The Nation September 23, 2014

Confusion over Shekau’s fate

NEWS

Page 4

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Fayose: Judges, lawyers flee as thugs storm court Court assumes power to try case From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

P

ANICKY lawyers, litigants and officials ran out of the court room, screaming as scores of thugs hurled missiles at them.

Some ran into their offices and shut their doors; others hid under tables, away from the rampaging thugs.

The police, apparently overwhelmed by the violence, looked helpless as windows were smashed and furniture broken.

That was the scene yesterday at the High Court in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, where Mr. Justice Isaac Ogunyemi ruled that the court had jurisdiction to hear the integrity case against Mr. Ayodele Fayose, the governor-elect and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the June 21 election.

The hoodlums yanked off branches of a tree within the court premises to lash perceived opposition figures at the proceedings, which had got half-way before Mr. Justice Ogunyemi sought a brief break to resume sitting at noon.

The hoodlums, some of whom had earlier Continued on page 4

Synagogue toll rises to 115

•Injured victims flown home

S

OUTH Africans raised yesterday their death toll in the September 12 guest house collapse at the Synagogue of All Nations (SCOAN) in Ikotun on the outskirts of Lagos to 115, up from 67 that was initially announced.

Twenty-five injured nationals receiving treatment in Lagos hospitals were yesterday flown back home. The C130plane carrying them landed at the Swartkop Air Force base in Pretoria at

?

Continued on page 4

WHEN WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 BE FREED?

•South African soldiers helping one of the victims of the Synagogue tragedy when they returned to Pretoria...yesterday.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Outrage grows over $9.3m seized in South Africa STORY ON PAGE 4

JNI, Akume demand probe of smuggled cash from Nigeria

•INCENTIVES FOR ABUAD STUDENTS, OTHERS P7 •WHO KILLED LAGOS APC CHIEF? P9

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

2

NEWS

•Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Chief Sola Oke(left), President, Dangote Group Aliko Dangote and former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo at the investiture of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) in Abuja...yesterday.

Since its compatriots died at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), the South African media have come hard on the church, the federal and state governments as well as the rescue agencies, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

South A

F •From left: Winner of 2014 International Fashion Week, Ibitein Thompson; Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communication Mrs Ibim Semenitari and Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru at the 2014 Rivers International Fashion Week Awards Night in Port Harcourt.

•From left: President, Civil Right Congress (CRC), Comrade Shehu Sani; Director, Legal Services, Comrade Suleiman Ahmed and Chairman, Handicaps Association of Nigeria, Malam Rilwan Abdullahi at meeting in Kaduna...yesterday.

•From right: Mrs Opeyemi Akindele; Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Local Government Affairs, Mrs Yinka Babalola and Princess Obiageli Onu at the National Women Conference in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: MOSES OMOSEHIN

ROM Guardian & Mail to Sowetan and Sunday Times, South African newspapers have come hard on the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), its pastor, Prophet T.B. Joshua, the federal and state governments and the rescue agencies. As far as they are concerned, the tragedy was handled with levity.

The Sunday Times, in a report titled ‘Blood on their hands’ said the management of the tragedy has been characterised by chaos, incompetence and lies.

“As the first full picture of the horror of the Nigerian church collapse surfaces, South Africans are left wondering how many lives could have been saved if Pastor TB Joshua’s church and Nigerian authorities had co-operated fully in rescue attempts,” the newspaper said.

South African Minister Jeff Radebe yesterday urged the Federal Government to investigate the “tragedy”.

Radebe said 84 South Africans who were part of visiting church groups had died in the September 12 incident. He was speaking at an air force base north of Johannesburg where 25 South Africans who were injured returned for treatment.

Other newspapers, such as The City Press, also carpeted the Synagogue church for not co-operating with rescue agencies.

Mail & Guardian on Sunday, however, said the rescue efforts later improved, but it was too late.

Said the newspaper: “Nigerian authorities and church members have made a U-turn on co-operating with South Africans at the collapsed guesthouse tragedy, following a diplomatic skirmish, which saw an entire week fritter away while vital efforts to save lives were blocked.

“A diplomatic source from South Africa confirmed that the Nigerian authorities have proven to be far more co-operative since Friday, a week after the devastating collapse that has seen the largest number of South Africans killed outside of the country since even the downing of the Helderberg airliner in 1987 which killed 71 South Africans.

“The stress on scarce skills in the field followed the shock decision by Nigerian authorities to turn down help from South Africa earlier in the week, including one of the continent’s best search and rescue teams.

“Search and Rescue South Africa was placed on standby by the department of international relations, Sunday Times reported, but by Sunday last week it was too late.

“Gift of the givers, a South African-based Islamic relief organisation, were initially blocked in their efforts

• A file photogragh of Prophet T.B. Joshua in action

to access mortuaries and hospitals in Lagos to find South African hurt and deceased South Africans.

“In addition, the crucial 24 hours after the collapse, when survivors could have been found in the rubble, was missed as information about the collapse was at a black-out with Nigerian authorities failing to communicate with their South African counterparts in time, and church staff and goers proving downright hostile.”

The paper said building collapses happen repeatedly in Nigeria “because of the use of substandard material and flouted construction regulations”.

Mail & Guardian added: “It is believed that the building was in the process of having additional stories added without first securing the foundations, although Joshua has blamed it on a mysterious attack, citing the appearance of an aircraft above the building shortly before the collapse.”

The South African Press Association, the country’s news agency, also did an unflattering profile of Prophet Joshua, which were run by some of the local newspapers. The profile said Joshua claims he has power to cure anything, from AIDS to cancer.

The papers also made a mince meat of Joshua’s wealth, quoting the Forbes’ list as their proof that he had made so much money from his work as a pastor. A report sought out a past visitor and got her to reveal that each person who came on her team of 150 paid R20,000 each to make the trip.

The papers were, however, fair enough to give space to people who also had good words to say about

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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NEWS

African media hit Joshua, Nigeria hard

• South African soldiers helping one of the victims of the Synagogue tragedy who returned to Pretoria...yesterday.

‘

I understand the despair of terminally ill people and why they grasp at final straws. My father died of lung cancer and might well have made the journey to Lagos.

"I am just glad he is not here any more to become a victim of a ravenous tick that feasts on the blood of the ignorant, -gullible and desperate Joshua and the church.

One of such is opposition leader Julius Malema. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader said: “I am in touch with the elders of the church.

They are doing everything in their power to ensure that every individual that was there is accounted for and that the rescue mission continues.”

Malema said despite what happened, Joshua remains a great man, who should continue to inspire hope.

He said he was at Synagogue for seven days, adding that at the time, no less than 16 000 people were in attendance at the church “and 50 per cent of those were from outside Africa”.

He said: “Yes, I was there to create friendship and take lessons from the prophet. He is my brother, we talk now and then. I also received spiritual guidance from him. The church is very big, he has a lot of followers.

He receives people from all corners of the world, both rich and poor. They go there for different reasons and they all want to be blessed by the man of God. “When I was there, I was treated very well. The hospitality is so amazing. The people who looked after us there did it with passion. They love what they are doing and they respect people. We also would like to say to the prophet that he should find strength during this difficult time.

This is a testing time for him.

“He is a very good man. He inspires hope in hopeless people. We hope he will not be discouraged. He must continue to inspire hope and feed the children of God. When I went to his

‘

church, he never asked for a cent from me. TB Joshua never preached about money and he never insisted on having contributions for the church.”

Another report queried the theory

by Joshua that the building came down after an attack by Boko Haram, saying that the collapse was most likely caused by not following the standard.

The papers also focused on South African prominent citizens who have visited Joshua for one reason or the other. The legendary Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela ranks among South African powerful figures who have bowed before Joshua. She was interviewed on Joshua’s Emmanuel Tv in 2011 after her visit and she had nice words for the church. Others include Springbok rugby players Joost van der Westhuizen, Ruben Kruger and Wium Basson, who died at his Pretoria home on April 21, 2001. He was 25. Basson, who played for the Blue Bulls, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Doctors could not do anything to help him and gave him a few weeks to live. He flew to Lagos, to consult Joshua. But, for some reason, he could not see Joshua after waiting for hours on a queue. He returned home and died almost immediately.

Kruger, who had a brain tumour, died in Pretoria in January 2010, after battling brain cancer for 10 years. His visit to Joshua could not save him.

An article by Jacques Pauw in City Press literally tore Joshua to pieces.

Pauw had visited Synagogue once to do a documentary on the church and its pastor’s miracles. His findings did not support Joshua’s claims.

His words: "Ruben Kruger, a vet-

eran of 36 tests in the green and gold, returned after a week in Nigeria and declared that a Pentecostal preacher he called the Prophet had healed his brain cancer.

"Temitope Balogun "TB" Joshua prayed for him in the Synagogue Church of All Nations compound while thousands of people sang, danced and wailed, Kruger said.

"As Joshua bent over him and implored the demon to be gone from his body, Kruger felt the tumour leaving him. He was cured, Joshua declared, handing him oil to rub on his head.

"I no longer have to drink my chemo pills," Kruger said on his return. "You cannot describe the feeling to anyone who has not experienced it. It was an unbelievable - or should I say believable - experience."

"The floodgates opened and the Prophet's newest converts were white, mostly Afrikaans and relatively conservative. They swopped the NG and Hervormde churches for a Nigerian "turn-or-burn" approach to redemption.

"It took me some time to understand why the -Afrikaner psyche found Joshua so irresistible. Why were they prepared to seek salvation in a -country they perceived to be drowning in greed, -political rot and economic decay?

"Christianity Nigerian-style was worlds apart from the chains and shackles of Calvinism. Joshua unchained them. He allowed them to worship with a gusto and fervour previously thought unseemly.

"That the new messiah was black and his church in Africa's biggest and maddest metropolis only added to the allure.

"A year or two after Kruger returned from Lagos, I made the same journey. On the plane was another Springbok rugby -player, 25-year-old lock Wium Basson, who was dying of liver cancer. He was accompanied by his mother, Cloeté Geldenhuys, and had to get special permission from SAA to make the journey.

"I was making a TV documentary and my challenge to Joshua was straightforward: allow me to film how you heal Basson. If you succeed, I promise I will show it to the world.

"When we arrived at Joshua's compound, the TV team and I were in effect incarcerated. For two weeks, we were forbidden to leave the grounds.

"We were told we could not drink or smoke, and had to attend services and events with the pilgrims. While I stayed in a dormitory with other pilgrims, Wium and Cloeté set up camp in a private room.

"The church took away the young man's morphine and pain pills. During our first interview, a softly spo-

ken, affable Joshua said it would be easy to heal Wium because he had nothing but a "little sore" on his liver.

"At Sunday sermons, the afflicted lined up with placards stating what condition they needed healed. There were lines of people seeking a cure for HIV/Aids, -cancer and heart conditions, business failures, wandering spouses and dull brains.

"A festive, almost joyous atmosphere filled the compound as churchgoers sang, clapped and danced. Evil spirits were cast out and those set free by the Prophet writhed in the dirt while vomiting out the demons.

"Joshua prayed for every person in the line and declared them all healed.

He ordered them to stop using any medication and trust in God. "Among the pilgrims was Capetonian John Rindel, who was suffering from full-blown Aids and already had dementia.

"He had arrived at the church several weeks before we did, was prayed for by Joshua and declared completely healed.

"He had stopped taking his medicine and showed remarkable improvement. Scientists refer to this as the "placebo effect" of faith healing.

A patient can experience genuine pain relief and other -symptomatic alleviation after being prayed for.

"The relief is short-lived and the patient soon returns to his original condition. The internet is filled with reports from organisations like the American Cancer Society and the British Medical Journal that found no evidence faith healing can cure physical ailments.

"On my request, Rindel agreed to go for two independent HIV/Aids tests when he returned to South Africa. Both showed he was still positive. He died a short while later.

"The BBC recently investigated the London branch of the church and reported that three women had died after being "healed" and told to stop taking their HIV/Aids medication.

"I challenged the pilgrims to provide me with medical proof that they had been healed. None did. Ruben Kruger died in 2010 just before his 40th birthday.

"And Wium Basson? Joshua never prayed for him. He said God had not sent him a message to do so. The young man left the church broken, disillusioned and at death's door. He died a few days after returning to South Africa.

"Before I left the church, Joshua handed me, and the camera and sound people, thick envelopes full of hundred dollar notes. He wanted to be sure we'd produce a positive programme. We gave the envelopes back.

PHOTO: REUTERS

"A year or so after the programme aired - and generated a massive response from people who called us accusing Joshua of all sorts of misdeeds - the preacher produced a video of a 76-year-old South African man named Moses he said he'd brought back from the dead.

"Moses was among a group of South African pilgrims in Lagos when he had a heart attack in the dining room. Videos distributed around the world showed three pilgrims, one a doctor from Bloemfontein, trying to resuscitate Moses.

"They failed, the videos reported, and Moses was carried into another room. Joshua walked in, bent over him and commanded: "In the name of Jesus, rise!"

"Moses opened his eyes. It later emerged that Moses had been both alive and -breathing when he was carried from the dining hall. He'd been resuscitated, not resurrected, and clever editing created a fake miracle.

"I understand the despair of terminally ill people and why they grasp at final straws. My father died of lung cancer and might well have made the journey to Lagos.

"I am just glad he is not here any more to become a victim of a ravenous tick that feasts on the blood of the ignorant, -gullible and desperate."

The South African media also granted space to many who have critical questions to ask about the tragedy.

One of such is President of the Rhema Family Church and the co-chairman of the National Religious Leaders Council, Ray McCauley, who queried why information took late in coming.

He said: “We are in mourning and would not like to start pointing fingers. Be that as it may, we urge both our government and the Nigerian government to get to the bottom of this unfortunate incident so as to assist the families to bring closure to their pain by at least understanding what happened.”

Founder of Gift of Givers Imtiaz Sooliman also queried what he described as “the refusal of help by Nigeria”. He said his men were chased away from Synagogue when they tried to help. He said it was too late by the time officials started opening up to help from South Africa.

In all, the general opinion in South Africa, as portrayed by their media, is that the root of the matter should be determined. They obviously will be watching to see whether or not the matter will be swept under the carpet, like they claim Nigeria is used to.

With these loads of negative reports, what kind of reception awaits Joshua when he visits South Africa? He sure still has a large following, but the media will be waiting to pounce on him.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

IBB okay, says aide

Confusion over Shekau’s fate

I

A

N aide of former military President Ibrahim Babangida said yesterday that he is fine in Germany where he is undergoing a medical check-up.

The associate said Gen. Babangida is on a routine medical check-up as a result of his famous “Radiculopathy case”, an injury he sustained during the Biafran war for which he had a back operation in a German hospital while in office.

The statement said: . “From time to time, IBB goes to his doctors in Germany for routine medical review, and that’s why he’s in the hospital there right now.”

•Babangida

•All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (right) congratulating Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola on his success in the Osun State governorship election, at Freedom House Victoria Island, Lagos...yesterday

Synagogue toll rises to 115, says South Africa minister Continued from page 1

10.42 am local time.

Three children, including an 18-month-old and a two-yearold - both of who had lost their parents in the collapsed building - were among the injured flown in.

It is believed that there were no fewer than 349 visiting South Africans in the church at the time of the collapse; 17 were declared unaccounted for. It is not clear if they are among the new list of the dead

announced yesterday by South African Government Minister Jeff Radebe.

The minister urged Nigeria to investigate the “tragedy”.

South Africans are angry at what they see as the Nigerian government dragging its feet on launching an investigation into the collapse, which occurred when three storeys were being added to the twostorey building, and for not reacting more quickly to help those trapped under the rubble.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) gave the final death toll at 90; 131 survived.

President Goodluck Jonathan visited the site on Saturday, offering his condolences to Church overseer Pastor T.B. Joshua, who has been the focus of South Africans’ anger after he described the victims as “martyrs of faith” on his Facebook page.

Joshua and his supporters described the collapse as an “attack” somehow linked to a

mysterious aircraft they claimed flew over the building before it collapsed.

Radebe spent much of his news conference congratulating the work of South African emergency workers for the “biggest evacuation by the air force since the dawn of democracy”.

He did not mention the efforts of Nigerian emergency services or the church but said Nigeria was carrying out an investigation, although Jonathan

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe,

to Johannesburg on September 5”.

He, however, said the plan had been leased to another company since August. The company gave the plane out on charter.

Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) expressed disbelief over the impounding of the jet in South Africa, laden with $9.3 million in cash, purportedly to buy arms in the country,

saying that the matter became more of concern to JNI because the government has full knowledge of it, despite its illegality.

A statement by JNI Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu in Kaduna yesterday said: “Government should tell Nigerians the real fact on the issue. We hope the matter will not be wheedled

Continued on page 58

Outrage grows over $9.3m seized in South Africa

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HERE was more outrage yesterday over the smuggling of $9.3million from Nigeria into South Africa purportedly to buy arms.

Islamic body Jama’atu Nasir Islam (JNI) expressed disbelief that such a mission was undertaken ostensibly on behalf of government.

Senate Minority Leader Geroge Akume expressed

Kaduna

“utmost dismay and anger” over the matter. He criticised Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN) President Ayo Oritsejafor for his role in the matter.

The CAN leader has admitted having a “residual interest” in Eagle Airline Limited, owners of the Bombadier jet to ferry the cash from Abuja

Continued on page 58

S Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau dead or alive? The confusion over his fate grew yesterday as Cameroon claimed to have killed the ruthless fundamentalist.

The Cameroonians said he was killed in a battle near Nigeria’s border in Ngala.

This is against the background of his alleged killing during another battle in Konduga, near Maiduguri.

The Defence Headquarters is investigating the claim that Shekau was killed in Konduga but it claimed that there was no battle between the sect and Cameroon near Ngala.

The Cameroon Army said it killed Shekau at the weekend, in a statement, accompanied by the photograph of a man said to be the sect’s deadly chief.

The statement said Shekau was killed in an aerial bombardment near the Nigerian border town of Ngala in conjunction with a ground raid.

Security forces have claimed to kill Shekau a number of times since he became Boko Haram’s leader in 2010

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Continued from page 1

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after the death of his predecessor, The “moderate” Mohammed Yusuf.

DHQ confirmed that 10 more insurgents have surrendered in Kawuri, Borno State.

They dropped their arms and ammunition to troops.

All the 10 insurgents have been taken into a military facility for debriefing.

The DHQ said Cameroon military did not carry out any raid on Nigerian territory as being claimed by the Francophone country.

It said Cameroon was not responsible for the elimination of some terrorists in the country since last week.

A tweet from DHQ’s handle said: “Another set of 10 terrorists yesterday surrendered to troops at Kawuri.

They are in custody for necessary security debriefing.

“There was no raid whatsoever by Cameroon or any foreign forces in any part of Nigeria’s territory in pursuit of terrorists as claimed in some reports allegedly quoting Cameroon military authoriContinued on page 58

Nigeria has contained Ebola, says WHO

HE World Health Organisation (WHO) has hailed Nigeria for containing the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The deadliest Ebola epidemic ever has now killed 2,793 in West Africa, it said yesterday, adding that Senegal too had basically contained it.

The UN health agency, which also published the results of the latest meeting of its Ebola emergency committee, said 5,762 people had been infected in five West African countries as of September 18.

Guinea, where the outbreak began at the start of the year, and neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone by far account for most of the cases and continue to see balloon-

Fayose: Judges, lawyers flee as thugs storm court engaged the security officials in the courtroom in arguments over what they saw as impartiality, said the security agents barred their party men from entering the courtroom and sitting down while the hearing lasted but allowed the opposition.

The argument soon snowballed into full scale confrontation. People were shouting and people perceived to be obstructing the thugs’ aspirations were dragged on the courtroom’s floor and dealt blows, using all manner of objects.

Judges, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), lawyers, journalists, court officials and magistrates ran for dear lives, hiding in offices, court registries, under chairs, tables, other places and objects which could serve as temporary hideouts, as the hoodlums assaulted defenceless people.

As thugs went from office to office to seek out perceived opposition members who they dealt with without resraint, the police, who thinned both in number and significance, watched helplessly. Shots were fired by those no one could ascertain but these could not deter the rampaging

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ing numbers.

Liberia has been especially hard-hit, with 3,022 cases and 1,578 deaths alone.

At the same time, “the outbreaks in Senegal and Nigeria are pretty much contained”, WHO said in a statement.

Senegal has not reported any new cases of the deadly virus since it registered its first and only case on August 29 — a Guinean student who has since recovered.

Nigeria, where 21 people have been infected, eight of whom have died, has not reported new cases since September 8, WHO pointed out The incubation period for Ebola is 21 days and double that time must pass without any new cases arising before Continued on page 58

APC, PDP disagree on violence

HE Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Jide Awe, described the action of the members of the PDP as condemnable, noting: “We are back to the Idi Amin era in Ekiti where judges and lawyers are being attacked in the precincts of the court. This is terrible.”

Awe, who spoke with reporters on telephone, expressed dismay at the freedom said to be enjoyed by the hoodlums who operated in the pres-

band who had reduced the court rooms to a rendezvous of mayhem and unrest.

Mr. Justice Ogunyemi became a target of the hoodlums, who openly condemned his ruling.

They sang songs in Yoruba to condemn the said ruling and threatened to deal with him (Mr. Justice Ogunyemi) if accessible. The intervention of a special group of about six officers from the Riot Squad however assured a safe escape for Mr. Justice Ogunyemi, who all along had been holed up in his office. His (Mr. Justice Ogunyemi’s) escape around 12:55 pm effectively halted proceedings for the day.

Mr. Justice Ogunyemi had declared that he had jurisdic-

ence of security personnel.

His words: “But the APC has no case in the court and we were not there to witness the attack. It is a matter for e11 and those were the ones who went to court.”

E-11 is an association of professionals of Ekiti State origin.

PDP Publicity Secretary Pastor Kola Oluwawole urged Mr. Justice Ogunyemi to “steer clear of the case”, condemning him (Mr. Justice Ogunyemi)

tion to entertain the cases of the Citizens Popular Party (CPP) and that of Adeniyi Ajakaye and others, which challenged the eligibility of Mr. Ayo Fayose to contest the June 21 election.

In a ruling on Fayose’s and PDP’s preliminary objection, Mr. Justice Ogunyemi maintained that the respondent had not judiciously discharged the responsibility under the law of evidence to furnish the court with sufficient evidence upon which the relief sought by the defendant applicant could be based.

Mr. Justice Ogunyemi also declared both the CPP and the PDP as non juristic persons who could not sue or be sued.

He, however, submitted that striking out the names of the

over what he called alleged “connivance with the APC-led government to pervert justice in the case instituted by e-11 group, who are anti-Fayose”.

Oluwawole said: “The Judge openly demonstrated in his ruling that he has jurisdiction on the matter and simultaneously commenced hearing of the matter without giving the respondent the opportunity to signify the appeal on it.”

second claimant and second defendant did not affect the relief sought by the claimant on eligibility pursuant to Order 13, Rule 16 (1) of the High Court Civil Procedure Rules of Ekiti State.

He also dismissed the application of the respondent, which challenged his ruling of June 6 in an ex-parte application on the abridgment of time within which the respondent could file his reply, declaring that the said order the defendant sought to set aside was not obtained fraudulently as contended by the defendants.

Mr. Justice Ogunyemi dismissed PDP’s application, saying the court cannot set aside its June 6 ruling and that the time frame had been overtaken by events, which he (Justice

Ogunyemi) maintained had rendered the whole exercise a mere academic exercise.

The Ekiti State government condemned the attack on judges, lawyers , litigants and workers.

The government, which viewed the invasion of the hoodlums believed to be supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as “an unwarranted desecration of the temple of justice”, also blamed the escalation of the crisis on the nonchalant attitude displayed by policemen at the court premises.

The government, in a statement said it amounted to a barbaric act of epic proportion for a group of people to gang up to invade a court in a bid to avert hearing in a case

•Governor-elect Fayose

brought for determination before a judge.

This attempt to subvert the rule of law and throw the Ekiti into a state of confusion and violence is most condemnable.

It urged security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous act are brought to book.

The government said it would do everything possible to ensure that the full weight of the law is meted out to anyone found perpetrating violence in the state just as it assured members of the public of adequate security for their lives and properties.

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THE NATION TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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NEWS

Senior civil servants protest over ‘salary, promotion arrears’

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•Shut Education Ministry •Perm Sec refutes allegation

HE Association of Senior Civil Servants (ASCSN) locked yesterday the entrance leading to the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja over alleged salary and promotion arrears.

The incident occurred about 7am.

The aggrieved workers pasted posters with inscriptions on the wall. Other workers were locked out.

None of them was allowed into the ministry.

While some struggled to enter their officers, others were happy about the development.

Some of the inscriptions read: “Pay all promotion arrears, 2007 to 2013. The cheating is too much, no annual training of staff on GL 03 to GL 14 for years now.

The neglect is too much.”

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

“All workers of the Federal Ministry of Education and Unity Schools are on strike.

Pay our dead colleagues’ families their burial expenses and other allowances and pay our retired colleagues their repatriation allowance from 2010 to 2014.”

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, dismissed the allegation that the ministry received N1.8billion from the Federal Government to pay salary and promotion arrears.

He described the claim as false.

He said it was sad that senior civil servants, who had opportunities to obtain accurate information, disrupted activities “based on

a false information.”

Nwaobiala said although it was sad that workers were owed allowances since 2007, the authority had made efforts to secure funds to pay the arrears.

His words: “We have written, we have followed up formally and informally without success.”

The permanent secretary, however, assured that within the meagre overhead allocations of the ministry, management had resolved to settle some of the bills in phases.

He appealed to the striking workers to show understanding, saying the matter had been reported to the Federal Ministry of Labour, which had arranged to meet the union leadership tomorrow (today).

Asked if the ministry was

notified, Nwaobiala said no formal notification was given, adding that the union’s notice on September 12 to embark on a strike was suspended, following discussion with the management.

He said the next meeting, which was to hold on September 18, was postponed at the instance of the union leadership to enable them attend a workshop in Calabar.

“We came to work today (yesterday) only to find that the union had disrupted activities by locking the offices.”

The permanent secretary said the management had tried to ensure a harmonious working relationship with the union, including a quarterly meeting to discuss the welfare of workers.

INEC extends voter registration in FCT, 11 states

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From Vincent Ikuoola, Abuja

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the Phase II of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise for seven days in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 11 states.

The extension, which started from yesterday till September 28, is at the local government level of each of the states.

The phase II involves the FCT and 11 states, namely Anambra, Bauchi, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Kwara, Ondo, Oyo, Sokoto and Yobe.

The extension, according to INEC’s daily bulletin, followed a downpour during the scheduled date, which did not allow many people to get registered.

It reads: “The extension of Phase II of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise is occasioned by the large turnout of eligible voters and the heavy rains that coincided with the exercise, which took place from August 20 to 25.

“Eligible voters in the affected states are therefore advised to take advantage of this extension to register in order to vote in the 2015 general elections.”

Body of Attorneys-General to appeal judiciary’s financial independence

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HE Body of AttorneysGeneral of the 36 states has resolved to appeal the decision of a Federal High Court, which granted financial independence to the judiciary.

The decision was the thrust of a seven-point communiqué

By Adebisi Onanuga

issued in Lagos yesterday at the end of a meeting of the attorney-generals.

It was signed by the Chairman and AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, (SAN) and the Secretary of the body, who is also his counterpart in Nasarawa State, Innocent Lagi.

The Body of AttorneysGeneral looked at the judgment of the Federal High Court, delivered by Justice A.F.A. Ademola against the National Judicial Council (NJC) and 73 other defendants on the funding of the judiciary.

‘I didn’t call for postponement of poll’ From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

• Vice Principal (Academics), Junior Secondary School, Phase 3, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Mr. Abiodun Olaleye (right), screening pupils for Ebola virus...yesterday

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CJN, AGF, Alegeh seek enhanced reform in Judiciary

HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Adoke (SAN) and the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Augustine Alegeh (SAN), advocated yesterday the sustenance of the reform in the Judiciary to rid it of corruption, unethical practices and ensure its effectiveness.

The CJN, who regretted the growing delay in the court process, said a lot still required to be achieved to sustain the pattern of reforms she introduced upon assuming office.

The AGF, who suggested a change of attitude among lawyers and judges, called for a review on the pattern of assessing the performance of judges.

Alegeh, who hailed ongoing efforts to rid the Bench of corruption and inefficiency, sought the inclusion of his association in the National Judicial Council’s process of disciplining judges.

Mukhtar, Adoke and Alegeh spoke in Abuja at an event marking the new legal year of the Supreme Court.

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

The occasion witnessed the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 17 lawyers. It was announced by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) early this year.

Sixteen of them were at the Supreme Court where the event was held, with the exception of the former AGF, Olu Onagoruwa, who the CJN said would be conferred with the rank today. There was no explanation for his absence.

“Since assuming office as the CJN, I have set for myself the key objective of leading the efforts of reforming the Judiciary. This has become even more important given the peculiar challenges confronting the legal system.

“As we inch closer to the completion of the second decade of our democracy, we cannot afford the degeneration of the Judiciary. Therefore, attention, in the form of an institutionalised pragmatic response, must be carried out in the key sectors of the Judiciary,” Mukhtar said.

The CJN, who is billed to retire soon, regretted the

•17 conferred with SAN growing delay in the court process, which she blamed for the congestion in prisons and waning public interest in the court system.

She said the task of ensuring a more functional Judiciary required the joint efforts of all arms of government, with the Judiciary playing the leading role.

Mukhtar also suggested the “appointment of more judges and magistrates on merit; improved legal criteria and practice, alternative to pretrial detention as well as introduction of pre-trial victim/offender mediation and most importantly ensure a speedy dispensation of criminal matters.”

Adoke, who regretted dwindling value of mutual respect between members of the Bench and Bar (judges and lawyers), urged the NBA to be firm on disciplining erring lawyers as a way of restoring respect to the Bench.

He noted that the “unwholesome practice” of unwarranted public criticism of judges and the increasing number of frivolous petitions instigated by lawyers,

who lost cases before judges, have “contributed to the intimidation of judges and stultification of our jurisprudence.”

Adoke warned of the consequences of a cowed Judiciary, noting that “a timid and fearful judiciary comprised of judges constantly looking over their shoulders as a result of palpable fear of unjustified petitions, cannot dispense justice in the manner desired by the entire citizenry.”

He praised the CJN and the LPPC for including Onagoruwa among those conferred with SAN, noting that the action was a courageous step “taken to redress the wrong done to Chief Onagoruwa.”

Adoke advocated that in evaluating judges, emphasis should be on the quality of work and judgments they delivered as against the current practice, which emphasised quantity of judgments.

Alegeh said the reform in the Judiciary should include the appointment of research assistants for judges, trans-

parency on judicial appointments, modernisation of courts, elimination of delay in hearing appeals, among others.

He called for an urgent end to the crisis in the Rivers State Judiciary created by the disagreement between the state governor and the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the choice of a Chief Judge.

The NBA president urged the Bar and Bench to brace for the challenges that come with post election litigation, as the country prepares for the next general elections.

Mukhtar, Adoke and Alege reminded the new SANs that the Judiciary and the society expected them to see the honour bestowed on them as a ticket to impunity but a call to service.

Olusola Idowu, who spoke for the new SANs, assured that they would not betray the trust reposed in them with the decision by the LPPC to honour them with the rank.

At the event were businessman, Aliko Dangote, former AGF, Michael Anodoakaa (SAN), former Ekiti State Governor, Adeniyi Adebayo, among others.

SENATE President David Mark said yesterday that he did not call for the postponement of the 2015 general elections.

He said it was unfair for anybody to link him with the alleged plot to postpone the poll.

A statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Senate President, Kola Ologbondiyan, said Mark made the clarification in his reaction to a statement by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed that the Senate President called for the postponement of the 2015 elections.

He described the allegation as “a bogus and blatant lie.”

Govt releases N200m fund From: Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

THE Federal Government, through the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), has given the National Mathematical Centre (NMC) N200million to train Mathematics teachers.

The funds will also be used to monitor students for effective learning.

The Director/Chief Executive of NMC, Prof. Adewale Solarin, spoke in Abuja at the 2014 Pre-MDG workshop for the chairmen of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

He said government was determined to curb mass failure in public examinations.

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THE NATION TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

NEWS Kalu hails Jonathan’s adoption

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HE former Abia State governor and a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Orji Kalu, has described the party as the only brand that can guarantee the welfare of Nigerians.

He spoke yesterday when addressing a cross-section of PDP members at the Sheraton Guangzhou, China.

Kalu, who hailed President Goodluck Jonathan’s efforts in tackling insecurity, said the Boko Haram insurgency had been politicised.

He said: “We should desist from playing politics with issues of national concern. Everyone, irrespective of political and religious divide, should support the fight against terrorism. The country belongs to all of us.”

Kalu praised the PDP national leadership for inaugurating regional integration committees to reconcile aggrieved members.

The ex-governor, while praising the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP for endorsing President Jonathan as the presidential candidate, urged Nigerians to vote for him in the coming elections.

UI trains farmers to reduce fish cost

•Some of the newly-sworn in Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) sworn in at the Supreme Court in Abuja... yesterday

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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HE University of Ibadan (UI) has begun a week training for fish farmers to encourage them and reduce the cost of fish feeding.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole, spoke when opening a training workshop organised by the West and Central African Council for Agriculture Research Development (WECARD) and the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, UI. The theme of the workshop is :”Sustainable Integrated Pond-Based, Aquaculture with Rice and Poultry Production: Economic, Social and Environmental Assessment”.

Adewole, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Emilolorun Ayelari, said: “We are organising this workshop for 50 fish farmers selected from the Southwest, and with the researches that our department has discovered, we will teach them ways to convert poultry waste and rice shafts to fish feedings.

This will reduce the cost of fish production.

“One of the challenges in fish production is feeds. With this training, participants will be available to devise ways to reduce their cost, especially by converting poultry waste into maggots and using it to feed the fish,” he said.

‘Include Adadevoh on honours’ list’ From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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HE Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State chapter and the National Association of Seadogs have suggested that the late Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh be included on the 2014 National Honours’ list.

They said she sacrificed her life in combating the Ebola Virus Disease.

NMA Chairman Dr. Callistus Enyuma said it was appalling that the Federal Government released the names of those on the National Honours list, which excluded a posthumous award for Adadevoh.

He said: “One would expect that she should not be neglected when honours are given. I believe it is not late for her to be included on the honours’ list. She must have that honour.”

The President of Jokaina Deck of NAS, Mr. Fabian Avoh, said: “Let us ask the Federal Government or precisely the Presidency what yardstick was used in including all sorts of people on the list of the highest honour in the land when Adadevoh, who sacrificed her life, was not on the list.

“The Federal Government needs to understand that the lady would have walked away without treating that patient. Let the government give credit to whom it is due.”

The Zonal President of NAS, Area 5, Mr. George Anderson, said it was not late for the Federal Government to include Adadevoh’s name on the list.

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PDP changes its decision on Sambo

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) changed its position yesterday on the fate of Vice President Namadi Sambo.

At a briefing on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, was equivocal on whether the automatic ticket given to the President by the party also covered the Vice President.

He said the party ceded the power to choose a running mate to the President.

The party’s National Executive Committee’s endorsement of Jonathan was silent on Sambo.

But Metuh, in another statement yesterday, said Sambo was part of the

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PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•’He’s part of a winning team’ From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

“winning team”.

Said he: “There is no doubt whatsoever that the Vice President has the implicit confidence of the President.

“The PDP is therefore very pleased that they are working together in actualising the transformation agenda to the popular acclaim of Nigerians and the international community.

“We wish to place on record as well that the 66th NEC meeting of our great party, which endorsed President

Jonathan as the sole candidate of the PDP for the 2015 general elections, responsibly reasoned and anchored this decision on the outstanding performance of the Jonathan presidency of which Vice President Sambo is an integral part.

“This motion, which was unanimously endorsed by NEC, left no room for any form of speculation, as Senator Jim Nwobodo, who seconded it, expressly hailed both the President and his deputy for lifting the banner of the PDP very high, while praying

the NEC to approve the motion.”

Metuh also attempted to modify his earlier statement that Jonathan had yet to communicate his acceptance of the party’s unanimous endorsement of his candidature.

“This statement is to clarify obvious misinterpretation arising from the party’s position at the world news conference yesterday, where it averred that the President was yet to accept the sole presidential candidacy offered by its NEC”.

Metuh’s statement, however, did not state categorically if the President had communicated his acceptance to the party.

Ebola: Teachers in Cross River, Imo, Abia, Benue, Akwa Ibom refuse to resume

ESPITE Cross River State government’s directive that schools should be reopened, most schools remained shut yesterday, as teachers insisted that they will not work.

They said they would not resume without being equipped to manage the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Mr. Eyo Nsa Itam told The Nation that they were in alignment with the Federal Government’s directive that states, which were ready, should reopen schools.

According to him, Cross River was not ready.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Offiong Offiong, said schools were ready for reopening.

When our reporter visited schools, some pupils resumed, but they were asked to go home.

Pupils in Imo State public schools were sent home yesterday by teachers, who said schools would remain closed pending further directives from the NUT. The state chapter of the union said it would join the national body to ensure that Ebola preventive facilities were provided in public schools.

Speaking with reporters, the state Chairman of the NUT, Dr. Cletus Iwu Okeke, said the state’s branch would abide by the decision of the national body to ensure a safe environment for pupils.

When The Nation visited Owerri Girls Secondary School, pupils were leaving the premises. They said their teachers asked them to go home.

The state president of private proprietors, Chris Ineh, said their compliance was based on the health facility provided by the Federal Government.

The much-expected reopening of private and public schools for the 2014/15 session did not take place yesterday in Abia State, as the state chapter of the NUT said its members would

Schools open in Lagos Kogi, Delta, Ondo

By Adegunle Olugbamila, Medinat Kanabe, Yinka Jayeoba Oyefolu, James Azania, Lokoja and Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba and Damisi Ojo, Akure

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RIVATE schools in Lagos State resumed yesterday, despite the state’s postponement of resumption till October 8.

However, it appears there is a division within the ranks of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Lagos State chapter.

Private schools under the umbrella of the Association of Formidable Educational Development (AFED) resumed yesterday, despite the decision of their public schools counterparts not to resume.

Amid uncertainty, following the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), pupils in Kogi State returned to school yesterday after about three months holidays.

The government has begun distribution of preventive materials to schools across the 21 local governments.

Items distributed included soaps, buckets with tap heads, thermometers and hand gloves.

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Agnes Okai, told The Nation that the measure formed part of a plan to re-introduce personal hygiene in schools.

Her words: “We are also providing these in the rural areas where tap water is rare. They have motorised borehole and they can fill these buckets and pupils can wash their hands and, by so doing, the culture of hygiene will return to our schools and colleges.

“Besides Ebola, the plan of the Federal Government is for the culture of hygiene to return to our schools and colleges.”

Public and private schools in Delta State complied yesterday with the September 22 resumption date, as schools were reopened.

Teachers and pupils were seen in classes, although serious academic work had not begun.

A teacher, who asked for anonymity, hailed the government for keeping to the resumption date. She said the state was free from EVD. She, however, advised the government to provide water in public schools to promote hygiene.

Public and private primary and secondary schools resumed yesterday in the 18 local governments in Ondo State, in compliance with government’s directive.

However, not all schools had the necessary preventive materials to prevent EVD. From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar, Okodili Ndidi, Owerri, Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia, Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi and Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

only resume when government provided the equipment to protect them and pupils from EVD. Instead of reopening schools, NUT directed its members to attend a meet-

ing on the way forward.

When our reporter visited School Road Primary School, Ibeku High School and other schools in Umuahia, pupils and teachers were not seen, as the classrooms remained shut.

At the School Road Primary School, Umuahia, venue of the NUT meeting, the chairman of the local chapter was

not present.

Other union leaders refused to speak to reporters on the outcome of the meeting.

A teacher, John Idika, said the union was not considering any strike.

Said he: “Our interest is to draw the attention of the government to the need to provide public schools with Ebola preventive kits, as directed by the governor.”

At the Ministry of Education where the kits were being distributed to schools, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Monica Philips and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Victoria Chigbu, could not speak to reporters, as they were distributing kits, such as thermometers, buckets, sanitisers, dispensing kits and soaps to head teachers.

Water would be supplied to the schools through an arrangement made by the Education Ministry.

Public primary and secondary schools in Benue State failed to resume yesterday as directed by the Federal Government.

It was, however, a different scenario in private schools, as most of the pupils resumed for the new academic session.

When The Nation visited private schools, pupils were being taught by teachers, while their counterparts in public schools stayed away from classrooms, as they were shut.

The NUT Chairman, Mr. Godwin Aya, said teachers would resume next month as directed by the Federal Government.

He urged government to put in place steps to prevent children from contracting EVD. Private nursery, primary and secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State resumed classes yesterday, while their public counterparts remained shut.

The state NUT said last week that it would not resume classes for the new session unless EVD was addressed by the government.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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NEWS ABUAD introduces incentives for undergraduates, others

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•L-R: General Secretary, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja, Mr. Seyi Olawumi; Ikenata C.O. (Ikeja NBA); Yinka Fasonu; Carol Ibharun Eafe; the branch’s First Vice Chair NBA, Gloria Nweze and Cardlyn Ibeh, at a service for the opening of the new legal year at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Ruling in suit against Ogbulafor stalled

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UDGMENT was again stalled yesterday in the trial of former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Vincent Ogbulafor and ex-Secretary of the National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC), Emeka Ebila.

Yesterday was the second time judgment would not hold in the case about three months after trial ended in the case.

Parties adopted their final written addresses on June 25.

Ogbulafor and Ebila are facing a 16-count charge brought against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over an alleged N170 million fraud.

Justice Ishaq Bello, had initially fixed judgment for July 24, but was prevented by the strike embarked upon by court workers, following which the court picked yesterday.

Yesterday, Ogbulafor was in court, bu Ebila was absent. He was said to be ill, a development that informed another adjournment to tomorrow.

Ebila’s lawyer, Mrs. Eghwere Osiaje, told the court that her cleint suddenly developed an ailment few days to the judgment and was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospi-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

tal in Abuja.

Justice Bello, before fixing another date for judgment, heard arguments from lawyers on whether he could go ahead to deliver the judgment in Ebila’s absence.

Prosecuting counsel Mrs. Olayemi Akanmode and Ogbulafor’s lawyer, Mr. J.N Egwuonwu, urged the court to deliver the judgment as Ebila would not have expected to play any role even if he was present in court.

But Osiaje protested, arguing that delivering the judgment in his client’s absence would be in breach of statutory provisions, which makes it mandatory that an accused person must be present in court throughout the period of his trial, including the day of judgment.

Justice Ishaq later adjourned the case on the grounds that it could be difficult to enforce judgment should the accused persons be convicted.

Egwuonwu had while adopting his final address urged the court to discharge and acquit his client on all the counts.

He urged the court to discountenance the reference to two bank drafts with which Ebila said, in his confessional statements, that Ogbulafor was paid N28 million.

Egwuonwu said his client

denied being issued the drafts when it was shown to him. He noted that not only did the prosecution refuse to tender the drafts as exhibits, it also did not investigate the details contained in the drafts.

“The drafts referred to in the statements made by the second accused person (Ebila) cannot be relied on by the court to decide whether or not the 1st accused (Ogbulafor) took the benefit of them since they were not tendered in court.

“No money relating to that amount (N28 million) was traced to the first accused either in his bank account or companies,” Egwuonwu said.

He argued that since the only information linking his client to the money was that contained in Ebila’s statements (marked exhibits 5 and 8), the court cannot hold it against his client because the statements were neither made in the 1st accused’s presence nor did he adopt them.

He added that his client was only linked with the alleged offence because of his association with the second accused person.

Egwuonwu urged the court to uphold his written address and submissions and discharge his client.

Funsho Williams: APC chieftains sue suspect for blackmail

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R. JUNAID Bashir, an initial suspect in the murder of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Funsho Williams, has been suedbefore a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged attempt to blackmail some officials during the administration of former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The APC chieftains, in the suit filed at the Lagos division of the court yesterday, accused the suspect of trying to link them with the murder of Williams in a sworn affidavit for the purpose of embarrassing and blackmailing them.

Junaid had been arrested and later released by the police following the murder of Williams at his Ikoyi ,Lagos, home in 2006.

The suit, filed by the party’s National Legal Adviser, Dr. Muiz Banire, is also asking the court to strike out his

(Banire’s ) name from Junaid’s writ of summons and quash the entire process for lack of substance, faulty procedure and abuse of court process.

The party leaders said they are approaching the court to deal with the issue as the 2015 elections approach.

“Various elements within the society will be offering themselves as tools in the hands of political gladiators who want to score political points or settle scores with pliable pawns,” the APC

chieftains said.

Banire has also indicated his readiness to slam a N5 billion damage suit on Junaid in addition to a petition filed before police authorities to investigate the suspect, his allegations and those that might be using him for political reasons.

Besides from Junaid, six accused persons, who were in detention since 2006 over the murder of Williams, were in June this year discharged and acquitted by the state high court.

Southwest to meet on security

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OUTHWEST states will meet in Lagos tomorrow and Thursday to review the increasing security and environmental challenges associated with the growing population in the area.

They will also discuss the road map for the zone's development, it was learnt yesterday.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

The meeting is being facilitated by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission via a two-day workshop, where security experts, formal and informal security chiefs and other stakeholders will review data on the various sectors of the economy.

Osiaje, who represented the second accused person, equally urged the court to discharge her client.

The lawyer said she raised three questions of law in her address for the court to refer to the Court of Appeal for determination, before deciding the case.

She submitted that the appellate court’s answer to the her question should guide the trial court in arriving at its decision.

Prosecution lawyer, Marcus Abu, while adopting his final address, urged the court to hold that the prosecution has proved its case against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt.

HE Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) has released a package of incentives for its undergraduates, parents, academic and non-academic workers.

This was contained in a statement announcing the university’s scholarships for the 2014/2015 academic session.

The Founder, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), was quoted as saying the incentives and scholarships were designed to “promote quality, equity and relevance in education.”

The statement indicated that undergraduates, who attain a Cumulate Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 5.0 and above will enjoy scholarships valued at N500.000 each.

Their counterparts with between 4.75 and 4.99 CGPA will be accorded scholarship worth N200.000 each, while those with 4.74 will get N100,000 each.

Beside those in the above categories, merit award plus N100.000 cash will be presented to the ‘Most disciplined student’; ‘Best dressed student’; ‘Outstanding student leader’; ‘Sports man of the year’; ‘Sports woman of the year’; as well as the ‘Cleanest hostel user’ (male and female).

Prospective students, who choose to study Agriculture, would enjoy 50 per cent reduction in tuition.

Also, work and study opportunity will be available for such students to earn extra cash for services rendered on ABUAD farm, cafeteria, library and hostel. Upon graduation, ABUAD also promises graduates financial assistance to facilitate self-employment.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

The largesse is also extended to parents and workers.

Workers with biological children in the university would enjoy 25 per cent discount in tuition, ditto for parents with more than one child in the institution.

Lecturers and prospective lecturers will enjoy full payment of their salary once permission is obtained from ABUAD management to attend postgraduate courses in any Nigerian university.

The university is also giving monetary help to lecturers who wish to study abroad, attend conferences or undertake research, among others.

Like students, lecturers, who in the outgoing year, have also distinguished themselves will be presented with merit awards in various categories: ‘Best dressed lecturer’; ‘Most disciplined lecturer’; ‘Lecturer of the year’ ‘Most engaged lecturer’; ‘Most punctual lecturer’; ‘Most persevering lecturer’; ‘Outstanding non-teaching staff’; as well as ’Most dutiful non-teaching staff.’

Prospective indigent but brilliant students with proof of their poor financial background will be given free scholarships, comprising tuition and accommodation.

Similarly, in line with ABUAD’s tradition since inception, undergraduates who lose parents or guardians while still studying in the university would automatically enjoy full scholarships.

The indigent students must have six distinctions (A1) in WAEC or NECO, in addition to being offered admission into his selected course.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

NEWS

•Governor Fashola (fifth right); Amosun (fifth left); Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope Adefulire (second left); Mrs. Fashola (fourth right); Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (fourth left); wife of Ekiti State Governor Mrs. Bisi Fayemi (second right); Chief Mrs. Opral Benson (third right); Alhaja Bintu Tinubu (third left); Alhaja Womi Folami (left) and Mrs. Derin Disu… at the event yesterday PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Amosun urges women to address nation’s woes

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has challenged women to be proactive and address the negative situation in the country.

He gave the advice yesterday at the opening of the Women Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials(COWLSO) at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.

He said the theme of the conference: “Embracing and Managing Change”, was very apt considering the challenges facing the country.

The governor said: “The three key questions that we political office holders and members of the wider family should ask are as follows: Is what I am doing still working? Is it relevant? Am I expanding my post and sphere of influence? If one

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

can answer positively to these questions, then he has passed life’s most important examination”.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola called for more policies protecting women and children to be institutionalised.

Fashola said the government would not relent in promoting policies that protect the rights of women and children.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for women to thrive in all endeavours.

COWLSO Chairperson and wife of Lagos State Governor Mrs. Abimbola Fashola said the organisation would continue to sustain its live changing projects for the youths, the less privileged and the elderly

Fayemi: we’ll pay August salary

•Dr. Fayemi

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has assured workers that they would receive their last month salaries before Friday.

The governor said this yesterday at the launch of his thank you tour of the 35local governments.

He said the workers know that his administration has not

defaulted in the payment of salaries since it came on board in October 2010.

The governor, who was received with funfair in the councils, said the aim of the tour was to thank the people for their support for his administration.

Fayemi said the government gets overdraft to pay salaries before the state gets its monthly allocation but the opposition approached the banks in June to prevent the state from getting the loan.

He said the rumour making the rounds that he was carting away funds is baseless and untrue, noting that all public funds have been judiciously and accountably used in the last four years of his administration.

Two arrested for ‘hacking’ woman to death From Bisi Oladele

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WO men have been arrested in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for allegedly killing a woman.

A source said the deceased was hacked to death with multiple cuts to her head, neck and hands.

She was said to have died on the way to the hospital.

Serifat Olasunbo was suspected to have been killed by a bricklayer who came to carry out a repair on the building.

The murder suspect is said to be at large.

Her remains were deposited at the morgue of the State Hospital, Adeoyo.

Police spokesperson Mrs Olabisi Clet-Ilobanafor confirmed the incident, saying the police were on the trail of the prime suspect.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered that the suspects be moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

INEC files 242-page reply to Omisore’s petition

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has filed a 242-page reply to the petition before the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyiola Omisore.

In the reply by Gboyega Awomolo (SAN); A.B Mahmoud (SAN); Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN); Hassan M. Liman (SAN) ;Ahmed Raji (SAN) and 17 other lawyers,

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

three preliminary objections were raised to the petition which they hoped to argue at the pre-hearing conference.

The preliminary objection borders on striking out certain paragraphs of the petition filed by Omisore and the PDP against the result of the August 9 governorship poll.

According to INEC, para-

graphs 8,28,29,30,31,32 and 33 should be struck out on the grounds that the facts pleaded therein are pre-election matters.

INEC argued that paragraphs 26,27,35,36,37 and 38 of the petition were imprecise and vague as the polling units affected by the alleged anomalies were not specifically mentioned or identified.

INEC added that paragraphs 30,34,35 and 38 were

Three minors, others arrested for HE police in Ondo State paraded yester- alleged cultism, witchcraft day 48 suspects, in-

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cluding three minors, who were arrested for alleged cultism and sorcery.

The Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, said the minors (15 and 16), were SS2 pupils of Adegbola Grammar school, Akure and members of Eku (Rat) cult.

The police boss said one of the boys confessed that he was a wizard and he had allegedly killed four persons.

Eke said: "A Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) worker in Akure reported that at a church, in Shagari Village, her phone valued at N33,000 was stolen. Based on intelligence report, the phone was recovered from a minor at the same Shagari village.

"The suspect is a pupil of Adegbola Memorial Grammar School. He confessed to the crime and he said he belongs to a cult group named Eku. That he was initiated into the cult group last September.

The commissioner said 32 suspects were also arrested

•Police recover property worth N119.4m From Leke Akeredolu, Akure and Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

from various locations for alleged cultism; four robbery suspects were apprehended.

Others suspects include two for kidnapping, two for unlawful printing and selling of Nigeria Police Security Profiling forms, one for rape, three for theft and two for conspiracy to commit felony.

In Ogun State, the police have recovered property worth N119.4million from 220 robbery suspects. A total of 1,777 ammunitions were retrieved from them.

They said 37 suspects were killed by the police during gun battles even as 170 arms were recovered from them.

The commissioner, Ikemefuna Okoye, said this while parading some of the suspects, including 29 members of Eye Confraternity.

The suspected cult members, included three women, were said to be carrying out initiation rites on fresh members in the name of National Association of Airlords(NAA), at a hotel in Obantoko area of Abeokuta when plain-cloth policemen swooped on them.

A banner bearing the inscription: National Association of Airlords(NAA) FUNAAB ( Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta) chapter and T- Shirts with their insignia, were recovered from them.

Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the retired Assistant Superintendent of Police, Sunday Isokpenyi, who shot himself at the weekend in Ota, after killing his wife might have been suffering from "depression and other psychological imbalance."

Adejobi said the deceased did not shoot his son dead as reported in some dailies.

incompetent for making criminal allegations against persons who are not parties to the petition.

It maintained in the reply that the election conducted on August 9 was not only free and fair, but that substantial compliance with the Electoral Act. INEC urged the court to dismiss the petition for lacking merit and a waste of the precious time of the tribunal.

Ambode: I’ve the capacity to govern N All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in Lagos State, Ambode Akinwunmi, has said he has the capacity to govern the state.

Ambode said God has endowed him with the capacity to build on the foundation laid down by former Governors Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Babatunde Raji Fashola.

The aspirant said this when he visited Badagry, where he spent a chunk of his civil service life as the council treasurer.

He solicited for the support of the party leaders towards realising his political ambition.

Ambode promised to bring his managerial acumen to bear on governance in Lagos and would definitely address these needs if he is elected.

“My experience in almost all the local governments stands me out as the one closest to the grassroots.”

He was received by party leaders led by a former Special Adviser, Sunny Ajose.

Ajose praised Ambode for visiting Badagry. He said Ambode is qualified to be governor because of his closeness to the grassroots.

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Lagos Assembly honours Adadevoh, HE Lagos State House Adekunle, Igwe of Assembly honoured yesterday three late Ni-

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gerians, calling for the immortalisation of two of them.

The House said it would be in order to call on Governor Babatunde Fashola to immortalise the late Dr. Stella Adadevoh and the late BrigadierGeneral Adekunle Benjamin.

It also said it would not be out of place to give a national honour to Dr. Adadevoh The late Adadevoh was the medical consultant, who headed the team that handled the case of the Liberian-American importer of the Ebola Virus Disease, Patrick Sawyer.

Benjamin Adekunle died at

By Oziegbe Okoeki

the age of 78 while living in a three-bedroom apartment in the Surulere area of Lagos.

The third to be honoured by the House was the late Vice Chairman of The Sun, Dimgba Igwe, who was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver.

Raising the death of Adekunle under Matters of Urgent Public Importance at plenary yesterday, Muyiwa Jimoh, said he not only led Nigeria to a major victory during the civil war, he was also a major force in the Congo crisis many years ago.

He also told his colleagues that the nickname, Black Scorpion, was actually given to Adekunle by the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, due to his effectiveness during the war.

The Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, who called Adekunle a hero, added that the late Adekunle was “without doubt a Nigerian that was committed to the unity of the country.

For Adadevoh, the Speaker said the late doctor deserved “all that we can give to immortalise her name.”

“If our nation is one that honours people who have done well, then her name should

•The late Dr. Adadevoh

have been in the list of those to be honoured,” the Speaker said adding that she paid the supreme sacrifice.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

9

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08078425391

Who killed Lagos APC chief?

‘Intending pilgrims don’t know hajj rites’

•Party, lawmaker demand investigation

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HO killed Alhaji Azeez Asake, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos last Saturday?

The APC and a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jumoke OkoyaThomas, cried foul yesterday over his death, demanding a probe.

Asake was killed after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Lagos last Saturday, which was attended

by President Goodluck Jonathan and the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, among oth-

ers.

In a statement, Lagos State APC Publicity Secretary Joe Igbokwe alleged that Asake was shot dead by the notorious Abuja group loyal to a serving minister from the state.

It recalled that two weeks ago the same group allegedly shot dead one Wasiu Lawal in Ajah where APC members were holding their weekly meetings. It said no arrest has been made.

APC said it has not been informed of any arrest made in connection with the killing of Asake’s death. The

party warned that if the ‘murderous’ gang “are not called to order, they would create further crisis that will lead to bloodshed in Lagos”.

Hon Okoya-Thomas, representing Lagos Island Federal Constituency condemned what she called the “gruesome murder” of Asake.

Okoya-Thomas decried violence and thuggery in politics, stressing that they are threatening the peace of Lagos Island and the state in general. She called on security agencies to bring to justice the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

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•The late Asake

Man, 30, held for rape

•Victim’s nude pictures uploaded on Internet

‘

They said I raped her, but one thing is that I have a conscience and she also has a conscience and let our conscience judge. The truth is that I never denied beating her, I did beat her with my head on her face and on her back when she held my manhood; so all the allegation of bringing out a powder, a knife and belt are lies.

•The suspect

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30-YEAR old man has allegedly raped a 20-year old girl in Lagos and uploaded her pictures on the internet.

The suspect, Olaniyan Oluwakayode, allegedly raped the girl in his apartment at Ifako, Agege, Lagos.

He was arrested by the police and brought to the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, in handcuffs.

The victim, who hails from Akwa Ibom State denied that the suspect is her lover, she said after the incident, Oluwakayode snapped her pictures despite pleas from his sister not to.

She said: “He stops me anytime I am going to work.

He approached me and I told him I was not ready to give him a reply. I did not go to his house. On my way back from work last Tuesday, I saw him running out of his house. The next thing I saw was him jumping down from a fence, held my hand and said he wants to do what’s on his mind.

“So I asked him why would he do what’s on his mind when I have not even accepted his advances, he said he would do what is on his mind today; so he dragged me into a nearby bush. When I wanted to shout, he brought out a knife and threatened to kill me if I do.

“So from the bush, he dragged me to his house and locked the door. I tried all I could to open it but I couldn’t because the door is an iron

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

door and very strong. He used his legs to hold my neck, he tore my skirt, my pant and my bra. He beat me very well on my head, neck and body and removed my pant and he slept with me.

After he finished sleeping with me, I couldn’t shout again because he was beating me and forcing me to open my legs. When I refused, he also held my neck so I couldn’t shout”.

The victim said when Oluwakayode’s sister came back around 9p.m., she asked her brother to open the door, demanding to know if he wanted to kill her.

The victim said when Oluwakayode heard his sister shouting, he took her to the second room and still slept with her after which she urinated on the floor.

“His sister then came through the second window and pleaded with him to let me go, telling him that if she was the person that was being treated like that, would he be happy about it? I started crying. I am 20 years old and I work as an Office Assistant and I learnt Fashion Designing.

“He has been asking me out for a long time. I was never his girlfriend, I have my own boyfriend. He raped me in pains, even his sister was crying and he snapped me immediately. His sister threatened that she would report him to their mother but he ignored her”.

But, Oluwakayode denied raping her, saying she is his girlfriend.

’

According to him, he saw her passing by in June and he approached her for her phone number, which she obliged.

“I was fighting with my girlfriend but was accused of raping her. I snapped her picture when she was naked. We were fighting inside when I did it. Any other allegation is a big lie. The only thing I did which I did not deny is that I snapped her picture naked.

“We were fighting inside because she has been hurting me for a long time. We had an issue which made me delete her number. Last week, she flashed me. When I saw the strange number, I called the number back immediately. When I heard her voice, I asked her what she wanted.

“Immediately, I called her she told me she was on her way back from work and we met. She even came to my house and we sat outside and talked. She agreed to date me. There was a day we spoke on phone and she was asking me if I had an apartment, I told her that I didn’t want to rush into anything, that I wanted to settle down in my business.

I do branding in my house at Ifako.

“They said I raped her, but one thing is that I have a conscience and she also has a conscience and let our conscience judge. The truth is that I never denied beating her, I did beat her with my head on her face and on her back when she held my manhood; so all the allegation of bringing out a powder, a

knife and belt are lies”.

Director of Child Development, WAPA, Mrs. Alaba Fadairo said the case would be charged to court.

“From here, we are going to the court because it is an infringement on someone’s right. But it is not immediate because all the necessary tests have to be done, like the evidence, medical report and all. The most important thing is to ensure she has not been infected with HIV. The hospital should be able to prove to us to back up her claims “You do not have to force a person to have your way.

It has to be mutual consent.

The most barbaric aspect is that it was done and it was aired. Where is the dignity of the woman? It shows the person is callous and wicked and I think we should allow the law to take its course so that the girl could feel justice has been served,” she said.

Mrs Fadairo said the case would not be swept under the carpet except the victim opts out.

“That’s why I am going to follow it up to the letter and see that the matter is handled. There is no going back.

“It’s a dent on the victim and it’s not about rape, it’s about putting her pictures on social media. I don’t think anyone will want to opt out.

You also know the government has zero tolerance for issues of child abuse except we are not in the know. He is likely to face imprisonment, but the number of years is at the discretion of the court.”

BOUT 75 percent of intending pilgrims from Nigeria lack knowledge of Hajj rites, the Mufti (Grand Sheikh) of Conference of Islamic Organisations (CID), Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i, has said.

This, Shafi’i said, at a seminar organised by Hajj Mabrur Ventures Limited (HMVL), usually creates problems for operators and Saudi Arabia authority in the Holy Land.

Hajj, he said, is one of the key pillars of Islam, adding that pilgrims should equip themselves with the ‘dos and don’ts’ of the exercise.

According to him, government and private operators must organise extensive trainings for intending pilgrims.

The scholar warned that pilgrims risk losing the reward of embarking on hajj if its tenets are not adhered to.

“What is the essence of spending lots of money,

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

engage in strenuous hajj exercise and all other risks involved and come home empty handed. We should religiously perform the rites of hajj as expected to earn the desired rewards,” he said.

Shafi’i enjoined pilgrims to be mentally and physically alert for the exercise and always renew their intentions.

“Prophet Muhammad sa i d ‘ a c t i ons sha l l be judged according to intention.’ Remember, we are going to Saudi Arabia for worship, let’s change our intentions from going after mundane things; tourism and shopping can always come after completing the spiritual rites,” he said.

HMVL General Manager Alhaji Abdulhameed Solate said the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) i s ha m per i ng sm oot h preparations of the exercise.

Fish out fraudsters, advisory council told

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HE Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council (LSCDAC) has been asked to ensure that those who defrauded Community Development Committees (CDCS) and Community Development Associations (CDAs) do not go scot free.

Governor Babatunde Fashola, who was swearing in the LSCDAC executive, urged the council to monitor, report and discipline those who mismanage CDCs’ and CDAs’ funds.

Represented by the Commissioner for Rural Development, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Fashola said the occasion marked another milestone in government’s effort to mobilise CDAs to participate in governance.

He said government encouraged the formation of CDAs to ensure adequate community influence and control in development initiatives.

Fashola charged the council to plan, co-ordinate and execute community development projects and ensure compliance with government policies and programmes.

He urged LSCDAC to cooperate with council chair-

men to ensure execution of development projects at the grassroots, urging the group to prepare its 2015 budget and pass to his ministry.

LSCDAC chairman Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri hailed the government for its support for the LASCDC, promising to work to ensure that CDAs and CDCs are accountable and supervise government projects in their domains.

Present at the ceremony were Chairman, Lagos Mainland Local Government Rufus Oladele Adekanye, Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Abduwahab Olajide Jimoh, Vice Chairman, Mainland Local Government, Rashidat Omolola Essien, member, representing Lagos Mainland Constituency 11 in the House of Assembly, Moshood Olanrewaju Oshin, the Special Assistant to the governor on Rural and Social Development, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, and the outgoing Permanent Secretary of the Rural and Social Development Ministry, Mr. Olatunde Agoro.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

NEWS Rigging’ll have consequences, says Sheu Sani From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

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IGHTS activist Mr. Shehu Sani has warned that there will be consequences, if the 2015 general elections are rigged.

Sani spoke yesterday in Kaduna when he visited People Living with Disability.

He regretted that billions of naira meant for development were being stolen by politicians, resulting in poverty and insecurity.

Sani, who is seeking the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the Kaduna Central Senatorial District election, described the deplorable condition of people living with disability as “worrisome”.

He urged northern leaders to revive the agricultural sector and textile industries to end poverty and social vices.

Sani said: “If the 2015 general election is rigged, we are heading for revolution. I am here to identify with the poorest in our society. These people are victims of corruption, injustice and failed governments. The poor have been neglected and they represent revolution. For northern Nigeria to progress, we must end insurgency and fund the education sector. We must revive our textile industries and invite foreign experts to come and invest.”

Chairman of People Living with Disability Muntari Saleh said they were in support of an automatic ticket for Sani, based on his support to the less—privileged and fight for the masses.

Yero visits victims of Sanga attacks

K

ADUNA State Governor Mukhtar Yero has visited victims of terrorist attacks in Fadan Karshi, Sanga Local Government Area.

He was accompanied by top government officials and the Senator representing Kaduna South, Mrs Esther Usman.

Addressing the victims, who are taking refuge at the palace of the Chief of Numana, Yero commiserated with the families of those killed.

The governor had earlier directed the State Emergency Management Agency to assess the damage and provide relief items for the displaced

•We’ve lost over 300 people From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

persons.

He said the government would take measures to tighten security.

Yero warned the people against taking the law into their hands, urging them to cooperate with security operatives deployed in the area.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said over 300 people were killed in the attacks.

In an open letter to the governor, CAN said: “Having suffered the gruesome massacre of members of the

Christian community in Sanga Local Government, CAN urges you to use your good office to arrest this ugly development by ending these terrible attacks on our peace-loving and defenceless people.

“A careful consideration of the attacks launched on various communities in Sanga Council from June 23 to the most recent ones, which occurred on September 16 and 17, has revealed that they were carefully planned and carried out by some terrorists on Christians in the local government.

“Over 300 Christians have

been wasted in these attacks.

Our children and women, including expectant mothers and the aged, our clergymen, churches, pastors’ residences and our properties have been the main targets of these attacks.

“These sad, ugly and unprovoked attacks have overstretched the patience of the Christian community in Sanga Council. Religious war is not in our nature and tradition as Christians.

“It is our earnest prayer to Almighty God and to you that concrete steps be taken to ensure there is no further attack on any community in the local government area henceforth.”

‘Borno Govt intact’ From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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HERE is no dispute between Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima and the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Ahmed Jidda, the government said yesterday.

It said there was no plan to sack Jidda.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Culture, Abba Fugu, spoke following rumours of a split in the State Executive Council (SEC).

In a statement, Fugu said: “The Borno State government has noted with reservation some media reports in recent days, suggesting that Jidda was getting ready to resign from the SEC over a purported disagreement between him and the governor.

“The government ignored the baseless reports, but some part of the media revisited the issue yesterday, hence the need to set the records straight. Shettima and Jidda have a perfect relationship. There was never an issue of the governor contemplating Jidda’s sack or the SSG contemplating resignation. We do not know the origin of the story, but it appears to be the handiwork of some mischief makers, who want to create an impression that all isn’t well with the government to advance whatever political motive could be in the offing.

“There is mutual respect and cordiality between the governor and the SSG, as they assiduously work to better the lives of Borno people through exemplary governance. The government is intact and remains focused on the search for peace, progress and development in the state.”

AIG vows to fight rape in Kano From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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HE Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 1, Kano, Tambari Yabo, has condemned the rising rate of rape cases in the state, pledging to curb it.

Yabo spoke yesterday in his office in Kano while hosting members of the Coalition Against Rape and Violence (CARAV).

Assuring the coalition of his support in the battle against rape, he said two policemen in the command, who allegedly raped minors, were not only dismissed but prosecuted.

Mrs Aisha Ado, who represented the group’s chairperson, said CARAV comprises representatives of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), International Federation of Women Lawyers, National Human Rights Commission, Hisbah and Nigeria Association of Crime Journalists.

She said the coalition was formed to fight rape and violence against women.

CARAV will kick off its campaign against rape and violence in Kano on September 30.

Kogi schools open •Kano teachers to resume after Sallah

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CHOOLS in Kogi State resumed yesterday as the government started distributing sanitary materials to schools in the 21 local government areas.

The materials include liquid soap, buckets with tap heads, thermometers and gloves.

Commissioner for Education Mrs. Agnes Okai said the measure was to improve personal hygiene in schools.

She said: “In rural areas where tap water is rare, we have provided motorised boreholes. So pupils can now wash their hands frequently and return the culture of hygiene to our schools. Besides Ebola, the Federal Government wants the culture of hygiene to return to our schools.

In Kano State, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed its members not to resume work until after the EidEl-Kabir celebration.

The directive was contained in a statement yesterday by the union’s Chairman, Lawal Abdul, and Secretary Haruna Muhammad.

The union said this would give the government time to put hygiene-improving measures in schools.

From left: Kano State Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso; former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Aminu Dabo and Minister of Education Ibrahim Shekarau at the Abuja International Airport on their arrival from Kano...yesterday.

PHOTO: KOLADE ADEYEMI

Gunmen attack police station in Ajaokuta

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UNMEN attacked Adogo Police Station in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State on Sunday night.

The hoodlums attacked the station around 8:30pm and tried to break into the armory.

They bombed parts of the station, causing a fire, which

From James Azania, Lokoja

was still raging yesterday morning.

Police spokesman Elvis Aguebor said the gunmen were repelled by policemen.

He urged the public to report anybody with bullet wounds to security agents.

Aguebor said: “About

2100 hrs on Sunday, unknown gunmen attacked Adaogo Police Station in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State, apparently desirous of carting away police arms. The policemen on duty swiftly took position and returned fire.

The heavy dynamite launched by the attackers demolished and set fire on a

part of the station.

“The desire of the hoodlums to cart away arms was aborted, as the police successfully evacuated the arms from the station to safety. As at the time of this report, no human casualty was recorded on the part of the police. Some of the hoodlums escaped with bullet wounds.”

Stop indigene/settler discrimination

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ANO State Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso has urged Nigerians to stop indigene/non-indigene discrimination.

He said Nigeria’s unity in diversity must not be compromised.

Kwankwaso spoke yesterday at a meeting with representatives of various communities at the Government House in Kano.

He said: “Nigerians should stop the idea of non-indigenes discrimination, especially as regards people who have been in a place for a long time and have contributed to the development of that area. These are some of the issues that must be addressed.

“I call on my brothers and sisters, especially politicians

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

who gain so much by bringing this division, to stop ethnic and religious discrimination. Sometimes you find people from neighbouring states living together, yet they are considered non-indigenes. I do not believe that is correct and we have to make people comfortable where ever they choose to stay in this country.

“We are lucky that we have so many people from every part of the country living in this state. In fact, Nigerians from all states of the federation live here and vice-verse and that is how it should be.

“Many people call our brothers and sisters who come from other parts of this country non-

Eight aspirants jostle for Niger PDP’s ticket From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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IGHT aspirants are jostling for the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State.

They include the Deputy Governor, Ahmed Ibeto; Commissioner for Works Mu’azu Rijau; the Chief of Staff, Umar Nasko; Wushisishi Local Government Chairman Saidu Abubakar Wushishi; and four other party members.

Governor Mu’azu Aliyu disclosed this yesterday in Minna, the state capital, at the opening of the State Investment Climate Summit.

He said Ibeto and Rijau had given him their letters of intent and Nasko was still consulting.

‘Nigerians should stop the idea of nonindigenes discrimination, especially as regards people who have been in a place for a long time and have contributed to the development of that area’

indigenes and it is time to stop this. During my first term, many of you worked tirelessly with the government to ensure peace in the state.

“You can imagine how I would feel is after staying in a place for 30 years, people continue to label me a non-indigene. In any case, this is an is-

sue that has to do with good leadership - a strong leadership that can sell its programmes and projects to the people.”

Kwankwaso said he gained a lot of experience on national unity and accommodation during his days as a youth corps member in the old Ogun State, adding that he was always at home in Abeokuta.

He urged residents to continue to work with his administration to accelerate development and strengthen the peace in Kano. The governor said the commercial city will remain home to all Nigerians.

Leaders of the Southsouth, Southeast, Southwest and North Central communities in Kano thanked him for carrying them along in the government’s activities and pledged their support for him.

Presbyterian Prelate condemns death sentence on soldiers

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RELATE and Moderator of the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Most Rev. Emele Uka has condemned the death sentence on 12 soldiers by the Army.

The soldiers were convicted for mutiny in Maiduguri, Borno State.

They shot at a car conveying the then General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Division 7, Major-General Ahmadu Mohammed.

Prof. Uka described the death sentence as “primitive, barbaric, ungodly, inhuman and a miscarriage of justice”.

BUSINESS

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

11 Sovereign Wealth Funds are managed conservatively.

They don’t borrow money the way banks do, so you can’t compare this business to banking business. This business does not expose itself to that kind of risk. It is not the same thing as private equity •Managing Director/CEO, NSI A, Uche Orji

‘Water sector reform will improve service delivery’

Total to cut costs, sell assets

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UROPE’S second big gest oilfirm Total plans to cut costs and sell more assets after lowering its forecasts for growth in production.

Output may be 2.3 million barrels of oil equivalent a day (bpd) next year, short of the prior 2.6 million-barrel target, and 2.8 million in 2017, down from three million, it said in a statement.

“We are more confident” in reaching these production goals because most new projects are operated by the company, Chief Financial Officer Patrick de La Chevardiere said in London at the company’s annual investor day.

The Paris-based producer retained its 2017 cash-flow goal, pledging to keep selling assets and cutting operating costs to save $2 billion a year. It will overhaul exploration strategy.

Chief Executive Officer Christophe de Margerie has battled to raise output as fast as planned after leaks shut the Caspian Sea Kashagan project and an Abu Dhabi concession ended. He has pledged to cut investment and curb costs after spending billions on new projects and drilling “high risk” exploration wells.

Investment will be cut to $25 billion in 2017 from $26 billion this year and a peak of $28 billion last year, Total said.

Completion of some of Total’s projects has slipped, with output at Laggan-Tormore off the Shetland Islands expected in the first quarter rather than later this year after completion of onshore plant was hit by labor strife and winter weather. It is also no longer counting on output from Yamal LNG in 2017.

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

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• Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (right) exchanging pleasantries with the incoming Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, WAPCO, Mrs. Peju Adebajo. With them is the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa, Guillame Roux during Mrs Adebajo’s introduction to the governor in his office...yesterday.

CBN refunds N17b ‘fraudulently’ charged by banks to customers

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has re funded over N17 billion to customers in fraudulent charges by banks as at last month.

Its Head of Consumer Protection Department, Hajia Khadijah Kassim, told reporters in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, yesterday, that the refund followed about 5,500 complaints against the banks by customers.

Responding to a question on bank fraud at a press briefing to mark the com-

Litigations stall due process, says BPP chief

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HE Director General, Bureau of Public Pro curement (BPP), Emeka Ezeh, lamented yesterday that long delays in tidying up court processes is hindering the agency from discharging its statutory functions.

He also said the agency has saved N500 billion for the government since it was created.

Speaking while receiving the National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Augustine Alegeh (SAN), who led a delegation of its national officers on courtesy call to BPP’s office in Abuja, he lamented that since it started operation, it has only been able to get two court judgements, which were all in its favour.

According to him, some lawyers still lack good grasp of the Procurement Act. He also told his guests that any contractor who fails to register and is not captured in its database will not be allowed to do business with the government with effect from

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

next year.

He said: "Long delays in court processes are not helping in deepening procurement processes. The two court judgements we have got so far have been in our favour."

"We have been frustrated by the judiciary at times.

Many lawyers are not aware of the BPP Act. That is why we distributed 10, 000 copies of the Act to lawyers and judges at one of the NBA conferences.

"We need sector-specific lawyers because of the lowlevel awareness of the BPP Act among lawyers. We observe that some senior lawyers get beaten by younger, smarter lawyers who have deeply studied the Act." Ezeh said since 2007 to date, BPP has been able to save N500 billion for the government as the difference between what was applied for by the Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and what was approved.

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

mencement of the Financial Literacy and Consumer Awareness Campaign, she said as soon as the bank receives any complaint of fraud, it immediately swings into action by investigating it.

She also said as part of the consumer protection duties of the apex bank, it ensures that customers get fair deal from their banks.

“We ensure that banks treat their customers fairly,” she said.

Accordingt to her, customers have a right to complain.

She urged the customers to regularly pay attention to their bank statements, insisting that customers must question any debit to their account they do not understand and report to their various banks.

She said the banks have a period of 30 days to resolve the issues else they are escalated to the CBN, where they ensure the issues are resolved fairly to the customer.

Kassim who represented

the Director of the department, Mr U.A. Dutse, said the CBN is putting structures in place to ensure that consumers get maximum benefits from the provision of financial services to enable them take charge of their financial well-being and enhance economic development.

She said the purpose of the week-long sensitisation programme is to interact and with and sensitise Cross Riverians on financial literacy and consumer protection issues.

HE Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe yesterday said ongoing water sector reforms by the Federal Government will improve service delivery.

Speaking during the commissioning of the Ministry’s Christian Staff Fellowship Chapel in Abuja, she said the government is already working hard to ensure the swift completion of all ongoing projects to boost access to water.

She said: “Our desire is that Nigerians should have 100 per cent access to water supply.

“And those projects that we are constructing will be properly completed and put into effective use and I believe that with God on our side, we will surely succeed.

“Water projects are expensive. The Federal Government is aware of this. And that is why in 2013 President Goodluck Jonathan convened a Presidential Summit on water to discuss alternative sources of funding for the water sector.

“We have to look outside normal government budget; we have to begin to think of the private sector. We have to think of other tiers of government to put in more into water.

“We also have to engage with our development partners to see that they commit more of their country’s portfolio towards the development of water resources and many of them are assisting us with reforms in the water sector.

“This, we believe is going to help us when we reform the sector and are able to provide efficient and effective services in 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And when people pay their tariff, it will help us to maintain the facilities.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

BUSINESS NEWS

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• From left: Mr. Adewunmi receiving the ‘Telecom Investor of the Decade’ award on behalf of Dr. Adenuga from Otunba Daniel.

With them is Chief Akinyele, during the Awards held at the Incubator, Victoria Island Lagos

NERC seeks autonomy for market operators

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HE Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is canvassing for the removal of the Market Operator (MO) and System Operator (SO) as units in the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

According to NERC, the market operators deserve autonomy to function properly.

NERC’s General Manager, Marketing and Rates, Abdulkadir Shetima who made a presentation on the Transition Electricity Market (TEM) in a capacity building workshop for energy correspondents at the weekend in Abuja, argued that the operators require independence from the TCN. He said: "There is no independence of MO and SO. They seek approvals from the TCN. We have issued licenses to TCN to unbundle them and that will be done during TEM."

Adenuga, Glo shine at Telecom Awards

T was a major laurel haul for Globacom Chairman Dr. Mike Adenuga and his companies, Glo Mobile and Glo 1, at the 10th Annual Nigerian Telecom Awards in Lagos.

The Globacom chairman bagged the award of the ‘Telecom Investor of the Decade’; Glo Mobile and Glo 1 emerged the ‘Best Telecom Operator of the Year- Data’, ‘Most Innovative Telecom Operator of the Year’, and ‘Best Submarine Company of the Year’.

The awards are coinciding with the re-emergence of the telco as the second largest telecommunications operator in the country, according to the latest figures released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The’ Telecom Investor of the Decade’ award was the highpoint of the ceremony, and was presented by the Chairman, of the Nigerian Telecom Awards, Chief Alex Akinyele and the Vice Chairman and former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga

• Govt to unbundle TCN during transition market From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Under the present Electricity Power Sector Reform Act 2005, the TCN is run through a management contract by the Minitoba Hydro International of Canada.

According to him, besides inadequate generation capacity, there is currently lack of clarity in electricity contracting framework.

He lamented that inadequate tariff contributes to distribution companies (DISCOs) inability to meet their obligations.

Shetima said shadow trading has become necessary in order to identify any errors and gaps to enable resolution ahead of TEM "in the next couple of months."

He submitted that before

the TEM, there must be a cost reflective tariff for the industry and adequate securitisation arrangements must also be put in place.

The General Manager argued that there should be effective monitoring of licenses particularly TCN and DISCOs to ensure minimisation of losses and improvement in customer service delivery.

But Shetima, who presented the analysis of shadow trading of the TEM since September 1, said "all trading arrangement during TEM will be consummated through contracts. The MO shall develop a market procedure for the management of inadequate supply and shortage conditions. The commission will constitute

the initial market surveillance panel."

According to him, all the conditions precedent to the declaration of TEM have been attained in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) except the formalisation of the trading arrangements (vesting contracts) between participating companies, which is now in process.

Shettima said the development, implementation and testing by the SO of the systems and procedures required to implement the grid codes is also still in process.

The General Manager explained that at the moment, NESI has attained 100 per cent metering at the wholesale point.

Shettima also said the law

•NERC Chairman, Sam Amadi

on the privatisation of the electricity DISCOs and electricity generation companies (GENCOs) stipulates that no company shall hold more than one DISCO or GENCO. The law, he said, states that no particular company shall hold more than 30 to 40 per cent of the shares in the electricity market in order to avoid monopoly.

Daniel. The award was received on Dr. Adenuga’s behalf by the Director of Mike Adenuga Group, Mr. Niyi Adewunmi.

According to the organisers, Dr. Adenuga was nominated on account of his “immense contributions to the growth of the telecommunications sector in the country” and was unanimously adjudged to take the award by a panel of assessors and judges. The organisers said no single investor in Africa has invested more in telecoms in the continent than Dr. Adenuga.

The organisers further stated that Dr Adenuga merited the special award “due to the great sacrifice he made to ensure the re-invention of the country’s telecoms industry.

“They described him as an astute, world-class business expert with worldwide business interests and one of the biggest employers of labour in the country.

On the award of the ‘Best Telecom Operator (Data)’ given to Glo Mobile, the organizers explained that the company is the only integrated network that boasts of a transnational cable backbone, Glo 1. “Today, the multi-million dollar facility and the network’s nationwide optic fibre cable have enabled Globacom to offer the most cost-effective and reliable internet,” the citation read.

The organisers said the award of the ‘Most Innovative Telecom Company of the Year’ given to Glo Mobile was well deserved on account of an array of the novel products and services the company has introduced in the last one year. They said the company has kept up with the tradition it established at inception with the introduction of per second billing when other operators said it was not possible.

First Lady congratulates NCC chief

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HE First Lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah on his election as the Chairman of Commonwealth Telecommunication Organisation (CTO). Juwah was elected at the CTO Forum and 54th Council Meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

In a letter signed by Ike Neliakuchukwu, Senior Special Assistant (Administration), Office of the First Lady, Dame Jonathan observed that “the Commonwealth has, once more, through this election demonstrated its confidence and goodwill, not only in you but in the Nigerian nation under the capable leadership of His Excellency, DrGoodluckEbele Jonathan, President Federal Republic of Nigeria.

While wishing him a successful tenure of office as the ITU Child Online Champion, the First Lady expressed the belief that DrJuwah will use the opportunity to curtail the threat and challenge of child online security, as well as deepen a secured penetration of telecommunication access within the less privileged communities in the commonwealth.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

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TRANSPORTATION

HE 3.83-kilometre long Lagos International Airport Road, leading in and out of the nation’s busiest gateway – the Murtala Muhammed International Airport -is fast becoming a nightmare for commuters, motorists and others.

The road is fast sullying the image of the nation, especially for first-time visitors and tourists as they are welcomed into the cold embrace of a mindless gridlock that may keep motorists at the same spot for hours.

Investigation showed that traffic jam occurs all day and the gridlock is caused by the bad state of the road and long queue of fuel-laden trailers parked indiscriminately on it.

Car owners, commercial drivers and owners of business outlets along the road said the tankers packed along the road are their major headache.

“These trailers are the major cause of the gridlock that has made both carriage of the road impassable in recent time,” Mr Taiwo Onifade, who lives at Mafoluku

E-mail: ynotaderibigbe@gmail.com

Lagos Airport road becomes a nightmare

Stories by Adeyinka Aderibigbe

said.

The Nation’s check on Thursday showed no fewer than 21 petrol tankers packed on the road leading to the international airport. These are outside those laden with Jet A1 (aviation fuel), most of which were not making use of the parking lot allotted to them.

A motorist, Mr. Wasiu Olusanya, said tankers blocked one of the lanes on the road, forcing all vehicles on the road to make use of one lane, ultimately forcing cars from NAHCO Aviance to drive against traffic causing the gridlock.

He said: “In fact, the tankers here are the main cause of the traffic including vehicles coming from NAHCO, that make a U-turn opposite Ajao Estate entrance. We could spend three hours to leave the traffic that shouldn’t be more than 15 minutes. Airport road is supposed to be wide and about four lanes but

we have only two lanes.”

Mr. Festus who works with Mr. Biggs, said the traffic affects them as vehicles have turned the filling station into carriageway.

“At such times, vehicles that ought to branch to refill are prevented and this can last for hours.The traffic is a major hindrance. Government should widen the road and force these trailers out of the road. Vehicles driving against traffic facing NAHCO should be also be apprehended. “ he said.

A commercial bus driver who simply identified himself as Sakariyau said the tankers should not be allowed

to pack along the road. He said all commercial bus drivers plying the route use their parking lot to avoid the crisis on the road and urged tanker drivers to do same to reduce the stress of motorists and other road users on the road.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, had in August 2013, relocated the tanker drivers to a permanent site within the airport after years of causing havoc on the highways at the airport, but many have refused to leave the road, insisting that the allocated space is inaccessible.

The National Public Relations Of-

ficer (PRO), Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Comrade Atanda Adebayo, said the problem with the Airport road was that many trailers, with no business in that area are usually found there.

He said the union will be willing to cooperate with security operatives to sanitise the area to ensure that only aviation fuel-laden trailers are allowed to operate there.

He, however, called for a more conducive space to be allotted to tankers, adding that the space allotted to trailers is marshy and unmotorable, a development that made many of them to avoid the place.

Transforming railway is Jonathan’s priority, says Tukur

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HE transformation of the railway has been described as President Goodluck Jonathan’s top priority.

The Nigeria Railway Corporation’s Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, disclosed this during a familiarisation tour of the Northern District of the Railway in Kaduna last Wednesday.

He said the NRC board is determined to rebuild the railway and make it the backbone of the nation’s public transit.

He said:“In line with President Jonathan’s commitment, we have intensified efforts toward transforming the railway to give it a new and dynamic face. With the President’s determination, Nigerians should expect a new, vibrant and enviable railway very soon.”

He said revitalising the railway would facilitate job creation, boost business activities and strengthen the bond of relationship among Nigerians.

Tukur equally charged railway workers to be committed to their duties to complement the tireless

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efforts of the Federal Government toward rebuilding a new railway.

Addressing their agitation for salary increase, the chairman promised that the board would review their salaries to boost their morale.

Earlier, the District Manager (RDM), Mr Akinwale Akintola, said Kaduna junction was symbolic to NRC because it was the hub of the railway’s passengers and freight services.

He said the NRC in collaboration with Kaduna State government was presently running “four single-direction daily intra-city train services,” under public private partnership arrangement.

“The train cumulatively runs 24 train services per week and 96 trains per month, respectively,” he said.

He said in view of the successful delivery of the existing intracity services, the “diesel multiple unit” has been proposed to be launched as additional intra-city for a segmented service in the state.

Agency pledges more collaboration for road safety

N furtherance of its zero tolerance for road crashes, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), has pledged to collaborate with other traffic agencies in ensuring that roads, within the state are policed.

The agency said traffic offenders would also be promptly punished especially during this ‘Ember’ months.

The pledge was made by the TRACE’s Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone II, Ado-Odo/Ota, Commander Kunle Ajibade while speaking with The Nation in his office.

He said the state more popularly known as the ‘Gateway State’ records heavy casualities especially along its borders with neighbouring states, due to the massive influx of vehicles on the roads.

According to him before the creation of TRACE, Ogun State records high fatality rate, which attract to it the name; “mortuary state.”

Ajibade said the coming on board of TRACE as a traffic com-

By Olalekan Ayeni

pliance agency, in collaboration with other security/road traffic agencies, has reduced accidents as it has organised several campaigns and workshops for drivers.

The agency, he said, will not relent in its effort to make Ogun State roads accident-free.

He advised road users to maintain road discipline and obey traffic rules and regulations while on the wheels, adding that life has no duplicate and that whoever arrives safely is a good driver.

He warned against driving under the influence of alcohol, overloading, high speed, phoning while driving, all of which are major causes of crashes on the road.

Ajibade said TRACE will continue to impound any vehicle found violating traffic laws.

He praised the Ogun State government for embarking on the construction and renovation of several roads which, according to him, have reduced the number of crashes in the state.

• From left: FRSC Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi, Minister of Works Mike Onolememen and Minister of State for Works Adedayo Adeyeye during a visit by the FRSC management team.

A one-stop shop for quick licence

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PROMPT service delivery revolution may be going on at the Licensing office, Alaka, Surulere, a Lagos Mainland suburb.

Drivers seeking to procure licence could obtain same within an hour. No hassles, no network failures, no delays.

In a state where many motorists have loads of frustrating stories to tell, either of touts extorting innocent drivers, or the unsavoury delays that give room for endless extensions of the lifespan on the temporary licence and traffic officers’ harassment for failure to produce the licence on demand, the Surulere centre is a fresh experience.

Many drivers allege that the website from where the forms must be downloaded and filled is difficult to access, giving officers at the licencing office the room to extort them.

But The Nation’s visit to Alaka Office on Thursday was an eye opener, to a centre where the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) work in a seamless bond that ensures that a new prospector walks in without a form and walks out armed with a valid and genuine driving document within the hours without the attendant stress as obtained elsewhere.

The centre, it was learnt, receives no less than 170 requests daily, since it opened in July.

“None of these requests is carried over to the next day. All requests are treated with dispatch and the person goes home with his licence same day, whether new or old,” the head of the office Alhaji Ayodele Sikiru Aduloju said.

Aduloju, a Route Superintendent Commander (RSC) with the FRSC, described the office as a one-stop shop for any matter relating to auto vehicle

registration, change of ownership, number plate and licence.

“We have the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) and the FRSC which is the sole issuing authority all working together here. We all work hand-in-hand and all the three must give a stamp of approval before any licence is issued.

“We have been able to cope with the demand traffic because the workers go the extra mile to get things done. At times they assist people to fill and download the forms from the FRSC website just to ensure that everyone gets his/her licence before the close of work,” he said.

Aduloju in a lecture, earlier, urged drivers to drive to stay alive. “A good driver must assume that he is the only sane person on the road and avoid other drivers from crashing into his car. A good driver is the one who gets to his destination safely, as accidents is not about who is right but who is left.”

Though accidents, Aduloju continued, are a product of three factors namely environmental, mechanical and human, the human factors are primal and are within the driver’s control. Remove the human factor and the other factors are insignificant.

He said overloading, over speeding, drunk driving, fatigue, using the phone while driving and lack of concentration are few of the vices a good driver must guard against as they are causative agents of crashes on the highways. He added that though high speed trills, it must be jealously avoided by anyone who desires to stay alive.

A driver, Matthew Olaosebikan, said he was surprised that he could get his licence within one hour of get-

ting to the centre. “Infact, what I got here was a shocking surprise to me. I had gone to Alausa from where I was referred here by someone who said he had tried here. I came in here, they helped me download the form and I filled it and went to the bank to pay and within an hour my biometrics was captured and I was presented with my licence. This is wonderful,” he said.

Another, a woman who identified herself as Mrs Ademola, said she came all the way from Iru, in Victoria Island when a friend told her of her experience. She said she is proud of the prompt service from the Surulere Licencing centre.

However, the centre may have established a record of prompt service, she said government should encourage the workers by making the work environment more conducive. She said the lack of parking space is a major issue as many of those who may love to patronise the centre are afraid of coming because of getting their cars towed by traffic officers.

She equally raised an eyebrow on the epileptic power supply which is not helped by the poor state of generating set being used by the centre. “It would be nice if the government replaces the generator the centre is using as this would accelerate the efficiency of the centre,” Mrs Ademola said.

Besides the issuance of licences, other services offered by the office include the procurement of number plates for all manner of vehicles, registration of vehicles change of ownership, vehicle licences and hackney permit charges.

Others are driver licences, registration of vehicle/spare parts dealership.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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BUSINESS MARITIME

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

Bidders accuse NPA of awarding N20b Calabar Port contract without due process • ‘Why we cancelled bids’

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ID the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) award the N20 billion Calabar Port dredging contract without following due process? This is the puzzle stakeholders in the maritime industry are seeking to unravel over the contract.

The contract, sources said, was awarded to the Calabar Channel Management (CCM) without passing through the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) as stipulated by law.

BPP was established in 2007 to monitor public procurement, harmonise government’s policies and practices by regulating, setting standards and developing the legal

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

framework and professional capacity for public procurement.

Speaking when he received Southsouth and Southeast traditional rulers, led by Edmund Daukoru, the Amanyanabo of Nembe, in his office, the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, said President Goodluck Jonathan approved the port’s dredging.

But the company that got the job never participated in any procurement, according to sources.

The last procurement for the capital dredging of the Calabar Channel was held in 2010.

Sources at the BPP said only six

firms — Jan De Nul, Dredging International, Westminster Dredging, China Harbour Engineering, Lagos Channel Management (LCM) and Van Oord – participated in the procurement after satisfying the prequalification conditions.

The exercise, a source said, was however, nullified and a re-procurement ordered, following attempts by officials of the Ministry of Transport and NPA to manipulate the process in favour of the Lagos Channel Management (LCM).

The re-tender organised by NPA for the firms that participated in the 2010 bid, it was learnt, included CCM, but the bid, the source said, never sailed through.

“Soon after the commencement of the process, NPA called off the exercise, citing Section 28 of the Procure-

• Calabar port.

Why we prefer Tin Can, by agents, others

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MPORTERS and clearing agents have attributed the high rate of business at Tin Can Island Port in Apapa, Lagos to the efficiency of Customs officers there.

The port, the importers said, is user-friendly and has modern cargo equipment.

Most of the clearing agents, who also spoke with The Nation, described the Tin Can facility as one of best in the world, saying they were happy because Customs officers at the command are proactive and facilitate trade.

Imported goods, the clearing agent said, can be leave the port two hours after examination and five hours before examination if the importer and clearing agent are honest in their declaration.

Good facility and trade facilitation, the clearing agents said, were responsible for why many importers make the terminals their port of destination.

The Vice-Chairman, Tin Can Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Ada Apunonu, who spoke on behalf of other clearing agents, said the Customs command at the port, operates the unified Customs tariff and valuation structure like the other commands and facilitate the quick release of cargoes from the terminals.

Last week, the Executive Director Ports and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), Askanio Russo, told the Senate Committee on Privatisation that his terminal had lost a large chunk of its customers to the rival terminal at the Tin Can port due to what he called uneven administration of Customs tariff and valuation.

Russo reportedly blamed the Customs authorities for using various ex-factory prices and valuation assessment for used vehicles discharged at the terminal, claiming it is different from what obtained at other rival terminals in Tin can.

But the ANLCA chieftain said the allegation was untrue because, according to her, there is no disparity in tariff interpretation, especially on the new automotive policy between the two terminals.

“PTML is a terminal which specialises in handling vehicular imports and the management of the facility ought to be aware that the new auto policy with its attendant high tariff will definitely affect the volume of traffic to it. It is pure mischief and arm-twisting tactics being employed by its managers to accuse Customs of operating two different tariff and valuation structure at the terminals.

‘’Customs valuation system is unified and there is only one Customs administering the unified system at all its commands,” she said.

She, however, urged the terminals to make them user friendly and brace for further slide in cargo traffic by January, next year when the full implementation of the auto policy was expected to take off.

Also, the Chairman of the state chapter of the association, Kayode Oyinlola, expressed disgust at the claims that there was disparity in Customs tariff, which he said, was capable of causing disaffection among Customs officers. ‘’No terminal should blame anybody for its down turn in fortunes; rather, it should address some of its charges if it ranks as one of the highest in the country or not,’’ he said He attributed the high preference of importers for the Tin Can port to what he described as the passion, dedication, commitment and knowledge of Customs officers in the command in valuation.

Its controller, he said, had worked assiduously to achieve and maintain the prevailing peace and tranquility in the command.

This, Oyinlola said, had not only attracted the large flock of importers to the command, but has also enhanced its revenue profile.

ment Act. “That section of the Act stipulates that a procuring entity may reject all bids at any time prior to the acceptance of a bid, without incurring any liability to the bidder,” the source said.

It is not clear whether the Act empowers the NPA or the government to award the contract unilaterally even if the bids submitted are rejected or cancelled.

“The question is, how many companies were invited to submit bids and also went through the procurement proceedings before the contract was approved by the President?

Where is the record of the procurement proceedings? Where is the input of Nigeria Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management, the Nigerian Bar Association and other critical stakeholders required by the Act? No wonder the stakeholders in the maritime sector are piqued by the way the contract was awarded and the choice of the company for the job,” the official said.

The official added that in awarding a contract of this nature, there must be transparency and accountability.

Investigations revealed that CCM is a partnership between NPA and Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited, which belongs to a lawmaker said to be a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), The Nation learnt that Niger Global owns 46.7 per cent of the Joint Venture Company; NPA 53.3 per cent.

Some aggrieved maritime stakeholders, who pleaded for anonymity, said the rejection of the bids by other competitors was a ploy to circumvent the due process and give the contract to a party faithful who is in the forefront of the campaign for the President’s second term bid.

According to them, soon after the process was truncated, Umar told traditional rulers from the Southsouth and Southeast that the contract had been awarded.

The decision to discontinue the process, revealed, was conveyed to bidders three weeks ago through a letter signed on behalf of NPA’s Managing Director by the General Manager (Procurement), T. S. Izukun.

The letter, titled: Re: Re-Procurement of Capital Dredging of Calabar Port Assess Channel: Cancellation of Bidding Process, reads: “...This is to convey to you government’s deci-

sion to discontinue with the procurement process of the above-mentioned project.

“The cancellation is pursuant to Section 28 of the Public Procurement Act 2007.

“However, you are please requested to forward your account details to the Secretary of the Tenders Board to facilitate the refund of the money paid for the bidding documents.

“Any inconveniences are highly regretted.”

The stakeholders are alleging impunity in the award, claiming that it was through a similar ruse and a purported president Approval that the maintenance dredging of the Calabar Port went to the same company.

The offer of the maintenance job to the firm was also opposed. The Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, in a petition to Umar, said CCM neither participated in the bidding for Calabar channel nor its competence and capabilities assessed as was the case with other firms.

Anenih pointed out that the agreement between NPA and Niger Global, which culminated in the formation of CCM, is skewed in favour of the lawmaker’s firm that even amendments recommended by the Ministry of Justice were not reflected in the final agreement.

He said: “The consortium has no reference whatsoever of previous jobs done. They were completely alien to the Calabar channel project and did not even take part in the bids of 2010 and the later procurement process.

“The consortium was not prequalified and did not pass through the selection process like other companies. It, therefore, follows that the Presidential approval for the appointment of the consortium led by Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited to enter into a joint venture with NPA which culminated in the agreement to form Calabar Channel was obtained without following due process.”

Efforts to reach CCM proved abortive.

This is the fourth controversial attempt at making Calabar River navigable. Two occurred under this administration.

Western Marine Command gets new controller

• Johnson

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HE Controller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, has appointed Johnson Gabriel as the Acting Controller of the Western Marine Command, Apapa, Lagos.

The Nation gathered that the appointed followed the retirement of the immediate past Comptroller, Mr Audu Zakkat, after clock-

ing the mandatory 35 years in service.

It was learnt that Dikko directed Zakkat to hand over to Johnson because he is one of the best professional marine officers of the service and has been in charge of the command’s operations in the last two years.

Johnson, it was learnt, was also Zakkat’s Personal Assistant (PA), a position that afforded him an overview of the Command, while occasionally also holding fort for his boss.

These factors, investigation revealed, accounted for the CGC’s decision to put him on acting capacity pending when a substantive CAC would be appointed.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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MARITIME

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Cost of clearing used vehicles soars

HE cost of clearing used (tokunbo) vehicles has gone up, taking a toll on businesses, The Nation has learnt.

The problem is caused by the 35 per cent hike in duty on imported vehicles.

Customs, it was learnt, get only between 10 and 12 containers daily instead of the over 50 it did before the 35 per cent duty policy came into effect.

The stakeholders said the implementation of the duty could lead to empty terminals as the end of the year approaches.

Last week, some of the roll-onroll-off (RoRo) terminals at the Lagos ports were feeling the heat of the policy; the terminal operators were contemplating diversifying.

At one of the busiest Roro terminals last week, all was dull and the number of vehicles could be counted easily.

Security officials at the terminals, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, lamented the duty’s implementation and the reduction

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

in the age of vehicles that are allowed into the country from 15 to eight years.

There were some new vehicles on which importers hitherto paid N600,000 duty, but are now paying as much as N3 million.

For example, imported truck heads, which attracted N50,000 now attracts N250,000 as duty.

Also, duty on a fire service truck that was N120,000 before the policy is N1.2 million. Also, duty on a tipper lorry that was N60,000 before the policy is between N350,000 and N360,000.

These amounts, it was learnt, are not part of other charges.

A member of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr Kayode Ogunsanu, noted that there had been a reduction in the importation of vehicles at Lagos terminals.

The Treasurer, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Mr

•Low activity in one of the terminals at Lagos port.

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Simeon Olua, also confirmed that the situation was almost the same in most of the terminals.

“Importers are suffering due to the 35 per cent increase in duty on vehicles. I was with one of the senior officials of Customs and he agreed that importation had dropped. If you move from here to another terminal, the story is the same.

“Few days ago, my friend had a 2014 vehicle to clear and they insisted on collecting N3 million and this is the same vehicle that we normally paid N600,000; so you can see the bad effect of the policy on our job.

“Before the new tariff policy, imported vehicles attracted 20 per cent duty and two per cent levy. The government says the policy is a key component of the Nigeria Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), which is aimed at limiting importation of used vehicles to encourage local manufacturing of new and affordable ones.

“With the new tariff regime, cost

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

5,000 cadets lack sea time training, say agents

HE National Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has raised the alarm that over 5,000 cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron in Akwa Ibom State lack the mandatory sea time training, urging the Federal Government to address the problem.

The association said the government should pay more attention to the seafarers so that they can compete favourably with their counterparts elsewhere and stem piracy on the nation’s territorial waters.

Its National President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, said there was an urgent need for the Management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and MAN to collaborate and give the cadets the necessary mandatory sea time training.

Shittu, however, said the re-establishment of a national carrier and the revival of the business of indigenous ship owners would help in providing solution to the problem of inadequate sea time training for the cadets.

He urged the Federal Govern-

ment to use the accumulating Cabotage Vessel Financing Funds (CVFF) to acquire vessels for indigenous ship owners who will then be mandated to use the vessels to train the cadets.

The CVFF fund is domiciled in NIMASA and is worth billions of Naira, a situation that has made stakeholders to call for the use of the money for the benefit of indigenous shipping firms.

Shittu said since the IMO had directed that the single hull vessels be phased out next year, the Federal Government should direct NIMASA to inject the CVFF funds into the sector to assist vessels that will train the cadets and fly the nation’s flag.

He said more jobs would be created for seafarers if NIMASA released the money for the purpose it was meant.

The ANLCA chief said by next year, Nigerian ship owners would not qualify to operate on international waters and create jobs for the cadets unless they have double hull tankers.

He said: “It is disheartening that more than 10 years after the Cabo-

tage Act was passed into law, the welfare of seafarers are even worse than pre-Cabotage regime. Up till now, foreign vessels still traverse and dominate our waters unchecked. The story may not change unless the indigenous ship owners are assisted with the CVF funds to own ships that can engage in international trade. Then, it would be easy to put our cadets on board ships.

“By 2015, it is only if Nigerian ship owners have double hull tankers that they will be able to qualify to operate on international waters and thereby create jobs for more seafarers.

“Shipping relies heavily on the initiative, cooperation and constant vigilance of seafarers to help prevent breaches of maritime security and without their support and whole-hearted commitment, the security measure the ISPS code intends to put in place may be jeopadised.”

However, the Director-General of NIMASA, Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi, said the agency would review condition of service for seafarers.

of clearing a used car has gone up astronomically. Yet, the made-inNigeria cars are only seen on paper and television, giving rise to suspicion that the government is only looking for money to conduct the 2015 elections. If not, where are the made-in-Nigeria vehicles? It is over seven months since the policy was introduced, where are the vehicles for which they are making Nigerians to pay huge import duties needlessly and endlessly?” he asked.

Also, a senior official of one of the terminals said with the 35 per cent duty, the terminals handling vehicle imports were being deprived of revenue as importers have moved to the ports of neighbouring countries.

T

There has been an increase in shipment of vehicles to Cotonou port since the policy took effect.

A shipping agency official, who does not want his name in print, said the impact of the implementation of the duty on used vehicles, was being felt at the ports of loading and in the country.

He gave an instance where a particular port of loading in Europe was handlng 100 cars daily, but has now dropped to about 30. A larger part of the export, he alleged, were destined for Cotonou port.

He urged the government to note that anywhere, to develop an industry as complex as car manufacturing takes decades and is done through subsidy.

Customs rakes in N2.9b

HE Kano/Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated N2.93 billion and seized goods worth N400,000.

Its Area Comptroller, Abbas Umar, said the amount was generated in the last seven months.

Umar, who spoke at a stakeholders’ forum in Kano, said the Command recorded the seizure of dangerous drugs, including rice, vegetable oil, spaghetti and mosquito coils, adding that military camouflage uniforms and boots were among the items impounded at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

He explained that the confiscation of the Army uniforms was significant because of the security situation in the country.

While appreciating the patronage of the business communities in Kano and Jigawa states, he noted that Kano is the commercial hub of the entire North, adding: “An importer can bring his goods, process his documents and pay duty in Kano and have his goods examined and released just as it can be done at the ports.”

Umar said the forum was organised to enlighten and sensitise the public on the new guidelines and procedures on import and export trade, and the benefits derivable from the fast-track system introduce by Customs for the industrial sectors.

He explained that the Customs management led by ComptrollerGeneral, Abdullahi Dikko Inde, has made stakeholders engagement a cardinal principle of the Service, pointing out: “It is in this spirit that this forum is being held in Kano to enable us have a cross-fertilisation of ideas in carrying out the core responsibilities of the Service of which facilitation of trade is a major flank,” he said.

Some of the papers delivered at

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

the forum dwelt on import/export procedures, Nigeria trade hub as a veritable tool for trade facilitation and fast-track and its benefits.

The event was attended by the representatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), NAFDAC, Immigration Service, Kano-based business men, importers, exporters and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto/Kebbi/ Zamfara Area Command of the NCS, has seized 600 cartons of Gold Seal Cigarettes with a duty-value of over N73.45 million.

Its Area Controller, Ahmed Isyaku, said the Command intercepted the items because the owner failed to pay the specified Customs’ duties.

“The commodity was seized not because it was a contraband, but because the owner did not pay the prescribed duty,” Isyaku, said, adding that the cigarettes were seized in an articulated vehicle on the Gusau-Tsafe road by operatives on patrol.

He said one suspect connected with the goods had been apprehended and is awaiting prosecution.

He said Command also seized 1,050 cartons of frozen fish, worth over N20 million, adding that the frozen fish has been destroyed.

“The destruction had generated panic in certain quarters associating the fish with the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). I wish to use this medium to clarify the air that by no means was that frozen fish associated with any disease.

“That fish was destroyed in that manner because that is what the law stipulated, the importer contravened all the requirements for fish importation, hence the interception and the destruction,” he said.

Govt lashed over election delay

T

HE Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has blamed the Federal Government for its failure to appoint in the last two years, freight forwarders into the board of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).

The group said it was also not happy over the unnecessary delay of the election.

Its Chairman, Chief Henry Njoku, said his association would intervene in the matter.

The pioneer chairman of CRFFN, who is also a member of ANLCA, Mr Tony Nwabunike, blamed the government for the inaction of the Council, saying that it is the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Transport to conduct the elections.

He said ANLCA is a member of

the Council and that the association expects the government to do the right thing by conducting the election, adding that once this is done, it is ready to get cracking.

“What has happened in the past two years is that we had no single freight forwarder on that Council and we still call it Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria?

“If people say the CRFFN is dying, I will understand, since after our election, the first pioneer election, another election has not been conducted and it is solely the duty of the Nigeria Shippers’Council and the Ministry of Transport to conduct this election and as at today, no election has been conducted.

“So, the council, which is an embodiment of freight forwarders, is being run by a registrar who is an employee,” he said.

18

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS AVIATION With a deficit of about 900 aerodrome rescue and fire fighting personnel at airports across the country, experts say response time to airport and aircraft emergencies is in danger. They have urged the Federal Government to address the manpower deficit, KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR reports.

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HERE are fears that inadequate manpower in the aviation sector may begin to take its toll on safety and security.

Though the government has taken steps to fix the infrastructural challenge in the sector, experts say the neglect of personnel shortage in the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS), a department in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), is dangerous, considering the history of the sector less than a decade ago.

According to investigations, the ARFFS in FAAN has 600 workers as opposed to the 1,500 prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation ( ICAO).

The shortfall of 900 workers in the critical department is generating concerns in the industry.

Worried over the development, the Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA) has written a letter to the Managing Director of FAAN, Donuma Saleh warning about the dangers the development portends to the aviation industry.

In the letter signed by its President, Comrade Lewis Ojeifo, NAFSA lamented that each airport in the country has a minimum of personnel prescribed

by ICAO, adding that the manpower shortage was partly due to retirement of the agency’s aged workforce.

The letter reads: ”We hereby appeal to you to address the constraints faced by firemen in the discharge of their duties .

Airports are categorised in accordance with rules and regulations set by the ICAO. “To this end, each airport has a minimum number of fire crash tenders, minimum number of staff which needs to be trained to attain competence.

“There is shortage of manpower as a result of retirement that swept off a whole generation of fire fighters including experienced and competent pump operators.

“Other set of firemen withdrew from the service of the authority voluntarily following the announcement that Pension Reform Act would come into effect this year.

“Another set of fire fighting officers resigned from FAAN in large numbers in pursuit of greener pastures to foreign countries. In the last two years, our number has plummeted from about 900 to a little about 600. The number is still dropping.”

The association, however, proposed short term solution to the problem. One is the engagement of contract workers to augment the shortfall in personnel.

In the long term, the group canvassed the implementation of a training programme to upgrade the competence of personnel in addition to employing adequate number of qualified and skilled personnel to perform all critical activities for aerodrome operations.

Saleh also said FAAN is worried about the development and would in the next couple of months, commence the recruitment of qualified personnel into the department.

According to him, FAAN requires at least 1,500 personnel in the fire and safety department. He said the shortage of personnel in fire fighting and safety is affecting operations at some airports.

He said the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), which is rated a category 9 airport by ICAO, requires a minimum of 160 fire fighting personnel, lamenting that what is on ground is far below the recommendation of the global aviation sector regulator.

Saleh said: “Inadequate fire fighting personnel is a big challenge for us. We are tackling the problem. We are trying to recruit more people into the fire and safety department.

“We are also trying to bring back some of our retirees to improve the depart-

•Aerodrome rescue fire fighting personnel during a mock fire exercise on an aircraft.

Fears as dearth of emergency rescue personnel hits FAAN

ment because even if we recruit today, the people will be trained to meet up with the expected standards .”

Some experts in the industry have canvassed the setting up of a training centre for fire fighting personnel.

Technical Adviser to the managing director of FAAN, Mr John Ezenwankwo said Nigeria should establish a training facility for fire fighters and stop going to Cameroon for training, describing it as an embarrassment to Nigeria. He said the country should establish a rig and simulator, adding that each of the fire tenders must have at least five firefighters on duty at every shift.

He said no aerodrome operator shall permit a person to act and no person should act as an aircraft fire fighter at an aerodrome unless such person has within the previous 12 months, successfully completed the training specified in the this section.

He said in the provision of fire fighting equipment, Ezenwankwo said although ICAO has its minimum recommendation of fire fighting vehicles that should be provided in an airport, there is no maximum to the number.

He advised that Nigeria should have its own minimum in the sense that if ICAO stipulated four firef ighting vehicles, Nigeria could double that as its minimum. This he said would enable the airports to tackle any kind of emergency.

“We must establish our own minimum. ICAO has minimum recommendation but there is no limit to maximum. “Nigerian should establish its minimum. We should spend our money on areas that matter. We should establish minimum in terms of equipment and personnel,” Ezenwankwo said.

An expert, who pleaded not to be named listed challenges which fire

fighters face in the country to include inadequate personnel, inadequate equipment, inadequate rescue centre, indecent working environment and inadequate training.

In the last three years , he said attention has been paid to fire fighting through recruitment of personnel, provision of equipment of fire fighting vehicles. According to him, the World Bank even supported Nigeria in the procurement of fire tenders and building of perimeter fencing. He said the gesture of the World Bank underscored the importance it attached to airport security.

About five years ago, fire fighters had warned that they could not guarantee the ability of the department to successfully carry out rescue operation at any of the nation’s airports due to poor equipment and called on government to take urgent action and avert imminent danger by putting an end to this nagging problem.

In response to the clamour of the workers, FAAN procured 20 fire tenders with the support of the World Bank and carried out massive recruitment. This has given a boost to the department, but this is not enough because some airports do not have adequate fire cover.

Industry experts have called on FAAN to reactivate fire hydrantswhere water is stored for the fire tenders and this should be made operational for 24 hours.

About three years ago, officials of ARFSS alleged that the department had become a dumping ground for unfit people recruited through the recommendation of top politicians in the National Assembly and highly placed public servants. The officials said the department needed young, strong energetic personnel who could take up the strenuous job of fighting fire.

The General Manager in charge of ARFFS, Peter Onyeri said that between

2011 and 2013, a lot of fire tenders and equipment have been supplied.

Onyeri said: “Reports from audits conducted into the ARFFS in the last one year showed a remarkable improvement in our level of compliance with regulatory requirements. There is no doubt that a lot still needs to be done but statistics show that we are on upward swing.

Spokesman of FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati , said the authority is working hard to ensure that all the airports in the country meet ICAO requirements.

He said: “Between 2012 and 2013, the number of serviceable fire hydrant systems at our airports has been increased from two to seven, with work in progress at 11 more hydrant systems, while all the airports have received additional modern fire tenders.

New firemen have also been recruited, trained and redeployed to airports, according to their manpower needs, in line with ICAO recommendations”.

But the NCAA said it would continue to protect the interests of Nigerians.

An official of the authority said foreign airlines must comply with all requirements guiding their operations in the country.

Ohunayo urged the NCAA to call the airline to order.

He said: ”The foreign airlines operating into Nigeria need to brace up and correct glaring anomalies noticed in the treatment of Nigerians working with them and the sanctity of their operational guidelines regarding the Nigerian content as stated in documents submitted to NCAA and the bilateral air services agreement (BASA) signed by our respective countries.

“Workers of Air France/KLM in

Nigeria embarked on a warning strike to drive home their agitation for better working conditions and improvement of salaries, under the leadership of NUATE. “The management response was simply distasteful. Rather than negotiate since it was a warning strike, they tried to break the strike by hiring temporary charlatans to run the system at a considerable security risk to the system, airport and nation at large while also using all intimidating tactics to subdue the workers. ‘’Rather than addressing the issue, they negotiated and prepared their customers for the strike by cancelling flights, offering refund or allowing change of travel plans without penalty.’’

Expert alleges local content abuse by foreign airlines

F

OREIGN airlines have been accused of abusing the rights of its Nigerian employees in gross violation of guidelines on Local Content of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and bilateral air services agreements the country signed.

Head of Strategy at Zenith Travels Limited, Olumide Ohunayo, said the maltreatment by Air France/ KLM of its workers that embarked on a warning strike to agitate for improved working condition is illegal.

He said rather than address the workers’ demand for improved welfare, the management of the airline hired temporary workers to replace them.

The airline has declined comments on the matter.

THE NATION TUESDAY,SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

FG as money launderer?

•No explanation can remove the illegality and odium of the $9.3m cash haulage scam

C

ALL it serial bungling, insinuate mind-numbing corruption or official money laundering, all these tags will stick like a desperate tick on the Federal Government, considering the manner governance is conducted in Nigeria today.

The latest in the list of this scandaldrenched environment is the report of the arrest last Monday in South Africa of a Nigerian private jet with a cash haul of $9.3 million. The jet had on board, two Nigerians and an Israeli. A curious twist in the tale however, is that the jet belongs to a well-known clergyman, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the country’s apex Christian body. Oritsejafor is also a well-known confidant and consort of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Federal Government had intervened quickly on the side of the private jet crew, claiming ownership of

‘The intervention of the Federal Government has also shown up Nigeria as a banana republic, a jungle nation of the 21st century where anything goes. The Federal Government makes it seem legitimate under some guises to ship out undeclared currencies through her ports. But that is not the law of the land: every sum above $10,000 must be declared and approval required before it can be ferried out’

the cash and knowledge of their mission.

According to it, the cash was meant for the procurement of arms in furtherance of the raging war against insurgency in Nigeria. But the South African authorities are not convinced. By the end of last week, that country’s Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), had obtained a court order to freeze the cash. In a statement, NPA said, “The money was initially detained by the South African Revenue Service as it was neither disclosed nor declared at Customs and was above the prescribed legal limit for the amount of cash that may be brought into the country.”

NPA also raised questions about Nigerian authorities’ explanation that the cash was meant for arms procurement. It notes that Tier One Services Group, the firm the Nigerian government claimed it was to procure arms from is not authorised to sell or rent military hardware. Further, the invoice issued by Tier One to a Cyprusbased firm purportedly in respect of procurement of armaments also raises suspicion as to its true intent and leaves classical money laundering trails.

There is no doubt that this singular heist has portrayed Nigeria and her government as dubious, having scant regard for rule of law and indeed anachronistic, to say the least. As the South African Authorities have pointed out, the issues here border on criminal breach of foreign exchange laws; a breach of international arms procurement conventions and has tell-tale signs of official-backed largescale money laundering.

The intervention of the Federal Government has also shown up Nigeria as a banana republic, a jungle nation of the 21st

century where anything goes. The Federal Government makes it seem legitimate under some guises to ship out undeclared currencies through her ports. But that is not the law of the land: every sum above $10,000 must be declared and approval required before it can be ferried out. Does the Nigerian Customs have record of this cash; did they approve its shipment?

Many more questions arise: why would the Federal Government pay cash for arms procurement? The only plausible answer is that it is buying from the black market. Why would a country of Nigeria’s status seek to purchase arms from dark alleys and corner markets patronised by terrorists and hoodlums?

Why would government use a private jet, and why the uncanny coincidence of using one that belongs to the CAN president? And some questions for Oritsejafor: we thought he was a clergy man; now he runs a jet charter firm? He told the world he needed the jet for evangelism when Nigerians raised eyebrows over its purchase sometime ago!

Speculations have actually been rife as to the devious uses most Nigerian owners of private jets have been putting them to and we are now more inclined to begin to take a more critical look at ownership of private jets in Nigeria.

In spite of all the explanations that the Federal Government has proffered, two most sacred institutions in the land have been badly tainted by this scandal – the Presidency and the church. We urge the National Assembly to look into the matter and find ways to mitigate the shame and odium it has brought to the nation.

Don’t kill them •Military authorities should commute the death sentence on 12 mutineers

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HE news on May 14, that some soldiers of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army mutinied by firing shots at their General Officer Commanding, Major-General Ahmed Mohammed, left many Nigerians apprehensive, knowing that mutiny is a very serious offence in military service.

Ever since, Nigerians waited with trepidation on the outcome of the General Court- Martial (GCM) that was set up to try the 18 soldiers indicted for the offence. Last week, the GCM handed death sentence on 12 of the alleged mutineers, jailed one for 28 days, and discharged and acquitted five others. The death sentence has however left many numb, despite the enormity of the alleged offence, under military law.

We condemn the alleged mutineers for taking the laws into their hand; however, we doubt the propriety of death sentence, as punishment for any offence. Again, while mutiny cannot be justified in military service, it may be more helpful for the overall wellbeing of the nation and the Nigerian Army to consider the circumstances that made soldiers turn their guns on their commander. If as alleged, the soldiers were disillusioned over a possible official complicit in the ambush and killing of their colleagues fighting the Boko Haram insurgents, then a death sentence instead of stemming such grievous reaction in future, may, unfortunately, aggravate it.

Surely, the military authorities have a serious matter of discipline among the

officers and men, on their hands. For, if the allegations against the mutineers and that against the leadership of the command are both correct; then justice must be seen to have been done to all soldiers of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army, regardless of rank or position, to appropriately rest the case. In our view, to appear to pamper one side, while maximally punishing the other, will create a far more insidious malice within the national army, and that will be more dangerous than the alleged act of mutiny.

It is therefore important that the letter of the law is in tandem with the spirit of the law to appropriately resolve this very unfortunate incident.

In our view, the Army Council should not confirm the death sentence passed by the GCM. Indeed, the council should consider a far more reduced punishment, should the death sentence stand, after the soldiers have fully exploited the legal opportunities of an appeal. To achieve a more sustainable resolution of that crisis, the military command must thoroughly examine the alleged incidents of indiscipline among the rank and file. For instance, we recall the accusation that resources meant for military hardware and other equipment for the fighting soldiers, were misappropriated. One recent reaction was the protest by the soldiers’ wives, over claims of unnecessary exposure of their spouses to danger, by handing them inferior equipment.

Also noticed in recent times are

accusations that budgetary allocations and allowances for the welfare and the benefit of soldiers, especially the junior rank, are routinely misappropriated by some of their senior officers. We recall that a protest against such conduct had also resulted in the trial of 27 soldiers for mutiny in Akure, Ondo State, some years back.

We earnestly hope that it is not the conduct of the senior officers that is sometimes responsible for the subsequent acts of misconduct by the junior rank. That is why a far more comprehensive enquiry of the status of our national army should be discreetly and urgently undertaken by the national leadership, and appropriate solution to the challenges taken. Meanwhile, we urge the 12 soldiers condemned to death to test their conviction at the court of appeal.

‘The Army Council should not confirm the death sentence passed by the GCM. Indeed, the council should consider a far more reduced punishment, should the death sentence stand, after the soldiers have fully exploited the legal opportunities of an appeal’

Youths, save Nigeria

I

HAVE since heard many a youth lament about how our grandfathers continue to ruin the country in the name of ruling it, about how the rulers of yesteryears are yet the leaders of tomorrow, about how these grandfathers themselves were youths when they set out but now detest our youth and our entitlement, about how the affairs of the youth are left for our gramps (and grannies) to ru(i)n.

I had therefore asserted that anyone older than the republic Nigeria has no business whatsoever ruling in whatever capacity, that we, the youth of this country, have had enough of them, that they have failed to solve even issues that their wantonness created lest we talk of the challenges of our time; that they have over-stayed their welcome being antiquated and obsolete in all their ways.

For it is no longer news that to survive in the days and weeks and months to come, one must break forth, set boundaries and realise those limits (as) set, and mind one's business.

That we must shift gaze from the ambitious, ambiguous, agenda we are asked to look unto, and look within. We must hold our destinies in our hands and defend our sovereignty, security and sanity. That hope comes not from the Centre, not from the House, not from the Court, not even from the Rock.

Hope comes from within us, and is ours forever. It is held in our arms, held by our hands, close to our hearts. Unlike us, it is not threatened by Boko Haram, it is not starved by the incredibly high cost of living, it is not shut without to live on, and off, the streets, it is not clothed in rags and fades, it is not denied admission by JAMB nor is its stay in the institutions lengthened indefinitely by strikes. And it is no longer subsidized by SURE-P nor paralysed by PHCN, or whatever it is now called.

Our hope is sure and forever so; and cannot be denied or taken away as usual. It is not attached to the politician and his cronies. It is not injured by the utterances of the Dame. It is not misguided by the calculations and political correctness of His Excellency. It cannot be kidnapped by blood-sharing insurgents, it does not require rescue by American forces.

I have since realised that youth can be turned to advantage, that things are easier when one is young (contrary to popular opinion and everyday observation); that when one is young, the ‘whole world’ typically rallies around to help, advice is easier to get and experience, to garner, and the ancient argumentum ad misericordiam holds sway.

I have since discovered that youth is when many a potential is wasted, that youth is many a potential wasted, that there is more to life than potential; that, to succeed, the one with potential must invariably mind his own business, however young he may be.

It is said, when the bush rat ages, it suckles at her offspring's breasts. Nigeria is of age, and it is high time we nurtured her, it is high time we stood up for her, high time we chased away those who exploit her, who devastate her, who strangle her.

It is our business to save Nigeria.

• Ayokunle Adeleye, OOU, Sagamu.

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

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: In the early hours of April 14, Boko Haram militants invaded the sleepy little town of Chibok. They made off with about 234 school girls, and then the school was razed to the ground.

Expectedly, the Nigerian military and security operatives descended on the town and its environs in what was supposed to be a formidable military/rescue operation. However, there continues to be incessant Boko Haram operations and mayhem in and around that general locale.

On May 5, in an attack lasting several hours, Boko Haram attacked a village used as a base by our security officers in the search for the missing school girls. May 13, there was an attack on three villages. June 2, three communities in Gwoza were sacked. On May 20, three villages not far from Chibok were attacked. Between May 29, and June 5, six attacks were carried out and 20 women were abducted. June 3, Boko Haram attacked four more villages.

June 10, 20 more women were kidnapped from a nomadic settlement near Chibok. June 13 to 19 June saw

Boko Haram: Something is not right two more attacks. July 4 to July 10, four more attacks. August 6, Boko Haram attacked Gwoza on a large scale. Their men arrived on motorcycles and up to 50 Toyota Hilux trucks. On August 11, during attacks on local villages, 97 men and young boys were kidnapped. In all of these attacks, hundreds of innocent people were killed, homes and properties were destroyed. Quite a few of our military personnel lost their lives too.

All of these attacks took place in the general Chibok – Gwoza axis, an area supposedly suffused with military presence, and under a State of Emergency. Yet, Boko Haram continues to operate there and elsewhere with impunity. Clearly, something is wrong. It is akin to Al

Qaeda never leaving Manhattan in New York immediately after 9/11, and just kept going back and bombing ‘ground zero.’

We are talking about the Nigerian military here; a body that has acquitted itself excellently well since the 1960s. A force that has conducted successful operations in much more volatile environments - from the Congo to Sierra Leone. And now we are to believe that this same force that has garnered even more experience and more expertise over time is suddenly unable to see-off a ragtag band of criminals? Something is not right.

That is not all.

One Reverend Stephen Davis recently went to town with revelations about Boko Haram. Davis, an Aus-

tralian, is something of a ‘hostage negotiator.’ He had invited himself to Nigeria on the back of the Chibok school girls’ abduction. After about four months of negotiations, the girls are still in captivity, however, Davis cut loose on the alleged sponsors of Boko Haram. He reported that Ali Modu Sherrif (former Governor of Borno), General Ihejirika (former Chief of Army Staff, COAS), and a couple of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) officials (one “who recently left the bank,”) were all in on it.

For me, the surprise is the Ihejirika and CBN links. Now, I don’t know whether the good Reverend has been duped or not, but if I were Gen Ihejirika, I will insist on an immediate and thorough investigation to

What does Fani-Kayode truly want?

IR: IT is stress-free to be titled as a statesman in Nigeria. All it takes is to be loyal to public figures and to causes even though not good enough, and in your journey you may be recognized and-given a government appointment or conferred with a national honour. Appointments to - and recognition ofcitizens if merited are not immoralbecause the country belongs to all citizens and as such have equal stake in her affairs as those in authority.

But the eerie fact about most selfstyled Nigerian statesmen is that instead of using their time outside of government work to positively sway direction of thoughts, engage government on good governance and promote humanitarian global best practices, you find them either vilifying their protégées, persons with influence, pitting regions against one another or even religious bodies all at a cost to national growth.

Some of these vituperations are on the spur-of-the-moment instead ofas a consultation conscientiously ar-

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ranged over time which-could be up to a decade as -in some rational wellcoordinated climes.

Femi Fani-Kayode was an unfamiliar persona to me the first time I saw him on national television many years ago- on Segun Arinze's 'No holds barred' show on AIT in Lagos. The discussion with his other guest on that day moderated by Arinze focused around General Olusegun Obasanjo and - was fiery to the point that it audaciously almost saw both discussants- exchange fisticuffs and Arinze had a tough time controlling his guests.

It was with bafflement - that I saw this man- full of commotion a moment earlier on television-made minister of the federal republic under Olusegun Obasanjo administration and all I could mutter was, 'no wonder', which totally agrees with my opening statement. The sun beams have shone on him ever since particularly for his overbearing stances on national issues.

Real statesmen are trained to say

less- they skirt around issues when goaded especially when they are not official spokespersons of government but Femi bares it all as a matter of course.

Before now President Goodluck Jonathan was a 'president without balls', (Femi's widely circulated article in the newspapers about this president) but today he is a selfstyled government spokesman defending the use of a civilian private jet to purchase arms from South Africa. This is not about the intrinsic worth or otherwise of using Pastor Oritsejafor's private jet to procure arms, but it begs the question: is Femi Fani-Kayode eminently qualified to speak on behalf of this government on matters of state that concerns national security?

A moment ago, this same man left the ruling party for the opposition and whilst there he overwhelmed those of us who must read the newspapers with daily articles on the misgovernance of this administration and to the eternal praise of his

principal (Chief Olusegun Obasanjo) who in his surmise is the best president this country has ever produced- so far.

Since when then did President Jonathan become a 'president with balls' enough for Femi to not only return- to the party but- to rationalize the importance of a covert arms deal? How come he finds it convenient to support a team he once belittled with so much gusto?

This man is blessed by God - he had a prominent father and went to renowned institutions around the world and observers expect him to use this God-given exposure rightly instead of wooing needless diatribes.

It is obvious that the ruling party has a high threshold for putting up with all manner of politicians – the reason why people like Femi assumes wrongly that all Nigerians suffer from amnesia. What does Femi Fani-Kayode truly want from Nigeria?

• Simon Abah Port Harcourt, Rivers State

clear my name.

As COAS, Ihejirika was a real thorn in the flesh of Boko Haram. At one time, he shut down the telecommunication network in the North-east.

That began to strangulate Boko Haram until some elders and politicians up there protested. Ihejirika then went after the insurgents with a singleness of purpose that caused the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) to cry ‘time out.’ NEF claimed that the General was committing genocide against Northern youths. They prevailed on Jonathan to have him removed. Not satisfied, the NEF promised to drag Ihejirika to the International Criminal Court at The Hague to face prosecution for Human Rights abuses.

Sheriff is a different kettle of fish.

His protestations notwithstanding, the chap has been neck-deep with Boko Haram. True, he later fell out with them, but he was certainly their main financier in the early years (just like a few South-south governors initially financed the gentlemen who later morphed into what we know today as Niger Delta militants). After his electoral victory, Sheriff didn’t give the boys the type of Sharia they craved; instead he gave them a short-lived commissioner. To add salt to a religiouslyfermented injury, Sheriff was complicit in their leader’s earlierthan-planned coadunation with his after-life virgins. The battle line between the two camps had been drawn ever since.

You could see why – assuming the people with whom Davis have been hanging out wanted to be mischievous – Ihejirika and Sheriff’s names would be top of the list of possible Boko Haram sponsors.

Clearly, there’s more to this whole Boko Haram business than meets the eye and things are beginning to point in uncomfortable directions.

And as if all that isn’t troubling enough, the federal government owns up to a dubious act of money laundering and/or a covert arms purchase deal gone bad, using – of all things! – the private jet of the president of CAN. That just puts the cherry on the parfait, doesn’t it?

Yep…something is not right.

• Michael Egbejumi-David, demdem@otmail.co.uk Twitter: demdemdem1

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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OR the Goodluck Jonathan administration, it does not just rain; it simply pours. For Nigerians, the best way to describe current flight of public morality across the board is perhaps to borrow from Obi Okonkwo, the main character in No longer At Ease. His characterisation of decadence being served with putrid flesh in the spoon is apt. From Modu Sheriff, to the seizure $9.3 million by the South African authorities and now, the Synagogue affair, the presidency is proving to be the most accident-prone in the world.

It seems unlikely that most Nigerians gave much thought to President Goodluck Jonathan’s widely publicised visit to the Synagogue Church of Nations (SOCAN) on Saturday. With more than four score souls – most of them nationals of South Africa – confirmed to have perished by the close of last week, ordinarily, it would be hard to question the judgment which informed the President breaking off from his busy schedule for a formal, if merely, symbolic visit.

In order words, while it could be argued that the presidential visit amounted to nothing beyond its symbolism, it takes nothing from the exalted office that the president saw the need for the visit having earlier arrived town for his party event.

The first problem is what the President chose to do with the visit. To start with, it’s hard to miss the import of the photo-op session with TB Joshua, splashed on the pages of newspapers, a day after when body counts were still on-going. That – if you ask me – was a barely disguised politicisation of tragedy by the supposed mourner in chief.

I have not even here passed judgment of what appears to me, as derogation from the stature of the number office as symbol of our collective morality which the outing represented.

The second problem is the destination of the visit. With Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire in tow, the

‘I have no idea why our Presidential handlers would find nothing untoward in dragging the President – supposedly the symbol of public morality – into the needless session. If you ask me; I’ll just say that it’s partly to be explained by the free-fall in public morality across the board’

H

OW did all this begin? I find it necessary to provide a timeline because of the nature of the foe I am contending with-who has started playing the victim even when he is one of the most, clever by half, malevolent intruders imaginable. On August 14-about a week after the governorship election in Osun State which the APC won and was duly declared the winner, Dr Jide Oluwajuyitan wrote in specific reference to me…. “the only plausible explanation for a man of good breeding taking sides with those alleged to be deficit in honour, integrity and character is greed for power…..Welcome First Republic, lost through the perfidy of illustrious fathers (Oduola Osuntokun), swept away for choosing to swim against the tide. It is a new dawn for their illustrious scions (Akin Osuntokun) who think they can repeat the same mistake and get a different result”.

What was my offence here? ‘Taking sides with those alleged to be deficit in honour, integrity and character’. Who are these alleged accused? The PDP and its governorship candidate, Iyiola Omisore. This is the totality of my offencewhich he said was a replication of my father’s behaviour in the First Republic-on the basis of which he convicted me and my father of perfidy.

To buttress this conviction he went ahead and wrote…..according to Akin Osuntokun “many of the NNDP candidates were returned unopposed because the candidatures of their opponents were invalidated fraudulently. Everyone knew that Akintola had stolen the election”, a quote he later admitted is falsely attributed.

I responded with indignation and characterized this brazen mendacity as typical of ‘criminal betrayal and violation of the tradition of the intellectual avocation’. He wrote a rejoinder on September 18, repeating all these vices with remorseless impunity and renewed vigour. He left me with no option but to join issues with him once again.

Oluwajuyitan said “I was partly instrumental to his securing a place at The Guardian. Tunji Oseni, one of my mentors who ran my article as Sunday Times editor in the mid-70s, in an effort to rehabilitate his personal assistant, had sent Akin to me for a place at The Guardian. I had advised Akin that a note from Alhaji Jose, our ‘father’ at the Times would carry more weight with Lade Bonuola than my direct intervention. And that was exactly what Akin Osuntokun did to get a place at The Guardian”.

“I had assured him even while he shouted hysterically on the phone that the quotation which was a documented fact of our history was taken from one of his writings but wrongly credited to him rather than malice”.

How do you take a documented fact of history from my writings and wrongly credit it to me? If it is a documented fact of history, why do you need to credit it to me? In none of my writings will you find the quote-which source he is yet to produce. Does honour not require that he provides this source and clear the muck of his own making? At any rate, he would soon be compelled to come clean on this.

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Putrid flesh served a la carte president’s party could be excused of throwing protocol to the dogs. But then, we are talking of a presidential visit to a disaster scene, not a solidarity visit to a religious leader.

The president should have known the difference between the two. Whether or not the state government is involved does not matter: they ought to know better – that is, if they were.

That leads us to the composition of the welcome party. I do not shy from saying that the dictates of public policy requires that TB Joshua be kept from the president’s sight.

The scores of federal and state officials on ground should ordinarily suffice without the president’s presence. In any case, one sees nothing in the trip that a call at the governor’s office would not achieve by far.

By the way, what message does the President seek to convey by the solidarity visit to the party under investigation – is it that the key ’culprit’ is his friend?

Let me be clear: I do not think that anyone has dared to presume Joshua or anyone for that matter, guilty of any offence. It goes beyond saying, however, that the leadership of the church have some explaining to do in the circumstance that some of the structures in the church, including the one which came down, were alleged to have been modified after the initial approval granted by the government. That is if we grant the criminal obtrusiveness of members of the church to the rescue efforts at the onset of the tragedy.

Between the state government and the church, the judgement of how either handled the crisis is a matter of opinion. Perhaps, it is just as well that several theories – including those of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and terrorist attacks – are already flying in the air. In the past

Oluwajuyitan got it wrong

By Akin Osuntokun What is the truth? I worked with Oseni when he was managing director of Daily Times in the capacity of special assistant and member of the editorial board. We were both relieved of our jobs on the grounds of being NADECO members in 1996. At Oseni’s request, I expressed the desire to work with The Guardian. He got in touch with Bonuola who found me suitable for a seat at The Guardian editorial board.

That sums up how I ended up at The Guardian.

I never ever set my eyes on Oluwajuyitan before my admission to the editorial board of The Guardian. In the first place, anybody who has an inkling of the long standing chubby relationship between Lade Bonuola and Tunji Oseni would find it inconceivable that either of them will require the mediation of a third party to talk to one another let alone a subordinate. As God would have it, there is an existing formal document in which Bonuola himself clarified how I got employed at The Guardian.

I deem this rejoinder proper and appropriate albeit with reluctance for a number of reasons. First is that the fraudulent infringement on my person was perpetrated on the pages of this newspaper. Second is that the blatant falsehood, if not attended, may provide a peg for misappropriation by likeminded individuals now or in the future. Third is that bending facts and being economical with the truth is objectionable misbehaviour, more so, in the context of intellectual punditry. Fourth is that the misbehaviour speaks directly to the central malaise plaguing this country-a pervasive culture of dishonesty and corruption among the high and low.

I have to admit that Oluwajuyitan poses a special challenge.

I have never had to contend in the market place of ideas with anyone so remorselessly wedded to the impunity of parsing fiction as fact. In doing this he is exploiting and perpetuating the dysfunctions and vulnerabilities of the Nigerian societythe tendency to condone impunity-no matter how brazen; the addiction to scandal mongering; the short attention span and superficial understanding; the latitude and license open to a commentator who has no particular serious audience, a writer who knows that he is not held to any high standard or expectation.

Oluwajuyitan adduces that Awolowo plucked my father from the classroom and made him minister. If he had not demonstrated negative obsession with my father and had not once held a university teaching career, I would have over-

week, we have seen partisans go on frenzy, rolling out one rationalisation after another to explain why a structure originally designed to carry two floors should bear the weight of four. Perhaps, all of that are to be expected in what remains of our pre-industrial world of gnomes and superstition.

The truth of course is that the handling of the Synagogue tragedy by the state government leaves so much to be desired.

For while Lagos can claim to be the clear leader in disaster management, the incident reveals a new face of institutional paralysis, the lack of abiding standard in the application of the law that would ordinarily be considered unthinkable in the Centre of Excellence.

Admittedly, the state government did not operate in vacuum. If anything, the state government is only too aware of the on-going atavistic politics as 2015 presidential politics hits the home run. Call it therefore practical politics that the state government has been somewhat tame in its response to the point of being impotent. As it stands, the judgment about whether the nation is better or worse for it is only a matter of time.

I return to the point of that visit by President Jonathan.

And what did the visit achieve? It’s worse than nothing. In fact, it is injurious to the cause of institution-building. More than that, it offends public morality.

And what did the President promise? He vowed to investigate the cause of the collapse of the six-storey building – a job he should ordinarily know – belongs to the state government!

Next, he promised that the federal government “will deploy the machinery to ensure that investigations into the collapse were treated speedily”. How? Where is the point of intersection between presidential directives with that of a state bureaucracy? The usual politics of opportunism?

And finally, the President promised to convene a meeting with state governors to discuss the need for advice or measures that will check illegal erection of high-rise buildings”. Couldn’t there be a better forum to announce the meeting of the governors than the very scene of disaster under investigation?

To the main point. I have no idea why our Presidential handlers would find nothing untoward in dragging the President – supposedly the symbol of public morality – into the needless session. If you ask me; I’ll just say that it’s partly to be explained by the free-fall in public morality across the board.

That to me is the only way to explain how a luxury jet said to have been procured to serve the cause of the gospel would be entangled in a money laundering mess in a foreign soil.

Soon enough, we will know Jonathan’s real friends. looked this dubious misinformation. Under the parliamentary system of government which was in operation at the time my father served as minister in the Western Region, ministers were appointed from among elected members of parliament (in this instance the regional house of assembly).

My father got appointed as minister in 1955 on the platform of being an elected member of the western regional house of assembly (since 1951) and he got elected to the regional assembly not as a member of the Action Group, AG, but as an independent candidate.

Oluwajuyitan credited himself with starting me off in life by facilitating my appointment with The Guardian and spoke of how I didn’t merit my station in life sans my integrity. If, for argument’s sake, we accept his fantasy, then he must have done The Guardian and Nigeria a world of good. I doubt if appointments to the editorial board of a newspaper like The Guardian can be made on any consideration other than merit not to talk of being granted the privilege to write a weekly column-a distinct mark of confidence and regard in my personal competence and capability.

If any group of Nigerian professionals can be credited with heroic resistance to the Mobutu Sese Seko model of military despotism being incubated by General Sani Abacha that group was the Nigeria media. And without any immodesty intended, I would easily number among the front row members of this group at the material time. If I have a relatively close rapport and association with multifaceted icons like Professor Wole Soyinka, this recognition is the basis of such cherished relationship.

One would imagine that some issues are too trivial to merit op-ed page discourse. I am not one to introduce myself as a chief but Oluwajuyitan is sufficiently excited about this ornament as to make it an issue in the biography he writes of meincluding flaunting a title I am yet to formally receive and from a king I never met before-as typical of the largesse I got under Ayo Fayose’s governorship.

Now I don’t see much sense in the suggestion that being conferred with a chieftaincy title in my hometown requires the prop of any governor and the other chieftaincy was extended to me in 2009-three clear years after Fayose left office as governor.

Oluwajuyitan initiated this altercation by questioning my right to the freedom of association-on the basis of which he accused me and my father of greed for power and perfidy. He added salt to this injury by manufacturing statements I never made to demonize me and my Dad. He acknowledged the falsehood by playing the juvenile with the devious apologia above.

Along with others similarly privileged I started leading opinion in this country through editorials and regular weekly punditry 24 years ago-and for so long have I been receiving commendations from my employers and general public. This record cannot be eroded by the fraudulent revisionism of the Oluwajuyitans.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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HE military, all over the world is not meant for the faint hearted. Male or female, one has to literally be made of steel to be able to serve in the armed forces. So tough are the requirements that women are exempted or prevented from being part of some aspects of military duties.

Though the restriction is gradually being relaxed, women soldiers are not allowed to take part in combat duties in the military in some countries for obvious reasons. But in spite of the restriction, the tough rules guiding the conducts of the men and women in uniform, particularly the officers and men of the armed forces have been largely maintained by all the armed forces of the world.

In every armed forces of the world, disobedience to constituted authority and/or not carrying out lawful orders which might be viewed lightly in any civilian setting is a grave offence in the military and most often than not attracts capital punishment.

So it was not a surprise when a couple of weeks ago a military court sitting in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital sentenced to death 12 of the 18 soldiers standing trial before it for criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny, attempted murder, disobedience to a particular order, insubordinate behavior to constituted authority and false accusation.

The soldiers who were serving at the newly created 7th Division of the Nigerian Army based in Maiduguri, Borno State

‘But if the boys must die for taking up arms against their commander, while not the ‘oga at the top’ who sent the boys to war without adequate and superior arms and ammunition. Mind you I am just thinking like a ‘bloody’ civilian, but something tells me that what is good for the goose…’

A

Death for mutinous soldiers? were part of the troops deployed in the north east to combat the Boko Haram insurgency that has been ravaging that part of the country for some time now and has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Nigerians.

On May 14, 2014, at the Maimalari Cantonment, the divisional headquarters of the 7th Div, the soldiers reportedly shot at their General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Ahmed Mohammed with intention to kill him. They were reportedly protesting what they termed insensitiveness to their safety in the fight against Boko Haram by the GOC. For their act of rebellion, the soldiers were charged under Section 52(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A 20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and 12 of them found guilty and sentenced to death by virtue of section 37(1) (a-b), (2&3) of the Nigerian Army Act. These aspects of the military law aptly captured their offence and prescribed death as the penalty.

Considering the nature of their calling and the provision of the armed forces law, the soldiers have indeed committed a grave offence and the law has been judiciously applied on them according to military tradition. So they are to die by firing squad subject to the ratification of the Army Council.

While it is very difficult to plead for the soldiers because they knew the implication of what they were doing before they went into it; and while executing them is the right thing to do in accordance with

KWA Ibom, located in the south-eastern corner of the nation, wedged between Abia and Rivers states in the west and Cross River State in the east is 27 today.

The struggle for the actualisation of the dream and yearning for self-determination began in 1928 when the founding fathers in what was then known as mainland, came together to form a formidable forum called Ibibio Union. The Ibibio Union, seen then as a minority group, became the seed of the present day Akwa Ibom State. The union tabled the agenda for discussion at the 1957 London constitutional conference although the struggle did not see the limelight until 1967, when General Yakubu Gowon at the beginning of the Nigerian civil war, created South Eastern State of which Akwa Ibom was part.

The South Eastern State was one of the pioneer 12 states created by Gowon’s military administration in 1967 following the military intervention of January 1966. The setting up of political bureau in 1986 by Babangida administration provided another opportunity for the founding fathers to submit another memorandum demanding the creation of Akwa Ibom State.

This came on September 23, 1987, after over three decades of unrelenting efforts.

However, with the fulfilment of the people’s demand, the young but dynamic state then faced the challenge of development, particularly the immediate task of turning a local government headquarter into a state capital.

Today, the state has since grown in leaps and bounds under different administrations from the pioneer military governor, then Colonel Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha, Cololnel Godwin Osagie Abbe, Wing Commander Indongesit Nkanga, late Obong Akpan Isemin, Lt. Col. Yakubu Bako, Navy Captain Joseph Adeusi, Col. John Ebiye, Obong Victor Attah and now Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio.

The first civilian governor of the State, Obong Akpan James Isemin, heralded a new dawn in the democratic governance of the state; though his regime lasted for a year and 10 months but the apostle of “Structural Mental Adjustment” changed the people’s perception to thinking and dreaming big. He initiated the struggle for abrogation of the obnoxious onshore/offshore oil dichotomy.

Obong Victor Attah, the second democratically elected governor of the state made significant efforts in the provision of infrastructure for the people. He came with a mission statement: “To create prosperity for our people and communities by developing the infrastructure and processes that will support the responsible exploitation of our natural endowments for growth and sustainable development.”

He laid the foundation for the development of the state.

Incumbent governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, readily admitted the sterling role Attah played in the development of the state at his inaugural speech on May 29, 2007 when he

the military law, to serve as a deterrent to others who might be so likely minded, it might be necessary for the Army Council to take a second look at the circumstances of the soldiers stupid action before ratifying the death sentence.

They were reportedly protesting the inferior arms given to them to fight the insurgents and the lack of adequate intelligence before they were deployed to the battle front, a situation which led to the death of many of their colleagues.

Though they were foolish to have taken up arms against their boss, their complaint was at the heart of problem militating against the success of our armed forces in the fight against Boko Haram.

It is criminal on the part of military commanders to send their men to war without adequate weapons far superior to that of the enemy. If what these soldiers were saying was found to be true then they don’t deserve to die for bringing it out. One is not asking for the rules to be bent but if there was any truth in their allegation, then the Army Council should not punish them with death. Long terms of imprisonment would suffice if through their stupid action we are able to address a problem militating against victory in the battle front in the war against terror.

The kind of humiliating defeat suffered by our military in the hands of Boko Haram in recent times is enough to get anybody annoyed at the way the military high command has been conducting the war. If at all the civilian populace has any

Akwa Ibom at 27

By Peter Udiong stated: “To my predecessor Obong Victor Attah, Akwa Ibom applauds you for laying a solid foundation for future development. I will complete all the ongoing projects and initiate new ones for the benefit of our people”.

Despite the achievements of the six military and two civilian governors, infrastructural development was still at its lowest ebb. The urban and rural areas were still without access road, electricity and some other infrastructures. Akwa Ibom children were generally regarded as domestic helps as many hardly passed through primary and secondary education. School structures were decaying and many could not afford the school fees. Consequently, the Akwa Ibom child seemed to have lost hope, thus the massive movement to seek menial jobs in the cities of Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt among others. Akwa Ibom was in such situations until Godswill Obot Akpabio was elected in 2007 as third civilian governor of the state.

First, he realised that he who starts a race late would have to run faster in order to catch up with his peers and that the progress of a nation depends first and foremost on the progress of its people. As part of his human capital development strategy, Akpabio declared free, compulsory and qualitative education for both primary and secondary thereby eradicating the menace of gatemen, drivers and domestic help syndrome that the people of the state were noted for.

Today, with two federal institutions of higher learning plus the state university and a polytechnic including a college of education, the state is taking a front seat in the realm of education.

Nigerians generally have commended the pace of hard core infrastructural development under the dispensation of Chief Godswill Akpabio. True, the pace of infrastructural development under him has put Akwa Ibom State on the same developmental plane as the first generation states in our country.

In the same vein, projects not completed by his predecessor like Ibom International Airport and Ibom Power Plant are no longer in an embarrassing state as the governor has since completed and put them to use for the benefit of the populace. It may still be early in the day, but it could just be that when the developmental history of Akwa Ibom State is chronicled, it will fall into two eras: pre- and post-Akpabio. Akpabio has so rewritten the history of infrastructural development in Akwa Ibom.

It is the first time in the annals of the State that we have an administrator who has worked like a hurricane. Akpabio

sympathy for these rebellious soldiers it is because we are not impressed with the way our top generals are conducting war against terror. But while not condoning any act of mutiny, the soldiers must be properly trained, kitted and armed to fight Boko Haram before we punish any of them that failed to deliver on expectation or took the law into his hand as the mutinous soldiers did while protesting alleged insensitivity on the part of their commanders.

The way the military look at justice is surely different from the way of ‘bloody’ civilians. General Mohammed has been reportedly retired for whatever was his offence as a result of the soldiers’ behavior.

But if the boys must die for taking up arms against their commander, while not the ‘oga at the top’ who sent the boys to war without adequate and superior arms and ammunition. Mind you I am just thinking like a ‘bloody’ civilian, but something tells me that what is good for the goose…

But beyond the issue of justice in the case of these mutinous soldiers, it is about time that we take another look at the recruitment policy into our armed forces. It has been said several times that most of the boys enlisting into our armed forces now are just there for the salary and are not committed soldiers. More worrying is the insinuation that some of them are there based on the influence of their godfathers and not on merit. If this is truly the case then we are in trouble. The soldiers that fled into Cameroon at the slightest of heat from Boko Haram were probably from this stock.

Another worry in our armed forces today is the alleged ethnic and religious bias being introduced into this last bastion of Nigeria’s unity. The day our soldiers begin to see themselves as and owe allegiance to their religion or ethnic group would be the beginning of the end for our military. It is incumbent on the leadership of our armed forces today to guide against this ugly trend because it could spell the doom for country. Let’s have a military that we can all be proud of. This is not the time to play the ostrich. Something is wrong with our military if soldiers could take up arms against their commanders. The earlier we fix the problem, the better.

has taken the state like a storm. His advent has pulled down old notions of development and installed an approach that while seeing a new Uyo, it also picturing the opening up of every corner of the state as potential Uyos.

He is etching a difference by landing the presence of government and governance in every part of the state. The state has since secured the indispensable access such as air access by way of a modern airport. Most of the roads have been dualised while several parts of the state are now linked by well-laid roads. Several roads in the town which constituted an urban blight are now motorable. A marine access is also in the works – Ibaka Seaport.

Akwa Ibom State, the oil-rich and pacific oasis of the Southsouth is 27 years old and Uyo has become one of the best cities in Nigeria. It is a moment of celebration for the dreams that have come true. But the anniversary should provide opportunity for a sober reflection on where the state is coming from, where it ought to be, and where it will be in the next five years. This should be our focus. Hence the state should look for individuals be it man or woman, passionately committed to developing the abundant resources of the state. In the next dispensation, we expect to see a state where knowledge would constitute yje springboard for development; where oil would no longer be regarded as the soul of the state, as if without it the state won’t survive.

While wishing Akwa Ibomites a happy and eventful anniversary, my humble advice is that we must avoid polarizing the state along ethnic lines to cover up failures and misdeeds.

The ethnic diversity should be seen as a strength rather than weakness. The recriminations among the ethnic groups are unnecessary. The energy should be channelled to more productive issues that will cause the state to be cynosure of all Nigeria.

A great Akwa Ibom is ours to build through our individual and collective efforts. Happy anniversary!

• Udiong, a communication consultant wrote in from Uyo

‘While wishing Akwa Ibomites a happy and eventful anniversary, my humble advice is that we must avoid polarizing the state along ethnic lines to cover up failures and misdeeds.

The ethnic diversity should be seen as a strength rather than weakness.

The recriminations among the ethnic groups are unnecessary’

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

25

’

They believed that if they split the two offices then you can know which one to be considered as political and professional

’

See page 27

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

With the reported annexation of some parts of the country by Boko Haram, many, including lawyers, are urging the government to up its ante in the fight against the insurgents. They scored the government low in its approach, saying that the Goodluck Jonathan administration has failed in its constitutional responsibility of providing security for the people. ERIC IKHILAE reports.

•Soldiers displaying an armoured vehicle seized from Boko Haram insurgents in Maiduguri, Borno State.

How to win terror war, by lawyers F

INSIDE:

ROM the inception of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, many have skeptical about its commitment to ending the insurgency ravaging the Northeast.

The scepticism was stoked mainly, not by government’s inaction when the insecurity was at its infancy between late 2010 and 2011, but the utterances and body language of those in government.

President Jonathan once told a bewildered nation that he was unwilling to confront the insurgents forcefully, but would rather court them because he is the President of all Nigerians, including Boko Haram members.

Despite some recent half-hearted military operations, that have seen the country’s military losing some grounds to the insurgents, there seems not to be a major shift in the position of the government, going by its handling of issues surrounding the Boko Haram menace.

This position is, again, supported by the claim by an Australian, Dr Stephen Davis, who gave a picture of the internal workings of the sect. Rev Davis, an Australian, went a step further to reveal that the sect allegedly enjoys the patronage of some prominent personalities, including a former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff.

As would be expected of every government, committed to its primary responsibility of securing the lives and property of the people, on whose behalf it wields powers, many had expected the government to act on the information provided by Davis.

Everyone was however, disappointed when the Presidency

‘Why Rivers judicial crisis persists’ -Page 27

released pictorial evidence a few days later, to the effect that one of those named by Davis as major supporters of the deadly sect, has been hobnobbing with President Jonathan to the extent of •J accompanying him on a recent state visit to neighbouring Chad Republic.

President Jonathan’s spokesman, Reuben Abati, denied that the ex-governor was part of the government’s delegation to Chad and presented the government’s side of the story.

However, Abati’s denial was yet to sink in when reports came in last week, that the same Sheriff stormed Maiduguri, Borno State capital, under the protection of about 200 soldiers provided by the Federal Government, shortly after he had allegedly, at the instance of the Nigerian government, helped broker a peace meeting between the Presidency and representatives of the sect in Mali.

The outcome of this meeting, it was said, informed the President’s reported assertion that activities of the insurgents will be over

by October.

Observers however, doubt this. They wonder whether the President sees the about- five-year-old insurgency merely as a game which he assigns a terminal date.

They argued that by allowing the Boko Haram crisis to fester, to the extent that the sect was annexing some parts of the country, the government has failed in its primary constitutional responsibility of providing security for the people.

The 1999 Constitution, in Chapter 2, Section 14 (2)(b) states that: “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” Section 20 went further to state that:

‘They shattered glass ceilings’ -Page 38

“The state shall protect and improve the environment and safeguard the water, air, land, forest and wildlife of Nigeria.”

Aside, the government has not made any meaningful effort to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the claims by Davis. It has also chosen to hide behind the fingers in relation to the recent embarrassing arrest of some Nigerians in South Africa with about $9.3m cash allegedly meant for arms purchase.

Many argue that the government’s handling of the revelation by Davis and the cloudy nature of the “South Africa deal” support the general suspicion of the state being complicit in the allegation that the Boko Haram crisis has been politicised and that the need to end the security problem has taken a back seat in the face of government’s seeming commitment to the “2015 project.”

Lawyers, including Femi Falana (SAN), Dr. Uthman Abdulazeez, Festus Keyamo, Abayomi Omoyinmi and a group, Advocacy for Societal Rights Advancement and Development Initiative (ASRADI) are of the view that the government has not adequately discharged its constitutional responsibility to the people by the way it has handled the security challenge.

Aside putting a lie to the denial by Sheriff concerning his alleged link with the Boko Haram sect, Falana reminded the government of its many failings. He argued that it was incumbent on the government to investigate the information provided by Davis rather than court those named as the sect’s •Continued on page 26

Conferment of SAN on Onagoruwa belated, says Falana -Page 40

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

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LAW COVER CONT’D •Continued from page 25

sponsors.

He reminded the government that prior to the revelation by Davis, a Presidential panel headed

by Ambassador Usman Galtimari, set up by President Jonathan sometime in 2012, to investigate the genesis of the insurgency in the Northeast, had among others, “traced the origin of private militias in Borno State in particular, of which Boko Haram is an offshoot, to politicians, who set them up in the run-up to the 2003 general elections.

“The militias were allegedly armed and used extensively as political thugs. After the elections and having achieved their primary purpose, the politicians left the militias to their fate since they could not continue funding and keeping them employed. With no visible means of sustenance, some of the militias gravitated towards religious extremism, the type offered by Mohammed Yusuf (the murdered founder of Boko Haram).”

The panel, in its report, recommended that “the Federal Government should direct the security agencies to beam their light on some politicians who sponsored, funded and used the militia groups that later metamorphosed into Boko Haram and bring them to justice.”

Falana noted that “owing to the connection of Alhaji Sheriff (the ex-governor) with the Presidency, the security agencies have failed to implement the directives of the Federal Government, which were handed down since May 2012.”

He threatened to sue, should the security agencies continue to ignore the directive to investigate those behind the insurgents. Falana promised to apply to the Federal High Court for a writ of mandamus (a compelling order) to force the security agencies investigate and prosecute the indicted sponsors of terrorism in the country.

Abdulazeez is of the opinion that aside the fact that the government has failed in its responsibility of providing adequate security to the people by the manner it has handled the insurgency problem, the people too have been docile in demanding that the government stands up to its responsibilities.

“This issue, to me, is less legal than social. The government owes it a duty to secure the people’s lives and property. If it fails in this regard, it is left for the people to demand action from the government.

“As I see it, I think the people need to be more assertive. We need to demand that the government performs its roles and meets its responsibilities to the people. It is left for us to ask, because this group of political leaders today, led by the President, does not care about the

•Falana

•Keyamo

‘The truth is, any transaction the world over that is done by cash, in a huge volume like this and in this manner can only point to one thing: It is an illegal transaction or a transaction for an illegal purpose that is meant to be untraceable’ •Omoyinmi

How to win terror war, by lawyers wellbeing of the people. It is so unfortunate,” he said.

On the failed South African deal, the lawyer faulted the government’s position and argued that beyond violating the South African laws, the movement of such volume of cash out of this country equally violated Nigeria’s extant laws on money laundering Act and foreign exchange transactions.

Keyamo said government’s reaction to the embarrassment in South Africa “is not only ludicrous, it is laughable, untenable and a story

only fit to be told to the marines.”

He argued that the discovery in South Africa was an indication of how public funds are being smuggled out of the country on a regular basis under the guise of security matters and with the active connivance of security agencies.

“Little wonder, then, that the insurgency, rather than waning, is gathering momentum because certain persons, somewhere, are feeding fat on the situation whilst innocent lives and limbs are being wasted,” he said.

He wondered why the South African govern-

ment was not informed beforehand if indeed, the matter involved security issues like the purchase of arms by a foreign government like Nigeria.

“How could the South African government be sure that the arms were purchased legitimately by the Nigerian government and not by insurgents if they were not officially informed beforehand?

“The truth is, any transaction the world over that is done by cash, in a huge volume like this and in this manner can only point to one thing: It is an illegal transaction or a transaction for an illegal purpose that is meant to be untraceable.

“This was a covert, illegal operation that went horribly wrong. The position of the Federal Government is a cock-and-bull story meant to be shoved down the throat of Nigerians, but some of us are not fools,” Keyamo said.

Omoyinmi said the commitment that the presidency has demonstrated in ending the current security problem is nothing to write home about. He added that very unfortunately, is the fact that election and re-election are top of the agenda for the presidency, thereby losing its focus on genuine efforts in combating the insecurity in the northern part of the country.

“The government should ensure that its military are well equipped with all types of ammunition needed for this fight. It must take control of Nigerian towns sharing border with countries in the northeast. The military must work in collaboration with security personnel in those countries with equal understanding that the insurgency is not only a threat to Nigeria, but to their countries as well.

“It is a basic Nigeria constitutional provision that lives and property of every citizen must be adequately protected. The government seems to have succumbed to the fact that they are not prepared and cannot ultimately win this war and that they may have been overwhelmed due to their lack of sincerity, hence their propaganda, which is also lacking in transparency and truth.

ASRADI, why faulting government’s position on the South African issue, said anything short of a transparent public inquiry would not be acceptable to Nigerians.

It asked: “What proof is there that those involved in this transaction are not working for Boko Haram?”

All said, it is no doubt a fact that every responsible government is required to place premium on the security of its people, as against other considerations, particularly a future election when today is yet unsecured.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Ahmed Raji, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to examine the legality of the activities of groups, such as the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN). In this interview with JOSEPH JIBUEZE, he speaks on the clamour by lawyers who are members of the National Assembly (NASS) to be awarded SAN.

‘INEC should probe pro-Jonathan campaigners’

H

OW do you think insurgency can be successfully tackled?

Few suggestions. One is to clearly ascertain what is the root cause of terrorism in Nigeria. Is it because of the disconnect between the rulers and the ruled or is it because we have porous borders or is it because of the fall of Gadhafi and mercenaries are now let loose? Is it because of what is happening in North African countries or is it because of the prediction that Nigeria is going to terminate in 2015? Or is it a political gimmick to unseat the president and for some other people to come in? These are several areas to be looked into.

There have been calls for the Nigerian Law School campuses in Kano and Yola to be shut due to insecurity, especially with the Chibok school girls’ experience. What’s your take?

I would not dismiss the call for the closure of the two campuses, but one has to be cautious. After all we have Northerners from Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe and Bauchi who may be more interested in Kano and Yola campuses than to come to Abuja or Lagos campuses. We should not rush to shut down the two campuses otherwise we will be offending the sensibilities of some sections of the country. It may mean shifting the campuses temporarily to another place pending when all these problems will settle down but I do not support closing down the campuses completely. What about other Universities and tertiary institutions in the North, are we going to close them down?

What about other secondary schools? I think that is like conceding defeat that we have failed and that there is no solution to the

problem. That will be too catastrophic for us. We should endeavor to overcome the present challenge and pray not to have a repeat of what happened in Chibok.

During the last Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference (AGC) in Owerri, you delivered a lecture on combating terrorism. How do you see Nigeria’s anti-terror laws?

There are several ways the law may be used to stem the tide of terrorism. The law may be used as an instrument to discourage acts of terrorism. The law may be used in a way that it would give us a justice sector that is able to quickly and promptly attend to any terrorism issue. The law may be used if we know the root cause of terrorism, to address the root cause. If it is due to poverty, the law may be used to redistribute wealth.

Do you think the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is still as vibrant as it was?

The EFCC is not dead. It is working. Perhaps showmanship has reduced because that is not the way to do an investigation. May be they are doing it in the correct way now and they are being silent in the manner they go about their work. Because we are not reading about them daily does not mean they are not working. So, I disagree with you.

What are your expectations as 2015 election approaches?

There is the need to educate politicians and voters on political advertisement and this is where the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should collaborate to sensitise the people before the real activi-

ties will begin. Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution provides that no organisation apart from a political party should ask for votes. There is a body charged with monitoring political activities and dishing out appropriate sanctions and that is the INEC. What do you make of the activities of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN)?

It is INEC that should be called upon to look into the enabling laws and ascertain whether what these people are doing amounts to a violation of the extant rules and regulation. But I do not think that President Goodluck Jonathan has done anything wrong because I have not seen him at any of those rallies. I have not seen any political party sponsoring it to the best of my knowledge. For people asking Mr. A or Mr. B to come out, I don’t think Mr. A or Mr. B is to be blamed. You only need to be wondering how idle or unoccupied those individuals are, but the appropriate authority is INEC who should be asked to look into the extant regulations. Perhaps INEC has not contemplated what is happening now. Maybe they need to give further guidelines and streamline it properly to take care of possible abuses of political advertisement if it is not in tandem with the law.

Do you think senior lawyers in the National Assembly should be conferred the SAN rank?

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) as an award has its origin in what is known as Queens Counsel (QC) in England. A few commonwealth countries also adopted it and a good number of them no longer have it. If you go back to England there is no pre-

•Raji cedent where a member of either the House of Lords or the House of Commons, simply because of his delivery or output in parliament, has been made a QC. Does their legislative advocacy and law making not make them deserving of it?

The Legal Practitioners Act clearly delimits and brings out the essence of SAN. It has to do with highest distinction in the practice of law. If you say lawyers in the National Assembly be awarded the rank of SAN, perhaps accountants there too will ask to be given one of the professional certificates and it will go on. We may find other ways of rewarding those of them who have performed well in the National Assembly such as by re-electing them or by getting them appointed or elected to other bigger offices. As far as professional career is concerned, I think it will be a little bit confusing. It will bring some disharmony into the system and once that one goes in, nobody can really know when it will stop.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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LAW PERSONALITY Barinua Moses Wifa (SAN), a former National Judiciary Council (NJC) member, was once Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Chairman, Port Harcourt Branch. He was the Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice during the military regime. In this interview with PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA, he speaks on the judiciary and the role of NJC.

‘Why Rivers judicial crisis persists’ W

HAT point were you making in the paper you presented at the last NBA conference?

Firstly, the title of the paper I presented is Independence of Judiciary in the context of Doctrine of Separation of Power under 1999 Constitution. If you have been following events in Nigeria you would have known that it has been in dispute as to where power lies, particularly regarding the power of the governor to appoint a chief judge or to same by the way of removal.

In the public domain for quite some time several people have made contributions, stating what their opinions are. I think on the 24th of June 2014, the Guardian Newspaper, in its editorial, published some opinions regarding this and I thought it is a good point to look at what the Guardian said and to see whether the opinion expressed was right. That triggered the advertorial against me.

The attack on me by the AttorneyGeneral was unnecessary. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) holds its monthly meeting, at least, I was invited by some lawyers to deliver lectures and I have delivered lectures in the past and when they invited me I asked them what they want me to discuss. So, I decided to situate it within the context of what is happening in the state.

Who really has the power to appoint a Chief Judge?

What I did was to trace some issues because I saw that the Guardian Newspaper raised some issues on the type of federalism in practice in Nigeria, connecting it to the power of the state to do what they should do.

Secondly, I have to look at constitutional developments apart from historical developments. Then I have to look at some decisions of the court including matters against the Attorney-General of the state, which was a situation in Kwara State where the governor wanted the House of Assembly to impeach the Chief Judge because he wasn’t comfortable with her, which led to that case.

But the Supreme Court was able to pronounce who has the power to appoint and the power to remove under the 1999 Constitution. The Supreme Court, which I set out its decision, said it is not something that one person has the absolute power on, that the power was shared among the governor, the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the House of Assembly.

Though Sections 2 and 71 subsection 1 of the Constitution are clear on the power to appoint, but that power is subjected to the power of NJC to recommend as well as the power of the House of Assembly to confirm. So, it is a shared power and it gives the reason while it came to that conclusion. That is why I put it that way.

Though, some people have written that the governor is the one who has the power as if it all depends on him.

What did the constitution say about the issue?

The constitution is there, it says that the governor shall appoint such a person subject to the recommendation of NJC and to be confirmed by the House of Assembly, but there is a process in every state in Nigeria where they have what is called the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the NJC will now demote a process for the appointment of judges as well as the Chief Judge. That process, in the case of Judges, Justice of the Supreme Court (JSC) to the Chief Judge of the state, will collect nominations of who are to be appointed by those who are to be considered for the appointment. If you look at all the processes involved, the NJC normally issues guidelines for

the appointment of Judges. Every Chief Judge knows about this, in fact, in the Judges’ dairies the first thing you will see there is the guideline for the appointment of Judges. The process is that the Judicial Service Commission of the state will consider persons seen as suitable for appointment from the High Court of the state as well as the Customary Court of Appeal of the state. That is, in a place where you have Customary Court of Appeal, the other one is the Sharia Court of Appeal. The JSC has the Chief Judge, the President of Customary Court of Appeal, Attorney General, some lawyers and ordinary persons constitute that body. They will now carry out their deliberations and summit a list of persons to the NJC. If it is for a vacancy, they will submit two names; if it is three vacancies for Judges they will submit six names.

That is one on the priority of the preferred list. It is for the NJC to deliberate on this and recommend the most suitable person to the governor for appointment.

Should we say Rivers State followed the due process?

I understand that they followed the process. I am not a member of the council in the state. I have ceased to be a member of the NJC since 2010. I was a member from 2006 to 2010, but I understand that they submitted two names. The two names are Hon P. N.C Agumagu, who is the President of Customary Court of Appeal and Hon D.W. Okocha, who is the number one judge at the High Court of Rivers State. These are the names but according to what I heard, NJC recommended D.W. Okocha in preference to Justice Agumagu.

In the face of the crisis, does it mean that the Judiciary has compromised?

It depends on the angle you are coming from. As I stated in my paper, the judiciary suppose to be shielded from those willpower, that is why I traced that history of having the NJC in place and tried to say that those are its functions. Let me ask a question, if in a situation where you send two names to NJC for appointment and out of the two names one of them was recommended, what is the legal issue in refusing to accept that recommendation? It must be outside the law. In my opinion it is more of politics than the law. This is why they referred the case of Hon. Justice Innocent Umezuruike, the Chief Judge of Enugu State. What they wrote is still there. They brought that in as if it were a justification. What I want to know is whether at the end Justice Umezuruike was not recommended

by NJC before he was appointed as the Chief Judge of Enugu State.

What I stated and I stand to be corrected is that there is no single appointment of any judicial officer which includes Judges of Customary Court of Appeal of a state, Judges of the Supreme Court including the Chief Judge, who has not been recommended by NJC. If there is any case of a valid appointment of a person that has been made a Chief Judge without the recommendation of NJC, I stand to be corrected.

Is Justice Agumagu, who is the choice of the governor, qualified for the post?

That is not for me to answer. The point is this, why I find it difficult to

• Wifa

respond to what has been published by the Attorney-General of the state, I have all the respect for him, but certainly I don’t agree with him. I am not going to be judgemental like he did to me, but in all omission and commission I have done, I will not judge him. But the fact remains that he has to explain to his people, there are matters in the court. I know I tried to veer off some litany of jargons called subjudice. I want you to know that this matter has been submitted to the court of competent jurisdiction.

What I cannot understand is that he is referring to the case in a High Court, which I understand is on the way to the Court of Appeal, and he is saying that was an issue that has been decided by the High Court. I think as a Lawyer I ought to say this very clearly that you cannot subordinate the judgement of a High Court of a state to the clear unambiguous decision of the Supreme Court of Nigeria even if you may argue it obiter, but it doesn’t lie in our mouth to say so. Go before a court to say what you want to say before that court was obiter; you can’t say that this is the issue you can decide.

Section 287 of the Constitution is aware of this because it is all binding on all the authorities. It is the fact of the case that matters. It is the ratio-decidendi of a case that matters. And the Supreme Court in the case I cited said the power of appointment and the power of removal is a tripartite thing, the governor, NJC and the House of Assembly. So, it is for NJC to say whether Justice Agumagu is qualified or not, but my point is this, if his name was submitted to NJC and the name of Justice D. W. Okocha was also submitted to NJC and NJC said look it is D.W. Okocha that we recommend, what is the legal basis not to accept her?

Who is the most senior between the two judges?

I can refer you to Section 271 subsection 4 of the Consti-tution. What does it say? There are two scenarios in the appointment of the Chief Judge of a state. I am not quite sure that the

constitution has provided that it must be the most senior Judge of a High Court of a state. There are two things that constitute the Chief Judge of a state. You have the High Court of a state and you have the Customary Court of Appeal of a state. The two make up what is called the judiciary of a state.

So, appointment is made from the High Court of the state, that is to say what stops Section 271 subsection 4 is that when there is a vacancy in the state or that the person who is qualified has not been chosen then you have to appoint the most senior Judge of the High Court of the state in an acting capacity. It didn’t say of the judiciary of Rivers State, but you can appoint people who have been elevated above their most senior Judges to be the Chief Judge of a state.

The last Chief Judge we had in the state was number six on the ladder, but he was picked and appointed as the Chief Judge. But if the person appointed has not been cleared or whatever, you have to appoint the most senior Judge of the High Court as the Chief Judge. The issue of who is the most senior judge is entirely up to them. Again, we need to take another look at Section 280 of the Constitution with due respect to the appointment of person on the Customary Court of Appeal and you will find out that if anyone has a vast knowledge of customary law the person can be appointed. Meanwhile, it is not so in the High Court of a state.

So, could we say NJC has compromised?

If you ask me I think it is an insult.

Do you know what makes up the NJC? It is chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the next most senior judge of the Supreme Court is the Deputy Chairman, then the President of the Court of Appeal as the next person.

Then five justices retired from the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

We have the Chief Judge of Federal High Court then five judges of a state on rotation, them the lawyers who are mere an appendix and only one

‘There is no single appointment of any judicial officer...who has not been recommended by NJC. If there is any case of a valid appointment of a person that has been made a Chief Judge without the recommendation of NJC, I stand to be corrected’

of them will be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and they are permitted to sit only when appointments are to be made. Then we have two other members’ grandkhadi and two others.

So, this is a very powerful structure. I think it is an unwarranted insult to cast aspersion on that body, it is uncalled-for.

There is a rumour that a member of the NJC, who is a brother to Justice Daisy Okacha, is the one fuelling the crisis by insisting that his sister must be given the position.

Let me tell you what happened. I don’t know about his own case.

During the deliberation of any particular matter, which any of the members may have interest, the person has to leave. You don’t sit during those deliberations and instances abound. I think there is something wrong with us in this country. I have argued times without number that we must build strong institution of governance. Governorship is a strong institution of governance, Presidency, the media and the House of Assembly are all strong institutions of governance. We must make a deliberate effort to build a strong institution. If there is any issue that will ridicule an institution of that kind then we have a long way to go.

You were accused of having a knowledge of the article published in the Guardian Newspaper, did you in anyway sponsor the article?

When you have an argument and you begin to pick holes then you are leaving the decency of the argument to the level of stage battle. I am not ready to descend to that level. The article was published by the Guardian Newspaper. The article said however, that the fear of the governor is not unfounded I am not the one who made that statement, it is the Guardian Newspaper. It also said that the appointment of Chief Judge is for specific purpose, which is to ensure the scale of justice if he will ever seek justice of any matter. That is where I took it from during my paper presentation. Talking about fear, when you look at the back of the Constitution you will see the oath of office of the governor, it says, he shall perform his duty without fear or favour. That was why I said that it cannot be the role of the governor to construct and make the doctrine of separation of power, doctrine of fear.

In reply they said governor did not say so. I did not say so too; it is the Guardian that said so. How the Guardian got the information about the whole thing, I don’t have the Idea. I don’t work with them. I think in governance we should leave that issue, especially the issue of the AttorneyGeneral of a state. Every AttorneyGeneral should consider whether to pursue the matter of public interest more than political interest.

In 2005 I was a delegate at the National Political Reform Conference, people clamoured for a separation of the office of the Attorney-General from that of the Commissioner for Justice. They believed that if they split the two offices then you can know which one to be considered as political and professional. But whatever, it is the Attorney-General that is directed to consider everything that is in the public interest. But when it appeared that you cannot do that, you either tow the party line of your governor, or pursue some other personal interests.

Then it is about time we re-examined that conflict and I am saying this with all sense of responsibility. The last incumbent left office on August 20 last year, almost a year now and we do not have a Chief Judge. Whatever may be the case, there is what I call colossal collateral damage. People are there in prison they cannot be brought •Continued on page 28

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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LAW & SOCIETY

When lawyers celebrate Odunaiya at 78 A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch Chairman, Chief Victor Odunaiya, has turned 78. Friends and wellwishers gathered in Lagos to honour him.

ADEBISI ONANUGA reports.

L

AWYERS converged on Lagos to celebrate a distinguished legal practitioner and a former Chairman of the Nigerian BarAssociation (NBA) Ikeja Branch, Chief Victor Odunaiya, who turned 78 on September 11.

Odunaiya, a lecturer and author of many legal books, they said, has carved a niche for himself in land and chieftaincy matters in his legal practice.

To celebrate him, a special birthday lecture was organised by the Alimosho Lawyers’ Forum in conjunction with the NBA, Ikeja Branch, at the Bar Center, GRA Ikeja, Lagos. The occasion attracted a horde of lawyers including one of his former students, Justice Abiodun Akinyemi, of Ogun State High Court, who could not hide his joy as the Chairman of the occasion.

The lecture was titled: “Application of the doctrine of Lis Pendens in Nigeria: Urgent need for judiciary and legislative intervention”.

Justice Akinyemi, in his remark, urged lawyers to emulate Chief Odunaiya, who he described as a role model in legal profession.

Odunaiya, in Akinyemi’s estimation, deserved to be conferred with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) because of his contributions to legal professon.

According to him, Chief Odunaiya is a legal teacher of repute and a father who should be emulated by many lawyers because of his approach to handling matter before judges.

Justice Akinyemi said: “I almost ran away from the bench when I saw my teacher appearing before me in a particular matter, but I respected him so much with the way he conducted himself and handled the litigation on that day not minding that he was appearing before his one time student. ”We have lost a lot of value in the legal profession and people like him ought to be valued, and somebody like him should be called upon and be awarded the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN),” he said.

Akinyemi added that it is worthy to celebrate someone while alive and not after his death.

The guest speaker, Dr Gbenga Ojo, itemised the basic elements of a sucessful plea of Lis Pendens, saying the doctrine is anchored on the principle that it is in the interest of the public that there should be an end to litigation.

“The argument is that, if alienation pendelite is permissible, there would

not be an end to litigation. The successful party has to commence a new suit to defeat the alienee that purchased pendelite,” he said.

He also enumerated the elements for a sucessful plea of Lis Pendens as laid down by courts, saying that at the time of the sale of the property, the suit regarding the dispute on the said property was already pending.

The action or lis was in respect of real property, it never applies to personal property.

He remarked that the object of the action was to recover title to a specific real property, “that is to say, an action in a subject matter adverse to the owner in respect of some substantive right which is proprietary in nature”.

He said the limits of Lis Pendens is an area where the application of the doctrine is thrown into confusion by inconsistent decisions by the Supreme Court as well as the Court of Appeal.

He said problem is created when the first element is treated in isolation.

The Ikeja Branch Chairman of the NBA, Yinka Farounbi, said Chief Odunaiya was being celebrated because he had imparted so much on them as lawyers. He prayed that the chief would live to be a centinarian.

“The gist is that anybody that drank from the Bdagry well would live for over 100 years. When we went to Badagry not too long ago, Baba drank from that well, so it is certain he would live for over 100 years,” he said.

The celebrator thanked the association for honouring him. He recalled his exploits as chairman of the Ikeja Branch when he called on lawyers to boycott the courts to demand that judges abide by the rules of the court while under the military regime. He acknowledged activities of the branch particularly, in the areas of advocacy and activism. He expressed happiness that the branch is still the “Tiger Branch” of the NBA. Odunaiya urged members not to relent in their activities, stressing, “we lead the pack, they follow”.

He showered encomiums on Justice Akinyemi, whom he described as a very forthright judge. He noted that all his recommendations to the panel chaired by the judge of Ogun State on land matters and chieftaincy issues were not disputed. He said unlike reports of other panels, which are usually kept in the “cupboard”, those of Justice Akinyemi were fully implemented by various governments of Ogun State.

“My practice has taken me to dif-

stitute of Management and the Nigerian Institute of Book-keepers.

Chief Odunaiya was a part-time lecturer at the Nigerian Law School between 1982 and 1992. He was the pioneer Chairman, Ifako/IjuIshaga Community Bank ltd, Lagos. He is a former Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Ikeja Branch and a member of the N.E.C of the Nigerian Bar Association for several years. He has had various working experiences both in the

United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria.

He worked at the General Post Office (GPO) London; Ravensbourne Registration Services, Kent and Lloyds Bank London. He was also an Assistant Comptroller of Administration and later Secretary/ Legal Adviser, Western State Industrial Investment and Credit Corporation, Ibadan. He was the pioneer Company Secretary/ Legal Adviser, Odua’ Investment Company Limited, Ibadan.

•Continued from page 27

‘Why Rivers judicial crisis persists’

interest maybe. Don’t forget, I am still notionally a member of Rivers State Elders’ Council. I am not a partisan politician.

You mentioned federalism in your paper, what were you trying to stress?

When you look at the kind of federalism we practice in Nigeria, it is not what we think. We do not have the power to do this and that. It is more of cooperation and interdependence, that separation of power was not fixed in there to remove friction or efficiency so that you will prevent autocracy. Look Lord Denning was one of the greatest man that has lived on this earth. He said to avoid rebellion there must be recourse to law. If there is wisdom, justice will prevail while you are fighting a war there are many casualties. Is that what governance is all about?

to court, suspects are caught and released. There so much damage to justice delivery sector as a result of this problem. It is in public interest to maintain it all, because we want to ascertain who has the power to appoint and who doesn’t have the power to appoint.

But do you believe that the judiciary is corrupt?

In 2001 I delivered a lecture in Ladkwadi Banquet Hall, Sheraton Hotel in Abuja, and I said something is happening to the judiciary. It appears as if the Judiciary has compromised. But as soon as I mentioned that people at the event shouted at me saying, I am accusing judges of been corrupt and I said look, it is no longer news. A retired Justice of the Supreme Court has this pullout in Thisday Newspaper

about the corruption in the judiciary.

Just recently the Chief Judge of the Federation also mentioned it that the judiciary is corrupt. So many things are happening in the sector. Today, Tanko Al-Makura has succeeded in defeating the impeachment saga. The House of Assembly asked the Chief Judge to set up a panel and he did, but suddenly the House of Assembly said they didn’t like the panel and the issue was dismissed because the panel said it did not see a single prove of the allegations levelled against the governor.

That is the Nigerian society for you.

Anything can happen, what my paper said was that whether you are a king or a commoner you are subjected to ordinary law of the land. So, if you

•From left: the celebrator, his wife, Modupe, Chief Olumuyiwa Oduwole and Otunba Olumade Olusanya

•Justice Akinyemi (left) and Dr. Ojo

•From left: Mr. Farounbi, Chief Wole Abudu and Treasurer, NBA Ikeja, Mrs. Derinola Kappo ferent parts of Nigeria, handling land and chieftaincy matters.

Today, when I look back, I can say I am fulfilled,” he said.

Odunaiya was called to the Bar in and enrolled as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court in 1974. He is a member of several professional associations, such as, Royal Institute of Public Administration; Royal Economic Society; Institute of International and Comparative Law; Nigeria In-

want to do what is right, do it, you cannot get away by doing something that is not right. The impeachment news going around the country is constitutional, everything you do is in the constitution, but it is liable to abuse, we are where we are because of culture of impunity. The word Impunity means when they said don’t drive against the traffic and you decide to drive against it, that is impunity. If you know what is right to do and you refuse to do it, it is impunity. In the Bible, if you read the book of James, Chapter 4, it will tell you that if you know what to do and you don’t do it, it is a sin.

Sometimes you talk like a politician, are you one?

I am both apolitical and political.

The fact is that we all have our views about our society. That we have allowed politicians to govern us as they like does not mean we don’t know our feelings. I am not a partisan politicians. I belong to the Nigerian Bar Association, which is docile sometimes in its approaches to issues.

I have cause to say so because there are issues that we should take-up.

Happily, I was a commissioner under the military regime so they didn’t ask me to produce my party card. I have written about what party politics should be. But those things are still lacking. Politics is about choices for some alternative, can someone tell me the difference between the APC and PDP? Maybe because of the Newspaper you work, I can guess where your

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

PAGE 29

Managing disaster in terrorists’ enclave •PAGE 30

NGO decries worsening education standard

•PAGE 31

Water: A community’s huge challenge •PAGE 33

•The only elephant remaining in the park

Fresh breath for troubled Jos Wildlife Park

T

HE Jos Wildlife Park used to be a centre of tourists’ attraction on the Plateau. But due to neglect by successive administrations, the tourists’ first-choice destination is now a shadow of itself. The animals that made the park famous are no longer there.

After its establishment 42 years ago, the park, which had a collection of about 160 animals, comprising 40 species, received little attention from successive administrations. As a result, it no longer boasts of more than 50 animals and birds.

This is because there were no deliberate efforts to replenish the stock.

Investigations revealed that some of the animals became very old and died; some died as a result of fire, and others were poached by hunters; a situation that has left the park almost empty.

The symbols or signs that remind visitors of the past glory of the park

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

are the photographs of animals that habited the park and the labelled but empty cages.

Some of the animals available at the park are one species of ape, chimpanzee, baboons, vultures; guinea fowls, two lions, a python, one elephant and crocodiles. Major games such as buffalo, zebra, tiger and hippopotamus are not there.

General Manager of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation John Doy said the Jos Wild Life Park was established in 1972 along with Pandam Wildlife Park and Wase Rock Games Reserve by the Joseph Gomwalk administration in the then Benue-Plateau State.

Gomwalk, who was a Commissioner of Police, was said to be a zoologist. Doy said: “Jos Wildlife Park is located in Jos South Local Government Area of the state; it covers a land area of eight square kilometres.

‘Jos Wildlife Park is located in Jos South Local Government Area of the state. It covers a land area of eight square kilometres. It was established under the Northern Nigeria Wild Animal Law of 1963, which was enacted primarily for the conservation, preservation, protection and management of indigenous and exotic wildlife resources against endangerment and extinction’ It was established under the Northern Nigeria Wild Animal Law of 1963, which was enacted primarily for the conservation, preservation, protection and management of indigenous and exotic wildlife resources against endangerment and extinc-

tion.

“It was also meant to promote and encourage tourism and related activities to improve the economy of the state through ecotourism. It was •Continued on page 30

Natives fault minister on demolition •PAGE 34

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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THE NORTH REPORT

•Ostrich

•Chimpanzee

Fresh breath for troubled Jos Wildlife Park •Continued from page 29

equipped with 160 animals comprising 40 species.”

Currently, the Wildlife Park is dilapidated because there has been no form of renovation in the past 35 years. However, when Governor Jonah Jang assumed office in 2007, he promised to give tourism the desired attention. He was of the view that revamping the park and other tourist sites will go a long way in authenticating the state’s motto of Home of Peace and Tourism.

The Jang administration pledged to revive the park. But less than one year to the end of his administration and over seven years after, nothing has been done with regard to resuscitating the ailing park.

However, the Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, Pastor Abraham Yiljab told our correspondent that government has worked out a strategy to breathe life into the park.

He said: “The administration of Governor Jang has worked out a strategy to secure the Wildlife Park. The project plan is being considered at the state executive council level, after which a contract will be awarded for its fencing. Construction of Safari Road network will be part of it so that tourists can walk and drive around inside the park. The contract will also include the renovation of

‘The administration of Governor Jang has worked out a strategy to secure the Wildlife Park. The project plan is being considered at the state executive council level, after which a contract will be awarded for its fencing.

Construction of Safari Road network will be part of it so that tourists can walk and drive around inside the park. The contract will also include the renovation of structures and construction of new office accommodation for workers’ structures and construction of new office accommodation for members of staff working there.”

He further said that government deliberately delayed commencement of work at the park as expected since 2007 because tourism itself cannot be handled in isolation. The state itself had to be attractive enough for tourists. The entire state requires total turn-around.

“So, Governor Jang had to concentrate on opening up the state to tourists through massive road network.

The tourism potential of the state will make no meaning if there was no good road network. That was why Governor Jang invested nearly N100 billion on road construction across

the state.

“There are also other aspects of tourism that took the attention of the state government; the gigantic Indoor Theater is one of those. It is first of its kind in Nigeria. It has a sitting capacity of 5,000 and serves multipurpose benefits to government and citizens. There is also the newly completed Government House which cost about N9 billion and the renovation of the state secretariats, among others.

“These massive infrastructural developments had to be done in the interest of tourism of the state. The new plan to redeem the wildlife park also includes the construction of animal clinic. The original plan for the

establishment of the wild life did not include the medical aspect. But government has come up with a design of a clinic at the park for the animals.

“Government had to bring in the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) to help in taking care of the animals. The NVRI also took care of the health of members of staff working there so that there will be no infection that can pass from man to animal or from animal to man.

So, NVRI with its expertise has been doing very well in taking care of the health of animals and that is why you hardly hear of any form of epidemic.

There will be restaurants and chalets; this will give tourists an op-

portunity to stay within a very natural environment.

“The issue of depletion of the wildlife has already been addressed. We are looking forward to securing more animals. Recently, we have secured a very huge male python which we have introduced to the female python in the park. They already co-exist without any tension among them.

“Currently, we are working with some other zoo facilities in the country for animal exchange. Where we found we have more males we will exchange with another zoo that has female species. We are currently doing that with Aso Rock Zoo. We are also on exchange programme with the Kano Zoo and that of Maiduguri.

“These are some of the plans government has towards replenishing the lost stock. Animals have their own lifespan, and so some of them died of age. We lost some of them due to some adverse situation such as bush burning.

“We lost some of them to hunters who poached on the park. That is why even before we restock it, we have to secure the place. We have to provide adequate security for the animals and protect them from hunters.”

The spate of Boko Haram attacks has increased in the Northeast geo-political zone, leading to displacement of many from their homes. In this interview with JOEL DUKU, the Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA), Musa Idi Jidawa, speaks on the challenges of managing displaced persons, among other issues. Excerpts:

Managing disaster in terrorists’ enclave A

S an agency, what are the scopes of your responsibilities?

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) was established by an Edict of the State House of Assembly in November, 2010. It is saddled with the responsibility of managing disasters in the state. Our operational guideline is that in the event of any disaster, we evaluate its nature and then decide on which ministry will take the lead.

For instance, if it’s a disaster that concerns health, we refer it to the Ministry of Health to lead, if it is fire disaster, then the fire service comes in. But the overall coordination of disaster management in the state rests squarely on the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Principally, we are established to

advise government on any disaster that occurs in the state. We also take necessary action by preparing the ground for first aid and then seek assistance where necessary in order to salvage the situation.

Yobe is recently hit by crisis caused

by Boko Haram insurgents. How have you been coping with this?

We are recently challenged by the issue of insurgency and the whole of North-eastern states. This has also caused great challenge for us. But we have Governor Ibrahim Gaidam as a responsive governor, who always sympathises with the people affected by any form of disaster.

If we have a disaster case, the governor always responds promptly by providing the necessary logistics so that •Continued on page 31

•One of the scenes of terror

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Managing disaster in terrorists’ enclave •Continued from page 30

we can contain such a disaster to ameliorate the pains of the victims.

Could you mention some of these cases that your agency has handled in recent time?

In 2014, we experienced a lot of attacks by the insurgents. When the insurgents attacked Buni Gari, the Governor donated N4.6m to cushion the effects of the victims. Our agency has also taken an assessment of the destruction which is before the governor. The assessment was so comprehensive so much so that it captured houses that were burnt, burnt tricycles (Keke NAPEP), burnt vehicles and those whose business premises were affected. So, all areas affected had been assessed and submitted to the governor.

Also, in collaboration with the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Action against Hunger (ACF) and other agencies, we have conducted a humanitarian need assessment to determine victims’ areas of need with a view to bringing succour to them.

The state government also established a state standing committee comprising agriculture, education, health and environment. The committee will determine the modalities to be adopted in helping insurgency victims.

We brought these sectors together because children are out of school, people have been denied of farming due to the insecurity and so on. There was an attack on the Red Bricks Housing Estate for which the state government donated N15 million to carter for the victims of the attack. There were people whose houses were bombed. The Army base in Buni Gari was also attacked and about 310 security personnel were involved.

Those involved were 210 policemen and 100 soldiers. The government gave close to N10 million for the well-being of victims and families of the affected personnel. In addition, relief materials worth over N4.8 million were also given to the families of the victims.

An officer was also involved in a gas explosion accident and the state government offered assistance. The sum of N5.8m was also given to victims of fire disasters. We also have internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled from Goniri, Buni Yadi and Buni Gari. On receiving the news, I

T

HE Pan-African Children Advocacy Watch (PACAW), an American-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), has decried the worsening education standard in Nigeria, a situation it linked with absence of honesty.

President of the NGO, Dr Sylvester Ayeni spoke in Koro, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State during the presentation of libraries and computer centres to primary and secondary schools in the community.

Dr Ayeni, who said the NGO has its headquarter in Washington DC in US, said the it focuses on development of African countries.

He said: “I have lived outside the country for 38 years. So, I have noticed that Africa’s problem is the failure of leadership. Our goal is to develop a completely new generation of African leaders from the scratch.

“The current status quo cannot continue or else this country will sink because of lack of patriotism.

Everybody is just after what he or she can get. Nigeria is engaged in the war of all against all. Grab as much as much as you can, don’t care about the lot of others.

“This is a country that makes billions of money from oil yet its educational system is in a shambles. On what is the money spent? It is very sad indeed.”

•Another scenes of terror attack

mobilised my men to establish a camp in one of the primary schools along Gujba Road, even though no one turned out at the camp. We had to go round the metropolis and we were able to identify 150 households with 114,761 IDPs. These people were living in houses of people such as Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, the Mai Gujba, Waziri Gujba and some other politicians from the area.

Almost all Goniri natives were having not less than 20 to 30 people who relocated from their village to live with them in Damaturu. I got in touch with His Excellency and he immediately approved over N31 million for the purchase of relief materials for the displaced persons. The sum of N3, 645, 000 was also disbursed to victims of flood at Koryel in Tarmuwa Local Government Area.

Other places affected were N100, 000,000 for victims of FGC Buni Yadi and N1.9m assistance for victims of insurgency at Buni Gari.

So, we made provision for all those things just to alleviate the suffering of those households. Imagine a family of six suddenly accommodating over 30 people. It was a serious situation.

Our people didn’t want to live in camps because of the fear of Boko Haram attacks.

When the Goniri incident happened, we established a camp along Gujba Road but nobody came to the camp. They were afraid as we were.

You can establish a very beautiful camp and unknown to you, some insurgents may sneak in and you don’t know what will happen next. By the time

‘We brought these sectors together because children are out of school, people have been denied of farming due to the insecurity and so on. There was an attack on the Red Bricks Housing Estate for which the state government donated N15 million to cater for the victims of the attack’ you establish a camp here, you will require heavy security personnel.

So, fear, cultural and religious practices are some of the reasons our people didn’t want to live in the camps.

There were also reported cases of people that fled from Gulani to Fika Local Government Area and settled at Dumbuluwa Primary School. I was contacted by the Chairman of the local government area and within 24 hours we sent relief materials to them.

Apart from Yobe State Government, have you received any assistance from any other organisation?

It would not be an understatement to say that the chunk of what came in as relief and assistance to SEMA is from Yobe State Government. However, there is a Presidential Committee on Draught, Flood and Rehabilitation which decided to incorporate nine states of Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno.

That committee headed by Aliko

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Still on the declining educational standard, he said countries of the world used a document entitled ‘World Declaration on Education for All and Framework for Action to Meet Basic Learning Needs,” adding that the document serves as a template for the establishment of policies and goals for universal basic education.

“Unfortunately,” he said “for several reasons, inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, insufficient staff, inadequate teacher training and irregular payment of teachers, the ideals of UBE in Nigeria have become a mirage.

“The tragedy of this situation becomes self-inflicted wounds. Things do not have to be like this. Where does the money this country generates go? How can we demonstrate such lack of love for ourselves, including our children so much so that we do not care to provide the best form of education for them?

“How can we have public primary schools without computers in one of the most endowed nations on this planet? How can you establish modern educational institutions without clean running water, with back to pre-historic age digging of boreholes and with pathetic energy supply?”

Dangote looked at the peculiarities of every state and sent relief materials to them under the Presidential Initiative on Northeast. NEMA sometimes makes public distribution to our victims in the state.

We have enjoyed partnership with some donor agencies such as Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) as I mentioned before. Recently, we’ve had a meeting with them and came up with an idea of empowering the IDPs. Of recent, JAIZ Bank had donated some relief materials to us, even though they are coming in batches; we have not taken delivery of the whole consignment.

The office of the National Security Adviser had also sent 33 trucks of rice out of which we have taken delivery of about 22.

The Boko Haram crisis is different from other disasters in which relief and humanitarian services and aid workers have easy access to the scenes.

How do you cope in delivering relief

materials to victims in this kind of situation?

The principle is that in whatever disaster of humanitarian endeavour, your safety is primary. In this case for instance, since the beginning of the insurgency, most of the people have left their homes for Damaturu and other safe places. We used to visit those areas, but had to stop because the people are no longer there.

Rather, we keep track of the IDPs where they are and serve them. Some have fled to Ashaka in Gombe State, some to Ngalda, Tadangala Dumbuluwa and Fika towns.

The Buni Yadi and Buni Gari communities complained that they were attacked before Goniri community came under attack, but when relief materials came; the latter received before them. How accurate is the complaint?

What happened was different from the rumour people are peddling. There were two issues relating to Goniri.

NEMA went there and made public distribution for the Goniri citizens that are in large number. Remember there was an attack in Buni Yadi and the people moved out and 90 per cent went back thinking the place is safe, and the same to Buni Gari.

Unlike that of Goniri, the entire community left and found shelter in the homes of their relations in Damaturu. When they heard what happened to Goniri, they came to my office and started complaining and I asked them to go and identify all their complaints and bring them to me.

It is easier to solve a problem when you identify it than when you have not. So, they Buni Yadi people went and brought their list which I have incorporated into our next plan of distribution. With the assistance of the Chairman of Gujba Local Government Area, we have gotten a list of 400 displaced persons for which an approval has been given.

What inspires you in the course of performing your duties?

If you can call it success then it has to be hinged on the support and the confidence of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam in this agency. I have no barrier in getting to the Governor. Anytime we present a problem to him, it gets express attention.

That confidence, I consider as panacea to challenges, and enables me to pursue my assignment with all the vigour that I could muster.

Other organisations are also very willing to partner with us because of the good work we are doing. This is helping us a lot to reduce duplication of efforts and unnecessary dissipation of energy.

Apart from government’s response •Continued on page 32

NGO decries worsening education standard

•Aerial view of a building in Koro Community Primary school

He added that the NGO has provided educational facilities, including payment of primary school teachers’ salaries in the area.

Ayeni said PACAW has committed over N10 million to fund educational development in the commu-

nity.

He frowned at attitudes of some parents who refused to send their children to school because of teachers’ disciplinary measures on their children and wards, saying no child can become responsible in life or

turn out to be something good without sound education.

“To parents of our children, I beg of you, please allow them to go to school from Mondays to Fridays, •Continued on page 32

32

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT Ebola: Experts advise Fed Govt on porous borders From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

T

HE Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) has said for the Federal Government to successfully control and eradicate the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), the country’s porous borders must be plugged.

First National Vice-President of the association, Alhaji Toyosi Raheem told reporters in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, that there should be sufficient provision of equipment and diagnostic reagents/chemicals for the war on Ebola to be successful.

Alhaji Raheem said: “There should be mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE) and other consumables such as laboratory gowns, gloves, eye shields, head and shoe covers; respirators designed to prevent viral particles, constant running water, liquid detergents, hand sanitisers, constant electricity with backups, adequate waste management procedures/practices and laundry facilities, among others.

“When these are available in sufficient quantities and quality at various medical laboratories; whether public or private, Ebola Virus Disease will be contained. The era of no money to procure all these mandatory tools in the laboratory should not be allowed to continue in the era of EVD. Safety should never be treated as a political issue but as a mandatory matter because one lost life can never be replaced.”

The laboratory scientist, who is a presidential candidate of the association, said harmony in the health sector will ensure speedy eradication of EVD. “Harmony is required in our various health facilities to enhance workplace and public peace. It is also required to promote effective and efficient healthcare delivery; to achieve the set health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other health targets in Nigeria.

“Every effort should be made by government to ensure harmony in the health sector. Prevention and diagnosis of EVD is to be pursued aggressively by all the medical laboratory scientists. But adequate budgetary provision should be made for laboratory services to enhance safety of professionals, other health workers and the public,” he said.

Managing disaster in terrorists’ enclave •Continued from page 31 to disasters, there is also the need for citizens to help in disaster management and rescue operation. How would you assess citizens’ cooperation in that regard?

As I said, the issue of disaster management is not a one-man business or an organisation’s business depending on the nature of the disaster. For instance, if a disaster breaks in a community, say fire outbreak and you bring a jerry can of water, it will go a long way, one maybe in a camp, and the water will help in different ways.

An ordinary torchlight can be of immense help.

Are people really responding to these?

They need to be sensitised. We have advocacy programmes. We also have produced jingles on radio and made some advertisements to educate people on what they need to do in times of disaster. We hope that we continue in this tempo even after the security situation improves in the region.

What is your advice to the people?

My advice to the people is that they should constantly pray for God’s intervention because our condition has degenerated to a level that is beyond our understanding. Our leaders need prayers for them to lead us better.

•Students using the auditorium after renovation

Students renovate lecture auditorium

I

N what could be regarded as uncommon demonstration of patriotism, students of the Centre for Continuous Education (CCE), the University of Jos, have given back to their institution even before graduation.

They dubbed it pre-Alumni activities.

The final year students of the centre decided to breathe life into one of the old structures in the institution by renovating the centre’s auditorium located at the Old Campus of the university along Muritala Muhammed Way, Jos. The students chose to renovate the multi-purpose auditorium which has not been renovated since its construction years back.

Incidentally, the structure is located at the university’s temporary site when it took off in 1975 and has continued to be used for multi-purpose functions even after the university was moved to its permanent site along Bauchi Road.

Currently, the centre serves as the university’s Consultancy Services block where diploma programmes are held.

The centre which has since then produced several of thousands of diploma students in the fields of Accounting, Banking and Finance, Mass Communication, Marketing, Purchasing and Supply, Community Development and Public Administration, among others, has remained dilapidated despite that huge sums of money accrue from the diploma programmes.

Incidentally, the auditorium which is used as lecture hall for these students is also used for matriculation ceremonies, seminars and other ceremonies organised by the university.

Worried by the state of the facility, the final year students of the 2013/2014

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

session, decided to pool resources to give the auditorium a facelift. They taxed themselves and contributed what they described as seed money of over N1 million. The Director, Advancement Office of the university, Yakubu Gomos said the effort of the students was part of the leave-a-legacy programmes introduced by the university in 2007.

Gomos, who coordinated the renovation project said: “The Advancement Office had initiated what we call ‘Leave-a-Legacy’ programme since 2007. It is a programme where students are encouraged to develop the idea of doing something for the school that prepared them for life.

“With this programme, final year students do contribute funds and use the total funds collected to carry out one project of their choice within the institution. The ‘leave-a-legacy’ programme was originally meant for students running degree programmes, but we decided to extend it to non-NUC students who undertake diploma programmes at the old campus of the university so as to also give them sense of belonging to the university family. So, these students voluntarily contributed their little fund and before you know it, over N1 million was contributed for the project.”

Continuing, he said: “The idea behind the ‘Leave-a-Legacy’ programme is to bring the final year students together to make positive impact on their school. It is pre-alumni activities to prepare the final year students to develop the idea of helping the school after their graduation as they join the

•The auditorium before renovation

alumni of the school.

“It is another means of building the alumni from within. This means that before the students graduate, they are acquainted with the challenges which the school is experiencing and they will begin to think of how to help whenever they are fully established in their life after school.

“The funds are collected by the students themselves. They also choose the project they want to embark upon to be supervised by the Advancement Office which coordinates the activities of Alumni of the school. At this stage, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hayward Babale Mafuyai coordinates the execution of the project.

“This yearly project has gone a long way in assisting the institution to solve some of its infrastructural challenges since 2007 when it was established.”

Contributing, the Director of Centre for Continuous Education (CCE), Prof. Mark Lere said: “I am impressed with what these students have done.

They have left a legacy behind because they have graduated. Before now, the students used to do such things in their respective departments, but this time around, they decided to do something

NGO decries worsening education standard •Continued from page 31 except public holidays. Encourage them to study at home, to complete their homework. To our children in primary schools, young men and women in JSS and SSS, take as many subjects as you can. Do not skip any class. No mankind can ever have too much of education,” he said.

He said education policies of the three tiers of government should be implemented to benefit Nigerian children, adding that money allocated for education of the children should honestly be disbursed and used for intended purposes, “otherwise our children and the future of this nation are in peril and condemned to a state of hopelessness.”

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Koro-Ekiti, Olukoro of Koro, Oba Elijah Adegoke, who was represented at the event by Olukotun of Koro, High Chief Jones Kehinde Babatunde, called on both the state and local government authorities to provide adequate teachers in our schools for maximum utilisation of the facilities donated by the organisation.

The monarch, who challenged other sons and daughters of the community to emulate the donor, advised members of the community to secure and maintain the items provided by the donor.

•Some of the donated computer sets

Caption 1.

2.

that the entire school will benefit from.

“Before the students embarked on the renovation of the auditorium, the hall was completely dilapidated; the roof was leaking because the entire ceiling had worn out, making students to run out of the class as soon as the rain begins, the windows were broken, just as the doors had given way.

“The hall was virtually without seat.

The students were not finding it comfortable any more. So, they were mobilised by the Advancement Office to carry out the renovation. After the renovation, the hall appears new and attractive to them. So, if these students continued this way each year, the face of the centre will change for good.”

President of the students’ union of the centre, Patrick Yilshap, who graduated from the Mass Communication Department, said: “All the final year students were involved, they contributed funds so that we could leave a legacy behind. We chose to renovate the auditorium because that was the only hall in the school that can take as much as 500 students at a time. The Vice-Chancellor gave his approval and the auditorium is now a new place to behold.”

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 33

The only source of water supply in the community PHOTO: GBENGA OMOKHUNU

Sabon-Gurufata community is in Ibwa Ward in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Its greatest challenge is lack of clean water as the only source of water supply in the community is a polluted stream. GBENGA OMOKHUNU reports that there may be an outbreak of cholera if potable water is not provided for the residents.

Water: A community’s huge challenge S

ABON-GURUFATA is a community where nothing works.

It lacks almost everything, including water which is one of the basic necessities of life. It is 15 kilometers away from Gwagwalada town. Members of the community settled in Gwagwalada after migrating from Suleja in Niger State in 1945.

A visit by our correspondent revealed that they have been suffering from complete neglect from successive administrations. Politicians know they exist only when they want to get their votes during elections. They make promises of how they (politicians) will improve the people’s living conditions. But immediately they are voted into office, all promises are forgotten.

Water boreholes, rural electrification, primary healthcare centres and other basic social amenities to make lives comfortable for the people living in rural communities are lacking as they are not provided as promised by politicians.

It is obvious that the people are currently at the mercy of an impending outbreak of cholera because of absence of potable water supply in the community. As a result, the people resorted to sourcing water from a dirty stream for survival.

It was gathered that members of

the community are not happy probably because the council chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Jibrin-Giri, has not provided them with any meaningful community project since his assumption of office.

Chief Haruna Tatobwa, the Chief of Sabon-Gurufata explained that members of the community are going through serious challenges due to the absence of basic social amenities in the community.

“Our major problem here is potable water supply. We do not have a single borehole in this community. As a result, we lack clean and hygienic water to drink and cook. If I take you inside my house now to show you the water we fetched and stored for domestic use, you will not use it to wash your hands, because of how dirty it is.

“That is the reason I am very happy that my people have registered for the community-based health insurance scheme. The water we are using in this community is a disease; diseases come from bad water, disease such as cholera and others. When they did not register, we were suffering.

We believe that government will come and help us.

“We have had several cases of outbreak of cholera in this village. Last year, about five children died of cholera disease in this community. Also, six pregnant women lost their lives

when they went to the health centre in the other community. They started bleeding and died instantly,” he said.

According to Tatobwa, potable water and primary healthcare centre are the major needs of his people, even as he regretted that having existed for a very long time in the community, they have not benefited anything from the council, saying that the only thing they had benefit from

was the borehole which Senator Phillip Aduda constructed for them and which is completely malfunctioned.

“I would like the council chairman, Alhaji Jibrin-Giri to assist us with primary healthcare centre and potable water supply. The only road to this community from Gwagwalada town is very bad. During rainy season, you will not be able to go through the

‘Our major problem here is potable water supply. We do not have a single borehole in this community.

As a result, we lack clean and hygienic water to drink and cook. If I take you inside my house now to show you the water we fetched and stored for domestic use, you will not use it to wash your hands, because of how dirty it is…We have had several cases of outbreak of cholera in this village. Last year, about five children died’

road. We are truly suffering here,” he said.

Mr. Aliyu Jeremiah, the Secretary of the Chief of Sabon-Gurufata also revealed that the only primary healthcare centre in Old Gurufata community, which is the closest healthcare centre to the community, has no medical doctor to take care of patients in the communities. The situation has made life so difficult for the people.

“We lack everything in this community; we have never benefited anything from the government. We do not have any borehole in this community; this made us to depend on water from the stream for domestic use. The most painful thing is that the stream is a stagnant one and it is very dirty. We have no choice than to manage it that way.

“The stream water has caused cholera and other sicknesses to natives of this community, and some people have died through it. In the aspect of electricity, that is a no go area, because since there is no access road to this community, why should we expect electricity?

“We do not have any government project in this community and I feel very bad to see that we are neglected by the government which we pay tax to.

•Continued on page 34

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

34

ABUJA REVIEW Water: A community’s huge challenge •Continued from page 33 “Whenever there is election, they will come here to campaign and solicit for our votes. After voting for them, the elected chairman and councillors will regard this place as too far for them to come and fulfill their electoral promises made to us.

“Every eligible voter in this community has his or her voter’s card and they all go out to vote during elections. Whenever a chairmanship and councillorship candidate comes here to campaign, they will promise to give us electricity, potable water, health centre and other things that we lack.

“But, since they continued to make these promises for a very long time, nothing has been provided for members of this community. We do not know how it is to enjoy the dividends of democracy. We have written endless letters to former council chairmen without positive response.

“We have also written to this present chairman, Alhaji Jibrin-Giri and he said by the grace of God, he will come and sink borehole in the community. But we are yet to see any borehole since then.

“The truth is that we are not happy with the way we are treated by successive administrations of this council. We voted for them and we expect that we should also get the benefits of democracy as other communities receive. There is nothing like dividends of democracy or government’s presence in the community. It is not right. The present leadership of Gwagwalada Area Council should come to our aid and save us from persistent suffering,” he said.

The people look on to the Gwagwalada Area Council to lessen their pain by providing them with some basic amenities to make their lives comfortable.

•One of the demolished structures

Community faults minister on demolition

I

NDIGENES of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have faulted the decision of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, to the effect that his administration would no longer demolish houses in the territory without proper alternatives.

The leader of Dagbalo community in Apo District, Rev. Danjuma Dara, who spoke on behalf of natives of Dagbalo, told reporters in Abuja that the decision of the FCT Administration was coming too late after his people had been driven out forcibly from their ancestral homes.

Recalling that on July 30, last year, the FCDA officials, accompanied by

From Gbenga Omokhunu

armed soldiers conveyed in two pick-up vans stormed his community and demolished their houses, destroyed their farms and economic trees within five days.

“The case was reported to Apo Divisional Police Station and we also filed a case at Jabi High Court. We are hoping to see justice prevail because we do not have any other home and our children are growing up fast.

“Two years ago, a 22-year-old lady was shot and killed by the FCDA Police in Akpajenya Village when a wealthy woman came with allocation paper and accompanied by

armed soldiers, claiming ownership of the land in total disregard of the original inhabitants of the community.

“Since the vast land now known as FCT was taken over by the Federal Government in 1976, those indigenous to the FCT have literally been under constant intimidation and harassment by government officials and private land grabbers who use the military and police personnel to dispossess them of farmlands and homesteads with neither compensation nor resettlement,” he said.

He said they wrote several letters to the FCDA, as they wanted to have a dialogue with them, but they re-

fused, adding that they are no longer begging to see them. He also said they demand that he must see the people or he will not be comfortable with their next action.

“We want to advise the government to stay away from our lands and our ancestral homes, because we do not have anywhere to go. We have made enough sacrifice for this country and the minister seems not to be aware of it. He will always pay us back by sending armed soldiers to bring down our houses.

Enough is enough. The government has pushed us to the wall.

“That we are peace-loving people does not mean that we do not know our rights,” he said.

them to carry out their operations but they refused,” she said.

One of the victims of the demolition exercise, Muhammed Idris, told

our correspondent that AMAC had notified them of the exercise, even as he complained that most of them lost their working tools in the exercise.

Council destroys shanties at Jabi Motor Park

T

HE Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has demolished illegal structures at the popular Jabi Motor Park. The demolition exercise aimed at preparing the park for upgrading.

Tagged: Pin down Operation, the exercise was supervised by the officers of Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), environmental health officers, the police, Navy and officials of AMAC. AMAC’s Head of Environmental Department, Hajiya Mamuma Abubakar, who led the team, said “the demolition exercise became necessary because the area was originally meant to be a motor park but building materials, scavengers, mechanics and other illegal activities have turned it to something else.”

According to Abubakar, the AMAC authority believes that the purpose for which Jabi Park was built is not being realised. That was why the council felt

From Gbenga Omokhunu

that it was necessary for it to demolish the shanties, saying that the council is ready to upgrade the park to a standard motor park.

While assuring that the demolition of shanties would continue in other motor parks across the area council, Abubakar also said those whose shanties were demolished were adequately informed.

“For the past two months, we have served them notice to quit; we created a lot of awareness and the necessity for them to move out of this place because the park has been overtaken by all manner of people, thereby making the purpose for which the park was established unrealisable.

“The chairman of AMAC has also invited them to his office for a meeting which we held with them during which the chairman properly briefed them.

•Jabi Motor Park

“Again, before you tell somebody to park out, you must have provided an alternative. A place has been provided for them in Waro to enable

Council promises more drainage

G

•Surface drainage system

WAGWALADA Area Council has promised to construct more drainage systems in most riverside areas in order to reduce the effect of flooding.

The chairman of the council, Alhaji Abubakar Jibrin-Giri, revealed this when he visited Unguwan Dodo and Kutunku communities which were affected by flood.

Recall that flood submerged homes and shops in some parts of Gwagwalada, leaving some of the residents helpless and homeless.

Victims of the flood, who regretted they had lost many of their properties to the incident, had called the council’s administration to assist them.

Giri, during the visit to the victims, warned residents against building structures along the waterways, adding that building houses along

From Gbenga Omokhunu

the waterways obstruct free flow of water, which he said could spell doom for them.

“The council will facilitate the construction of drainage in those places that need them. That will help channel the flood to the right place.

The residents have a part to play. They should not deliberately build along waterways. They should also avoid blocking drainage systems,” he said.

While sympathising with the victims, the chairman who blamed them for contributing to the flood incident urged them to vacate places that were prone to flooding, even as many of the victims said they experienced the same incident last year.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

35

ABUJA REVIEW

PDP's reward for Jonathan J UST like the experiences in the past regimes in Nigeria’s history, President Goodluck Jonathan is not only being asked to contest the 2015 Presidential election, but he has also been declared sole Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)., The PDP Governors’ Forum and the Board of Trustees (BoT), on Wednesday last week, followed by the National Executive Committee of the party on Thursday endorsed him as the sole presidential candidate of the party.

Jonathan was said to have delayed declaring his ambition to run for reelection because he was busy brainstorming and marshaling out strategies to deliver his 2011 campaign promises to Nigerians., The lingering security challenges, the abduction of the over 200 girls from Government Girls’ Secondary School Chibok in Borno State and the recent importation of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) into the country, among other issues, were said to have robbed the President the right atmosphere to declare his ambition before now.

The Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, had, a year ago, challenged him to make his intentions known to Nigerians latest by October, last year.

But now, almost a year after the call and few months to the February, 2015 election, Jonathan has accepted the sole candidacy offered him by the party.

Before the President accepted the sole candidacy, many rallies have been held in several parts of the country pushing for his continuity in office.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), and other stakeholders in Nigeria, have, however, consistently faulted the PDP rallies, which they said were against the provisions of the Electoral Act. The rallies, they claimed, were giving the ruling party undue advantage and preventing a level playing field for all prospective candidates of the various political parties.

They had called on the ruling party to wait till the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) gives the go-ahead for political campaigns to begin.

The PDP had denied embarking on campaigns for the 2015 general

T

From the Villa

It is also important for us to know that we need to reward hard work, we need to reward commitment, we need to reward achievement and we need to reward performance.”

Just as in the past, some registered political parties may soon toe the line of the ruling party by endorsing Jonathan as their sole candidate.

.... President breaks a jinx

By Augustine Ehikioya elections as the rallies were said not to be selling specific candidates to Nigerians but only providing avenues to receive new members to the party.

Many unions and organisations in the past one year, genuinely or out of eye-service or strategising for what they will get from the government, have also pledged their support for Jonathan’s continuity in 2015.

Some groups in the North have, however, insisted over the years that Jonathan signed a bond to run for only one term which is expected to end next year.

According to them, power should return to the North in 2015 in accordance with the bond.

But the Presidency had denied the existence of any bond and maintained that Jonathan was entitled to run for a second term in office in line with the 1999 Constitution.

At the BoT press conference in the

Even with all these endorsements, the period leading to the PDP convention and primaries will show if all PDP members planning to run for the Presidency have shelved their plans, or will slug it out at the convention or quickly move to the opposition parties before the door is shut against them.

Presidential Villa, which announced Jonathan as the party’s sole candidate, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu had claimed that the BoT’s action was a reward to Jonathan for his hard work and giant strides in transforming the country and properly steering the ship of state.

He said: “You must remember that consensus building is also part of democracy. For us in the PDP, we believe that the BoT is the conscience of the party.

“So, if the BoT has agreed to endorse Mr. President as the candidate of the party, what we are simply saying is that we are persuading every member of the party to accept that position.

“So, we are not going to force any person, but we are making a strong statement; we are persuading our people strongly to accept this position for the reasons earlier mentioned.

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday last week, broke a jinx in the Presidential Villa by granting interview to selected members of the State House correspondents in his office.

It has never happened before in the Villa during his tenure.

The President had, most times, spoken through official statements issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, or spoke his mind on issues at official functions, and sometimes grant interviews at the airports or outside the country on official assignment.

The President has also periodically granted interviews during Presidential Media Chats with mainly media practitioners from outside the Villa.

But granting interviews to State House correspondents who cover the Villa within the State House, has almost become a taboo over the years.

Tuesday last week, he spoke directly with State House correspondents, appealing to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and other unions to shelve its planned strike action and resume school on September 22.

Closing the wide gap between the President and journalists covering the Villa is a step in the right direction as it will both improve better coverage of the Villa and boost enlightenment of Nigerians on the administration’s actions.

A former Military President in Nigeria was said to have been close to journalists in the Villa during his tenure so much so that he knew almost all of them by their names and media houses.

The U.S President, Barrack Obama and many world leaders also regularly brief and interact with journalists attached to their government houses.

APC floors PDP at tribunal

HE Election Petition Tribunal sitting at Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has upheld the election of the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Alhaji Abubakar Giri of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 16, 2013, council election.

In a unanimous judgment, the Chairman of the three-member tribunal, Justice Binta Mohammed, said the chairmanship election held on March 16, 2013, was conducted in a substantial compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended.

According to her, the election conducted across the 10 wards of Gwagwalada Area Council where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 11, 323 votes and All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 11, 525 votes was in order.

“In view of the foregoing, the petitioners failed to substantiate their claims. This petition, therefore, lacks merit and is hereby dismissed,” she said.

The Chairmanship candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muspha, had filed a petition, through his counsel, Chief Karina Tunya (SAN) before the tribunal challenging the declaration of Giri as the duly elected chairman of Gwagwalada council by INEC. The PDP had contended that the election conducted at Kofar-Gida and at Giri Kpeseli polling units of Gwako Ward was not in compliance to

From Gbenga Omokhunu

the Electoral Act as contained in the INEC guideline and election manual for 2011and alleged gross irregularities.

But counsel to the respondent, Chief Ologun Orisha (SAN) represented by Barrister Samuel Zhibiri, described the judgment as a sound and well-researched one, adding that the judgment was very articulate and apt.

However, counsel to the PDP, Chief Karina Tunya (SAN), disagreed with the judgment of the tribunal, saying the tribunal had failed to properly evaluate and analyse all evidences tendered before it.

“Documents that are supposed to be rejected were admitted. So, we will definitely appeal the tribunal’s judgment,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the council, Alhaji Giri, who spoke with reporters after the judgment, said the judgment has proved that he truly won the March 16, 2013, chairmanship election of the council. He was accompanied by his predecessor, Alhaji Zakari Angulu-Dobi, FCT APC Chairman, Alhaji Usman Abdulmalik; Secretary of the council and Alhaji Usman Yahaya.

He said: “My victory at the tribunal was not only for me, but also for the entire residents of the council. I call on members of the PDP in the council to join hands with my administration to move the council forward.”

•Director of Finance and Human Resources, Atunbi Mose Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Superintendent Apostle Prophet Michael Balogun (left); Regional Chairman/Minister in Charge/ Founder, Senior Superintendent Apostle Prophet Gbenga E. Ogundele and Regional Overseer, Deputy General Superintendent Apostle Abraham Olufemi during the church’s 15th Founder’s Day Anniversary in Abuja

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

36

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08077706130

DOWN

ACROSS

1. Misfortune (4)

1. Canoe (4) 4. Price (4)

2. Keen (4)

7. Container (4)

3. Until (3)

8. Father (2)

4. Gonorrhea (4)

9. Tack (4)

5. Range (4)

11. Not Near (4)

6. Prostititute (4)

13. Final (3)

10. Insect (3)

14. Wasted (5)

12. Gave food (3)

15. Indicating location (2)

14. Pig’s pen (3)

17. Grain (3)

15. Skill (3)

19. Unit (2)

16. Verruca (4)

21. Aid in crime (4)

18. Asia (4)

24. Pain (4)

19. Exclamation (2)

26. Eggs (3)

20. Tide (4)

27. As it is (2)

22. Boyfriend (3)

28. Narrated (4)

23 Fish (3)

29. Net (4)

25. Expression of surprise (3)

WORD PUZZLE

ShOwBiTz

Kerry Washington Finds route through the Aisle

Olivia Pope is off the market. In a move worthy of her TV alter-ego, Kerry Washington has secretly wed San Francisco 49ers cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha on June 24 in Hailey, Idaho.

Bet you didn’t even know she was dating. Hell I didn’t!

The secret ceremony was witnessed by only closest friends and family and the marriage certificate was witnessed by the actress’ parents, Earl and Valerie.

Minister Chisaraukwu Asomugha officiated the nuptials.

The last known relationship Kerry was in was with her fiancé David Moscow whom she was with from 2004 to 2007. In her last tweet before taking a break Kerry wrote, “Ok. Logging off! See u in a few weeks! SO excited 4 all u UK #Gladiators about 2 experience Season 2! Spread the word!”

Congrats Kerry and Nnamdi!

Pep Talk

Find alternative words to the clues below and fill them in their spaces in the grid.When you are done another word for ‘APPEALING’ would be spelt. The first one has been solved to spur you on.

poetry

A B A T E

What is Fear?

I lay on my bed soaking my pillow with my tears, I try to remember exactly what it is that I fear.

Is it the passing of time or the love that I lack?

Is it the mistakes that I’ve made or the fact that I can’t bring the past back?

What is it that I’m afraid of?

Why am I so scared?

Is it the people I’ve hurt or the people that have hurt me?

Am I afraid of everything that I cant seem to see?

Is it the love of a friend, or the loss of my family?

Is it the possibility that my life can end in a tragedy?

What is it that I fear most?

What do my eyes say I’m scared of?

Is it the sun that sets but won’t seem to rise?

Is it the hope that I have that always seems to die?

Is it the trust of a person that I cannot begin to grasp?

Is it all the memories of my horrid past?

Is it me?

Can it possibly be that the thing I fear most is the thing I can’t be?

The things that I try to understand?

The me that I try to be with when I’m feeling sad?

The person I’m expected to be? Is that what I fear? . . .

I think the thing I fear most . . .is me

Bianca

Flores

Smile A smile is cheer from you to me, the cost is nothing its given for free.

They console the weary and gladden the sad.

And can make someone happy when they are mad.

Unlike blessings in which we pray its the only thing you keep when you give it away.

- Heather Black

CLUES 1. Ebb 2. Fact 3. Vagrant 4. Awaken 5.Turn Away

6. Crawl 7. Flatter 8. Inaction 9. Speak out 10.Occurrence

HUMOUR

Teacher & Student Teacher :What happened in 1809?

Student: Abraham Lincoln was born.

Teacher :What happened in 1819?

Student: Abraham Lincoln was ten years old Teacher: How old is********** your dad.

Student: He is as old as I am.

Teacher: How is it possible?

Student: Because he became a dad only after I was born.

A gift for girlfriend Man 1: I want to buy a gift for my girlfriend for her birthday but I don’t know what she would like. Give me a suggestion.

Man 2: Does she like you?

Man 1: Yes Man 2: Then she would like anything.

A well-cultivated mind is, so to speak, made up of all the minds of preceding ages; it is only one single mind which has been educated during all this time. - Bernard de Bovier de Fontenelle

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

37

FROM THE COURT

Adoke, CJ seek commitment from judges

M

INISTER of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Adoke (SAN) and the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Ibrahim Bukar have urged judges to remain committed to their code of conduct and other virtues expected of judicial officers as courts in the country begin their legal year.

They spoke in Abuja at an event to mark the beginning of the legal year of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The AGF, who assured of the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming the criminal justice system for effectiveness, disclosed that both chambers of the National Assembly have passed the much awaited Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, now awaiting

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

harmonisation. The Bill seeks, among others, to end delay in criminal trial by courts.

Justice Bukar observed that this was an era of increasing challenges, requiring that all those involved in justice administration must do their best to see that justice does not elude anyone.

He said: “At times such as this, we take pride in the fact that the rule of law remains an indefatigable pillar of our society. If we are able to continue our sustained struggle to see that justice does not elude anyone, then we would have been able to do all that the society expect from us.”

Adoke, who was represented by a Senior Special Adviser, Prof Peter Akpeh (SAN) said the Federal Government has put in place nec-

essary measures to secure all judges in view of the importance of their roles.

Justice Bukar said the management of the High Court of the FCT, under his leadership has put in place necessary measures to ensure speedy adjudication of cases, boost staff morale and improve the performance of judges and other judicial officers within its jurisdiction.

He said during the last legal year, judges were exposed to international training and the jurisdiction of the Magistrate and District Courts were expanded to enable them attend to more cases, while issues affecting other staff were attended to.

Justice Bukar noted that 14, 969 cases were disposed, while 11, 606 are pending before the court out of the 26,575 cases recorded in the court during the last 2013/2014 legal year, of which, 6, 946 were

brought forward from the preceding year.

On steps to enhance speedy administration of criminal justice, Justice Bukar said: “We have designated all the court houses in Apo to attend to criminal cases. Consequently, moving inmates around the FCT has become needless as with one stop, all inmates can be before their court.”

He lent his voice to the call for an increased funding for the judiciary, while urging judges to continuously update their knowledge in order to discharge their duties satisfactorily.

Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who spoke on behalf of the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), commended the court for its achievements, urging it to speed up the delivery of rulings and judgments.

Ladipo youths reopen N4b suit against Police over alleged killing of four

By Adebisi Onanuga

•IGP Suleiman Abba

Y

OUTHS of Ladipo Market, Mushin, a Lagos suburb, under the aegis of Ekwulobia Imeobi Youths Association, have reopened their 13-year-old suit against the police over alleged extra judicial killings of four of their members.

They are asking the court for N4billion as compensation and other damages for the families of the deceased.

The youths alleged that policemen attached to Aguda Surulere Police Station killed the deceased persons.

The deceased include Anthony Ezenwafor, Chukwuemika Ezeofor, Izuchukwu Ezeama and Alloysius Osigwe.

The suit was brought in a notice of application for an order to enforce fundamental rights, “Order 2 Rule 1, Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) rules, 2009, Right to Life, Liberty and Dignity as guaranteed

by Section 333,34 and 35 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as Amended, Articles

2,5,14,15, and 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap A9, Laws of Federation Republic of Nigeria 2004 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court “ It was filed at Justice Oyindamola Ogala’s court, Lagos High Court, Igbosere.

The plaintiff in the suit are Akaraka Ezeonara, Chris Okpara,Remigus Ezenwanne and Ifeanyi Okoye.

The defendants are Attorney– General of the Federation and Inspector-General of Police.

Other defendants include the Attorney-General of Lagos State, the then Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Chief Marvelous Akpoyibo, Area ‘C’ Police Command, Surulere and Divisional Police Officer, Aguda Station.

The plaintiffs are seeking among others, an order of the court declaring that the killing of the deceased by the police officers serving under the Divisional Police Officer (D.P.O) of Aguda Police Station attached to Area C Police Command, Surulere, Lagos on Sunday July 21 was unconstitutional, extra judicial, illegal and an infringement on the right to life, liberty and dignity.

They asked for an order for payment of the sum of N4 billion as damages and compensations to the families of the said four victims for their alleged unlawful killing.

They asked for an order directing the first and fourth defendants or any other persons or body of persons to conduct full and unbiased investigation into the incident and

punitive measures taken against those found to have hands in the dastardly act.

In a 21-paragraph affidavit deposed to in support of the motion, Akaraka averred that the deceased persons were allegedly killed in their apartment at 48, Olaitan Street, Surulere, Lagos on July 21, 2001.

He claimed that they were apprentice traders under Jude Okoli, a businessman at Ladipo International Market.

According to him, they were living in a two-bedroom flat, in the boys quarters at 48 Olaitan Odularu Street, Killo bus stop.

Akaraka deposed further: “The information I got was that robbers went to the house of the deceased on July 1, 2001 and began shouting “Alloy, Alloy”, the name of one of the deceased persons used for the payment of the rent for the apartment.

“The deceased realising that the people shouting were robbers removed their window glass and escaped out of the building through the window. After the robbers had gone, the deceased went back to

their house and not long after the police arrived and immediately shot three (Ezenwafor, Ezeofor and Ezeama) without any effort at arresting them or telling them whatever offences they were alleged to have committed.”

He said: ”The police later said they shot the deceased on mere suspicion without proof that they were armed robbers.”

At the resume hearing last Wednesday, counsel to the defendants, Jonathan Ogunsanya informed the court that they are yet to regularise their position and therefore, sought for an adjournment.

But counsel to the plaintiffs, Abiola Akerele, told the court that he has served the Attorney–General of the Federation and the InspectorGeneral of Police.

He added that since 2001, Aguda Police Station has not replied their request. He urged the court to grant a short adjournment to make them regularise their position.

Justice Ogala adjourned the matter till October 23, for hearing.

NBA faults ‘secret’ composition of govt boards, parastatals

T

HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised the secrecy applied in the composition of some boards of parastals, saying sometimes due process is not followed.

It said most Federal Government boards and agencies are statutorily mandated to have various stakeholders represented to always ensure compliance with the law, rules and regula-

By Joseph Jibueze

tions.

The NBA said rather than follow the requirements, some boards, commissions and parastatals remain shrouded in secrecy.

The association said for instance, certain statutes require the NBA as an institution to send nominees to such boards, but it has not been receiving such invitations.

NBA President Augustine Alegeh (SAN), while inaugurating a committee on boards and parastatals to determine which ones the association is statutorily entitled to a representation, said some of the agencies “have turned NBA positions to their personal estates.”

Alegeh also set up a committee to review NBA’s Constitution to address the rancor associate with its election.

“The amendments to our constitution to introduce e-voting and other changes would be given priority and dealt with speedily with the hope that the system would be operational and members made conversant with its working long before the 2016 national elections.

“In the light of the approval of uniform Bye Laws for NBA Branches, it would be advisable for the provision of e-voting to be contained in the Uniform Bye Laws to afford Branches the opportunity to implement e-voting and be •From left: Israel Aye, Alex Muoka, Yusuf Kadiri, Yinka Farounbi and Seyi Olawunmi at a dinner in honour of Chief Judge of conversant with its operations before Lagos, Justice Funmilayo Atilade and Deputy Director-General, Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus, Mrs ‘Toun Adebiyi in the national elections,’’ Alegeh said.

Lagos.

•Justice Bukar

Agency, rights commission seek end to female bombing From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

T

HE United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have deplored the increasing usage of young females as suicide bombers by the extremist group, Boko Haram.

As a way out, they called for increased awareness among the nation’s youths on the need for peace building and harmonious relationship among members of every society.

The UNHCR representative to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Angele DikongueAtangana and Executive Secretary, NHRC, Professor Bem Angwe said these during a visit to the NHRC’s Abuja office by a group of children.

Prof. Angwe said it is imperative on every adult member of the society to inculcate the spirit of love, peace and harmonious relation in young children. This, he said, could serve as an antidote to hatred and violence which breed insecurity.

He said it was important for parents to give their children a sense of responsibility from the scratch by involving them in the process of mediating and resolving conflict situations. This, he added, will help make them responsible citizens, capable of contributing to prevention of rancour and violence in the society.

NHRC’s Chief Press Officer, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, in a statement, quoted DikongueAtangana as saying sustained peace in the country was important for the development of the African continent.

She urged Nigerians and the country’s leadership to do all to ensure peaceful co-existence among the people, because “what affects Nigeria affects Africa at large.”

Mrs. Kate Alkali, who led the children, said though conflict was inevitable in every human society, efforts must be sustained to minimise conflict in view of its negative implication if left uncontained.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

38

LAW & SOCEITY The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade and the Deputy Director-General, Lagos Campus, Nigerian Law School, Mrs Adetoun Adebiyi were honoured by their friends on their recent appointments at a dinner in Lagos at the weekend, reports JOSEPH JIBUEZE

‘They shattered glass ceilings’ T

HEY scaled hurdles on their way up.

Different limitations could have shackled them. Their dreams could have died, but these women achievers never gave up. They have reached the top despite social barriers in a male dominated world.

The Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade and the first female Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Lagos School, Mrs Adetoun Adebiyi, in charge of the Lagos Campus, braced all odds to get to where they are. Theirs are stories of dedication, hardwork and excellence.

To celebrate them, three of their friends held a dinner at the Oriental Hotel in their honour.

They are former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) First Vice-President and Life Bencher Mrs Funke Adekoya (SAN); a leading business lawyer and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch, Mrs Miannaya Essien (SAN), and a former Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) President, Mrs Boma Ozobia, who was recently awarded the national honour of OON. The NBA President Augustine Alegeh (SAN), who jovially said he should have been made part of the organisers, praised the celebrators for their accomplishments.

He said Justice Atilade is expected to do much more than her predecessor and sister, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, did while in office.

“I believe that Lagos State judiciary needs a lot of work and I know that you’re capable of doing the work. Whatever we can do to foster cooperation between the Bar and the Bench during your tenure we’ll do.

“Without the Bench there will be no Bar and without the Bar there will be no Bench.

So we have to work together. Personally I will pray for you because it is a thankless job, so that you will succeed and we’ll celebrate you at the end,” Alegeh said.

The NBA President said he would probably have ended up as a “political thug” due to his size but for the benefit of the education he received. He praised Mrs Adebiyi for her commitment to imparting knowledge and moulding characters.

“The education you give to the children who come to you at the Law School marks a world of difference. It’s like night and day.

In the case of the Law School, if they don’t get moulded correctly at that time, they lose if forever. They come into the profession unprepared. They lose interest and they go astray,” Alegeh said.

He also spoke about the falling standards and the poor state of infrastructure in the Law School, saying NBA would get involved through an education summit.

“Most importantly, we need to take a position – whether we need government funded law schools, or we need privately owned ones,” he said.

Justice Atilade said her appointment was

by God’s grace as she did not have to “fight” for it.

“Stepping into her (Justice Phillips’) shoes is a daunting task. I wear size 44 and she wears 42, so it is a tight fit. I’ll do my best to match her record and improve on it.

“Luckily for me, she kickstarted so many projects. She opened so many doors for me.

All I have to do is tweak them. I was right behind her studying and observing everything she was doing,” she said, adding jovially that her sister did not tell her how stressful the job would be.

Mrs Adebiyi said hers was a long wait. She served as number two to Dr Kole Abayomi for four years and for eight years under Mr Olanrewaju Onadeko, both Deputy DirectorsGeneral, Lagos Campus.

“Many times I thought I should leave, but then I said, look, you’ve been here since 1985...

After 29 years, I’ve earned it,” she said.

Justice Phillips, who retired on July 26, said Mrs Adebiyi is diligent and patient. “Now she can smile like a sage and tell others: ‘In every cloud is a silver lining. This is your cloud, the silver lining is coming.’”

To her sister, said: “This is your reward for sticking it out from magistrate grade one to chief magistrate grade one. I must warn, this is now where you are going to make your mark. The office itself has a lot of trappings, but do not be swayed by them. The office will remain but you will go.

“Contribute what you can to the development of the judiciary so that when you retire, you will do so in peace, satisfied that you have laboured.”

She urged them to be prayerful and to put their “enemies” to shame by being successful, while urging the Chief Judge to run an open door policy even though some will come with “ridiculous demands.”

Adekoya, who attended the event with her husband, said women, who have reached the top of their careers while also juggling the demands of the home, serve as inspiration to the younger ones and therefore, deserve recognition.

Justice Atilade and Mrs Adebiyi, she said, “shattered glass ceilings” to reach such career heights despite challenges. “We need to celebrate ourselves. Women are moving upwards.

“This occasion is to encourage those of us who still need encouragement, and just to let people know that it can still be done and it’s still being done on a daily basis,” Mrs Adekoya said.

She urged younger women to “fear not” but to “just do it.” “Whether we succeed or not, we’ll be better for it,” she said. She recalled how Justice Atilade began her career on the Bench as a magistrate. “We encouraged ourselves: Just do it,” she said.

Mrs Adekoya said Mrs Adebiyi “has a passion for teaching,” which kept her at the Law School for 29 years before her present appointment.

“People thought she was too glamorous and too smart for the Law School, that she’s being wasted there. I even tried to get her out,” she confessed.

She prayed for their “friendships to continue to flourish; for relationships to continue to blossom; that there will be many more reasons for women to celebrate ourselves and for men to feel more and more threatened.”

Mrs Essien said the two women were honoured because they are worthy examples to others. “Their lives show that hard work always pays. Patience pays off as well. We’re proud to be celebrating with them.”

Mrs Ozobia thanked the guests for “a wonderful evening,” and for turning up at short notice. She praised Justice Atilade and Mrs Adebiyi for their achievements.

“My Lord Justice Atilade epitomises all of the finest qualities of an extraordinary jurist and administrator. As Chief Judge, she is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the judiciary of Lagos State. I personally celebrate her appointment as a testimony to her competence as the fact that her older sister had just completed service in the same role could have worked against her.

Fortunately, Lagos chose the high road and gave us M’Lord. That is one of the many reasons I celebrate today.

“Mrs Toun Oni-Adebiyi is a living proof that if you are consistent and dependable, eventually, you will be rewarded for your faithfulness. She also played a key in my formative period in the profession as one of my lecturers in the Nigeria Law School.

“My firm has a mentoring engagement with the Nigerian Law School annually as part of our CSR policy as a result of which I am privileged to interact with her and members of her team and can state categorically that she is a role model and we are proud of her,” Mrs Ozobia told our reporter.

Also present were Dr Babatunde Ajibade (SAN), Prof Fidelis Oditah (SAN, QC), Chairman NBA Lagos Branch Alex Muoka, his Ikeja Branch counterpart Yinka Farounbi, among others.

•From left: Justice Atilade, Mrs Adebiyi and Justice Phillips (rtd)

•From left: Mrs Adekoya, Mrs Essien and Mrs Ozobia

•Alegeh (left) and Ajibade

•Funke Aboyade (SAN)

•Oditah

PHOTOS: DAVID ADEJO

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

39

LEGAL OPINION

‘How to defeat Boko Haram, rescue Chibok girls’ As the military and Boko Haram insurgents battle for the control of some towns in the Northeastern States of Borno and Adamawa, a Lagos lawyer, Mr. Kunle Uthman, examines the sect’s origin and its activities. He gives tips on how to rescue the Chibok school girls abducted by the group last April.

•Continued from last week

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HOSE who become terrorists are often the socially alienated persons who dropped out of society or are condemned as societal misfits, almajirins, area boys, hoodlums, the unemployed, those with spartan education especially youths who place no premium on their lives. Terrorist groups also brainwash their recruits and it is apparent that this method is the one adopted by Boko Haram to recruit its adherents.

In his article, earlier referenced Mike Okemi submitted that Nigerians must desist from justifying the activities of the Boko Haram because no matter and whatever the measure put in place we would not get the best result and fast enough unless the society as a whole reject terrorism without any justification. There is also a need for international collaboration between Nigeria and other countries faced with terrorism to fight it just as there has been urgent need for international effort to solve the problems. In the tackling of terrorism, information sharing, intelligence and lessons learnt.

On August 29th, 2014, Mr. Austin Alegeh SAN assumed office as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association having convincingly won election to that office. In his acceptance speech, he stated unequivocally his concern for the appalling security of the nation and emphasised the urgent need to locate and free the more than 250 SSS 3 students abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in Chibok, Borno State. The implication of this abduction and the inability of the security network of the state to rescue these girls from captivity has more than anything else, captured the ‘importance’ of our array of security forces. Foreign collaborators have retreated back to their comfort zone, seeing the northern terrain and being confronted with the reality that the problem can only be resolved by our leadership who have commingled their inordinate desire to perpetuate themselves in power and have unwittingly created a Frankenstein, which even them cannot control. In absolute frustration, the President of the Federal Republic admitted that some of these insurgents have indeed infiltrated his government and the military, making it absolutely difficult for the government of the day to track down, arrest, prosecute and incarcerate the criminals.

Having found ourselves in this political quagmire, the mesh and this spider’s web, where there appears to be no escape, our leaders MUST consider all options to resolve this political logjam, and secure the future of our children in order to prove in reality competence, capabilities and justifications of our social contract with them.

In the circumstances, the security situation in the country requires urgent attention, it has become apparent that the continued survival of Nigeria as a corporate entity would be premised on how quickly the insurgency in the North is brought to an end, the Chibok Girls in captivity are released and normalcy restored in the country. It is, therefore, extremely offensive that inspite of the ill-fortunes this state of affairs portends, our leadership at the

Federal level, the political party in power and cronies of the sovereign-in-power are dissipating their energies in the comedy-oferrors by organizing political rallies and social funfare and questionable documentation of signature seemingly persuading the President and Commander-inChief to declare his intention to contest the 2015 Presidential elections.

These campaigns reveal how obsessed with power the present administration is and its unwillingness to await an electorate scorecard before engaging in spurious filtration and wastage of scare resources of state. We all need to be circumspect and guard our sovereign rights which reside in us as a people, by virtue of the doctrine of social contract, which states in unequivocal terms that power belongs to the people.

The United State Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Wendy Sherman at the Summit hosted by French President Francois Hollande in Paris stated that the US was committed to supporting the Nigerian government in ensuring that the Girls abducted in Chibok are brought back alive.

According to her, the abducted school girls have become “the girls of the world, not just of Nigeria”.

He added that all efforts are being put in place to ensure that the West Africa sub-region was not turned to a breeding ground for terror.

Insisting that the American people “are not putting ‘boots on the ground’ in Nigeria for the girls’ rescue, Sherman noted that only intelligence assistance would be provided.

Our nascent democracy is piloted on the fact that the people of this country are oblige to monitor the activities of the state to ensure that the government as typified by the executive act for all intent and purposes in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic and all other ancillary provisions that ensure good governance, security of lives and property and an enabling environment for self fulfillment.

The State according to Aristotle exists for the exercise of the qualities which make men good husbands, fathers and heads of households, good soldiers and citizens, good men of science and philosophers. When the State by its education and laws, written and unwritten, succeeds in evoking and maintaining in vigorous activity a life rich in noble aims and deeds, then and not until then has it fully fulfilled the end for which it exists.

Contributing to the discourse, Herbert Spencer’s views the state as nothing but a natural institution preventing one man from infringing the rights of another. It is a joint-stock protection company for mutual assurance. Harold Laski sums it up in what appears to be a modern view in “A Grammar of Politics”, where he submitted that “the state is an organization to enable the mass of men to realize social good on the largest possible scale. It exists to enable men, at least potentially, to realize the best in themselves”. These theories of political science was further developed by Appadorai who pointed that men obey the State because they stand to gain by doing so. They are conscious that the State has a rational purpose; that purpose is the promotion of social good on the largest possible scale; the achieve-

ment of that purpose demands their willing co-operation and obedience to laws. It is the duty of the State to recognise the citizens rights and give them increasing substance.

However, when there is a clear evidence that, over a reasonable period, the State is not doing its duty – in order words, when its actions are not in accordance with its purpose – the individual has the right to ask himself why he should continue to render obedience. There is a moral right to resist a totalitarian government whose thrust of governance is suspect or a political party of power jobbers, devoid of any decipherable policies to better the lives of their people whose standard of living is abysmally poor.

The word ‘Sovereignty’ is derived from the Latin word ‘superanus’, which means ‘supreme’. In this context, Sovereignty may be defined as the power of the State to make laws and enforce the laws with all the coercive powers it cares to employ. The Sovereign in a modern State such as the Federal Republic of Nigeria can be located in the Executive President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The enormous power of this office is akin to that of the medieval king who can do no wrong.

The fortunes or misfortunes of the people would be determined by the necessary Sovereigns understanding of the dynamics of power and his perception of what end is the purpose for which he was elected.

If the aim is simply for political power of perpetuation in office, the citizens of that State would suffer stagnation and bad governance.

The Federal Republic of Nigeria has had a turbulent political history from the hoisting of the Union Jack in 1914, the amalgamation, the Republics, military rule and interregnum, civil war and epileptic democratic governance. All these ills and benefits have resulted in citizens whose system of governance can best be described as a militrocracy, because our attitude of life is semi-militarized and we do not recognize the human rights contain explicitly in Chapter IV of our Constitution.

There is empirical proof and judicial decisions both local and international with our political class have pilfered the resources of the State, establish institutions to secure their ill-gotten wealth and are more often than not, celebrated by a population whose standard of living is abysmally poor. Our leaders have consistently failed to establish institutions, enact policies, provide infrastructural upgrades, create employment, provide health care facilities, build houses or provide good governance worthy of celebration by the citizenry. The benefits of our oil wealth and natural mineral resources are stocked in Swiss bank accounts by irresponsible gangs of thieves, that had either forced themselves in the corridors of power through the barrels of the gun or rigged elections or we have chosen, to further impoverish us. The resultant effect is consecutive bad governance and social insecurity because of an unproductive populace, not engaged in meaningful productive enterprise, not for lack of desired but because the people to whom power was entrusted have no altruistic intention of using if for the benefit of the people.

•To be continued next week.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com For comments: 08033054939 (sms only)

Competition to support Jonathan’s re-election

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HE struggle to get onto President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election gravy train is getting more odious by the day. But the stranglers do not give a hoot. And can anybody blame them? At the last count, there were several hundreds of amorphous groups struggling to gain access to the re-election sauce pan, ensconced in the presidency and most likely hardly differentiated from our commonwealth; such that it became necessary to set up a bureaucracy to re-align the groups. To President Goodluck Jonathan’s goodluck, governors, past and present; statesmen, the real and the fake; legislators, former and present; women and youth organizations, the clergy, Imams, name it; every conceivable group and solidarity name have been coined in the match to support President Jonathan’s re-election at all cost.

To my utmost surprise and I guess that of many Nigerians, it was announced last week that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have contributed money towards the purchase of the re-election Form, for President Jonathan. Around the same time, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) reportedly also endorsed the re-election project. The same last week, the Peoples Democratic Party Governor’s forum, the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee and the Legislative caucus all jointly and severally endorsed President Jonathan as the sole candidate. Even the Governor of Jigawa state, Mallam Sule Lamido, touted to be strategizing within the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s sub-group, to contest for the PDP’s ticket with the incumbent, appears to have capitulated without even a single bout.

In what seems to be an acceptance of the several offers to re-contest, even when the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) has not lifted the legal ban on re-election campaigns, President Jonathan finally showed up at the north-east zonal rally of the infamous re-election group, Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN). This group which has since lifted the ban on the president’s re-election campaign, regardless of the law, with the active support of the top members of President Jonathan’s administration, while INEC pretends that no laws are being broken; now has every reason to announce to their fellow competitors that the President has shown clearly that they are the first among the rest. With this endorsement, the alleged financier of the group, the wily Ifeanyi Ubah, now has every reason to prime his proboscis for a reactivation of his bruised business empire.

To show how stiff the competition for the President’s recognition had been, the current governor of Anambra state, Willy Obiano, who fought for the governorship with Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah few months ago, has been struggling with his political mentor, Peter Obi (Okwute) for control of All Progressive Grand Alliance’s (APGA) brand for the President’s re-election, the Join Jonathan Journey (JJJ). With the chairman of the party Chief Victor Umeh, ditching his former comrade, Peter Obi, and pitching his political tent with the incumbent governor, it appears settled that the group is the authentic APGA’s contribution to the President’s campaign. The next challenge will now be whether the governor’s JJJ will be content with playing behind Ifeanyi Ubah’s TAN; after all, since the governor defeated Ubah at the polls, nobody can doubt between the two, who has more followership in the state. The other challenge will be what position the President will place his ardent supporter (maybe, now former) Peter Obi in all the shuffling for the leadership of his supporters in Anambra state.

Knowing the business ingenuity of Mr. Ubah, it is just possible that he is already weighing his chances as to which Ministry is the juiciest, should his investment yield result, with a re-elected President Jonathan in power, after the 2015 elections. As a forward looking people, his business brothers particularly from Anambra state, may already be falling over themselves trying to position themselves for the inevitable juicy contracts that is sure to follow, when the leader of TAN is appropriately rewarded for his ingenuity and foresight, with a Ministerial appointment. If you are a doubter, then you need to remember that this ingenuity originally belonged to Princess Stella Oduah of the Neighbour to Neighbour campaign organization of the 2011 election fame, who became the Minister for Aviation.

Another interesting challenge for the nation will be what to make of the organized partisanship bequeathed to the members of NYSC, by the president’s men. Now, with the group officially portrayed as canvassing for the re-election of President Jonathan, and even supporting the bid with cash, can they be trusted to further play the role of an umpire as ad hoc staff of the INEC during elections? Obviously those who organized the fund raising by the corps members in support of the re-election movement, failed to consider the effect of such show of partisanship on the role the NYSC has been playing since the birth of our current democracy, in 1999.

So when President Jonathan’s opponents claim that the members of NYSC are biased in favour of the President, in any election dispute, the facts surrounding their financial support will form a supportive evidence of such bias.

Now, with the PDP settling for endorsements by all relevant caucuses, prior to their presidential convention in December, the party will likely have a rancor free convention. Again with all relevant agencies and stakeholders cajoled into supporting the re-election bid of President Jonathan, the man seems certain to coast home to victory, with the question of his performance in office, becoming totally irrelevant. That perhaps explains the struggle by all and sundry to get on the gravy train; not to talk of the attraction to the bulging purse at the disposal of the campaigners. Indeed, the likelihood of President Jonathan’s return in 2015 is made more certain, as the All Progressive Congress (APC) struggles to choose its presidential candidate, with the potential rancor.

40

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014

LAW REPORT

Appeal Court does not unduly interfere with findings of fact

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL IN THE CALABAR JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT CALABAR ON FRIDAY, THE 4TH DAY OF JULY, 2014 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS DALHATU ADAMU, J.C.A. PAUL OBI ELECHI, J.C.A. JOSEPH JUDE JELLA, J.C.A. CA/K/366/20 (2014) LPELR-23514(CA) BETWEEN AYIERE GODSGIFT (ALIAS ALEX) ………….………….… APPELLANTS AND THE STATE …………………………..………….……….……….... .......RESPONDENTS LEAD JUDGMENT DELIVERED BY THERESA NGOLIKA ORJIABADUA, J.C.A.

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HE Appellant, Ayiere Godsgift (alias Alex) was charged before the High Court of Cross River State, Calabar Division on two-count charge of child stealing contrary to Section 371(1) of Criminal Code and murder contrary to Section 319 of the Criminal Code. From the evidence, the facts are that on 8th October, 2007 between 12.00 noon and 1.00p.m the Appellant went to Grace and Gold Nursery/Primary School, State Housing Estate Calabar and fraudulently enticed and stole away John Okon Edem aged 10years (the deceased). It was alleged that the Appellant deceived both the security man and John Okon Edem’s teacher (PW2) by showing them the snacks he bought for the lad. The Appellant was given access to young John Okon Edem by the class teacher.

The deceased was excited to see the Appellant whom he affectionately referred to as “uncle”. As the teacher who had somebody in her hand turned around to keep them, the Appellant left with John Okon Edem. The teacher waited for a while for the Appellant to return with John. After some time, she left the classroom for the security post to enquire from the security man (PW3) if he had seen John. It was at that point the teacher was informed by the security man that the Appellant had taken John away. The teacher promptly informed the head teacher who called PW1 (the father of the deceased) to find out if he had sent someone to pick up John from school. PW1 said he did not and called his wife to find out if she

did while the search for Johnson Okon was going on, PW1 claimed to have received a telephone call from someone who identified himself as “Johnson” who demanded a ransom of N3million for the release of John Okon Edem.

According to PW1 “Johnson” sounded like the Appellant, a former employee of PW1 whose voice PW1 was very familiar with because they talk regularly on telephone. This fact aroused PW1’s suspicion. “Johnson” made several calls to the deceased boy’s father to demand the payment of the ransom until later PW1 reported to the Police who arranged “paper money” in a bag to be given to Johnson. On 11th October, 2007, the faceless “Johnson” directed PW1 to take the money to PW5 who operated a commercial call centre of B52, Border Road, Ikom. Johnson also sent a commercial motorcyclist, Samuel Ezaka to pick up the money from PW5. It was in an attempt by Mr. Ezaka to pick up the money at Ikom that he was arrested by the Police.

Later in the day of 11th October, 2007, the Appellant was also arrested by the Police for his role in the disappearance and death of the deceased, John Okon Edem.

In his defence, the Appellant denied any involvement in the kidnap and eventual murder of John Okon Edem. The case went on trial.

In proof of its case, the prosecution called five witnesses and tendered several exhibits while the Appellant testified for himself. At the conclusion of the trial, the leaned trial judge, Philomena Ekpe, J., of the Cross River State High Court, Calabar Judicial Division in a judgment

delivered on 17th March, 2010, convicted the Appellant of the offence of murder and sentenced him to death. The Appellant dissatisfied with that judgment of the trial Court appealed to the Court of Appeal.

The Appellant formulated a sole and single issue for determination of the appeal as follows: “Whether or not the prosecution proved the appellants guilt beyond reasonable doubt as required by law as to justify his conviction”?

In arguing the appeal, the learned Appellant’s Counsel submitted that in a case of murder as the present case the prosecution must prove not only the cause of death, but also that the act of the accused caused the death of the deceased. Omogodo v.

The State (1981) 5 SC 5 of 26 - 27; (1981) LPELR-2644(SC. In holding that it was the act of the appellant that caused the death of the deceased Ekpe J., the trial judge placed much weight on identification evidence.

It was submitted that the conviction of the Appellant based on the identification of the Appellant by PW2, PW3, PW4 and PW5 was not proper.

See Abudu v. State (1985) 1 NWLR (Pt. 1) 55; (1985) LPELR-57(SC). It is submitted that the consideration that govern a proper identification exercise have been stated by the apex court in many cases. It was further submitted that none of the witnesses gave the description of the Appellant to the Police or state the opportunity they had in observing the Appellant of his feature which they noted and communicated to the Police. That they did not also say an identification parade was conducted by the Police for the purpose of identifying the Appellant. See Eyisi v.

State (2000) 15 NWLR (Pt. 691) 555; (2000) LPELR-1186(SC) and Ebri v.

State (2004) 11 NWLR (Pt. 885) 589; (2004) LPELR-996(SC). The Appellant submitted that no identification parade was carried out and if there was one it was improperly made and hastily done. It was submitted that the procedure as outlined for conducting an identification parade were not followed. Consequently that the identification of the Appellant was improper and wholly irregular.

It was also submitted for the Appellant that the law requires the accused to raise the defence of alibi

• Appeal Court President, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa

promptly at the earlier opportunity and that the Appellant raised the defence promptly in the very statement he made to the Police and in the aftermath of his arrest. It was contended that having done so it is incumbent for the police consistent with the duty for the prosecution to disprove the alibi, to investigate it. It was alleged that the Police failed to verify and check the alibi properly and timely put by the Appellant. It was submitted that the failure to investigate or check the alibi ought to have created a reasonable doubt in the mind of the Court as to whether the Appellant was actually responsible for the death of the deceased. Ikemson v.

State (1989) NWLR (Pt. 110) 455; (1989) LPELR-1473(SC) and Ozaki v.

State (1990) 1 NWLR (Pt. 124) 92 at 109; (1990) LPELR-2888(SC). It was further submitted that it is well settled that the defence of alibi where successful, results in the acquittal of accused. The Court was urged to quash the conviction of the Appellant on this ground.

On the defence of alibi purportedly set up by the Appellant and the allegation that it was not investigated, the brief of the Respondent stated that the Respondent’s witnesses specifically and unequivocally linked the Appellant to the scene of the crime thereby making the investigation of the

Court unnecessary. On the submission from the Appellant’s brief that the circumstantial evidence in this case is not credible and compelling enough to arrive at an irresistible conclusion that the deceased was last seen with the Appellant, the Respondent’s response is that this submission from the Appellant’s brief is misconceived. The Respondent submitted that the deceased was last seen with the Appellant who came and lured him out of school.

PW2 and PW3 both testified to this fact and PW2 evidence was never challenged. The deceased disappeared thereafter until his corpse was found with the assistance of the Appellant at Bendghe Ekurim forest, along Ikom/ Obudu Road a distance of over 200 kilometres from where he was taken.

On the whole, the Court held that an Appeal Court is always slow or reluctant to interfere with the findings of fact by a trial court which had the opportunity of hearing and seeing the witness. The Court held that it only interferes where the finding of facts and evaluation of evidence and ascription of probative value to such evidence were improperly done, the trial court made imperfect or improper use of its opportunity to hear and see the witness or to draw a wrong conclusion from the accepted or proved facts or a wrong conclusion or arrived at a perverse decision. The Court stated that there is no question of perversity in the evaluation said to be done by the learned trial judge. See Lion Buildings Ltd. v Shadipe (1976) 12 SC 135; (1976) LPELR-1785(SC). The lone issue on these reasons was therefore resolved against the Appellant.

With the only lone issue in the appeal having been resolved against the Appellant, the Court held that the appeal therefore does not succeed and must be dismissed.

It was thereby accordingly dismissed by the Court. The judgment of Philomena Ekpe of High Court, Calabar Division, of Cross River State, was affirmed.

Edited by LawPavilion LawPavilion Citation: (2014) LPELR-23514(CA)

Conferment of SAN on Onagoruwa belated, says Falana

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AGOS lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has described the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on former AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Dr. Olu Onagoruwa by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) as belated.

In a statement in Lagos on Sunday, Falana said Dr. Onagoruwa ought to have been conferred with the rank by virtue of his appointment as the Attorney-General of the Federation by the military government of the late Gen. Sanni Abacha in 1993 pursuant to the LPPC guidelines.

He, however, commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Maryam Muktar-led LPPC for ensuring that justice was done at last.

“Like Chief Fawehinmi, who was conferred with the rank of SAN towards the tale end of his life, Dr. Onagoruwa is being admitted, rather belatedly, when he can no longer take advantage of the title. Even though it is a mere psychological relief at this stage of his life, he is likely to feel professionally fulfilled,” he said.

Falana said the case of Dr. Onagoruwa has reopened the call for the democratisation of the selection for SAN rank for qualified lawyers in strict compliance with section 42 of the Constitution.

Falana said Section 42 of the consti-

By Adebisi Onanuga

tution abolished discriminatory practice in the rank’s conferment.

“This submission accords with the guidelines for the rank of SAN which have not pegged the annual award to any number of lawyers. In other words, there is no justification for picking 17 out of the multitude of lawyers that meet the prerequisites every year.

After all, the LPPC approved the conferment of the rank on 25 legal practitioners in 2006. In the same vein, 25 legal practitioners were honoured with the rank in 2012,” he noted.

He also argued that the case of Dr. Onagoruwa questioned the continued relevant of the rank of SAN adding: “It is illegal to continue to refer to the award as a privilege as it has become discriminatory and illegal not to confer the rank of SAN on any lawyer who satisfies the laid down criteria.

“The deliberate exclusion of activist and radical lawyers from the inner bar is a painful reminder of the discriminatory treatment meted out to the first Nigerian lawyer, Christopher Sapara Williams by the colonial regime.

Called to the English Bar in 1879 and the Nigerian Bar in 1898 Mr. Williams challenged obnoxious colonial laws and policies in court and organized rallies to campaign for the repeal of ordinances which violated the rights of the Nigerian people”, he stated.

Falana recalled, “ at a period when human rights had been put in abeyance by martial law Dr. Onagoruwa handled many cases of constitutional significance which questioned the basis of continued military rule. He had cause to challenge the arrest of “political extremists” like Ken Saro-wiwa, Minere Amakiri, Tai Solarin et al.

“When Chief Fawehinmi, BekoRansome-kuti and I were detained at the Kuje prison in 1992 under the obnoxious State Security(Detention of Persons) Decree No 2 of 1984 Dr. Onagoruwa was on hand to defend us.

On account of his leading role in the defence of public interest cases he was subjected to crude intimidation by the military junta.

“Instead of supporting progressive lawyers for leading the campaign for the restoration of democracy and rule of law in the country the reactionary forces who held sway in the legal profession at the material time teamed up with the military minions to harass them.

“Chief Gani Fawehinmi was almost struck out of the list of legal practitioners for popularising law reporting when only a handful of lawyers had access to certified true copies of the judgments of the appellate courts. In order to preserve the conservative nature of the legal profession civil rights and radical lawyers were stigmatised for

using the instrumentality of the law to question the status quo.

“Notwithstanding their enormous contributions to legal development the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) resolved never to confer the title of SAN on Chief Fawehinmi and Dr. Onagoruwa. Hence, their applications for the rank were consistently rejected on the spurious ground that they were not “fit and proper persons” to be admitted to the inner bar. However, the legal establishment was exposed to self inflicted embarrassment when Dr. Onagoruwa was appointed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in December 1993 by the Sani Abacha junta.

“But the Committee of senior judges and lawyers headed by the then Chief Justice of the country, the Late Justice Mohammed Bello, decided to breach the law and refused to confer the rank on the Justice Minister. In a bid to justify its unjust decision the Committee instigated the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to approach the Supreme Court to set aside the verdict of the Court of Appeal, which had dismissed the charge of stealing brought against Dr. Onagoruwa.

“Upon being served with the hearing notice Chief Fawehinmi invited me for a meeting to discuss the frivolous appeal.

Since the human rights community had vehemently opposed Dr. Onagoruwa’s

• Onagoruwa appointment Chief Fawehinmi asked whether we should handle the appeal.

Since our opposition to the Minister’s appointment was on solid principle I made it clear to him that if the appeal was allowed in the circumstance the state would appeal against all decisions in favour of the members of the prodemocracy movement.

“As Chief Fawehinmi had parted ways with Dr. Onagoruwa over his controversial appointment, I was given the task of informing him of the notice of the appeal and our decision to challenge the appeal on his behalf. I did and the Minister expressed dismay that his opponents were running from pillar to post in the bid to have him convicted.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

42

NEWS Firm’s CEO wins international fellowship

Bishop to judges: Don’t incur God’s wrath through injustice

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HE Bishop of Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Rev. Olusola Odedeji yesterday said judges must exercise their powers with utmost care so as not to incur God’s wrath.

He said they are God’s representatives on earth and must be without reproach.

Speaking during a special service to mark the beginning of the 2014/2015 new legal year, Odedeji said judges must also seek divine wisdom as did Solomon when faced with a challenging case.

The service was held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos Island. A Muslim service was also held at the Central Mosque, Nnamdi Azikiwa Street, Lagos Island.

Odedeji said: “You are God’s representative among his people; it does not matter whether the people are good or bad, God

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has given you a dedicated authority to guide them.

“We all as leaders of God’s people need wisdom to act, just as King Solomon had a chance to demonstrate the wisdom of God in resolving the issue between two women in the bible.

“The request for wisdom is not a want but a need, and as leaders, we must realise that whatever we do or neglect to do, will affect the people, and so, we must mind our action and inaction” he said.

“You are representatives of God among his people. You are standing in the place of God,” he said.

Urging them to always judge with the fear of God, the bishop said: “A request for Godly wisdom is not a want, but a need. We’re men of influence, so we’re expected in the midst of people without hypocrisy,” Odedeji said.

The cleric said judges cannot courageously deliver judgments without fear or favour if their hands are soiled by corruption or unethical behaviour.

“I appreciate the saying that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. You must remove the ‘log’ in your eyes to judge others,” he said.

He also advised them not to view themselves as superior to others by virtue of their position. According to the Bishop, no office is ever a right, but a privilege; therefore, all must be accountable for their actions, adding that judges must be discreet in their affairs so as to ensure their tenures do not end in mockery.

“We’re all equal before God no matter our offices. I pray that at the end of our tenure, our testimony will not lack value,” the bishop added.

‘PASAN leadership not sacked’

HE national leadership of the Parliamentary Staff Association of NigeriA (PASAN) has urged its members to ignore the purported removal of the National President and the Secretary-General.

The Secretary-General of the Association, Comrade Dirisu Suleman in a press statement made available to The Nation in Abuja that the NEC meeting which took place in Minna was not called in accordance with the rules. He accused the leadership of the National Assembly chap-

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

ter of sponsoring the meeting in contravention of the the ruling of the National Industrial Court which directed that the association maintain the status quo ante.

Suleiman said “it is very important to inform our law abiding members that the so called illegal NEC meeting was not properly called as the notice of meeting remained unsigned, venue not stated and agenda not attached. Fundamentally, it is an illegal meeting because the only authorized person recognized he

law to call for such meeting is the National President through the General Secretary giving enough notice of at least seven days.

“Unknown to our members that the dissolved Executive Council of the National Assembly chapter have already gone to the National industrial the conseners of the so-called NEC meeting, along with their cohorts cajoled the same people who they have dragged to court to attend the illegal NEC meeting.

•Komolafe

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THE Initiative for Global Development (IGD) has announced the 2014 Jennifer Potter Emerging Leaders Fellow, Ms. Adeshola Komolafe, who exemplifies the next generation of African leadership.

This fellowship, named in honour of IGD’s Founding President and CEO, Jennifer Potter, supports the rise of African leaders by giving Fellows access to an influential network of senior executives from top tier companies, who invest in high-need and high-potential areas of Africa.

The ultimate goal is poverty reduction through business investment in the developing world, a cornerstone of IGD’s original mission.

Ms. Komolafe is the CEO of Media Insight, a Nigerian integrated marketing communications firm, and Save Our Future,

a non-government organisation, which focuses on introducing young people in less privileged educational environments to information and communications technology (ICT) and the use of technology for enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of young women.

“Ms. Komolafe exemplifies the qualities of an Emerging Leaders Fellow. She has demonstrated a commitment to building a democratic, transparent, and modern market economy and fostering a society of inclusion and progress in Africa,” said Dr. Mima S. Nedelcovych, IGD President and CEO.

Daniel’s lone defection plot deceitful, says Ogun PDP

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HE Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the purported lone defection of former Governor Gbenga Daniel (OGD) from the Labour Party (LP) to the PDP as “a continuation of the deceit that OGD is known for”.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta yesterday by the State Publicity Secretary, Waliu Oladipupo, the party said, “Much as our hands are widely opened to receive defectors into our party, including OGD, we find his purported solo return as a less than clever attempt to hoodwink our people and deceive the national leaders of our party.

“We have reliable information that the kite being flied that most of his followers have vowed not to return with him

to the PDP is part of a grand plot to deceive our leaders and use the resources of the PDP and its government to fund his followers in LP. “This is a repeat of what happened in 2011 when his body remained in the PDP but his heart and soul were with the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN). He used the resources of the PDP-led government to fund the PPN. “It is even more so now that he has been out of government for about four years.

Expectedly, this has taken a toll on his resources. The thinking among his group is that if he declares for PDP, he would be well-positioned to participate in the campaign activities and funds of the PDP, especially the Presidential election, and then lever-

age on it to fund his supporters in LP.” The party said anything short of a wholesale return of OGD and his followers to the PDP would be unacceptable to it, adding, “He cannot be a leader without followers. Or put differently, what kind of a leader is he if he cannot influence his followers? We do not need politicians with such hermaphroditic tendencies. “ It urged the national leaders of the party, including President Goodluck Jonathan; the National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mua’zu; the Chairman, Board of Trustees, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih and Senate President David Mark, to “urgently look into the matter and address it before it snowballs into something else”.

PHOTOS NEWS

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (fourth right) cutting the tape to inaugurate the Construction of 225 KM rural roads. With him are, his Deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (left); Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources, Rural Development and Community Affairs, Mr Kunle Ige (second right); Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood. Adeoti (third right); DirectorGeneral, Office of Economic Planning and Partnerships, Dr Charles Akinola (right) and others.

•Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (right) and the APC aspirant for the Ibadan South-West/ North-West Federal Constituency, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku (middle) during Ajanaku’s declaration ofin Ibadan.

•Delta State Deputy Governor Prof Amos Utuama, signing the condolence register opened for the late Maj Gen Patrick Aziza (rtd), the President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) at Ugolo Adagbrasa, Okpe Local Government Area. With him is Ag. President, Chief Joe Omene, JP.

•From left: Senator Representing Lagos West, Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, Vice Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists, LTV Chapel, Jibola Ojesola; and the Chapel Chairman, Samuel Dada, during presentation of 18 passengers bus to the chapel union by Senator Ganiyu Solomon in Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC AYODELE JIMOH

43

TUESDAY SEPTEM BER 23, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is running for the Presidency for the fourth time. Can he get the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket?

Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the prospects and constraints of his struggle for presidential power.

2015: Atiku on firing line N

EXT week, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will declared his intention to run for the presidential election. It is his fourth attempt. In the last six months, he has been holding consultations with stakeholders across the six geo-political zones. But, can the Turaki Adamawa get the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket?

Abubakar is on the prowl. He is throwing his hat in the ring at a critical time in national history. Many Nigerians are yearning for a true transformational leadership in 2015. The former Vice President believes that he is answering the call to higher service to salvage the beleaguered country. The eminent politician is also in the race at a time the APC is zoning the Presidency to the North.

At the primaries, he will face other gladiators from the region. They include former military Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki and the publisher, Nda Isaiah. Few chieftains may still join the race, ahead of the shadow poll.

When the coast was clear for Abubakar in 2003 to get the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket, he failed to seize the moment, to the consternation of governors and big wigs who were ready to endorse him.

Four years later, he was forced to defect from the PDP to the defunct Action Congress (AC). He was defeated by former the late President Umaru Ya’ Adua. Later, he retraced his steps to the PDP and contested at the primaries with President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

He could not make it at the primaries. Abubakar left the PDP last year, following the protracted crises in the ruling party. He is one of the founding chieftains of the APC. The former Vice President is strengthening his structure, ahead of primaries. Old associates in the PDP are anchoring his campaigns. Justifying his entry into the race, he said he is one of the architects of this democratic dispensation. “I have always fought against military rule. I have also fought for internal democracy.

I have always fought against one-party state because it leads to dictatorship,“he said, stressing that he will never desert the battle.

Abubakar explained that he is in the race to salvage the youths, who he described as victims of bad governance. He lamented the growing unemployment, saying that it is scandalous. Job creation, he said, would be his priority, if elected as the President. “I am talking about job creation, not by the government, but by the private sector, with the government creating an enabling environment. This is my greatest challenge,” he added.

Critics have raised some issues bothering on credibility about Abubakar. But, as he put it, no allegation of corruption has been proved against him. Reflecting on this perception, the former number two citizen said that it is wrong. “I am not a corrupt politician. Have I been indicted in any way for corruption? I served under an administration that has waged war against corruption.

EFCC was set up by a a tougher body, but it was watered down by the National Assembly,” he stressed.

To observers, there are some hurdles before the presidential aspirant. Next month, the governorship byelection will hold in Adamawa State, his cradle. When the governor, Murtala Nyako, was impeached, the former Vice President was blamed for not averting it.

Can he deliver Adamawa to the APC at the poll?

Abubakar exonerated himself from the blame for Nyako’s fall from power. He said the impeached governor failed to help himself. He also said that winning Adamawa for the APC is not a criterion for getting the presidential ticket. “Why should I deliver

•Abubakar

Adamawa? Did Obasanjo deliver Ogun State? Has Buhari delivered Katsina in any election? In the United States, some Presidents could not even deliver their states. But, we will do our best to deliver Adamawa,” he said.

Eyes are on the major opposition party as it prepares for its maiden presidential primaries. Abubakar said that he eagerly looked forward to the historic moment. “I believe in two-party system. I was pushed out of the PDP. AC gave me an automatic ticket. But, I said no, there must be primaries. We held primaries. The PDP and the APC have equal strength now. This is the first time we will have the opportunity to make political choice in the country.”

On his agenda, the former Vice President said that the country is ripe for reforms across the sectors. He said the critical areas requiring fundamental overhauling include the electoral process, security, the economy and other institutions of the state. “INEC needs reforms. We are saying that there is the ned for the independence of the INEC. We need a state police”, he added.

Abubakar vowed to fight on, until Nigeria achieves progress. He said: “I will not give up. This battle is a long one. It may take 50 years. Our founding fathers started the battle. Where are they now? but, the battle continues. There is need for an alternative route.”

Since he entered politics in the Third Republic, Abubakar has not looked back. Many believe that, despite the ups and downs of politics, he is still a factor.

Even, if he has not recorded any monumental success politically since he left office as the number two citizen, his past heroic feats as a consummate politician, great mobiliser, master strategist and crowd puller fill the public consciousness.

His ambition to rule the country had hit the rock four times. In the aborted Third Republic, he was projected by his mentor, the late General Sheu Yar’Adua, the

‘I will not give up. This battle is a long one. It may take 50 years. Our founding fathers started the battle.

Where are they now? but, the battle continues. There is need for an alternative route’

founder of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM).

That was Military president Ibrahim Babangida excluded Yar’Adua and other key politicians from the race. At the Jos convention of the proscribed Social Democratic Party (SDP), Abubakar stepped down for the late Chief Moshood Abiola, who emerged as the flag bearer.

In 2003, many governors served as campaign managers for him. They believed that, if he contested, he would beat his boss, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, thereby saving them from persistent persecution. But, at midnight, he directed his supporters to endorse Obasanjo. In 2007, he tried his luck again. He was more determined. But he was defeated in the severely flawed presidential election by the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’ Adua, the younger brother of his deceased leader, Gen. Yar’ Adua.

Also, in 2011, Atiku picked up the gantlet. He was on the firing line again. Unlike 2003, when he was the man to beat, he had become a big elephant who lacked the speed of a lion. He lost to Dr. Jonathan, who wielded the power of incumbency.

When the PDP crisis reached the peak, Abubakar exhumed the carcass of the PDM. But, it could not fly.

The PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, a founding member of the PDM, cried foul, saying that Atiku could not single handedly transform the political group into a political party without wide consultationwithf the surviving members.

Many agree that Abubakar is always adorning his thinking cap. The Adamawa politician has always stayed glued to the drawing board. Like Gen. Yar’Adua, he has the reputation for anticipating challenges. But, did he anticipate the feud between him and Obasanjo towards the end their tenure in 2007? When the civil war hero came down from his Olympian height to prostrate for Atiku, when the second term ticket was about to elude him at the convention, did he anticipate the consequence? Atiku gave his nod, urging his supporters to vote for the former President. That inaction and error of judgment became his undoing.

From his days as a custom officer, he has shown the traits of leadership. He had built a network across the country, cutting across the entrenched aristocrats, traditional rulers, and political class. In 1999, Yar’Aua’s followers perceved him as the rallying point. He was a key member of the PDM kitchen cabinet, a dependable ally of Yar’Adua and confidant at the birth of the Peoples Front of Nigeria (PFN). He was not in the dark when it was resolved that the political machinery should join the defunct SDP. In fact, Yar’Adua drafted him to the presidential race in 1993 because he reposed confidence in him.

In post-Yar’Adua era, Abubakar was the leader of the influential PDM caucus in the PDP. Other members of the group Chief Sunday Afolabi, Chief Anenih, Prof.

Ango Abdullahi, Senator Jibril Martins-Kuye, Alhaji Lawal kaita, Chief dapo Sarunmi, Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun, Chief Yomi Edu, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Senator Tony Adefuye, Mrs. Onikepo Oshodi, Mrs. Titilayo Ajanaku, and Alhaji Abubakar Rimi.

To survive, Obasanjo had to lean on this group. He made Abubakar his running mate. Both of them won the poll in 1999. As the Vice President, the Turaki Adamawa was the de facto President. He was the Controlling Minister of the Economy. To get things done, politicians and others must pass through the Abubakar route.

However, relations between Obasanjo and Abubakar were strained towards the end of their tenure. The former Vice President was accused of corruption and disloyalty.

He became a nominal figure in the government with no duties to perform. It was clear that he would not be allowed to participate in a free and fair primaries in the PDP. The government even made frantic efforts to halt his presidential ambition in the Ac, but Abubakr ran to the court. He enjoyed tremendous goodwill as the AC candidate.

However, after the election, he returned to the PDP. The move, according to sources, embarrassed the AC leadership.

But, Atiku also took other steps. He ran to Abeokuta to make peace with his estranged boss, Obasanjo. But, the move did not lead to reconciliation. When he indicated unfolded his plan to contest for the Presidency in 2011, Obasanjo objected to it, saying: “I dey laugh o.” It was loaded with meanings. Indeed, Obasanjo joined forces with President Jonathan to abort Atiku’s dream. When Atiku was tearing the record of the President at the primaries, Obasanjo stood up and whispered some words into the President’s ears.

Abubakar lost.

At a lecture in Ibadan, Obasanjo also had harsh words for his former deputy. He said he refused to hand over to him because he could not vouch for him.

Indisputably, old ACN members in the APC may be weary of Abubakar’s ambition. Many of them have described him as an inconsistent politician, who jumped the ship after losing the presidential election.

But, Abubakar is a courageous politician. He has fought some battles in the past and survived. His ambition is to rule the country. Can he make it?

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THE NATION TUESDAY SEPTEM BER 23, 2014

POLITICS Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) will bow out of office next year. There are many projects being implemented by his administration.

Will he complete them before vacating office?

MIRIAM EKENE-OKORO asks.

Can Igbinedion deliver daughter-in-law?

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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Fashola on the last lap E

VERYWHERE in Lagos State, posters of aspirants seeking to take over from Governor Babatunde Fashola are visible.

The governor is expected to bow out of office next year. In the last seven and half years, the governor has worked diligently.

He has presided over a model administration. The governor is still implementing many projects. But, can he complete them before May 29 next year?

The projects include the Lagos/ Badagry Expressway, housing projects, multi-purpose parastatals building, Lekki Free Trade Zone, and Adiyan Water Works.

The Lagos/Badagry Expressway project is a milestone. The road is an international route. There is no evidence thet theproject would be completed before the the transfer of power.

The government has continued to reiterate its desire to transform the over 50-kilometre expressway into a 10-lane dual carriage way of five lanes on each side, with a BRT lite corridor and light rail facilities.

The project, which is expected to ease the traffic congestion in the area, is divided into three phases.

The first, known as the eastern section, is about 7.2 kilometers. Ittakes off from Eric Moore to Mile Two. The second section is 24.5 kilometers from Mile Two to Agbara. This is the central section.

The western section, from Agbara to Badagry, is about 28.5 kilometers.

On completion, the project will not only ease comfort, but it will transform the corridor into the newest business hub and the connecting route to other West African countries.

The Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Scheme, otherwise known as the ‘Lagos HOMS project,’ is another laudable initiative of the Fashola Administration that will outlive him and generations to come. The governor has admitted the housing deficit in the state. Thus, efforts have been made to provide housing for those who can afford it.

At the 2013 Ehingbeti Summit, the acronym, ‘PATH,’ which stands for ‘Agriculture, Transportation, and Housing,’ was unveiled and the government has kept the vision moving.

The Lagos HOMS initiative is aimed at providing homes for residents under a viable mortgage scheme. Over 23 housing projects are on-going. When completed, they will complement the existing 5,200 homes.

So far, about 300 home owners have emerged since March when the monthly draw started.

To ensure the project outlives his administration, Fashola set up the Lagos Mortgage Board to handle issues relating to the scheme.

The administration has continued to receive commendation from local and international observers because of the people-oriented programmes.

Retired university don Professor Itse Sagay (SAN) said the governor deserved commendation, saying that the governor is a trail blaizer.

He submitted that the governor has lived up to expectation.

“He has performed, not just excellently well in every area of roads

bridges, various ministries schools and in terms of things that are not physical and the standard of governance, democracy and rule of law.

He has exhited simplicity, being the only governor that does not use siren to chase people out of the road.

To summarise the impact of his governance, I will say he is exceptional as a leader in this part of the world,” he added.

Sagay however, noted that the governor may not be able to complete the projects.

“Government is continual. I have no doubt in my mind that, if the next governor is from theAPC, the projects will be completed. But, PDP politicians are not out to render service to the people, but to render service to themselves and their plan is how to colonise the state and subject it to their own personal interest.

“The PDP is not peopleoriented and it does not have the interest of the people at heart. The PDP represents an ugly face of government and, if we have a PDP man, I doubt whether the projects will be completed. But, an APC man will complete them,” he added.

The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Lateef Raji, said that the administration has done enough to make Lagosians elect a new APC governor. He said since Fashola has performed under the progressive banner, Lagosians will prefer another progressive governor.

Raji also expressed optimism that some projects will be completed before the administration winds up.

He said the next governor will find it difficult to abandon the uncompleted projects because of their importance.

“The multi-purpose office complex in Alausa will be completed this year. Also, the Lekki Free Trade Zone is continuous and no government will abandon that.

Today, we realise that the African Development Bank (ADB) approved about $256 million for the Zone.

“Government is just creating the platform. It is private sector-driven than public. Government only provides an enabling environment.

Badagry express way is a project that cannot be abandoned.

“Let me assure you that our party will form the next government.

Continuity has served Lagos better.

I can assure you that, even when the governor leaves, he will look back and smile because he has projects that will outlive him. The ongoing projects will remain and they will be to his credit”.

Fashola, while inspecting the Badagry Expressway project, said the projects were aimed at making life comfortable for Lagosians.

He explained that the government has funded the projects through external sources. He assured that the first phase would be completed before vacating office.

“So, if the people of Lagos want rail, if they want to see a 10-lane highway on Badagry Expressway, if they want the work we are doing in Mile 12/Ikorodu expansion to continue, if they want to see the developmental works that will add value to their lives, that is the only

• Fashola

way to finance it,” he said.

Fashola explained that, if the government does not borrow, it means it has to wait every month for those who want to pay rent, land use charge, tenement rate, drivers license or a parcel of land and other rents.

“If we wait, it is a bit-by-bit income.

If you look, our IGR, it is all secured against these assets. I can’t tell our contractor that wait, let me go and collect money from the licensing office to come and give you. This is how it works because a contractor has designed a project, which is going to benefit our people, it would cost billions of naira to do,” he said The governor expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.

He lamented that the project has dragged on because it is massive.

“Track has been constructed, the rail has been laid and four stations are now completed,” he said.

He noted that what is currently being done is to cross the water to the final station in Marina,” which is another five kilometers of heavy construction work, concrete and iron rods”.

“They have to build 150 piles across before we can get there. This should come to another 12 months to get to Marina because we have suffered delays. They have to pass through existing properties to get permission, Right of Way and compensation issues; but we are making progress.”

INCE the exit of former Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion from power in 2007, the Igbinedions, including the patriarch of the family, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, have kept a low political profile. But, during theApril 2013 local government elections, they came out to assert their personality. Before then, Igbinedion’s children appeared to have distanced themselves from the political process. Although the Esama has been campaigning for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was recently named its Southsouth leader, no member of his family contested for any elective position.

But, the highly respected chief now has a challenge. His favourite daughter, Omosede, and his son in-law and former Commissioner for Transport, Victor Enoghama, are warming up for next year’s elections.

Both are seeking election into the House of Representatives under the platform of the PDP. Omosede is seeking to represent Ovia Constituency, while Enoghama is eyeing the Oredo Constituency seat.

Enoghama served in the cabinet of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, but he was not re-appointed because of the face-off between Igbinedion and the governor. His challenger is Kingsley Ogbeide-Ihama.

Omosede is the second child of Igbinedion to seek election to a high political office after Lucky. She first came to limelight when she married a nephew of the Oba of Benin, Alvan Akenzua. But, the marriage crashed.

Omosede kept sealed lips throughout her marital crisis, despite pressure mounted on her by reporters to open up.

Last week, Omosede declared her intention to contest next year’s election at Iguobazuwa in Ovia South West Local Government Area. Defying a heavy downpour, she converted the declaration into a carnival.

Speaking at the ceremony, Omosede debunked rumours that she was afraid of contesting the elections. She promised to provide books for children and free drugs for the people.

“I am telling you what I will do. Every child in Ovia must go to school with books. Women and youth will be empowered. Where there is no electricity, I will ensure the villages get electrified.

“I am aware of farmers in the villages. I will attract investors. You will have quality and effective representation. If you support me, you will see changes.

“I have no fears in the elections.

Ovia is the least developed in Edo South. I don’t know what others before have done but you will see lots of changes.”

The Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Christopher Adesotu, said the constituency has not had a female representative since 1999.

Some PDP members have expressed optimism that Igbinedion would easily secure the PDP tickets for his daughter and in-law. However, there is the feeling that they will face a tough battle on poll day.

• Igbinedion

2015: Edo aspirants unfold agenda

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ARLIAMENTARY aspirants in Edo State are unfolding their agenda for the people across the constituencies and districts, ahead of primaries.

The Houses of Assembly and Representatives contenders promised to provide quality representation.

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Osaigbovo Iyoha, who is eyeing the Oredo East seat in the House of Assembl, urged party members to select the candidate ,based on credibility, integrity, and track record.

Iyobo urged them to be more decisive during the election to avoid voting for a candidate who may defect to another party.

“I am assuring the good people of Oredo East Constituency of quality representation, which will focus on advocacy for true dividends of democracy to be provided across board,” Iyoha said.

The APC chieftain added: “Since the defection of the lawmaker representing Oredo East, the constituency has lacked quality representation. From every available record, the APC still enjoys the public confidence as a political party determined to take Edo State to the next level.

“I will provide infrastructural development, education, empowerment, good health and other basic amenities for the welfare of Edo people.”

At Sabongida-Ora, Alhaji Tanko

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Igein Ileogben promised to ensure better standard of living by providing empowerment for youths and free drugs for patients.

Tanko, who wants to represent Owan Constituency under the PDP, said he would make a difference. He promised to carry the stakeholders along through the encouragement of the all-inclusive participatory process. He promised to hold monthly meetings with stakeholders, including youths, women and traditional rulers through monthly meeting.

Tanko, who is the Managing Director of Felmory Investment and Cardwell International Oil and Gas Company, urged PDP members to investigate aspirants before casting their votes.

Hon. Razaq Bello-Osagie, who represents Oredo Constituency in the House of Representatives, promised to give scholarship to indigent students, if re-elected.

Speaking at Oredo, where he declared his intention, highlighted his achievements, especially the projects he had facilitated. He said that, if re-elected, the promotion of education would be his priority.

Bello-Osagie said he was glad to have facilitated solar-powered street lights, motorised boreholes, construction of health centres, 500 KVA transformers, roads and the ICT Centre at Imaguero College.

He said the developmental projects were in line with the vision of Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the manifesto of the APC. “There is still much work to be done. Vote for me to enjoy more democratic dividends. I have made an impact across the 12 wards in Oredo.

“There will scholarship for the youths in my second term because the 2014 constituency projects will cover other places,” he said.

A lawyer, Omosede Igbinedion, who wants to represent Ovia Constituency, promised to ensure compulsory school attendance for children of school age.

“I am telling you what I will do.

Every child in Ovia must go to school with books. Women and youth will be empowered. Where there is no electricity, I will ensure the villages get electrified.”

“I am aware of farmers in the villages. I will attract investors. You will have quality and effective representation. If you support me, you will see changes.”

“I have no fears in the elections.

Ovia is the least developed in Edo South. I don’t know what others before have done but you will see lots of changes.”

Many aspirants seeking re-election to the state or National Assembly are singing different tunes, telling the electorates that lawmakers are not to execute projects but make laws for the betterment of the nation.

HEALTH

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

45

THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has caused havoc in Nigeria and indeed West Africa. Its occurrence brought fear, loss of lives and down turn in economic or commercial activities. WALE ADEPOJU writes on the devastation.

Counting the cost of Ebola Virus Disease

•First Consultants Hospital reopened

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FTER three consecutive decontamination exercises recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the First Consultant Hospital, Obalende, Lagos, has reopened.

This followed the clean bill of health, the hospital which admitted the late Liberian-American, Mr Patrick Sawyer, the index case of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) between July 16 and 20, received from the Federal Government.

But the hospital will need to replace many of its equipment, which it lost due to contamination.

The hospital, however, received a boost with the visit of Lagos State Governor, Mr Babtunde Fashola, who pledged on behalf of the state to assist the hospital replace some of the equipment.

The state gesture, Fashola said, will mitigate the impact of the losses the hospital recorded while attending to late Mr Sawyer and the attendant crisis that followed.

He said hospital’s tools would be replaced, adding that the state would support the personnel, because “they are the most important tools.”

The governor, who led state delegation to the hospital, said eight people contracted Ebola virus at the hospital but four died.

The hospital, he said, was shut and decontaminated, adding that this was why it discarded some equipment.

“Some equipment were discarded in the process of decontamination. So, the state will provide other forms of support to help the hospital get back on its feet,” he said.

He praised the hospital for helping the country contain the virus, adding: “The government is proposing a law designed to increase the capacity of health workers and ensure their safety at work places.

“There is the Public Health Law and you were right to have acted the way you did. We are also considering the amendment to that law. When the executive bill goes to the parliament in a couple of weeks, I have asked them to list it for consideration to see what we can do in the law to strengthen capacity going forward.”

He advised that people need not live endlessly in fear over problems, rather they should confront them and move on with their lives.

Governor Fashola praised those who helped in the containment of the EVD in the state, adding that their support helped to avert what could have resulted in a tragedy.

Fashola said the hospital was certified ready for operation after the decontamination.

The governor said his visit was to identify with the staff on the way forward, adding that since the EVD has been dealt with professionally, the way forward was to get on with life.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), Mr Benjamin Ohaeri,

thanked the governor for the gesture, adding that it would help to increase the morale of the personnel.

The hospital, he said, has been decontaminated three times, according to the WHO’s Guideline for mopping up Ebola.

Similarly, Lagos State has also been decontaminating public places, such as bus-stops, to certify the environment safe for the people.

As schools prepare for resumption, 1007 and 668 trained Lagos State’s Ebola Focal Officers (EFOs) for public primary and secondary schools respectively have been assigned to monitor body temperature of students.

The state has distributed thermoscans, a scientific instrument used to measure body temperature, to its EFOs. Special Adviser to the State Governor on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina said the officers will be responsible for surveillance and health monitoring of the disease in the schools.

She said they will also interface between schools and primary healthcare centres if the need be for referrals.

Thermoscans, Adeshina said, were procured to check vital signs of students, especially body temperature, which can signal the commencement of a fever.

She said public schools which are not connected to water supply will get water soon.

“Gloves and liquid soaps for hand washing have been procured to aid personal and environmental hygiene,” she said.

Dr Adeshina advised that they should not entertain any fear because only noticeably sick patients can spread the disease through direct contact with the broken skin, mucous membranes and secretions of an infected person or through direct contact with materials and surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said the hospital has been fully decontaminated and hence Ebola-free.

Idris urged patients and associates to resume patronising the hospital, adding that it remains a top-quality institution, especially after the government has given it a clean bill of health.

The FCT Administration has begun the distribution of preventive items against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as directed by the Federal Government for the resump-

•Governor Fashola (second left), Ohiaeri (left), Idris and his Special Duties counterpart, Dr Wale Ahmed (right) during Governor Fashola’s visit to the First Consultants Hospital, Obalende, Lagos.

tion of schools on September 22.

The Rivers State government has announced Monday, October 6, as the resumption date for primary and secondary schools.

Many people still bear the brunt of the disease imported into Nigeria by a Liberian-American, Mr Patrick Sawyer on July 16 in Lagos.

The emergence of the disease has left many homes mourning. Many lost their loved ones to the disease whose fatality rate is put at 90 per cent. Children bemoan the lost of bread winners.

However, there was relief when the Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu announced two Thursdays ago that the country is now free from the disease.

Recounting the country’s EVD status, Prof Chukwu said: “There were 19 cases of EVD with seven deaths recorded. One of the seven is an index case.”

It was cheering news to many, but some people still have their suspicions as Ebola’s fatal accident ratio is very high.

This is why they are unconvinced.

People, somewhat, still regard Ebola virus as a death sentence, “which it is not.” The method of contracting the disease is scary and it sends fear down the people’s spine.

When the Ebola virus broke out, it affected the economic and social lives of the people. Trade and industrial activities came to a halt.

Many activities were postponed.

The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) during the period was also affected. The aviation business could not function appropriately as some airlines shun Nigerian routes.

Similarly, petty trading was troubled as people kept to themselves. Bush meat which was a regular recipe in most affluent homes was the worst hit because it was named among the vectors or agents that are responsible for its spread.

This is because people were pro-

‘The government is proposing a law designed to increase the capacity of health workers and ensure their safety at work places’

hibited from gathering in clusters, which is a way to discourage its further spread.

Many investors were discouraged and so were unwilling to do business.

Some businesses were shut down temporarily while others run skeletal services, all in a bid to contain EVD. The cost of hand sanitisers went up and beyond the reach of ordinary man. Some brands were sold 500 per cent more than its original cost. The price of health care consumables, such as hand gloves and medicated spirits also increased.

School children, who were before then on holidays were told to remain at home, until it is contained.

Prof Chukwu said the Federal Government has supported Lagos and Rivers states with N200 million each to enable them contain the disease.

Besides, the government has committed some resources to the fight against the disease.

Rivers State governor, Mr Rotimi Amechi said the state in conjunction with Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) on Ebola, budgeted N1billion to combat the disease.

He released N300 million to begin the containment long before the Federal Government pledge a support of N200 million which was yet to be received.

Alhaji Aliko Dangote also donated N150 million to the government for the fight against the disease.

Similarly, there were support from international agencies, such as the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), The Ebola outbreak also affected Nigeria’s participation in world events. A good example was when her athletes were forced to withdraw from the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China recently.

The organisers were discriminatory against the country’s participant consequently the athletes pulled out of the competition. The Golden Eaglets were refused entry visas to Congo. The team had to travel by road to engage their opponent in a match. The Nigerian team eventually lost the game by two goals to one.

This made the Nigeria’s Consul General in Shanghai, Ayo Otepola to back the decision of the country to pull out of the competition.

The athletes were quarantined and barred from training because of the

outbreak of EVD. This forced the withdrawal of Team Nigeria from the competition.

Otepola, who received the team in Shanghai, said medical checks on the athletes and officials at the point of entry by the Chinese officials showed that they did not any sign of exposure to Ebola virus. Yet, the team was prevented from training like other competitions.

He said team, which comprises young athletes was psychologically affected by what happened to them in China. Team Nigeria registered to participate in athletics, wrestling and beach volleyball with 12 athletes in the Youth Olympics which will start on August 16 and last for ten days.

The WHO has recommended suitable personal protective equipment must be worn by health professionals, especially gloves when treating an infected patient.

“Wearing two pairs of gloves is recommended when dealing with large volumes of blood, other body fluids, vomit or other excretions.

This helps to reduce any residual risk posed by possible micro perforations in the gloves. It essential that all health workers decontaminate their hands after removing the gloves,” it said.

For potentially contaminated hands that are visibly clean, the WHO recommends in general the use of an alcohol-based hand rub for routine hand disinfection. In its latest publication about the Ebola virus in August, the WHO also describes hand disinfection as the standard of hand decontamination.

“The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend hand washing with soap and water or use of an alcohol-based hand rub. The German Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recommends the use of an alcohol-based hand rub with a proven efficacy against at least enveloped viruses. Many hand disinfectants are known to be broadly effective against enveloped viruses,” it noted.

Hand washing alone, it said, is definitely not the most effective decontamination method for clean hands. Besides, the Ebola virus is spread into the surrounding area where it can remain infectious for up to three weeks. This is an avoidable risk of cross contamination.

Disinfection alone can ensure that the virus loses its infectivity.

46

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

HEALTH

12 million Nigerians infertile, says group

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BOUT 12 million Nigerians are infertile, the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) has said.

However, there is hope for them as over 500 children have been born through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) since 1984 when the first pregnancy was conceived through the process, AFRH President Prof. Osato GiwaOsagie said.

Currently, there are over 39 IVF clinics in Nigeria, while the procedure has 40 per cent success rate, Giwa-Osagie added.

To further develop IVF, AFRH is organising an international conference to be held at the Oriental Ho-

• ‘Why IVF is expensive’

By Joseph Jibueze tel, Victoria Island, Lagos, from Wednesday to Friday this week, with the theme: Improving Pregnancy Rate of IVF in Africa.

Experts will speak on ethics in IVF, new technologies, low cost IVF in Nigeria, role of reproductive surgery and quality control, among other “intricate issues.”

On why IVF is expensive, GiwaOsagie said nearly everything used for a cycle is imported and can only be used once, while getting qualified personnel such as embryolo-

gists and clinicians is also a challenge.

He said it costs between N500,000 and N1.5million per IVF cycle.

“There is no control of the price because it is predominantly private practice,” he added.

Giwa-Osagie said cost can be reduced when more IVF materials are imported for several people at once rather than for separate individuals as is often the case, and where the government is more involved, such as in Egypt where IVF costs just $1,000 (about N163,000).

NAFDAC partners pharmacists to stop counterfeiting

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HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) are collaborating to curb the menace of drug counterfeiting.

Its Director-General, Dr Paul Orhii said the fight cannot be won alone, hence, the need to work together to rid the country of fake drugs.

He spoke at the 17th Annual Conference/ second town hall meeting of NAIP in Lagos. The theme was: Tapping the opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry for wealth creation.

Orhii, represented by Director, Registration and Regulation, Dr Monica Emujeize, said counterfeiting is an issue that demands cooperation of everybody.

The agency boss said it is a global issue, which affects public safety, thus it must be stopped.

He said the quest by pharmaceu-

The professor noted that IVF practice is yet to be subjected to strict regulation, but there is the need for guidelines and regulations to reduce the incidence of quacks.

“In the United States, the practitioners regulate themselves. When the government is ready, we’ll work with them to set up a regulatory framework for IVF. For now we’ll regulate ourselves,” he said.

An AFRH executive, Dr Yomi Ajayi, said IVF can also be used by fertile persons to determine a child’s sex; by women who want surrogate pregnancies, and by those who suffer from sickle cell anemia (to prevent transmission to

children), among others.

The conference Local Organising Committee chairman Dr Faye Iketubosin said doctors attending will get 10 continuing medical education (CME) credits.

“It will be a forum to educate stakeholders in the reproductive health sector such as the fertility doctors, nurses, embryologists as well as counselors on issues that pertain to successful and safe IVF practice,” he said.

On Ebola scare, AFRH said delegates will be screened at entry and materials for hand sanitising will be provided.

By Wale Adepoju

tical companies to get the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) pre-qualification has made the practitioners to improve in the sector.

“This is because they will be able to export their drugs to other countries across the world unhindered. This is good for the sector,” he said.

NAIP chairman, Prince Gbenga Folabi said NAFDAC should be empowered by law to check all containers coming into the country’s seaports.

This, he said, will ensure that no fake medicine found its way into Nigeria. “The agency should be able to do its job thoroughly unlike when the Customs invite its officials to conduct a check,” he said.

He described counterfeiting as “a global terrorism”, which should be jointly fought.

•From left: Director, Registration and Regulations, NAFDAC, Dr Monica Eimunjeze, Prince Talabi, Managing Director, JNC International Nigeria Limited. Mrs Clare Omatseye and Deputy Director, Advertisement Control Division, NAFDAC, Mrs Simidele Onabajo; during the workshop on anti-counterfeiting, organised by NAIP in Lagos

“Drug counterfeiting has been a robber of prosperity and killers of the sector, with people losing trust and confidence. The agency

has in no little way helped to restore confidence,” he said.

He said sanity is gradually returning to the sector, adding: “The situation in the industry is not as

gloomy as it appears. The Federal Government has renewed commitment to ensure self-sufficiency in the sector. This will lead to an expansion of the market.”

‘90,000 Nigerians suffer from Parkinson‘s disease’

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•Prof Oshibogun (right) receiving the certificate from Prof Akinsete in Lagos.

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LUTH lab gets ISO accreditation

AGOS University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) is the first government institution to be issued an ISO 15189 as an accredited laboratory through its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programme.

This, its Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Akin Osibogun, said is a major milestone in the history of PPP in the Health sector in Nigeria.

He spoke while receiving certificate of international accreditation from the Chairman of PathCare Laboratories, Prof Prof Ibironke Akinsete.

He said the hospital was at the forefront of the containment of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as it was the first Virology Laboratory in Nigeria to provide testing for the deadly virus.

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

Professor Osibogun said PPP, which was approved by the former Minister of Health, Prof Babatunde Oshitimehin in 2009, contributed towards achieving the accreditation.

Prof Akinsete said: “Starting was not easy because many people did not buy into the PPP project, but the board approved it because they were convinced that it was better we had laboratory services in-house to improve patient management as wrong diagnosis and failed treatment was a major issue.”

She said treating people with wrong diagnosis often result in poor health, adding: “We now have direct access to highly specialised test-

ing which has enabled us provide special treatment and improved 24 hour care. Our partnership with PathCare has yielded positive result.

This gives credence to the fact that the way forward for health sector in Nigeria is PPP.” Prof Akinsete congratulated LUTH for being the first teaching hospital running a successful ISO accredited laboratory.

She said it was very challenging starting the laboratories in the hospital.

“Presently, our laboratories in Lagos and Abuja are ISO accredited and LUTH laboratory has now become the newest with this international status.

O fewer than 90,000 Nigerians are living with Parkinson’s disease, a consultant neurologist, Professor Njideka Okubadejo has said.

According to her, 67 out of every 100,000 Nigerians above 40 years of age live with the disease which presently afflicts 6.3 million people across the world.

Prof Okubadejo spoke at a meeting organised by the Funmi Fashina Foundation (FFF) aimed at training medical practitioners and care givers on the disease.

She said Parkinson‘s disease, also known as Parkinson disease (PD), paralysis and palsy, is a gradually progressive and degenerative neurologic disorder, which naturally impairs the patient‘s motor skills, speech, writing, as well as some other functions.

She said people living with the disease often have a fixed, in-expressive face, tremor at rest, slowing of voluntary movements, an unusual posture, and muscle weakness. In extreme cases, there is a loss of physical movement.

Prof Okubadejo said the disease is also a chronic and progressive movement disorder, adding that its symptoms continue and worsen over time.

She said: “Only five per cent of individuals with Parkinson‘s disease are under the age of 40 years but majority are over 50.

When signs and symptoms develop in an individual aged between 21 and 40 years, it is known as Young-onset Parkinson‘s disease.”

Senior Vice President and Gen-

By Alvin Afadama

eral Manager of Intel’s Data Center Group, Diane Bryant said: “The unpredictability in Parkinson’s symptoms creates unique challenges in monitoring progression of the disease.”

He said emerging technologies cannot only create a new pattern for measurement of Parkinson’s, but as more data is made available to the medical community, it may also point to currently unidentified features of the disease that could lead to new areas of research.”

Mental Health and Services Consultant, Dr. Femi Olugbile, who spoke on the relevance of data in Parkinson’s disease management and research, urged Nigerian clinicians’ to make the best of the new innovation in which he said lies the possibility of local remedies, noting also that Parkinson’s disease has a significant presence among the Nigerian population, especially the elderly.

Also speaking on the innovation, a researcher and scientist, Dr. Dimeji Aliyu, stated that the innovation is a welcome development and it would help assist with early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

He said continuous research and early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease give sufferers the chance of a longer, healthier life. One of the results of the research is the new in-built wearable device that could make data collection and analysis from Pakinson’s disease sufferers easy.

47

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

ENERGY TEM: Delay in implementation stalls power sector agreements E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

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NVESTORS in the companies unbundled from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) are shunning some essential agreements that could lead to improved power supply owing to delay in the implementation of the Transitional Electricity Market (TEM).

The agreements - Gas Supply and Purchase (GPSAs), Power Supply and Purchase and others cannot be signed because of delay in the implementation of TEM. The implementation of TEM, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will set in motion, the execution of rules that would guide the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) as well as the enforcement of compliance and sanction of defaulting market participants in the electricity supply value chain.

NERC explained that TEM would

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

also ensure that the electricity market is operated in an orderly manner with all the participants (gas suppliers, power generation firms, distribution firms that buy the power, and the transmission firms that wheel the power to different parts of the country), expected to show commitment to sanctity of contract or be penalised.

What guides the market is the interim market rules provided by the power sector regulator - the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The interim rules will continue to guide the operation of all the market participants until the TEM is fully in place. The interim rules were issued before the takeover of the successor companies in November last year by new investors and

modified in April this year to address the challenges observed in the sector between the time of handover and end of first quarter of this year.

Speaking on the importance of implementation of the TEM as an instrument that will drive the electricity market, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Forte Oil Plc, owner of the privatised Geregu Power Plant, Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa, told The Nation that the company has not signed Gas Supply and Gas Purchase Agreements GPSAs because it needed guarantee of an uninterrupted gas supply and the purchase of the power it will generate.

Forte Oil has invested $90 million in the Geregu Power Plant to overhaul it and bring its output to the installed 414 megawatts (Mw) capacity from about 100Mw it generates.

Akinfemiwa said the necessary

agreements will be signed when the company is sure that the power plant will get adequate gas supply and the power it generates also bought by distribution companies.

He said: “Gas supply to the power plant is subject to the TEM. We have not been able to sign the appropriate GPSAs for us to guarantee maximum supply to the plant.

“Obviously, when we sell, we will not be able to sell everything we generate because of the existing market dynamics. So, once the TEM is introduced, we can now call for enough gas for us to be able to generate in line with the TEM. “The renovation work on the plant is expected to be completed in the next 18 months (first quarter of 2016) and will bring the plant’s generation to 414Mw at full capacity.”

An official of Transcorp Ughelli Power Limited, one of the privatised assets, told The Nation in confidence that the company is eager to see the commencement of the TEM because besides creating standard rules of operation, it will increase the potential revenue for the company and its shareholders.

Currently, the interim market rules (IMR) that guide the electricity market pending when the TEMwill be fully in force, according to NERC, “seeks to enforce, maintain and ensure adherence by licensees and other participants in the electricity market to the provision of the Act and other instruments for the purpose of achieving; the creation, promotion and preservation of an efficient electricity industry and market and the fostering of a culture of regulatory compliance; the

facilitation of the swift investigation and resolution of incidences of regulatory non-compliance and the fair and transparent determination of rights and obligations.”

The IMR, which was signed by NERC Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr. Sam Amadi provides for regulation, which shall apply to energy produced and delivered as well as associated services during the interim period.

“The rules are in exercise of the powers conferred on the Commission by section 96 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (2005).

“The interim rules are intended to cover all electricity taken from the transmission system by the distribution companies with adjustment made to account for any bilateral arrangements between generation companies (Gencos) and distribution companies (Discos).

“The existing arrangements shall be maintained save to the extent that they are modified by the order of the Commission. The objectives of the rules are to establish a framework to govern trading arrangements during the Interim period when Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) between the privatised Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor generation companies and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and Vesting Contracts between NBET and the privatised PHCN successor distribution companies will not be effective.”

TEM is expected to commence in November, this year after earlier dates of commencements in March and September this year failed.

‘Talks between Shell, oil communities not deadlocked’

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•Geregu power plant

Gas price increase good for sector, say experts

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HE Federal Government’s decision to raise the price of gas to power plants to $2.50 per thousand cubic feet from its current $1.50 will encourage investment in gas projects, the Chief Executive officer, Frontier Oil Limited, Dada Thomas and the Managing Director, Seven Energy Limited, Philip Ihenacho, have said.

They said the initiative would drive investment in gas plants, boost activities in the energy sector and grow the economy.

Dada said investors have been shying away from production and distribution of gas because of the relatively unattractive prices, adding that the development has affected companies using natural gas for operation.

He said investors were not ready to sell gas at a cheaper price to power generation companies (GENCOs) when they consider the stress they go through in producing and transporting the product to where it is needed.

He said: “The increase in gas

By Akinola Ajibade

price is encouraging. Gas prices are becoming increasingly attractive. This means more companies would invest in gas projects. Gas projects gulp more money than oil projects. Now that the government has increased the price of gas, people would invest in gas projects realising that they would get returns on investments.”

Dada said when the market forces determine the prices of gas, more investors would come in and the economy would be better for it.

He said: “The government has been regulating the prices of gas in Nigeria. As long as prices are still regulated by the government, I assure you that most people would not invest in gas. There should be a willing buyer and a willing seller arrangement before the gas market can be attractive.

“Once this arrangement is in place, buyers and sellers of domestic gas would be able to sit at roundtable and negotiate well.

“When power, petrochemical, fer-

tiliser companies and others pay a realistic gas price, gas producers would be happy to expand their operations.”

Ihenacho said gas producers have been having problems distributing the product to the end-users because it involves a lot of money.

He said: “The gas infrastructure is yet to be put in place, making it difficult for gas producers to make good profit. He said the increase in gas prices would lead to increase in production.

“The market-driven economy is the in-thing globally. Every player wants to maximise his output because the higher the price of the product the better for the producers. It is simple economics. Many want to invest in gas, but could not because it is not bankable. If lenders know that they would get their money back in time, nothing will stop them from lending to the gas sector. Non-bankability of gas project is a problem in the country. It is more difficult to finance gas projects because of its complex nature.”

ALKS over compensation between Shell Petroleum Development Corporation (SPDC) and Bodo communities in Gokana Local Government of Rivers State, are yet to achieve the desired results, Chairman of Bodo Council, Sylvester Kogbara, has said.

Bodo communities in Kogana, are among the five kingdoms in Ogoniland. The community and others in Ogoniland have a long history of environmental pollution, occasioned by exploration activities carried out by Shell and other International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the Niger Delta region.

Kogbar, said Bodo and the other communities in Ogoniland have not arrived at a particular compensation fee with Shell.

He said the communities are still meeting on the issue, adding that they would come out with their own position soon.

He said: “Neither have we arrived at an agreement over a particular compensation fees nor accepted the proposed $1billion for the cleaning of oil polluted communities in the region. We only agreed that Shell, and other relevant stakeholders should come and clean our land, and not clean up fees.”

He said the negotiation between Bodo community and Shell has not collapsed as is being reported in some quarters, adding that all hands are on deck to successfully resolve the issue.

He said: “It is a great shame that the negotiations have not led to a settlement. I had hoped that this

By Akinola Ajibade

week would have seen the end of the litigation and enable us to start the process of rebuilding the community. However, Shell has continued to treat the people of Bodo with the same contempt as they did from the start when they tried in 2009 to buy us off by offering the community the total of £4,000 to settle the claims.

“We told them in 2009, and we tell them again now, the people of Bodo are a proud and fiercely determined community. Our habitat and income have been destroyed by Shell oil.

The claim against Shell will not be resolved until they recognise this and pay us fully and fairly for what they have done.”

In a related development, a senior partner of the legal firm that represented the Bodo community, Martyn Day, said a post-impact ecological assessment study carried out on the Bodo creek in September 2009 showed severe reduction in the abundance of marine life, with shell fish no longer present and fish numbers dramatically reduced.

The United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland 2011, had backed up these findings following a survey of the pipelines and visits to all oil spill sites, including the Bodo creek, which showed they had hydrocarbon contamination in water, with some sites to about 1,000 times higher than permitted under Nigerian and international laws.

Efforts to get Shell’s spokesman, Precious Okolobo, to speak on the issue were unsuccessful as calls made to him were not picked.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

48

THE NATION

BUSINESS PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

* The Environment * Mortgage * Apartments * Security * Homes * Real Estate Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com 08062722507

property@thenationonlineng.net muyiwalucas2002@yahoo.com

•Debris of the collapsed guest house of Synagogue Chuch.

PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO

The recent collapse of a guest house inside the premises of the Synagogue Church for All Nations in Lagos has, once again, brought to the fore the need for effective monitoring of buildings under construction. The question remains; when will lawmakers pass the Building Code Bill into law? MUYIWA LUCAS writes.

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Wanted: A national building code

HE news of the collapse of a guest house inside the Synagogue Church for All Nations (SCOAN) in Lagos riveted through the news waves with frenzy.

Not because it was the first of such incidents in the state, but because of the personality involved and the sheer number of fatalities.

Besides, the collapse is coming at a time the state government appeared to be having a grip on the menace of building collapse in the state.

The building, which served as Guest House for visitors to the church presided over by Pastor Temitope B. Joshua, its spiritual head, collapsed about 12.45 pm on friday, september 12.

The development has raised some posers for the church and the government agencies responsible for building and construction in the state, that is, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (MPPUD), the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and even the SCOAN authorities.

Experts say it has further shown how well builders conform to ethical practice, approval, compliance and monitoring given by government to property owners before commencement of work.

For instance, the Lagos State government said the collapsed six-floor Guest House had no approved building plan. State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Olutoyin Ayinde said there were no aproval granted by the state for the construction of the ill-fated building. The collapsed building, it was gathered,

was a two-storey building that had been completed and roofed before it was raised to six storeys. Aside the collapsed building, additional floors were still being added to the main church building at the time the incident occurred.

Ayinde and other government officials have been careful in making comments on the incident until “all investigations are concluded.” Notwithstanding, stakeholders in the building environment have not failed to ask for explanations on certain areas. For instance, an architect, Mr. Richard Ibilola, said the building collapse is as a result of failure to comply with building standards and also an indictment on the part of the regulator.

According to him, a building is not done in the dark, making it visible to all. He argued that the LASBCA should tell the public what role it played while the construction was on-going.

Ibilola also said if the construction preceded the establishment of LASBCA, then the agency before it, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPA), should be interrogated to ascertain its role in the construction.

“Where was the LASBCA or LASPPA official in charge of monitoring that area (Ikotun area) when the construction was going on? So,

government should not claim ignorance that the property owners violated the approved plan because they should have been stopped much earlier,” Ibilola said.

Experts at the collapsed building site have also faulted the structural integrity of the building. For instance, a top official in the MPPUD, who visited the site, was said to have complained about the quality of the pillars used. A structural engineer, who identified himself as Timi Adekunle, queried why pillars that were supposed to bear the weight of the building were made of lower sizes than those placed on top. He claimed that there was a structural failure on the building right from the begining.

Chairman, Council of Registered builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Prof Kabir Bala, said it was high time the country pondered over the issue to building collapse. Specifically, Bala said the collapse of the building in the Synagogue Church was yet another issue in the litany of woes that Nigeria had been witnessing.

He explained that while collapses could be due to so many factors ranging from human to natural, questions Nigerians need to ask include: “Were there any approved designs for the building? How and

by whom were the designs done and approved? How and by whom was the construction done? What departures exist from the approved designs?” These questions, he said, beg for answers.

The COBRON chairman said it is high time the country rose up to stop the avoidable loss of lives and national embarrassment due to failure of her infrastructure (buildings inclusive), by doing the right thing in the right way and at the right time.

He said:“We should not continue to repeat the same cycle of mistakes and alibi when buildings collapse.

The National Assembly should urgently pass the bill for the enforcement of the Nigerian National Building Code. The states should quickly pass and enforce enabling laws to conform to the minimum requirements of the building code. Engagement of appropriate registered professionals for the design and construction who can be sanctioned in case of default and strict enforcement of building control regulations will take our country out of the woods.”

He further said Nigerians must begin to protect themselves by demanding that only the appropriate professionals engage in their development work. Besides, he admonished the citizens not to leave matter of their safety

‘We should not continue to repeat the same cycle of mistakes and alibi when buildings collapse. The National Assembly should urgently pass the bill for the enforcement of the Nigerian National Building Code. The states should quickly pass and enforce enabling laws to conform to the minimum requirements of the building code’

to governments alone. he said; “In simple terms, they should ask questions with respect to their building projects development: Is the architectural design done by a registered architect? Is the structural design done by a registered engineer? Are the electrical and mechanical designs done by registered engineers? Is the management of the site execution or the construction process done by a registered builder?”

Curiously, the SCOAN premises remain open to the public, a sharp contrast from what used to happen in the past. When The Nation asked Ayinde on this, he retorted: “Why should I seal his premises (SCOAN) when investigation is still on-going?

You don’t know what the law says on this, I am to tell you the law.”

Ayinde said the ministry, which has the statutory right to seal off such buildings, had no plans in the offing to take over the site of the collapsed structure, until thorough and detailed investigations into the cause(s) must have been conducted and appropriate conclusions reached.

He said this was in line with the established style of never to arbitrarily take over properties when investigations were still ongoing.

The General Manager, LASBCA, Mrs. Abimbola Animashaun, declined to comment on the SCOAN matter, insisting that until investigations were concluded, there was nothing to say. She, however, explained that her agency was keeping a close tab on the development.

One thing, however, that the SCOAN building collapse has reopened in the industry is the need for the passage of the building code bill into law, and, thereafter, its enforcement.

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PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Stories L

NIOB holds conference

By Emmanuel Udodinma

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•From left: Member, House Committee on Housing, Hon. Ajibola Israel Famurewa; Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi; Executive Director, United Nations Human Settlement Programme UN - HABITAT, Dr. Joan Clos and Nigeria's High Commissioner to Kenya and Permanent Representive UN - HABITAT, Ambassador Akin Oyateru, at the just concluded Preparatory Committee session on Habitat III in New York, United States.

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Explore technology, NITP urges members

CALL has gone to town planning professionals to explore and adapt to technological trends to boost growth in the profession.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, spoke at the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Lagos Chapter.

It had as theme: “The use of social networking tools in urban and regional planning.”

Ayinde noted that times were changing and town planners must adapt to trends.

“Professionalism and technology must be combined to give us better output; it is

P

By Muyiwa Lucas

the amount of hardwork that you put in that you are rewarded,” he stated.

The Chairman of the chapter, Mr. Ayo Adediran, said the state of urban and regional planning in the country was still far from expectation. He noted that it is not yet uhuru for the profession because as more people are moving to the cities, the onus is on the urban planners to be equipped in order to address the challenges arising from perennial urbanisation process.

“Whoever is not computer literate is an illiterate. We need to acquire skills, develop more planning tools to embark on aggressive

stakeholders’ engagement if we are to remain relevant in emerging global city management process,” he said.

Adediran said there was an urgent need to implement reforms initiated by the Lagos State government with particular reference to the preparation of regulations aimed at driving urban planning and development in the state.

Members of the institution also harped on the need for collaboration with other professional bodies in the built environment in order to improve activities in the sector. According to Ayinde, the common challenge has

been collaboration with other sister bodies, since nobody can claim to be an island.

“If we centre on individualism, we will be destroyed individually and if we are building and the buildings are coming down, it is a deficiency in professionalism. Our common challenge is collaboration through which we will move our environment forward,” he observed.

Similarly, an official of the Office of the Surveyor General, Lagos State, Mr. Remi Olatundosun, said emerging trends were a departure from the old methods but still relevant to practice.

“Things are changing and we must change with the time.

The old culture is still relevant and we must not throw it away

UK rents hit record high

RIVATE sector rents have risen to a new alltime average high of £761 a month as the peak season for tenants snapping up new homes gets under way, a major lettings network has reported.

According to BBC.com, rents rose by 2.4 per cent in the year to August across England and Wales, meaning they have edged £3 higher than a previous record set in October, last year of £758 monthly on average. The new rent data is revealed in a survey by LSL Property Services, which owns the Your Move and Reeds Rains estate agents.

The survey also showed the state of tenants’ finances worsened as rents reached their new record levels.

Some eight per cent of rents were paid late or not at all in August, which is the highest level of people struggling with their budgets seen since last Christmas.The findings have sparked fresh fears for the ability of “generation rent” to find affordable homes.

On a month-on-month basis, rents have jumped by 1.1

per cent compared with July, according to the report, which is based on rents achieved on around 20,000 properties. LSL’s records go back to January 2008.

Director of Your Move and Reeds Rains, David Newnes, said this time traditionally saw a scramble to take up new tenancies, as students returned to university and people moved home to take up a new job.

He said: “Autumn is when more people move to take up new opportunities, to build new careers and to start new chapters.”

Average rents in seven out of 10 regions of England and Wales were higher than a year ago. The South West recorded the strongest yearon-year rise, with a 3.5 per cent uplift taking the average monthly rent there to £651. The South East recorded the next highest year-on-year increase, with rents increasing by 3.4 per cent, to reach around £788.

The findings come after figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that a first-time

buyer faced having to pay 13.5 per cent more for a starter home than they did a year ago, with the typical cost NOW standing at £209,000. - Press Association, The Guardian (UK).

European Commission urges UK to tax expensive homes more The European Commission has called on the UK to raise taxes on higher value properties, and build more houses. In a review of UK economic policies, it said council tax bands should be revalued and action taken to address “rapid” house price rises in London. Each year the commission, the EU’s executive body, offers member states advice intended to help ensure the continent’s long-term growth.

In a statement, the commission said its recommendations were “not a diktat” but there was a “limit to how much... can be achieved through spending cuts alone”. It said it was suggesting how the UK could raise new revenue “in a fair and effi-

cient way, which does not hamper competitiveness or increase poverty”.

The commission added: “We are suggesting adjustments that would make the council tax system fairer for homeowners and more efficient in terms of government revenues.” The intervention came as there were continued signs of UK house price growth - in its latest update, the nationwide said house prices rose at their fastest rate in seven years last month but there were signs that the market may be “starting to moderate”.

‘Price increases’ On housing, the commission urged ministers to “deploy appropriate measures to respond to the rapid increases in property prices in areas that account for a substantial share of economic growth in the United Kingdom, particularly London”.

Some housing experts have expressed concerns that Help to Buy, which was announced in last year’s Budget, has contributed to double-digit price rises seen in London and other property hotspots over the past year..

because of computerized method of doing things but we must be time-conscious,” he said, adding that town planners must work in unison with other professionals in the sector.

The guest lecturer, Mr. Seyi Olanrewaju, who spoke on the use of social media tools in urban and regional planning, urged town planners to explore the new media.

“For us to be ahead in our profession, we must not shun the social media,” he added.

HE Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB), Lagos State Chapter, will converge on Lagos for its Annual General Meeting / Builders’ Conference on September 25, at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja.

The event will also feature an award night and lectures to brainstorm on the way forward for the association.

The theme of the event is ‘’Information technology innovation in modern building.”

It also has sub-themes like “Building information modelling’’ and “Integrated building system.’’

The conference will describe what building information modelling is ,how it confers competitive advantages, how it can be achieved using a flexible range of technologies,and how it can help firms investigate and implement this exciting new approach.

The Chairman of the event will be Mrs Y. Oluwatoyin Ajayi, the former Secretary of Lagos Ministry of Physical Planing & Urban Development, while the Dinner / Award Night would be chaired by Mr. Sulaimon Yusuf.

Expected at the event are eminent dignitaries from professional bodies.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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SHOWBIZ

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Big Brother Africa unveils more Hotshots

N fulfillment of their promise of unveiling the housemates in this year’s contest on a daily basis, M-Net and Endemol SA, producers of the Big Brother Africa reality TV show, have released the profiles of three more contestants. They are Ghana’s Kacey Moore, Tanzania’s Laveda and Zimbabwe’s JJ. Twenty-three-year-old Laveda, who holds a Bachelor of Arts & Social Sciences, was born in Dar Es

By Dupe AyinlaOlasunkanmi

Salaam. She described herself as “Eccentric, loving, caring, simple and fun.”

Laveda is the eldest of three children and she has a younger brother and sister.

She also described her mother as her role model “because she has moulded her over the years and inspired her in different ways through the struggles and joy of life.”

Zimbabwe’s JJ, an enter-

Runtown shoots new video in Los Angeles

F

tainer, said he was inspired to enter for the contest because of the popularity of the platform. “It’s a necessary foundation for me to be able to produce my own music, even if I don’t win the money.”

Moore, 29, is a poet and songwriter. He is married and has a daughter. He enjoys Banku and Okro stew, while his favourite books are the Bible, the Dictionary and the Thesaurus!

Denzel Washington returns as The Equalizer

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CADEMY award-winning actor, Denzel Washington, and acclaimed director of the awardwinning box office movies, Training Day and Olympus Has Fallen, Antoine Fuqua, have teamed up in The Equalizer, a Sony Pictures movie, which hits cinemas this Friday.

The action-packed thriller, which is distributed across West Africa by Silverbird Film Distribution, sees Denzel Washington re-teaming with Antonie Fuqua for a dark and violent reboot of the 1980s Equalizer TV series.

As a result, lovers of action movies are in for an experience as The Equalizer, according to reports, promises to be most engaging.

In the movie, Denzel Washington plays McCall, a man who believes he has put his ‘special

forces’ past behind him and dedicates himself to beginning a new and quiet life. But when McCall meets Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can’t stand idly byhe has to help her.

McCall comes out of his selfimposed retirement and finds his desire for justice re-awakened. If someone has a problem and can’t find anywhere else to turn, McCall will help. He is The Equalizer.

This star-studded movie, which boasts music soundtrack from Eminem’s Guts Over Fear, stars Denzel Washington as its lead character, Chloe Grace Moretz ( If I Stay), Bill Pullman ( Edge of Tomorrow ), Oscar winner, Melissa Leo ( Prisoners ) and Marton Csokas ( Amazing Spider Man2, Sin City).

P Square talks collabo with Usher Raymond

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RESH from an outing with American rapper, TI, Nigerianborn singing sensations, Peter and Paul Okoye, popularly known as P-Square, have revealed plans to work with Usher Raymond in one of their songs.

During an interview on TVC, a Lagosbased television station, one half of the group, Peter, reportedly said: “We do give our fans what they want.

And they are demanding for us to do something with Usher.”

The duo also used the opportunity to apologise to their fans over the recent breakup saga, which some reports claimed to be false.

“It has made us to

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

bond stronger and we are sorry for what this has done to our fans,” said Peter.

Also, Peter said: “We are human and such is bound to happen. We fight and make-up, just like every other person too,” added Paul.

Interestingly, immediately after the dust raised by the widely reported breakup saga settled, the singing they

released their latest album, Double Trouble, an 18-track album.

Double Trouble contains 16 songs and two bonus tracks, including Missing You, Shekini, Eje Ajo ft. TI, Bring It On Ft. Dave Scott, Personally, Zombie, Ije Love, Sari Sari, Oga Digide, Ifeoma, MMS, Enemy Solo ft. Awilo, Collabo ft. Don Jazzy, Alingo, Testimony and No be Joke.

Paul Omoruyi to screen Aisha

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T last, popular Nollywood screenwriter, producer and director, Paul Omoruyi, is set to hold the private screening of his much-anticipated short film, Aisha, on Friday at La Mango Lounge, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

In a chat with The Nation, Omoruyi, an artist and CEO of PSI Multimedia Studios, said Aisha dwells on the deprivation of the right of the girl child when sub-

jected to child marriage.

“The movie encourages the need for the girl child to be educated, so that she can have a bright future. Having witnessed several cases of some girls marrying at an early age of 12 and the fact that the issue has always dominated public discourse, I saw the need to want to shoot a movie that will discourage it.

Secondly, as someone who believes that every

child, male or female, deserves equal rights, I also saw it as my duty to change it through my art,” he said.

Omoruyi, who also directed the film, said he conceived the idea after an encounter with a screenwriter, Abiola Omolokun. According to him, “He came to me with his script and asked if I liked it. I just told him it was the kind of movie I had in mind to shoot. Then, he went to do the screen play. The

movie is about a very bright young girl, Aisha, who is from a poor background.

The parents plan to marry her off at an early age to an elderly man without her consent.

Sadly, the whole thing eventually turns bizarre.”

The movie features Eric Obinna, Lolade Badmus and Hannah ojo, among others.

AST-RISING singer, Douglas Jack Agwu, aka Runtown, who recently won the award for the Best Collaboration at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) in New York, has just shot the video of his latest song, Baby Answer, in Los Angeles, USA. The video, according to reports, was shot at several locations by award-winning cinematographer, Sesan.

It is expected to hit the airwaves before the end of the month.

After he released his first single, Runtown, In 2007, there was some kind of hiatus in his career. He, however, staged a comeback in 2010 with a

single titled Forever, whose video was directed by Ivan Edd Films. He followed it up with Activity Pikin.

Runtown, whose music is a fusion of Hip Hop, R&B and Rap, is influenced by artistes such as Sean Kingston, Bob Marley, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Drake.

He, together with Phyno, featured on J Martins’ Elevated album on the sixth track titled Tonight. He has also collaborated with top Nigerian artistes, including Timaya.

Dele Abiodun mounts stage at Sobe Day

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HE former president of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Admiral Dele Abiodun, will, on Saturday, perform at the grand finale of this year’s Sobe Day celebration, an allnight musical concert scheduled to hold at the playground of St. Eugene’s Catholic School in Sobe, Edo State.

The theme of this year’s anniversary, which is meant to promote unity and development in the town, is: Democracy and Unity: The Pivots of Sustainable Development.

This year’s celebration will commence on September 24, with an open crusade organised by members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

In a statement, Funsho Osoro, the chairman of the national organising committee, said this year’s anniversary would feature free

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)

medical checks, street carnival, cultural performances, football competition and musical concert.

The grand finale will be chaired by Bishop Pandit Oburekin, while the Chairman, Owan West Local Government Council, Edo State, Hon. Charles Aigbodion, will be the chief host. The maiden edition of the event was held in 1991, when Sobe w a s merged w i t h E d o State.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

53

EQUITIES

How NSE can attract global investors, by Onyema

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IGERIA Stock Exchange has the potential to become a world class exchange, the Chief Executive Officer of NSE, Oscar Onyema, has said.

Onyema made this submission while addressing participants at a conference, organised by the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria, in Lagos recently.

According to him, of the 307 licenced dealing members, only 235 are active, noting that there was a disproportionate amount of broker per dollar amount of capitalization in Nigeria.

This, according to him has made

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

the market become unattractive to big players, as well as limits the size of the market.

Speaking on a theme: ‘The Benefits of a consolidated stock broking industry’, Onyema stressed that recapitalisation would make cross boarder mentorship to become stronger, adding that it would also attract global investors from foreign countries to raise money in the Nigerian capital market.

“It is the smaller brokers that

commit most of the infractions because they are not robust enough to do the business. This is economically non viable due to its low scale and pricing power. We benchmark ourselves against other Exchanges and we discovered we have low market concentration, low retail penetration and low institutional flows because of fragmented broker as against other markets that have the participation of global players.”

He noted that there was need to place a high barrier to entry, adding that minimum requirement would increase professionalism and make the market to become globally

competitive.

He explained that the market currently operates in structurally low profitability and operating margin with high commission and pricing mechanism.

“We looked at 15 other Exchanges and we found out that our market is not competitive in pricing and we have to do something about it.

“We want to be fully demutualized, for-profit, listed with a global and local shareholder base.

We want strong partnerships and co-operation with leading global exchange operators, operationally efficient, competitive, with robust in-

frastructure and systems. We also want to see frequent product innovation including new asset classes and data services.

“We want to drive volume, attract IPOs, we need to up the scale and reduce pricing to drive more flows into the system. “We want Local PFAs approaching cap allocation in corporate equities and bond markets, investments from leading international fund managers, strong presence on International indices and high-frequency trading supported with full breadth of trading technology, Onyema added.

Transcorp to develop new luxury Nigeria Hotels with IPO proceeds

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• From left: The Deputy Managing Director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Segun Odusanya; Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Wale Adeniyi; FCMB’s Executive Director, Lagos and Southwest, Femi Bakare and the Divisional Head of Transaction Banking, Mrs. Rolayo Akhigbe at a customer forum on international trade business organised by FCMB in Lagos.

RANSCORP Hotels Plc will invest the proceeds of an 8 billion naira ($49 million) initial public offering into two new luxury Nigerian properties as the operator seeks to exploit a rise in international travel.

The company, which owns two hotels including the flagship Hilton Worldwide Inc. (HLT) property in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, plans to add two more in Africa’s biggest economy within the next three years, Chief Executive Officer Valentine Ozigbo said in a Sept. 19 interview in Lagos. Net income will probably increase to 7 billion naira in 2017 from 4.4 billion naira last year, he said “The next three to four years would see our new hotels become operational and boost profit significantly,” Ozigbo said.

“International travel arrivals into Nigeria have risen in the past few

years, due to increasing economic activity in the financial services sector, telecommunications and construction industries.”

Transcorp Hotels will sell 800 million shares at 10 naira each to finance the development of a 300room luxury hotel in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, and another 250-room property in the oil-hub city of Port Harcourt. The projects, which will cost about $500 million, will be funded by a combination of debt and equity, Ozigbo said. Rooms in the Transcorp Hilton Abuja range from about $400 to $3,600 per night, according to its website.

The Nigerian economy will probably expand at 6.75 percent this year, according to Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The nation is the most populous in Africa with about 170 million people and the biggest oil exporter.

Aig-imoukhuede: Ascending NSE leadership

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FTER his retirement from Access Bank as Group Managing Director in December 2013, general expectation was that he would be named the next Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria because of his excellent pedigree and accomplishment. Aigboje is a noble and extraordinary business leader with a special capacity to inspire others to greatness.

Aigboje is an exemplary business leader whose achievements have earned other African professionals the admiration and respect of the international business community. Beginning with the transformation of Access Bank from a lowly-rated Nigerian bank into a leading African financial brand with his partner, Herbert Wigwe, every of his touch and initiative delivered superior value to stakeholders and the African continent.

A quintessential banker and outstanding manager of resources, his uncanny ability to bring dreams alive has earned him a pride of place in the chronicle of successful corporate restructuring in the world, and the transformation story of Access Bank under his leadership was listed a case study for MBA students in leading Business Schools across the hemisphere.

Access Bank which is now credited with the most successful growth trajectory in the history of banking in Africa and perhaps in the EME was incorporated in February 1989 as a privately owned commercial bank obtained a banking licence and commenced business in May 1998.

The bank converted to a public limited liability and was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in November 1998. Until March 2002 after the recapitalisation of the Bank when AigbojeAig-Imoukhuede was appointed by the bank’s Board of Directors alongside his partner, Herbert Wigwe who currently serves as the

By Segun Fafore

Bank’s Group Managing Director with a clear mandate to reposition the Bank as one of Nigeria’s top 10 Banks by 2007 to salvage its dwindling fortune.

With his partner, Herbert Wigwe, they steered the affairs of the Bank off the storm and turned the perennial loss-making institution into a profit making venture. Interestingly, in their first year at the helms of affairs, the recorded a PBT of N1billion, an amount which was more than the total profit recorded by the Bank in its entire 13 years of operation before the appointment of Aigboje and Herbert, which marked the creation of value for the Bank’s shareholders.

Under their watchful eyes, Access Bank emerged from 65th position in 2002 to rank amongst bank top 10 banks in Nigeria before the banking consolidation. Subsequently, the bank went ahead to acquire Capital Bank International and Marina International Bank to meet the capitalisation requirements.

Aigboje’s acumen and resourcefulness have not only nurtured his personal vision to success but served the Nigerian nation in different capacities and contributed significantly towards building a better world for the habitation of mankind.

Most recently, Aigboje who is a member of the National Economic Management Committee, dedicated to shaping national economic policies also served at the Chairman of the Fuel Subsidy Verification and Repayment Committee.

Consistent with his reputation, he made success of the herculean task which brought huge discomfort to his family and threat to his life by saving the country of a whooping sum of N1 trillion when he blocked the channels through which our beloved country is fleeced of her resources.

He toiled day and night, forensi-

cally combing through paper works and activities of interested parties with members of his committee, to unravel the misery behind the yearly ballooning of Fuel Subsidy Repayment that has consistently seen it over-shooting budgetary provision annually.

A team player who does not take personal credit for collective accomplishments, he openly acknowledged the contributions of every member of the presidential committee and their selfless efforts at nation building.

An alumnus of the Harvard Business School and law graduate of the University of Benin who started his career in the Legal department of Continental Merchant Bank discovered early enough that he enjoyed making deals than doing legal works, and quickly transited to core banking.

He spent over 19 years of professional and senior management banking experience at Guaranty Trust Bank (now GT Bank), where he was Executive Director superintending the Public Sector Group before resigning in February 2002 to lead a team of other professionals to reposition Access Bank for global recognition.

Aigboje’s rounded exposure in his banking career - spanning treasury, finance control and planning, commercial banking and investment banking has proven to extremely beneficial to the development of the Nigerian economy and its financial services sector.

Specifically, the experiences garnered from these specialist fields of financial services have condensed to differentiate him from other leading bankers in his generation and equipped him to make practical and useful contributions to the Nigerian economy.

His contributions to nation building and social transformational ini-

tiatives have singled out for service to humanity at the global level. For this, he was appointed the first African Co-Chair of GBC-Health, a leading coalition of private sector focussed on addressing health issues.

Also, Aigboje serves as Chairman of Friends Africa and led other African corporate organisations to donate $1 million to the Global Fund “Gift from Africa” project as demonstration of the commitment of Africans to address some of the problems facing the continent, especially Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Over the past decade, he has registered himself as an ardent advocate of responsible business practices and sustainable practices. He has consistently demonstrated commitment towards addressing critical societal needs via participation in global alliances, playing defining roles in global and workplace health initiatives.

The winner of the 2013 edition of the African Banker Award and the 2011 edition of the Ernst and Young West Africa Entrepreneur of the Year Award in recognition of his contributions to the African financial services landscape and his entrepreneurial process coupled with exceptional acumen has won several awards locally and internationally in his glittering career.

Aigboje who is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA) was named in 2012 amongst the top ten most respected CEOs in the Pricewaterhouse Coopers Most Respected Companies and CEOs Survey in Nigeria. He is a highly sought after speaker on leadership and entrepreneurship with visible contributions to the African continent. He is a respected and highly experienced boardroom player, serving on the Boards of several notable Nigerian companies, some of which include Wapic Insurance Plc, Associated Discount House and Asset and Resource Management Ltd.

•Aig-Imoukhuede

He is a member of the Presidential Committee on the establishment of the African Investment Bank, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a Governing Council member of the Financial Institutions Training Centre. He is a member of the sub-committee of the Bankers’ Committee on Professional Ethics, Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria, as well as on the Board of FATE Foundation where he assists in inspiring entrepreneurial driven youths to realize their potentials.

In addition to being a Fellow of ASPEN Leadership Initiative, Aigboje’s defining role as chairman of the Bankers’ Committee Sub-Committee Development has significantly impacted and contributed to the transformation of the Nigerian economy. Decorated with the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) for his numerous contributions especially as a member of the National Economic Management Team, industry observers have also attributed Access Bank’s expansion into the United Kingdom and into other African countries such as The Gambia, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana to the practicality of his vision.

Mr. Fafore is of the Corporate Communications Department, Access Bank Plc.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 22-09-14

25-07-14 DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 22-09-14

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

55

MONEYLINK

MfBs burdened by 45.7% bad loans, says NDIC

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EAK corporate governance and poor risk management framework have pushed non-performing loans (NPLs) in Microfinance Banks (MfBs) from regulatory five per cent to 45.7 per cent, Managing Director, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Umaru Ibrahim has said.

Speaking yesterday at a sensitisation seminar for Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) in Lagos, he said supervisory authorities are deeply concerned about the buildup of toxic assets in the subsector.

He said although the figure is for

Stories by Collins Nweze

2013, regulatory focus is shifting to the MfBs and PMBs so as to address the emerging challenges key of which is rising toxic assets in the subsectors.

He said such efforts can only be successful if the operators can embrace good corporate governance and sound risk management practices. He said the subsectors can create significant impact if and only if they adhere to recommended corporate governance practices based on effective and sustainable risk management standards.

The NDIC boss lamented that

some of the operators are defaulting in the payment of their premium arrears, a practice that is not healthy for the industry.

Umaru said the NDIC is the sole agency empowered to guarantee depositors’ fund in deposit-taking financial institutions in the country, including PMBs. He explained that the NDIC, as an insurer, reimburses depositors of all PMBs up to a maximum limit of N200, 000 per depositor per PMB in the event of failure of such PMB. The new coverage level, he said, represents an increase of 100 per cent over the earlier coverage level of 100 per cent.

The corporation, he said, has de-

veloped and deployed a framework of financial assistance for PMBs so as to promptly intervene and assist the PMBs assist to overcome temporary liquidity problems. He said supervision of PMBs is jointly carried out by both CBN and NDIC. “As a bank supervisor, the corporation protects depositors by ensuring that banks’ affairs are conducted in a safe and sound manner.

In addition to having the powers to prosecute erring directors and management of banks, it has also put in place a robust customer complaint resolution mechanism.

Therefore, depositors and stakeholders of PMBs have the confidence

Sterling Bank targets N8.5b deposit from acquirer by Dec

S

TERLING Bank Plc has set a target deposit of N8.5 billion from its new initiative, Third Party Acquirer (3PA) by the end of December 2014. During the first six months of its introduction, the bank says it realised over N2 billion in deposits.

The Sterling Bank 3PA is an initiative that provides opportunity for those engaged in either formal or informal employment as well as institutions such as multi-level and strategic fund managers to make additional income by referring potential customers to the Bank and in the process make additional income.

The bank’s Executive Director, Finance & Strategy, Abubakar Suleiman said yesterday that the lender is celebrating the success of the project.

“We are here today to celebrate one of the many innovations that Sterling Bank has introduced in the nation’s banking industry. We are also celebrating a scheme that has provided

additional income for over 1,000 Nigerians who have enlisted in the initiative so far and one that has elicited overwhelming reaction from the market and has generated a deposit of over about N2 billion in the first six months of its introduction”.

Suleiman who disclosed that the bank has set an achievable target of N8 billion in deposit liabilities from 3PA by the end of the year when the Bank will celebrate the first anniversary of the initiative said: “We all need to think of initiatives to support our people to make additional income and in the process enrich their lives just as the Bank also benefits. We are using the 3PA initiative to add value to the lives of our people by providing a platform for them to “sell” banking solutions to the banking public at a premium.

Also speaking at the event, Donald Osa-Edokpolo, the bank’s Group Head in the Retail Banking Directorate said

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,676.09 1,118.84 121.30 121.16 1,117.51 1.2492 1.2906 0.8847 1.0826

T

•Sterling Bank CEO Yemi Adeola

that the success story of the initiative was based on the process put in place to ensure that only the right people were engaged by the bank.

Besides, he said that the initiative has been a blessing to the Bank and those engaged by the Bank because “as the bank grows its deposit through the scheme, our 3PAs also get corresponding income for their effort”.

HE Managing Director, Heritage Bank Limited, Ifie Sekibo, has expressed optimism that the lender will successfully acquire Enterprise Bank Limited, after it emerged the preferred bidder last week.

He told reporters at a joint news conference organised by Heritage and HBCL Investment Services Limited (HISL) in Lagos, that it was a tough challenge for the lender to win the bid, given the caliber of competitors it faced. He said the lender is ready to fulfill all conditions necessary to see the deal completed.

“It was tough and challenging to face the institutions that competed.

We consistently provided super information to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and abided by the principles. HISL acted on our behalf. If HISL succeeds in having the com-

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

SYMBOL

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 15/09/2014 10/09/2014 08/09/2014 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Inflation: August

8.5%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

GAINERS AS AT 22-09-14

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

0.72

0.77

0.05

64.00

67.20

3.20

MAYBAKER

1.40

1.47

0.07

PORTPAINT

5.08

5.33

0.25

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

AGLEVENT

1.32

1.38

0.06

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

VONO

1.44

1.50

0.06

COSTAIN

0.97

1.01

0.04

CORNERST

0.50

0.52

0.02

INTENEGINS

0.52

0.54

0.02

NPFMCRFBK

0.95

0.98

0.03

WAPIC JBERGER

LOSERS AS AT 22-09-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

TRANSEXPR

1.63

1.55

-0.08

JOSBREW

2.46`

2.34

-0.12

PREMBREW

5.12

4.87

-0.25

19.00

18.10

-0.90

ETI

Money Supply (M2)

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$39.6b

US Dollar

154.75

155.75

$97.9

Pounds Sterling

250.7724

252.3929

Euro

200.3394

201.634

Swiss Franc

165.7385

166.8095

Yen

1.445

1.4544

CFA

0.286

0.306

231.3531

232.8481

25.1773

25.3409

N16.42 trillion.

N17.2 trillion 16.5%

12-09-14 Rate (%) Rate (%) 15-09-14 11.958

Riyal

41.259

41.5256

1M

12.013

12.345

SDR

232.156

233.6562

3M

12.844

13.308

6M

13.808

14.280

FOREX RATES

1.92

1.83

-0.09

0.82

-0.03

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

50.00

48.26

-1.74

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

5.87

5.70

-0.17

29.00

28.36

-0.64

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

6.96

6.82

-0.14

UBA

Yuan/Renminbi

11.083

0.85

INTBREW

WAUA

Overnight (O/N)

AIICO TRANSCORP

Amount Sold in ($) 349.8m 299.9m 299.9m

Currency

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Amount Offered in ($) 350m 300m 300m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES September 21, 2014

CUTIX UNILEVER

bination, we will be disposed having a business combination and it will have Heritage brand,” he said.

He restated that HISL has paid the initial 20 per cent as specified in the terms of the agreement.

“Efforts are ongoing to ensure that the balance 80 per cent is also paid in line with the terms, conditions and time frame specified by AMCON. This major step towards the acquisition of Enterprise Bank

by HISL and by extension, Heritage Bank, fills us with great excitement.

With this take over process going on smoothly, we are sure a more energised bank with improved capacity to create, preserve and transfer wealth will soon emerge”, he stated.

Sekibo said it is the bank’s desire that none of the current staff of Enterprise Bank loses his or her job as his bank has no choice than to work with them.

DATA BANK

Bid Price 167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,676.09 1,118.03 120.45 120.30 1,116.70 1.2406 1.2906 0.8677 1.0826

that their deposits and interests in the banks are protected at all times,” he said.

Heritage Bank CEO assures on Enterprise Bank acquisition

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

•Ibrahim

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Sept.15, 2014

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.10

T-bills - 182

10.15

T-bills - 364

10.25

Bond - 3yrs

11.41

Bond - 5yrs

11.63

Bond - 7yrs

11.13

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

56

NEWS

•Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano (second right) with from left: Deputy Chancellor, Awka Catholic Diocese, Rev. Francis Chidume; Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi; Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor and President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Samuel Okoye, after a church service marking the beginning of 2014/2015 Legal Year of Anambra State Judiciary in Awka...yesterday

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Supreme Court upholds Obiano’s election

HE Supreme Court has upheld the decisions of the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal, Enugu, that Anambra State Governor Willy Obiano won last November governorship election.

The court, in three separate judgments read yesterday by Justices Banyang Akaahs, Olukayode Ariwoola and John Okoro, dismissed the appeals by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chris Ngige; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Tony Nwoye.

The court held that the appellants failed to prove their allegations that the election was not conducted in compliance with the Electoral Act. The three appeals were based on the arguments by the appellants that the upgrade of the voters register by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) few days before the election was a violation of the Electoral Act; that INEC disenfranchised voters; that Obiano was not qualified to contest the election, having allegedly engaged in multiple registration and that INEC did

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

not comply with the Electoral Act in conducting the election.

They called for the cancellation of the election and the conduct of a fresh poll.

Justice Akaahs, who read the lead judgment in the appeal

by Ngige, held that the appellants failed to substantiate their claims and that in the circumstance, the apex court had no reason to disturb the findings of facts by the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.

He said: “The petitioners called 25 witnesses when there were over 4,000 polling units in the state and over one million voters. The Justice Muhammadu Uwais Reform Committee had recommended that the burden of proving that elections were conducted in substantial compliance with the law rests with the INEC. But since the recommendation has not been passed into law, the onus of proof still rests with the petitioner.

“The allegation that there were mistakes in the voters register could not be seen as an act of non-substantial com-

pliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.” Justice Akaahs also held that INEC’s action in correcting the mistakes in the voters register was not enough for the appellant to argue non-compliance with the Electoral Act and call for the cancellation of the election.

On the allegation that Obiano engaged in multiple registration, Justice Akaahs held that the appellant failed to provide the evidence that the governor registered more than once.

The judge held that where the allegation of disenfranchisement of voters could not be established, the results of the election would be determined by the number of votes.

He said: “Almost all the issues raised in this appeal are issues of facts, which the tribunal made pronouncements on and which were endorsed by the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court will not interfere in the two concurrent findings of the two lower courts as the appellants have not been able to provide the evidence that the decisions were biased.

“The appeal, therefore, lacks merit and is accordingly dis-

‘We have come to an irresistible conclusion that the appellant failed to prove his case beyond reasonable ground. I, accordingly, dismiss the appeal.” missed.”

Justice Akaahs affirmed INEC’s declaration of Obiano as the duly elected governor of Anambra State.

Justice Ariwoola, in his lead judgment in the appeal by Nwoye, held that “the appellant’s allegation of noncompliance with the Electoral Act failed woefully”.

The justice added: “He (Nwoye) has not shown why this court will interfere with the concurrent findings of the court below. The appeal is, therefore, dismissed.”

Justice Okoro, in dismissing PDP’s appeal, held that the

Imo PDP reconciliation meeting deadlocked

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HE meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Integration Committee aimed at reconciling the governorship aspirants in Imo State to reduce their number ended in a stalemate yesterday.

The committee, led by a former National Chairman of the party, Ahmadu Ali, held a closed-door meeting with the over 22 aspirants.

But the major contender and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha was absent.

A party chieftain, who attended the meeting but spoke in confidence, told our reporter that the com-

R

•Ararume urges equal opportunity for aspirants From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

mittee raised concern about the number of aspirants and set up another committee, headed by a member of the Board of Trustee (BoT), Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

The source said there was no agreement between the Ali-led committee and the aspirants, especially on zoning and a consensus candidate.

According to him, zoning, which was in favour of Owerri, did not go down well with former Governor

Ikedi Ohakim and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, who are both from Okigwe zone.

On the absence of Ihedioha at the meeting, the source said: “Ihedioha did not boycott the meeting as being insinuated. He sent a representative because he could not attend, due to other party engagements. I can tell you authoritatively that he was in touch with the state officials of the party on the meeting and even donated a new bus to the youth wing of the party.”

The source dispelled the rumour that Ihedioha might

be adopted as a consensus candidate.

He said: “Even though Ihedioha is one of the front runners, all the aspirants will be given a level-playing field. Nobody has been adopted. That was not on the agenda of the meeting.”

Ararume said the meeting did not threaten the ambition of the aspirants.

He said: “The meeting is not going to jeopardise any aspirant’s ambition. Rather, the intention is to make the people work together to make the party move forward.”

killed the two members of the vigilance group.

Other vigilantes reportedly fled from the scene.

It was learnt that this gave the robbers the opportunity to climb into one of the blocks of flats where they shot at the landlord, whose name could not be immediately ascertained. He was said to have died on the spot.

Some members of the landlord’s household were said to have been injured in the attack and taken to an undisclosed private hospital.

It was also learnt that a police team, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ndiegoro, Crescent Mamah, arrived the scene late because of the bad road linking the area.

Robbers kill two vigilantes, landlord in Abia

OBBERS have killed three persons in Aba, the commercial centre of Abia State.

The dead included two members of a vigilance group and the landlord of one of the houses the hoodlums attempted to rob at the weekend.

It was learnt that when the robbers attempted to enter the

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

homes on Ogechi/Nwanmu Street, off Ohanku Road, in the commercial town, the vigilantes confronted them.

This led to an exchange of gun fire between the robbers and the vigilantes, sources said.

The robbers, who were said to have superior firepower,

party failed to prove its case.

He said: “On the first issue, which the appellant raised that Obiano was not qualified to have stood elections, he was alleged to have violated Section 81(5) of the Electoral Act; the allegation is founded on Section 31(5) of the Electoral Act. The appellant was unable to convince the court that Obiano was convicted of any offence to warrant his disqualification.

“Such allegations cannot be ventilated at the election petitions tribunal. The Federal High Court and State High Court are venues for the ventilation of such claims, as the electoral tribunals lack the powers to disqualify a candidate for multiple registration in an election that has been concluded. This is common sense.

“In view of the fact that the allegations against Obiano are criminal in nature, they ought to have been proved beyond all reasonable grounds. They also failed to prove that the election was not conducted substantially in compliance with the Electoral Act. We have come to an irresistible conclusion that the appellant

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failed to prove his case beyond reasonable ground. I, accordingly, dismiss the appeal.”

All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) National Chairman Victor Umeh said the court reinforced the confidence that Nigerians have in the Judiciary.

He said: “We are happy that the Supreme Court affirmed the election of Obiano as the governor of Anmabra State.

What this means is that an APGA governor will be in office until 2018, for another four years.

“It is a lot of lifeline for the party. The decision will motivate the party to go into the 2015 general elections more determined, reinvigorated and focused to win more seats, more National Assembly and Houses of Assembly seats in 2015.

“So, we are going into the elections with one state in our kitty. Nobody knows what will happen next year.

“The judgment has clearly shown that our Judiciary is working. It is a real confirmation that the Judiciary is working and alive to its responsibilities.”

APC inaugurates Exco

HE Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has inaugurated a new executive for Idemili North Local Government Area.

It is led by Edozie Mbaneme.

But there was a melodrama at the party’s rally at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Nkpor, in the local government, when party faithful requested Olisaemeka Onyeka to represent them in the House of Assembly.

The member representing the people is Tony Oneweek Munogor. He won the election on the platform of the defunct All Action Congress (ACN).

The party faithful shouted continuously the name of Onyeka (Odu) as the man they want to represent them, since APC does not give an automatic ticket to its candidates.

Addressing the crowd of over 2,000 supporters yesterday, APC Chairman Emeka Ibe urged the party faithful to mobilise more members.

The party chairman noted that with what was going on in Idemili North, APC remained the party to beat in any

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

election in the area.

He said nobody could take away the area from the party, despite the “blackmail and irresponsible politicking” by the party’s opponents.

Also, the state Women’s Leader, Mrs. Calister Nwachukwu, hailed Senator Chris Ngige for his leadership qualities, especially the transformers he bought for all the communities in the state.

Onyeka said the allegation against APC that it had links with Boko Haram was its rivals’ blackmail tactics because the party’s acceptance as the change agent was growing daily.

He said: “This is the only platform the Igbo people have to express themselves. So, if we are voted into power by the grace of God in 2015, everybody will be happy in this state.”

Muonagor urged the party’s supporters to always canvass votes for its success at the polls.

The lawmaker added that APC was the only party that could bring change to Ndigbo and Nigeria.

THE NATION TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

57

NEWS

Man killed in Rivers community

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From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

UNMEN killed a man, Uche Agboh, in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State yesterday.

Uche (35) was murdered after the gunmen traced his brother to their compound but did not meet him.

Women, especially widows, and young men have relocated from the community.

Chief Michael Dike-woha, one of the kingmakers, was among the persons allegedly targeted for killing.

Speaking on his ordeal, Dike-woha said: “The gunmen came to my house, shooting sporadically. I was helpless; I ran into one of the rooms started calling relatives, friends and the police.

“I thank God that I am alive. I also want to thank the police for responding to my calls, I don’t know who wants me dead, the gunmen operated for more than three hours shooting sporadically.”

Police spokesman Ahmad Mohammad could not be reached for comments.

Workers shut Unity schools in Rivers

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HE Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) yesterday shut the three Unity schools in Rivers State.

The union said this followed a directive by the national officers to ensure compliance among the 104 Unity schools.

The Secretary, Mohammad Bashman, said he was directed by the national body to close the schools.

He added that the 104 schools and the Ministry of Education, Abuja, would be closed.

Bashman said: “The problem

P

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

is that some of our members were promoted in 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2013 without benefits.

Some of our members have not received last month’s salary.

“We are saying enough is enough, they have been pleading with us with a lot of promises but we have come to realise that these people are not to be trusted. This time around we are meeting them force with force.”

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HREE persons have been hospitalised, following a confrontation between members of Erhoike community in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State and soldiers from 222 Battalion in Agbarha-Otor.

It was gathered that the community was protesting an oil spill, which devastated their means of livelihood.

Sources said the confrontation followed the soldiers’ refusal to allow the people protest.

They said the soldiers shot into the crowd and allegedly molested protesters.

The President-General of

•Three hospitalised •Army: it’s a lie From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

Erhoike community, Matthew Oyibocha, said the community decided to shut the flow station because the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) decided to pursue the cleanup inappropriately.

Oyibocha said: “The spill occurred on September 6. It damaged our ponds, farm lands and it’s affecting our economic and social lives. We reported the matter to NPDC, which promised to address the issue.

“We were surprised to see a company on September 17

coming in with youths from Otagbuwe in Kokori Community to clean up the areas. This incident has not been reported to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).

“They were accompanied by soldiers, led by Lt. Jatau, who claimed he was under the orders of the Commanding Officer to deal decisively with us.

“In the process, they shot sporadically in the air, molested and injured our people.”

But the Commander, 222 Battalion, Lt Col Kenneth Chigbu, denied the allegation,

saying there was no molestation of any community member.

A senior NPDC official, who pleaded for anonymity, said the spill was a minor one, which did not spread beyond the company’s facilities’ rightof-way.

“No farm or economic activities were impacted. The spill is minimal and the spread is within the company’s right of way. I think the real issue is that the community has a divided leadership.

“And the immediate trouble may not be unconnected with the choice of the contractor to handle the cleanup,” he said.

•A bad portion of the Ikom-Ogoja Road at Ekpugrinya/ Ekajuk communities in Cross River State... yesterday

‘PDP’ll be fair to all aspirants’

EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in Edo State Dan Orbih has assured that the party will be fair to all aspirants at the primaries.

He said: “This is to ensure that our party produces the right candidates who would represent the state at the national level next year.”

Orbih gave the assurance at the party’s secretariat in Benin City when the National Coordinator of the PDP Reloaded, Richard Lamai, declared his senatorial ambition.

Lamai said :”My ambition is driven by the desire to provide a visionary leadership for the people of Edo North so that the abundant human and natural resources of the area can be harnessed for development.

“Edo North is witnessing lack-lustre representation at the Senate, this is what I want to change and that is why I’m in the race.”

Urhobo leaders accused of deceit

A

GROUP, the Urhobo Youth Forum for Change (UYFC), has decried what it described as “agelong deceit by its leaders”.

A statement by the President and Secretary, Akpodoro Israel and Emma Shobor, said: “We frown at political leaders from the area who “deceived” the people to vote for them only to make personal goal and ambition the cornerstone of their pursuit.

“We are saying no to this agelong style of living big on the numerical strength of the Urhobo people by few persons, who parade them-

selves as leaders but are bereft of leadership qualities.

“Our enemies are the Urhobo people and not people of other ethnic groups. Whoever has not delivered quality service to our people shall not be allowed to return. We shall mobilise our people against such person(s) at the polls.

“We have the list of those political office holders who orchestrate grand political deceit using the voting strength of the Urhobo nation to climb higher on both the state and national political ladders only to bring poverty, unemployment, illiteracy...on our people.”

Delta SSG backs Obuh for governor

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Community, soldiers clash in Delta

ECRETARY to the Delta State Government Ovuozorie Macaulay has described an aspirant, Tony Chuks Obuh, as a ‘near perfect gentleman’ who served the state diligently and qualifies to be governor.

Macaulay, who is also the supervisory coordinator, Isoko Federal Constituency, Project Obuh 2015, said Obuh “always discharged his responsibilities with smiles”.

“He is someone you can trust with great responsibilities while you sleep, never tired and one without complaints.”

The SSG spoke at a valedictory service for Obuh, who was retiring after 32 years of service.

Macaulay, who was Obuh’s boss before his retirement, described him as a dependable man, intelligent and full of initiatives.

The aspirant said he started the civil service in the then Bendel State as an administrative officer. The civil service, he said, gave him a new attitude to life and people, shaped and moulded him and challenged him with responsibilities that made him strong.

Obuh praised Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the opportunity given him to serve.

Rev. Joseph Ugboh said there was dignity in labour and fulfillment for those who work actively in building the kingdom of God on earth.

Rev. Ugboh promised that the church would continue to pray for the state and for Obuh as he continues with his consultations.

UNIUYO student arrested with IEDs

A

DIPLOMA student of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Kufre Anwana, was yesterday caught with two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the hostel.

It gathered that some students alerted the operatives of Peace on Campus Initiative

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

(PCI) to a bag containing the explosives, which was in the suspect’s custody.

A PCI official, who pleaded for anonymity, said the suspect was ‘arrested’ immediately and handed over to the police.

PCI operatives were said to have trailed the suspect to his

hostel where the IEDs were discovered in a bag.

The anti-bomb squad, Ikot AkpanAbia, Uyo, was drafted to the scene.

The squad, according to eyewitnesses, detonated the devices and searched all the hostels within the vicinity.

Police spokesman Etim

Dickson said the explosives were homemade devices.

He said: “The incident had been properly taken care of. We are on top of the situation as we urge all students and employees to go about their businesses. We shall get to the root of the matter.”

Amaechi’s allies condemn defection of council chairman

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WO allies of Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi have condemned the defection of a former Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Greg Nwidam, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A member of the House of Representatives, Asita O. Asita and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Leyii Kwanee, said Nwidam would not be missed in the APC. PDP State Chairman Felix Obuah, however, described Nwidam’s return to the PDP as a welcome development.

It was gathered that Nwidam

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

returned to the PDP because Amaechi did not make him a caretaker chairman.

Asita said: “His defection is embarrassing, shameful, shocking and worrisome. The governor recruited Nwidam into politics. If Amaechi did not stand by Nwidam, he would not have won the chairmanship election.

“Nwidam has shown that he is an ingrate, by abandoning his benefactor at this crucial moment. Many persons, who were assisted by Governor Amaechi, are now betraying him. Nwidam alone can-

not deliver Khana Local Government to PDP. I am sure he will return to the APC.” Kwanee said the ex-Khana Chairman’s exit did not translate to any loss in the area’s politics, maintaining that APC candidates would win all the elections in the state.

He assured that the people were solidly behind the governor.

The PDP chairman described the defection as a “monumental” victory.

Obuah said: “With the dumping of the APC by the former Chairman of Khana Local Government and over 5,000 APC members, nothing is left of the

•Amaechi

party in the area.

“We commend Nwidam and other APC supporters for their courage in the face of obvious intimidation, aimed at stopping them. We will ensure their proper reintegration and utilisation in the party.”

60-year-old mum, five others arrested for ‘oil theft’

A

60-year-old mother of 15 has been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bayelsa State for alleged crude oil theft.

Mrs. Victoria Sorkibulor, popularly called Mama Militant, was arrested at Fish Town, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

She was paraded at the NSCDC headquarters in Yenagoa with two of her workers and two other suspects.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Mrs. Sorkibulor was said to be notorious for alleged pipeline vandalism and illegal refining of petroleum products.

Her workers reportedly led security operatives to her hideout at Fish Town where she was rounded up and brought to Yenagoa.

The state Commandant, Desmond Agu, said the suspects were nabbed for unlawful possession of adulterated and ille-

gally refined petroleum products.

He said 20 drums of illegally refined kerosene and Automated Gas Oil (AGO) were seized from them.

“Mrs. Sorkibulor was apprehended shortly after her workers were rounded up.

“They were evacuating their illegally refined product in a large wooden boat.

“The boat was burnt at the point of arrest; the products were recovered for further in-

vestigations.

“The other suspects are Goodnews Kurai, Babangida James, Daniel Sokebolou and David Ayibadigenmi.

“Six generators, three pumping machine, seven hoses and a locally-made boat were recovered.”

Mrs. Sorkibulor confessed that she was formerly into illegal oil theft, including establishing illegal refineries.

She, however, claimed to have repented before her arrest.

58

NEWS Outrage grows over $9.3m seized in South Africa Continued from page 4

with. However, we note with dismay the unguarded utterances of some leaders that they will call on their followers to defend themselves.

“Also we note the uncourteous speeches attacking other leaders, which leave much to be desired and overheat the polity.

“JNI demands answers to why were the presidential fleet of jets not used? Is government short of official agents which necessitated assigning non official ones?

With the current trend of cashless financial transaction, why is such huge amount carried in cash? And isn’t arms deals executed via third parties?

“Where is the Ministry of Defence and the office of the National Security Adviser?

Was due process followed through relevant government agencies? And are bilateral matters dealt with in that way?”

The apex Islamic body in the North also urged Senators and Reps to rise initiate a special discussion on the matter, which according to it, as urgent public interest revolves on it, as it relates to threat to national security.

“The EFCC must wholly play its role in this direction by prosecuting those in-

PUBLIC NOTICE ESEIGBE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss.

SUSAN EBANEHITA ESEIGBE Now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. SUSAN EBANEHITA EZEKIELHART. All former documents remained valid. The general public should please take note.

volved to adequately face the wrath of the law. It doesn’t matter whose ox is gored.

“We are in support of any move to restore peace and security and we will not waiver. We commend the efforts of security agents in the fight against terrorism and the successes so far achieved,” the statement added.

Akume statement said the circumstances surrounding the incident suggested that those ferrying the money did it in open breach of Nigerian and international laws.

“South Africa has already established a prima facie case of criminality involved in the questionable misadventure.”

Pastor Oritsejafor’s arguments are unsustainable because he has vicarious liability at several levels. One, the vessel used for criminal activity belongs to him. Secondly, he commercially leased the vessel to Eagle Air, which is a company he holds an interest in and which in turn further leased same to the company that converted it to commercial use with his full knowledge and approval. The chain of ethical liability is unbroken. How will the pastor explain his involvement with

people engaged in the murky waters of international arms trafficking?”

“The President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, claimed that his congregation donated this same jet to him on the 40th anniversary of his ministry sometime in 2012 for the purpose of attending to his flock and doing God’s work. The plane, a Bombardier Challenger 600, was registered as a privately owned jet supposedly for pastoral use. However, the three passengers arrested in South Africa with the aircraft were definitely not on pastoral visit to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Unfortunately, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has jumped into this fray, hurling insults on respectable members of the society and making statements that are more political than spiritual. I wish to remind officials of CAN that when on 27th August, 1976, Christian leaders first met at the Catholic secretariat, Lagos, they agreed to establish an organisation that would promote cooperation among Christians, interfaith harmony and safeguard the wel-

fare of all Nigerians. When CAN was eventually registered in 1986, its constitution clearly articulated among other objectives to act as ‘watchperson of the spiritual and moral welfare of the Nation’. Another core objective is to promote understanding, peace and unity among the various people of Nigeria.

From the pioneer president of CAN His Eminence Dominic Cardinal Ekannem through his revered successors like His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Okogie, Dr. Sunday Mbang, Most Rev. Peter Akinola and the immediate past President of CAN and Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, CAN witnessed its glorious years.

“My appeal to Pastor Oritsejafor is that as a Christian leader, his beacon should be Jesus the Christ. “ “I advise him to sell this controversial jet and use the funds to reconstruct or rehabilitate churches destroyed

by Boko Haram in the northeast of Nigeria. This advice is especially apt now that the Pastor no longer needs the plane for pastoral duties,” Akume said.

Continued from page 4

Africa’s Sunday Times. Many Nigerians have also been critical.

There was heavy police presence at the Swartkop base when the plane carrying the injured arrived.

Military personnel swiftly attended to them.

Shortly after the C130 SA Air Force plane landed at the Swartkop Air Force Base in Pretoria, an initial batch of the patients was whisked off to the hospital.

Most of the patients were brought out of the plane on stretchers and taken to ambu-

lances parked nearby.

A woman in a red dress, supported by two soldiers, limped to one of the ambulances.

Others could also walk to the ambulances, with assistance.

A convoy of Tshwane metro police officers on motorbikes and SA Police Service vehicles escorted the first two ambulances from the military base shortly after 11am.

Members of a government inter-ministerial task force, led

by Presidency Minister Jeff Radebe, approached the plane carrying the 26 injured South Africans after it landed.

Synagogue death toll rises to 115

has not announced any probe.

“We are keenly awaiting as a South African government the investigation that is being conducted by the Nigerian government so that we get to the bottom of the cause of ... this national disaster,” Radebe said.

South Africa’s media has been scathing of Joshua and the Nigerian government, especially after the Nigerian emergency services said the church had failed to cooperate and had blocked rescuers’ access to the site.

“Blood on their hands” was the front page headline of South

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

‘Nigeria has contained Ebola’ Continued from page 4

a country can be deemed transmission-free.

The WHO said a meeting of its Ebola emergency committee last week had determined that the outbreak remained a “public health emergency of international concern”.

The committee had reiterated its opposition to general bans on international travel or trade, although people infected with Ebola or who had had contact with Ebola patients should not be permitted to travel, WHO said.

Blocking flights to or from affected areas and other travel restrictions only serve to “isolate affected countries, resulting in detrimental economic consequences, and hinder relief and response efforts risking further international spread,” it warned.

The emergency committee also stressed that in cases where measures like quarantines are deemed necessary, countries must ensure that

“they are proportionate and evidence-based, and that accurate information, essential services and commodities, including food and water, are provided to the affected populations.”

It also insisted that “adequate security measures” should be put in place to ensure the safety and protection of healthcare workers, who face high infection rates and sometimes violence from frustrated and frightened populations.

Last week, eight members of an Ebola education team said to include local health officials and journalists, were found dead after they were attacked by angry locals in southern Guinea.

The emergency committee urged the affected countries to ramp up their response to the outbreak and called on all countries to strengthen their preparedness through simulations and personnel training.

Confusion over Shekau’s fate Continued from page 4

ties.

“All operations ongoing in the environs of Konduga and all associated border locations within the country are completely being undertaken

by Nigerian troops.”

But it was still unclear yesterday whether the leader of Boko Haram, Shekau had been killed or not.

Another source said a commander who had been “mimicking Shekau” was the one shot dead.

While some military sources claimed that another Boko Haram Commander, Bashir Mohammed, was shot dead in Konduga, others insisted that it was Shekau who got killed.

One of the sources said: “We are conducting some

pathological examination of the body of the terrorists’ commander who was killed in Konduga on September 17, 2014.

“Our position is that it is getting more certain that the terrorists’ commander, who had been mimicking Shekau in those videos, was the one killed in Konduga.

“Such a challenge in identifying wanted or dead commanders in war situation is not new. You will recall that even when the US forces captured the late Iraqi President, Saddam Hussein, a saliva or phlegm test was conducted to ascertain that he was the one.

“The military is being extremely careful. The DHQ is going to make appropriate pronouncement after all the technical and pathological details have been sorted out.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS Russia plans state controls in case of Internet crisis

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USSIA is making plans to ensure state control over the country’s internet traffic in a national emergency, Russian media report. War or an Arab Spring-style uprising would class as such an emergency.

Plans for boosting cyber security are reported to be under discussion in Russia’s Security Council. They include a backup in case Russia is cut off from the internet. Russia currently relies heavily on foreign hosting of websites. When asked about the special meeting a Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said US and European actions recently “have been marked by a fair degree of unpredictability, and we have to be ready for anything”.

Western sanctions imposed over the Ukraine conflict now target many senior Russian officials, as well as Russia’s oil industry, arms manufacturers and state banks. Western leaders accuse Russia of destabilising Ukraine by supplying soldiers and heavy weapons to separatist forces there.

Russia’s Communications Minister Nikolai Nikiforov said that “recently Russia has come up against the one-sided language of sanctions.

“In these conditions we are working on scenarios in which our respected partners suddenly decide to cut us off from the internet.”

In January 2011 the Egyptian state blocked internet traffic inside the country after opposition groups organised protests through social media, especially on Facebook and Twitter. Experts interviewed by Vedomosti said a Russian federal body such as Rossvyaz, in charge of communications, could take over as administrator of internet domains. Rossvyaz would then have direct control over the country’s domains such as those ending in .ru or .rf and service providers in Russia’s regions would be subordinate to it.

•Vladmir Putin

World leaders in New York for UN General Assembly

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IGH-SPEED patrol boats are skimming across the East River. The New York Police Department’s mobile canteens will soon arrive, serving coffee and donuts.

A marquee has been erected on the driveway of the United Nations to deprive potential snipers of a line of sight, as world leaders lever themselves out of their limousines.

Even inside the headquarters building, blue partitions have been put up, presumably to sequester the leaders from the journalists who work here day in day out.

With some 140 heads of state and government scheduled to attend, a recordbreaking number, leaders’ week at the United Nations is like no other.

One place that hoardings have been dismantled is in the renovated auditorium where the UN General Assembly (UNGA) will gather, which could hardly look more resplendent.

Gone is the tar and nicotine that was caked onto the gold-leafed wall that forms a gilded backdrop to the podium.

Gone, too, are the ashtrays in the desks, where diplomats used to stub out their cigarettes and cigars.

This is no longer a smokefilled room, even if critics of the UN would argue there is no shortage of hot air, and that the General Assembly is little more than a talking shop - long on speechifying, short on concrete achievement.

Now in its 69th year, this annual conflab is regularly likened to a diplomatic trade fair, although with so many leaders in attendance it can also feel like diplomatic speed-dating.

The “UNGA UNGA party” is how one senior UN diplomat jokingly refers to it, in honour of a former participant, Silvio Berlusconi.

This year’s cast list not only includes diplomatic Alisters, like Barack Obama, Benjamin Netanyahu and David Cameron, but also celebrity A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Watson and Victoria Beckham.

A headliner from last year’s gathering, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will be making his second appearance.

This year also features debutants like President

•World leaders at the meeting

Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, Prime Minister Tony Abbott of Australia, and India’s Narendra Modi, who is not only addressing the UN but also a rally at New York’s Madison Square Garden arena.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will address the assembly, but not Vladimir Putin.

The Russian president could have come to New York - after being barred from the recent G7 summit because of Moscow’s annexation of Crimea - but chose not to.

Taking place amid a geopolitical whirlwind, the agenda reflects the gravity and multiplicity of global crises.

President Obama, after addressing the assembly tomorrow, will chair a meeting of the Security Council to address the growing problem of foreign fighters in countries like Iraq and Syria.

Secretary General Ban Kimoon will convene a meeting on the Ebola crisis in West Africa.

There will be separate discussions on a range of subjects including sexual violence in conflict zones, elephant hunting, wildlife protection and the health of women and children (which

is where Victoria Beckham steps out). That list is by no means exhaustive.

Today, Mr Ban will also host a giant climate change summit, attended by Barack Obama among others.

The aim is to galvanise member states in the hope that they will sign up to a comprehensive new global climate agreement at talks in Paris next year.

With so many nations attending and so little time to speak at the one-day meeting, three separate sessions will run simultaneously in three different rooms, a feat of enormous choreographic complexity.

This is where Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who now goes by the grand title of UN Messenger of Peace on Climate Change, makes his entrance.

On climate change, the real bargaining is expected to take place at a private dinner today hosted by Mr Ban and attended by a select list of 20 or so countries.

However, the absence of the leaders of China, Russia and India - Mr Modi arrives later in the week - does not augur well.

As if there was not already enough going on, nuclear talks between Iran, the US and five other countries have

UN appeals as Syrian refugees flood Turkish border

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HE UN refugee agency says Turkey urgently needs help to care for 130,000 Syrian refugees who have crossed the border in recent days. The UNHCR said this was the largest influx in such a short period since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011. The Syrian Kurds are fleeing an advance by Islamic State (IS) militants, who have seized swathes of Iraq and Syria in recent months.

IS fighters are reported to be closing in on the Syrian town of Kobane. The capture of Kobane, also known as Ayn al-Arabon, would give the jihadists complete control of the area. Even before the latest influx, Turkey was

struggling to cope with more than a million Syrian refugees who have crossed into its territory since the uprising against President Bashar alAssad began more than three years ago. Carol Batchelor, the UNHCR’s envoy in Turkey, said such high numbers of refugees would place a strain on any host community.

The sheer number of refugees would overwhelm any country. Added to that, they are Kurds from Syria, many of them deeply hostile to Turkey. For 30 years, Turkish forces fought Kurdish rebels in a civil war that killed 40,000 people. The fact that Turkey is accepting tens of thousands of Kurds is a sign

of how allegiances are being forced to change with the onslaught of Islamic State. But deep-seated tension between Kurds and Turks has again come to the surface, leading to border clashes on Sunday.

Turkey fears that Kurds will cross into Syria to join the Kurdish militia. The worry is that, renewed by fresh recruits, it could ally with the outlawed PKK and launch attacks on Turkish soil.

All the regional complexities, added to the refugee influx, make for a precarious situation here.

She called for “increased solidarity and international assistance” for those flooding across the border.

“The situation is deepening.

It’s becoming protracted.

People are desperately in need,” she added. Ms Batchelor said food, blankets and winter clothing - particularly for children were needed. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said his country was preparing for “the worst case scenario” an influx of hundreds of thousands more refugees. “I hope that we are not faced with a more populous refugee wave but if we are, we have taken precautions.

If necessary, we have planned how to send these people to safer and further places,” he said.

resumed in New York, with the aim of hammering out an agreement before November’s deadline.

There will be speculation, too, about a possible meeting between Presidents Rouhani and Obama, the focus of so much speculation ahead of last year’s gathering.

Rather than shake hands, Mr Obama ended up telephoning Mr Rouhani as the Iranian president made his way to JFK International Airport.

This year the White House has said it is open to a meeting. However, Mr Rouhani would have to consider the possible backlash back home.

Last year’s phone call earned him a public rebuke from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The ongoing Iran talks are a reminder that the sidelines diplomacy in group and bilateral meetings is usually more meaningful than the speeches delivered in the General Assembly hall.

With only a few excep-

tions, they can feel like background noise. Only a handful tend to generate headlines.

For all the refurbishments to the UN complex, there will be the usual calls for the renovation of the institution itself.

The present make-up of the Security Council, which denies permanent seats to Germany, Japan and India among others, has an antique, post-World War II feel.

The present wave of global crises has also raised questions about the UN’s ability to deal with them all.

What is striking about the many world problems right now is their transnational, cross-border character.

Islamic State (IS), Ebola, climate change - no nation has the capacity to tackle these issues by itself. That is where the unique convening power of the UN General Assembly should come into own.

In an ever more crowded calendar of summitry, no other international gathering has such pulling power.

French national abducted in Algeria

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FRENCH national has been kidnapped while on holiday on Sunday in eastern Algeria, the French foreign ministry has confirmed. The abduction comes

hours after Islamic State militants warned they would target France - and other countries - after it launched air strikes against them in Iraq.

The kidnap took place in the Tizi Ouzou region of Algeria, the ministry said. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. An Algerian security official told the AP news agency that the kidnap victim was a 55year-old man who was hiking with two friends when he was abducted. Correspondents say that if it is confirmed that a French person has been kidnapped by militants, it would be one of the first abductions of a foreigner by them in the North African country since Algeria ended its decade-long war with Islamist fighters in the 1990s.

The area where the Frenchman was taken is a mountainous region, the AFP news agency reported, and there have been several kidnappings of Algerian businessmen for extortion in the area. Most of those who were abducted were later freed by security forces, AFP said. Al-Qaeda’s North Africa branch, AQIM, and other militant groups are known to operate in Algeria. France on Monday lifted the threat level to 30 of its embassies throughout the Middle East and Africa after beginning its first air strikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq on Friday. It has said that everything must be done to remove the militants from the region.

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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PREMIERSHIP ...PREMIERSHIP ...

SPORT EXTRA

Ozil: I have nothing to prove

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ESUT Ozil has insisted he does not need to "prove anything to anybody" following criticism of his performances for Arsenal.

The club-record •53 million signing came under scrutiny during his first season before being criticised for his performance during the club's 20 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

However, Ozil impressed in

Debuchy out for three months

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RSENAL right-back Mathieu Debuchy has been ruled out for three months after undergoing surgery on the ankle he injured against Manchester City.

The Frenchman was stretchered off nine minutes from time at The Emirates after damaging ligaments in his left ankle when landing awkwardly following a header.

The 29-year-old, who represented his country in this summer’s World Cup finals, was playing only his fourth Premier League match for the Gunners since moving from Newcastle in July for £12million.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted: "He has had surgery and will be out for three months.

"A reasonable delay is three months. It all went well but it can be a week or two earlier, or a week or two later, but it will be around three months.

"It is a blow, of course, how big it will be we will only know afterwards because it will be down to how well we replace him. We bought (Calum) Chambers for that."

Mata apologises to United fans

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a central role against Aston Villa on Saturday - scoring the opener before creating Danny Welbeck's second in a 3-0 win - and insists he is used to negative reviews during his career.

"I don't play to prove anything to anybody, I play for Arsenal," Ozil told DPA. "I have the feeling that I am criticised more, that happened to me in the Bundesliga and also at Real Madrid.

"We have only just started the season [at Arsenal], we have new players in key positions. The collective game, which is something I have a lot to do with, cannot then just work well from one day to the next."

Ozil has also questioned the timing of negative critiques of his work, highlighting his role in Germany's World Cup win and selection in a team of the year poll on the Premier League website.

Ozil added: "[Just] 10 weeks ago I was elected to the team of the season in England.

"I was world champion then.

It was the summer break and after a few games everything is called into question again.

This is strange, but I know what I can offer."

•Ozil

Sterling: Sturridge return vital

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AHEEM Sterling says having England teammate Daniel Sturridge back in the team will help Liverpool climb the Premier League table.

Sturridge hurt his thigh on England duty at the start of this month and Sterling said: "Daniel is a massive miss for us with his goals and the way he plays in behind defenders.

"Him coming back should add another dimension to the team. It will definitely be a test

of character but I think there is a lot of character in this group."

Sterling though insisted the Reds would not use their return to the Champions League as the reason for their bad run of form.

He said: "We can't use playing in the Champions League as an excuse because there are other teams in the Premier League doing exactly the same as us who are winning games.

"The games are coming thick and fast but that's what we want - to be competing at the top end of the Premier League and in the Champions League.

"What it means now is that

after the second recovery day after a game we're straight back into another game. That's the way it's going to be this season and that's something we need to get used to.

"We've got the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Joe Allen to come back from injury but we should be winning games with the players we've got out on that pitch.

"We need to get back to basics and start winning games again. We'll get back to the training field and go again on Tuesday night against Middlesbrough in the League Cup.”

UAN Mata has apologised to Manchester United fans after the team's embarrassing capitulation at Leicester City on Sunday.

United were on course for successive Premier League victories for the first time under Louis van Gaal but let a twogoal lead slip with the score at 3-1, conceding four goals in 21 second-half minutes.

Leicester’s 5-3 victory, their first home win over United in 29 years, came courtesy of an abject defensive display from United with Rafael and Tyler Blackett both giving away penalties either side of errors which allowed Leonardo Ulloa and Esteban Cambiasso to give the Foxes a foothold in the game.

Mata was at fault for Jamie Vardy's goal as he surrendered possession to Ritchie De Laet, who stormed up the field to set up the Leicester striker for the hosts' fourth.

In his weekly blog, Mata wrote about the deep pain he felt at being part of the defeat, a result which leaves United languishing 12th in the Premier League after five matches.

"After a whole week waiting for the match I could not imagine a Sunday like this," the Spaniard said.

"The way back from Leicester to Manchester on the bus seemed really long. I keep thinking about how we lost a game that was under control.

"It's really tough to score three goals away and come back home with no points. On our way back to Manchester I was thinking about what had happened and felt so disap-

pointed as all those that came with us to the stadium.

"Honestly, I feel very sorry that the weekend ended up for our fans in such a sad way."

Mata, who came on for Radamel Falcao in the second half at the King Power Stadium, said he had spent "a few hours" trying to come up with the words to describe his disappointment at the defeat.

Others, however, were quicker to pass judgement with former United captain Gary Neville branding the team as ‘soft-centred’.

“I thought the midfield three for United and the back four got bullied,” Neville told Super Sunday. “There's no doubt Manchester United are softcentred. They're not tough enough.”

Mata hopes United will be able to bounce back from the Leicester defeat by recording back to back wins over West Ham and Everton before the second international break of the season.

"There is time during the week to analyse what happened and learn from our mistakes so as not to make them again," Mata added.

"Now we will play two consecutive games at Old Trafford that we want to win for our fans. We will put in our best efforts, you can be sure of that.

"I hope to be in a better mood next Sunday."

United will be without injured defenders Phil Jones and Jonny Evans for the visit of West Ham while centre-back Tyler Blackett is suspended following his red card at Leicester.

Kompany: three-way title fight •Sakho

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ANCHESTER City captain Vincent Kompany has predicted there will be a threeway battle for the Premier League title this season.

Chelsea, who are currently three points clear at the top of the table following their 1-1 draw at the Etihad on Sunday, are odds-on favourites to win the title with champions City around the 3/1 mark.

But Kompany believes Arsenal, who are one point better off than City after five

Sakho tips new strike-force

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IAFRA Sakho reckons West Ham can spring a few more surprises in the Premier League this season and believes he can form a fruitful partnership with fellow new arrival Enner Valencia.

Sakho, who joined in the summer from Metz, made it three goals in three starts for Sam Allardyce's side when he lobbed Simon Mignolet during Saturday's 3-1 win over Liverpool.

And Valencia, whose impressive performances for Colombia at the World Cup prompted the Hammers to

pay £12million for his services, opened his account a few days earlier with a blistering strike against Hull City.

Speaking about the blossoming partnership, Sahko told the club's official website: "We've trained together for a short while now. Enner's a footballer who likes to get it down and play, and me, I like to come deep.

"I try to position myself in relation to him and vice-versa.

I hope that's going to continue to serve the club well this season.

"We're working every day in training for that. We're not

going to relax and we'll carry on working hard at it, because it's only the beginning of the season and there will be plenty of matches to play together."

Sakho admitted he meant the audacious effort that beat Mignolet at the weekend but believes his all-round game can help inspire a side that managed only 40 league goals last season.

"I saw the 'keeper off his line, at the near post, and I only had one thing in mind," he added.

"I tried it and it came off. I wasn't sure if it was going to go in or not, but thankfully it's ended up in the net. “

games and four points off top spot, are ready to make it a scrap at the summit despite being rated 9/1 chances by most bookmakers.

"It is not fair to call it at the moment," said Kompany.

"First of all we are not even close to Chelsea yet (in the table). Secondly, I have seen good things from Chelsea but I have seen maybe better things from Arsenal so I guess it will all be about consistency and, with the Champions League, it will get messy around December.

"It is too early to call. Five points is nothing but Chelsea have five points more than us, it is as simple as that.”

•Vincent Kompany

•Mata

Cahill: Lampard goal 'weird'

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HELSEA pair Andre Schurrle and Gary Cahill admitted it was a strange experience to be on the receiving end of a Frank Lampard goal on Sunday.

Lampard, Chelsea’s record goalscorer, rescued a point for Manchester City against his former club when he equalised against the Blues in the 85th minute at the Etihad Stadium.

The veteran midfielder, who had been introduced as a 78th-minute substitute, made the score 1-1 with a calm volleyed finish after a trademark run into the penalty area.

Lampard is on a short-term loan with City from his new employers New York City following 13 years at Stamford Bridge.

He had mixed emotions

about his first goal for the club and it was also a strange ending to the game for his old team-mates.

Centre-back Cahill said: 'It was weird, of course, because you think of Frank in a Chelsea shirt.

'It's been that way for many, many years. We've seen him score that kind of goal so many times over the years."

Schurrle, who had fired Chelsea ahead in the 71st minute, said: "It's strange to see him in another shirt.

"We wanted to win this match but he scored for Man City. Of course it's nice for him to get his first goal but we wanted the win and we were very close to that."

The German forward added: 'It was important not to lose here, that's what our goal was.’

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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THE NATION TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

NEWS SCHOOLS’ RESUMPTION

•Pupil of Madonna Nursery and Primary School in Gwagwalada, being screened for Ebola virus disease during resumption in Abuja...yesterday

•Students of Awka Girls Secondary School at the assembly ground on resumption day...yesterday

A teacher, Mr John, of Great Light Scholars Academy checking temperature of students of Great Lights Scholars Academy Jehu III, Masaka Nasarawa State, as schools resumed for the 2014/2015 academy session...yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•Students of Government Girls Secondary School in Katsina in their classroom on resumption...yesterday

•Vice Principal, Academics, Junior Secondary School Phase 3, Gwagwalada, Mr Abiodun Olaleye (second right), screening teachers of the school for Ebola Virus Disease...yesterday

•A pupil of Russel International Group of Schools, washing her hands at the school entrance on resumption from long vacation in Benin...yesterday

•Pupils of Great Lights Scholars Academy Jehu III, Masaka Nasarawa State, washing their hands as schools’ resumed...yesterday. PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•Students of West Itam Secondary School cleaning their premises on resumption from long vacation in Itu near Uyo...yesterday

THE NATION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014

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SPORT EXTRA

Don’t write off Eagles, says Efe Ambrose

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UPER Eagles and Celtic of Scotland right back, Efe Ambrose has assured Nigerians that the Eagles will qualify for the Morocco 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), although he expects the fight for the ticket to be very tough.

Nigeria suffered a 2-3 loss to Congo Brazzaville in Calabar in their first AFCON 2015 qualifying match and played a scoreless draw away to South Africa in the second. The Eagles lie third in the group with just a point, unlike leaders Congo with six and Bafana Bafana with four.

Many soccer fans and analysts are thus worried that Nigeria’s flag will not be hoisted in Rabat, Morocco’s capital.

But a confident Ambrose believes that the only thing his team needs to do to be in the North African nation come January 2015 is to win the remaining four matches in their group.

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FIBA appoints Dr. Mu’azu to Medical Commission

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From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

“Yes, very unlike the team we did not start well but that doesn’t mean that we should be written off just like that,” he began, “this is a game of football where anything can happen when least expected.”

“Yes, we lost to Congo but who says we can’t go to Congo and beat them there to get the three points? I am confident that with the quality of players in our team we can win the remaining four matches and move ahead to pick the ticket in our group”, Efe, as he is fondly called, told NationSport from his base in Scotland yesterday.

He, however, demanded more from his colleagues and more support from Nigerians to be able to achieve this result.

“We need to work very hard in training and on the field of play to achieve this,” Ambrose said.

•Efe Ambrose “We also need the continued support of our fans and for them to always be behind us most especially in our home matches

and by that we will overcome this hurdle and qualify for the 2015 African Nations Cup by the special grace of God.”

Moses has been excellent, says Hughes

IGERIA international, Victor Moses has so far impressed Stoke City boss, Mark Hughes.

The Super Eagles ace joined Stoke City on loan from Chelsea FC after spending the whole of last season on loan with Liverpool.

Hughes observed that Moses, who played an important role in Crouch's and Mame Diouf's goals against QPR, is a quality addition to the Potters having brought pace on the wings.

"I have to say he's been excellent in every game he's played for me. He's given us

that pace we probably lacked last year and that's the reason we are able to pick up more points on the road than we did last year," Hughes told Stoke Sentinel.

He noted that although the Nigerian did not get a lot of playing time in the last two

years, it wasn't because he wasn’t good enough.

"He's had two years where he hasn't played a great deal of football, but that's not through lack of ability," said Hughes.

Stoke City will be in action tonight in the Capital One Cup against Sunderland.

MAN CITY VS CHELSEA FALLOUT

Uganda player slumps to death after Lampard’s goal

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HE football fraternity is mourning the death of a Simba FC player Fahad Musana who collapsed and died on Sunday while watching an English Premier League (EPL) match.

Musana, who featured in his team’s 1-0 win over Entebbe FC in a Uganda Premier League match, reportedly collapsed after Frank Lampard equalised for Manchester City against Chelsea.

Head Coach for army side Simba FC, Fred Kajoba told AfricanFootball.com that the player even trained with them on Sunday and told his friends he was going to spend his afternoon watching the English Premiership games.

“I think he suffered a heart problem when the team he supported Chelsea conceded the equaliser,”

•Fahad Musana (l)

said Kajoba.

Musana reportedly suffered a heart problem while watching the match in a video Hall in Bombo Town where Simba FC is based.

Another Simba FC player Gerald Bagoole said they trained and had lunch with Musana on Sunday. “It is a big loss and we shall miss him,” added Bagoole.

The club announced that the player will be laid to rest in Iganga District today.

Meanwhile, the UPL secretariat has also postponed the September 23 fixture where Simba FC was meant to face Soana FC in a League match.

“The fixture between Soana and Simba has been called off and rescheduled to October 8th,” said Bernard Bainamani, the CEO of the Secretariat.

Akpabio Classic breaks entry record with 350 entrants

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HE International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has appointed the Director of Sports Medicine, National Sports Commission (NSC) Dr. Abdulkadir Mu'azu to the FIBA Medical Commission for the 2014-2019 term of office.

Dr. Mu'azu’s terms of reference include working with the chairman and members of the commission for the next five years in order to raise the quality and standard of sports medicine care to basketball players around the world and enhance the dissemination of sports medicine knowledge to basketball medical teams through research and professional development and training.

The NSC Director, who obtained his Sports Medicine specialization from the University of Canberra, Australia, is also a Sports Medicine Fellow of the University of North Carolina, USA and has worked closely with several national basketball and soccer teams in the last 25 years. He also holds membership of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine with a keen

ESPITE the Ebola Virus Disease scare that has limited the entry for foreign participation, the entry figure for this year’s Godswill Akpabio Scrabble Classics has surpassed that of last year by over forty participants.

The Technical Director of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation and Chairman of its Technical Committee Umar Faruk BabaInna said in Uyo on Sunday that “As I am talking to you we already have over 340 entries compared to the 300 we had last year.”

Baba-Inna attributed the improved figure to the rise in the number of domestic entries.

•Ghana, Kenya expected in Uyo today He said: “I am happy to tell you that for the first time we are recording entries from Adamawa, Taraba and Gombe, while those of other states have also improved greatly.”

The Technical Director also confirmed the reception of the list of the Ghana and Kenya delegation who are expected in Uyo today. The five-man Ghana squad is led by Dr. Michael Akonnor. Others are Charles Tachie Menson, Christian Mensah, George Adoh and Alex Quarshie.

Team Kenya comprise Alex Oryende, Cecilia Ruto and Millie Kikechie.

The Technical Director, who arrived Uyo in the company of the Web Master, other members of the technical team and the President of the Federation Sulaiman Gora, have been involved in series of meetings with the host state to “tidy up all issues especially as relating to accommodation and transportation…” of guests and foreigners.

The 8th Godswill Akpabio International Scrabble Classics kicks off officially on Thursday September 25 and will end on Sunday, September 28 with the award of prizes and a gala night.

•Governor Godswill Akpabio

By Akeem Lawal

•Dr. Abdulkadir Mu'azu interest in the prevention of sudden cardiac death especially in soccer and basketball.

According to the release, Dr Mu'azu, whose nomination was forwarded by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to the world governing body of basketball, is the second African to be appointed to the FIBA Medical commission.

The other is returning Guinean doctor, Dr. Gueye Aboubacar who was reappointed to the commission.

ITF CIRCUIT IN BENIN

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20 Nigerians battle for quarter final places

OSEPH Ubon and Elizabeth Garos-Pam are expected to lead 18 other Nigerian players as the second round of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) West & Central African Circuit gets underway today at the Tennis Club de L'Amitie Cotonou. Most of the Nigerian players were drawn bye in the first round due to their impressive outing in the Togo version of the tournament last week.

Ubon, the champion of the two-phases of the boys’ singles of the Togo version of the event, will confront Mali’s Amadu Diarra while GarosPam, who was a silver medallist in the girls’ singles at the second phase in Togo, will keep a date with the winner of the tie between Ghana’s Franciscan Nyarko and Bissola Lassissi of Benin.

Ubon and Garos-Pam respectively seeded third and second look good to cruise on, but other Nigerian players, among whom is Emmanuel

By Stella Bamawo Audu who faces Catagay Azserker of Turkey, will have to up their game if they are to progress in the point-earning tournament featuring players from over 20 countries across the world.

There will also be no hiding place for Ahmed Alamu who will battle Thailand’s Palaphoon Kavaputukted.

The unseeded Nigerian caused one of the biggest upsets in the Togo leg when he bundled out six-seeded Thai Itchya Meesommon who is expected to have some shivers down his spine as he confronts another Nigerian Shola Alalade.

Abubakar Tswarko, who paired Audu to emerge boys’ doubles winners last weekend in Togo, will face Ghana’s Alex Kumah while Ikechukwu Iloputa, Mohammed Mohammed and Ochei Adehi will, in order, battle Issac Titriku of Ghana, Dhossou Ghandonou of Benin and Yacouba Maiga of Mali.

Nkwocha doubtful for 2014 AWC

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OUR-TIME African Women's Footballer of the Year Perpetua Nkwocha may sit out the 2014 Africa Women's Championships (AWC) in Namibia.

Nkwocha, who currently plays for Swedish Damallsvenskan club Sunnanå SK, was called up to Nigeria's provisional AWC squad by head coach Edwin Okon, but it appears club commitments may prevent the veteran from taking part in the competition.

Okon said he has been trying to secure Nkwocha's release for the tournament.

The trainer also revealed that Nkwocha is not the only Super Falcons star likely to miss the tournament over a

similar reason.

Esther Sunday, Onome Ebi and Desire Oparanozie are the others who could sit out the tournament.

"I have been in regular contact with Oparanozie as well as Perpetua, Esther Sunday, Onome and others, and they are yet to give me a positive response.

"They just have to come down and prove themselves before we depart for Namibia. The fight to make the final cut is high in the team and I must confess that this is giving us (coaches) a selection problem," he said.

Nigeria are in Group A of the 2014 AWC alongside Zambia, the Ivory Coast and hosts Namibia.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.9

NO. 2,980

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘I have no idea why our Presidential handlers would find nothing untoward in dragging the President – supposedly the symbol of public morality – into the needless session. If you ask me; I’ll just say that it’s partly to be explained by the free-fall in public morality across the board’ SANYA ONI

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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AS anyone seen or heard, sensed or otherwise encountered Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Aminu Wali, acting out his remit lately?

This is the more nuanced version of the question that has been on my mind: Has anyone in the attentive audience ever seen, heard, sensed or otherwise encountered Ambassador Aminu Wali acting out his remit since he was appointed Foreign Minister in March 2014?

I first raised this question in the wake of the Chibok abductions, when the accident-prone Jonathan Administration stumbled from miscue to egregious miscue in a perfect calendar of blunders. Day after day, Nigeria took a pummeling in the global news media, and the foreign minister who should have been the international face of Nigeria at such a time was nowhere to be found.

In his place, Dr Jonathan pressed into service political hacks innocent of the subtleties of international communication, rank amateurs who operate on the principle that the higher the decibel, the more persuasive the message. They ended up confirming the worst fears of Nigerians and foreign audiences about the capacity or lack thereof at the top.

Since then, Boko Haram has escalated its campaign of murder and mayhem and entered into the foreign policy calculations of the most prominent international actors. It has battled the ill-equipped and ill-used Nigerian military to a stalemate, often dictating the terms of engagement. In one instance, an entire army battalion faced with Boko Haram’s superior firepower and motivation “tactically maneuvered” its way to neighbouring Cameroun, where it was disarmed and transported safely back to base.

No matter how they spin it, this incident is a humiliation for the military, from which the Minister of Defence and, for that matter, the Commander-in-Chief, cannot wholly absolve themselves. The diplomatic ramifications are plain. Yet, they did not move the Minister of Foreign Affairs to issue a statement or call a news conference to address at least some of those issues.

They say the nation is at war, and yet the Foreign Minister, the nation’s chief diplomat who should be explaining the situation to the outside and deflecting damaging charges of unlawful killings and gross human rights violations made against the military by the highly credible Amnesty International and other organisations is nowhere to be seen.

No, I take that back.

Ambassador Wali has actually been sighted lately, but not in a foreign policy context. He was desperately trying to sell Jonathan to political kingmakers in the so-called North West geopolitical zone as the best thing to have happened to Nigeria since the amalgamation, and an unquestionably worthy candidate for reelection.

It fell on him to read the communiqué at the end of the September 1 meeting, from which I quote: “Having carefully considered the steady

RIPPLES

HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP ISSUES ULTIMATUM TO IGP OVER ROAD BLOCKS IN SOUTHEAST-–News

TOLL GATES without RECEIPTS!

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Where is our Foreign Minister?

•Wali

and stable progress of our nation under the able leadership of the President, the stakeholders of PDP in the North West, having in mind the monumental strides attained by this administration, have resolved to urge President Jonathan to declare for president in the forthcoming 2015 elections so as to continue the good works he started in nation building.”

Four days later, on September 4, Wali actually took a break from campaigning for Dr Jonathan’s re-election to do something that was perfectly within his remit: He held talks in Abuja with the foreign ministers of Cameroun, Benin, and Chad to urge a joint approach to curbing arms trafficking and violence in the sub–region.

By and large, however, an official who should be hopping from one foreign capital to another trying to repair Nigeria’s not-so-savoury image has been turned into a campaigner for a president who has not even declared that he will seek re-election, an operative of the ruling PDP for all practical purposes.

In the United States from which Nigeria copied its much-abused Republican Constitution, Wali would have faced severe public censure.

Though he owes his tenure to the president, a cabinet official cannot turn himself or herself into a functionary of the ruling party, of any party for that matter. A member of the cabinet who wants to campaign for the president will first have to resign, cease drawing an income from the public payroll and derive his sustenance from the party’s coffers.

Ambassador Wali is of course not the only minister or senior official who has been dragooned into Dr Jonathan’ re-election campaign, or has insinuated himself or herself into it in the mistaken belief that the job demands it. There is Professor Rufai Alkali who answers the title of Senior Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the President.

Paid from the public purse like Wali, he has been conscripted to coordinate the activities of some 80 mushroom organisations whose self-assigned mission is to ensure Dr Jonathan’s re-election.

Wali stands out from the lot because of the stark incongruity between his cabinet portfolio

and his campaign errands for Dr Jonathan.

Given the abuse he has suffered from his principal and the self-abuse to which he has subjected himself, it is no wonder that his expertise has not been tapped even tangentially in the most recent foreign policy misadventure of the Jonathan Administration.

I have in mind last week’s dramatic seizure of N9.3 million from a Nigerian-owned private jet that landed in a private airport near Johannesburg, South Africa. The Nigerian authorities say the money was for the purchase of arms from private vendors for the security services and that the shipment was properly documented.

Now, if national sovereignty means anything, it means that Nigeria can legitimately purchase arms and ammunition to protect is territorial integrity. So, why the secrecy? Why go through third parties that are not even primarily arms dealers. Why were the South African authorities not properly briefed? Why was no Nigerian embassy official on hand to provide diplomatic and intelligence cover to forestall any embarrassment?

The South African authorities seem to be acting on the theory that this was a money-laundering caper gone awry and are not in the least impressed by the disingenuous fudging that has marked the Nigerian government’s attempt to explain away the incident.

I am not betting that, for once, they will trot out Ambassador Wali to try to finesse what is without question a diplomatic fiasco with criminal undertones.

Or that he and indeed his principal are seized of the foreign policy implications of a pronouncement by a United States District Court last May that the status of a drug suspect and fugitive with the improbable name of Buruji Kashamu as “a political figure in Nigeria, and his relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan,” would render futile any attempt to extradite him to the United States to face criminal charges.

Benjamin Adekunle: A postscript

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N the tributes that have been paid to the memory of Brigadier Benjamin “Black Scorpion” Adekunle who died last week, aged 78, much emphasis has been laid on his heroic, even if controversial, civil war exploits. His no less heroic exertions in decongesting Lagos Port, a task reminiscent of one of the more daunting labours of Hercules, was reduced to a footnote, if not forgotten altogether.

It was a titanic undertaking.

From the Marina, you could see ranged as far as the horizon ships laden with cement and consumer goods, the reckless importation of which a country awash in petrodollars had approved, money being no longer the problem but how to spend it.

Some of the vessels had waited six months to berth, with no hope of doing so in another six months. Meanwhile more ships laden with more consumer goods converged on the port from all over the world, paralysing handling facilities.

Demurrage billed to the Federal Government exceeded the annual budgets of the poorer West African countries put together.

Adekunle cleared the mess with brutal efficiency.

The task presented him with an opportunity, no questions asked, to acquire enough wealth to last his progeny till the end of time. He spurned it, unlike many of his contemporaries.

He lived the last two decades of his life in near destitution.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Hardball just kicking a CAN around

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ARDBALL wishes to enjoy a word game today using the abbreviation CAN. You CANnot feign ignorance of the full meaning of CAN if you are a Nigerian adult because there is only one CAN in the CANonical landscape of Nigeria today. And this CAN has been CANned or if you are morbid-minded, you may say that it has been CANnibalised and left in an unholy muck for some time now. CAN is in the thrashCAN! It is rather unCANny that we all have had to put up with this CANt for so long. To be CANdid, CAN has been commonised like a CANteen; those roadside bukas where anything goes. It is indeed a CANker, a CANdle in the wind. There is no doubt that the CAN hierarchy are not CANoodling themselves over this CANine distemper of a situation.

Their faces must be heavy now and their cassocks seemingly moldy; their shoulders droop as if they bear the heavy burden of an imaginary CANgue. Yes, the yoke, the portable pillory carried by minor offenders in ancient China. That is the unspoken burden of CAN

today, her CANe, her cup and her cross.

One of the most respected influence groups in Nigeria, CAN has become like an expired CANnister – used, abused and discarded by some people possessed of what may be described as CANnite appetite. CAN CANnot sing CANtatas anymore; it must have lost its CANorous voice in a land rendered even more arid today by interlopers, wannabes and popinjays. Where once sweet alleluyahs would rise to the heavens morning, noon and night it is now silence; the overbearing silence of money chasers making music with currency counting machines. CAN sleeps under the dark CANopy of currencies, shielding itself from the lights of heaven.

CAN’s sound of music has become sound of money. Money-mongering is the high gospel of the day, the CANonisation of cash. Cash must be king for CAN now or is it still Christ? The terrestrial choir has sung itself hoarse in praise worship of the majesty of Marmon. It is a wideeyed pursuit – the more you have, the more you crave. Their choirs have lost their voices as they now chant inCANtations to their new-

found gods sitting on suitcases of crisp dollar notes. Their faith need not move mountains anymore; why disturb the mountains if you can jet over them?

Who will redeem CAN from being flushed into the odious CANal of wantonness? Alas, no CANdelabras burn for CAN anymore in this parched land. It is indeed a CANdidate for annulment. It CANnot in good conscience continue to demand our respect; CAN is today at the nadir of its existence, roiled in this CANyon of its life.

Sprawled on this CANvas of shame, who will save CAN? The CANnon-ball is on the roll; where are the men of CANdour? In this inCANdescent time, no CANapes are served here anymore because there is sawdust in our mouth. Yes, we chew the long bitterCANe of our forgotten sin wearing sullied cassocks.

Ah, we puff the long, dried CANnabis of our current sin; we relish the sugarCANdy of our wayward days when we couldn’t speak truth to power. And we have become the CANdida of this moldy age. Our CANdle flutters in the wind; we drop a tear for CAN.

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