure from the existing process as it took into consideration the grade level of officers, date of last promotion and date of first appointment.

She thanked Governor Ibikunle Amosun for boosting the morale of the teaching and non-teaching staff of the commission.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

NEWS Saraki not likely in court for arraignment Continued from page 6

attend the first day of his trial for strategic reasons. The legal advice made available to him showed that it is a civil matter (not a criminal case), hence his appearance is not compulsory.

“Like the Senate President said on Wednesday, there are a lot of legal pitfalls in the charges against him. Since the Code of Conduct Tribunal is not an end in itself, he might explore other legal windows to seek redress.

“The Senate President has hired a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, A. B. Mahmoud, to argue his no-case plea.”

A source in the Federal Ministry of Justice said: “The prosecution may prevail on the trial judge to issue a warrant to compel the appearance of the Senate President.”

Saraki himself declared yesterday that he will “not be shaken”. He had on Wednesday described the allegations as “frivolous and untrue.”

Hosting a delegation of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) who paid him a solidarity visit yesterday, he said: “The Eighth Senate at inception on the 9th of June this year, had clearly stated that it was out to bring about positive change to Nigerians through responsive legislations and oversights, which we cannot in anyway be distracted from. We will not be shaken.”

The IEDPU Chairman, Alhaji Abdulhameed Hadi, pledged the support of Ilorin people for Saraki, urging him “to continue with the good work you are doing”.

Hadi also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to extend his hand of fellowship in governance to Saraki as he did with the late General Tunde Idiagbon when both of them ruled Nigeria in the early 1980s as military men.

He pledged the union’s sup-

port for the Senate under Saraki’s leadership.

Hadi said: “Now that you are here in the National Assembly, our expectations and the expectations of Nigerians are high. We assure you of our support.

“We also support President Muhammadu Buhari’s change mission, particularly in the fight against corruption and impunity.’’

He urged politicians to be committed to the country’s welfare rather than personal interest.

It was learnt that some senators met yesterday in Abuja to articulate how to support Saraki.

A source at the meeting told our correspondent that most of the senators saw “the CCT trial as a means to weaken the Senate leadership”.

He said the meeting was basically “to ensure that we give the Senate President all the moral support he needs at this crucial moment.”

He also said that “many of us will be in court tomorrow (today) to witness the trial”.

Some of the senators urged the Federal Government to “focus on governance and not politically motivated trials of perceived enemies”.

The senators, in separate reactions, criticised the trial and described it as “distractive and uncalled for”.

Senator Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi (APC Niger North), said all the allegations raised against Saraki by CCB were politically-motivated.

He said that the allegation will not in anyway derail the Eighth Senate from its focus of bringing about change to Nigerians.

He said: “ I want to believe an allegation remains an allegation; and our laws are very clear. It is an allegation until it is proven.

“ I want to believe it remains an allegation. However, let’s take a closer look at what the allegations are, dating back to 2003 to date. I think, as far as I am concerned, there is something fishing about it. It is very obvious. Of course, we know what has happened since the inauguration of the Eighth Senate.

Also condemning the trial, Senator Hussain Salihu (APC Nasarawa South) said those trying Saraki for one thing or the other that had happened in the past because he is now the Senate President will get tired of the trial.

He said that senators and, by extension, the Senate, will not abandon Saraki as their duly elected leader.

He said: “The charges against Saraki as far as I am concerned are just distractive, in the sense that we are talking about issue of 13 years ago and people are bringing it now. I think Nigerians should disregard such issues because they are distracting the National Assembly from doing its own constitutional work. And I don’t think that it is going to help us.

“What we are talking about now is how we are going to get power supply; how the ordinary man can send his children to school and the sick to get hospitals that will treat them. So, the allegations are non-issues. I think the people who are doing this are not helping the country; they are not helping the President and they are not helping anybody because as far as the National Assembly is concerned, we are going to move on from all these distractions.”

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (PDP Abia North), said that as far as majority of senators were concerned, Saraki has led the Senate creditably well in the last 100 days and will continue to support him.

States to share N535.5 billion

Continued from page 6

briefing by Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Ajimobi said: “Another issue discussed is on refund of expenses incurred on repair of federal roads by states. As listed here, we have 13 states that have fully complied with the reimbursement requirements, we have eight states that have partially complied, 21 states without compliance and the total sum of claims to be re-inbursed is exactly 535, 596, 386, in other words, N535.5 billion.

He said N13 billion had been disbursed to states as at 2013 and that the challenges faced had to do with inadequate funding in the ministry.

He also said that 26 state governments have applied for restructuring of their bank loans amounting to N500 billion.

While 11 of the states have concluded and submitted all relevant documents, he added that 13 states are involved in the second phase to begin soon.

He said: “The other major item that was discussed had to do with the restructuring of bank loans to state governments, and the restructuring was done into FGN bonds and the DG of Debt Management Office (DMO) reported as follows: That 26 states applied for the loans, that 11 states have concluded and submitted all

relevant documents, that 13 states are involved in the second phase to begin immediately. And the total money involved in the restructuring stood at over N500 billion.”

According to him, the Accountant General of the Federation told the Council that the Excess Crude proceeds balance was over $2.257 billion as at 15th September.

He also said that the council was informed that fertilizer used by farmers increased by over 271 per cent towards food security in the country.

He said: “Lastly, we discussed the issues of the current and future agricultural policy direction. And the Permanent Secretary made a very lucid presentation and it was extensively discussed and he gave us information on data base of farmers in proceeds production capacity of food storage and grains increased fertilizer.

“And he told us specifically that fertilizer used by farmers increased by over 271 percent

which was commendable, but the conclusion was that there was the need for more interaction with the states and local governments and their approach in agriculture should be bottom-top approach,” he stated The governor said that the Council was also briefed about the planned agricultural training programme that the ministry of agriculture intends to pursue.

According to him, 12 states and FCT have been selected for the first phase, while the second phase would include non educated youths to be spread across states by geopolitical zones.

The 23 states whose debts have been restructured into bonds are: Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kogi, Kwara, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba and Zamfara.

Four killed in Port Harcourt gas explosion Continued from page 6

and passersby to scamper to safety. It destroyed valuable property, with various objects around the scene, including helmets and the artisans’ tools shattered.

It was learnt that one of the gas cylinders being used by the panel-beaters for welding and fixing customers’

vehicles, exploded around 5 p.m. leading to the death of the four men. They were also dismembered by te impact of the explosion.

Rivers police Spokesman, Muhammad Kidaya Ahmad, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), through the telephone, confirmed the explosion, but could not ascertain the casualty figure.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

“Without adequate taxation the government would not be able to provide key infrastructure.

Everybody that is in a position to pay tax should do so without prompting, that is the only way government can work.

-Former Minister of Industry and Deputy President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs Nike Akande

N3.25tr pension funds invested in govt securities, says PenOp

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BOUT N3.25 trillion out of the almost N5trillion of the Pension Funds so far collected have been invested in Federal Government securities, the managers of the fund, have said.

The Chairman, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), Alhaji Musbahu Yola, said this yesterday when he addressed journalists at the end of the consultative forum between the National Pension Commission (PenCom) and Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) in Abuja.

He said the invested amount is equivalent of 65 per cent of the almost N5 trillion pension assets currently warehoused by pension operators, adding that

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

another 12 per cent has been invested in equities, while 15 per cent is invested in the money market.

Yola maintained that not withstanding the recent removal of Nigeria from the JP Morgan Index, the country’s Pension Fund Operators will continue to invest in FGN Bonds and Treasury Bills, pointing out that FGN Bonds are not only profitable, they are safe to invest in.

He aid the removal of Nigeria from JP Morgan Index would favour PFAs because exiting foreign investors will have to sell their assets at lower prices and it doesn’t mean that the FGN Bonds have become junk.”

He said PenOp members “will continue to invest in FGN Bonds and Treasury Bills,” wondering where else would we put the money, Treasury Bills and Bonds are safer assets” he said.

Yola also revealed that it has been agreed between the PenCom and PenOp members, that 20 million Nigerians will be captured into the pension net by 2024 from the current 6.6 million pension contributors, saying “this is the best we can do under the circumstances and it points to the fact that majority of Nigerians are employed outside the formal sector.

“State governments have also not complied. The point really is that most Nigerian businesses are informal or are SMEs that haven’t really kicked in for

one reason or the other if our economy develops and becomes more Industrialised with more formal corporations, a lot of people will be captured in the pension net but many Nigerian just do small jobs that are not incorporated.

You can’t get them in so easily, we know we have a lot more to do, but we shouldn’t be discouraged by the fact that it is 6.7 million out of 170 million. Our objective is to go 20 million by 2024, that is where the informal sectors being captured in the guidelines comes in” he said.

Regarding unremitted employees’ pension after deductions have been made, mem-

E

Govt to save N180b in new training scheme, says ITF chief

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N initiative of the In dustrial Training Fund (ITF) to engage the services of Nigeria Professionals abroad to begueath requisite skills to youths, will result in about N180billion savings for the Federal Government.

ITF Director-General, Dr. Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, who stated this yesterday in Lagos at an interactive session with stakeholders on the need for partnership towards the successful implementation of its mandate in line with the skills needs of Nigeria, said ITF-Diaspora volunteer skills development programme, has been designed to upgrade the quality of skills in Nigeria to international standards at little or no cost to the Federal Government.

She said Diaspora Nigerian professionals would be engaged voluntarily on what she tagged, “first-rate skills training for Nigerian youths through the Industrial Training Fund’s Brain Gain initiative.”

Mrs. Chukkas-Onaeko, said the Brain-Gain initiative, will be powered by Nigerian experts in the Diaspora who have volunteered to give back to their home country through direct knowledge and technology transfer at no cost to the ITF.

By Modupe Elegushi

She said the Nigerian experts, who are specialists in various high-tech sectors, would work with the Fund, based on a yearly volunteer calendar that would ensure that the target of an annual quality training for fou we have mapped out plans to work with not less than 10,000 in renewable energy, robotics engineering, hospitality, oil and gas, and petrochemicals among others, in the next three years.

“We have been able to identify experts who have skills to contribute to this programme. But in the first phase, we are considering a conservative number of just 10,000. Most of these experts are professionally and financially accomplished people who are willing to play this role at their own cost.”

She said analysts have put the cost of retaining an expert in the Diaspora under the ITF training scheme at N500,000 monthly. This is a very conservative figure, and it is the amount that would have been spent hiring each volunteer trainer for the programme.

“When this is computed for a three-year period, the total amount of money that would be saved by the government comes to around N180 billion for 10,000 volunteers in

three years.”

Mrs. Chukkas-Onaeko also called for partnership and support from all stakeholders and employers of labour in the country, stressing that, for the programme to be very successful, other cost components of the programme, such as air fare and insurance, could be further volunteered by stakeholders.

“For example, we are looking at a situation where airlines operating in Nigeria will voluntarily provide free flight tickets for these experts to further reduce the cost to them and increase the number of experts who will volunteer. Insurance companies can also come along to insure these experts to make them more comfortable to carry out their assignments,” she said.

She noted that, in view of the numerous developmental challenges confronting Nigeria as a nation and the unwavering resolve and commitment of the Federal Government to initiate transformational changes that would place the country on the trajectory of sustained economic growth, it had become imperative for the ITF, as the foremost manpower development agency, to review its strategies and modus operandi.

particularly where they have deducted from the salaries and have not remitted.”

Yola and his team PenOp associates wondered that “if people are afraid of speaking up for their right who will do it for them? Now anybody who wants to do a job with the federal government must produce their certificate of compliance and some private organizations have included it in their manuals too so that they don’t go foul of the law especially those that provide them with contract staff. To prevent victimization PenCom has been mandated not to reveal the identity of whistle blowers.”

Erha North boosts ExxonMobil’s oil output by 65,000bpd XXON MOBIL Corpora tion’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, the operator of Erha deepwater development including the Erha field and Erha North satellite field, said it has started oil production Erha North Phase 2 project offshore Nigeria ahead of schedule and below budget.

The Erha North Phase 2 project, according to the com-

• From left: Director, Field Services Department,ITF, Mrs. Chukkas-Onaeko, and Manager, Lekki Area Office, Mrs. Gloria Abeki, at the event...yesterday.

bers of PenOp urged employees to blow the whistle on the employers. They said “employees are responsible for their pension. If employers are not remitting, employees should go to their PFAs and report, you must be in charge of your pension. The PFAs do not have the power to enforce complaints.

PENCom has the power of enforcement and they have engaged recovery agents employees must also rise up the law is backing them they have to find the means of making their employers make those remittances on their behalf either as a union, they must come together and pressurize their employers

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

pany, is estimated to develop an additional 165 million barrels from the currently producing Erha North field and peak production from the expansion is currently estimated at 65,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), which will increase total Erha North field production to approximately 90,000 barrels per day.

The Erha fields (Erha field and Erha North satellite field) are located in oil mining lease (OML) 133, formerly oil prospecting lease (OPL) 209. Before the coming on stream of the Erha North Phase 2, total production from the fields was 140,000 barrels a day. With the estimated 65,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) from Erha North Phase 2, the total production from Erha development will be about 205,000bpd.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

12

New information and communication technologies (ICTs) are driving change in agriculture by providing farm related data and information to help producers and farmers increase yields and improve income. But the absence of infrastructure and low level of literacy is hampering the deployment of such technologies across the agric sector chain, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

Combating challenges of poor data-driven agriculture I NFORMATION and communication technologies (ICTs), such as mobile phones, satellite data and the like – are transforming agriculture. With gadgets, such as mobile phone, computers and others, farmers receive data on crop prices and market information.

They also enjoy stable year-round prices, while eliminating middlemen and lowering transaction costs.

One farmer who is benefitting from accessing data online is the Chief Executive, Hastom Global Services Limited, Mr Debo Thomas.

He is into cashew and plantain farming in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.

Thomas accesses data on commodity prices, and other agricultural services through his smartphone and tablet. For him, information and communication matter in agriculture. Whether for those growing crops, raising livestock, or fish farming. This is because farmers seek information from one another and from other stakeholders across the value chain.

Apart from personal contacts, Thomas has used his phone to seek information on the most effective planting strategy, where he can get improved seedlings and feeds, and how he can acquire farmland.

With data gleaned from his phone or laptop, he is on top of the situation as up dated agric information helps him to cope with market changes.

He has witnessed the power of the mobile phone and how people are using it to improve communication in agriculture and rural development. New mobile applications are also being used to provide timely information to farmers. Thomas said the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) can improve smallholder farmers’ income and increase agricultural productivity.

This is because increasingly affordable connectivity and tools, especially mobile phones, as well as advances in data storage and open access, have made ICT relevant to agriculture. Providing such knowledge though challenging, he noted helps farmers to be in business.

With massive agric data coming electronically to farmers, young people ,Thomas said, are attracted to agriculture and are establishing ventures that could revitalise rural neighbourhoods. Thomas has been able to sell large acres of farmlands and help major investors to establish agribusinesses across Oyo State. With ICT technologies, Thomas interacts profitably with farmers and other stakeholders and leverage a whole range of technologies to improve farming practices and effectiveness.

He believes that provision of agricultural services through ICTs could be a game changer that will attract young people to farming.

He explained that having better market information would help young farmers to decide what to plant and where best to sell it is important. While the government may not be able to attract everybody to farming, he noted that youths who decide to go into farming can serve as good ambassadors for farming, aided by the increased use of ICT that creates a more fa-

• A male farmer using phone to communicate on the farm

vourable image of farming activities.

He however, lamented that farmers in the rural areas are cut off because of no internet connection.

For him, lack of connectivity means that they may be unable to market their products sufficiently or access market data or agricultural research provided through online and telecommunications platforms.

He is of the opinion farming policies should be part of a wider agenda for rural development by creating an enabling social environment with services to make rural areas good places to live in.

Thomas said agricultural technologies and innovations are important for rural development and food/ nutrition security.

Besides, the sector needs better policies to attract young people to stay in the rural areas, in addition to providing better infrastructure and internet. He sees data driven agriculture as vital for youth employment and food security. He believes once farmers have the information they need to improve their productivity, access to financial transactions, they will be able to make much money from farming ventures.

Therefore, the government must promote suitable agricultural technologies that can be used by farmers and agro-entrepreneurs boost food production and development.

From mobile technologies that easily connect markets to agricultural products, to identifying agricultural value chains, stakeholders believe the agriculture sector must of a necessity identify ways of scaling up existing technologies to connect farmers to opportunities and investors.

The concerns are Nigeria as a leader in the sub region is failing in its responsibility of collecting and managing data in agriculture.

Some experts believe with a supportive government, the high rate of mobile phone penetration and the growth of technology innovation spaces, the country should not lack behind countries in agric data

• Thomas

leadership.

Experts are urging Nigeria to close the glaring gaps in data needed in various agricultural development projects if the country’s economy is to improve. They believe investing in better economic data will act as an incentive for international investors to plough their monies into the country.

Lack of adequate data in agriculture would hinder foreign direct investment and the government’s efforts to reform the sector. To them, quality data yield not only has sectoral benefits, but also real economic returns.

Chief Executive, Skill Enhancement Centre (SENCE), Mrs Ogo Ibok is one of those who share this belief. She has keyed into it. To increase farmers’ access to fresh data, portals have emerged which farmers can use to improve agricultural practices. Her seizing this opportunity, has developed an online platform to provide online information to boost agriculture.

Mrs Ibok, discovered that getting information to start something within the sector was difficult.

“There is no one place you can go to and get all the information you need on agriculture. The worst part

is not even having a place to go and get information.” In the course of her research, she found out that there are a lot of institutes in Nigeria which can actually provide one with information on agriculture but people don’t know they exist and solving that problem became her major interest in agriculture.

To this end, her organisation decided to put up information on its website so that people can have electronic access to all the vital information on agriculture. While hers is a major step accepted across the industry, experts still believe the dearth of information is making it difficult to translate data into useful information for producers and other players in the value chain. Experts said lack of access to information about the prices of crops in different markets, is hindering farmers from negotiating for better prices.

They believe government agencies need to invest more in providing agricultural information to farmers, particularly using new low-cost methods with SMS and other ICT tools. This is because there are no accurate sources for farmers to collect price information at various markets and gather other content such as weather forecasts, fertiliser prices and transport costs from farms to the markets. Neither, are there portals to provide localised agric weather information and agronomical tips.

This is not restricted to rural farmers alone, farmers in the urban areas who have mobile phones cannot access commodity prices in various markets. In rural areas, however, it is still a challenge for agricultural extension workers (AEWs), to persuade local farmers implement new production technologies especially so if these significantly alter the farmers’ current practice.

On the whole, reaching more farmers is key in facilitating widespread use of the technology. It was experimented with the e-wallet programme launched by the government using mobile phones. Ac-

cording to a study undertaken by the Fertiliser Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) on the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS),participants in the e-wallet scheme faced numerous challenges.

The e-wallet was found to be ineffective in many states, mainly because of the poor telecommunications network. Many farmers did not receive the e-wallets and had to resort to the use of scratch cards, which were insufficient for the number of farmers who required them. Among those who did receive the e-wallets, a large proportion did not know how to activate their numbers, or the numbers to dial for fertiliser and seeds.

A high proportion of non-GESS farmers surveyed were not aware of the scheme, but were willing to register for the next cycle. The Director of Studies, Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Dr Olufemi Oladunni, collaborated that the agriculture sector is suffering from lack of reliable data which is hindering growth. The scenario, according to him, has had profound effects on the economy. The sector, he noted, has not been effectively monitored and reported on progress.

He said the nation’s agriculture statistics are generally lagging behind. He said academics, policy makers, investors and other data users are unable to find relevant, reliable and high quality data to analyse and devise agric policies.

According to him, information gaps and the quality of statistical data on the sector are quite worrying for many as the bulk of data in use is outdated and no longer relevant and reliable.

Where statistics are available, he said they generally have not been gathered in a consistent manner over a time period adding that such data become questionable and one cannot use them to make important decisions.

He noted that there is now greater recognition among stakeholders of the need to scale up support to statistics development in the agric sector to monitor policies, implement public service reforms and to achieve development outcomes and results.

Meanwhile, In line with its avowed determination aimed at up-scaling agricultural activities through technology adoption and dissemination in the West African sub-region, the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) in Nigeria has embraced the Electronic Technology Transfer (ETT) Agriculture.

WAAPP Electronic Technology Transfer (WAAPP-ETT), is a means of developing a robust, easy to use integrated and accessible system that will improve the lots of the farmers through effective and responsive participation in research.

The practice he said could also lead to improvements in key implementers, and in the promotion and adoption of best practices as well as quick response to field problem.

ETT Agriculture offers low cost communication to farmers, service providers and real-time access to any agricultural services no matter their location, language and level of education.

13

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

Govt urged to build cocoa T factories HE Federal Government should build cocoa factories to address youth unemployment, the Operating Officer (COO), The Centre for Cocoa Development Initiative, Inc, Robo Adhuze, has said.

He said establishing new cocoa processing industries and revamping others would increase economic opportunities through sustainable and competitive cocoa production, marketing and agro-enterprise development.

He lamented that cocoa processing has declined substantially, appealing to the government to breathe a new life into the industry by making dedicated attempts to revitalise the processing segment through financial support to ailing businesses.

He called on the government to create the foundation for a modern, viable cocoa industry that will flourish and attract new investors, enhance rural livelihoods and encourage self-employment, and maximise the country’s opportunity to receive a premium price for the product on the world market.

He urged the government to take steps to boost cocoa production by supporting farms to move from traditional crop growing agriculture to agro-processing.

He added that the level of public sector investment was low, reflecting that the government is not committed to boosting cocoa pro-

Stories by Daniel Essiet

duction.

He urged the government to support farmers, by providing more access to extension services and training in best practices, adding that it would have an impact on the domestic cocoa industry.

He asked the government to treat cocoa production as national commodity and to develop it to increase the national economic growth.

Meanwhile, participants at the just-international cocoa conference in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, agreed that if well developed cocoa can bolster the economy, or displace petroleum products as a primary foreign exchange earner.

The event was organised by the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) and World Cocoa Producers Organisation.

CAN President, Sayina Riman, explained that the conference was convened to help critical stakeholders in the industry discuss price risk management project, which had over the years critically impacted against smallholder farmers and other developing economies globally.

Executive Director, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Prof. Malachy Akoroda, said cocoa had great economic potential for

the country given the high demand for it around the world.

“Cocoa is number one non-oil export earner for Nigeria even when it is not enjoying desired state support, push and encouragement for local farmers. The product has great hope. There are great demands for cocoa bye products in Western and Eastern countries but capacity to supply is limited,” he said.

Akoroda noted the quality of cocoa produced in Nigeria, saying it is the best globally because of the high-breed species.

He said it had impossible for farmers to plant, nurture and have a high-yield specie in six months, adding that even in 18 months, there could be unimaginable and bounty harvest compared to what can be obtainable with old species.

“Anyone can plan this specie and make real good profit, so that, say, in five years, it is possible for the farmer to make as much as N15 million in profit”, the expert said.

He, however, lamented that pricing had been the major challenge because of factors, such as fertiliser, transportation and politics, in the world market.

Riman said cocoa business could change the economic fortunes of Nigeria, adding that it is more sustainable than oil because there is possibility that oil can dry but cocoa will not.

Group advises govt to patronise farmers

V

ICE-President, Agriculture, Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), Mr Stephen Oladipupo, has urged the government to buy food from farmers and small businesses to boost their business.

By patronising farmers, Oladipupo said the government would boost job creation and make the food system sustainable.

When sourcing food for schools, hospitals and public administrations, he asked the government to buy from small-scale food farmers.

Despite being responsible for producing 70 per cent of food supply, he said small-scale farmers are facing inadequate patronage challenge.

Noting that many Nigerians are employed in agriculture, he said assisting farmers to access growing quality markets can create growth, adding that investments in

procurement would contribute to improving food security, boosting local economies, lowering unemployment and decreasing poverty.

According to him, achieving food security is hinged on empowering small farmers to thrive, adding that this requires pragmatic food security policies and investing in small-holder agriculture.

He said there was a need to support small farmers as demand for quality food commodities is rising, driven by rapid urbanisation, income growth and the increased consumption of processed foods and livestock products.

Noting that the majority of these quality foods are imported from outside the country, he called on the government to support local farmers to produce adequate food and cutting food imports.

‘Uncertain weather threatens farm output’

U

NCERTAIN weather, including erratic rain fall in most parts of the North and Southwest, may affect harvest, especially in areas seen as the nation’s grain-growing states, an expert has said.

Speaking in Akure, the Ondo stae capital, the Provost, Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora (OYCAI), Prof Gbemiga Adewale, said most parts of the Southwest had scanty rainfall, with the deficit hovering above 60 per cent.

Earlier this year, he said, planting was affected due to delays from the rains.

According to him, rains have fallen silent in the region, leaving the farmers in the lurch. The most devastating effects of deficit rains are slow to take root but they endure, filling the lives of farmers with uncertainty.

Nigeria, he noted, could bear the brunt of future climate change if there was massive flooding that

could accompany the opening of the dam in Cameroon. Vital food producers, he maintained, could face a risk of being overwhelmed by the pace and severity of the event, urging farmers to be productive and ensure food security, by building resilience to help them mitigate the onset of climate change.

Adewale said climate change is a threat for food security in Nigeria.

He added that helping smallscale farmers adopt “climatesmart” farming techniques would prepare them for even more serious challenges in the future.

Adewale said to build a climatesmart system, farmers need to find a way to preserve the water via rain harvesting etc.

According to him, farmers have adopted good land management practices and improve seed stocks, with drought-resistant varieties.

IART releases two new hybrid maize HE Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IART), Ibadan, Oyo State has released two new maize hybrids – Ife Maizehyb-07 and Ife Maizehyb-08.

The hybrids can yield seven metric tonnes for hectare (ha) and 8.5tonnes per ha.

According to the institution, the species are attracting preference from farmers because of qualities such as early maturity, ability to survive with erratic rainfall seasons especially in the second planting in Southwest, grain size and high starch content, which are good for livestock feed mill. For instance, the Ife Maizehyb-08 the weighs better and has high energy to release from feed.

The institute observed that there was a real gap between production and needs of maize in the south, which is mainly due to demographic increase, drought, diseases, new requirements from end-users such as poultry feed, livestock feed, breweries, processors, among others.

Also, agri-business farmers are requesting hybrids. The humid forest ecologies of the country, the institute said are great potential zones for maize production which can help to reduce this gap with the availability of highyielding adapted hybrids such the Ife Maizehyb-07 and Ife Maizehyb-08.

T • Deputy Director, Cassava: Adding Value for Africa Project, Dr Adebosola Oladeinde-Opeodu (right) distributing improved cassava cuttings to farmers after a training in Ilorin, Kwara State capital.

1,200 farmers trained on improved cassava yield

N

O fewer than 1200 cassava farmers have been trained on new farming methods and given 4440 bundles of high yielding cassava cuttings by the Cassava: Adding Value for Africa Project, Nigeria (CAVA II).

The programme, which started in April, was facilitated by service providers working for CAVA II-Nigeria in some states.

Four geo-political zones - SouthSouth, Northcentral, Southsouth and Southwest - were covered during the training. Thereafter, the farmers were linked to markets close to them.

The Country Manager, Cassava: Adding Value for Africa-Nigeria, Prof Lateef Sanni, said the programme was aimed at mentoring smallholder farmers to cultivate cassava, thereby increasing their incomes.

He said: “Our aim is to mentor and coach the smallholder farm-

ers to cultivate high-yielding cassava varieties, and expose them to good agronomic practices, which will increase their yield per hectare. ‘’In the next 12 months, when they harvest the varieties, if they are able to get about 25 per hectare, it can be said we have been able to improve their yield from the current 11 tons per hectare to 2025 tons per hectare.”

Sanni said the training was in line with the objective of the CAVA II Project aimed at improving the incomes of smallholder farmers.

He said: “If the project is able to double the yield of the farmers without expanding the area of their cultivation, the farmers will make more money. The improved varieties distributed to the farmers will also have a diffusion ef-

fect on other farmers, because after harvest, the farmers with highyielding varieties can circulate their cuttings to other farmers in their vicinity; and gradually the low yielding varieties cultivated by most farmers will be replaced with high yielding varieties.”

The Country’s Technical Expert on Cassava Production for CAVA II-Nigeria, Mr Stephen Olonade, explained: “ The project distributed improved cassava stems which include: TME 419, TMS 96/1632, TMS 98/0581, TMS 30555, TMS 92/0326, and TMS 98/0505. These varieties where chosen because they have high starch content which is highly sought after by these large industries and SMEs.” He, however, added that having adopted the best agronomic practices and improved cassava varieties, the farmers yields were expected to increase by at least 25 per cent in the next 12 months.

Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)’s Program Officer for Crop Improvement and Variety Adoption, Dr. Toure Aboubacar, said: “AGRA’s strategy to meet the needs of smallholder farmers across Africa is yielding great results.

“We are very happy that our support to national research institutions to develop, register and release improved varieties of staple crops such as maize is paying off as exemplified by the release of these two new maize varieties. Our work is aligned with the government’s policy on maize value chain development.”

The Ife Maize hyb-07, which was formerly called SW5-OB x IART-INBRED1, is a top cross hybrid of ART/98/SW5-OB x IART Inbred 1 pedigree.

It has forest and derived savannah agro-ecologies adaptation with 98 days maturity period, and 7.0t/ha potential yield character.

It is also tolerant to maize streak virus, rust, leaf blight, and curvularia leaf spot with an outstanding dent floury grain character containing starch, ash, fat, and protein.

Similarly, the Ife Maize-hyb 08, formerly called Ile 1 –OB x IARINBRED 1, can yield 8.50/ha and 110 days to maturity.

Ife Maize hyb-08 has similar other characteristics as the Ife Maize hyb-07.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

14

THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

Economic downturn: 60,000 construction workers sacked N O fewer than 60,000 construction workers have lost their jobs in the last four months, the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) has said.

The union’s President, Comrade Amechi Asugwuni, blamed the development on the country’s economic downturn.

He described the development as a minus to the country’s quest to create jobs, grow the economy and add value to people’s lives.

Asugwuni deplored the

Stories by Toba Agboola

infrastructural deficit in the country, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to address the problem and other social vices to reduce poverty, joblessness and insecurity.

“The economy is slowing, and promised infrastructural reforms are taking too long to implement, as over 60,000 of our workers have lost their jobs as a result of infrastructural deficit in the last four months,” he

said.

The union called on the Federal Government to unfold its blueprint on infrastructural reforms to accelerate economic growth.

Asugwuni said there was no way the government could create jobs without focussing on infrastructural development.

His words: “We have not seen the blueprint of the government on infrastructure, but we want to urge the

Federal and the state government to channel the same effort used in fighting corruption into infrastructural development.

“We believe that Buhari would reactivate all uncompleted projects.

The target of any government will not just be on construction of roads, it would be on the development of every other sector of the country. ”As a result of the lapses observed in contract awards and execution by

previous governments, we are calling on President Buhari to constitute a monitoring committee to check anti-labour practices by employers and poor execution of contracts.”

To tackle the nation’s economic problems, the union suggested jobs creation through infrastructural development; re-activation of on-going projects to stimulate employment and extensive rail/road networks construction, among others.

Asugwuni noted that the Ministry of Labour has not been effective, calling on President Buhari to monitor the ministry.

‘Inconsistent policy threatens 11m non-oil sector jobs’

I

NCONSISTENT policy is threatening the growth of non-oil exports, which employ over 11 million people, Executive Secretary of Organised Private Sector Exporters Association (OPEXA), Jaiyeola Olarewaju, has said.

He told The Nation that statistics showed that non-oil exports, which are agro-allied, have declined by about 20 per cent.

The growth in the sector between 2006 and 2013, he said, was being hampered by inconsistencies in the implementation of government policy, which are aggravating the already precarious job situation.

“Non-oil exports showed remarkable growth from $1 billion in 2006 to about $3 billion in 2013 in foreign exchange. The

T

HE Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, (NIPC) are to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that would facilitate the training and development of women and youth entrepreneurs.

ITF is also set to host the firstever National Skills Summit to revive the manpower sector and change the face of training, skills development, job creation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

ITF Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Juliet ChukkasOnaeko, made this known while receiving the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, (NIPC), Mrs. Uju Hassan-Baba, in her office in Abuja.

Mrs. Chukkas-Onaeko said the agency was mindful of President Muhammadu Buhari’s disposition towards youth empowerment and job creation to address unemployment, pointing out that ITF has realigned some of its activities to enable it drive change in that direction.

She said capacity building for women entrepreneurs is one of ITF’s areas of focus, noting that the fund would also continue to train women and youths in book keeping, business decision making and identification of markets for products.

Pledging to broaden the synergy for manpower development, particularly in the non-oil sectors, Mrs Chukkas-Onaeko and Hassan-Bada noted that the collaboration was critical to effective local skills acquisition and manpower development for driving diversification.

According to Mrs ChukkasOnaeko, ITF is shifting focus from dependence on oil.

She said with its abundant man-

bulk of non-oil exports which are agro-allied, employ over 11 million Nigerians, directly and indirectly thus boosting the agriculture income.

“However, this growth is being hampered by inconsistencies in implementing the government policy on non oil sector. For instance, the extant policy on the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) and the utilisation of the Negotiable Duty Credit Certificates (NDCC) has been put on hold.

“The recent statistics showed that the sector has declined by 10 per cent to 20 per cent, between 2014 and 2015, aggravating the already precarious forex situation. This is a threat to over 11 million direct and indirect jobs,” he said.

Olanrewaju pointed out that

the huge backlog of unutilised NDCC’s amounting to over N150 billion for over two years has paralysed the exporters’operations, adding that the liquidity crisis led to a fall in demand for agricultural commodities. Nigeria’s image as a reliable international trade partner, he said, has been affected.

He asked the government to direct the Nigeria Customs Service to accept utilisation of NDCC for duty payment as per extant policy. The meeting of the interministerial committee on EEG, Olanrewaju said, should be reconvened with the Organisation Private Sector (OPS), adding that the Federal Ministry of Finance should treat the backlog of NDCC in a time-bound manner.

“We (OPEXA) are convinced that the only way out for the country to disentangle itself from the shackles of mono-economy is to diversify its exports sector.

“We will like to collaborate with government , all its agencies and other private sector organisation to further boost the expansion of non oil exports,” he said.

Olanrewaju, former directorgeneral of Textile Manufactures Association of Nigeria (TMAN), said manufacturers would still be in business if the quality of import could be controlled. Local products, he added, are of higher standard than imported ones Importers, Olanrewaju said, were fond of bringing low quality materials at ridiculous prices, making it difficult for locally manufactured products to attract

ITF, NIPC to promote women, youth entrepreneurship growth

TUC lauds Ambode for creating Wealth Ministry

L

AGOS State chapter of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has hailed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for creating the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Empowerment.

Its Chairman, Comrade Akeem Kazeem, said the development would impact the citizens, urging the governor to appoint a personal assistant or consultant on labour matters in his cabinet.

He said: “Labour is also in support of the on-going restructuring in the state civil service.

Round pegs are being put in round holes. Merit and excellence is now recognised and put into consideration in appointments in the state.’’

Kazeem noted that the advertisement for teachers and surveyors jobs was a positive step to reduce unemployment, urging the Federal and the state governments to embrace the idea.

“We commend the good work

• Mrs. Chukkas-Onaeko (left) and Mrs. Hassan Baba during the visit.

power deposits, Nigeria could become one of the most industrialised nations in the world.

ITF, she said, has raised a business training team that can handle the training of women and youth entrepreneurs. ITF, she said, has over 1,000 trainers that provide services in basically all sectors of the economy.

Mrs Chukkas-Onaeko stressed

the need for local skill development in other sectors of the economy that are of comparative advantage to the country.

Empowering women, she said, was critical to ITF’s agenda as well, adding that both agencies have agreed to collaborate on capacity development for women entrepreneurs along the agricultural value chain.

patronage.

“The truth is that we cannot compete because we are at 40 per cent disadvantage in terms of production cost. The foreign manufacturers don’t pay levies, taxes and other tariff to government to bring these items into the country. They only bribe their way. This is despite the fact that cost of production is low in the originating country.

“All these are making imported textile to be cheaper in the market, and our products cannot compete with the cheap and low quality foreign products. So, they need to check the quality of imported products. If they fail to check smuggling of imported textile materials, this policy will eventually kill the local industry,” he said.

being done in the area of security and the marginal improvement in power supply, particularly in Lagos State. This trend should be sustained and improved upon,’’ he said.

Also, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has criticised the claim by Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) that government plans to sell off hospitals under the guise of public-private partnerships (PPP).

The association said the union was afraid of the work place discipline that private sector control would bring to hospitals.

Dr Joseph Ana, head of NMA’s clinical governance committee, accused JOHESU of backing its members to continue with their bad work ethics.

He said the private sector’s involvement in health would ensure corporate efficiency, discipline and resources which government alone cannot afford, if it is to deliver on its health promises.

Union demands probe of governors over judiciary’s autonomy

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HE Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to probe governors who are against financial autonomy for the judiciary.

Rising from its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, JUSUN said the governor’s action amounted to floating the

constitution and court order.

According to a communique signed by the President, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu and General Secretary, Isaiah Adetola, corruption can be reduced if judiciary is granted financial autonomy.

The union said it had raised a committee on the matter.

15

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL

LETTER

Licensed to kill?

• Why would NDLEA officials pursue a suspect to his death?

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O what do we put this heinous crime down to: callousness? Poor training? Overzealousness? Lack of regard for the sanctity of the human life?

Or sheer power drunkenness?

It is indeed a bit difficult to come to terms with the report of the gruesome death of a certain Dapo Olasore, a 32-year-old man said to be a graduate lawyer. He was reportedly caused to drown by officers of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

As the story went, officers of the NDLEA, apparently on a tip-off, had stormed the waterside area of Agboyi community in Alapere, Lagos, in search of drug traffickers last Sunday.

Upon getting to the scene, the law officers had attempted to apprehend Olasore who had already boarded a canoe. In the ensuing scuffle, he was said to have tipped into the Agboyi River. Obviously unable to swim, the boatman had attempted to rescue him but the NDLEA men were alleged to have prevented him by pointing a gun at the boatman.

They thus watched Dapo Sasore drown. His body was washed up to the shore the following day.

Surely, this is no way to enforce law or treat any suspect. Officials of the NDLEA could not have been trained to snuff out the life from any suspect even if he attempts to escape. One would expect that NDLEA personnel, like all other armed officers of the

law, are afforded specialized training on self-control, suspect management, sanctity of the human person, human rights and the rule of law.

It is unthinkable that these officials would have been burdened with such high responsibility of bearing arms and life ammunition without a thorough tutoring on the essence of control, comportment under pressure and the ultimate supremacy of the rule of law.

The incident leading to the drowning of Mr. Olasore if true as reported, is callous and reprehensible to say the least and criminal for sure.

There is nothing to indicate so far that the victim is the actual suspect being sought, in which case it would have been easy to have apprehended him and made to face the law. Uncannily, the authorities of the NDLEA had not made any public statement on this matter, even as the body was washed up and family members are seeking to retrieve the body for burial.

We urge the police to step in and apprehend the officers of the NDLEA who carried out the Agboyi operation last Sunday. They must be prosecuted — and publicly too — so as to serve as deterrence not just to them but to others who are armed by the state to maintain law and order.

This incident also calls to question, the quality of training the agency avails its recruits and officers. There might be a need for an overhaul of

the current training regime. We seem to have become too enarmoured with brute force and gun-wielding where intelligence and soft power would often suffice. What was the point of storming a riverside commando-style in unmarked vehicles and shooting sporadically? The only result, it seems now, was to blunder into a likely manslaughter.

The lesson must be learned and indeed reinforced at every opportunity that uniform and arms are never licenses to kill. The point must indeed be made all the time that to turn the gun at a fellow citizen under any guise, is a criminal offence which comes with dire consequences.

The agency must also see to it that it does everything necessary to assuage the pains of the family of the victim; that is the very least expected of them.

‘Uniform and arms are never licenses to kill. The point must indeed be made all the time that to turn the gun at a fellow citizen under any guise, is a criminal offence which comes with dire consequences’

Misplaced priorities • That is the sad tale of Nigerian states that maintain executive aircraft but can’t pay salaries

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T is no secret that the vast majority of Nigeria’s 36 states are today financially crippled; and are unable to discharge their obligations to the citizenry.

Nothing better demonstrates this predicament than the inability of most of them to pay salaries and allowances of their workers for several months now. So bad had things degenerated that the Federal Government has been forced to bail out the affected states through a lifeline loan of approximately N804.7 billion to enable them clear the backlog of unpaid salaries.

The plight of the states has been attributed largely to the drastic fall in accruals to the Federation Account following the crash in international oil prices, which has implied a huge reduction in the monthly allocations to the various levels of government.

Matters were worsened by the inept and opaque management of the Federation Account by the Goodluck Jonathan administration, particularly the large scale theft of the country’s crude oil; and the phenomenal corruption which saw the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) illegally withholding humongous amounts that should have been remitted to the government coffers for distribution as constitutionally stipulated.

However, a substantial number of the states have also been the architects of their current financial misfortune through sundry acts of corrupt enrichment, profligacy, complacency, poverty of imagination and sheer misplacement of priorities. This has been responsible for their continued dependency on Federal allocations rather than creatively enhancing their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base.

Reports that two Embracer ERJ 145 aircraft purchased by the Taraba State government at an estimated cost of $42 million (N8.3 billion) have been lying idle at the Abuja and Kaduna airports since they were bought about four years ago exemplifies the kind of reckless expenditure and poor prioritisation characteristic of the states.

The aircraft purportedly purchased for the proposed Air Taraba were reportedly abandoned due to the political crisis in the state following the air crash involving former Governor Danbaba Suntai. Apart from the loss of an estimated N3.3 billion in probable revenues due to the grounding of the planes, aviation experts reckon that it will cost no less than N2.1 billion to service and make the planes airworthy once again.

Now, the question is, does it make any sense for a poverty-challenged state like Taraba to invest in an airline business, rather than focusing on basic infrastructure and poverty alleviation programmes in health, education, rural roads, water supply, agriculture and other critical areas that affect the majority of the people?

This is particularly so as Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, reportedly has only an airstrip and not a full-fledged airport with the capacity to accommodate the planes purchased.

What really is the rate of air traffic between Taraba and the rest of Nigeria and other parts that would make an Air Taraba a viable proposition? Even if it had potentials of profitability, should the state government not have encouraged private sector investment in the business instead of getting directly involved, given the

country’s dismal experience with staterun businesses?

In the same vein, the reported discovery of an aircraft belonging to the Bauchi State government in Morocco has recently generated considerable controversy. Governor Mohammed Abubakar insinuates that the plane found its way to Morocco in suspicious and opaque circumstances. But his predecessor, Isa Yuguda, cries foul. His handover notes, he claims, clearly explained that the aircraft owned by the Bauchi State government, but currently on lease to Overland Airways, is in Morocco for routine checks and maintenance.

Still, should owning an aircraft for whatever reason be the priority of a state where the basic needs of life elude the vast majority of the people?

If this pattern of expenditure is not curbed, most states will remain perpetually unviable and fiscally vulnerable. If struggling states spend their little resources on useless projects, how can they ever get out of the poverty loop?

Such irresponsible behaviours should no longer be tolerated — and the time to stop is now.

‘If this pattern of expenditure is not curbed, most states will remain perpetually unviable and fiscally vulnerable. Such irresponsible behaviours should no longer be tolerated’

Re: PMB: the road not taken

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IR: Just read again the piece – PMB: the road not taken by Sanya Oni in The Nation of July 21. I dare say it’s a good piece. El rufai’s panacea on scrapping the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is at best an outburst not well thought out but reminiscent of our political class. I say this because I know and believe that every corporate entity can be reformed if one is truly sincere. Killing NNPC is throwing the baby away with the bath-water. A serious effort to reform NNPC to me is even easier than we are made to think. Several bodies exist in the international space to assist in the improvement of the workings of these organisations or we come up with our own solutions incorporating some best practices as done in other climes.

On the issue of subsidy, I dare say that for so long we have continued to miss the shot! Refined petroleum products should be available here and not imported. Why spend all that money when you can actually increase capacity to meet local consumption and even export? The cost of building a world class and modern refinery is less than US$2billion. Five of that would amount to just $10billion USD and with the existing ones we’ll have no need for petroleum products importation! And think of the thousands of jobs these will create. After design, these five can be operational in less than 24 months. We can actually do copy-and-paste in design cause these plants have been built elsewhere. A little modification in engineering and design won’t take more than six months.

The truth is: those in charge of policy making or leadership know next to nothing about these things and are more interested in amassing wealth at the detriment of the hoi polloi!

Even PMB does not understand the workings of NNPC any more. His directive for a review of crude swap arrangements is at best naive if he does not initiate a long term programme such as urgently building new refineries and rehabilitating the old ones. These things are easy! It ain’t rocket science. Some of us won’t break a sweat to do them but in Nigeria everything is politics and we continue to go round in circles substituting one problem with another. We should identify our problems and tackle them one by one.

Avaailability of refined products is one; build five refineries in 30 months and create over 50,000 jobs in the process.

It is possible even in less time.

• Engr. Ochoma Jonathan U Port Harcourt.

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

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

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The implementation of the Treasury Single Account (SA) by the current administration has generated a lot of worries and anxiety. The spectre of job losses and freeze of the credit markets are some of the worries anticipated by this implementation.

The fact that it is a constitutional requirement observed in the breach says a lot about us as a nation. We failed to do the right thing for 16 years.

We have been regaled with tales of diversion of funds meant for various purposes running into millions, billions and occasionally, trillions. Many have become desensitized to such figures and now see stealing in millions as no big deal.

The TSA tries to solve that by being a one stop point for payment of government revenue accruing to various agencies such as NNPC, Customs, NPA, FAAN etc. This would usher in a new dispensation of transparency as government agencies would not have the dis-

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Fears about Treasury Single Account cretion to spend based on the whims of the officials. It would reduce incidence of diversion, looting and other forms of corruption, with the added advantage of higher revenue generated. There is the added benefit of reduced interest rate payments as the Federal Government can use the surpluses of one agency to fund the deficit of another, without recourse to the credit markets.

The downside of the TSA is its effects on the financial sector. Former CBN Governor, now Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II once complained bitterly of a situation in

which banks receive government funds at zero percent and lend same to government at 14%, an obvious moral hazard which leads to higher liquidity, higher inflation and interest rate, with negative effects for the economy. The TSA solves the first part of that complaint The worry about liquidity freeze by banks is overblown and might be withdrawal symptoms of free money. Total bank assets are estimated at N14 trillion with government funds at 10-15 % of that and a credit reserve ratio of 31 percent.

The banks thus have N9.6 trillion to lend. If an estimated N2 trillion

is transferred to TSA , usable assets not total N7.6 trillion, the gap is an obvious cause of liquidity crunch and difficulties, yet if the CBN reduces the Reserve ratio to 10% from 31 percent, an extra N2 trillion is made available for lending, negating the effects of the TSA. Thus worries of job losses, profit evaporation are overblown and can be solved at the next Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

But if such anxiety emanates from the absence of free money, then we need to return our banks to real banking, not the feeding bottle rent system currently being operated.

Electricity supply in Ideato-North, Imo

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IR: Ideato-North Local Government Area of Imo State completely lost her ever failing sight some five years ago when cables that supplied her electricity from far away Orlu Local Government Area were destroyed in the bid to dualize the OrluAkokwa interstate highway. Ever since, she has been left to find her way in the dark with those dangerously fashioned, risk-laden sticks of generators.

For years, even before its power cables were completely disconnected, Ideato-North has been in total blackout. Little wonder an average resident of the area does not know, neither does s/he care, about the changes that has occurred in the ownership and management of the nation’s electricity supply – right from the days of the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) to the era of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and presently the privatized Generat-

ing and Distribution Companies (GENCOs and DISCOs). Even those who are aware of these developments would rather still refer to the nation’s power providers as NEPA obviously because no improvement is evident to justify the change of name and or ownership.

Needless lamenting the pain and setback this terrible situation has wrought on the sleepy local council area but I can only say that I have had to wear my clothes rumpled all these years. Despite the economic setback, developmental stiffness and social decay, this anomaly has not for once received the deserved attention let alone any committed effort of the Imo State government; the same government that caused the demolition. Neither the bulldozed roads nor the dismantled cables have had any notable improvement, inspiring speculations that the whole exercise was a calculated effort to throw the area into perpetual

blackout and terrible environmental hazards (especially erosion) for political reasons. This is even as Ideato-south Local Government Area whose power supply also flows from Orlu and also suffered the same devastation have since had theirs – power and roads alike, fixed.

Governor Rochas Okorocha had during the last campaigns that reinstated him to a second term, promised massive siting of factories of relative and comparative advantages in each of the communities of the state. This is commendable but not without one wondering how the scores of communities in Ideato-north would benefit from this venture without electricity.

I urge the Imo State government to, as a matter of urgency, restore electricity supply to Ideato North.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) also, should not just feign helplessness but bring

enough pressure to bear on the government and its erring contractor to immediately restore the demolished cables. It won’t also be out of place if the Imo State government and the EEDC reach an agreement that could see EEDC take over the electricity part of the project as it in the best position as the sole electricity distributor in the zone.

Power supply should be restored in Ideato-North L.G.A. of Imo State. That which is good for Owerri as the capital city of the state and Ideato-south L.G.A. as the home of the governor is also good for Ideato-North, if for nothing, for equity’s sake. As my people will say, let a mother treat her children equally because none of them was gotten by performing a C-section on wood.

• Uzoaganobi Ebuka Ideato-North, Imo State.

Such profiteering is dangerous to our growth. Nigerian banks claim to be the best on the continent, have received numerous awards and some rank among the Top 1000 banks globally. Yet our bankers are worried by the absence of free government funds, which makes them looks suspect and overhyped.

This brings us to the second part of Emir Sanusi’s complaint – lending at exorbitant rates. Nigerian banks average rates from CBN Data are 24% at best. With inflation at 9.3 percent, real interest rate average 15% for the private sector and six percent for the public sector, one of the highest in the world. This bonanza is the cause of the evils associated with “deposit mobilization”. The pro-slavery targets given to marketers are encouraged by a system of wealth without work nursed and mothered by successive CBN management through its treasury bills sales. That young people especially women are forced to do unsavory things is to satisfy the greed of a few can be traced to the policies emanating from CBN towers Abuja.

Thus, if a marketer can source 100 million naira from a director of NIMASA, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, NNPC manager, the bank buys Treasury bills at 15% rates. The bank earns 15 million naira without work! This encourages use of unethical means such as kickbacks, corporate prostitution which leads to corruption and weaken the moral fabric of society.

If the banks are complaining of liquidity crunch and a high probability of job losses, is there any need to continue selling treasury bills, which are said to be for excess liquidity management, unless of course the CBN is susceptible to the banks and benefits from the corruption and evils such policies create?

It’s time to for a different way of doing things and a new beginning.

It is time for change.

• Nwachukwu Ugo, Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 16

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COMMENTS

Mr. Adesina, Buhari is hardly all that...Not yet (2) • (The perils of being Special Adviser on Media Affairs) Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040 HE presidential media adviser had flawed gender because he had no real self or moral substance, in the last dispensation. Ultimately, he played errand boy and court sycophant to Mr. President. He could be likened to the celebrity hairdresser, boudoir confidant or presidential lounge lizard perpetually nodding in affirmative to the caprices of his principal, the president. He was constantly engaged at the feet and filth attic of the president. Flattery and malice leapt from his forked tongue as he attacked the president’s perceived detractors.

Last dispensation, the Special Adviser to the President on Media Affairs was pliable and servile, a deformation of Castiglione’s courtier.

He projected with slavish plasticity, the president’s whim and wile. His identity was self-evacuated as he persistently opened himself like a glove to the presidential palm. Like Castiglione’s male harlots, his shameless self abasement was unmanly and amoral; he elevated bum over forelock in a flagrant rite of political sodomy. This should not be Femi Adesina.

The former editor and director of The Sun newspapers until his appointment, flaunted no trait of the fawning page nor was he ever the smooth flatterer and intellectual thug, twisting and turning with changing circumstance. Femi Adesina was never insanely reactive.

He was never a parody of masculinity whose words and deeds boomed as cloying mime of a politician’s desire. My former editor was never a perversion of male bonding neither was he a spectacle of submission and ideological sodomy. He was Femi Adesina, widely respectable, poster

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icon of quintessential journalism.

Then he became Special Adviser on Media Affairs to President Muhammadu Buhari and every virtue he was known by, is constantly put to the test, by the second. The jury may be out on his capacity to stem the tide of journalism’s most abhorrent malady, the intoxication of power and money, but I am keeping faith in Mr. Adesina’s incontestable virtues.

His new office shouldn’t corrupt him or cause him to mutate into a clueless sounding board for Mr. President or a massager of his ego.

That is why his recent article: “A new sheriff is in town,” gives serious cause for concern. While most journalists would sheepishly egg him on and cantankerously aver that he was simply doing his job, Mr. Adesina should be wary of such freeloaders who would always urge him to toady up to Mr. President, “As long as it is lucrative.” They only care what free money they may make from him as kickbacks for “making his work easier for him.”

Mr. Adesina’s piece was verbose with flattery ; his use of exclamation marks and aggressive bid to portray President Buhari as a hero was uncalled for. Nigeria sailed past that bight few months ago. We are done propping Buhari up as our hero, it’s time for him to truly match his heroic promises with actions that will resonate positively in the life of the average Nigerian.

Heroes grow into outsized monsters, in a republic of villains and court sycophants. This minute, President Buhari is our hero, tomorrow, he may become the brute in our recurring nightmares, if we do not take care. Perhaps the statesman from Daura possesses the essential ethics

OAD construction has always been a conventional indicator of development in a country; it is a popular topic especially in developing countries including Nigeria. Road construction is so important that it is usually considered a yardstick for judging the performance of a particular administration. Over the years, dialectic assessments of this robust sector have swayed more towards the direction of exposing the nation’s specious statistics of quality road construction. While some few administrations have been lauded for their performances, most have been condemned for diverse flaws in this area.

Various reasons for condemning these systems have been put up; some administrations have been slandered for constructing weak roads that barely last before taking to skeleton shapes.

The cost of executing some road projects has also been followed by scepticism. For instance, a one kilometre Nigerian road is claimed to cost one billion naira – a figure more than four times the World Bank’s valuation for constructing an equal road length. Irrespective of how this is viewed, the history of road construction in Nigeria is not impressive. It is expedient that subsequent governments adopt measures to tackle the clamant situation of the country’s resources and operation. Chief Executive Officer and President of Dangote group of companies, Aliko Dangote only recently suggested that the Nigerian government considers the adoption of concrete roads. This unpopular concept in Nigeria can prove to be one of the productive changes we should embrace from the neoteric society.

The asphalt road has dominated the Nigerian road network for decades and the nation’s cluster of matters arising has not allowed the administrators an opportunity to share the view of the evolving road systems across the world. The slash in the 2015 expenditure for the Ministry of Works by the legislative arm is also expected to reoccur in the 2016 budget. Hence, the department has to prudently manage the execution of projects.

In comparing the concrete roads with asphalt roads, the financial implication is most important. Research shows that the upfront cost of constructing an asphalt road is about 10% less than constructing a congruent concrete road. Concrete pavements have, however, been tested and confirmed to last longer than asphalt roads. The average concrete road has a design life of 40 years. When annual maintenance is factored, asphalt pavement can amount to about four to seven times as much money to

and character to resist the lure of ‘enlightened self interests,’ ‘economic and political expediencies’ characteristic of the Nigerian ruling class.

Perhaps not, but in the next few months, Nigeria would know if she was fortunate to return Muhammadu Buhari as Presidentelect at the last presidential elections.

There is no gainsaying Nigeria is afflicted by political profiteers comprising the ruling class and various segments of the poor, struggling masses. In the ensuing degeneracy of politics and cultural ethos, the hero we know today may morph into a dreadful monster. Given that power is the brandy of the turncoat, there is need to scrutinize President Buhari uncompromisingly.

Mr. Adesina needs to know that President Buhari’s touted anti-corruption fight is simply noise-making at the moment. When the ‘corrupt’ get prosecuted and sent to jail for their misdemeanor, Nigerians will believe him. And despite his touted reduction of his salary and that of his deputy, President Buhari is not working pro bono. He is being paid for the work he does. And it’s an open secret that his cozy allowances among other frills of being President and living in Aso Rock are the stuff the finest fantasies are made of hence no matter how vociferously he announces the cut in his salaries, his apologists and most virulent critics will continue to see him as the luckiest, richest and most powerful Nigerian alive.

Buhari has been cuddled enough, by the media and his most ardent supporters. Nigeria needs him to work now. And no matter the floweriness and duplicity of spin accorded his first 100 days in office, very little has changed since Buhari became President. Of course, Nigerians discuss with mixed feelings his

performance so far; his critics persistently call him “Baba go slow,” a pun on his perceived snail pace even as his diehard apologists cite steadier electricity supply, more decisive military onslaughts against Boko Haram terrorist sect, sack of corrupt public officers and renewed anti-corruption fight as worthy achievements of his administration.

Truth is, Buhari is yet to do anything extraordinary; if electricity supply has become steadier, it was never meant to be unsteady in the first place. Part of his duty as President is to facilitate and guarantee stable electricity supply. If fuel is being sold at N87 per litre, Nigeria pays Buhari to ensure that the pump price of fuel is affordable to most Nigerians.

It need be acknowledged however, that his globally acclaimed honesty and integrity as a man, ex-soldier and politician exerts reasonable influence and pressure on erstwhile corrupt individuals and institutions to do a cartwheel in pursuit of the good of all. That is appreciable and commendable of the retired general.

But there is a limit to what his integrity and personal ethics prior to his emergence in office can do for him.

Integrity is not enough to resolve the nation’s economic woes. It is not enough to transform Nigerians into law-abiding citizens overnight. At the moment, Buhari is still the president of the rich. And that is because he is yet to evolve policies that will liberate the economy and citizenry

from the stranglehold of certain influential and powerful characters.

And maybe he is busy with the blueprints of the ‘change’ he promised; the ‘change’ we can believe in. Who knows?

The banking sector, oil sector, political sector, cement and grain industries are still under the vicious yoke of characters whose selfish interests continually clash with the best interests of the impoverished masses and struggling middle class who braved bullets and cudgels of the same elements, to vote for Buhari.

I am sure President Buhari is aware that hardly any bank director, oil and cement entrepreneur, politician, royalty, militant and junkyard-dog-journalist is in love with him. Many worked and prayed assiduously for his failure at the polls and no sooner did he win than they began to pray and work against the success of his administration. At his emergence, they understood like Adeshina intoned, that ‘a new sheriff is in town’ and their shady deal regime under former President Goodluck Jonathan was over.

If it was and still is Buhari’s wish to transform Nigeria into an Eden of sort, it would be heavenly of him to succeed. But let him know that, in heaven, saints don’t become ‘God’ and an angel is nobody in particular. It is the job Femi Adesina to play the devil’s advocate and make him understand this fact.

‘Mr. Adesina needs to know that President Buhari’s touted anti-corruption fight is simply noise-making at the moment. When the ‘corrupt’ get prosecuted and sent to jail for their misdemeanor, Nigerians will believe him’

The case for concrete roads

By Ibironke Oluwatobi maintain, thereby underestimating the long-term cost advantage of constructing concrete roads.

The executive secretary, Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, James Salako once made this claim.

According to him, ‘In most situations when you compare asphalt road to concrete road, what you always get is that in some countries asphalt road is cheaper but in the long run for all countries asphalt road is more costly. In Nigeria, asphalt road is more costly both in the short and the long run as asphalt road requires more regular maintenance and also takes longer time to construct’.

Salako supposes that with silicon and some other technological innovations in the construction of concrete road helps achieve more kilometres per day in construction.

Therefore, the longer the road, the more costly asphalt roads will cost. The secretary also argued that construction and maintenance of asphalt roads would be more costly because of the importation of this material into the country unlike cement which is available in different parts of the country.

The query, therefore is, why has concrete roads not been considered given that the materials are easily obtainable?

In addition to this, concrete roads are more durable than asphalt roads; concrete roads are more resistant to the extreme weather conditions like heavy rainfall or extreme heat that ultimately damages asphalt roads. This means that streets paved with concrete are less likely to have potholes, thus keeping commuters safe. For the record, concrete is 100% recyclable, and the most recycled construction material in the world at that. So rather than dumping it in landfills, it can be converted and used in new pavements, or for other construction purposes.

According to a Federal Highway Administration technical advisory, it takes over five times as much diesel fuel to make asphalt than it does to make concrete for a road designed for the same amount of traffic.

The Federal Highway Administration in the United States of America also reported that roughly 1.2 billion gallons of diesel could be saved every year if paving was done with concrete instead of asphalt. So how much fuel

is 1.2 billion gallons, exactly? Enough to fill up the tank of a Ford F-350 pick-up truck every day of the year, for 86 years straight.

The fact is a vehicle consumes 15-20% less fuel, when run over a concrete road than on asphalt roads. This is because concrete roads do not get deflected under the wheels of loaded trucks. The implication of this is that Nigerians would consume less fuel by the adoption of concrete roads, and thereby save the country money from reduced importation of refined fuel. This factor would also ease the inconvenience caused by the unstable oil market in Nigeria.

Concrete roads are very environmentally friendly; using this road type means reduced pollution, unlike asphalt which produces lots of highly polluting gases at the time of melting for pavement construction. In comparing the appearance of both types of road, concrete roads are naturally more reflective; this could mean less funds are needed to provide lighting for the roads.

Some doubts have been raised about the suitability of the concrete road. It is believed that it is easier for a vehicle to skid off a concrete road than an asphalt road especially when wet. This can be answered by applying a proper finish to the construction of the concrete road. For instance, a coarse finish can be used for concrete roads to reduce the tendency of the skidding off the road. From the numerous advantages of the concrete road, it is not to say that the government completely abandon asphalt road as an option in future road projects; it is however, recommended that concrete roads be considered as alternative to asphalt roads only when they are more suitable for the intended purpose.

• ibironkeoluwatobi@gmail.com

‘Streets paved with concrete are less likely to have potholes, thus keeping commuters safe. For the record, concrete is 100% recyclable, and the most recycled construction material in the world at that’

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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COMMENTS

Adefuye: Adieu - My teacher, my friend

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EACHERS play a crucial role in society. The noble occupation is undertaken by volunteer spirits for whom personal gain is not the cardinal consideration for enlisting in the corps of those on whose shoulders the task of building future generations rests. Teachers mould destinies. They identify and nurture leaders. They build nations. I was privileged to have had Prof. Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye (January 1947 – August 2015) as my teacher and I like many others acknowledge the positive turn of my life and career to God through (to a large extent) the efforts of great teachers like Prof.

Adefuye, who was my lecturer in the Department of History, University of Lagos when I was an undergraduate in the early 1980s. Professor Adefuye was a towering presence in the faculty from the time of his arrival as a fresh PhD in 1974 to his exit in 1986 when he became Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Jamaica. Alongside many of my teachers – Professors Antony Asiwaju, TGO Gbadamosi, Jide Osuntokun, BA Agiri, Nina Mba, Jeremy White and many others, Professor Adefuye prepared us well for our future.

Though he arguably became much more celebrated and famous when he transitioned to becoming a diplomat due to the opportunity the diplomatic service offers practitioners of his pedigree to be celebrated and to engage global leaders and royalty in the hallowed courts of the worlds’ capital cities, I pride myself in being one of those to have encountered him early in the modest classrooms of UNILAG’s Faculty of Arts. His Diplomatic History class remains indelible. Without a single sheet of paper, he would deliver two hours of lecture extempore on topics as wide-ranging as the Age of Enlighten-

‘He will be remembered for fearlessly articulating the positions of the administration he served most loyally in the finest diplomatic traditions of tact, clarity and firmness’

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By Kayode Fayemi ment in Europe to the role of Nigeria and the United States in the Anti-Apartheid struggle in Southern Africa.

Since I graduated from the university and the trajectory of our lives took us in different directions, time and space did not permit us to see each other and be in touch frequently; fate would however have us meet at crucial epochs – key milestones in his life and in mine so far, when our relationship was refreshed and when we had time to catch up and celebrate the values we both held dear. I fondly remember one of such occasions – in fact the first time after the UNILAG years, when we had cause to meet on opposing ends of the barricades. It was in the year 1992 during the military regime of General Babangida when those of us in the pro-democracy movement in the United Kingdom decided to add more verve to our agitations by adopting the picketing of the Nigerian High Commission in London as one of our strategies.

The pickets gained traction over time and became a source of embarrassment to senior diplomats at the Nigerian High Commission – Prof. Adefuye was at the time the Deputy High Commissioner of Nigeria to the Court of St. James, after his stint in Jamaica as High Commissioner. On one of such pickets, Prof. Adefuye ventured out of his office and on seeing me at the forefront of the protests pointed at me saying, “I know you, I know that one, he was my student”. I wasn’t surprised he could recognize me as I was one of his favourite students. I however shrugged off the confrontation ensuring the irreverent name calling and singing that characterized those civic actions of that era increased in tempo to drown out his voice. That was a defining moment in our relationship and sign-posted some of the ideological differences we had in the means and tactics who chose to achieve our common ends. I was to later send him a letter confirming I was the one he had confronted. I stated in that letter that “…even if we don’t agree on tactics, we all hold one thing to be the truth”, as I made my argument to him that the continued stay of men of his reputation

MONTH before Professor Ade Adefuye’s shocking transition on August 27, his name had cropped up in a conversation I had with two colleagues— Ademola Oyinlola and Ayo Akinkuotu—both of Tell Communications at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Victoria Island.

We were bemoaning what we saw as the less-thanedifying situation of our public educational institutions.

We had complained about inadequate funding for scholarship in Nigeria, the corruption in the system, which keeps many of our scholars who went into diplomatic service or served in international organisations from returning to the world of research, teaching and publishing. We had expressed the hope that Professor Adefuye would at least create some platform through which he would periodically share with the academia what he has learnt in diplomatic service.

Now that he has gone the way of all flesh, we must hope that the family, in the fullness of time, would work with his associates to share with the public the benefits of his yet to be published writings.

As attested to by many who came in contact with him, I confirm that Prof. Adefuye was a great mind, who sought to bring out goodness in others. He was my teacher in 1976/77 at the University of Lagos, who made teaching fun, teachers respected, and the student’s delight who challenged many to rise above the average.

He was a teacher who came into the lecture room with two pieces of chalk and no notes. Amid banter, he would keep our two-hour East African History class engaged with penetrating wit and compelling arguments, reeling out authoritative references and sources. He did not give or sell handouts to students, but the attentive student was sure to write a minimum of four pages of notes at every lecture.

He was even more fascinating in tutorial classes where students are broken into smaller groups for more interactive sessions with their course mates and teachers.

Initially, I did not take tutorial classes serious. There were a handful of mature students, probably older than the lecturer, who often dominated discussions at such tutorials. Before the lecturer said “a”, they had said “b”.

and goodwill in the regime of General Babangida was offering the regime the legitimacy it did not deserve.

Long after that rather unsavoury episode when I was caught up in the cross hairs of my former teacher, we had the opportunity to smoothen out the relationship as our paths crossed more often at international gatherings when he served as Special Adviser on Africa to the Commonwealth Secretary General and later Deputy Director, Political Affairs at the headquarters in London and then during his brief stint at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja.

We stayed in touch through the years with him taking every opportunity to inform his associates with genuine fondness and pride that I was his student. At his last station as Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, during which I became Governor of Ekiti State, he ensured he carried me along in almost everything he did, particularly his efforts to attract foreign investments to Nigeria. He pragmatically collaborated with stakeholders in the business community and other interest groups to organize a number of conferences to this end, some of which the Government of Ekiti State participated in. It is to his credit that one of the most successful initiatives we recorded in the agriculture sector in Ekiti State was brokered at the summit organized by the Nigerian Embassy in the US in 2011.

It is to his credit that the relationship between Nigeria and the United States of America did not break down totally during one of the most tumultuous periods of diplomatic engagement which saw tensions between both nations simmering under the surface largely due to differing positions on the approach to tackling the insecurity challenges in Nigeria. He will be remembered for fearlessly articulating the positions of the administration he served most loyally in the finest diplomatic traditions of tact, clarity and firmness. His intellectual jousting with former US Ambassador to Nigeria and Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, John Campbell was remarkable in this respect.

He never skipped a beat even after the change of government in Nigeria in May 2015. Prior to the inauguration of the new President, he was already reaching out to

the State Department and the White House and to those he knew on the Presidentelect’s team on a range of issues including the possibility of a visit to President Obama by the incoming President. The credit for President Buhari’s visit to the US in July was largely due to his efforts. He was unrelenting in strengthening those links and his sterling relationships with institutions like the Constituency for Africa, US Chamber of Commerce, and the various think-tanks in Washington DC contributed significantly to his success in office. He was arguably Nigeria’s most effective Ambassador to the United States in the last two decades.

During his last visit to Nigeria in early August in preparation for his return home and as part of his post-Presidential visit review and follow-up, he dropped in to see me and we got talking about next steps. He loved his job dearly and wouldn’t have disapproved of an extension to his stay in the United States but he understood the basis of the President’s action. We discussed the possibility of his memoirs and I suggested he should target his 70th birthday in January 2017 as the time to unveil the memoirs.

He had been involved in so many events in the last three decades in active international diplomacy and his memoirs would have enriched so many in international diplomacy. He said he was thinking of spending some time at NIPSS in Kuru, Jos and was equally eager to complete his house in Abuja. Even then, I could sense a hint of uncertainty and apprehension about his impending return home. Alas, all of these were not to be when I received the shocking midnight call that my ‘Oga’ had gone to the great beyond.

I will forever hold fond memories of his brilliance, his warmth and his generosity of spirit. His wife, Aunty Sola, was always a gracious host during my many visits to their residence in America. I am indeed privileged to have been touched by the intellect, wisdom, humility, graciousness and faith of such a great Nigerian. I join all men and women of goodwill to salute one of my most cherished teachers and mentors - a man of deep humility, great conviction and profound sense of patriotic purpose. And I pray that God gives his wife, children and the rest of his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

May the memory of Professor Adebowale Ibidapo ADEFUYE be always blessed.

•Dr. Fayemi is the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State.

...Devoted teacher, student’s delight

By Lanre Idowu They made some of us feel inadequate and for some strange reason three of these old men were in my tutorial group in two other classes. For me and two other friends, they were a vexation to the spirit and we felt it was better to avoid them. So, ignorantly, we stayed off tutorial classes, promising ourselves we would meet in the examination hall.

My ignorance about the premium attached to tutorial attendance was erased when Dr. Adefuye (as he was then) announced in class that all those whose names appeared on an offender’s list should see him in his office after lectures. Along with my buddies, Tunde Babarinsa and Kunle Bolujoko, we called at his office where he asked us why we were not attending tutorials. Looking dead serious, he told us he would not allow us to write the final exam if we did not score the required attendance at tutorial classes. Since I was the frailest among the lot, he said to me: “Smallie, so what do you do when you are not in class”? I blamed the vexatious older students for my absence. Unimpressed, he admonished me like an older brother would that I wasn’t in school because of them.

From then, the three of us turned a new leaf. But Adefuye was not done with us. If he asked the tutorial class six questions, three would be directed at us. He structured discussions in his class in a way that made sure everyone that had something to say had a day in the sun. The intimidating old men were contained and we all had enriched understanding of the course.

The teacher-student relationship soon developed into brotherly love. He watched out for our progress over the years and we kept in touch with him, exchanging correspondence. On two occasions, I requested him to contribute articles for publication in Thisweek, which he gladly did. He, in turn, offered regular critiques of Thisweek under my editorship.

A news buff, who appreciated the power of information, he did not rely only on the dispatches from the foreign ministry to keep abreast of developments at home when he was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Jamaica in 1987. He arranged with me to buy and mail to him in Jamaica every week, Nigerian newspapers. This was before the advent of the Internet and New Media, when postal correspondence was the conventional mode of communication. The arrangement went on for a year before he found a more reliable method.

I suspect that this drive to extend the frontiers, this thirst to engage, and this willingness to bring out the best in others explain his success and appeal in life. Whilst we mourn and celebrate Professor Adefuye, our lasting tribute to his memory should be commitment to his first love, quality education.

As he said in the 2011 S. O. Awokoya Foundation Lecture, entitled “The Imperative of Quality Education for Nigeria’s Transformation”, Nigeria must continue to compete with the best worldwide. “With quality education and a responsive, responsible and committed government, we can recreate and improve on our glorious past and fulfil our manifest destiny of being the leader of Africa and the black world. Yes, we can do it and by the grace of God, we shall”.

May the heavens accept his patriotic soul!

• Idowu is CEO, Diamond Publications.

‘I suspect that this drive to extend the frontiers, this thirst to engage, and this willingness to bring out the best in others explain his success and appeal in life’

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NATIONSPORT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2105

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Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES

Special reading lessons for Anambra teachers

Imo showcases potential in Turkey

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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100 days: Mixed results for Abia governor •PAGE 36

•PAGE 23

•FERMA workers on duty at Oba-Okigwe Road

Relief in Anambra as federal roads come alive From the depths of despair, residents are starting to savour T the joys of smooth roads. NWANOSIKE ONU reports that

HE casualty statistics is grim. In the last 10 years no fewer than 136 people have died on the roads, said a driver.

Others recalled that an uncountable number of vehicles have been damaged on the poor roads. Then consider the sheer agony of farmers and traders moving from one location to another.

Federal roads in Anambra State have been in such disrepair that those who travel on them simply gave up hope.

Now, that hope has returned, thanks to the Federal Road maintenance Agency (FERMA). The agency’s intervention in the state is said to be massive, giving the people hope to live again.

Before now, road accidents on the deplorable federal roads in the state had reached an alarming state, with all the federal roads includ-

the people have the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to thank for it

ing the Onitsha-Enugu expressway impassable.

One of the drivers in the state, 46 year old Chukwubuike Okoye told The Nation that in the past 10 years, no fewer than 136 lives had been lost on those roads through accidents.

Some of these federal roads in Anambra state which had suffered neglect included Awka-Ekwlubia road, Oba-Nnewi road, NnewiArondizuogu-Okigwe Road and the Onitsha-Enugu expressway among others.

For the past 30 years, the ObaNnewi-Okigwe road had been ne-

glected by the successive federal governments, while the OnitshaEnugu expressway had become a past tense to the residents.

But last week, FERMA began rehabilitation of some of those roads to alleviate the sufferings of the road users for the ember months as Christmas is fast approaching.

Already, the agency had moved its equipment to Ekwulobia, Nnewi and Onitsha to fix the roads, especially, those critical ones.

The director of Public Works of

FERMA, Abuja headquarters who visited Anambra to kick-start the programme, Mr. Godson Chimezie Amos, an engineer, said all the sections that had dangerous potholes must be recovered.

He said he was in the state to ensure that deplorable roads were given adequate attention and rehabilitation to meet specified standard.

Amos lamented the high rate of accidents recorded during ember months nationwide, adding that the federal government under the president Muhammadu Buhari administration was out to get it right this time

around, the reason according to him for the massive intervention by (FERMA).

He went round the roads with the South East zonal coordinator, Mr. Rufus Onimisi and the road maintenance engineer in Awka, George Francis Usoroh to assess the damage caused by erosion in some of the roads.

Another residents, Mrs. Onome Nwajiaku, told The Nation that what FERMA was doing was a way of wiping away the tears of the road users in the state.

She commended the agency for what she called its new idea adding that the Buhari administration had begun on a good footing which the previous governments failed to do in their era.

The FERMA team advised motorists to be cautious while driving on Onitsha-Owerri Expressway because of the gully erosion on it.

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•Members of the group and the state government officials

Special reading lessons for Anambra teachers ‘The session was for junior secondary T schools in the state by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Reading AssoEACHERS in three local government areas in Anambra State have been lectured in what was called special reading lessons.

The local government areas are Anambra East, Awka South and Orumba South.

The lessons were conducted at the Girls Secondary School, Amenyi, in Awka South Local Government Area.

The programme was organised by the reading Association of Nigeria (RAN) at the roll out ceremony and workshop for Master Trainers of the Literacy Enhancement and Achievement Project (LEAP).

It was for junior secondary schools in the state by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Reading Association of Nigeria, led by Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu.

Teachers were taken down memory lane by Prof Onukaogu by answering on the spot questions as it is done in the classrooms.

The president of the Reading Association of Nigeria, Dr Gabriel Egbe and the American Consultants that came to Anambra because of the pogramme Mr. and Mrs. Ronald and Alis Headlam were all thrilled.

ciation of Nigeria, led by Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu. Teachers were taken down memory lane by Prof Onukaogu by answering on the spot questions as it is done in the classrooms’ From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

The chairman Board of Trustees of the non-governmental organisation, Prof Onukaogu, former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra state, said every September 8, the world celebrates the literacy day.

Letters and poems were read by Onukaogu and Anambra state commissioner for Education, Prof Kate Azuka Omenugha who represented Governor Willie Obiano, to the teachers and other guests.

In all, 60 participants from the three local government areas and other al-

Ebonyi bans lodging public funds in private accounts

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he Ebonyi State government has outlawed the transfer of public funds into private accounts, threatening that anyone caught flouting the directive will be summarily dismissed and prosecuted.

The State Auditor-General for Local Government Areas, Mr. Ndukwe Ukpai, a lawyer, stated this in Abakaliki, the state capital, at a meeting with the acting Head of Personnel Management (HPMs), Treasurers, Internal Auditors, Administrative Officers and Head of Works Department in the various local government areas in the state.

Ukpai who described transfer of public funds into private accounts as criminal, said there must be a paradigm shift in the local government system.

He said the present government cannot tolerate corruption, ghost workers, payroll padding and absconding of staff, which he said was rife in the past administration.

He added, “Internal auditors of local government areas and development centres are to prepare their monthly audit programmes and submit a copy to the Auditor-General.

“All internally generated revenue collections, where not on contract, must be paid into the relevant bank account on the same day of collection and the relevant treasury receipt obtained from the accounts clerk the following day. Revenue collector’s cashbook shall be audited on weekly basis by the Internal Auditor.”

‘Internal auditors of local government areas and development centres are to prepare their monthly audit programmes and submit a copy to the Auditor-General. All internally generated revenue collections, where not on contract, must be paid into the relevant bank account on the same day of collection and the relevant treasury receipt obtained from the accounts clerk the following day. Revenue collector’s cashbook shall be audited on weekly basis by the Internal Auditor’ From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

He called on them to be acquainted with the provisions of the Financial Memoranda and relevant Laws regulating financial operations in local government system including Law No. 004 of 2015 especially section 5(d) and (e).

lied participants from the state government took part in the reading exercise.

One of the participants from Nneoma Community Secondary School Nibo in Awka south council area, Adibe Adaora, described the exercise as a laudable project.

The lady told The Nation that if what the state government and the organisers said were carried along, that it will bring a lot of changes and transformation on the children.

For one of the allied participants Dr Mrs. Ngozi Okereke, the programme was fantastic and will have a good impact on the children.

While speaking with The Nation, the

president of reading Association of Nigeria (RAN), Dr Gabriel Egbe, said Anambra state had been the leading literacy professional organization in Nigeria for the past 33 years.

Furthermore he said the state had given the association the mandate to transform the literacy landscape of the state.

Egbe said, “This hiatus is necessary because without it, you cannot shift from your comfort zone. If you shift from your traditional practices, then there will be a change; there will be a transformation; and then you will make a difference and your students will learn the way they have never learnt before” “This Project will challenge what you have always done and expose you to evidence-based best practices.

You will learn the value of inclusiveness and diversity in unity in teaching, the importance of deep thinking, and the need to allow students take ownership of their learning” “In the cause of this Project, you will come to appreciate the relevance of working with the five principles of effective teaching which are: students’ learning builds on the previous knowledge, learning best takes place

in a social setting, knowledge taught in a variety of contexts is more likely to support learning across students with diverse learning needs, connected, organised and relevant information supports both knowledge and development of higher order thinking skills; and feedback and active evaluation further students’ understanding and skill development” Obiano’s representative, Prof Kate Omenugha, told the Nation that the state government wanted a strategic object in making the state the lowest illiteracy state in Nigeria, adding that the government had found one in (RAN).

“Obiano is passionate about education in Anambra state and its teachers and that is why he has made policies that are favourable to the teachers” She lamented how the government visited a remote community called Ndi-Ukwuenu recently and found out that the children were not going to school because of lack of none, while according to her, arrangements were in top gear by the •Continued on page 35

Some sacked Abia workers refute recall S OME civil servants in Abia State whose appointment were terminated in October, 2011 have debunked the claim by the Okezie Ikpeazu administration that they have been recalled.

They warned that the state government and politicians in the state should stop politicising their situation.

About 4, 000 disengaged workers who operated under the aegis of Abia Disengaged Non-Indigene Workers (ADNIW) were disengaged from service on October 1, 2011, though some of them were later recalled.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Mr. Godwin Adindu, in a statement credited to him, stated that about 102 of the workers, who were teachers, had been reinstated by the Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB), Umuahia, adding that 63 others had also been cleared for reinstatement.

But in a release signed by Ihejirika I. and Unogu U. leader and secretary, respectively, ADNIW said that the claim by the CPS was not true.

ADNIW stated that it was disheartening for the present state government to start playing dangerous politics with the issue.

According to them, they have made several representations to the state government on the need to rescind the decision without success which prompted them to

‘Should government be given the benefit of the doubt and her claim taken on [face] value? If 102 of the disengaged workers had been recalled, which is invidious, what happens to the rest number? The over 4, 000 workers were sacked the same day; why is government claiming it recalled that infinitesimal number, if they are serious? Nothing will rest the issue except total recall’ From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

write a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari in May stating their plight.

They said as soon as they heard about the recent reinstatement claim by government of 102 disengaged teachers by the Secondary Education Management, their members went to ascertain its veracity only to be told by officials that the “reinstatement was on radio, that no memo had been sent to them in that regard”.

“We members of ADNIW unequivocally state that the recent claim by the state government that disengaged non-indigene workers in Abia State public and civil service had been recalled is false.

“Should government be given the benefit of the doubt and her claim taken on [face] value? If 102 of the disengaged workers had been recalled, which is invidious, what happens to the rest number? The over 4, 000 workers were sacked the same day; why is government claiming it recalled that infinitesimal number, if they are serious?

Nothing will rest the issue except total recall,” the release read in part.

The group lamenting that their condition have been politicised warned that Abia State Government should stop playing politics with the fate of the over 4, 000 disengaged workers who it said had suffered undue hardship and even deaths.

,

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•Governor Rochas Okorocha (Imo) and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) with the Turkish investors

Shortly after an economic summit in Owerri, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha led an entourage of farmers and industrialists to Turkey. The aim was not just to display the state’s business opportunities but also seal a partnership to launch its industrial plan. OKODILI NDIDI reports

T

HEY jetted off to Istanbul, Turkey shortly after a successful economic summit in Owerri, the Imo State capital. The trip was to implement the resolutions reached at the summit. No fewer than 120 people were on the trip to participate in a trade exhibition. Among them were farmers, industrialists and other stripes of small- and mediumscale entrepreneurs. The state governor, Rochas Okorocha led the delegation.

Just like the State Economic Summit, the reason and focus of the mission was clear: to create a platform for interface between the Imo State business community and that of Turkey, to seek areas of mutual collaboration and partnership in industrialising the state.

Before the Turkey trip, the state government had designed and concluded plans to build the largest single industrial park in Africa, so part of the reasons for the overseas trip was to solicit the cooperation and expertise of Turkish investors in realizing the highly capital intensive project.

Also, it was intended that at the end of the Trade Exhibition in the Asian continent, the businessmen from Imo State, would have learnt how the economy of Turkey was spurned from recess to becoming one of the most viable in Asia, so as to learn and implement the secret to develop their state.

Also at the Trade Exhibition, were businessmen from Abia state led by their Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and others from Akwa Ibom State, who were also searching for partnerships to better the economies of their states.

Welcoming the delegations, the President of KONSAID, a Turkish business conglomerate spanning all sectors of the economy, Mr. Mr. Abdullah Basci said that the industrial revolution in Turkey started 20 years ago by a group of young and determined businessmen and industrialists, which eventually evolved into the successful business conglomerate that is celebrated in the entire Asia continent.

Imo showcases potential in Turkey

He assured that the Turkish business community will partner with the states in various areas of interest, like industrial, Agricultural and Tourism sector.

He said, the trade exhibition is organised annually to bring investors from around the world together to discuss areas of possible collaboration.

Governor Okorocha, while addressing the Turkish investors at a dinner, called on interested Turkish investors to take advantage of the abundant mineral resources in Imo and the proposed Industrial Park to invest in the state.

He stated his administration will continue to build a robust business relationship with the Turkish business community in order to learn from the economic achievements of the country.

According to him, the business trip was part of his administration’s plan to industrialise the state in the next

‘Governor Okorocha called on Turkish investors to take advantage of the abundant mineral resources in Imo and the proposed Industrial Park to invest in the state, adding that his administration will continue to build a robust business relationship with the Turkish business community in order to learn from the economic achievements of the country’ four years, adding that, “in Imo state today we are building an enabling environment to attract and encourage direct foreign investments. We have a harmonised tax system and reduced the cost of doing business in the state, aside from other incentives which cannot be resisted, including the huge mineral and human re-

sources”.

He continued that, “my administration has adopted the industry!

Industry!!Industry!!! Job! Job!!Job!!!

Slogan to show our direction and commitment to the rapid industrialization of the state and this visit is in pursuit of that policy. We have brought our business community

here to share ideas with their Turkish counterpart and most importantly attract investors to the state.

“This resolve became necessary as a result of the dwindling oil fortunes, which has forced most of the states in Nigeria to look for alternative funding. In Imo State we have one of the best soil for agriculture, apart from the abundant mineral resources.

His Abia State counterpart said that the state delegation were in Turkey to see possible areas of revamping the industrial sector of the state, especially the manufacturing sector in Abe, which he said can be turned into huge income earner for the state.

The Acting Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, Ibrahim Issa, assured the Turkish investors of the friendly business environment created by the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administra•Continued on page 24

Ebonyi acquires equipment to boost rice production

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O boost rice production in Ebonyi State, the government has procured mechanised equipment to be distributed to farmers.

The state governor, David Umahi at an event organised at the State University permanent site, Abakaliki to test-run the equipment, said his administration would also introduce irrigation farming soon.

Chief Umahi gave the state Ministry of Agriculture and the Faculty of Agriculture at Ebonyi State University two weeks to test-run the equipment on all the available arable farmland in the university. He said government was ready to provide all the funds needed.

While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to turn around the fortunes of the state through rice production, Governor Umahi said that his government

‘The state governor David Umahi at an event organised at the State University permanent site, Abakaliki, to testrun the equipment, said his administration would introduce irrigation farming soon’ From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

would purchase three bulldozers to boost farming activities.

He stated that the Agricultural equipment will be thoroughly tested before handing it over to local council for proper management.

In her address, the chairman of the occasion and provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Prof (Mrs) Justina U. Mgbada assured the

farmers of regular training on the use of the equipment and expressed her confidence that with the introduction of mechanised Agriculture in the state, youths would start to engage the farmers to make effective use of the equipments.

In a speech, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Barrister Uchenna Orji observed that the event was the practical “manifestation of the political will of the state governor, Chief David Umahi to mechanize and commercialize Ag-

riculture in the state.”

Barr. Orji noted that the event was the outcome of the colloquium on rice production convoked by the state Governor on the need to tap the incentives and potentials in rice production.

He stated that the event was to train the farmers on the use of farm machinery to attain the full accomplishment of the state governments desired to make Agriculture the hub of the state economy.

Good will messages were delivered by the representative of the permanent secretary, federal ministry of Agriculture; the forum of agricultural cooperative societies in Ebonyi State, and the representative of the university community.

Some of the equipment demonstrated at the occasion include; manual, power tiller, manual transplanter, weeder, motorized transplanter, power tiller and grain winnower.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT Agony on Abakaliki-Afikpo Road

•Continued from page 24

•Vehicles broken down on the road

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HE agony on AbakalikiAfikpo Road persists, leaving motorists and commuters groaning. The road has become virtually impassable.

Speaking to The Nation, a commercial bus driver, Mr Lawrence Eze lamented the inability of the Federal Government to complete the road. He said a journey on the road which usually took 45 minutes now takes between one and a half hours and two hours.

He said:” We spend more on fuel and repairs on our cars because of the bad road”.

A passenger, Mrs Cecilia Otu, urged the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately start remedial work on the road to help reduce the suffering of commuters pending when the federal government will complete the road.

A few years back, contracts were awarded for the construction of the road by the Federal Ministry of Works to two companies. While the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) was awarded the portion from Afikpo to Abaomege, an indigenous

Agony on Abakaliki-Afikpo Road From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

company, UNIGLOBE, was awarded the section from Abakaliki to Onueke. Both sections have since been completed.

Curiously and disappointingly, the middle section from Abomege in Onicha Local Government Area to Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area of the State Onueke was abandoned by the federal government.

This section which has since become a death trap to road users is what is causing lots of pain.

At the height of the rainy season, that section was impassable as many trucks usually break down on the road, blocking the road and trapping road users who are forced to navigate dangerous pathways though the villages.

The villagers also capitalize on this by erecting emergency toll gates and levying taxes of between N200

‘The portion from Abomege to Onueke is very bad; it slows us down each time we are driving to our destination. The federal government should quickly award that road if they have not done so, because it is posing serious threat to road users. Each time, I drive through that spot at night, I hold my heart in my hands; armed robbers can easily attack and rob any vehicle without any restriction from security operatives in the area. That spot is very bad’ to N1000 on the drivers before you are allowed passage.

A bus driver of Imo State Transport Company (ITC) who gave his name as Okey Emmanuel complained bitterly on the deplorable

state of the road.

“My brother, that portion is very bad; it slows us down each time we are driving to our destination. The federal government should quickly award that road if they have not done

so, because it is posing serious threat to road users.

“Each time, I am driving through that spot at night, I hold my heart in my hands; armed robbers can easily attack and rob any vehicle without any restriction from security operatives in the area. That spot is very bad”.

He wondered why the federal government will award contracts for both ends of the road and leave the middle section unattended.

“Their action defeats the purpose of the road construction as one can’t get the maximum satisfaction of plying the road.”

The gullies on the roads are so deep that most cars which ply the road are often sent to the mechanics for repairs.

Mr James Nweke, who lives within the axis of the road, complained how commuters would leave the bad spot and navigate through family com•Continued on page 33

pounds because of the state of the road.

He called on the Federal government to expedite action adding that the completion of the road would add aesthetic value to it and further give commuters confidence to ply the road.

Meanwhile, Ebonyi State House of Assembly summoned the Director of Federal Ministry of Works in the state over the deplorable state of Abakaliki-Afikpo highway which it said has led to carnages on the road.

Moving a motion under matters of urgent public importance, the member representing Afikpo North-West constituency and Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Kingsley Ikoro said the road has become impassible and has disconnected the Southern part of the state from the capital city and the neighbouring states of Enugu, Cross River, Abia and others.

He called on state government through the ministry of works to intervene on the road by providing palliative measures to reduce frequent road crashes on the road.

He maintained that as an agrarian state, transportation of farm produce from that part of the state to the capital city has become difficult following the deplorable state of the road.

Hon. Nkemka Okoro representing Afikpo south-west who seconded the motion corroborated the need for urgent repair of the road to douse the sufferings of the people that ply the road on daily basis.

Other lawmakers who spoke including Chris Usulor representing Ezza South state constituency aligned themselves to the timely and urgency of the motion.

Hon Usulor said the situation becomes worrisome especially given the fact that the it is already ember months and the festive period of yuletide is fast approaching when more vehicular traffic is to be witnessed on the road.

The Speaker, Hon. Ogbonnaya Nwifuru after listening to the contributions of the lawmakers urged the state government through the ministry of works to immediately embark on emergency repair on the road to alleviate the sufferings of those who use the road.

He directed the House committee on works to invite the Federal Ministry of works in the state to assess the level of work done on the road and the cause of delay in its completion.

Ebonyi doctors hire guards after colleague’s kidnap

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EDICAL Directors of most privately-owned hospitals in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, have beefed up security in their facilities following the kidnap of a medical doctor.

Before the security alert, the medical director of Smile Hospital, Abakaliki, Dr. Johnson Obuna was kidnapped by three gunmen.

A pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the state was also abducted.

Both men have been rescued by the state police.

Dr. Obuna, a former chair of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), according to the State Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe Abdullah, was kidnapped at about 8pm recently.

Investigations revealed that since the kidnap, there has been tension and panic among most medical directors in the state as many of them have now hired security operatives as bodyguards.

It was also observed that some of them who are yet to engage the services of security operatives visit their private clinics in disguise and also spend little time in the clinic.

A patient in one of the clinics along Afikpo Road, Mrs. Chinyere Iteshi said, “Since the news of the kidnap of the medical director of Smile Hospital, Dr. Obuna, my doctor who usually came to the clinic at about 4pm and stayed till 8pm, now comes around 4pm and leaves in less than 30 minutes.”

Continuing, she said, “On two occasions, the doctor came to the clinic on a commercial tricycle or Keke

‘On two occasions, the doctor came to the clinic on a commercial tricycle or Keke NAPEP, a development that was strange to most of us until we were informed that he is being security conscious. At times, you see him with a T-shirt, Jeans trousers and face cap, all in a bid to disguise himself. I think security personnel should reassure people of their safety to enable them go about their normal business ‘ From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

NAPEP, a development that was strange to most of us until we were informed that he is being security conscious. At times, you see him with a T-shirt, Jeans trousers and face cap, all in a bid to disguise himself; I think the security personnel should reassure people of their safety to enable them go about their normal business”.

When The Nation visited some other private hospitals and clinics within the capital city, it was also observed that some security operative now guild the hospitals and clinics while cars and other vehicles now go through serious checks before they are allowed to go also within the city.

Meanwhile, The State Commissioner of Police, CP Peace Ibekwe Abdallah has warned those who want to bring disquiet and disorder in the

State to stay clear from the state as the command would engage such persons with all lawful force to ensure that they are dealt with.

The CP state that; in the early hours of 8th September, 2015, a distress call was received by the operations control room of Ebonyi State Police Command that a medical doctor in Abakaliki was kidnapped by hoodlums”.

“A combined team of SARS, Anti kidnapping, SIB operation, patrol teams from central police station and Area Command Abakaliki quickly swung into action and rescued the victim hale and hearty”.

The CP who stated that she believes in team work noted that every police officer in the state is key to providing adequate security to Ebonyi community adding that security is every one’s business.

She assured residents of the State of her determination to put to a stop kidnapping, armed robbery, communal

conflicts and cult activities adding that men of the command would comb all criminal hideouts in the state to arrest and prosecute those arrested.

A medical Practitioner who spoke to The Nation on grounds of anonymity commended the new Commissioner for Police for rescuing the kidnap doctor in less than 24 hours he was abducted adding that she has exhibited her readiness to fight crime to a stop in the State.

The Medical Doctor also commended men of the command for the stop and search approach especially at night pointing out that with such measures, hoodlums would find it difficult to operate in the state.

He urged the State Governor Chief Dave Umahi to urgently make available to the command the security gadgets pointing out that it would go a long way in communicating the different patrol teams of any eventuality.

Dr. Obuna, an Obstetrician gynecologist with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki was kidnapped by unknown gunmen when he was about leaving his hospital after the day’s work at Aguogboriga Estate in Abakaliki.

Similarly, the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA has shelved their intended strike action following the rescue of their former Chairman.

The union State Chairman Dr. Agwu Umahi had in a chat with newsmen threatened to embark on strike action if their colleague was not released to them.

He noted that kidnap of medical doctors in the state has become a trend and should be discouraged by security agencies.

•Director-General, National Centre for Women Development, Lady Onyeka Onwenu (right) addressing participants of the train-the-trainers programme on promoting women and girls access to ICT and the internet for gender equality, at the opening in Abuja PHOTO: NAN

Imo showcases potential in Turkey

•Continued from page 23

•Awka-Ekwulobia Road

•Oko-Umunze Road

tion, which he urged them to leverage on.

He said that the current change going on in Nigeria, has repositioned the country as the destination of foreign investors coming to Africa, adding that, “with what the current administration of President Buhari is doing, Nigeria is now repositioned as an investment haven and Trade Exhibitions like this will unlock the opportunities for foreign investors to interact with the Nigerian business community to see ways of building mutual economic tiers”.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Emmanuel Udom, represented by the Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Emmanuel Enoidem, appealed to the Turkish investors to visit the state and avail themselves the opportunity to invest in the oil and gas sector and other untapped potentials of the state.

After the opening ceremonies, the members of the delegation were taken to several exhibition stands where they met with manufacturers, businessmen

‘In Imo State today we are building an enabling environment to attract and encourage direct foreign investments. We have a harmonised tax system and reduced the cost of doing business in the state, aside from other incentives which cannot be resisted, including the huge mineral and human resources’ and real estate developers. At one of the stands, where agricultural produce packaging machines where showcased, majority of the visitors took interest on how to import the machines to Nigeria and save farmers the trouble of preserving their produce.

A member of the delegation and former Commissioner for Information, Chief Chidi Ibe, said that the visit has broadened the scope of the businessmen and will impact on the way they carry out their businesses.

He said that, “this visit is certainly

a solid step towards the industrialization of Imo State. We have had the opportunity to interact with the industrialists from Turkey on how to set up cottage industries and the cost.

Already most of them have indicated interest to visit Nigeria and we are ready to continue the discussions from there.

“We are indeed grateful to our visionary Governor for this initiative and we are going to deploy whatever experience we garner to industrialize our state”.

Another member of the delegation

and the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Acho Ihim, stated that the Lawmakers are poised to make enabling laws that will fast track the proposed industrial revolution of the state, haven seen how it was achieved in Turkey.

An industrialist who was also part of the delegation, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, said that such exhibition is imperative to encourage industrialization of the various states and move them away from a mono economy and dependence on Federal Allocation.

He said, “What the governor is doing is good for the state, especially the business community.

Industrialisation of Imo state will certainly transform the state by creating wealth and job opportunities and I think this is how it starts. For instance, Turkey 20 years ago was still struggling to survive but that is no longer the story today, so with knowledge and commitment and the right leadership, like what the Governor is doing, Imo State will get there sooner than expected.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

Help! Bad state of Oyigbo road is killing our businesses

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

PAGE 25

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Female keke armed robbers nabbed in Akwa Ibom

•Osemwengie •Oba of Benin

Popular Benin man in trouble for daring Oba

PAGES 29

Free treatment, drugs for 4000 rural dwellers PAGES 26

Kogbara out, UNIPORT Vc’s son in PAGES 27

A

N Oredo Magistrate’s Court sitting in Benin City on Wednesday remanded Richard Arisco Osemwengie in prison custody for coronating himself as the Ogiamien of Utantan Benin.

Also remanded alongside Osemwengie is Patrick Osabuohien, who joined others to install Arisco as a traditional ruler without approval of the Executive Council. Osemwengie was arraigned on a four-count charge.

Osabuohien was arraigned on a twocount charge.

After over 900 years when their forefathers were defeated in a battle by forces loyal to the Benin monarchy, a faction of the Ogiamien family dared the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa.

The Ogiamien faction is led by Osemwengie, who was last week installed as the Ogiamien of Benin kingdom. The last occupant of the seat, Chief Ogiamien Osarobo, was last seen in 1998 and he was said to have travelled abroad but no member of the family is sure of his whereabouts.

Ogiamien Osarobo, a Master Degree holder in History, succeeded his father at a tender age. He was 13 when Oba Erediauwa ascended the throne in 1979 and he led the Ogiamen family to perform the Ekiokpagha war-a mock battle that is performed by a new Oba to reenact the defeat of the Ogiamen by Oba Eweka 1.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

The palace of Ogiamien on Sokponba Road is the only building that survived the British Invasion of 1897.

It is a historical site that attracts thousands of visitors but also abandoned.

A section of it is used for selling wood and the entire palace is unkempt.

What is however assuming a frightening dimension is the move

by Osemwengie to challenge the Benin monarchy and restore alleged lost glories of the Ogiamien.

To the group supporting Ogiamien Osemwengie, the supposed treaty reached between their forefathers and Oba Eweka has been breached.

They want to reclaim control of parts of Benin kingdom under the authority of their forebears. They claimed that they have amassed the resources to fight their course.

In a letter written to the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, Arisco is demanding the establishment of a separate traditional council for the Ogiamien kingdom, total refund of money due to the Ogiamiens from three and half local government council areas and the payment of N350m.

Other demand is not to refer to Ogiamien as a Chief under the authority of the Benin monarch.

In another letter to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Ogiamien Arisco

among other things demanded for the payment of royalties due to the Ogiamien to be deducted as source and paid into a First Bank account and the recognition of Ogiamien as a king and not a chief.

Osemwengie said the reigning Ogiamien, Osarobo, abandoned his people since 1998 and has made no contact with any family member.

Osemwengie said his great great grand father, Obanor, was a son to one Ogiamien Ekunwe and that he was appointed by the entire family to be the next Ogiamien.

He said he was appointed by the family because the family wanted to restore the lost glory of the Ogiamiens as well as renegotiate the treaty their forefathers had with Oba Eweka the first.

In what is seemed as a sacrilege and a confrontation of the Benin monarch, Osemwengie named some palace chiefs in his newly created Ogiamien Traditional Council and appointed some Enogies (Dukes).

He said his territory covered three local governments namely part of Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode.

According to him, “I am a full fledge member of the Ogiamen family. Obanor gave birth to my greatgrand father Orumwense. Orumwense gave birth to Osemwengie and Osemwengie gave birth to me.

“Ogiamien is the rightful owner of

the land. Ogiamen functions well in the Benin nation. He has his Chiefs.

Without an Ogiamien, who will lead the Eki-Okpagha ceremony. We have been cheated for a long time.”

Some members of the Ogiamien family loyal to the missing Osarobo, who claimed to be descendants of Edo Nori Ogiamien, disowned the installation of Arisco as the Ogiamien.

Sister of the ‘missing’ Ogiamien, Ehimwenma and seven others, who spoke in a press statement said Arisco was not a member of the Ogiamien family.

They said Chief Osarobo remained the recognised Ogiamien as there was no evidence that he was dead and burial rites performed.

The Edo Nori Ogiamien descendants said they have maintained friendly relationship with the Benin monarch for over nine centuries since the Eki-Okpagha treaty was sealed.

According to the statement, “The Palace of the Oba of Benin and Ogiamiens have had years of cordial relationship.

“Mr. Osemwengie has no locus standing to speak or act on behalf of the Ogiamien family whether directly or indirectly.”

They said the treaty being referred to by Arisco was a guarded secret between the Oba and the Ogiamien.

•Continued on page 28-29

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Free treatment, drugs for 4,000 rural dwellers as O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation storms Rivers community W

HEN in 2001 High Chief O. B Lulu-Briggs caught the vision to help the poor in villages and communities to address their health care challenges, he knew he was like the biblical David. His vision is supported by his wife Dr. Sienye, who is a pastor.

Many personalities of the region’s origin could be adjudged wealthier than the High Chief, but their occasional ‘charity’ outside their immediate family, is often associated with their intended political gains from the communities; but for the High Chief, he transverses the length and breath of communities and villages with his milk of kindness expecting nothing in return.

Communities always crave to host the foundation’s medical team. The free Medical Mission held four times annually, - once in a quarter features all aspect of medical intervention, including eye care, dental, physiotherapy, Paediatrics, blood sugar investigation as well as free surgery.

Many of the patients have lived with the diseases for a period for their inability to carry the high cost of accessing care in public and private healthcare facility with their slim income. The facilities are sometimes not also found in the community or anywhere close to them.

An estimated number of over 500,000 persons, including children, have benefited in the 25 missions conducted by the foundation since inception.

The free medical mission train has visited many communities in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, and some in Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in 14 years.

The five-day long event always witnesses high turn-out of healthcare seekers. Each outreach records between 2,500 and 4,000 beneficiaries.

The demand for the foundation’s gesture is apparently increasing, more communities and villages desire to play host to them, the wok is expanding, heart of the giver is getting larger, eager to do more, he feels he is not doing enough whenever he remembers that some intended beneficiaries are always shut off because of time, especially those needing operation.

Surgeries are not usually carried out on the Fifth day, being the last day. The reason being that there is usually no time to watch and monitor their recovery process before the team leaves the community, so they will have to continue to live with their pains till God knows when.

High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs is the sole funder of all the Foundation’s programs from inception. Annually, hundreds of millions of Naira is used to carry out intervention programmes of the foundation, including the quarterly free medical mission in rural areas.

The need for partnership to reach out to more beneficiaries in communities at this time cannot be overemphasized.

The Foundation is calling for partners like passion to assist deliver this noble course to the suffering rural poor.

It must not necessarily come in form of cash donations but volunteering of services by individuals, groups’, organizations, provision of medical equipment, consumables, including drugs by pharmaceutical

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

companies, health facilities by government among others, would go long way in providing the suffering rural dwellers formidable shoulder to lean on. The Executive Director of the foundation, Sienye O. B. LuluBriggs said at Omudioga outreach recently.

Moved with passion on the way crowd trooped out on the fourth day to access the free treatment at Omudioga recently, Mrs. O.B. LuluBriggs said: “The work is much, but I have satisfaction up to an extent that as much as we can do, we are doing.

We are aware that this programme lasts for five days, there are so many people that will not be attended to and I am not happy about that.

“Though happy that we have over 3000 people treated, including over 30 surgery cases, but we do not carry out surgeries on the last day even when they are identified, because we like to monitor them and then refer them to a hospital in case they would need further follow up.

“The fact that there are many that were not treated, operated upon, is very painful part for me, and that is actually the part that makes me to plan ahead for yet another mission, because I know that the work isn’t done yet.”

Omudioga, a community in Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State, is located between Omarelu and Elele in Emuoha. It was carved out of Emuoha from Ikwerre Local Government Area 24 years ago. Residents are predominantly farmers. The community is rich in land mass with good soil rich for agricultural purposes and mineral deposit.

The Executive Director, while expressing her plan on how to expand the scope of the mission to accommodate more beneficiaries, called for partnership with other interested organisations.

“There is room for more supports from organisations and institutions as they work with us in critical role of bringing health care delivery and social development to the door steps of rural dwellers.

“We are certain that charity and philanthropic organizations who are willing to create a strong collaboration with other organization in their specialized field of operation, will have a comparative advantage of resources to expand their reach, in far communities and in full service.

“The O.B. Lulu-Briggs Foundation is willing at all times to join hands and resources with government institutions, private individuals, corporate organizations and likeminded philanthropic organizations in executing programmes that will positively impact the health care and social landscape of rural dwellers.

“This synergy has brought to the fore the twin pillars of healthcare delivery and spiritual wellbeing of rural dwellers as a pinnacle upon which our free medical mission is predicated.”

Close to 4000 persons were treated with over 30 surgeries carried out in both adults and infants during the outreach.

The Executive Director wished more grounds had been covered by the foundation within its 14 years of existence.

“This is the 25th outreach of the

•Cross section of twins at the event

For Mary Slessor, twins invade Calabar • SURGERY : A team performing surgery on a patient

•EYE CARE: A patient taking an eye test

• THE VOLUNTEERS

foundation, I don’t know whether we can cover all communities in the Niger Delta region in this life’s time.

We have been in four states, we are yet to cover communities in Rivers state, because in each Local Government, we don’t have just towns and villages but communities.” She expressed.

Some of the beneficiaries, could not hold back their gratitude to the foundation, especially fathers whose sons successfully went through surgery section in the program.

They testified of the gesture before the crowd. Ajunwata Uchenna Emelayo, a native of Imo state who is resident in the community said, “My son was diagnosed of double hernia on his scrotum but the surgery was not carried out for some obvious reasons.

“Some years later the problem started, I spent N85, 000 to remove the first one at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), a Federal Government health facility, it was not easy for me and family then because the case sapped our lean finance.

“Last year again, the second one began to trouble him. Each time the

T

HE name Mary Slessor is synonymous with the stoppage of the obnoxious culture of killing of twins in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. Hence it really was not out of place as twins from all works of life, under the aegis, Mary Slessor Twins Club International gathered in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, where the Scottish woman first landed the country in 1876, to commemorate her to sustain the legacies she stood for, in a one day memorial symposium.

Founders of the Club, also known as Twins Foundation, Twin Ene Cobham and Twin Mkpang Cobham, said the symposium is to immortalize the woman and also to appreciate her for all that she did and the magnanimous show of love she showed by stopping the killing of twins.

They said it also provided the opportunity to gather twins from all works of life from one umbrella where they can express themselves as one mind and a sense of purpose, developing themselves and the society.

•PHARMACY: A beneficiary receiving her drugs

pains starts he will be restless, refuse food, and would not go to school. This has been a great source of worry and fear to me because I have been thinking of how to raise another N85, 000 or even more to go for another operation.

“When I heard about the coming of this team on a free medical mission, I decided to take advantage of this rear opportunity God has provided to us, and my son was operated on at no cost.

Also testifying, another man whose seven-year old son was operated of hernia said the surgery was delayed for five years for lack of money and expressed gratitude to God for LuluBriggs Foundation for coming to his rescue.

“I thank God Almighty for this signs and wonders He has brought to my home, I also thank the Foundation for her care and love for humanity especially the rural poor/neglected of the society.

“This my son has been suffering from this hernia for the five years now. We’ve been to several hospitals both public and private, but the bill is too high for me to afford, I have gone as far as Bayelsa looking for

where it could be affordable all to no avail, till I got tired.

“In June I traced the foundation to Minama in Asari-Toru LGA where they were holding the mission , but I was asked to come down to this place( Omudioga), I came back and waited for them and today, my son is free from this 5-year old pain free of charge. I pray that God reward this Philanthropist of our time with longer life, so he will continue to do this good work.”

Also a middle aged Gabriel Amadi who was also operated of his long standing hernia problem at the event, testimonies and good wishes were as usual the order of the day, as the community and her members thanked their benefactor and prayed for God’s continued blessings, good health and long life.

Also the Founder of the Royal House of Grace, Apostle Zilly Aggrey who partnered the Foundation in evangelising the community while the program lasted blessed the High Chief for considering the forgotten community of Omudioga for the program.

He prayed, “Generations unborn will speak of this day for what you

have done in Omudioga. We declare to you, like father Abraham, it shall be the God of O.B. Lulu-Briggs; anywhere they go to, it shall be said, of this day there was a man who lived and this is why we had those testimonies from those children.

“The oil of God upon your life shall not cease; Omudioga community blesses you that it will be well with you, your children and children’s children. Generations after another shall call you blessed in Jesus name…Amen.”

The joy of the community at the gesture was unimaginable. In a welcome address delivered on behalf of the Monarch, Eze E, C. Onyeka, an Octogenarian by Ezekiel Wosamma, said it was the first time the community was experiencing such milk of kindness.

“Today, the people of Omudioga celebrates free medical mission programme, the first of it’s kind since the inception of Omudioga 24 years ago.” The Monarch said.

Shortly after the event, leader of the surgical team, Dr. Etuk Akpan, explained to newsmen the cases handled in the community.

“What we do here is out-patient

services, with day-case surgery, in which patients who under-go surgery are discharged to go home after a few hours, or at most the following day.

“Because of this, we carry out cases like lymphoma, hernia, hydroceles both in adult and children. We carried out over 30 surgeries must were children.

“Common surgical cases we found in Omudioga are lymps, swellings, hernia and hydroceles, none of these is caused by lifestyle, type of food or anything they have done, but just an atomical disorder.”

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, expressed gratitude to the High Chief for bringing health care delivery closer to the rural poor at no cost.

Represented by the permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr, Somiari Isaac Heart, Banigo described Lulu-Briggs as a philanthropist of great repute and promised government continued collaboration by obliging the Foundation the health facilities across the state to continue to bringing succour to health challenges of community dwellers.

“If not for her coming, what we are experiencing today would not have come to pass.

So we appreciate God for bring her to this part of the country and that is why we have this symposium to brainstorm on the way forward, immortalising her by promoting and sustaining her legacies.

Her legacies are so enormous.

We started the organization in August 23, 2002. We have been moving strongly

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

ing of twins so it is very significant for us to that we honour her,” they said.

Chairman of the event, Elder Eyo E. Okon, noted that Slessor was a selfless person, lamenting this was a quality that leaders in the country today lacked. He urged that if justice is to be done to the Scottish woman’s memory, then the ideals she stood for should be sustained, even as the twins commemorate her.

Chief Executive Officer and the secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation in a paper titled the benefits of the Post Mary Slessor Centenary Celebrations to the Socio-Economic Applications: The Twins Perspective, said “the legacy of Mary Slessor must survive for us to build the same platform of the same shared dreams for stakeholders, partners and descendants.”

“The benefits of investing in the venerated name and legacy of Mary Slessor are awesome. Spiritually, she beckons a stepping-stone for our evangelism, a catalyst for breaking religio-

‘

Mary Slessor is also a living legacy that brings continuous socio-economic wealth to the church, the catchment states and Nigeria

‘

although not without some challenges, especially financially. We have been working with some government agencies and the private sector and we believe the best is yet to come.

“Though we have twin organizations all over the country and the world, ours is unique because we are celebrating the woman who stood and sacrificed her life to stop the kill-

ethnic barriers and a cornerstone of reference in terms of faith, courage and responsibility.

“Mary Slessor is also a living legacy that brings continuous socio-economic wealth to the church, the catchment states and Nigeria, as she brings all to the realization of man’s ultimate spirit and ability to overcome every conceived spiritual and environmental challenge or obstacle.”

Also presenting a paper on the Lega-

cies of Mary Slessor in Time and Space, Rev Ubong E. Eyo of the Department of Religious and Cultural Studies, University of Calabar, said the path of honour is not always trod by those who were born into greatness but by those who irrespective of their birth made positive indelible marks in the lives of people. Such, according to him, could be said of Mary Slessor.

“The boldness of traversing the jun-

•Founders of the foundation, Twins Ene and Mkpang Cobham, with a statue of Mary Slessor in the background in Calabar.

gle of Africa by this Scottish woman need not go uncelebrated. In the dark and thick forest of Africa were different customs which were inimical to the welfare of human society, and Mary Slessor delivered the people from those customs,” he said.

Among her legacies, he said inhumation, which she fought against human lives accompanying dead kings of chief, stopping the killing of twins, acting as a judge and her mission work of professing the gospel.

He noted Slessor was never married as she gave all of her life to helping people.

He urged that her legacies be sustained at the personal level, the institutional level and also through the fight for gender equality.

Represented at the event were the Obong of Calabar and the Muri Munene of the Efuts, who urged the Foundation to get bigger and stronger ad whatever should be done on Slessor’s behalf, must be properly done.

Mary Slessor was born on December 2, 1848, near Aberdeen, Scotland.

She was the second of seven siblings.

She came from a poor family background and lost her father and four of her siblings at an early age. By 1859 when she was only eleven years, she began part-time work in a weaving mill and by 1862 was working fulltime. She later became very active in church activities and in May 1875 offered her services to the Foreign Mission Board. Her heart was set on Calabar, but so eager was she to be accepted that she said she would be willing to go to any other field. Her personality, and the accounts given of her character and work, made such an impression on the officials that they reported favourably to the Board, and she was accepted as a teacher for Calabar. After training in Edinburgh, she set sail in the S.S. Ethiopia on 5 August 1876, and arrived at Old Calabar in West Africa in September of the same year. She died on January 13, 1915.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

27

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Kogbara out, UNIPORT Vc’s son in T

HE latest victims of kidnapping in Rivers State are Vanguard renowned columnist Donu Kogbara and 25-year-old Ejira, son of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Prof.

Ndowa Lale. Both victims are Ogoni.

Kogbara is an indigene of Bodo in Gokana LGA, while Ejira hails from Ebubu-Eleme in Eleme Local Government Area.

The columnist was kidnapped on August 30 and spent almost two weeks in the den of the criminals in the creeks of the Niger Delta.

The easy-going Kogbara decided to visit her mother, Mrs. Ann Kogbara, at her Nkpogu-Port Harcourt residence, but became target of what she later called “highly educated” kidnappers.

In the morning of Sunday, August 30, what might be on the mind of the celebrated columnist would be to prepare for church service to praise God for His faithfulness, but the unwanted visitors prevented her from spending quality time in the presence of her maker.

The gunmen, who wore police uniform, seized Kogbara in the morning of Sunday, August 30, when they stormed her Nkpogu-Port Harcourt residence in a CRV car, amid gunshots.

The gunmen blindfolded her and quickly disappeared with the columnist, whose whereabouts remained unknown for almost two weeks.

The columnist was eventually released at 10 p.m. on Friday, September 11, but returned to her NkpoguPort Harcourt residence around 2 a.m. on Saturday, September 12. Rivers State Commissioner of Police Musa Kimo and some senior police officers visited her at 4:30 a.m. on September 12 at her residence and promised to apprehend and prosecute the kidnappers, to serve as a deterrent to other criminally-minded people.

Kogbara, in a brief interaction with reporters at her Port Harcourt residence, was very angry with Niger Delta youths, who she said kidnapped her, in spite of fighting their cause.

The columnist revealed that the kidnappers told her that the Niger Delta youths had been abandoned and they decided to abduct her to take their share of the loot by Nigerian leaders.

Unknown to the gunmen, she was not part of the looters of the treasury.

She said: “I was dumped in the middle of the creeks, leading to nowhere around 10 p.m. on Friday (September 11). They forced an innocent fisherman to take me to Borikiri-Port Harcourt.

“I am very happy to say that I have been released. I am alive, that is all that matters despite all the things that were lost in the robbery (cash and jewelleries) that preceded the abduction. Uncle Sam Amuka, the publisher (of Vanguard) was actually the first person to call, when I was abducted.

“Before we left the house, they took my money and jewelleries. Though, the money was not much. I was taken

•Ejira Lale

•Peterside and Kogbara From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

to the creeks, middle of nowhere. They actually told me I was in Cameroon, but I have been told that probably was not the case.

“Their meal, it was not bad. Considering that they were young men.

They cooked rather well, but the conditions were not very sanitary. To be fair to them, when I complained of not having my blood level medication, they actually went out and bought some for me. It was much more complex than that.”

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) described the release of the columnist unhurt and unconditionally, as a welcome development MOSOP, through the Media/Public Affairs Advisor to its President, Bari-ara Kpalap, declared that Kogbara did not deserve the inhuman treatment from the kidnappers, who blindfolded her and moved her to the creeks of Niger Delta, kept her in solitary confinement and later handed her over to a fisherman on the high sea, who moved her in a canoe to the waterfront of Borikiri, Port Harcourt.

The umbrella organisation of Ogoni people happily thanked the “Most High God” for His divine intervention, that led to the release of the columnist, while lauding the press, security agencies and other well-meaning citizens, whose prayers and relentless efforts helped in the columnist regaining freedom.

MOSOP said: “In the first place, Donu Kogbara did not deserve the treatment that was meted out to her, as she did nothing wrong to warrant the denial of her constitutional rights

to freedom. In civilised climes, people with her endowment and humility, willingly and relentlessly deplored to the benefit of society are celebrated, emulated and rewarded and not humiliated.

“It is in this light that we call on all men of goodwill to rise against the outlaws in our midst, who would not want to do anything good to earn our commendation, but to inflict pains us all “The spate of kidnapping and other forms of criminality has imposed a saddening web of insecurity in Rivers State and occasioned divestments, which has no doubt affected the socioeconomic wellbeing of the state.”

The umbrella organisation of Ogoni people also called on the security outfits in Rivers state to improve on their security approach, to ensure adequate protection of the people.

MOSOP pointed out that the strategic position of Rivers state to the economic well-being of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria would be undermined, if insecurity in the state was not appropriately addressed.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside and Vanguard’s publisher, Sam Amuka, who recently turned 80, were also at the residence of Kogbara, to join her in thanking God for her safe release.

Peterside called on security agencies to be more decisive in their approach to all forms of threat to the nation’s peaceful co-existence.

The dust had hardly settled on Kogbara’s ordeal when the son of the VC of UNIPORT was kidnapped on September 14 in Rivers State by six hooded men, who wielded AK-47 ri-

Isoko women demand 40 per cent of Okowa’s appointments HE women wing of the Isoko Development Union (IDU) has demanded 40 per cent appointments from Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Speaking to reporters after the national convention of the IDU, Women Wing at Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area, the President, Mrs. Caroline Usikpedo-Omoniyi lamented the sidelining of Isoko women in the appointments made so far.

T

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

Stressing the need for the government to focus on women into the political positions, Usikpedo-Omoniyi thanked God, saying there is going to be new development goals that are replacing the millennium Development Goals which will be pronounced in this September and have decided that women into decision making should be a top priority.

“We are saying that henceforth, the women wing of IDU

most be given its rightful place in anything that is being done in isoko nation without begging. We are talking of infrastructure, affordable healthcare for women and children; we are talking of economic empowerment.

“It is not enough to train people and dump them. You must ensure that they are able to stand on their own to reduce their vulnerability and poverty.

We want to discuss our matters.

Let no one discuss our matters on our behalf.”

fles and machetes, with everybody in sight robbed.

Ejira was immediately moved to an unknown location. No demand for ransom had been made as at press time.

The kidnap of the VC’s son came barely 48 hours after Kogbara’s release. Ejira, a graduate of UNIPORT, as at the time of the kidnap, was living in his father’s house at their hometown in Ebubu-Eleme-Ogoni. Ejira is Managing Director of Ejiis Fish Farms, which he runs in the house. He studied Geography and Environmental Management at UNIPORT Eleme, near Port Harcourt, hosts two refineries, Indorama Petrochemical Company, many oil and gas servicing companies, corporate organisations and business establishments. The town is on the East-West Road, on the way to Akwa Ibom State, especially Eket, Ikot-Abasi and Uyo, the state capital.

The VC’s son was kidnapped around 8 p.m. on Monday, by youths who strolled into Lale’s compound, without a car or motorcycle, indicating that they were from the neighbourhood. They went away with Ejira’s mobile phones, his laptop computer and an undisclosed sum of money.

The kidnappers also robbed Ejira’s younger brother of a mobile phone.

When the criminals stormed the VC’s residence, they first met some tenants, who they robbed of valuables and asked them to lead the kidnappers at gunpoint, to the apartment of the VC’s son.

On sighting Ejira, the heartless kidnappers gave him machete cuts all over his body, before pushing him out and moving him to an unknown des-

tination.

Lale, who became UNIPORT’s VC a little over two months ago and lives at the VC’s Lodge on the university’s campus, also pleaded with the kidnappers to immediately release his “struggling” son unconditionally, in order to enable him to continue to contribute to societal development, through his fish farm project.

The VC, who spoke through UNIPORT’s Deputy Registrar, Information, Dr. Williams Wodi, who is also a lecturer in the university’s Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies, stated that he was not a millionaire or a contractor and would not be able to raise any ransom that the kidnappers might demand.

Lale also called on security, law enforcement agencies and their operatives, especially policemen, officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) and military personnel, to ensure quick release of his son unhurt, while expressing optimism that they would be alive to their responsibilities.

Rivers Deputy Police Spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), who confirmed the kidnap of the VC’s son, said no arrest had been made, as at press time, but police were on the trail of the criminals.

Iringe-Koko assured that the victim would soon be released unhurt and unconditionally, without the payment of any ransom, declaring that the kidnappers would also be arrested and prosecuted, to serve as a deterrent to other criminally-minded persons, but called on the members of the public to assist the command with timely and useful information, while assuring that the informants’ identities would be adequately protected.

Association identifies quackery as cause of collapse buildings

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HE Nigeria Association of Draughtsmen (NAD) has identified quackery as a major cause of building collapse.

The Chairman of the association, Delta State chapter, Chris Akeni, spoke at a workshop held at Oteri community, Ughelli North Local Government Area.

He said the association organised the workshop to re-educate its members on their role in building construction.

In a lecture titled: Preventing Unnecessary Building Failures and Collapse in Nigeria, the Role of the Draughts-men “, Akeni described draughts-men as indispensable member of both the design built team in any construction work.

Akeni, who urged engineers to be more careful and accurate in the pursuit of their duties, noted that their role in building construction is to make detail drawings which communi-

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

cate all aspects of designs that are used to build houses.

Speaking on the cause of the frequent occurrence of building collapse, the State chairman stated that they are caused by faulty design owing to inadequate or improper structural detailing and wrong specifications.

While calling on the government to regulate the practice of draughts-men in Nigeria, he stressed that the profession is too porous and open to quacks thereby producing incomplete detailed working drawings.

Speaking with reporters shortly after occasion, the Ughelli zone chairman, Mr. Fred Egbudu commended the State leader for organising the workshop for the purpose of retraining them on how to be more focused and the modern trend of the job.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Bad state of Oyigbo road ‘is killing our businesses’ O

YIGBO community in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State is at the boundary between Rivers and Abia states. For those who are coming from Abia State through Aba road, the community is the gateway to Rivers State.

The Oyigbo road has gone from bad to worse and what now greets the visitors and commuters as they enter the state can best be best described as a journey to hell.

The worst part of the road is the major entry lane into Rivers State and it stretches from a river called Imo River, which is the boundary between Rivers and Abia states, down to a popular junction known as Oyigbo Express junction.

The entry lane is now abandoned due to the accidents being recorded on it regularly. Only one-lane is now used by those coming into Rivers or going into Abia. This further inflicts pains on commuters as traffic jam has become an every minute experience.

The situation is worse on weekends.

Some of the commuters and residence of the area who spoke to Niger Delta Report said the road started getting bad some five years ago.

“Look at me! Our vehicle broke down here (pointing at their trapped bus); that is why we are stuck here. I am going to Aba to buy goods and return to Port Harcourt. Because of this, it often takes more time than necessary, we are suffering,” Mr. Sunday Simeon said.

The worse of it all, according to the residents in the area, is that operatives of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency, stopped coming to dispose the refuse deposited on the road by residents. The refuse has since decomposed and now smelling.

Mr. Titus Onyekuru, whose wife runs a small restaurant close to a popular junction called Umuebelle Junction, said: “Apart from what ordeal commuters go through as they ply the road, more woes are now being heard as the economic activities of the people living and doing business within the area are being grounded, thereby crippling the livelihood of the people. Businesses are folding up as patronage drops. The flood is continually rising and the smelly nature of

Many accidents have been recorded on the Oyigbo road in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State. PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA reports that the road on the outskirts of Port Harcourt has become an eyesore to visitors coming into the state through Abia State.

•The entry lane now abandoned

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•The sorry narure of the road at Umuebelle Junction

‘‘

It all started two years ago with a pothole that was not managed early enough. And now the road has gone beyond management. It needs rehabilitation. Any company that is coming to work on it now must start with drainage and the water must be channel to the river •Trapped trucks on the road

the place makes it more blight. Even motorcycle riders also complain that passengers no longer cross from the other side to them; instead, they seek alternative routes.”

Onyekuru urged the Federal Ministry of Works to intervene. “Different types of vehicles ply this road to enter Port Harcourt; heavy trucks load premium motor spirit (PMS) and other petroleum products, also ply the road.

It to say that more than half a million vehicles pass here every day; I don’t

Akwa Ibom governor’s wife empowers 200 multiple-birth families HE wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, has empowered more than two hundred multiplebirth families across the state with cash and gift items during the multiple birth programme which held at the civil service auditorium, Idongesit Nkanga secretariat, Uyo on Friday.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the programme, the governor’s wife said the empowerment became necessary to assist the families cope with the demands of raising multiple children. She advised the multiple birth families to accept the children as a source of blessing and not otherwise.

She also appreciated her predecessor, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio for initiating the project saying “Today is a great day, I recognize my predecessor for initiating this programme, without her vision, we would not be here.”

The State’s First Lady called on the beneficiaries’ husbands to support and encourage their wives to be involved in trade, remarking that “no matter how little the money is, start something, and make sure it multiplies.” She however informed the beneficiaries that there will be a monitoring team charged with the responsibility of overseeing how well they are managing the resources given them.

•A part of the road gone dirty and smelly

know why this place has been neglected. FERMA is a Federal Government agency which is supposed to have reported to the Federal Ministry of Works, which is in charge of roads.

One problem facing Rivers State metropolis and its suburbs is the dearth of a good drainage system which makes many roads in the state to depreciate faster than expected.

“Customers no longer come to my wife’s business environment because of the oozing of the odour from the

•Ike

PHOTOS: PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA

cause the flood here is a disease. It prevents people from entering my bike (motorcycle). Most people cannot cross the road to this side where we are and we cannot cross over. So they look for alternative routes from the other side.

“Because of the condition of the road, we cannot cross with passengers and their loads to the other side of their destination, so we stop them

Popular Benin man in trouble for daring Oba •Continued on page 25

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

Speaking earlier, the coordinator of the programme, Mrs. Ime Ephraim Inyang appreciated the Governor’s wife for sustaining the programme describing her as a mother with a golden heart. She noted that the continuation of the project by the wife of governor was to empower the multiple-birth mothers to be economically dependable, adding that the empowerment of women remains paramount in this administration.

In appreciation, three beneficiaries from the three senatorial districts thanked the governor’s wife for her benevolence and show of love for the multiple birth families in the state praying that God will guide and sustain her good works.

A health talk on hygiene and nutrition was given to the parents of multiple births by a Chief nursing officer, Mrs. Christy Akpan.

There were goodwill messages from the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet, and wife of the SSG, Mrs. Gloria Umoren.

Those in attendance were Commissioner for Science and Technology Dr. Elizabeth Obot, wife of the Speaker, Mrs. Ememobong Uko, female transition chairmen and wives of transition chairmen.

‘‘

refuse dumped on the bad road. Those who come from far and near to patronise my wife do not have place to pass and pack their vehicles. In short, the business had almost crumbled, but since it is something she has special interest in, she keeps it on. Also, our revenue has declined and we have to adjust our living standard from the way we lived before to a lower income.”

Hope Obioma, a motorcycle rider, said: “Because of this, we wear rain boots whether or not it is raining, be-

here (at the junction), while they hire wheel barrow to carry their loads. This affects our pay,” he added.

Another resident of the area, Mr. Paul Ike, who runs a small motor spare part shop close to Umuebelle Junction, called for the complete rehabilitation of the road.

“It all started two years ago with a pothole that was not managed early enough. And now the road has gone beyond management. It needs rehabilitation. Any company that is coming to work on it now must start with drainage and the water must be channel to the river. The road is beyond patching. The negative effects of the situation are not limited to the immediate bearing they have on the economic life of the people within. There are traces of high effect on the state and federal economy. Rivers State is one of the commercial hubs of Nigeria and contributes a lot to the national account. Since the road is the primary access route to Rivers State, further delay in its reconstruction is tantamount to devastating the economy of Rivers State and by extension, Nigeria.”

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EACTING to the installation of Arisco, the Ayobahan of Benin kingdom, Chief John Osamede Adun, described the action of the Arisco-led Ogiamiens as a taboo and an abomination, as according to him, nobody has the right and powers to challenge the authority of the Oba of the kingdom.

Chief Adun stated that the Ogiamiens have no blue blood (Princely lineage) and therefore “its palace ... could be described as a mere ‘cave’.

Adun warned the Ogiamien family not to drag the kingdom into a bloody war saying that the Oba conquered their forefathers several centuries ago.

According to Chief Adun, “Ogiamien family was perished by our forefather many years ago. He is not a chief; he is a (alleged) slave. He is not a prince, people who can bear prince in Benin are the children of Oba of Benin.

It is an abomination, and it is a taboo to the Benin people for anybody to challenge the authority of the Oba. “He is challenging the authority of the Benin. Our Oba is not for sale and Oba is an authority. After God, it is the Oba. If you go down the history of Benin kingdom there is only one Oba, nobody has the right to challenge the Oba. The Ogiamien’s family wants to cause war in the kingdom.

“Nobody in the whole world can challenge the Oba of Benin, he is an authority himself. Anybody who aligns himself or herself with the Ogiamien’s family is an enemy of Benin kingdom.”

Edo State government threatened to invoke the relevant laws against anyone who proclaims himself a chief or traditional ruler in the state, saying anyone who does so will face criminal charges.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, reads: “Government condemns in totality the abusive language used in the publication. The family says it has forwarded a petition on their grievances to the State Government. The family is therefore advised to await Government response to the petition.

“Government condemns in strong terms, the disrespect the Ogiamien family has shown to HRM Omo N’ Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin.

The publishers are therefore admonished to desist forthwith, from showing such rudeness to a personage, the whole nation holds in very high esteem,

our most revered monarch.

“Government will invoke the relevant sections of the Traditional Rulers and Chieftaincy Law, 1979 which prohibit any person or group to proclaim self as a Chief or Traditional Ruler, a breach of which is a criminal offence.

“Government will not tolerate any act calculated to disturb the peace of the State or any part thereof.”

Group lauds MAN Rector

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been commended on the reappointment of Dr Joshua Okpo as the Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron.

In a statement by the President, Akpakip-Oro Graduates’ Forum (AGF) Mr Dominic Esifa, the group stated that Ambassador Okpo in the last four years has boosted various developmental projects through his harmonious working relationship within the institution and her host communities.

The group also congratulated the MAN boss on his well deserved reappointment and urged him to keep up his good work.

According to the group, the Maritime Academy has witnessed an unprecedented infrastructural and manpower development revolution under Amb. Okpo as the Rector.

The Oro graduates enjoined all stakeholders in the institution to give the Okpo-led administration more support to enable him complete his transformational policies.

On the controversy surrounding the tenure elongation of the MAN Rector, the group condemned the recent attack on Okpo by some faceless groups and urged them to rather sheathe their swords and seek ways of enabling a peaceful environment to ensure that the only Federal Government presence the Oro community can boast the development of the community.

While stressing that Okpo is proactive and capable of delivering the Federal Government’s blueprint of reconstructing and transforming the institution the group said he should not be distracted.

The group equally gave a positive appraisal of the Academy’s lofty strides that have made the cadets churned out by the Academy be a toast for national and international maritime sector employers.

Female keke armed robbers nabbed in Akwa Ibom

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WO female armed robbers who specialise in looting shops, boutiques, supermarkets and restaurants have been nabbed.

The notorious gang which has been terrorising pedestrians and residents of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom Capital, using keke to operate was last Thursday apprehended by some residents of Ekpo Obot Street who gave them a hot pursuit after they had stolen from a boutique at No. 15 Ekpo Obot Street.

Narrating her ordeal, the Boutique sales girl, Imaobong Isaiah exclaimed: “See me o-o-o! The two girls entered my shop on a pretence to buy from me but after picking all the costly female hand bags, shoes, men jeans, hand watches and cloths worth fortyfive thousand naira, instead of paying for what they have bought, they sent me to go and buy them drinks.

“So, I went to buy drinks for them at the nearby shop. As I returned, I met them making calls, and immediately their operational Keke man who was on standby to pick them came and they dashed inside the Keke with all my cloths without paying. So, I told them to give me my cloths, they refused.

“So, I started shouting, help! Thief!

Thief! But the Keke man had already moved. As God would like it, luck ran out on them, the people around and people using cars pursued them

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

and caught them.”

Questioning the two suspects, Grace Ekpo and Mfon Daniel from Itiam Ikot Ebia, Uyo Local Government, they confessed to the crime; saying apart from looting from shops, they have been involved in all kinds of robberies in the State and begged the people not to kill them.

They said: “When we enter peoples’ shops, we will pack the most costly ones; after which we will ask the attendant to get us water or send you on an errand. That will make us run away with the goods without paying for it.

We rob women in Keke, we pick recharge card bags and anything that would fetch us quick money.’’

The gang was however saved from the angry mob when men of the Police Force arrived the scene, and whisked them away to the Police Station along Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo. An eyewitness told this reporter that the gang had earlier also stolen clothes from another boutique on the same street, including hand bags full with recharge cards and cash of about fifty thousands of naira.

Police Public Relations Officer Cordelia Nwawe could not be reached •The suspected female robbers to comment on the development.

Akwa Ibom: 28 candles for The Land of Promise

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HE creation of Akwa Ibom State by the administration of former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, was the culmination of a struggle that spanned more than four decades.

The first agitation for a state for the people of today’s Akwa Ibom was made by the Ibibio Union, a socio-cultural organization, as far back as the late 1940s.

The efforts of the founding fathers, though did not yield the required fruits at that time, kick-started a struggle that outlived them. A semblance of the wish of the people came in 1967, when General Yakubu Gowon created 12 states more as a strategy to kill the birth of Biafra, than to satisfy the yearnings of any section of the country for states.

South Eastern State, one of the three states created from the then Eastern Region, comprised the Ibibio, Annang, Eket, Oron, Efik and the former Ogoja.

The state was not exactly what the people of the present Akwa Ibom wanted, but it was a step in the right direction, all the same When the late General Murtala Mohammed created seven more states in 1976 to bring the total number of states in the country to 19, he merely changed the name of South Eastern State to Cross River State, which did not necessarily address the need of the people of the area that would later be referred to as Cross River Mainland, which comprised what is today the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom North, Akwa Ibom North East and Akwa Ibom South.

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, the demand for a state for the area that was covered by the Ibibio Union was kept in abeyance during the brief period of civilian rule that lasted from October 1, 1979 to December 31, 1983.

Looking back now, it is perhaps appropriate to say that it was divinely ordained that the demand for a state for the people of the area would only be met by a military administration.

The people resumed their demand when they submitted a memorandum to the military administration of General Muhammadu Buhari, which probably did not have time to carry out such an exercise before it was changed by Babangida.

The opportunity to reignite the struggle and agitation for a state came in 1986, when Babangida set up the Political Bureau to determine the type of government that was best for the country.

The rest, as they say, is now history. But it is worth recalling that Cross River Mainland erupted in wild celebrations in the afternoon of Wednesday, September 23, 1987, when news filled the airwaves announcing the creation of Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s 21st state. The people of the present Katsina State shared the same fortune on the same day.

Twenty-eight years down the road, Akwa Ibom has lived up to its sobriquet of Land of Promise, a state that offers hope and presents opportunities for its people to excel; a state that has created the needed conducive environment for visitors to live and do business. From the perspective of physical development, it would take somebody who was in Uyo after it became a state capital in 1987 to appreciate the transformation that has taken place in the last 28 years, a transformation that has been more significant than what has taken place in many states that were created much earlier.

The free and compulsory education policy of the administration of former governor, Obong Godswill Akpabio, has ensured that the state is no longer synonymous with production of domestic servants. In different tertiary institutions within and outside the country today, indigenes are studying hard to obliterate the state’s inglorious past as an enclave of backwardness, illiteracy and poverty.

I assume that the present administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel, not being that of an opposition party, is continuing with the policies of its predecessor in creating opportunities for the youth of the state to realize their full potential.

For instance, the previous government had in place a programme for equipping the state’s indigenes in the Nigerian Law School with laptops, apart from bursary,

By George Umoren

and also paying the tuition for medical students in Nigerian and foreign institutions. The administration of Obong Victor Attah had a programme for the training of students from the state in information communication technology in the United States and Canada.

These are the people that will return to follow in the footsteps of those who, by their successes in their chosen fields, have remained shinning lights, contributing to the development of the state in particular and the country in general. They will replicate the successes of Akwa Ibomites like Edet Amana, patriarch of the Amana dynasty and Don Etiebet, who have distinguished themselves in the area of information communication technology, an area in which they have made immense contributions.

They will seek to prove that the successes of legal giants like Paul Usoro and Assam Assam, former Nigerian ambassador to Russia, both senior advocates of Nigeria and Udoma Udo Udoma, a lawyer, senator in the First Senate of the Fourth Republic and current chairman of Union Bank, are no flukes.

Special mention must be made of Obong Attah. An architect of international acclaim, Attah’s imprint can be found in prominent structures around the country.

But that is not what makes him or his contributions unique.

As governor, Attah single handedly fought for the scrapping of the obnoxious onshore-offshore dichotomy that threatened the very existence of the state during the Obasanjo era, after the Supreme Court had curiously re-introduced a policy that the Babangida administration had abolished. The state owes its financial buoyancy today to the effort of Attah in ensuring that it got what rightly belongs to it as revenue from derivation as an oil bearing state.

There is something of a consensus among the people of Akwa Ibom that the time has come to make the state fulfill the dream of their forefathers. Governor Emmanuel’s recent trip to the United States where he met the state’s indigenes was presumably for the purpose of selling the state to its people and making them understand that the state will be what they want it to be only when they show more than a passing interest in what is happening at home.

•Umoren lives in Port Harcourt

GMOU: Etche communities laud SPDC From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

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HE Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has been commended for maintaining its own part of agreement in the General Memorandum of understanding (GMOU) entered with its host communities in Igboh cluster of Etche local government area of Rivers State.

The chairman of Etche Cluster One Development Foundation, Hon Stanley Amaechi made this commendation yesterday in Port Harcourt while briefing the press as part of the activities marking his two years in office as cluster chairman.

He said the company’s corporate social responsibility to its host communities in the area was the best among other companies operating in the area, adding that the reason for which the cluster was founded in 2013 have not been violated by the parties.

His word: “The Igboh cluster One Development Foundation has expressed gratitude to SPDC, the Monarch of Igboh kingdom, HRM Eze Samuel Amaechi for the support he gave to the foundation through the enthronement of peace.

“We are calling on other multinational companies operating in the area to emulate SPDC and join hand with the host communities to bring development especially the construction of accessible road in the area.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

Excitement as Cross River awaits Buhari D

URING his inauguration as the third Governor of Cross River State in the fourth Republic, Senator Benedict Benyaushuye Ayade made a policy declaration that he was going to undertake the construction of a dual super highway running the length of the state and the construction of a deep seaport, (Signature Projects) and until recent some few skeptics still question the veracity and honesty of the governor.

However, what matters now is not the wrong misrepresentations of those skeptics but the reality that preliminary works are not only ongoing but that genuineness of the well-conceived projects by Ayade has attracted the respect and a Presidential handshake from President Muhammadu Buhari who is coming personally to carry out the groundbreaking ceremony of the N700Billion of over 260 kilometers super highway from Calabar to Gakem, Bekwarra and to the famous Obudu Ranch Resort. The Funding architect is Public Private Partnership (PPP) based with 500Million Euros tabled by Broad Spectrum, a European based firm.

All necessary arrangements have already been concluded for the revered President Muhammadu Buhari to carry out the groundbreaking ceremony billed for Monday, September 21, 2015 in Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State. One irrefutable reality which nobody can deny is that it is no mean task to win the confidence of a highly principled and anti-corruption crusader, number one citizen of Nigeria, President Buhari to consider Governor Ayade’s proposal and included it in his very busy schedule to come in person to perform the groundbreaking.

The ability of Governor Ayade to have conceived and dream big with a clear vision supported by a pragmatic leadership, worked assiduously and propelled those abstract concepts into concrete terms no doubt is the very reason why in this dispensation the government and people of Cross River State have not only earned a special place in the very disciplined heart of President Buhari, but has become the first state in the southsouth geo-political zone to be visited by the Nigerian number one citizen.

As a man who before now has prepared himself sufficiently ahead of time to provide service to the people, Ayade came into government with array of development projects and pro-

By Emmanuel Ulayi and Solomon Asha

grammes that will transform the socio-economic and political face of Cross River State. The dual super high way, the deep seaport, the Garment factory, refinery among others are carefully planned to turn around, 360 degrees the fortunes of the state and its people. The super high way whose groundbreaking is fixed for Monday, September 21, 2015 in Calabar will provide an easy access from the seaport up to the northern part of Nigeria, reducing the many man hours that presently are being wasted between Calabar seaport and the northern part of Nigeria, as well as the neighboring countries such as Niger and Chad.

The road will drastically reduce the rate of accidents and the associated carnages, waste of human lives, maiming of persons and bringing a lot of sorrows to many families. Several persons have lost their lives on this road, while several million litres of fuel, kerosene and diesel have equally been wasted on that same road as a result of the bad nature of the road.

Another benefit of the dual super high way to the people of the state is that it will greatly boost the economic profile of all the communities that lies along the super high way route Similarly, the deep seaport which is one of the two signature projects of governor Ayade is signed to accommodate mother vessels, when completed is expected to remove the hitherto blockage by evacuating the corridors that have always served as obstacle to bigger vessels from entering the Calabar seaport, forcing them to always anchored at Lome, transferring the goods to smaller vessels that can find their way to the Calabar seaport. The combined force of the dual super high way and the deep seaport will equally serve as a veritable boost to land lock countries like Chad and Niger Republics to evacuate their goods from the seaport through the super high way to their various countries, as well as northern Cameroon.

The people of the state are very happy with the landmark achievements of Ayade and for specifically winning the trust, confidence e

•President Buhari

•Ayade

‘

It is a clear indication that the President is happy with what our dear governor is doing in the state with the array of people-oriented projects which he has packaged and by the grace of God would be a reality and respect of Mr. President to create time from his busy schedules for a groundbreaking in Cross River state.

A former member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council and former chairman of the Military wing of the Petroleum Trust Fund, Gen. Edward Unimna, said it is a privileged treatment that Buhari is visiting Cross River State.

“It is a very good pointer that the state is doing well. I must commend the Federal Government for this confidence reposed on the state.

‘

When President Buhari selected Ayade to accompany him to Cameroon, it was a clear indication that the president is happy with what our governor is doing and that the governor is working harmoniously with the Federal Government”.

Reacting to the Nigerian number one citizen’s visit to Cross River State the former elected female Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon Cecilia Ally reasoned that the acceptance of President Muhammadu Buhari to personally come to per-

form the groundbreaking for the super high way is a very clear indication that Buhari is a father to all Nigerians. Hon. Lady Ally said that President Buhari has proven that he is accommodating both his political party, APC and other political parties by coming to carry out groundbreaking on a project conceived and initiated by Senator Ben Ayade, a PDP governor. “Buhari has shown that he is a father to all Nigerians. Equally, Ayade has proven to us that we have a bright future before us under

his leadership”. The former number one indigene of Obudu expressed her deep appreciation to Governor Ayade for creating and ensuring such cordiality between him and the president within a very short period in office, indicating that we have a very bright future before us, adding that through Ayade efforts, Cross River has become the first state in the south-south to be visited by the president.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River, Chief Linus Okom, saidthe coming of the President, “makes the people of the state not to feel that they are in the opposition party and that they are part of the family”.

The former Commissioner Local Government, Chief Peter Ojie, said: ”It is a clear indication that the President is happy with what our dear governor is doing in the state with the array of people-oriented projects which he has packaged and by the grace of God would be a reality.”

The immediate past Senator representing the Southern Senatorial District, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, hailed Buhari for his transparent leadership and for playing politics beyond party line.

A plantain trader from the Central Senatorial District of the state, Mr. Boniface Osafung, expressed happiness that with the coming of President Buhari to carry out the groundbreaking ceremony, there is a clear indication that the road project is on course and that the super high way would be completed so they the traders and other Nigerians will heave a sigh of relief.

A woman, who identified herself as Paulina Ubong, a whole sales garri merchant, said that she has never had any fear about Ayade because she had heard him speak and had also seen him work and the sincerity of the governor in bringing about projects that will have direct bearing in the lives of the common man, and thanked president Buhari for accepting to come and carry out the groundbreaking ceremony of the super high way.

A motorist plying the route between the northern part of the state and Calabar, Mr. Godwin Atem Ogani, commended Ayade for his visionary leadership and for conceiving the signature projects.

•Ulayi and Asha are media aides to Governor Ayade.

Yenagoa Institute launches schemes to address youth unemployment

T

HE Institute of Science and Technology, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has launched a number of innovative, practical job creation schemes designed to tackle acute youth unemployment and insecurity in Africa. The schemes are TeachFirst Solutions (TFS), Public-Private Partnership Job Creation Solutions (PPPJCS), and Youth Engagement and Entrepreneurial Training Solutions (YEETS).

TFS is aimed strictly at African governments experiencing unemployment among their university graduates in maths, science and technology fields, while the PPPJCS is aimed at both governments and private sector organisations and is particularly useful for addressing unemployment among educated or literate young people. The latter scheme is also designed to provide high technical skills to young people as well as aid workplace productivity. The third scheme, YEETS,

is aimed at governments experiencing high unemployment among their artisans or low skill people. It is particularly useful in dealing with challenges pose by youth violence, kidnapping and insecurity.

In all the three schemes, the Centre for Youth Employment and Job Creation at the Institute of Science and Technology will design and write-up the scheme and train people who are to implement them. Each scheme, which comes with built-in review, monitoring, research and evaluation – all designed to guarantee results and assure quality, guarantees jobs and training places for the unemployed young person.

Speaking on the new Innovations, James Ogunleye, professor of innovation and enterprise and Deputy Rector at the Institute, said: “A significant reason for the current high rate of youth joblessness in Africa is a virtual absence of

interactions between education and the labour markets. Be that as it may, what is missing between the youth and employment is innovation”. According to him: “the Institute of Science and Technology solutions are both strategies to prevent and actions to address youth unemployment, kidnapping, gang violence and general insecurity anywhere in Africa”.

The Institute of Science and Technology Yenagoa is a new interdisciplinary research-led institute dedicated to applied research and education in science and technology, operating out of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The Institute’s main objective is to empower our generation and make a contribution to the nation to help uplift the progress in business, science and technology and to undertake cutting-edge research that will inform policy and development in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

32

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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HERE is a limit to what the brain can remember. Despite its enormous capacity, it is like an elastic band.

When you stretch it to a point, it cannot go further. It is for this reason that I do not blame the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mrs Gesilia Khan.

The Bayelsa-born Khan, on Tuesday, was honoured by three groups. I have since lost count of the number of awards she has received from shadowy groups since May 29.

The spokesperson of the latest group to honour her described her in glowing terms.

Mrs Khan, while receiving the award, said she complied with the Electoral Act in carrying out the last general elections. She said her efforts contributed to ensuring the violence in Rivers was minimal. She almost said she was able to bring to shame people who expected the state would grieve for a long time after the polls.

Listening to Mrs Khan talk these days make me appreciate more the relationship between the brain and the elastic band. Now, I feel it is time I reminded Mrs Khan that she was wrong to have said the violence in Rivers was minimal. Was she deliberately being economical with the truth when she said that?

Or is it all about the relationship between the brain and the elastic band?

Well, today I will refresh her memory.

Madam, Rivers was hell before, during and after the polls. For months, men without spine, men of brawn—and please permit me to add— who lack humanity and conscience put Rivers State, the Lagos of the Southsouth, on the spot. It was either they were shooting guns or they were throwing bombs. And when they did it, they hid their faces. They acted most times under the cover of the dark and daylight.

Aside guns and dynamites, they also used machetes and other dangerous weapons.

Heads were broken. Necks were twisted.

Arms had hot leads pumped into them. And there was a woman whose back was reshaped with bullets. It was simply a tale of blood.

Last year, I received the picture of a man on a hospital bed somewhere in dear Rivers.

Blood was gushing out of the middle of his head. It looked as though his skull was broken. His name, I found out, is Emenike.

In the picture, he looked dead. In fact, he was reported dead and condolences were sent to his friends and families. The picture was to illustrate a story for the next day’s edition of this paper. But, we simply could not use it. It was gory. My Editor, Gbenga Omotoso, cringed on seeing the picture and simply screamed: “we can’t use this. It is gory.”

He was not the only one attacked that day.

Others were too. They were at a meeting when they were attacked by men of low moral standing, men who are so-called because of their physical possessions.

Jerry Needam, who speaks for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, alleged that the then Chief of Staff to the immediate past Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Chief Tony Okocha ordered political thugs and APC

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people and matters

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

Lest Mrs Khan forgets

‘

By next month, the verdicts will start rolling out from the House of Assembly, National Assembly and governorship tribunals. Only these tribunals can give the sort of verdict Mrs Khan is ascribing to herself. Until they speak, please ma, keep your mouth sealed.

•Mrs Khan

supporters to attack a former chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government, Timothy Nsirim at a function in Rumueme. Needam described the alleged attack on as “criminal, barbaric and animalistic”.

Nsirim, he claimed, was physically battered

by Okocha and sustained major injuries all over his body and had his clothes torn to shreds. “The PDP therefore, calls on the Inspector General of Police, IG and the Rivers Commissioner of Police, CP to arrest and prosecute Tony Okocha. The party also describes Okocha as lawless, blood thirsty and one if not tamed, would cause crisis in Rivers State, ahead of the general elections,” he said.

But Nsirim’s father who is the King of Rumueme community, Nyeweli Omunakwe

LAST WORD

‘

Nyeche Nsirim, accused his son of using thugs to disrupt the APC rally. According to him, the APC stalwarts in the community had duly obtained the blessing of the chiefs of the community to organise their political rally.

He described as false the claim by the PDP that Okocha and other APC supporters attacked the former council chairman.

The bulk of those at the receiving end of the madness in Rivers were of the APC. The PDP said the APC was the one throwing the dynamites and attacking its own to buy sympathy. Several APC supporters on their way to the official flag off of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign in Port Harcourt were attacked by masked gunmen near Harry’s Town, in Degema and Sakpenwa, in Tai. The cowards were not bold

enough to do it without hiding under face masks. They left many unconscious and in their pool of blood and fled into anonymity to spend the filthy money from their cowardly masters.

Ask Aadum Pya-Alu, Deemua Beatrice, Sorbari Npebee, Barbe Jack, Victory Vinam and Wisdom Akpogbara and they will tell you tales that not only touch the hearts but break them. Pya-Alu’s leg shot by the cowards tell all the story; Beatrice’s back-arm can never forget the day hot leads were pumped into it; Npebee, who was shot in the head and neck, is lucky to be alive to tell the story; and elated is Jack for not dying as a result of the gun-attack on his stomach; so is Vinam, who was shot in the leg; and Akpogbara must be thanking God that the bullet he received on the head for daring to identify with Gen. Buhari’s aspiration did not kill him.

Okrika, the hometown of ex-First Lady Dame Jonathan, never allowed any APC rally.

On one occasion, gunshots were exchanged between those who wanted the rally stopped and the police. At the end, a policeman died and a reporter with Channels Television, Charles Eruka, was stabbed. Some other policemen were also badly injured.

Mr Anayo Onukwugha, a journalist working for Leadership in Port Harcourt, said he saw youths carrying AK-47 rifles, locallymade pistols, cutlasses and bottles. They overpowered him and collected all they could lay their hands on in his pockets, including his two phones, a digital voice recorder and some cash.

His colleague, Emeka Amaefula, the Bureau Chief of City, sustained abrasion on his sheen and waist and had an elbow inflammation.

Of all the killings, those of the Adubes caught the public’s attention more. Their killers showed no mercy. In one fell swoop, nine persons, including a father, his two sons and daughter were killed. The Adube family members are still in tears and are seeking justice.

Those killed are: former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local government, the late Hon. Christopher Adube, his two sons Lucky and John Adube , his daughter Joy, a family friend, Mr. Iyk Ogarabe and the family driver, Mr. Samuel Chukwunonye.

Gunmen also killed nine persons and burnt the house of a politician in Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area in one day.

My final take: There were other killings. But I think these should be enough to get Mrs Khan to stop talking about minimal violence in Rivers. As to her claim that she conducted the polls in accordance with the Electoral Act, I think the tribunals are in a better position to say that.

By next month, the verdicts will start rolling out from the House of Assembly, National Assembly and governorship tribunals. Only these tribunals can give the sort of verdict Mrs Khan is ascribing to herself. Until they speak, please ma, keep your mouth sealed.

BY PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA, PORT HARCOURT

More awards for Rivers REC as departed souls key in

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HE last general elections in Rivers State that sent many residents to their early graves was conducted by Dame Gesila Khan. Since Governor Nyesom Wike took office as a result of the election, Mrs Khan has been receiving awards from registered and unregistered organisations for a job well done.

The last of the award was on Tuesday the day an official of the commission revealed that the governorship election was a farce.

Mrs Khan is not the only Resident Electoral Commissioner in Nigeria but she has received more awards than any other REC. Now a new twist is being added, as the late Cyracus Wobodo from my home town (Ubima community) who was sent to early grave during the governorship election appeared to me in a dream and dragged me to witness a meeting of their association in the land of ghost. In that dream, he told me that their organisation was planning to appreciate the REC for conducting the best election ever in the history of the land of the living.

I was shocked when he made such comment but somehow I kept quiet knowing that the bullet that hit him to death might have also affected his thinking. The name of the organisation was

“Association of Departed souls in Rivers 2015 Election” and their motto is: “Our killers have no peace”.

Addressing members of the association, the chairman, late Hon. Christopher Adube, former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ogba/ Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area, who was sent to early grave with his family in one day, said the purpose of the meeting was to discuss how to present their award to Rivers REC for conducting a decent and transparent election ever in the history of Nigeria.

The Auditor of the organisation, the late Chief Godspower Ahiaidu from ONELGA, who was murdered during one of the election rallies in the area, insisted that since the award was to appreciate the REC for presiding over an election that led to their untimely death, they must go in group like other unregistered organisations to present their award. He said with the recent award presented to REC chairman by youth wing of Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) he can now attest why many Christians are queuing at the gate of hell.

When another ONELGA man raised his hand to speak there was a commotion which made the chairman to call for calm. Later I discovered

that the noise at the meeting was because another ONELGA man wanted to speak and the young man from Etche Local Government Area, Mr. Hope Allison, who was killed and burnt alive during election in the area shouted on the late Mr. Sampson Oreke, the late Mr. George Eweh and the late Mr. Nwabueze Robinson who were murdered in Okposi and Obiozimini in ONELGA during election.

Though the late Hon Clever Orukwowu, APC youth leader in Ward 6 Idu-Obosiukwu community ONELGA, who was murdered by armed thugs in military uniform while accreditation was going on, wanted to fight late Allison for insulting his elders. Orukwowu who introduced himself as the youth leader of the organisation said there numerical strength in the organisation was because their killers considered their zone as must- win area. He reminded them that the chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is from his zone and for that nobody should talk about dominance.

At the end of the argument late Allison from Etche Local government who was burnt alive during the governorship and House of Assembly elections, said as the secretary, they will do everything possible to ensure that the Award get

to INEC office in Rivers State. He said he left behind an aged parent because he came out on the Election Day to cast his vote. He also suggested that if they cannot physically walk down to INEC office they can spiritually send the award across to REC chairman in Rivers.

Before Allison stood up to speak, I thought he was speaking on behalf of the six Etche citizens killed during election violence at Umuaturu community in Etche Local Government Area. But the late Miss Ada Wele, a pregnant young lady, who was among the six victims, said the award must get to Madam for her excellent job.

But the Publicity Secretary late Mr. Saturday Lekia from Tai Local government in Ogoni land, the only surviving son of his family who was murdered on the day of governorship and House of Assembly elections said the number of people who attended the meeting were few compared to the number of people killed before, during and after the 2015 election in Rivers State. He announced that by next week Monday they will queue behind other numerous organisations who have appreciated the good work done by REC to present their Award. Then, I suddenly woke up, asking myself: Is this a dream?

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

34

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Abia police partner landlords to fight crime

H

OUSE owners in Aba, Abia State may yet have the answer to violent crime challenges in the commercial hub as a new group, Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association (ALPADA) has been launched at the Aba Sports Club.

It was an occasion that the state police used to assure Aba residents of their protection from hoodlums and men of the underworld.

The police aim to liaise with the landlords hoping to obtain useful information from them on their tenants and their dependants.

In his speech on the occasion, the state Commissioner of Police Mr Habila Joshak said that the birth of this great association is the greatest thing that has happened to Aba residents which he said will help to curb the excesses of armed bandits.

Habila said that the word protection which is the main focal point in the association that the problematic issue of security in Aba will soon be a thing of the past, stressing that the police will now be more alive to their responsibility as they are now assured of the support of the landlords.

The CP said, “With the word ‘protection’ in their name as a group of Aba landlords, it means that they are out to cooperate with law enforcement agents in the city to rid Aba of crime and criminality and the security agencies will stop at nothing to give the people of the commercial city their best”.

He said that for crime to be brought down to be barest minimum in Aba, landlords in the city will have to cooperate with all security agencies by giving them useful information that will lead to the arrest of the criminals, police and

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

other arms of security in the state are not spirits, “We work better with information and not through guess work which hamper the progress of work in any security situation”.

The Commissioner, who was represented by his deputy, DCP Anthony Ogboji said that since the criminals live among the people and the people know them, “If the people who know them cover them, the police will not be able to give the required security to the people”.

He said that the emphases on the day of the inauguration of the association is on community policing, in which all stakeholders in security of the place are expected to watch their neighbor and their neighbor will watch them and pass information on those living around, stressing that it is one of the ways for crime rate will be reduced.

Habila said that he was sure that the association will serve the purpose for which it was being formed based on their name and mission which they have made public and encouraged property owners in the city to identify with the association so that the issue of security will be a thing of the past in the nearest future.

The CP said, “If you are watching your neighbor and you notice that somebody is doing something against the law, it is your civic responsibility to inform the law enforcement agents to correct that anomaly so that we will sleep with our two eyes closed.

We all want to create enabling environment for you to move

‘With the word ‘protection’ in their name as a group of Aba landlords, it means that they are out to cooperate with law enforcement agents in the city to rid Aba of crime and criminality and the security agencies will stop at nothing to give the people of the commercial city their best’

‘When I looked at the name you gave the association, I became so interested because it has to do with the development of the place, protecting one another and I felt that this is the real thing to do as it is what we need’

around with ease, do your businesses without any fear and sleep with your two eyes closed while we on our side will try to make sure that peace that has been created is maintained”.

In his inaugural speech the president-General of the Association, Chief Sir Alphonsus Udeigbo said that the inauguration of the association marks a new stage in the affairs and expectations of Aba residence, particularly, the Land Lords especially where it concerns security.

Udeigbo said that he is convinced

that the type of people who are members of the association will ensure that work will no longer in progress but will be at full throttle work for the benefit of the city and its people at all times.

He said, “I am convinced that going by the caliber of members of this association, who today have been officially presented to the people, the property owners in Aba and its environs can find a new model of purposeful leadership and accountability.

We also act as the mouth piece for understanding and love among

the landlords in Aba and its environs, thereby fostering unity among the landlords, providing adequate protection for members and their properties”.

He said that the aims and objectives of the association is to create a forum that will be a rallying point for all the land lords in Aba and its environs, irrespective of tribe, race, ethnicity sex or any other differences.

The Chairman of the occasion, former deputy Governor of Abia state, Chief Acho Nwakanma, described Aba as a blessed city and a land of opportunities where people who work hard are always blessed through a dint of their hard work and favour of God. Nwakanma said, “When I looked at the name you gave the association, I became so interested because it has to do with the development of the place, protecting one another and I felt that this is the real thing to do as it is what we need”.

He described the association as the first of its kind, stating that it is something that we really need at his time and thanked those who brought the idea, the organisers and everybody that has been part of it.

The former deputy governor encouraged members to come together, come out strong, speak with one voice and be bold enough to say what they want because they are part and parcel of the place.

In his speech, the Chairman, Board of trustees of the Association, Sir Enukeme said that the inauguration marks the dawn of a new beginning as we shall be witnesses to a new identity with the birth of Aba Landlord Protection and Development Association.

Ohanaeze youths to Buhari: revamp Enugu coal mine T

•Mazi Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Youth president

HE youth wing of the apex Igbo cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to revive the Enugu coal mine, which has been comatose for over four decades.

The youths also urged the President to rely on Federal Character in his subsequent appointments.

They equally condemned Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha for reportedly saying that “Igbos are the cause of their exclusion in recent appointments made by the President in a recent interview.”

The remark was contained in a statement jointly signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the president and the secretary, respectively, after a meeting between the national executives of the group and members of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the organization. The meeting was centered on the need to foster the wellbeing of the Igbos in the state.

“We call on President Buhari to work towards fulfilling his electoral promises to Ndigbo especially the revamping of Enugu Coal Mine which has remained moribund for 43 years now. We are not happy with the interview credited to Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. Instead of castigating the Igbos, he should use his position in the party to make the President to make use of Federal Character in his appointments.

Speaking, the Akwa Ibom chapter president, Mazi Emmanuel Ikechukwu-Jonathan, appealed to the Department of the State Services(DSS), to “release the report of its finding on the recent invasion of Akwa Ibom Government House by its operatives to

By Innocent Duru

calm the nerves of both indigenes and non-indigenes in the state.

“The silence of the DSS after the raid is enough to put fears on those who want to invest in the state or currently doing business in the state. We are making this appeal because of our people who have invested heavily in the economy of this state as we don’t want anything that will create civil unrest because it is our people who will suffer most.

“You know that any part of this country where there is civil unrest, it is the Igbos who usually suffer the damages because they are the highest in number in terms

‘We call on President Buhari to work towards fulfilling his electoral promises to Ndigbo especially the revamping of Enugu Coal Mine which has remained moribund for 43 years now’

of the non-indigenes you will find in any state outside the South East. Currently the APC and the PDP are trading blames and you don’t know what may come out of such actions.

The group sympathised with the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over the accident he was involved in on his way to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to board an international flight.

“We wish our in-law quick recovery from the injuries he sustained from that accident and pray God to continue to protect him in all his endeavours,” the group said.

The silence of the DSS after the raid is enough to put fears on those who want to invest in the state or currently doing business in the state.

We are making this appeal because of our people who have invested heavily in the economy of ...

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

35

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Abia revives technical colleges with jobs curriculum

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HE revival of technical colleges has started in Abia state with the launch of the Education for Employment (E4E) programme.

The programme is expected to ensure that youths in the state are empowered through education and training while in school to face the challenges of the times.

The programme is a partnership with Endi Ezengwa the chairman of Kiara College United Kingdom while the state government is expected to provide the enabling environment such as the schools, students and security to ensure the project does not fail.

Speaking while launching the programme in Aba, the state governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, said that it is part of his promise to revive technical and vocational education in the state which will commence with the Boys Technical College Aba and spread to Secondary Technical Afara-Umuahia and Government technical college Ohafia.

Ikpeazu who was represented by his deputy, Sir Ude OkoChukwu said that the revival of the technical and vocational education is a key component of what his administration plans to do with the education sector, “Because we believe that we should be playing to our strength as an enterprising and entrepreneurial people”.

He said, “We have been imbued with innovative spirit by God, it is therefore left for us to hone those latent talents properly and acquire the requisite type of education necessary to maximise our natural advantages”.

The governor noted that the state especially Aba is dotted with numerous industries and require the man power needed to power them, while the various creative processes require skills and finesse to maximize the available opportunities.

Ikpeazu said that it is the responsibility of the present administration to train the youths to match the workforce needed by the industries and creative enterprises, “This is the reason behind the focus on our education sector for the available opportunities and in a nutshell it is the basis for the E4E project, which is education that leads to employment”.

He noted that forms for the programme has been distributed while registration of unemployed youths has commenced and is ongoing in all the 17 local government areas of the state, stressing that meetings have been going on between the coordinator and stakeholders including industrialists in the state for a smooth take off.

•The buses for the colleges

‘We have been imbued with innovative spirit

by God; it is therefore left for us to hone those latent talents properly and acquire the requisite type of education necessary to maximise our natural advantages’

of life of the people of the state by providing education and other relevant support services that will lead to self employment.

He lamented the situation where ND and HND holders are seen every year trying to enter the university, “This is wrong as in overseas they are pure professionals and stand a better chance of being employed than university

graduates”.

Ezengwa said that the aim of the program is to give the youth’s alternative to making money instead of stealing, violent crimes and other vices, “We are going to make them useful to themselves and society”.

The coordinator announced that the centres for the programme will have a labour market Information

System, web based clearing house for information on unemployed youths, job opportunities with industries among others.

He enjoined the youths of the state especially the unemployed youths to register with the centres to enable them benefit from this lofty program of the present administration.

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

Ikpeazu said that it is expected that within the next four years that 100,000 unemployed youths of the state would have been trained in the state in various skills which will prepare them for the available jobs within the state.

In his speech the coordinator of the program and Chief executive of Kiara College, Endi Ezengwa said that the mission statement of the programme is to develop the human resources capacity of the state.

Ezengwa said that one of the ways of achieving this lofty idea is through improving the quality

Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sam Ngwu (left, representing Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi) cutting the tape to launch the chest clinic donated to Ogrute District Hospital Enugu Ezike, Enugu State by AGBAMI Partners.

With him are Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs of Chevron Nig. Ltd. Mr. Sam Otuonye and other officers of AGBAMI Partners PHOTO: OBI CLETUS

Special reading lessons for Anambra teachers •Continued from page 22 government to erect school in the area.

“Education is key to us and therefore, every parent should find a way of giving their children the needed education, literacy is not about reading and writing, but also, ability to be creative” “We do not have dull children, what we have in the society is dull classrooms, this is something we need to drive, it is a programme for the children, this is a serious business that should not be trivialised” “The government has done a lot in education in Anambra state and therefore, anything thought here today, should be put in practice in classes in this state, we want this state to maintain its lead in education in this country” Omenugha said.

The two expatriates, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald and Alis Headlam, told the Nation that they came from America to participate in the Reading exercise, which according to them, would make serious impact on the students and teachers in Anambra, nay Nigeria.

•Women on bicycle from the farm in Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

100 days: Mixed results for Abia governor Aba residents assess Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s performance since taking office. Their verdict: not so good, but again, not so bad.

SUNNY NWANKWO reports

S

INCE taking office, Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has tackled one of the enduring challenges of Aba residents: roads.

He has started rehabilitating some of them, awarding contracts to several firms. That is a relief to residents of the commercial city living with the horrors of failed roads and flooded environment.

What about some promises Ikpeazu made on the campaigns? He has failed to pay workers on the 24th of every month. Some have criticised him for running what they called a one-man show, failing to appoint commissioners, recycling old appointees and not disclosing what he inherited from his predecessor.

While most Aba residents believe that the present administration in the state has not done so well in its 100 days in office, others noted that it was too short a period for the government to impress. More warmly, they said the administration is a clear departure from the immediate past administration in the state which allegedly left Aba in a deplorable manner eight years after.

Mr. Gilbert Okorie, an Aba resident commended the Ikpeazu administration for embarking on various numerous projects in the state and Aba in particular, stressing that the de-silting of drainages, construction of roads in Aba and amongst others were pointers that the governor was committed to improving the lives of Aba residents and Abians. He pleaded that people should give the governor more time to settle down and work.

Nkemakolam Iroegbu said the governor is yet to set a clear-cut agenda for himself and his administration.

Mr. Uchechi Ogbuka, PDP state secretary in a telephone interview said, “The 100 days in office of the present government led by Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has been very fruitful in the sense that he has actually brought a change to the state and I am talking of the tangible projects that he is doing in Aba. Some of the major roads in Aba which he is presently working on will be commissioned very soon and these are his

•Ongoing work at Brass Junction

100 days project. If you are in Umuahia, you could bear witness with me; it is something that you can see. There are some roads in Umuahia which have been given a facelift. He has done a lot of roads including the ones that he has and is doing palliative work on. He has also done other roads in other rural areas and also trying to fish out ghost workers within his 100 days and I know that if he will be given more time as God will permit, before four years of his first tenure, Abia will be better than it is now.

Ogbuka said Dr. Ikpeazu “has cut down the number of vehicles on his convoy and moves round to inspect projects by himself. He doesn’t live in Government House. He operates from the Government Lodge in Aba. He also doesn’t like people coming to praise him like it was the case in the past. He is trying to create a different system of government in Abia State”.

On the delay in appointing commissioners, Ogbuka said, “The Governor is the chief executive of the state and has the right to decide whoever he wants to work with.

Nobody imposes anybody on him.

PDP is one big family and such thing has not come to our notice. So the governor will take his time and appoint those he wants to appoint.”

Reverend Augustine Ehiemere, State chairman of the All progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), said, “I don’t know what we are celebrating because I feel that the 100 days in office isn’t worth it because there is nothing to show for it. Are we celebrating good roads, Port

‘While most Aba residents believe that the present administration in the state has not done so well in its 100 days in office, others noted that it was too short a period for the government to impress. More warmly, they said the administration is a clear departure from the immediate past administration in the state which allegedly left Aba in a deplorable manner eight years after’ Harcourt Road is not passable.

Ohanku, Obohia, Ngwa roads or is it Faulks Road, Ariaria where they generate a huge sum of money? Are workers regularly paid on the 24th of every month as Ikpeazu promised during the electioneering campaign? What are we celebrating?

Are we celebrating multiple taxation or taking loans here and there?

So what are we celebrating?

“The roads that they said that they are constructing did they pass through due process and which of the roads within the 100 days in office have been commissioned? The contractors doing work are they of quality, what equipment are they using? Let us face the fact and say the truth, there is nothing to celebrate about. I think it is a celebra-

tion of failure.

“Usman Dan Fodio, the jihadist, said that “conscience is an open wound and only truth can heal it.”

Let us not deceive ourselves. Within this period (100 days), we experienced marriage of democracy with lies, deceit and burning down of the INEC offices because of desperation to retain power. This is what we are celebrating. There is nothing worth celebrating and that is my feeling about it.”

Is the Ikpeazu administration really a clear departure from T. A Orji’s?

Ehiemere said, “What I want to let you know is that if there is anything positive in these 100 days in office, I have not seen it. When the roads that they have started must

•Governor Ikpeazu

have been completed, I will look at them and if you ask me this question then, I will now concur. But suppose those roads are abandoned tomorrow, what happens? So, I don’t think that there is anything to score any percent for the administration”.

But the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Godwin Adindu in a recent telephone conversation defended the government’s action.

He said, “It is not only Abia State that has not appointed commissioners. If you look around, many states have not appointed commissioners and even the federal government has not appointed ministers. So that should not be an issue for anybody.

At the right time, the governor will appoint his commissioners.

Year of Action to End Violence Against Children launched

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has launched the Year of Action to End Violence Against Children in response to the high rate of violence revealed in the Nigeria Violence Against Children Survey, released last week.

Millions of children suffer violence every year in Nigeria - approximately 6 out of every 10 children under the age of 18 years experience some form of physical, emotional and sexual violence before the age of 18 years, according to the Nigeria Violence Against Children Survey, carried out by the National Population Commission, with support from UNICEF and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Announcing the launch of the year-long campaign to end violence against children, the President said “This is a historic day, a day when Nigeria stands up and says to our children - we commit to protecting you from violence.”

The survey found that one in two children experience physical violence; one in four girls and one in ten boys experience sexual violence; and one in six girls and one in five boys experience emotional violence. The majority of children do not tell anyone what has happened to them and fewer than five per cent receive the help they need to recover.

“These findings are an urgent call to ac-

tion not only for the Government, but also for civil society organisations, religious and traditional groups, the media, the private sector, communities, parents and families to come together to tackle violence against children,” the President added, pledging the full commitment of the Government of Nigeria during the campaign and beyond to tackle violence against children.

To develop a robust response plan to the findings of the survey, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has brought together representatives from key Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as Civil Soci-

ety and Faith Based Organisations.

“The Government of Nigeria and its partners are to be congratulated on their commitment to end violence against children” noted UNICEF Nigeria Representative Jean Gough. “UNICEF will continue to support Nigeria in its efforts to ensure that children are protected from sexual, physical and emotional violence”.

“We have made progress in this fight but much still remains to be done” added U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, Maria E. Brewer. “All children must be protected from abuse, violence, exploitation and neglect. Violence against children is never justified. Violence is preventable.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

38

SOCIETY

For information on how to feature on this page, contact: E-mail:societygirlontop@gmail.com Tel: 08036386505

COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS

VGC Rotary gets ‘world-class’ president The Rotary Club of Garden City, Lagos has a new president, reports JOSEPH JIBUEZE

Val's time managementbetween the rock and a hard place

“T

O serve in selflessness”. Those words form part of the Rotary invocation. New President of the Rotary Club of Victoria Garden City, District 9110, Nigeria, Tony Eigbokhan, an architect, has vowed to abide by those words during his tenure. His investiture as the club’s 19th president took place on September 5. Venue of the event oozed class. Yellow, sky blue and white drapes hung round the beautifully decorated hall. Tables were covered with yellow cloths, with colourful flowers placed on them. Lights blinked behind the elevated table where the VIPs sat.

The call to order by the outgoing president, Christopher Anyakorah, was followed by a recital of the Rotary grace/ invocation, the Four-Way Test; singing of the Rotary songs and fundraiser/raffle draw.

Eigbokhan, a former Head of Property Department at Zenith Bank Plc and who resigned as Senior Manager at Keystone Bank to found Projectmate International Limited, a firm of building consultants, said was prepared for the position and would do his bit for humanity’s cause. “I’ve been mentally prepared for the position. I’ll give my best to this club,” he said.

W

•From left: Sanusi; Eigbokhan; Anorue and Anyakorah

On what he will do differently, he told reporters after his investiture: “I’ve asked the committee members to come up with their projects and take ownership. Mine is to ensure they are executed. I’ve attended over 10 trainings organised by the district, as well as exchanges in US, Canada and Portugal. So, I’m prepared. The project so dear to my heart is classroom renovation at Sangotedo primary school which had no roof, doors or windows and children sit on their sides to the wall facing the board.”

He also intends to pursue projects on hospitals support/equipment, education support including provision of at least 5,000 dictionaries to pupils, youth empower-

ment, among others.

A former Minister of Works, Dr Mike Onolememen, represented by Felix Imoisili, a lawyer, who chaired the event, said the government can learn from the manner Rotary clubs change their leaderships across the world without acrimony.

“If leadership was about service to the people, and the purpose of government was the pursuance of happiness for the greater majority of the people, then bellicosity – and in fact war – should have no place in our nation’s polity.

Clearly, in this regard, political leaders in Nigeria have so much to learn from Rotary Club,” he said.

The guest speaker, former

Liberty Bank Managing Director Chief Lawanson Omokhodion, who spoke on threats to the family system, said no matter how tough it is to survive, families must put God first, make sacrifices to be together, develop a spirit of forgiveness, avoid indulging children too much, teach young ones values and warn them of dangers of the internet and the need to avoid all forms of immorality.

At the event were members of the club, its former presidents, including former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Joseph Sanusi (who served from 2012-2013, Olugbega Obasa (2005-2006), Victor Anorue (2009-2010), among others.

•The widow flanked by her children and in-laws

Farewell to a loving father The remains of a former Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) General Manager, Edward Owolabi Adeyemi, an engineer, have been buried, reports DELE ANOFI.

I

T was more like a celebration of life of the late Edward Owolabi Adegbite Alade Adeyemi, an engineer, considering the befitting final passage rites penultimate Friday in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.

He died on July 19.

Families, friends, associates and well-wishers of the former General Manager (Shiroro Transmission region) at the defunct Power Holding

ELCOME to the 'Adventures of Professor Val'. For some weeks now, we have been learning from the experience of Professor Val at LANRE OLAOLU AMODU an international conference where he displeased the au- (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. dience by using the time al07034737394 @lanreamodu lotted to him. Ironic, isn't it?

He got into trouble for doing the 'right thing'! So, we have been trying to find out what went wrong. Last week, we examined how Val tried to load his audience with too much information. As Bolade, one of the dear readers of this column put it in his message, Val wanted to make a 'professor' out of the audience. We identified that he obeyed the rule which says, "A speaker must earn the right to speak to his/her audience by being knowledgeable". He was, however, ignorant of the exception to the rule, which says, "You cannot teach people in a moment what you learnt in a lifetime".

Today, we shall examine another critical element of public speaking that worked against Professor Val. This element is time management. If you have been following the story, you will recall that Val was invited to deliver a onehour presentation and he did just that. How can we then accuse him of time mismanagement?

So far in this column, we have presented our dear Professor as the villain of the story but this time, I want us to see him as the victim. Put yourself in his shoes. What would you do if you signed a contract to speak for one hour and have been paid, yet the audience got tired after 35 minutes? Would you hastily conclude your presentation to please the audience and face possible refund, or would you bore the audience to sleep to justify the money? Professor Val was definitely between a rock and a hard place?

As it has become our tradition in this series, we shall state the rule Professor Val obeyed, after which we shall discuss the exception to that rule. Professor Val obeyed the rule which says, "A speaker must be mindful of time and limit his/her presentation to the time allotted". Since we have already established last week that Val had too much to say with too little time to say it, we applause him for managing to keep to the one hour. Nevertheless, he neglected the exception to the rule which says, "A speaker must finish speaking before the audience has finished listening".

We cannot overemphasize the fact that a speaker's success or failure is determined by the audience. If you have the most important information to pass across and the audience isn't interested in listening, what do you do? A speaker must always keep in mind that audience satisfaction is paramount. In the case of Val, here are a few things we should learn: •No organiser likes a sleep audience: Val may have merited his contract-fee by completing his one hour, but guess what will happen when next the organizer is shopping for a speaker? He would definitely be bypassed because he failed to connect with the audience. This fact makes it easy for us to see that completing our allotted time is not as important as communicating with our audience. We shouldn't get carried away with time; we must focus on our audience.

•Learn relative importance: relative importance generally means measuring the significance of something in relation to something else. A speaker must learn to measure the significance of his/her presentation in relation to the time given. If you are given one hour to discuss an activity you carried out for five years, then you know that you have to select only the important aspects of it. If you have just five minutes to contribute to a discourse, you must leave out history and procedures. Begin with the most important aspect, and if there is some time left, highlight the procedure.

•If they don't feel you, draw them out: when Professor Val realised that he wasn't communicating with his audience, he should have used a lot of illustrations to make his point. Illustrations always simplify seemingly complex issues. Also, he should have engaged them by turning the rest of his time to a discussion session. He could have asked questions and let them respond, and also allow them to ask him questions.

Time management is not only when we don't exceed the time we are given; it is more importantly our ability to know the right time to stop. We still have a lot to learn from Professor Val. Please join me again next week, by the grace of God, as we explore further. I look forward to hearing from you.

Company of Nigeria (PHCN) turned out in large numbers.

The sleepy town was agog with guests from all parts of the country who came to bid farewell to the late engineer.

The officiating Minister at the St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Rev Father Stephen Ilesanmi, said the kindness of the late prince of OtanAyegbaju drew the crowd that besieged the town that day.

After the church service, the interment of the 61-yearold engineer, who retired in July 2014, was sorrowful.

The widow, Mrs Cecilia Omoronike, tried without success to be strong. She sobbed quietly.

Her children, Adedayo, Fadekemi (Obasanya), Adefunke (Ashamu) and Adeyinka, however, took solace in the fact that their father died a fulfilled man.

•The late Adeyemi

Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

39

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

BAYELSA POLITICS

The primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa State is generating tension. Nineteen aspirants are struggling for the ticket. MIKE ODIEGWU examines the issues that will shape the contest and the chances of the major aspirants.

Bayelsa APC: one ticket, many aspirants T

HE contest for the governorship ticket of the Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress (APC) will be robust, tough and controversial. Undoubtedly, the fortune of the party and its success in the December 5 governorship election depend on the outcome of the primary election. Observers have already described it as a make or mar contest for the party.

Everybody in the state appears to be waiting for the emergence of the flag bearer to do a final analysis of the December 5 poll. The exercise is already concluded in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with the emergence of Governor Seriake Dickson as the standard bearer. Even without conducting a primary election, the party zeroed in on Dickson as its best for the election.

In spite of the challenges that were initially heaped on his path, it was evident that Dickson would get the party’s nod. Therefore, all attention has been on who would emerge as the APC standard bearer. Based on feelers from the streets, people are clamouring for a neutral candidate; someone free of excess baggage of corruption allegations and an individual whose lifestyle, taste, behaviour and conduct have shown passion and commitment to develop the state.

Observers believe that the APC can only give the PDP and Dickson a run for their money if it rises above selfish sentiments and produces a candidate generally accepted by the people. Otherwise, with an unpopular candidate and on the strength of one-man, one-vote, the party may not be able to make the desired impact.

Already, there are signs that all may not be well with the APC. No fewer than 19 aspirants are battling for the ticket. They include the leader of the chapter and former Governor Timipre Sylva; former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Timi Alaibe; ex-Chief of Staff, Chief Dikivie Ikioghaba and former twotime member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Warman Ogoriba.

Others are: the Prince of Odi Kingdom and former senatorial aspirant, Preye Aganaba; Ambassador Felix Oboro, Ambassador Felix Otiotio, Powell Godknows, Kpolovie Obhoo, Christopher Enai, Romeo Bekeyai, Tonye Apirila, Ebitimi Amgbare, Fred Ekiegha, Senator Clever Ikisikpo, Mrs. Charity Vedalago and Ebitei Francis Williams.

the old Rivers State where he held many elective positions, including being a member of the House of Assembly.

He is considered one of the main aspirants in the APC.

Alaibe

•Sylva

•Alaibe

•Ikiogha

•Ogoriba

Sylva Sylva, who is popularly known as the Opuabadi (the sea) and Pigaton, became governor in 2007 — against all expectations. Following the controversial tenure elongation judgment that initially favoured him and other past governors, he was at the helm for about five years. The former governor is remembered for constructing roads in Yenagoa, the state capital; completing and maintaining the Peace Park, stimulating the local economy, empowerment and other projects.

But, he was accused of operating a state security outfit, Famou-Tangbe, which was hit by allegations of rights violations.

The former governor’s tenure was eventually terminated by a Supreme Court judgment that reversed the earlier ruling and sent him packing from the Creek Haven Government House. This made him vulnerable in the power play that erupted between him and former President Goodluck Jonathan who became his sworn enemy. He was denied a reelection ticket of the PDP and made a candidate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His matter is still before the EFCC. Sylva, who hails from Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa East Senato-

Fondly called “the principal”, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe is a big force in the politics of the state and the Niger Delta region. His entrance into the race is like a bone stuck in the throat of the government and the PDP because he is seen as capable of jeopardising the re-election of Dickson. The camp of the governor is not favourably disposed to Alaibe picking the APC ticket.

He is popular among the youth and has wide acceptance among the elders. APC elders who defected from the PDP contributed money to buy his nomination and expression of interest forms. Also, Alaibe hails from KolokumaOpokuma, a politically marginalised local government area. Despite the roles played by the council in the creation of the state, it has not produced a governor, a deputy or a Speaker of the state House of Assembly.

A great mobiliser and organiser, Alaibe has established a network of national and international connections. He was the pioneer Managing Director of the NDDC and the first Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Alaibe’s popularity soared in the build-up to the April 2011 elections when he wanted to run against Sylva on the platform of the Labour Party (LP). Following the exit of Sylva, Alaibe was convinced to return to the PDP and run on its platform in the 2012 election.

But, he was denied a waiver to pave the way for Dickson.

Alaibe is roundly criticised for always mobilising people and abandoning them to negotiate for other assignments each time he nurses a governorship ambition. He was said to have done that on two occasions. Therefore, some people believe he has squandered his goodwill by not always following his ambition to govern to a logical conclusion. But, others argue that Alaibe is a party man, who always put the general interest of the party above his personal ambition. His love for the party was the reason why he opted out of some elections in the past. Many people believe that Alaibe is the most qualified aspirant for the ticket.

Ikiogha

Observers believe that the APC can only give the PDP and Dickson a run for their money if it rises above selfish sentiments and produces a candidate generally accepted by the people.

Otherwise, with an unpopular candidate and on the strength of one-man, one-vote, the party may not be able to make the desired impact rial District, later salvaged his political career by joining the APC at its formative stage.

He became the leader of the state chapter.

Against the background of initial claims that he was not interested in the race, his entry came as a surprise to many.

There are reports that Dickson and his supporters are praying for the emergence of Sylva as the APC flag bearer. Dickson believes that the election will be a walkover

for him, if Sylva eventually becomes the candidate of the party. The governor has enough campaign materials to shoot down the ambition of Sylva, his supports claim.

As a leader who has suffered to bring the party on board, Sylva stands a great chance of clinching the ticket. Indeed, despite his alleged mistakes as a governor, Sylva remains popular. He has over 25 years experience in politics. His entrance into politics began in

Chief Ikiogha is another big name in the race. Ikiogha is a known political brand who has played crucial roles in the past electoral victories of the PDP. His well-publicised defection to the APC generated concern. He wields a lot of influence and is believed to be another threat to Dickson’s re-election ambition.

A grassroots politician, Ikiogha had in the past held many political offices by appointments. He served in some ministries as commissioner and in his last appointment; he worked under Dickson as Chief of Staff, Government House. Dickson, in controversial circumstance, moved Ikiogha from Yenagoa Government House to the state’s office in Abuja as a chief of staff. He later resigned his appointment to seek a seat in the House of Representatives in the last general election, but was denied the PDP ticket.

Indeed, he is one of the most experienced aspirants. He is the founder of a political movement, the New Nigeria Initiative (NNI), a platform he has always used to canvass votes for his preferred candidates in past elections.

•Continued on page 40

THE NATION FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

40

politics, if somebody is supposed to go and he refuses to go, it is ‘notIn democracy.

If not for Ken Nnamani and others, former President Olusegun Obasanjo would have succeeded in his third term bid ’

POLITICS

‘APGA’s on brink of extinction’

T

HE All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is on the brink of collapse. Its Acting Chairman, Chief Chris Ejike Uche, urged the party leaders to salvage the platform.

Uche said, if the party continues on the wrong path, by denying people their rightful constitutional positions in the party, APGA will go into extinction in 2019.

The party leader explained that people will fight the party in different ways, thereby making it incapable of winning any seat in the next elections.

He called on Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State to save it from the impending doom. He added that the governor is the leader of the party who can save it from going into extinction.

Uche said many prominent Igbo sons and daughters have left the party due to lack of internal democracy.

He said if prominent members of the party had come together and worked in unison, the party would have won the Southeast. He added that he had warned some of them,lamenting but that they did not heed the warning.

The APGA chairman said: “If we were together, Igbo land would have been won by APGA. I told Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho to leave Chief Victor Umeh alone and focus on

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

the objective of putting APGA together in Imo State, but he ignored me and I told Umeh 10 minutes to the election that he would not win.”

Uche blamed former Governor Peter Obi for the woes of the party. He said he called the party chieftains to a round table, with the intention of restructuring the party, adding that midway into the meeting, Obi left abruptly, saying he had settled with his brother, Umeh, who was running the party as a one-man show.

He said: “One thing he failed to understand was that whatever someone sows is what he will reap. Peter (Obi) thought he could leave APGA in the cold, by joining the PDP and becoming a minister. But, you see how providence has played out.

“He has lost more than me; more than any APGA person, considering his personality, his position in APGA: he is now going about, wherever he sees people doing birthday, he will take picture and they will show it, so that people will know that he is still relevant in the system.

“Obi is now looking for recognition, which God gave to him on the platter of gold in APGA, but he destroyed it on the bases of primordial sentiments.”

•Uche

Uche however advised Obiano not to make the same mistake which Obi made as the leader of the party. He said if Obiano decides to follow the footsteps of Obi, he will become irrelevant politically and that eventually it will lead to the death of APGA.

The APGA chairman said: “Peter Obi brought everybody out, organised a convention, did everything however he did it and it was good, because INEC came to the convention and supervised it and gave it a pass mark.

But, midstream, Peter turned around, saying he had reconciled with his brother, Victor Umeh. Since then, things have not gone down well again with the party.

Uche said the problem in APGA centres round Obi. He said: “If you analyse it, you will realize that it is the former governor that brought APGA to its knees and now everyone in the party is feeling the pains and they are not happy over the development.”

He said Umeh never took cognizance of his humble background and after coming into the limelight through Obi, he forgot where he was coming from. The chairman said even at that, some members, like himself as a deputy National Chairman, remained loyal to him.

Uche said: “In politics, if somebody is supposed to go and he refuses to go, it is not democracy. If not for Ken Nnamani and others, former President Olusegun Obasanjo would have succeeded in his third term bid.

But, because he failed, he started giving excuses and blaming people; was he not the one that was giving money; was he not the one that was trying to bribe the legislators to put him back; was it not him? That is why I am calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to go back to 1999 with his searchlight of probe and ensure that those who erred are brought to book.”

One ticket, many aspirants ‘ Scores of

•Continued from page 39

Popularly called the kingmaker, because of his roles in the victories of past governorship candidates, Ikiogha now seeks the APC ticket to be a king in a state he has wide knowledge of.

Ogoriba Ogoriba is perhaps, the most vibrant and youngest of all the aspirants. He has a wide appeal and provides a bridge between two extremes. Though he has not held any public office as a commissioner, he was a two-time member of the House of Representatives. As a federal lawmaker, he was so resourceful and committed to issues affecting the Niger Delta region that he rose to become the Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta.

He was also the Chairman of the South-South Caucus of the House.

His roles as a lawmaker exposed him to a network of connections.

Ogoriba dumped the PDP and joined the APC with over 40 notable political associates. Like Alaibe, he hails from the politicallymarginalised Kolokuma-Opokuma local government area.

Ogoriba seems to be free from excess baggage of corruption allegation, especially as he has not held any political appointment. Therefore, the government does not know what to accuse Ogoriba of.

He possesses the prerequisite credentials to seek the ticket.

Aganaba He is the Prince of Odi, a community in Kolokuma-Opokuma, that was invaded and destroyed by the military in 1999. Aganaba is from one of the legacy parties that collapsed into the APC. A close friend to the former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, the aspirant worked as Amaechi’s aide.

His first shot at an elective office was at the last general election when he picked the ticket of the APC for the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District. He lost to Senator Emmanuel Paulker of the PDP. Aganaba is believed to be a dark horse in the race, while others are of the opinion that he is not yet mature to weather the storm of a high political office. Some also in-

sist that, given the short duration for the election, Aganaba lacks the popularity to win an election for the APC. Aganaba’s long history with the APC is his strength. He is also favoured by the sentiment that the ticket should go to an old member, instead of a new comer. So, Aganaba may just spring a surprise.

Amgbare Amgbare has been a progressive.

He was a founding member of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and he flew the flag of the party for the 2007 governorship election, which Sylva won on the platform of the PDP. Amgbare filed a case against Sylva and got his election annulled in 2007. The cancellation of the election and the subsequent conduct of a fresh poll, which Sylva also won, altered the political timetable of the state.

Amgbare was later employed by Dickson to manage the state transportation company, but he later resigned and returned to the APC to join the governorship race. He may not have the financial muscle to challenge other top aspirants, but he possesses the progressive goodwill to sway the vote to his favour.

Other aspirants like Ambassadors Oboro and Otiotio cannot be wished away in the contest that is already generating controversy. But, some are mere pretenders, whose ambitions are simply a bargaining power for relevance in the APC.

Crisis brews Ahead of the election, observers believe that the APC must deal with issues of imposition through alleged coercion of the delegates. Already, the executive committee of the party led by its Chairman, Mr. Tiwe Oruminighe, has been accused of working for the emergence of Sylva and attempting to narrow the race to ensure the victory of the former governor.

Crisis is brewing over a list of delegates. A founding member, Chief Perekeme Kpodo, raised the alarm over what he described as the doctoring of the delegate list by Orunimighe.

Scores of delegates were said to have gone into hiding over alleged threats and desperate scramble by

delegates were said to have gone into hiding over alleged threats and desperate scramble by aspirants. The delegates, consisting of states local and ward executives of the party, went into hiding to avoid threats

’

aspirants. The delegates, consisting of states local and ward executives of the party, went into hiding to avoid threats.

Some members of the State Working Committee (SWC) were said to be mounting pressure on the delegates to vote for Sylva. Other aspirants were said to have approached the delegates with cash promises and better accommodation before and after the primaries.

The loyalists of Sylva, bent on ensuring that their candidate wins the ticket, were said to have told the delegates not to allow a newcomer like Alaibe reach out to them for votes.

A group known as Bayelsa Victory Frontier (BVF), in a statement by its spokesman, Ayibanoh Gibson, alleged that the threat against the APC delegates was becoming worrisome.

He said: “We have it on good authority that the Sylva’s block within the APC has resorted to threats and blackmail to cow the delegates.

They have been warned of dangerous consequences if they vote for Timi Alaibe.”

Also, Kpodo, who claims to be a factional chairman of the party, accused Orunimighe of tampering with the list and forcing the delegates to vote for Sylva.

•Amgbare

He said that all aspirants should be given level-playing field. He said compelling delegates to vote for a particular aspirant has rubbished the chances of a credible primary election.

Kpodo condemned the aspiration of Sylva, describing the former governor as a “bad product”. He insisted that if the APC presents him as its candidate, the party would lose woefully.

He added: “I want to use this opportunity to advise the delegates not to yield to the manipulation by Tiwei Orunimighe, because as a chairman of a party, he has no right under the constitution to compel delegates to vote for a particular candidate when you have many candidates.

But, when contacted, Oruminighe denied the allegations and said he would not dignify Kpodo with a response. The Media Officer to Orunimighe, Mr. Alawoei Opukume, said responding to the allegation would amount to dignifying Kpodo.

“As far as we are concerned, Kpodo is not an APC member. He is simply an impostor and does not have any atom of integrity,” he said.

A stalwart of the party, Chief Wilfred Ogbotobo, said the APC must apply a high sense of discipline and maturity, understanding and responsibility to produce a credible candidate; someone with proven capacity to deal decisively with the predominant challenges of

•Aganaba

youth unemployment, insecurity, agriculture and drinking water.

He said: “Also, there is this residual decadence and disconnect in our values occasioned by the selfish greed and anti-progress orientation of our politics. It is, however, comforting that we have illustrious members who actually pioneered the first and only bold initiative aimed at diversifying Bayelsa mono-economy.

“We are in dire need of ideas and great minds to cleanse the system of a residual crisis that characterized the 16 years of the PDP rule, especially the present Jonathan-Dickson hegemony.

“The APC must produce a mature bridge-builder to redeem image of the Ijaw nation deeply battered by the sad low performances of the Ijaws at the presidency. We need a leader who can confront the ring of coalition of corrupt, selfish and greedy sycophants frustrating good governance and service delivery in the past 16 years”.

Ogbotobo who is the Coordinator, Legacy Forum and National Coordinator, Free Bayelsa Initiative (FBI), said the APC must prevent PDP from turning Bayelsa a rehabilitation facility four “the resurrection of a demon mortally bruised, defeated and successfully chased away from the national political arena”.

“The party owes Bayelsa a duty to produce someone who bears these realities and possesses the spiritual maturity and intellectual resilience to confront the 21st Century challenges of the Ijaws and Nigeria,” he said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

41

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Rising diabetes cases worry endocrinologists E

NDOCRINOLOGISTS are alarmed over rising cases of diabetes. They are seeking better management of the disease in Nigeria and the world at large.

To achieve this, the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria (EMSON) has organised in Lagos a two-day scientific conference for its members. It was the 37th. The theme was “New Horizons in diabetes care”.

Other issues discussed includedobesity; dabetes in the young; bone health and animal models in endocrine research’.

According to the society, with so many new technologies, diabetes can be better managed now than a decade ago. All signs are that technological developments will continue and probably accelerate, given the expected increase in the number of people with diabetes. While a miraculous cure is unlikely, advances in medical technology — both directly and indirectly related to diabetes — can make diabetes control easier, more convenient, and more accurate for everyone.

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

The participants were told that the use of fixed-dose combinations of dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors with other oral antidiabetic agents seemed attractive to patients because of their reduced pill intake and minimised financial burden, and may improve adherence.

They were equally told that an efficient strategy to slow down diabetes must include emerging therapies and regimens, coupled with intensive patient education that includes information on treatment benefits and adverse effects, medication costs, and medication regimen complexity.

The shortage of pancreas islets has led to the research into stem cells.

EMSON President, Prof Feyi Adegoke said: “We have a really long way to go before we have stem cells available. The idea of stem cells is to take a cell that is not normally a beta cell or an insulin-making cell and try to make it one. There is a lot of work going on, but it is still very preliminary. And we as clinicians

must not be caught napping while the world is actively researching into better diabetes care and management. The theme and sub themes were chosen to reflect both national and global trends.”

The Chairman, Central Conference Organising Committee, Dr Abraham Osinubi put it in perspective that the innovative advances in diabetes care are evident in every dimension\- new oral medications, new insulin, nutrition guidelines and choices, new glucose monitors, computer related technology, and new administration devices and aides.

He said preventing the onset of diabetes, especially among the nation’s youth, should be a high priority of care and education. “Even more exciting is the concept of self care and management as the basis for diabetes treatment and education in this age of managed care,” he said.

Dr Osinubi said the themes and sub-themes are timely and important to underscore the data from around the world.

According to the international Diabetes Federation (IDF 2014), the global prevalence of diabetes mellitus is 8.3 per cent, which translates to about 387 million people living with diabetes across the world, and 46.3 per cent of these remained undiagnosed.

There are also six million new diabetes sufferers in the world each year. And that every 10 seconds someone in the world dies as a result of having diabetes, i.e about three million diabetes related deaths a year.

Dr Osinubi said diabetes is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairments in adults in the developed world. A diabetes sufferer is up to 40 times more likely to need a lower limb amputation when compared to someone, who does not not have diabetes.

In addition, an increase of 205 million people living with diabetes is expected by 2035. The number of people with diabetes is increasing due to population growth, ageing, urbanisation, and increasing prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity.

The African region, where diabetes was once rare, has witnessed a surge in the disease. Estimates for Type 1 diabetes suggest that about 39, 000 people suffered from the disease in 2013 with 6.4 per cent new cases occurring yearly per 100,000 in children less than 14 years old. Type 2 diabetes prevalence among 20 to 79 years old is 4.9 per cent with less than 60 years old in the majority; the highest proportion (43.2 per cent) is in those aged 40 to 59 years.

Figures are projected to increase with the numbers rising from 19.8 million in 2013 to 41.5 million in 2035, representing an 11 per cent

absolute increase. Mortality attributable to diabetes in 2013 in African region is expected to be over half a million with three quarter of these deaths occurring in those less than 60 years old. The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes remains unacceptably high at 50.7 per cent and is much higher in low income (75.1 per cent) compared to lower and upper middle income Africa region countries (46.0 per cent). The number of diabetes sufferers by 2025 is expected to double in Africa.

The Special Guest of Hounour, who is the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, said introducing diabetes related topics in the schools’ curriculum is a preventive measure among the youths.

He said: “The society and the government should not take the dangers posed by this disease with kids gloves, as diabetes has shown that more ravaging effects not only among adults, but curiously among children and adolescents. I challenge the society to explore areas where it can partner with the state in sensitising people on the need to live a healthy lifestyle.

“It is important for the society to let the people know that even though diabetes might be hereditary, there are steps that can be put in place to prevent its escalation as Nigeria has the highest number in Africa of Type 2 diabetes cases.”

Three members were awarded Fellowship of the society. They were Dr Reginald Oputa, Prof Sunday Chinenye and Prof Fabian Puepet, while a renowned Reproductive Endocrinologist, Prof Oladapo Ashiru, represented by Dr (Mrs) Kemi Ailojie-Ibru, was the Keynote Speaker.

Unsafe food threatens life •From left: Country Manager, Nigeria, Roche, Herman Addae; President, Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAEFON), Prof Francis Durosinmi-Etti; Director, Health Planning Committee, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Ngozi Azodo and Deputy Head of Mission, Swiss Embassy, Daniel Cavegn at the inauguration of the Health Journalists Academy (HJA) organized by Roche in Lagos.

‘Start preparing for old age now’

I

T is never too late to prepare for old age as it is an investment of one’s younger days, a community medicine and public health expert, Prof Bayo Onajole, has said. According to him, man ages with time and he has to prepare for old age.

Onajole, who spoke to The Nation, said geriatrics is the science that deals with the ageing process. The process of ageing, he said, is multi disciplinary, stressing that a lot of care and attention should be devoted to old people.

He condemned the abandonment of the elderly, saying: “most time the old are left out forgetting they are humans and are left to take care of themselves.”.

The consultant in public health said: “Old people need specialists to address the problem of ageing.

These specialists can make the whole ageing process pleasant and pleasurable.”

He added: “The specialists who handle the ageing process are known as Geriatricians” He said as people grow older, the cells in their organs begin to reduce, which is why the aged need to check their organs.

By Oluoma Omeihe

“For instance old people may have problem with their sight and will need an ophthalmologist to aid their vision. When they have the problem with hearing an Ear Nose Throat doctor (ENT) is needed. They sometimes have blood pressure increases in their cardiovascular system. So, they need an endocrinologist to teach them to manage sugar to avoid diabetes,” he said.

He spoke about individuals of the same age growing differently.

“One can age faster than the other because there is no specific age for ageing,” Onajole said.

Ageing, he said, is more of a mental characteristic than any other aspects because “the old tends to be very forgetful as forgetfulness is associated with aging and most cases a psychologist may be needed and sometimes a psychiatrist too”.

He continued: “Old people are often lonely and need company.

They have much time on their hands. Most of them are retired from their places of work and they need people to talk and play with.

In cases where a partner is dead, life becomes even more boring for

them and as such makes them to pass through the aging process alone.”

He said a very successful way of creating interaction among old people is by organising a get together for them in a particular community. “By this, they will come together to interact, play games and socialise. It will make them explain their feelings and conditions to one another.

“The biggest problem is boredom for the old people, mental depression and poor eating pattern.

Most of them do not have anyone to prepare meals for them and most times have to eat whatever they can find. Most of them are prone to hypertension, diabetes and cancer as they undergo the process of aging. Old people also have problems with their dentition, their teeth begins to fall off. In some cases, it is a failing heart. The heart is not able to pump blood around the body,” he said.

Onajole advised people to drink good portable water, adding that they should avoid air and water pollution. “But they must eat good food, improve environmental engineering and try to avoid stress,” Onajole said.

U

NSAFE food poses a threat to life, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said.

According to its Director-General (DG), Dr Paul Orhii, the danger must be curbed to preserve life.

Orhii spoke at a workshop in Lagos to celebrate the maiden edition of the national food safety week in Nigeria. The theme was: How safe is your food? From farm to plate, make food safe”.

His words: “Globally, a significant number of people die yearly as a result of food borne illnesses they get from the food they consume. Infants, children, expectant mothers, the elderly and those with an underlying illness are particularly vulnerable.”

NAFDAC, he said, created the department of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN) to curb the menace of unsafe food in the country. Moreover, there was an intense capacity building after the creation of the department.

“This was done in order to entrench professionalism, expertise and to further strengthen NAFDAC’s capacity in robust food safety regulatory activities,” he said He said the agency has streamlined regulatory processes to minimise official procedure with modified guidelines for micro, cottage, small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s), adding: “This will lead to tremendous increase in the number of such food businesses and establishments in the country.”

Orhii continued: “The objectives

By Faruk Hamzat

of this food safety week are to prevent, reduce and report food safety issues as well as strengthening the national food control systems. This is also to awaken the consciousness of multiple stakeholders on the importance of making the food consumed safe. Many of the food safety issues we face domestically are also shared throughout the world because diseases and pathogens do not respect national borders “There are many reasons to look into the ways we protect public health through food production systems and specifically food safety systems.”

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Linus Awute, who was represented by the coordinating head, Chuku Fubara, said the safety of food is an overlooked problem.

According to him, the presence of harmful substances such as germs in food, brings about food borne illness and possible outbreak of epidermic.

He said: “It is unfortunate that regional and national scandals are usually what stimulate public awareness.”

These challenges, Awute said, are obviously not without adverse effects on public health indices of the country, “as well as the economic imbalance caused by the rejection of Nigeria agricultural produce by the international communities”.

The ministry, he said, is considering creating a dedicated code line for food safety as promised by the immediate former minister of health.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

43

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS SHOPPING

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

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

SMS : 07035302326

The yearly Muslim festival, Eid-el-kabir, is six days away. But ram sellers are not excited. Rams are available. There are few buyers.

What could be responsible? TONIA ‘DIYAN, OYEWOLE PRISCILLA and OCHU OHUNENE LATIFAH provide answers.

F

OR Muslims around the world, it’s that time of the year they celebrate one of their religious festivals Eid el Kabir, one which requires the killing of rams as sacrifice among Muslims who are financially buoyant.

The significance of the Sallah rams to Muslims cannot be over emphasised. Many Muslim faithful may not be able to afford rams this year.

Leaders of ram markets visited by The Nation Shopping have blamed factors such as the down-turn in the economy due to mismanagement of fund, devaluation of the naira, terrorism in the northern part of the country from where rams are brought to major ram markets within the Lagos metropolis, for the problem.

Mallam Zuber and Muhammadu Musbau are ram traders in Epe. They blame the high cost of transporting rams from the north and neighbouring countries of Chad and Niger Republic where Boko Haram are terrorising people as great hindrances to the business.

Zuber said: “The business wasn’t like this before Boko Haram issue became the biggest challenge in Nigeria. Our ram business used to blossom by this time when Ileya is less than a week. We use to be very optimistic that sales will climb weekly and daily as the festival approaches. But the reverse is the case as most of us don’t even want to risk travelling to our home town where we rear and transport rams from; we look for people who can volunteer and pay them for the risk apart from giving them money for the rams and transportation. All these put together have caused a hike in the price this year; the cheapest ram we sell here is N60, 000. We have some for N85, 000 and N100, 000 depending on their sizes.”

At Kara ram Market in Berger, it was observed that there is a significant difference in business compared to other markets. The price of ram still remains the same as last year. Like their colleagues in other markets, Muhammad Umar and Abu-Bakr Ali say their prices are still the same as last year because their market is a major one where ram is sold in wholesale prices.

“At Kara, we cannot afford to sell at exorbitant prices because we sell to people who resell, that is why we have decided to retain our old prices.

•Ram on display at Epe market Lagos

PHOTO: OYEWOLE PRISCILLA

Sallah: Ram sellers decry low sale We therefore encourage people, particularly the Muslims to patronise us, our prices are fair,” one of them who spoke in Hausa language through an interpreter explained.

The leader of Kara Market, Mr. Babatunde Babalola, said, the prices of rams in the market if compared with last year hasn’t changed, but there are few traders that experienced one challenge or the other, and have their price adjusted or increased because of some factors. “The price of ram last year and this year is more or less the same. But a day or two to the festival, the price will be inflated by 75per cent,” he said.

As signs of the effect of poor economy on the ram business, the stalls for ram traders in Kara Market are scanty unlike in the previous year when they were bubbling with buying and selling activities a month to Sallah.

Traders attributed the situation to the insurgent attack by Boko Haram and low flow of money in the country. According to one ram trader, Mohammed Yusuf who was only able to display few rams for sale, lack of cash flow is the reason why more rams have not arrived Lagos.

He is however optimistic that the situation will change.

“I believe this week, I and my colleagues would be counting our blessings and naming them one by one as more rams would have arrived for us to sell.

Our customers will still come, I believe

•Prices may increase by 75per cent so,” he said.

Despite the fact that the market seems dry six days to Sallah, there are some buyers who have chosen this period as the best time to purchase the ram of their choice.

Some of them shared with the Nation Shopping their reason for buying at this time. For Oluwasegun Lasisi, it is to avoid buying at an inflated price on Ileya day or a day to the festival when some people think the item would want to be disposed at all cost by the seller who will be left with no choice then.

Expressing satisfaction for the ram he purchased, Lasisi said: “I am impressed with what I have bought because it is healthy and cheaper than last year when the problem of Boko Haram was higher than what it is today. I think it is better to buy now, instead of waiting for the price to be inflated. The more you wait to get cheap ram, the more expensive it gets.”

Another buyer, Mallam Kabir Umar said his decision to buy ram now is for him to get the best.

He said: “Now is the best time to buy ram when you have choices to make unlike waiting for the rush and when there will be left over to buy from. Apart from that, the market will be crowded.”

Chi unveils Chivita 100% or nothing marketing campaign

C

HI Limited has unveiled its new marketing communication campaign tagged ‘Chivita 100% or Nothing’ as part of effort to reinforce its flagship’s brand proposition and strengthen the credential of the brand in the marketplace. The campaign which is being deployed through television, deigital, out of home, consumer activation and point of sales initiatives demonstrates the brand’s commitment to quality and excellence.

For a fruit juice, renowned for it’s no added sugar, no preservatives and no colouring, the campaign projects the brand Chivita as the best quality fruit juice in the market as well as reiterates its partnership with Manchester United in an engaging way. Already, the television commercial is generating buzz across the digital platform as visits to the Youtube page where the commercial has been uploaded has witnessed an upsurge in viewers. The commercial which is also airing on terrestrial as well as satellite television stations in Nigeria has also created visibility and positive talkability amongst consumers.

Speaking on the marketing cam-

By Tonia ‘Diyan paign, its Head of Marketing, Mr. Probal Bhattacharya said the campaign highlights Chivita 100% with purity, commitment & nothing but the best which is its recipe for premium quality, thereby providing all the ingredients for success, achievement & leadership “We do everything possible to ensure that Chivita 100% lives up to its brand promise of goodness and the best there is. This also explains our partnership with the world’s most valuable football club brand because for us it is the best or nothing” he added.

The television commercial has already started running on major Television stations in Nigeria featuring top rated football stars like Robin Van Persie, Angel Di Maria, Antonio Valencia, Radamel Falcao, and Jonny Evans. The advert opens with a glistening pack shot of Chivita 100% fruit juice; condensation dripping down the carton and as the hand appears to open the cap the camera zooms inside the pack into a world of juice, wherein superstars of football showcase there soccer skills with a “Juice Ball” on a football pitch filled with pure natural appetising juice.

T

At Alaba Rago in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, the market head Alhaji Suleiman Tanko, is of the view that though the price of ram is high, Muslims are still turning out to buy for the celebration. “Even with the increment in the price of ram this season, Muslims in Ojo are managing to buy because they are aware of the significance of the sacrifice; the unfavourable economy is not a barrier to some of them who have saved towards it,” he said.

Also, Mallam Zuber, the market head of Epe Ram Market said the increment has affected the major suppliers of ram in Maiduguri, Chad and Cameroon. He said: “As at last year, there were rams from Maiduguri even up to Chad and Cameroon but this year, we are not allowed to bring rams to this place because of Boko Haram. These rams you see are from Kebbi, Sokoto and Katsina and it is expensive bringing them here,” he said.

At Mangoro ram market, Alhaji Abdulsalam Zakari attributed the price increase to insecurity in the north, saying the situation is causing difficulty in conveying ram to other parts of the country. He also said the economy is difficult thereby making the financial earning complex. “Boko Haram has really dis-

rupted things and our business is affected because it has to do with transporting our produce from the north.

For now, a small sized ram sells for N30, 000 and the biggest, N100, 000.

We have the ones for N45, 000, N60, 000, N70, 000, different prices for different sizes,” he told The Nation Shopping.

For Mr Abdulrahimu Kayode, late buyers will end up with the smallest sizes of ram because the big ones would be sold before they get here, now is the best time to buy. It is better to buy early and keep with the seller, then come back for it few days to the celebration, he reasoned.

Regardless of the harsh economy and the reduction in the flow of money in the country, the ram which is essential in the celebration of Sallah, merchants advise should be purchased by all and sundry Muslims.

For Muslims who purchase their rams before Salah, the right feed for them include mixture of Kowa, Guza, wheat brown to give them a chubby look, for rams refusing to eat, little quantity of salt is added to their feed to help them eat and grow well.

50kg can be purchased for N1000, 100kg is N2000 respectively. Some Muslims feel it is of advantage to leave the buying till later when they believe the price will be reduced.

Okene traders decry low sales

RADERS at the Variki Market in Okene in Kogi State are not happy. They are experien-cing low patronage.

They said the market used to be very busy. But the reverse is the case now as their trade can no longer earn them a living.

The market leader, Oniayi Omeneke, said: “Though the market is always full, not all of the people are buying; some have only come to window shop.

Business is not moving like it used to; traders are not happy at all.”

Other traders in the market said their

By Ochu Ohunene Latifah daily sales are below N5000 unlike before when they were making N20, 000.

“Some of us come to the market, and at the end of the day, we don’t sell up to N20,000 compared to when business was flourishing,” she said.

Mrs. Omayoza Haruna sells rice at the market, she said the countries economy is not encouraging her business. I think money is not going round; most of our customers are government workers and are facing financial difficulty,” she said.

A local government worker, Mr Augustine Kayode, said the poor economic situation is bad that he doesn’t get full salary and sometimes doesn’t get paid at all.

“After paying my children’s school fees and meeting other immediate needs, I barely have enough money to buy foodstuffs and resort to buying on credit from these traders to pay later. Some traders have stopped selling to some of us because it is posing a lot of threat to their business,” he added.

•MD Innjoo Africa Mr Robert Bowen with a Female guest during the Innjoo Product Launch held in UNILAG recently.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 , 2015

S HOPPING Supermart.ng : delivery in three hours across Lagos Raphael Afaedor is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Supermart.ng. He was also co-founder and Managing Director of jumia.com.ng for Lagos Nigeria from March 2012 toJanuary 2014. In this interview with TONIA ‘DIYAN, he speaks on his online business journey so far, some challenges the business is facing. Excerpts:

S

HARE your journey so far in online business.

Actually, it’s been quite some years of adventure.

I began my career at Monster.com where I rose to become Senior Manager in charge of Software Product Development for 18 Western European countries. I later worked at Goldman Sachs and Notore Chemical Industries before co-founding Jumia Nigeria in 2012.

In 2014, we saw a need to solve more every day problem of households in Nigeria especially Lagos, so we started Supermart.ng, Nigeria’s leading grocery delivery service.

We have observed the stress that people go through in order to shop for groceries. Most time they move from one shop to another before going to local market to buy local ingredients. This is due to the unstructured nature of the traditional retail and wholesale system.

Supermart.ng, however through its partnership with leading supermarkets and local markets has developed the largest one stop online market for customers to shop from over 60,000 items and have it delivered to them in as early as three hours across Lagos.

What was the initial re-

sponse from customers?

Nigerians have come a long way in terms of accepting the e-commerce solution. At first they were actually reluctant but over time they have come to trust the system. From what it used to be when it started a few years ago, there has been significant progress. For instance earlier in 2012 ecommerce sites were recording 2,000 orders per day. Between 2012 and now we have had an exponential growth to the tune of 50,000 orders per day. At Supermart.ng, for instance, we currently record 30 per cent growth month-on-month. The major thing is to put in place a structure that customers can trust.In our own case, supermart.ng has put a system in place that customers can trust to deliver their groceries to them in as early as three hours without any hitch.

What are the challenges?

There are several challenges in the course of this business I must tell you but more importantly we have been able to surmount all of them.

First, the market itself is not organised. By the market I mean the traditional wholesale and retail system. This is quite visible in the fact that it is quite hard for someone to get everything he or she wants

in just one supermarket.Sowhat Supermart.ng, has done is to partner with leading supermarkets and local markets in Lagos. This ensures that Nigeria customers can now buy their groceries and everyday essentials (local and imported brand products) at one address online and have it delivered to their homes and offices across Lagos in as early as three hours. Customers can now select from over 60,000 items on Supermart.ng,website– the largest assortment of groceries and everyday essentials in Nigeria across physical and online Supermarkets. With just a click you can access everything you need from the comfort of your home without having to move from one market to another.

Another challenge is that of logistics. Especially in Lagos, there is the fear of the unpredictable traffic situation. The traffic situation is a challenge both to the customers and to the ecommerce companies.

For the customers it’s a discouraging factor from going to the stores. For the ecommerce companies, it accounts for their delay in delivery. Traditionally, it takes two to 10 days for or-

ders to be delivered to customer’s doorstep. However, this approach cannot be used for groceries considering that most of the orders are needed the same day. In view of that, what Supermart.ng, has done is to embark on adequate city research to understand the flow of traffic so that we are able to deliver groceries in as early as three hours against all odds. In fact, during the last fuel scarcity period when telecoms companies and banks were shutting down, we still delivered and our three hours delivery promise did not fail.

Essentially, those challenges are always there but when there is a will, there is always a way.

Compare online business with other types of businesses?

Honestly, I just feel the best way to think about this is that almost the same set of principles applies to both online and offline businesses. A typical successful business sets out to solve people’s problem and it is rewarded for doing that. The hallmark is solution and reward.

For instance, Supermart.ng, saw the stress that people go through on daily basis from one market to another in order to purchase their groceries, we decided to assemble all the products into one market place where people can order for everything at the exact market price and have it delivered to their door step in three hours.

Currently we have partnership with leading supermarkets and local markets, allow customers shop from over 60,000 items and have it delivered to them in as early as three hours, seven days a week. It is all about commitment to bringing solution.

Tantalizers give ‘Back to School’ packs

By Wale Ajetunmobi

•From left: Disha Argawal, brand manager, Power Oil; Khadijah Sanni, and Adeniran Kayode, both winners at the Power Oil Walk-heart-thon to mark the world heart day at the National Stadium, Lagos.

Online stores, limelight for retailers

I

T is no longer news that the internet is known to break barriers of any kind, obstructing communication, trading and all other productive activities, hence, retailers and traders have being advised to revolutionise with this trend as almost everything including the good and the bad is now done online and this can be good for business no matter the kind of good being sold.

Trading through online platforms which include online stores, social media and the likes help retailers have a wider reach to their prospective customers both home and abroad. This is because the barrier of distance has been successfully broken by these online platforms making it possible to strike business deals, trade and shop with known and unknown persons that one could have never met.

Also, online platforms help to create a mutual relationship between the traders and the buyers, most especially social media like Whatsapp, Facebook, Skype, Twitter, Instagram. These social media have made the buyer and seller have a first-hand relationship, most especially a one man trader unlike online stores that have customer care hotline to enable them get feedback from their customers.

This feedback is what allows these stores know the minds of their customers and how their services are viewed by their customers.

Unlike the traditional market, traders are

By Oyewole Priscilla unable to know how their customers feel about goods and services rendered because if these customers conceive it as unsatisfactory after a first visit; they decide not to patronise such trader again without such trader knowing.

But with the help of online platforms, customers are free and able to voice out. Traders then use these feedbaks to improve their services and maintain a cordial relationship with their customers.

Convenience and time saving factor is another reason why traders and retailers should move with the trend of online trading. Instead of having to shop in muddy and crowded markets, online platforms have made it possible for buyers to order for their desired goods in the comfort of their homes. Also, the fact that one does not have to force his or her way through the crowd to various stores to find one’s desired good leading to so much time being spent, the time spent is now reduced as online shopping is determined by the speed of one’s network.

Traders who have online stores are at a higher advantage as they become easily accessible because of their activeness in the virtual society and traditional market making them accessible to all class of the people in the society.

TANTALIZERS Plc, a quickservice restaurant, has welcomed pupils back to school with its special “Back to School” packs. Its Deputy Managing Director, Mr Gbolahan Labinjo, said the new product contained Tantis kids’ meal, a water bottle, chinchin and a 500 mili-litre PET beverage.

The “Back to School” pack, he said, goes for N1,000.

The product was launched last year to ensure school pupils take meals that are fortified with nutrients and balanced diet. The meal is packed in attractive materials that contain cartoon items.

Labinjo said Tantalizers was in partnership with Minimie, a catering outfit, to provide 30 gram pack size of chin-chin with the “Back to School” pack season. He added that the quick-service restaurant also engaged 7-up Bottling Company to provide Pepsi and Mountain Dew beverages to make the pack delicious.

He said several schools had shown interest in promoting the product as the pupils return for a new session.

Labinjo said pack is available in all 53 Tantalizers’ outlets.

TRUE VALUE 360

Readers’ reactions

T

HIS is a column that seeks to mould, shape societal values and to protect the interests of consumers, citizens and touch other broader relevant topics under the column: TRUE VALUE 360. It is an interactive column as suggestions,

By Kemi Otegbade complaints; daily experitruevalue360@gmail.com ences are welcome.

This week is dedicated to readers’ reactions to past aditions.

We promised to make this column interactive, so this week the space is dedicated to our regular readers and reactions to various past topics are published below.

Re: The Unemployable Graduate I read with rapt attention and deep sigh your article, the unemployable graduate. It was soul piercing and well articulated. The definition you gave highlighted the pitiable and sorry state of the Nigerian graduate. How did the Nigerian graduate get to this level of apathy? It is quite sad and terrible, seeing supposedly valuable assets roaming the streets of our major cities. They wander aimlessly, looking for invisible jobs with little or no adequate preparation for the level they have found themselves in. It's terrible, really terrible. Until purpose is discovered, existence has no meaning for purpose is the very source of every fulfillment. When purpose is not known, unveiled or unraveled, abuse is inevitable. The educational system has been designed in such a way to defeat the student from the outset. It's like taking a journey on a road that leads to nowhere. It requires a total over haul.

The paradigm of our educational system is tailored in such a certain way to only read and pass examinations. But this should not be so. There is much than this obsolete routine.

The student, to start with, does not have an identity. This lack of identity is because of the structure he found himself in.

This structure functions within the ambit of an environment, which ought to have prepared him for an enviable career professionally. The school in this case, is an environment like every other where people converge for a common cause.

An environment is much more than a location, place or vicinity. It is the summation of the values, belief systems and the characters of people in a given area and this governs their personalities. The purpose of school is to awaken the minds of every student to relevant and required knowledge needed for an exceptional career. In the same vein, the responsibility of every teacher goes beyond preparing lesson notes, carrying chalk or marker and teaching.

The primary aim of a teacher is to awaken the minds of students as they teach. As they do, the students would in turn begin to perceive things differently. They must move beyond just teaching to inspiring these young minds for a bright future. This is the first step to curing the unemployable graduate.

In a fast and changing world we live in, there should be some element of flexibility in our educational system.

The need to inculcate entrepreneurship fully into our curriculum vitae should be fully embraced, especially in the teen's age. In so doing, these kids are adequately prepared for a future that lies ahead in spite of any challenge that awaits them.

On a final submission, like the saying goes, charity begins at home. Parents are the first motivators of their wards and they should engage their wards regularly and task their brains to prepare them for the future. Keep up with the good work.

Kevin Fortune, Enigma Conzultz, enigmaconzultz@yahoo.com

Re: Abuse of office Hey, I just read your column for today on the above topic.

Honestly, I also do not regard any man who uses sexual harassment as a weapon to help or assist a woman. But on the flip side and equally guilty are those women who deliberately harass, entice and snare men into having dalliance with them in other to get favors. Am sure you are aware of numerous women who have slept their way to the top in their different places of work and businesses.

That also is condemnable and as bad as those Daudas (men who cannot control themselves) without shame and discipline. Thanks.

Olukayode Olomo.

Re: Consumer Exploitation Hello, I started my mobile phone life with MTN. I also have a Glo line 08057701512, which has become a source of financial leakage to me. I am on Glo infinito plan, which charges 20kobo per second (N12 per minute) to all networks in Nigeria, but unfortunately Glo have decided to single my line out for N24 per minute and I have complained to them via their customer's care several times but the fleecing continues.

I have contemplated dropping the number, but again, I think of the people who have use this mnumber to call me. At present, I use only MTN number to make calls and, in fact, I have acquired more MTN lines. Please help me?

V. O. Izibili Minna, Niger State, vicose2013@yahoo.com Hi, True Value, I write to protest that we no longer get power supply in Mission Road, Ilorin, Kwara State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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THE NATION

BUSINESS BRANDS & MARKETING

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

Backing world record with consumer engagement Following the unveiling of the world’s largest advert poster, which broke the Guinness World Book of Record, Nigerian Breweries has adopted a national consumer engagement campaign to sustain its brand equity of Guilder, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

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HE competition in the Nigerian beer market has continued to generate rage. Even as Western beer consumption is reducing due to the global downturn, according to a market intelligence report by Corporate Nigeria, a research firm, the brewery industry continues to thrive, while consumption of beer, put at 18.8 million hectolitres behind South Africa’s 31 per cent, has continued to heighten competition among brewers.

This is however not surprising.

According to FinTell, a financial intelligence magazine, Nigeria’s volume-growth in the beer market, supported by significant annual investment in capacity of over $1.5 billion in the last three years, is rising steeply. “Though second to South Africa, Nigeria is Africa’s largest fastest growing beer market; climbing six places to the 19th position in the most recent data for country rankings on consumption,” the report stated.

Unfortunately, engaging this motley crowd of consumers has been the bane of brewers especially with the wave of consumerism which demands much responsibility and the spirit of giving back to consumers whose loyalty to various brands, have turned the industry to a cynosure of global investors.

As a result, brewers commit fortunes to marketing communication in an effort to engage consumers and also sustain the brand recall in consumers’ minds through experiential campaigns. Based on Mediafact report, an industry intelligence survey, the surge explains why the sector has continued to remain among the top three highest advertising and marketing spenders.

Striving for the souls of consumers, has lead to lots of brands from the industry top players - Nigerian Breweries, Guinness Nigeria and other brewers, launching world record-breaking projects, and each of these jumbo campaigns are also used as platforms for consumer reward campaigns.

For instance, when Guinness launched the largest jersey in the world towards the African Cup of Nations in 2013, the brewer took about 200 consumers to South Africa to watch the matches through a tailored consumer promo. Also, NB, through its Legend Extra Stout and Heineken brands, has rewarded many consumers with allexpense paid trip to Dubai, Europe to watch live matches, among others.

However, to deepen the crave for the heart of consumers and its share of the market, NB recently unveiled the world’s largest advertisement poster, again by following the same rule of consumer engagement. Coming at a time when the Nigerian economy is just starting to reflect potentials of buoyancy, experts have reckoned that the promotion is already causing ripples in the nation’s highly competitive alcoholic beverage market.

First is the choice of words in describing the promo which is being positioned as, “Nigeria’s biggest consumer promotion. And just to

put its money where its mouth is, Gulder unveiled the world’s largest poster on Monday, August 24, 2015, to coincide with the launch of the National Consumer Promotion.

To build consumer trust as a way of engagement, the brand owners enrolled about 200 journalists for an experiential task, Gulder Ultimate Search where winner emerged to win an Brand New Hyundai Elantra For N220 at the Enugu Stadium where the largest poster was also unveiled to commemorate a national consumer promo for the Gulder brand.

The CEO of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, said the Gulder brand is synonymous with various innovative feats in the beer market, hence the production of the poster. Though regarded as another marketing gimmick, consumer promotions are desirable, as companies struggle for a bigger size of the market and a greater percentage of consumers’ disposable income.

So how big is big? How big is the 2015 Gulder National Consumer Promotion, which necessitated the brand managers to refer to it as the biggest consumer promotion in Nigeria? “A simple way is to look at the prizes on offer. The grand prize is a brand new Hyundai Elantra car, and Gulder is giving away 15 of this model of vehicles.

Well, there are 14 left to be won as Chuka Nnabuife, a journalist with National Light newspaper won the very first Hyundai Elantra car at the unveiling of the Gulder Ultimate Promo held on August 24 with journalists from all over Nigeria as participants,” said a brand analyst, Mr. Yemi Kushimo, CEO Kush Media.

“Gulder has created three channels for its teeming consumers to win big at this year’s edition of its National Consumer Promotion. A peep into the prizes at stake may just give an insight into how gargantuan the Gulder Consumer Promotion truly is,” he added.

To engage beer consumers, the brand handlers said there are three legs to the campaigm in which consumers will be rewarded with various prizes, the ultimate of which are the brand new 2015 Hyundai Elantra cars for 14 Nigerians, courtesy the 2015 Edition of the Gulder National Consumer Promotion.

While willing consumers are expected to bond with the Gulder brand through purchase to unlock the various promises and treasures of Gulder under the crown corks, the brand handler said there are various stages of experiencing the engagement.

“First is the instant prize crown corks. As the name connotes, the prizes can be claimed instantly.

The second crown cork is the differentiated crown cork category with alpha numeric codes inscribed underneath the corks.

Holders of these crown corks have to send the codes to 20388 to be part of a national raffle draw that would be held forth-nightly.

Holders of the third class of crown corks – the experiential crown corks- marked Ultimate Chase, will have to report at des-

• Gulder World largest advertisement poster

• Guinness world largest jersy

ignated national chase venues with six of those crown corks to participate for an opportunity to win a brand new car. Aside the prizes to be won, the Ultimate Chase, gives consumers the opportunity to imbibe the brand’s core values,” the brewery affirmed in a statement.

During a media launch of the promo, the first of the 15 brand new Hyundai Elantra cars up for grabs and it was won by Mr. Chuka Nnabuife who works with National Light newspaper, Anambra State. Nnabuife beat eight other journalists at the Gulder Chase to discover the key to the car that he eventually won. That

leg of the promo was devoted exclusively to journalists.

The Marketing Manager, Gulder, Life, “33” Export, Mr. Emmanuel Agu, said: “This is a promotion like no other, and that is the message we are passing to the consumers.

We are trying to paint a picture of what it means to be big in the eyes of our consumers, hence the unveiling of the World’s largest poster to kick off the National Consumer Promotion.

“The message we are passing to the consumers is that this year’s NCP is like no other. No beer brand will be able to do what Gulder has done this year and no consumer is left out as there are

prizes for every category of people. We brought in the aspect of the chase because the brand is one that talks about masculinity, determination and resilience. It is a brand for successful people. So we brought the brand essence of Gulder to life by including the Gulder Golden Chase. If you are strong and energetic enough to run and jog, why not jog for a fortune,” he advised.

As a result of these mega activations, industry observers said the Nigerian marketing communication is coming to global reckoning with the unveiling of the largest advertisement poster and world largest jersey in Nigeria.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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MONEYLINK

No naira devaluation, says Emfiele

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HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele yesterday ruled out a naira devaluation, assuring investors not to panic concerning the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

Emefiele said he was ready to inject liquidity if needed into the interbank market, which dried up this week following the directive to government departments to move their funds from commercial banks into a TSA at the apex bank.

The policy is part of new President Muhammadu Buhari’s drive to fight corruption, but analysts say it could suck up as much as 10 percent of banking sector deposits.

With global oil prices tumbling, banks and companies are already struggling with the consequences of a dive in Nigeria’s energy revenues that has hit the naira currency and triggered flows of capital out of the country.

Then JP Morgan kicked Nigeria out of its influential Emerging Markets Bond Index last week due to restrictions that the central bank imposed on the currency market to support the naira and preserve its foreign exchange reserves.

Since taking office in May, Buhari has vowed to rein in Nigeria’s dependency on oil exports which account for 90 percent of foreign currency earnings. However, he has faced criticism from investors for failing to appoint a cabinet yet or outline concrete

Stories by Collins Nweze

policies.

Amid confusion over the implementation of the single account policy, overnight interbank lending rates spiked to 200 percent, but Emefiele denied the policy had provoked a liquidity crisis.

“There is no shortage of liquidity,” he told Reuters, pointing to an oversubscribed sale of treasury bills on Wednesday. “A spike is a momentary action. It’s sentiment.”

“I do not think there is any need for anybody to panic,” he added. Nevertheless, the interbank naira market was paralyzed for a third day on Thursday, with banks unwilling to lend to each other, even when rates fell back to 20-30 percent.

In a sign of the financial ructions, commercial bank cash balances with the central bank that are normally earmarked for foreign exchange or bond purchases plunged to N173 billion yesterday from N486 billion two days ago.

Emefiele said the TSA amount would be less than N1 trillion, although he did not give details beyond saying the measure was designed to root out graft.

His comments did not instill confidence in the new rules among economists. “It’s an example of the government deciding on a policy without thinking through the mechanics of how its implementation will work,” said Alan

•CBN Governor Emefiele

Godwin

Cameron at Exotix, a Londonbased specialist in frontier markets - a higher risk subset of emerging economies.

Emefiele ruled out a further devaluation of the naira following two in the past year due to the collapse in oil revenues, insisting that its current level of 197 to the dollar would be held.

“There will not be a devaluation because right now the currency is appropriately priced,” he said.

In a series of unconventional interventions to protect the naira, the bank has blocked access to foreign currency for the importation of 41 items ranging from soap and toothpicks to cement and private jets.

“There is no intention to review any of those items on the 41 list because we believe that they are items that can be produced within the country,” he said, adding that the list might grow.

FMDQ admits N8.15b Wema Bank commercial paper

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EMA Bank Plc N8.15 billion Series One Commercial Paper Notes under a N20 billion Commercial Paper Issuance Programme, has been admitted into the FMDQ Quotations List.

This followed the approval of the FMDQ OTC Plc (FMDQ) Board Listings and Quotations Committee which confirmed that the lender has successfully met the quotation requirements as contained in the FMDQ Commercial Paper Quotation Rules.

To commemorate the quotation of this commercial paper (CP), the second to be quoted on the FMDQ platform, a Quotation Ceremony was held in honour of the Wema CP. The bank was represented by its Managing Director, Segun Oloketuyi and the arranger/Registration Member (Quotations) of FMDQ, represented by the Managing Director/CEO, FBN Capital Ltd Kayode Akinkugbe.

Managing Director, FMDQ, Bola Onadele Koko, noted that CP issuers gain access to a wide range of knowledgeable and capitalized investors (qualified institutional investors and eligible individual investors) through FMDQ Members.

“By quoting on the FMDQ platform, investors are able to diversify their portfolios, improve the returns on their investment and enjoy improved liquidity which serves to ensure ease of entry and exit from the CP market. As a securities exchange, FMDQ promotes credibility for quoted CPs, through a highly efficient registration process, supported by robust Rules, to aid price reasonability and audit trails,” he said.

Oloketuyi said six years ago, the lender took a decision to refocus its operations and build a sustainable institution.

“The official listing of the Wema Bank Commercial Paper is a testament of the suc-

cess of the ongoing transformation project in the Bank.

We are glad that the first tranche has been approved for quotation and listing on the FMDQ OTC market. We are particularly impressed with the quality of institutional investors that participated in the first tranche which is an affirmation of the confidence they have in the Bank’s transformation project. The Bank is on a journey to become a leading retail institution in Nigeria.

Hence, we will not relent on our drive to implement initiatives that would position us for available opportunities in the retail segment of the market,” he said.

Akinkugbe, stated, “We are pleased to have advised Wema Bank on setting up its N20 billion Commercial Paper programme, and despite fairly volatile market conditions, we leveraged FBN Capital’s distribution platform to successfully arrange the first tranche of N8.15 billion”.

Banks’ Audit Executives promise interbank cooperation

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HE Committee of Chief Internal Auditors of Banks in Nigeria (CCIABN), which has changed its name to the Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria (ACAEBIN) has said it will promote inter-bank cooperation in the course of its operations.

The group, which is a subcommittee of the Bankers’

Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said the new name aligns with current international practice whereby internal auditors are addressed as audit executives.

In a statement, it said that ACAEBIN has been duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and that the group’s main objective is to encourage interaction

among internal auditors in the financial industry.

The group promised to also promote dispute resolution, ethical standards and professionalism among member organisations. “The name change was in synergy with global practice whereby Internal Auditors are referred to as Audit Executives. This information is for the general public and awareness,” it said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

47

NEWS

•A cross section of worshippers at the Lagos City-Wide Crusade organised by Deeper Christian Life Ministry in conjunction with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigerian (PFN) at Christ Gospel Church, Command Road, Alimosho, Lagos. INSET: Pastor W.F Kumuyi ministering

INEC admits irregularities in Ilaje election

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HE Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Segun Agbaje, yesterday said the Ilaje II House of Assembly election could not be declared inconclusive because of the security report on the safety of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officers.

He said from reports available to him, the election was marred by irregularities and violence.

The REC spoke when he took the witness stand at the House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal.

Agbaje said the Electoral Officer, Olusegun Ajala, called to inform him about the tense atmosphere in the area.

He said the electoral officers were advised to declare the result after seeking security advice from the then Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, who confirmed the

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

situation.

The REC said: “On that day, at 3.45pm, Ajala called me about the tense atmosphere in the area.

“He said his life and that of the returning officer were in danger. I told him, I will call him back.

“At 3.50pm, I phoned the then Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke. He said he was going to call me back.

“At 4.10 pm, he called back and told me that he had gotten in touch with his officers, who confirmed him that the area was tensed.”

Agbaje added that Eke advised him that for the safety of the INEC officials in the area, the result should not be declared inconclusive.

He said it was based on the security situation and because the returning officer was held hostage, he was compelled to announce the result eventually.

The REC said the police commissioner advised that the returning officer should announce the result at Ilaje and come back to Akure to write his report.

“My lord, I am a retired director of the State Security Service (SSS) and I understand the security implication.

“Consequently, I phoned my officers that the result should be declared. The result was announced,” Agbaje said.

Corroborating Agbaje’s story, the Returning Officer, Dr. Joseph Adewuyi, who was issued a bench warrant, said he wrote a letter to the REC on April 13 that he announced the result under duress.

The letter was later tendered as evidence by the counsel of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Gbenga Edema.

The bench warrant issued against Adewuyi was discharged by the tribunal chair-

man, Justice G. O Imadegeelo, as the witness came to court voluntarily.

Edema urged the tribunal to order a fresh, credible and transparent election in Ilaje II. Having called all his witnesses, the petitioner’s lead counsel, Rotimi Akeredolu, announced his decision to close the case.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Malachi Coker, are expected to open their defence.

In another petition, PDP and its candidate, Mrs. Kemi Adesanya, have opened their defence against the petition filed by the APC and its candidate, Festus Aregbesola.

Aregbesola’s counsel, Akeredolu, grilled the PDP’s witnesses during cross examination.

A witness, who claimed he could not read and write, later read out figures in an exhibit given to him.

Lagos police arrest Indian for alleged visa scam HE police have arrested an Indian based in Dubai, Mohammed Shazul, for allegedly procuring a Dubai visa using a Nigerian’s name without his consent.

Sources close to the Federal Criminal Intelligence Investigation Department (FCIID) Annex, Alagbon Close, Lagos, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday.

The source said operatives from the FCIID arrested Shazul after a petition by Ayodotun Babalola to the police.

It said the Indian, Vice-President of Fast Logistics Solution Group, an air cargo company in Dubai was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Monday on arrival from Dubai.

“When the Inspector-General of Police got the petition dated August 19, he sent it through the DIG, FCIID to the “X’’ Squad Annex, Lagos for investigation.

“The operatives have been on the trail of the suspect and others involved in the crime.

“After his arrest at the airport,

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he phoned some Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives, who after speaking with police told him to follow the operatives to Alagbon,’’ the source told NAN. A copy of the petition, made available to NAN, alleged that the suspect, the President of the company, one Al-Ameen Kerala and others, used his international passport data page to obtain visa without his consent.

The petition indicated that they allegedly used his name to obtain the visa and held on to it to prevent him from travelling to Dubai to transact his business with other companies.

“I am still being intimidated and my rights are being abused by depriving me of travelling to Dubai for business.

“This has cost me breach of contracts and defamation of character internationally.

“I am pleading with the police to help me to retrieve my visa and also stop them from harming my family and I in the

future,’’ the petition said.

Speaking to NAN, Babalola said Al-Ameen Kerala was his business partner, adding that the relationship turned sour when he demanded for 49 per cent shares in the company.

Babalola said he was shocked when he attempted to obtain visa to Dubai but was told that he had earlier obtained one.

He said after his investigation; he was able to trace the visa scam to one Citadel Toss company.

“I applied for a visa to Dubai only to discover that my name has been used to obtain a visa without my knowledge. The company is Citadel Toss Company.

“When I contacted Citadel Toss Company, they told me they have strict instruction from their client, (the suspect) not to hand over the visa to anybody even if the owner comes, until further instruction from him.

“Their plan was to ensure that I don’t get a visa to Dubai to do my business.

“I see my visa as my personal

document and on that note I couldn’t travel again because I was restricted.

“I had to petition the Inspector-General of Police to complain officially to seek redress on the matter,’’ the complainant said.

Babalola said currently, one of the directors of the company, who is also an accomplice, had been arrested in Lagos.

“He is being questioned by the police. There was a meeting scheduled for both parties by the police on Wednesday, at FCIID, Alagbon Close,’’ he said.

Police spokesman at the FCIID Annex Achibong Asukwor confirmed the arrest, saying the Indian was released on bail on Monday night after questioning.

Asukwor said the police had begun investigation into the matter.

When NAN encountered the suspect and his counsel who refused to mention his name at the EFCC office, Ikoyi, on Wednesday, they declined to comment on the matter.

Pay us, Oyo workers beg Ajimobi YO State workers have appealed to Governor Abiola Ajimobi to pay them their salaries.

The state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Waheed Oloyede, appealed to the state and the Federal Government to hasten the release of the bailout loan to the state.

The government has paid April salary to workers in the mainstream of the public service, including teachers in secondary schools.

At the local government level and primary school section, government has paid up till July.

Oloyede said the government must strive to ensure that the arrears are cleared before the Sallah celebration.

The NLC chairman urged the governor not to renege on the earlier agreement

O

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

reached with the NLC leadership, where he promised that all arrears and pensions would be paid soon.

“The governor promised that he would begin payment as soon as the fund was accessed. In fact, that statement lifted workers’ hope and expectation was very high.

“Now schools have resumed, nothing has come.

The Sallah celebration is very close. Workers are agitated and are expecting money for the celebration.

“We are appealing to the government that if there is any impediment delaying the release of this fund, it should please clear such.

“We are also appealing to the Federal Government to quickly bail us out as it has promised.”

Why we’re in court, by Lafogido house •Family faults selection From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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HE Lafogido ruling house of Ile-Ife has explained why it is seeking legal redress against the decision of the Osun State government and the Ife kingmakers to limit the contest for the Ooni to the Giesi ruling house.

In a telephone interview, the head of the ruling house, Sookoo Adeleke Adewoyin, said the process being used was alien to Lafogido and the town.

The former deputy governor said Lafogido was not expecting any challenge to produce the Ooni.

Adewoyin, who described the 1980 declaration as a fraud and completely alien to Ife customs and tradition, called for immediate review of the declaration.

He said the call for review became imperative because the ruling house has since been marginalised in all the chieftaincy reviews in Ile-Ife. One of the royal families that make up the Giesi ruling house, billed to produce the Ooni of Ife, the Agbedegbede II royal family has dissociated itself from some selection committees.

It said it would use legal means to ensure that the selection is just, fair and transparent.

In a statement by Prince Tilewa Adewole, the family expressed dissatisfaction with the way and manner some members of the committee are trying to edge out some candidates, who they see as a threat to their preferred candidate.

The family insisted on their choice of Prince Ramon Adegoke Adedoyin, “a bonafide son of the Agbedegbede royal family II” as its sole candidate.

It restated its resolve to ensure that it is the turn of the Giesi ruling House to fill the stool but advocated that the best way to achieve this is for the committee to allow each family to produce a candidate.

The family warned that any deviation from a just and fair selection may lead to a scuttle of the nomination.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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CITYBEATS How The Sun DMD’s F

REED wife of The Sun Deputy Managing Director (DMD) Mr Steve Nwosu, Toyin yesterday relived her experience in kidnappers’ hands.

She was abducted on Monday and released early yesterday.

She said she was well treated, adding that the kidnappers served her food, but she could not eat.

Mrs Nwosu was released around 2.20am when the kidnappers took her to the First Avenue/Amuwo Odofin Link Bridge and gave her a phone to call her husband.

It was gathered that the kidnappers, who had demanded N100 million ransom, blindfolded her before taking her to the bridge, which is less than 15 minutes drive to the Nwosus’ Ago Palace Way, Okota home on the outskirts of Lagos.

After her call, they collected the phone from her and left in their speed boat.

A source close to the family said a team of security operatives, led by Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni found Mrs Nwosu on the bridge.

When The Nation visited the Nwosus’ home at 9am, friends and family members were praising God for her safe return.

Some of the visitors, including Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) members, shed tears of joy, as they embraced Mrs Nwosu.

At about 10:51am, the couple came out of their living room, accompanied by two others, to address reporters on the balcony.

Dressed in a black jeans top, blue leggings and a pair of slippers, Mrs Nwosu was all smiles.

But behind the warmth was a traumatised woman, with a blood clot in her right eye.

She said the injury must have been caused by the leaves in the place she was taken to.

For the about three minutes, the couple spoke with reporters, The Nation observed that she was in tears, while her husband held her

CITYBEATS LINE: 08158604763

wife was released

•‘I was treated well’ Adeola rejoices with Nwosu

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

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ENATOR Solomon Adeola representing Lagos West District has rejoiced with Mr Steve Nwosu on the release of his kidnapped wife, Toyin.

Senator Adeola thanked God that she came out of the kidnappers’ den alive.

“Her abduction must be a devastating and excruciating experience for a family that had just been subjected to a violent robbery,” he said.

Adeola urged security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities of securing lives and property as reports indicated that the abduction would have been aborted if the Police had reacted promptly to emergency calls.

He urged Nwosu not to allow the incident dampen his patriotism as reflected in his weekly column and other endeavours. The senator said his prayer is for Nigeria to grow to prevent or minimise societal malaise such as, armed robbery and kidnapping.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

and patted her back calmly.

The couple said they had been directed by the police not to grant interviews to avoid contradictory reports.

Nwosu maintained that he did not know what transpired before his wife was released, but he thanked all who facilitated her safe release.

Nwosu specifically mentioned former Abia State Governor Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, his boss, Mr Eric Osagie, the Lagos State Government, and the security agencies.

He said: “We just want to thank Nigerians and to say we are happy she was released in the wee hours of today (yesterday).

“I am sorry we might not be able to give the details because police who have been on the case all along said they will address a press conference and that we should not talk.

“We do not know how this happened; all we know is that we were asked to pick her up somewhere this morning. Incidentally, the security agents, including the Commissioner of Police

were there too.

“I really do not know what happened besides that some people called and said we should come to a certain place and pick her, which we did and she is home.

“So, we want to thank all Nigerians and thank the government, security agencies and all those involved.

“I do not know how this came about, but the important thing is that I have my wife with me, she is back with us and we are grateful.

“I want to allow the police address their press conference this morning, and then I will also talk to my Chairman, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, as well as the Managing Director of Sun, Eric Osagie, who did all the running.”

Asked if ransom was paid, Nwosu replied: “How much can I afford? As a journalist, where will I be getting N100 million?

“Let the police say what they did and let Dr Kalu also say how this happened. All I know is that I got my wife back. What happened in between, I do not know,” he said.

Mrs Nwosu thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for

•Mrs Nwosu (second right) with sympathisers... yesterday

her safe release.

“Firstly I thank God. President Muhammadu Buhari, The Sun Newspaper staff, my colleagues at the local government, NIPR members and our well wishers.

“I did not even know that I am this popular. I want to thank everybody including the media houses. God is just the ultimate.

“I thank you so much that I am alive and kicking. One thing I will tell Nigerians is if you are doing good, continue to do it. God will help us all,” she said.

Earlier, Owoseni told The Nation in a telephone interview that the woman was found around First Gate, Amuwo Odofin, where the kidnappers left her and contacted her people to get her.

He said efforts were on to bring the perpetrators to book, asking the people for information to curb crime.

Also yesterday, it was gathered that the dereliction of duties by policemen in Area E Division, Amuwo Odofin, enabled the kidnappers to take away Mrs Nwosu on Monday morning.

The Amuwo Odofin Police Division was called severally but its operatives refused to respond on grounds that the Nwosus’street is under Okota Police Division.

Despite being the closest police station to the street, Festac Policemen, The Nation learnt, were contacted about

Woman arrested for ‘kidnapping’ three kids

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42-year-old woman, Mrs Nimotu Raheem, was yesterday paraded by Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni for allegedly kidnapping three children at an Arabic School in ItireIkate, Surulere, Lagos.

The children are a set of twins Taiye and Kehinde, 4 and a 16-month old boy, Fatai Adeola.

Owoseni said police rescued the suspected kidnapper from being lynched by an irate mob on Wednesday night.

He said the suspect had demanded for the boy from his mother, who obliged her without questioning her motive.

“It was another woman who saw the manner the suspect demanded for the child and the mother gave the child out without any resistance or questions that now raised alarm. For the quick intervention of the police from Itire, the suspect would have been mobbed.

“At first, the suspect acted like a dumb person but after some tactics used on her by our operative, she started talking. We also got infor-

•Mrs Raheem ... yesterday

By Ebele Boniface

mation that she has mental problem. All that she has said so far is useful to our investigation,’’ he said.

The police chief said the suspect had given the police some useful lead, promising to bring all those involved, including the sponsors to book.

Owoseni appealed to public to be vigilant, stressing that if not for the alertness of an old woman, the suspect would have gone with the kids.

•Nwosu and his wife, Toyin... yesterday

1:30am, but they did not arrive till about 3am.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said Nwosu also tried to reach a senior police officer in Festac, but the officer did not pick his call.

“Oga called police before the armed men broke the window and entered the house. He called them many times, but they did not come, the Festac policemen kept arguing that the street is under Okota. He was told to call

Corporal to face trial for alleged murder

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POLICE Corporal, who allegedly shot a woman to death on Wednesday at Isheri Oshun, a Lagos suburb, will be charged to court today.

Police chief Fatai Owoseni told reporters in Lagos yesterday that the corporal was undergoing disciplinary action.

He said the incident occurred on Wednesday when the deceased, her husband and four children were going home in a tricycle, popularly known as “Keke Marwa”.

He said the corporal allegedly opened fire on the tricycle, killing the woman on the spot, while her husband and children and the rider were wounded.

Owoseni said: “As I speak with you, the corporal has been arrested and he is undergoing disciplinary action.

“He will be charged to court on Friday (today) for murder.

This will serve as deterrent to others. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the station has been queried for violating the Inspector-General of Police directive that no police team should use unregistered vehicle for police operation.

“The team leader of the operation that led to the killing will also face disciplinary action for not directing his men well.”

Owoseni said he had visited the family to ascertain what the police could do for them.

•The kidnapped children being taken home by their parents... yesterday

He enjoined parents to monitor their children in Arabic and western schools and raise the alarm when they see strange faces around them.

Mrs Raheem, who said she had a two-year-old child in the same Arabic school, explained that she wanted to take the children to their parents.

“I went to take my child and also the twins to their parent,” she said.

An eye-witness Amina Ayinla said: “The suspect took the twins at about 7pm

from Arabic school in the area and claimed that she was a relative of the twins’ mother but unfortunately for her, the grandmother of the twins saw her and alerted the neighbours who gathered and rescued them from her.”

Fatai’s mother, Temilola Adeola said the suspect used charm to take his son away from her in the Arabic class.

Another eyewitness, who gave his name as Ope, said yam flour, children’s pants and biscuits were found in the suspect’s bag by the mob.

Okota police station. Are the police supposed to argue over jurisdiction when someone’s life is at stake?

“He called their oga many times but he did not pick and so, when the kidnappers entered the house, he surrendered.

“It was after they have robbed and kidnapped his wife that the police came. If they had come early, maybe things would have turned out differently,” he said.

Alleged N111.2m fraud: Court remands bank worker

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USTICE Mohammed Yunusa of a Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday remanded a Diamond Bank employee, Obioha Okengwu, at Ikoyi Prisons for allegedly defrauding the bank of N111.2 million.

The accused is standing trial on a nine-count charge of conspiracy and fraud.

Prosecuting police officer, Effiong Asuquo told the court that the accused committed the offence between April and August 2014 in

Lagos.

He said the accused conspired with members of his family to defraud the bank.

According to him, the accused committed the offences while working in the e-Business unit of the daily settlement entries of transactions done on Point of Sales (POS) and Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

The accused pleaded not guilty.

The case has been adjourned till September 22.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

NEWS PDP chief to APGA: stop harassing Abia tribunal

FCT CJ frees 24 inmates on health, age grounds

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HIEF Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Justice Ishaq Bello, yesterday freed 24 inmates on health and age grounds from the Kuje Prisons.

The chief judge discharged the inmates during his visit to the prisons.

Bello said there was a panel of Judges set to look into some cases of the inmates in order to accelerate hearing of their cases.

He urged some of the judges to grant bail to robbery cases.

“Where bail is granted and could not be perfected then we look at the terms if they are that harsh and not attainable then we direct a review,” he said.

The CJ further urged the prison officials to enable inmates awaiting trial contact their relations when the need arose.

He ordered the prison officials to make available the authentic medical records of inmates to accelerate onward delivery of justice.

He said the two non-Nigerian citizens that were discharged, hailed from Chad and Niger republic, and would need to be assisted by the Nigeria Immigration Service to get to their respective embassies.

“We could not release them like that because one is mentally retarded and the other is critically ill,” Bello said.

Deputy Controller, Kuje Prisons, Mr. Innocent Onoja, said there were 914 inmates and 724 awaiting trial at the prison.

He said there were inmates awaiting trials for 12 to 13 years in the prison and urged the CJ to grant the expectations of the inmates and to consider inmates that were critically ill and were 60 years and above.

Amongst the discharged inmates on age grounds was Alhaji Abubakar Bello, a retired police officer, who has been sentenced to life imprisonment for culpable homicide.

He told reporters that he had been in detention since 1999.

By Joseph Jibueze

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•From left: President, Nigeria Vietnam Chambers of Commerce, Mr. Oye Akinsemoy(right) at a news conference on Junior Chamber International (JCI Nigeria) Lets Go To Asia in Lagos. With him are Director, International Affairs, JCI Nigeria, Mr. Sola Adewunmi (left); Commercial Manager, Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency, Mr. Nathaniel Bassey; Director, Indonesian Trade Promotion Agency, Mr. Nino Seiatan and National President, JCI Nigeria, Mr. Seun Osinkalu.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

•President, Academy Entrepreneurial Studies (AES), Mr. Ausbeth Ajagu(left), former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe and representative of Vice President, Mrs Maureen Ovie at the AES sixth Annual National Conference (AES) at the Nigerian PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA Institute of Internal Affairs (NIIA), Victorial Island, Lagos...yesterday.

Five feared dead in Anambra building collapse

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IVE persons were feared dead when a three-storey building, under construction, collapsed on Wednesday in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Governor Willie Obiano in 2014 banned the construction of high-rise buildings, especially in commercial areas.

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

An eyewitness, Nwafor, said the incident happened after a heavy rainfall. Nwafor said he was passing by when he heard a noise and ran away before the structure collapsed.

He blamed the collapse on the use of substandard materials. “Touch the blocks, you

will see that they are just sand.

The speed with which they pursued the construction was horrible.

“Another three-storey building under construction, adjacent to the collapsed one, which is also being handled by the same engineer, has cracks on its walls,” Nwafor

said.

Nwafor said five persons were working in the building before it collapsed, adding that it was uncertain if they escaped.

Commissioner of Police Hosea Karma said he was not aware of the incident.

Why we suspended PDP national conference, by Mutuh

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said the suspension of its proposed national conference was to accommodate all interests within the party.

National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, stated this in Abuja while briefing reporters on the issue.

Metuh confirmed that the party’s leadership received a letter from Prof. Jerry Gana’s committee proposing the conference.

He said that on receipt of the proposal, the National Working Committee (NWC) supported the proposal but felt the need to accommodate all interests in such conference.

“We felt that if we are going to do it, all interests will

be accommodated in terms of the leadership of the National Assembly and the Governors’ Forum.

“We will take nominees from state Houses of Assembly, nominees of youth leaders and the youth forum, because we want the party to go back to the youths. ‘’We want the youths to be involved in whatever we are doing,’’ he said.

Metuh said that due to a communication gap, the advert on the proposed conference was aired before Gana received the NWC’ letter.

“Immediately the advertisement was aired, the NWC was bombarded with lots of complaints saying that why should we spread the membership of the committee to include some of those who

have left the party.

“They also complained about why we should exclude a lot of people whom they felt should have been involved and not those who walked out on this party,’’ he said.

Metuh added that the NWC also felt it was necessary to suspend the propose conference as it was still awaiting Sen. Ike Ekweremadu’s committee’s report on reconciliation of members, due for submission next week.

“The NWC felt that the delay was necessary, especially when the highest elected member of the party, in the person of the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, had been given an assignment that he is yet to turn in.

“Without waiting for that report, and without considering the input of that report, it means that we have discarded and foreclosed the issue of the Ekweremadu committee.

“That would also be a huge insult on the office of the Deputy President of the Senate, on the part of the NWC, more so when members of the governors’ forum, BOT, and other high caliber individuals are also there in the committee.

“We felt that the conference will still hold but we should put a stop to it,’’ he said.

Metuh said that copies of the Ekweremadu committee’s report would be sent to the governors’ forum, the BOT, National Caucus, and to the zones, for their inputs before such conference.

PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Ben Onyechere yesterday condemned what he called incessant blackmail of the Abia State Election Petition Tribunal and the Independent National Electoral Commission (lNEC) by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

He said APGA’s frivolous allegations against them have become embarrassing “because of the sensitive nature of their verbiage.”

Onyechere, a former Special Adviser to ex-Vice-President Alex Ekwueme, said if not checked, the continued blackmail could lead to chaos.

In a statement, he said: “The PDP has endured with great restraint as a disciplined party while a faction of APGA which took PDP to tribunal has continued to harass the tribunal and lNEC by flaunting frivolous allegations against the PDP as if APGA was a serious contender against PDP in the governorship election.

“Alex Otti (APGA candidate) was not the only one to resign his appointment hoping to get PDP ticket. There were ministers whose jobs were more important who also resigned but heaven did not fall when they lost PDP primaries. They simply took it with equanimity and supported the party in the main election because they knew it was almost impossible to beat PDP in Abia.

“But Otti who failed all prequalification tests is sounding as if anybody engineered him to resign. In politics you must look before you leap. He simply believed the lie by a few people who misled him to think that he could arm-twist PDP in its strongest hold in Southeast.

Nigerian journalists, others trapped in Burkina Faso

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WO Nigerian journalists are among media men trapped in Burkina Faso, the land-locked West African country where the military has just seized power a few weeks to general elections.

The International Press Centre (IPC) in a statement by its Director Mr Lanre Arogundade, “strongly” condemned the palace ‘coup,’ by Presidential Guards led by Gilbert Diendere and warned that the journalists should not be harmed.

The journalists who are confined to their hotels in Ouagadougou are IPC’s Programme Associate, Mr. Sanmi Falobi, the secretary of the Abuja Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr, Emma Ogbechie and the President of the West African Journalists Association (WAJA), Mr. Peter Quaqua.

The journalists are among the others attending the annual International Festival of the Freedom of Expression and the Press (FILEP). The conference which started on Wednesday is billed to end tomorrow.

The IPC warned the Coupists against harming the journalists and activists in any way as they would be held responsible should they become targets of attacks by rampaging soldiers.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

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NEWS T

•Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (arrowed) with members of the Ilorin Emirate Descendant Progressive Union, after a visit to him at the National Assembly... yesterday.

Military discovers Boko Haram business centre in Maiduguri A

BUSINESS centre, which specialises in the production of fake national identity cards for male members of the Boko Haram, has been uncovered by the men of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Maiduguri.

The business centre, situated at the busy Post Office area of Maiduguri, according to the military, was before its discovery operated by Mr. John Zakariya and Mallam Makinta Umar.

The duo have been arrest-

From Duku Joel, Maiduguri

ed and are assisting the military with useful information.

The discovery was contained in a statement by Col. Tukur Gusau, the deputy director, Army Public Relations.

Gusau in the statement said: “The arrest of the men was made possible after a Boko Haram terrorist, who was earlier arrested, confessed to the Joint Investiga-

tion Centre that the suspected persons produced ID cards for the insurgents.

“The items recovered from the accomplices include laptops, memory sticks, still camera, among others.

“During preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the men produce fake national identity cards and other documents for the terrorists in a business centre located in Maiduguri.

“These documents enable

the insurgents to move to destinations and carry out their activities, killing and inflicting injuries on lawabiding people.

“The documents also facilitate the movement of the terrorists to neighbouring countries to network with other terrorists.

“This act by the men is detrimental to the efforts of the security agencies under Operation Lafiya Dole”.

The statement added that the suspects would be handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.

Court reserves judgment in Onjeh, Mark case

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) Benue South senatorial candidate, Mr. Daniel Onjeh, has asked the Justice Mosumola Dipeolu- led National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Makurdi to nullify the March 28 senatorial election in Benue South and order a fresh election.

He spoke yesterday during the adoption of the final addresses of the parties in his petition challenging the election of Senator David Mark of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to the petitioner, who had tendered documents, including his written statement on oath and certified true copies of the result sheets from the nine local governments to prove his case during the hearing, the result forms produced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not reflect the votes cast during the poll in the zone.

Counsel to Onjeh, Mr. Tunji Oso, said in all cases, the addition of the number of successfully-accredited and the number of failed accreditation recorded by the card reader at each polling

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

unit must not exceed the number of votes cast at that polling unit.

He said in the instant case, while the total number of people allegedly accredited in the election was 166,633 by form EC8D(i) Exhibit B3 P.DC1, the total number of voters, who were either successfully accredited (87,819) or whose voter cards were verified by card reader, but whose finger prints card reader failed to authenticate (58,607) by Exhibit P.B40 was 146,426.

Oso argued that the implication of the above non-compliance was that the total votes of parties in the election were vitiated and tainted with over 20,000 ghost, accredited and unidentified persons.

He alleged that Mark was prophetically declared the winner by INEC on March 28 while collation of results was still ongoing in seven local governments in the zone on March 29.

Oso further alleged that there was no evidence of holding of election or collation in 107 polling units across the senatorial zone, as form

EC8A(1) for the polling units was not produced by INEC. He submitted that the results of seven local governments, namely Agatu, Obi, Okpokwu, APA, Ado, Ogbadibo and Oju, which were proved to be collated on March 29, could not be part of the votes upon which Mark was returned since he was declared winner on March 28.

Oso enjoined the tribunal to expunge the votes of the identified local governments from the total votes of parties where Mark supposedly polled 99,538 votes, while Onjeh scored 50,115.

He said the votes were only collated in Ohimini and Otukpo councils where Onjeh polled 16,033 votes, while Mark scored 27,137 votes.

The petitioner’s counsel insisted that more than half of the votes cast and more than half of the polling units where elections were supposed to have been held were vitiated and invalidated.

He urged the tribunal to nullify the election and order for a fresh poll, saying it was a settled law that where more than half of the total votes cast or half of the total polling units was vitiated, the

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From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

issued a one-month deadline to all house owners in the estate who were yet to complete payment of mortgages to do so or risk eviction.

They were allowed back into their homes after some traditional rulers and prominent citizens pleaded for more time on their behalf after which Fayose gave a new deadline of November 30 after which “action” will resume on December 1.

Orebe and other house owners had filed a suit at an AdoEkiti High Court urging the court to restrain the govern-

ment, Attorney General, police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps from ejecting them from their quarters, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The letter of revocation was served on Orebe on Tuesday, which prompted him to write a petition to the police, claiming that he was being victimised for having the “audacity” to challenge the governor in court.

Apart from Orebe, the houses purchased by 16 other residents, who joined the estate chairman as plaintiffs, were also revoked by the Housing Corporation which claimed it

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GROUP, the Grassroots Support for Sustainable Democracy, has urged Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to recognise it, to complement government’s work by educating, sensitising and creating awareness at the grassroots.

Addressing reporters after its maiden meeting yesterday at its headquarters in Lagos, the coordinator, Mr. Adetoro Aina JP, said the group, a nongovernment, non-profit making body not affiliated to any party, was launched to ensure that the people at the grassroots, who voted in the last elections, enjoyed good governance.

He said during the houseto-house campaign by the group before the elections, people across gender, reli-

By Tokunbo Ogunsami

gion, creed and socio-economic class were bitter about how they were treated by past governments and party hierarchies.

Aina said if the present government recognises them and brings them on board, most of their members will serve as monitoring officers and report their observations to the government, thus complementing its efforts.

He said to achieve their aims and objectives, the 70,000 members of the body across the local governments and local council development areas met state and local government officials to let them know what they were out to do and the need to seek their support.

Church holds programme •Mark

tribunal ought to nullify the election.

However, counsel to Mark, Mr. Kenneth Ikonne, enjoined the tribunal to dismiss the petition, arguing that the allegations in the petition were criminal in nature and the onus rested on the petitioner to prove them.

He said the petitioner alleged irregularities, malpractices, allocation of votes, multiplication of figures, overvoting, over accreditation and concoction of results, but failed to prove his case.

PDP’s lawyer, Mr. Chris Alechenu, aligned himself with the submissions of Ikonne and urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition.

The tribunal Chairman, Justice Mosumola Dipeolu, hailed the parties and told them that the judgment date would be communicated to them through the tribunal’s secretary.

Man petitions police over Fayose’s take over of house HE Chairman of Landlords Association in Irewolede Estate in AdoEkiti, the Ekiti State capital, Ayo Orebe, has decried the revocation of the sale agreement on a three-bedroom bungalow sold to him in 2011 by the government.

Orebe, who was one of the house owners ejected from the estate by the government on August 6, has petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Etop James, insisting that the agreement made with the Housing Corporation subsists for 25 years.

Governor Ayo Fayose had

Ambode urged on recognition

was acting on the instruction of the governor.

The revocation came after Orebe went to court challenging his earlier forced eviction and further threat by the governor and the housing corporation to forcefully eject him if he failed to pay within one month.

His lawyer, Rafiu Oyeyemi Balogun, had gone to court asking for N20 million damages over illegal eviction having not broken mortgage payment terms and to further restrain the governor and corporation from illegal eviction, pending the determination of the case.

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RIUMPHANT Baptist Church, 19, Olufemi Ojo Street, Shasha Road, Akowonjo, Lagos will tomorrow hold a programme called heavenly dew. Its theme is: ‘Long life is your heritage’.

The pastor, Dr. Sunday Olayiwola Oladejo, said the monthly programme is a platform for people to pray to God to overcome their challenges.

It will also feature music ministration by the Triumphant Voices led by Bro Kayode Adewale.

Highlight of the programme is a free health check and screening for members of the community.

‘It’s unwise to negotiate with Boko Haram’

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HE father of two of the Chibok girls, Rev. Enoch Mark, has condemned the planned negotiation with Boko Haram insurgents.

He said it was unwise to do so.

The cleric said President Muhammadu Buhari should learn from the mistakes of past presidents and should not listen to the people who claimed

From Grace Obike, Abuja

that they could mediate between the Federal Government and Boko Haram insurgents.

Rev. Mark, who spoke yesterday in a telephone interview with The Nation, said he would only support negotiation after the whereabouts of the girls had been ascertained.

Nigeria at 55: We are not yet a nation, says Ahmed

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WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said yesterday that it was unfortunate that Nigeria was yet to be a nation at 55.

He said the country was not practising democracy the way it ought to be practised.

The governor, who delivered the independence anniversary lecture with the theme: “Nigeria at 55: The Pains, the Gains, the Prospects”, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, said the three arms of government should work together for the sustenance of democracy.

Ahmed, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Sola Isiaka Gold, urged politicians to revert to regional politics and invest

From Oseheye Okwuofu and Jeremiah Oke, Ibadan

in agriculture.

He said bad leadership in the past led the country to a terrible condition, adding that Nigeria must improve human drive.

The governor enjoined the Federal Government to overhaul the education sector so that the country could advance technologically.

The NUJ Chairman, Comrade Gbenga Opadotun, said journalists in Oyo State were impressed by the disposition of the governor to the workers.

The highlight of the event was the conferment of an award on the governor.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

52

NEWS

Advisory Council may name new Olu of Warri tomorrow

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HERE were indications last night that the Olu Advisory Council of Warri Kingdom in Delta State may announce, tomorrow, the transition of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atiwatse II. Palace (Aghofen) sources said the formal announcement may be accompanied by the name of an Olu-designate and successor to Atuwatse II. It was learnt that the council could make the announcement at Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri), the ancestral home of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.

A member of the council, who spoke in confidence because he was not authorised to talk, told our reporter the reasons for making the announcement a formality.

He said: “There are rites that must be done before you can announce that an Olu has joined his ancestors. We have also completed those traditional requirements and we are set to move to the next stage of making the formal announcement and announcing his successor.

“It has been a very meticu-

From Shola O’Neil, S’South Regional Editor, Warri

lous and painstaking process. But I can confidently inform you that the major announcement will be made this weekend. It will put to rest the speculations about the state of the Itsekiri.”

The source hinted that the announcement might shock those unfamiliar with the workings of the Itsekiri traditional inner circle.

He said: “The choice (of the Olu) may be one that a lot of people do not expect; he could be a bolt from the blue.

“What I can tell you is that whoever emerges will be the choice of the people, the legal choice and what is best for the Itsekiri.”

But our correspondent gathered that the late monarch may be succeeded by one of his two younger siblings - Princes Godfrey Ikenwoli Abiloye and Oluyemi Pius Emiko - instead of his first son, Prince Tsola, as was formerly speculated.

The process of choosing the highly influential traditional ruler of the Itsekiri has been com-

pleted, thereby paving the way for tomorrow’s final announcement, it was learnt yesterday.

The two front runners are sons of Olu Erejuwa II. They are said to be eminently qualified and well educated.

Godfrey and Oluyemi are graduates of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

But sources close to the traditional council said Prince Ikenwoli Emiko is the favourite, as he fulfils the requirements in the 1979 Gazette of the defunct Bendel State (applicable to Delta State).

It was gathered that Prince Yemi was knocked off the list because of his Isoko maternal lineage.

The 1979 Gazette stipulates that only princes born by an Itsekiri or Edo mothers can become Olu. “He (Godfrey) was the choice of his father, Olu Erejuwa II. That is why he was named Abiloye (born for the throne) but he lost out to the then Prince Godwin Toritseju Emiko (Atuwatse II) in 1987.

“Ikenwoli is set to fulfil a

destiny and to sit on the throne of his forefathers,” the source added.

It was gathered that Prince Yemi was stopped from running because of his Isoko maternal lineage; only princes born by Itsekiri or Edo mothers can become the Olu. The former Chevron Nigeria top shot and All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate in the March 28 election reportedly accepted the decision of the council.

The Olu-designated will be chosen by a seven-man committee, comprising the five members of the Olu Advisory Council and two other members, usually nominated by the Ologbosere of Warri.

Besides the Ologbosere, other members of the advisory council include the Uwangue, Iyesere, Ojomo and Osodi of Warri Kingdom.

Only the Ojomo and Otsodi stools are currently occupied; the last Ologbotsere, Pa Alfred Rewane, has not been replaced since his demise in 1995.

The Iyesere, Chief Gabriel

Mabiaku, died recently and his position too has not been filled.

The process of choosing a new Olu fell on Chief Isaac Jemide, the Otsodi, and Chief Pessu, the Ojomo.

An Itsekiri leader and member of the Uwangue family told our reporter that the two men constituted a committee to present the new Olu to the Itsekiri nation tomorrow.

“The absence of the three other members of the council, though regrettable, is not expected to affect the process. This is because each of the families holding these titles has their leaders. For instance, the Olaraja of Jakpa is the head of the Uwangue family,” the source added.

Also, the document guiding the selection of an Olu of Warri is a 1979 Gazette of the defunct Bendel State. The document was produced following a commission of enquiry set up by the state government in 1977.

A source conversant with the document but pleaded not to be named, said: “The state government, in 1977, set up an enquiry to have an official government on the matter. It was this that led to 1979 gazette. The 1979 gazette was a product of an enquiry commissioned by R. Kerr Enquiry, a colonial head in 1931. The

Kerr Enquiry was set up to decide the way forward after the 88-year interregnum. They met the colonial head and decided on how the Olu should be crowned.”

Besides being a prince born by an Edo or Itsekiri mother, the document specifies that he must be born by one of the last three Olus.

“In a situation where there is no qualified son, by birth (direct son of Olu), the search then goes to the brothers of the late Olu. If again, there is none among the brothers, who is qualified, we will go to his uncles. If there is none among his uncles, the search them settles on grand-children,” the source said.

It was learnt that beyond the gazette, candidates are subjected to traditional consultations at the oracle.

The candidate, it was learnt, must be accepted by the various oracles that would be consulted.

“In this case, I can tell you that the man who is set to be announced on Saturday has been accepted by man and our ancestors. All the oracles consulted have accepted him as the next Ogiame,” the source added.

Why I joined Bayelsa governorship race, by Sylva From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

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•Chief Executive Officer of Male Integrated Science and National President of Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), Mr Michael Ale (middle) on a guided tour of young geo-scientist students on intern and industrial training to a borehole drilling site during the launch of the Male Integrated EUREKA Project at Molete, Ibadan, Oyo State

Shell: we lost over $50m to oil thieves, vandals in 2014

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HELL Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has said it lost over 110,000 barrels of crude oil, estimated at $5 million in 2014, to oil thieves and pipelines vandals.

SPDC gave the statistics yesterday at a seminar for reporters in Warri, Delta State.

The company put its daily crude oil loss to oil theft and pipelines vandalism at 37,000 barrels.

Its General Manager, External Relations, Igo Weli, decried the negative impact that criminal activities had caused the nation’s economy, the environ-

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

ment of oil bearing communities and SPDC’s business in the country.

Weli said environmental pollution was caused mainly by vandals who burst oil pipes to steal its crude for illegal refinery or sales.

He said: “An average of 110,000 boe/d (barrels of crude oil per day) was deferred in 2014 due to pipelines interference and other illegal activities.

“An average of 37,000 barrels crude oil is stolen daily from SPDC JV facilities.”

Weli recalled that from 2010 to 2014, over 92 per cent of the

oil spills from SPDC facilities were caused by thieves and other saboteurs.

The SPDC spokesman said this posed serious threats to the fresh water and marine environments in Niger Delta because those living in the coastal area could no longer fish or drink the water.

He said: “It affects surface resources and wide-range of surfaces. Spilled oil can harm the environment in several ways, including damages that directly impact the environment.”

Weli decried the encroachment of pipelines’ right of way by host communities.

According to him, it has become a common trend for people to build around locations visibly marked as pipelines’ right of way without recourse.

The SPDC spokesman blamed the situation on the non-compliance with the Survey Coordination Act of 1962 and a lack of awareness on the implication of living near areas marked as pipelines’ right of way.

He said: “Ccommercial activities along the right of way (of oil pipelines) are common in urban cities and it should be discouraged.”

Dickson lambasts ex-aide over unpaid salaries complaint

B

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday denied owing his former Senior Special Assistant on Non-Indigenes, Chief Chinedu Mbah, oneyear salary arrears and allowances.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Treasury and Accounts, Mr Timipre Seipulou, the governor said Mbah was ungrateful, urging the public to ignore him.

Mbah recently resigned his appointment, citing, among

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

other things, non-payment of salaries and allowances; daily intimidation and harassment from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and confiscation of his official car.

But Seipolou described the claims as false, malicious and meant to impugn on the reputation of the Dickson-led Restoration Government.

According to him, the government has always lived up to its financial obligations to

workers and was “not owing any of his aides, including Mbah”.

The statement said: “Available financial records reveal that Mbah was paid his remunerations to date, just like any other political appointee in the state, before his purported claim of resignation.

“Mbah is only acting the script of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and particularly for his master and former Chief of Staff to Governor Dickson and now an APC gov-

ernorship aspirant ...who recommended him for appointment. Going by the facts on ground, it is clear that it is only a desperate and ungrateful man that can make such malicious claims.”

Seipolou said the claims were politically motivated, adding that it was a deliberate attempt to smear the government’s image.

The governor’s aide said the Dickson administration was not perturbed by Mbah’s resignation.

ORMER Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva has said he joined the December 5 governorship race to rescue the state from its “current” political confusion and economic hopelessness.

In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) state leader urged his supporters to remain focused to enable the party win the governorship election.

Sylva was reacting to the postponement of APC’s governorship primary from September 19 to September 22.

He said: “I appeal to all our supporters, delegates and the APC family in Bayelsa State to stay focused, positive and determined as we wait for ...September 22, fixed by the national headquarters of our great party for the primary.

“My participation in the governorship race is borne out of a firm decision to steer our state away from the current course of political confusion and economic hopelessness, and return it to the path of freedom, progress and hope, the foundation upon which our founding fathers had agitated and won the struggle for a distinct political territory within Nigeria.

“With that resolve, having been backed by the popular opinion of our people, I assure you that we are on course. I have no doubt that by next Tuesday, I will emerge the candidate of our great party, APC, for the December 5 governorship election.

“The primary is just a process to our ultimate goal of retrieving our collective political destiny from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) grabbers, who have arrested the development of the state since 2012...”

Abductors free UNIPORT VC’s son •No arrest yet, say police From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

A

BDUCTORS of Ejira, the 25-year-old son of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Prof. Ndowa Lale, have freed him.

His release was broadcast yesterday in the breaking news on a local radio station in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The report said Prof Lale confirmed that his son was released at 7pm on Wednesday but was silent on whether or not a ransom was paid to his abductors.

Ejira was abducted at 8pm on Monday.

He is the Managing Director of Ejiis Fish Farms, in his father’s hometown of Agbeta-Ebubu-Eleme-Ogoni in Eleme Local Government Area.

The UNIPORT’s VC, who assumed office about two months ago, said his son had injuries from the machete cuts the kidnappers inflicted on him.

As at press time last night, Ejira was said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Rivers State.

Police spokesman Muhammad Kidaya Ahmad, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), also confirmed Ejira’s release in a phone conversation with our reporter.

But he said the police had not arrested any suspect on the incident.

Ahmad assured that investigation would continue into the matter to apprehend the kidnappers and prosecute them, to serve as a deterrent to other crimins.

53

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS

Fiasco after coup in Burkina Faso

G

UARDS detained interim President Michel Kafando and other government ministers during the raid in the capital Wednesday, the United Nations said.

It’s unclear where the guards took the President, Prime Minister Isaac Zida and the other officials.

Hours after their detention, an unidentified military official took to the airwaves Thursday and said the military has “decided to put an end to the deviant transitional regime”.

The official announced that Gilbert Diendere, an ex-general and adviser to former President Blaise Compaore, is the new leader.

The interim government failed to establish a “democracy based on consensus,” the military official said on national television.

The official highlighted a series of steps the military is undertaking that include removing the tran-

sitional president from office, dissolving the government and forming a broad coalition that will focus on policies that will lead to inclusive elections.

The United Nations condemned the leaders’ detention.

“This incident is a flagrant violation of Burkina Faso’s constitution and transitional charter,” U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon said in a statement.

“The United Nations stands firmly behind the transitional authorities and President Kafando”.

French President Francois Hollande appealed for the leaders' release and the reinstatement of the transitional authorities.

Days before the raid in Ouagadougou, a commission had recommended the disbanding of the presidential guard unit, which is loyal to Compaore, the former president. Compaore was in charge of the presidential guards during his decades in power,

Migrants break through Croatian police lines

A

MID chaotic scenes in Croatia, crowds of migrants briefly broke through riot police lines at the border with Serbia.

People waiting for hours in blazing heat at Tavornik grew frustrated, though the situation is quieter now.

Croatia is struggling to deal with at least 7,300 arrivals since Wednesday morning after Hungary closed its border with Serbia, blocking the previous route into the European Union.

EU leaders will hold an emergency summit next week to discuss the crisis.

Croatian officials say migrants must apply for asylum there or be treated as illegal immigrants.

The BBC’s Fergal Keane, in Tavornik, said the trouble began when people began pushing at police to get through.

Riot police were trying to hold back several thousand migrants who had crossed from Serbia.

There was mayhem as Croatian police tried to restore order, with children screaming, women crying and people knocked over, our correspondent adds.

The crowds, who were chanting

“we want to go,” had gathered in the baking heat to wait for transport on from the border.

Croatian police eventually gave way under pressure. Many of the migrants said they intended to walk to Slovenia.

Many of the migrants are exhausted with supplies of food and water running low.

Croatia is part of the European Union but is not part of the borderless Schengen area.

The interior minister said Croatia would not be able to take any more migrants.

On Wednesday, hundreds were involved in clashes at the Hungary-Serbia border after Hungarian authorities used water cannon and tear gas to stop migrants forcing their way through.

Separately on Thursday, European Council President Donald Tusk announced that European leaders would meet on 23 September.

The European Parliament voted to back plans for the mandatory relocation of 120,000 refugees around the EU, but interior ministers from EU countries have not so far been able to reach agreement on the plan.

Blasts in central Baghdad leave 23 dead, 68 wounded • Men walk past the site of a suicide bomb attack in Baghdad, Iraq...yesterday

A

T least 23 people were killed and 68 others wounded when three bombs went off in mainly Shi’ite neighborhoods in central Baghdad yesterday, security and medical sources said.

Two suicide blasts claimed by Islamic State killed at least 19 people in the commercial district of Bab alShargi, a demonstration that the Sunni insurgent group can still launch attacks in the heart of the capital despite government efforts to thwart them.

A third explosion in the nearby Bab al-Muadham district killed four people, the sources said. A hospital source said the bombs had wounded a total of 68 people.

Baghdad is trying to dislodge Islamic State from large swathes of the country’s north and west, but advances have been slow, particularly in the western province of Anbar, where Baghdad has been focusing its attention for months.

As part of a reform campaign aimed at combating corruption and

A

and trying to snatch his paperwork and microphone.

The committee’s vote clears the way for the bill to go to the upper house of parliament for final approval.

The opposition says it will continue to try to delay the vote.

The bill would allow Japan to de-

• Japanese law makers in a fiasco over a security bill

improving people’s daily lives, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has directed security commanders to ease civilian access to the Green Zone, just across the Tigris River from the site of Thursday’s attacks.

He also ordered the elimination of no-go zones set up by militias and political parties in response to more than a decade of bombings, but removal of the gray concrete blast walls and barriers that line many of Baghdad’s thoroughfares has been slow.

U.S.: student brings clock to school, gets arrested

T

EXAS high school student Ahmed Mohamed has a lot of options to think about.

The 14-year-old, who loves science and inventing, was arrested Monday for what police initially said was a bomb hoax. Turns out, a teacher thought that the clock Ahmed made out of a pencil case looked like a bomb.

A photo of him being led from MacArthur High School in handcuffs went viral on social media and spurred outrage, with many saying the teen had been profiled and punished because he is Muslim. Scientists, celebrities, political leaders and regular people tweeted their encouragement to Ahmed.

Ahmed was suspended from school for three days, even though police in Irving, Texas, said Wednesday they

would not pursue charges against him. He was due to go back to school Thursday, but he said the night before he wasn't sure what he would do.

In any case, his terrible experience has resulted in some incredible opportunities.

President Barack Obama invited him to the White House next month for an annual Astronomy Night.

“Cool clock, Ahmed,” Obama tweeted. “Want to bring it to the White House? We should inspire more kids like you to like science.

It's what makes America great”.

Facebook was flooded with messages of support for Ahmed and ire for his school, and its creator, Mark Zuckerberg, praised the teen in a post.

“Having the skill and ambition to

Japan lawmakers scuffle at parliament controversial bill to expand the role of Japan’s armed forces has cleared another hurdle in parliament, but sparked scuffles among lawmakers.

Opposition MPs physically tried to stop the vote in a legislative committee by jostling around the chairman

PHOTO: Reuters

fend its allies overseas even when it is not under attack.

The bill is not widely supported by the country at large. Thousands of protesters rallied outside the parliament in Tokyo as the committee debate was under way.

Opposition lawmakers tried to

PHOTO:

REUTERS

physically prevent the debate from taking place.

In rare heated scenes, jostling members of the upper house surrounded the chairman of the security committee, Yoshitada Konoike, as he opened the debate on Wednesday and again on Thursday morning as the vote was taking place.

The opposition had also tabled a noconfidence vote against Mr Konoike.

Wednesday night’s session was abandoned in the early hours of Thursday after opposition lawmakers blocked entry to a room where Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other ministers were waiting to discuss the bill.

The bill has already been approved by the government-dominated lower house.

It is expected to be passed in the upper house because the ruling coalition has a majority there - this was why opponents were keen to prevent the committee from approving the legislation.

It is thought Mr Abe's government wants to pass the bills before the country goes into a five-day holiday on Saturday, which could provide an opportunity for even bigger protests.

• Mohamed

build something cool should lead to applause, not arrest. The future belongs to people like Ahmed,” Zuckerberg wrote. “Ahmed, if you ever want to come by Facebook, I’d love to meet you. Keep building”.

Twitter offered Ahmed an internship.

Wednesday night, Ahmed explained why he brought his invention to school.

“I built the clock to impress my teacher, but when I showed it to her, she thought it was a threat to her. So, it was really sad that she took the wrong impression of it,” the teen told reporters at a news conference in front of his home.

Being arrested, he told GMA, “felt really weird ‘cause I never thought I'd get arrested.” He also said police told him he wasn't allowed to call his parents.

“I was scared at the moment, but now I feel really happy. I’m getting all this support from all over the world,” Ahmed said.

“And the support isn’t just for me but for everyone who has been through this. I will fight for you if you can’t stand up for yourself.”

He said he was most excited to hear from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which tweeted encouragement to him.

“I dream of going there,” he said.

He said he was also very happy to get an invitation to the White House.

“I hope to see him soon,” Ahmed said of Obama.

54

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015

55

NEWS

Paris to Abuja: we are happy with the vist. Is your President Happy?

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity Mallam Garba Shehu, in this piece, relives the encounter a French cabinet official had with a Nigerian diplomat during President Muhammadu Buhari’s three-day visit to Paris.

W

E here had a good meeting.

Is your President happy?

This was a very senior French cabinet official talking to a Nigerian diplomat, shortly after a one hour tête-à-tête between our visiting President Muhammadu Buhari and the host French President Francois Hollande. They felt the pulse of each other behind closed doors.

From this meeting,the two leaders were joined by their officials at a lavish banquet.

The French hardly do dinners for visiting heads of state.

But the one visiting was not just your run of the mill foreign leader.

The President of Nigeria came with his own pedigree.

Besides being the largest economy on the continent,the United Nations Commission on Trade and Development, UNCTAD classifies Nigeria as the most preferred investment destination in Africa.

We are in addition, the country with the fourth highest returns on investment all over the world. Nigeria is important to France and the African continent and potentially a key partner to Paris given her human and economic potentials as well as major land and sea resources.

Early evidence that this was not going to be one of those ordinary visits started showing at the Pavilion de Honor at Orly International Airport,the airport of arrival. About two dozen African ambassadors lined the red carpet to join our embassy officials in welcoming the Nigerian leader. President Buhari maintains a tradition, no matter how tight the schedule of meeting ECOWAS or AU ambassadors or both, but never had I seen as much a show of African appreciation of our president in any of the countries President Buhari had visited since his inauguration.

It was learnt that President Hollande had, before the arrival of the Nigerian delegation ordered for the highest level of reception for his West African guest. The reception that greeted the President at the National des Invalides, the official welcome for a visiting Head is State on arrival would have seemed improbable even a year ago, and I doubt if I would forget the spectacle for a very long time to come.

The camaraderie between the two leaders at the Élysées Palace as they stepped forward before the television cameras showed tremendous personal chemistry, a factor that stood to be a great interest and assistance to the two countries as they chart a new path in the relationship between them.

As many would expect, the issue of defence and security was most dominant among the ones put up for discussions. France is important in

‘

France expressed their full readiness to show interest in the security challenges facing Nigeria and in this regard, pledged their support for the regional intelligence fusion unit just set up in Ndjamena •President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo when the President returned from his three-day official visit to France at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja.

Nigeria’s strategic calculations not only in the defeat of the Boko Haram terrorists but in the establishment of permanent peace and harmony between us and our mostly Frenchspeaking neighbors.

Little wonder therefore that the President took with him the “A Team” of his security advisers made up of the Permanent Secretary,Ministry of Defence, Aliyu Ismaila,the National Security Adviser, General Munguno,the Chief of Defense Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Monday Morgan,the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ayodele Oke and the Defence Adviser in the Nigerian mission in Paris.

Arising from the meetings, the two countries identified Boko Haram terrorism as a shared threat and from this point, set out to agree on the most important issues that needed consideration.

France expressed their full readiness to show interest in the security challenges facing Nigeria and in this regard, pledged their support for the regional intelligence fusion unit just set up in Ndjamena. They promised their continued support for the countries in the in the Lake Chad region with intelligence and training and, in the case of Nigeria asked President Buhari to say pointedly whatever needed in military supplies and he will be given (subject,as the French said, to limits their U.K and American partners may wish to place). This activity will involve the maintenance, upgrade and procurement of equipment to enable the Armed Forces of Nigeria achieve the deadline of December this year, given by the President to overcome the

Boko Haram threat.

It is equally important that France and Nigeria have resolved to widen their military cooperation, hitherto limited to the Navy and maritime sector to now cover the army and air force.

Going forward, France is expected to assist Nigeria curb the theft of crude oil and other nefarious activities such as piracy and other sea crimes in the Gulf of Guinea region.

Considering that the receding water level of the Lake Chat is itself considered a security threat to all the countries of the region, France equally agreed to join in the effort by Nigeria in collaboration with the membercountries of the of the Lake Chad Basin Commission,LCBC in the regeneration of the lake.

This in the long run may entail the channeling of some Central African rivers to emptying their waters in the Lake Chad.

In addition to seeking diplomatic and military rapport, President Buhari met hundreds of CEOs in an attempt to woo them to come and invest in Nigeria.

In the course of this short but memorable visit, he met the leadership of the MEDEF, the umbrella organization grouping 800,000 French manufacturing firms and businesses. As an outcome, they will undertake their first-ever business mission to Africa, with a visit to Nigeria between October 4th to the 7th.

This trade mission, according to Pierre Gattaz, the elected president of MDEF will be composed of prospective investors with such varied interests as agriculture,mining, automobile,

‘

energy, skills development, light manufacturing, food processing, military and civilian transportation services and “ business to consumer” products among many others.

President Muhammadu Buhari, leading a team of Nigerian officials made up Ajiya Mamman, acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Investment and his counterparts in Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Mabi Daniel-Nwaobia, Justice, Abdullahi Yola, Foreign Affairs, suave Ambassador Bulus Lolo and that of Agriculture, Arc Sunny Ochono as well Mrs Uju Aisha Hassan of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, NIPC and Mr Olusegun Awolowo of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council,NEPC had on Tuesday morning first met with a group of 25 leading French and European investors before a bigger meeting involving about 300 others under the auspices of the France-Nigeria Business Forum.

At the series of meeting, the French business community expressed its willingness to key into the plan by the Buhari administration to diversify the Nigeria economy following its decision to move the country from overdependence on oil.

Many of the companies in business in Nigeria gave their commitment towards the the widening and deepening of their investments and several new companies indicated their interest to come on the trade mission in October.

President Buhari told the two meetings that there was more to Nigeria than oil, especially given the decline in its world price as well as the challenges of piracy and its theft in the Gulf

of Guinea.

The president enjoined the prospective investors to be in touch with the ministries and development agencies such as the NIPC and the NEPC. In a major speech echoing the call last year by the French President for the doubling of the existing USD 5 billion trade between the two countries, President Buhari said that “I believe we should take advantage of this call and I want to assure you of the firm determination of the Federal Government to achieve this target. After the peaceful, credible and successful election of 28 March 2015 which brought the new Nigerian Government to Office, Nigeria is now at a new dawn to chart and reposition its destiny for greatness. We are resolved and firmly determined to consolidate on industrializing Nigeria and diversifying its economy into sectors such as agroprocessing, mining, manufacturing, petro-chemicals, food processing and textiles.

“We recognize the private sector as the engine of growth and a veritable partner in our Change Economic Agenda, and in this context, will support foreign and domestic investments and entrepreneurs. The present administration is poised to redress the serious infrastructural gaps in the country, raise production and diversify the economy to create massive jobs, both in the short and medium terms, build capital and stimulate growth and prosperity of the country,” the president affirmed.

Considering the “dangerous situation “ in which 63 percent of the country’s population of 170 million is made up, mostly of unemployed youths, President Buhari made a passionate case for investment in agriculture,mining and power to to create jobs and the for the nation to feed itself. At the meeting of the France-Nigeria Business Forum, two memoranda of understanding, MOUs were signed, one on investment in agriculture and the other on renewable energy (solar power). Alhaji Sani Dangote penned the signature on the agreement on agriculture, on behalf of Nigerians in that sector and Ogun State’s Governor Amosu signed the MOU on solar energy generation.

In the proactiveness of his engagements which equally yielded strong French backing for his war against corruption and the recovery of the country’s stolen assets, President Buhari did not forget to host social engagements with African ambassadors and the members of the Nigerian community in France.

There is no doubt that the Nigerian gathering at the residence of Ambassador Hakeem O. Suleiman will reverberate for a long time among the Nigerian community in France.

Re: David Mark in the vortex of history Continued from Back Page

Lack of probity and transparency: All of a sudden Nigerians can’t tell anymore, how much their legislators earn. All we know now is that being a legislator in Nigeria (at any level) is the best job in the world. It must be the highest paying and most risk-free job known any where. Never a headache from any graft agency as other government officials suffer; in spite of the cries and clamour by the populace the legislature insist on creating a fiscal haven of its own that defies appropriation acts and revenue guidelines.

The hallowed chamber of the National Assembly (NASS) seems ensconced in the bosom of mammon and held spell bound by its selfawarded boundless perquisites of office. NASS is certainly the new honey pot of a rotten Republic. Legislators have become so licentious that they would corral banks into granting them bil-

lions of naira in loans to share. At what interest rates and costs to the taxpayer? It is on this framework that the current Senators would award themselves a N16 million official car in a time of severe austerity in the land. At a period the populace has been badgered into relinquishing the only ‘subsidy’ they enjoy’ at a time that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has determined that 100 million Nigerians are dirt poor earning less than $1 a day. It is doubtful if any other senator anywhere in the world rides such an exotic machine at tax payers’ expense.

Oversight function, oversight extortion: This is the most critical function of the legislature apart from passing bills. But this key instrument of check and balance has been bastardised and debased. It has become an instrument for self-aggrandisement and extortion.

MDAs across the country are comatose and non-functioning because oversight function on them is weak or nonexistent. If the legislature

is compromised by the MDAs where would it find the moral authority to exercise oversight?

Any wonder things like turnaround maintenance (TAM) on our refineries are mired, a road project right under the nose of the Senate in Abuja is overpriced to the tune of N38 billion; corruption grows organic and cancerous in the land eating up the entire fabric of society yet nobody seems to know what to do. What about the probe panels in various legislative assemblies? Mum is the word on this cash cow.

People alienated and unrepresented: May we urge the Senate President to do an unscheduled tour of the constituency offices of his members and while at it, inspect the constituency projects for which huge funds are allotted to his members. It is a stark fact that most Nigerians do not know their legislators; there is hardly any functional constituency office anywhere, no projects for monies allotted and no town hall meetings. No country will grow one inch with

legislators of this ilk.

In conclusion: the NASS has become very toxic to this country, unbeknown to the members. The onus is on David Mark to resolve to pick his spot in history. Let’s note that history is not about the wealthiest man or the most powerful of his time but about he who brings the most positive change to his people and society.

Fortunately he still has a bit of time. Few quick things he can do quietly with his colleagues include fashioning out a simple, workable code of conduct; making sure that all members have standard and functional constituency offices, ensure town hall meetings are held regularly by members, ensure that the auditor-general of the federation does his work and releases his annual report promptly, and ensure probity, accountability and transparency in the finances of the Senate. The Senate can rescue the country from the current slide down the slope if it resolves to have a fresh start.

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO. 3341

‘Mr. Adesina needs to know that President Buhari’s touted anti-corruption fight is simply noise-making at the moment. When the ‘corrupt’ get prosecuted and sent to jail for their misdemeanor, Nigerians will believe him’ OLA TUNJI OL OLADE OLATUNJI OLOLADE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

L

ET us start this discourse with two assumptions.

First, whether as individuals or communities, including states, zones, and country we have multiple desires. Second, unfortunately, by token of our human conditions, the resources at our disposal are not adequate to satisfy all our desires or realise all our values. Given these two assumptions which can reasonably be described as the realities of human life, we have a human dilemma: how do we satisfy our desires or realise our values in the face of inadequate resources?

The resolution of the dilemma has been approached in various ways. One is to insist on satisfying all desires by appropriating resources from others individuals (stealing and corrupt enrichment) or communities (exploitation through colonialism or imperialism). Another is to work harder to accumulate more resources for the satisfaction of all the desires. Not a few individuals and communities have achieved their aspirations through honest hardwork.

A third approach is limiting desires so that they are realisable with available resources; in other words, cutting our coat according to our cloth. Finally, however, there is also the course of prioritising desires such that the highest on the scale of values are satisfied while the lowest wait until more resources are available. With this approach, one still works hard, but one does not risk overworking with its accompanying stress which then prevents the realisation of any one the desires.

Of the four approaches, only the first is flat out wrong because it is unfair to those victims of stealing, corruption, and exploitation. But, of course, there are those individuals or communities who are motivated, not by fairness, but by greed. I reject the Hobbesian idea that greedy accumulation and appropriation is natural in the state of nature. Even in that state, there is the morality of conscience that must continually warn any reasonable person that it is not right to take more than you need for your survival. After all, in the state of nature, all you really need is the fulfillment of the basic survival needs.

Now, the other three approaches are within various degrees of reasonableness.

Attempting to satisfy all desires through hard work is reasonable but risky for the stress that it may cause. Limiting desires is reasonable if it is not motivated by laziness or aversion to hard work. Prioritising desires doesn’t give up on any of the desires; it only ranks them such that the most urgent and important are prioritised.

If it appears reasonable to prioritise desires, it is because it is; for individuals as

L

AST week on this page, I had re-run a piece (Like Mark, Like Saraki ; first pub lished Aug. 28, 2015), following a rejoinder from Kola Ologbodiyan, an aide to former Senate President, David Mark. I had also run Kola’s letter side by side my article.

Since Kola also accused me of frustration, I am re-running today’s piece to show that I am indeed ‘frustrated’. But not in the manner of a politician denied of pork as Kola seems to suggest. My frustrations stem from the obduracy of leaders like his boss Mark who have managed to hold Nigeria and her people hostage over the years. This article was first published on February 17, 2012. It was rerun on March 30, 2012 when out-of-the-world allowances were awarded lawmakers. Again on July 26, 2013, it was reproduced once more as The Economist of London branded Nigerian lawmakers as the highest paid in the world in its edition of that week.

Today’s is the fourth rerun. How frustrating indeed can life be for a columnist? How can the current Senate President continue on that same unsustainable template we have wept about?

They are so ‘dead’ in their ways they do not care whether the economy is crumbling. They don’t care if workers are not paid for one year...

Leaders without vision do not care about history: They are too dim and too enamored with the trappings of this fleeting moment to

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Education and our value priorities

•The late Awolowo

well as for communities, including political communities. How does it work in reality?

For individuals, let us assume that the desires are for basic needs such as food, health, clothing, and housing. Surely, none of these can be set aside as unimportant. To survive, each is a priority in its own right.

But each can be satisfied by a variety of means, from the very basic to the most luxurious. Prioritising here means distributing resources in such a way that the need for food is not frustrated by the need for housing or clothing, and that all contribute to the satisfaction of the desire for health.

More importantly, however, our sample individual will benefit from gaining adequate knowledge not just about the importance of these needs and desires, but also about how best to satisfy them. The acquisition of such fundamental knowledge is essential to the successful prioritisation of his desires, and to his survival and prospering.

This is the meaning and significance of edu-

cation in its most basic and simplest form.

There is no misery to it. Without education, all other values and desires amount to naught. A certain amount of it, that which is needed in the state of nature, is innate and instinctive. And so the caveman is able to determine that he has to hide in the cave to avoid the bitterness of the elements or that he has to hunt to avoid starving to death.

As human settlement and families emerge, education becomes a collective endeavor so that the ignorance of a member doesn’t jeopardize the survivor of the rest.

The collective responsibility to educate the young requires the family to prioritize and reconcile its desires with available resources.

One way the task is accomplished traditionally is to assemble family members at a palaver session, where the issue is thrown out with the family head underscoring the priorities that must be attended to and the limitation of the resources available. Wastage is rebuked. Greed on the part of any member is condemned. The uncontrolled contribution of mouths to feed by some members doesn’t go unnoticed or unchallenged. There is a general agreement on what is identified as the most important of the desires and it is accorded the most urgent priority with resources allocated. Communal life is saved and it moves on.

A little over two years ago, I discussed the model of the state as family in a different context. In that context, I made reference to a justification of the former president’s action on ground that he was the father of the nation doing the best for his children.

Though, I found the statement inadequate in the context, I also conceded that the idea of the state as the family was not original to the former president because it was a common idea in political philosophy. Even Chief Obafemi Awolowo once explored the analogy with his suggestion that the paterfamili-

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com Twitter: @steve_osuji

•Columnist of the Year (NMMA)

Re: David Mark in the vortex of history spare a thought for tomorrow. They bury themselves in the inane perquisites of today’s office and position; they deny the reality of tomorrow and ignore the power of history. But surely there will be tomorrow and history will be told as long as there is life on earth. If only leaders in positions would stop a while and pop the question at themselves: how will history judge me?

How will history judge the current Senate President, David Bonaventure Mark? I have elected to ask this question on this page for many reasons. First it was triggered by the news recently that each Senator will get a N16 million state-of-the-art jeep as official car and second, at the end of this tenure, he would have been in the Senate for a total of 16 years,

eight of which would have been at the helm of the National Assembly as Senate President.

This position makes him the de facto number two man in the land. But most important, providence has hoisted him onto a position to tinker with history, to shape history, to direct history and in deed to make history.

So we ask today, what has he done (will he do in the remaining period) with this gavel of history handed to him? But sorry to say that so far, he has bungled his moments in history and here are some reasons why: Poor personal leadership example: As has been mentioned above, the senate presidency is the second most powerful and influential position in the land and Mark would have done eight years by 2015. Under a more

as as the patriarch of his family negotiated with other patriarchs and that this was the origin of the state. This was a historical account of the origin of the state.

Let us assume that the historical account has some element of credibility. In the present crisis of value conflicts and desire frustrations, how might a political community resolve the conflict?

That there is value conflict is not in doubt.

That there is desire frustration is not deniable. Between individual members of the political community, the conflict is obvious. While a few indulge in opulence, many wallow in abject poverty. ActionAid just reported that more than 10 million children are out of school in Nigeria and that 1 in 6 of out of school children worldwide are in Nigeria. But many Nigerian families also have no problem sending their children to expensive boarding schools overseas and inside the country. While many with life-threatening diseases resign themselves to fate, others can afford to travel overseas for periodic checkups and for cosmetic surgeries.

Between groups as ethnic nationalities, zones, states, and local governments, the conflict is demonstrable. The North has just for the umpteenth time complained of marginalization, claiming to have the highest number of people making below $2 a day and the lowest literacy rate in the country.

On this score it rejects the 2014 National Conference and demands a special national conference for the development of the North. There is no more powerful demonstration of the value conflict that I just described. The nation itself is suffocating under the weight of its irresolvable conflicts.

To my mind, there is one value that is central to all others and if it is prioritised and the constraints against its effective realisation are confronted and nipped in the bud, the nation as a political community can move with speed. The value I have in mind is effective functional education of citizens. I have in previous contributions in the last few months analysed the issue extensively. But in light of recent policy announcements and decisions of various governments, it bears repeating.

Simply put, what is needed is a prioritisation of our state and national values so that education is on top of the hierarchy. It doesn’t mean that citizens will get a pass. It means that individuals and groups are assigned requisite responsibilities for the effective functional education of citizens. Everyone will be expected to pay their fair share and make necessary sacrifices, including limiting the number of children they sire. Is the political will there for action?

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080 perspicacious and insightful personage, that position has the capacity to bring about farreaching changes in Nigeria. By sheer effusion of personal examples from the man at the helm, the legislative arm (down to the State assemblies) would have been the unblinking moral compass of the various governments.

We saw a glimmer of this leadership precept in the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He said he would uphold the rule of law, he showed practical examples at the critical time and soon the judiciary caught on to it and this was reflected in the court rulings of that time. He declared his assets and made it public for the whole world to see; the first time any president would do that in our recent history. Without being prompted, his vice and other governors, followed suit. In less than three years, Yar’Adua made more salutary impact on the psyche of Nigerians and had more positive influence on our system than President Olusegun Obasanjo did in eight years. Today, the bonfire billowing in the upper chamber can be seen burning most assuredly in all the houses of assembly across the land. Just like the Senate, they have all become hollow chambers of mercantilism and debauchery.

•Continued

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