The Nation September 21, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

US: why Boko Haram is not terrorist group

Arik suspends flights after airport protest

NEWS Page 4

NEWS

Page 59

•Airline alleges personal demands

•Anti-Islam film protest in Zaria

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 2255 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

ONDO 2012

N150.00

•AND MORE •We’re ready, say INEC, police ON PAGE 7 •ACN youths plan forum with Akeredolu •Group hails suspension of PDP leaders •Lawyer: Mimiko on journey to nowhere

Governors return Excess Crude Account battle to Supreme Court

G

OVERNORS are back at the Supreme Court over their disagreement with the Federal Government on the Excess Crude Account.

The move for an out-ofcourt settlement between the two parties has failed again.

The Supreme Court had advised the parties to seek an out-of-court settlement

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

as the governors challenged the Federal Government’s deduction from the Excess Crude Account, which they are urging the apex court to declare as illegal.

At a meeting on Wednesday the Nigeria Governors’ Forum resolved that the states should return to the Supreme Court.

But the National Economic

Council (NEC), the country’s highest economic organ chaired by the Vice President with governors as members, yesterday advised the governors to choose dialogue.

The Supreme Court advised the parties to reach a truce by September or it will rule on the matter.

Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who is the Forum’s chair, said “the gover-

nors have decided to head back for the court to enforce the Federal Government’s adherence to the Constitution”.

He read the communiqué of the meeting.

Some of the Governors at the meeting are: Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Danbaba Suntai (Taraba), Adams Oshi-

omhole (Edo), Sullivan Chime (Enugu) and Abdulfatai Ahmed (Kwara).

Many states were represented by their deputy governors.

In all, 20 states were represented.

The decision may also endanger the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) set up by the government to replace the account. SWF, like its predecessor, is facing some challeng-

es as the governors are skeptical about its operations.

The account was created by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in 2004 to act as a buffer during low oil prices.

The account was to save money in excess of the budgeted benchmark price of crude oil.

Continued on page 61

Jonathan stops N5000 No contracts yet, says CBN NBA: address Nigerians’ fears From Vincent Ikuomola and Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

T

HE N5,000 banknote battle is over - for now- with opponents of the plan carrying the day.

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday bowed to pressure and suspended the proposed introduction of the N5000 banknote.

He advised Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to step down the idea to allow for adequate consultation with the people.

The National Economic Management Team and a few other bodies and individuals, especially in government, supported the move.

But many Nigerians, including the National Assembly, opposed the idea, saying it will breed corruption and boost inflation – the very ills the CBN said it would tackle.

The Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday kicked against the idea. President Jonathan later met with Senate President David Mark and House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, who both stood by the decision, insisting that they were merely ventilating the feelings of the majority of Nigerians..

“We are stepping it down for now,” presidential spokesman Reuben Abati said last night.

SEE Abati added: “The introducis being suspended for now ALSO tion to enable the CBN do more enPAGES lightenment on the issue. Presi-

2&3

Continued on page 4

•Houses submerged by River Niger on Ganaja Road in Lokoja due to release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon…yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

Floods of fury in Edo, Benue, Kogi, Ebonyi PAGES 56-58

•NEWS EXTRA P17 •SPORT P23 •SOCIETY P25 •BRAND P29 •POLITICS P43

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

2

NEWS PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON N5,000

Is this the end of N5,000 note?

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday pulled the brakes on the plan to introduce the N5000 note. Is this the end of the plan?

•Abia State Governor Theodore Orji (left), Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke (second left), Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; Akwa Ibom State Godswill Akpabio and National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki (right)during the National Ecomomic Council ( NEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: AKIN OLAOKUN

• Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (left), Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and Niger State Governor Babaginda PHOTO: AKIN OLAOKUN Aliyu (right) at the NEC meeting in Abuja...yesterday.

On December 19, 2011, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) proposed and obtained the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan to embark on the currency restructuring exercise, codenamed ‘Project CURE’.

On August 23, CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi announced the new denomination of 5,000 naira bill. He said it would help Nigeria’s economy by providing a “befitting currency structure”.

Under the new structure, the existing denominations of N50, N100, N200, N500 and N1,000 will be redesigned with added new security features while a new high currency denomination, N5,000, will be brought into circulation.

Sanusi explained that the lower banknote denominations of N5, N10 and N20 would be coined, meaning that naira currency structure will now be twelve- six coins and six banknotes.

While the coins will now be 50k, N1, N2, N5, N10 and N20, the banknotes will be N50, N100, N200, N500, N1,000 and N5,000.

But there was a lot of public outcry against the planned introduction of N5,000 banknote, with some saying it would fuel inflation, aid corruption and that it was at variance with the CBN’s cash-less policy that deemphasises the use of cash.

The apex bank and some economists said it would not cause inflation because the amount of money in circulation would not increase.

On September 6, former president Olusegun Obasanjo said the N5,000 would cause

• Sanusi

inflation and kill production.

On Septmeber 12, Sanusi replied Obasanjo, saying the ex-president is a good farmer but a bad economist.

On September 18, the House of Representatives and the Senate asked President Jonathan to stop the N5000 banknote.

On September 20, President Jonathan eventually directed that further action on the approved restructuring exercise be stopped.

Over 700 dead pensioners’ fund ready, says Maina •Former Military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (left), Igwe Laz Ekwueme (right), Chairman, Blueprint Newspapers, Alhaji Mohammed Idris and House of Representatives spokesman Zakari Mohammed (second right) at the public presentation of Blueprint Newspapers in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha (left), Chairman, National Stakeholders Working Group of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparancy Initiative (NEITI), Mr. Ledum Mitee and Executive Secretary, NEITI, Mrs. PHOTO: NAN Zainab Ahmed at the Stakeholders Forum on the Petroleum Industry Bill in Lagos...yesterday

“

T

HE Chairman, of the Presidential Pension Reform Task Team (PRTFT), Alhaji Abdulrasheed Maina, yesterday said the entitlements of next–of– kins of over 700 pensioners are ready .

Maina said: “Treating one dead case was very arduous given the fact that aside the legal issues involved, the deceased are not alive to re-produce documents required for easy processing of their benefits and arrears. This is why it took us a very long time to identify and approve their next -of -kin’s for payments. This is a mean feat that must be celebrated.”

He spoke when he hosted members of the National Association of Federal Civil Service Retirees and the National Association of Retired Prisons Officers.

Maina vowed to discharge his duties to ensure that corruption, embezzlement and misapplication/diversion of funds were exposed.

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

He assured that remedies would be provided to end the agonies and pains to which pensioners have been subjected.

Maina said his team has inaugurated a committee with members drawn from the Para-military and Federal Head of Service, to distribute the smart card aimed at completely halting pension fraud.

The exercise, he said, has been zoned to reduce stress on the pensioners.

He said: “Our era marks a new dawn in the Pension sector. We are adopting a permanent solution to the ugly, unacceptable, deplorable and repulsive condition and system of pension administration and payment in Nigeria, which had brought untold hardship, bitterness and misery to our elder statesmen-our pensioners.

These pensioners had meritoriously put in all their years of youthful strength and intellect to the service of their fatherland and must be rewarded.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

3

NEWS PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON N5,000

000

• Gen. Obasanjo

• Gen. Gowon

• Maku

• Dangote

Advocates, opponents of N5,000 note Before yesterday’s directive stopping further action on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s plan to introduce N5,000 note, it generated heated debates. Who said what: •Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo “The way Sanusi was fighting inflation by removing money from circulation was improper…, as this approach would kill production and affect small businesses negatively.”

•Gen. Yakubu Gowon “The production of the N5,000 by the CBN will surely cause devaluation of the country’s naira.”

•Alhaji Aliko Dangote

“I think it is even to protect the economy.

The cost of printing is not anything different from the amount they are using in printing any other note. It is the same cost.”

• Information Minister Labaran Maku

“I believe we should allow CBN to have leadership on this issue. This is not an opinion poll debate but a technical matter and the heated debate will not help in the management of our economy.”

•Sanusi Lamido Sanusi “We are in an interesting country because my uncle or my father, who is our former Head of State, Gen. Obasanjo, you know he is a very successful farmer, but he is a very bad economist. He says that this higher denomination will cause inflation and improve hardship.

“Gen. Obasanjo did N20, he did N100, N200, N500 and N1,000. He introduced higher denominations in Nigeria than any other head of state.

He did a N100 note in 1999, he did N200 in 2000, he did N500 two years later and in that period inflation was coming down because it was accompanied by prudent fiscal and monetary policy.

“For somebody (Obasanjo) who had done this to stand up and say introducing a higher denomination will cause inflation must be an empirical, most important determinant of inflation in our country given the number of notes he had printed.”

• Managing Director, IRIS

Consulting, Richard Obire

“The policy may spur demand for wage increase. CBN is further devaluing the naira as there is a direct relationship between higher bank

notes and devaluation.”

•NLC Vice-President Issa Aremu “The policy would raise inflation and further pauperise the common man.

It also contradicts CBN’s cash-less policy and raise corruption level in the country.”

Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking Bassey Otu “This type of action is only taken where there is a major currency crisis and the CBN must be careful not to send a wrong signal to households or the domestic sector, or even the external economies that the Nigerian currency is valueless, which, I believe is definitely not and that for every

unit of value, they need to carry a large quantity of cash.”

•NBA President Okey Wali “The introduction of the N5,000 note should not be imposed on Nigerians.”

•Atedo Peterside "Money is a store of value. All these thieves, rogues and vagabonds running around various states and all over the country when they steal money will want to keep it outside the banking system, so they need higher denomination notes."

•Hon. Jones Onyereri "The House would not support any policy that would further impoverish Nigerians."

Anti-Mohammed film: US Embassy meets Muslim clerics

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

• Sheik Ahmad... yesterday

T

HE leadership of the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Lagos State has held a meeting with officials of the United States Embassy led by the Consul-General Mr Jeffrey Hawkins on the global protests triggered by a film, Innocence of Muslims, against Prophet Mohammed.

The meeting, according to CIO Coordinator, Imam Abdullahi Shuaib, was to promote better understanding between Muslims in Nigeria and the government and people of US. He said the meeting looked at measures to prevent a recurrence of attempt to misrepresent Prophet Muhammad.

He said Hawkins acknowledged the constructive dialogue approach adopted by the CIO and most Muslims in Nigeria to handle the issue.

Speaking at a news conference yesterday at the Beleke Smith Memorial Central Mosque Hall, Surulere, Lagos mainland, Sheikh Abdurrahman Ahmad, who spoke on behalf of the CIO, commended the US government for the effort to seek the views of Muslims on how to promote better relations be-

tween the Muslim world and the US. He condemned the film and described the producers and promoters as pathological haters, enemies of international peace and security.

He said though Muslims were enraged by the film, majority of them were cautious in their reactions by the teachings of the Prophet.

He said: “There can never be a more effective guarantee of international peace and security than justice, equity, reciprocal respect and mutual understanding.

“Muslims will never accept that the symbols of Islam, such as the creator, Allah, Prophet Muhammad and all other prophets sent by God, the Qur’an, and places of worship subjected to ridicule, insult and attack in the name of freedom of expression.”

Amid the watchful eyes of the officials of State Security Service (SSS) and other security agents, many Muslims youth carried placards, expressing their disgust to the film.

Flanked by various Islamic scholars, Sheikh Ahmad said Islam abhors the taking of lives of innocents.

“That is why all well-meaning Muslims and members of CIO condemn, unequivocally, the deplorable death of the US Ambassador to Libya and three other US Embassy staff.

This has no place in Islam.

One very important lesson that we can all take from this is that it is absolutely wrong to judge a country or a people by the deeds of the minority of bad people in that country,” he said.

He said no human freedom can be absolute.

“We, therefore, urge the US government to provide legal guarantees that prevent people from infringing on

the rights, honours and freedom of others while exercising their rights to freedom of expression.”

PUBLIC NOTICE THE LAND OF FAVOUR GOSPEL CHURCH This is to inform the general public that the above named church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under PART “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEE 1. Apostle Friday Ntukidem Udondia 2. Bro Eyo Edem Duke 3. Rev. V. O. Equere 4. Pastor Effiom James Umoren 5. Pastor Bassey Edet Asuquo 6. Pastor Paul Egbe Johnson 7. Deaconess Eno Ime Akpan 8. Deaconess Maria Friday Ntukidem 9. Deacones Nkoyo Bassey Edet

-

General Overseer Secretary Member Member Member Member Member Member Member

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To evangelize/preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever we find ourselves.

2. To promote welfare programs for the less privileged, etc 3. To engage in provision of qualitative education to the people.

4. And to do such other lawful things as may be considered to be incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objects or any of them.

Any objection to the registration shall be forwarded to the Registrar – General, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: PASTOR FRIDAY NTUKIDEM UDONDIA NO. 6 Mbiakong Street, Calabar, Cross River State

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

4

NEWS North’s governors back Tambuwal against plotters

S

•Senate President David Mark (left) addressing flood displaced people at their Wadata Camp in Makurdi…yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

U.S.: why we won’t tag Boko Haram terrorist body

T

HE United States has not designated Boko Haram a terrorist organisation because its insurgency is principally aimed at portraying the Nigeria government as ineffective, Ambassador Jonnie Carson said yesterday.

The US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs spoke in a continent-wide telephone conference monitored at the US Embassy in Lagos.

Mr. Carson said Boko Haram is not a homogenous organisation and, therefore, not qualified to be labelled a terrorist group.

“Boko Haram is an organisation trying to discredit the Nigerian government and trying to show the government as ineffective in protecting its citizens,” he said.

He, however, conceded that the US “constantly keeps it (Boko Haram) under review” and that is why it has declared three Boko Haram leaders as terrorists.

Last June, the US Government placed Abubakar Shekau, Abubakar Adam Kambar and Khalid al-Barnawi on its global terror watch list.

“These three leaders were declared as terrorists because we believe they have established contacts and broader network with foreign terrorist organisations. They have sought funding and materials,” Carson said.

•Shiite Muslims protest anti-Islam video in Zaria

By Segun Balogun and Tony Akowe, Kaduna

In the build-up to the November 6 US presidential election, Carson spoke extensively on US affairs in Africa.

According to him, the US’s predominant activities are targetted at helping “Africa deal with its ongoing security challenges” because crises take away resources meant for development. But, he said the country’s larger aim is to help Africa grow its economy, especially agriculture.

On the recent attacks by Islamists on US Embassies and diplomats in some African and Arab countries. Carson’s said the “provocative video” was only a means for the attackers to show their interest, which is not necessarily religious, but to force US government out of those countries.

He, however, said “that incident will not draw us back from engaging the global community but will make us intensify our efforts”.

The US Consular General in Lagos, Jeffrey Hawkins, also condemned the violence that erupted as a result of the antiIslam video.

“That video does not reflect the view of the US government

and I am personally against it,” he said, adding: “However, we believe in freedom of speech in the US; even speeches that are sometimes provocative and that should not warrant violence.”

Mr. Hawkins said Nigerians have shown maturity in the wake of erupting violence against US diplomats.

Mr. Hawkins said the Lagos Consular office now exists strictly to build bridges between the US government and Nigerians, without any government interference.

“We recognise this is a young and growing country and we realise the youth are the future.

So we are focusing a lot on the youth of this country,” he said.

There was a procession in Zaria, Kaduna State, yesterday against the production of the anti-Islam video in the US. Leader of the Shiite Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky said the production and release of the anti-Islam film is part of the plan to institutionalise September 11 as an annual ritual aimed at branding Islam as a religion of terrorists.

Addressing the protest rally at the Zaria Polo Club, El-Zakzaky condemned the film makers and the United States for releas-

ing such a film to mock and ridicule Islam and the Prophet Mohammed.

According to him, apart from outward mockery of the tenets and beliefs of Islam, the film presented Prophet Mohammed in an unspeakable, immoral manner, pointing out that the “filthy” hand of the enemies of Islam is once again restless and becoming impatient and frustrated with the daily increased radiance of Islam and the Holy Qur’an in the present world.

The Islamic scholar noted that the United States had in the past backed the previous links in the “evil chain”, namely Salman Rushdie, the Danish cartoonist and the U.S. Pastor who attempted to burn the Holy Qur’an.

He also alleged that the American government had ordered for production and worldwide distribution of many anti-Islamic movies to companies affiliated to the Zionist capitalists, pointing out that if they had not done that, things would not have gone the way they are today.

He noted that the Islamic Movement in Nigeria and the Muslims in Nigeria decided on a peaceful demonstration to condemn this dastardly act, as people who love Prophet Mohammed and his teachings.

OME governors of the North have launched a battle to stave off the plot to impeach House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

Also, there is pressure on Tambuwal to remove from key committees’ those behind the plot to destabilise the House.

The Nation learnt that some governors, led by the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, prevailed on members of the House, (mostly from the North) who are against the Speaker, to shelve the plot.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said Aliyu told lawmakers that they would not succeed.

The source said: “Aliyu has made calls to the co-ordinator of the ‘Operation Clean’ group and some members on why the North cannot afford to lose the office of the Speaker. He said North’s governors felt it is better to stabilise the House than going through another crisis.

“The governor also condemned the recourse to “politics of bitterness” by some of the aggrieved lawmakers. He pleaded with them to shelve their plan.

“The Niger State governor felt bad that the arrowhead of ‘Operation Clean’ is from his state, creating an impression that he is not sincere in leading the 19 governors of the North”.

It was also learnt that about five to six governors from the North, including Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, have intervened.

Some of the governors might still meet with the aggrieved lawmakers later on how to ensure a sustainable rapprochement between them and the Speaker, according to a source.

The “Operation Clean” group suspended the emergency session of first term members it planned for yesterday.

When our correspondent visited Transcorp Hilton, an official simply said: “I think this event is not holding here again.”

A principal officer of the House confirmed the anger of most members against the group. He said: “The Speaker is under pressure to remove these people from key committees but he thinks that the House should overlook any infractions committed by any

From Yusuf Alli, Dele Anofi and Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

member.

“But members are insisting that those plotting against the Speaker took advantage of their committees’ interaction with some forces in government to source for seed cash to destabilise the House.”

Following the plot being coordinated by a lawmaker from Niger State, Mohammed Sani Idris Kutigi, the Speaker summoned an Executive Session.

But the chairman, House Committee on Information and Public Affairs, Zakari Mohammed, at a media session yesterday, said the unity of the House was not in doubt.

“I am a member of the House and I was at the executive session, but I cannot confirm what did not happen.

“What I can tell you is that we are 360 members who elected our own leadership and the unity of this House is not negotiable,” he said.

The convener of the meeting of the 260 first timer, told The Nation that the planned meeting was not intended to cause disharmony in the House.

Kutigi, who said impeachment was far from the issues on the minds of the conveners, stressed that the content of the text message that was sent to all members of the House was mischievously misinterpreted by “sycophants”.

He also said the leadership of the House was aware of the planned meeting.

“The truth is, impeachment is a process but I wonder where people get their facts from. The fact remains that it is a group of members, formed at the inception of the current House and led by Abudlmumin Jubrin, but after the inauguration, it was dispersed.

“So, the text message was a reunion of members coming together after a long while.

“To prove that there was no malicious motive to the meeting, the leadership of the House was informed of the meeting that was supposed to hold today (yesterday) “It was not a clandestine meeting; the text was sent to the 360 members of the House.

The older members were free to join us. If it was meant to create disharmony in the House we would not have met with the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Continued on page 61

Jonathan asks CBN to stop action on N5000 banknote Continued from page 1

dent Jonathan has directed that the implementation of the N5,000 note be suspended for now. This is to enable apex bank to do more in terms of enabling Nigerians understand why it proposed it in the first place. So, for now, the full implementation is on hold.”

The CBN, in a statement last night, announced its compliance with the presidential directive.

The statement by its Director of Corporate Communications Ugo Okoroafor, said: “For the purposes of more efficient payments and currency management systems, the CBN proposed and obtained the approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, to embark on the currency restructuring exercise, codenamed “Project CURE’ on December 19, 2011.

“The CBN hereby informs the general public that the President, on Thursday, September

Senate hits Maku over comment on resolution

T

HE Senate hit back yesterday at the Presidency for describing its resolutions as mere advice that is not binding on President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Upper Chamber was angry that an “unelected” Information Minister, Labaran Maku, declared its resolutions mere advice, which President Jonathan could ignore.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who took on Maku on the floor of 20, 2012, directed that further action on the approved restructuring exercise be stopped.

“In full compliance with the provisions of the law, the CBN hereby announces that further action on the said restructuring exercise has been stopped, until such a time Mr. President may direct otherwise.

“It is important to stress that till date, no contract whatsoever, has been awarded by the CBN in connection with the printing and minting of the

From Onyedi Ojiabor, and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

the Senate, noted that the Senate or indeed the National Assembly does not need the Minister to tell them that their resolutions are not binding, “just as we don’t need to remind him that he was not elected”.

He said there was no doubt that anybody who chose to ignore the resolutions of the Senate does so at the expense of

new currency notes and coins.

Consequently, no currency note or coin has been printed or minted under the proposed exercise.

“In line with its mandate, the CBN remains committed to the pursuit of policies and programmes aimed at promoting the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.”

But, the controversy is getting bigger by the day.

Lawyers joined the fray yesterday, urging President Good-

good governance.

Ekweremadu noted that though the resolutions are not binding, the positions taken by Senators on issues are usually well thought out, in-depth and borne out of patriotism.

He noted that the time had come for President Jonathan to implement the resolutions of the Senate on the Bureau for Public Enterprise.

luck Jonathan to sack Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) also unveiled plan to convoke a Peace and Security summit to address the insecurity in the country.

NBA said it was embarrassed that the apex bank had not offered any “sensible” answer to the fears raised by Nigerians over the plan to introduce the N5,000 note.

Speaking in Abuja at the sum-

Continued on page 61

mit on the future of the NBA, with the theme “The Nigerian Bar Association: The Past, Present and the Future”, Its President, Okey Wali (SAN), expressed surprise that Sanusi could “insult” former President Olusegun Obasanjo for holding a contrary view.

The association urged him to initiate the process that will lead to Sanusi’s removal.

He said: “It may well be that the CBN has a case, but the Continued on page 61

•CBN Chief Sanusi

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

5

NEWS

T

HOSE seeking Nigeria’s disintegration are “lazy politicians angling to be kings in tiny islands’’, President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday in Abuja.

It was at the opening of a National Summit and Rally for peace, unity and development, oganised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Besides former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Dr. Jonathan, dignataries at the event, included Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Labour Minister Emeka Wogu, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Presedent-General, Peter Esele.

The President noted that the strength of the nation is in its size, population and diversity and his administration remained committed to its unity.

He said: “I agree with other speakers that we cannot talk about cannibalising and balkanising Nigeria.

“I think those who are thinking that way want to be kings in tiny islands because I believe from the little I know that Nigeria is still rated as a country to look at globally. It’s not because we produce oil, and some people think it’s because of our oil.

“One small country with less than 10 million population produces more oil than Nigeria. So, it is not the oil, its not the vast land. What is the land space of Nigeria compared to Sudan?

“The population, yes, we have the population, but I think the key thing is actually the size in terms of the human beings; it’s not the oil that we think we have.

“So, any person who feels that they just want to stay as one nation, just want to be king with-

•Dr. Jonathan (third left); Gen Gowon (second left); Oshiomhole (left); Wogu (right) and Omar...yesterday.

What makes Nigeria tick, by Jonathan •’Our unity is non-negotiable’ • NLC holds peace summit in Abuja From Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu, Abuja

out hard work. They will not get it, because Nigeria will not divide.’’

President Jonathan underscored the need for Nigerians to embrace peace as a pre-requisite for development.

He decried the destruction of communication towers and equipment by ‘’some disgruntled elements’’.

Jonathan noted that such negative trends by saboteurs impacted negatively on the economy and made it difficult to develop society.

The President praised the NLC for organising the summit, adding that it was in line with the government’s position of seeking consensus in nation

building and sustainable development.

He urged the organiser to discuss home-grown strategies in confronting the challenges of security, peace and development.

Jonathan requested the NLC to take serious interest in the nation’s constitutional development by making valuable contributions in writing to the National Assembly Committees on constitutional review.

He noted that the modest efforts of the government were yielding results, particularly in the areas of foreign direct investments, power, agriculture, aviation and manufacturing.

Earlier, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, identified disconnect between the political

class and the masses, unemployment, corruption, anti-masses policies, among others, as causes of disunity and crises in the country.

The former NLC president noted that there could not be peace, unity and development without justice.

He said economic growth could only be measured when it trickles down to the masses.

Oshiomhole called for a review of the revenue allocation formula to allow for a reduction in the resources accruing to the Federal Government in favour of states and local governments.

He noted that by so doing, states would be allowed to develop at their own pace and attention would be shifted from the federal to the states.

Gen. Gowon, Chairman of the occasion, noted that the situation in the country made it mandatory for all true lovers of Nigeria to come together to proffer a solution to the daunting security challenge confronting the nation.

“I am happy that NLC has chosen to be that agent of change. It shows that NLC is not all about calling out workers on strike and shouting. All Nigerians should help so that in the end we would be able to bring peace that will make Nigeria rank among the best in the world”, he said.

The former head of state warned that Nigerians should stop playing the ethnicity card, insisting that we are all Nigerians first irrespective of where

Jonathan is insensitive to citizens’suffering, says ACN

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday lashed out at the President for what it described as his insensitivity to the suffering of ordinary citizens.

The party said he is blinded by power to know what goes on around him.

In its reaction to President Goodluck Jonathan’s condemnation of last January’s fuel hike protests as sponsored by the opposition, the party in a statement in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, wondered how a President

who enjoys everything free at the expense of tax paying Nigerians can insult the sensibility of suffering Nigerians on their right to protest an “unjust” fuel hike.

According to ACN, the President’s attack on Nigerians who resisted the imposition of unjust price hikes and the organisers clearly portrays him as a President who is hostage to his thoughts and one completely out of touch not only with ordinary Nigerians but also with universal trends, because in Egypt during the Spring protests, in

‘The President’s attack on Nigerians who resisted the imposition of unjust price hikes and the organisers clearly portrays him as a President who is hostage to his thoughts’ Thailand when the Red Shirts took over Bangkok, in the the United States of America during the Occupy Wall Street, protesters were fed and pro-

vided with water blankets and medicine.

“It may interest President Jonathan and his minders that those involved in the January fuel hike protests were lawyers, doctors , businessmen, bankers journalists, artistes, the clergy and other accomplished Nigerian professionals from all walks of life.To claim that this class of Nigerians were lured to the protest ground because of a bottle of water and food is to say the least not only uncharitable but also a reflection of the shallowness of the thought process of

the President’s advisers and handlers, the party said.

“In conclusion, the party admonished Nigerians not to be bullied into submission by a government who is always too ready to find a scapegoat for its incompetence and to be ever ready to protest and speak out against any unfair and unjust government decision, and if Jonathan’s government feels uncomfortable with this, it should organise its own solidarity protests and supply the rented crowd truckloads of water and expensive food.

Chukwumerije vows to move impeachment motion against Jonathan S

ENATOR Uche Chukwumerije yesterday said that he is prepared to move impeachment motion against President Goodluck Jonathan over non implementation of Senate reports and resolutions.

Chukwumerije (Abia North), spoke while contributing to a debate on a Bill for an Act to Amend the Public Enterprises (Privatisation and Commercialisation) Act Cap P38 LFN 2004.

The Bill, sponsored by Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta North), specifically seeks to provide for inclusion of host communities in sale of shares and to ensure better accountability and for other related matters.

Chukwumerije wondered why public funds are allegedly being looted with nobody saying or doing anything.

His words: “The Ahmad Lawan report on BPE is the highest moral ground of the Seventh Senate so far.

PHOTO: NAN

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

“It was that report that convinced everybody, the public that the hope for this country lies with the Senate; that there is still one body that is concerned with the nation which lies far above sectionalism.

“The pattern in this country all along has been one siphoning of country funds through all sorts of legal subtleties to private pockets and private companies.

“And for the first time, there was a bold report that exposed the rot and we called for a reversal of this pattern.

Unfortunately, it is business as usual.

“It is, therefore, in the interest of this Senate that in addition to what we are doing on this Act as we are doing now, we must pass a resolution calling the attention of Mr. Presi-

dent to the main body of that report.

“They are looting public funds with impunity and nobody is saying anything.

“Where it comes to the stage of threatening impeachment, I, Uche Chukwumerije, will move the motion.”

The bill was co-sponsored by six others including Senators Ahmed Lawan, Hope Uzodinma, Babafemi Ojudu, Ali Ndume, Mohammed Magoro and Philip Aduda.

Senator Okowa, in his lead debate, said the amendment was to provide further legislative framework for improved accountability, provide appropriately for host communities and staff of public enterprises in the sales of shares of such public enterprise.

He said the Bill also seeks to amend the functions of the National Council on Privatisation to remove all forms of con-

tradictions.

He recalled that the Senate constituted adhoc committee in July last year to investigate the activities of the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) from inception to date with appropriate terms of reference.

According to him, On submission of the committee’s report, a number of recommendations were made and the Senate did approve the report of the Committee in December, 2011.

The lawmaker stressed that the amendment would enhance the security of the public enterprise as both the staff of the enterprise and the host community will buy-in to the process of privatisation and would, as co-owners, protect such enterprise, post privatisation.

He noted that the local economy will also be stimulated and the gains made would help

•Chukwumerije

to transform our communities.

While challenge of local content and employment within such enterprises would more likely be addressed by the communities as co-owners.

Awaiting action by the executive arm of government on the resolutions of the Senate, Okowa called for further legislative action to strengthen the resolutions that could be dealt with by the legislators.

we may have come from.

“I do not subscribe to minority, majority slogan. We are all Nigerians and should have equal access to the national cake and should be seen as adding value to Nigeria,”Gen. Gowon said.

Labour President Abdulwaheed Omar, said the union, being a pan-Nigerian organisation with a history of nationalism and intervention dating to the Independence struggle, cannot fold its hands and watch the country break up, hence its decision to hold the summit.

“Nigeria’s existence as one indivisible entity is inviolable, irrevocable and inalienable”, he said.

Senate probes sale of Navy assets in Lagos, Port Harcourt From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

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HE Senate yesterday launched a probe into the sale of Navy assets in Lagos and Port Harcourt by the Naval high command.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Chris Anyanwu, listed Ogogoro Island Lagos, Navy Dockyard, Lagos and Navy Shipyard, Port Harcourt, as the assets under investigation.

SenatorAnyanwu described them as “major assets” of the Navy.

The lawmaker said that in the past few weeks, the committee has been inundated with reports and protests about what some people perceived as ongoing “stripping of the strategic assets” of the Nigeria Navy.

The meeting, she said, was convened to begin the process of investigation into the report of the sale of the assets with a view to ascertaining a justification for so doing, if any.

Mrs. Anyanwu said the committee would also want to know the true position of the assets, whether they have actually been sold, leased or mortgaged and for how long.

If the assets have been sold, she said that the committee would be interested to know to whom they were sold, under what terms and condition of the transaction.

The committee, she added, would also be interested to know whether the transactions protected the public good and preserved the future.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

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NEWS NMMA shifts ceremony THE Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) 2012 Grand Award Presentation Ceremony has been postponed.

It was to hold in Calabar, Cross River State, this weekend.

The postponement, according to the administrators of the event, Ideas Communications Limited, is to enable the organisers, NMMA LBG and the cohost, Cross River State government, to further prepare for a truly grand hosting of the media and other delegates to NMMA 2012.

According to Mr Eniola Ashaolu, General Manager of Ideas Communications and General Administrator of NMMA, the Chief Host of this year’s event, Governor Liyel Imoke, will treat all the invited guests, nominees and administrators to the rich hospitality of Cross River State.

NMMA 2012 is expected to be graced by President Goodluck Jonathan ministers, governors, senior government officials, corporate titans, foreign diplomats and media icons.

Patients leave as health workers shut down hospitals P ATIENTS in hospitals around the country are in for a hard time-- no thanks to a nationwide strike by health workers, which started yesterday.

At the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos (NOHIL), patients were discharged suddenly by striking Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWU).

When The Nation visited the hospital,relatives of some inpatients came to pick them.

Patients were also discharged at the National Hospital, Abuja.

At the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Federal Medi-

By Wale Adepoju

cal Centre (FMC), Ebute Metta, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the workers complied with the strike.

The Chairman, MHWU, Federal Area Council (FAC), Lagos, Ibe Nwokenta, said: “We will not go back to work until the government accedes to our demand, which is to allow health workers skip Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) level 10 from 9 and move to 11 as the case in the past, pending the determination of the suit filled at the industrial court.”

He expressed satisfaction with the strike .

Nwokenta said: “All the of-

fices in all Federal Government owned hospitals and agencies are under lock and key. At the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos (NOHIL), nothing is going.

There is no work of any kind in the hospital’ I want to assure the government that this is just the beginning.

“The time will come when the Medical Director will not be able to come into the premises. Everywhere will be locked up and we will hold the keys, if the government fails to answer us.

“What is going on here at NOHIL is the same at Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, NAFDAC, FMC, EbuteMetta, LUTH and other institutions.”

He said the workers would not renege until the obnoxious circular by the Health Ministrry is withdrawn.

He said: “The court ruled out that the status quo should remain, until court decides the case but the Health Minister roll out another circular to heads of parastatals and agencies that there should not be skipping of level 5. We have told him to expand maximum prison because we will no relax until the obnoxious circular is withdrawn.”

The Chief Public Relations Officer, NOHIL, Mr. Funso Ige said patient with minor injuries were discharged while those with serious injuries are still in the hospital receiving treatment.

Awo Centre takes off THE Awolowo Centre for Philosophy, Ideology and Good Governance headed by the foremost philosopher, Prof. Moses Makinde, has taken off in its temporary site, the Ola Oni Centre for Social Research, Osogbo, Osun State capital.

Its management, in a statement, said the centre’s academic and administrative staff had been fortified with the setting up of its complete bureaucracy. Its directors, research fellows and assistants will assist the Director-General in propagating the ideas and philosophy of the late sage by organising workshops, conferences, and seminars and publication of journals.

Participants at the training programmes would be drawn from civil service, political class, and other stakeholders in the Southwest, Kogi, Kwara, Edo and Delta states.

Attah urged to work with Akpabio A CHIEFTAIN of the Resource Control Advocacy Network and former Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nkeneke Efo, has advised former Akwa Ibom Governor Obong Victor Attah and a former gubernatorial aspirant in the state, Frank Okon, to close ranks with Governor Godswill Akpabio.

Efo, who congratulated Akpabio for winning a legal battle against Okon, said it is important for the duo to give the governor the necessary support to “achieve his lofty dreams for the state,” as all opposition elements “had rallied round the duo” during what he called the “unnecessary and uncalledfor” litigation over the perceived and real candidate of the PDP in the last governorship elections.

•Some Muslim youths protesting an anti-Muslim film Innocence of Muslims during a news conference by Islamic clerics at the PHOTO: TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO Beleke Smith Memorial Central Mosque Hall, Surulere, Lagos…yesterday.

‘Politicians greatest problem of true democracy’

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USTICE of the Supreme Court, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammad, has described politicians as the greatest problem of democracy.

He urged them to desist from do-or-die politics even as he decried their recklessness and disregard for court orders.

Justice Mohammad spoke at the 2012 Dr. Felix Okoye memorial lecture held at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Lagos.

In his lecture entitled “judicialism and electoral processes in Nigeria: what the Supreme Court did; what the Supreme Court may do”, the judge described the recommendations as enduring and durable.

Highlighting the roles the apex court has played in shaping the political sphere of the country, Justice Mohammad said a lot of Nigerians have criticised the Court without examining facts.

He maintained that no matter how hard the Supreme Court tries to put things right, its hands were tight as a result of the constitutional provisions.

The judge said: “We should not forget that the role of the judiciary is to implement the law and not to make laws. So, when there are bad laws like Section 85(7), which provides that the court should hear and dispose of an election mat-

By Precious Igbonwelundu

ter within 60 days from the date of delivery, the Supreme Court cannot do anything about it because any contrary action by the apex court will amount to a disregard for the ground norm.

“The politicians who did it had their reasons; maybe so that they can enjoy their offices as cases that are not filed within 60 days are struck out. Still, it has some positive sides because I can tell you that before we went for vacation, there was not one election matter at the Supreme Court.”

He urged the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the Muhammadu Uwais Panel on Electoral Reforms.

Using the case of Governor Rotimi Amaechi against In-

dependent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and Sir Celestine Omehia over the substitution of the former’s name by the party, the judge said it was obvious some judges and lawyers were being used to delay the course of justice.

According to the judge, the judgments delivered by the Supreme Court clarified the issues of substitution of candidate’s name by political parties as well as elongation of tenures of elected officers, among others.

He said:”It is for us as a people and the politicians in particular to learn to accept defeat gallantly. There must be an end to the culture of do- or-die politics in this country.

“Both the leaders and the

led must appreciate the role of the Court in general and the Supreme Court in particular in the development of the democratic values and practices.

“It is if and only when this is done and we all learn to accord respect to the orders of court that we will join the rest of the democratic comity of nations as having arrived.”

Justice Mohammad said if the request of the Chief Justice of Nigeria to the National Assembly that all interlocutory appeals terminate at the Appeal Court is accepted, the burden on the Supreme Court would be lessened.

He said: “As at yesterday (Monday) we were still treating matters of 2001, yet there is no week that we do not deliver an average of 10 judgments unlike our counterparts in other countries.”

Southeast governors urged to emulate Okorocha

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HE co-ordinator of the Igbo socio-political group, Committee 21 (C21), Senator Annie Okonkwo, has urged Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, who turns 50 this weekend.

Okonkwo, in a statement by his media aide, Collins Ugwu, said: “Your attaining 50, just after our ever resilient APGA Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh did, will stand to reassure those you serve

that indeed an alert mind from a big heart is driving the peculiar momentum of governance in Imo State.”

He urged Okonkwo to remain committed to developing Imo and its people.

He said: “Providentially too, we hope and wish that this amazing grace upon you will persuade sleepless dissenters of your achievement resolve, to wisely abandon their reverse motion be-

cause, honestly there is no hope of slowing down this unique transformational vehicle.

“Your free education at all levels to Ndigbo Imo, unusual in the history of Southeast zone has become an unbeatable cuisine, the aroma which we pray should disturb the nostrils of our brother governors to return to their governance kitchen immediately.”

Yoruba youths hold leadership summit in Ibadan •HID Awolowo, Tinubu, Babalola to bag awards

By Emmanuel Oladesu

SEVEN-DAY leadership summit organised by the Grand Council of Yoruba Youths will commence on Monday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital in commemoration of the Yoruba National Day. Highlights of the events, which will hold at the University of Ibadan, include a film show, debate among secondary school students, public lectures, arts exhibition and conferment of award on prominent Nigerians.

A statement by the chairman, Planning Committee, Comrade Awa Bamiji and secretary, Comrade Bimbo Bashorun, said a youth interactive session will also hold in the Oyo state House of Assembly under the chairmanship of the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Yemi Ikuforiji.

The matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, the slain Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Aare Afe Babalola, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), his Edo counterpart, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, General Superintendent of Redeemed Church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and former Senate Leader Prof.

Wande Abimbola, will receive awards.

Other prospective awardees are Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Police Inspector-General Mohammed Abubakar, Mr. Dauda Kako-Are, Alhaji Gbade Akinbode, Chief yemi Elebubon, Prof.

Olu akinkugbe, Chief Olu Falae, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Dr. Chris Ngige, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Prof. Sola Adeyeye, Prof. Bolanle awe, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, King Sunny Ade, Chief Segun Odegbami, Prof. Sophie Oluwole, Mrs. Folake Solanke, Prof. Fselicia Ogunsheye, Prof. Grace AleleWilliams,late Ambassador Segun Olusola, Mr. Babatunde Omidina, Prince Jide Kosoko and Mr. Kunle Ajibade.

Dignitaries expected at the ceremony include Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti State governors: Rauf Aregbesola, Abiola Ajimobi, Ibikunle Amosun, and Kayode Fayemi; Osun State Deputy Governor Titi Laoye-Tomori, her Lagos State counterpart, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, wife of Ekiti State governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, Alhaji Lam Adesina, Pa Adebayo Faleti, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, Senator Biyi Durojaye, Pa Kola Daisi, Senator ayo Fasanmi, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Prof. Akin Oyebode, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, and Otunba Gani Adams.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

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NEWS ONDO 2012 ‘Stop discriminating against minority’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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MINORITY ethnic group in Ondo State, under the aegis of Ijaw National Congress (INC), has decried its alleged neglect, particularly in sharing political offices.

In a letter to the Chief Judge (CJ) of the state, Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi, the group urged the government to appoint a resident of the area as the judge of the Customary Court of Appeal.

The letter, which was dated September 10 and signed by the Chairman of the group, Akoje Elly, and Secretary, Robertson Abel, said the judge should come from Ese-Odo Local Government Area in the interest of justice and fair play.

Ese-Odo is the only Ijawspeaking, non- Yoruba speaking, ethnic group in the state.

The group is to defend the rights of the minority Ijaw people in the state with distinct culture and language different from the predominant Yoruba speaking ethnic nationality in the state.

It said: “It is therefore rational that this minority interest be represented in the customary court of Appeal to be inaugurated soon in the state.

“This is by appointing a Judge who is versed in the tradition and custom of the Ijaw people of Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state.

“We also humbly submit that this request is grounded by provisions of section 28 (3) and (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

“This law enjoins the appointing authority to exercise its discretion for a person who has considerable knowledge and experience in the practice of customary law.”

Ondo ACN disowns group

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We’re ready for Ondo poll, says INEC

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said it has put machinery in motion to ensure that the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State is free and fair.

The electoral body confirmed that 1,654,205 legible voters who registered for the last 2011 general elections will be participating in the poll.

The INEC Director of Voters Registration, Mr. Emmanuel Akem, spoke in Akure, the state capital, at the public presentation of soft copies of the voters’ register to the 13 political parties that are participating in the election.

The INEC director explained that the female represented 50.10 per cent and the male 49.80 per cent of the electorate.

Akem said the voters’ register statistic showed that the students’ category has over 400,000 eligible voters.

He said: “The total number of persons registered during the 2011 voter registration in Ondo State is 1,654,205. The

‘Security agencies ready for poll’ ONDO State Police Commissioner Danladi Mshelbwala yesterday assured that security agencies were fully ready for the October 20 governorship election.

Mshelbwala spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure, the state capital.

He explained that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, were ready to forestall violence during the poll.

He said: “We are aware of the security challenges ahead of us in the coming election, and we are not leaving any stone unturned in our preparations to forestall violence during the election.

“So, those who are planning to foment trouble should desist from doing so in their own interest, because we are going to provide From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

Addendum figure is 7,539, while the voters’ figure is now 1,646,666. Female voters carry the majority 50.10 per cent and the Male, 49.80 per cent.”

The Residential Electoral Commissioner (REC) Akin Orebiyi said INEC has provided enough logistics to ensure that its officials are not compromised during the poll.

more than enough security agents in all parts of the state.”

The police chief said the security agencies had taken proactive measures to prevent violence before, during and after the election, adding that the police in particular had held meetings with stakeholders on the need to shun violence.

Mshelbwala warned those scheming to disrupt the poll, saying the police and other security agencies would deal decisively with anyone caught.

He advised parents to monitor their children to ensure that they were not used by desperate politicians to perpetrate malpractice or cause violence during the election.

He assured that electoral materials would arrive various units across the state before 8am to prevent irregularities.

Orebiyi said: “We are assuring all the good people of the state that the election materials will arrive various polling units very early. INEC will commence the distribution of voting materials by Friday

morning which will be on October 19, and before the night all the materials will have been in all the units.

“All Party Agents, INEC officials and the security agents are expected to monitor all this material from the INEC office to the various units” Orebiyi urged all 13 political parties to study the voter register carefully, adding that

Lawyer: Mimiko on journey to nowhere LONDON-based lawyer and chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Nathaniel Adojutelegan, yesterday said Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s second term ambition is a journey to nowhere.

The lawyer denied the rumour of his alleged romance with the ruling Labour Party (LP).

He said Mimiko would fail in the October 20 election.

Adojutelegan, who is a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, hails from Arigidi-Akoko, in Akoko North West.

The ACN chieftain said the rumour of his defection plan to the LP came from Mimiko, following his refusal to heed the governor’s plea to defect to the ruling party.

He said the governor, on September 11, sent a delegation, led by Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi and a monarch, from Akoko to meet with him in London onhis planned defection to LP.

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From Damisi Ojo, Akure

The ACN chieftain said despite the pressure on him by the deputy governor, he refused to join the LP. Adojutelegan said: “I told the state government delegation that I am a committed member of ACN and that only death can make me part with the progressive party.

“I am a committed member of ACN and only death can separate me from the party. I belong to the progressives and I believe so much in the programmes and leadership of the party.

“I have told Governor Mimiko’s emissaries that they should steer clear from me. I have told them the kind of person and politician I am. I am using this medium again to warn them to stop spreading rumours that may dent my reputation.”

The lawyer urged ACN members to remain committed and avoid jeopardising the interest of the party.

Youths organise forum with Akeredolu

TEAM of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) youths will on Monday hold a forum with the party’s candidate, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

The forum will hold at the BOT Hall, Akure, the Ondo

By Precious Igbonwelundu

State capital, at 10am.

It will enable 2,000 youths to interact with the ACN candidate on issues affecting them and the change they desire in the state.

A statement by the party

said there would be a special performance by Nigeria’s music star, 9ice.

It said the event would be aired live on some television stations nationwide.

Also expected at the forum are party leaders and National Assembly mem-

bers, to enable various parties partner ACN for positive changes in Ondo State.

The statement urged Ondo youths and indigenes, who desire positive changes, to join ACN to sweep away other parties.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) of the Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday disowned a group, called the Yoruba Awareness Group (YAG). It is led by Olusegun Folorunso.

The organisation said it is not true that the group is a subset of the ACN. A statement in Akure

by ACO spokesman, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, urged the public to disregard the group and their claim.

ACO said the group had perfected plans to misrepresent the ACN. The statement said YAG members plan to declare that they have defected to the Labour Party (LP) to give the impression that the LP is making inroads into ACN.

INEC cannot be the watchdog alone.

“We should check the register carefully and ensure that it is not tampered with. Every single person who registered in 2011 voter registration exercise will have the rights to participate during the election. INEC is ready for Ondo State Poll.

The REC urged the political parties to summit the forms of their polling agents before October 12, stressing that the electoral body is trying to guard against the movement of unauthorised people during the Election Day. “We must account for every single political party agent that is why we have produce forms for them and they are expected to submit them before October 12, with two passports each.

At the units level, each of the political parties will present 2007 agents, 203 ward agents, 18 in each local government, and one each at state level.”

Mimiko: I deserve another term

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NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko yesterday said he deserved another four-year term in office.

The governor spoke at Igbara-Oke in Ifedore Local Government Area during his re-election campaign tour.

He rated himself high, saying his administration has fulfilled its promises to the people.

Mimiko said: “We are in government for the people and to ensure that the lives of our people are better for it.

Any government, which does not do anything about the children’s and mothers’ health, is not a good government. Cases of children dying were rampant because of inadequate health care services. But in Ondo State today, there are no more kokumos (ogbanje).”

According to him, the LP has performed well in various sectors.

The governor listed these as rural development, education, agriculture, infrastructural development and industry.

He said: “We are running again for governorship on the basis of our record. And let me assure you that I am still psychologically, physically, mentally and spiritually ready to be your governor. With your vote, I will continue to work for you and, together, we shall lift our state higher.”

PDP leaders’ suspension hailed

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•From left: Olamide Sofowora, in-law of the late Oba Oladele Olashore; his wife and daughter of the late monarch, Olapeju; Prince Jibola Olashore, Mrs Bisi Awe (daughter) and Mrs Funke Arokodare (daughter) at the tributes session in honour of the PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA late Oba at the City Hall, Lagos...yesterday.

GROUP in the coastal area of Ondo State, the Ondo Coastal Area Rebirth Forum (OCARF), yesterday hailed the suspension of some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Ese-Odo Local Government Area for alleged anti-party activities.

In a statement by its Chairman, Williams Ohieri, and Secretary, Jim Kingsley, the group described the suspended politicians as political harlots.

Those suspended are: Chief Pere Gamfo, Chief F.O. Ajana, Mr. Donald Ojogo (journalist), Mr. Ajemigi Bekewei and Mr. Sunday Tundigha.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

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NEWS Ogun ALGON: Amosun didn’t deduct council funds From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

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LECTED local government chairmen in Ogun State, under the aegis of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), yesterday defended Governor Ibikunle Amosun on the alleged deduction of councils’ funds.

They said the governor has not been making any “unlawful deduction” from the federal allocation of local governments, as claimed by the State Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Mr Bamidele Oyeniran.

ALGON said Oyeniran’s allegation on illegal deduction against the governor was not only “baseless, unsubstantiated, but also a misrepresentation” of the truth.

In a communique issued at the end of its inaugural meeting on Wednesday in Ilaro, the headquarters of Yewa South Local Government Area, by ALGON state Chairman, Rotimi Rahmon, (Ado-odo/ Ota) and the Secretary, Mr Bayo Sulaiman (Odeda), the association said the Amosun administration had even assisted the councils to meet their monthly running costs.

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Body of beheaded, limbless man found in Ibadan

ESIDENTS of IdiOsan, Amuloko, in Akanran area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have been living in fear following the discovery of the body of a man without a head and arms in the area at 5pm last Wednesday.

The body was dumped at the bank of a stream in the area by unknown assailants.

It was learnt that two

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

landlords in the area reported the matter to the police at the Akanran Police Station.

Police were said to have moved it to a morgue at the Adeoyo State Hospital, Ring Road, Ibadan, for further investigation.

The police have reportedly arrested two night guards.

A police source said in confidence that the night guards might have seen those who dumped the body.

The deceased is said to be about 24 years old.

The residents are afraid

that the police would arrest more suspects among them.

The state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is handling the matter.

But the acting police spokesman, Daniel Oboyi, could not confirm the story last night.

The police officer said he was yet to be briefed because he just returned from an official trip.

Fayemi rejects NULGE’s ‘secret’ apology

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has rejected a secret plea by the state branch of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

The union was seeking the governor’s pardon over its allegation that he was deducting N1billion monthly from local government allocation.

Fayemi spoke yesterday on Focus Nigeria, a current affairs programme on Africa Independent Television (AIT).

Then governor said the NULGE had written him that the allegation was not true.

He denied allegations that he had been tampering with local government funds.

Fayemi said he would not admit anything else except a publicised apology from the NULGE leadership because the allegation was

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

publicised.

The governor said the ongoing staff audit of the local government system in the state would be completed before the payment of the new minimum wage to council workers.

NULGE state Secretary, Mr. Adebayo Victor, yesterday spoke with reporters in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

He said the union did not accuse the governor of deducting council funds.

Victor said: “Nobody would ever thought of or imagine embarrassing his governor in whatever way.

What are we going to get by doing that?”

According to him, NULGE could not have apologised for what it did not do.

The union leader explained that NULGE did not oppose the staff audit, be-

cause same took place in Kwara and Oyo states, where union members were involved in the processes.

“In Oyo State, some members were even laid off,” he said.

Admitting that the union wrote a letter to the governor, Victor explained that the letter clarified that he (the governor) was never accused of any shady financial dealing with the council allocation.

Fayemi also absolved his administration of blame on the non-conduct of the local government election.

The governor said the election was initially scheduled for February 4 before the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured a court injunction stopping the poll.

He warned against classifying Ekiti as one of those deliberately halting democracy at the council level.

•Dr Fayemi

Fayemi said he is a believer in the rule of law and that he would not disobey a valid court order.

The governor said he has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal to upturn the verdict of the lower court on the council election.

He added that his administration was ready for the election once the case in court is settled.

PDP to host Fayose Sunday

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HE Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will on Sunday hold a special reception for former Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The reception is on last week’s ratification of Fayose’s return to the party by the PDP National Working Committee (NWC).

Fayose is the only Ekiti State governor elected on the platform of the PDP. A statement by his friends and supporters, led by a former AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Owoseni Ajayi, said Fayose’s return to the PDP would strengthen the party for future elections, especially the 2014 governorship election and the 2015 general elections.

•Adeyemo (middle) cutting the tape to inaugurate the patrol vans in Ibadan...yesterday. With him are the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Col. Olubunmi Fatunbi (second right); Special Adviser on Special Duties, Mr. Segun Abolarinwa (right); Ugboma (second left) and Portfolio Manager, MTN, Foyesola Oyebola.

Oyo PDP faction rejects Alao-Akala as party leader From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

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GROUP, Oyo State Dynamic Pathfinders, yesterday rejected the plan by the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to recognise former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala as the leader of the party in the state.

In a statement by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Elder Jide Ajao, the group alleged that Alao-Akala had serious credibility problems.

Until these were resolved, it said it would be wrong to give him a leadership position in the party.

The group also alleged that Alao-Akala had not shown any sense of remorse “for his arrogance”, adding that this cost the party the governorship seat during last year’s election.

The statement reads: “It is unfortunate that some praise singers, who do not mean well for our party in Oyo State, are at it again. Their latest antics are peddling around of rumours of AlaoAkala being made the leader of the party.

“As far as the good and

Group decries campaign against Amosun

A

SOCIO-CULTURAL organisation, the Ogun Patriotic Forum (OPF), has decried the criticisms of the Ibikunle Amosun administration by some elements in the state.

It noted that negative reports could slow down the pace of development in the state.

President of the forum Mr. Seyi Shodipo addressed reporters in Abeokuta, the state capital.

He described as mischievous statements credited to opposition parties that the Amosun administration was slow in meeting the aspirations of the people and that the government spent N2.7billion on chartered flights and foreign trips in the last 16 months.

The forum, which examined the criticisms against the Amosun administration, noted that opposition parties were distracting the governor from implementing his administration’s peopleoriented programmes for the residents.

Shodipo described the opposition parties’ statements as misguided, misleading and incredulous.

Ajimobi seeks govt, private sector collaboration against crime

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday said only an effective collaboration between the government and the private sector would lead to a crime-free society.

The governor spoke in Ibadan, the state capital, at the presentation of five patrol vans donated to the government by MTN Foundation.

Ajimobi, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Moses Alake Adeyemo, said the pooling together of resources in fighting crime was neces-

sary because of paucity of funds to the police.

He said: “Before now, the perception was that government was one big behemoth which was limitless in power, resources and ability. But it has begun to dawn on us all that not only are the resources of government limited, it is humanly impossible for it to solve all the monumental developmental issues that confront it.”

The governor said this was why his administration sought a synergy with private organisations.

•MTN Foundation donates patrol vans to Oyo He said: “One of the first things we did when we came into office was to immediately begin to oil the rusty hinges of partnership between government and development partners.

“By the time we began to hold collaborative meetings with these development partners, they expressed the pleasant shock that Oyo, which had hitherto disappeared from the radar of development, was showing an unmatchable enthusiasm to return to an

embrace with the rest part of the world.”

Ajimobi said his administration was committed to partnership with development partners, adding: “We believe that it is in this that our state could move forward to its desired height.”

He described the presentation of the vans as one of the instances of an interface between government and development partners.

The governor added that this would lead to the development of the state.

He recalled the establishment of the Security Trust Fund by his government some months ago.

According to him, stakeholders and the government could pool resources together to combat crime in society through the fund.

Hailing MTN for partnering the government in securing the state, Ajimobi said the donation would help his administration to ensure a crime-free state.

The Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Nonny

Ugboma, said the donation was part of the MTN Foundation’s Security Support Project.

She said it would contribute to government’s efforts to improve security across the country.

The MTN chief said the organisation had provided 60 fully-equipped security patrol vehicles to 11 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Ugboma reiterated the foundation’s commitment to continuously invest in enriching the lives of Nigerians.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

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Man jailed for stealing Milo

Fake soldier found with Navy's ID card

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34-YEAR-OLD man, John Okeasu, has been arrested for impersonating a soldier and possessing a fake Navy identity card.

He was arrested at Bolade Bus stop in Oshodi, after alighting from an Agege bus.

He was alleged to have made suspicious moves which prompted a police officer on duty at the bus stop to approach him to identify himself.

Okeasu, who has been arraigned before an Oshodi Magistrate’s court, was said to be dressed in army camouflage Prosecuting Police Corporal Kehinde Olatunde told the court that Okeasu brought out a Navy identity

By Precious Igbonwelundu

card with number 7355/57 and showed the police officer.

Olatunde said the police officer, who was not satisfied with Okeasu's explanations, took him to the police station for further investigation.

The prosecutor said it was discovered at the station that the suspect was not a military officer.

Okeasu is facing a fourcount charge of impersonation, contempt and unlawful possession of army uniform and fake navy identity card. The alleged offences, contravene Sections 79(a), 363(1), 78(a) and 167 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

The accused, who pleaded not guilty, told the court that he had always wanted to be a naval rating.

He alleged that after his secondary school, he drove a Navy captain and expressed his intentions of becoming a naval personnel.

Okeasu said he was enlisted and went for training for two months in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, but was screened out.

He said he kept his unsuccessful bid a secret and started impersonating as a naval rating.

According to him, all his friends thought he was a naval personnel.

Okeasu, who told the court that he is a labourer, alleged that he got the army camouflage from his soldier

friends who usually allowed him to wear it whenever they were hanging out.

He said he had worn the camouflage to the beach with some of his friends after which he and two others went to visit another friend at Agege.

Okeasu said since they were in uniforms, they entered separate buses as 'staff' so that they would be exempted from paying the fare.

He said he was the first to get to Oshodi, adding that he was trying to reach his friends to know where they were before he was apprehended.

Magistrate M.R. OshoAdebiyi granted him N200,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum and adjourned the case till October 2.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

•Okeasu

Driver to die by hanging for killing teacher J

USTICE Joseph Olubunmi Oyewole of a Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja, yesterday sentenced a driver, Kehinde Olude, to death by hanging for killing a teacher.

Olude was convicted, 12 years after he murdered Mr. R.A. Adisa, a senior lecturer at the Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State.

After examining the submissions of the prosecution led by Luqman Sanusi and the defence counsel, Mrs. Femi Ajanaku, “found the accused guilty as Justice Oyewole charged and convicted him accordingly.”

“The only statutory punishment for murder is the death

By Adebisi Onanuga

penalty.

“Accordingly, the sentence of the court upon you Kehinde Olude is that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead and may the Lord have mercy on your soul,” Justice Oyewole said.

Olumide was alleged to have murdered Adisa on November 29, 2000 in Alafon village on Lagos/Ibadan Expressway and dispossessed him of his new ash colour Honda car.

The offence, according to the prosecution, contravened Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 32, Vol. 2 Laws of Lagos State 1994.

The deceased, according to

the prosecution, had sought the assistance of the accused to drive the car to Okene since he could not drive.

After killing Adisa, the accused, who was a driver with the Institute of Management and Technology, Ketu, Lagos, until November 14, 2000, gave the car to a friend, who sold it and gave him the proceeds to process a purported journey abroad.

Justice Oyewole held that the persecution had proved beyond any reasonable doubt that the accused murdered the deceased.

During the trial, the prosecution called five witnesses who testified against the accused, including the father of

the accused. Their testimonies, the judge noted, were “not subjected to cross-examination by the defence.”

The judge held that the facts deductible from the evidence of the prosecution witnesses were that the deceased, a graduating student of the Institute, had travelled to Lagos from Okene to buy the imported fairly used car and after the purchase, engaged the accused, “with whom the said Adisa was cordial, to drive the car to Okene.”

Justice Oyewole noted that when the accused showed up at home with an unlicensed car, his father, knowing his financial situation ordered him to take the car off his premises.

Justice Oyewole held that there was no doubt the accused had the opportunity to commit the offence.

He said it was equally instructive that while those who knew the victim did not refer to him as dead in their testimonies before the court, the accused in the witness box “had no inhibition in referring to him as deceased, indicating knowledge of the unfortunate situation of the said gentleman”(the late Adisa).

“I hold that there is sufficient evidence before the court to unequivocally ground the inference that the accused murdered the deceased, Mr. R.A. Adisa,” Justice Oyewole added.

AN Ojo Magistrate's Court in Lagos has sentenced a 50year-old man, James Akpan, who pleaded guilty to stealing a carton of Milo beverage N8, 000 to six months imprisonment.

Akpan, a messenger at Balogun Plaza, Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, was arraigned before Magistrate T.O. Shomade on a onecount charge of stealing.

Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Friday Eze told the court that the convict of 147, Ojo-Igbede road, committed the offence about 2 p.m. on September 14. He said the offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

Eze told the court that Akpan had removed the carton of Milo from the park where one Mrs Yinka Ibikunle was offloading her goods. He said the convicted was caught by the complainant when he attempted to escape and taken to the police station within the Trade Fair Complex.

The prosecutor told the court that although the convict alleged he was lured by one Uche to commit the offence, efforts to arrest the accomplice have so far failed. Akpan who pleaded for mercy, told the court that he was sent by Uche to steal the beverage from where it was being offloaded.

"I accepted because I intended to take my share home so that my family would use it for breakfast since I do not have money to buy for them.

Man charged with setting wife ablaze

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N Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court has ordered that a man, Adesanmonye Kehinde, be remanded in prison custody for allegedly setting his wife ablaze.

The accused of 2, Olaoluwa Street, Abaranje, Ikotun, a Lagos suburb, was arrested by the police after he allegedly poured fuel on the victim, Jean Odegba, and set her ablaze with a lit match stick on September 14.

Trouble allegedly started after the woman packed out of the house because he has not paid her dowry, although they have been staying together for years.

She was said to have moved in with another man,

By Precious Igbonwelundu

who was willing to marry her, rebuffing all entreaties

by Kehinde not to go.

Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nicholas Atunmonye told the court that the accused took to his heels after the incident.

The woman, he said, was rescued by good Samaritans.

Atunmonye said the offence contravened Sections 243 and 244 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

The prosecutor said the woman was fortunate to have received help immediately from people who

rushed her to the hospital.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Although his counsel applied for his bail, the prosecutor opposed the application praying the court to remand him in prison custody pending the outcome of the medical report.

He told the court that the accused had shown he is callous by attempting to set his wife ablaze, adding that granting such a person bail will send wrong signals to the society.

Magistrate M.B. Folami remanded the accused in prison, pending the outcome of the medical report and adjourned the case till September 24.

Council partners investors to equip N150m to the library and brand such USHIN Local GovE-library items. The items include furernment Area in

M

Lagos State has launched a Public Private Partnership initiative to raise funds to equip its N150 million E-library.

Council Chairman Mr Olatunde Adepitan, who spoke with some of the partners at a roundtable forum at the Lagos State Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) yesterday, said the library would help sustain intellectual growth.

He said the council decided to construct the library to arouse interest in education, tackle poverty and checkmate youth restiveness.

"Our idea is to ensure that the children and youth we have in Mushin today are trainable, reliable, trackable,

By Miriam Ndikanwu

disciplined and educated," Adepitan said.

The library, he said, has five halls, two on the ground floor, two on the first and the last, on the last floor of the building, adding that it also has other medium rooms that could cater for children and the aged.

"The Library is purely digital," he said, adding: "The government having spent N150million to put the structure in place, still needs more money to equip it in order to achieve the desired objective."

He said the government was willing to partner with interested private organisations that will be willing to donate needed items

niture, books, computers, shelves, LCDs, multi media facilities and others.

"The partnership we seek is not a transient one; we seek partnership that can outlive us and increase the level of literacy in the area. Two of the halls are dedicated for purely digital activities; one of the halls is for hardware, one for training and seminars and the last one for the aged and children," he said.

In her address, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye urged individuals and organisations to support the project by investing in the procurement of equipment and facilities for such investment, she said, would serve as a catalyst to growth in the society.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

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PARTNERSHIP

TRAINING

Family of abandoned accident victim cries out

Orji seals pact with investors

Fayemi firms up emergency services

Lagos

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Abia

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Ekiti

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Cross River tackles traffic gridlock

T •Governor Imoke

RAFFIC jams have caught up with residents of Calabar, the Cross River capital. Before November 2009, when commercial motorcycles popularly known as okada were banned, gridlocks were alien to the city. Not anymore.

Since the ban, residents, who once patronised okada, have turned to their own cars. Now, a bedlam of car horns has become a part of the city, as have traffic jams, making a drive from one part of the city to

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

another a major challenge.

But the Liyel Imoke administration is tackling the growing menace in the metropolis.

How? The state government believes the best way is to discourage the residents from using their private cars, thereby reducing the number of cars on the road.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Transportation, Mr Edem Ekong, says the only solution is effective mass transportation.

Ekong told Newsextra: “If we are going to reduce congestion, the only way forward is mass transportation. If every man depends on his car to get to where he wants to get to, there would be congestion. But if people move

from depending on their vehicles to entering reliable and efficient mass transportation, then you have a few more cars off the road.

“We want Cross River State to be the premier second-hand car market in the next five to seven years. That is to say instead of going to Belgium to buy 18-yearold cars, you would be able to buy •Continued on Page 45

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ESIDENTS of Okpoama, an oil-rich kingdom in Bayelsa State, have cried out over the ravages of erosion.

It is not the conventional kind.

Located by the sea shore, salty waves constantly pound the coastline, washing land away.

The people fear that, if not checked, their kingdom will disappear eventually.

Their concerns are coming as the entire community warms up for the coronation of King Ebitimi Emmanuel Banigo, the Amayanabo of Okpoama Kingdom, Okpo XXI, in October.

“Erosion has taken a major part of our town; our land has vanished; you know this is the last part of Nigeria,” Chief Emmanuel Beredugo-Elei, Secretary, Okpoama Council of Chiefs, said while taking journalists round parts of the eroded kingdom.

Chief Beredugo called on the Federal Government to come to the community’s aid by building shoreline embankment in addition to sand-filling the affected areas.

He noted that the remedy has become necessary considering the coming of the Liquefied Natural Gas project to the kingdom.

“The Federal Government should embark on shore protection and sand-filling to reclaim and get more land as most of our land has vanished, especially now that the LNG and other multinational companies are going to be here,” he said.

Beredugo said the area could also be developed like Dubai, through sand-filling.

He also believes that protecting the shoreline does not necessarily mean laying stones or sandbags but building permanent structures that can stand the test of time as it is done in Dubai and other places.

“If Lagos can develop a city inside the ocean, we can do it too,” the kingdom’s secretary said.

Beredugo also urged Governor Seriake Dickson to continue from where his predecessor Timipre Sylva stopped in the area of tourism development in

•Some members of Okpoama Council of Chiefs

Erosion threatens Bayelsa community Residents urge immediate action From Isaac Ombe, Bayelsa

the kingdom.

“Governor Sylva started something in the area of developing the rich tourism potentials in the area;

I advise that Governor Dickson should continue from where he stopped,” he noted.

Governor Dickson, while receiving delegates from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, led by Dr. Jackson Gaius–Obaseki, had indicated the state government’s

readiness to provide the enabling environment for the Brass LNG project to achieve its set objectives.

Sylva had described the project as a centre of gravity for the development of the state.

Okpoama has announced preparations for the coronation of

the 21st ruler of the kingdom.

Chief Ebi Johnson-Berebofa, Chairman of the Organising Committee, accompanied by other members of the Okpoama chiefs’ council, gave journalists a graphic account of how Banigo became the king.

He said that in October 2010, the people of the kingdom came together and democratically elected him following the demise of King Justice Kesiye Sagbe, Okpo XX. Dr. Banigo, a business tycoon and banker, was presented with the Staff of Office last November by former Governor Timipre Sylva at a colourful cer•Continued on Page 45

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

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Abia signs pact with investors

Govt to subsidise cost of tricycle

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•From right: Speaker,Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Omirin, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mr Adetunji Orisalade and the House Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Idowu Alabi at the Conference of Yoruba General Assembly in Ibadan, Oyo State PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

Bayelsa to monitor council workers

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HE Bayelsa State government says it will now use electronic system to moni-

tor the workforce at the local government level of administration.

The government says it will enforce the Clock-in and Out system of attendance in the councils.

The method, which is commonly practised by established companies in the private sector, is aimed at checking absenteeism among workers in the local government areas of the state, said the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah(rtd), when he briefed chairmen of the councils and other stakeholders, in his office in Yenagoa.

Jonah who said the idea was aimed at getting needed funds for capital projects, frowned at a situation where local governments expend virtually all their financial allocations on payment of staff salaries and other recurrent expenditure, was no longer acceptable.

Bayelsa

Delta

By Biodun-Thomas Davids

recently some officials came and surveyed their property and afterwards delivered Land Use Charge bill.

“Are they different or the same? Are we to pay for the two?” she asked.

Replying, Ibrahim cleared the air saying “once you pay Land Use Charge, you don’t need to pay tenement rate, however, your local government may still come up with your tenement rate arrears,” adding that, “the charge is the consolidation of Ground Charge, Tenement Rate and Neighbourhood Development Charge.”

Ibrahim further told Newsextra that, the charge which all property owners in the state are liable to, earned its statutory status from the Land Use Charge Law, No.11 of 2001 and had been subsisting since 2002 only that it assumed what he called “blanket enumeration” under Governor Babatunde Fashola administration.

•Mr Ibrahim (fourth right ) and other members ofhis team during the campaign.

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plied with the new tricycle regime.

Igbakpa clarified that there was no ban on the operations of motorcycles popularly known as Okada in the state as was being speculated.

He, however, stated that though the government had restricted their operations in cities and towns, they were free to operate in neighbouring communities.

‘Don’t neglect youth development’

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HE Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) has warned against negligence in the proper development of youths as the country’s future depend on them.

The Vice President of FTAN,Mr Tomi Akingbogun, told reporters in Abuja that Nigerians must come together to protect the future of the country by giving due attention to the growth and development of youths.

He said that many youths were restless due to lack of employment and that could lead them to acts of violence, vandalism of government and private properties and joining groups that would lead them astray. “ There are many graduates that are not violent, what can the country offer them?

He believed that the proposed system monitoring the workforce in the local governments would “lead to rationalisation” but however added that “it will be done without inflicting too much pain as only those who are not committed to their work will be affected”.

Staff of each of the local government areas will be identified before the commencement of the exercise which will be handled by a consultant, disclosed the Deputy Governor.

The Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Council,Hon Mike Ogblosingha who spoke on behalf of others, applauded the idea saying: “when finally implemented,the idea will also engender accountability and discipline within the local government system”.

Govt enlightens public on land use charge T HE Lagos State g overnment has begun its public enlightenment campaign to educate the residents on the Land Use Charge.Last week, its Enforcement team defied rain and stormed Agege and its environs with a road show enlightenment campaign on the initiative .

The team led by the Managing Director, Lands Records Company, Mr Omodele Ibrahim, distributed hundreds of fliers containing basic information on the charge to passersby and residents in the council area.

They as well cleared dust over the charge with passersby and residents who sought for clearance .

The pertinent question in the mind of the people had been whether the charge amounted to duplication of tax or not, while considering the age-long tenement rate and neighbourhood development charge.

Mrs.Festus Taiwo, a staff of Ojokoro Local Government, whose mother owns property on 12, Ave Lane, was one of the bewildered Lagos residents on the charge. She alleged that they received Tenement Rate bill and

HE Delta State government is to subsidise the cost of 1,250 tricycles, it procured recently for intending buyers by about 50 per cent, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Benson Igbakpa, has said.

Igbakpa told journalists in Asaba that each of the tricycle, sold for between N350,000 and N400,000 in the open market, would be given out for N200,000.

He, however, explained that intending buyers would be expected to pay the money in one instalment before collecting the tricycle.

“This is to enable the ministry have direct contact with prospective buyers since the government will not be able to vouch for the integrity of the buyers,’’ the commissioner said.

Igbakpa said that the method of payment would be for the prospective buyers to pay 25 per cent of the N200,000 to designated banks, and for the banks in turn to make full payment to the government.

He said that intending buyers would be given the tricycles after they and the banks had agreed on terms of repaying the loan which would attract five per cent interest.

The commissioner added that though the 1,250 tricycles would not be enough for all registered commercial motorcyclists in the state, government would use their operations to appraise how Okada riders com-

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•Governor Uduaghan

BIA State government has signed a memorandum of understanding [MOU] with Imoniyame Holdings Ltd to take over the management of the multi million naira Rubber farm at Abam, in Arochukwu Council Area.

The idea behind the handing over of the multi million naira farm is to ensure that the internally generated revenue of the state is increased and also to help in the employment of the teeming youths of the state.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Umuahia, the state governor, Theodore Orji said that the state is moving forward in the area of agriculture and that the aim is to ensure that the resources of the state are properly tapped for maximum use.

Orji, who was represented by the Secretary

Enugu to lift the poor

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HE Enugu State government in collaboration with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has embarked on conditional cash transfer to reduce poverty in the state, an official said.

The state Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Poverty Reduction,Mr Godwin Ogenyi, said this in an interview with reporters in Enugu,the state capital.

Ogenyi said it was an important programme aimed at reducing poverty among the chronic poor families in the state.

He said the government would give monthly subvention to assist such povertystricken families.

According to him, nine households in each community will be selected from the 17 local government areas of the state, while one person will be trained in skill acquisition.

Ogenyi said that a trainee would be expected to choose the skill he would learn.

The commissioner said that at the end of the training, the state government would provide the trainees with the equipment and take-off money for which to establish a business.

“Conditions are attached to this; the conditions attached to it is that it must be the very

Enugu poor families - the people that really need it.

Second condition is that there must be one member of that family that can be trained to acquire skills.

“Number three, is that the people receiving this help must not be families that are already receiving other pro-poor assistance.

Abia From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

to the State Government [SSG] Prof Mkpa Agu Mkpa, said that the state expects the best and nothing but the best, pointing out that government has no business being in business, “which is why we are handing over the rubber plantation to the core investors for effective management”.

The governor noted that more of the farm settlements scattered across the state will be handed over to other core investors who are willing to invest in the agricultural sector, stressing that agriculture was the mainstay of the administration of the defunct Eastern Region which he wants to replicate in the state.

He recalled that the state government had earlier handed over Abia Palm Oil Farm to a core investor in the agriculture sector, saying: “We expect positive result in the shortest time as we are in a hurry to see results that will stand the test of time”.

Orji urged them to partner with the host communities to ensure that peace which has been re-

T

Council chief advises youths

HE Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, has urged youths in the council to look inwards and learn a skill with which they could eke-out a living without turning themselves into hoodlums who depend on the society, government and their parents.

He dropped the charge at the opening ceremony of a one-week vocational training and skill acquisition programme organised by the council

Briefly

Family petitions police over threat to life •From left: Chief Poly Emenike, CEO Neros Pharmaceutical, EID, Dr Paul Orhil, DirectorGeneral, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs Eugenia Orisil and Mr Steye Onya, Managing Director CHI Pharmaceuticial during commemorative dinner for the national honour confered on Dr Orhil. The dinner was held at Sheraton Hoteland Towers, Ikeja,Lagos PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

T

Protest over return of ousted NURTW chairman

HERE was panic in Lawanson area of Lagos last week following a protest over the forceful return of the ousted branch’s Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr Rafiu Olohunwa, Olohunwa, it was learnt, was ousted in March but ever since, has been doing every thing possible to return to the branch as chairman.

His return however caused chaos on Saturday as aggrieved members of the NURTW as well as some residents and traders took to the streets to protest what they described as a coup against them.

The placard-carrying protesters visited several streets in Lawanson and demanded an urgent intervention by the Lagos State government and the state chapter of the NURTW to prevent Olohunwa from returning to their area to avoid a complete breakdown of law and order.

It was gathered that Olohunwa, who until last March was the chairman of Lawanson branch before he was removed after a violent clash broke out between members of his faction and those of MC Oluomo in February, where several persons lost their lives was said has been making efforts to return to Lawason.

Sources disclosed that Olohunwa have been appealing to several power brokers in the state to assist him reclaim the branch .

Some members and traders who spoke to Newsextra during the protest, expressed their displeasure over Mr. Olohunwa’s attempt to return to the branch as their chairman, an office they said he held for over five years without any meaningful achievement before he was forced to hand over in March.

A community leader, Mr. Babatunde William, accused Olohunwa of high-handedness towards NURTW members, residents and traders in their area.

He noted that the his community will not welcome Olohunwa if he returns to the branch.

Narrating their ordeal Mr. William said “He was never a resident of this area and he is not a bus driver, but when he became the NURTW chairman in Lawanson, which was after the 2007 election, he resorted into harassing and intimidating residents of the area and those he passive’s as his enemies.

Church marks fifth anniversary ALL is now set for the fifth year anniversary celebration of Christ Prophetic Assembly a.k.a Altar of Praise.

The programme will feature four days morning prayer session ahead of the ceremony at 7am to 12noon daily tagged: A certain Man. The event which began yesterday will be rounded off on September 24, with thanksgiving service at 11, Ola Ore Street, beside Ola Ore House House, Ola Ore Bus Stop, Agbado Crossing, Ogun State.

Speaking on the programme, the host who is also the senior pastor of the church, Prophet E. A. Adebowale said, God will rewrite every man’s story as they attend, adding that they will be fruitful, dominate their environment and exercise authority.

THE LAGOS Police Chief ,Mr Umaru Manko, has ordered investigation into an allegation of threat to life by the Eleku family of Oko-Olomi, Bogije Area of IbejuLekki Local Government.

Manko ordered the X-Squad department at the Lagos Police Command to investigate the matter thoroughly following series of allegations against certain policemen that earlier handled the matter.

A petition written on behalf of the Eleku family by the law firm of M. A. Bashua & Co. and signed by Barrister S. O. Ajetunmobi alleged that on August 2, 2012 at about 5pm, some thugs or hoodlums came into the village of Oko-Olomi and started shooting indiscriminately.

The petition stated that residents left their houses and ran away and that bullets hit one Rasheed Ismail on the right chest and right hand. The matter was reported at Elemoro Police Station. The matter was eventually transferred to SCID, Panti Street, Yaba. The petitioners stated that till date, nothing has been done about the case and that the suspects are moving about freely now.

•Chairman Apostle Oke, (middle), discussing with Leader of the House, Fadare, while his wife, Pastor Modupe watches at the event

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HIEF Whip of Oyo State House of Assembly Hon. Abiodun AdigunHammed has been honoured with an award of excellence by the Students Union Government of the Lagoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomosho.

The award usually conferred on notable indigenes of Oyo and Osun states was given in recognition of his contribution to the education sector in the state. The event was held at the premises of the institution.

In his speech, the Special Adviser Osun State Governor, Hon. Sunday Akere, charged the students to be more committed to their studies rather than looking for easy way of making money, saying they are the future of the country.

He urged them to be more patriotic and believe in the future of the country because the nation will soon rise again. Akere said Osun and Oyo states government are working hard to ensure that Lagoke Akintola University becomes one of the best

traditional rulers and the legislature to ensure peace and economic development of the state.

The Atuwatse, who was represented by the Obi of Owa, Emmanuel Efezomor, congratulated the Speaker and the House for enacting people-oriented laws.

He commended the legislature for working in harmony with the executive and the judiciary, adding that a smooth relationship was necessary for the development of the state.

The traditional ruler urged the Speaker to carry the members of the House along in the scheme of things.

By Yinka Aderibigbe

for 600 youths, in collaboration with Berith Vision International, a Non-Governmental Organisation last Tuesday, at the Events Centre at the council’s Area office.

Oke said the council organised the programme to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to its six-point agenda which also include youth empowerment and skill acquisition, noting that the programme had been designed to train beneficiaries in such skills as furniture making, events decorations, photography, computer engineering, cake baking among others.

He said his administration is passionate about tackling the scourge of unemployment which if unchecked, could complicate the insecurity challenge bedeviling the country.

He said beneficiaries would be exposed to creating alternative means of livelihood as against seeking non-existent white collar jobs.

Oke urged participants to take the programme seriously in order to justify the financial commitment of the council and to become wealth creators and employers of labour.

The beneficiaries applauded the initiative by the council and promised that they would be make judicious use of the opportunity.

Among dignitaries at the event are leader of the Legislative House, Hon. Niyi Fadare, Chairman of the Community Development Committee Alhaji Abiodun Onifade, Iyaloja General, Chief (Mrs.) Coker Ogunbiyi, wife of the Chairman, Pastor (Mrs.) Modupe Oke, members of the council’s Executive Committee, councilors and community leaders.

Honour for lawmaker

By Jeremiah Oke

universities in Africa.

In his own contribution, the recipient Hon. Abiodun Adigun-Hammed who spoke on behalf of the awardees, said he appreciated the recognition given to him by the students of the institution.

Adigun used the medium to call on the students of the tertiary institutions across the country to come to the rescue of this nation and fight for their rights but urged them to shun violence in their dealings.

He, therefore, promised to redouble his efforts

Speaker urges review of traditional rulers’ role T HE Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr Victor Ochei,has called for a review of the role of the traditional rulers to effectively discharge their duties.

Ochei made the call while receiving members of the State Council of Traditional rulers led by its Chairman, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, in Asaba.

The lawmaker said that there was the need for a review of the role of the royal fathers to make them more comfortable in the discharge of their duties.

The Speaker praised the royal fathers on the inauguration of the state Council of Traditional Rulers, and urged them to continue to pray for those in positions of authority in the state.

Ochei called for collaboration between the

•Governor Orji stored in the state will be sustained, stressing that the host communities expect some recognition after giving out their land and assured them of government protection and support at all times.

• Hon.Adigun (right)receiving theaward

in making life more meaningful to his constituents. He lamented the sorry state of education in the country, especially Oyo State, noting that the A-Computer-per-Teacher initiative of Governor Abiola Ajimobi will go a long way in rectifying the anomalies in the sector.

Hon. Adigun who also spoke on the introduction of 5000 naira note said the new note will not do the Nigerians any good but it will only help to improve corruption, money laundry, embezzlement and other anti-human vices which will make life difficult for the masses.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Mr. Romney’s ‘47 percent’ fantasy

Fuel scarcity again!

•Insincerity and incompetence conspire to cause a perennial problem

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HE problem of fuel scarcity took a turn for the worse earlier this week when motorists in Lagos and several neighbouring states found themselves on long queues in petrol stations across the region. The scarcity represents a worsening of fuel shortages which first manifested itself in Abuja last month.

The current crisis is a consequence of several interlocking problems. The most immediate is the recent murder of workers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) by pipeline vandals who were trying to prevent them from repairing damaged pipelines in Arepo, Ogun State. In addition, the Federal Government’s alleged refusal to reimburse fuel importers for past consignments has led to a reduction in fuel brought in by some of them, as well as sympathy strikes by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

Given all that the nation has gone through in the last nine months, it is truly surprising that Nigerians should find themselves in this situation yet again. Ever since its inception, the Jonathan administration has touted itself as the conqueror of fuel scarcity. The petroleum ministry claimed that it had initiated reforms which would make the downstream sector more efficient, more transparent and more self-sustaining. The icing on the cake is the long-awaited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), a policy initiative which is expected to revolutionise the Nigerian crude oil sector.

However, the recurrence of fuel crises clearly shows that government has not achieved as much as it would like us to

believe. When it began to make a case for so-called total removal of subsidy on fuel, it stated that its main goal was to attain higher levels of transparency and efficiency. But it chose to begin with the citizenry instead of looking at the industry, and especially investigating the extremely incompetent and corrupt manner in which it was being regulated.

This is a fundamental error which has badly affected all attempts to reform the way Nigeria’s crude oil resources are exploited, refined and distributed. Although several oil-importing firms have been charged with sharp practices running into billions of naira, there is as yet no real attempt to hold the regulatory agencies to account. So far, none of the officials of the NNPC, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), or the Ministry of Petroleum Resources has been charged with any offence, even though it is clear that these huge scams would have been impossible without their active connivance.

Such is the government’s obvious lack of sincerity that it has enabled the oil-importers to fight back, using all the weapons in their arsenal. They have threatened not to import any more consignments of fuel until all outstanding bills have been paid, in effect forcing the authorities to choose between sanctioning them or getting fuel. These companies also appear to have staunch allies in NUPENG, whose wildcat strikes and scaremongering tactics have further compounded the situation.

It is clear that government’s refusal to deal with the underlying causes of fuel scarcity has led the country to the unpal-

atable situation it is in. Instead of facing the corrupt oil-importation cabal and its collaborators, the government concentrated on the defenceless citizenry; instead of making the full resuscitation of oil refineries a cardinal point of its reforms, it chose to focus on better ways of importing the product. The vacuum created by this lamentable failure of leadership has allowed voracious oilimporters and their union collaborators to hold the nation to ransom.

Nigeria can no longer afford to suffer unnecessary occurrences of fuel shortage. If government begins to deal with all parties utilising the right combination of fairness and firmness, the ugly sight of long queues at filling stations will be consigned to the past where it rightly belongs.

‘The current crisis is a consequence of several interlocking problems. The most immediate is the recent murder of workers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) by pipeline vandals who were trying to prevent them from repairing damaged pipelines in Arepo, Ogun State. In addition, the Federal Government’s alleged refusal to reimburse fuel importers for past consignments has led to a reduction in fuel brought in by some of them ...’

Don’t let Newswatch die

•New owner should endeavour to revive it and restore its lost glory for posterity

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HE resting of Newswatch magazine

by Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, its new owner, is tantamount to the killing of an important institution in Nigeria’s media industry. The entire process of its sale puts the magazine in the news, albeit for the wrong reason. Sadly, a medium that used to be the bastion of progressive news generation has now become a victim being feasted upon for news. It is difficult to fathom that the magazine is about becoming a relic.

The facts surrounding the entire sale look more confusing than intriguing. It has been the words of Mr Ibrahim against those of Messrs Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed and Soji

‘What the magazine needs more now is not an undertaker but someone who would revive and possibly return it to its pride of place on the newsstands. This is why the promise made by Mr Ibrahim to revive it should be respected. To continue to insist on legalism in the entire transaction would further lead to undermining the mission and vision for setting up the magazine’

Akinrinade, all co-founders with the magazine’s assassinated pioneer editorin-chief, Mr Dele Giwa. Ibrahim claimed the quartet got paid off when they retired from the board of directors and the company as a whole. He gave the breakdown of payments: Ekpu- N79 million; Agbese and Mohammed were paid N76 million each while Akinrinade was paid N68 million. Also, he alleged that they collectively have 6.1 per cent total shares which is less than the minimum legal demand of 10 per cent stake necessary before any shareholder can be considered for a board seat in any company.

The quartet concurred to selling 51 percent stakes in Newswatch to Mr Ibrahim on May 2, 2011 but insisted that it was with an understanding that the paper and the principle behind its establishment on February 28, 1985 would be sustained.

Barely 15 months of publication after the sale, the magazine is now in limbo. It is trite under the law that whoever owns majority shares in a company owns the company. Thence, it will be futile and naïve of minority shareholders to erroneously believe that they hold any strand of control over issues regarding the affairs of any company.

However, the present hullabaloo should be seen beyond Newswatch; it ought not to be about legalism either; it should be about how to sustain a great institution and a brand that has made indelible imprints in the realm of defining what good governance should be, especially during the military era. It was in the course of

pursuing this laudable goal that Giwa was killed on October 19, 1986. So, a veritable brand to which someone was martyred should not be destroyed under the guise of a wobbly business transaction.

No doubt Newswatch lost touch with its credo at a time. The once vibrant magazine that made human rights statements as the epitome of its reporting, and one where written words became law had gone comatose as at the time Mr Ibrahim bought it.

In spite of all these, what the magazine needs more now is not an undertaker but someone who would revive and possibly return it to its pride of place on the newsstands. This is why the promise made by Mr Ibrahim to revive it should be respected. To continue to insist on legalism in the entire transaction would further lead to undermining the mission and vision for setting up the magazine.

Whatever the problems, we want Mr Ibrahim to know that there is no way the history of the tyrannical military era, albeit Nigeria will be written without a loud mention of Newswatch’s impressive role. How would it sound if Mr Ibrahim is recorded as the magazine’s undertaker?

Mr Ibrahim should realise that for him to be part of history, he must ensure that the once popular Newswatch brand outgrows him. Any attempt to kill it will amount to killing a better part of the Nigerian media.

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EPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL candidate Mitt Romney’s comment demeaning the 47 percent of the country “who believe that they are victims” has received a lot of attention, and deservedly so. But in the same videotape of Mr. Romney speaking to donors, another remark also caught our ear.

“You see, you and I, we spend our day with Republicans,”the former Massachusetts governor said. “We spend our days with people who agree with us.” This observation rings true, and it goes a long way toward explaining how Mr. Romney could be so wrong in his understanding of his country.

There is a wisp of a serious argument in Mr. Romney’s comments bemoaning the half of the country that pays no income tax. Conservatives have worried for years that Americans who don’t pay taxes have no incentive to restrain spending. Government payments to individuals have risen dramatically, and beneficiaries become an interest group that makes reform of health and pension programs difficult.

But here’s why it’s only a wisp. Of the 47 percent of Americans who pay no federal income tax, two-thirds pay federal payroll tax. Most of them aren’t making a lot of money; a couple with two children has to earn less than $26,400 to pay no income tax. Altogether, only a tenth of Americans pay no federal tax, and most who pay neither income nor payroll tax are retirees.

Mr. Romney’s vision of the country, in other words, is a fantasy. He believes that 47 percent of Americans “are dependent upon government . . . believe the government has a responsibility to care for them . . . that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it.” This is dramatically out of touch with how hard most middle-class people work and how hard they find it to make ends meet. Half of all American households — households, not individuals — earn $50,000 or less, and the official poverty line for a family of four is a meager $23,021.

Mr. Romney’s comments echo those of his running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.), who told the Republican convention that President Obama offers Americans “a dull, adventureless journey from one entitlement to the next, a government-planned life, a country where everything is free but us.” Mr. Ryan worries not that the safety net may be inadequate but that it will turn into a “hammock.” Does Mr. Romney share this ideology, or does his profoundly skewed vision result from spending his days with people like him?

Either way, Mr. Romney’s condescension toward half the country oddly mirrors the liberal disparagement of working-class Republicans that conservatives have long (and rightly) found offensive. The liberal misconception has been that anyone in the 47 percent who votes Republican is acting against economic self-interest and therefore must be stupid or duped by political ads — as if such voters cannot have principles on abortion, say, or economics that trump selfinterest, even if you accept the Democratic definition of the latter.

Mr. Romney suggests that Obama voters are such sheep that there is no point in reaching out to them — and that their support for Democrats is purely selfish. The possibility that principles might motivate their political behavior does not even occur to Mr. Romney. It’s a demeaning, as well as inaccurate, view of the people he hopes to lead.

Washington Post

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso

•Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

•Chairman,Editorial Board • Executive Director Sam Omatseye (Finance & Administration) •General Editor Ade Odunewu Kunle Fagbemi • Gen. Manager •Editor Online (Training and Development) Lekan Otufodunrin Soji Omotunde •Managing Editor Northern Operation •Chief Internal Auditor Yusuf Alli Toke Folorunsho •Managing Editor • Senior Manager (Sales) Waheed Odusile Akeem Shoge •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Advert Manager Robinson Osirike •Deputy Editor (News) •IT Manager Niyi Adesina Bolarinwa Meekness •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Manager, Corporate Marketing •Sport Editor Hameed Odejayi Ade Ojeikere •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu

• Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: The world watched as the Arab world shook during the Arab Spring. Here, we saw people of different cultures and faith stand up together to demand for a less authoritative, representative government. In some parts, the outcomes were highly successful; in others, the price was a heavy one to pay courtesy of the lives lost in the protests.

In a similar fashion however, the world was taken by storm by angry and in some cities, violent protests by Muslims against a movie produced in Hollywood, depicting at best, an insulting message to believers of Islam throughout the world. Lives have been lost, properties destroyed and anger has been exercised. However, a lot of questions will most likely remain forever unanswered. One of such is the very motive of the movie, and the intent of its producers.

In a not too distant past, a US fast food restaurant, Chil-fil-A stirred non-violent protests against its chain president, Dan Cathy’s publicly voiced anti-gay sentiments.

The movements that followed were not only peaceful, but effective in expressing disagreement with the comments. Attempts by some public officers to deny location expansion for the chain was actively and publicly denounced by seasoned rights advocate such as Tom Palmer in his CATO Institute publication where he reiterated Dan Cathy’s right to his views.

However in similar contrast, a planned Miss World pageant scheduled to hold in Nigeria was not only aborted and compulsorily rescheduled, but also led the loss of at least a hundred lives.

Reflecting on the reaction of the groups involved in both instances, one would want to consider the influence of a greater followership on the manner and outcome of their protests. It is evident that non-violent stand against Dan Cathy’s statement bore no sub-differences among the inspired movement; all came under one umbrella to stand

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 1000 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.com

That despicable anti-Islam movie for what they believed in. On the other hand, a greater fragility exists in the handling of religious differences which represents the majority of the world’s population, divided between Christians and Muslims. The unity and peaceful coexistence of these two diverse world groups holds the key to the political and socio-economic stability of the world.

While the post-traumatic effects of 9/11 and other religious conflicts around the world abounds, one

wonders the reckless necessity for inciting a religious war that is capable of bringing the world to a deadly halt. The point here is not about depriving the individual rights to free speech or freedom of association, but, that of the application of rights and its relative respect for the rights of others.

In the case of Dan Cathy, his views were expressly expressed without restraint or concern for others who might not find his views acceptable, but also was his view

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school starting education at Saint Matthews Roman Catholic School, Ondo at age late 13. He was a “man” among kids – the very reason he strove to excel and be man rather among fellow men. He moved up rapidly. After about a year at Saint Peter’s Teacher’s Training College, Akure, Fasehun was thrown out because he didn’t succumb to Catholicism’s creed.

He was admitted into form Two at Ondo Boys High School in 1956. After only two and a half years, he sat for the final examination and passed simultaneously grade one and earning distinction in English Language.

It was a record not set since the school was created in 1919!

September 30, 1958, Fasehun went to London, where he studied science at Blackburn College and later proceeded to Aberdeen University College of Medicine. He was also at the Liverpool Postgraduate School and the Royal College of Surgeons for his fellowship.

Later in 1976, he studied acupuncture in China under a joint World

IR: In 1992, as Nigeria’s ex-dictator Ibrahim Babangida tottered after fraudulently tinkering with his own transition programme, a presidential candidate suggested to him an interim demilitarized government of national unity to usher in the genuine democracy.

Babangida did not heed the call. A year later, his bag of tricks and political subterfuges empty, he reached belatedly for that interim national government idea, but gave no credit to its patriotic originator.

He then went for a puppet continuity of his regime while scampering off the scene (stepping aside, as he called he called his exit!).

Dr. Frederick Isiotan Fasehun was the man who proposed the idea as a short term solution to the political impasse contrived by the Babangida junta. Later, newspapers ran headlines of Fasehun screaming: “IBB stole my idea and bastardized it!”

This soft-spoken man was born on September 21, 1935 in Ondo town and put in the care of a disciplinarian grandmother of the Spartan

responsibly echoed. In the case of this violent inciting movie however, the physical and emotional trauma inflicted by the depiction of the prophet Mohammed, regarded as the founder of Islam on followers of the religion is potent enough to lead to extremism and hatred for everything the producers stood for.

Part of what the producers stood for was being American (Hollywood production) and anti-Islam (theme and nature of film), both of which are already being paid for

To Fasehun at 77

Health Organization and United Nations Development Programme Scholarship.

Back home in 1977, he set up an Acupuncture Unit at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital, LUTH. But Fasehun resigned in 1978 because “too many people were dying (there at LUTH) ….. and my standard of medical practice was not feasible in LUTH”.

He immediately set up the Besthope Hospital and Acupuncture Centre in Lagos. It was once reputed to be Africa’s first for the Chinese medical practice.

Fasehun has found more than ample time to devote impartial attention to his age-old calling (health management) and politics (his inner stirrings).

He was an executive member of the Campaign for Democracy, CD. Fasehun in 1993 founded the Movement for Social and Economic Justice MOSEJ, emerging as its National Chairman. He is the founder of Oodua People’s Congress whose agitation against injustice and extra-

from locations like Tunisia to Sudan, Egypt, Yemen, Libya, Istanbul, Malaysia, and across other Muslim and non-Muslim states such as Nigeria were too much a price for the pleasure of a few, including murders such as that of the late US Ambassador to Libya, Chris Stephens.

While the extremist violent reactions to this by Muslims all over is reckless, unnecessary, unjust and uncalled for, the producers also should acknowledge the extremism of their exercise of rights through the inflammable and despicable movie and make up for its attendant damages.

There is absolutely a need to embrace tolerance on either side of the coin.

• Fiyinfoluwa Elegbede Greenville, South Carolina, USA

judicial killing as well as resistance to perceive ploy to waste the Yoruba Nation has become legendary. A noiseless but adroit negotiator, Fasehun pointedly rejected Head of State Sani Abacha’s request to have him serve in his military dictatorship.

In 1989 when Babangida lifted the ban of politics, Nigerian workers put together the Nigerian Labour Party and had Fasehun as their presidential flagbearer.

Although this man of eternal youth is no longer in active in politics, he still contends for justice no longer and democracy having been in and out of detention countless times for his front-row role in street and undercover agitation for good governance. He was one of the three leaders of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO who staged the rally for Abiola after the latter claimed his mandate as President of Nigeria.

• Banji Ojewale Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 16

21

COMMENTS

Reality Bites T

Kindergarten god (1) •(On the likelihood of President Sanusi Lamido Sanusi)

Olatunji Ololade

HE saliva in his mouth probably tastes sweeter than fresh dates. That is why he opens his mouth like one who has gotten drunk on his own saliva. Yet for all his cheek and bluster, you have to give it to Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; somewhere within his mass of vanity and sense of worth subsists that proverbial patriot who could be hero.

Hero is probably too trite a word to encapsulate the patriot that he was meant to become. Now that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) is desperate that he becomes President, shall we belabor why he is not yet ripe to become President?

The man who is supposed to be anything and everything to us has become a brute in our recurring nightmare. Bet this is the moment he swallows spittle to summon a sharp retort; who cares? I couldn’t really care even if I tried; it’s healthier to damn what he thinks of this just like he damns what we think of his oppressive policies and actions.

We have gone from people who do not understand him enough, to ‘dimwits’ who couldn’t appreciate all his “patriotic” gestures, even if the benefits stared us in the face.

Beats me incessantly at times, but then, I remember that he is only human, and the mysteries begin to disappear, and his mutation attains some exposition of sort.

Nobody knows what it feels like to be Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Nobody knows what guilt unmans him or what passion inflames his soul in his dominion over our fatherland but

M

going by his antecedents till date, there is little he could get from us in understanding and empathy.

Just yesterday, he joined ballsy and cocky Okonjo-Iweala to force the bitter pill of fuel subsidy removal down our throats.

Stuck in his element, he dished out “economic facts and figures;” “truisms” and then insults, tongue in cheek and self-righteously. According to him, the argument is never about “ideology but about simple basic economics and common sense.”

For a presumably brilliant economist, he is yet ideologically confused – despite identifying himself as a pragmatic Marxist, reality depicts him as a pathetic illusionist. In the thick of his confusion, Sanusi has perfected the art of mounting the soap-box, at any given opportunity.

“The bulk of government spending is revenue; revenue expenditure.

That is a big problem; 25 per cent of overhead of Federal Government goes to the National Assembly. We need power; we need infrastructure.

So we need to start looking at the structure of expenditure and make it more consistent with the development initiative of the country,” said the CBN Governor in the heat of his spar with the National Assembly.

Lamenting further, he said, “Very often, you look at the problems of the country and you look at the powerful vested interests that are benefiting from these problems and you think that the problems cannot be resolved, let me tell you one thing;

ANY People who have a stake in the Nigeria project, especially the nation’s maritime sector, must be amazed at the recent call by Captain Solomon Omotesho for the closure of the only nation’s premier maritime academy.

Omotesho, one of the country’s foremost master mariners, is known in the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, and he occupies a place of honour in this country. Remarkably too, Nigeria, Omotesho’s fatherland is well-respected among top world-maritime nations. And several factors are responsible for the pride of place Nigeria occupies. One is the nation’s training standards, Nigeria’s membership of the IMO’s white list. Omotesho many years ago, joined a ministerial task force during the tenure of Ojo Maduekwe, former transport minister, to ensure that Nigeria surmounts the problems to achieve a successful enlistment in the IMO’s white list. The admittance of Nigeria into the IMO’s white list was made possible after the task force successfully restructured the Government’s Inspection of Shipping, GIS, office. The restructuring also included ensuring a good maritime safety administration, and the formulation of a syllabus for the training of merchant navy cadets both on deck and engine, based on the STWC 95 convention now STWC 2012 convention, of course in order to remain in the IMO white list, work was also carried out on the nation’s maritime legislation.

Imperatively, the IMO, prior to the 1978 STWC convention, emphasis was on sea knowledge alone, but with the amendment in 1995 the STWC emphasised not only on knowledge, but also on competency of seafarers. Before the recent 2012 STWC convention, all countries are expected to come forward on how to comply with the new convention stipulation.

The convention is specific in its requirements. First, there must be a legal backing to all documentations, which was why the Nigerian Maritime Administration

stand up to them, face them, the country belongs to you and we must claim it.”

If his words are meant to pack a punch; they do. It doesn’t matter that they reverberate like cheap shots; Sanusi is the next best thing Nigeria has to a truth-sayer, within the ranks of our ruling class. But of what calibre is he? How dependable is he in the light of his ‘honesty?’

Nigerians won’t forget in a hurry the promises he made in the wake of the fuel subsidy controversy. He claimed that the N1.3 or more trillion saved by removing fuel subsidy will be used to develop other sectors of the country. They won’t forget the conceit with which he made his awfully valid points. Fuel subsidy has been removed and Sanusi has suddenly lost his voice even as Nigeria smarts from absence of the economic palliatives promised all.

Few weeks ago, he incited another controversy with the planned restructuring of the naira. Trust Sanusi, his approach was hardly different from that by which he conspired to force the bitter pill of fuel subsidy removal down Nigerians throats.

Clearly unperturbed by criticisms of his plan, at a press conference in Abuja on August 23, Sanusi told journalists that the CBN would, as from 2013 introduce N5,000 note, while N5, N10 and N20 notes would be converted to coins. According to Sanusi, the redesigned N50 and N5, 000 notes will be introduced in early 2013. He explained that the naira was being restructured to encourage the use of coins, curb inflation, enhance the quality of bank notes and promote cashless economy. And backing him predictably in his bid is the ruling class and the crème of the

nation’s aristocracy.

How realistic is Sanusi Lamido Sanusi? How intelligent is the CBN Governor? How dependable is he?

The answer lies as much in his utterances as his deeds. Are his utterances and deeds the characteristic of an exalted intellect, something which Nigeria’s incumbent ruling class pitifully lacks? Does he possess that towering immensity of tact and strength of character that remains prime attributes of a progressive leader?

Is his lust for controversy and acclaim reflective of an awfully preadolescent wile? Could he be said to be ruling or serving Nigeria in his current capacity? How immune is he from ghastly manifestations of self love, wantonness, and sense of worth?

By his utterances and deeds, Sanusi demands to be heard and taken serious at all costs. But to what do we owe such reverence of him? Some would say it is his brilliance and oratory. Anyone could be brilliant and outspoken from time to time but wisdom is what a leader has to affect all of the time. Is Sanusi Lamido Sanusi a wise man?

That, I cannot tell, but I know that the CBN Governor is an orator. I know he is a pragmatic CBN Governor. I know he was courageous enough to call Nigeria’s lawmakers on their shameful fiscal indiscipline.

I know his enthusiasm for economic rejuvenation of the country is undeniable and infectious.

I also know that he only pays lipservice to the plight of the average man on the street. I know he is far removed from the realities plaguing Nigeria’s poor such that his mantra about subsidizing domestic production and creating job opportunities smacks of insincerity, and a

wantonness to play to the working class’ gallery even as he emasculates it.

I know he is yet to evolve such ideals that would make him mature into that purity of being that scorns egocentrism and narcissism. But no matter what anyone thinks, Sanusi does not have to apologize for being privileged to anyone. He does not have to be ashamed of his pedigree in order to be politically correct.

Yet if he is to be judged by what Greek philosopher, Pythagoras, deems the human measure of all things, he shan’t fare excellently. Not yet. And that is because he is still an ordinary human sound bite. He is yet to evolve into that purity of being that makes a leader, despite all of his flaws, iconic.

But it isn’t too late for Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. It isn’t too late for the one who gets drunk on the sweetness of his own saliva?

To be continued…

‘By his utterances and deeds, Sanusi demands to be heard and taken serious at all costs. But to what do we owe such reverence of him? Some would say it is his brilliance and oratory. Anyone could be brilliant and outspoken from time to time but wisdom is what a leader has to affect all of the time. Is Sanusi Lamido Sanusi a wise man?’

SMS only 08038551123 (tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk)

The Master Mariner goofed

By Ovie Edomi and Safety Agency, NIMASA, was formed.

The government ensured that it was gazetted in order to give it legal backing. Besides, countries which are signatory to the STWC convention must show their syllabus or what they intend to teach in their maritime academies / universities in compliance with the STWC convention.

In all, Nigeria’s documentation and presentation of what it intends to teach and the syllabus it intends to use, was drawn from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, at Oron, Akwa Ibom State. In fact, when Nigeria was working on its enlistment in the IMO white list, members of the committee were camped in a guesthouse for five days to put their documentation together and one of the principal participants was from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria. This was during the tenure of Ferdinand Agu, former Director General of NIMASA, then referred to as NMA and now Special Assistant to Secretary of the Government of the Federation.

Indeed, Nigeria’s election into IMO council and its listing on the white list are as a result of many factors. But training standard, syllabus and maritime legislature were key. To therefore call for the closure of the same Maritime Academy that has remained the barometer of measurement of our maritime training standards/ curriculum, is to many not a patriotic demand. And contrary to Omotesho’s demand, in 1999, he got a vessel for the academy for their sea experience, but was later rejected in 2001 by the committee set up by the school management to examine the vessel and was subsequently abandoned in Calabar Port until former Governor Donald Duke got it pulled out of the port.

At this time in our nation’s history when President Jonathan is calling for a mari-

time retreat to address the myriads of problems facing the maritime industry, everyone needs to be patriotic and passionate about the nation’s maritime potential. In 33 years that the Maritime Academy of Nigeria has existed, first as a nautical college, then as an academy for the training of merchant navy, Nigeria and the WestAfrica sub-region have benefited tremendously, and Omotesho knows this.

Agreed, Greece, Japan, Singapore and United States have flag vessels just like Great Britain, Norway, France and so on that engage in coastal operations as well as ocean-going vessels that can cross the deep ocean into other countries, Nigeria has no national carrier. Whereas, Greece has over 1045 vessels (national carriers) competing with other 1821 foreign flagged vessels.

Similarly, Japan has over 1077 national carriers to compete with at least 1824 vessels of other countries. The Nigeria National Shipping Line, NNSL, of which Omotesho was a pioneer master mariner, has long been liquidated with Nigeria not having a national carrier. Does Omotesho want the only recognised maritime academy in Nigeria by the IMO and other world-maritime institutions to suffer the same fate?

This is certainly not a criticism of Omotesho, but a call for collaboration.

This is because most disputes in Nigeria simply end up with both parties withdrawing their fingers from each others’ face. I believe that if Omotesho has been to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in the last six to nine months, he will rather call for the up-grading of the academy to a university instead of calling for its closure.

Even the Senator Zainab Kure-led Senator Committee on Marine Transport which include former Governors Joshua Dariye and George Akume, as well as Pius

Ewerhido among others were amazed at the infrastructural development currently ongoing at the academy in line with the President’s reform agenda, with a view to turning the school into one of the best in Africa and among the top 10 in the world.

If the school is closed and another established in Omotesho’s homeland, how many years will it take for IMO to recognise it? This is the time to support the maritime academy located at Oron, Akwa Ibom state. To do otherwise would be a disservice to the nation.

This time the master mariner got it wrong.

• Edomi is the Publisher/Editor in chief of The South South International magazine

‘In 33 years that the Maritime Academy of Nigeria has existed, first as a nautical college, then as an academy for the training of merchant navy, Nigeria and the WestAfrica sub-region have benefited tremendously, and Omotesho knows this.

Agreed, Greece, Japan, Singapore and United States have flag vessels just like Great Britain, Norway, France and so on that engage in coastal operations as well as ocean-going vessels that can cross the deep ocean into other countries, Nigeria has no national carrier’

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

22

COMMENTS “If music be the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.”

William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night PART from the avalanche of assorted cars and SUVs parked outside the Lagos City Hall last Sunday, nothing gave an inkling that something interesting was on inside its banquet hall where the best of highlife entertainment was being played.

Therein, musical history resurrected. On that day, another chapter in the musical olden times of this country was written. The event was the 60 years stage celebration of Dr. Victor Abimbola Olaiya (OON) and his trumpet.

My attraction to the event was not only the royal touch given to the event by the Olowo Eko himself, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu, Oba of Lagos or the presence of other interesting dignitaries. My pull for that event was the enervating enactment of musical tunes of yore from the motley of horse’s mouths. Distinguished guests in the hall yelled for more and that quickly brought to my mind Robert Nesta Marley’s (aka Bob Marley) saying:“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

The highly thrilled audience of mostly eminent Nigerians received doses of musical punches from highlife, Afro beat and juju musicians of yore without feeling any pain.

Music is indeed the tonic needed to sustain life. It has no boundary. Music gives inspiration to the creative minds. Respected intellectuals and accomplished professionals have indeed confessed to the lifting spirit of music. Even the ordinary man on the streets from among whom most musical genius emanated may have no money to feed but would definitely create the time to listen to music – good and soul-lifting ones at that.

When one is lonely and deserted, the only assured companion is music, blaring from a radio or stereo. Music is the only escape route from the miseries of life. When it looks like life is about to hit a screeching halt, music then becomes the wine that fills the cup of silence. Music heals a broken heart; it proves hope for the rejected and cures the loss, pain and misery of the lonely. Could it be said that without music, then life would be a mistake? No wonder Plato, the great philosopher, observed that ‘Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight

A

W

HAT really do ministers of the Federal Republic do? Or if you want to put it across in street parlance: wetin ministers dey do sef? The impression out there is that they are a bunch of privileged people living in splendor, who attend meeting after meeting, sign some contracts that are never executed but which feather their nests and before you could accuse them of anything, they are reshuffled or removed so that a new set of people could come enjoy the cozy seat. It sounds like a nice game of musical chairs doesn’t it? This week we share our note on four federal ministers, an exminister and what they have been up to recently: Minister Adesina and the power of redemptive initiatives: Unknown to many readers, columnists and critics are actually looking for opportunity to laud public officials and celebrate their modest accomplishments in office; especially around here where there is hardly anything inspired or inspiring going on. But the matter of Dr Akinwunmi Adesina came up with some colleagues a few months back and I said to them that there seemed to be something there and they were unanimous that it was mere hype and hoopla. What really has he done than reel our sad statistics of our agric sector woes some wondered?

But something he did recently has moved me to start taking a closer look. He gathered the managers of 18 oil palm estates across Nigeria to Abuja to discuss way of partnership with them. I want to wager that no agric minister in recent times had rallied stakeholders of the palm producing sector to the city in a long time. Not those smelly palm bush people.

Adesina, by his gesture, has given them recognition, he wants to partner with them to stop importation of palm oil from the West Coast boarders, he is offering them improved palm seedlings from the Nigerian Institute of Oil Palm Research (NIOPR), he wants oil palm firms quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange to do even better. He is desirous of expanding the holdings of the palm estates by about 500 hectares.

One notes that he has catalysed the revitalization of some rice mills across the country and there is also the hee-haw about cassava bread initiative even though that

Victor Olaiya: Enjoying yesterday today

•Victor Olaiya to the imagination and life to everything.’

When good music blares, even the birds stop to listen. That is the power of music and that was what transpired on the day Lagos stood still to celebrate Victor Olaiya. It was an evening of fun that Yemi Sodimu spiced with his dexterity at compeering. Femi Kuti set the ball of musical action rolling and proved within his allotted time to be a worthy ambassador of the Afro beat music pioneered by Fela, his late father. Dele Ojo, highlife musician of yore mounted the stage and electrified the audience with famous old tracks such as Ilu oyinbo dara, kawe e; Tere na Tere na tere. When it came to the turn of Orlando Julius with her two female dancers, younger elements in the hall realised why highlife was the preference of music lovers in the 1950s, 60s, 70s down to mid 80s. He

bolstered the audience with tracks such as eniyan loko esin loro, esin onika ninu rara.

The King of Juju and music in general, Sunday Adegeye (KSA) came on stage twice.

The first time, he treated the audience to his famous track, samba e e e samba and accompanied this with his deft musical steps to the admiration of the audience in the hall.

KSA’s second coming on the stage was on the prompting of Pa Fatai Rolling Dollars during his time on stage. Baba Rolling Dollar sang his widely loved track of; won kere si number wa, awon omode wonyi kere si number wa. KSA and Baba Rolling Dollars treated us to scintillating duet that might be difficult to re-enact in a long time. Shina Bakare, son of late highlife legend, Ayinde Bakare, reproduced his father’s act with the track; won ntenu bole kiri, won npegan kiri. Femi Oso, the CEO of Evergreen Musical Company Limited and organiser of the event gave out his turn to Tunde Osofisan who performed creditably with the track; olowogbayawo ole that sent the audience agog and asking for more. The man of the day, Victor Olaiya took the stage at the end of it all and rendered some of the tracks that made him what he is, including ilule o, kosowolode that he first sang in 1962.

On that day, the powerful, especially wives of governors, broke protocol as they wriggled their bodies, briefly while standing and largely on their seats, to old highlife tunes of the greats; the intellectuals got

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8181624757, email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

Four ministers and an ex remains an exclusive presidential repast now.

But even if Adesina ends up not creating world standard palm estate, one is impressed by what I want to call his redemptive initiatives or the power of simple gestures that go a long way. We are used to seeing ministers sit on their bums and grumble about no funding; and we have often been told that trillions would be required to grow rice in Nigeria or that a cabal of importer would never allow homegrown rice. But here, we see a thinking man applying his mind to his duties. Please keep up the tempo sir!

Minister Ngama saying it as it is: Dr Yerima Lawan Ngama, Minister of State for Finance did not try to coat his observation with sugar or saccharine as government officials are wont. He served us the coffee black without sugar or cream. He said nothing new; he only lent weight to what we have been saying for decades.

It was at the Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in Abuja recently. Ngama jolted his banker audience when he told them to their face that they were the prime wreckers of the economy.

He noted that they contribute little to the Gross Domestic Product of the country as their high interest rates keep the real sector at bay.

Hear him: “the banks had continued to show preference to financing import trade and by implication, contributing to the crisis in the real sector and the volatility of the foreign exchange market.”

But we ask: why is the finance ministry which has some oversight over the Central Bank not influencing action in this direction?

Why is the endless reform in the banking

sector not yielding this kind of salutary result that Ngama speaks about? How, for instance, would the review of the Naira proposed by the CBN governor make our banks support the economy better. Are we not doing reform for the heck of it? That is something for Ngama to chew on while we applaud him for his frank talk.

Minister Okonjo-Iweala’s $1.1bn Chinese loan: there are so many distressing points about this loan that one could make a whole book discussing it. Let’s look at a few. First why would you borrow money that you can well afford only to pay it back 100 fold in future? This sum we borrow today will in 20 years’ time, amount to about $10 to $15 billion. Two, it is baffling that Nigeria cannot muster $1 billion to build airport terminals and light rail. I thought we ought to borrow for economically viable and priority projects like huge refineries and petrochemical complexes which are self sustaining and would reduce the drain occasioned by fuel imports. Third, Mrs Okonjo-Iweala unpromptedly, led Nigeria’s repayment of $12.4 billion loan to Britain and France about 10 years ago. This sum well deployed then, would have gotten Nigeria out of the power and energy bind she finds herself today.

We think Nigeria taking $1 billion from China in this age is tokenistic, demeaning and portend no long term value for the economy. By the way, CCEC has been doodling on this Abuja light rail since 2006.

How much have we spent on it so far?

Minister Abdullahi and his jungle stadium: it took a photograph showing the tropical forest growing on the pitch of our prime

magnetised by the alluring beats coming out of that modern instruments. The activists nodded to the acrobatic rhythms of highlife wonders on the microphone on the stage on that day. Mrs Abimbola Fashola, wife of Governor Babatunde Fashola surely from her countenance on that day loves highlife music. EreluBisi Fayemi would definitely have won a dancing award with the way she danced especially to the rhythm of Orlando Julius’ music.

Former governor of Ogun state Akinrogun Segun Osoba and wife, Derinsola were marvellous on the dance floor. Professor Adebayo Williams must have derived lots of inspiration from highlife music from his nod of approval to most of the acts’ performances. Olatunji Abdul-Lateef Bello, the knowledgeable helmsman of Lagos Environmental affairs momentarily forgot about environmental matters as he listened with rapt attention to assorted highlife music. The newest Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana was truly at home with the highlife tunes churned out on that day. There is no doubt that the horde of guests in that hall including actors and actresses really enjoyed themselves. Yours sincerely will henceforth be listening to highlife music, if not at home because of time, but in the car while moving around in Lagos or travelling.

The day Victor Olaiya was celebrated would be remembered for two things: The first being that the man was shown love and appreciation during his life time and secondly; the need for society to from time to time celebrate those who toiled to bring joy and happiness to millions of homes through music. Once again, that day was one in which all of us present enjoyed yesterday today.

‘The day Victor Olaiya was celebrated would be remembered for two things: The first being that the man was shown love and appreciation during his life time and secondly; the need for society to from time to time celebrate those who toiled to bring joy and happiness to millions of homes through music. Once again, that day was one in which all of us present enjoyed yesterday today’ national stadium for the Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi to awaken. Meanwhile people had written, commentators had shouted and the national teams could not find pitches to play international matches. The minister was even once quoted as scoffing that he would not fix the pitch just because an English team, Arsenal was visiting early in the year. That promotional visit had co be cancelled at a huge loss to the promoters and of course the country. Now an interministerial team had to be set up to plant grass and maintain our stadium pitch. If Mr. Abdullahi would not do his work, let the entire FEC team up to do it abi? But what on earth is the FG doing fooling around with stadia management by the way? Wetin government dey do sef?

Ex-minister Ihenacho versus Nigeria Militia Navy (NMN): this is a matter of serious, if not ominous national significance, lest we forget. Recently, former Minister of Interior, Mr. Emmanuel Iheanacho was according to his press release, abducted and taken hostage in a federal government agency. A siege was laid to his business premises and he was humiliated and treated like a common criminal. All of this indignity was carried out, according to Iheanacho, by the gang of a certain fellow called Government Ekpemuokpolo Tompolo.

The detail of Iheanacho’s ordeal is not our concern here. Our brows are furrowed because the evil egg has hatched. We warned of the dire consequences when the presidency handed our maritime space to an extra-legal ‘navy’ headed by an ex-militant, Tompolo.

We ask, why would the presidency need a militia navy when it has the full compliment of the Nigerian navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, SSS, DMI, NIA,NSCDC, etc. Why does the presidency think that these well constituted forces and agencies cannot do the job Tompolo and his rag-tag gang would do? Let it be on record that the presidency is grooming another terrorist group that five years hence would be worse than anything we have seen hitherto.

This is how the Niger Delta militancy and Boko Haram started. This is sheer failure of governance on a grand scale. Today it is Iheanacho, tomorrow it may be Ihyembe or Hambagda or Hammond. There goes the millipede.

2013 UNDER-17 WORLD CUP Invite the right players, Ugbe, Ugbade tip Ladipo urges Keshi Pg. 24

•I am not under pressure, Big Boss insists

Golden Eaglets

Pg. 24

Sport

Friday, September 21, 2012

PAGE 23

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FALLOUT

We lost our

heads, Mikel laments

•Mikel

Sports Festival: Onigbinde molested at match venue Pg. 24

Flying Eagles aim to avenge Amajita defeat Pg. 41

M

IKEL OBI has revealed Chelsea could have beaten Juventus in Wednesday’s Champions League tie but for lapses in concentration.

The defending champions were forced to a 2-2 draw at home by the Italian champions and Mikel told MTNFootball.com they gave away soft goals and should have been more efficient in front of goal.

"We didn't win the game due to loss in concentration, we gave away very cheap goals, especially the second goal.

We should have stopped the move (that led to the goal) but we lost our focus at that moment,” Mikel said.

“We also had chances to score a third goal and kill the game but that didn't happen, maybe we were not lucky enough to score more.

"We started the game on a very good footing, scoring two good goals and we were dictating the pace of the game.

“It was a very good game and both teams gave good account of themselves. We knew it was not going to be an easy match and we gave it all

and deserved to win but unfortunately we could not. It has ended in a draw.”

Mikel further told MTNFootball.com ‘The Blues’ are now looking forward to their next game against Danish club Nordjaelland on October 2.

“We just have to accept the result and plan for the next game. We have learnt some lessons from this game and we will bounce back in the next game," he assured.

The other Group E match between Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine and Nordjaelland ended with Shakhtar winning 2-0.

24

41

NATIONSPORT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

Confident Flying Eagles land in SA

N

IGERIA Under-20s have arrived at the northeastern city of Nelspruit ahead of Friday’s AYC qualifier against hosts South Africa.

The match will be played at the magnificent Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, which staged the 2010 World Cup and will also play host to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Flying Eagles touched down at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg at 5am local time after a smooth flight on South Africa Airways flight from Lagos.

Several officials from the Nigeria High Commission were at the airport to receive the team.

They also promised to mobilise the Nigerian community in Nelspruit to cheer the African champions to victory. The road trip to Nelspruit took about three hours and the team has booked into the four-star Protea Hotel The Winkler, which is cut off from the city centre and at least half an hour from the match venue. The hotel rests on an expansive land, which projects nature’s beauty. The team will train at 7pm local time at the match venue.

Early morning temperature is about 12 degrees Celsius, which is mildly cold, and it is expected to be colder later in the day.

The return leg match is billed for Sunday, October 7 in Ilorin with the overall winners, booking a ticket to next year’s AYC in Algeria.

Globacom rallies support for Flying Eagles, Golden Eaglets

N

IGERIA'S national telecoms operator and official sponsor of Nigerian national teams, Globacom has called on the Flying Eagles and National Under-17 team ‘The Golden Eaglets’ to approach their respective football engagements this weekend with a focus on total victory.

Flying Eagles and Golden Eaglets will this weekend mount a double assault for African Youth Championship and 2013 African U-17 qualifier tickets in Johannesburg and Calabar respectively.

Globacom in a press statement called on both teams to make Nigeria proud by winning their matches to pave way for early qualification for both competitions.

While the U-20 team takes on Amajita of South Africa on Saturday, the Golden Eaglets will on Sunday file out against junior Menas of Niger in an all important African Qualifier.

Total victory according to Globacom is required as the battle for qualification gathers momentum.

Globacom called on the two teams to make it a memorable weekend for soccer loving Nigerians by defeating their opponents and advancing towards the next stage.

Acknowledging that there are no more minnows in African football, Globacom noted that beating South Africa and Niger convincingly, should not be a very tough task for Nigeria given the fine collection of tested players the U-20 and the U-17 teams will be parading.

Paralympic coaches cry to Jonathan over monetary rewards

B

ARELY five days after Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan had put smiles on the faces of Nigeria’s Paralympian athletes and officials for their herocis at the recently-concluded London 2012 Paralyimpics, the Sports Ministry seems to be against the idea as athletes and officials are crying foul for being shortchanged.

The President had at a state reception on Saturday announced various cash prizes of N5m, 3m, and 2, for gold, silver amd Bronze medal winniers respectively, while the coaches were also rewarded with N2.5 m in addition to other particiapants who failed to win medals.

All the benefactors of the President's largesse were directed to give their bank accounts for easy and safe transaction but the officials were shocked on Thursday as some of them got N1m while others had just N500,000 credited to their accounts.

"The National Sports Commission is ready to tarnish the goodwill of Mr President as they are paying into our (coaches) accounts N500, 000 and N 1m which is not what the President announced to us on Saturday, one of the paralympic coaches said while pleading anonymity to avoid a backlash."

He went further by saying that the President of the Paralympics Committee has been making

Odibe: I want to play for Arsenal •Says Lucio is my role model

By Innocent Amomoh IGERIA-BORN Dnipro defender, Michael Odibe has revealed his deasire to play under Asene Wenger at Arsenal Football Club.

In an exclusive interview with the NationSport, the powerplaying defender said though he has looked up to players like Brazillian defender Lucio, donning the colours of Arsenal is his utmost desire.

"I looked up to so many players while growing up, like my elder brother, Ikechukwu Uche, Stephen Keshi but Lucio is a player I admire most outside the shores of the country. He is one of the players whose style propelled me to move to Europe some years back.

“He has won a lot of trophies which I have not but I think I still have better years ahead to emulate him. I learnt a lot of things from him and I am still looking for the opportunity of paring Lucio and Playing for Arsenal has always been my dream.

“A lot of people have tipped me to play for Chelsea in England but I am an Arsenal fan I love the club. I supported it for a long time but only destiny will make me play at Emirate.My game has improved a lot, and by the grace of God I will play there one day.

The Super Eagles invitee further said: “I have always dreamt of playing under good managers like Arsene Wenger, already I am playing under a good coach here in my club, and everybody knows his record everywhere he goes, but playing for •Odibe Arsenal under Wenger is a d r e a m t o b e accomplished," he emphasised.

N

2013 UNDER-17 WORLD CUP

Ugbe, Ugbade tip Golden Eaglets

affort to complain about the situation to the Director General of the NSC Dr Patrick Ekeji but the (Ekeji) has been avoiding him.

"This is almost the same thing that was done to the able bodies athltes which led to their failure at the Olympics. All the money that were supposed to be given to them were not given to them.

It's so ridiculous that some people can dare to manipulate a gesture of the President" "The Falconets have gotten their N1m and their coaches were also given N1.2 m which was exactly what the President announced, why are the the paralympic coaches getting less.

…as Junior Menas arrive Thursday

T

• Ugbade

T

•Onigbinde

Saturday."

We are ready for the game (between Nigeria and Niger) on Saturday and I’m using this opportunity to call on our people to be at the stadium to see these talented boys."

Ugbe maintained that hosting the Golden Eaglets by Cross River State offered the people the chance to see Nigeria's Generation Next at close quarters, adding that the state government accepted to host the junior national team in order to inspire local youngsters. Said he: "We are delighted to have the Golden Eaglets because His Excellency, Senator Liyel Imoke sees this as national service though at a big cost despite the state's lean resources.

We want our people to enjoy this moment to see these players before they become full fledge professionals that they would be reading on the pages of newspapers. Saturday is their first major game here and we are calling on Nigerians far and near to c o m e

Invite the right players, P

By Stella Bamawo and Innocent Ammomoh explained: “the team has to buckle up.

However, this time around, we must qualify by all means. I was in Monrovia, Liberia, when we played with the Leon Stars. It shouldn’t be the Leon Stars that should be giving Nigeria problem. Liberia is just a country of 3.5million population.

So I wasn’t happy, because, if that match had not ended in a draw, we probably would have been disgraced.

The Eagles’ technical crew, must not give us just any player, he must give us players that will win the match for us.

I once advised him that he should stop

After running around the pitch, Winjobi Ayodeji the AR1 from Lagos State, fainted and was rushed to the hospital by Team Ondo players, who rescued him and he was still in a state of coma at the Health Centre of the Polytechnic where he was receiving first aid treatment as at press time.

A plastic chair was brought down on the head of the reserve referee Usman Hussein from Ogun State, as no single security personnel was present at the match venue.

Alaba Abiodun Olusegun the ARII from Ogun State was brave enough as he ran for dear life.

As if that was not enough, the infuriated fans later accosted FIFA and CAF

instructor Festus Adegboye Onigbinde by molesting him for daring to prevent them from inflicting bodily harm on one of the officials. They also claimed his presence at the venue, intimidated the match officials.

When reporters visited the match officials at the Health Centre where they were admitted, they said their official properties, which included flag (used in beating them) and other personal effects such as whistle and phones were carted away by the fans.

Team Osun was leading by a lone goal scored by the captain Olaojoyetan Soji in the 4th minute.

using players that are not playing regularly for their various clubs, they cannot be in form for the match, the rustiness will affect them, so I plead with him to give us a very strong team that would win for the country. For the NFF, they must be willing to give the necessary support let them support the team, after all they have sponsors paying up. For Nigerians, they should be at the stadium to support the players , sing for them.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview with the NationSport, Keshi declared he was not under any pressure from anyone as he was putting all structures in place to ensure that the team excels. Keshi said: “I am not under pressure, our players are ready to

soar.”

Meanwhile, Liberia needs a win or 3-3 draw to raise their chances of playing in the 2013 Afcon slated for South Africa.

•Keshi

Flying Eagles aim to avenge Amajita defeat

N

IGERIA’S Flying Eagles will hope to avenge a 1-0 loss they suffered at the hands of Amajita on Friday night when both teams clash again in a 2013 AC qualifier.

In May, hosts South Africa stopped their Nigerian counterparts by the odd goal on their way to finishing third at the Cape Town International Challenge, which was won by world champions Brazil.

While Amajita has remained largely unchanged from that invitational tournament, only about 11 players from the 25-man Flying Eagles’ squad are still very much involved with the country’s U-20s.

Skipper and goalkeeper Samuel Okani, Ikechukwu Okorie, Chizoba Amaefule,

Shehu Abdullahi, Moses Orkuma and Alhaji Gero are still starters from that tournament.

Central defender Amaefule and Orkuma did not kick any ball at the invitational tourney though.

The African champions have now recalled forwards Bright Ejike, Chidi Osuchukwu as well as the exciting playmaker Abduljaleel Ajagun, all players who featured at the 2011 AYC which was hosted by South Africa and won by Nigeria.

The South Africa youth team, on the other hand, will continue to insist on the mercurial Supersport forward Snethemba Ngidi, striker Thabani Mthembu and skipper Mbongeni Gumede.

Ngidi is a genuine top performer who

Flamingoes hold Portuguese camp

N

IGERIA'S U-17 female team, Flamingoes arrived in Azerbaijan on Tuesday for the start of their title chase at the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup. The 32-man team comprising 21 players and 11 officials were readily received by officials of FIFA. The nation's campaigners are lodged at Hilton Hotel the same as Group A opponents, hosts, Azerbaijan, Canada and Colombia.

The team resumed training immediately on arrival aimed at fighting off the bug of jet lag.

"We have to train this afternoon (Tuesday) to shake off the jet lag and tune up the players for the important task ahead," said Flamingoes' coach, Peter Dedevbo.

Flamingoes are among three countries representing Africa at the FIFA World Cup which Kicks-off on Saturday, September 22. Others are the Gambia and Ghana The team spent two weeks close camping at Vilamoura, Portugal.

T

•I am not under pressure, Big Boss insists RESIDENT General of the Nigerian Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, has urged Super Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi to build a formidable team ahead of the African Nations Cup qualifiers return leg against the Leon Stars of Liberia slated for October 13th in Calabar.

Ladipo who regretted the country’s 2-2 draw with the Liberian national team few weeks back in Monrovia, stated that the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) must provide a financial muscle to motivate the players. In the same vein he begged Nigerians to come out en-masse to cheer the team to success.

In a chat with the NationSport, Ladipo

•Dedevbo

Man United chases Ogbonna

Ladipo urges Keshi

Sports Festival: Onigbinde molested at match venue HE Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti Sports Complex was yesterday turned to a battle front as irate AdoEkiti soccer fans descended on match officials that handled the elimination match between Team Ekiti and Team Osun.

Crisis erupted two minutes before the final whistle after the centre referee Egunbiyi Suleiman from Oyo State signaled four minutes added time. The furious fans ran into the pitch protesting what they claimed would have been a penalty against Team Osun and the match officials were given the beating of their lives.

HE Golden Eaglets have no option than to qualify for the African Under-17 African Youth Championship in Morocco en route to the 2013 World Cup in the UAE. Golden Eaglets' Assistant coach, Nduka Ugbade and Mr. Patrick Ugbe, the Cross River State commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, said as much on Good Morning Cross River TV show on Cross River Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday.

The Golden Eaglets have failed to qualify for the last two editions of the African biennial tournament but Ugbade and Ugbe believed that the current squad would cross the Rubicon.

"I've seen these boys closely during their training sessions and I’m very impressed with the quality in the team," said Ugbe, calling on soccer fans to troop to the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar for the team’s African qualifier game against Junior Menas of Niger on

and see them," Ugbe noted.

Speaking in the same vein, Ugbade said there are reasons to be optimistic about the chances of these Golden Eaglets following recent failures.

“We are condemned to qualify for both African tournament and the World Cup and I believe we are on the right course," said Ugbade, the foremost captain of the national cadet’s team."This is the team that plays with information and not formation; and we are happy that the boys are responding well."

Ugbade said the team is focused but shy away from predicting the outcome of Saturday's game against Junior Menas of Niger: "People have been saying we would massacre Niger because of our 4-1 away win in Niamey but the game would be tighter because the Nigeriens have seen the quality of our team. We just need to score the first goal and we would build on that," Ugbade added.

Meanwhile, the Nigerien contingent is being expected in Calabar Thursday for Saturday’s first Round, second leg match.

makes up for his lack of inches with his speed, vision and creativity going forward.

If he plays, South Africa will play.

They have proved to be a very decent team and their confidence going into this massive decider must have been boosted by their wins over Botswana in warm-up matches, where they netted eight goals and kept a clean sheet in both games.

They play a quick attacking game, creating a rash of chances but could do a lot better with their finishing.

The Flying Eagles prepared for this clash by playing out a 1-1 draw with next-door neighbours Benin Republic, who will host Senegal in their own AYC qualifier on

Sunday.

It was a match in which the Nigerians showed character, self belief and a strength in depth as coach John Obuh threw in seven substitutes at the game played at the Rene Pleven Stadium in Cotonou.

“We hope to improve on our game in Benin and win in South Africa,” declared coach Obuh.

Nigeria dumped the Ngorogoro Heroes of Tanzania 4-1 on aggregate after they won their first leg in Dar es Salaam 2-1.

South Africa scrapped through on the away goals rule after they beat a useful Congo team 1-0 at home after they lost their first leg 2-1 in Brazzaville.

ORINO sporting director Gianluca Petrachi has revealed Manchester United is one of several clubs tracking the progress of defender Angelo Ogbonna.

The powerful centre-half shot to prominence at the end of the 2010/11 season when Italy boss Cesare Prandelli handed him his first call-up to the senior squad.

Ogbonna played a pivotal role in the club's promotion-winning campaign the following year, and was subsequently called up to the Azurri's Euro 2012 squad.

And the 24-year-old's progress has certainly not gone unnoticed, according to Petrachi, who says numerous teams have sent scouts to see the player in action.

However, he has warned interested clubs that Ogbonna will not be sold on the cheap when they do decide to cash in on him.

Petrachi told The Sun: "I guarantee there are observers of many foreign clubs, who follow our games, including United's scouts.

"Most of the time they come just to see Ogbonna because he is a player who has great potential. Last year we refused £10m for him but it is clear he is worth more than £16m.

"Angelo has the desire to do better but I believe he should continue to grow with Torino.”

•Ogbonna

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBR 21, 2012

25

PEOPLE THE NATION

AN -EIGHT PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

•Mrs Olayinka (second left) assisted by Erelu Fayemi to present a plaque to Sir Olaiya. With them is Olaiya’s wife Victoria

With his contemporaries, Victor “The Evil Genius” Olaiya held sway on the music scene in the 60s and 70s.

Today, as the ‘last man standing’, he still blows his trumpet with zeal and sings with a sonorous voice. The Highlife maestro celebrated his 60th anniversary on stage at the Banquet wing of Lagos City Hall last Sunday, evoking memories of the good old days. VICTOR AKANDE and MERCY MICHAEL were there

H

E is 81 and has spent 60 years on stage as a musician. Last Sunday, “The Evil Genius” and ace trumpeter Victor Olaiya was celebrated in Lagos. The event, tagged: “Celebrating a Victor and his trumpet,” was to mark his Diamond Jubilee on stage.

The show was the brainchild by popular music promoter Femi Esho and his Evergreen Music outfit.

When Olaiya came on stage that evening, he sparkled like a thousand stars. He showed that he has not lost his spark as he harmonised lyrics, poetry and rhythm in a unique performance that brought all to the dance floor. As the biggest masquerader, he took his turn last.

The event took place four months after a similar show promoted Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun of WTS Broadcast featuring Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi and Chief Sunday Adegeye Adeyeye, alias King Sunny Ade, to renew interest in Juju music. It was tagged: ‘Oleku’.

It was an evening of spectacular performances. Olaiya’s children; Bayode, Toba, Dupe, Iyejide, Bidemi and Biodun, backed by their father’s All Stars Band, performed some of his hit songs. The octogenarian Fatai Rolling Dollar was joined by the ‘ageless’ King Sunny Ade in a jamming session that left the audience asking for more. The guests howled as KSA entertained them with the unique dance steps which were in tune with the refrain of the talking drummer:‘Sunny Ade Ma Pami o, Owo Robbu ti won…’ (Yoruba line for Sunny Ade, please spare me your irresistible music, the therapy after the dance could be costly).

If there was a prize for best dancer that day, Yeni Kuti, daughter of the late Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti could have gone home with the trophy. Not even the erotic dance girls on Orlando Julius’ band stimulated the audience like Yeni, whose younger brother, Femi,

A trumpeter’s odyssey •60 years on, Olaiya still sparkles on stage also performed. The Femi Esho’s Evergreen Band backed every performer. When it was Olaiya’s turn, the excitement grew.

Wearing a cream colour shirt with red stripes atop a cream colour pant, Olaiya, was in his element; evoking memories of his cherished performances in the 60s and 70s. Brandishing his trademark white handkerchief and gyrating to the combined melody from his trumpet and the All Stars Band, Olaiya sang rendered of his hit songs.

He sent the crowd into frenzy, with long blasting effect from his trumpet. It was a night to remember. The crowd danced and sang along, as he dished out popular tunes like; Kosowo Lode (1962), ‘Adogan’, and ‘Cherry Koko,’ among others. He displayed unusual energy for a man of his age.An evidence of a well-rehearsed event, the cord progression was faultless and so was the originality of the beats, a far cry from the present day computer generated sounds.

Satisfied with the success of the show, Esho described it as “one of the biggest that has happened in this country geared towards celebrating our icons.” He said: “It is high time we celebrated them rather than wait for their obituary before talking about their glorious career.

As you could see, ‘Celebrating a Victor and his trumpet’ brought the giants in the industry together. The event also brought to bear the versatility of the Evergreen Band that backed KSA and Femi Kuti, even without rehearsals. And as you could see, Dr. Victor Olaiya is still very

strong in the art.”

The presence of Ekiti State Deputy Governor Mrs Funmi Olayinka; wife of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola; her Ekiti State counterpart, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; former Governors Segun Osoba (Ogun) and Segun Agagu (Ondo); Lagos paramount ruler Oba Rilwan Akiolu; an essayist Prof. Adebayo Williams; Lagos State Commissioner for Environment Tunji Bello; his counterpart on Tourism, Disu Holloway; Erelu Abiola Dosumu and Senator Florence Ita Giwa, added pep to the ceremony.

Other personalities include: Dele Ojo; Orlando Julius and wife, Latoya; Theo Lawson; Shina Bakare; Laolu Akins; Beautiful Nubia; Chief Rashid Gbadamosi, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi; Senator Ben Obi; Prince Yemisi Shylon and the compere, Yemi Shodimu.

The highlight of the event was the public presentation of the artiste’s 75 hit songs called the ‘Heritage Compendium’. The compendium was a compilation of his works in the last 60 years. Dr. Olaiya autographed just a copy, which was bought for N150, 000 by the Ekiti State Government following an auction.

When it was time to cut the anniversary cake, Chief Osoba, the chief launcher, invited Dame Abimbola to supervise the ceremony.

The celebrator cut the cake with his children round him as cameramen clicked away.

Tributes poured in for “The Evil Genius”.

Dr. Agagu said it is a thing of joy for him

“because this is one of the few occasions where we actually celebrate heroes. And one of the great heroes is Dr. Victor Olaiya. I used to know him when I was a small boy at Ibadan Grammar School. I remember how we used to steal out to the University of Ibadan just to listen to Dr. Olaiya. I know he is 20 years older than me.

Today, I feel great to be here to talk about him.

I also want to thank Femi Esho for the initiative to celebrate a living legend.”

Chief Gbadamosi was full of accolades, not just for the celebrator, but also for Aremo Osoba.

“I’m not surprised today at the height which my friend and former classmate, Aremo has attained. We his friends back then in secondary school had predicted he will go far. His brilliance earned him the alias Sir. James Robertson. I later shortened the name to Sir. James.” Both men, who were clad in white Agbada were full of admiration for each other.

An illustrious son of Ikole in Ekiti State, Dr. Olaiya was also celebrated by two of his Kinsmen; Are Isola Filani and former Controller General of Customs Tayo Ogungbemile. Are Isola said: “We are glad to be here today to witness the honour of an illustrious son of Ikole. As a matter of fact we were sent as representatives to celebrate with our father, uncle, and brother who is celebrating a remarkable feat - 60 years on stage. Personally, I’m very proud to be associated with him. He has not only made us proud, he has made Nigeria proud with his rare talent.”

Dr Olaiya was given some awards. Erelu Fayemi presented him the award of Omo Rere Ile Ekiti (Illustrious son of Ekiti).

He also got Omoluabi Rere (Man of Honour); Alade Ise Orin (King of Music) and Agba (Grand Entertainer) from Osoba; Chief of Staff to Ogun State governor and Lagos State Government.

•More pictures on page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

26

SOCIETY A TRUMPETER’S ODYSSEY

•Dame Fashola (left) and Mrs Toun Ajomale

•Aremo Osoba and wife Derinsola

•King Sunny Ade (left) and Pa Rolling Dollar

•Mr Bello (right) and Holloway

•From left: Dr Agagu; Chief Obafemi Olopade; Dr Ogunbiyi and Chief Pius Akinyelure •Prof Williams and his wife Bola

•Senator Ita-Giwa (right) and a guest

•Mr Esho

•Actress Moji Olaiya

PHOTOS: DAVID ADEJO

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

SOCIETY

27

Last Friday, the Justice Research Institute Limited held a dinner in honour of human rights activist-lawyer Mr Femi Falana on his conferment as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) at The Elias Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports.

A memorable dinner

H

IS activism first came to the fore in 1983 when he bailed some undergraduates who were unlawfully remanded in prison custody. The incident cost him dearly – he was denied the discharge certificate by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after the mandatory national service.

Years later, the certificate was released at a programme telecast live on television courtesy of the Justice Chukwudifu Oputa-led human rights panel in 2001.

Since then, Mr Obafemi Patrick Falana fondly called ‘Femi Falana or FF’ has been in the forefront alongside the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi and other activists fighting for the emancipation of the oppressed.

As a result of this, the Ilawe-Ekitiborn former chairman of the West African Bar Association (WABA) has been a guest of various prisons.

The height of his persecution was the denial of the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for years. •Falana (SAN) assisted by his wife Funmi; his children and (from left) Chief Akintola (SAN); Mr Ipaye and former Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and At a point, he was persuaded to Attorney-General Prof Yemi Osinbajo to cut the cake exchange his activism for the SAN title – an offer Falana did not think twice before saying ‘NO’.

The following year, he was honoured by the International Bar Association (IBA). Afterwards, like the late Fawehinmi, he was given the title, Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM).

When his name was listed among the lawyers to be conferred with SAN this year, many dubbed it as a belated honour; to some, however, it is better late than never.

It was in respect of this that the Justice Research Institute Limited held a dinner in honour of the hu•Justice Olubunmi Oyewole and Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun man rights lawyer.

•From left: Mr Ojo; Dr Banire and Mr Wahab Shittu Except for sleek cars parked along the road, passersby and residents of Ademola Street, Ikoyi, would not have known something big is ongoing at The Elias Centre.

The centre hosted eminent personalities in the legal profession.

Most of them clad in black suits.

The celebrator was equally in the same outfit, seated beside his beautiful wife, Funmi who looked stunning in a dinner attire with a red bolero, a necklace and eyeglasses.

The dinner began with a cocktail before the celebrator was introduced amidst cheers.

There was light music from the live band while the guests relished •HEDA Senior Programme Officer, mouth watering cuisine.

Khadijah Ilavbare •Emeka Ngige (SAN) The reading of the citation of the •Mrs Maimunat Folami (left) and Mrs Foluso De-Grata celebrator paved way for the commencement of the event.

After his citation was read, guests took turns to pour encomiums on the legal icon.

Firing the first salvo, Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General Ade Ipaye, congratulated Falana and his wife.

Confused on how to address him, Ipaye jokingly said:“I ve got the permission of our dear celebrator to add both SAN and SAM to his name whenever he is being mentioned.” This elicited laughter from the audience.

According to him, this means the less privileged would still continue to enjoy his service.

•Mr Aturu (right) and Adeyinka Olumide PHOTOS: RAHMAN SANUSI •Chairman, NBA Ikeja Branch Onyekachi Ubani (right) and Malachy Ugwumadu He wished him many fruitful years at the bar. as Fawehinmi.

Banire; Mr Bamidele Aturu; Emeka the need to sanitise the judiciary.

He vowed to take his activism Managing Director of The News “He always offers free service; I Nigige (SAN) and Chief Niyi He described Falana as a dogged magazine Mr Bayo Onanuga, took admire his constituency comments Akintola (SAN) also praised the cel- fighter who cannot be compro- into the inner bar.

“I want to assure you all that the the microphone after Ipaye’s on national issues with bias for the ebrator. mised. masses would continue to enjoy my speech. poor masses. The honour is a deFalana, the legal giant said, along support. We will continue to fight Dr Banire said the title could have Onanuga, who met Falana in 1984 serving one. I hope to see his wife come a decade ago. others fought for the democracy the rot in the system. For me, it is at Ketu, wondered what to say also becoming a SAN,” he said.

“You remain with us the op- many who do not know the geog- too late to compromise,” he said. within three minutes about the celHe wished him the best. pressed (laughter); we believe in raphy of cells are enjoying today.

He got a standing ovation and ebrator.

The likes of former President of you and we pray you take up the “If you have not been in deten“I can write a book on him,” he Committee for Development Hu- gauntlet at the bar level to the in- tion before, you will not appreci- rousing cheers.

The dinner featured a toast, cutsaid. man Rights (CDHR) Mr Olasupo ner circle of the bar,” he said. ate being an activist,” he said. ting of cake and photograph sesHe described Falana as the big- Ojo; Action Congress of Nigeria The celebrator thanked all for sion.

Chief Akintola aligned with the gest defender of journalists as well National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz position of Dr Banire and Aturu on honouring him with their presence.

28

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

SOCIETY The women wing of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) converged, last Sunday, on the society’s International Prayer Centre on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Mowe, Ogun State, to celebrate the 13th yearly Women’s Week. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

T

HE women looked resplendent in white and blue attires, which attracted commuters on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The women are members of Nasrul-Lahi-lFatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), who were at the Society’s International Prayer Centre for their 13th yearly Women’s Week.

Roads leading to the venue were filled with security operatives, directing people.

It was the grand finale of the week-long event.

It began with the rendition of the National Anthem, followed by opening prayer from the Deputy National Missioner of NASFAT, Imam Moruf Abdul-Azeez.

Recitation from the Quran followed.

Ace broadcaster Alhaja Fadhilat AdebisiSanni and Alhaji Mustapha Bello were Masters of Ceremony (MCs).

NASFAT National Women Affairs Secretary Alhaja Nofisat Abiola Arogundade moved round cheerfully, exchanging pleasantries with guests.

She hugged some and waved to others she could not reach.

Former Lagos State Commissioner for Edu-

Women of faith cation Alhaja Sekina Yussuf chaired the event.

Wife of the Vice President Hajia Amina Muhammad Sambo was represented by Hajia Maryam Tahan, whose introduction elicited a standing ovation.

The representative of Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, Mrs Oluranti Adebule, also received a rousing welcome.

Mrs Adebule, the Secretary to the State Government, was dressed in white; she wore a broad smile all throughout. Wife of the governors of Osun and Ogun states Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola and Mrs Olufunso Amosun were also present. Alhaja Aregbesola was dressed in blue; Mrs Amosun was in a light green attire.

There was no dull moment at all. A group of Islamic singers, delivered Dhikr (praise songs) to make the occasion lively. The atmosphere was charged as the Dhikr was rendered. All present sang along.

The two co-ordinators of the society at the

national level, Alhaja Kudirat Oyeyemi and Alhaja Kuburat Agoro, joined Alhaja Arogundade in welcoming guests.

Alhaja Arogundade thanked God and everyone for the success of the occasion.

Giving the reason for the choice of the theme, Women as Catalyst for Nation Building, the NASFAT women leader said it was informed by the growing insecurity, corruption and other social vices in the country.

The building of a virile nation, she said, begins with a woman, hence, the need to reorientate women for the challenge.

“The choice of the theme is informed by our assessment of the situation in our society where women appear to be under utilising their God endowed abilities to stimulate and nurture creative energies in the general populace for productive enterprise and general goodness which are requisite conditions for national development,” she said.

Two erudite scholars, Dr Jummai Umar-

Ajijola and Chief Imam of University of Ibadan, Prof Abdul Rahman Oloyede, delivered soul-inspiring lectures Prof Oloyede stressed that all humans are equal before Allah and that no one should look down on women.

Dr Umar-Ajijola said women can be the catalyst for nation building if they form a strong group.

She called for the creation of a community radio in Nigeria, saying it will help in many ways to prevent the spread of evils.

The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of a ‘Thank you’ plaque to Hajia Sambo’s representative, Hajia Tahan.

This was done by Alhaja Arogundade. She was assisted by the President of NASFAT, Alhaji Sheriff Yussuf.

The event featured foundation laying of NASFAT Women Development Centre by Hajia Tahan and Alhaja Aregbesola watched by Mrs Amosun and others.

A special prayer for the nation was anchored

by NASFAT Missioner Alhaji Abdullahi Akinbode.

They prayed for continued peace and harmony in Nigeria.

•Alhaja Arogundade (middle) presenting a plaque to Hajia Tohan. With them is NASFAT president Alhaji Sherif Yusuf

•From left: Mrs Adebule; Alhaja Aregbesola and Mrs Amosun

•Ogun State Commissioner for Information Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu (left) and Deputy Chief of Staff Alhaji Shuaib Salisu

•Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe (left) and Prof Oloyede

BIRTHDAY

•From left: Mrs Monica Okpara; Amarachukwu Onoo; Mrs Adaobi Chibuzor; Mr Stephen Chubuzor Anike; Mrs Ijeoma Onova and Mrs Igwe during Mrs Anike’s birthday party in Lagos

PHOTOS: AMIDU ARIJE

BIRTHDAY

•The ‘birthday boy’ Olajide Adeyemo; his mother, Mrs Comfort Adeyemo and wife, Fisayo in Lagos

29 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

Vol 4. No. 1767

If the stories were scripted and the actors paid, the movie would have won awards for storyline, acting and maybe production and direction. But the Star TV Game Show is no movie and the characters are not paid. Many viewers will, attest to the fact that it is first a game of luck. Then being smart, attentive to the rules, speed and other factors actually contribute to carting away the grand prize of N1 million, writes WALE ALABI.

Driver sacks boss after becoming millionaire in Star Game Show T

HE stories emanating from the grand prize winners of the Star TV Game Show will delight any public relations and brand manager.

Perhaps Nollywood scriptwriters and movie directors should come to the recording of the TV Game for story ideas.

Every week for seven weeks, three people will win N1 million on the Star TV Game Show. Take Emeka John for instance. Emeka is a trailer driver, who was spotted drinking bottles of Star lager beer just at the right time and the right place. Unknown to him, Star was giving away instant gift prizes for Star drinkers through a raffle draw.

Emeka was given some prizes including a raffle ticket to participate in Star TV Game Show in Lagos.

He was flown to Lagos, all expenses paid, from his base in Benin, Edo State, to participate in the Game Show. Since Star Game Show is team-based, he was by sheer luck grouped alongside David Smith and Ugwu Chukwuemeka. At the end of the games, the trio emerged the winning team. Each team member pocketed N1 million for their victory.

When he was asked about how he felt winning N1 million, Emeka did not mince words. “I am so happy at this N1 million I have just won. I am not sure that I would have been able to save this amount of money in 10 years. Now that I have this N1 million, I am going to sack my employer and get my own truck and be independent.”

The joy of Chinedu Agoh, a 32 year old driver from Enugu State, knew no bounds when he won one million at the third edition of the Star TV Game Show. For several months, it had been his dream to be united with his wife and child, under the same roof. This dream for a long time appeared bleak due to his N25,000 monthly salary. Being the family’s sole bread winner, his savings could only pay for an ‘out of campus’ accommodation for his wife, a student of Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, and his son.

Luck, however, shone on him when he qualified to participate in this years’ edition of the Star TV Game Show and subsequently won the star prize of one million naira.

Speaking on how he will utilise his prize winning, Chinedu said: “I have been staying apart from my wife and son for the past six months due to lack of money to get a befitting accommodation. I sleep on the pavement of the underground floor of the hotel in Enugu where I work as a driver. I use wrappers and a cardboard given to me by my mother in place of a mattress. The place stinks, but I have no choice but to lay my head there every night. With this one million naira; I will pay for an accommodation for us to come back

together as a family and open a bank account for my son.”

He obviously had kind words for Star, describing the beer brand as: “the best brand. Other brands make me sick but Star keeps me strong. Star is the leading brand. I love Star and appreciate the brand’s work as it keeps shining.”

Chinedu was not the only lucky individual of the night. Chidiaka Onyeachonam, a 26-year-old unemployed graduate and Abiodun Ali, a 27-year-old cloth seller, also smiled home with a million naira each.

Even though Chidiaka is unemployed, his one million naira largesse has brought him temporary succour. He said: “I have been job hunting for years, but with one million naira from Star, I feel as if I am on the moon now. I am yet to come to the reality that my account will be credited with one million.

I pinched myself about three times, just to confirm that I was not dreaming.”

For Abiodun Alli, who hails from Ogun State, he believes fortune had finally found him. “I have been out of work since November last year, which led me into buying and selling of clothes. My customers majorly are students; I do go to their various schools to sell to them. I am sure with this new status, that era is over” he stated.

Interestingly, Chinedu and the two other winners on the night of the third edition of Star TV Game Show, Abiodun and Chiadika, all stated that they did not have up to N200,000 in their accounts. But they would be ending the day N1 million richer.

The third edition of the show also experienced an outpour of emotions from Daramola Ladipo, a 33year old beer parlour owner in Lagos, who was also a contestant.

He shed tears when he qualified as one of the nine initial contestants to partake in the games.

He said: “I never believed that the show was real until I became part of it. I shed tears after the first round of the show, which qualified me to contest for the one million because I never expected I will pick one of the highest numbers. Indeed, is a game of luck. It is the joy from within me that made me cry.

Even though I did not win, I have the confidence that I will win if I have the opportunity to be part of the show again. For Star, I pray the beer continues this good deed and remains strong in the market.”

There’s always something for everyone in the Star TV Game Show. Whether it is the excited crowd as they cheer their teams on during the games or the antics of the audience when the millionaires finally emerge. It could even be the rib cracking jokes the show anchor, Gbenga Adeyinka, never tires of dishing out during the show. Or

L-R: Onyeachonam; Agoh and Alli winners of N1 million Star Game Show held recently in Lagos.

the open show of emotions from the winners as they are unveiled to the crowd. Whichever way you look at it, one thing is clear: there’s never a dull moment on the Star TV Game Show.

Take the case of Elijah Anayagher for instance. Moments after the Benue State based architect was announced as one of the new winners of N1 million in the second edition of the game show, Anayagher was suddenly the toast of the crowd. Just as he made his way to his seat to await the official handing over of his prize money, Anayagher received the shock of his life: “Out of nowhere, this beautiful lady just sat on my legs and said that she had been supporting me during the round of games. The truth was that I never knew her but she kept saying that she wanted to be my friend and that I should not forget her when I start spending my money,” Anayagher stated even as he tried to suppress the burst of laughter about the incident.

Anayagher was one of the lucky few selected to participate in the second edition of the Star TV Game Show. He had gone to his favourite drinking spot to unwind with some friends when he was given tickets to partake in a raffle draw.

“I didn’t know about any draw. I was surprised when the stewards in the bar gave me the tickets. I wasn’t actually the only one because they gave everyone that was drinking Star that evening.”

Anayagher won several instant prizes from the raffle draw. However, the icing on the cake for him was that one of the tickets won him

a place to participate in the Star TV Game Show.

“I couldn’t believe it. I thought that it was scam but my friends convinced me that it was real”. Two weeks after he is now a millionaire.

And the memories of the TV Game Show continue to linger for Anayagher. “I can’t forget the entire experience in a hurry. I met lots of wonderful people who I didn’t know before and we just became friends. I am happy that I won the money but I will also remember the excitement of Star TV Game Show for a long time to come,” he added.

As for his new found friend, Andrew intends to reward her for her ‘friendship’. ”Definitely I am going to share my good fortune with her and the others. They are like friends to me and I won’t forget them,” he stated.

Indeed, it’s hard to forget the crowd at the Star TV Game Show. Participants in the game are picked from the audience to form three groups comprising three group members.

The groups, A, B, C, go head to head in a series of games to determine which group will come out tops. The winning group gets N3 million to be shared equally by members of the batch. Boisterous and ever supportive, the crowd cheers their preferred groups on as they vie for the cash prize. Chants of A for Action or B for Brightness or C for Champion, depending on where the pendulum of the audience’s support swings, rent the air during the games. While the audience’s support spurs some of the contestants on, for others, the tension is simply too much for them as they bungle their chances of becoming millionaires. Anthony Okosa, a trader

for Enugu, was at the third edition of the TV Game Show. Though he wasn’t picked to participate in the game, he still enjoyed himself as a member of the audience. “Everybody can’t be millionaires. Unfortunately I was not chosen to participate so I had to remain in the audience. But I am still happy because being a member of the audience is also exciting. The atmosphere is that of fun and little tension but I have absolutely enjoined myself,” he said.

Much of the liveliness of the crowd is owed to the commendable role of Gbenga Adeyinka, anchor of the show. As anchor of Star TV Game Show, Gbrenga Adeyinka has certainly showed that he is more than just your average comedian.

Adeyinka’s ability to bond with the audience as well as his knack for making the game show interactive only adds to the excitement of the Star TV Game Show. For example, during the games, when a contestant fails to complete a puzzle, the audience, prompted by Gbenga Adeyinka, taunts him or her with songs. Don’t be surprised to hear songs such as ‘John Bull My Son, I sent You To School, you don’t Know how To Spell Your name” during the Star TV Game Show.

While Adeyinka’s antics along with the excited crowd make the games interesting and exciting, the winners and their stories also makes for interesting reading. As at press time, nine millionaires had emerged in the Star TV Game Show. Twelve other lucky people will be crowned millionaires during the seven week long Star TV Game Show.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

30

Brandnews

MDA 6: Which family wears the crown?

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OMORROW, the best dancing family will emerge in the Maltina Dance All (MDA) family reality television show season six.

The winning family will get a brand new car and N6 million cash, the first and second runners up will take home N1 million and N500,000.

The MDA is sponsored by Maltina, a premium non-alcoholic malt brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc. After a rigorous and intensive competition process spanning more than a month, five families; the Efiokwu, Green, Eghove, Boyle and Zibe families qualified for the grand finale taking place at The Expo Centre, Eko Hotel and Suites.

The race started on September 2, with 10 families in the picture; however, five families were unable to survive the various dance styles that were introduced in the MDA Academy: the “Wazobia” (contemporary

Stories by Wale Alabi

Nigerian dances), Salsa, Pantomime, Gumboot, Hip-hop and Contemporary African dance styles.

The five families that made it to this level were able to survive the six different dance styles. From the 10 families that made it to the academy, the first set to be evicted were the Ozurumba and Nwogwugwu families; they failed to convince the judges after the Wazobia and Salsa performances. The Wazobia performance had placed the Ozurumba and Nwogwugwu families for eviction while the salsa performance placed the Okasia family as the only family up for possible eviction.

The second phase of the show was the contemporary African and Gumboot dances. After the performance, the Amilo and Onyebuagu families were put up for possible eviction. They could, however, not survive at the eviction showdown and were asked to

Nokia unveils Asha Smart phones

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LOBAL phone manufacturer, Nokia has launched in Nigeria, a new range of Asha smartphones to further expand its successful Asha family.

There are 10 Asha devices available in more than 130 markets, providing young, social consumers with a choice of phones to match their lifestyles.

Speaking at the launch of the new range, Mr Kesiena Ogbemi, Campaign Marketing Manager, said the two new phones; Nokia Asha 305 and 311 are full-touch devices designed to provide an incredibly rich, smartphone-like experience to consumers who want to be set free from excessive data consumption costs and short battery life.

While the Nokia Asha 305 is a fun and affordable phone, featuring the exclusive Easy Swap dual SIM, Nokia Asha 311 is a fast and fluid 3.5G capacitive touchscreen device, powered by a 1GHz processor to provide a great internet experience.

Both devices offer a new, fully redesigned touch user interface, combining the proven ease-of-use from Nokia’s heritage with digital design innovations specifically fit for the purpose.

“By introducing the Nokia Asha 305 and 311 Touch phones to the Nigerian market, we’re accelerating our commitment to connect the

next billion consumers. These phones deliver on what young, urban people value most — a greatlooking device; and an intuitive and affordable experience for connecting through the internet, to their friends and to a world of entertainment, web apps and content.” said Olajide Adeyemi, Retail Marketing Manager, Nokia WestAfrica.

Adeyemi said buyers of Nokia Asha 305 and 311 will be qualified for an amazing 30-day promo, starting from September 18. Every day of the promo, consumers who send the IMEI numbers on the pack of their purchased phones to 20050 will stand the chance of winning any of these; a trip to Dubai, Children’s school fees support, Lagos Business School short course, a sofa set, Airtime for six months, movie pass for two people for a year, a shopping voucher at Shoprite or Twice as Nice, a Nokia Lumia 9000, a Nokia 808 PureView, six months weekly voucher, a 6kva generator, a luxury watch, a DSTV PVR and one year subscription, an inverter, a High Definition TV, a five burner gas cooker, a refrigerator, a weekend stay at an Upscale hotel, a laptop, a home theatre system, a microwave oven or luxury Swarovski earrings amongst others.

Dubai Lynx Ad festival rebrands

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HE organisers of Dubai Lynx have announced that its name will change from ‘International Advertising Festival’ to ‘International Festival of Creativity’. The move is to reflect the evolvement of the industry from one that has previously focused on traditional creative advertising to one that involves creativity in all forms of communications.

The Dubai International Festival of Creativity is the leading awards and festival for creative excellence in advertising and communications in the Middle East and North Africa and the must-attend event on the region’s industry calendar.

Since its launch in 2007, the number of entry categories at Dubai Lynx has more than doubled due to creativity stretching across a greater number of forms of communications.

Held at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, next year’s event will take place March 10 to 13, and will once again include an unbeatable line-

up of international jurors who will use their expertise to award the best in creativity.

Emma Lancaster, Festival Director of Dubai Lynx, said: “Entering their seventh year, the Dubai Lynx awards are established as the must win awards for the MENA industry.

As organisers, we always strive to keep pace and what is clear is that creativity crosses a great number of platforms, from social media to technologies to usergenerated content, meaning that to term the event as an advertising festival is no longer relevant.”

The brand new 2013 Dubai Lynx website will be live from October 13 and will contain up-to-date information on the event including full details of how to register and enter. Held in association with the IAA – UAE Chapter and supported

by Dubai Media City, the festival’s full programme will be released early 2013.

leave the academy after gumboot performance. At the eviction show the four families came back to compete and the judges did what had never been done before in the history of Maltina Dance All as they saved two families – the Onyebuagu and Efiokwu families – and gave the audience an opportunity to vote between the Amilo and the Okasia families. The live audience voted the Okasia family back into the academy kicking the Amilo family out of the academy.

After the second eviction show, the families were introduced to the last two dance styles which will usher them to the grand finale, the Hip-hop and Pantomime dance styles. After the hip-hop performance the Zibe and Okasia families were put up for eviction making it the third time the Okasia family was up for eviction. After the Pantomime performance, the Onyebuagu and Boyle families were placed on possible eviction making it the first time the Boyle family will fall into this category.

The Onyebuagu and Okasia families, however, failed to convince the judges and they were evicted from the academy setting the stage for the five remaining families to compete for the grand prize.

The families expressed their joy and promised to make it through the grand finale. Ifeoma Efiokwu, the family representative of the Efiokwu family promised to give her best and said: “being in the grand finale is a dream come true for my family and I and by the special grace of God we are going to come out with our best dance ever”.

Mrs. Ngozi Nkwoji, Senior Brand Manager, Maltina, said they undertook the journey because the brand’s story has always been the story of “sharing happiness” within the Nigerian family and beyond with emphasis on the values of friendship, trust, togetherness and faithfulness. “It is all about bringing the family together in an atmosphere of friendship and bonding with other families so that as units they can share common

problems and ideas effectively throughout their time at the academy and beyond. We are very passionate about the family institution and we will do the little we can as a responsible corporate entity to ensure that the institution continues to remain relevant because a healthy and sound family system will resonate on the nation as a whole, the family unit is the bedrock of any society.”

She stressed that Maltina is interested in equipping parents and their children that come to the academy to be relevant to the society they are moving into.

“Our motive is to equip them effectively to confront and proffer solutions to some of the everyday challenges we face in life and for them to use what they garner in the academy to help other families in the society and what better way to do it than through dance which is a concept that transcends tribe, religion, culture and what have you. Dancing has the capacity of drawing people together.”

•From left: Co-ordinator, Marketing Finance, Nokia West Africa, Raphael Iwuchukwu; second top score winner in the Nokia Danfo Competition, Obi Tobechukwu Christian; Project Manager, Retail Marketing, Nokia West Africa, Sadiq Isu and Head, Regulation and Monitoring, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Jude Ogaga Ughwujabo at the final prize presentation of Nokia Danfo Reloaded Competition held at Nokia’s Office, Victoria Island last Wednesday.

James Bond stars in new global Heineken campaign

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EINEKEN, the world’s leading premium beer, brand, has unveiled a thrilling new TV and digital campaign, in anticipation of the release of the 23rd James Bond adventure, SKYFALL™. In the film, Daniel Craig will bring his explosive portrayal of James Bond to a Heineken ad for the very first time. Challenging consumers to defy his enemies and ‘Crack the Case’, viewers will be taken on an epic train journey alongside stunning Bond newcomer Bérénice Marlohe.

Launch yesterday, the interactive experience begins exactly where the TV advert leaves off, with viewers invited onto a train by the smouldering Bérénice before it embarks on a voyage through a spectacular vista of snowy mountains. Putting viewers through their paces, a series of gruelling tests will lead them to ‘Crack the Case’ whilst protecting its contents from ferocious Bond villains.

Building on a 15-year relationship with the Bond franchise, the

‘Crack the Case’ campaign takes viewers into a moving train somewhere deep in snow-covered mountains, providing them with the opportunity to be a secret agent themselves. Transitioning viewers seamlessly from the TVC, Bond actress Bérénice Marlohe tantalises viewers by inviting them to help her crack a mysterious case and outwit the menacing villains - a challenge which encourages a virtual voyage of participation and discovery.

The ‘Crack the Case’ campaign was created by advertising agency Wieden + Kennedy Amsterdam.

The campaign TV ad, full details of which will only be revealed in time for September 20th launch, was directed by award winning Dutch filmmaker Matthijs Van Heijningen Jnr. Igniting global excitement and driving mass participation, an exclusive online teaser will be released ahead of the campaign launch on 20th September to a pocket of global super fans of

Bond, incentivising these top fans to watch the TVC once it launches and leaving them wanting more.

In addition to exploding conversation across digital, social and owned media platforms, the offline execution of ‘Crack the Case’ will bring the drama of the virtual experience ‘live’ to a broader audience across the globe in October.

Several markets will host unique Heineken® experiences in iconic locations, inviting members of the public to test their nerve, win exclusive prizes and share in the excitement of the global release of SKYFALL this fall.

Alexis Nasard, Chief Commercial Officer of HEINEKEN said: “The creativity and progressiveness of the Heineken® brand combined with the legendary James Bond franchise will provide viewers with high entertainment values.

Not only a hero, Bond is the ultimate ‘Man of the World’ – confident, resourceful and ready for new experiences, personifying the values of the Heineken® brand.”

SHOPPING

31

THE NATION

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

Hustle, bustle of shopping for school items Soon, schools will resume.

Ahead of their resumption, parents are faced with the hustle of getting uniforms, bags, books and sandals for their children TONIA ‘DIYAN gives them tips on where to get a good buy

•Back to school items

Men’s shirts that speak

Page 32

•Continued on page 32

Choosing the right photo album Page 33

Ikeja city mall Shoprite Page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

32

SHOPPING

Hustle, bustle of shopping for school items •Continued from page 31

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ITH a new academic session fast approaching, it is time to shop for school items.

Buying such items at the beginning of a new academic session can be challenging for parents, particularly the busy ones.

In a world where many children are struggling with academic overload and growing demands on their time, parents are expected to provide them with the materials to ease their learning.

Parents can make the best use of this weekend to shop for their children’s’ needs.

This is the period parents flood shops selling school items to buy things their children need for the new session.

For prudent management of the funds available, parents should make a list of everything their wards need and work through it; they should tick off items as they buy them.

Divide your list into two; one part for those items you need to purchase once in a session —schoolbags, scissors, textbooks, cardigan, shoes, uniform and others. The second part should have items that will be replenished during the school year, like notebooks, stationeries and other consumables.

The list will also ensure you don’t buy more than you need or spend more then you have.

It is proper for school supplies to be bought before resumption. It saves stress and money. Being ready when it counts matters.Avoid last-minute trips to the

stores.

Endeavour to shop with your children. It is interesting, fun and less stress for you.

You are sure to get more comfortable items for them, because they will be opportuned to pick what they want and what suits them most.

Like everything else, school items have fashion trends. Don’t let your child end up disappointed if all the latest designs are sold out before you get to the market.

The Nation Shopping spoke to some parents while they were shopping at the Idumota Market, Lagos, during the week.

Mrs Theresa Omokaro, a housewife, said “I am now doing the last set of shopping for items like stationery and shoes. It was easy getting all items since the prices are still reasonable. I have four children who go to school; I have been able to get uniforms for them. The only problem I have is the branded items such as Hannah Montana lunch box which my children like; it is more expensive. Aside that, I have got everything else.”

Mrs Latifat Usman , also a housewife, said “I have three children in secondary school and I’m finding it very difficult because of the prices and I am a single parent. Since 2005, I have been taking care of my children on my own since I do not receive any help from their father. So, I have to walk so that I can find prices which will suit my pocket; I have to do lots of walking to find the right places to buy from too. Time is catching up with me since this is the last week of shopping so I have to try to get some bargains on the items I still have to buy for my chil-

dren.”

Mrs Elizabeth Otoide, another housewife, said: “I find this shopping harassing because I have to do much searching. However, I have managed to buy the majority of items needed for school. Now, all that is left are the smaller items which I am buying right now. The prices are reasonable, so, it makes it easier to pick up the necessary stuff for my two kids. I will finish my last minute shopping today,” she said.

Don’t leave it too late to start shopping for essential items for a new term, particularly shoes and uniform. You might end up not getting your choice and the child’s size.

Buy items that enhance the school year for students.

Some school supplies are necessary year after year, no matter what class a child is in.

When planning for a new school year, it is safe to invest in Colored pencils, Eraser, Graph paper, Hand sanitizer, Organizer/ planner, Pocket dictionary, Public Library card, Scissors for boarding students, Markers, Paper clips, Pens/pencils, Pencil sharpener, Spiral notebook, Tissues, razor blade, etc.

However, extra supplies will be necessary.

Requirements differ from school to school and class to class.

Shopping for school bags and lunch boxes When it is time to start a new school year, most kids want a new school bag and lunch box. Therefore, when shopping for a school bag, look for sustainable materials, like leather, wool,or cotton.

Stainless steel water bottles Stainless steel water bottles keep your children free from plastic toxins. They also last a longer time, so these bottles can be used for more than one year. Kid Konserve stores situated in Lagos Island makes some great sustainable lunch kit, with complete recycled organic cotton napkins, cotton lunch bags, stainless steel food containers and drink bottles.

Note books, pens and pencils You can purchase these items in bulk, which helps keep the cost down. Pencils and pens either come in wood or plastics. They are of different colours and designs. Each pack cost less than N500

Uniform When purchasing school uniform, look for good cotton fabrics, they last longer. The manufacturing of clothing has become a chemical based process, so avoid these harmful chemicals by purchasing natural fabrics.

Art supplies Crayons are one of the school supply staples for young children. Unfortunately, traditional crayons are used mostly in schools today, probably because they are cheaper.

The penciled crayon are better but more expensive, they are also higher in quality.

They produce a smoother and richer colour when used. When looking for earth friendly markers and highlighters, search for brands that are made of plastic. The Red apple school supply is a store where you can find a variety of earth-friendly art supplies also situated in Lagos Island.

Choosing the right photo album Photo albums held a special place in many homes in the past. Albums are still relevant today as they were in yesteryear because they help protect photographs and preserve memories.TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

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HOTOGRAPHS preserve memories. So, we have to protect photographs to keep memories alive. The album comes in handy here.

Photo albums have changed over time.

They are purely purposeful picture binders’ for protecting and arranging photographs.

They come in black, white, brown, blue, green, pink, natural and multi and are sold for between N2, 500 and N30, 000 Some albums have plastic slots to insert pictures in while others have nylon or paper slot. There are cheap plastic mini-albums made by Walmart, or heavy leather albums from departmental shops around you.

The time that passes never comes back. It is an absolute fact, but the presence of photo albums makes the statement partially true.

Whenever you visit a place or attend an important occasion, you capture the precious moments with your camera to keep it with you forever. A photo frame or album acts as the best medium through which an individual gets an opportunity to look at his past and relive the moments once again. From childhood to old age, an album is a partner of the individuals throughout life.

Other types of albums available are; John Jewis, Deva, Kolarz, Artfile, Caroline gardner, Emma Bridgewater, Hello kitty, Aspinal of London, Jan Constantine, Sanderson slip-in photo album, Metropolis suedethe which is 6 by 4 long in size among others The saffron diamond heart wedding photo album as its name implies is exclusively a wedding album. It is made with an ivory fabric and it is a thoughtful and long lasting way to celebrate a special day. It is presented in a white box to keep it safe for years to come. It is a lovely gift to give to any newly wedded couple.

A newly wedded couple, Mr and Mrs. Christopher Okafor were presented the saffron diamond heart wedding photo album at their wedding last weekend, and they have this to say: “I and my wife were given one of the saffron diamond heart wedding photo album as a wedding gift. It is romantic and perfect for us. It is modern too; we don’t like old fashioned and traditional looking albums. I would recommend this album for all newly wedded couple. It is good value for money” No matter how small an album is, it can hold as many photographs as possible de-

pending on its size. Do remember to insert photographs as you get them.

You could recognise each of your photo albums by labeling different titles to them, they should be labeled from the outside in these manners; baby album, toddler album, travel album, family get-togethers, landscapes, cityscapes, candid shots, pet album, Christmas/Holidays album, wedding album, grandchildren’s album, retirement album, etc it’s all about being creative.

A very creative medium is a series of photographs that tell a story, an album can contain different kinds of photographs and can be labeled as general album. You could also have a theme while going through a pile of old pictures.

Where you place your albums determines whether it will last long or not. They can be placed on bookshelves, or inside the living room. They can also be displayed proudly on coffee tables. You could use antique pie cabinet to store yours if you like.

However, the best place for your albums to live is where you spend your social time.

Albums in kept in a concealed place can get heat damage .It is best to keep these irreplaceable momentous of your life in your own special area, where you can reach it when you need it.

In preparing to organise a photo album, gather all photographs into one collection.

This doesn’t mean they should be arranged in one book. It means that you should find all loose photos from their various locations around the house and keep them in one central area. Add new ones to this same collection site, whether it is a stack of photo boxes or one large container. Be sure that the container’s substance will not cause the photos to fade or wear in any way. Keeping the pictures in one way will make it easy to find them when you’re ready to organize an album.

The next thing to do is to select a suitable album. Choose one that will fit with your home’s decor if you like or one with a cover that you simply find attractive. Make sure the plastic photo sleeves will accommodate the size of photo prints that you have. In fact, you may have prints of various sizes, so you may need several different sizes of photo albums. Coordinate their covers or keep them distinct to help interested family members find the set they’re looking for by the album’s •Continued on page 34

•Deva baby boy

•Caroline

•Deva baby girl

•hello kitty

•Jan constantine

•Artfile

•Sanderson

•Emma Bridgewater

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

33

SHOPPING Shopping Right with

Get trendy with fashion jewelleries

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•Calvin Klein

Men’s shirts that speak There are many men’s shirts in the market, but some are superior to the others, writes OLAJUMOKE AZZAN

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OOKING for where to buy shirts? There are many shops to choose from. Some of them are: Twice as Nice Surulere, Konibbles, Ojuelegba, Wrangler Ikeja , Mr Price, Ikeja mall. The shirts are sold at affordable prices.

When shopping for shirts, so many things should be put into consideration. The size of the buyer, the colour of the shirt, which shirt fits the buyer most, etc.

Geoffrey Beene satin wrinkle-free dress shirt is sold for N6,600. Ankle shirt with design goes for N8,000. A Calvin Klein men’s polo is sold for N1,300.

Solid shirts are beneficial in that you can wear virtually any tie with them but patterned shirts are a bit more difficult to match with ties.

A shirt can be made with the best materials and by the best designer but it would not worth much if it doesn’t fit properly. It should closely follow the shape of your upper body, while still allowing you to cross your arms without it pulling at the shoulder.

Shirts can be made out of different types of fabrics such as; polyester, silk, wool, bamboo and the most popular of all is cotton which was the first fabric to be used in the production of shirts.

Shirt is one of the world’s oldest garments discovered by Flinders Petrie. It is a “highly sophisticated” linen design from a first dynasty Egyptian tomb at Tarkan.

The trend is changing, and new shirts are produced more ranging from their different types, like the TM lewin design, Academy design, Atmosphere design , Harris and Curtis design and the Ralph Lauren design.

Other major designers you should look out for when shopping are Ovadia and sons, Paul Smith London, Versace collection, Burberry London They are commonly worn these days, they are appropriate to wear to the office and other events. Dress shirts can be worn at any time when the situation calls for something that is more than simple or casual.

However, bear in mind that these garments may be on the high side if you shop for a particular top designer.

In some stores where shirts are sold, you might end up looking for dress shirts made by an unknown designer, which may make the shirt cheaper.

Also, depending on the popularity of the store, if the price is too high, you may be able to bargain to some extent and get the known brands cheaper than their usual prices.

ITHOUT too much cash, fashion buffs could get trendy with a good selection of affordable sterling silver jewellery, flashy collectible gemstones, vintage costume jewellery, pearls, wedding jewellery, rhinestone, fierce gold jewellery and swanky bracelets. They are inspired by famous designers for fashionistas who love to be bold.

Boost your fashion savvy with bling jewellery. It signifies quality at average cost.

JANICE NKOLI IFEME No matter your class and purse, you could get trendy with them.

They are made of high quality materials jewellery alone. such as sterling silver, cubic zirconia simulated diamonds, precious gemstones and Girls fashion jewellery south sea shell or freshwater pearls that will Girls are very much conscious towards fashsuit you. ionable jewellery. They always wear braceSterling silver jewellery is lets, necklaces, belts and a popular choice for wedother jewelleries to look atding occasions or bridal party ‘No matter your tractive during various ocgifts. casions and regular class and purse, Costume jewellery is lifestyle. You can buy hand mainly used for fashion purpainted jewellery, ethnic, you could get poses, opposed to real (preagate stone, diamond cut, cious) jewellery which may carved bone, beaded trendy with them. contain primary as jewellery and many other collectables, keepsakes, or They are made of fashion jewelleries from investments. fashion jewellery There are many types of high quality mate- any store. fashionable jewellery availDiamond, gold and silver rials such as ster- jewelleries able in the market which is are costly items worn on various occasions, you cannot follow the ling silver, cubic and depending on choice. They fashion by such huge income in metal bangles, bracevestments all the time. zirconia simulated lets, necklaces, earrings and Fashionable jewellery belts design. You can buy it diamonds, precomes in multiple designs for various occasions at style, and is made of cious gemstones and nominal cost. This is such a different materials. It gives big industry that is growing you a change from regular and south sea every day with new horijewelleries. Such jewellery zons. shell or freshwater is very much famous Fashion jewellery, be it enamong the youths. It is obgraved or ethnic, are in high pearls that will vious, because they like demand these days. change and cannot afford It is usually made of low suit you’ fashion at big cost. So, it is cost materials, including base a right choice for them. metals, glass, bone, Agate Teenage girls are no exception to the fashstone, cowries and hemp in place of more valuable materials such as precious metals ion interest and excitement. What most teenand gems. These items are usually, but not age girls really can’t live without is fashion always, inexpensive, and often flashy. If you jewellery, select well, you will look unique and stand Bracelets and cuffs out at any occasion. They beautiful and afBracelets are worn around the wrist. There fordable and you could always find ways to are various types of bracelets out there such as mix and match them.

They are often handmade or designed us- elastic bracelets, handmade bone stretch braceing various tools. Here is a brief detail about let, metal bracelet, folding bracelets among others. Bracelets for men are also available at various types of fashionable jewellery. different shops in elegant designs and shapes.

Agate stone jewellery Necklaces and earrings These jewelleries are made of semiprecious Necklaces come in a variety of designs and natural agate stone in various shapes and sizes shapes such as glass beaded, hanging beads, and assorted colours.

Agate stone beaded necklace, cowries shell necklace, horn and bone necklace. Generally Bone body jewellery This is made from animal bone. Polished earrings and necklaces are sold together as a and processed in different shapes and sizes. It matching set. Colourful patina earrings come in a large assortment of is made into beads of different sizes. colours and sizes. They are very popular, as Beaded jewellery, carnelian jewellery or they go perfect with evening dress or ethnic ethnic jewellery is made of glass beads and dresses alike. They are usually available in with metal pendants in different colours. They colourful circular discs and concentric rings. are mostly handmade.

Bling jewellery is for everyone It is available for kids and aged people too.

Why go for bling costume?

There are many reasons to opt for bling Fashion is not restricted to senior only. Injewellery. It is available in various metals and stead, different age people give fashion a new gives you a change, style and most of all, qual- verge. This is such a big industry that is growity at average cost. Fashion jewellery is good ing every day with new horizons. Fashion is for various occasion including weddings and your style, so whoever you are just carry it in festivals, so you are not bound to traditional your style.

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com •Harris and Curtis

•TM Lewin

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

SHOPPING

Shoprite’s shock treatment for customers

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INCE it came into the country, shoprite, the retailing giant, has assumed a household name. Everyday both the young and the old, long to visit the store to have a feel of what it is to shop there. So, at any point in time, there is a rush at the store, especially at the pay point.

A customer, Mrs Oyeyemi GbengaMustapha, recalls her ordeal at the store last week as she was treated shabbily by some workers. “By choosing the Ikeja Shoprite, which is nearer home, I reasoned that I would be able to manage my time as the haggling, cheating, rudeness and other pranks associated with open regular markets would be circumvented. The first few weeks proved me right. But not anymore.”

When a senior colleague, Chido Nwakama, wrote on his Facebook wall, how some of us would queue up to obtain a particular brand of bread, in fact forming a snake like lane, I knew we were on the same radar. I always pick that brand of bread and raisin bread as well, despite the queue, and my protruding tummy- a sign of my being advanced. Outside the country, that is what obtains, everybody queues up to pay at designated points.

In addition, abroad, there are other points where customers can easily pay if their purchase is below certain amount. But at Shoprite, even if you pick a chewing gum, you have to queue with others who may have loads of purchases to pay for.

“I was at the store last weekend. After my shopping, and as I was advancing to the pay points, I saw a tilapia and went for it. The price could buy two in the open market, but I went for it anyway because I was managing time. I asked if I could have it sliced and was directed to another point where a tool for such exists. I was told by some workers wearing blue aprons, with the inscription, ‘merchandise ’, to go to other points and I went searching for same. After about 17 minutes of roaming in the expansive cold section of the store trying to locate the optional elusive points, it dawned on me that I could have been given a ‘9ja’ answer.

“An experience ran through my mind.

During my trip to Washington D.C, this summer, I bought some edibles in one of the eateries. They got cold. I walked into another eatery and requested that my edibles be ‘micro waved’. It was done. Free of charge. It was no big deal. Such was the liberal world in the US, despite my being a dudu (black). But why won’t such treatment

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

be obtained in my own country.

I went looking for the office where I can state my grievances. It’s by choice that I chose Shoprite. What I intended obtaining exists in the open market and sellers would not only cut to satisfaction but would remove the scale and possibly clean up the fish.

“I located the office behind the pay point.

A woman attended to me. After hearing me out, she apologised and explained that actually the tool that could process my request broke down and is being repaired. She took me to the selling point which was my first port of call and requested that my request be done. I handed over the purchase and showed them my receipt. And it was in tandem with the price tag when cross checked.

“After she left, a woman in white coat suddenly started talking aloud to other obviously junior staff in that section to delay my

work, that, that way I won’t be able to come back again, some other time, to them. And their section would be able to sell their own fish.

“She did not stop at that; she vowed that should anybody come with similar request again, she will personally tell the woman that brought me not to direct such requests again to her section. After over 20 minutes of waiting, my fish was eventually cut. A man packed them in the yellow polythene bag I handed it in and was looking for a newer bag for it, but the woman looked threateningly at him and said he should hand it over to me like that. The yellow polythene that was screaming ‘the lowest price. . .’, instantly became repulsive. I kept my cool and went to another cashier at the pay point and requested for a new polythene bag. He obliged after seeing my receipt. I left for the ladies since l was pressed after being tossed up and down in my condition.

•Ikeja city mall Shoprite

“At the ladies, the attendants were rolling out toilet papers to intending users. I recalled how in some countries l have been to, toiletries, washing basins with liquid hand soap and hand driers dotted similar malls. Thankfully, I was with my handbag that contained such essentials and dashed in to ease myself. I left the Ikeja Shoprite. And I am yet to return.

When, I shared my experience with my colleagues, they burst out laughing. I was stunned. I enquired why they laughed simultaneously. They chorused that the only real Shoprite in Nigeria, attempting to maintain the standard is at Lekki. The Ikeja Shoprite is fast losing steam and the one at Surulere is the worst when it comes to customer relations.

“A colleague recounted that recently at the Ikeja branch, a terrible show down was averted between her and one of the cashiers. How? She said: “I picked cornflakes where such were arranged, the price tag read- N999.99.

And I picked some, going by my calculation, I was confident that the money with me would be enough to settle the bill for the purchase and other things I have bought.

When I got to the cashier, the total amount exceeded my estimate and I brought my handset and recalculated and had a different total, I showed the cashier my results.

She recalculated, and it was discovered there was error on the cornflakes’ price tag. The machine was fed with N1,450 yet the tags read N999.99. I requested that she deleted the purchase, so I can also return the cornflakes to the shelf, but she said it was not possible, because it has been punched and recorded by the machine. The saving grace was that I had extra money with which I paid for the ‘excess’ unbudgeted money.

“When she was through with her narration, several others shared how they declined to leave their laptops and some other sensitive personal effects at the check-in counter because the staff manning such posts could not give them guarantee on whatever they leave behind despite being issued tags that are paired with their properties which the staff insisted are not allowed into the mall.

One even pointed out that, for instance, in the US and South Africa, you get back your cents and other coins after payment, but not here in Nigeria in any of the Shoprite branches. The question is where does the ‘pool’ of coins go? Your guess is as good as mine.”

Choosing the right photo album •Continued from page 32

•John Lewis buterfly patch

•John Lewis's

cover design or by their labels.

Arrange the photos in a specific pattern.

For many families, chronological order works nicely. That way, you can literally watch the development of a loved one over several years of time. With the person, you can observe changes in styles, trends, fashions, and modes with regards to homes, clothes, automobiles, and other photo props.

Or you may decide to arrange your photos by family grouping. In other words, one album can be devoted to your immediate family’s pictures. Another may contain pictures of your more distant relatives, such as uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Then you may want to create another photo gallery for your co-workers, neighbours, friends, and special relationships.

Have the habit of giving a photo album gift. Family members who don’t collect pictures or who may not have a camera will appreciate a small, hand-held photo album of precious memories they may have forgotten.

Pictures are indeed worth a thousand words. Start “writing” your family autobiography today through the collection and organisation of priceless photographs that will tell your family’s story for generations to come.

There are times when your loved ones are not with you but still you get a chance to see them and feel their presence with the help of photo albums. One of the most memorable moments in an individual’s life is the birth of his child. When a baby is born, the ambience is completely filled with joy. Capturing such a moment is a lifetime memory and hence preserving it carefully is the most important thing. Buying birthday photo albums for preserving the memories related to your first parenthood experience would really be a great decision. In addition to albums for birthdays, Christening photo al-

bums are also available for the infants.

The birthday photo albums for children, as the name implies, are meant for preserving the memories related to the birthday celebrations of children. With the passage of time, you capture their ‘first-times’, which is one of the most significant phases of the parent’s life. Starting from day one to date, you can record each and every moments related to the birthday celebrations of your child.

After the birth of the child and before his consecutive birthdays, comes his Christening event. Christening is an occasion when a child is assigned his name which constitutes his unique identity for later stages. To protect the moments of this occasion from getting damaged, a separate category of albums is available that is known as christening albums. The christening photo albums have come in varied designs with simple and sober cover pages that enhance their beauty to a great extent. The cover pages may also contain some sentimental messages specifying the importance of the occasion. However, not only the outer cover, but the inner meaning of the messages engraved within the Christening photo albums is also significant to look for while selecting an album for the purpose.

Protecting the photographs within birthday photo albums does not only give the parents a chance to remember their loved ones who are not there with them, but they also help the infants go through the moments when they grow up. And this serves to be the most important benefit of preserving the memories of the past times within the birthday or christening photo albums.

Just buying an album and putting the photos in a scattered way is not a good way. To keep it protected in a real sense, you should arrange the photographs in a sequence so that the children could cherish and remember those moments accordingly.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

35

Brandnews

Etisalat introduces Easywallet Mobile Airtel Nigeria gets awards Money E A TISALAT Nigeria has launched easywallet mobile money service, a secure and user-friendly SIM Application for Mobile Money payments and transfers. Easywallet, which is offered in partnership with leading Nigerian banks including FirstBank, GTBank, Stanbic IBTC and Zenith, is a more convenient and secure platform which allows Etisalat customers’ easy access to their preferred mobile money scheme for conducting secure money transfers and payments.

With easywallet, Etisalat aims to bring mobile money closer to the customer and drive the CBN’s cashless policy by growing the use of mobile payments and making it easy to use.

The launch of easywallet is a landmark in Nigeria and progress towards mobile money adoption, as it is the first fully secure Mobile Money SIM application offered to customers with the easywallet application installed on their SIM cards. This unique application supports multiple languages - English, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba and works across all makes and models of

Stories by Raji Rotimi Solomon

phones, smartphones and even tablet devices.

Speaking at the media launch held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Steven Evans, said the company’s strategy is to be a leader in providing its customer with cutting edge and secure channels for Mobile Financial Services.

“Research has shown that mobilebanking and mobile-payments can help lower the transaction costs of money transfer, increase the flow of money by making it easier to send smaller amounts and introduce those without bank accounts to a means of secure financial management. By enabling people to use their mobile phones as mobile wallets, we hope to deliver lasting benefits not just for our customers, but also for the Nigerian economy.

We believe the benefits of Etisalat easywallet to our customers will be immense and also has the potential to transform the way we

handle and manage money in Nigeria. Mobile phones have already improved the African way of life in so many ways and it is exciting to think it now has the potential to replace notes and coins and give all of our customer’s access to world-class banking services”.

Explaining the features of easywallet, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Wael Ammar said: “Easywallet allows users an easy and secure way to perform financial services using their mobile phones from any part of the country. This service works on all Etisalat SIM cards and customers are only required to register with any of the schemes in order to start using easywallet. Customers are not charged from their airtime for any transactions from the mobile money SIM menu.”

Etisalat customers using the easywallet service are able to pay bills, pay for goods and services, receive and send money to friends and family, send and receive money to bank accounts, withdraw cash, top up their own airtime account or top up someone else’s and manage their bank accounts.

• From right: Snr. Consultant, Profiliant Development Resources Obinna Ariwodo; CEO Oliver Nona and Adebisi Oladipo, at a briefing on the forthcoming sales performance summit in Lagos.

• From left: Ambassador Bisquit International, Dennis Lahouratate Cellar; Brand Marketing Manager, Alexandre Lechat and Marketing Manager-Africa North, Leith Whitesman during the launching of the Bisquit Cognac in Lagos.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAM

IRTEL Nigeria received three Awards at the eighth edition of the Nigerian Telecoms awards. The telecoms operator emerged the Industry’s Most Innovative Telecoms Company of the Year, Telecom Brand of the year and Customer Friendly Operator of the year.

Airtel emerged winner in the three categories following its enviable strides in charting new paths in meeting the demands and needs of its esteemed stakeholders through superior brand experience, a rich portfolio of innovative products and services ranging from exciting voice solutions to inventive data packages and

mobile broadband.

Mr. Rajan Swaroop, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, praised the enterprising and resilient spirit of staff of the company, saying everyone at Airtel Nigeria is passionate about creating value for telecoms consumers as well as exceeding their expectations.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Telecommunications Awards, Chief Alex Akinyele said credibility is bedrock on which the Telecoms Award is based on, thereby, making it one of the most prestigious Awards and merit based event in the Nigerian Telecoms industry.

Firm to brand Lagos beach lines

I

N its bid to boost tourism and encourage creativity among young Nigerians, YDx, a youth marketing company based in Lagos, is set to brand the city beach-lines with an event, the Inception 2012.

The concept is a summer beach party which will attract over 6,000 people from across the country ranging from university students to young business professionals into the cosmopolitan city of Lagos. It is scheduled to take place at the popular Elegushi Private Beach in the heart of Lekki September 29.

The summer beach jams which is tagged “Inception 2012” is the second edition of an interactive initiative designed with the goal of making Lagos State the preferred summer break destination for African students because of its legendary Nightlife and fantastic beaches. It will also create opportunities annually, where students from all over the continent can enjoy discounts in luxury hotels, holiday parties and exotic moments with beach excursions in the centre of excellence.

According to the Chief Operating Officer, YDx, Mr Tunde Alabi, Inception 2012 is a novel

concept in this part of the world and it is geared towards bringing out the creativity and true artistic nature in the younger generation. The Summer Beach Party will also serve as a support platform for the tourism industry which is growing at a very fast pace. It avails the youths a chance to mix and interact with top music stars, fashion icons, Nollywood celebrities and entertainment moguls like Ice Prince, Vector, Black Magic, SDC, Phenom, Jimmie and DJ Caise of Beat FM, QPA’s and SoundCity VJ’s among others.

Alabi said for the summer beach party which kicks off by mid-day; there will be several competitions which vary from beach activities like beach soccer to beach volleyball, paintball and a beach pageant.

The fun filled afternoon will culminate into a UV party later in the evening with go-in-ddark body paint, cups and lots of fun on the beach. To be a part of these most sought after event of 2012; interested students and fun lovers can visit and get more details on the company’s facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/ ydxNigeria.

• Oyo State Commissioner for Justice, DG, OYSAA, Mr Yinka Adepoju and some members of the executives at the unveiling of the new signages and billboard for the state secretariat.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

36

G

OVERNMENTS all over the world get involved in pension matters in the form of laying down the legal framework, pension funds management and regulation of pension schemes. The Nigerian Government is not left behind. It has overhauled the legal framework for pension administration in Nigeria by promulgating the Pension Reform Act 2004 (PRA 2004). The PRA 2004 was passed into Law on June 23, 2004 by the National Assembly and assented to by President Obasanjo on June 25, 2004.

The PRA 2004 embodies the policies of the Nigerian government to solve the pension problem in Nigeria, both in the short and the long run.

The thrust of the reforms has been in the direction of making the schemes contributory, thus the name Contributory Pension Scheme. Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) defines pension entitlements in relation to stated contributions of the employer and the employee. The CPS is funded in the sense that the contributions and the returns from the investment of such funds provide the resources for meeting the pension obligations.

It also aims to bring pension funds under private-sector management.

A summary of PRA 2004 as contained in Schedule 3 of the Act says PRA 2004 “seeks to establish Contributory Pension Scheme for employees in the Public Service of the Federation, Federal Capital Territory and private sectors in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The objectives of the PRA’04, as stated in Section 2 of the Act, are to: Ensure that every person who worked either in the public service of the Federation, Federal Capital Territory or the private sector receives his entitlement as and when due; Assist improvident individuals by ensuring that they save in order to cater for their livelihood during old age; and Establish a uniform set of rules, regulations and standards for administration and payment of retirement benefits for the public service of the Federation, Federal Capital Territory and the private sector.

The essential provisions of the new pension scheme designed to achieve the above objectives include mandatory coverage of all employees in organisations employing five or more persons in both the private and public sectors of the economy; employers and employees each contribute to the pension fund a minimum of 7.5 per cent of total emolument of the employee; an employer shall maintain a life insurance policy for each employee for a minimum of three times the annual total emolument of the employee and, in the event of the death of an employee, his entitlements under the life insurance policy shall be paid into his Retirement Savings Account (RSA).

Other provisions of the PRA 2004 Act include that the employer and employee contributions shall be tax-deductible expenses in the calculation of income tax liabilities; every employee shall maintain an RSA in his name with any pension fund administrator (PFA) of his choice into which will be paid his pension fund contributions and accrued incomes from investments thereof; PFAs, licensed by the PenCom, are the only institutions to manage pension funds as from the commencement of the Act.; Pension funds and assets are to be held only by pension fund custodians (PFCs) licensed by the PenCom; the PFA chooses a PFC to which the employer’s and the employee’s contributions are remitted by the employer to the exclusive order of the PFA. Under the new pension scheme, it is expected that all incomes earned from investments of pension funds are to be placed to the credit of individual RSA holders after deducting clearly defined and reasonable fees, charges, costs and expenses of transactions made by the PFA and no withdrawals shall be made from the balance standing to the credit of the RSA of an employee except on his retirement or on attaining the age of 50 years (whichever is later) and such withdrawal can be for programmed monthly or quarterly withdrawal calculated on the basis of an expected life span or for the purchase of an annuity for life from a life insurance company licensed by the National In-

Rethinking pension scheme surance Commission (NAICOM) with monthly or quarterly payments.

For public service employees transiting to the new pension scheme, their rights to retirement benefits shall be recognized in the form of an amount acknowledged through the issuance of a bond to be known as Federal Government Retirement Bonds (FGRB) respectively, in favour of individual employees if they have an unfunded pension scheme and Public servants with a funded scheme converting to the new pension system shall have their RSA credited with any funds to which each employee is entitled and, in the event of insufficiency, the shortfall shall immediately become a debt of the relevant employer and be treated with same priority as salaries owed.

It was also noted that existing pension schemes in the private sector, which resemble the scheme envisaged in PRA’04 would continue to exist; otherwise they would be modified to comply with the PRA 2004. The PRA2004 requires all pension schemes in the private sector to be fully funded. The Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) shall cease to take contributions from workers with the commencement of PRA 2004 and shall make arrangements to transfer funds contributed and any attributable income thereof not required for the purpose of administering minimum pension as determined by PenCom, to their RSA accounts. All pension funds and assets held and managed by NSITF shall be transferred to a custodian, as from the commencement of the Act and Pension funds and assets can only be invested in certain specified instruments. PenCom shall also undertake yearly inspection, examination or investigation of PFAs, PFCs, or the Pension Department to determine whether or not they are discharging their functions as set out in the PRA 2004.

The benefits of the new pension scheme are enormous. Banks could witness enormous deposit growth from placement of pension funds in fixed deposits and from more regular payment of pension entitlements of existing pensioners. Also, the range of instruments on which pension funds can be invested means that the PRA’04 would boost the demand for saving products developed by banks. The new pension scheme is expected to generate N60 billion in contributions every year, it is expected that the growing and stabl mandatory purchase of life insurance policies by employers for their workforce. In a few years time, when people begin to retire under the new pension system, the use of accumulated funds in individual RSAs to purchase annuities from insurance companies would also provide another major elixir for insurance business in Nigeria. It is appropriate at this time of expanding opportunities for insurance business that consolidation is taking place in the industry to foster well-capitalized and liquid insurance companies that could settle claims promptly.

Stock broking firms stand to profit from the higher business volumes which the increased transactions on retirement bonds, corporate bonds and equities consequent upon the higher capital market operations that increased pension funds would engender. Similarly, mortgage and property development firms would experience greater profitable long-term opportunities for their real estates and commercial property development schemes as an increased build-up of pension funds forces pension fund managers to seek more and safer inflationproof outlets for their funds by investing in these schemes.

The challenge in Nigerian economy is that government has been financing infrastructure. In most part of the world, pension funds, because they are long term investment vehicles are the best source of investment for infrastructure like power, airport or road. The new pension scheme is a platform that can allow the private sector to take a lead and the government to provide a mechanism that would allow public/private partnerships to finance critical national infrastructure.

N

O. There is no safe house. No house, no matter how protected, is safe.

Every house, even Aso Rock or the White House, is vulnerable to internal and external attacks. External attack is not as deadly as internal attack. That is because the defense mechanisms within a house could withstand and stave-off the firepower of external aggression to the extent that the attackers could surrender, lay down their arms and take to their heels.

On the other hand, internal attack is the most vicious. Why? If there is no hatred, haggling and hassling within the file and rank of a household, external force cannot penetrate. In other words, if there were sound unity within the walls of a family, such a family would be indivisible. However, if a kingdom rises against its king, such a kingdom would collapse quickly than sand castle. If a wife joins hands with her children and in-laws against her husband, he would lose. If there are dissenting voices in a church with evil intent,peace cannot reign. If a company board turns the boardroom into a war-room there would be an implosion.

That is because in a household, a kingdom or a marriage, there are deep-seated feelings, shared secrets and happy moments. When members of the community are united, there would be unguarded moments; moments when the parties are relaxed, reclined, and released. Usually, that is when the enemy within strikes.

Aside, the mere fact that the culprit understands workings of the ‘house’ like the back of his hands makes the household an easy prey.

This was the story of ‘Safe House,’ a movie starring Ryan Reynolds (a CIA rookie overseeing a Safe House in Cape Town, South Africa) and Denzel Washington (CIA’s most wanted rogue agent).

In the movie, Washington was captured and driven to a Safe House: a house known to a privileged few and is safe from external aggressions; or so the CIA thought. However, mercenaries who needed Washington struck and overtook the Safe House. Bruised and battered, Reynolds and Washington managed to escape.

To be at peace, they need to do two things quickly: Stay out of the gunmen’s sight. Find another Safe House. Did they succeed? Yes, they found another Safe House. However, no, they could not stay out of the gunmen’s sight. Why? Washington, an international criminal, had files from renegade MI6 agent. The CIA wanted the files because the content could incriminate a top-level officer.Therefore, the files must be retrieved. The custodian of the files killed.

That is why mercenaries were after Washington.

To lure him closer, the bigwig in the CIA created a semblance of security around him by asking Reynolds to take him to another Safe House. Reynolds did not know what was at stake. Washington knew. Meanwhile, the bigwig inside CIA controlled every move, every attack, and every gun-duel. The big wig was fighting from within. He was the insider enemy.

He collaborated with external power to attack the CIA and turned the Safe House into an abattoir. When the Safe House was attacked again, Reynolds found himself on the run with Washington in tow.

They were running from enemy within and the mercenaries. As Washington told Reynolds in Safe House, “no one is safe.”Exact picture was painted in the US Consulate in Benghazi (Libya) recently where several American citizens and Ambassador Christopher Stevens were killed when gunmen attacked a Safe House. The attackers were protesting against a movie, which depicts Prophet Muhammad in bad light. The concern here is how did gunmen know about the

Is this house safe? location of that Safe House in Benghazi?

Definitely, there are enemies within the US Consulate working with the mob.

Otherwise, it is usually near impossible for an outsider to have information about the location and security apparatus in place in an environment designed as a secure location. For, after the US officials had evacuated the Consulate by Libyan security forces, another wave of attacks were launched against US officials who had already been moved to a supposedly secure location.

Just as investigators said in a recent report, the attack was “calculated and organised”. Meaning, the mob had prior, privileged information, someone working in the Consulate with links with the mob spilled the bean. That is what makes an enemy within deadly. It strikes any time, when you are relaxed, reclined and released. That is what makes Boko Haram deadly too. It is an enemy within and without. It has links with some insiders.

That is why Boko Haram attacks are usually “well planned.”

Boko Haram has attacked newspaper houses, churches, mosques, Police formation and other places in the country. However, the recent attack on telecommunications installations in the northern part of the country is further pointer that there is an enemy within. The implication of the attack is to severe communication flow, make it impossible for people and security operatives to dialogue, and thus paralyse activities in that region. Knowing the importance of telecommunication, the act of destroying the installations is targeted at the nation. Such thinking and action may not be too sophisticated for the sect to conceive and execute.

Nevertheless, it is an insider’s job.

Someone or group on the inside is aiding the sect to perpetrate violent acts on the outside.In that light, Nigeria could be likened to a house and Boko Haram as the external aggression with help from the inside. As long as the collaborator within is uncovered, this house is not safe. Once our house is not safe, we, the occupants have no respite. As such, the insiders [who benefits from the acts of terrorism undertaken by Boko Haram] need to be over-powered. That is when the Boko Haram sect, its mindless act of maiming and killing would be forgotten like vapour.

In Safe House, Reynolds and Washington were running from the mercenaries, from gunmen.We all might as well start runningnow. If I cannot make a call to friends and family in the north and they too cannot reach me, are we not back to the dark days? MTN, Airtel, Glo and Etisalat have invested heavily to ensure telecommunication is as seamless as possible.

Quality of service may not be as perfect, tariff may not be as friendly, but we can comfortably make local and international calls from our bedrooms. What does Boko Haram sect have in mind by bombing the telecommunication installations? Does it want to make it impossible for you and me to communicate; or, it would rather return the nation to the dark pre-NITEL days?

Whatever is its agenda, we need to resist Boko Haram. The security operatives should re-strategise with the view to burying Boko Haram. If it cannot be buried, curtail it. If it cannot be curtailed, I do not know what else to do.

However, this I know: we need a hero, a hero to demystify Boko Haram, a hero to kill the wolf in sheep clothing in our barn, a hero to arrest the enemy within, and a hero to stop the blood-sucking god that is Boko Haram. That is what Reynolds did in Safe House. That is what our hero needs to do to make this house safe for you and me.

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Brandz Republic Consulting and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

37

SOCIETY After six years courtship, Medinat Olajumoke Jimoh of The Nation and her beau, Muhammad Jamiu Olanshile Adebola, got married in Lagos, last Saturday, reports SAFIYYAH ABDURRAZAQ.

•The bride’s parents, Alhaji and Alhaja Jimoh

•The groom’s parents, Mr and Mrs Adebola •The couple, Jamiu and Medinat

'She is my dream woman'

H

E was happy at the turn of event.

He was short of words to describe his feelings because he caught what some described as “a big fish.”

“She is the woman of my dream,” he enthused after pausing for a while.

Muhammad Jamiu Olanshile Adebola, a native of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, looked striking in a black suit, a blue shirt, yellow bow tie and matching black pair of shoes.

Adebola's jewel, former Miss Medinat Olajumoke Jimoh appeared in flowing butter-coloured wedding gown.

Medinat, who hails from Kwara State works with The Nation.

The duo took many by surprise as they were introduced to the anxious guests.

The Nation staff were led by the Editor, Gbenga Omotoso; Group Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere and News Editor Adeniyi Adesina.

The three-in-one wedding featured Aqdun Nikkah, engagement and reception.

The presiding Imam, Alhaji Abdul Hafiz Yusuf, urged the couple to tolerate each other and live in accordance to the teachings of Islam. He told the husband to see

his wife as a gift because the first woman on earth, Hauwa, was created as a gift to Adam due to his loneliness.

Alhaji Yusuf equally urged the wife to be humble and respect her husband.

He told her that she is the representative of her family in the new home, so, she should uphold her family values.

After complete the marriage rites, he later declared the lovebird husband and wife.

After the solemnisation, the couple changed into traditional attires for the engagement.

The superlative displays by the representative of the groom's family (Alaga Iduro) and the representative of the bride's family (Alaga Ijoko) was an icing on cake for the glamorous ceremony.

The duo was at their best and danced to the various beats of the traditional drums.

In accordance with Yoruba tradition, the Alaga Iduro led the groom's family from their tent to the tent occupied by the bride's family amidst singing, drumming and dancing.

The praises (oriki) of both families lin-

eage were done in unique way.

The groom reappeared with his friends in a sky blue Buba, navy blue Agbada and a matching navy blue Abeti-aja cap sewn with Aso Ofi. While Medinat shone in a sky blue blouse and wrapper with matching navy blue head gear.

She knelt before her parents to receive blessings. After which she was given her husband's cap to find who the cap fits.

She danced round before meeting her husband and placed the cap on his head.

He welcomed her with joy and excitement. An emotional kiss ensued.

Afterward, the cutting of the cake and toast followed.

The couple opened the dance floor and were later joined by friends and well wishers.

There was a lot to eat and drink. Guests were served with choice food and drinks.

The elated groom thanked Allah for the successful outing.

“I feel good because I have been expecting it for a long time and Alhamdulillahi it came. So, let me just say Alhamdulillah Rabbil Alamin," he replied The Nation.

Jamiu, a Corporate Marketer with Vitafoam, described his wife as a sister.

"We have been together as good friends for six years and today, God has ordained us together and for Him to have brought us together today, we will be together

PHOTOS:JOHN EBHOTA

forever Insha Allah," he said.

Pretty Medinat said the relationship began as friends for six years.

"We did not really prepare for relationship before he finally summoned up the courage to propose about a year and half ago," she said.

She described him as a gentle man, down to earth, and religious.

"He usually thrilled me with his dance steps. Now, I look forward to a happy home with all good things of life," she said.

The groom's mother, Mrs Olawunmi Adebola urged them to live with the love of God. "They should let the love God be in their hearts because God owns everything I feel very happy. I thank God." The groom's father, Mr Babatunde Adebola prayed for success in their marriage. I am very happy today. I pray God bless their marriage. God will provide and assist them in everything they do. My advice for them is to live peacefully together," Mrs Adebola said.

The bride's mother, Alhaja Risqat Jimoh was full of joy.

"My advice to them is to live peacefully and put God first because He comes first in everything. I thank God that they are both devoted to their faith. I pray to God to continue to assist them in everything they do," Alhaja Jumah said.

38

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

SOCIETY Mr Moses Folayan and his wife, Janet, have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Aramoko, Ekiti State.

SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN was there.

T

HEY started their courtship in 1955 when Papa Moses Adefioye Folayan gained admission into the Ondo Divisional Teachers’ Training College, and Madam Janet Adenike was in her final year in primary school.

The bride’s parents opposed the union, saying Pa Folayan was related to his future wife, as they have the same genealogy as royal family members in Aramoko.

Undeterred, Papa struggled and secured the consent of Madam Janet’s grandmother, which eventually paved the way for the consummation of their union in 1962. Papa Folayan, now 81, and his wife, 74, have been married for 50 years.

The golden jubilee anniversary of their wedding was held at St Philip’s Anglican Church, Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti Central Division.

Their children – Mrs Folasade Ofi, an occupational health nurse; Mr. Kehinde Folayan, a Naval officer; Mr. Idowu Folayan, Civil engineer; Mrs. Bolade Jimoh, a chartered accountant; Mr Lanre Folayan - non-governmental organisation (NGO) consultant and Mrs. Olaiya Abe, a lawyer – were in attendance.

In appreciation of their parents, they bought them a furnished house and a new car.

Papa and Mama also showered good wishes on their children at their residence in Aramoko. This phase was marked by the cutting of the golden jubilee cake and the taking of photographs.

Emotions ran high when Papa’s sibling, Mrs Mary Awolokun, a Federal Commissioner, Engineering Safety and Standards Regulatory Commission, Abuja, wept out of joy.

Recalling that the celebrator, Pa Folayan, taught him in 1968 while in primary school, Ven. Jide Adebayo ,who officiated the church service, said Papa also baptised him.

“I would have hated not coming here today to give this sermon. He (Papa Folayan) taught me in 1968 while I was in primary school. When I was checking one of my old diaries yesterday I discovered he was also the one who baptised me,” he said.

Urging governments to do better for teachers in terms of care, he said: “It has been said that ‘no teacher, no nation’; no teacher no lawyer, engineer, or doctor. We want the government to elevate teachers and teachers themselves should do their best to complement government’s efforts.”

He praised the couple for surviving the turbulence of 50 years to sustain the union, saying half of marriages contracted between the time they married and now had collapsed. He added that the malady of collapsed marriages had transcended boundaries.

“Today, as we all know, it is mass wedding and mass divorce; marriage today, divorce tomorrow. As we experience it here, so they experience it overseas. Most go for divorce because they could not endure the twists and turns.

“We should congratulate the couple for enduring the good and bad together. Their union has produced children and their children now have their own children as well,”

50 years of blissful union

•Pa Folayan, his wife Janet Adenike, assisted by their children to cut the cake

•Chief Folayan

•Mrs Awolokun

he said.

After the service, well wishers moved to a small section of the church distinguished for the event, a phase which witnessed dancing and thanksgiving.

Here, the couple gave a good account of themselves as they danced, while the children showered their parents with wads of new naira notes.

The eldest of them, Sade, could not hide her joy:

“My parents deserve all this today. They are the reason for and pillar behind the success of every child here. You can see all of us and how we are.

“We were raised in the way of the Lord and will never depart. I have learnt strict discipline from my father and my mother. They are epitome of humility. While we were young, we knew how she held my father. Up till now, that is the way she still holds him.

“In that attribute of humility is a lesson for brides of today. My mother is an enduring lesson in humility. She also had time for us.

Mummy was always around and tended us all to sound sure success.

Sharing her sister’s views, Bolade, a chartered accountant, noted that while her father was the temperamental type who could flare up, mummy was the typical dove, ready to accommodate endlessly.

She disclosed she too had some streaks of masculinity which she took from her dad who had, however, warned her to “learn from and fashion my conducts as a wife after my mother who I can describe as representing the very best of wifehood and motherhood.”

Also in attendance were papa’s other siblings, Chief Idowu Folayan; Alara of Aramoko Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi.

WHAT AND WHAT ANDWHERE? WHERE Wedding

T

HE children of late Elder Israel and Mrs Osho and Mr &Mrs Awopeju, Omobolaji and Olubunmi will tomorrow be joined in the holy matrimony at ISOLOG junior school, Ajayi Farm Bus-Stop, Alagbole-Akute, Ogun State.

Anniversary

T

OMORROW, the grand finale of the Vanguards Academy tenth year anniversary will hold at the school’s premises Odosengolu, along Ijebu/Epe Road, Ijebu Ode, Ogun state.

Guests expected on the occasion included the Chairman Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Ijebu-Ode, Hon Daddah Oluwakemi Rasaq, Sarumi of Egba Land Alhaji M.O.Ola Yusuf, Chairman Vanguards Academy Management Board, Alhaji Dawud Arogundade, Chief Executive Officer, SAFAMAQ NIG. Ltd., and Chairman, Vanguards Academy Parents Teachers’ Association, (PTA), Alhaji Mutiu Adeboye.

Nikkah

T

HE engagement and nikkah between Awawu and Hassan children of Alhaji and Alhaja Bakare and late Buriamoh Akanni Colley will hold tomorrow at the Holy Cross Primary School Compound Oil Mill Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Nikkah

AMILIES of Alhaji and Alhaja Haruna Ramoni and Mr and Mrs Rasheed Tijani, will come together on Sunday for the nikkah (wedding) ceremony of their children Rizqah of The Nation and Yusuf at 20, Ogunnaike Street off Kasumu Street, Shangisha, Ketu Lagos.

F

T

Funeral

ODAY, the funeral service of Pa BONIFACE AGGREY Guobadia will hold at St. Pauls Catholic Church Airport Road Benin City.

Reception follows immediately at George Idah Primary School, Ihama Road G.R.A, Benin City.

On Sunday a thanksgiving service Mass will be held in his honour at St. Pauls Catholic Church Airport Road, Benin City.

Seminary

Presentation

T

HE Director General, Voice of Nigeria and the Chief Executive Officer of Education Support Services (ESS) will on Tuesday present a book; Assessment of Nigeria Universities Environment to the public at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja.

The event will also feature prize distribution for essay competition.

Chairman of occasion is the Bauchi State Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda and the keynote address will be given by the Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

Chief host is the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku and Special Guest of Honour is the minister of Education, Prof Ruqayyatu Rufai.

Day

O

N Sunday, The Grand Council of Yoruba Youths in conjuction with National Television Authority (NTA) Ibadan Network Centre will hold its Yoruba National Day at the Arts Theatre University of Ibadan.

T

HE 22nd graduation ceremony of the West African Theological Seminary (WATS) will hold tomorrow at the seminary’s premises in Lagos.

A total of 79 students according to the academic dean of the seminary, Dr. Peter Atoyebi will be awarded Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Theology, four B.A, Academic Religious Studies and 15 Diploma in Theology.

In the postgraduate category, 15 will bag Master of Art (M.A) Christian Leadership, 15 M.A General Divinity, Nine M.A Intercultural Studies, 17 M.A, Biblical Studies, three certificates Christian leadership and five postgraduate diploma in theology.

The seminary’s provost, Dr. William Udotong said the seminary will also recognise Nigerians (mostly church leaders) who have impacted the Christian society and the nation at large during graduation ceremony.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

39

SOCIETY The pioneer National Missioner of Ansar-ud-Deen, the late Alhaji Mustapha Kasumu Ekemode, was honoured on Sunday, posthumously, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Lagos. RISIKAT RAMONI reports

•Alhaji Jakande (left) and Alhaji Gazal Fashola

•Alhaji Okunnu

T

•Alhaji Smith (right) and Dr Adeleke

•Alhaja Ekemode

HERE was nothing to show that the pioneer National Missioner of Ansarud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADS), the late Alhaji Mustapha Kasumu Ekemode, was not in the hall.

People talked about him as if he was there. His pictures were hanged at various strategic points within and outside the hall.

Obviously, his great works were still being remembered by all, 40 years after his death.

The Adeyemi Bero Auditorium at Alausa Secretariat, Lagos, was filled. The young Ansar-ud-Deen members who never knew the late Imam were seen taking pictures with their phones.

Some old members who knew him during his lifetime exuded joy, recalling fond memories of the great man.

The post-humous honour for him was organised by the Mustapha Kasumu Ekemode Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), established by the family to immortalise the late Missioner.

•Sheikh Abou (left) and Sheikh Ahmad

In memory of a great man Various colourful attires of the guests complemented the decoration of the auditorium. While some wore purple and blue, many wore green materials, cap and headscarf — the colour of ADS. It was a re-union of sort for the members of the group in various parts of the country.

They came in their hundreds. The youth wing of the society including their Nawairud-Deen counterparts shone in beautiful attires. The Alasalatu group of Gbagada Muslim community appeared in uniform Islamic outfit likewise other groups.

The children of the late Missioner, both biological and adopted, were all present.

All eyes were on the surviving wife, Alhaja Sidikat Ekemode.

The event, according to the first child of the deceased, Dr Naheemdeen Ekemode, was to bring to the fore the great contribu-

WEDDING

•From left: Chief Adebayo Atanda; Chairman on the occasion, Chief Tilemon Ebiesuwa; Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan; and the couple, Prince Bamidele and Oluwakemi during their wedding ceremony in Ibadan, Oyo State

tions of his late father to the development of Islam and Nigeria as a nation.

He said an Islamic centre would be built to immortalise him.

Osun State Governor Rauf Arebgesola, who chaired the occasion, saluted the family for organising the event to honour the great leader.

He urged the gathering to emulate the late Missioner.

Aregbesola, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government Service Commission, Dr Waliu Adeleke, enjoined clerics to pray for the safe return of the missing television presenter, Alhaji Rasak Aremu Gawat.

Afterwards, the last daughter of the deceased, Alhaja Hamdalat Sulaimon, presented her father's biography.

She said her father was worthy of emula-

tion.

ADS National Missioner Nigeria and Overseas Sheikh Abdur Rahman Ahmad said the deceased's achievements were still visible 40 years after his demise.

"While celebrating the life of Papa, how many people are ready to step into his shoes," he asked, rhetorically.

Sheikh Ahmad noted that though the best role model for Muslims is Prophet Muhammad, yet, the late Imam Ekemode had a lot of qualities that the young and the old can copy.

He prayed Allah to bring forth from his family, a standard bearer of Islam.

Among the guests were former Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; former Inspector General of Police Alhaji Musiliu Smith; former Minister of Works now ADS National President Alhaji Femi Okunu; Action Congress of Nigeria chieftain Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Justice Habeeb Abiru and the Baba Adinni of Lagos State, Sheikh AbdulAfeez Abou.

PROMOTION

•Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Florence Omoy being decorated with her new rank by Deputy Comptroller, Ahmed Yakubu (left) and Comptroller of PTML Command, Tuji Aremu.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

40

SOCIETY Rotarian Duru Charles has been installed as the 11th president of Ikorodu Rotary Club. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

Change of baton at Rotary

T

HE first time they gathered as Rotarians for fellowship was in July 2000, at one of the secondary schools in Ikorodu. They were just 35, but they scaled all hurdles to become chartered in 2002.

The first President of the club is the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education, Otunba Abdul Fatai Olukoga.

Eleven years after, the club is still waxing stronger. It has more members and has impacted on its host community, Ikorodu.

Members, their family members and associates gathered at the Harmony Castle Hotel, Ikorodu, last Saturday, to usher in the 11th president of the club.

The hall was filled to capacity with members and guests in various attires. Some decked in suits with matching pair of shoes while others wore traditional dresses.

Members and their guests exchanged pleasantries. It was an opportunity for old friends to meet again.

The national anthem was recited

•From left: Olufunmi; Anifowoshe; Otunba Olukoga; Duru and his wife Agnes displaying the certificate of office

to kick-start the programme. It was followed by a call for to order by the outgoing President, Rotarain Ajani Olufunmi.

Shortly after, the Rotary Grace was said, followed by the Object of Rotary and the 4-Way Test.

The incoming president, Duru Charles, was the cynosure of eyes.

He wore a black suit.

The event, chaired by Mr Kayode Ajayi, a TV producer with Insight Television, was anchored by the duo of Yemi Ogunkoya and Saheed Adelanwa.

They made the gathering laugh and clap continously with their jokes.

Olufunmi, while giving account of his stewardship, thanked all for their support to his administration.

He described his successor as a

good man and leader.

“He is a good leader, he will accomplish our project,” he said.

Before the investiture, there was a procession of past presidents to the podium.

After fulfilling all requirements for a new president, Duru was installed the 11th president of the club.

Immediately he got the mantle of leadership, he sat on the president’s seat.

In his acceptance speech, Duru promised to work vigorously for the achievement of the club’s goals.

“We shall get our vision by continuously running an effective club with clear focus on annual and long term goals that are shared, measured, challenging, achievable and time bound that impact on our immediate community, District and

Rotary International as a whole,” he said.

He thanked everyone for the success of the occasion.

Otunba Olukoga recounted the experience when the club started.

He glorified God for the journey so far.

He said very soon the club would produce the District 9110 Governor.

“Rotary club Ikorodu will be reckoned with because of its achievements; we have passion for Rotary; the Rotary Club of Ikorodu will be one of the best. I am proud and happy that Rotary Club Ikorodu is doing well and I will like to see a member of the club becoming the District Governor; I was once a District Assistant Governor, if not for my prior occupation, I’m sure I would have been the District Gov-

PHOTO: AMIDU ARIJE

ernor. With the passion of our members, one of them may emerge the next governor,” he said.

He said the club had scaled through trials and was doing well.

Other past presidents of the club are Rotarians Tawio Hassan; Jacob Bankole; Bunmi Anifowoshe; Olusola Olaluade; Oluwagbenga Ajiboye; Joseph Ogunbo and Saheed Adelanwa.

The guest lecturer, Mr Ayo Faroun, spoke on Rotary efforts at promoting peace across the world.

Faroun said one of the ways Rotary helps communities is provision of basic education and water, among others.

The highlight of the event was the induction of Mrs Tosin Ademilua as a member of the club. This was done

by Otunba Olukoga.

Family members and others gathered at the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Lagos as Olusumbo Margaret Agbede, Chief Executive Officer Schengen Investment, tied the knot with her beau, Olufemi Ayodeji Adeluka, an entrepreneur, reports ABIKE ADEGBULEHIN.

I

T was as if they were in a dancing competition.

But for the bridal train, many would have mistaken the couple’s entry for another dance reality show.

Former Miss Olusumbo Margaret Agbede, Chief Executive Officer Schengen Investment and Olufemi Ayodeji Adeluka, an entrepreneur, enlivened the gathering with beautiful dance steps.

They hardly waited for the Emcee to introduce them before entering the hall amid a rousing applause.

The Safe Land Hotel, Ile-Anu Crescent, Ijaiye, Lagos State, venue of the reception, bubbled.

The confetti ladies and groom’s men, too, gave a good account of themselves on the dance floor.

Their faces shone as they danced to the music dished out by the disc jockey (DJ).

Some of the guests joined them.

The tempo was further charged as the couple reached their seat.

The reception featured prayers, chairman’s remark, dance, cake cutting, and couple’s first assignment, among others.

The hall was festooned in green, brown and orange satin materials.

Dressed in a black suit, white shirt and yellow bow tie, Olufemi, could not take his eyes off his beautiful wife.

They were congratulated by Pastor Akinpelu Akinkunmi, who chaired the occasion.

Akinkunmi prayed that the union be fruitful.

He urged the couple to always put God first in everything they do, and respect each other.

The couple cut their three-step cake of green and orange.

Performing their first assignment, Olusumbo knelt down to feed her husband; Olufemi reciprocated by sitting her on his lap. He fed her and sealed it with a kiss.

Afterwards, the couple hit the dance floor.

They danced to the music dished out by the Himage Entertainment live band.

Breaking the normal routine of throwing the bouquet, the bride shared it among the single ladies who came out.

‘She is understanding, wonderful’ the couple to be “prayerful, God fearing and contented with what they have.”

This admonition complemented the one the couple had during the solemnisation at the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) Ajala, Ijaiye Lagos.

The church service featured exhortation and charge, exchange of vows, presentation of rings, communion, blessing of union, signing of marriage registrar and thanksgiving.

In his sermon, Pastor James Babalola congratulated the couple and their parents.

Marriage, the cleric said, is a union of people who understand each other.

“You have decided to live together and I want to let you know that it will not be a bed of roses. But, in all, you should respect and treat each other right,” he said.

He urged the bride to be submissive. To the groom, he said: “Treat her well.”

The recessional hymn was taken as the newlyweds marched out, accompanied by their parents, bridal train, groom’s men, family members and well wishers.

Olusumbo, who hails from Igede in Ekiti State, described her husband as “loving, caring and a down to earth person.”

“When it comes to house chores, she is very hardworking; she is an understanding and wonderful person”, Olufemi who hails from Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, told The Nation.

•The couple, Olufemi and Olasumbo

The father of the bride, Major Agbede Joseph (rtd), could not hide his joy.

“I feel very happy today because this is a great day that the Lord has made in the life

of my family. I pray that this journey they have started together would not turn sour,” he said.

The father of the groom, a retired civil servant, Mr Nathaniel Adeluka, enjoined

‘You have decided to live together and I want to let you know that it will not be a bed of roses. But, in all, you should respect and treat each other right’

M

ario Balotelli was left out of the Manchester City squad for the loss at Real Madrid after he clashed with Roberto Mancini over his party lifestyle and smoking habit, according to reports.

Mario Balotelli Mario Balotelli was forced to watch the Champions League clash from the The Italian striker was made to travel to Madrid despite not even making the bench and watched his team-mates let a lead slip twice as they went down 3-2 at the Bernabeu.

A source told the Daily Star: 'Mario Balotelli is in the bad books on two fronts – a very late

Mancini raps Balotelli for smoking, partying night out after the Stoke game and his refusal to stop smoking.

‘He and Mancini had words on Monday afternoon and it led to him being dropped from the squad.’

The fiery 22-year-old was pictured partying with boxer Amir Khan at Circle Club in Manchester hours after Saturday’s disappointing 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium.

He has often been spotted smoking and has apparently refused

offers from the club to have counselling and hypnosis to kick the habit.

Balotelli joined for £24million from Inter Milan in 2010 and, despite his undoubted talent on the pitch, has often caught attention for all the wrong reasons.

He once set fire to his house after letting off fireworks in his bathroom and also raised eyebrows when he threw a dart at a City youth team player.

•Balotelli

Chelsea FC manager, Roberto Di Matteo, urging the Top Brass at UEFA to look into the bad tackle made on debutant Oscar by Juve's Leonardo Bonucci at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

BAD TACKLE:

Blues' stars impressed with Oscar's impact

Act now, Di Matteo tells UEFA

C

HELSEA players David Luiz, Petr Cech and Jon Obi Mikel were all left mightily impressed by Brazilian talent Oscar's full debut for the club in the 2-2 Champions League draw with Juventus at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old made his first start for the club in their opening group game of the campaign, following a highprofile summer move from Internacional for a fee of around £25 million.

Oscar's impact was felt immediately in the shape of two goals in the space of three minutes in the first half, the second of which was a stunning effort.

"I think he has a great future, not only in the Chelsea team but in the national team as well.

Tonight he showed who he is," Oscar's fellow Brazilian Luiz told Sky Sports News after Chelsea's draw. "[He is a] Very talented guy and it's great for him to score two goals, because for his age he cost a lot of money and there is a lot of pressure on him," said goalkeeper Cech.

"It's great for people to see how good he can be for this football club, and I was very pleased he got his goals. He played very good football, and he plays really nice, simple football, always moving, always available and really efficient."

Midfielder Mikel was another team-mate to add his praise to the growing roll of compliments being paid.

"It was a bad tackle on Oscar and he had to come off. If UEFA have a look at it, that would be good. We were just waiting for the right game for him, it was wonderful to watch. The second goal was fantastic."

42

Friday, September 21, 2012

BARCELONA

ready to renew

•Messi

Messi's

B

contract

ARCELONA president Sandro Rosell has confirmed the club are already considering the renovation of Lionel Messi's contract, despite the Argentine's current deal having almost four more years to run.

Messi, who scored in excess of 70 goals for Barca in all competitions last season, is currently committed to the club through to the summer of 2016, but Rosell stressed the importance of getting work underway on an improved deal for the player as soon as possible.

"It finishes in 2016, but it would be irresponsible to not improve his contract," Rosell told Catalunya Radio.

"You have to think about such things. Right now there is nothing scheduled, but this is a machine that is constantly in

motion and things can change at any moment."

Rosell continued: "The coaching staff think about next Sunday, we look further down the line and take the more distant future into consideration.

"Work has to start now on the contract that will take effect from 2016."

Rosell also refused to be drawn on the current situation at Real Madrid, a matter which has occupied the Spanish press who appear to be convinced that manager Jose Mourinho is fighting down a dressing room revolt.

"The day you become preoccupied by other teams' matters is the day you start to lose," he said. "We need to remain a close group and work as such."

OTHER SPORTS...OTHER SPORTS...OTHER SPORTS...OTHER SPORTS...

Tiger - It must be the hair

TIGER WOODS has dismissed suggestions that he is "intimidated" by Rory McIlroy ahead of the Tour Championship at East Lake.

In response to claims made by Greg Norman that "Tiger is intimidated by Rory" Woods joked "it must be the hair", referring to the world No 1's curly mop. McIlroy seemed even more bemused.

"He's got a new nickname for me, actually. He calls me the Intimidator," McIlroy said.

"How can I intimidate Tiger Woods? I mean the guy's got 74 PGA Tour wins, 14 majors. He's the biggest thing ever in sport. I mean, how could some little 23year-old from Northern Ireland with a few wins come up and intimidate him?

It's not possible. I don't know where he got that from, but it's not true."

Woods smiled when the subject of

•Di Matteo

Mourinho takes legal action against journalist

R

the rivalry with McIlroy came up.

"It's got to be the hair," the closelyshorn Woods said - not once, but twice.

When pressed, though, the man who

has spent more time at world No 1 than anyone else said intimidation doesn't play a factor in an individual pursuit like golf.

"No one is the size of Ray Lewis who is going to hit me coming over the middle, so this is a different kind of sport," Woods said. "We go out there and we play our own game. And see where it falls at the end of the day.

"It's not like you go over the middle and some guy is 255 pounds and going to take your block off. This is about execution and going about your own business and see where it ends up at the end of the day."

C

HELSEA boss Roberto Di Matteo wants UEFA to intervene after a "bad" tackle from Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci forced Oscar off at Stamford Bridge.

Oscar was handed his first start in a Blues shirt on Wednesday night for their UEFA Champions League Group E opener against Juve, and he seized the opportunity with both hands.

The Brazil international scored a quickfire brace in the first half to put the hosts 2-0 up before goals from Arturo Vidal (38) and Fabio Quagliarella (80) secured at 2-2 draw for the Serie A champions.

However, Oscar's night ended prematurely after he was caught by a late challenge from Bonucci which resulted in his substitution on 75 minutes.

Di Matteo was disappointed with the tackle and has called on Europe's governing body to take a look at the incident.

"It was a bad tackle on Oscar and he had to come off," the Italian tactician said. "If UEFA have a look at it, that would be good."

Commenting on Oscar's stand-out performance, Di Matteo added: "We were just waiting for the right game for him, it was wonderful to watch. The second goal was fantastic."

•Woods

eal Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has taken legal action against a journalist at the sports daily Marca following an article published on Monday. "(Roberto) Palomar ... referred to our client as 'the type of person who would flee after knocking someone down'," said an extract of a letter from the Portuguese's lawyers published in Thursday's Marca.

•Mourinho

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

43

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate Rotimi Akeredolu spoke with Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU on his plans for the state.

‘Ondo people want change’ W

HAT has been the response of the people to your aspira tion since you started your campaigns?

The response, by my own assessment, has been wonderful; it is very encouraging. With the massive reception, I am convinced that the people of Ondo State are truly yearning for a change.

You said the people want a change.

But many people have continued to endorse the incumbent.

When you talk about endorsement by individuals, this does not in any way translate to votes. When you talk about what you read in newspapers, these are bought articles. These are articles that are skewed towards a particular candidate. This does not bother me; my concern is about what happens in the field. I talked to the people and I got their feelings.

Two deputy governorship candidates are coming from the Akoko, which is part of your senatorial district, does this not suggest that you have no hope there?

Let’s wait and see what will happen, but I can assure you that ACN will sweep the votes in Akoko, notwithstanding that two deputy governorship candidates are from the area. By the way, who are these deputies, is it the one picked by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a weightless candidate; or is it Ali Olanusi, the old and tired horse that would be changed before the election? I can assure that the people of Akoko are not looking for deputy, what they are looking for is governor. The people are happy that ACN zoned the governor to the North.

So I am very sure that my people in Akoko would naturally prefer having a governor from their senatorial district to having a deputy that carries no authority to do anything for them.

Your manner of emergence has created acrimony. How is your party containing this?

It is a well-known fact that all primaries throw up what could be called opposition. Every political party has devised what they consider the best option to pick their candidate; ACN is no exception. So, I don’t see what ACN has done that is not right or that is not democratic. Having submitted yourself to a process, you cannot approbate and reprobate. Everybody was part of the process. But because of the number (of aspirants), we are bound to have people who would probably not agree with the decision and who were never party men, who were only in the party to pursue their personal ambition, and would want to pull back when this personal ambition is not realisable. All we can do is to wish them well. Ambition can make people do many reprehensible things. It can make you lose your party, it can make you lose your ideology, and it can make you lose everything. The party has been reaching out to many of them and a good number of them are now with us, they have reconciled with the party and are working hard on the field to ensure our victory. Those that are yet to return, we wish them good luck wherever they go, but we are sure that, sooner than later, they will return to us.

What is the nature of the reconciliation?

A lot of reconciliation has been done.

That is why I said that what we have done really is that immediately after the exercise, a lot of meetings were held where aggrieved aspirants were reconciled with the party and a lot of them now are in support of my candidacy.

Yes, one or two decided to opt out. That is not something that is strange; it happens everywhere, it happens every time. When I say everywhere, I am not saying all over the world, what I am saying is that it happens everywhere in Nigeria. If out of about 27 aspirants, about two or three decided to go, I don’t think we have done badly. So, reconciliation has been done, we have gone round, if one or two people are still sitting on the fence, we will continue to talk to them.

Are you saying for instance, that Dr. Tunji Abayomi, who was very bitter, is now supportive of your candidacy?

I don’t know of Dr. Tunji Abayomi being bitter. He is my respected egbon (senior), a highly principled man, who is never out for personal ambition, but the collective good of our people all the time; he is a chronic party loyalist.

What he did was to express his feelings; he didn’t do this to bring down the roof of the house. He made it known clearly that he was opposed to a few things the party did, but at the end of the day, he is with us, a true democrat and a strong party man. It was right of him to say he felt hurt by the decision of the party. I concede that to him. He is a true progressive, of course, he cannot be in any other place except among the progressives and we are matching on together.

How true is the report that you did not register in Ondo State?

Anybody can say whatever he or she likes. I don’t have to be registered in Ondo State. It is not a legal requirement for me to contest election. They can say whatever they like. It is part of Labour Party propaganda. All I can say is that I am a registered voter at Ijebu II Ward 5 in Owo. Violence has suddenly crept into the election process with reported clashes involving the three main political parties. Is this not of concern to you?

I am concerned about violence, but I’m not surprised. Even before now, I had raised the alarm that Governor Olusegun Mimiko is keeping a ‘thugdom.’ His own idea is that he would get this thing (election) by force.

But I make bold to tell the governor himself and his party that they are fooling themselves. We would win this election fair and squarely, in spite of the thugs he is breeding. His thugs are all over the state. What is however of greater concern to me is that we have never had a fair deal from the Police.

Not until when the DIG (Deputy Inspector-General of Police) came and held a stakeholders meeting, my belief was that that meeting would have put things in its proper stead, but after he left, the incidents that happened

• Akeredolu (centre), his wife, Mercy, and Hon. Wale Oshun at a rally.

thereafter have continued to show us that the Police Command here is biased and is willing to do the bidding of Governor Mimiko and his party. The Police Command here is under the influence of Labour, whether it is monetary influence or whatever it is, but it can be otherwise anyway. The Police have been bought; it has demonstrated a total bias.

We urge the Inspector-General of Police to look at the case of the Ondo State Command and do a surgical operation.

The command that is parading the likes of Tunji Fadairo who has been in and out over five times, cannot be trusted.

The police have showed tremendous bias that, if care and urgent steps are not taken, might increase violence in the state. Because when people cannot find protection in the police, they might protect themselves and the leaders would not be in control of such situations. I have been preaching to our supporters to remain calm, not to be violent but if they are faced with a police that is now an arm of Labour Party, then they may have no choice than to protect themselves. One day, they may react and they may not be under my control.

But the police have openly indicted your party as the aggressor?

You don’t expect anything different from people who have shown bias. What do you expect the police that is under heavy monetary influence to say? They are writing a script for Labour; the (Police) Commissioner is a Labour (Party), his deputy, Tunji Fadairo is a Labour (Party) person, everybody knows, so they are writing a script for Labour. On the day of the incident, all of us were in joyous mood, having elected our candidate, so you don’t expect us to be unruly. If Labour Party men had not driven into our convoy, nothing would have happened.

The important message to the police is that it would do well to remain unbiased. They should know that we are not people that are afraid, we leave our fate in their hands, we leave our protection for them, but if they fail to do so, we will protect ourselves.

Would a resort to self-help not lead us to the type of crisis we witnessed in 1983?

I don’t know where it would lead us to. We are in 2012, we cannot go back to 1983, but all I know is that if the Police refuse to protect us, we will protect ourselves. When the DIG came, he appealed to all the political parties to conduct their affairs in a peaceful manner, he appealed

to the police not to be biased, but, unfortunately, all his appeal fell on deaf ears as unfolding violent events have now shown.

How far has the incumbent administration provided a level playing ground for all?

We are not expecting the incumbent governor to provide a level playing ground because he is not interested in it; what we expect is a police that is unbiased, a police that should and must not take side. It is the police that should give a level playing ground to everybody, if there is any attack, the police should do its lawful duty by arresting whoever is involved. So, I never expect this government to give a level playing ground; that is a suicidal expectation.

But people say the previous administration of Dr. Olusegun Agagu gave a level playing field; they wonder why the same cannot be expected from Dr. Mimiko.

You can’t talk about Dr. Agagu and compare him with Dr. Mimiko.

Agagu is an urbane gentleman.

Agagu is not someone you can compare to Mimiko. Mimiko believes in thuggery, he lives on it, his life depends on it, and his electoral aspiration depends on it. Agagu is a disciplined democrat, he allowed campaigns, he allowed billboards to be erected, he allowed posters to be pasted, and he allowed a level playing ground for all the parties. It is not the same thing with Mimiko, who is the exact opposite of Agagu when it comes to democratic tolerance. But he has to be very careful because these thugs he is rearing would sooner than later turn on him, so he has to be very careful.

But it sounds incredible that you are saying all that about Mimiko, the same man you defended four years ago at the election tribunal?

When you talked about defending him, remember that I am a lawyer. If I were convinced that there were election malpractices and they bring the matter to me, I would prosecute the case. But I will not support thuggery.

The matter that went to court was not for me to defend his thuggery. All I was there to do was to plead his case that his votes were manipulated, that votes were not cast and there were multiple thumb printing. All these we successfully proved. But if the case was

‘If you want to say he has performed well, go to our local areas, go into the interior, not a single life-supporting or promoting project is there. When you travel round the state and you go to the interior, you will weep for the people of this state. No light in the whole of the Southern Senatorial District, most communities in the state are not accessible, most of our farmers are living in abject poverty’

pleaded that he used thugs, I won’t go there to defend him. I guessed he probably did not use thugs because Agagu gave him a level playing ground to operate.

Some observers have adjudged Mimiko as doing well; why change a winning horse?

I don’t know if that is your own judgment. Anybody who says Mimiko has performed well must be seeing governance through a jaundiced eye. Mimiko has done nothing. What you see are cosmetic projects. If you want to say he has performed well, go to our local areas, go into the interior, not a single lifesupporting or promoting project is there. When you travel round the state and you go to the interior, you will weep for the people of this state. No light in the whole of the Southern Senatorial District, most communities in the state are not accessible, most of our farmers are living in abject poverty. The fact that he is asphalting and building fountains in Akure is not a measure of good performance. Here is a man who in his four years has not commissioned any tangible project except markets, which are supposed to be local government affairs, here is a man who, four years down the lane, has not employed one teacher, yet we have schools where you have over 100 pupils in a class, we have schools of about 2000 students with only two English teachers. Here is a man who, in his four years, no industry built by him or by private investors has been commissioned.

But the same man has been endorsed by prominent Yoruba leaders?

Chief Ayo Adebayo and Co. were park-lane politicians, they never knew how the works were being done on the field. What Chief Adebanjo and co. are doing is that they are still fighting a war that has ended. Their support for Mimiko has no scientific base. It is simply, ‘yes this is ACN being led by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, so we oppose him, no more no less. A party being led by Tinubu and headed by Baba Bisi Akande is an offshoot of Bola Ige, our enemy, therefore we must oppose it, and we must never allow any good thing to be seen in Yoruba land that has to do with Bola Ige.’ What they are saying is that in life and death, we are against Bola Ige. My appeal is that that battle should have ended with the death of Chief Bola Ige, let all of us match together for the greater interest and development of Yoruba-land.

The Yoruba will forge ahead with or without them, it is in their own interest to return to the fold, they cannot be against Yoruba interest.

Are you saying they are misleading the people?

With due respect to them, they are generals without troops, so they have no one to mislead.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

44

POLITICS

Stakeholders worry over electoral violence in Ondo

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Political Editor

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OLITICAL leaders in Ondo State are worried over the spate of vio lence that has characterised the governorship campaigns in the state.

They want the security agencies to rise to the occasion. Traditional rulers and community leaders have also been suing for peace, urging rival partisan politicians to desist from heating up the state ahead of the October 20 election.

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leader in Akure, the state capital, Chief Wumi Adegbonmire, attributed the violence to the desperation of the Labour Party (LP) Governor Olusegun Mimiko to remain in office beyond this year. He complained that thugs have been invading the ACN meeting venues to instill fear into the people. The foremost politician warned that the trick would fail because people were seriously pushing for power shift.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, Olusola Oke, a lawyer, has also complained that suspected LP thugs have been disrupting campaigns.

But he urged calm, saying that the will of the people will prevail.

The Director of Mimiko Campaign Organisation, Mr. Kola Olabisi, denied the allegations. He said PDP and ACN were giving the dog a bad name to hang it. “LP is a peaceful party. Ondo State was peaceful before some people invaded the state to disturb its peace. Our campaign in the Labour Party is peaceful”, he said.

ACN spokesman Gboyega Adedipe said Olabisi was pretending. He alleged that Governor Mimiko, who is seeking re-election, has been waging war against the opposition. He recalled that violence started on April 20, 2012, when the ACN organized a memorial lecture for former Governor Adebayo Adefarati at Oyemeku Road, Akure. Adedipe said LP members stormed the venue, singing and dancing provocatively to abusive songs against the opposition party.

“As the guests, mostly ACN members, began to arrive, the situation became rowdy as their supporters also stationed themselves outside the hall singing and dancing. The situation, however, turned violent when some invitees to the lecture, including former commissioners and special advisers who served under the late governor were prevented from entering the lecture hall by Labour Party members”, he lamented.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and police took the pre-emptive action by banning political gatherings. But it is always difficult to enforce ban on political activities in a volatile state.

On Saturday, July 28, the convoy of the ACN candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu, was attacked in Akure by thugs. The party blamed LP for the attack, which was denied by its Publicity Secretary, Kole Odogiyan. The media aide to Akeredolu, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku, alleged that hoodlums hauled stones and pebbles at the convoy.

A day before this attack, there was a clash between PDP and LP members at Ode-Irele. According to the PDP Director of Publicity, Mr. Ayodele Fadake, the clash was sparked off by government’s decision to inaugurate a community-based project on the same day that the PDP had obtained a Police permit to hold a rally in the town. “Some LP members planned to defect to the PDP and this sent the ruling party leaders jittery”, he said.

Ajanaku said Mimiko resorted to violence because he has no concrete achievement. “This is a governor who has sought to convince the world that he has performed in all spheres, but the evidence cannot be found”, he said. Olabisi rejected this claim, saying that the governor has done much for the state, adding that people would reward him with votes next month.

Ajanaku said gone were the days when non-performers would continue to be in public office in the Southwest. “Can we perform Mimiko to Fashola in lagos, Adams Oshiohmole in Edo? The handwriting is bold on the wall”, he added.

Election observers warn that violence may discredit the poll in Ondo, if stakeholders fail to avert the scenario. “Politicians should engage the people with their manifesto and plans, instead of resorting to violence during electioneering,” said Tunde Imolehin, an activist, who added: ”Violence is an ill-wind that blows nobody no good.”

Adegbonmire said an atmosphere of peace is critical to peaceful elections. “ACN is ready and we will not be intimidated. we want security agents and INEC to do a thorough job without fear or favour”, he added.

Last month, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, warned thugs to leave the state. He warned the members of the road transport unions, who are always tools in the hands of politicians, to shun violence. “I am coming to supervise the election in Ondo myself.

So, the unions should stay away from trouble”, he said.

Resident Electoral Officer Akin Orebiyi, who spoke on phone, also assured the partied of a level playing field. “We will work with security agents to ensure an atmosphere of peace and transquility during the election”, he assured.

‘Abia ready to conduct council polls’

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HE Abia State government has assured all those ex pressing doubts about its determination to conduct local polls next year that nothing would hinder the plan.

Pointing out that local council elections were last held in the state in 2007, shortly after the governor assumed office for his first term, his Chief Press secretary, Mr. Ugo Emezue said the government was ready to ensure that democracy takes roots at the grassroots. Since the expiration of the tenure of the elected chairmen and councilors in 2009, local councils in the state have been run by transition committees.

Governor Theodore Orji had promised earlier in the month that council elections would be conducted in January next year. He explained that it had been impossible for him to do just that because he was dealing with the heavy debt profile inherited from the previous chairmen of the councils in the state.

Reaffirming the governor’s plan, Emezue said “I can tell you authoritatively that all is set for that election and as we know, the governor, Chief Theodore Orji has never made a promise without fulfilling it. I will also like to let you know here that the issue of that election is one that has gladdened everybody’s heart in the state today. The election will ensure that democracy takes firm root at the local government level.

“Yes, some people may be asking why it has taken this long to conduct the election. The problem the governor had was that we had some elected chairmen that were in office for two years and who owed huge sums of salaries running into billions. It was a sad situation in which Abians themselves even backed the governor not to conduct the election until things were sorted out.

He blamed the loyalty of the former chairmen to the administration which ruled the state before the coming of Governor T. A. Orji, saying their loyalty was elsewhere and so did everything to undermine the government of thwe day.

“Of course we know what happened before the governor liberated Abians from what can be aptly described as the clutches of darkness.

We know that during that sad period, we hate to recall a lot of people were not loyal to the governor, particularly the local government chairmen who felt that they had a godfather somewhere that made them to become what they were.

“So they still paid allegiance to their so-called godfather, doing whatever they liked, while on the other hand, destabilising underground the laudable vision of the governor. To say they incurred so much for government is an under statement. So when their tenure expired, what the governor did, which was the obvious thing to do, was to appoint transitional chairmen for interim purpose. The idea was to en-

• The Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo (centre); Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Col. Olubunmi Fatunbi (rtd) (second right); Special Adviser, Special Duties, Mr. Segun Abolarinwa (right); Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Nonny Ugboma (second left) and Portfolio Manager, MTN, Foyesola Oyebola (left); as the Deputy Governor cuts the tape to formally receive the five patrol vans donated to the state government by MTN Foundation, in Ibadan... yesterday.

• Governor Orji

By Augustine Avwode

able the governor offset gradually the entire bill that was being owed”.

He gave a clue about the enormity of the burden that the government had to carry in respect of offsetting the debt the erstwhile local government chairmen incurred.

“Some local government chairmen owed more than one year salary and you could imagine the huge burden that was left for the governor to tackle. Governor Orji took time to clear all the problems and happily enough he is through with paying all that was owed and now ready for the election.

“Today, the Abia State government can beat its chest and say that the local governments are well stabilized and the time is now appropriate to conduct election in to the council areas. It has been slated for January and as I am talking to you, those responsible for the conduct of the election are making all efforts to meet the target date and to ensure a free and fair election” On what to expect in terms of transparency of the election process next January, the governor’s aide said there is no cause for alarm.

“The governor has said it that the election will be highly transparent.

He is the governor of Abia State, not the governor of any party and he has given that assurance. One of the hallmarks of his leadership is that he keeps to his promise so there is no cause for alarm. He is a man that believes in fairness, equity and justice.

“Even the opposition has come out to congratulate him for fixing the date because they know he will not renege. At the end of the day

we will see that it is one of the best elections people will adjudge as free and fair.

All the same, in an election, it is either you win or you lose but the most important thing is to know that the process was transparent”, he stated.

On the planned demolition of about 1800 illegal structures in Aba, which many people have criticized as an insensitive decision, Emezue said many people committed illegality by building unauthorized places, adding that there would be no going back on that decision so as to save the future of the state’s commercial hub.

“Aba that is the commercial nerve center of the state and if you go there you will discover so many illegalities in terms of people building on drains. What the governor has done over time is to take time to identify those places that are obstructing, not only the water flow of flood but disruption of the Aba master plan. He is not demolishing just to win applause because successive governments never had the courage to do the needful to save Aba from future disaster. Government is not witchhunting anybody. Government has been able to drain many areas in Aba, particularly, School Road which connects the whole of Aba. There is nothing to fear in this demolition exercise as far as the building is not on drains or at illegal place. The governor is taking the bull by the horn and I do not think there is any going back.

You cannot make an omelet without breaking an egg. We must do what is right”.

Making reference to what Lagos State Governor babtunde Fashola has made out of the former Oshodi, Emezue said what the authorities in Abia want is to make Aba look the way people would want it to look.

“At the end of the day the governor wants Aba to be what everybody is expecting it to be: a real commercial hub with the city well protected against future disaster. The truth is that change is a difficult thing for people to embrace. But as we know too, the only constant thing in life is change. I remember when Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State was demolishing Oshodi, a lot of people were criticizing his action but today they are praising him for the wonderful transformation of Oshodi.

What matters is not the criticism but that the right thing was done to the joy and benefit of the majority.

“By the time the governor finishes all he wants to do for Aba; it will become a destination point and Abia people will praise him for it. I can tell you there is no going back on that demolition. We want to give Aba a new face, it is a town that has been neglected by successive regime and we take exception to that mistake. Ask previous governments to point at what they did in Aba? There was nothing they did and this government cannot join that queue of neglecting Aba”, he declared.

Lawmaker blasts Folarin on criticism of Ajimobi’s projects

By Jeremiah Oke

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HE Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adigun-Hammed Abiodun has described a statement credited to the former Senate leader, Senator Teslim Folarin accusing the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) government in the state of non-performance as idle talk.

Senator Folaring had, while featuring on a radio programme in the state, criticised the Ajimobi administration for allegedly executing poor quality projects in the state.

But the Chief Whip, in a statement, said it was easier for people to criticise than point to what they did when they had the opportunity but failed to do anything.

The lawmaker said the former Senate Leader could not boast of any achievement for the eight years he spent in the Senate, nor can he be credited with bringing any reasonable project to the Southwest, let alone Ibadan land.

According to him ‘Why would a man who cannot point to a tangible project as an achievement when he was in the Senate, and for a whole eight years in this country, come out openly to critisise a performing government? He occupied the same seat the incumbent governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has used to transform the lives of the people in his constituency and people can still point to his many projects like vocational centres, among other things, but Senator Folarin did not bring anything from Abuja for his people.

“Folarin, who claimed to be a political scientist, wasted eight good years in the Senate without accountability. The road to his house was tarred by this administration, while the people in his local government are never proud of him.”

• Adigun-Hammed

B

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

45

Family of abandoned accident victim cries out

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INETEEN-year-old Abiola Agboola’s dream of going to the university after obtaining Ordinary National Diploma (OND), has suffered a major setback.

For over five months, she has been on the sick bed after two surgeries.

Even then, she still needs more professional attention to avoid losing her left leg.

Her predicament began on March 24 after she was knocked down by a tanker loaded with diesel. The incident happened at Anthony Village, Lagos as she wanted to board a motorcycle to her examination centre.

Her parents, Mr Kayode AgboolaMathew and his wife, both petty traders in Lagos, have expended their earnings on the accident.

So far, no less than N1.5m has been coughed out by the Agboolas.

As Miss Agboola writhes in pain on hospital bed but the police at Anthony Village, where the case was reported, are yet to prosecute the tanker driver who perpetrated the evil.

Sources said the culprit attempted to escape the scene but was caught by a mob along the toll gate and was handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, DSP Archibong Dyong who in turn put a junior colleague on the case as Investigative Police Officer (IPO).

By Duro Babayemi

Sources hinted that the culprit was released without a bail bond and that the case was not under the jurisdiction of Anthony but Somolu.

A written agreement was said to have made on March 27, 2012 that the employers of the tanker driver, Alhaji Abdul Kadiri and Sons Nigeria, pay the sum of N150,000 to the family being part payment for Abiola’s treatment.

Part of the agreement also reads: “We all agreed that there will be more commitment in the treatment of the wounded person.”

It was also said that both parties agree that the representatives of the company would visit the wounded girl in the hospital “to see to the development of her health…”

This agreement was reportedly reached in the presence of the Divisional Traffic Officer.

The representative of the firm, Mr Yisa Hassan was said to have relocated from Lagos while the owner Alhaji Abdul Kadiri was inaccessible to Agboola’s family.

Abiola’s father, Agboola-Mathew told Newsextra that a certain officer has accepted the sum of N130, 000 from the oil firm to step down the case.

According to him, the doctor’s report from the General Hospital,

•Abiola Ikeja said, “Abiola sustained severe soft tissue and bone injuries to the right lower limb and will need to undergo the third surgery as soon as possible.”

He lamented that he has sold all his belongings, including a piece of land in Lagos, to meet up with the medical bill, saying the oil firm has

not visited the hospital in the past five months.

He decried the lackadaisical attitude of the police in handling the case, saying the family has been impoverished as a result of her daughter’s sickness.

“My daughter has been confined to the hospital bed having

undergone two surgeries and awaiting the third one,” he said.

The native of Inisha in Osun State, said neither he nor his wife could continue in business since the incident took place as they have to stay with their daughter on her sick bed.

Hassan, the General Manager of the oil firm, told Newsextra: “I am an employee of the firm and have tried my best; I have told the family to contact Alhaji Kadiri and sort it out with him.”

Contacted on the telephone, DSP Archibong refused to give any details of the case, saying he was away in Akwa Ibom State on his annual leave.

“Tell Abiola’s father that he is a fool; I am exercising my human right in Akwa Ibom and I don’t need any disturbance.”

When contacted, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, said she was not aware of the case and referred Newsextra to the Divisional Police Officer of the station Superintendent of Police Adeola Raji, who was on leave when the incident was reported at the police station in March.

Raji promised to look into the case and ensure the culprits are brought to book while necessary steps would be taken to ensure Abiola regains her health.

Abiola is asking the public for help.

Any assistance should be forwarded to Abiola Atinuke Agboola’s GT Bank Account Number: 237 2347 191 820.

Cross River tackles traffic gridlock •Continued from Page 17 second-hand cars here in Cross River because our mass transit would be so efficient that people would leave their cars at home and enter the buses that we would provide, thereby giving their vehicles second-hand value. The reason why we buy those cars from Belgium and other countries places is because the owners do not drive them every day. So buy the time you buy the car it is still a car. Mass transit is the way forward.”

Ekong said they were getting a commercial loan to acquire the 35 coaster buses in the first batch.

He said: “We prefer coaster buses because of their size and our roads instead of the large Benz we had for MetroBlue. We have identified the coaster bus that has two doors.

We don’t like the middle door

because coming in and out can be a problem. So there is a Tata Marco Polo 26-seater and 33-seater twodoor Coaster that we are in the process of acquiring.

“These buses would be given to the private sector to be supervised by the mass transit corporation.

“We intend for these buses to run on schedule. That is to say, there would be routes and there would be timetables and they would run on schedule. We recognise that this may take a while to establish knowing our ways and cultures. We also have seen where others have succeeded. ABC Transport, when it started, would always leave on time; that is why people came to rely and depend on it. That is what we want to do. We have retained consultants. We have carried out traffic study. We have an indication of how long it will take given traffic lights, how long it takes to get for

example a bus to get from Effio Ette to Rabana, so based on those studies, we are able to arrive at preliminary timing, which as we do the test run, we would adjust as necessary. But we want a situation where we would say that a bus would be at the bus stop at 9.15 and it would be there at 9.15. If it is leaving at 9.17, it would leave at 9.17 whether or not anybody is inside. We believe if that happens from three to six months, everybody would begin to see the efficacy.

Ekong believed that as they make parking and other things a bit more stringent people would find it cheaper and safer to enter the buses.

“The buses would be kept clean and they would be run efficiently.

We will then be able to maximize on our MetroBlue buses because we would take them, clean them up and those would be the ones plying intercity routes and at lower rates

so that market women and goods can use those ones and allow these smaller ones for other people. The incorporation of the bus mass transit corporation is on-going, acquisition of the buses is on-going, and we believe that in the next 30 days or so that transaction should have been concluded.

The search for a private operator has commenced. Government understands that it must succeed in public transportation, because once the transportation sector is working, most other sections of the economy would also function a bit more

Erosion threatens Bayelsa community •Continued from Page 17

emony that attracted the high and mighty in the country.

Enumerating the qualities of Banigo which endeared him to the kingdom, Johnson-Berefabo said the former Minster of Science and Technology, was a worthy recipient of the crown.

Banigo, he said, is a “man the kingdom believes can take it to greater heights”.

The Committee also informed that the Okopama Kingdom had Sikaka, Ibelubelu, Nende, Tia, Kpekiya, Saikiri, Osungu, Onu,

•From right: Vice-Chairman, Mosan-Okunola LCDA Hon. Opeyemi Akindele; former Chairman, IkotunIgando LCDA Comrade Monsuru Ola; Vice-Chairman, Ojokoro LCDA Alhaja Fausat Olajokun-Hassan and the council’s Special Adviser on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Hon Folasade Omitogun during the Gala Night organised by Nigerian Union of Journallists (NUJ) Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) at Ikoyi, Lagos.

•Mr Edem Ekong

Akirigbo, Gboro, Bouyai, Orukari, Goli, Obasi, Obu, Okiringbo, Okparan Tubu, Eei Tamunobere and Kesiye Sagbe “as kings before the election of Ebitimi Emmanuel Banigo as king”.

The coronation ceremonies will also be used to share the rich historical and cultural heritage of the kingdom, including its rich tourism potentials.

“The Oil and Gas rich Okpoama Kingdom is the biggest tourism destination in the Niger Delta and an emerging investors’ hub in the Southernmost tip of the Niger Delta,” Johnson-Berebofa said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

46

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WARA State Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed has laid the foundation of a vocational centre in the state.

The centre, located in Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state, is expected to train youths that would be marketable and employable within and outside the country.

Also, graduates of the centre would assist the government in addressing the current gap in the building industry for competent and trained artisans, the governor said.

Ahmed explained that his administration placed high premium on youth empowerment through job creation because of the recognition that youths constitutes 70 per cent of the state population and “are significant agents of positive change, if properly harnessed.

Any serious effort to transform the lives of our people must therefore incorporate youth economic empowerment.”

He emphasised that the education reform agenda embarked upon by his predecessor, Senator Bukola Saraki was still on course, pledging to continue to use education to add value to the lives of the youths and unemployed graduates in the state by turning them into job creators rather than job seekers.

He said this would be vigorously pursued through his government’s numerous human capital development strategies.

The governor added: “I am therefore pleased to be part of history today as we take another firm step towards transforming our youths into successful economic actors with the foundation-laying of the international vocational centre.

“Today’s ceremony testifies to my administration’s strong resolve to create a new generation of highly-employable artisans and prosperous youth entrepreneurs through the provision of market-relevant skills under our Shared prosperity programme.

“At the end of the training period, successful students will be awarded globally-recognised certificates and diplomas moderated by the London-based City and Guilds. Towards this end, curriculum for the centre has been struc-

•Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed (middle) lays the foundation of the Centre, accompanied by Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Saka Onimago (left) and Commissioner for Finance, Mr Ademola Banu (right)

Abdulfatah lays foundation for skill Centre From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

tured to address the need to meet not only international standards but also industry and business needs.”

He said that the state had also provided jobs for not less than 2000 youth as wells as absorbed 1,430 into its civil service.

The state Education and Human Capital Development Commissioner,

Alhaji Saka Onimago said of the Centre: “This is where our youths will acquire skills to be self-reliant, independent and be supportive in moving the state forward. They will not only be employable but marketable anywhere in the world.”

Onimago added that: “The world as a global village is electronically driven.

Our mechanics, artisans and technicians have to adopt more techniques and

Flood sacks Delta communities

S

CORES of displaced farmers in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State are now seeking refuge in the higher upland of Ashaka and Utagba-Ogbe, Kwale towns following the washing away of their communities, farmlands and crops by flood from the River Niger and its tributary, Ase Creek.

The flood, which appears to have taken the farmers particularly unawares around Ase Creek, started a few weeks ago as the River Niger gradually overflowed its bank.

Subsequently, the water began to rise, submerging farmlands and crops on the alluvial rich islands and adjoining farms on both sides of the River Niger thereby sacking the farmers and destroying their fish ponds, homes and markets.

The destruction soon spilled over to other NdokwaEast communities along Ase and Inyi creeks as the distended River Niger vomited its contents into the creeks.

Communities most affected along the River Niger are, Aballa-Oshimili, Utchi communities of (Okwumedo, Umuochi, Owelle, Obalu and Obeche), Okpai, Abalagada, Aboh, Abuato, Ugbene, Agwe-Iyom, Ise-Onokpo, Onuobiuku, Umu-Ugbome, Umu-Uti, Afiankwo, Umuolu, Adiai, Utuoku, Oworubia, Wari-Irri, and Onyah.

Other communities affected are, Aballa-Obodo, Aballa-Uno, Inyi communities of (Umu-Inyagbo, Obeche, Umu-Agwuyam, Isiolu, Umuoga, Ezinyi, Utuke, Ude, Ogigogwe, Ezeagba), Umu-Eche, Ogwasi, Umugwo, Umuazu, Ozala, all in Onuaboh.

The flood also ravaged Akarai,

•Many riverside communities have been washed away Azagba, Ekpe, Ibedeni, Osafu, Ase, Asaba-Ase , Onogbokor, Iyede-Ame and Anyama.

Chief Nnamdi Olise-Atuoku and Mr. Raphael Nwammana who are now seeking refuge at Ashaka and Kwale, respectively, said that yams, cassava, plantain, vegetables, egg plant and pepper, among others, were completely destroyed in their farms.

On the large-scale destruction by the high flood this year, former chairman and deputy chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Mr. Tony Uti, a lawyer, and Hon.

Oyibosochukwu Nwabueze appealed to the National and State Emergency Management/Relief Agencies to come the aid of hundreds of farmers affected by the flood disaster.

They said the entire Aboh town, the Local Government headquarters may soon go under water as the market in the community has already been submerged, adding that unless there is urgent response from the Federal and State governments there is imminent threat of famine ahead since Ndokwa East is a major food basket in Delta State.

training if they want to remain relevant within this dynamic world. This is what international vocational centre is all about.

“The policy thrust is also targeted at the existing vocational centres to improve on their training procedures so that competent skilled artisans whose services will be desired anywhere in the world can be produced.”

The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Sikiru

Atanda who spoke through one of the elders of the town, Rasak Alabi, said when the centre becomes operation, it impact positively on the commercial and social lives of the people of the community, adding, “more jobs will be created and more accommodation will be required and of course, new settlements will spring up around this axis to accommodate the attendant rise in population.”

48

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

It is for the reason of safeguarding life and property of our people that government is doing all within available resources to develop appropriate manpower and put the right facilities in place to ensure efficiency and effectiveness

R

EBUILDING efforts are on in Ekiti State.

Governor Kayode Fayemi has revived infrastructure, built new roads and rehabilitated bad ones. Schools are getting a lift. The health scheme has caught on, and the elderly have cause to smile.

Yet, there is more. No fewer than 153 recruits have been engaged and are being trained in both the fire department and paramedical section. The aim is to boost emergency management in the two areas, and help implement the Fayemi administration’s plan.

The recruits will complement existing personnel in the state fire service department who are equally undergoing refresher courses.

The exercise, which lasts five weeks, is part of the ongoing overhaul of emergency fire and ambulance services in the state that has already procured state-of-the-art fire-fighting trucks, well-fortified emergency ambulances and allied equipment and complementary renovation of fire stations in AdoEkiti, Ikere-Ekiti and other local governments.

Speaking at the event, the state Deputy Governor Mrs. Funmi Olayinka emphasised the importance the state government attaches to security of life and property.

Mrs. Olayinka recalled that a similar training had been organised in February for officers and men of the fire service on the operations of a high-tech fire-truck donated to the state by friends of Governor Kayode Fayemi in the diaspora.

She explained that training the new recruits would provide much needed technical knowledge during fire rescue operations, road accidents and other related emergency services.

Appealing to the people of the state to be conscious of security, the Deputy Governor charged them to avoid creating hazardous situations that could lead to unpleasant consequences She said: “It is for the reason of safeguarding life and property of our people that government is doing all within available resources to develop appropriate manpower and put the right facilities in place to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

“It may interest you to know that a total number of 1000 candidates were subjected to written a test out of which 400 were invited for inter-

•Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, with Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wole Olugbuji and the State Director of Fire Service, Mr. P. O. Dada, inspecting a parade of the recruits

Ekiti firms up emergency services

By Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

view based on their performance.

However, only about 150 could be accommodated in the two categories of fire services and medical ambulance services,” Olayinka said.

She also urged residents to alert the appropriate security and emergency management outfits on time for necessary intervention, warning that they avoid creating situations which can possibly lead to emergencies.

She explained that the event was just another effort of Governor

Fayemi’s 8-point agenda.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wole Olugboji commended the governor for his commitment to human capital development and high regard for safetyin Ekiti which he said informed the latest effort.

He explained that the training programme is a follow-up on the recruitment of fire officers and paramedics to prepare them adequately for the challenges and technicalities involved in fire incidences, medical emergencies and other disasters.

Noting that the Department of

Fire Services in Ekiti State, before Governor Fayemi’s intervention, could not boast of adequate personnel to carry out rescue operations, Olugboji said the new recruits are to raise the preparedness of the services to handle fire and other related disasters and emergency situations in the state.

He said five fire-fighting engines, six sophisticated ambulances, three water tankers to serve as back-up to the fire trucks and associated accessories, have all been ordered to give emergency services a sound footing in the state.

“Other decision being taken by this administration to address emergency situations across the state,” according to Olugboji, “is the renovation of the 3 existing Fire Stations at Ikere, Ikole and Ijero while the ambulance bays to serve as points for the state Emergency Ambulance Services, are already undergoing necessary renovation.

“Clearly in line with other critical

interventions in other sectors of the state and in furtherance of government’s employment generation programmes across ministries, departments and agencies through which nearly 20,000 had already been engaged in various fields and vocations, the latest effort while serving the immediate emergency purpose will further deplete already significantly depleted population of the unemployed in the state”, he noted.

In his own remarks, the Lead Consultant of Magen and AA Disasters and Emergency Management Limited, a German firm and handlers of the training, Mr. Alony Moshe, said his organistaion was ready to give the best orientation in terms of theoretical and modern training.

Other state officials at the event included the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye, State Director of Fire Services, Mr. P.O. Dada, permanent secretaries, among others.

Youths urge Jonathan to fulfil jobs promise

A

•From right: Chief Executive Officer, Instinct Group, Mr Akin Naphtal; Editor, Marketing World Magazine, Kehinde Olesin and Head, Creative Instinct Media, Francis Otuogbai at the 2nd Annual Marketing World awards nominees press conference in Lagos.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

GROUP, Great Nation Global Youth Organisation (GNGYO), has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to fulfill his campaign promise of proving three million jobs for youths as part of the transformation agenda.

It urged unemployed youths to acquire skills to earn a living, to shun violence and to work towards strengthening the country’s unity.

In a communiqué issued at after its national working committee meeting, signed by the President, Charles Omini; National Secretary, Mohammed Tukar and National Organising Secretary Kingsley Udoh, the group said more jobs are needed to alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian

By Joseph Jibueze

masses.

The group sued for peace, urging religious leaders to promote peace and non-violence among their members, and parents to be good examples and leave worthy legacies to their children.

Omini praised the President for compelling his cabinet members to sign a performance agreement, saying it would help speed up the country’s transformation.

He said GNGYO was ready to partner the Federal Government in all areas of the economy, especially security and job creation in order to boost the living standard of Nigerian youths.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

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50

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 20-9-12

Core investors snap 11% equity in Unic Insurance M ORE than 11 per cent equities of Unic Insurance Plc were transferred through the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday just as the stock market sprang forth with additional N76 billion capital gains.

Two deals were struck for 288.94 million shares of Unic Insurance, a 51-year old composite insurer, worth N144.5 million at the company’s nominal value of 50 kobo per share. Unic, like several other insurance companies, has remained stagnant at its nominal value, in spite of the sustained recovery in the overall market.

A market source said the deals were crossed, implying that the deals were earlier concluded between the disposing and acquiring investors and were merely ratified through the transfer mechanism of the secondary market.

The source noted that the large-ticket transactions might indicate major changes in the shareholding structure of the company.

Although it is seldom used because of cost implication compared with other alter-

• Stocks add N76b

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

natives, cross deal may however be used by an investor in managing his shareholding including transfer of shares from an account to another account.

The deals on Unic Insurance pushed the insurance subgroup to the top of the activity chart with a turnover of 309.71 million shares worth N159.8 million in 162 deals. Banking subsector followed with a turnover of 136.34 million shares valued at N932 million in 2,403 deals.

Investors staked a total of N1.82 billion on 546.83 million shares in 4,679 deals.

The stock market remained upbeat with most equities on the upward. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities rallied N75 billion to close at N8.239 trillion as against its opening value of N8.163 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI) similarly rose by 0.91 per cent to 25,875.31 points as against its opening index of 25,642.39

points.

The rally yesterday pushed the average year-to-date return at the stock market to 24.82 per cent, almost a double of 12.8 per cent inflation rate.

Nigerian Breweries set a new high with a gain of N8.50 to close at N145. Okomu Oil Palm gathered N1.50 to close at N36.50. Cadbury Nigeria added N1.02 to close at N21.56. UAC of Nigeria chalked up 75 kobo to close at N42.75. Ashaka Cement gained 62 kobo to close at N13.13. UACN Property Development Company rose by 53 kobo to N11.55. PZ Cussons Nigeria added 44 kobo to close at N24.89. Union Bank of Nigeria gained 41 kobo to close at N8.70 while Dangote Flour Mills rose by 35 kobo to N7.35 per share.

On the downside, International Breweries led the decliners with a loss of N1.66 to close at N15.03 per share. Arbico followed with a drop of 51 kobo to close at N9.88. Zenith Bank dropped by 29 kobo to close at N16.

Diamond Bank lost 22 kobo to close at N3.31. Skye Bank fell by 14 kobo to N3.14 while Cement Company of Northern Nigeria and First City Monument Bank dropped by 10 kobo each to close at N4.60 and N3.07 respectively.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 20-9-12

THE

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

NDIC drills examiners on risk-based supervision

T

HE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corpora tion (NDIC) has commenced training of its staff in risk-based supervision (RBS). The training programme is for corporations examiners, to enable them understand and examine the risk profile of banks and the various risk management models being deployed by the banks.

A statement from Mallam Hadi S. Birchi, Head, com-

T

Stories by Nduka Chiejina and Collins Nweze

munication and public affairs unit of the NDIC said the training is in conjunction with the Central Bank of Nigeria, and will include critical areas, such as overview of risk management, understanding the framework for risk-based supervision and risk mitigation techniques.

The NDIC he said, had recently concluded the third

leg of the RBS for 54 participants, out of which five were from the CBN and 49 from Bank Examination Department (BED), Special Insured Institutions Department (SIID) and Zonal Offices of the Corporation.

The fourth leg of the RBS training programme is to be held early next year in Abuja for the CBN and NDIC examiners in the Head Office and Zonal Offices.

Managing Director/Chief

Executive, NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim said the corporation was collaborating with the CBN in implementing risk based supervision (RBS) of banks, to enable them effectively evaluate risks inherent in activities and risk management functions of banks.

Also, the corporation had entered into a Technical Assistance Agreement with the Office of Technical Assistance (OTA) of the United

Regulators laud Unity Bank’s transparency

HE Consumer Protec tion Council of Nigeria (CPC) and the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) have commended Unity bank Plc for sticking to the principles of transparency and fairness in the handling of its savings promotion known as AIM, SAVE and WIN. Both regulators according to a statement, oversaw the second national draw of the

promo recently held in Lagos.

Head, Lagos sector of the CPC, Mrs. Ngozika Obidike rated the conduct of the draw high and credible and suggested that the entire selection process be automated as a way of further raising standards.

The Head of Regulation and Monitoring, NLRC, Umar Shehu said his agency had followed the draws from the beginning and was satisfied that the promotion was transpar-

Although winners of the star prizes were not present at the event, the bank’s Media and External Communications Manager, Sani Mohammed Zaria confirmed that management of the bank would reach the customers and make a public presentation of the prizes to them.

Unity Bank had had earlier in the year presented a car to the first star prize winner who is a customer in its Maiduguri branch.

ent.

The two cars, which were the star prizes were won by the bank’s customers, Mary A. Iruafemi of Afuze branch in Edo State and Abubakar Tata Usman of Malam Madori branch in Jigawa state. They emerged from a pool of 3,760 savers who qualified for the draws as per the rules of the six month long savings promo. The runners-up won consolation prizes.

Foundation, AllWorld Network seek SMEs funding

T

HE Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and AllWorld Network Incorporated are working out modalities that will make it easier for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to secure funding and gain prominence from reputable global businesses.

Both institutions said during a media briefing in Lagos that they are in the process of selecting 50 SMEs in

the country under the ‘Nigeria Fast Growth 50’ that will benefit from the scheme.

The move is part of efforts to showcase and rank the most innovative and dynamic private companies in the country thereby making it easier for them to attract funding and technical support from abroad.

Co-founder, AllWorld Network, Deirdre Coyle explained that the Nigeria

Fast Growth 50 application process is open to private companies in Nigeria who have been able to grow revenues of 100 per cent or more in the past three years. Companies will gain global recognition, a network of growth entrepreneurs.

Research Manager, TEF, Ebi Brisibe said the Foundation is committed to celebrating African business

leaders and entrepreneurs so as to develop the continent.

Some of the criteria that participating companies must meet include: minimum of three year audited operating history with turnover of at least N80 million as at 2011, must have its primary location in Nigeria and must not be 51 per cent or more owned by a publicly traded company or any institution from the public sector.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 20-9-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

FIDSON NB HONYFLOUR DANGFLOUR CADBURY ASHAKACEM PORTPAINT TRANSCORP UBN UTC

1.29 136.50 2.00 7.00 20.54 12.51 3.03 1.01 8.29 0.61

C/PRICE

1.41 145.00 2.10 7.35 21.56 13.13 3.18 1.06 8.70 0.64

C/PRICE 15.03 3.31 9.88 0.97 2.01 0.63 3.14 2.32 3.07 4.60

send and receive money, as well as facilitates easy transfer and access to funds across the nation and in all countries where Ecobank is represented.

According to him, the product was designed to save the customers from the risk of carrying cash as well as facilitating easy payment for goods and services across the country.

“It enables easy payments across African borders without the challenge of sourcing for foreign exchange as the payments are made in the local currencies of both the transfer and the receiving countries”, he said.

The product, he added, is suitable for trans-border traders, schools/students, travelers, parents, foreign nationals residing in Nigeria, churches and missions, embassies and consulates, regional airlines/transporters amongst others.

CHANGE 1.66 0.22 0.51 0.05 0.10 0.03 0.14 0.08 0.10 0.10

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE

0.12 8.50 0.10 0.35 1.02 0.62 0.15 0.05 0.41 0.03

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

LOSERS AS AT 20-9-12

SYMBOL O/PRICE INTBREW 16.69 DIAMONDBNK 3.53 ARBICO 10.39 MCNICHOLS 1.02 LEARNAFRCA 2.11 ROYALEX 0.66 SKYEBANK 3.28 ETERNA 2.40 FCMB 3.17 CCNN 4.70

COBANK Nigeria has advised parents and guardians to pay their children and wards school fees using its Rapid Transfer product which, facilitates funds transfer within African countries.

In a statement, the bank said the product is available to customers and non-customers of the bank, adding that the Rapid Transfer “Back to School” campaign qualifies them to win instant gifts.

Head, Product Head, Domestic Products, Funwa Akinmade said the “Back to School” campaign provides a special window for parents to pay their children, wards school fees and other necessary upkeep allowances.

He said the money transfer product available in all Ecobank branches in Nigeria and allows beneficiaries to

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Currency OBB Rate Call Rate

Ecobank strengthens cross-border transfers

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

E

• Ibrahim

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

States of America Treasury Department as part of efforts to reposition the Corporation and enhance its capacity to discharge its mandate of depositor protection.

Under the agreement, which is for an initial period of two years, the technical assistance involves a comprehensive review of the Corporation’s operations in banking supervision, deposit guarantee, bank failure resolution and closures with specific reference to the following:

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 125.13 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 114.08 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.77 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.10 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.93 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,713.48 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 10.45 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 8,652.66 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 124.96 113.71 0.74 1.10 0.91 1,709.59 9.94 1.33 1.80 8,411.80 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

56

NEWS Ijaw seek direct allocation of 13 per cent From Shola O’neil

I

JAW youths in Delta State have urged the Federal Government to pay the 13 per cent derivation fund to oil bearing communities in the region.

They threatened to put out “oil flow stations” in their land, unless their demand is met.

The Delta Ijaw Oil Producing Areas Youth Assembly (DIOPAYA) of Gbaramatu, Egbema and Ogulagha kingdoms were reacting to the dissolution of the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

They said the payment of the money to the government favours the development of the state capitals to the detriment of the oilproducing communities.

DIOPAYA’s President Joseph Wurayai and Secretary Jackson Timiyan, in a statement in Warri, said DESOPADEC, which draws 50 per cent of the derivation fund, failed to make any impact in the oil-producing communities.

They said: “Consequently, we resolved that the 13 per cent derivation fund should be allocated directly to the oil-producing communities, so as to save them from the overwhelming injustice that is meted out on them.

“This will allow these communities develop at their own pace and encourage the inhabitants to jealously guard the oil facilities on their land.”

•Group Director, Human Capital Development, TROYKA Holdings, Olalekan Amoo-Onidundu; General Manager, Human Capital Development and Administration, Dangote Noodles, Ngo Mcdappa; Managing Directior, Senior Client Partner, Woodburn Mann, Andrew Woodburn; Managing Director, MediaPro Consulting Ltd, Taiwo Osunsanya; and Chief Executive Officer, Masterminds HRSG, Sebastine Okeke at a strategic talent and organisation improvement session at Protea Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos….. yesterday.

PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

Flood ravages Edo communities

U

DABA, Osomhegbe, Ofukpo, Agbazi and Udochi communities in Edo State have been flooded, following overflow of the River Niger.

Farms, houses and property worth millions of naira were washed away.

Residents have abandoned the communities for neighbouring villages.

The lawmaker representing Estako Central in the House of Assembly, Mr. Johnson Oghuma, at plenary yesterday urged the government to assist his people.

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Osikhena-Boih Donald, who hails from the area, visited some of the affected villages.

He assured the people that relevant agencies would be informed.

•NEMA donates relief materials to victims From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Also yesterday, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) handed over relief materials for flood victims to the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Benin, the state capital.

NEMA Southsouth Disaster Risk Reduction Officer Eric Ebhodaghe said the effects of flooding on the people can be reduced through cooperation between the state government and the agency.

Items donated to the victims included 300 bundles of roofing sheets, 600 bags of cement, 2,000 pieces of planks, 300 bags of rice, 300 blankets, 200 mattresses, mosquito

‘Disaster is not only about relief materials, but also about preparing for it. A situation where people are forewarned and they refuse to relocate calls for more sensitisation’ nets, bags of garri, towels and clothing materials.

Ebhodaghe said: “In recent times, we have experienced flooding across the country.

That is why NEMA has been issuing warnings to ensure that Nigerians do not unduly suffer from climate change.

“NEMA will continue to partner the state (Edo) to bring succour to the affected people. We cannot tame nature, but we can ameliorate its consequences.

“Disaster is not only about relief materials, but also about preparing for it. A situation where people are forewarned and they refuse to relocate calls for more sensitisation.”

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Developments Deaconess Florence Ebomoyi-Idundun assured NEMA that the materials will get to the victims.

‘Dickson didn’t blame predecessors’

T

HE Bayelsa State Government has denied yesterday’s media report, in which Governor Seriake Dickson reportedly blamed the state’s challenges on past administrations.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Douye Diri, who represented the governor at the 80th birthday ceremony of Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia in Benin, the Edo State capital, was said to have made the comments during an interview.

Yesterday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Markson-Iworiso claimed that Diri was quoted out of context.

Markson-Iworiso said: “What Diri said was that the immediate past government was less convincing on the challenges of development and that President Goodluck Jonathan’s last visit was to give out scholarships, an initiative that was started by him and is being continued by Dickson, instead of coming to inaugurate completed projects as was reported.”

Hospital worker held for N6.7m ‘fraud’

A

WORKER at the Accounts Department the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) in Irrua, Edo State, has been arrested by the police for allegedly embezzling N6.7 million belonging to the hospital.

It was learnt that the worker had not been remitting some of the money collected on behalf of the hospital into designated accounts.

It was gathered that some senior officers of the accounts department had been

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

sent on compulsory leave because of the fraud.

A source at the hospital said the fraud was discovered by the cash unit supervisor while auditing the accounts.

ISTH Director of Administration Mr. Tony Edeko said an administrative Panel of Enquiry has been set-up to probe the accounts.

He said the suspension of some account officers was to allow for transparent investigation.

Cross River to spend N4.5b on roads From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

T

HE Cross River State Executive Council has ratified contracts for the building of 46 roads in the second phase of its Urban Renewal Programme.

The roads to be built are situated in Ikom, Ugep, Obudu and Ogoja. The Diamond Road in Calabar is also included.

Speaking with reporters after the weekly State Executive Council meeting, Commissioner for Works Legor Idagbo said the contracts are as follows: Obudu, N1.2 billion; Ikom, N921 million; Ugep, 1.35 billion; Ogoja, N840 million; and Diamond Road, N179 million.

Idagbo said the state has spent N13 billion on the repair of federal roads and the money is yet to be refunded.

Medical centre gets CMD

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Dr Ayodele Lawrence Majekodunmi as the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Ido Ekiti, Ekiti state.

His appointment took effect from September 17.

Ayodele, a consultant psychiatrist in the hospital, was the acting CMD before his appointment.

He took over from Mrs Ololade Ojo, who retired in May.

•Dr. Ayodele

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

57

NEWS Enugu councils’ pension fund now N160m From Chris Oji, Enugu

T

HE Enugu State Economic Planning Commission has reviewed the monthly contribution of local governments to the Council Workers’ Pension Board from N90 million to N160 million.

Commissioner for Information Chuks Ugwoke announced this in Enugu after the end of the commission’s meeting presided over by Governor Sullivan Chime.

Ugwoke said the review was an interim measure to alleviate the suffering of pensioners, pending the verification of the pensioners’ list by the councils.

He said council projects were also reviewed at the meeting.

The commissioner said Chime and the Chairman of the Local Government Commission, Lady Bridget Orjiekwe, urged the council chairmen to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

Ugwoke said the state government has approved the biometric capture of newly recruited civil servants.

APGA suit: Umeh seeks new judge

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HE National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, has applied for the reassignment to another judge of the suit in which he and the party were restrained from convening meetings .

Umeh accused the Chief Judge (CJ) of Enugu State, Justice Innocent Umezuluike, who is hearing the suit, of bias.

In a letter to the CJ on Wednesday, Umeh said: “I am reasonably apprehensive that your Lordship is obviously biased and compromised in this matter.

“Accordingly, I respectfully request you to kindly, Sir, reassign this case to an

•Accuses judge of bias From Chris Oji, Enugu

unbiased judge, who will, God willing, do justice in the matter.”

On July 25, the court restrained Umeh from convening meetings at all levels.

The APGA chairman said the case was adjourned to July 31 for argument on the preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

He accused the CJ of suo muto, extending the life span of the order from July 31 to September 17 without any party requesting it.

Umeh said: “Not only was the unsolicited longevity granted to the ex parte, I heard your Lordship read that the order will also restrain all parties, including APGA, which is not a party to the suit before the court.

“I have no doubt that your Lordship is fully aware that

by Order 39 Rule 3 (4) of the Enugu State High Court Rules, the life span of an ex parte order cannot exceed 14 days. But in this case, the ex parte order granted on July 25 was by judicial fiat extended till September 17, a span of nearly two months.

“Despite denying me a copy of the proceedings of July 31, you refused to deliver the ruling on the Notice of Preliminary Objection before you on September 17.

“I strongly believe unseen forces are pulling the strings to frustrate our party and deal with me as the national chairman. I will resist such evil machinations by all lawful means at my disposal and ensure that truth and justice triumph.”

The APGA national chairman said the judge should have sorted out the issue of jurisdiction before dabbling in other matters.”

The case will come up on September 24.

Transporters accuse Customs of extortion From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

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RANSPORTERS in Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday accused men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Owerri Zone, of extortion.

They alleged that Customs officials were demanding bribes from them, ranging from N300,000 to N1 million.

Director of Uchenna Motors Mr. Uchenna Maduakor, speaking for his colleagues, said: “We are raising this alarm over the series of extortion by officers and men of the NCS, Owerri Zone, especially those staying at 9th Mile Corner, Enugu and Umuna stations, because these people have caused us enough damage and in most cases caused accidents involving our vehicles on the Obollo-Afor Road.

“Our outcry is informed by the obvious conspiracy of silence on the side of the NCS leadership, which has turned our business into a nightmare. Customs officials stop our vehicles, extort the drivers and on many occasions impound the vehicles for no reason.

“They demand between N300,000 and N1 million for imported goods with duly signed Customs duties. They stop poor market women who come to buy baby wears in Onitsha from Plateau State.

This is seriously affecting our business, as many people have abandoned our transport companies.

“We do not carry arms or ammunition; these people carry only baby wears. We urge President Goodluck Jonathan to look into our case.”

A senior Customs officer in the Office of the NCS Controller, Owerri zone confirmed the irregularities.

He said the transporters have never complained to the zonal office and pledged to notify the Controller.

•The Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (left); receiving a plague from the Chairman, Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, Lt.-Col. AbdulGaniyu AbdulSalam and the Life Member, Board of Trustees of the Association, Col. David Laoye, during the association’s visit to the governor at the State Secretariat, Osogbo...yesterday.

Floods kill three persons in Ebonyi

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HREE persons have been killed by floods in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Property worth millions of naira were destroyed in the floods, which ravaged many communities in the council.

Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Elder Igboke Umunna confirmed the deaths during an assess-

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

ment tour of the affected areas with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Thousands of people have been displaced, with farms and houses submerged.

Over 30 villages, some of which share boundary with Cross River State, are affected by the floods.

One of the communities, Nwolohzi, has been cut off from its neighbours. Children in the area were being conveyed to school with canoe.

Some of the victims, Mr. Linus Ezeoru from Ndieze and the Coordinator of Izzi Development Centre, Apostle Charles Nwokpo, urged the government to assist them.

The NEMA Zonal Coordinator, Southeast, Dr. Onimode

Bamidele, who was represented by the agency’s Relief Officer, Mr. Ifeanyi Nnaji, described the situation as “devastating” and urged people living in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer places.

Umunna said the body of one of the three victims, who drowned in the flood, had been recovered.

He said the bodies of the two others were yet to be found.

Imo community protests oil spillage at Shell’s pipeline

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ESIDENTS of Umudike in OhajiEgbema Local Government Area of Imo State yesterday protested a massive crude oil spillage on the Umudike-Assa-Rumuekpe oil pipeline owned by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

The protesters accused SPDC of neglect, hazardous practices and inhuman treatments.

They said the protest was to prevent the company from hurriedly covering up the spillage without undertaking the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to determine the extent of the damage on the environment.

According to them, this is not the first time a spillage has occurred without the company compensating the

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

community.

The community said: “In 1997, there was a spillage that was poorly handled by the company. In 2001, there was another massive oil spillage, which resulted in an explosion and burnt over 13 people to death. Several others were badly burnt and incapacitated.”

Speaking on the scene of the spillage, which was manned by heavily armed soldiers, the community’s youth leader, Mr. Ogini Reginald, said: “This is not the first time they have done this act of sabotage and we are prepared to resist them, until the right thing is done. Since this company came into this community in 1964, it has not done anything to improve the living standard of the people.

There are no hospitals, schools, good roads and over 100 graduates from this community are unemployed.”

The protesters demanded, among other things, that SPDC removes its old pipes and replaces them with new ones to avoid spillage, compensation to the community for environmental damage from previous incidents and provision of employment opportunities for youths.

A 99-year-old woman, Mama Felicia, tearfully said their land is no longer fertile for agriculture.

The traditional ruler of Umudike Autonomous community, Ezeali James Nwanro, said: “When the spillage occurred, SPDC contacted me, and I told them to carry out their preliminary assessment to ascertain if the spillage was an act of sabo-

tage or equipment failure before the issue of compensation should arise.”

Anambra to drop unviable projects From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

THE Anambra State Government yesterday said it would drop projects that are not impacting positively on the people in the next fiscal year.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Prof. Stella Okunna, spoke during a one-day Development Partnership Inter-Agency Review and Coordination meeting in Awka, the state capital.

The development partners in attendance included the Department for International Development (DFID), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union (EU).

Prof. Okunna said some of the programmes of development partners that would be dropped are in the agricultural sector.

She thanked the development partners for their support and intervention in the areas of water schemes, sanitation, immunisation, provision of mosquito nets as well as the provision of drugs for people living with in HIV. The commissioner said the state will streamline the activities of donor agencies to avoid wastage and duplication of activities.

She said the state government invited the development partners to assess their work, so that the government would know where to intervene.

PUBLIC NOTICE PHILIP

I, formerly known and addressed as EGWUONWU ONYEKA PHILIP, now wish to be known and addressed as EGWUONWU ONYEKA FRANK. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank, Uni. Jos and the general public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public that the receipt and all documents for the purchase of my House has been stolen. Ad Hoc Committee on the Sales of FGN Houses, AGIS, Abuja Development Control and the general public please take note.

Signed: GRACE E. O. TAIGA

PUBLIC NOTICE KASHIM BUKAR SHETTIMA FOUNDATION This is to notify the General public that the above named organization has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for the Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1.

Alhaji Kashim Bukar Shettima 2.

Hajia Umal Khair Shettima 3.

Alhaji Abdulrazaq Mohammed 4.

Barr. Alhassan Adoga Aliyu 5.

Barr. Rekiya Shaibu OBJECTIVES 1. To assist the less privileged members of the society 2. To provide Education to the destitute Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Barr. Rekiya Shaibu

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

58

NEWS Group passes vote of no confidence in lawmakers From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

A GROUP of youths from Southern Kaduna, under the auspices of the Gurara Patriot Foundation, yesterday passed a vote of no confidence in the lawmakers representing the area in the National Assembly.

It said they have failed the constituents.

Addressing reporters in Kaduna, the leader of the group, Vincent Bodam, said the lawmakers have not fulfilled their promises.

He said members of the group were disappointed at the attitude of the lawmakers, adding that they refused to reply their letters which asked them to furnish them (members of the group) with their records of performance in the last one year.

Condemning the attitude of the lawmakers in the House of Representatives, Bodam said only the senator representing the area, Senator Nenadi Usman, replied them, telling them that she would come to her senatorial district to address them and answer questions.

He said: “In June, the Gurara Patriot Foundation wrote letters to the lawmakers representing Southern Kaduna in the House of Representatives. It requested to know from them, as true representatives, their plans for 2011/2012 and efforts made to ensure the siting of projects in their constituencies.

Community leader for burial September 29 A COMMUNITY leader, Elder Ahudiya Akalezi Imo Maduako (Nne Nke Okwukwe), who died on June 26, will be buried on September 29. She was 110.

She will be buried in her hometown, Umuda Isingwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

According to the funeral programme, her remains will leave the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia for Umuda Isingwu. It will lie in state.

Funeral service will follow at St. James Methodist Church Nigeria, Umuda Isingwu, Umuahia.

Elder Maduako was a devout Christian. She was a Lay Preacher at the Methodist Church.

She is survived by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and greatgreat grandchildren, among who is Dachi Maduako (son), a journalist and pastor in Foursquare Gospel Church, Lagos.

•The late Elder Maduako

North ready to negotiate 2015, says ACF

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HE North yesterday made moves in the race for the 2015 presidency. It said it was prepared to negotiate with other sections of the country.

The pan-northern sociopolitical organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), in a communiqué at the end of its emergency meeting, said it was in support of any political strategy that would put the North in a vantage position in 2015.

The communiqué, which was signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani, reiterated its earlier stand that it was early to begin political activity towards 2015, as such was capable of distracting the Fed-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

eral Government.

It noted that the priority of the North is to restore unity and peaceful co-existence among the ethnic nationalities and religious groups through mutual trust and confidence.

The communiqué reads: “The emergency meeting was called to receive and consider the road map for peace, unity and development in the North. The road map is an outcome of the resolutions of the Arewa Conference on Peace and Unity held on December 5 and 6 last year.

The submission was done by the former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim

Ahmadu Coomassie, the Sardaunan Katsina.

“Members resolved that the priority in the North is to restore unity and peaceful co-existence among the ethnic nationalities and religious faiths through efforts to inspire mutual trust and confidence among the people of the North and indeed, Nigeria in general.

“To this end, ACF must enlist the support of stakeholders such as the governors, local government chairmen, lawmakers, traditional rulers and religious leaders as well as leaders of political parties for the purpose of implementing those aspects of the recommendations that are

within the purview of their executive authority and sphere of influence.

“While the forum supports any political strategy that will put the North in a position which will enable it negotiate with other sections of the country from a position of strength and secure some favourable terms, it is the view of the forum that it is too early to start political activities for 2015, because such early start is capable of distracting government from the task of governance.”

Assembly gets petitions on Aliyu From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

•NIEEE National Chairman, Adekunle Sunday Makinde, receiving the Minister of Communciation Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, during a visit in connection with the forthcoming ICEPT 2012.

NIGER State House of Assembly has begun investigation into a call by a group of Concerned Citizens in the state to impeach Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu.

The Assembly, at its plenary on Wednesday in Minna, received four petitions for and against the call for the impeachment of the governor.

The petitions were received on behalf of Speaker Adamu Aliyu, by the Clerk, Malam Mohammed Kagara, when the Assembly was on four weeks recess.

Presenting the petitions on the floor of the Assembly, the Clerk read the letters before laying them before the House.

A group of individuals in the state under the aegis of the Concerned Citizens of Niger State, in a letter dated September 3 and signed by Mohammed Usman, Chairman, Mohammed Awaisu Wana, Deputy Chairman and Garba Ataza Paiko, Secretary, called on the Assembly to begin the impeachment move of the governor.

We’re not planning to attack Plateau, say Fulani

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HE Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association has denied that the Fulani are planning to attack some villages in Plateau State.

In a statement issued in Jos yesterday and made available to The Nation, the National Secretary-General of the association, Alhaji Saleh Bayeri, said: “It’s not true that the Fulani are planning to attack some villages in Plateau State.”

Governor Jonah David Jang raised the alarm at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday that security reports made

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

available to him indicated that the Fulani were planning to attack some villages in the state.

The governor urged the people to be on the alert.

Bayeri, while debunking the allegation, said: “The Fulani are not planning any attack as alleged by the governor. We are cooperating with the state and federal government on how to achieve a lasting peace in the troubled are-

as.

“The only thing in our mind is how to achieve a lasting peace in the state. We are making moves to reconcile as could be seen in our last visit to Aso Rock. We have made our position known to President Goodluck Jonathan. We respect him. We will not do anything to truncate the ongoing peace efforts.”

Governor Jang, when addressing stakeholders, said: “Most of the attacks on people were carried out by the gunmen recruited and

trained from outside the state.

He went on: “The Fulani that killed two Plateau lawmakers in July were brought from outside the country. The clothes they wore were alien to Nigerians. According to security reports, some Fulani have been trained to attack again and we don’t know why.

“I enjoin the people of this state, especially those in remote areas, to be on the alert.

They should cooperate with security agencies to repel any attack.”

Mark inspects flood ravaged communities in Benue

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ENATE President David Mark yesterday sympathised with flood victims in Benue State.

He urged the Federal Government to intervene in the disaster to save lives.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, said Senator Mark gave the advice when he and Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam inspected flood-ravaged communities and resettlement camps where some of the victims are taking refuge.

It quoted Mark as saying that the predicament of the victims required attention “because the situation is disturbing.”

•Urges Fed Govt to intervene From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

Mark said nobody anticipated the disaster, adding, “though we need rains, we don’t want torrential rains.”

He said: “I share in your pains. We can only ask you to be patient until the rains begin to subside. This is beyond the state government. I urge the Federal Government to come to the aid of the state government.”

Senator Mark enjoined Nigerians to take measures against the strange water that “has ravaged parts of the country this rainy season.”

He hailed the government and medical team that have been assisting the flood victims and urged them to be hygienic.

The Senate President donated N4 million to enable the victims purchase drugs and foodstuffs.

Conducting him round some of the flooded communities, Governor Suswam thanked Senator Mark for the visit and enjoined the Federal Government to assist the state.

He said the state government has provided four resettlement camps accommodating about 5,000 victims.

•Mark

Mark was accompanied by the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning, Senator Barnabas Gemade and the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro.

NDLEA accuses Gombe council boss of selling fake drugs From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

T

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered alleged sharp practices by the Chairman of Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State who is also the proprietor of Gwandum Pharmacy, Mr. Samuel James Barka. He was accused of stocking and selling fake and unregistered drugs.

The discovery was made when NDLEA officials came to his shop for a routine check for fake, banned and expired drugs.

A source said the agency tested nine suspected drugs with a scan machine and discovered that seven of them were fakes.

A number of unregistered products were also discovered.

The source said the drugs, mostly anti-malaria, were mixtures of over 70 per cent chalk or baby powder.

Five banned drugs namely, Fulcin, Septrin, Nimesulide, Gentamycin Injection 280mg and Optalidon were found and seized during the operation that took place in four local governments.

Briefing reporters after the exercise, NDLEA’s Deputy Director, Ports Operations, Mrs. Comfort Makanjuola, urged medicine dealers to buy from authorised sources to avoid being used as agents of destruction.

She said the routine check was not meant to witch-hunt anybody but to keep faith with the agency’s commitment to its mandate to safeguard the health of the citizens by uncovering the practices of fake drug dealers.

Govt urged to purge judiciary of corruption From Kolade Adeyemi Kano

AN elder statesman, Alhaji Magaji Dambatta, has stressed the need to purge the judiciary of corruption.

He said unless steps are taken to correct the perceived evil in the judiciary, the consequences would be unpleasant for the citizens.

Dambatta, who spoke during a reception organised by the Kano State Government in honour of the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Maryam Alooma Mukhtar, at the Government House, Kano, said allegations of corruption in the judiciary are rampant and cannot be ignored.

“There is corruption in our courts. Money is paid for justice. Guilty people are set free. There is no hope for people seeking justice because there are many obstacles on their ways,” he said.

Dambatta went on: “People are aware of what is happening in the judiciary. They are helpless now, but will not remain helpless forever. Our leaders must sit up and do their best to change the situation.”

He urged Justice Mukhtar, who he described as courageous and honest, to do her best to change the evil in the judiciary.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

59

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

You will be surprised that we have some of these tractors in this country but they are all obsolete or need refurbishment. So if we have the arrangement to provide the spare parts and workshop where the tractors can be repaired when they get spoilt, then we are making sense..

- Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture

Fed Govt issues N101b T-bills, yields drop

Jonathan approves N600b for NPC projects

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HE Federal Govern ment has sold N101.22 billion ($642.26 million) in treasury bills with maturity ranging from three months to six month, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said yesterday. Yields were also down more than 100 basis points due to strong demand for the paper.

The apex bank according to Reuters sold N37.49 billion of 91-day paper at a yield of 12 per cent, lower than the 13.64 per cent it offered at the previous auction.

It sold N63.73 billion in 182day paper at 12.6 per cent, down from 13.80 per cent previously.

Total subscriptions were at N220.88 billion, while demand for the 182-day bond was the heaviest, at N143.48 billion.

Meanwhile, Yields on Nigeria’s 5-year and 7-year bonds fell more than 300 basis points at an auction on Wednesday, as Nigeria prepares for its inclusion in JP Morgan’s Government Bond Index for emerging markets (GBI-EM) from October.

The Federal Government sold N60 billion ($380.71 million) worth of sovereign bonds with maturities in the range of 5 to 7 years at 12.93 per cent and 12.90 per cent, respectively, at a regular auction on Wednesday, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said yesterday.

The 2017 bond was issued at 16.32 per cent at the last auction, while the 2019 paper was issued at 16.14 per cent last month.

Total subscription for the notes stood at N82.94 billion, driven by strong participation from offshore investors and local pension funds taking positions ahead of the inclusion in the JP Morgan index, dealers said.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N6.503 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.5% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending - 15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit 5.49% MPR 12% Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Gladys Pius, Abuja

P

• From right: Group Managing Director, Royal Exchange Nig. Plc, Mr Chike Mokwunye; Chairman, Mr Keneth Ezenwani Odogwu and the Company Secretary, Ms Shella Ezeuko at the 43rd Annual General Meeting of the company, held at Victoria Island, Lagos ... yesterday.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

Arik Air suspends operation, accuses FAAN A

RIK Air yesterday s u s p e n d e d its domestic operations due to what it called persistent hostilities by officials of the Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The Managing Director, Chris Ndulue, said the airline took the decision in the face of hostility, which the airline suffered yesterday.

FAAN workers yesterday stopped operations at the domestic wing of the Lagos airport, locking in already checked in passengers.

Ndulue said: “ Arik Air has no option than to suspend all domestic operations until further notice. This issue borders on personal interests and not payment of bills, since FAAN, has been collecting their charges in advance since18 months now. Arik Air regrets the inconveniences this disruption

by FAAN would cause our guests.”

He alleged that the airline’s troubles are due to its inability to meet the personal demands of certain influential persons in the industry, saying there have been several attempts and threats to disrupt the carriers operations and give the false impression that Arik AIr is owing agencies.

He said: “ After these attempts failed, today (yesterday), they resorted to using some FAAN’ staff. We are aware that some staff refused to join them in the illegal and unwarranted action.

They locked the boarding gate

• Agency: We are not aware of protest

Falana blames government

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AGOS Lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), one of those whose flight was disrupted, has blamed the government for the woes in the aviation industry.

He said: “Because of the irresponsibility of our government, aviation industry has been left in the hands of private owners. I have the white paper on Nigeria Airways where over one billion dollars was said to has been collected by the Obasanjo government and that is enough at that time to set up two or three airlines.

“All the properties in GRA and other places including London were sold out give away prices and if your union is to fight the crisis in the aviation industry, they have to link up with progressive civil society organisations.”

“Banks were collapsed by criminals, the government has put in over N3trillion in the last four, five years why have they neglected the aviation industry? If I am owing you, you can take me to court, even, as a government that is why the courts are there.”

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

and prevented passengers from getting to the aircraft and were making false announcements of unimaginable sums of money they claimed Arik AIr is owing.

“This is only a calculated attempt to punish the airline and tarnish its image.

“For the record, Arik Air does not owe FAAN as being alleged by the agency. We want to state that FAAN has been collecting its charges over the last 18 months when it introduced the pay as you go system of revenue collection.

“In this year alone, we have paid over N2 billion to FAAN .

Several figures are being bandied about by FAAN as Arik Air’s indebtedness to the agency. The amount the agency is claiming is fictitious and baseless.

“We have an outstanding balance of N1.6 billion from the period before the Ministry of Aviation and FAAN started pay as you go system. In January 2011 , the former minister of aviation directed that such outstanding be cleared within 30 months. We have been paying down on the amount at the rate of N100 million per month and we will continue to do so.”

Arik did not explain the “personal demands”, but a

text message going round yesterday said a senior government official had been insisting on having 5% shares in the airline – Nigeria’s biggest and fastest choice of most travellers because of its new equipment.

FAAN, said it was not aware of the protest carried out by members of the industrial unions which entailed the disruption of Arik Airlines’ flights.

The protest was carried to allegedly recover debts owed by the airline to various agencies in the industry.

In a statement, the General Manager, Public Affairs, Akin Olukunle said : “ The management wishes to inform the public that it was not aware of any plan by the unions to embark on the said industrial action, as the management considers it to be counter-productive to the current efforts being made by management to recover debts owed FAAN by Arik Air and other customers.

“The management wishes to assure the public, particularly air passengers and all other airport users, that we are doing everything possible to address the issue that informed the industrial action by the unions without recourse to violence.

“We also wish to assure the public that their safety and security remains our top priority at all our airports, including the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.”

Onne FTZ attracts N930b, says Aganga

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HE Onne Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has attracted N930 billion ($6billion) worth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) since inception in 1997, it was learnt yesterday.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, disclosed this yesterday at the 2012 Oil and Gas Trade and Investment Forum, in Onne, Rivers State.

By Toba Agboola

He also said that the Federal Government’s new visa policy, which allows foreign investors to get their visas at the point of entry, is currently operational.

The Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone he said, is adjudged the single largest and fastest growing Free Zone in the world dedicated to the oil and gas industry.

Acknowledging that globally, FTZs are known to have the largest job creation capacity, he said records have shown that every job in a Free Trade Zone creates two additional jobs through a multiplier process.

Aganga stressed that the development of a viable Free Trade Zones was critical to the actualisation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s

Transformation Agenda, adding that the Ministry of Trade and Investment was committed to making the country’s FTZs the hub of trade and investment within Africa and globally.

Aganga noted that the new visa policy was part of the Federal Government’s investment climate reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved a sum of N600 billion for developmental projects in the National Population Commission (NPC), within five years, NPC Chairman, Eze Festus Odimegwu said yesterday.

Speaking in Abuja when he received in audience, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission, Mr. Ocaga Marti who led his team to the NPC, Odimegwu explained that the money will be raised from different sources.

With the fund, government he said, is set to reposition the NPC for effective date gathering agency.

A presidential committee on the development of the Central Demography Data, Odimegwu said has been set up under the chairmanship of the Vice President Namadi Sambo with the technical support of NPC. His words: “We have come up with a new vision to actually make sure that NPC becomes the centre of excellence for population data in Nigeria. So that we can lead that demography field for our national development and global competitiveness.

“We have a mission to be the best population agency in Africa by 2017. Making sure we provide a better means for all users across board internally and externally.

PIB’ll become law soon, says Deputy Speaker

By Ambrose Nnaji

S

PECULATIONS as to whether the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), a crucial document that sets up guidelines on the oil and gas operations in Nigeria would be passed into law or not may have been laid to rest, as the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha said the bill would be passed into law soon.

He gave the assurance during the occasion of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Stakeholders’ Engagement on the bill in Lagos, yesterday.

Ihedioha, said the PIB, when passed into law, would lay a solid foundation for transparency, structural, commercial and fiscal framework for the operations of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria, as well as drive broader reforms in the sector, adding that the uncertainty generated by the lack of a comprehensive, all inclusive legal framework to guide oil and gas operations in the country has led to massive capital flight and suspension of critical investments in the sector.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

FOREIGN NEWS 14 killed in Somalia suicide bombing

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WO suicide bombers yesterday blew themselves up in a restaurant in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, killing at least 14 people, officials said.

The attack - not yet claimed by any group - took place in the city centre, near the presidential palace.

The dead included the former editor of Somali National TV, Liban Ali Nur, two other journalists and two policemen.

Somali government troops say they are advancing on the port of Kismayo, held by the Islamist group al-Shabab.

The UN refugee agency has reported a sudden spike in the number of civilians fleeing Kismayo, from a few dozen to more than 1,000 a day.

Although al-Shabab has lost

ground recently, it still controls large swathes of southern and central Somalia.

The BBC’s Ibrahim Aden in Mogadishu said he saw six bodies at the Village restaurant, which is opposite the national theatre.

He said the restaurant is popular with civil servants and journalists.

Ali Mohammed Yassin, who was in the restaurant at the time, told the AFP news agency that he heard “a loud explosion”.

The cafe, about 1km (0.6 miles) from the presidential palace, is not within the security zone but is popular with journalists and those in political circles.

The attack happened at a time just before evening prayers when it is crowded

with people, meeting up to exchange gossip and the latest happenings in government over a tea or coffee.

Now the cafe, opened three years ago by a Somali businessman from the UK, is covered in blood. Body parts and two severed heads could be seen amongst the dead and injured.

It is a chilling reminder for Hassan Sheikh Mohamud 10 days into his presidency of the challenges he faces.

He added that at least two people were taken to hospital with severe injuries.

Mohamed Sheikh, a security guard at the national theatre, also said that he saw bodies and wounded people, according to Reuters.

50 injured as police, protesters clash in Pakistan

A

AT least 50 people were injured yesterday as 5,000 Pakistanis - some carrying the flags of Islamist groups - protested over a US film.

Officers fired tear gas and live rounds as the demonstrators, many armed with wooden clubs, tried to reach Islamabad’s heavily-guarded diplomatic enclave. It is home to most Western embassies, including the US, British and French missions.

The government called in the army to protect the site after protesters broke through a barrier of shipping containers set up by police to block a road leading to the area.

Meanwhile, new television adverts emerged in the country

showing a US Embassy seal condemning the anti-Islam video along with US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

The US State Department warned Americans yesterday to avoid non-essential travel to Pakistan.

In a separate development, France’s interior minister said he would not allow any protests over the film Innocence of Muslims after a violent demonstration last weekend near the US embassy in Paris.

Meanwhile, the editor of a French satirical magazine that ridiculed Prophet Mohammad by portraying him naked, was under armed guard as he made his way to the Charlie Hebdo

offices yesterday.

Police presence was stepped up outside the magazine’s headquarters in Paris and editor Stephane Charbonnier, ‘Charb’, was escorted by two men, as he passed an armed policeman to enter the building.

The drawings have risked exacerbating a crisis that has seen the storming of US and other Western embassies, the killing of the US ambassador to Libya and a deadly suicide bombing in Afghanistan.

France Police guard Charlie Hebdo offices Hundreds of Afghans yesterday protested for the first time against the French cartoons and staged fresh rallies against the anti-Islam film.

Afe Babalola: Judges are prone to corruption •Calls for state appeal courts From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

•Chief Babalola

J

UDGES are prone to corruption due to economic realities of time, eminent lawyer Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) said yesterday.

He spoke at the summit on the future of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja.

The proprietor of the Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State lamented that it is now common to find Magistraes riding in taxis and other form of public transportation.

This, he said, exposes judicial officers to risks and temptations from litigants and accused standing trial.

Represented by Prof Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN), Babalola also blamed the criteria

used in appointing Judges as partly responsible for the low quality of Judges and delay in cases.

According to him, appointments are not always made on merit but on extrinsic factors such as family and political ties or affiliation.

“As a result of this, the judiciary and ultimately the judicial service system have been the worse for it.

Cases now get protracted not always because of the attitude of lawyers as many have been made to believe, but because of the poor quality of some Judges.

“Babalola suggested that Judges should be appointed from Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).

He, however said, the process of appointment of SANs must be open and transparent.

At the moment, he pointed out, that the process is “restric-

tive and selective” and “therefore prone to abuse and or manipulation”.

Babalola faulted lawyers who see the NBA platform as a means to acquire quick popularity and riches.

He also advised the association to distant itself from issues outside its objectives.

“The Bar is not and should not be regarded as a political party or a means to acquire quick wealth. Such views clearly detract from the ability of the body to effectively discharge its duties”, he said.

Babalola canvassed for states to have their appeal courts which would hear matters that do not have any connection or determination and would have no effect on federal laws and the Constitution.

He also advised that the office of the Attorney General of the Federation should be separated from that of the Minister of Justice to avoid conflicts of duties.

40 million permanent voter cards not ready, says INEC

T

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday denied having in its kitty the 40 million permanent voter cards it contracted out forproduction.

In a statement, it said: “This is to correct the erroneous report in some of today’s (yesterday) dailies that the cards are ready, and that the commission has the cards in the kitty.

“What the Chairman of INEC, Prof Attahiru Jega, said on Wednesday when course participants from the Defence Intelligence School, Abuja, visited INEC was that the Commission had contracted out the production of the first batch of 40 million permanent

voter cards, and hopes that all registered voters would have been issued permanent voter cards before the end of 2013.”

The statement, signed by Jega’s spokesman, Mr. Kayode Idowu reads:“His words, inter alia: Our hope is that by 2015, we will not only have a very credible register for the election, which will have been updated through continuous voter registration process, we will also have been able to provide all Nigerians who had registered with a permanent voter card – a permanent voter card which has an electronic chip, and which will enable us, using card readers at polling units, to

ensure 100 per cent authentication. This is to ensure that only the people who are legitimate owners of those cards are allowed to vote in the elections.

“This is what we’ve been working on and a lot of progress has been made in that regard. And our hope is that by the end of 2013, every registered voter would have been given a permanent voter card in readiness for the 2015 election. We’ve gone very far, we are already producing the first batch which is about 40million out of the 73.5million voters who have been registered.

“From the foregoing, it is evident that claim of the 40 million permanent voter cards being ready, or having been received by INEC, was made.”

Kalu berates Fed Govt on security challenges

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ORMER Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu has berated the Federal Government for its inability to find solution to the myriads of challenges confronting the nation, particularly security and power.

He said the development has pointed to the failure of the leadership and unwilling attitude of the leaders.

Kalu, who spoke yesterday as a guest speaker at this year’s edition of the Prof. David Ijalaye Annual Lecture entitled: “Leadership: Key Factor to a Better Nigeria,” organised by the Equity Chambers of the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, identified leadership as the greatest challenge facing the country.

He lamented that those who have consistently been in power after the 1966 military coup were never prepared for leadership, saying it was either they were talked or lured into it.

Saying that Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo never wanted to be the Head of State on February 13, 1976 and civilian president in 1999, Kalu noted that on the two occasions, Obasanjo was asked

From Soji Adeniyi, Osogbo

to lead the country when he never dreamt of it not to talk of planning to lead.

He said Alhaji Shehu Shagari in 1979 wanted to be a senator when he was made the president “without preparing for the task of the office.”

Kalu said it was also the same situation for the late Umaru Yar’Adua and the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, adding that while Yar’Adua wanted to go back to teach Chemistry in the university after eight years as governor of Katsina, Jonathan only wanted a full term as governor of Bayelsa after his principal, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, was impeached.

“Why does Nigeria get reluctant leaders? Is this country cursed or jinxed? Why do those

who prepare for leadership never get it? We know the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was referred to as the best President we never had. We know of Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, who wanted us to bid farewell to poverty.

“We know of many others who had prepared and groomed themselves for leadership. They never got it. But the reluctant ones get power without any preparation. What is the matter with Nigeria?” he asked.

Kalu urged researchers in the academia to help look into why reluctant ones are called to serve instead of the willing and best prepared Nigerians.

He listed many African countries with sit-tight leaders, including Togo, Cameroun, Gabon, Zaire, Algeria and Libya, saying something must be fundamentally wrong with the African continent.

Police warn vehicle owners

T

HE Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of abandoned and accident vehicles parked at Victoria Island Police Station to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction.

The vehicles are Volkswagen Fanagon bus, unregistered and Opel Astra car marked SS532AAA.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

61

NEWS Governors back at Supreme Court Continued from page 1

The states argue that the account is illegal and that the Federal Government did not seek their input before establishing it.

But the Federal Government claims the account is being kept as a stabilisation fund to protect the country against global economic crisis as witnessed between the 2008-2009 global meltdown.

The governors also decried the process whereby it is only the federal government that has control over the use of the fund.

The acrimony between the federal and state governments has been on since 2007.

The governors approached the Supreme Court, asking for a refund of their shares of the federation revenue which have been used to fund the fuel subsidy regime, among other things.

The governors urged the Supreme Court to immediately halt the continued deduction of funds it claims it is using to finance the fuel subsidy and other deductions from the Federation Accounts.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of yesterday’s NEC meeting, Ahmed said council encouraged both parties to continue the consultations towards working out an amicable solution.

He said: “After considering a report by the Committee on the out-of-court settlement on the excess crude account litigation on the extent of the ongoing negotiations between the Federal and state governments, NEC encouraged the counsel of both parties to continue the consultations towards working out an amicable solution.”

Ahmed, who was accompanied to the briefing by his Gombe counterpart, Ibrahim Dankwambo and the Minister of National Planning, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, however said the council’s position was advisory.

He said the council’s position remained that if an out-of-court settlement could still be explored, the parties should go ahead in the negotiation.

NEC also considered a presentation by the new Performance Measurement and Re-

sults delivery System in Nigeria

by Shamsudeen, which has begun at the federal level with the recent signing of Performance Contracts between Mr. President and the Ministers and its extension between Ministers/Heads of Agencies and Permanent Secretaries.

The NEC noted the need to cascade the New Performance Management system to sub-national level to harmonise performance management and tracking system and adopted a roadmap presented by the National Planning Minister to that effect.

NEC agreed that the States should Establish a Functional Monitoring and Evaluation Department to coordinate the implementation of the Framework and support Performance Management;Conduct Sensitisation/Induction workshops for all Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Agencies and Parastatals and Directors; Governors Forum to adopt as part of Peer Review Mechanism; The National Planning Commission to co-ordinate the production of templates and provide overall technical support.

Senate hits Maku over comment on resolution Continued from page 4

Said the Senator: “If there are very fat buttocks that are sitting on it, he (President) should use the executive powers to push them out and get the reports implemented in the overall interest of this country.”

He added: “There is a huge gap and anything to bridge this gap is helpful.

“Namely the response from Minister of Information on our resolutions concerning the N5000 note, that our resolutions are not binding.

“I don’t think that we need

the Minister of Information or any other Minister to tell us that our resolutions are not binding just as we don’t need to remind him that he was not elected.

“We know that our resolutions are not binding, but the positions we take in this Senate, especially regarding the resolutions, are all well thought of.

“They are borne out of patriotism; they are well researched and they are amalgamation of the views of very responsible Nigerians.

“To that extent, they are very

persuasive and any person who is ignoring the resolutions of this Senate is doing so at the expense of good governance and we cannot encourage such a thing.

“I believe this is the opportunity for Mr. President to go and look for resolutions of the Senate regarding the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) investigations.

“If there are very fat buttocks that are sitting on it, he should use the executive powers to push them out and get the reports implemented in the overall interest of this country.”

Jonathan stops N5000 banknote Continued from page 4

problem is that they are not giving any sensible answer to the fears expressed by Nigerians, aside from such pedestrian reason as, it will make Nigerians to hold naira instead of dollar. “ We are supposed to be in a democracy and since Nigerians have rejected the policy, even their elected representatives in the House of Representatives and the Senate on Tuesday 18th of September, 2012 condemned the plan.

“Rather than listen to Nigerians, the CBN is engrossed in distribution of insults and name calling to anybody who dared express a contrary view. To my utter consternation, I watched on National Television as an elder statesman and former President of this country was being called names and ridiculed for daring to hold a contrary view.

That is a big shame.

“Since all indices show that Nigerians do not want the N5,000 note, even if the leadership of the CBN is right, we believe that they are bound by the wishes of the people or they should take the honorable path of resignation, rather than exhibiting such unbridled high level of arrogance and rudeness.”

Wali went on: “For all the faults that may be identifiable in President Goodluck Jonathan, arrogance cannot be said to be one of his attributes.

The NBA is therefore amazed that this high level of megalomania is going on under his watch. We will, therefore, call on the President to please do the needful, initiate the process of the removal from office of the leadership of the CBN.”

The NBA said it would not hesitate to challenge in court the implementation of the policy, if the government went ahead with it.

On the raging debate over the onshore/offshore dichotomy by the Northern governors, the NBA agreed with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), that the matter had been settled by the Supreme Court.

“We condemn the attempt by some politicians and their sympathisers to deliberately overheat the polity by resurrecting the matter. We recognize that it’s nothing but an attempt at distracting Nigerians from insisting that they deliver on their campaign promises. They have been elected to deliver on the promises they made to the electorate and we think they should concentrate on that and desist from any calculated attempt to

distract and deceive the people,” Wali said.

On the essence of the summit, Wali said the Bar was reviewing rules of professional conduct and the Legal Practitioners Act, to regulate solicitors.

The summit would also draw up a comprehensive five-year strategic plan for the NBA. Wali said the association was working on the establishment of co-operative societies and micro finance bank as well as to develop insurance and welfare scheme for lawyers.

The Bar also expressed worry on the declining quality of lawyers, stressing the need to participate in designing courses, curricula and syllabi of legal education.

The NBA has realised that to enhance its value to its membership, and to be able to positively affect professional standards, it must make significant input into the training of its members, Wali said.

North’s governors back Tambuwal Continued from page 4

Ihedioha.

“We met the Deputy Speaker on Tuesday to intimate the Speaker about the meeting, but he was not available at that particular time; he was at an engagement outside the complex. So, if we are planing to unseat him, is it logical to inform him of the meeting and send text to everybody, when we know that we all have our differences?

“Speaking of issues, there were no issues to be discussed, we have not met, if we had met, issues would have been raised and addressed or find means of addressing them, so there was no agenda”.

“If impeachment was on the agenda, how can I put my name on the text. The text was a catch; it was meant to make members curious enough to want to attend.”

According to the lawmaker, the planned meeting was eventually shelved as a result of the executive session that was attended by all the lawmakers.

“By the time the text was sent, the leadership found it necessary to sit for an executive session, and since executive session usually holds for the Speaker to get feedback and comments from members, by the time we concluded it, we felt that there was no need for it any more,” Kutigi added.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

63

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

S

TEVE Biko was one of the iconic figures of the South African struggle against the racist, oppressive and immoral system of apartheid. Throughout his involvement in the struggle, and especially in his last days, he epitomised the best in the tradition of resistance movement, defying the arrogance of the operators of a system that denied its victims one of the most precious gifts of the creator—freedom and justice. In the end, he was brutally murdered in prison. But he left a lasting legacy with words to guide and advance the cause for which he died. He reminded us that “it is better to die for an idea that lives than to live for an idea that dies.” These words, crafted on the commemorative stone that marked Biko’s final resting place are worthy of the attention of intelligent human beings.

It is better to die for an idea that lives because in the life of the idea, the immortality of the dead is assured. On the other hand, living for an idea that dies makes one a living dead. We still remember the like of Steve Biko and Martin Luther King Jr. Indeed Dr. King has his memorial monument alongside those of former presidents in the prime real estate of the United States capital while those who tormented him and organised his premature death lived in ignominy, and, in death no one remembers any of them.

Freedom has long been recognised as the inalienable gift of the creator to human beings. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the French philosopher of the enlightenment era agonised over the plight of humans in political societies when he observed that “man is born free but is everywhere in chains.” Whether in the bondage of enslavement, colonial domination, racial oppression, or pseudo democratic arrangements that deny the humanity of citizens, the struggle for freedom and justice have always loomed large. These are the ideas that live. It is the struggle for the realisation of these ideals that move nations and societies to the centre stage of history.

Our societies have not lagged behind in such endeavours even though it is disheartening, as I would argue, that the burden of the struggles has been disproportionately endured by a few while the freeloaders almost always end up the beneficiaries of the successful outcome. For, while the struggle may be long and brutal, it almost always ended up with victory for the ideas that live.

It cannot be otherwise. The human being is not made for bondage or injustice. The spirit would always reject oppression and tyranny. And even those that for selfish reasons side with oppression while it lasts will always take full advantage of its demise to advance the same self interest.

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Ideas that live ‘

In the struggle against military tyranny, there was the usual corps of egotists for whom it is better to live for an idea that dies. They were the praise singers, the fifth columnists, and the plain traitors to the cause of freedom.

They were the ones who, while not clearly preferring servitude to freedom, sought to advance their interests at the expense of the larger whole and the integrity of the nation

Yes, ABUJA BABES need more MONEY!

’

•Steve Biko

There are copious resources from our history. The struggle against colonial imposition pitted natives against natives, with some siding with the colonisers. And the battle for independence tarried for a while because of indecision on the part of some about its benefits. In the end, those that hesitated and slowed down the process turned out to be the greatest beneficiaries of the struggle.

Independence was earned on the proverbial platter of gold because there was no formal war of independence. But those who

lost individual rights and privileges because they stuck out their necks knew what they endured.

Then democratic governance descended into the hell of military dictatorship and the struggle for freedom assumed a different dimension as an internal one among citizens with different ideas of governance.

While the military might claim that circumstances forced them to take over and defend national integrity, there was no denying the fact that the hard-earned freedom was in jeopardy. Th e same individuals and groups rallied to its cause, fought the military and

HARDBALL

won the battle, not without a significant loss of lifes and property.

In the struggle against military tyranny, there was the usual corps of egotists for whom it is better to live for an idea that dies. They were the praise singers, the fifth columnists, and the plain traitors to the cause of freedom. They were the ones who, while not clearly preferring servitude to freedom, sought to advance their interests at the expense of the larger whole and the integrity of the nation. They enjoyed the patronage of their military friends while it lasted but the idea for which they live has since suffered a fatal assault. Now, they cannot proudly reference their once passionately held convictions. Isn’t this sufficient lesson for everyone to steer clear of ideas that die?

At present there is another battle going on between ideas that live and ideas that die. This is actually not a different battle; it’s just another front of the same old battle.

It is still the battle for the fullness of freedom. The nature of our independence from colonisation meant that we are to be one entity without regard to ethnic or national identities. We concurred because it was a condition for freedom. But then we accepted our differences and agreed that the best means of enlarging our freedom is to preserve our various cultures and languages through a federal system of governance universally acknowledged as the most effective method of governance in a multi-national society.

The abrupt end to the independence and republican constitutions which gave teeth to that understanding dealt a fatal blow to the practice of federalism replacing it with military unitarism. The idea of militarism has since died but the concomitant idea of unitarism has not been discarded. Why? The reason that unitarism has not been discarded is because there are still those who live for an idea that dies. There are still those egotists who benefit from the sustenance of decadence and whose sole purpose in life is not the immortality of existence through the promotion of ideas that live. They are attracted to unitarism for as long as they command the levers of power and are in the position to dole out favours. But it is certain that unitarism will go the way of other ideas that die and their present promoters will, again, shamelessly turn out to embrace true federalism and its attendant benefits. In the fullness of time, it will all happen before our very eyes. It always does.

•For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

No end to security nightmare

RIPPLES REPS WANT N7m pay hike - News’

VOL.7 NO.2,255

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘The detail of Iheanacho’s ordeal is not our concern here.

Our brows are furrowed because the evil egg has hatched.

We warned of the dire consequences when the presidency handed our maritime space to an extra-legal ‘navy’ headed by an ex-militant, Tompolo’ STEVE OSUJI

I

N addition to the rampant insecurity undermining political stability and economic development in parts of the country, there are indications a new front could open soon to engage security operatives full time and add to their nightmares. If reports are accurate, security agencies are said to be considering various scenarios they may have to contend with when train services resume between Lagos and Kano, the most popular trunk line. Without saying so, according to the reports, security agencies may be thinking of the havoc fundamentalist groups like the Boko Haram could cause for train passengers and railway facilities. Such proaction would be of immense benefit to a country that is already spending approximately N24 billion to rehabilitate and modernise the Nigerian Railway. If the restoration work is completed on time and successfully, it should ease long distance commuting and freight services, and catalyse economic activities. But all it takes to bring the whole enterprise crashing down is just one bomb at any point in the over 1000km rail lines between the two major cities.

While it is good to be proactive in an-

ticipating and solving the problems saboteurs could cause for train services, the government must by now have recognised the need for a holistic method in tackling insecurity. This will involve the government having a deeper and better understanding of the nature of insecurity in these parts, identifying the dramatis personae of insecurity, what propels them, and what patterns of operations can be deduced from their activities so far? In addition, there must be an understanding of how best railway insecurity can be tackled? These are some of the questions the government will have to grapple with and give definitive answers to if the financial and other resources being spent on rehabilitating the antiquated railway lines are not to go down the drain.

One approach that may prove nugatory is the reactive and ineffectual measure being deployed against the unconscionable Boko Haram Islamist sect, a group that may well prove to be the most daunting enemy of resuscitated and revitalised railway services. Combating Boko Haram required the deployment of the highest form of intelligence operations; instead the government had until recently relied more on

firepower. The menace also required a security architecture that brings together all the security services; instead the government had approached the ailment with atomised network of security operations.

Things are changing now, and the government may find wisdom in building on the gains and experience it has acquired in combating terrorism to prepare for the security of train services.

But overall, the trains will never be fully or even really protected until the government can comprehensively secure the country itself and pacify restive groups.

Like the problematic petroleum pipeline, which is the prime target for saboteurs, the government can never hope to secure every kilometre of the rail lines. Worse, as the government has found out in trying to secure youth corps members, it is not only an impossible task, it is in fact a foolish undertaking. Even if it were possible to assign a policeman to every youth corps member, pipeline, and rail line it would still not be possible to keep them safe, just as the police have not been able to guarantee safety for every man or establishment, including banks, they have tried to secure.

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