September 26, 2014

Newspaper of the Year

$9.3m: What the law says, by Rep NEWS Page 4

•APC warns against cover-up

News Ekiti NURTW chief murdered P7 Sports Ideye set to return from injury P24 Business N6.8b for failed banks depositors P53

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 9, NO. 2983 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•INSIDE: EFCC DROPS N6.5B CASE AGAINST EX-MINISTER P5 SENATE OKAYS $1B LOAN P2

Fayose: Chaos in courts as thugs beat up judge, others CJ shuts courts SANs seek action From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

T

HE judiciary had another bad day yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital where an army of thugs unleashed violence on courts.

A judge was beaten up, his suit torn.

Lawyers, litigants and court clerks fled as the thugs smashed court properties.

It was all a repeat of the scenario on Monday when the case against the eligibility of Mr. Ayo Fayose, the governor-elect, was being heard.

The Chief Judge, Justice A. S. Daramola, whose court room was invaded, ordered all courts in the state shut for security reasons.

Officials in Justice Daramola’s office were beaten up, his record book was shredded and proceedings were disrupted.

Two other Judges – Justice Adeyeye and Justice Akintayo - were also assaulted.

Fayose was at the Elections Petition Tribunal hearing the case of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against his victory in the June 21 election.

The thugs were said to have surged forward, entering the court premises after the policemen manning the gate had allowed Fayose in. There was commotion.

Justice Adeyeye was said to have come out to find out what was going on. The thugs descended on him.

Fayose denied last night that any Judge was beaten up.

Tribunal Chairman Justice Muhammed Siraj’s car was smashed.

Soon, instructions that workers should close for the day went round other offices and departments, forcing an early closure of the WHEN WILL courts, including the magisTHE CHIBOK trates’ and high courts.

GIRLS The hoodlums, in their KIDNAPPED

?

ON APRIL 15 BE FREED?

Continued on page 4

•A detachment of Mobile Security men in front of the Federal High Court/Fajuyi Park, Ado-Ekiti...yesterday

Thugs came in their hundreds and invaded the High Court premises and in the process assaulted Hon. Justice J. O. Adeyeye by beating him up and tearing his suit into shreds —Chief Registrar

Boko Haram lists 19 chiefs in 30 girls swap deal

B

OKO Haram has listed 19 of its commanders to be swapped with 30 Chibok girls, The Nation learnt yesterday.

The Federal Government

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

and the facilitators of talks with the sect have the list, a source said.

Also included is the list of 30 Continued on page 4

SOME OF THE GIRLS CHRISTIANS MUSLIMS •Mary Usman •Kwadugu Manu •July Yakubu •Hauwa Wule •Jummai Paul •Aishatu Grema •Rahila Bitrus •Aisha Lawan •Rabika Lukas •Halima Gamba •Rodha John •Kabu Malla •Naomi Yohanna •Mariam Abubakar •Ruth Kolo •Rakiya Gamba •Tabitha Fagu •Hamsatu Abubakar •Hannatu Isiaku •Hasana Adamu

How can I order the people to beat up a judge that has nothing to do with me? At what point was this judge beaten? Was he a member of the tribunal? Because I went to the tribunal —Fayose THE BOKO HARAM MEMBERS •Awwal Albani Sultaniya •Bana Mongono •Abdullahi Damasak •Baraa Mallami •Mallam Bashir •Umar ibn Mustapha •Baa Malam •Jabir Al Jihad •Tijjani al Barnawi •Tanko al Kurd •Musa Mubi •Mallam Aradu •Mallam Awara •Abidina Janzila •Zindar Zindawi •Aboul Kaka •Baa Alhaji

•SPECIAL REPORT: MENTAL ILLNESSES: A TICKING TIME-BOMB NIGERIA IGNORES PAGES 447-49 7-49

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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NEWS

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•From left: Executive Director, BGL Capital, Chibundu Edozie, General Manager, Listings Sales and Retention, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mrs Taba Peterside; Managing Director/CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Valentine Ozigbo; and President/CEO, Transcorp Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom during the Facts-Behind-the-Offer presentation by Transcorp Hotels Plc in Lagos...yesterday.

•From left: Managing Director, Vas2net,Ayo Stuffman,Chief Commercial Officer ,Airtel Nigeria,Maurice Newa, Coordinator, Saving 1million Lives,Seyi Ibidapo-Obe, Director ,Grameen Foundation,David Hutchful,Vice-president, Value Added Services,Airtel, Francis Ebuchi andRegional Project Manager, M-Health, Victor Ohuruogu at the launch of MoPHOTO:BOLA OMILABU bile Midwife and Dial a Doctor by Airtel in Lagos...yesterday.

•Member, British American Tobacco N igeria Foundation,Technical Committee, Thomas Omofoye,General Manager BATN Foundation,Abimbola Okoya,Netherland Ambassador to Nigeria, John Groffen and Publisher, Businessday, Frank PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU Aigbogun at the Agribusiness food security summit 2014 in Lagos.

•From left: Head, Micro-Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Diamond Bank Plc, Chima Nnadozie; Deputy Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Nneka Okekearu; Head, Retail Financial Services, Diamond Bank Plc, Aisha Ahmad and Segment Head, Micro Enterprises, Adaeze Ume at the DiamondWoman Enterprise Seminar organised by the bank in Ibadan.

IGERIA will soon take delivery of 12 helicopters to aid the war on terror from Belarus.

This fact emerged yesterday at a rowdy session in the Senate.

Lawmakers were divided over President Goodluck Jonathan’s request for approval to borrow $1billion.

Jonathan, in a request presented to the Senate on July 15, said the $billion loan was required to enable his government tackle security challenges.

The Senate Joint Committee on Finance and Local and Foreign Debt which scrutinised the request and urged the upper chamber to approve the amount.

During the consideration of the report, some Senators asked for more explanations on the sweeping endorsement the Joint Committee accorded the loan request.

Others insisted that the provisions of the Constitution and the Public Procurement Act should be sufficiently adhered to in considering the presidential request.

The Joint Committee headed by Senator Ahmed Makarfi , in its report, said: “The Joint Committee observes that this “loan” facility request is not a cash loan but supply of military hardware to be paid over seven years.

“Accordingly, terms such as interest rate cannot be indicated. However, it is not every country or supplier that can agree to such terms. It is, therefore, in our interest to take up the opportunity and not allow it slip away.

“Also the request is for a ceiling of $1billion and not that at the moment the whole amount will be utilised.

Government will procure on the terms stated based on needs assessment of our security agencies.

“Helicopters are crucial for decisive victory over the war against terror.

Quick victory cannot be accomplished without helicopters because of the terrain and the nature of the operations to be undertaken.”

He added that no new hell opted had been added to the Air Force’s fleet since 1998.

“The 12 nos. M135 helicopters being requested for now are appropriate for the nature of the operation and the terrain.

“Belarus has accepted to give helicopters on the condition of installmental payment over a-seven

Belarus to

•Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

year period; and other hardwares, armaments and equipment will be bought on same terms from other European countries.”

Senator James Manager (Delta Central) urged the Senate to approve the loan without debate because, according to him, the issues involved revolve around security matters and insurgency.

Senate President David Mark quickly supported Manager’s position.

Mark said: “Honestly, I will suggest that we go ahead and approve this without raising issues that will have any security implication.

“Makarfi has put it rightly. I am surprised because he has even given more details here than we would like on paper on security issues.”

The consideration of the request di-

My 13 scary hours inside Synagogue rubble, by woman S HE was trapped for 13 hours under the rubble of the collapsed seven-storey guesthouse of the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Ikotun, a Lagos suburb. The Durban, South African woman spoke for the first time to Daily News of how her will to survive - and "warfare prayer" - got her through the nightmare.

"We came face-to-face with death but I had no fear," said Thandi Zwane, the African National Congress (ANC) Woman's League chairwoman for South Beach, eThekwini's Ward 26.

She told the Daily News on Wednesday that she was a few centimetres away from death as a collapsed wall hung over her face.

Zwane blamed the September 12 disaster on the "work of evil".

She defended church founder Prophet T.B. Joshua, whom she described as "the prophet", warning that those who vilified him "will face God's wrath".

"Let God forgive those who speak ill of the prophet. Bible says do not judge.

"He is not God but only an appointee just like previous prophets in the

Bible. So those who judge him will face God's wrath," she told the Daily News from her home in Durban, where she is recovering.

"We are in a period where the Christian faith is being tested. The only way to deal with it is to speak the word of God." Zwane, who described herself as a born-again Christian and an ordained evangelist at Faith Life Ministries International, which is based near Springfield Park, said she would return to the Nigerian church after missing out on a face-to-face meeting with Joshua on her "spiritual journey".

Describing how the tragedy, which killed more than 115 people, unfolded, Zwane said the churchgoers were having a midday meal and she was just about to finish hers when she saw a wall moving towards them in a huge dining hall on the first floor.

Suddenly, the hall was filled with smoke and darkness. Others were screaming hysterically. She found herself trapped under a white chair on which rested a table.

"Miraculously, the wall hung a few centimetres from my face. I talked to God to hold it still. I could not even see my fingers.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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NEWS

o supply 12 helicopters to Nigerian Air Force

•Mark

vided the Senators along party lines as most Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senators attempted wholesale adoption and approval of the recommendations of the Joint Committee on the request, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers insisted on the rule of law in the consideration of the request.

Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Ekiti North) demanded total adherence to the relevant sections of the Constitution and the other laws guiding loan procurement.

Adetunmbi who quoted relevant sections of the Constitution, insisted that it would be in the interest of the Senate to be guided by the extant laws in its consideration of the loan request.

He said: “Mr. President, permit me to refer us to Section 81 (a) and (b) of the constitution. Section 81, sub-section 4 reads: ‘If in respect of any financial year, it is found that the amount ap-

propriated by the Appropriation Act for any purpose is insufficient, or a need has arisen for expenditure for a purpose for which no amount has been appropriated in the act, a supplementary estimate showing the sum required shall be laid before each House of the National Assembly and the head of any such expenditure shall be included in a supplementary appropriation bill.

“Mr. President, Section 83 of the constitution says the National Assembly may by law, make provision for the establishment of a contingency funds of the federation and for authorizing the president if satisfied that an unforeseen and urgent need has arisen requiring expenditure for with no other expenditure exist to make advances from the fund to meet this need.

“Where any advances made in accordance with this provision of this section in supplementary estimate shall be presented and a supplementary appro-

priation bill shall be introduced as soon as possible for purposes of replacing the amount so advanced.

“Mr President, this request to the best of my knowledge, and with the assistance of this constitution, has consequences for the existing Appropriation Act. “We do not question the right of Mr President to ask for money or ask to borrow money but there is a process that needs to be followed and the provision of the constitution for this process is what I just read.

“Mr President, also, section 41 (a) and (b), 42 (1) and (8), section 44 (1), (2) and (3) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act give us clear guidelines of the procedures for borrowing and the management of such borrowing under this kind of circumstances.

“If you permit me, I will read section 41,(a) and (b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, says: Section 9 under debt and indebtedness says the framework for debt management borrowing in financial year shall be based on the following rules: (1), that government at all tiers shall only borrow for capital expenditure and human development provided that such borrowing shall be on concessional terms with low interest rate and with a reasonable long period subject to the approval and the appropriate legislative body where necessary.

“This, government shall ensure that the level of public debt, the proportion of national income is held at a sustainable level and as prescribed by the National Assembly from time to time.

“Section 42, Mr President, reads: ‘The president shall within 90 days from commencement of this act and with advice from the minister of finance subject to the approval of the National Assembly set the borrowing limit to the amount of consolidated debt of the federal and state government pursuant to the provisions of items 7th and 5th of the part 1 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution.

The details are there.

“Mr President, Section 8 of that section clearly says: ‘Wherever the fundamentals of the proposals cited in

these provisions are changed due to economic stability, the president shall submit to the National Assembly a request to review this current borrowing.

“Finally, Section 44, (1),(2) and (3) of that same act says: ‘Any government of the federation or its agencies or corporation desirous of borrowing shall specify the purpose for which the borrowing is intended present a cost analysis detailing the economic and social benefit for the purpose for which the intended borrowing is to be applied.

“Without prejudice to sub-section 1 of this section, each borrowing shall comply with the following conditions: (1), exercise of prior authorization in the appropriation or other acts or law for the purpose for which the borrowing is to be utilised. (b), Such borrowing shall solely be applied towards long-term capital expenditure.

“The borrowing plan of this country is contained in our Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF. We want to know whether this borrowing is within this MTEF framework that we have or whether the MTEF needed to have been amended and a supplementary appropriation for purposes of security be brought to this parliament so that a supplementary appropriation can be so approved for Mr President to undertake his constitutional responsibility as a chief security officer of this country. Mr President, I rest my case.”

Apparently rattled by Adetunmbi’s elaborate submission, the Senate President gave the floor to Makarfi to respond.

Makarfi said: “With due respect, all the issues raised are not relevant to the issue we are considering now. The simple reason is that you asked a question that what is the definition of ‘in kind’ and I said it is not cash inflow or outflow.

“The executive cannot just go outrightly and pay and what is required is compliance with Public Procurement Act in which we are not required to see compliance without Public Procurement Act.

‘

I became emotional when I heard about the loss of lives. But, I do not blame anyone except the work of evil.

"The prophet could not have done anything to prevent the incident. It was God's secret •Ms Zwane

"I shouted to others to stop crying but to pray for their survival.

"While I was praying I called for the stars, thunder and Holy Ghost fire in Jesus's name," she said.

"It was a warfare prayer. I made such a noise that everyone started praying hard."

With all the pain she suffered from

PHOTO: DAILY NEWS

her bruised forehead and left limbs, Zwane tried to stretch her right leg, which felt very numb at that stage. She rested her head on another survivor lying next to her.

She said his name was Patrick and they started plotting their survival strategy while calling out Jesus's name.

Just before midnight, while moving

her hand, she felt a Bible.

She asked anyone with a cellphone to switch it on and she read a book of Psalms, which talks about protection.

Zwane said there were 7 487 promises in the Bible and one of them had promised protection against evil.

She said the book of Psalms stated that mankind could live 70-80 million

‘ years and thereafter it was only through the grace of God. Zwane, who works for the KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in Durban, said she felt disheartened after learning of those who had died during the collapse.

"I became emotional when I heard

“The loan is in kind, there is no cash outflow and repayment will be so appropriated and would be only made subject to the approval of the National Assembly.”

But, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, said violating the constitution would not only be injurious to the health of the Senate but demean the estimation of the Senate in the eyes of Nigerians.

Akume said: “Senator Adetunmbi raised fundamental issues touching on the Constitution. He also read the relevant sections of our Standing Orders.

Mr. President, our constitution supercedes whatever Senator Makarfi is talking about the Procurement Act. However, it is a huge document and Makarfi has not quoted the relevant sections to support what he is saying.”

Mark said mere quoting of sections of the constitution does not make the position being canvassed to be correct.

He said: “The question you asked is whether Adetunmbi is right in what he said or not and the simple answer is no, he is not right. So please, merely quoting the constitution does not make him to be right. Because he is quoting the constitution doesn’t mean he is right.”

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu said the trend of consideration of the loan request could give erroneous impression that a particular political party is supporting the fight against insurgency while another is not.

But, Senator Babafemi Ojudu (Ekiti Central) said Ekweremadu’s contribution was a subtle blackmail of those insisting that the constitution should guide the Senate in its consideration of the loan request.

Mark intervened and asked Ojudu, “who has input improper motive?”

At this point, the chamber erupted in disorder as Mark laboured for several minutes to calm frayed nerves and restore order.

When normalcy was restored, Mark put the question and through a voice vote, he ruled that those in support of the approval of the loan request carried the day. about the loss of lives. But, I do not blame anyone except the work of evil.

"The prophet could not have done anything to prevent the incident. It was God's secret.

"People should just read and understand the Bible. Stop being ignorant because it is all in the scripture book," she said.

Zwane said another survivor had told her that she had arranged her funeral while lying helplessly under the rubble, but after Zwane's powerful prayer she was saved.

"At 2am, I noticed a light shining through the wall. I think it was one of the holes drilled by paramedics. I dragged myself out of it and pointed in the direction of others who had been trapped," said the mother of two.

Zwane said the collapse happened before they could go for their second Bible class in the church, which was open 24 hours for prayers.

While being treated in Broad Hospital in Lagos she received many calls - messages of support from relatives and colleagues.

After two days she asked to be discharged and left to make arrangements to return to South Africa.

When she landed at OR Tambo International Airport on September 17 her cellphone inbox was full of messages of support from comrades, church members, relatives and friends.

Her two children whisked her away to their home where she received further medical treatment for two days before arriving in Durban.

Zwane complained of pain in her left limbs.

She said she lost her luggage and a Bible in the disaster but what mattered the most was that she was still alive.

4

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

Govt gets list of 19 Boko Haram chiefs in 30 girls swap deal Continued from page 1

girls, who may be set free to

test the Federal Government’s commitment to the swap deal before 189 others can be released.

The girls - 15 Christians and 15 Muslims - may breathe the air of freedom after Eid-el-Kabir festival when all the parties return to the negotiation table.

But the government is still insisting on the release of all the 218 girls for what a source described as a “meaningful swap deal”.

It was learnt yesterday that the Federal Government and its negotiation facilitators will return to the talks with only a request: release of all the girls.

Continued on page 56

Attack on judges desecration of temple of justice, says Falana

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•President Goodluck Jonathan responding to a salute on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after attending the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York…yesterday

Fayose: Chaos in courts as thugs beat up judge, others Fayose: I’m not aware judge was beaten up

Continued from page 1

scores, gathered at the main road facing the premises of the court as early as 7 am, singing.

Several detachments of policemen in pick-up vans had also taken positions around the area while an armoured personnel carrier stood sturdy directly facing the entrance of the Tribunal.

At a point, tear gas was fired and people scampered away, but the thugs soon regrouped in defiance.

About three or four splinter groups from the menacing bands kept jogging up and down the main road, singing songs and checking for supposed ‘enemies’ Lakanu supervised the evacuation of the tribunal judges and the lawyers with a promise to lead them out of town.

In an interview, the Police boss said, “actually it was rowdy, I had to leave my office and we have cleared everybody.

The judges are happy and we are going to escort them out of

G

OVENOR –elect Ayodele Fayose yesterday denied that his supporters beat up Justice John Adeyeye. He described the allegation as not only unfounded, but spurious.

He said: “I am not aware that a judge was beaten up. In fact, this is strange to me.

“This is reckless and strange to me. I visited the election petition tribunal as a party to the case and I was the only one that was allowed passage by security men. To the best of my knowledge, the three judges handling the tribunal case sat.

“How can I order the people to beat up a judge that has nothing to do with me? At what point was this judge beaten? Was he a member of the tribunal? Because I went to the tribunal and not the regular court.

“But I want to point out that a situation whereby judges or judicial officers , who should be custodians of the law got compromised with politicians, then anarchy will set in. town.

Referring to Monday’s attack on Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi who is handling a case the eligibility of Fayose, he said, “You can see that the court is very porous, they came in torrents. We tried to save the

“The judge handling the suit against my qualification dropped the case because of tension and because he lacks the confidence to continue.

“It would have been better for him to insist that he would try the case based on its merit. It is sad that most of our judges have compromised.

“If you have been defeated in all the 16 local governments areas and you now want to come through the window, it won’t be like ice cream party to APC. I would not be too cheap like Segun Oni. I am not going to be cheap at all because I am elected by the people.

“I don’t care about whatever they write about me because I have grown a thick skin. The strategy of APC will not work.

Nobody, no matter how highly placed, will remove me cheaply.”

lives of the judge first, nobody was injured; the judge was protected and we even effected arrests.

“The crowd was big, and of course politicians were allowed to go about with their supporters. Initially they were

peaceful, but when we discovered they were getting rowdy, we had to react. I will personally lead the team that will lead the judges and lawyers out of town. We are more than ready, we are in charge.”

AGOS lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has described the attack Justices Segun Ogunyemi and John Adeyeye of the Ekiti State High Court by thugs as desecrating the temple of Justice.

Falana urged acting Inspector-General of Police Suleiman Abbah to ensure that all the assailants are arrested and prosecuted adding that the Ekiti State Police, having been compromised can no longer be trusted to do what is right.

“Any attempt to cover up the brazen contempt of court should be resisted by the Attorney-General of Ekiti State, Mr.

By Adebisi Onanuga

Wale Fapounda, who should take decisive measures to bring the criminals to book. Let no one politicise the criminality of those who are bent on replacing the rule of law with rule of force in Ekiti State”, he advised.

Falana said: “The rule of law knows no fear, it is never cowed down, it can only be silenced. But once it is not silenced by the only arm that can silence it, it must be accepted in full confidence to be able to justify its existence”.

Continued on page 56

How judge was beaten up, by AG

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KITI State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Wale Fapohunda said yesterday how Governor-elect Ayo Fayose’s supporters beat up Justice John Adeyeye.

Fapohunda said: “Justice Adeyeye, who was presiding over a case, accosted Fayose while moving around with his supporters (within the court premises) and advised him to desist from moving around and causing disruption of court proceedings.” According to him, that led

to “the exchange of hot words between the duo, resulting in the manhandling of the judge.”

Fapohunda, who admitted that he did not see the judge and had not spoken to him, after he was assaulted, added: “I was informed that the irate youths attacked the judge on the order of the governor-elect. Though, I have not spoken with the victim judge directly, all the relevant judicial officers confirmed to me the action of the hoodlums.”

CJ orders closure of courts

T

HE Chief Registrar of Ekiti State judiciary Mr. Obafemi Fasanmi yesterday issued a statement on behalf of Chief judge A. S. Daramola on the situation in the state’s judiciary.

The statement said: “Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice A. S. Daramola, has ordered the immediate closure

of all state courts.

“The Chief Judge has noted with increasing concern that spate of attacks perpetrated by political thugs and their persistent presence in the premises of the High Court Ado-Ekiti in the past few days.

“It would be recalled that Continued on page 60

$9.3m seized in South Africa : What the law says, by Rep

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HE House Committee on Public Procurement, headed by Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, yesterday said the transfer of the $9.3 million arms deal contravened three major Acts of the National Assembly.

The Acts are Money Laundering Prohibition Act; Public Procurement Act (PPA) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act. Okoya- Thomas told reporters, said that it was not the the first time the executive had flouted the laws.

“Long before the $9.3m arms deal scandal broke, the House committees on Public Procurement, in conjunction with the Committee on Legislative Compliance, was given a mandate to investigate particulars of breaches of the Public Procurement Act 2007 by the President and make recommendations to the House.

“The joint committee recommended then that the House take appropriate action as is commensurate with the violation of an Act of the National Assembly.

“This new violation is even worse because it has portrayed us as fraudulent characters before the international community.”

Similarly, the Act which seeks to amend Firearms Act F28 LFN 2004, sponsored by Dakuku Pe-

APC warns against cover-up

T

HE dust raised by the botched bid to smuggle $9.3 million cash into South Africa, ostensibly for arms, is yet to settle.

All Progressives Congress (APC) alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led Federal Government was working with some members of the National Assembly to cover up the scandal.

In a statement issued in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the cover-up attempt manifested clearly at the House of Representatives on Tuesday when Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha curiously refused to entertain a debate on a motion seeking a probe of the issue that has further ridiculed Nigeria in the global community.

It said the refusal of the Deputy Speaker becomes even more suspicious amid allegations that some members of the House has each received $50,000 bribe to quash the motion.

The APC however hailed its Representatives for staging a walk-out to protest against the inexplicable decision not to allow the issue to be debated, saying by From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

terside, also provides for stiffer penalties for illicit possession, transfer, manufacturing, dealing in and housing of firearms, small arms and light weapons and for other related matters, recommended a jail term of 25 years for perpetuators of such illicit

their actions, they have aligned with the majority of Nigerians who are eager to get to the bottom of how such a huge amount of money could be smuggled into another country by the Nigerian authorities, despite being fully aware of the limitation on the amount of money that can be taken into any country.

The party said while the Senate had already launched a probe into the issue, Nigerians would have preferred that the probe is done openly.

It, however, expressed the hope that the Senate will do a thorough job to unravel the circumstances surrounding the cash smuggling gate. ‘’It is shocking that those who were elected by the people will fail to act in the interest of the people. But then, we in the APC are not really surprised at this development, going by the antecedents of the Jonathan administration and his party, the PDP. Thank goodness, every day the PDP and the government it has sired at the centre are showing why they should not be voted back into office.”

The party insisted that the Jonathan administration and all concerned must

act.

Section 27(1) states: “Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this Act specified in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this section is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction (2004 No. F28) while Section 17 of the principal Act which prohibits the importation or expor-

come clean on the circumstances surrounding the ferrying of the huge funds to South Africa, including why a government that has spent millions of naira to promote a cashless policy decided to transport 90 blocks of $100,000 each to another country in violation of that country’s laws. ‘’The resort to “procedural error” is not enough to explain this irresponsible and illegal action, neither is it enough to explain why a duly-constituted government will behave like a rogue government or even like insurgents who will be shopping for arms in the open market. ‘’Fortunately for Nigerians, South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has said the issue is still under criminal investigation, meaning all attempts to sweep the scandal under the carpet, as the Jonathan Administration is used to doing, will fail,’’ it said.

APC called on all well-meaning Nigerians as well as Civil Society Organisations to ensure that the circumstances surrounding this scandal are unraveled in the interest of Nigeria and her people.

tation of fire arms, small arms or light weapons or ammunition other than through prescribed ports.

Section 22 of the principal Act which prohibits manufacture, assembly or repair of firearms and ammunition, to a minimum sentence of 25 years” while Section 8 restricts the possession or

control of ammunition in respect of certain firearms, small arms and light weapons.

Section 12 (3)(1) provides that “All houses, cars, vessels and properties used in the keeping, dealing in, transfer, manufacturing of illicit firearms, small and light weapons is compulsorily forfeited by the owners and ac-

•Mohammed

quired by the State.

Section 4(1) also provides that “All owners of houses, cars, vessels and properties used in dealing in firearms has the burden to prove lack of knowledge for harbouring, transferring or housing any fire arms.”

The Fire Arms Act (Amended bill 2013) empowers the Inspector- General of Police to establish and maintain a central firearms database both of the manufacturers of arms, dealers, importers of arms and all persons both as licence of fire arms in the country”.

Continued on page 56

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THE NATION FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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NEWS

•From left: The late Igwe’s daughter, Victory, Gen. Buhari, the widow, Mrs Obioma Igwe, Awoyinfa, Mr. Femi Adesina and Igwe’s son, Chinazam, during the visit... yesterday PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

•Gen. Buhari, signing the condolence register at the late Gen. Adekunle's home... yesterday

Freedom of choice ‘ll change Nigerian system, says Buhari

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ORMER Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has said Nigeria will get it right when citizens are allowed to elect leaders of their choice.

Buhari, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said lack of freedom of choice and openness in governance led to the disintegration of the Soviet Union, stressing that democracy thrives better in a multi-party system.

He said in a multi-party system where elections are credible, the people used their voting power to install a government of their choice, which guaranteed stability in the system.

The APC leader spoke yesterday in Lagos when he visited the family of Mr. Dimgba Igwe, a renowned journalist and vice chairman of The Sun Publishing Company. He was killed by a hit-and -run driver on Septem-

•’Adekunle fought for unity’

By Leke Salaudeen, Assistant Editor and Musa Odoshimokhe

ber 6.

Gen. Buhari described the late Igwe as a patriotic Nigerian, who stood for the truth all the time.

He told the widow: “Your husband left a legacy of patriotism and courage. May God give you the courage to bear the irreparable loss.”

In the condolence register, Gen. Buhari wrote: “Nigeria has lost one of its finest citizens. May God Almighty give the family the patience to bear the loss.”

Mr. Mike Awoyinfa, who described himself as a “twin brother” of the deceased, said in an emotion-laden voice: “It is sad my friend is gone.

For four hours after he was knocked

down, he was taken from one hospital to the other. They refused to admit him because they lacked the facilities that could save him. By the time he was taken to the hospital where he was admitted, he could hardly breathe and by the time he was taken to the theatre, Dimgba had given up.

“On behalf of the family, I welcome you (Gen. Buhari) with mixed emotion and sadness for obvious reasons. I am glad you are here today. The Gen. Buhari we know is a great man, a compassionate and forthright leader. If you believe in a cause, you will fight it to the end.

You are Dimgba’s hero. He was your behind-the-scene campaigner.

He kept telling people to vote for you. He even campaigned for you

Fed Govt to rehabilitate surrendered Boko Haram members

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HE Federal Government has said it will soon begin the process of rehabilitating and reradicalising Boko Haram members, who have surrendered their arms and weapons in the last one week.

Coordinator of the National Information Centre Mr. Mike Omeri, who briefed reporters in Abuja yesterday, said religious leaders, the school system as well as residents of the area where the surrendered insurgents were being detained, would assist in the rehabilitation.

The military said 135 Boko Haram members surrendered their weapons in Biu, Borno State, on Tuesday, while 133 others surrendered elsewhere in the Northeast.

Omeri added that any member of the sect apprehended without surrendering his weapons and arms would be brought to justice.

He said the armed forces on ground

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

in the Northeast and most especially in the troubled zone had discovered a winning strategy and would not rest until peace and security were restored.

Omeri urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support to ensure that terrorism ended.

He said: “Efforts are ongoing to rehabilitate and re-radicalise the Boko Haram members, who have surrendered their arms in the last one week.

Religious leaders, indigenes and the school system will be involved in the rehabilitation.

“The Federal Government has a zero tolerance for terrorism. The armed forces will remain strong, undaunted and motivated in the performance of their duties.

“Nigerians are advised to support the fight, it will not last forever and I

believe it will soon end.”

On the abducted Chibok girl, Omeri said the Federal Government was working towards ensuring the eventual release and rescue of the girls.

“It is a global challenge, which Nigeria will soon overcome. The Federal Government is taking measures to rescue them,” he said.

On the issue of one of the abducted girls, who escaped from the Boko Haram custody, police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu said on September 24 about 5pm, a girl was seen at Mararaba, Mubi in Adamawa State wandering. He said she was picked up and upon interrogation, it was discovered that she was one of the abducted Chibok girls, who escaped.

“She is undergoing medical treatment after which she will re-unite with her family,” Ojukwu added.

NHRC promises investigation of Amnesty’s report

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HE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has assured that it will investigate the allegations of torture contained in the report by Amnesty International, which accused the Police and the Army of using torture as a tool of eliciting information from suspects.

NHRC’s Executive Secretary Prof.

Angwe spoke yesterday in Abuja when the Regional Representative for West Africa, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Andrea Ori, led a delegation on a visit to him in Abuja.

He said in line with the commission’s mandate to ensure the

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

protection of human rights, “it will consider and carry out independent investigation on the Amnesty International’s report.”

Angwe said the commission had not discovered any deliberate act by the military authorities that encouraged extra-judicial killings, adding that the report of the commission would be made public when concluded.

The NHRC boss said his commission was getting the cooperation of stakeholders in carrying out its duties.

He said his agency faced the challenges of protecting the rights of the people in the face of the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents.

Angwe said terrorism had become of great concern in West African countries and urged international communities to assist the country in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents by coming up with strategies that would end the activities of the insurgents.

He enjoined the international communities to assist in identifying individuals and corporate organisations behind the importation of weapons used by the Boko Haram insurgents.

in his church despite that you are a Muslim.”

Gen. Buhari has said the late Brig.-Gen. Benjamin Adekunle fought to keep the country united.

Gen. Buhari, who also visited the home of the late Civil War hero yesterday, said it took the gallantry and courage of Adekunle to achieve a modern Nigeria.

Said he: “His colleagues were the late Gen. Murtala Muhammed and the late Gen. Mohammed Shuwa.

Shuwa was commanding the 1st Division, Murtala 2 nd Division and Adekunle commanded 3rd Marine Commando during and after the civil war. They made great sacrifice to keep the country one.

“We have not faced a much national upheaval as we did during the civil war and I hope it will not repeat itself.”

Buhari said the challenges posed by insecurity were surmountable, adding that the armed forces were up to the task.

His words: “The security challenges we are passing through are not in the military leadership, but political leadership. The late Ahmadu Bello spent more than 40 per cent on education, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo spent more than 55 per cent on education. Now how much is government spending on education?”

Gen. Buhari noted that if the government spent on education, the people would understand better.

He said crimes would reduce if the right things were done.

In his condolence message, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader prayed the Almighty God to grant the family and the country the fortitude to bear the loss.

‘N6.5m fraud’: Govt withdraws charges against ex-minister, others

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HE Federal Government has discontinued the trial of former Works Minister Hassan Lawal, charged alongside nine others with an alleged N6.5billion fraud in the execution of a contract it awarded in 2007 for the building of a bridge on River Benue to link Kogi with Nasarawa State.

The ex-minister has been on the 46-count charge with Adeogba Ademola, Dave Enejoh, Okala Yakubu, Thahal Paul and five companies- Digital Toll Company Ltd, Swede Control Intertek Ltd, Proman Vital Ventures Ltd, Wise Wealth Services Ltd and Abbey Building Society as defendants.

The trial has progressed for over three years, during which the prosecution, led by Lagos-based private lawyer, Wahab Shittu, engaged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), tendered over 300 exhibits, called witnesses and amended the charge three times.

The 10 suspects were accused of mismanaging about N6.5billion

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

contributed by the Federal Government for the project meant to link Guto and Bagana towns.

Yesterday, with the exception of Lawal, the other accused were in court when the case was called.

The prosecution lawyer, who was expected to proceed with the case, stunned all when he announced his intention to withdraw.

He said he had been instructed to discontinue the case and tendered a written directive to that effect. Shittu was silent on the reason behind the state’s decision.

The Federal Government this year discontinued several criminal cases against prominent individuals, particularly politicians. The most recent of such was that against Mohammed, the son of the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed moved his application to withdraw, and the defence lawyers agreed, struck out the charge and discharged the accused.

Senate confirms Nweze

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HE Senate confirmed yesterday the appointment of Justice Chima Centus Nweze as Justice of the Supreme Court.

This followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Umaru Dahiru (Sokoto South), President Goodluck Jonathan had forwarded the name of Justice Nweze to the Senate for con-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

sideration and approval.

Senate President David Mark, congratulating Justice Nweze, noted that the judiciary played a major role in stabilising democracy.

He said the independence of the judiciary was crucial in a democratic government and advised the newly-appointed judge to add value to the judiciary.

THE NATION FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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NEWS Ebola: US names Powell as coordinator From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

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NITED States Secretary of State John Kerry has named Nancy Powell as leader of the Ebola Coordination Unit at the Department of State.

In this role, according to a statement by the US Embassy in Abuja, Powell would lead the State Department’s outreach to international partners, including foreign governments, to ensure a speedy and truly global response to the crisis.

Powell served as the US ambassador to India. Prior to that she was the director-general of the Foreign Service and director of Human Resources.

She previously served as the State Department’s senior coordinator for Avian Influenza, a role for which she was honoured with the Homeland Security Service to America Medal in 2006.

President Barack Obama had declared the Ebola outbreak a national security priority.

He outlined the U.S. government’s strategy in addressing the threat. The four goals of that strategy were: controlling the epidemic at its source in West Africa; mitigating second-order impacts, including blunting the economic, social and political tolls in the region; engaging and coordinating with a broader global audience; and fortifying global health security infrastructure in the region and beyond.

The President stressed the need for more nations to contribute experienced personnel, supplies and funding.

“Powell, working with leaders from across our government, is leading our efforts to build a coalition required to bring this epidemic under control.”

Customers petition Jonathan

Jonathan: 2015 poll ‘ll meet global best practices P RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has assured the international community that next year’s general elections would be conducted in accordance with global best practices, to strengthen democratic institutions.

He spoke at meetings with the United Nations SecretaryGeneral, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon and the British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, before leaving New York late on Wednesday night.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the President reaffirmed his commitment to making elections credible.

In keeping with his

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

administration’s dedication to openness and transparency in the conduct of public affairs, Jonathan said international observers would be allowed to monitor the elections to ensure that they are free, fair and credible, as promised by his administration.

He thanked Ki-Moon and Cameron for their support to Nigeria’s effort to curb terrorism, insurgency and extremism, saying the Federal Government would wel-

come more assistance from Britain, especially in intelligence-sharing, anti-terrorism training and defence logistics.

At a meeting with the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Margaret Chan, President Jonathan expressed Nigeria’s appreciation of the support it received from WHO in the containment of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Affirming that Nigeria was Ebola-free, he urged greater international support to ensure that the virus was also eradicated in affected West Africa countries.

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

The President said: “Nigeria is free of the virus now, but we know that to be permanently free, we must be vigilant and work with WHO and the international community to eradicate it from our sub-region and forestall its re-emergence on our shores through migration.”

He assured her that despite hindrances by insurgents, terrorists and extremists, government was committed to eradicating polio from the country.

Chan and Ki-Moon hailed Jonathan for stopping the spread of Ebola.

FoI: Court to hear suit on Oil minister •Grants permission for application for order of mandamus From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

•Alison-Madueke

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FEDERAL High Court in Abuja is to hear an application compelling the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani AlisonMadueke, to provide information on the multi-million dollars “sale of crude oil, the crude oil swap variant and

certification of subsidy for the importation of kerosene and PMS (petrol)”, engaged in by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) since 2012.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole yesterday held that he was convinced that the application by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, for leave to apply for judicial review by way of a writ of mandamus compelling the minister to provide the information, was in accordance with the spirit of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act. The judge directed

Okechukwu to file and serve on the minister, the required motion on notice.

He fixed October 9 for hearing, noting that the philosophy behind the enactment of the FoI Act and related laws by the Federal Government was to curb corruption and related practices among public officers and in public institutions.

Okechukwu said his recourse to the court was informed by the minister’s refusal to provide him with information “concerning the disclosure of transactions involving the sale of crude oil, the crude oil swap variant and certification of subsidy for the importation of kerosene and

PMS (petrol) from January 2012 to date. “ The applicant, in the motion on notice, asked the court to grant a mandatory order of injunction directing the minister to, within seven days, provide him with the information.

He also asked for a declaration that the minister’s refusal to provide him with the information violated sections 4(a) and 7(1) of the FoI Act and a declaration that by the true interpretation of Section 4(a) of the FoI Act, the minister is, within the meaning of sections 2(7) and 31 of the FoI Act, obligated to provide the information sought by the application in his two applications.

Christ School alumni lecture holds Sunday

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HRIST School Alumni Association, Lagos branch, will hold its fourth bi-monthly assembly for 2014 on Sunday, at 48, Sobo Arobiodu Street, (off Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way), GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

It will start at 2pm.

The General-Secretary, Mrs. Mope Omotosho, said the highlight of the assembly would be the second Distinguished Alumni Public Service Lecture, titled: “The Evolution and Impact of Christ School, Ado Ekiti on Nigeria’s Development - the Role of the Alumni in Sustaining the Legacy”.

It will be delivered by Prof.

Adelola Adeloye, a world-acclaimed emeritus professor of Neuro -Surgery, a medical historian, an elder statesman and a distinguished alumnus of the great school.

Also holding is the unique hosting of elders, aged 70 and above, at a special evening and fellowship with recognition.

The first Distinguished Alumni Lecture was delivered

by Mr. Olusegun Olutoyin Aganga (CON), the Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, a distinguished alumnus, on February 16.

Prof. Adeloye is a revered figure in global and African neurosurgery.

From left: Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Akin Ibidapo-Obe; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rahman Bello and Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, at the 2014 Gani Fawehinmi’s Memorial Colloquium in Lagos ...yesterday

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USTOMERS of Savannah Bank Plc, with deposits in the bank before its liquidation and restoration, have petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan, the National Assembly and the Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on their plight.

The petition, endorsed on behalf of the depositors by Chief John Paul Okoye, Ladi Otumba and Alhaji Idi Mohammed, said life had been difficult for them since their money was trapped in February 2002.

Glo to celebrate customers with Prive

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IGERIA’S national telecommunications carrier, Globacom, is set to celebrate its high value subscribers with the launch of an exclusive club with an array of special privileges.

The exclusive club, christened Glo Prive, according to a statement issued by Globacom in Lagos, was designed to accord premium recognition to high value subscribers on the Glo network.

The exciting benefits will be unveiled at a high profile launch ceremony scheduled for the Grand Ball Room of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on October 1.

Globacom said Nigeria’s independence day was chosen for the launch because it was a public holiday and, as such, offered the ideal setting for guests to relax and soak in the thrilling offers being unveiled.

Although different packages targeted at premium customers already exist in Nigeria’s telecommunications market, Glo Prive is said to be refreshingly different, as its offers from both Glo and its partners, comprising leading service providers in other sectors of the economy, are unmatched by any other such product.

“We are set to redefine the top end segment of our market. Prive is meant to celebrate our high value prepaid and postpaid subscribers and treat them like kings,” Globacom added in the statement.

It said top government functionaries, captains of industry and leading entertainers would light up the event and make it a memorable one.

Glo has since inception been the leader in technology and innovation in Nigeria’s telecoms market. Last week, the company was named the second largest operator in the country with 27 million subscribers by the industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

CJN, NJI chiefs decry unwholesome practices by judiciary workers

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HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Mukhtar and the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Rosaline Bozimo, have asked court officials to desist from engaging in corruption and other unethical conduct.

While the CJN warned that any judicial worker caught indulging in the leakage of judgment, bribery and related acts would face legal consequences, the NJI boss said the judiciary could no longer tolerate unwholesome practices by court workers because of their impact on public perception of the court system.

They spoke at the opening session of a national workshop for secretaries, court registrars, process clerks and bai-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

liffs at the NJI in Abuja. It was organised by the institute.

Represented by Justice Walter Onnoghen of the Supreme Court, the CJN noted that “these corrupt activities of the judicial workers have raised serious issues of credibility and integrity about the persons employed to assist the judicial officers in their duties.

“I therefore warn you not to involve in any misconduct, no matter how minimal. If you indulge in any misconduct and you are caught or suspected to have done so, you will be disgraced out of the judiciary.”

Addressing the over 600 participants at the workshop with the theme: “Revis-

iting the Code of Conduct for Staff of the Judiciary”, designed to acquaint them with the salient provisions of the Code of Conduct for court employees, Justice Bozimo said the training became necessary because there was gradual, but frightening deviation from the acceptable conduct by judicial employees, amounting to judicial misconduct.

She went on: “This dangerous deviation can no longer be tolerated as it has caused serious damage to the image and integrity of the judiciary.

“Surprisingly, it has been observed that judiciary workers are not even aware of the existence of the Code of Conduct.

As a result of this ignorance, there is a gap between the Code of Conduct and

the people it is meant to guide. This workshop is designed to fill that gap.”

Justice Bozimo, a former chief judge of Delta State, said the workshop was meant to teach participants the rudiments of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with the hope that the knowledge they would acquire would assist them in doing their work diligently, expeditiously and dexterously.

“No worker of the judiciary of the participants’ cadre can perform his or her duties without the requisite knowledge of the use and application of the computer, be it laptop, desktop, I-Pad, or tablets,” she said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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NEWS 16 prison inmates regain freedom in Osun From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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L-R: All Progressives Congress (APC) National leader Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Chairman, Tastee Fried Chicken, Mr. Adekunle Adedayo; wife of the Vicar, Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Isemede; the Vicar, Venerable Igein Isemede and Chairman, Admack Nigeria Limited, Prince Yemi Adeyemo, at the memorial service for Tastee’s Executive Director Olubunmi Omotayo Adedayo on Victoria Island, Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Fashola faults national awards to political office holders

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has described the award of national honours to political office holders as inappropriate.

He spoke in Lagos at the Fourth Gani Fawehinmi Colloquium organised by the Gani Fawehinmi Chambers of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.

The theme of the colloquium was “Consolidating Democratic Norms through Credible Electoral Process.”

The governor said the practice undermined the culture of hard work as it presumed recipients had done exceptionally well in the service of the nation, even when they had not completed their terms in office.

His words: “The concept of giving public officers national awards simply offends, because I ask, what will you give to such persons after he has left office and has done well?

By Olatunde Odebiyi

“The whole idea undermines the culture of hard work and it is better we start recognising people the right way and for the right reasons,” he said.

The governor also decried the arbitrary conferment of awards on people by tertiary institutions and other organisations, saying its promote wrong societal values.

He said the conferment of such honours should be strictly for exceptional and deserving individuals and not for pecuniary expectations or other favours.

The Lagos State University (LASU), he added, has been directed to suspend the conferment of awards in order to preserve respectability of such honours.

The governor urged Nigerians to guard the nation’s democracy jealously by shunning acts that could weaken or

truncate it.

He said: “To consolidate our democratic norms, we must all unite ourselves with our values and from there; our democratic journey will be less arduous from the way it currently is.”

Fashola noted that the late Gani Fawehimi was a brand that was built on the best values that the society should aspire for.

“His brand was built on hard work, justice and fairplay, rule of law and equality before the law, anti-corruption, public accountability, freedom of expression and speaking the truth to the power.

“Gani’s values had nothing to do with race, religion or tribe; they had everything to do with common good.”

The chairman on the occasion, first governor of Imo State and former governor of Lagos State, Rear Admiral

Ekiti NURTW chief, Omolafe, murdered

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HIEF Omolafe Aderiye, immediate past chairman of the, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ekiti State, was last night murdered.

Details of his death were sketchy as at press time, but the common rumour was that it (the murder) might not be unconnected with the agitation by a section of members for a change in the union’s leadership, a plan reportedly favoured by the late Aderiye.

The late Aderiye, popularly called Lafeade, who runs a transport company in Ado Ekiti,

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From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

was described as an easy going person and a focussed and compassionate leader whose tenure was popular with transporters.

The late Aderiye was seen in the morning in front of the Ekiti State High Court, Ado-Ekiti, where a tribunal was hearing the case between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose.

A police source confirmed Aderiye’s murder last night.

Ogun allays fear of robbery attacks

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has allayed the fear that suspected robbers had perfected plans to attack banks and other businesses in Ijebuland.

Amosun said the fear of the robbery attacks in IjebuOde and Ago-Iwoye resulted from rumours in circulation, assuring that no robbery operation could be carried out without the perpetrators being caught.

The governor, who gave the assurance in Ijebu-Igbo, home town of the late Afenifere leader, Senator Abraham Adesanya, said the state’s security arrange-

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

ments were tight and wellorganised that violent criminals could not perpetrate their acts without being arrested by the security agencies.

Amosun was Ijebu-Igbo, the headquarters of Ijebu North Local Government Council on assessment tour of the area and spoke in reaction to reports that commercial banks in Ijebuland closed shops over rumoured planned attack by suspected robbers.

But the governor said given the security system on ground, robbery incidents in

the state would definitely be foiled, and if carried out, the people involved would be quickly arrested.

Amosun said: “Ogun State is now a secured state; security is for all of us and we as government, we will do our best.

“Please let all of us be rest assured that there cannot be any armed robbery attack in our communities. Ogun State of today is not the Ogun State of yesterday. Things are now different.”

He said any faulty Amoured Personnel Carriers (APC) in Ijebuland would be fixed for proper functioning.

Ndubuist Kanu (rtd), in his remarks, prayed that the person to take over from Fashola would be as good as or better than him.

He noted that there was need to structure government on the right foundation.

The host, Dean, Faculty of Law, UNILAG, Prof Akin Ibidapo-Obe, thanked Fashola for his contribution to the

development of the school and for his presence at the colloquium.

He described Gani as a man who stood for legal service to the masses.

Gani’s first daughter, Mrs. Basi Fawehinmi-Biobaku, who represented the Fawehinmi’s family thanked the gathering for the gesture to her late father.

IXTEEN inmates of Ilesa and Ile-Ife prisons were set free yesterday by the Osun State Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo. She advised the freed inmates to go and sin no more.

The chief judge was at the prison as part of activities marking the commencement of 2014/2015 legal year.

Some of the inmates, who regained their freedom from the Ilesa Prison were Dauda Karimu, 29; Bamidele Balogun, 42; Seun Alatise, 31; Dayo Oluwafemi, 35; Usman Shaibu, 31; Victor James, 23; Femi Bamidele, 28; Ojo James, 3, and Kabiru Jimoh 34.

Those set free at Ile-Ife Prison were Augustine Friday, 39; Oladipupo Sunday, 26; Hassan Bamigbade, 31; Babatunde Gbela, 40; Adewale Omolade Yinka, 32; Adegoke Elijah, 2, and Muritala Tope, 25.

Some of the inmates had spent more than four years without trial while others were released on the ground of ill-health and old age.

Their offences included armed robbery, murder, stealing, felony and other minor offences.

The chief judge said the freed inmates have been denied trial long enough and therefore could not be kept in the prison custody indefinitely

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

NEWS

Aregbesola replies election petition by Omisore, PDP

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SUN State Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola has filed his reply to the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore and his party challenging his victory as the winner of the August 9 governorship poll.

Aregbesola, in support of the reply, front-loaded 603 witnesses, comprising ordinary voters who volunteered to state what they witnessed in all the local governments being challenged by the petitioners.

In his reply dated September 22, Aregbesola, who was the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the election, raised a preliminary objection to the competence of the petition on six grounds.

He said: “The petitioner has no locus standi to present this petition not having shown in the petition that he was validly a candidate at the election, subject to this petition; “The allegations contained

•Governor to call 603 witnesses From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

in several paragraphs of the petition are vague, general, generic, not specific, speculative, omnibus, imprecise and nebulous; “Several paragraphs of the petition raise a pre-election issue, which the tribunal has no jurisdiction to entertain; “The petition has not been properly constituted in that criminal allegations have been made against persons who have not been joined to this petition;

“The petitioners did not meet all the conditions precedent to the presentation of the petition; and “The grounds on which the petition is based are unknown to law.”

Besides the preliminary issues raised against the competence of the petition, Aregbesola, who is the first respondent, noted that the petitioner did not score up to 25 per cent of the lawful votes cast in each of the 30 local government areas of Osun and did not satisfy the provi-

sions of the Constitution and the Electoral Act. He averred that in polling units and wards being challenged by the petitioners, entries were properly made in Forms EC8A and there were no malpractices and acts of irregularities as alleged and the result of the election was not tilted against the petitioner and in favour of the first and second respondents as alleged.

On allegations that Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES) cadets were

used as ad-hoc workers, the first respondent denied such allegation and further averred that OYES was an interventionist programme of the government, creating a volunteer scheme to reduce unemployment among youths, irrespective of political affiliation.

The first respondent concluded that the petition was academic and or hypothetical and had not disclosed any cause of action to warrant the tribunal to entertain it.

He, therefore, urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition.

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Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu (middle) cutting the tape to inaugurate a five-kilometre road at Oluti Arigidi Street, Ise-Ekiti… yesterday. With her are the governor’s wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi (second right), Speaker of House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin (right) and the Caretaker Chairman of Ise/Orun Local Government, Mr. Deji Ajayi (second left).

2015: NYSC chief urges corps members, workers on neutrality

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HE Director-General of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olawunmi Johnson, has urged workers and members of the scheme to maintain high level of political neutrality before and during the 2015 general elections.

He emphasised the need for the workers to coordinate and guide the corps members to discharge their electoral duties with maximum sense of patriotism and selflessness.

Olawunmi, who was represented by the Director of Corps Welfare and Inspectorate, Mr. Michael Ahile, at the opening of the 2014 Inspectors Development Training Programme for Southwest states at the Ogun State orientation camp in Sagamu, said the scheme was set to train its workers to

From Jeremiah Oke, Abeokuta

ensure safety of the corps members.

According to him, the competence training was among numerous programmes put in place to ensure that workers were well-trained ahead of the general election. “This programme was specially designed to improve the capability and competence of inspectors who are the operators of the scheme at the grassroots” he noted.

He said: “Let me remind you that in 2015, the country would be going to the polls for the general elections. Therefore, your capabilities and sense of duty would once more be put to test in terms of how you are able to coordinate corps members and guide them to ensure that they maintain political neutrality and

discharge their electoral duties with utmost sense of patriotism and selflessness”.

Ogun State has approved N19,430,000 for the 2014 Batch B Corps members.

The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Dr. Lanre Tejuosho, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Moyo Abimbola, stated this.

Abimbola said the NYSC Board inaugurated by Governor Ibikunle Amosun has approved N3 million in support of the 2014 Inspectors Development Training Programme.

She emphasised the readiness of the government to support the scheme in its operations.

Child abuse, domestic violence cases rise in Lagos courts

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HE Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in AdoEkiti, the Ekiti State capital, has fixed October 14 for the beginning of hearing of the petition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on alleged impropriety arising from the conduct of the June 21 election.

This followed the pre-hearing in the matter by the threeman panel chaired by Justice Mohammed Sirajo.

The affected parties, including the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), resolved to consolidate their applications for the hearing.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

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HE 10 family courts in Lagos State received three cases of sexual offences and domestic violence against children daily, the Chief Judge, Justice Funmilayo Atilade, said yesterday.

She said with over 1,000 cases of abuse, rape and molestation filed every year, there was still much to be done in effectively enforcing the child rights’ law.

The chief judge spoke yesterday at the Stakeholders Summit on Child Rights/Domestic Violence laws as part of the new legal year activities.

At the event, the Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire called for a consolidation of laws relating to children into one legislation for easy implementation as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, said socio-economic and cultural factors work against effective enforcement of the laws on women and children.

Justice Atilade decried the

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

I’m still in APC, says Amosun’s aide

Thugs invade Ogun communities VER 100 suspected hoodlums have invaded six villages in Ilogbo-Otta area of Ado-Odo Local Government area in Ogun State.

The villages were Joga, leshi, Mero, Aganna, Olohunda and Ijiri.

Leaders of the affected communities said they woke up three weeks ago to discover that the hoodlums, armed with guns, cutlasses, charms and other weapons had taken over their villages.

According to them, nobody could explain the mission of the men, adding that they were also raping and robbing villagers.

While some of the villagers suspect the thugs were members of Aiye confraternity, who have come to take over their lands, other said they were members of an organisation called Igbalefa, which orchestrated a bloody violence between the Egba and Aworis in 2007.

The Baale of Idi-Aba, Chief Ayuba Balogun, has urged “Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the Inspector-general of Police and the state police command to flush out the invaders.”

Ekiti election tribunal begins hearing Oct 14

•Deputy governor, commissioner, activists seek rights’ enforcement

By Joseph Jibueze and Adebisi Onanuga

rise in incidents of domestic violence, rape and other sexual offences.

“Recent happenings make it obvious that violence and tyranny are shifting to the girl-child. The abduction of the Chibok girls is a case in point. The increase is phenomenal, frightening, offensive and disturbing,” she said.

The chief judge called for a

reassessment of the prosecution of cases involving child abuse and domestic violence.

Mrs. Orelope-Adefulire urged victims of violence to speak up and seek help before it was too late.

Besides, she called for a change in the cultural and religious perception of women and children as weak.

The deputy governor urged the Federal Government to ensure the release of the abducted Chibok school girls.

“The Federal Government has not done much to the best of my knowledge. We want them to be brought back alive now.

“Nigeria has the resources; so everything must be done to bring them back,” the chief judge said.

Ipaye recalled a case where a woman died from domestic violence and the husband was arrested. He was about to be charged with murder, but relatives pleaded with the

ministry to drop the case for the children’s sake.

“The family members were begging that the father of the children should not be sent to jail because there would be no one to provide for them,” Ipaye said.

According to him, when no one is willing to come up and testify, conviction becomes difficult.

“We cannot stop impunity if offenders are not punished,” Ipaye added.

APC chieftain joins senatorial race in Ekiti South

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LL Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Mr. Ayoleke Adu, has joined the senatorial race in the Ekiti South District.

He said he joined the race to prove that effective representation is possible, urging the constituents to vote for change.

Adu, a chartered accountant and banker, also assured that the party would bounce back in next year’s parliamentary elections, despite its defeat in the re-

cent governorship poll.

The politician, who visited the Lagos office of The Nation, said the job of a federal legislator required skill, expertise and professionalism, which are beyond illequipped contenders.

Adu promised to articulate the problems of the district in the Senate and lobby the power-that-be to accord Ekiti its dues in the scheme of things.

He advised APC chieftains to gird their loin, saying that the party would bounce

back.

Adu said: “We did not lose the governorship election. Our governor performed. Ekiti will soon see the difference.”

The senatorial aspirant will formally declare his ambition in Omuo-Ekiti tomorrow.

The event will be witnessed by the APC Deputy Chairman Chief Segun Oni, Chief Jide Awe, Hon. Rotimi Ajidara and other party leaders in the district.

N aspirant for Ogun East Senatorial District, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said he remains a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a staunch supporter of Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Abiodun said he had no plan to leave Amosun or the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He dismised a report by a section of the media that he defected to the PDP as “mischievous misrepresentation.”

The aspirant said the visit to a PDP rally in Ijebu-Igbo last Sunday, which he said was in continuation of his consultation with a wide spectrum of people in Ogun East regarding his 2015 ambition, was “misconstrued and misrepresented” to mean defection.

Oyo PDP aspirant promises growth

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N aspirant for 2015 governorship election on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, has promised to fasttrack the state’s development, if elected.

Makinde, made the promise yesterday during his official declaration for governorship on the platform of the party.

He said: “I will focus on the mix of hydro and micro electricity generation. We shall utilise the opportunities provided by the recent privatisation of the GenCo’s to apply business solutions under a PPP arrangement on the completion of the Ikere Gorge Dam, thereby adding about 700WM of electricity to the national grid.

“I have immense expertise in this area. I will work with the PDP government at the centre to fast-track this project.

“The idea is to provide stable electricity in all the nooks and crannies of Oyo State and by so doing create a stable industrial axis and stem rural urban migration,” he said.

IoD to honour Kolade, others

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HE Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IoD) is set to honour former Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Chief Christopher Kolade and 24 others with the distinguished and honourary fellow awards, the Institute’s Vice Chairman, Yemi Akeju, has said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

9

NEWS

Sambo leads pro-Jonathan rally in Enugu •Ekweremadu absent at Chime’s gathering •Group slams governor for rally comment

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ICE-President Mohammed Sambo led a re-election rally for President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Enugu.

The rally, a brainchild of Governor Sullivan Chime, was under the auspices of the Enugu Movement for the ReElection of Jonathan (EMJ).

But a prominent indigene and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu was absent at the rally.

It was learnt that the senator and the governor have become rivals over who gets a senatorial ticket.

Businesses, schools and the civil service were shut down yesterday to enable the residents attend the rally.

Chime said anyone who was not at the rally could not prove his or her support for Jonathan’s re-election, apparently referring to Ekweremadu.

Sambo said he had confirmed that Enugu State was 100 per cent for Jonathan’s re-election bid.

The vice-president noted

From Chris Oji, Enugu

that there would be no need for the President to campaign in the state.

He hailed Chime for transforming the state.

The governor explained that the rally was organised to support the Jonathan/ Sambo 2015 return to Aso Rock Villa.

He said: “Our people have demonstrated their support and we are repeating what we said in 2011 that Mr. President should count Enugu out of the states for campaigns.

This is because there will be no need for that. As you can see, the whole state has said ‘On Jonathan we stand’.”

Chime recalled that in 2011, no other presidential candidate campaigned in the state, adding that 2015 would not be different.

He said: “Any vote against Jonathan in 2015 must be a vote in error.”

Anambra State Governor Willy Obiano said his state supported Jonathan’s re-election.

He recalled that the All

Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was the first party to endorse President Jonathan before the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did.

Dignitaries at the rally included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Prof.

Rufai Ahmed Alkali; old Anambra State Governor Jim Nwobodo, former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Senator Ayogu Eze; former Information Minister Frank Nweke Jnr.; Minister of Power Prof. Chinedu Nebo and business mogul Chief Arthur Eze. Also yesterday, a group, Enugu Rescue Group (ERG), criticised Chime for describing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members who were not at the Enugu rally as opposing Jonathan’s reelection.

The group was reacting to the statement by the governor who, while addressing the rally organised by the Enugu State Movement for

Re-election of President Jonathan said that “whoever is not here could not be said to be supporting President Jonathan”.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Martin Okenwa, ERG said Chime was notorious for his anti-Jonathan tendencies.

It described the Enugu rally as “a damage control from the backlash of the non-support and participation in the Transformation Ambassadors Nigeria (TAN) Southeast rally in Awka, the Anamabra State”.

The statement reads: “Governor Chime’s comment is an irony because, from the turbulent days of the struggle for the emergence of President Jonathan as the Acting President to the successful efforts spearheaded by TAN to have the PDP adopt Mr. President as its sole candidate, the Enugu State Government and the governor are renowned for their opposition and hide-and-seek games.

“Not only was Chime the

only Southeast PDP governor who refused to collect the TAN registers to mobilise signatures in support of the President, it is also public knowledge that the governor took the State Executive Council and all the local government chairmen to a birthday party in Umuahia (Abia State capital) on the day of the rally attended by all the other PDP Southeast Governors.

“The Enugu rally was, therefore, a belated damage control and futile attempt to key himself into the Jonathan 2015 re-election having seen that Jonathan had carried the day with his adoption by the PDP as its sole presidential candidate.

“We see Chime’s comment as an attack on Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, the same man who moved the important motion and authored the Doctrine of Necessity, both of which snowballed into the Jonathan presidency at a time the governor was hobnobbing with antiJonathan forces.”

Group targets 40,000 youths From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

A GROUP, the National Association of Talented Youth (NATY), is planning to train 40,000 youths in 12 institutions to showcase their talents.

The Oyo State Coordinator of the group, Mr Emmanuel Okedara, spoke yesterday at a youth seminar at Conference Centre, The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

According to him, the group was established in 2001 to gather intelligent young minds to transform the nation.

He said: “We believe in assisting youths to discover their talents and use them for the transformation and progress of this country.”

“We are going to 12 institutions and, at least, 40,000 youths will benefit from the lectures and seminars to discover their talents.

“We shall change their perception that they can use what they have to be successful in life without committing crime or depending on anyone.”

For Nigeria to progress, Okedara said the youths should have a change of attitude towards themselves and issues by following due process.

Okedara urged Nigerian youths to be good ambassadors and work hard to build the nation’s image among the comity of nations.

Guest lecturers at the event were Dr Olufemi Ayowale and Comrade Rotimi Adewuyi.

Celestial Church to pray Oct 1

•GRAND RECEPTION: Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun addressing a crowd in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government area, when he visited the area in continuation of his assessment tour of the 20 local government areas...yesterday.

Anambra PDP members clash over leadership

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HE leadership crisis in the Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened, with the clash of two rival factions yesterday in Awka, the state capital.

The clash reportedly occurred when the 11-man National Integration Committee, led by the party’s former National Chairman, Dr. Amadu Ali, visited the state.

Other members of the committee include former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana; former Rivers State Governor Celestine Omehia and Chief Shaibu Oyedokun.

It was learnt that trouble

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

started when State Chairman Ken Emeakayi addressed the committee and Southeast Vice Chairman Col. Austine Akobundu (rtd.) in tow.

But when factional Chairman Ejike Oguebego stood up to address the members, he was reportedly stopped. This angered his supporters, who allegedly queried the “insult” on their leader.

A melee ensued among members of both sides.

But Ali was said to have intervened, preventing a bloodbath at Emmaus House, venue of the meeting.

PDP’s national leadership inaugurated the committee to reconcile estranged members ahead of next year’s elections.

The committee was also mandated to woo back aggrieved members, especially those who defected to other parties.

The party’s National Assembly members were represented by Charles Odedo and Eucharia Azodo.

It was learnt that Emeakayi was beaten up by members of Oguebego’s faction.

The fracas was said to have occurred when the committee was rounding off its deliberations.

THE Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Miracle Centre at Alagbole, Akute, Ogun State, is organising a peace prayer on October 1.

The church said the prayer is aimed at seeking divine intervention for the nation’s sundry challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast, kidnapping and assassination in the Southeast and Southsouth.

The host Senior Evangelist J. I. Owolabi said the Independence Day celebration should be used for sober reflection rather than for rolling out the drums.

The cleric urged the Federal Government to tackle insecurity in the land the same way it handled the Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak.

He said: “The numerous security challenges facing the country call for prayers and not celebration.”

Airtel, others launch mobile health services

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EADING telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria, has partnered Grameen Foundation and VAS2nets Technologies Limited for two innovative mobile health services - Mobile Midwife and Dial-a-Doctor – to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates in the country.

The company explained that Mobile Midwife was a special mobile service or vital health care and nutrition information and the Dial-ADoctor service provides realtime help to expectant mothers, nursing mothers and

By Lucas Ajanaku

mothers with children under five.

At the launch of the products yesterday in Lagos, Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Commercial Officer Maurice Newa said the company was interested in the health and general well-being of expectant mothers and infants.

He said this was consistent with its corporate vision of becoming the most loved brand among Nigerians.

The company chief said Airtel was committed to touching lives and enriching Nigerians.

The Mobile Midwife ser-

vice was facilitated through a grant provided by the Global System for Mobile Association (GSMA) Connected Women Programme to Grameen Foundation. It got a technical support from VAS2Nets Technologies Limited.

The Director, GSMA Connected Women Programme Claire Sibthorpe said: “The GSMA Connected Women Programme seeks to accelerate the growth of the female digital economy by working with partners to bring significant socio-economic benefits to women consumers and employees...”

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

NEWS Three killed in Cross River car crash From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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HREE people have been killed in a car accident at Awi on the Calabar-Ikom highway in Cross River State.

The victims died on the spot when their vehicle ran into a stationary truck parked by the roadside.

An eyewitness said the vehicle, a white Volkswagen Passat, was speeding downhill and as it tried to avoid a moving truck in front; it swerved off the road into the stationary truck.

The bodies were removed by men of the Emergency Response Centre.

The incident created a gridlock that lasted for several hours.

The bodies have been deposited at a mortuary in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

Commissioner’s mum rescued

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HE mother of the Rivers State Commissioner for Transport, Mrs Gloria Tolofari, who was abducted two months ago, has been rescued by the Army’s Anti-Kidnap Unit.

The spokesman, 2 Brigade, Major Michael Etete, announced this at a briefing yesterday in Port Harcourt.

He said: “Mrs. Gloria Tolofari was rescued from kidnappers’ enclave by Brigade 2 Anti-Kidnap Unit, she

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

was kidnapped two months ago, the headquarters want to use this opportunity to warn criminals to desist from all forms of crime as no stone would be left unturned to stamp out crime.

“We would ensure a peace and secured Rivers State, we are also calling on the public to continue to assist with useful and timely information.”

PDP chairman abducted in Delta From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, Ebielim Maduemezie, has been abducted.

It was gathered that gunmen trailed him to the Police Headquarters, Asaba, where his vehicle was parked and he was whisked away to an unknown place.

According to family sources, the victim’s phones had been switched off. It was gathered that Maduemezie was recently “arrested” by a senatorial aspirant and the matter resolved at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

His Special Assistant, Elue Modunkwu, said his boss was to preside over a meeting of an enlarged executive meeting of the party before he was declared missing.

Police commissioner Alkali Usman said the police were not aware of the incident.

Oshiomhole sacks aide

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has sacked the Executive Director, Public Procurement Agency, Hillary Ekhoye.

In a September 24 letter by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof.

Julius

Ihonvbere, he said the termination was due to poor performance.

Ekhoye was directed to hand over government property in his possession to the Secretary, Edo State Public Procurement Agency.

•The burnt house. INSET: Pastor Kayoda

Fire kills five family members in Warri

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T was sorrow and tears in Otumara area of Warri yesterday, as five members of a family died in a midnight fire, which was believed to have been caused by an electrical fault.

The incident destroyed the mission house as well as part of the main building of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Otumara.

Church leaders and members, who spoke in tears, lamented the loss of their parish pastor, Pastor John Kayoda, whose family was “burnt beyond recognition”.

They said the pastor had gone for a pastors’ conference in Osun State and that the fire occurred at midnight.

A neighbour, Bright December, said all rescue efforts were fruitless because of the iron protectors.

Customs Comptroller ‘kills’ two villagers

Warri

December said the general belief was that the fire must have been caused by an electrical fault in the area.

“Last night at about 11pm, some men in the area were going around, it was like they noticed there was a problem with the light. They were like trying to trace where the fault could have come from.

“In the long run, they came like three times and since they couldn’t get where the fault was coming from, they left.

“At midnight, I heard the woman screaming for help so we came out.

“When I got there, I saw the pastor’s last daughter standing very close to the windows, banging on it. There

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From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

•Orubebe

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ORMER Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Godsday Orubebe has said the East West road awarded by the administra-

tion of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006 was never meant to be completed.

He said the project was awarded for political reasons.

Orubebe spoke yesterday in Asaba, Delta State, at his consultative visit to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State executive council.

He said he wept for one

Rivers APC condemns violence in PDP

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has condemned the violence at a reconciliation meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Its Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, in a statement, said: “Our concern stems from the fact that our party believes that politics in any party anywhere in the 21st Century should be devoid of violence.

“We believe that politics should largely be ruled by contest of and superiority of

ideas; we believe that politics should rely on the deployment of decent arguments and logic rather than the exhibition of brute force.

“We should build rather than destroy our delicate heterogeneous society where the seeming weaknesses of the minorities provide strength for the majority groups; where our differences and diversity have become a source of our unity.

“It is on record that we were the index victims of the injustice and violence of the dramatis personae behind

was no way I could help her.

I tried scooping water to put out the fire but it raged on.

“Later on, I saw the pastor’s wife, struggling with the door, she was shouting for help while trying to open it.

“The three other children were not seen struggling at all. It was like they died of smoke inhalation because we found them right where they were sleeping.

“The windows and the doors were all guarded with protectors, it was difficult to go through, if not we would have broken through to rescue them.”

The church secretary, Emmanuel Ogoigbe, and Mrs Margaret Ichibo said the bodies have been deposited at the Warri Central Hospital.

The church elders put the children’s ages between

eight and 18.

“We have not been able to ascertain the cause of the fire, the people who would have been able to tell us are no more; that’s the wife and the four children–two boys and two girls.

“The pastors had gone for a conference in Ikeji-Arakeji in Osun State, so they quickly alerted our zonal chairman, Pastor Orode.

“They are on their way, they should soon be in Warri.

“This is a tragedy, the kind we have never seen before.

Our pain is that if the wife and the children had survived, we wouldn’t have bothered even if the building was burnt, at least the church would have still been able to raise money to rebuild.”

Obasanjo never meant to complete East-West road, says Orubebe

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

N accident involving the Rivers State Comptroller of Customs, Joseph Effiong, has left two persons dead in Akwa Ibom State.

The accident involved a car driven by Effiong on the narrow Abak-Ikot Abasi Road.

The Comptroller of Customs was alleged to have attempted to overtake another vehicle and in the process rammed into two men on a motorcycle and crushed them to death.

The accident drew the ire of the residents who attempted to lynch the Customs boss.

Effiong was said to have escaped to the private residence of a divisional police officer. The name of the DPO could not be ascertained.

An eyewitness said: “The villagers became so angry to the extent that they went after the Customs boss to lynch him.

“The Customs man had to run to the house of the DPO of Abak to avoid being mobbed.”

Security agents towed the vehicle away to prevent it from being burnt by the mob.

Police spokesman Etim Dickson said: “Yes I am aware of the accident.”

From Bolaji Ogundele,

‘Rivers APC would like to call on politicians of all political parties to act responsibly’ the recent member-on-member violence in the PDP in Rivers State.

“We spoke out loud to the world, but many refused to

listen. Now the chicken has come home to roost!

“Rivers APC would like to call on politicians of all political parties to act responsibly and always remember that the survival, growth and development of our state and the peaceful co-existence of our people, residents and visitors must be the responsibility of all of us.

“We must build Rivers State and not destroy it because we owe a peaceful and progressive Rivers State to ourselves and future generations!”

week after reading the memos and briefs to the Federal Executive Council on the project.

Orubebe said the contract for the road project was awarded in 2006 without designs and engineering drawings, adding that work on the East West road started in 2010 when he assumed office as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

He said the Federal Government approved only N1.2 billion for a project, which was expected to gulp over N340billion.

The ex-minister said: “The Niger Delta Ministry was a ministry of sacrifice. The East West road was awarded in 2006 by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“When I was made minister in 2010. I read the memos and the briefs of the FEC for almost one week I shed tears for the people of Niger Delta.

“That road was awarded for political reasons, it was not meant to be completed.

“The design and engineering drawings were completed in 2011. The road has 42 bridges spanning 70-850 metres with five spanning over 850 metres.”

He said the project had over 1040 culverts, adding that when he resigned 39 of the 42 bridges had been completed; 900 of the 1040 culverts had been completed.

Orubebe said the sand-filling had been completed, adding that over 86 per cent of the tarring of the road had been completed.

He said he sourced for funds from the African Development Bank and SUREP to ensure that the job was completed.

Orubebe said he is not an “accidental politician”, noting that his entry into politics was ordained by God. The ex-minister added that during his tenure as chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, he built a low cost housing estate for civil servants.

The governorship hopeful said as a member of the State Primary Education Board (SPEB) the agency never owed contractors, noting that since a new management took over contractors are owed over N15 billion.

He said if he becomes governor, the agency responsible for primary school education will be sanitised and made functional.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

11

NEWS

Suntai: Medical panel not to witchhunt, says acting governor

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HE panel set up to verify the status of Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai’s health is not to witch hunt or ditch him, Acting Governor Garba Umar said yesterday.

He spoke at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat in Abuja while briefing party leaders on what he described as the “tense situation” in the state.

Suntai has been in and out of hospitals in the last two years, following complications from injuries sustained when a plane he pi-

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

loted crashed on October 25, 2012.

It was learnt that Umar was under pressure from some “powerful vested interests in the state” to hand over to the ailing Suntai, who returned from another medical trip abroad a few days ago.

But the Executive Council directed the House of Assembly to set up a panel to ascertain Suntai’s health status. A court in Jalingo, the state capital, blocked the move.

Umar said: “As you must have noticed, we have once again stepped into a tensed situation occasioned by the second return of Suntai from treatment abroad.

“The insistence by a powerful clique in the state that I hand over to my boss even against professional advice is at the centre of the impasse. This has forced the State Executive Council to request the Assembly to set up a medical panel to verify the state of health of our beloved governor.

“I’ve heard people say the motive behind the panel is to remove the governor.

This is not true. It is merely intended to determine if I can hand over to him or not.

As can be clearly seen, Governor Suntai is improving and we are waiting for doctors to certify him fit to resume his duties.”

The party leaders, led by the Deputy National Chairman, Uche Secondus, tactically avoided making commitments on behalf of the party.

Secondus hailed Umar’s performance, saying he had maintained the peace in Taraba.

He said: “Your effort is quite commendable. We be-

Parents rush to identify Chibok girl From Grace Obike, Abuja

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•Umar

lieve you will continue to do that as a prelude to the primary and the general elections. Power comes from God. We want to hear good news from your state.”

Two killed in Lokoja accident From James Azania, Lokoja

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WO people were killed in an accident in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, on Wednesday.

The accident occurred around 9:30pm in Felele. It was learnt that the tanker’s brake failed.

The driver and the motor boy were burnt beyond recognition.

Two other vehicles, seven shops and a hotel were burnt.

The quick intervention of firemen prevented more damage.

The Sewange Hotel, which houses women of easy virtue, was partially burnt.

At the time of filing this report, Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi was said to be heading for the area.

Kumuyi for Makurdi From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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HE General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, begins a threeday crusade today in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The venue is the camp ground near the International Modern Market.

The Benue State overseer of the church, Pastor Akinsola Israel, said: “Pastor Kumuyi is coming with the Power of God for the liberation of souls, deliverance of the captives, freedom of the bound and healing of the sick.”

150 Nigerians die in camp

•The burnt vehicles...yesterday. INSET: Some of the burnt shops.

PHOTO: JAMES AZANIA

One dead, 1,200 displaced in Kogi attack

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BOUT 1,200 people have been displaced in Ette, Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, following an attack by gunmen suspected to be from neighbouring Enugu State.

One person was killed.

Several were injured and over 35 houses burnt.

Ette Community Development Association (ECDA) spokesman Abdullahi Sani alleged that the attack was sponsored by a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly “in his bid to forcefully cede Ette to Enugu State and realise his second term ambition”.

Sani said: “Hundreds of

•35 houses razed From James Azania, Lokoja

armed thugs were ferried into Ette from Enugu State to eliminate any obstacle to his (the lawmaker’s) political ambition in 2015 and take over Ette.

At least, one life has been lost.

Several people injured and about 1,200 displaced.

“Homes and businesses, including the only hospitality facility in the district, have been burnt. Vandalism, looting, robbery and arson are ongoing as we speak.

“Education, health and social services, including the General Hospital, have been looted and the resumption of

schools has been aborted.

The palace of the Onu-OdaAdogo of Ette, Chief Aaron Ako, was also burnt.”

Sani alleged that the lawmaker was working with the Enugu State government and Southeast governors, “who want to reclaim Ette land and have ensured that the closed Ette Police Station is not reopened”.

He called for the re-opening of the station to stem violence.

The association urged the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and other northern interest groups to assist in ensuring that the Enugu State government respects the Supreme Court judgment

which “mandated both states to return to the status quo until the issue of land was settled by the National Boundary Commission”.

It said: “We urge ACF, the Middle Belt Forum and the Northern Governors’ Forum to collaborate with the Kogi State government to galvanise our regional machinery, resources and citizenry to resist and abort the plot to remove Ette district from the North and make it part of the Southeast, an exercise that will grievously alter the geo-political, historical, cultural map and original territorial boundary of northern Nigeria forever.”

Ex-Senate president urges respect for zoning of Benue seat

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ORMER Senate President and Chairman of the Congress for Equality and Change Chief Ameh Ebute has condemned “attempts” by some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Benue State to scuttle the single-tenure zoning of the House of Representatives seat in Okpokwu, Ado, Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.

Ebute, who is the first Senate president of Idoma origin, said the seat for 2015 was zoned to Ado in 2010 at a caucus meeting of the three local governments in the constitu-

HE parents of some of the abducted Chibok girls rushed to Yola, the Adamawa State capital, yesterday to identify, Susan, who was abandoned by Boko Haram.

They were anxious to find out if she was their daughter or not, since she was said to be unstable and may not be able to identify herself.

The Director of Publicity, Kibaku Area Development Association (which represents Chibok in Abuja), Dr. Manasseh Allen, said the community was eager to identify her.

Allen said: “She is not in a good state, but we have sent some people from the village to Yola. She was taken by security agents to the police hospital in Yola, where she is receiving treatment. There are some parents with daughters bearing Susan but the surname she gave us is different from what we have, so we are sending some people to the police in Yola to verify whether Susan is from Chibok or another community.

“By tomorrow when the parents would have met, we will be able to confirm her identity. She may be one of our girls but mixed up her surname because of her mental state. We sent the father of a particular Susan with them to verify. They left for Yola this morning but it might take them the whole day to get there because of the state of insecurity. Seeing her will depend on the access given to them by security agencies.”

ency at Okpokwu Hall in Okpoga.

He said the people believed zoning and a single tenure arrangement would prevent rancour in the constituency.

Ebute said he was initially opposed to the single term formula but, as a democrat, he succumbed to the people’s will.

He said Minister of Interior Abba Moro and Benue PDP Chairman Agbo Emmanuel “convened a stage -managed meeting” in Okpoga on Sunday and announced that the party elders had changed the single-term

arrangement to enable Ogbadibo Local Government go for a second term and that the decision should not be challenged.

Ebute, who chairs the National Open University (NOU), said such decision was never taken. He challenged Moro and Agbo to name those at the meeting where the so-called decision was taken.

He said when he rose up to speak last Sunday, Moro and Agbo prevented him and he walked out of the hall.

Ebute said: “The Deputy Governor, Chief Steve

Lawani, is my political boy.

The minister was my legislative aide in the Second Republic for two years shortly after his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and I supported him to be Okpokwu chairman. What they did to me was an act of disobedience that will haunt them in future.”

He said he would prove to Moro and Agbo, who he dubbed “political hawks”, that he has not expired politically.

Ebute said: “In the first place, the party chairman, the deputy governor, the minister and even the state chapter

of the party have no power, no jurisdiction to zone the House of Representatives seat to any zone. If it must be done at all, the zoning has to be by the federal secretariat of the PDP.” He described last Sunday’s outing as “undemocratic, a shame and a show of arrogance by people who have abused their offices and feel they could use their ill-gotten wealth to manipulate people”.

Ebute urged the people to stand by the old agreement, adding that Ado would produce the constituency’s representative next year.

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UTHORITIES of Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State yesterday said over 150 displaced Nigerians died at the Fotokol border resettlement camp in Cameroon from diarrhea, malaria and other water borne diseases.

A senior Ngala council official, who did not want to be named, said the camp lacked health care services.

He said the deaths started five days after over 10 000 fleeing Gambouru/Ngala residents were resettled at Fotokol Primary School, while others took refuge under trees and makeshift shacks.

The official said: “After multiple Boko Haram attacks last month in Gambouru/Ngala, many of our people, including women and children fled across the bridge into Cameroon for safety. Most of them trekked to border villages before the Cameroonian authorities gave us Fotokol Primary School and some makeshifts as temporary accommodation. “

‘Why I sacked commissioners’ From Blessing Olaifa, Abuja

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ASARAWA State Governor Umar AlMakura has said eight commissioners and five other political appointees were dropped last week because of their desire to contest elective posts in 2015.

Speaking with The Nation through his media aide, Abdulhamid Kwarra, AlMakura debunked insinuations that they were sacked for insubordination and disloyalty.

He said his administration would continue to deliver good governance.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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PEOPLE THE NATION

A SIX-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Former presidential aide Senator Florence Ita-Giwa has given out her daughter Kokoeka’s hand in marriage to Chimaobi, son of former Chairman of Continental Sales Ltd, the late Chief Shawcross Moore Obioha, in Lagos, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

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ORMER presidential aide Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, aka Mama Bakassi stopped at nothing to give her daughter, Kokoeka, a fairytale wedding.

Lagos and Calabar, the Cross River State capital, hosted the three-legged event. The introduction and wedding were held in Lagos. The traditional rites were performed in Calabar.

The ceremonies were rounded off at the Methodist Church of the Trinity in Tinubu, Lagos, last Saturday when Koko, as the bride is fondly called, and her beau, Chimaobi Obioha, walked down the aisle.

Chimaobi is the son of the late Chief Shawcross Godwin Moore Obioha, former Chairman of Continental Sales Ltd. He has a Masters degree in International Business from The Coventry University, England; Koko, also schooled in the United Kingdom where she has just completed her Masters degree.

The colourful engagement, which reflected the rich Calabar traditon, went without any hitch.

A distinguished Efik and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke chaired the Calabar event. Efik and Igbo traditional performances kept the ceremony lively.

The couple were resplendent in traditional Efik marriage outfits.

Senator Ita-Giwa led her daughter into the church. Koko was in a stunning veiled white wedding gown.

Despite the late start of the ceremony, guests, friends and family members of the couple waited patiently.

Those who rushed to the Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, the reception venue, were not allowed into the hall until the end of the church service.

The reception did not start until some minutes past 8pm.

Guests marvelled at the decorations of the gigantic hall.

Highlife legend Sir Victor Olaiya and hiphop artiste Innocent Idibia (a.k.a Tuface) entertained the large crowd.

The couple cut the cake few minutes past midnight.

They thrilled the gathering with scintillating dance steps amid music by Sir Olaiya and Tuface.

More pictures on page 14

A fairy-tale wedding •Ita-Giwa’s daughter marries •The couple, Chimaobi and Kokoeka

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

SOCIETY A FAIRY-TALE WEDDING •Continued from page 13

Senator Ita-Giwa thanked God and the guests for their support.

She enjoined the couple to believe in God in everything they do.

“They should hold on to their God and have a successful marriage. They should live a good life and trust each other. They should believe in each other and always have the presence of God in their union,” she said.

The groom’s mother, Mrs Evelyn Obioha, who is from Abraka in Delta State, was excited.

“I have always been in support of their relationship. Koko is a good girl and would make a good wife for my son. I am happy we are marrying into her family.

Intertribal marriage fosters unity and I am happy my son is marrying into an Efik family,” she said.

Koko was grateful to God for making the day a success.

She said she was attracted to Chimaobi because he is God fearing.

“I feel that any man that is God fearing comes with a lot of other positive attributes that would complement him. When you are God fearing you are focused. When you are God fearing, you will know that whatever challenges you face, you will come out victorious and successful. We work together as a team. He is my brother and best friend. He is my confidant,” she said.

On how they met, she said: “We met on my birthday. I went out for lunch and he happened to be in the same place and that is how it started.”

Chimaobi described Koko as beautiful, down to earth, understanding, intelligent and hardworking.

“I am excited about today because we looked forward to it for a long time. And God has answered our prayers and we are very happy,” he said.

In attendance were Minister of Culture and Tourism Chief Edem Duke; former Senate President Ken Nnamani; former Ogun State governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba; his Jigawa, Ekiti and Cross River counterparts Senator Saminu Turaki; Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Donald Duke and wife Onari; wife of Ogun State governor Mrs Olufunso Amosun; President, Dangote Group of Companies Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Chairman, HoneyWell Groups Oba Otudeko; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Segun Awolowo; former Commerce and Industry Minister Mrs Nike Akande; Senator Annie Okonkwo; Asoju Oba of Lagos Chief Molade OkoyaThomas; former Aviation Minister Mrs Kema Chikwe; Lagos socialite Hajia Abba Folawiyo; monarchs Dr Etim Okon Edet and Etubong Bassey; Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe; Arthur Nwandu; Ogbuagu Emeka Okwwuosa; Prince Walter Eze; Mrs Bola Shagaya; Chief Sam Iwuagwu; former Chief Of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Mike Oghiadome; Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu; Paramount Ruler of Bakassi Dr Etim Okon Edet; traditional ruler of Abraka, Air Vice Marshal Lucky Ararile Ovie; traditional ruler of Arondizogu in Imo State Eze Cosmas Kanu; Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba; Senator Bassey Out; former governorship aspirant in Delta State Chief Great Ogboru; Hon Daniel Asuquo; Onyeka Onwenu; Encomium Publisher Chief Olakunle Bakare; Managing Director, Duro Soleye Medical Centre Dr Tunde Soleye; Chief Akin Ariyo; Chairman and Chisco Group of Companies Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, among others.

•Senator Ita-Giwa with the couple during the cutting of the cake

•From left: Chief Iwuagwu; Alhaji Dangote; Senator Ita-Giwa and Chief Oghaidomeh

•Amb Mbadiwe (left) and Otunba Adebayo

•Senator Turaki (left) and Mr Duke

•Aremo Osoba

•Sir Molade Okaya-Thomas (left) and Senator Nnamani

•Mrs Onari Duke

•Mrs Chikwe (left) and Onyeka Onwenu

•Mrs Akande and Oba Otudeko

•Mr Awolowo (left) and Chief Duke

•Senator Okonkwo

•Chief Anyaegbu PHOTOS: JOHN EBHOTA

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

SOCIETY A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Adebayo Oshinowo (aka Pepperito), gave out his daughter, Dr Sekeenah Kehinde’s hand in marriage to Dr Abdul Hameed Adeoye at a colourful Aqidun and Walimat Nikkah. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

A union of doctors I

T was a dream come true when former Miss Sekeenah Kehinde Oshinowo, a medical doctor with Lagos State and her counterpart, Dr Abdul Hameed Adeoye were joined in holy wedlock.

The event would pass as one of the biggest and grandest witnessed in Lagos State in recent times. The road to the venue, the K and G Events Centre, along Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, was busy with vehicles making their way to the arena.

Before long, its parking lots were full and guests parked their cars by the road sides. The rows of cars on both sides of the road stretched for kilometres. Street urchins made brisk business directing guests to where to park their cars. Local drummers sang the praises of the guests at the gate as they entered the venue.

It was a gathering of socialites, politicians and business moguls, who came to celebrate with family members and friends of the couple.

Glamour and style were on display.

One after the other, guests made their way into the expansive hall, which was filled.

Many jostled to be let in at the three entrances which were manned by security officials. Only those with invitation cards were let in.

It was a gold and silver affair.

Decorations arched into the top central aisle from the sides of the hall. There was a red carpet too.

Chandeliers also dropped from the ceilings as well as big shinny disco balls of silver and gold. Colourful flowers were placed on the tables numbering about a 100. A table could take 10 guests.

Soon, the couple arrived. First, was the groom in a white Infinity branded Limousine. Minutes later, the bride’s Rolls Royce pulled over behind it. The car was decorated with gold fabric, and there the bride sat until she was called in.

The couple were led into the hall one after the other amid subtle Islamic songs and drum beats.

Adeoye was clad in a blue suede Indian-like attire. The bride was called in afterwards. She too wore a blue Indian dress. Later the couple changed to green coloured native dresses.

The couple sat on separate white chairs on an elevated platform which background was decorated with hand-made paper roses. Those at the far end could see the proceedings clearly.

The Imam of Lagos State College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Mallam Mutohir Adams, said the opening prayer before the President of the Supreme Council for Sharia, Sheik Imam Olajuwon, read from the Holy Quran.

Though there were leagues of imams present, the preaching was delegated to the Chief Imam of the Lagos State House of Assembly, AbdulAkeem AbdulLateef.

Imam AbdulWahab Omisore and parents of the couple were asked to witness the union.

“Be patient Sekeenah; be humble; observe fasting, it has a lot of benefits and most of all, be very chaste.” Imam AbdulLateef said.

After declaring them man and wife, the couple signed their marriage certificate.

After a photograph sessions, the couple changed into a reception dress. Evangelist Ebenezer Obey dished out tunes that kept guests •Continued on page 16

•Governor Fashola (right) and the couple, Dr AbdulHameed and Dr Sekeenah

•Bride’s parents Hon Oshinowo and wife

•Groom’s parents Alhaji AbdulWahab Adeoye-Adebisi and his wife, Kudirat

•From left: Dr Pitan; Hon Ikuforiji and his wife, Mayowa

• Mrs Orelope- Adefulire and her husband, Mr Abiodun

•From right: AbdulLateef; Imam Lukman Sanusi and Alhaji Imam Sherif Idris

•Mr Ambode (left) and Mrs Mosunmola Sofola

PHOTOS: NNEKA NWANERI

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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SOCIETY WEDDING

COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS Speak out that Idea!

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• From left: Former Chairman of The Punch Newspaper Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, his wife Mrs Ogunsola; his daughter, Yetunde Oghomienor; Prof Adebayo Williams and Chief Olusola Dada at the wedding reception of Adenike Damola and Akinkunmi Ogunsola last Saturday

A union of doctors •Continued from page 15

shaking their feet as they wined and dined to exotic drinks and meals. All the while, the lawmaker and the groom’s parents Alhaji AbdulWahab AdebisiAdebayo went about attending to guests.

The bride, a graduate of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, told The Nation how she met her beau a year ago at the General Hospital, Lagos where they began their internship on the same day.

“He was so formal and very professional in his duties...that I liked. Though I noticed that he took particular interest in me when during rounds he would check to know if am fine. Sometimes when I am attending to a patient, he would come around to help me. One day, he walked up to me and asked to see me after work for something important.

“He spoke to me about happiness, joy and peace. He spoke so well that I was taken aback and I loved the fact that he was confident. He knew what he wanted and began a formal relationship. With time, I began appreciating his person.

“He was very sensitive and had the things I had been looking for in a man. I also wanted a God-fearing man and I fell in love with his zeal for being responsible. His love for family is second to none and he is also very romantic and I am content and happy that each time, I thank God that we made it.”

Sekeenah said.

In attendance were: Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji and his wife Mayowa; former Accountant General of Lagos Akiinwunmi Ambode; former Commissioner for Health Dr Leke Pitan; Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire; Commissioner For Transportation Lagos State Hon Kayode Opeifa; Chairman Amuwo Odofin

• From right: Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Vice Chairman Lagos West APC Chief Funsho Ologunde and Mr Bolaji Osinowo,

•From right: Mr Alabi; Chief Tunde Temionu and Mr Felix Fagbouhungbe (SAN)

•From left: Mrs Bose Oshinowo; Mrs Biola Balogun; Mrs Fabrique Balogun and Mrs Shade Balogun PHOTOS: NNEKA NWANERI

Comrade Ayodele Adewale.

Others were: Chief Olusegun Abraham; Human Resources Manager Nigerian Breweries PLc Mr Niyi Alabi;

Chairperson Kosofo local Government Mrs Mosunmola Sofola; Vice Chairman Lagos west APC Chief Funsho Ologunde;

Felix Fagbouhungbe (SAN); Senator Gbenga Ashafa and the treasurer Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Lagos State Branch Fred Oduwole.

OST great thinkers and successful persons in the world, both past and present, have, at one time or the other, associated their successes to good ideas. Several books have been published on this valuable seed called idea and how it can be capitalized upon for great achievements.

We cannot over emphasize AMODU LANRE OLAOLU the fact that good ideas rule (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. the world. When ideas be07034737394 come a passion, they con@lanreamodu sume the proponent so that he or she becomes unstoppable. Victor Hugo said, “An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come.”

Great ideas cannot be restricted; they find their ways around every obstacle. According to Benazir Bhutto, “You can imprison a man, but not an idea. You can exile a man, but not an idea. You can kill a man, but not an idea.” Not only are good ideas characteristically bigger than their proponents, they also mostly outlive them. In this respect, John F. Kennedy said, “A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on. Ideas have endurance without death.”

As valuable as ideas are, however, we will be making a big mistake to think that they are all it takes to succeed. Ideas don’t fulfil themselves, they must be put to use, and the first step of this is expression. What are ideas without expressions?

Have you ever seen an army commander who instructs his troupe with his mind? No matter how skillful or tactful he is, he must issue clear commands, either by speech or by gesture, for the soldiers to act. Can a teacher teach a class without words, gestures, or other technical aids? Unless the subject matter is “silence,” the students would receive nothing.

Likewise, ideas are nothing unless they are expressed.

People cannot get into our minds or read our thoughts; hence, they cannot access our brilliant ideas unless we express them. Lois Wyse said, “The only people in the world who can change things are those who can sell ideas.” In whatever endeavour we are engaged in, our ideas will be no good if we cannot convince the necessary stakeholders of their authenticity. If we don’t know how to present our ideas, they may die in our minds.

Some people spend their entire lives merely brooding over some ideas because they believe the ideas are not good enough to be shared. According to Brian G. Jett, “We think good ideas to death, when we should be acting them to life.” I am of the opinion that we don’t know the value of our ideas until we share them. Have you ever had the experience, probably when you were in school, that your teacher asked a question, to which you knew the answer, but you were afraid to be wrong, so, someone else spoke exactly what you had in mind and was correct? How did you feel? Whether in the same scenario or a similar but more complex one, the effect is usually the same. Though you tried to console yourself that it wasn’t really a big deal, deep down, you felt a sense of loss. That is what happens when we don’t share the valuable ideas we have; we lose them to other thinkers. Some other people believe that no one can be trusted, so they hoard their ideas. While the ideas are safe in their minds, neither they nor any other person benefit from that.

Ideas get bigger when they are shared effectively. George Bernard Shaw said, “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples, then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.”

Having established that ideas are invaluable, and that they are of no use when we keep them to ourselves, the next question is, “How do we share our ideas?” There are several ways to share our ideas; in fact, there are many more ways than we can talk about here. But I can assure you that one of the major and most effective ways is through speaking. Of course, you may write a proposal, but you are most probably going to need to make an oral presentation of it at some points.

Some people write winning proposals but are screened out only because of their inability to come across convincingly in their oral presentations. When a business proposal is particularly brilliant, and the presenter is particularly poor, the assessor naturally concludes that the idea is stolen. Think about this: why is it that we hear some people accuse some popular musicians of stealing their songs, yet it’s not a hit when the supposed owners perform it? Why does a student explain a course to another and the latter passes while the former fails? The answer is simple- some people are good at getting ideas, some are good at expressing them, and some are good in both. “But is this fair?” You may ask. Well, that may be a discussion for another day. In the mean time, know that you can learn to express your ideas effectively and win your audience to your line of thinking. Organize your thoughts, support it with facts, create the context in which it can work, and be passionate as you speak. You are closer to achieving your dreams than you know.

Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

COMMENTARY LETTER

EDITORIAL

Endorsement of mediocrity

Despicable politics •It is monumental that the House of Reps is torn along partisan lines on the $9.3 million gun-running scandal

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HE tragedy of contemporary Nigeria, especially under the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency, with its unfazed one-second, one-scandal image, is that nothing shocks anybody anymore; and Nigeria becomes progressively even more soulless.

That aptly describes the shame of the aborted plenary debate, in the House of Representatives, over the shocking $9.3 million gun-running scandal. South Africa has seized the money, which Nigeria claims belongs to it. But three private individuals - two Nigerians and an Israeliwere caught, fingers in cookie jar, trying to smuggle, into South Africa, this huge but undeclared sum.

Aside from the shame of Nigeria breaching its own policy of a cashless economy, not to mention brazenly undermining international protocols on how to legitimately move money to buy arms, the scandal also involves Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) president, and an ally of President Jonathan.

In a high season of unreason and crass sentimentality, CAN has gone ahead to defend the indefensible of its president’s involvement, instead of distancing CAN from the sordid affair. Clearly, the high shrine of Nigerian Christendom appears quite happy and willing to stake and squander its essence on this crass politicking! Still CAN, even as a religious body, is entitled to run its affairs its own way, even if it must brace itself for the negative fallout of its action — Nigeria, after all, is a secular state.

But this is one luxury the Nigerian parliament does not enjoy — and that is what brings its aborted plenary debate out in

bold relief. The Nigerian parliament ought to be ultra-sensitive to any attack on the national psyche and honour. This gunrunning scandal qualifies for such, if there is any.

Yet, the best the House of Representatives could manage was a disgraceful partisan response. The opposition pushed for a plenary debate.

The government side, led by Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, presiding on the day, stone-walled the plenary, insisting on relegating the discourse to a committee.

It is clear that, in the build-up to 2015, politics trumps everything: no ethics, no common national ethos, no code of conduct — just brazen manoeuvre to corner power!

Yet, pressing questions remain unanswered, as rightly asked by the opposition legislators, who walked out of the aborted session, and promptly addressed a press conference: Which one is faster — wire transfer or ferrying cash? Why was the South African government not alerted if it was a legitimate security transaction?

Why didn’t the adventurers declare the amount on them, knowing every traveller must declare any amount in excess of $2, 500?

Why was the huge government money moved by a private jet, when no less than six presidential jets lay fallow? Why were officials from the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Department of State Security (DSS) operatives not on the trip? Why did the Jonathan government break its own cashless policy? Why was the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa not in the know? Why was the legitimate government of Nigeria involved in the illegitimate attempt to smuggle $9.3 million into another country? And

lastly: is it just happenstance that one of the aircraft involved belongs to a clergy who is Jonathan’s personal friend, and an unrepentant pusher of the president’s cause?

It is a monumental national shame that even these questions could not galvanise a bi-partisan outrage to attack and defeat a clear national morass. But the opposition in the House of Representatives has done well by putting these questions on the national front burner. They, and every right-thinking Nigerian, must continue to push for answers, even as the government bench tries hard to stonewall.

If Nigeria must be saved from a wilful descent into the abyss, this is no time to sit on the fence. Anything short of that is despicable politics. It can only push Nigeria into the unenviable rank of banana republics, where just about anything goes, no matter how absurd.

‘It is a monumental national shame that even these questions could not galvanise a bi-partisan outrage to attack and defeat a clear national morass.

But the opposition in the House of Representatives has done well by putting these questions on the national front burner’

Beyond Shekau Notwithstanding the claims and counter-claims about his death, the most important thing is restoring peace

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N a reflection of the haziness that has reigned since his death was first announced in August last year, the recent news of the killing of a terrorist by that name heightened the confusion. Although the inevitable question whether Abubakar Shekau, the fiery face of the Islamist and terroristic guerilla force Boko Haram, is actually dead was answered in the affirmative by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) spokesman, Major-Gen Chris Olukolade, his official response did not fully settle the issue.

According to his statement, “The troops captured some of the terrorists and their equipment. In the course of those encounters, one Mohammed Bashir, who has been acting or posing on videos as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, the eccentric character known as leader of the group, died.”

‘With Boko Haram yet to respond formally to the development, it remains to be seen what turn the terrorism will take and the consequences. The military must be prepared. Without doubt, the battle is beyond the Shekau brand, and not to recognise this reality would amount to a trivialisation of the confrontation with evil. Indeed, whether Shekau is dead or alive is not as important as restoring peace’

Interestingly, it would seem that things may not be so clear. It is curious that a similar claim by the Cameroonian Army, supported by images, gave the credit to that country’s soldiers who reportedly carried out a cross-border raid inside Nigeria where they killed Shekau in an aerial bombardment of his hideout.

Either way, ignoring the circumstances, the death of the Boko Haram commanderin chief should reassure the troubled public that the country’s military may be winning the terror war after all, despite mounting criticisms of its alleged operational minuses. However, the matter may not be that simple.

It is noteworthy that Olukolade said “the name Shekau has become a brand name for the terrorists’ leader”, adding, “On restoring normalcy after the encounter, inhabitants of the community who were victims of terrorists’ activities corroborated the information on the identity of Bashir Mohammed, alias Abubakar Shekau, alias Abacha Abdulahi, alias Damasack, etc.”

The logical implication of the alleged use of the name for branding purposes is that another so-called “fake Shekau” may emerge from the ashes of the previous ones, with the scary suggestion of continuity. Of course, it would be unreasonably optimistic and a grave error for the military to interpret the claimed death of this particular Shekau as a definitive victory over Boko Haram. The anti-terror campaign just cannot afford complacency, even if it is true that the terrorists have lost their chief.

It is hoped that what should be a setback

for the insurgents would be exploited maximally by the military, which means that the force must seriously address every possible hindrance, especially issues related to the effective equipping of the fighters and their welfare. In this connection, the point should be emphasised that the intervention of Cameroonian troops, to the extent that their involvement possibly affected the believability of the reported killing of the Shekau in question, leaves a great deal to be desired.

The country must emphatically reclaim its capacity to defend its territory, and this certainly cannot be achieved through spin doctors who continue to paint a bright picture of a systematic weakening of the enemies without convincing evidence. It is worth mentioning that news of the killing of the rebel leader was accompanied by a claim that 135 Boko Haram terrorists were either captured or surrendered in Yobe and Adamawa states. Figures of captives or those who have surrendered will have to translate into a clear progressive crushing of the terrorists for any meaningful result.

As things stand, with Boko Haram yet to respond formally to the development, it remains to be seen what turn the terrorism will take and the consequences.

The military must be prepared. Without doubt, the battle is beyond the Shekau brand, and not to recognise this reality would amount to a trivialisation of the confrontation with evil. Indeed, whether Shekau is dead or alive is not as important as restoring peace.

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IR: Against all sound reasoning, permutations and calculations that the leadership of PDP will rise above mediocrity, and impunity in choosing its flag bearer in 2015 presidential elections, the party hierarchs gathered last week to endorse President Goodluck Jonathan as candidate of the party. To make matters worse, the leadership of PDP said there will be no Presidential primaries since the incumbent is their sole candidate and so cannot be challenged. I consider this an act of desperation, a celebration of impunity. It supports Senator George Akume’s assertion that ”the chain of ethical liability is unbroken” in Nigeria.

In 1999 Nigeria generated about 4000mw of electricity. Nearly after 16years we are still under 4000mw.

Now, are we making progress that we need to sustain this continuity? Security of lives and property was 90% efficient in 1999 and today that great progress has been eroded and undermined. We have lost more lives to carelessness in the last 16years than under military from 1985 to 1999. As I write this our nearly 300 Girls are still in captivity. Boko Haram has killed more than 3000 innocent Nigerians. Now, are we making progress in the areas of security to warrant this continuity mess?

Recently, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS announced a job vacancy for 3000 people and nearly six million Nigerians applied. NIS tried to do an open aptitude test in public spaces and the bizarre arrangement backfired. Nearly 30 Nigerians died as result of stampede that greeted the awkward and primitive arrangement. Again in the face this mounting unemployment situation can Nigerians believe this continuity brigandage?

From the Presidency to the National Assembly dominated by the PDP, from the Petroleum Industry to the Aviation Industry, from the Ministry of Works to the Civil Service as a whole, from the Defence to the External Affairs etc, its corruption and impunity all the way.

A quantum of Nigeria’s budgetary allocations every year end into the private pockets. Recently they took a private jet belonging to Pastor Oritsejafor and loaded it with $9.3million for onward delivery to South Africa for an unknown transaction.. Even as I write this there has not been any serious explanation on how we got to this sorry pass that we have to traffic and abuse the United States dollars.

How can we be talking about continuity in the face of abysmal performance in the midst of plenty? Why must PDP continue to talk about continuity when all our infrastructures across the country have broken down with no hope to fix them in sight? How can we still be talking about retaining a non performer in a nation of nearly 160 million people?

How can the leaders of a very important country in Africa continue to travel abroad for mere medical check up when we have the capacity to build at least six world class hospitals in six zones of the country? How can we continue to lose students to quack universities in Ghana when we can build world class universities in Nigeria and invite other Africans to come here to study? How can we continue to take the insult that none of our universities can be rated high in Africa talk less of the world?

I cannot continue to be led to believe that President Jonathan is the best we can throw up. He has tried his best and he has to be voted out for the Nigerians to breathe fresh air.

Through actions and deeds, President Jonathan has divided Nigeria along religious and ethnic lines, he has pitched his Ijaw people against other Nigerians through patronage and lack of political will to call his people to order. He has not shown love to other Nigerians to prove that he is the president of all. President Jonathan has not been able to prosecute one high profile corrupt person since 2009. We have not been lucky in the department of leadership since PDP came to power in 1999. The world mocks us that we assume that somebody is in charge of Nigeria when nobody is really in charge.

I submit that the endorsement of President Jonathan to continue to rule Nigeria beyond 2015 is an endorsement of mediocrity.

• Joe Igbokwe, Lagos

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: The hullabaloo that attended the poor scores recorded in the recently concluded West African School Certificate (WASC) examinations has been so deafening that stakeholders have more or less resorted to the blame game. Parents blame teachers (their eternal whipping boys) and teachers, in turn, blame en bloc, government, students and their parents.

And government silently absorbs the knocks apparently because it knows that it holds the ace, the panacea to the continuous slide in the educational fortunes of this country.

Honestly speaking, is it only government that is to be held responsible for the dismal results posted in this year’s WASC examinations?

Hardly.

The first stakeholders to blame in students’ poor and uninspiring performance at examinations are their teachers who also take the glory when they perform well. The blame for the teacher in the current

FERMA, please rehabilitate Ikole-Omuooke Road

S

IR: I want to call the attention of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to the deplorable state of the federal road linking Ikole Ekiti with Omuooke Ekiti. As it is, the road has become a death trap.

I believe the mandate of FERMA is to ensure that all federal roads are in good condition at all times.

The agency should not pretend it does not know that the IkoleOmuooke road is gradually scraping and wearing away.

I want to use this medium to urge FERMA to rise to the challenge of putting the road in order so as to save the lives of the good citizens of this nation.

• Adewumi Tope Humble Omuooke Ekiti, Ekiti State.

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

Trouble with our educational system academic mess derives from his non-committal approach to the job of teaching. This ugly development came into the system when government interfered in education through forceful takeover of schools immediately after the Civil War. The takeover was one of the greatest tragedies which the military inflicted on this nation.

Educationists, the world over, stress inspection and supervision as very essential components of the system. Employers supervise and inspect to maintain standards in schools. Since it ceased in the system, irresponsible and undisciplined teachers have continued to cheat rather than teach the children

entrusted to their care.

The failure of teachers to apply themselves diligently to their jobs and their undue desire to post good results in public examinations prod them to lead in the corrupt option of exam malpractices. And because many of them at all levels of the education process, university inclusive, are products of examination malpractice, they deploy their energies more faithfully to examination paper leakages than to the job they were employed to do. This, simply, is the reason it might take long to kill exam malpractice in this country, the planned extinction of pencil-to-paper examination by WAEC notwithstanding.

Parents also share in the blame.

Parents who take up arms against teachers for punishing their erring children unwittingly plant seeds of indiscipline in such wards. When the seeds begin maturing into plants, they produce sour fruits. Parents who have scant time to inspect their children’s school work at home thereby failing to complement the teacher’s work contribute in no small measure to the poor results in WAEC examinations.

Many of today’s students are only so, in name. These days one hardly sees pupils and students studying at home. Nobody burns the midnight oil anymore, the practice by which hardworking and serious students were known. Is it not saddening that a student goes through six

years of secondary school and four or five of university education without reading a single novel except those prescribed for his school work? Any wonder that they vomit an admixture of tenses and mess up with prepositions in their everyday English language usage, spoken or written.

The advent of the television, mobile telephone, the computer and allied facilities has claimed their toll on Nigeria’s student population.

Regrettably, today’s students and pupils have made the television their number one curriculum. They ironically desert the television when an educational programme is introduced.

Nigeria’s education system calls for declaration of a state of emergency because the worm that is eating into the system if not stemmed is bound to bring it down. The present situation worries all who passed through the old order because what obtains is a near fairy tale in true education.

• Vincent Ekwurumadu Owerri

Who says youths are leaders of tomorrow?

S

IR: Young people are part of the bouquet of a society.

They are an integral and essential part of a society; they offer that specific aroma of theirs which complements the societal wholeness. Young people cannot survive without a society, and a society in turn is incomplete without their belligerence. That informs the cliché, “Nigerian youths are the leaders of tomorrow”.

I wonder why the term has become so unrealistic and impossible to attain. Today, unemployment has not only ravaged our young minds, the future is particularly bleak.

I hear stentorian activists make speeches about on how women can serve if given 35 percent opportunity. What about the youths?

Being a leader tomorrow re-

quires a vision today, and this vision today must be put to work for full actualization. This used to be the case until tomorrow turned to horror. When the vision of being a leader seems to have completely dwindled yesterday and now today – we are left like sheep without shepherd. It seems everything we had envisaged have fizzled.

In 1985, IBB was the president and our teachers told us that Buhari was the former Head of state. Then, our teacher also called us “the leaders of tomorrow”. Twenty-seven years later, IBB and Buhari are still around the scene. Its either our teacher lied to us about being the leaders of tomorrow, or that tomorrow is yet to come. Who’s fooling who?

In a country like ours, it is dispiriting to think what the future

holds, when as blessed as we are, what has befallen us is regression.

Imagine; in 1983, Bamanga Tukur was Governor of the defunct Gongola State (now Adamawa and Taraba). Thirty years later, he would emerge as chairman of the ruling party, PDP. Dr. Bello Halliru was commissioner in the Old Sokoto State (now Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara) only to become Minister of Defence 33 years after. Major General David Mark (rtd) was military governor of Niger State in 1984 and now he is Senate President more than 28 years after. The same goes for ex-Governor Murtala Nyako, who was governor of Niger State in 1976. Until his impeachment recently, he was Governor of Adamawa State - 36 years after.

What then can we do? Recently some states are passing bills against

peaceful demonstrations – their trick to bamboozle the many for their pound of flesh. These peter pans would employ many ways to make sure the youths peter out, if their egregious activities keep being challenged as mascots.

Only in Nigeria is this possible.

A place where the youth have no hope of the future, where the health sector, labour, judiciary and education are perennially on strike.

The question is – if youths have not prepared themselves sufficiently today, how can anyone say that the future will be bright?

Let all hands be on deck, if we must escape these shackles and wade into the future as leaders.

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•Onwa Franklin Chukwuemeka, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 16

21

COMMENTS

A President to die for Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

L

ET me tell you of your precious heritage. It seems to be mine too even though I refuse to subscribe to such wretched norm.

Yet no matter how much I try to deny its tragic course, the ties that bind arrests my heart, as it does, yours.

And so do we live with whatever grotesqueness survives. Hence this year as all others, our dearest hopes have been wasted and crushed.

Every hour manifests as twilight and Nigeria for all her seductiveness and charm, is tainted by the hopelessness we swore to end.

Our best image is still desolate and austere, because we remain unfaithful to a land whose promising years again, slither from our grasp.

A new dawn beckons but we have chosen to betray its silvery spokes of promise and luck. Thus today, the sun rises to set at mid-morning and practiced joy scorches and breaks under the spokes of premature daylight.

Perhaps you disagree, but we are still that clueless bunch, grumbling and cursing in our ratty sheepskins, cringing from familiar hardships we have learnt to bear while we sleep with the demons from whose

designs our tragedies emerge.

Again we are set to elect familiar ogres we do not know to power.

Some of them we know we ought to shy from but we would still go ahead to vote for them, won’t we?

Granted the reins of hope come 2015, shall we choose misery and tragedy undiminished? Shall we choose ruin over rebirth; distrust over trust; shallowness over depth and puerile platitudes over the precision of promising logic?

Shall apathy and greed compute desire’s trajectory? Will worded daydreams mature beyond impotent fantasies and delusions of grandeur? Come 2015, we shall know if truly, we had endeavoured to install the leadership for which our hearts beat. We shall remember today with despair or joy, and wonder if truly we endeavoured to explore the souls of Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari and so on that we may ascertain the one whose heart truly thrums the percussion to die for.

We shall remember our candidates’ claims and persuasions to power and how base sentiments or elevated logic convinced us of their suitability for the posts to which

‘Our ideal President should be ruthless and compassionate, visionary and pragmatic, cunning and honest, patient and bold, combining the eloquence of a poet with the timing of a jungle cat. He should transcend the borders of our racial divides so effortlessly that it seems reasonable to expect that he can bridge all the other divisions – and answer all the impossible questions – plaguing Nigerian public life’

G

OD, in his infinite wisdom, created me Igbo. If it is possible to reincarnate, I will return to this world an Igbo. I don’t know any section of Nigeria that could withstand the rest of the Nigerian federation for a whole 30 months as Eastern Nigeria did between 1967 and 1970. Despite the severe economic and air blockade, Biafra was a bold statement about the blackman’s scientific and technological capabilities, as the preeminent American scholar of sociology, Stanley Diamond, reported to the world in 1968. Frankly, I don’t know of any part of Nigeria that would come out of the catastrophe with practically no money, and yet within only three years there were scarcely physical traces of the war. Perhaps only the Igbo could challenge the Yoruba in educational development and within a mere 20 years (from 1945 to 1965) “wipe out their educational handicap in one fantastic burst of energy”, as Chinua Achebe puts it in The Trouble With Nigeria.

In any endeavour where merit is the sole criterion for determining recognition like sports, music and education, the Igbo would always excel. The Igbo are often referred to as the African version of the Jewish people whom Ali Mazrui, the most published African scholar, calls in his most ambitious book, Cultural Forces in World Politics, a race whose prodigious achievements in science, philosophy, finance and international politics are far in excess of their population. In her charming book, World On Fire, Amy Chua, an economist and distinguished professor at Yale Law School, calls the Igbo “an economic dominant” group in West Africa. The Bamileke people of Cameroon are called Igbo on account of their industry and entrepreneurship.

However, the Igbo, once guided by such far-sighted men as the Great Zik of Africa, Michael Okpara, Akanu Ibiam, Ukpabi Asika, Pius Okigbo and others, are now in dire need of strategic direction. Already, it would seem we are not being taken seriously. On Thursday, January 30, Governor Seriake Dickson led a large delegation of Bayelsa leaders to thank Vice President Namadi Sambo for “supporting our son, President Goodluck Jonathan”. Sambo’s contribution to Jonathan’s presidency is a matter of speculation.

Why does Governor Dickson find it important to constantly thank Vice President Sambo for his support but has not uttered a word of gratitude to Ndigbo who have given Jonathan unprecedented support, far more than he has received from his own Niger Delta region? Has Edwin Clark, the leader of the Ijaw, ever publicly acknowledged Igbo support for Jonathan?

Erstwhile Anambra State governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who for years was in the vanguard of the campaign that “it is either an Igbo president in 2015 or Nigeria will cease to exist” now threatens war if Jonathan is not returned to office next year. He probably borrowed the war threat from the

they aspire. Whose politics promises change we can believe in? We should get to know in a few months if Mr President does not chicken out like he did last time, from the national presidential debates and shadow debates – platforms by which we could assess his excuses for manifesting on our psyche and realities as Nigeria’s worst excuse for a President ever.

Will Jonathan chicken out? Will he demand that advance copies of questions be made available to candidates that studio audience be prevented from posing questions to candidates, like he did during the last elections?

The raising and dashing of expectations is at the heart of almost every great political drama as it is in every ill-fated political dispensation. In our case, the manifestations are quite ridiculous. Hence the urgent need for the conveners’ of future debates to aspire to the highest standards of organisation and conduct.

How, for instance, shall the studio audience be selected? With what assortment of citizenry shall it be comprised? Will it for instance, include able representatives of the proverbial average man on the street?

What of the unemployed…the teacher, student, police, aged, journalist, handicapped and market women of the sidewalk? Will they be excluded again because some self-styled opinion leader believes it would be too demeaning and counter-productive to include them?

Forget the organisers; the success of the process would eventually depend on you and me. Let us hope we are accorded fair and able representation. And if that be the case, let us begin to hope that representatives we choose aspire to the highest standards of conduct and representation, for our sake.

And having chosen our repre-

sentatives, let us endeavour to ponder the questions that we ought to ask. Let us attempt to ask the questions that truly matter and demand such answers that will indeed, drill them, analyse them and beam as much of their adroitness as their incapacities to the world.

This is the moment we have been waiting for; the moment in which, practiced as our candidates may be, we should reveal the men apart from the boys, the wise from the foolish, the realist from the idealist and most importantly, the candidate who is tone-deaf and incapable of identifying with our fears and heartfelt yearnings.

This is the moment we pay good mind to the issues that matter, the moment we make each candidate defend his antecedents in governance and private enterprise. Let us make each candidate defend his daintily clad manifesto as we judge how confidently and pragmatically he proffers solutions to the problems that persist and smother. We could demand – albeit uncompromisingly – that every candidate explains for instance, what impacts his Niger Delta palliative and intervention in the sad fate of LafargeWAPCO’s host communities would have on peasant poetry in the areas.

We should ask the questions that test and confound that we may get to ascertain the indignation of our self-acclaimed patriots at the squalor of our living condition even as we question their promises of modern and affordable housing, true federalism, fiscal prudence, quality health, education and so on.

We could ask how they would pay for these things and at what cost to you and me.

We should make each candidate define his philosophy of social reform and his psychology of welfare governance to the benefit of the grassroots. And let us be wary

lest we pass over the bestcredentialed candidate just because our sentiments and gut counsels us to do so. Such wantonness will reflect unabashed lack of visceral understanding that the assessment of a presidential candidate involves as much test of you and me – as it does, every candidate aspiring for our votes.

Let us seek that ineffable quality the writer, Katherine Anne Porter, had in mind when she defined experience as "the truth that finally overtakes you." Let us be guided by our past and present encounters with every candidate till date.

Our ideal President should be ruthless and compassionate, visionary and pragmatic, cunning and honest, patient and bold, combining the eloquence of a poet with the timing of a jungle cat. He should transcend the borders of our racial divides so effortlessly that it seems reasonable to expect that he can bridge all the other divisions – and answer all the impossible questions – plaguing Nigerian public life. He should encourage every valid expectation as he does our most fantastic yearnings – promising greatness at least, not entirely in the abstract.

He should understand that statesmanship and valour need to be planned not blurted and that there are all sorts of questions and consequences to ponder before he takes the next politically expedient step every time. He should be able to scorn or at least tone down to a minimum, the arrogance implicit in leadership and corruption characteristic of power.

He should understand the simplicity implicit in strength and the ruthlessness unspoken in humbleness. He should be able to overturn all the standard political assumptions simply by being himself. And we should get to love him for it and want more of him.

Ndigbo and Jonathan

By C. Don Adinuba lips of Asari Dokubo of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force. How did Ezeife, a former lecturer at Makerere University in Uganda and retired federal permanent secretary who holds a Harvard doctorate in economics, find himself in the same company as Mujaheed Dokubo? Indeed, there is a Jonathan frenzy throughout Igboland. But it is not founded on any discernible rationality. A very influential Igbo professor who is one of the architects of Igbo support for Jonathan is often the first person to admit in private that Jonathan’s development presence in the South-east is embarrassingly poor, saying it is worth about the sixth of federal government’s projects in the North-central geopolitical zone.

The Enugu-Onitsha highway is not passable. The Okigwe— Aba Road is a death trap. The Umuahia—Ikot Ekpene Road is probably the worst road in the world, after the road leading to Arochukwu. All federal roads in the South-east, with the exception of about three or four, are in a messy state. The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company has been handed over to Emeka Offor’s Interstate Electrics which the Bureau of Public Enterprises and the National Council on Privatisation in a joint report declared financially and technically incapable of doing electricity distribution business. Ironically, the consortium promoted by the five South-east state governments and the finest entrepreneurs from the zone and recommended by the BPE/NCP for the Enugu Disco was in a bizarre act overruled by the Jonathan administration. Electricity distribution is a natural monopoly, so it means all parts of Nigeria can develop in the foreseeable future but not the South-east. No place can grow without adequate electricity.

True, a number of Igbo people have under Jonathan been appointed to “juicy positions”. There are more Igbo private jet owners now than ever. But in a world where the buzz expression now is inclusive development, as opposed to a policy which excludes the majority of the people from the economic process, the new concept of Igbo empowerment is anti-thetical to development. Igbo leaders are not asking Jonathan to help create a system which could accelerate development of Igboland which unfortunately is increasingly becoming an economic desert. Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics show the South-east and severely security-challenged North-east to be the least developing geopolitical zones in both relative and absolute terms. No one is asking the president to build natural gas pipelines to the South-east, as there are in the South-west, so that heavy industries could be established in the area. No one is asking

that a seaport be built in, say, Onitsha, for economic and strategic reasons.

In his absorbing book, My Vision: Challenges in the Race for Excellence, Dubai Ruler Mohammed Maktoum explains that the establishment of the world’s largest man-made port and other seaports in this desert emirate has been at the heart of Dubai’s phenomenal development. Igbo leaders are not even asking Jonathan to do something as simple as directing ministries, departments and agencies to patronize Innoson vehicles, so that this ingenious Innoson Motors firm would not go the way of Anammco in Enugu which collapsed on account of poor patronage by even government agencies across the nation. Igbo leaders are not asking Jonathan to help revive the Nigerian Cement company at Nkalagu in Ebonyi State.

What we rather hear from these leaders is that Jonathan is a great leader because he has promised to build a second bridge on the River Niger so that traffic would flow easily from Asaba to Onitsha during Christmas and Easter when Igbo people return home en masse. Is this what is called strategic thinking in the 21st century? The Jonathan presidency is modernizing the Lagos—Kano rail which is bound to have a significant impact on the economies of these two states and their neighbours. Neither Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola nor Kano State governor Kwankwanso has ever kowtowed to the president for this strategic and capital intensive initiative. But the moment the president promised he would start the second Niger bridge, Peter Obi, in his capacity as chairman of the Conference of South-east Governors, mobilised large delegations of Igbo leaders in a well-choreographed show of endless public adulation and obeisance to Jonathan.

Frankly, it is unrealistic to expect any major ethnic group which has chosen this inelegant role for itself to be taken seriously. Any wonder the president had no difficulty throwing out Festus Odimegwu, a particularly brilliant and gifted technocrat, out of office once Governor Kwankwaso balked at Odimegwu’s pledge that he would be the first chairman of the National Population Commission to conduct a credible national census?

To be sure, Igbo leaders are at liberty to support any person. But such an endorsement should be on certain conditions which must hinge on long term interests of Ndigbo.

The current hysteria over Jonathan without negotiating any deal for the development of our homeland belittles all of us.

It is does not portray a people prepared, in Achebe’s words, to join the rest of the world step into the 21st century with restored hope and dignity.

• Adinuba is head of Discovery Public Affairs Consulting.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

22

COMMENTS ‘The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard’ ————Gaylord Nelson HOMAS Hobbes (1588-1679) was that quintessential English philosopher who is best known for his political thought on the problem of social and political order.

He wrote about how human beings could live together in peace so as to avoid civil conflict through his advocacy of obedience to an unaccountable sovereign that could be a person or group empowered to decide every social and political issue; failure to do this according to him, could lead to what he called a “state of nature” that is anarchical. The consequence of this, in his view, is that the life of the people under that state of nature becomes ‘brutish, nasty and poor.’

But looking at the past and current situations in the country, it is doubtful if Hobbes contemplated human beings, especially the developing countries’ politicians, as purely particularly egoistic. This riddle has been the speck on the theory of this founding father of modern philosophy because it gives no reverence to the need for good ethics, morality and conscience as parameters for leadership obedience by the governed.

The afore-stated adumbrated intellectual scrutiny of Hobbes’ works is informed by last week’s blanket approval of President Goodluck Jonathan by all the directing minds of ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the party’s sole presidential candidate for the 2015 general elections. The PDP governors led by its forum’s chairman, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, its Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman, Tony Anenih, Adamu Muazu, PDP national chairman, Olisa Metuh, its national publicity secretary; Senate President David Mark and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) that serves as its highest decision-making appendage recently adopted Mr. Jonathan as the party’s consensus candidate in next February presidential election. That game, obviously an exercise in impunity, made mockery of the wellespoused principle of internal democracy of political parties. And quite presumably, the hearts of most discerning Nigerians have since not ceased bleeding!

The way and manner that otherwise men of honour “regurgitated” superlatives about the president and his leadership style at the event compelled yours sincerely to wonder if they were talking about the same man whose tenure has put the nation in the worst turmoil than any past leadership of the country. One

T

A

N opinion article titled ‘Aregbesola, education and election promises’ written by Tade Adekunle from Osogbo on September 24, makes an interesting reading but still leaves a sour taste in the mouth. The author does not sound familiar, but it matters little.

His main concern is on his perceived state of education in Osun which he used the last result of the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination to buttress. According to him, Osun pupils’ performance which was 22nd out of the 36 states that sat for the examination was worrisome and an indication that the state’s educational policies are not working. He then stacked his cards with the issues of merger of schools and standardised school uniform.

The author tries hard to be civil but the piece is riddled with cynicism and thinly disguised mockery of the state’s education summit chaired by the revered Prof Wole Soyinka, that had recommended comprehensive review of the education policies of the state, early in the life of the administration.

Adekunle sounded like the voice of one of those who stoutly resisted the education reforms in the state from the standpoint of opposition politicians, religious former school owners, disgruntled teachers or an

‘The mergers were brought about by the policy of classifying schools into elementary, middle and senior categories. The mergers are therefore necessary to streamline these schools into the various classes for operational and administrative purposes’

08110000117

2015: Where’re politicians of conscience?

• Anenih

• Obasanjo

wonders if these adults truly mean that Jonathan should continue after 2015. The mind went on peripatetic adventure and accompanied by surging questions: Could it mean that they, who are mostly serving top officers of state and from the ruling party, are indifferent to the plight of suffering Nigerians and debilitating state institutions? Are they unaware that five months after, the over 200 Chibok abducted girls are still in the bondage of the Boko Haram insurgents? What about the corruption of subsidy surrounding the management of crude oil proceeds by this administration? Are these supposed party chieftains saying that the odious exportation of $9.3million government money in privately owned aircraft where the president’s close pastor friend has residual interest is in order?

Again: Could they be saying that one of the reasons for reposing confidence in the president is because South Africa seized Nigeria’s hard-earned illegally transported funds to her territory? Or could it be because of the abys-

mal human rights record of his administration as depicted by Amnesty International through the illegal torture of Nigerians by the police/military institutions? Does President Jonathan deserve a re-election for spending over a trillion on a Boko Haram war that is far from being won due to the nation’s military that is witnessing its greatest low and de-motivation under his administration? Could the president be deserving of another term for hobnobbing with alleged sponsors of Boko Haram? Could this wobbling handling of the Boko Haram criminal nuisance be the reason why the Senate hastily approved $1billion loan for the president to fight the insurgents while people are generally aware that the loan will eventually be deployed by the commander-in-chief to prosecute his 2015 re-election ambition? They could not even be bothered that the president has not accounted for the trillion already spent on the battle against the Boko Haram rebels.

Based on the fore-enumerated necessary questions and several others not asked owing to space constraint, this column wonders if morality has any impact on a politician’s decision to run or pursue a re-run for office; or whether such is pertinent before endorsing anybody seeking to contest an election. The impunity against morality and character that is going on in especially the ruling PDP has underscored the fact that conscience as the inner voice that warns us in our overt conducts that somebody may be looking is lacking in the ruling party—and perhaps in other parties too. The directing minds of most parties, especially as depicted by the nauseating endorsement of Jonathan have shown, quite vividly

On Aregbesola’s education policies

By Sola Fasure old student revelling in past glory, even when the alma mater had fallen into disgrace and disrepute. They forged a coalition of the disgruntled with the opposition in the August 9 election and were thoroughly trounced and disgraced. He might just have resumed where they left, considering his conclusion that the policies should be reversed.

It should be pointed out, however, that the immediate result of an examinationis not and cannot be the right yardstick to measure an education policy. Those who wrote the last examination in question must have been in the school system at least for 11 years (assuming they spent five years in primary school and six at the secondary level) in the school system. The result you have today is a cumulation of all the inputs and efforts within that period.

We all know that it is not the day you plant a crop that you harvest it. What is being harvested today could not have been planted yesterday. The result of today is the reflection of the neglect and putrefaction that had crept in. That is not Aregbesola’s making and it will be illogical to blame him for this.

And it could have been worse, since the problem is longstanding. Governor Aregbesola noticed this and cried out when he was inaugurated upon observing that less than five percent of those who took the WAEC and NECO of 2010 passed. This actually informed his convoking the education summit early 2011.

The state government is doing everything needed to turn education around. This includes hiring over 10,000 teachers, training and retraining them, kitting them and giving them all necessary motivation. It also involves building new state of the art schools,

rehabilitation and equipping existing ones and providing 150,000 computer tablets to senior pupils and their teachers (out of which 50,000 has been delivered and distributed).

Do not forget that elementary pupils now enjoy free feeding and medication in all public schools, to which the government commits N3.6 billion every year.

For school furniture alone, the government, as at last year, had committed N2.5 billion. Grants to schools was jacked up to N856 million from the N122 million inherited from previous administration. Before Aregbesola’s coming, no school had instruction materials, but his administration has committed N506 million to providing these.

These are verifiable facts.

Beyond those still sulking because the reforms had cut off their extortion channels in the schools, even the teachers and other stakeholders are full of praises to the governor, claiming that they feel proud to be teachers for the first time.

The central basis of opposition to the reforms is the inability of some stakeholders to reconcile to the facts that the state government owns all the schools in question.

They are still living in denial since the takeover in 1975 or thereabout. The tragedy is that eight out of 10 agitators, when asked, still think that the schools belong to the old missions and the reforms are superfluous government interference.

The government had explained countless times that the mergers were brought about by the policy of classifying schools into elementary, middle and senior categories. The mergers are therefore necessary to streamline these schools into the various classes for operational and administrative purposes. These policies do not affect private schools.

to groaning Nigerians that character, which means the doing of things that one would not want to do but is conscientiously and morally right to do, is lacking in the country’s embattled polity.

This column winked at the phoney and incongruous epithets used to describe Mr Jonathan as if he is inimitable, just to save their daily bread. These are historically insincere politicians, pretenders, interlopers, charlatans and irredeemable impostors that ended believing themselves by fooling the undiscerning public. They did same to Ibrahim Babangida, the despot who was ignominiously forced to step aside. They cajoled late tyrant Sani Abacha; and few of them despite their old age called former president Olusegun Obasanjo ‘baba’ just to ensure that he got to their well orchestrated disgraceful end in the saddle. One will perhaps be unduly alarming to state that Obasanjo ended abysmally with the ultimate collapse of his Third Term agenda through which billions of state funds were reportedly disbursed as alleged gratification to politicians perceived to be strategically positioned to help in fructifying that satanic ambition.

What Jonathan might not easily remember also is that these same choristers helped Obasanjo to change the party’s constitution to allow former president unfettered access as the leader of the party and to have a say in who becomes future president. But quite ironically, it is instructive that the same Obasanjo, though alive, was not at the venue where the current ‘who-is-who’ (his former allies in misgovernance) in PDP converged to endorse Jonathan. What a lesson to the incumbent! Is it proper to describe these PDP politicians and others like them in the other political parties as politicians with conscience? The answer is absolute NO! For not upholding sincerity of purpose, truthful justice and realistic reliability in this odious blanket endorsement of an inept “ruler” in Jonathan, it is almost certain that the words of the presently suffering Nigerians and the future generations will not be kind on these political jesters in PDP.

‘For not upholding sincerity of purpose, truthful justice and realistic reliability in this odious blanket endorsement of an inept “ruler” in Jonathan, it is almost certain that the words of the presently suffering Nigerians and the future generations will not be kind on these political jesters’ What the governor promised, due to much agitation, was that some of the schools would be returned to their original owners. This is after some of the mega schools being built are completed and the pupils moved into them. At no time did he promise that the policy would be reversed. It is high time all the agitated were reconciled to this. Those hoping for a reversal are only engaged in wishful thinking.

The governor, being a student of history, does not wish to erase the memory of any school. However, mergers and closures are part of the history of education. Even in the affluent world, when the caretakers can no longer maintain a school or it is no longer relevant to the need of that society or community, it will be merged with others or shut down. Plato’s Academy no longer exists, but it is etched permanently in the books, in the philosophy and the memory of those who have acquired western education. Where a school is closed, a monument will be left as its physical legacy.

What is more important, however, is its intellectual legacy and how it has affected our time and society. Those still sulking over the carcass of a dilapidated and ruined physical structure should let go and embrace positive change.

On school uniforms, the government has explained that the uniform distinguishes those in public schools from others. Even in the United Kingdom, this is the norm – uniforms are the same and can be picked in any convenient store. What mark them differently are the badges, cardigans and berets branded for each school. In our neighbouring Benin Republic, all school children wear khaki as uniform.

Aregbesola has carried out a revolution in education in Osun. I am of the firm belief that with the policy direction, funding, equipment, motivation and technology, all driven by the passion and will to change things for better, Osun, within the shortest possible time, will be producing the best school leavers and world beaters in all fields.

• Fasure lives in Osogbo

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

25

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net Stories by Taofik Salako

NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

Fed Govt probes SKYCAT

FDI’s slow growth tied to oil, others

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

By Akinola Ajibade

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HE Ministry of Aviation has commenced investigations into operations at the SkyPower Catering limited (SKYCAT), the only surviving subsidiary of liquidated national carrier, Nigeria Airways Limited.

The investigation by officials of the aviation ministry is predicated on alleged “ illegal “ operations at the firms facility at the Lagos Airport , near the Nigerian Air Force Base.

Sources hinted that the permanent secretary of the ministry Mr. Yemi Adelakum was miffed last week when the management of the firm could not provide documentary evidence of its operations at the facility.

The permanent secretary, it was learnt was also disappointed that the management of the firm has leased some sections of the facility to some airlines and service providers without recourse to remittance of revenue to the ministry.

Since, 2003 when Nigeria Airways was liquidated by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, SKYCAT has been carrying out business at its facility without proper documentation.

To achieve its aim, the ministry has ordered the sealing of the premises to prevent unauthorised collection of vital documents that could jeopardise on going probe of the firm.

Aside its facility in Lagos, it was also gathered that the ministry is also probing other assets of the firm in Abuja, Kaduna , Zaria and other locations.

Last week, Adelakum directed the management of SKCAT to explain who gave them approval to lease its facility to a domestic carrier, which operates from its premises.

The permanent secretary directed the management of the firm to forward to the ministry through , the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) details of who gave approval for the use of the facility.

He challenged the management of the firm to ensure that it furnishes it with the relevant documents of the operation of the airline at its facility, which he described as unofficial.

He queried the audacity of the firm to collect money from the airline without remitting same to the Ministry of Aviation, the body supposedly in charge of supervising the firm.

He said :”’We are trying to see how we can take aviation section to the next level, so we want to go back and see the wrongs of the past and see where we can correct them that is why we decided to come for this tour to see for ourselves what is on ground.

“In fact, here used to be Nigerian Airways property (Sky Power Catering Services) and we want to see what has become of it.”

First Nation Airways, one of the airlines operating from the facility has cleared the air on the circumstances surrounding its operations at the premises.

Its spokesman, Mr Luke Terver - Uzer, said the airline has a subsisting and valid lease on the premise.

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• From left: Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Amb. Ade Adefuye, Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx, and Washington Fellow for Young African Leaders, Mohammed Umar during the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) conference in Montreal, Canada.

EU votes N8b for NDLEA’s safety equipment T

HE European Union, (EU) has said it will be supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with safety and screening equipment valued at 36 million euros (about N8billion) over the next 50 months.

The EU also said it would continue to train and retrain the personnel in its efforts to combat the movement of illicit drugs into and outside the country.

Head, EU Delegate to Nigeria, Amb. Michel Arron who spoke in Lagos during a meeting with the NDLEA, explained that the essence of the support was for the agency and the country at large to be able to improve law enforcement capacity in drug control and tackle organised drug –related crimes in the country.

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

In the first phase of the collaboration, the EU donated 100 desktop computers and 15 laptops, stressing that this would help in boosting antidrug agency’s capability to gather and process data.

He argued that the donation would also assist the NDLEA to achieve three objectives, which include; policy formulation and improve drug legislation, coordination of the sector and improve law enforcement of capacity in drug control and tackling organised drug- related and to enhance drug prevention, treatment and care services adapted to Nigeria conditions.

Arrion said words needed to be turned to action by people

on the ground with the very best information, data and access to the latest technologies available, adding that as a result, reliable data about drug trafficking and drug abuse in Nigeria was required.

The Ambassador stated that under the project, two full scale national survey on cannabis production and drug use in the country were currently being conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in close collaboration with NDLEA with all necessary means including satellite images being used to measures the scale of cannabis cultivation to questionnaires related to drug use to be completed at the local communities.

OPEC delays decision on supply cuts

O

RGANISATION of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has yet to decide to cut its production target, the United Arab Emirates (UAE’s) energy minister said, as crude prices extend a slide since June amid a boom in United States (U.S.) shale oil and signs of slower demand growth in China.

All 12 members of the oil cartel must agree before any decrease in its official limit of 30 million barrels a day, the U.A.E.’s Suhail Al Mazrouei said, after OPEC’s SecretaryGeneral said it may lower the ceiling in 2015.

The OPEC, supplier of about 40 per cent of the world’s oil, faces growing competition from North American shale deposits, even as economic growth cools in China, the world’s second-biggest oil consumer after the U.S. OPEC’s monthly report on September, showed demand for its oil will decline to 29.2 million barrels a day

•Oil prices extend retreat in 2015 from 29.5 million this year. The group will review its target when it meets next on November, 27 at its Vienna headquarters.

“It’s not a one-man decision, “Al Mazrouei told reporters in Abu Dhabi. “It’s a decision by all the ministers when we meet.”

Brent crude, a benchmark for more than half of the world’s oil, has dropped 16 per cent from a June 19 peak this year, and was at $97.22 a barrel on the ICE Futures Europe exchange in London. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures have fallen 15 per cent since June 20 and were at $91.05 in New York.

OPEC may reduce its official daily limit by 500,000 barrels to 29.5 million next year, the group’s Secretary-General Abdalla El-Badri declared on September 16. El-Badri, who often speaks for the group, specified that this was an outlook, not a decision. He attrib-

uted the slide in crude prices to seasonal demand and predicted a recovery by year-end.

“We still have almost two months before the next meeting,” the U.A.E.’s Al Mazrouei said. “We will make sure that our supply meets demand.”

Growth in China faces downward pressure, that country’s Finance Minister, Lou Jiwei said at the Group of 20 meeting in Cairns, Australia, according to a statement on the website of People’s Bank of China. China will account for about 11 per cent of global oil consumption this year, compared with 21 per cent for the U.S., according to the International Energy Agency in Paris.

OPEC will base its output decision in November “on what’s required” from its members, Al Mazrouei said.

“We are one third, and there are two thirds of production coming from elsewhere, so they have a responsibility as

He said: “The desktops are to help NDLEA to have good IT platform, analyse information and collect data. The laptops is to enable NDLEA to know the next move of drug traffickers and to make NDLEA a very proactive organisation.”

The Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, commended EU and UNODC for its support to drug control programmes in Nigeria, adding that EU’s donation demonstrates its willingness to assist countries in the implementation of International drug convention.

He said the challenges posed by illicit drug cultivation ,trafficking and abuse are enormous, adding that NDLEA believe that through shared responsibility, greater progress would be made in prosecuting the illicit drug war.

HE drop in Nigeria’s Foriegn Direct Investments (FDIs) from $8.9billion in 2012 to $6.8billi last year has been attributed to poor attention given to key economic drivers in the country.

The Vice Chairman, Institute of Directors of Nigeria(IoDs), Yemi Akeju, who spoke during a media parley to herald the Institute’s 2014 Conference and Fellows Night in Lagos, said investment in key economic drivers such as oil, banking and others, needed to be galvanised to encourage growth.

He said the conference with the theme: ‘’Imperatives of good governance for promoting investment Opportunities’’ is coming at a time the country needed more investments for growth.

He said the event would see experts from local and international financial institutions, power, oil and gas .among others sectors taking a critical look at the economy vis’a-vis the investment climate.

MTN empowers forum winners with N10m

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TN has empowered winners of this year’s MTN Link Forum budding entrepreneurship challenge with N10million. The presentation took place at the grand finale of its four-city mentorship and career-transforming platform-MTN Link Forum held in Abuja.

Nwaje Lucky, Akinwole Oludayo, Muhammed Salisu and Ogunlana Olumide emerged the overall winners out of 497 young business professionals that participated in this year’s budding entrepreneurship challenge. Each of the winners received N2.5 million business grants. While 10 participants with the best business ideas were also selected for a fully sponsored trip to the 2014 World Entrepreneurship Forum taking place in Lyon, France.

General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN, Mr. Kola Oyeyemi who spoke at the event said: “MTN is committed to initiating ideas that make life better for all its customers. The MTN Link Forum is one of the platforms that provide budding entrepreneurs and business professionals the opportunity to connect to their dreams.

What MTN has done is to create a platform where budding entrepreneurs can interact with accomplished entrepreneurs •Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister, and role models, so as to garMrs Diezani Alison-Madueke ner insights and knowledge on well,” he said, referring to pro- making a success of their businesses.” ducers outside the group.

The forum brought notable Other OPEC officials, including Saudi Arabian Oil Minister, business icons to teach best busiAli Al-Naimi, have said they see ness practices and to interact no urgent need to respond to with Abuja budding entrepreoil’s drop. Prices “always fluc- neurs. Speakers at the event intuate and this is normal,” Naimi clude the Director of Operations told reporters in Kuwait, while of Mara Group &Mara Mentor, the Kuwaiti Oil Minister Ali Al- an online mentorship commuOmair said oil will recover as nity, Mr. Hetal Shah; the Mandemand for winter fuels climbs.. aging Director and Chief ExecuThe group’s members are Al- tive Officer of Suntrust Mortgeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, gage Bank, Mr. Muhammad Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Jubrin and the Executive DirecQatar, Saudi Arabia, the United tor of United Healthcare, Dr. Kazeem Mustapha.

Arab Emirates and Vene.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS BRANDS & MARKETING

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

Advertisers invest heavily on brands promotion but hardly get returns on their investments. How can they reap from their investments? Experts show the way out, reports ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

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OR advertisers and creative agencies, the maxim “I know that half of my advertising dollars are wasted….I just don’t know which half,” is real. This maxim was popularised by John Wanamaker, regarded as the father of both modern departmental stores and advertising.

Developing advert copies is difficult. It becomes more difficult when such adverts fail to sell the product. When that happens, the creative agency gets fired by the client, then Wanamaker’s maxim becomes apt.

The reality of the advertising business is that many marketing programmes are usually not easily justified if weighed on the balance of return-on-investment. Such advertisement ends up being a leap of faith because it’s particularly expensive and its direct benefits particularly difficult to quantify.

A good advert should sell a product and not just create good impression, humour or recall, especially in the current economic realities which is putting pressure on advertisers to cut down on their marketing budgets. This, perhaps, remains a major reason Cannes Lion Festival, the world’s most coveted advertising and marketing awards, decided to introduce a new award category to reward any outstandingly creative advertising piece or an innovative marketing strategy that truly drives sales.

For Nigerian advertising agencies, the industry has witnessed great creatives that have all the element of good concept, notwithstanding that they are yet to win the Cannes Lion Festival. However, the recognition of their works by some other global rating agencies, is a testimony to the fact that they are not doing badly, except for the fact that most of the ads hardly enhance sales or influence consumers to buy the product.

The abysmal performance of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) campaign adverts is a case of advert investment gone awry. The telecom sector is among the highest advert spenders in the country.

According to figures from a recent Mediafact, a publication of MediaReach OMD, last year, the sector spent N14.7 billion on advertising to emerge as the biggest spender.

During the period under review, all the telecoms operators reportedly invested a larger part of their media investment on MNP a scheme introduced by Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), to increase quality of service and deepen competition among the players. Surprisingly, the NCC reported few months ago that only a dismal 80, 424 subscribers ported out over 129 million subscribers within 10 months (July 2013 to February 2014).

Further statistics from the telecom industry regulator revealed that between May last year and February this year, MTN, the biggest telecoms company in the country, recorded 36,819 cases of subscribers porting out of the network. This was followed by Airtel, Globacom and Etisalat with 22,595; 12,357; and 8,653 respectively. The figure also showed that within the period under review, MTN recorded monthly out-porting figures of 3,409; 2,719; 3,142; 3,925; 4,266; 4,453; 4,491; 3,052; 3,667; and 3,695. Also, Airtel recorded monthly out-porting figures of 1,190; 1,315; 1,327; 5,826; 6,520; 1,447; 1,004; 1,199; 1,429; and 1,338. Globacom also recorded monthly out-porting figures of 1,646; 1,122; 1,367; 1,354; 1,267; 1,204; 1,206; 973; 978; and 1,240 for the period. Etisalat had the lowest number of subscribers who left its network with a monthly figure of 768; 646; 917; 934; 1,019; 1,001; 1,129; 626; 806 and 807 for the period. In the report, MTN reportedly accounted for about 45.78 per cent of out-porters; Airtel, 28.09 per cent; Globacom, 15.36 per cent; and Etisalat, 10.75 per cent.

While the CEO of TPT, Mr. Charles Igbinidu, is of the opinion that the MNP campaign created a high level of awareness, but to the telcos, such advertising investment has remained a waste, at least, going by the number of people that the portability ads called to action.

In Igbinidu’s assessment, the campaign is not totally a flop as being suggested in some quarters. This is because the portability campaigns have, at least, achieved one goal, which is awareness. “I am sure many Nigerians are now aware that they can change their operator and still retain their numbers. So in the area of

Where does advert revenue go?

• A billboard

• MTN Saka ‘I Don Port’ campaign.

awareness creation, it has been a success. I also believe that MTN’s ‘I don port’ campaign is a classic. It is a very creative campaign and the media relations leveraging has also been superb,” said Igbinidu.

The Managing Director of Milward Brown Nigeria, a global marketing research firm, Mrs. Geri Roberts, recalled that one of the campaigns (MTN’s Saka I Don Port) generated high level of appeal with great humour but she wondered that the ad failed to influence people to switch from their network despite the comic model explored to sell the MTN MNP product. She explained that the advert failed as reflected in NCC report because the advertisers and their agencies failed to audit the creative before going to town. She explained that an effort should have been made to understand how the consumers feel about the telecom services and take critical steps to address them before flagging off such campaign

which she described as appealing and humorous. “These are four people. All of them same of same. Even when we are talking about MNP, it is not enough to bring Saka dancing. There are issues. Call drops. It’s raining season now, you can hardly have smooth network and so switch from what to what? When these adverts were being aired, if anyone of them had checked the consumer’s opinion, they will know the true picture. In Saka advert, we laughed and enjoyed it but we refused to follow Saka. The advert was just about following Saka (a model who dumped Etisalat for MTN) and no benefit offered,” she said.

Why advert fail to sell the product The Managing Director, Millward Brown Sub Saharan Africa, Mr. Soumya Saklani, told The Nation that sometimes, an advert can be creative but may not impact on sales of the prod-

‘What moved me when I watch an advert is that it must be grounded in reality and had bit of humour. An advert shouldn’t talk to me as if I am silly. Some advert come with someone with a dark complexion and after using a product he becomes white the following day.

Many of these advert talk to you as if you are silly.

They talk to consumers as if they are silly but the consumers are not silly at all’

uct being advertised. While most of these ads are memorable, he regrets that they are often classified during gain analysis as waste of investment. “Creative, but can it sell? There are ads that are very engaging, very appealing, people remember them, they enjoy them but there are two things that are equally important beyond just remembering advert,” he said.

Saklani explained further: “One of it is do remembering what brand it was for. After time, we found out that people remember what was shown last night. Very good ad. We asked them what brand was it for and they answer it well. So, one of the challengers advertising agency face is not only about coming out with a creative ad that is very strong, they have to make sure that the branding is very good. The brand must be integrated in the advert so that people will not forget which brand it was for.

For instance, if you see an MTN ad, you will see Yellow everywhere and they have every other ways to make the advertising more branded. Another is Call to Action. So, yes, I like it, I enjoyed it but what am I supposed to do? Am I supposed to buy it, recommend it was for or am I supposed to find out more? So, there are the issues that must be considered to make an ad succeed.”

In addition, Roberts noted that most advert fail to sell because they make consumers look as if they are silly. “What moves me when I watch an advert is that it must be grounded in reality and have a bit of humour. An advert shouldn’t talk to me as if I am silly. Some advert come with someone with a dark complexion and after using a product he becomes white the following day. Many of these advert talk to you as if you are silly. They talk to consumers as if they are silly but the consumers are not silly at all,” said Robert.

Who should be blamed: Client or Agency?

Over the years, Nigerian advertising agencies have complained that clients obstruct their creative concept. In the same vein, advertisers too believe that after developing a good brand, getting a good agency to communicate the value proposition is always a critical task for brand managers.

The former Managing Director of Rosabel Advertising Limited, Mr. Kayode Oluwalana lamented agency experience: “Sometimes you wonder if the client is a copy writer or art director. If he is one, then why does he need an agency? Some clients get in the way so much that by the time the communication material is ready for exposure, it has become completely bastardised and useless, but all the same the client is happy! It’s his work after all.

A particular client is known to have shot down an otherwise great concept with ‘my daughter doesn’t like it’. And here, the daughter is way far off from the audience targeted with the campaign.”

Contrary to this position, the General Manager, Marketing for MTN and President, Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Mr. Kola Oyeyemi, in his recent book, “Kill or Get Killed: The Killer Marketing Instinct” wrote: “Once the brand management team has successfully developed a compelling and relevant value proposition base on sound insight, communicating this proposition to the trade and the consumers is the next critical job. The best of propositions can fail if wrongly communicated. Thus, the choice of the right advertising agency as a partner is very important. If you get the hiring decision wrong, you can compromise the fortune of the brand.”

To Robert, neither advertisers nor their agencies should be shielded from the blame of creating a communication that fails to enhance return on investment. She said most communication managers at both end fail to carry the consumers along from the first stage of their brand messaging before it get to the public. “I will blame it on no one but the most important link missing in most adverts is the consumers. I won’t say it is either the client or the agency is to be blamed. It is good for the creative agency to package for the client to approve but remember that the kind of people we are packaging advert for are quite differ• Continued on page 27

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

27

Brandnews

• From left: Marketing Manager, Golden Penny Pasta, Mrs Modupeola Babalola; Regional Manager, Ecobank Plc, Olanike Kolawole; GMD, 24-7 Communications Ltd, Omooba Segun Adewale; Chief Executive Officer Zinto South Africa, Mrs Michelle Combrinc and Executive Director, Willem Combrinc at the 10th anniversary lecture of 24-7 Communications in Lagos.

Where does advert revenue go? Wine/Spirit expo coming

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• Oyeyemi • Continued from page 26

ent from clients and the agency. So, for me, I will say that right from the beginning, we should bring in the consumers so that they can give us objective feedback from the creative idea. Though I know that consumers tend to kill the creative ideas because they don’t understand the rationale but we can use them as critique and we don’t have to take everything hook, line and sinker and throw away the ads. The reality still is that they know what make them take purchasing decision, what makes them happy. So, we take the creative from there,” she said.

Making the advert money count Globally, advertisers are demanding result-oriented advertising copies. One of the recent innovations that are helping them gauge the effectiveness is through software or a method called “Link-Testing” and help stop the waste of investment on advertisement. The proprietor of the software, Milward Brown, said before advertisement is produced and exposed it must go through Link-Testing which accordingly helps predicts the sales response to advertising. “With volumetric predictions included as part of Link, Millward Brown can help you prove the value of strong creative by predicting the sales response, and can also provide insights to help you adjust the broader marketing mix in order to increase ROI from your advertis-

• Mrs. Geri Roberts

ing,” Roberts explained.

According to her, the Link volumetric is a new analytical service that marries Link results with sales (or results from sales response modeling) and other relevant client data to create a more direct measure of the contribution that advertising quality will make to sales.

Link has been extensively validated and evidence shows that ads which perform well in Link are more likely to generate a significant sales uplift than poor performers. This means that marketers can focus on the issues and opportunities identified in Link, safe in the knowledge that addressing those issues will make the advertising more effective.

“In Link, we measure an ad in all these parameters or measure its ability to succeed, it can measure that the branding is good but the call to action is weak. Link started in the 80s and it helps advertising agencies understands how best to make an advert sell a product. Link measure where the problems and correct to make the advert attracts the consumers. It focuses on the quality of the advertising creative,” she explained.

Narrating his experience about the Nigerian advertising creative landscape, Saklani complained that most advert in Nigeria fail because they are not grounded on good research and production values. “The audio and video don’t follow some quality measures. Link offers an opportunity for advertisers and marketers who are spending millions of millions on the advertising budget to maximise the impact of their investment and stop the wastages,” he said.

• Mr. Soumya Saklani

When agencies can use link to test an advert “If a building foundation is going on and you wait till it gets to 16 storeys before calling an architect, and he tells you this is bad and you begin to correct it floor to floor. That will spell doom at the end of the completion. But in Link-testing an advert, you start from the beginning of the creative concept. It is a software and methodology designed

by Milward Brown to create solution. For instance, it will determine if you will have to reduce a 45 seconds advert to 10 seconds and safe money yet impact on the sales. It will guide advertising agencies and advertisers on quality control of the advert,” Roberts explained.

MNP failed pre-campaign gain loss test?

“In the case of waste in MNP advert, if the advertisers had linkedtest the copies, using animation, we would have told you that yes I am laughing and as a consumer I will have been able to tell you that there is nothing to gain in the advert but Link will tell you about the gain losses analysis. Link will tell you that this advert is very funny, very engaging but call to action is very weak. “ she said.

With the Link-Testing software, expert believes consumers will trust most advertisement while advertisers too will experience increase patronage through their promises on their advertisement.

HE organisers of Wine/Spirits and Beauty Expo plan to deliver over 100,000 markets to operators on October 10 during the Mega 3 Expo.

The expo, which is being organised by Exhibition Gurus will hold at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos. It is designed to be a meeting point for operators in wine, spirit, beauty, fashion and related industries.

Practioners will exhibit their goods, services and give free samples from exhibition booths to over a 100,000 customers.

Chief Executive Officer, Exhibition Guru, Akin Eso said: “There will be a lot of wine-tasting, unveiling of new products and lots of giveaways at the expo this year, and to cap it all, an intending couple will win a N15 million worth of wedding goods.”

Exhibition Guru has been at the forefront of industry-related exhibitions in the country. Its first major exhibition was the hugely popular, Wed Expo in Lagos which attracted over 50,000 people.

There have been other exhibitions subsequently in Lagos and Abuja.

Eso said: “Exhibition is the way to go for effective marketing; at the exhibition, you get to see the market, the people in their thousands and get immediate feedback. What we are doing is expe-

Stories by Adedeji Ademigbuji

riential marketing, sales and launch put together. There is nowhere you get ready-made market like exhibitions.”

He promised that the exhibition would be the biggest in Africa. We are going to have over 100,000 ready to buy customers in attendance from all over world, and the kind of exhibitors coming this year are also all over the world.

Wine exhibitors that have already signed up on the expo’s website www.exhibitionguru.com.ng, Pernod Ricard said, one of the biggest wine and spirit firms in the world – makers of Chivas, Absolut and more, Disaronno, Grand Oak, Aspire Wines, Campari world best Liquors and Mixers, Gran Cantina makers of Foss Marai wines, McNamara Wines, Skinnycocktail International Ltd, Vision Essence makers of Xenius Champagne Brut, Morcone Williams Brand, Voulez Wine Distribution, Linzi Liquors, Wine Crockery International, Mrpete World Class Sommerlier, Blends and Cocktail Mixers, Golden Rum Spirit and Liquors, Champagne Vollereaux, Organic Wines International, Sparta Sparkling Wines, Canto Wines are among those that would be showcasing their products and services at the wine expo.

Obiano okays Gulder’s new look

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NAMBRA State Governor Chief Willie Obiano has described as creative the new packaging of Gulder.

He spoke when a delegation from the Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc, manufacturers of the beer, visited him at the Government House, Awka.

He said the brand’s new look made it distinctive from other beers. He said: “This new Gulder bottle makes the beer stand out from other beer bottles.

I have seen the new bottle and what you have done with the new packaging is really creative. It’s really good.”

Obiano further described Gulder as an innovative beer, hence its wide acceptability in the market. He said: “I must say I am not surprised that Gulder beer is doing well in Nigeria. The brand is a case study at the Lagos Business School. Let me also use this opportunity to com-

mend the Brand Managers working to ensure Gulder’s success.

They are doing a great job of promoting such a great drink.”

He added that many people in the East, including Anambra, patronise Gulder as well as other Nigerian Breweries brands.

Obiano noted: “We have the population that enjoys beer here. If there is a segment in Nigeria, so concentrated that enjoy drinking beer, you find that in Anambra State.”

The new Gulder bottle has several revolutionary attributes, such as a premium Staniol with the gold neck seal with a conical-shaped neck.

The bottle also has a strong masculine shoulder with a distinctive metalised label.

The rich metallic front and back labels add to Gulder’s premium look and feel. The new look bottle was unveiled on September 6.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS SHOPPING

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

Sms : 07035302326 Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

They once bestrode the country’s landscape with candour, becoming the benchmark for measuring taste and class. But these are changing times for Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), who are hit by hard times. TONIA ’DIYAN reports that QSRs have now fashioned a way to restructure the business. But how far will this go?

Dying QSR: franchising, diversification to the rescue S

UNDAY Oguntade, a regular visitor to a popular eatery, was addicted to visiting various eateries. He has very fond memories of such places. Not only was he attracted to them because of the quality of food provided, the ambience they provided was refreshing. But this has since stopped. “The scenery, quality of food and service rendered then were second to none and that kept me going back,” he explained.

Oguntade, like a growing number of Nigerians, no longer patronise eateries. This is because of an alleged falling standard in the quality of service being rendered by quick service restaurant (QSR). For instance, Oguntade said on a particular visit to a leading QSR in Lagos, the stench that emanated from its rest room was discomforting. This is apart from the poor quality of meal sold in the restaurant.

“The fried rice I bought there was extremely tasteless. It was just as if only curry powder was mixed with the rice. Even the pastry (meatpie) was of poor quality compared to what it used to be a few years back,” Oguntade said, wondering what could have gone wrong with the leading eatery.

Severally, Nigerians have had cause to complain about the quality of service and meals produced by QSRs. This, among other reasons, is believed to have led to the declining fortunes of operators in this sector. Besides, the renewed health awareness in the country, especially healthy eating, is said to be taking a toll on the demand for QSR meals. In the circumstance, some eateries have shut down.

But determined to remain in business, operators in this line of business are now restrategising to reposition their business.

One of these strategies is the issuance of licences to potential investors seeking their brand’s franchise. This is done with the belief that it will help the brand to grow and expand, thereby improving the bottomline revenue.

Still on giving out franchise, concerns are high over the quality of service that will be rendered. Also of concern is the issue of effective monitoring of such outlets of franchises so given. Experts in QSR business contend that for a brand to make a lasting impact, in all its outlets either run by the parent company or by franchise, the quality of the meal and ambience must be same. For instance, a meat pie bought in a restaurant in Surulere must be the same as the one bought in Ikorodu, as long as it is from the same restaurant, regardless of branch and location. This remains a challenge.

The Managing Director of UAC restaurant, Derrick Houten, agreed with such worries. He warned that it is not just about granting franchise, but ensuring that the franchisee is capable of maintaining the standard expected, in order not to destroy the brand. “Competent franchisee should be looked out for and not just giving eateries to any franchisee to run,” Houten advised, emphasising that a franchisee can only manage the business after training and hand holding have been done.

His words: “In the past, if a person had money and can afford to own a fast food outlet, he/she could simply pay and get a franchise, it didn’t matter who he/she is.

Today, eateries are better managed with good competent franchisees, who are in-

•Mr Biggs... ensures strict compliance of franchisee volved in the business and have passed through the selection processes.”

He warned against franchisee, who just want the image of an eatery but are not professionals.

The Nation Shopping gathered that franchising, for Mr Biggs’ involves a tough selective process because it requires that certain set of credentials are presented. Franchisees are expected to have time on their hands to personally run the business. They must have access to operating funds and must be very passionate about being in the business.

Apllication forms are picked from the business for a fee and submitted with required documents.

Upon review by a panel, the propective franchisee is called for a qualifying interview, if he/she makes it, location is discussed and its taken up from there.

This effort also include ensuring consistency in taste because it is strategic to the brand. And as part of its support to the franchise operations, UAC Restaurants provides the franchisees with an approved standard of operations, which includes standardised recipes production process manuals guiding the preparation of its various products and meals.

Sources said there are still some normal franchising rules and innovation in the fast food business that will not work in this country. Reason is because some regions cannot be penetrated or innovations would not work in some regions.

For instance, local food is heavily competed with many brands offering local meals, but operators say they will constantly measure their effectiveness with their customers that is why some of them that have village kitchens have a separate section for that purpose, but it doesn’t work well in all areas. They have, therefore, incorporated local food on their menu and this seemed to work well.

“The practicalities of some innovations only become evident after they have been launched,” said Tantalizer’s boss, Bose Ayeni.

Assuring Nigerians of the good state of eateries in the country, Ayeni said, the new face of the Nigerian restaurant business has been rebranded and restructured in terms of management and processes, which will assist in producing quality food at affordable prices always. “We have built on the foundation that we have and we will continue to improve in all areas of our businesses,” she said.

Repositioning Mr Biggs’ brand(the fast food giant), it was gathered, was not only in terms of brand outlook. The brand has had a complete overhaul in terms of processes, systems, look and feel. On the exterior, the brand took on a new logo and presentation. There was the subtle injection of a new colour.

Operationally, the business became wholly franchised such that not one restaurant is owned by the mother brand, UAC restaurants, which now provides backend operations support to franchisees Findings showed that when sales start dropping in an eatery, remodelling will take place, such outlet would be made smaller and become more effective with improved modern equipment and power efficient items.

The last three years have seen restaurants undergoing complete restructuring. Some have franchise their businesses, including staffing, management, property and rebranding. Some have built their processes in areas like compliance, training and franchisee selection.

They have decided to restructure and give a face lift to their businesses, which they say is bringing positive changes in the sector. According to them, the business is transforming tremendously, new ideas are welcomed and competitors are closely monitored as they come into the market.

Having realised that consumers are moving from average priced meals to cheaper ones on the menu, eateries began to define their variety with their menu items, which allows the customer to have different meals to assist with menu boredom and after consulting with some of them through tiny slips placed on the table, operators now know that there is a need to re-price their most popular menu item which is chicken and rice.

Economic advantages The last six years have seen the industry contribute positively to the Nigerian economy. In the area of employment, the sector employs more people and spend vast sums of money in their supply chain.

The QSR and FMCG(Fast Moving Consumer Goods) sectors employ a large number of permanent people thereby, helping to solve the unemployment problem.

Likely restrictions Mentioning that Mr Biggs’ has the largest number of franchisee in West Africa, Houten said, franchising will continue to grow as the eatery business matures. This aspiration he said, is hindered in higher institutions. “Universities haven’t become popular sight as management of higher institutions have suddenly realised that they can charge high rentals for the space they are giving us and this has made the student model less profitable.”

He added that his outfit has decided to make its presence felt in schools where its items can be allowed into the school’s local shops. Operators say negative forces such as poor power supply, high government levies and expensive real estate, if removed, will make the sector grow even better.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

AKWA IBOM @ 27

NIGER DEL TA DELT

On Tuesday, it was 27 years after Akwa Ibom State was created by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida. It was celebration galore for Governor Godswill Akpabio, who also used the occasion to showcase his feats.

The President of Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), Mr. Udens Eradiri, laments lack of development in the Niger Delta, identifies the problems and proffers solutions. He also speaks about what Bayelsa needs to stand out.

•Akpabio

From Shola O’Neil, Regional Editor, South-south

E

NVIRONMENTAL activists refer to the flow station located inside Gelegele community, in Ovia North West local government area of Edo State, as a cenotaph to Nigeria’s oil-above-human policy. The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) says it is an ongoing “environmental genocide” and “the height of corporate irresponsibility to host communities and government’s insensitivity to the suffering of its citizens”.

It is difficult for an independent observer to disagree after visiting the pristine community located in a riverside community 45km southwest of Benin City, the Edo State capital. Gelegele is a massive oven fired by eternal flare from a flow station owned

by Dubri Oil Company Limited, an indigenous oil firm, which succeeded American Phillips Oil Company.

For about five decades, residents of this sleepy town have had a flow station, its flare and the devastating effect of gas flaring as companions. Niger Delta Report gathered that DOCL treats and evacuates crude oil produced from the Ovia and Gelegele fields through the flow station in the age-long community.

The people of the Ijaw community say they have seen the facility change hands, at least once.

Their leaders told our reporter that they have seen billions of naira made by the two owners over the ages, but nothing was ploughed back into their community.

DOCL, in its profile, says it is committed to “pursue the goal of no harm to people”, but the people of the community say they are harmed by the company’s operation.

Environmental activists, including Prince Chima Williams, Head of Legal Resources/Democracy Outreach, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, which in 2005 conducted a study into the effect of gas flaring in the Niger Delta, agreed.

He said: “The location of the Dubri Oil flow station in the middle of Gelegele community is one of the most condemnable shortsightedness of the oil companies operations in Nigeria as it represents the situation of oil companies’ facilities locations in many Niger Delta communities.

• Continued on page 30

•PAGE 33 •Eradiri

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

•PAGE 32 •Mrs Echenim

PAGE 29

TRIPLETS

Godswill Echenim, the father of triplets, who were ‘detained’ by an hospital in Asaba because of his inability to settle bills, tells of how blessing has turned to a reason to cry for him. His major headache now is paying the hospital which only released his children conditionally.

•PAGE 31

The wasteland called Gelegele •How gas flare changed a people’s destiny

•Mrs Donyegha backing the flare point in Gelegele

• YOU HAVE STORIES FOR US? PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07066954441 OR 08123521990

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

The wasteland called Gelegele ‘ •Continued from page 29

“Gas flaring, as has been scientifically proven, releases some harmful chemicals that hurt both humans and their environment. The impact includes a number of health related ailments with the consequences of impoverishing the people and shortening their life span. This is apt with the Gelegele community where like every other Niger Delta community life expectancy is below that of every other part of Nigeria.”

Prince William’s claim is affirmed by a study jointly conducted with Climate Justice Programme, which states: “Flaring of AG (Associated Gas) from oil production facilities is like setting a match to an enormous container of lighter fluid. They are so hot that nothing will grow next to them. Emissions resulting from the combustion of AG in this open, uncontrolled manner will be a mix of smoke, more precisely referred to as particulate matter.”

Investigation revealed that DOCL transports crude oil produced in the Gelegele and other facility in Ovia through a pipeline which runs through the town to the flow station, from where the associated gas is flared before it is transported by barge through River Osse to the Escravos Terminal of Chevron Nigeria Limited located some 105NM away in Escravos, Warri, Delta State for export.

The Amaokosowei of Gelegele, Alaowei Wilson Gbai Kororo, in an exclusive chat with our reporter, recalled that when Phillips Oil came in the early 1960s, his kinsmen had no idea that the company “was coming to site the hell their missionaries preached in the bible in our community. We thought they were bringing development; we didn’t know that they were coming with sickness, death and poverty,” he added.

He said while the oil company and its partner, the Federal Government, reap profit from the facility, the community bakes and its inhabitants live under severe economic, environmental and health hazards.

The 72-year-old village head was battling cough and spoke with difficulty when he met Niger Delta Report.

He lives in a nondescript bungalow, surrounded by mud and thatch houses, some as old as the flare point.

Outside, partly cladded children played around a surface pipeline that runs through the town.

But, he was more worried about the health situation of his town than by the abject poverty. He said life expectancy has drop drastically over the years in the community, explaining that he became youngest Amaokosuwei at about just 70 years old. The title, he explained, is for the oldest man in Gelegele, as in other Ijaw communities.

“The last man before me became Amaokosowei at just 75 years and the one before him was around 80.

This is what we are feeling since they sited this living hell in Gelegelegbene. I can tell you that there is no place as hot and inhabitable as this in the whole of Nigeria.”

He said every time the fire from

the nozzle of the flare point crackles, spurts and intensifies, the temperature in Gelegele rises, sometimes reaching as high as 45 degrees centigrade on sunny days. It was rainy on the day our reporter visited him, yet the temperature hovered around 33 degrees.

With the increase in temperature comes discomforts and danger in the community. Everything around the flare point is dried up by the intense heat and all the dangers inherent in living with gas flare are inherent in the community.

The Public Relations Officer of the Community, Mr Omaghomi OluDeremor, said the most common sickness afflicting his kinsmen are those associated with inhalation of poisonous gas.

“If you look around,” he said, “Most people have cough and cannot breathe well, even our clan head is very sick. The nights are usually the hardest because you cannot sleep. The vibration from the pipeline when there is surge is accompanied by intense heat. You see people staying awake all night because of vibration.

“Nobody in this community will pass a hearing test; the constant vibration, humming and noise from the flow station has damaged our hearing. Mark my words, several hours after you leave here, your ear will continue to echo just because of the few hours you have been here; but we live it every day of our lives.”

For the woman leader, Mrs. Caro Donyegha, the discomfort of waking up at night and extreme heat is nothing compared to the fear of losing a pregnancy. She alleged that a combination of the heat and poisonous matter the women inhale has made them lost countless pregnancies over the years.

She added: “What can you plant here? Try maize and see the result, just compare it with farms outside this area and you would appreciate our plight. The rate of miscarriage in this town is higher than in any other place. I have lived in Warri and other places, there is nowhere women lose their pregnancies as our women here. Women are finding it difficult to have children here because if they get pregnant they easily miscarry unless they quickly leave the town until the baby is strong enough.”

A gynecologist, who was contacted on the claim that gas flare in the community was responsible for miscarriages, said there was not medical report yet to buttress the claim, but noted that the report may not be out of place.

Our medical source, who asked not to be named, said, “There is yet no medical journal or report that I can cite on this, but it is well documented that smoking during pregnancy and long exposure to gas fumes and poisonous substances hurt humans. Whatever a woman inhales can be transmitted to the unborn baby and exposure over a period of time could indeed lead to premature rupture of membrane. This can lead to premature birth or even loss of the baby. The stress you spoke about (lack of stress, noise and excessive

The case of Gelegele is a classical demonstration of the suffering of the oil bearing communities of the Niger-Delta region who bear the brunt of the adverse effects of oil and gas production without corresponding benefits. The overwhelming poverty of the people bears testimony to this fact

•The health centre in the town

•children playing around an open pipeline close to the Gelegele flow station

•The flare firing up Gelegele

•Poverty everywhere in Gelegele

•DANGER a surface pipeline inside the town

•The Amaokosuweis lives in this house

‘

heat could also contribute to miscarriage. These are all suppositions; there is no solid proof to back it up.”

But, Donyegha was adamant: “We don’t need doctor or researchers to show us this, our experiences tell us better. We are living in hell. When we manage to give birth, our children continue from where they stopped in the womb to inhale the poison smoke from the flare. When they get sick it is usually difficult to manage. Why are we suffering from blindness, chough and other diseases?”

A report by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) also explained: “Many scientific studies have linked breathing particulate matter to a series of significant health problems, including: aggravated asthma, increases in respiratory symptoms like coughing and difficult or painful breathing, chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function, and premature death.”

Pa Moses Osia , a leader of the community who worked for the oil firm for nearly three decades, said the the facility has spurted millions of barrels of crude oil and billions of naira for Phillips Oil and its successor over the last few decades, adding that the fortunes of the inhabitants of the rustic community have not change.

“If anything,” he said, “our lives have been worse off. Our people don’t have work, the youth can’t fish or farm and the elders are suffering.

The pollution in the rivers ensures that we cannot fish and the land is

not good, heat kills crops. The corrosion from acid rains damage all the houses. People are not safe. All the houses are constantly vibrating because of the pressure from the pipeline.

“You see that pipe over there (pointing at a coated surface pipe) that is the pipe that carries the oil to the flow station. They take the crude from our land, pipe it to Escravos and leave us with nothing. Day and night, we face the fire.”

Donyegha was particularly unhappy with the treatment allegedly meted on them by the oil firm, Edo and Federal governments. “Every Christmas period Dubri Company would come and give us two cows – two cows for a community this big!

The cow would become a source of quarrel and fighting among the various household because it is not enough for us. We would start fighting and killing one another because of two cows. That is what we get from the company every year.”

•A crude oil barge loading at Dubri jetty. PHOTOS: SHOLA

•Huge ball of fire

•The health centre

Our finding showed that a dilapidated, dysfunctional health centre is the only source of medicare in the town. At the time of our reporter’s visit, the grey bungalow was forlorn, except for an elderly guard who sat outside. The roof had leaks from several spots and many missing sheets from the windows.

The community’s PRO said, “They don’t give us drugs, the health centre they built you can go and see it, there is no doctor, we only have one nurse who comes and leaves when she likes because she has nothing to work with really. The place is dilapidated and badly in need of repairs.”

Dubri Oil Company Limited had not responded to our reporter’s electronic mail (email) request for comment at the time of this report on Tuesday, nearly week after it was sent. But a staff a staff of the company who spoke with our reporter in Benin said the company was “trying within its means.

“We have done something in

terms of educational support and have renovated schools in the community,” the source said.

It was also gathered that the company planned to relocate the flow station from the beleaguered community. Work plan obtained from the company’s website stated that it intended to “construct a LPG plant, construct new pipeline and relocate the flow station” in 2014. But, checks at the site and the company’s premises revealed that it would take a miracle for that to happen in the last three months of the year.

Olu-Deremon confirmed that the community earlier discussed with DOCL on the possibility of relocating the flow station.

“They said they would not relocate the community but would instead relocate the flare. But, all that started and ended with grammar; a lot of talks and no action.”

The spokesperson of the Ijaw Youth Council, Mr Eric Omare, said the prevailing situation highlighted all that

is wrong with the oil and gas industry in the country. He said oil firms are willing to pay compensation for gas flaring because it is cheaper in the short run than investing on gasto-liquid conversion projects. Conversely, he said the government pockets in the money instead of using it for the communities bearing the brunt of the pollution.

“The case of Gelegele is a classical demonstration of the suffering of the oil-bearing communities of the Niger-Delta region who bear the brunt of the adverse effects of oil and gas production without corresponding benefits. The overwhelming poverty of the people bears testimony to this fact.”

Omare, a lawyer, said the IYC recently resolved at Ofunama, Edo State that the flare site should be relocated from Gelegele to an acceptable area, adding: “Alternatively, Gelegele should be relocated to a new location within their lands with a new city built for them.

However, in both cases, the people and Gelegelecommunity should be adequately compensated.

“This position has been communicated to President Goodluck Jonathan through the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Kingsley Kuku.

“However, no action has been taken so far. Therefore, the IYC’s next line of action would be to take drastic and revolutionary step to seek justice for the oppressed people of Gelegele who are suffering what could best be described as ‘environmental genocide’.”

ERA/FOE’s Prince William also said: “If the impacts are to be mitigated or stopped, the first thing is to relocate the flow station out of the community to a distant place where the impact on the people will be reduced. After that, a comprehensive health and environmental audit conducted to ascertain the level of damage already done. Lastly, it will be to

put restitutionary and remediative measures in place to assuage the impacts on the people and the environment.”

As the debate continues, Osia urged government and the various agencies to act quickly before disaster occurs in the community.

“We live in constant fear; we have been told that if there is the smallest hole in any of these pipes and there is an explosion, it will level this community and everybody will die. That is the constant danger we face.”

O’NEIL

•Amaokosuwei Kororo

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

31

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Community banks on ‘Juju’ to get compensation from oil company

S

EVEN families in Idoke Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State have said they would place ‘juju’ on their land to make Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (TEPNL) to pay them compensation for polluting their land through oil spillage.

The families are: Umudoka; Umuoke; Umuoga; Ukpeli; Inyekirinye; Aganume and Agbozorku. They said that they decided on this after all efforts to get TEPNL to clean up their land and pay them compensation have failed.

To their utter chagrin, the company has decided to play a divide-and-rule-game with them, thus pushing them to the wall.

The lawyer to the aggrieved families, John Idoko, who disclosed this to Niger Delta Report, also lamented that: “TEPNL has created opportunity for people to resort to this means to get what should have been amicably resolved in-house without the outside world knowing of it.”

Trouble started when an oil spill occurred from the company’s facility at Obagi Rumuekpe Pipeline OML 58 Kilometer 25 sometime in July last year.

The people said they expected TEPNL to wade in immediately and control crude oil from flowing into their adjoining farmlands, but the company looked the other side thus resulting to a situa-

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

tion whereby their land and water were polluted, killing economic plants as well.

Despite this huge damage, the company did not come to the people’s rescue, thus prompting them to write the company and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment on August 14, 2013 to call their attention to the devastation in the land.

That same day, their estate surveyor and valuer, Mike Nwogu and Partners also wrote both the ministry and TEPNL on the incident as well as the need to pay the people compensation for their polluted land.

On September 4, the Ministry of Environment wrote TEPNL to come for a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) with a view to knowing how to solve the matter, but the company shunned this meeting.

Subsequently, on October 10, last year, the people wrote again through their lawyer, Idoko asking for clean up and compensation to be paid to his clients as a result of the oil spillage which he claimed resulted from obsolete pipelines that were laid before the outbreak of the Nigerian civil war.

Since TEPNL did not respond, Idoko wrote again on November 12, yet nothing was heard from the company.

He fired another letter to the company on November 26,

asking for the same clean up and compensation.

All these representations by the people to get TEPNL to hearken to their demands appeared like water poured on rock.

This was why on Wednesday September17, 2014, they decided to carry placards and palms to the gate of the multinational oil company in Port Harcourt to protest against the negligence they have suffered.

Some of the messages on their placards read: “Total Oil Company; Ready to Terminate the Entire Idoke Community because of Oil”; “Do we have Right to Life? Our Right to Life is Under Serious Threat by TEPNL”; Imperialist TEPNL Remove Your Oil Deluge on our Land” and Deaf and Dumb TEPNL, Can You Do This To French People?”

The Leader of the protesting Idoke families, Chief Messiah Okpeze said that day, that they staged the protest “because we have written them since August 14, 2013 on the spillage but they have not done anything.

“We have made several representations, yet they failed to respond. They later claimed that they have been dealing with one fake man who is not from our community and the man, Mr Odum is now late.

“So what we are doing today is to let the whole world know how they have been treating us.”

The Manager, Community Relations of TEPNL, Mr Tolos

•point of the blow out of the spillage from the pipeline

•Burnt remains of the material used by Total to curb the spillage

Isaiah who came out to address the people merely, said: “It’s a family affair. We will settle it.”

Isaiah also expressed displeasure with the aggrieved people for coming to the company’s gate to demonstrate.

The Deputy General Manager Community Affairs, Mr Iduoku Izu; the Manager Lands and Claims, Mr Chile Izim; Isaiah and four others, including the company’s lawyer and Idoko, were in attendance.

Both Okpeze and Idoko

disclosed that during the meeting, TEPNL admitted that the spill occurred from their equipment failure, which made crude to go into the land.

While promising to pay the people compensation, they also claimed that they have done the clean up “but we have not done the remediation because we are waiting for approval”.

The representatives of the aggrieved families disputed this claim and at the end, the two sides agreed to meet again on September 19 to resolve the matter amicably.

When blessing brings tears •Triplets’ father’s cry for help

G

ODSWILL Echenim, father of ‘detained’ triplets, is a free and happy man. His wife who was delivered of a set of triplets, nine weeks ago at a private hospital in Asaba, has been set free by the hospital authorities conditionally.

Nevertheless, Echenim, a native of Owa-Aliero, Ika North-East Local Government Area, is to pay the balance N500, 000 medical bills by the year end, but without a job and three children and a wife to feed, he faces an uphill task.

Echenim said the birth of the triplets brought immense relief to him as his virility was in doubt after his marriage remained fruitless for over five years.

With wet eyes, Echenim recalled how people made snide remarks about his childlessness, adding that he wept profusely upon hearing the babies cry in the labour ward.

His words: “I am very happy. In the labour ward, when the nurses brought out the first baby, it was

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

crying. And the second baby was also crying, but when the third baby came out, I burst into tears. People asked what moved me to tears, but they thought it was because I did not have money. I cried because the joy in me was indescribable. My kinsmen had started talking about our childless state, they wondered that I had been married over five years ago and still no baby. This birth gives me great joy because I am now a man.”

He praised God for performing a miracle with the birth of his triplets, adding that he was almost becoming the laughing stock of the community.

His words: “I want to thank God for the public that are responding to our request .We have been discharged from the hospital .I was asked to bring a surety to guarantee repay my debt to them. I will pay the money in instalments until December 31. I was able to gather

•Mr and Mrs Echenim and their triplets

N200, 000 as down payment before the man allowed us to go.”

He expressed appreciation to public spirited individuals who have responded to his appeal, stressing some have paid various sums of money into his bank account.

Despite the fact that the hospital authorities had earlier held on to his family, he had kind words for the medical director of the clinic whom he said offered N50,000 rebate on the N723,100 medical bills.

He said,’ the hospital authorities assisted my wife and babies in no small measure because long after birth they allowed use facilities at the hospital free. The owner of the clinic offered a rebate of N50, 000 from the medical bills to assist me and I am very grateful to the man.

He is a kind hearted person. But I still need public support in taking care of my family and meet the balance payment as promised’.

Despite the fact that he has his children safe in his custody in Owa-

Though the meeting held, Idoko the company barred from attending .

Idoko told Niger Delta Report: “I can deduce that the representatives of the company have vested interest; that is why they want to sabotage the people’s efforts.

“The people have held meeting saying that they will disown whosoever that goes to TEPNL to collect money on their behalf without their consent because they have discovered that those who do not own the land are being used.”

Aliero Community, Echenim is a worried man. He worries that he may be unable to cater for his family, adding that feeding and procuring drugs for his children is difficult.

He said: “I am worried because I am unemployed. First, I am worried about my inability to feed three babies including mother .The triplets are eating a lot of food .I have just received a call a few minutes ago that one of them is crying and that I need to buy drugs. As I speak with you I have only N1000 in my pocket.

I am still appealing to kind hearted people to help financially.

Continuing: “I have started buying food for them and they take a full can of baby cereal in three days.

We buy diapers for N1500.00 which lasts for just three days. This is besides the drugs we have been buying. It is just too much for us, we need help from the public.”

He added: “I was foretold that my wife had triplets by the physicians but all the money I gathered was spent on visits to Asaba for antenatal care at FMC. I registered her at Agbor Central Hospital and another private clinic also in Agbor. Had the doctors strike been called off early I would have been able to get medical help at subsidised rate from a government owned hospital.“ Echenim admitted that donations have dried up lately, but is hopeful that more persons will heed his call for financial assistance and send money into his UBA account2062282848 Echenim Onyemakonor Godswill.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

The trouble with Niger Delta, by Eradiri In this interview with MIKE ODIEGWU, the President of Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), Mr. Udens Eradiri, laments lack of development in the Niger Delta region, identifies the problems and proffers solutions.

C

AN you rate Niger Delta delegates in the just-concluded National Confer-

ence?

Some were very outstanding. Our own Ankio Briggs was very outstanding. We commend her. Pa E.K. Clark; I have never seen a man like this. The kind of work he does and the kind of strength he has is wonderful. You would see that people younger than him would be sleeping, but Pa E.K. Clark at his age never missed one sitting and his eyes would be shinning till the end of the discussion. Pa E.K. Clark would still go home and host meeting till the following morning and he would still be in the house without closing his eyes. I have never seen a man like this. I think he needs to be commended.

Sometimes, we were not happy about the way things were going but it was a house filled with different characters. As the President of IYC, I was not expecting them to get 100 per cent resource control. You see when you are in the agitation field, whatever comes, hold it so that you can use it to consolidate in the next level. It may be a mirage to think that I will have 100 per cent resource control today. It may not happen in my life time but let it be that I contributed to the process of getting to the 100 per cent and whatever comes out of that process. We went there with 13 per cent and I am sure we are coming out with more.

This will further consolidate us at our various levels and in the next point of our agitation, we will be moving until we get to where we are going to. For me, our people did well, apart from a few of them who played master-boy relationship in the house.

Who are these people? I mean the Niger Delta delegates you said played master-servant relationship.

We will not at this point mention names because at the end of the day, they did well and it became a team work. They did not come home with an empty bag. It is now left for the president to consolidate on the report given to him by the committees that had been put in place. It must see the light of the day. Let it not end on the shelf as it usually does. Our people have done their beat, it is now left for the president to consolidate on it; come out with a blueprint for the implementation of the report. But for us, we will continue to agitate for 100 per cent resource control. We will use what we have to get what we want.

Did the Southsouth governors really play their part during the conference compared to their counterparts from the North?

This brings us to the issue of unity.

The Southsouth governors are not united. In such an important discuss, you saw how the North were consolidating. Pa E.K. Clark took up the leadership and was doing his best. I don’t know what the Southsouth governors were doing on their part to further consolidate. But, the posture they presented was not encouraging. On individual levels, some of them tried. But, they should have been seen as a united force support-

ing the delegates where there were conflicts and bringing them together.

Even when the delegates were bringing feedback, some of these governors were not there. But in the north when the delegates went back for feedback, you see their governors, reviewing the process. In IYC, we were reviewing every week what was going on like some of the governors. The Bayelsa governor was involved in the process because I know that meetings were held in his place in Abuja. But like I said the governors would have done better assuming they are united.

Niger Delta is still lagging behind in almost all the sectors despite the attention the area has attracted in recent times. What is the way forward?

In fact, this is the reason why the IYC has decided to organise a youth summit so as to set agenda for young people in the Niger Delta.

For me as the leader of all the youths from Ijaw extraction, I believe that we are lagging behind in many areas and in order to champion a new cause, we need to bring people together, bring international society together, bring other ethnic society, professionals to the table so that we can x-ray these issues and proffer solutions to these issues. We need to cross-pollinate ideas with other people and see how we can be a better IYC and prosperous Niger Delta going forward.

The summit would have been held, but we discovered that some of our key participants would not be around on the day we selected. We had to postpone it. We don’t want to organise a summit and do not get the targeted audience required. We know that the youths will be fully mobilised any day we call for the summit. But, they are not the only ones we want. We want the professionals and the political class to also be involved. So, we shifted the summit to on the 9th of October 2014.

How will this summit solve the problems of unemployment, lack of development and myriads of other problems still facing the region?

Now, we have realised that if we must move forward, then we must go back to agriculture. With agriculture, we don’t need rocket science. Agriculture has gone technological. So, you need certain partners to support you. Some of you are talking here today because our grandparents trained our parents through farms that they all had.

Those days, secondary school used to have farms. When I was in primary school, we used to have farms.

What I am saying is that the richest nations in the world are agrobased nations. We cannot continue to rely so much on oil revenue when we have the potential to create wealth with agriculture as young people. These days young people beg too much on the streets. Many of them are begging for work when there is work already staring them in the face.

So, we felt that in a summit like this, we will make agriculture the basis for discussion. We want young people to organise themselves and go back to the farm and I believe

OnTuesday, Akwa Ibom State clocked 27 years of existence as a state after being created by Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida in 1987. KAZEEM IBRAHYM writes on how the celebration was done and some of the achievements of Governor Godswill Akpabio.

‘

Bayelsa needs to look inward and try to use some radical approach to increase its revenue. And which is the best way?

Agriculture.

Bayelsa used to have one of the biggest rice farms in the country.

All we need is to revive and intensify it

‘

that at the end of this summit the framework will be put in place to relate with government, Bank of Industries, Bank of Agriculture and other institutions to harness the energy of young people. This energy we are using to kidnap; this energy we are using for criminality; this energy we are using to walk the streets and beg, let us channel this energy to the farms, to agriculture and see where we will be in the next six months or one to five years.

Why are you talking about agriculture, which involves hard work when you know that the present generation of youths, especially from the Niger Delta, is looking for easy money?

Well, as for me, I don’t think the youths have an option here because first of all leaders brought this laziness among the young ones. I don’t believe that young people are not ready to work. All they need is leadership and direction and discipline from the leaders. If the leadership is disciplined, and say, this is how I want it to be, you will see that a greater percentage of the youths will follow. Others who will be docile initially after seeing how their colleagues are following and achieving results, will also join.

I will give you an example with the Amnesty Programme. When the amnesty was proclaimed, many people thought that ‘these people want to deceive us and arrest us’ so, they stayed away. But now that Amnesty Programme has produced experts, including young boys from the creeks flying airplane. Now everybody is agitating in the media.

Young people now block roads agitating to be part of it; this same thing people didn’t want to be part of, even states are agitating that they have been sidelined. The time we were doing the amnesty, other states

Akwa Ibom’s 27 years’ oddysey

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•Eradiri PHOTO: MIKE ODIEGWU

and other ethnic nationalities said that Ijaw people were the militants and that they were not militants.

Now that it is sweet, everybody is now a militant. That is the point.

Are you saying that this summit, coming at this time, is not all political in view of the 2015 general elections because people think it is just another avenue to endorse President Goodluck Jonathan?

Firstly, the President is an Ijaw man; so, if we gather and we don’t talk about him, it means we are forgetting where we are coming from.

You see people keep saying it is politics, yes, it is politics. The point is how can we go into gathering and we will not discuss the President. It is not possible. This is the President who has added so much value to Nigeria and has abandoned the Ijaw people, the Niger Delta people. I think this is the right time to drag him to the table. We want him to use this opportunity to talk to his people. The point is that the bulk ends on his table as the president.

He is our own and doing a summit without him is unfair whichever way they look at it. It is none of our business. The point is that we will get result from the President because what we are about to do need political power to be able to move it to the next level. We need commitment on the part of politicians.

Don’t also forget that because he is going into an election we are using this to hold him. He wants votes from us and as young people we don’t want to be idle, we want to be engaged meaningfully. So, since he wants our votes, he should tell us how he can secure our future. So if we do not do it politically we will not get a result.

What are those things you think the president should have been able to do for the Niger Delta that he has

not done?

We have over 30,000 workforce in Brass LNG. But, first of all we are not holding anything against the President on the situation we find ourselves. He is the President of Nigeria not the President of Niger Delta or the Ijaw people. He came to meet Nigeria in disarray and he has tried to put the ship in a steady cause, which we acknowledge.

Don’t you think it is time Bayelsa and other states in the region diversify their economies and stop depending on oil alone?

Yes, Bayelsa needs to look inward and try to use some radical approach to increase its revenue. And which is the best way? Agriculture. Bayelsa used to have one of the biggest rice farms in the country. All we need is to revive and intensify it.

Fishing. Traditionally, we are fishermen. I tell you all the food especially Nigerian food is now an international delicacy. If you go to any place in the world, Nigeria’s food is now an international delicacy. Before now, when you go to some places in the world, you won’t see Nigerian food to eat. But things have changed. Today, fried plantain is now an international food so the demand for plantain is high. The demand for banana anywhere in the world, is a big business. Here, we don’t plant banana, it grows by itself. It is God that has done it. Plantain grows by itself. So why don’t we harness this potential for the betterment of the state? If we do that in six months we will be exporting world class banana especially now that there is technology. I went to Isreal and discovered that they are planting plantain in an induced environment. Plantain and banana is one sure area now because of their demands.

Before, it was Ghana that packaged fish and other things for ex-

port. Now Lagos and other western states are taking over the market for African food in the world. People from the western part of Nigeria are living banks as managers to go and face farms. People are living oil companies for farms. Go to Lagos, from that Ajah axis, any fence you see is a farm. People are consolidating on farms because the market is there. So, why don’t we invest on farming?

I recalled that Bayelsa State, before this administration came on board acquired fishing trollers whether it was to siphon funds at that time. Surprisingly, these fishing trollers were immediately abandoned. They are lying fallow at Ogbia waterside. The agricultural ministry should help in putting these expensive trollers to use.

Agge-Koluama is a big coast and there is a big-time fishing going on there. It is our fish but other people are coming to catch fish there. There should be a Ministry of Agriculture market maybe in the waterside somewhere so that when boats come they will take advantage of the market and you will see how far we will be raising money in the state. So, for me, l am surprised that we have not consolidated on that and time is running out.

As IYC, we are ready to work with the government to get the youths organised for the process. All we need now is the political will and commitment from the government.

The government has done well in infrastructural sector, we want such revolution in the agricultural sector. They shouldn’t be telling us that our youths are not ready to work. I do not agree to that; give us the opportunity to bring them to be part of the process and when they fail, then you can now hold us responsible.

N September 23, Governor Godswill Akpabio and the people of Akwa Ibom State rolled out the drums to celebrate the creation of the state 27 years after its creation by the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida in 1987.

Many people were instrumental to the creation of Akwa Ibom State popularly referred to as the “Land of Promise”. Noteworthy among individuals who played major role in ensuring that Gen. Babangida created a state for Akwa Ibom indigenes before leaving office was former Governor Victor Attah.

Attah told the story of how the state was created when the Ibibio Nation honoured at Asan Ibibio some weeks back.

He said: “Let me start by telling you about something that happened in 1987. I was living in Kaduna and about the middle of the year, I received a message from the Military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

He sent to ask me if I was no longer interested in a state for my people.

“This happened because for a long time I had, with respect and within the limits of friendship, harassed him to create a state for us. When it did not happen, I gave up. This message therefore came as a bolt from the blue.

I was shocked, but ecstatically surprised. I was asked to present yet another request for a state which I did.

“Sometime after that I was invited to the office of the Coordinator of National Security (CONS) at 12 Awolowo Road Ikoyi, and was asked to draw a map of what I thought should constitute the new state.

“After that I waited and then on September 23, 1987 came the announcement that Akwa Ibom and Katsina States had been created. My joy knew no bounds. Of course, the first thing I did was to sit down and compose a letter to our beloved benefactor, President Ibrahim Babangida who has graciously created a state for us.”

Celebrating the creation of the state yearly has been the culture of Akpabio-led government since he assumed office over seven years ago.

The 27th anniversary celebration was with the theme: “The God of All Grace” and it began on a good note.

The governor on Sunday attended inter-denominational thanksgiving service at the Ibom Hall Grounds in Uyo with members of his State Executives, Elders, Women, Youths and other stakeholders in the state where he committed the future of Akwa Ibom into the hands of God. At the inter-denominational thanksgiving service, Akapbio urged youths in the state to take responsibility for the governance and the development of the state.

The governor said: “I charge the youths of the state to rise up and pro-

•Akpabio surrounded by pupils during the first anniversary of the free education programme From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

tect the uncommon transformation of the state because there must be maintenance and sustainability of the various infrastructure of the state.

“I also charge the youths of the state not to dwell on tribal sentiments but to be on a positive rebellion to vote in the next governor that would not dwell on tribal sentiments, a man that would maintain and sustain the uncommon transformation of the state and a man that would recognize God as the solid foundation of the state.”

Taking a Bible reading from Luke 7:1-5, Akpabio expressed the hope that the next Governor would sustain the legacy covenant with the church, stressing that the qualities of the next Governor of the state would be focus, sincerity, liberal and not tribalistic.

On the state’s 27th anniversary thanksgiving, Akpabio stated that the church service was to thank God for what he has done for the state.

Akpabio, who said he would not be intermediated by critics, said his administration would continue to partner the church.

He said: “When God gives you the opportunity to serve, do it sincerely and stop criticising others.”

On the second day of the anniversary, the governor continued with inauguration of projects, such as the Traditional Rulers Chambers, Uyo; NTA Uyo Administrative Block rehabilitated by Akwa Ibom State Government.

Other projects inaugurated are Ikot Ntan-Obiokpok-Afaha OffiongIkot Edibon-Irtreto (Enen Nsit) road with three bridges; Abak-Utu NseheIkot Akpan Nkuk (Ukanafun) road with bridge phase 2; Essien Udim Local Government Secretariat Complex and Obot Akara Secretariat Complex/Traditional Rulers Council Chambers.

The last day witnessed the swearing-in of the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and the anniversary party held at Le-Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.

Before his assumption ofoffice, many of the roads, such as Afaha Obong - Etim Ekpo - Ika-Iwukem Road; Abak-Ikot Ekpene Road; Nung Udoe Itak-Use Ikot AmamaOkoita Road; Enen Nsit Road; EtebiEnwang, and most internal roads in the local government areas, were impassable.

Akpabio reached out to the biggest names in the civil engineering and construction business.

So far, the administration has constructed 350 roads across the state, covering 1350 kilometers, well constructed, paved and asphalted.

Work is in progress for the remodelling of urban centres, while all

•Aerial view of Ring Road III, with fly over in Uyo

roads leading into the state capital, mostly federal roads,are being dualised.

The dualisation of Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road is at advanced stage of completion, while the government has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement of the dualisation of Eket-Etinan Road. Also, Akpabio’s government has built five concentric and suspended flyovers in Uyo, the state capital.

One of the greatest legacies of the Akpabio’s administration is the free and compulsory education. The free education programme gives every child of school age resident in Akwa Ibom, regardless of state of origin, access to qualitative education from primary to senior secondary school level.

In addition to free tuition, the state pays a subvention of N100 per primary school pupil and N300 per secondary school student to cater for logistics. Enrolment in public schools, according to the State Government, has tripled since the introduction of the programme.

As a way of ensuring that final year secondary school students are not hamstrung by lack of money, the government undertakes payment of SSCE fees for all students in public secondary schools. This also includes payment of NABTEB fees for all students in public technical colleges.

His administration is also paying the 27 per cent salary scale for teachers; payment of grant to law and

medical students in universities, as well as provision of laptops to all law students of Akwa Ibom origin in the Nigeria Law School.

Akpabio’s government has also completed the Ibom Power Plant which he inherited from his predecessor. The Plant is currently generating 191 megawatts (mw) of electricity. The plant, located near the Aluminum Smelting Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) at Ikot Abasi, is designed to provide 685 mw, with an initial energy output of 191mw from three turbines in the first phase.

Of this, 60mw is dedicated to meet the state’s current and future energy needs.

The Akpabio administration’s efforts at establishing Akwa Ibom State as a destination of choice is not only in the areas of investment and tourism. Sports development is also on the front burner of the administration’s infrastructure revolution. A 30,000 capacity At the time Akpabio assumed leadership of the state, the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort had only 50 rooms completed. The Akpabio’s administration completed 120 additional rooms, to bring the total to 170.

Commissioner for Information Aniekan Umanah said the transformation in the state is not media hype, as the people could feel the impact in their lives, saying quantum of development recorded in Akwa Ibom State is yet to be surpassed by any regional state government in the entire Africa.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

In Bayelsa, Miss Ekeremor holds the olive branch

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From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

F you think that the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant is the most colourful pageant in the country, it means you have yet to new car.

She is also to represent Nigeria at the Miss Peace International which is attend the Miss Peace Bayelsa Beauty (MPBB) pageant.

Miss Peace Bayelsa show, indeed, has all the trappings and features of to hold in Lebanon later n the year. In addition, she is to enjoy an allany globally-acclaimed beauty show and more. It is laced with a good expense paid luxury trip to Dubai alongside the first runner up Miss Brass who also walked home with N300,000. The dose of Bayelsa’s rich cultural heritage and trip is sponsored by the owner of Afrinun spiced with local performances in comedy, Oil and Gas and former ex-militant leader, music and dance. It is, in fact, an all-round General Africa. entertainment package.

The judges also declared, Deborah Diafa Undoubtedly, the crowd that trooped (Miss Alabani), the third runner up and into the Banquet Hall, Yenagoa on Sunday, best in cat walking. She is to head for to attend the third edition of the yearly Johannesburg in South Africa to attend the event, which is always organised by ProviFashion week; spend four nights at the dence Global Resources Entertainment Michael Angelo Hotel and to get a Limited (PGR) were not disappointed. customised Chelsea shirt signed by Diego They beamed with smiles as they watched Costa. The trip is to be sponsored by the the show. owner of Monimichelle Sports ConstrucIn fact, the audience also understood the tion Company, Mr. Ebi Egba. significance of the pageant. It is not a mere Moreover, the second runner up, Lucy show. It is tied to the past, future and Cassandra (Miss Kolo Creek), was reprogress of the state. It is part if the events warded with N200,000. used to commemorate the Bayelsa Peace Immediately Miss Ekeremor was anDay, the day that signifies the end of milinounced the winner, her mother and sibtancy in the state. ling created a spectacle. They shouted in Before the administration of Governor joy, ran round the hall, fell and rolled many Seriake Dickson, the Bayelsa Peace Day times. Tears of joy rolled down their was celebrated every August 22 to mark the cheeks, amazed at the life-changing mohistoric August 22, 2009 when militant ment. leaders from the state embraced the amThe organiser of the event, Tonbie, the nesty declared by the late President Musa Miss Peace Bayelsa Beauty Pageant is Yar’Adua and gathered at the Peace Park, aimed at creating new role models that will Yenagoa, to submit their arms. serve as an ambassador of peace and enThe disarmament ended hostilities in the hance a new strength, energy and spirit to state and by extension the Niger Delta readvance peace in the state and Niger Delta gion. To remember that day, the state proregion. nounced August 22 a work-free day and He recalled: “The Niger Delta region was instituted a carnival to mark it. engulfed in hostilities induced by decades The festivity used to attract all the exof undeserved official neglect. Although militant leaders such as Mr. Ebikabowei the main base of national health, the comVictor Ben popularly known as Field munities in the region still rank top in the Marshall Boyloaf, Eris Paul (Oguboss), Paslist of underdeveloped communities in the tor Reuben, General Africa and many othcountry. These and other fundamental reaers. sons led to arms struggle.

But since he came on board, Dickson has “However, late Umaru Yar’Adua took failed to mark the Peace Day, a situation the bull by the horn in the region by grantthat is creating a bad blood between him ing amnesty to militants in the region, and the ex-militant leaders. thereby opening a new chapter of intellecDespite the alleged deliberate move by tual dialogue.

Dickson’s administration to “kill” the his“Women and children were mostly the toric day, the Chief Executive Officer, PGR unfortunate victims of the conflicts because Entertainment, Mr. Seleipre Tonbie, has of the circumstances beyond their control. continued to host Miss Peace Bayelsa The best way to prevent them is to promote beauty pageant, one leg of the Bayelsa healthy and balanced economic and social Peace Day. development in an atmosphere of peace.

MPBB is designed to produce a Miss “A complete success and sustainable peace, an amiable peace-loving young peace building is a function of youth parwoman who will help to advance and susticipation. The seeds of tolerance must first tain the hard-earned peace in the state of be sown right into the minds of children President Goodluck Jonathan. So, 17 pretty as they grow old. Let us nurture in them and sexy contestants selected from differrespect for existence of individuals of whatent parts of the state lined up for this year’s ever region or ethnic group, nation, genshow. der, colour or socio-economic standard or The hall came alive with music and ribpolitical belief”. cracking comedies. There was no dull moTonbie said women were selected to parment for the crowd who applauded heavily ticipate in the competition because they are and sometimes shouted ecstatically to apalways viewed as the victims of war that preciate the performances of array of should carry the message of peace. artistes paraded at the event.

•Miss Peace He regretted the nonchalant attitude of A group of dancers, the Genesis, from the state government to local events wonPort-Harcourt with energetic, unique and dering why the state tourism agency revaried dance steps added ‘swag’ to the occasion. Funny Efizy and MC Aproko were among the rising comedians fused to partake in the Miss Peace event. He lamented that instead of encouraging local programmes, the present administration was busy sponthat drew laughter from the audience.

Then came the girls. Their first outing on the stage sent the audience soring national and international events.

“The government should think twice. They have hosted the Most Beaustanding in applause. They danced harmoniously shaking and twisting tiful themselves to a well-rehearsed song formulated to suit the event.

Girl in Nigeria beauty pageant, the international fashion week and other From their first outing, their catwalk to the point where they appeared in their traditional costumes, the picture of those that would make the top global events, yet they have refused to identify with local events. The min10 became clearer. Not quite long, the judges battled and trimmed the istry of tourism should think twice and support local events”, he said.

He added: “At PGR Entertainment, our ideology is the knowledge that number of the contestants to 10. The number was further reduced to five after the brains of the girls were tested with some questions revolving peace is not a mere absence of war, but a virtue that springs from the force of character. Therefore, the promotion of peace through the emulation of around peace.

Miss Brass, Miss Ekeremor, Miss Kolo Creek, Miss Alabini and Miss acceptable character representation becomes pertinent via pageantry which Sagbama made the top five. Expectations grew higher as the audience showcases young intelligent, talented, creative and beautiful females who believe in their contributions to societal awakening and growth.” raised their voices for their favourite contestants.

Some dignitaries such as the member representing Kolokuma-Opokuma In fact, there was no doubt in the minds of the audience when the judges came out with their final verdict and declared, Rebecca Hampson (Miss Constituency 1, Mr. Tonye Isenah; a popular ex-militant leader, General Ekeremor), the 2014 Miss Peace in Bayelsa. She walked home with a brand Africa and founder of Monimichelle Sports Construction Facility Company, Mr. Ebi Egba, graced the occasion.

Akwa Ibom to review Master Plan

By Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

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O incorporate current realities and ensure Uyo retains its pride of place as a modern city and centre of attraction in Nigeria, the Akwa Ibom State government is set to review its master plan.

Chairman, Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Imo Edet Inyan disclosed this while addressing delegates from the Abakaliki Capital City Development Board (ACCDB) who were on a study tour of Uyo. Inyan told his counterparts from Ebonyi State that the uncommon transformation of the state capital and its environs was a result of the faithful implementation of its master plan, adding that the plan, which is 10 years old, is due for a comprehensive review to incorporate current realities.

He said UCCDA, established by the Akwa Ibom State Edict 13 of 1988, is vested with the responsibility of managing land within the capital city, designate sites for government and other projects, undertake public sensitisation, and organise stakeholders meetings, enforcement of and demolition illegal structures, among others.

The UCCDA boss said the Ibom International Airport road would soon have a city gate and a parade ground.

Secretary and head of administration, UCCDA, Mrs Emem Umoh, said other states have visited Uyo before to also understudy the state’s development strategies.

The Surveyor-General, Okokon Essien, said the Uyo capital city is 10 kilometers radius from the city centre, adding that it will be increased to 15 kilometers radius in the reviewed master plan.

The Ebonyi State team led by its Chairman, Mr Edward Nkwegu and General Manager, Justin Ogedo, said Abakaliki, which traverses seven local government areas, needs proper planning.

The ACCDB Chairman said Ebonyi State government decided to study Akwa Ibom State development system and draw lessons for use in Ebonyi.

The Ebonyi State team inspect ed over 20 projects around the state capital. They visited the Akwa Ibom international Airport, the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, the State House, the Anniversary Hospital, Central motor park located at Itam, Itam timber market, Bank layout, industrial layout, Unity Park, The Tropicana Complex, Le-Meridien Hotel and Golf Resort, several highways and flyovers.

The Ebonyi team said they learnt a lot going through the projects and that they would put their lessons to use in Abakaliki, the state capital. They were full of praises for Governor Godswill Akpabio, who they described as a man with foresight.

The Ebonyi team is not the first to come on a tour to study how the administration has turned around Uyo from a glorified village to a biffiting state capital, which many long to visit.

Civil Defence steps up security at Akwa Ibom Secretariat

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O forestall security breach in the massive Akwa Ibom State secretariat, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State and Governor Godswill Akpabio have stepped up security checks at the state secretariat.

By Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

The Corps Commandant, Pedro Awili Ideba, said the security measure was to secure both the Secretariat, thousands of workers and visitors.

All vehicles coming into the secretariat are checked by men and officers of NSCDC at the main gate.

The command frowns at workers and visitors who refuse to co-operate with its officials.

Ideba said Akpabio, being a proactive governor, approved the mea-

sure to fulfill one of his constitutional responsibilities, which is to provide adequate security for lives and property.

The Commandant noted that the security measure was being resisted by some people. He added that the vehicular check is one of the strate-

gies to ward-off any planned attack around the secretariat.

The Commandant appealed to Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Special Advisers to sensitise their employees and visitors on the new measure.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

36

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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WRITE this for no one in particular. It is just the thoughts of a man who needs to speak out before becoming a patient at a psychiatric hospital. Let me do a brief introduction: I am what many will prefer to address as the common man. But, since I fall into the geographic divide called the Niger Delta, I opt for the option of being addressed as the common Niger Deltan. What sets me apart from the other Niger Deltans? It is simple. I am poor, stinking and not sure of where the next meal will come from. I live in the creeks. My house, made of wood, is covered with palm front, which I have to change from time to time as they wither away.

For me, luxury is a stranger. It is something I hear about and see when the rich choose to throw their weight about. Some of my children could not go to school. I don't have to tell you the reason. It is obvious. Did I hear anyone talk about free education? It is a mirage to me and a source of pain too.

But, do I really have any reason to be poor? I don't think so. I was born into wealth. Not that my father was rich. My mother was a good friend to poverty. What I mean by being born to wealth centres around the fact that I am from the Niger Delta, where the oil of Nigeria's prosperity is drilled. A constant reminder of this is some minutes away from my abode: the Residential Area or RA, as we are wont to call it, of the multinational the government gave the licence to drill our oil on its behalf. My house and those of others around me when compared with the RA cannot be described better than saying "heaven and hell, side by side". Ours is hell; theirs is heaven.

I guess we have sinned and come short of the glory of God to be consigned to that sort of existence.

On a second thought, I think it is not God that we have sinned against. It is our leaders, the men we elect to lead us. Or, better still, the men who forced themselves on us as our leaders. In my part of the Niger Delta, we never see night. I will explain. The multinational operating in our area has its flow station so close to our homes. It sends out gas flares throughout the day. So, the only way to differentiate between night and day is to check our wrist watch, something that is a luxury to many of us. In my town, oil pipelines are not underground. They are in the open. And often they burst or are burst and our soils and existence are damaged in the process.

We have shouted, protested and threatened violence over our fate, yet change has refused to come. It is as if the multinational also has another licence: to send us all to our early grave so that our leaders can have all the wealth for themselves, including the little they manage to spend on basic amenities for us. This environmental genocide, as some have called it, is having serious effects on us. Strange diseases are killing our people. Pregnant women are developing strange allergies. Yet, we have only one ill-equipped health centre to take care of our health needs.

We have several people with aggravated asthma,

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people and matters

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

The common Niger Deltan

‘

‘We waste our limited resources. It is a tale of 'Papa Deceiving Pikin'. We are just one big nation of liars.

Leaders lie. Journalists bend the fact. Oil companies twist the facts. It is just a big game of deceit. But, we must not continue like this lest we perish’

‘

increases in respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and difficult or painful breathing, chronic bronchitis and decreased lung function.

Premature death is not uncommon.

What further baffles me is that this multinational goes about painting a picture of being an asset to us, when it is, indeed, a curse. Every Christmas, the company sends us cows, two cows to be specific, for this big town to share.

LAST WORD

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

‘

This is the President who has added so much value to Nigeria and has abandoned the Ijaw people, the Niger Delta people. I think this is the right time to drag him to the table. We want him to use this opportunity to talk to his people. The point is that the bulk ends on his table as the president __

‘

IYC chief Udens Eradiri

You need to come and see the fighting this usually causes. Poverty is not good. We end up fighting over something we are supposed to reject and throw back at the bearer.

I heard the other day that the company says it is all out to ensure no harm comes to us as a result of its activities here. Yet, as I write this, my brain is being flared out by the gas flares from its flow station, which is at the centre of our town.

The truth is, they are more interested in the oil than in our well-being. We can die for all they care. Oil is more important than man; that is their mantra. Our government is an accomplice in this man's inhumanity to man. Once the royalty keeps coming in, to hell with the people. Meanwhile, they will tell us "Power to the people".

Soon, they will come around distributing rice, George and wrapper and all kinds to buy our conscience and votes. Willingly, we will sell. No thanks to poverty.

It is lost on our government that the richest nations in the world are agro-based. The country used to make so much money from cocoa, groundnut and other cash crops. But, oil has made us mad. We have lost our sense of reasoning. We just don't give a damn about its down side. The madness has eaten into the youths who are now looking for easy money. That is why they see militancy, kidnapping, illegal bunkering and armed robbery as better than tilling the few good soil left. I agree with the school of thought which argues that our leaders brought about the laziness among the young ones. Someone needs to show them leadership and direction.

Our leaders must try some radical approach to increase revenue. Agriculture will help. Rice farms will do a lot of magic. We are known as fishermen, but we are not doing it well. If we do it well, we will make lots of cash locally and foreign exchange will also increase tremendously.

In many of our communities, crops, such as plantain and banana, just sprout out on their own.

We don't have to plant them. I read somewhere in one of those scarce moments when I come across newspapers that plantain can be imported too. This is something that just grows on its own on our soil. We need to think. We must harness this potential for the betterment of the state.

The other time our past governor acquired fishing trolleys. We were happy they would help us get more from our fishes. As I write, these trolleys are abandoned at a waterside, another evidence of how we waste our limited resources.

It is a tale of 'Papa Deceiving Pikin'. We are just one big nation of liars. Leaders lie. Journalists bend the fact. Oil companies twist the facts. It is just a big game of deceit. But, we must not continue like this lest we perish.

This is where I rest my case hoping somebody will rescue me from the huge oven the flare from the oil giant's flow station has turned my home.

Or, may be my last hope lies in my son, the only one I managed to send to the university but ended up a militant when there was no job.

Through the Amnesty Programme, he was trained as a pilot. If he gets a job, may be my sorrow will be over and I will leave this oven I call home and start life afresh. But, like many who benefitted from the Amnesty Programme trainings, he is still jobless and living off his monthly stipend, a percentage of which goes to his former militant camp leader.

BY NICHOLAS KALU

Ndoma-Egba...On the march for fourth term

I

T must be made clear from the onset that Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba is breaking no law by seeking a fourth term in the National Assembly. Unlike the executive arm of government, the legislature has no fixed term. A representative can go back for as many times as his people want him. Now, Ndoma-Egba is on the march again to see whether his people who trusted him enough to elect him thrice will do so again.

A group of professionals and residents of the central senatorial district in Cross River State have thrown their weight behind his fourth term bid.

The professionals said they arrived at their decision after a careful analysis of the performance of the senator who represents the district.

After their meeting in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area, the group agreed that hardwork and good performances should be encouraged.

According to them, the senate leader is a very important figure at the federal level and Cross River should not throw that away.

Outlining some his achievements, Dr Benitrus Okim, who spoke on behalf of the group, said he has sponsored the highest number of bills in the seventh senate of the federal republic of Nigeria and led the senate and contributed immensely to the stabil-

ity of the senate.

Okim continued: "He has executed more than 70 viable projects in his constituency.

He has awarded more than 500 scholarships to indigenes of the district. He has fought for the territorial integrity of the state.

"He has sponsored over 200 pilgrims to Jerusalem and Saudi Arabia. He has in line with the federal government on agriculture and food supply and sustainability provided large volumes of agricultural inputs to farmers in the district.

"He has trained and empowered about 500 indigenes of the district on Small and medium scale enterprises and provided them with start-up capital.

"He has vigorously fought for the interest of the state. He has shown total and unalloyed support to the party in the state and at the national. He has facilitated the employment of more than 500 people from the state. He earned the accolade of the governor of the state as the stabiliser of the PDP in the state."

Also another socio-political group, the Grassroot Movement has called for NdomaEgba to continue.

Coordinator of the group, Comrade Efobe Ogar Ojong, said it has become imperative for the senate leader to continue if the people are to further benefit the essence of pragmatic leadership.

He said the country has sentimentally departed from the system where a "performing, altruistic and experienced senator" is given the opportunity to continue to serve as many times as possible for the good of the country.

He said the track records of the senator in both giving infrastructal development in his constituency and effective leadership in the senate are so rewarding and outstanding that his group decided to drum support for his continuity.

He urged the people to be informed that what is most important to them is the strategic position their person occupies in government.

He said if he is replaced it would take "impossible" years to attain his height.

Change is the only reason those against his re-election are banking on. They say he has had enough and should leave the stage for another person. The chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon John Enoh, is one of those who want Ndoma-Egba out. He is interested in the seat.

At the National Assembly, ranking is a determinant of who gets what, this may not be good for Cross River. The senator believes the state will suffer at the National Assembly if he does not return.

The important thing here is: let the people decide his fate and live with the consequence.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

37

Jumia introduces express delivery in Lagos JUMIA, Nigeria’s Largest Online retailer with operations covering every part of the country, has introduced express delivery to customers in Lagos.

The service is to give customers the best shopping experience and convenience with Online Shopping. In recent times, Jumia has expanded to create new categories with more assortments available for customers to shop from.

The exclusive delivery expansion offered as express delivery gives all Jumia customers in Lagos the opportunity to receive their order the same day they

place the order. The same day delivery is not being offered by any other retailer in Nigeria.

Its Managing Director, Nicolas Martin said: ‘‘This level of convenience is what we aim to provide for our customers. We always make sure we are giving our customer the best of online retail experience with our service delivery. Express delivery is a game changer for Ecommerce operations in Nigeria.”

Jumia customers in Lagos can enjoy same delivery on most of the items listed on Jumia’s website, if they place their order before 1pm during the day.

•Martin

‘Ecommerce ‘ll contribute up to 20 per cent Nigeria’s GDP’

T

HE Chief Executive Officer of JUMIA Nigeria Nicola Martin has that E-commerce can contribute enormously to national economic growth.

He spoke in a discussion on a national television programme, ‘Ecommerce as the next driver of Nigeria’s economic growth’.

He revealed that E-commerce is more relevant in Nigeria than in another part of the world because

of the enormous benefits in the country as Africa’s largest economy.

He also spoke on the worth of the retail market in Nigeria and how E-commerce in big countries such as India, China are contributing 5 per cent to 10 per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to their economy and how Nigeria’s Ecommerce will soon be contributing about 20 per cent of its in terms of growth.

He explained how Ecommerce has grown with companies such as Jumia seeing growth rates of 10 times every year and how lack of infrastructure could enable startups in Nigeria structure their business. He said a growing number of online players are good for the E-commerce industry because it helps the industry to grow and help educate Nigerians about the convenience of Online shopping.

•Ileya ram on display at Kara market in Lagos

As consumers are more aware of the nutritional and health benefits of yoghurt as a good source of protein, vitamins and calcium, its market can only grow more especially with the fortunes of Hollandia brand. TONIA ‘DIYAN writes.

Consumers relish Hollandia Yoghurt

C

ONSUMERS across the country have applauded Chi Limited for introducing three new variants of Hollandia Yoghurt in addition to the existing ones in the market. The variants: Green Apple, Orange and Pure and Plain are expected to cater for the growing demand for dairy products in general and yoghurt in particular.

According to consumers, the new variants will widen their experiences of Hollandia Yoghurt because it has a rich and balanced flavour. They added that the new low fat yogurts are excellent to taste. Hollandia Yoghurt is not only healthy and fulfilling, but a delight to consumers. The variants come in 1 litre, 500ml and 250ml tetra paks.

Amaka, Bose, Amina and Uju are four close friends and all yoghurt lovers.

Amaka and Amina have tried for months to get rid of junk foods and make healthier food decisions.

However, they often failed to stay on course. This is because sometimes, the healthy options are simply too bland and unappealing.

Recently, they started substituting heavy dinners with healthy fruits and veggie smoothies. They couldn’t keep up with it as it often tasted…off.

One day, a friend asked them to try and add some yoghurt to their

smoothies. They thought adding the drink would add more sugar and not benefit the mix. In the course of selecting the ideal yoghurt, they ran into Hollandia Pure N Plain Yoghurt with no added sugar. The yoghurt added the creamy smooth texture their smoothies lacked and greatly elevated the taste without adding any sugar. They now look forward to their daily smoothies; thanks to Hollandia Pure N Plain Yoghurt.

Bose, on the other hand, loves experimenting with flavours.

However, it soon became obvious that the many brands were limited to one or two basic flavours. Over time, even for a yoghurt lover like her, it had become somewhat boring.

Bose discovered Hollandia Yoghurt Orange flavor while on her monthly grocery shopping. She bought one pack out of curiosity and gave it a try.

She is yet to regret the decision.

This is because Hollandia Yoghurt Orange Flavour combined the exciting citrus-y flavor perfectly with the signature Hollandia smooth yoghurt in a way that delivered a superior taste experience.

Uju’s love of yoghurt was beyond the norm. With apples being her absolute favorite fruit, she frequently searched for appleflavoured yogurt to satisfy both desires. On one of her weekly

•The three new variants

shopping runs, Uju ran into a fellow shopper, who was buying cartons of the Hollandia Green Apple. After some prodding, she discovered that it also came in a 180 ml pouch, perfect for her busy life as a marketer on the go! he ordered a carton for herself. She didn’t expect it to be any different from others she’d tasted over the years, but she was wrong. Not only did the Hollandia Green Apple taste very nice, she found that it didn’t leave her with an after-taste so common with those she had tried in the past. She could not believe it, Hollandia Green Apple

restored Uju’s faith in apple drinks and she isn’t planning to lose the faith anytime soon.

The four jolly friends have since been able to fulfill their respective cravings without betraying their individual tastes.

With the introduction of On-TheGo pack of Hollandia Yoghurt 180ml sachets in Orange, Strawberry and Plain Sweetened and Pure N Plain flavours at the cost of N50 for children and young adults.

No doubt, consumers who are attracted to the brand like Amaka, Bose and Amina feel a kinship with its refreshing and energising

flavours and they are willing to become adorers and ambassadors in the nearest future.

Therefore, by successfully translating feedbacks from customer engagement into innovative product extensions that satisfy the yearnings of consumers for new experiences, Chi Limited has become the undisputed market leader in its segment in terms of sales volume and product innovation.

The Pure and Plain variant, which was developed to satisfy the ever-increasing health conscious consumer contains no sugar and is adjudged suitable for the individual who desires to consume yoghurt strictly for its numerous health benefits.

According to nutritionists, consumption of yoghurt is recommended for persons who suffer from obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, among others, because yoghurt exerts a positive effect on health.

Speaking on the newly introduced variants, Managing Director, Chi Limited, Mr. Roy Deepanjan said: “The new variants of Hollandia Yoghurt were developed following extensive consumer engagement activities which revealed that our loyal customers who have helped us to reach the number one position have a yearning for more varieties of the Hollandia Yoghurt brand.

“We at Chi Limited have always been keen on satisfing the ever growing population of Hollandia Yoghurt consumers across Nigeria with products designed to satisfy their needs and expectations from our brands.”

38

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

AGRICBUSINESS

B

e-mail: agrobusiness@thenationonlineng.net

Cocoa farmers’ many challenges

ERNARD Ukata (not real name) owns a three-hectare cocoa farm in Edo State. He inherited the farm from his father and applied the farming techniques he learnt from his father . He spends an average of N350,000 annually to maintain one of the three hectares .

Although he is known as one of the most experienced farmers in his community, he has never achieved the expected yield. He works hard, but continuesto struggle to maintain the farm and protect it against pests and diseases’ attack.

He employs good agricultural, environmental and social techniques as strategies. At the end, he sells his produce for export and makes about $3,500 per tonne, hardly making good profit. Hampered by his limited bargaining power with cocoa buyers, Ukata and other farmers are forced to accept whatever price they are offered at the farm gate.

Low cocoa prices, combined with poor productivity and vulnerability to price downturns in volatile commodity markets, often make Ukata and others struggle to make enough income to cover production costs. Ukata is one of the several thousands of farmers, who have taken to cocoa production because of the reported good earnings from its export, but only to discover that it was not as easy as they thought.

Speaking with The Nation, the Chief Executive, Centre for Cocoa Initiatives, Mr Robo Adhuze said the cocoa sector is facing sustainability crisis.

Cocoa farmers, according to him, face challenges that make it difficult for them to realise the true potential of cocoa farming. The fragile nature of cocoa tree makes it vulnerable to pests and diseases.

Each year, farmers lose between 30 per cent to 100 per cent of their cocoa farm to pests and diseases. The limited number of improved seeds or planting material also means that farmers are harvesting from old trees that produce low yields.

The limited knowledge of new, more efficient farming techniques has reduced crop yields and incomes, just as lack of organisation among farmers’ groups has limited their ability to purchase supplies at a lower cost. It has equally hampered them from accessing helpful market information and secure better prices for their produce.

Cocoa, he explained, is still nursed in primitively as against mechanised way. Farmers’ families work together with varying roles from planting seedlings, clearing the forest canopy, pruning and watching over the trees, to harvesting and breaking the pods, fermenting the seeds and drying the beans.

Other tasks include ferrying the dried cocoa beans bags on their backs to the buyers, which may be some kilometres away.

Experts said the booming consumption in Asia is expected to increase the demand for cocoa in the $100 billion chocolate industry by about one million tonnes, or around a quarter of world’s production by 2020.

Adhuze said while it is difficult for small farmers to cope with the influence of chocolate companies in dictating the prices of cocoa, majority of them work on small farms of not more than two hectares, which are too small to guarantee better returns.

According to him, cocoa prices are being dictated by the global chocolate industry.

The farmers, he said, have little chances of getting a fair price for their produce if they don’t know

Nigeria and other West African countries supply two-thirds of the world’s cocoa. But getting the benefits to trickle down to local farmers is challenge, writes DANIEL ESSIET.

•Egbesola

•Olowe

•Adhuze

exploited by the foreign chocolate companies. These companies through agents purchase cocoa from farmers at a set price, distribute and sell it on the world market. This has left small farmers directly at the mercy of world market prices.

According to experts, the cocoa future market, originally set up for large chocolate companies could guarantee their input prices for a season. To them, it has become an important commodities’ market where most of the trading are carried out purely on speculation. The result, according to them, has seen larger and more rapid price movements, which are extremely difficult for the small farmers to bear.

According to the Programme Coordinator, Farmers Development Union(FADU), Mr Victor Olowe, farmers are paid poorly for cocoa they harvest, carrying heavy loads, using machetes to clear their land and inhale harmful pesticides in their daily work schedule.

Pesticides are commonly used to control bugs and viruses that harm the cocoa plant. Most of the farm-

ers use pesticides, which have been found to cause headaches, nausea, diarrhea, liver and kidney complications and cancer.

According to him, cocoa farmers live in poverty as prices paid to them by buyers are often incredibly low.

He noted that his organisation was making effort to get premium prices for cocoa farmers.

In the words of Olowe, farmers, who have gone through certification programmes would receive higher prices than conventional ones.

On the whole, Olowe said fair trade standards support farmers’ long-term development by fostering strong producer organisations, sustainable farming practices and social compliance.

As a requirement, he said, cocoa producers must meet all core criteria, but can prioritise the development criterion that is most important to them.

Through such a training, he said, farmers improve productivity and quality; have a sustainable tree and pest management; anti-child labour

•A Cocoa farmer

how much other markets beyond their villages are willing to pay.

Since income from cocoa farming is generally low and unpredictable farmers are finding it difficult to invest in their farms and businesses.

Consequently, he said, there is need for the industry to work out methods to protect small farmers.

Calling for fair pricing, he stressed the need to link the chocolate manufacturers directly with cocoa growers and allow messages about techniques and labour rights to be more easily discussed and monitored.

The President, Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria (FACAN), Dr Victor Iyama said when an average world commodity prices rise, profits tend to go mostly to large trading companies, not to the small-scale farmers.

He added that poor farmers don’t profit from price gyrations on the world market since they must sell at harvest because they can’t afford to stockpile. Most profits go to middlemen and traders.

He said local farmers are being

‘Pesticides are commonly used to control bugs and viruses that harm the cocoa plant. Most of the farmers use pesticides, which have been found to cause headaches, nausea, diarrhea, liver and kidney complications and cancer’

and environmental protection.

For transformational change to come to the cocoa sector, the President, Association of Small business Owners of Nigeria(ASBON), Dr Femi Egbesola said it would involve the participation of all actors.

According to him, there should be a renewed interest in shoring up agriculture as an avenue for economic growth and, more broadly, for development of the continent. He said the government must invest in small cocoa farmers and not the big ones.

He believed a total revamp of the agricultural sector would bring about a return to the old days when Nigeria was producing enough to feed herself, and agriculture contributed about 40 per cent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings through exports.

Analysts say it is practically impossible for farmers to meet the target of tripling output to 500,000 tonnes by 2020 given the situation of things because trees require six years to hit the peak in production.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce(NBCC), has blamed the bad image given locally produced cocoa in the world market, on activities of the get-rich-quick exporters.

Speaking at the launch of the Ondo Kingdom Chamber of Commerce (OKCC), NBCC President, Prince Yemi Adefulu, said standardisation and quality control were thrown out of the window when the marketing boards were scrapped. The country, he noted, has not recovered from the reputation damage arising from the misdemeanor.

“Nigeria earned a reputation for poor quality from which we suffer to this day. Prices of Nigerian cocoa crashed and farmers became discouraged and lost the incentive to plant new cocoa seedlings or expand existing plantations. Consequently, many abandoned the farms.

We are probably now the 10th producer of cocoa in the world. It is, however, not only farmers and cocoa merchants who suffered, the local economy which was buoyant in the days of the cocoa boom became dislocated,” he said.

He added: “Traders, transporters, labourers, the local government, the state and the nation all suffered in the process. But the greatest loss of all was the reputation damage.”

According to him, such a calamity could have been avoided if there was an effective Chamber of Commerce in Ondo State. Every major step which changed history, according to him, was be an appropriate and timely response to a challenge.

He said: “It could have fought the abandonment of standards and if the government did not listen, it could have created and established an Ondo Standards, which if well protected and projected, could have become a recognised global standard of quality.

“There are chambers of commerce, which issue export documentations and help to authenticate standards.

It is all part of being the watch-dog of the concerns and interests of the business community and reaching to government at the highest levels and affecting trade policy development.”

He said a properly managed Ondo should be exporting cocoa butter, creams, chocolates and other cocoa based products from cottage industries.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

39

AGRICBUSINESS Farmers bemoan market sshare loss to East Africa

N

IGERIAN farmers are losing their market share to their East African counterparts, Secretary, South-South Apex Farmers Association (SAFA), Mr. Alphonsus Inyang, has said.

Speaking in Uyo during a twoday workshop of the association, he said lack of coordination of farming activities in the country is the reason for the loss of market share currently suffered by local farmers.

Inyang said one of the biggest food chain firms in the country imports apple, plantain, water leaves, vegetables and banana from Ethiopia, Cameroun and some other East and Central African countries.

According to him, the firm resorted to importation of the produce since it could not get farmers that were willing to coordinate their activities with a view to meeting their orders.

He said: “The food chain firm in question, right now buys apple, plantain, water leaf, vegetable and banana from Ethiopia, Congo, Cameroun and from some other East and Central Africa countries.

As our farmers have not been properly coordinated, these things are likely to continue to happen in the country.”

Inyang observed that farmers here cultivate and make losses because their areas of farming have not been properly identified and coordinated. In other words, they farm without information and the use of latest technology.

He said: “There are certain chemicals that Shoprite gives to their suppliers to spray on plantain. These chemicals can preserve the plantain from two weeks to two months without going black.

This happens because the farmers are coordinated.

“So, these are the areas that we at SAFA want to enlighten our farmers on. They need to know the areas they should invest in.”

By Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

He urged government to encourage farmers in the country by granting those loans and mop up their excess produce. This, he said will encourage and enable them operate profitably.

He said it is regrettable that farmers in the South-South region continue to operate on small scales, which makes them miss out on some important aids that would have come their way.

“This is why SAFA is here to encourage small farmers to grow gradually by getting them involved in government programmes’ for possible assistance,” he added.

He said the association would organise training and capacity building for farmers. This, he noted will serve as a bridge between the farmers and the government to enable farmers assess government’s programmes and gain market for their produce.

Inyang stated that the roles of government in agricultural programmes’ are important especially during the month of September where farmers will begin to bury crates of eggs to prevent under pricing of their produce.

He said: “We need government to assist us; like buying eggs at market price from us and then distribute them at affordable price to citizens to save us from huge losses.

“If you move from one poultry farm to the other, there is no market. Between the months of May to September each year, poultry farmers in Akwa Ibom State usually dig and bury their eggs in the ground, this is painful.”

Its Chairman, Dr. George Ikpot, who was represented by a member, Board of Trustees, Mr. Godwin Udom, stated that SAFA will work with farmers and develop their capacity to attain maximum returns on their investment.

Poultry faces rising feeds’ prices

P

OULTRY is facing hard times following the soaring prices of feeds.

Poultry feeds account for about 70 per cent of the total cost of chicken production.

Speaking with The Nation, the President, Poultry Association of Nigeria(PAN), Dr Ayo Oduntan said the increase is affecting poultry producers, which relies heavily on animal feeds.

He said the prices of soya bean and maize which are major components in the feed formulation matrix is responsible for this.

Soya beans, he explained, has risen sharply , while that of maize has come down in the last few months, attributed the efforts of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development , Dr Akinwumi Adesina to improve local production of maize.

This, however, he explained has not helped to bring that the cost of feed since soya beans is still in key factor. Proper chicken feed includes corn, soyabean meal besides minerals and vitamins.

Stories by Daniel Essiet

Feeds are going up due to poor production of soyabeans nationwide.

To watchers, the cost of animal feeds have gone up by between 40 and 50 per cent since 2012, an unprecedented rise. This has locked hundreds of thousands of livestock farmers out of the feeds market which are key in complementing the dwindling pasture occasioned by failing rains.

A report said feed producers are facing a challenge producing cheap products, blaming it on acute shortage of raw materials, high import duty and prohibitive cost of energy.

While demand for the feeds has grown, feed manufacturers unable to satisfy the rising appetite and that the mismatch between production and demand is worrying.

According to him, feed manufactures are faacing challenges, operating at half c1apacity and struggling to cover their costs.

A farmer, Mr Stephen Oladipupo said the abnormally high price of maize and soyabean have pushed the industry into deep crisis.

This is because the industry required thousands of feed mixtures and supplements, but that the country is unable to produce it because it had to import some of the raw materials such as fishmeal, cereal bran, fishmeal, oil seed cakes and feed premixes to bolster production.

Currently, the poultry industry is the largest consumer of livestock feeds, accounted for more 50 percent of the national feed production including chick and duck mash, growers mash, layers mash, broiler starter and broiler finisher.

At present, the key challenges faced by the poultry industry are high feed cost.

In the last two years, the industry has been facing severe crisis due to abnormal increase in the prices of feed ingredients (mainly maize and soyabean) and led to an increase in the cost of production.

Group, varsity partner on agric seed centre

T

HE West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP-Nigeria) is to collaborate with the University of Agriculture, Makurdi towards the resuscitation of the moribund pioneer seed centre at the university.

Its National Project Coordinator, Prof Damian Chikwendu made this known recently while on a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Emmanuel Kucha.

Chikwendu who was at the university following a proposal he received from the institution on the need to assist in the revival of the project noted that the pioneer seed centre was set up with the motive

of providing a centre of excellence for the production and training of seed officers on seed multiplication, a project which commenced way back in 1998 but was stalled due to the obsolete nature of the equipment that were installed.

Expressing the readiness of WAAPP to collaborate, Chikwendu said: “We have received your proposal and we are here to see the seed complex and comprehend the efforts you are making as well as note the areas of collaboration.” WAAPP’s area of interest in the enterprise he declared is mainly in the area of Training on seed production and in Research at the Seed Centre. The

Centre when fully rehabilitated, he said would become a reference point for seed multiplication in the West African sub-region.

He noted the initial remarkable efforts of the university in the execution of WAAPP assisted projects such as in fish fingerlings production and cassava stem multiplication programme since the collaboration commenced in May last year but appraised the need to buckle up in the area of fingerlings multiplication.

In his response, Kucha lauded WAAPP for the multiple collaborative efforts which is manifesting in the revitalisation of several activities on the campus.

‘Why govt revamped Songhai Delta’

D

ELTA State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, has said the state owned integrated agro-based company, Songhai Delta, Amukpe, has come to occupy its proper place as a driver of the socio-economic programmes of the Delta State government.

Utuama who stated this during his official working visit to the revamped company in Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State, noted that the agro-based company was established by former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori with the aim of creating employment and thereby alleviating poverty among the people as well as impacting the youths with skill acquisition in the different departments of agriculture.

The deputy governor in the company of some other top government functionaries inspected some of the revamped units at Songhai Delta, which include Grass cutters units, Piggery, Quails, Broilers, Fish Ponds and Snail units.

Other units also inspected are the Hatchery, Pastry and Milk processing, Soya Beans processing as well as the Feed Mill Units.

He noted that the state government decided to revamped the company to enable it carry out its original vision in the development of the economy of Delta State in generating employment, food security as well as providing training and boosting of tourism.

“Today, we have come to witness the turn around of Songhai Delta Amukpe. It is a complete turn around. From what I can see, from the physical environment to the revival of the different units, we can see that Songhai Delta is standing strong.

“We all can see that Songhai Delta Amukpe has come to occupy its proper place as a driver of the socioeconomic programme of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Governor of Delta State,” Utuama said.

Utuama who commended the Executive Consultant as well as the Amukpe community for the co-operation in ensuring peace and harmony, asserted that the state government would continue to diversify the non-oil economy of the state and develop other non-oil sector to create employment for the youths and wealth for all.

He used the occasion to commend the over 300 hundred Industrial Trainee (IT) students from the different universities in the country for taking the advantage of being part of the Songhai vision.

“I want to appeal to you our great Nigeria students that, the experience you are gaining here should see you through life. Do not pass through this company without gaining one or two things from it.

It is not every one of you that have the opportunity to be at Songhai Amukpe. If you position yourself well and exert the opportunity of the training given to you here, you will find that you will be part of the Songhai Amukpe miracle of restoration,” Utuama asserted.

His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, represented by the District Head, Amukpe Community, Chief Peter Asagba, while commending the state governor and his deputy for revamping the Songhai Delta Amukpe programme, appealed for the maintenance of roads leading to the Amukpe market which serve as a major market to the various communities.

•Installations at the seed centre

‘Oil palm plantations can create 100,000 jobs’

O

IL palm plantations can create about 100,000 jobs, an expert, Dr Umoru Omodi.

Omodi, a former Executive Director, National Institute For Oil Palm Research(NIFOR), Benin, Edo State, said the palm oil industry can provide jobs in rural areas and contribute to economic development.

According to him, many experts and households can be involved in palm oil production and this would have major repercussions for the livelihoods and food security of many people.

As demand for palm oil increases, he said companies should be cleared to make room for large plantations.

To avoid contributing to deforestation and social problems, he said buyers of

palm oil should subscribe to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), which requires producers to apply strict environmental and social standards to their operations. He said the RSPO has set strict standards for responsible oil palm plantations, coupled with an independent system for auditing plantations, mills and the supply chain right up to the end users.

Globally, he said many large corporations have already made commitments to use only certified sustainable palm oil by next year causing ,adding it was critical for local companies across the entire palm oil supply chain to set globally agreed upon standards for best practice in palm oil production.

According to him,local companies

that do not follow suit may easily be left behind in the changing landscape of the global market.

He said oil palm plantains would create new opportunities for developing agriculture and infrastructure to support farming.

Where outside investment is needed to sustain agriculture and improve productivity and livelihoods, he said foreign investment in oil palm business would support local farmers.

Getting the best deal from incoming investors, Omodi noted, re-quires effective regulation, rigorous scrutiny of investment proposals, transparency in decision-making, skilfully negotiated contracts and robust social and environmental impact assessments.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

BUSINESS AFRICA

EU’s financial watchdogs warn of funding squeeze

T

HREE European Union (EU) financial watchdogs have warned that a funding freeze will hamper efforts to help Europe avoid another financial crisis.

The 2007-2009 crisis led to new laws that forced banks to hold more capital so that taxpayers do not have to rescue them again. Insurers also face tougher capital requirements, while the EU has also agreed to set up new protections for investors.

Three EU watchdogs are responsible for writing the rules to apply and enforce these new laws.

Andrea Enria, chairman of the European Banking Authority (EBA), said there was a growing disconnect between the rising level of rule-making and the EBA’s lack of resources.

“We are really struggling,” Enria told the European Parliament’s economic affairs committee, one of the major EU bodies that approved laws now being fleshed out by regulators.

The EU’s executive European Commission is proposing to freeze EBA’s budget for next year at around 33.6 million euros, a move Enria said would make it difficult to deliver on its allotted work.

“It is becoming an issue of survival and seriousness in completing our tasks. We have exhausted all possible creative solutions on our side,” Enria said.

The EBA will be forced to decide which tasks to complete or to postpone, he told the committee.

Regulators have come under pressure to step up their activity after supervisors across the world failed to spot the build-up to the crisis.

Steven Maijoor, chairman of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), said the watchdog will not meet some of its legal obligations in supervision, in analysing market risks or in collecting data as it prioritises rulemaking.

The commission has proposed a budget of 33.3 million euros for ESMA next year, compared with a request from the watchdog for 38.6 million euros and 14 new posts. This year it received 33.2 million euros.

“With the current resources, we cannot meet the deadlines in the legislation,” Maijoor told the committee.

The regulators are funded partly by the EU and partly by national regulatory bodies, which are strapped for cash

themselves.

Gabriel Bernardino, chairman of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), told the committee his agency faced a 10 per cent budget cut next year.

“Are we serious? We need to have courage,” Bernardino said.

Meanwhile, the European Union must shift more of the cost of a new rescue fund for banks onto the region’s biggest lenders, lawmakers told the bloc’s financial services chief.

EU leaders have decided to complete a banking union by setting up an agency to shut failing euro zone banks and establishing, over eight years, a 55 billion euro back-up fund.

Michel Barnier, the bloc’s financial services commissioner, has overseen the introduction of a welter of new rules aimed at avoiding a repeat of the financial crisis that forced taxpayers to shore up banks. He is finalizing a plan in coming weeks detailing how lenders will contribute to the new rescue fund.

Very small German banks, such as Sparkassen and Volksbanken, have argued they will not have to make use of the planned fund, since their risk profile is so low.

LCCI decries multiple permits for businesses

T

HE LAGOS Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) has decried the issuance of multiple business permits in the state. Its President, Mr. Remi Bello said the movement of delivery vans and trucks within the metropolis has become a nightmare as a result of spurious permit charges.

“There are too many permits and licenses to be obtained, the situation could be so bad that some of these vehicles carry as much as fifteen stickers on their windscreen,” he said.

A recent survey undertaken by the Chamber, he said, showed that several mandatory licenses and permits are being charged. These, according to him, include Lagos Drivers’ Institute License; Driver’s License by the Road Safety; Local Government Permit; Hackney Permit and Dual Carriage Vehicle License and Certificate of Road Worthiness.

Others are Barge Permit; Conductors’ Barge; Vehicle Identification Tag; Vehicle Radio and Television Permit; Vehicle Outdoor Mobile Environmental Sanitation Permit; Nigerian Police Emblem; Lagos State Consolidated Emblem and Ministry of Transport (MOT) certification.

The permits and charges, according to him, have created problem of logistics for companies operating in the state, most of which are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The result of this is that many of the delivery vans would not go out of the factory gates until very late in the day when they would be sure that the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs), Road Safety and the Local Council Officials have closed for the day,” he said.

Concerning the Lagos Ports, he said: “It has gained a reputation as one of the most expensive in the world, from the point of view of turn-around time of cargo to cost of clearing cargo. There

By Okwy Irooegbu-Chikezie

are issues with internal processes within the port; there are even bigger issues with the logistics of cargo movement outside the ports and to various destinations. All these have profound implications for the cost of doing business.”

He commended the current intervention of the government concerning traffic gridlock along the Mile 2 Apapa corridor and the prompt removal of accidented articulated vehicles in the state.

“We know that the infrastructure at the port is a federal responsibility. We, nonetheless, seek your further support in prevailing on the federal government to undertake the following, fix the rail system to facilitate the evacuation of cargo from Lagos ports in order to reduce the use of the articulated vehicles and indirectly reduce carnage on Lagos roads and relocate the Tank Farms to reduce the convergence of fuel tankers on the Apapa corridor,” he said.

On Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Bello said the disease has taken its toll on businesses in many ways. He said it has created a perception problem, which has made many foreign investors to be wary of coming to the country.

“Some projects have been put on hold because the foreign partners were no longer forthcoming. The hospitality industry witnessed some decline; the aviation sector also recorded a drop in Nigeria bound passengers,” he said.

He commended EVD containment strategies and the goverment efforts. which has given a lot of comfort and restored people.

He further asked for vigilance and the need to adhere strictly to the advice of the health authorities on ways to minimise the exposure risk to the disease.

Etihad increases services in Africa

E •From left: The European Union ambassador , Mr Michel Arrion, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, Director General of the agency, Mrs Roli Bode George and the country representative of United Nations Office on Drug Control (UNODC) Ms Mariam Sissoko during a meeting on regional cooperation on drug control in Lagos.

Facilities at Lagos Hajj terminal intact, says FAAN T

HE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN), has assured that facilities at the Hajj camp and Cargo terminals of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos are in good condition to facilitate this year’s pilgrims airlift to Saudi Arabia.

The assurance came after the inspection of facilities for pilgrims at the Hajj camp and cargo terminal by FAAN management.

FAAN’s Deputy General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr Onyekwere Nnaekpe, said information that the facilities are untidy with capacity to cause an epidemic is capable of creating fear in the minds of pilgrims, whose worries could be heightened by the scare of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

He said there was nothing deplorable about the facilities at the hajj and cargo terminal of the Lagos Airport.

The FAAN spokesman in a statement added that relevant agencies such as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) responsible for the airlift and welfare of pilgrims, could not have turned a blind eye to the facilities if they were below standard. ‘’The Authority wishes to state that it is untrue that ‘the toilet facilities (at the terminal) have been left unclean over the weeks without lights at night’. There is no doubt that the 39 toilet facilities provided at the terminal could be overstretched when used by an average of 500 pilgrims per flight for about two weeks, but it was uncharitable to say that these toilet facilities were not cleaned through-

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

out this period.

“Relevant government agencies responsible for the airlift and welfare of pilgrims such as National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) could not have turned a blind eye to such a dangerous situation.

“We believe that officials of NAHCON, who work in collaboration with FAAN are in a better position to make such complaints of “impending epidemic” and not a supposed intending pilgrim, who claimed “that the dirty nature of the toilet facilities could lead to an epidemic in the area.”

He stressed that “some of the pilgrims had approached the terminal authority about the deplorable condition of the facilities without positive response”.

He continued: ‘’We question the veracity of this claim because individual pilgrims can only approach ‘the terminal authority’ with such complaints through officials of NAHCOM or other relevant agencies, who have unfettered access to officials of FAAN, some of whom are specially posted during Hajj operations to facilitate efficient service delivery, including a clean, secure and safe environment at the Hajj Terminal, during this period. ‘’FAAN wishes to assure all intending pilgrims and the general public that the Authority has put necessary machinery in place to ensure that all Hajj Terminals

across the country, not just at MMA, Lagos, are safe, secure and in good hygienic condition to effectively handle Hajj operations. We, therefore, consider any talk of impending outbreak of epidemic at any of our Hajj terminals as not only misleading, but malicious.’’

TIHAD Airways will expand its African route network with the launch of a daily service to Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania.

Flights between Abu Dhabi and Dar es Salaam, which commence on 1 December 2015, will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft with 16 Business Class and 120 Economy Class seats.

Dar es Salaam will be Etihad Airways’ 110th destination globally, and its 11th destination in Africa and the Indian Ocean. The daily schedule will offer twoway connectivity over Etihad Airways’ hub in Abu Dhabi, with convenient onward connections to 45 popular destinations across the Middle East, Europe, the Indian Subcontinent, North and Southeast Asia, and Australasia.

In particular, it is anticipated that the demand for the new route will be boosted by strong flows of business and leisure travellers, as well as cargo volumes, between the East Africa region and the Indian Subcontinent and China.

Glo to celebrate high networth customers with Prive

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IGERIA’S national telecommunications carrier, Globacom, is set to celebrate its high value subscribers with the launch of an exclusive club with an array of special privileges.

The exclusive club, christened Glo Prive, according to a press release issued by Globacom in Lagos, is designed to accord premium recognition to high value subscribers on the Glo network.

The exciting benefits will be unveiled at a high profile launch ceremony scheduled for the Grand Ball Room of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on October 1.

Globacom explained that the independence day was chosen for the launch event because it was a public holiday and, as such, offered the ideal setting for guests to relax and soak in the thrilling offers being unveiled.

Although different packages targeted at premium customers already exist in Nigeria’s telecommunications market, Glo Prive is said

By Lucas Ajanaku

to be refreshingly different as its offers from both Glo and its partners, comprising leading service providers in other sectors of the economy, are unmatched by any other such product.

“We are set to redefine the top end segment of our market. Prive is meant to celebrate our high value prepaid and postpaid subscribers and treat them like kings,” Globacom added in the statement.

Globacom also disclosed that top government functionaries, captains of industry and leading entertainers would light up the event and make it a memorable one.

Glo has since inception been the leader in technology and innovation in Nigeria’s telecoms market. Last week, the company was named the second largest operator in the country with 27 million subscribers by industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Dar es Salaam is an important new route on Etihad Airways’ global network. It builds upon our existing presence in Africa, and supports the close trading relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Tanzania.”

The UAE is the primary trade partner of Tanzania in the GCC region. Between 2007 and 2012, trade between UAE and Tanzania increased by more than 350 per cent to US$761 million.

“Africa has one of the world’s fastest growing regional economies, and the launch of this new route also enhances access and the two-way flow of trade and tourism between the continent and key destinations across our global network, supports inbound tourism, encourages investment, and provides much needed local employment,” he added.

Tanzania has the sixth largest population in Africa (51 million), with over four million people living in the largest city, Dar es Salaam. The large proportion of the community consist of market traders and proprietors of small businesses whose families originated from the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent—areas of the world with which the settlements of the Tanzanian coast have had long-standing trading relations.

The country is also developing quickly, and currently has around US$19 billion in transport and utilities infrastructure projects being planned. China is playing a key role in financing these major projects, and is fast becoming the East African country’s leading trade partner, with trade between the two countries growing to $3.7 billion in 2013.

In 2013, Tanzania was also named one of the world’s most sought after destinations for leisure travellers, and is blessed with numerous national and international tourist attractions including Mt. Kilimanjaro, the wildlife-rich national parks of the Serengeti, and the spice island of Zanzibar.

Tanzania has the second largest economy in East Africa, and Dar es Salaam provides a strategic gateway for the transportation of goods and commerce to the surrounding six land-locked countries of Zambia, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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FRIDAY SEPTEM BER 26, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Abia State Governor Theodore Orji spoke with Associate Editor TAIWO OGUNDIPE and Assistant Editor OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE in Umuahia, the state capital, on the activities of his administration, insecurity, succession battle and other issues.

‘We are striving for even development in Abia’ T

HERE have been some criticisms about the conditions of infrastructures in the urban areas in Abia State in recent times.

What are some of the things you have done or you are doing in terms of urban renewal generally in the state?

The entire state, especially the state capital and other commercial centres of the state are wearing a new look in terms or urban renewal accompanied by massive infrastructural development. In Umuahia we have moved the industrial market or timber market to IkotEkpene Road. We now have a new cosmopolitan motor-park and the mechanic village located elsewhere to free the city centre from clogging. However, the transferof markets from the city centre and other allied services have aided our desire to develop commercial centres that drive rapid development outside the state capital.

For instance, the relocated market at UbaniIbeku on Uzuakoli-Isuikwuato road has driven massive traffic that gave rise to the huge housing estates that run into thousands of housing units. As a matter of fact, property development along the axis is unprecedented and other ancillary services have not had it this good.

This is what we intend to replicate in all the senatorial zones of the state. We are not only serious about developing the human capital but also commerce and industry to complete our people’s entrepreneurial spirit.

What do you have to say about the persistent criticism that it is only in Umuahia that you have concentrated the significant projects in the state? For example, some are alleging that there is none in the Isuikwuato Local Government Area among others.

In terms of road and infrastructural development, in Isuikwuato Local Government Area we have five roads under construction apart from the one the NDDC is constructing. In this same local government we have built a modern school and we have renovated three schools. The former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika helped in bringing a military school and a language school that we have there now. Isuikwuato is like an urban area now; the place is highly urbanised. If there is any local government that should complain about neglect in terms of project, Isuikwuato should be out of it.

Nevertheless, we make sure that these projects are evenly distributed. I cannot go to any other place and build a Government House; this has to be done in the state capital which is Umuahia. I cannot also go to any other place to build the International Conference Centre we are now building in Umuahia. It has to be in an urban area just like the one you have in Abuja.

You have to bear in mind that Umuahia is the capital city of Abia and it must look like a capital city. If you go around the country the capital cities always look different. Here in Abia we are saddled with two major cities: Umuahia and Aba. Aba is not the capital, but the commercial centre, and things that are required to be there are not things that are required to be in Umuahia.

We make sure we spread development to every part of the state because the whole state voted for me. If you don’t get rural education, you get water; if you don’t get water, you get health centre or construction of roads or empowerment for the people.

There is no local government where they’ll say they have not benefited from those things I have mentioned and other things I have not listed. We have an even spread of development in Abia; we are not marginalising any local government.

What do you have to say about the roads that seem hard to mend and construct in Aba? Why do you think Aba has remained a big challenge?

Well, this issue did not start with me. Aba has been like that right from the time of Mr.Sam Mbakwe (the first civilian governor of Imo State). It was from Aba that Mbakwe started his political journey. Is it not the same Aba that made him weep? But today he is seen

• Orji

as a hero. After Mbakwe, how many governors have come and have been able to completely solve the problems of Aba? Every governor will come and play his part.

And I believe we have tried for Aba. If you want to get Aba right without any assistance from the Federal Government or from any international organisation, then you have to abandon all the other things you are doing in the state and face only Aba. It is not only Aba people that voted for me. If you carry all the developmental projects to Aba, it will make you famous if that is your goal. Then what about the other 15 local governments in the state? What this government is doing is to make sure that we spread development evenly.

We are even giving preference to Aba. Our resources have gone into Aba more than any other place in Abia State.

For instance, I constructed Aba /Owerri Road with N1.7 billion. With that amount I can complete all the roads in Umuahia. The problem we have here is when you put little money in a place like Umuahia it is visible, but when you put huge amount in a place like Aba you don’t see it.

You are also faced with the issue of road, the issue of erosion and the issue of clearing the gutters. The issue of sanitation in the same Aba is a monumental one because of the huge population and the people that are not disciplined. All the drainages are blocked by the people living there. They don’t make use of the dustbins we provide for them; they prefer to put them in the gutters. Anytime it rains, that is the time they throw away their refuse; they just throw it into the moving water. And the water will just go somewhere to block the drainage and that will cause problems for the government.

These people are commercial people who find it difficult to cue in into the law; you have to force them. That is the problem with Aba and it will continue to be there. Maybe it will

be a different story if a governor would come and stop all other projects and face Aba alone.

One can’t do that. If you try it here, people will stone you and ask you if it is only Aba that voted for you.

However, we give preference to Aba because of the importance of the place as the commercial centre of Abia State. We have not neglected Aba. I believe as a governor I have tried based on the resources that I have. There are a lot of improvements in Aba. I have mended many roads and constructed new ones. Sanitation is better now. There was a time refuse overtook the express roads to the extent that El-Rufai said it to the governor that was here then. But today you cannot see any refuse on the express roads. At least, this is an achievement but people will continue to complain; journalists will continue to write because they have to for people to buy their newspapers. But what I am telling you as an insider is that Aba’s problems have been there right from the time of Mbakwe. As I said that was where Mbakwe wept and I don’t want to start weeping like him (laughs), we have passed the stage of weeping. What I do with any money I get is to give Aba the larger sum and distribute the rest smaller sum, so that you carry every person along.

Don’t you have people in place in Aba to monitor sanitation in terms of checking the abuse of refuse disposal in the commercial city?

Of course we do, but unfortunately some people deliberately escalate the problems of Aba knowingly. The problems we have in Aba are the problems we have in urban areas that are similar to Aba. The problems we have in Aba, if you go to Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Rivers State you will see them. If you don’t see all you will see some.

Instead of people to criticizing what is in their area they criticise what is in Aba and the same thing that is happening in Aba is the same thing that is happing in their own state. Aba’s problem is not a problem that is extraordinary in Nigeria, it is a problem that it is inherent; it is the same problem that is similar to other cities in the country.

Apart from the issue of infrastructure, recently, you talked of galvanizing the traders, to turn Aba into industrial clusters like we have in some other manufacturing countries of the world, how far have you gone with the effort?

We are on course. Despite all these things I am telling you that are inherent in Aba, we have people in this place who are ingenious. If Aba is as bad as people are painting it, why are people still living and doing their business there? That is one reasonable question to ask. Small scale industries are growing on daily basis; most of the industries that ran away are coming back. Nigeria Breweries left Aba before but it’s now expanding and retooling their factory to the tune of N16 billion.

People are organising themselves to try out new things especially when it has to with enterprise. So, Aba is not as bad as it is being painted. We are in the business of organising things for them, they are cooperating and it is working out.

Geometric Power is there. Prof. Barth Nnaji will soon commission the place. The power sector is thriving in Aba and you have the National Independent Power Project (NIPP) because they know the importance of Aba. That is why they have brought power very close to that place and once those things are on ground and start functioning, you will see that Aba

‘I remain the only governor who is going away after his tenure and people are clamouring for him not to go and rest, but to proceed to the Senate. This ambition is championed by ordinary folks and, indeed, every strata of the society in the state, who appreciate what my administration has achieved in terms of delivering on our promises’

will grow to our desired dream of the commercial nerve centre of the state.

We have two constructions we are carrying out in Aba now: two markets, one in Osisioma and one very close to Osisioma on the express.

These markets will provide an alternative for the populated Ariaria International Market in Aba that is overcrowded. The design they are making provides unique places such as where the shoemakers will stay in a cluster and can be reached by those who need their services as manufacturers and exporters. We have also made arrangement for people to come in and train them so there is a hall built as a training centre.

Projects like these don’t come overnight. They take time like one to two years to realise depending on the speed of your development partners. But we intend to realise these projects soon, so when they come on board, you will see the difference.

Who or what organisation is the government partnering with to deliver the Shoprite shopping mall in Umuahia and when would it be delivered?

As a responsible government our primary function is to deliver the dividends of good governance to our people. My conviction was also spurred by the fact that people used to travel outside the state to buy quality things in major cities in the country. I went around and saw that Shoprite is in Enugu, Port Harcourt and several other places, but none in Abia and l made up my mind that we must bring it here to reduce the stress suffered by our people. What we did was to enter into partnership with a viable private company and

by November the project will be delivered.

How far have you gone with the construction of the airport in Abia State?

We are still working on building the airport.

We are perfecting the papers. We have brought in an expert, a consultant who is partnering with us. He is guiding us so that we will avoid initial mistakes. In the interim however, we have constructed a helipad in Isuikuwato.

What effort is your government making to tap into the tourism potential of the historical places in your state such as the Ojukwu bunker and the war museum?

We are involved somehow, but it is principally managed by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The Ojukwu bunker is an underground building where Ojukwu lived during the Biafran civil war. It was built by a Nigerian, during the war where he lived in safety.

The war museum demonstrates the ingenuity of our people as all those war machines were built locally by the people to prosecute the war.

And Abia State remains one of the leading ingenious states in the country. And that is why we are doing well in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations.

We are always coming second in the overall results of the examination in the whole country. There is something about Abia and other parts of the country that need to be harnessed.

Abia State has seemingly not recorded any case of Ebola, what measures have your put in place to contain or prevent it from happening?

We have put many measures in place. First of all is to enlighten ourselves, and all the people living in the state on the dangers of the disease, how to prevent it, and how it kills.

Ebola has brought people to be conscious of cleanliness. This culture of cleanliness has come but it will not stop here as we need to take it to the villages where people are still not fully aware of the need to maintain personal hygiene.

We have set up a medical committee response team on Ebola. We have also equipped them with the kits to fight Ebola, both for the local and the state levels. We have provided quarantine centre in case if anybody gets infected with Ebola. Though we don’t expect anybody to get infected, but the place is ready for any eventuality. We have also distributed hand •Continued on page 46

THE NATION FRIDAY SEPTEM BER 26, 2014

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POLITICS ‘We are striving for even development in Abia’

By Sina Fadare

•Continued from page 45

sanitisers everywhere in Abia State.

We are ready and we are accompanying it with prayers because you cannot forget God in a situation like this and we pray to God that we don’t experience it in Abia State. My wife has her group that prays every Wednesday to push away evil from the state.

How are you taking care of the challenges of kidnapping in Abia State?

Of course, we have to take care of that on a daily bases, and also sustain our efforts. There was a time that some hoodlums came into the state and they decided to domicile themselves in Umuahia. First they kidnapped one lady whose husband works in the government house, on her way home. She was freed after three days following payment of some ransom.

There was another victim who owned a supermarket on Lagos Street in Umuahia. Unfortunately, he died in the hands of the kidnappers because he was diabetic and hypertensive.

They just dumped the man’s corps for the family after collecting ransom from them. These same kidnappers were the ones who wanted to kidnap our Agric Commissioner. They shot the man when he resisted them and he died because of bullet wounds. In another development, they kidnapped the treasurer of National Union Road Transport Workers (NURTW), who is from this place. And I had to summon the security agents to put an end to this. I gave them a note of serious warning to them. I told them that they must bring him alive.

All the security apparatus heeded the call and worked assiduously and discovered the den of the kidnappers.

They discovered that they were keeping their victims in Ikwuano, very close to Michael Opkara University, Abia State, inside the bush a very old thatched house with an old man who lived there. You would never suspect that the man was the one who used to keep those kidnapped with machete.

When he sees someone coming, he comes out disguised as a famer to cut grass to deceive people. Three of the kidnappers were killed but before they died they confessed that they were responsible for the other kidnap cases around the state.

The efforts we have put in place in this state in terms of security are very essential so that people who live here will be secured in addition to the safety of their property. Since after this incident of discovering the kidnappers’ den, this place is cool, people go about and sleep quietly and comfortably.

Nightlife is on here in Umuahia and Aba. We will sustain this because it is something we have to do on daily bases.

What are some of the things you have done in terms of youth empow-

My plan for Lagos, by aspirant

• Orji

erment?

In the area of youth empowerment, I believe we are doing well. That is also what has cut down the rate of kidnapping in the state. Therefore, if I should rate ourselves, I will rate ourselves 95 per cent in the sense that unemployment is a problem we know exists not just in Abia but everywhere in the country. However, we have done enough to check it We all know that if the strength and intelligence of the youth are not harnessed, they will use them negatively.

This made us to build skills acquisition centres in all local government areas of the state. We gave money to local government chairmen to build the centres.

We have one here in Umuahia, which the first lady of Abia State is overseeing with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Abia State. Every six months, the centres take in 500 youths and train them. There you have resident teachers in all the technical areas, such as hairdressing, shoes making, farming, sowing and fish farming, among others. They stay there for six months. Within the six months, we pay them. After six months they graduate. We give them money and equipment to go and start on their own. Anytime they are doing their induction, if you get there, because of the number of people, you would think they are writing the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), School Certificate or Immigration job examinations. By so doing we are calming the youth and providing for them.

What do you have to say about the controversial issue of non-Abia indigenes that were disengaged from the state civil service?

Currently, we are calling them back.

We have taken back over three thousand or so now. We are kind of hamstrung by the paucity of funds. I don’t want a situation where you employ people and you can’t pay them. You will be in trouble. Sadly, they are some of our people in other states that were disengaged and we are waiting for those state governments to reciprocate by reengaging our people. That has not happened, but as a responsible government we will continue to do the right thing.

The governor of Imo State, Governor Rochas Okorocha, expressed some happiness on the steps we have taken to reengage his people but he has not gone beyond that to follow the path we have towed by re-engaging the people from this state. I see a conspiracy here, some people have taken it upon themselves to discredit everything we do but when we do the right things they turn a blind eye. This to me, this is the height of hypocrisy.

You have been pushing the idea of equity, how is it working, what is happening?

I do know that equity is what God wants. It is enshrined by God and also by our chatter of equity, but that doesn’t mean we are excluding anybody from contesting. However, that is a direction that the party has taken but that doesn’t exclude any person. If you want to test your popularity, the field is open. Nobody will stop you if you want to buy the form. We are, however, pleading with Abians, to believe that what the party is doing is the right thing to do in accommodating all zones.

What is the latest on your senatorial ambition?

For the first time in history since Abia was created in 1991, I remain the only governor who is going away after his tenure and people are clamouring for him not to go and rest, but to proceed to the Senate. This ambition is championed by ordinary folks and, indeed, every strata of the society in the state, who appreciate what my administration has achieved in terms of delivering on our promises.

I have not come out one day and told them that l’m interested in going to the Senate. If not that I stopped it, on daily basis, groups and organisations thronged here insisting that l must contest.

The push on me is from my people. I didn’t initiate it, they did. And once it is the initiative of your people, you have to do what your people want you to do because they remain the power and power is derived from them. Once people are willing to give you the power, what problem do you have?

A lot of people have been coming, offering assistance with the campaign.

Yet I have not made any statement. You will see posters everywhere and I have commissioned nobody to print posters for me. These posters are done by people who are enthusiastic and very serious on the need to move the state forward.

•Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)governorship aspirant Mr Seyi Makinde addressing supporters when PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI he declared his ambition at the Polo Grand, Eleyele, Ibadan, the state capital...yesterday

L

AGOS STATE All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain Mr. Adekunle Disu has unfolded his agenda, saying that infrastructural develop-ment would be his priority, if elected in next year’s election.

He spoke with reporters in Magodo, a Lagos suburb, shortly after he declared his ambition.

Disu said Asiwaju Bola Tinubu had laid a good foundation, which Governor Babatunde Fashola had built upon in the last seven years. He promised to continue the work of development in the post-Fashola era.

The politician said the strategic location of Lagos has brought it into the front burner, stressing that Fashola’s successor should be a man of high vision, integrity and uncommon dynamism .

He added: “The next governor should be able to key into the dream and aspiration of the founding fathers. Therefore, if given the opportunity to serve the people, it will be unlimited development.”

Disu promised to pursue the policy of human resource development and provide a business friendly environment that will attract foreign and local investment.

He stressed: “Since the APC is noted for service to humanity, he is ready to make Lagos a safe and secure environment with efficient and accountable service to its citizens, driven by public-private sector collaboration.

“I am inspired by the vision of my motivator and our indefatigable national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, that we have an obligation to this and the next generation to leave them with a better Lagos State. This is a sacred duty we cannot afford to fail or falter.”

• Disu

‘President needs Southwest’s vote’

By Musa Odoshimokhe

A

CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, Senator Bode Ola, has urged the people to support the second term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Addressing reporters at the Southwest PDP Unity Rally, at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, he said Jonathan enjoyed massive support in Ekiti State.

He said: “The Southwest people, in particular, and Nigerians in general, will return Mr. President to office for a second term in the 2015 presidential election. He has done well and he deserves to complete the mission of transformation.

“What he has been doing in improving the well-being of the masses, through his transformation agenda in all sectors; education, farming, transportation, among others, is highly commendable.

“This is why those of us in Ekiti are solidly behind him. We are going to vote for him and he has our solid support.”

The senator said that what happened in Ekiti election where the people voted for the PDP against the All Progressives Congress (APC) will happen in the Southwest states in next year’s elections.

He described the PDP as a formidable party that could not be displaced by any party in Nigeria. Ola said: “We believe that what happened in Ekiti will still happen in the whole of Southwest”.

He urged the Southwest to vote for the PDP during the elections, noting that the party’s people-oriented programmes will promote positive growth and development in the country.

• Ola

How to avert electoral violence, by APC chieftain

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AGOS State All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary Comrade Joe Igbokwe yesterday spoke on the danger of politi cal violence, urging the security agencies to be at alert as the nation prepares for elections.

He commended the Lagos State Police Commissioner Kayode Aderanti for arresting the suspected killers of the APC chieftain, Alhaji Azeez Asake, last week.

The party stalwart was allegedly killed by suspected thugs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, shortly after the PDP zonal rally held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan. The APC said the thugs are loyalitsts of a top PDP chieftain in Lagos State.

Igbokwe told reporters in Lagos that the killing was a bad omen, urging the police to get to the root of the impunity.

He said: “Impunity and political brigandage are enveloping the country and we need to fight it as the 2015 elections draw near. The police, armed forces, DSS, SSS , CDC, our courts and the NYSC are institutions needed for democracy to grow. The Commissioner of Police has asked those keeping illegal arms to surrender them to the police in their own interest. We are in total support of this directive.”

Igbokwe alleged that the suspected killers were given protection buy a prominent PDP chieftain holding a sensitive position in the country. He said his antecedents have shown that he has capacity for mischief and violence.

He added: “We are asking the government to call this PDP chieftain to order.

We have it on records that he has been a violent politician who uses every means to achieve the desires of his heart, irrespective of the feeelings of others.

He is violent, ruthless and potentially dangerous and he sees politics as a do or die affair. He is in the government to defend every Nigerian, irrespective of whether they are in the APC, PDP, tribe, religion or region.

“To use his powers to advance the cause of the ruling party is a threat to the national unity and a threat to democracy. This chieftain and his boys must be called to order.”

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Rising mental illnesses: A ticking time-bomb ignored (1) From the few psychiatric hospitals that are over-stretched to faith-based and traditional healing homes that abound, mental healthcare is in a sorry mess as access to decent and humane treatment is buffeted by multifarious challenges.

After spending weeks observing activities in psychiatric wards and sundry other healing homes, Assistant Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF reports that the chaotic situation is not just ruining lives, it is also robbing the population of potential contributors to national development

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IKE a soldier, he stands ramrod straight in the sweltering sun, staring blankly into the abyss. Despite an endless stream of human and vehicular traffic at the popular Olaiya junction in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, he is buried in his pathetic enthrallment. His frail and sunken frame, plagued by a severe bout of persistent coughing, presents a striking contrast to the stunning scenery around him. Without an order from anyone in particular, he suddenly turns left, marching up and

•A dilapidated building where a t raditional healer keeps patients

down almost with professional finesse of a soldier, giving salutes that are just as crisp and adroit as a new recruit.

Wild, disheveled, hair unkempt, abandoned and homeless, the foulsmelling man is obviously mentally ill; and badly emaciated, probably from several years of eating unhealthful scraps and other items destined for the dustbins.

Another man of tattered, almost ruined existence is marooned in a similar pity-inducing condition in IleIfe, also in Osun State, living by the

bushy roadside at the outskirts of the ancient town as if banished from the community. Surrounded by an assortment of garbage and clutter, which he guides jealously as if they are his prized possessions, the reeking elderly man in oversized goggles is visibly suffering from a broken mind.

•Continued on page 48

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SPECIAL REPORT

Rising mental illnesses: A ,

•Continued from page 47

And so also is a middle-aged woman, who saunters barefooted from street to street in Benin, Edo State, waving intermittently at passersby who hardly notice, let alone return her unsolicited kind gestures. “Give me ten naira. Give me ten naira,” she barges into shops and offices with a wild hungry look, importuning residents for assistance, many of who waste no time driving her away from their vicinity. And after a long but fruitless search for something to eat, she makes for a nearby litter bin, devouring anything she finds edible amidst loud stench oozing from the wastes. Perhaps, without the luxury of a fixed address, she also relies on any little corner of the earth as her own abode, living at the mercy of weather inclemency, including hazards that lurk in the streets at night.

From Lagos to Kano to Enugu and many other Nigerian cities and towns, many streets are usually tenanted by a large army of people suffering from a broken spirit, popularly called lunatics. Ranging from the harmless ones pounding the streets in the nude or the ones giving birth in the open space after months of no ante-natal care to the •Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, violent ones upsetting public peace by obstructing flow of traffic, the mentally ill are easily identifiable: uncombed, tattered, disheveled, wandering, collecting and hoarding junks on the streets, or lost in a long-winded soliloquy. However, besides the streets in major cities and towns, further evidence of a frightening systemic crisis permeating the mental health system can be found, not just in the few overstretched psychiatric hospitals in urban centers, but in the ever-busy traditional and faith-based healing homes that abound in both rural and urban centers around the country.

Although the numbers are fuzzy in a country with a chronic deficiency in keeping reliable statistics, leading experts insist that at least four out of ten Nigerians suffer a mental-health problem at some point in their life, ranging from mild anxiety to severe schizophrenia – all treatable if the right resources are in place. And if the figures are further broken down, it means a whopping 40 per cent of Nigeria’s estimated 160 million people are reeling under the pangs of mental illness (that is a staggering 64 million Nigerians are suffering from one form of psychotic ailment or the other). That was the verdict of a survey carried out in 2012 by a team of seasoned experts, when the Boko Haram insurgency and the pervasive air of insecurity, which now envelopes the land, was yet to reach its crescendo. Sadly, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), a massive 90 per cent of those do not receive treatment at all, partly due to the fact that many are often too ashamed to seek help or lack the wherewithal to access treatment. But it is also due to paucity of professional hands, inadequate facilities, poor funding, absence of mental health law, and total disorganization within the mental health system, resulting in a subsector in chains.

According to a recent report of WHO, estimates for untreated serious mental disorders in developing countries, including Nigeria, range from 75 per cent to 85 per cent. Over 80 per cent of people suffering from mental disorders, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, depression, intellectual disability, alcohol use disorders, and those committing suicide, are said to be living in developing countries such as Nigeria, while untreated cases range from 32.2 per cent for schizophrenia (including other non-affective psychosis) to 56.3 per cent for depression, to 78.1 per cent for alcohol and drug use disorders. As Dr. Emmanuel Owoyemi, president and founder of the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), a leading NGO, puts it, Nigeria’s mental health system has so broken down that authorities “should immediately declare a state of emergency on mental health of Nigerians.”

Tales of abuses, torture and quackery Though it is not a respecter of patient’s bill of rights, as strictly enshrined in the practice’s professional etiquettes, a religious ministry, located in the interior of Ogbunike, An-

I use 16 cowries, some leaves, special soap and powdery substance for healing the mentally ill. If there is need to offer sacrifice, I would ask through my 16 cowries and we would do it

,

Benin

ambra State, which specializes in catering to the needs of mentally-ill persons, is always bustling with people desperately seeking either cure or rehabilitation from psychotic disorders. Like many other popular faith-based and traditional healing homes around the country that enjoy steady patronage, it proudly parades its registration certificate like a badge of honour. The certificate was purportedly issued by the state government, though this seems to be of no significance in affecting the kind of services rendered here, as the treatment mode in the busy home lacks a human face. On entering the bowels of the popular ministry, one offensive sight that first welcomes visitors is that of several mentally-ill patients, many chained to the ground, under the trees or in some uncompleted and unroofed structures - all in the name of administering treatment.

But that is just a tip of the iceberg. On any day set aside for special deliverance, it is not unusual to come across any institutionalized system for medical examination of any type, at least in the orthodox way in psychiatry. As part of treatment, patients are often subjected to all sorts of inhumanity, including being beaten blue and black with palm fronds. The palm fronds are acclaimed to be imbued with spiritual powers that can drive out the demons that presumably cause mental illnesses, with no one batting an eyelid over the attendant wail and scream of pains. And no matter the weather conditions, the rights of patients to a dignified treatment hardly suggest to the owners of the ministry to release their tethered patients. After the whipping comes the next stage of the healing process, which entails the proprietor to force “holy” liquid into the eyes and nose of the sick, threatening them to sniff the pungent liquid in or face another round of severe whipping. Patients, left with no option, often choose the former without even a little whimper of protest!

Similar tales of unrelenting torture and ill-treatment also take place almost daily in a big and neat church compound in Ifo, Ogun State. Sited on a mountain, the church, founded by octogenarian Ezekiel Oladeinde, has been in existence for over sixty years catering to the needs of the mentally sick, among other things. Like in other faith-based healing homes, patients are tied to the ground with heavy chains, though some still stroll about freely in the spacious compound. From time to time, some mentally sick, after a haze of prayer sessions being conducted by pastors who point the Bible towards their patients, do calm down and regain normalcy. The founder boasted that God has been using the church to heal people for a very long time, adding that “I am not the healer, but Jesus.” However, he admitted that his ministry permits the use of chains, saying it is a necessary tool to control the stubborn and the violent ones.

At Al-Hidayah Muslim Mission, another faith-based home, located in Ijetu area of Osogbo, which speacializes in giving succour to mentally-ill persons, the modus operandi is slightly dif-

ferent. Even without any formal or informal training, Alhaja Hidayah, founder of the mission, who is also popularly known among the locals as tasetase, uses only water spiced with spiritual powers to ‘heal’ her patients.

It involves drinking the water and bathing with it as well. Like in the homes of her numerous counterparts in the practice of healing mentally-ill persons in the unorthodox way, there is no medical examination or prognosis of any sort, except perhaps the ones done in the realm of extraterrestialspirits. Apart from the ones visiting her home for treatment, the spiritual healer, now in her forties, often goes on open crusades where she heals people afflicted with insanity and other ailments, using only her specially prepared water, as attested to by the locals who have watched her open crusades. No fewer than fifteen patients were found in her sprawling edificein Osogbo recently, with all having undergonerelief, or totally cured as many patients and their exultant family members put it.

Alhaja Hidayah, however, said she detests all forms of inhumane treatment common in unorthodox healing homes, a claim that was to be put to test almost instantly when a mentally-sick man was brought into her compound, with his hands and legs tied and blood stains all over his body, apparently as a result of injuries he sustained while his relatives tried to bring him for treatment. Not only did she chastise the patient’s relatives for the degrading treatment, she also angrily instructed them to loosen the

‘More than 64 million Dr. Emmanuel Owoyemi, founder of Mental Health Foundation, spoke with ADEKUNLE YUSUF HOW true is a statement credited to you that mental illness is on the rise in Nigeria?

It is very true and nobody needs to be an expert to know that mental illness is rising in Nigeria. Every day, you hear of military fight with Boko Haram insurgency, bombings, killings here and there, many people getting dis-

•Dr. Owoyemi

placed from their homes, etc. People that are displaced are usually left with nowhere to stay or sleep. There are thousands of parents who have lost their children while trying to run away from Boko Haram. There are thousands of women whose husbands have been killed.

There are children who have been cut off from their parents. All these people cannot be okay psychologically. And this is happening every day in our country. There is a very high level of insecurity in this country today. There is a very high level of hopelessness as well. Nobody in this country knows what can happen the next minute. The level of traffic in the city is unbearable. Survival in Nigeria today is a big deal; to be able to survive in Nigeria is hell. Stress is another thing. People don’t sleep anymore because of stress. And

one of the issues in mental health is inability to sleep. High level stress coupled with fear and feeling of insecurity can induce mental illness.

All these are enough signals to tell you that mental illness is on the rise in this country. Even if you go to our psychiatric hospitals, you will see that the number of new cases is higher than before.

But in terms of figures and statistics, what can we say is the prevalence level of mental illness in Nigeria?

Everybody knows that we don’t have credible statistics in many vital areas in this country. But what I know is that the most recent survey that was carried out by our experts has the summary that four out of every ten Nigerians are having some forms of common mental disorders. That means the prevalence rate is 40 per cent. And if we are 160

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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SPECIAL REPORT

ticking time-bomb ignored (1)

•Patients chained to a log of wood.

ropes on the man said to be violent.

To the disbelief of even his relatives, the patient calmed down, smiling.

Interestingly, she, like most spiritual homes visited, charges nothing for her healing services, preferring to administer her own form of treatment as a labour of love.

But, it is an entirely different story in the homes of traditional healers, which are also equally swarming with mentally ill persons. Yet, traditional and spiritual healers share one thing in common: abusing their patients. While most spiritual homes administer treatment almost free of charge, patients pay through their nose to access traditional treatment.

That is why each patient in the home

PHOTO: ADEKUNLE YUSUF

of Yakubu Agbaje, a traditional mental health practitioner revered for having an antidote for healing all unsound minds, has to cough out between N120,000 and N200,000 for his services. Having handled many cases in the past, both mild and chronic ones, his home, being one of the most trusted when it comes to traditional psychiatry, is often a beehive of activities. In his home in Ifo, Ogun State, Agbaje, who inherited the profession from his late father, uses herbs which he turns into powdery substance and special soap, among other things, to treat different types of mental illnesses.

“I use 16 cowries, some leaves, special soap and powdery substance

for healing the mentally ill. If there is need to offer sacrifice, I would ask through my 16 cowries and we would do it,” he boasted about how he gives succor to numerous patients who flock to his compound like bees to honey.

A peep into his treatment procedure shows that it is rigorous, starting with a special bath early in the morning, using specially-prepared soap and other items that an uninitiated can neither fathom nor explain.

Then comes the administration of herbal concoctions, such as herbs to drink and a prepared powdery substance with some liquid oil substance to drink as well. Later in the evening,

a special hot cornmeal is prepared for the patients with some medicinal ingredients. He said that it takes an average of three months to one year to complete the healing process, depending on the degree of the sickness. Like most unorthodox mental health facilities, he indulges in torture, including beating patients into submission with a cane. He admits that he uses chains to keep the stubborn patients in control, though he does not seem to understand the human rights implications involved in tethering patients to the tree or any heavy metal object.”If he is the violent type, we are ready for him, for he would be chained. We have our chains here; we

are prepared for the violent ones.

When the patient sees a superior hand and when he is chained for one week, he would definitely calm down.” Speaking from experience spanning over three decades, his belief is that chaining patients is helpful because “they would not run away or injure anybody around them” – apparently relying on the thinking among the locals, which says egba ni oogun were (cane is the medicine for curing insanity). “We also use cane; we use it on them because they are always frightened each time they see a cane. They thus obey without any resistance whatever we tell them to do,” he vigorously defended why he uses of torture.

Similar, if not worse, scenarios play out daily with reckless abandon in many homes around the country. It is an open secret that, in most Nigerian communities, the limited availability of modern mental health services and providers is usually offset by reliance on traditional and faith healers. Although these alternative healers play a critical role, it is apparent that they lack the necessary training and skills to provide effective care for people with serious mental illness. Findings of a team study, published in 2008 in the African Journal of Psychiatry, show that religion plays a significant role in the life of the average Nigerian as it relates to psychosocial, economic, and health-related matters, spewing a strong belief among the locals in supernatural and preternatural causes in the etiology of mental illness - a belief system embraced by syncretic churches and traditional healers, which makes them popular among the populace. It rates causes of mental illness, as are usually attributed to preternatural causes such as witchcraft (93.3 per cent), cannabis (86.7 per cent), punishment for sins (73.3 per cent), supernatural causes such as curses and punishment from gods and ancestors (66.7 per cent), genetic causes (63.3 per cent) and as a complication of physical illness (56.7 per cent). From one spiritual home to the other, whether Christian or Islamic, healing processes observed are almost uniform: drinking of holy water or using it to bathe (having been imbued with divine power to heal), amulets, prayer and fasting, sacrifices (using fruits, clothing materials, candle, etc), and severe beating. The study cited above, conducted by A.J. Agara, A.B. Makanjuola, and O. Morakinyo, grades the use of the aforementioned means of treatment in the church they studied: use of holy water (66.7 per cent), biblical verses (66.7 per cent), fasting and prayer (96.7 per cent), counselling and beating (40 per cent) and occupational therapy (13.3 per cent).

Nigerians are mentally ill’ million people as they say, it means 64 million Nigerians have one form of mental illness or the other. Mind you, that survey was done two years ago when Boko Haram issue was not like it is now. So with increase in insecurity and other challenges, it will have increased. It is likely to be more than 64 million now. You can see it on the faces of Nigerians.

When we say common mental disorders, we are not talking about people who strip themselves naked in the streets. We are also talking about mild cases that can get worse when not treated. When we look at it from that angle, we are having a very big problem in our hands.

Apart from general insecurity, what is fuelling increasing mental illness in the country?

I have said it all – poverty, stress, insecurity, and the struggle for survival. The toll the struggle for sur-

vival is having on Nigerians is enormous. All these don’t cause mental illness, but they are factors, which if not reduced, can predispose people to have mental illness. If there is an area where should declare a state of emergency, it should be in the area of mental health.

Why did you say so?

Despite all these challenges we are having in Nigeria today, the issue of mental health - as to infrastructure, legal framework that will help us to be able to take care of people whose minds have broken down, etc. - are not there. Some weeks ago, workers at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Yaba were seen protesting non-payment of salaries. These are people that will take care of the mentally ill. It means those to care of those who have broken down also have challenges. All the doctors in Nigeria

just resumed work. The infrastructure is not there. There is no psychiatric hospital in Nigeria today that has up to 1000 beds. The federal government-owned hospitals are inadequate. Few of the teaching hospitals have facilities for psychiatric treatment. And those that have, how many beds do they have? Not many of them have up to 60 beds in a country of 160 million people. That is why you see hundreds of people tied down in traditional and religious healing homes. People will not go to the government hospital because they cannot pay. In Nigeria, mentally ill people have to take care of themselves by paying out of pocket, which is fast increasing. The bill in psychiatric hospital is rising in a poor country like Nigeria, while the people to make the payment are getting poorer because of rising poverty. And if they cannot pay in

government hospitals, why will anyone blame them for going to traditional healers where they are tied down?

Apart from increasing cost of treatment, there is no law regulating services and treatment in mental health. There is also no active policy on mental health. One was signed last December, but what has happened since then? The law that will back the policy and make it active is not there. The bill on mental health has been thrown out for about three times by the National Assembly. From the ways they fight and treat themselves, don’t you think the National Assembly people too need (psychiatric) attention? Everybody is shying away from the issue of mental health, saying it does not concern them. I think there is hardly any family in Nigeria today that does not have somebody in the fam-

ily who has one form of mental illness. We are all trying to pretend, but the truth is that this thing is real. Many people try to lock them up because of stigma and many other issues. Stigma will stop if government gives mental health attention and everybody will start working to help. The issue of mental health is so broad that if experts start analyzing it here and there, you will see that we need to declare a state of emergency on mental health of Nigerians.

(Cuts in) Just as government is doing on Ebola now?

Government can do a similar thing on mental health by taking an executive action that can make the National Assembly pass a mental health law, which will stipulate an increase in in

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COMMENTARY

“O

FEMI ABBAS ON

NCE you are bereft of shame, you are free to do anything (including dancing naked in a market

place)” Hadith of Prophet Muhammad Nigerian lawmakers once again displayed a show of shame and exhibited unbridled impunity at the lower chamber of the federal parliament last Tuesday. The drama occurred when a proposed debate on the $9.3 million scam, that recently turned Nigeria into a laughing stock in the comity of nations, was blocked by a cabal of ‘lotus eaters’ in that Legislative House.

The act was a further indication that corruption has avowedly become institutionalised in Nigeria.

The shameful drama was a follow up to the scandalous smuggling of the Nigerian money into South Africa surreptitiously under the guise of arms purchase that culminated in a temporary impoundment by that country of a Nigerian private jet belonging to the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, in Johannesburg three weeks ago.

Ever since, Nigerians have been reacting particularly to the shady ‘pastoral deal’ sealed illegally, under the table, which led to the confiscation of the country’s huge money by South Africa: Some of the reactions are as follows: Senator George Akume A frontline Christian and foundation member of CAN, Senator George Akume (from Benue State) expressed his feeling about the shameful deal in an article widely published in some Nigerian newspapers last Wednesday. An excerpt from that article goes thus: “….Unfortunately the 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 August 27, 1976, Christians 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 welfare of all Nigerians.

When CAN was eventually registered in 1986, its constitution clearly articulated among other objectives to act as “watchpersons of the spiritual and moral welfare of the nation”. Another core objective is to promote understanding, peace and unity among the various people in Nigeria.

From the pioneer President of CAN, His Eminence Dominic Cardinal Ekandem (of blessed memory) through his several 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. The organisation promoted religious harmony through interfaith dialogue.

Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Sultan of Sokoto were even considered for Nobel peace prize award. CAN in those years regularly advised the government on diverse issues affecting ordinary citizens and remained a strident voice for the voiceless.

Those were those days. Today, the story is different.

Since the present CAN leadership came on board CAN has become a sorry appendage of the Villa. It has become politically partisan, obscenely materialistic and the voice of the oppressor rather than the op-

femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

Still on $9.3m scam seized in South Africa last week for smuggling $9.3 million cash, into that country, we were not surprised especially when the ownership of the private jet with US registration number N808HD was eventually disclosed.

The jet which landed at Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg, on September 5, 2014 from Abuja with the huge amount stashed in three suitcases had to be temporarily impounded while its monetary contents were offloaded and seized by the country’s Customs officers for the reason of illegality.

SUSPICION

•Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor

pressed. The situation degenerated to the extent that the single largest block of CAN, which is, the Catholic Church suspended itself from the leadership of CAN, until sanity returns to the leadership.

Those of us who are Christians saddled with leadership positions are terribly disappointed that this once glorious organisation has become the defender of criminal acts that have exposed Nigeria to international ridicule. The jet in question is not the property of CAN. It belongs to Pastor Oritsejafor, supposedly donated to him by his congregation.

This was a private jet for spiritual work but as the owner himself has confessed, it was leased out for financial gain.

The jet was on a mission to buy arms so we are told. The arms merchant who hired the jet behaved as outlaws by brazenly breaching the laws of Nigeria, South Africa and the United Nations. This is against all the teachings of Christ, who urged all his followers to be law-abiding and give onto Caesar what is his…..May it not be recorded in our national history that in Nigeria, saints are demonised and demons are canonised? My appeal to our brothers in the North is that what they see in the CAN today has nothing to do with Christianity, but everything with materialism and self-seeking opportunism…..”

MUSWEN In its own reaction, the Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN), which is the umbrella body for all the Muslim organisations in that region, issued a press release last Monday entitled ‘The Arms Deal Scandal’. The contents of the press release are as follows: Preamble When the media waves throbbed with the breaking news of a Nigerian private jet

The Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN) had long suspected that a controversial aircraft owned by a controversial cleric through a controversial means could only be meant for a controversial mission such as the one now generating a global controversy.

According to the details of the news about the arms deal, two Nigerians and an Israeli who were caught for using the jet in question to smuggle the huge amount of money were interrogated by South African security officials and they confessed that the money was meant for the purchase of weapons for Nigerian security agencies.

Sensing corruption (with which most Nigerian officials are globally known), especially when the huge money was concealed in three plastic boxes, and not formally declared, the South African authorities decided to seize it saying its volume as well as its smuggled manner contravened the law of their country.

REACTION

have been transacted without his knowledge and consent obviously betrayed the Minister’s knowledge of the office he occupies. At least we are aware of the existence of a Nigerian aviation law that bans the leasing out of a private jet for a commercial purpose. Was the Minister feigning ignorance of this law?

The episode which came up in form of a shocking dramatic conundrum has since generated a fierce controversy as usual, either on the basis of shameless ethnic affiliation or that of religious opium. Incidentally, the main casualty in this case is the image of Nigeria which the Federal Government has always claimed to be concerned about.

QUESTIONS Now, many pertinent questions are begging for answers. Some of them are as follows: 1.Who authorised the purchase of weapons for Nigerian security agencies through unofficial people with non-involvement of those who will utilise the weapons?

2.When did the Nigerian law banning the use of private jets for commercial purposes change?

3.What is the relationship between clerical mission and government contract particularly in such a sensitive sector?

4.If it is true that the Federal Government actually awarded the contract to whoever was involved, what was the reason for wanting to make payment of such purchase in cash?

5.And how can one reasonably distinguish between that illegal deal and what is generally called ‘gun running’ in military parlance?

6.Isn’t there a linkage between that deal and the clandestine sponsorship of Boko Haram insurgency by certain religious leaders with hidden agenda? MUSWEN had severally called the attention of the nation to the role of some Christians in that devilish insurgency as in the case of Bauchi and Osun states. But the government has curiously pretended not to hear of it.

COMMENT Meanwhile, the explanations made so far by some government officials as well as ‘rental criers’ on the shameful and debasing deal in South Africa have rather raised further questions without answers.

More embarrassing in this case is South Africa’s rejection of Nigeria’s official explanation on the seeming shady deal which culminated in the confiscation of Nigerian money by South African government.

In a nutshell, this episode, combined with the recent revelations by Dr. Stephen Davis of Australia, has not only exposed the hidden agenda behind Boko Haram insurgency, it has also confirmed the grand desperation of some mercantile clerics to wreck Nigeria by all means in the name of religion.

MUSWEN therefore warns on the implications of sweeping this dangerous scandal under the carpet and calls on the Federal Government to exhibit transparency in this case by allowing an independent body to probe the scandal and to come up with a punitive measure against any culprit if only to prove that an official patronage is not being surreptitiously granted to some criminal elements in the country who are walking the streets in the cloak of religion.

As bona fide citizens and stake holders in Nigeria, we are neither blind nor deaf to unfolding dangerous trend aggravating insecurity in Nigeria as we have regularly pointed out and we believe that posterity will bear witness to our undeniable concern. God save Nigeria!

And in a seemingly jittery reaction, aimed at wading off the embarrassment from the illegal deal, the Federal Government admitted the ownership of the money without giving reason for bypassing the Nigerian security officials in awarding such a contract.

And subsequently, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, reluctantly admitted the ownership of the controversial jet after about two weeks of pressure and insinuations from the press.

And offering an official but untenable explanation on the dubious deal, the Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, told Nigerians that the CAN president had leased the jet to another party, thereby trying to underplay the role of CAN President in the use to which his jet was illegally put.

That attempt to exonerate the owner of the •The press release was signed by yours sincerely jet in such a shady business which could not as the media consultant of MUSWEN

NEWS

2000 PDP, Accord members join APC

N

O fewer than 2,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party in Ward 7, Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

They were led by a PDP chieftain, Babatunde Oropo; the Accord members were led by Alhaja Moromoke Adeyemi.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

They were received by the Council Chairman, Ladi Oluokun, Commissioner for Industry and Applied Science Dapo LamAdesina, APC Chairman in the area, Razak Tokunbo Ekundayo, Ayo Eniade, Amusa Mogaji Makinde and Rauf Olowo-Adekile.

The PDP members said they left the party because

they had been shortchanged and sidelined by the leadership.

Oluokun assured the defectors that they would be fully integrated into the party.

He said: “Let me tell you, today that the people defecting are happy people.

They have nothing to fear.

They would have been more than this but for the intimidation by their party.

“I want to tell all of us

who are in the APC that the work to win next year has started now and we will continue to give the masses the dividends of democracy.”

The chairman urged party members to be united and work towards the reelection of Governor Abiola Ajimobi and APC. Lam-Adesina urged the defectors to work in accordance with the party constitution, adding that they will be treated well.

A

N Accounting expert, Oluwole Oluyemi, has advised accounting firms in the country to comply with the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) standards.

He said this yesterday at a seminar organised by the Ibadan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

Oluyemi, who was the guest lecturer, said the IFRS initiative was initiated by the International Accounting Standard Committee (IASC) and its benefits cut across social, economic and legal strata.

According to him, the finan-

‘Comply with IFRS standards’ From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

cial statement helps investors to make sound decisions by unravel the equity shares of a company as a major factor to know whether to buy or sell.

He said it also helps to decipher a firm’s business profileto know its strength and weakness.

ICCI President Abimbola Makanjuola said ICCI’s role was to protect the interest of members and the public.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

51

SOCIETY

Life begins at 70 A journalist and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mathew Adewunmi Shoyebo, has turned 70. He celebrated his entry into the septuagenarian club with praise and thanksgiving in Lagos.

NNEKA NWANERI reports.

F

OR Matthew Adewunmi Shoyebo, attaining the biblical age of three scores and ten, last Saturday, was a reason to thank God and celebrate His goodness.

His children, grand children and political associates in the All Progressives Congress (APC) rolled out the drums for what they described as a milestone in the life of a man of many parts.

To them, the Sickle Cell Centre auditorium, Idi-Araba in Surulere, Lagos, was the place to be that Saturday. Everyone who mattered to him stood to be counted at the event.

It began with a service led by the Daystar Centre and Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mount Zion Parish, Surulere, whose choirs led the song ministrations as well as the praise and worship session.

The Area Pastor of the church, Olumide Salako, offered the opening prayer after which the celebrator’s wife, Beatrice, took the first Bible reading from Romans 12:1-5.

A special hymn, “For my sake, and the Gospel, Go”, was sung for the celebrator. A brief sermon was given by the representative of the Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Pastor Bolu Oluyomi, who spoke on the reasons Shoyebo, an engineer, was being celebrated.

Pastor Oluyomi came in company of Pastors Tunde Adisa and Victor Akinyemi. One after the other, the pastors offered prayers for the family before the choir gave a special song.

In between the worship session was a thanksgiving, where the celebrator led his family and other guests to drop their offerings in a basket at the altar.

After the recessional hymn, “To God be the Glory”, the hall was re-arranged for the reception. The occasion also served as a platform to showcase their style.

The Empire Band supplied music, singing praises of guests as they entered the welldecorated hall.

The reception was chaired by Otunba Adeleke Adesina.

Adesina described the celebrator as a man of many parts and a great family man. Oth-

ers also took turns to give testimonials on Shoyebo.

There were many other APC chieftains in the gathering, who came to celebrate with one of their own and added glamour and excitement of the occasion. One of them, Hon Segun Olakunle, proposed the toast, praying the celebrator should witness many more years.

Deputy Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation, Mr Tunji Adegboyega who officiated the cutting of the cake, described Shoyebo as a devout Christian and family man. He demanded that the three-layered simple cake be cut on the last count of JESUS on the spell of the last letter of JESUS. His children were the first to join him in the cutting of the cake. The birthday ‘boy’, who The Nation learnt is his grandchildren’s best friend exchanged hi-fives with them.

Shoyebo’s joy could not be contained as he told of how God has been good to him. He thanked other APC supporters for the love shown him and admonished all to been in communion with God to give their lives a meaning.

His wife, Beatrice, said it’s been wonderful being married to him for 40years, and has learnt from him to be confident in God and stand for the truth at all times.

‘Daddy Sho’, a name his first daughter calls him, is God-fearing; wife-adoring; childrencaring and people-loving.

Shoyebo began his career in the Nigerian Railway Corporation Ebute Meta from 19661970. He is also the author/publisher of Wanted: Genuine and Patriotic Politicians in 2003. Shoyebo was appointed member, Lagos State Drainage and Sanitation Board in 2005 and was the Chairman of the People Public Review of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

In attendance were APC National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Banire; former Ag Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University Prof Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello; Hon Funmilayo Tejuosho; former Special Assistant to Governor Tinubu Hon Layi Olawale; Professor Tunde Samuel, who represented former Lagos State governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Chief Abel Shoyebo.

•From right: Aremo Michael Kufisile; Hon Femi Oginni and Hon Friday Jackson

•The celebrator and his wife, Beatrice cutting the cake

•Dr Banire (right) and Mr Remi

• Hon Olawale

•Dr Sofola (left) and Dr Uti

PHOTOS: ABIODUN ADEYEWA

INAUGURATION

WEDDING

•President, Rotary Club of Oto-Ijanikin Central, Adebowale Odunayo and his wife with guests and members of Rotary Club during the inauguration of Odunayo as the 7th President of the club at Ijanikin, Lagos

•Former Miss Aishat Taiwo Adepeju and her beau Abdul-Waasi'i Adeyemi at their wedding in Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

52

SOCIETY The funeral of a Lagos socialite, Alhaji Raimi Atanda Balogun, the father of the former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly cum ex-chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Hon Afeez Ipesa-Balogun, has been held at the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat, report TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO and IBRAHIM ADAM

Farewell to a Lagos socialite L

AGOSIANS woke up on Friday, September 12, to find shops of meat sellers empty. Those who were not aware of the announcements by the Lagos State Butchers Association, declaring the day as a free day, were disappointed as they could not buy meat.

Asking what was amiss? Some traders replied: “Today is the funeral of former Treasurer and ex-Board of Trustee member of the Lagos State Butchers Association, Alhaji Raimi Atanda Balogun. The butchers association declared today work free to enable its members attend the funeral.”

True to their words, the expansive open field inside the Oshodi Isolo Local Government Secretariat was agog as thousands of meat sellers converged.

Led by their chairman and patron, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem and Alhaji Sulaiman Afuwape, they joined the deceased’s family members, friends and associates in the fidau of Balogun.

The late Balogun, a Lagos socialite and father of the former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly cum ex-chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Hon Afeez IpesaBalogun, died on June 7 at 84.

A philanthropist and successful businessman, he was also one of the founding fathers of Oshodi where he breathed his last.

He was a one-time major supplier of fresh meat to some reputable hotels in Lagos, such as the Federal Palace Hotel, Ikoyi Hotel (now Southern Sun Hotel), Lagos Airport Hotels and Eko Hotel (now Eko Hotel and Suites).

The atmosphere at the ceremony was carnival-like. There was heavy human and vehicular traffic on the roads leading to the council secretariat.

Guests arrived in twos and threes.

Many dressed in mixed purple and lemon Aso Ebi. The women used purple headgears with ipele, while the men wore lemon-gold caps.

The ambience was conducive as guests sat under the giant canopies with white chairs arranged around the tables with blue and green overlays, and flower vases in the middle.

Khalifa Abdul Azeez Abdullah and Alhaji Adul Rahman Alariya, both decked in gold and cream lace, anchored the event.

Abdullah gave the opening prayer and recited some verses of the Quran.

Several portions were recited before the sermon.

Imam Muhammad Saheed Olusan in his sermon made reference to Quran 7 vs 135. He described the deceased as a man who lived his life as a Muslim.

“Everyone of you should make use of your present position to serve Allah.

The deceased spent his entire life as a Muslim; that is why we are here, today.

Be up and doing wherever you find yourself,” he said.

The cleric enjoined the children of the deceased to emulate their dad’s legacies.

“Alhaji Raimi Atanda Balogun has left a lot of responsibilities for you all; it is now left to you to measure up,” he said.

Chief Imam of Awwalu Central Mosque, Sheikh AbdulWasiu AbdulAzeez Adepoju, in his goodwill message, said all should remember their last days. He said every human will account for his deeds on the Day

•Mrs Tinubu-Ojo

•From right: Hon Ipesa-Balogun; Mr Johnson and Chief Adeniran

•Prince Eludoyin (right) and Mr Owulade

•Hon Akinderu-Fatai (left) and Hon Dele Ogunsakin

•From left: Olori Gbadamosi; daughter-in-law Alhaja Afusat Ipesa-Balogun; Hon Mariam Adenekan and Alhaja Morayo Olatinwa

•Mrs Omolabake Olabinjo

•From left: Hons Kamal Bayewu; Benjamin Olabinjo and Hakeem Bamgbola

•The Okis - (from left) Abiodun; Kunle and Ladipo

•Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s representatives (from left): Mrs Funmilayo Daramola; Mrs Anike Adekanye and Alhaja Ashabi Bamgbola

•Mrs Kafilat Bashua; Mrs Doyin Adeniji; Mrs Modupe Elegushi; Mrs Bilikis PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA Eshilokun and Mrs Sarah Joseph

of Judgement.

Special prayers were offered for the deceased, his family members and relatives before the gathering adjourned for Jumat Service.

On reconvening, each of the children of the deceased had a tent.

King of Fuji Music Alhaji Wasiu

Representatives, Hon Moruf AkinderuFatai, described the late Alhaji Balogun as a successful businessman and religious, too.

Akinderu-Fatai, chairman, House Committee on Legislative Compliance, said the deceased’s way of life is a lesson to mankind.

Anifowoshe popularly called K1 De Ultimate entertained the gathering.

According to Ipesa-Balogun, his father’s death created a vacuum which would be difficult to fill.

He prayed Allah to grant him paradise.

A member of the House of

Among the personalities at the ceremony include wife of Olofa of Offa Olori Mistura Gbadamosi; Prince Elusanmi Eludoyin; Iyaloja-General of Lagos Mrs Folasade Tinubu-Ojo; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Works and Infrastructure.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

53

BUSINESS EXTRA

FBN Capital, law firms to monitor N213b power fund

T

HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) and the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) have met with First Bank Capital (FBN Capital) and local and foreign law firms to monitor the N213billion intervention fund for the power firms.

On the list of those to monitor the facility, according to NERC Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, is also the firm that

• ‘N213b power sector fund not from govt’ From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

assisted Dangote Group to secure $16 billion from the capital market.

He said: “The people that put their money want to get their money back. That is why the last weekend, we have been having very strong meetings. We have

FBN Capital. We have Ministem that raised about $16billion for Dangote and a well known capital fund managers. And Blackstone Capital partner, and two law firms have joined them.”

He also insisted that the apex bank will not disburse the fund until the legal framework is in place, not-

ing that disbursement will be the last part of the process.

Amadi explained that since the money is not coming from the Federal Government, tax payers and electricity consumers are still paying what they ought to have paid if the electricity supply is in order, adding

• From left: Director General/CEO, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Chief Adolphus Joe-Ekpe; Executive Director, Lagos & West, FirstBank, Gbenga Shobo; FirstBank Big Splash Promo Grand Prize winner, Kelechukwu Uchenna Frank; Commissioner of Housing, Lagos State, Bosun Jeje; and Executive Director, South, FirstBank, UK Eke at the presentation of the four-bedroom detached duplex grand prize to the winner in Lekki Lagos.

NDIC reduces bank premium to 0.35% T HE Nigeria Deposit In surance Corporation (NDIC) says it will reduce premium banks pay to it from 0.4 per cent to 0.35 per cent by next year.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Umaru Ibrahim who disclosed it yesterday at the corporation’s 25th anniversary media briefing in Abuja, explained that the premium reduction was meant to reduce premium burden on banks and ensure that deposit insurance is fairly priced.

Ibrahim said the corporation had in 2010, reviewed the premium templates from 0.5 to 0.4 which took effect from 2011 to 2014. That premium review, he added led to a reduction of N53 billion in premium revenue.

He said Nigerian banks are fairly stable as some of them are playing the role of financial intermediation outside the country, and “there are improvements in terms of governance and banks are safe in terms of deposit savings and non-performing loans.”

Ibrahim however lamented that “there is continuous concern that banks should lend more to the real sector particularly in the area of lending to agriculture. The banks are doing a lot in lending to oil and gas. There is the concern of banks’ inability to mobilise long term funds outside the banking system but the NDIC will ensure that banks mobilise long term finances in realisation of the short coming.”

With regard to its core responsibility of settling depositors’ claims, the NDIC boss said the NDIC has paid

• ‘Depositors of failed banks get N6.8b cash’

By Nduka Chiejina and Collins Nweze

N6.825 billion to 528,277 insured depositors of the 48 Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in-liquidation as at August 31 this year and N2.756 billion to 80,059 verified depositors of the 186 closed Microfinance Banks (MFBs,) as at 31st August this year.

Ibrahim stated that “following the revocation of the operating licences of 48 insured DMBs, 186 MFBs and 25 Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs), the NDIC paid a cumulative amount of N68.25 billion to 528,277 insured depositors of the 48 DMBs inliquidation as at August 31, 2014. While for the 186 closed MFBs, the cumulative amount of N2.756 billion had been paid to 80,059 verified depositors as at 31st August, 2014.”

The NDIC boss said there has been reduction in the examination cycles of banks over the years facilitated by proactive measures taken by the corporation to address detected aberrations in the system with minimal disruption to the payment system as well as minimal material and resource losses.

One of such proactive measures he said is the development of a software called Financial Institution Liquidation Management

Software (FILMS) to enhance its liquidation process. The software he said is currently being enhanced to make it web enabled.

The most profound success of the Corporation in this area he said “included the introduction of risk-based supervision framework in the supervisory process, development of framework for Early Warning Signals to detect problem banks, development of framework for the identification and measurement of Systemically Important Banks (SIBs) and the institution of a framework for the provision of financial and technical assistance to deserving insured institutions to alleviate the constraints of funding faced by MFBs and PMBs, amongst others.”

NDIC, he said now partners with the CBN in the development of framework for consolidated supervision and many other frameworks, guidelines and code that help in strengthening of supervisory process in Nigeria’s financial system.

In spite of these efforts, he lamented that the Corporation faces a lot of challenges in the areas of liquidation activities as a result of the corporation’s inability to locate some of the closed PMBs whose licenses were revoked by CBN; debits to the Corporation’s account with the CBN on account of Garnishee Order, Nisi served on CBN; litigations by erstwhile shareholders of closed banks and creditors of the closed banks and unsatisfactory rendition of returns by some Microfinance Banks (MFBs).

that the intervention fund cannot be described as a bailout for the power firms.

He described the intervention fund as a buyback for consumers to pay what they should have paid from the beginning within a period of 10 years.

He said: “ The fund will not be released until all the framework is in place. “Theoretically it is clear but practically we need some legal instrument from the financial side of it , and a special purpose vehicle. We need to give confidence to all the stakeholders.

“Right now, different meetings are going on everyday and once that is done, we talk about disbursement. Disbursement will be the last thing in the whole process.”

He gave a breakdown of the fund, noting that “there is no Federal Government money coming. In short, Federal Government could be said to owe the market subsidy money. All the facility is coming as money from the commercial banks. And it is not coming as free money.”

He maintained that the apex bank would raise the fund and administer it through commercial banks or assign the deposit money banks to release the money as loan to the electricity market through a special purpose vehicle.

Amadi said the money is expected to bridge the gap between the tariff and the tariff the electricity companies claim it should be.

He said beside the N36billion gas debt, the balance is interim rule “shortfalls in the market starting from 1st November 2013 till 30th of October 2014.”

According to him, the balance constitute largely funds not paid to the generating firms due to lack of revenue from the market.

He revealed that the new gas price will be factored into the new Gas Supply Agreement (GSA) when the market will charge the new index MYTO 2.01.

Amadi added that the new gas price of $2.50 per SCUF will come with the Transition Electricity Market (TEM).

He said: “If TEM comes up in November, then the next payment circles of December. “ The NERC boss said the CBN facility will not impact on tariff in the next one year, stressing that the sources of the fund are prepared to forfeit payment within six month or one year.

On monitoring of the fund, Amadi said since the fund is not public sector money, the owners and the apex bank will be very serious about its repayment.

He said: “Before it goes out, it is going to have full proof guarantee for repayment.

Don’t forget that it is being monitored by fund managers and special purpose vehicles. The legacy debt for gas, the debt that has been there before November 1st, is N14 billion.”

54

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

25-07-14 DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 25-09-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 25-09-14

N10b losses as market declines

T

HE Nigerian bourse closed in the red yesterday as the Composite Index declined by a marginal 7bps to close at 40,780.00 points, driving the MTD performance further south to negative 1.8per cent.

The modest downtrend yesterday was on the back of the selloffs within the Industrial and Banking stocks Dangote Cement (0.5 per cent), Access (8.7 per cent), and Union Bank (4.9 per cent). Similarly, market activity measured by aggregate volume and value traded waned 36.2 per cent and 61.2 per cent to 273.1m and N4.6bn respectively.

Meanwhile, the Insurance Index rallied yesterday, firming up 1.0 per cent after a previous session of profit

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

taking. The rebound was against the backdrop of a rally in Mansard (5.0 per cent) and Continental Reinsurance (1.1 per cent).

The Oil and Gas Index also gained 0.8 per cent - driven by renewed investor appetite in Total (3.8 per cent) and Forte (1.4 per cent). On the other hand, the Banking Index declined 0.8 per cent — due to selling pressure in Access Bank (8.7 per cent) and Union Bank (4.9 per cent).

Notably, portfolio managers and retail investors reduced their exposure to Access bank following the resumption of normal trading of the stock today after its

initial technical suspension was lifted.

Similarly, the Industrial Index lost 0.5 per cent, majorly due to sustained profit taking in Lafarge (1.2 per cent) and Dangote Cement (0.5 per cent).

Market breadth was positive today at 1.3x (Advancers/ Decliners ratio; 29gainers Vs 22 losers’) — an indication of renewed investor’s appetite and a probability of a positive close in the session ahead.

At the close of trading, Vono (9.9 per cent) May & Baker (9.6 per cent) International Breweries (5.3 per cent) paced gains, while Ikeja Hotel (9.2 per cent), Access (8.7 per cent) and Costain (5.0 per cent) were the top losers’.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

55

MONEYLINK

Be transparent, Lagos urges accountants T HE Lagos State government has urged accountants to embrace the principles of accountability and transparency in the discharge of their responsibilities and duties.

Commissioner for Finance, Ayo Gbeleyi spoke at a three-day retreat for accountants in government’s employ, with the theme: “Transparency and Accountability: Challenges and Way Forward,” held at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

He said there was no better demonstration or manifestation of this openness in governance than in the keeping of accurate financial records and rendering of the financial statements of the state government in a timely manner in compliance with best practices and extant statutes.

He said the theme must have been carefully chosen for their deliberation with a view to driving home

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

the true essence and importance of these sacred responsibilities as Accountants.

He said: “With the advent of democratic governance over the last 15 years, it has also become increasingly important that the activities of government at all levels are conducted in a transparent and open manner.

“As civil servants, you are in the forefront of translating the policies and plans of government into concrete actions and implementing such programmes for the betterment of the tax-paying residents.”

Gbeleyi said it was pertinent to note that governments all over the world carried the role of custodian in all ramifications under what is termed a “social contract” with citizens, noting that governance, for the purpose of development is saddled with enormous responsibilities

which could be described as “insatiable needs pursued by limited resources.”

“As a custodian of the people’s mandate, we are expected to conduct the affairs of government in a manner that delivers value-formoney and in such a way that is not only transparent, but must be seen to be transparent with greater sense of accountability at all times,” he said.

He said government had also continued to work assiduously with international development partners, such as United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) under the aegis of the World Bank, for the optimisation and implementation of all the modules of the Oracle Financial system, including the ‘Procure-to-Pay’, Cash Management, Treasury Modules.

“Also, in collaboration with the DFID, within the scope of State

Renaissance Capital reports 81% rise in Q2 profit

R

ENAISSANCE Capital, a leading emerging- and frontier markets investment bank, has announcd significant growth of its net profit in second quarter ended June, despite challenging market conditions.

The firm reported 81 per cent year-on-year increase in its net profit to $8.7 million for June from $4.76 million for same period of last year.

The bank achieved a 17 per cent cost reduction rate bringing its operating expenses down to $102 million in June from $127.6 million in June 2013. Total operating income reached $114.3 million, which is in line with the same period last year.

Its balance sheet remains strong, with the equity to assets ratio grow-

Stories by Collins Nweze

ing to 16.5 per cent in June from 13.6 per cent as of December 31, 2013.

Total assets and equity stand at $3.59 billion and $593.2 million, respectively.

“In the past six months, Renaissance Capital has continuously demonstrated sustainable business growth. We have shown profitability in three consecutive reporting periods and achieved a significant increase in the bank’s operating profit in June 2014, compared with the same period in 2013. This is complemented by substantial operating cost reduction and a healthy equity to assets ratio,” Igor Vayn, Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Capital said.

He added: “Renaissance Capital remains strongly committed to its core regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Russia and Turkey. We have continuously strengthened our competitive position and grown our market share across all our geographies. Recently, the Firm has expanded its footprint to include Dubai, where it has applied for and received a dealing and advising on securities license. This financial hub represents a key base off which we intend to build a market-leading offering in the Middle East and North Africa space. We are pleased with the Firm’s performance results, particularly against the backdrop of a global market slowdown, and are looking forward to new challenges ahead.”

Partnership for Accountability, Responsiveness and Capability (SPARC), equally enhancing capacity to further strengthen Public Financial Management (PFM) capabilities in the State.

“The latest in this effort at enhancing transparency and accountability in the conduct of the affairs of government is the impending adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) format of reporting.

“As you are probably aware, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigerian (FRCN), deriving its powers from the extant statutes establishing it had directed all public sector entities to present IPSAS compliant financial statements in rendering their year 2014 reports while full compliance is targeted for 2016,” he 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

HE third monthly draws of the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited 30th Anniversary Promo Reloaded took place last week across all the bank’s regional and zonal operations nationwide.

At the end of the electronic selection of winners, 133 customers of the bank won cash prizes, LCD television sets, generators, DVDs and GOtv decoders. The event was witnessed by officials of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and other dignitaries including community leaders and government representatives.

The latest customers to win the monthly star prizes of N1 million are Oshodi Taiwo Folusho(Lagos and South-west region), Chide Oguh Momoh (Northern region) and Abanokwu Augustine (South-east/

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

SYMBOL

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 24/09/2014 17/09/2014 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 25-09-14

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

VONO

1.42

1.56

0.14

MAYBAKER

1.66

1.82

0.16

28.50

30.01

1.51

AGLEVENT

1.40

1.47

0.07

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

MANSARD

2.62

2.75

0.13

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

CUSTODYINS

3.96

4.11

0.15

ROYALEX

0.53

0.55

0.02

179,00

6.47

INTBREW

TOTAL

172.53

CAP

39.49

40.94

1.45

UBA

6.52

6.75

0.23

LOSERS AS AT 25-09-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

IKEJAHOTEL

1.85

1.68

-0.17

ACCESS

9.59

8.76

-0.83

COSTAIN

1.00

0.95

-0.05

UBN

9.32

8.86

-0.46

Money Supply (M2)

Amount Sold in ($) 349.96m 299.9m 299.9m

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$39.6b

US Dollar

154.70

155.71

$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%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Amount Offered in ($) 350m 300m 300m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES September 24, 2014

19-09-14 Rate (%) Rate (%) 22-09-14

WAUA Yuan/Renminbi

Overnight (O/N)

11.00

10.917

Riyal

41.259

41.5256

1M

12.464

12.393

SDR

232.156

233.6562

3M

13.281

13.201

6M

14.205

14.110

FOREX RATES

PORTPAINT

5.33

5.07

-0.26

FIDSON

3.39

3.25

-0.14

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

WAPIC

0.76

0.73

-0.03

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

COURTVILLE

0.55

0.53

-0.02

LEARNAFRCA

1.45

1.40

-0.05

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

33.25

32.25

-1.00

PZ

Southsouth). With the latest winners, FCMB has so far rewarded several customers in the promo ahead of the grand finale draw in October, where three lucky customers will each drive home with brand new SUVs. The winners were unanimous in their praises for FCMB and commended the bank for its unblemished history in fulfilling its promise to customers. In particular, winners of the N1 million star prizes promised to utilise their wins judiciously.

Speaking at the Lagos end of the draws event, Senior Vice President/ Divisional Head of Retail, Olu Akanmu said the lender will continue to appreciate our customers and encourage them to save through programs like our 30th anniversary promo draws which is so unique because they are taking place in several cities and zones across our branches nationwide.

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

Gbeleyi said the state is currently gearing up for the implementation of this all-important project and that as accountants in the service of the state, they would be at the forefront of seeing to its seamless and timeouts implementation.

FCMB rewards more customers

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Sept. 22, 2014

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.10

T-bills - 182

10.22

T-bills - 364

10.30

Bond - 3yrs

11.52

Bond - 5yrs

11.55

Bond - 7yrs

12.13

56

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

NEWS What the law says, by Rep Continued from page 4

“Section 2(1) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act Cap 118 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 provides that a transfer to or from a foreign country of funds or securities of a sum greater than $10,000 or its equivalent shall be reported to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“Section 2(2) provides that such a report shall indicate the nature and amount of the transfer and the names and addresses of the sender and receiver of the funds or securities.

“Failure to report an international transfer of funds or securities as required under the Act is punishable with a minimum of 15 years imprisonment under section 15(2a) of the Act,” the Committee noted.

In a document obtained on the development, the procurement committee further noted that extant laws state that “any person who conspires with aids, abets or counsels another per-

son to commit the offence is guilty of the offence and liable to the same punishment prescribed for the offence under the Act. On the allegation of money laundering, Section 5(1b) of the EFCC Act empowers the Commission to investigate financial crimes, such as money laundering, counterfeiting, contract scam, etc as well as investigate all reported cases of financial crimes with a view to identifying individuals, corporate bodies or groups involved.

“Section 6(2) empowers the Commission to enforce the provision of the money Laundering Act. Section 12(2) empowers the Commission to prosecute an offender under the Act.” While noting that the transaction breached the Public Procurement Act, the Committee argued that the transaction was carried out in breach of the extant laws and the principle of accountability.

“Section 43(1a) of the Public Procurement Act empowers a

procurement entity to carry out an emergency procurement where the country is either seriously threatened by or actually confronted with a disaster, catastrophe, war, insurrection or Act of God. “In such situation, sub-section 2 of this section allows the procurement entity to engage in direct contracting of goods, works and services.

“However, sub-section 3 of this section requires such procurement to be handled along the principles of accountability.”

Okoya-Thomas said: “In the present situation, the question could be asked: which organisation is the appropriate procuring entity? If the money was for purchase of arms, why was the transaction not carried out by the Nigerian Army or the Defence Headquarters?

“Why did they engage two Nigerian citizens and an Israeli to take physical cash to South Africa to buy arms and not follow due process?”

Govt gets list of 19 Boko Haram chiefs in girls swap deal Continued from page 4

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the Boko Haram bargaining list had been made available to all those involved in the recent talks.

The last talks in Abuja were attended by the facilitator, who is also the President, Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria, Comrade Shehu Sani; ICRC officials; a former Minister of Information; a Geneva-based human rights activist; a two-man delegation of Boko Haram; two others close to the sect’s leadership and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader.

Some of the 30 girls in the first batch were said to have been given consideration upon discovery that they are married with children.

A source said the 30 girls will be released on compassionate ground by the sect to demonstrate that it is “really committed to the swap deal and had treated the girls with fairness.”

As at press time, only the names of 20 of the 30 girls were made available to our correspondent by a source, who said the list was restricted for “strategic purpose”.

But the full list of the 19 Boko Haram commanders was obtained yesterday.

Some of the Christian girls to be let off the hook are Mary Usman; Julie Yakubu; Jummai Paul; Rahila Bitrus; Rabika Lukas; Rodha John; Naomi Yohanna; Ruth Kolo; Tabitha Fagu; and

Hannatu Isiaku.

The Muslim girls are Kwadugu Manu; Hauwa Wule; Aishatu Grema; Aisha Lawan; Halima Gamba; Kabu Malla; Mariam Abubakar; Rakiya Gamba; Hamsatu Abubakar; and Hasana Adamu.

The 19 Boko Haram commanders for the trade-off are: Awwal Albani Sultaniya; Malam Abdullahi Damasak; Mallam Bashir; Baa Malam; Mallam Tijjani al Barnawi; Mallam Musa Moby; Mallam Awara; Mallam Zindar Zindawi; Baa Alhaji; Bana Mongono; Baraa Mallami; Sheikh Umar ibn Mustapha; Mallam Jabir Al Jjihad; Tanko al Kurd; Mallam Aradu; Abidina Janzila and Mallam Aboul Kaka.

A source said: “The government and Boko Haram are very close to a swap deal on the abducted Chibok girls if it is not bungled the last minute again.

“We hope that at the resumption of talks after the Eid-el Kabir festival, all the negotiators will have a common ground on all issues involved in the deal so that the girls can at least regain freedom.

“Although the sect may opt for a phased release, beginning with 30 girls, the government is insisting on wholesale freedom.

There is a ray of hope.”

Another source said: “The government is adamant on the release of all the 219 girls because the 19 commanders demanded by Boko Haram are “key strategists of the sect”.

“Some of the commanders are ‘deadly’ because they are ready to lay down their lives any time.

They do not hide their commitment to the sect even in their various detention facilities in Maiduguri, Kaduna and Abuja.

“In fact, security agencies are skeptical about freedom for Malam Abdullahi Damasak, who is rated as the ‘most lethal’ among the commanders.

“The government is circumspect that if the 19 commanders are released, Boko Haram might only let 30 girls free instead of 219.

The government does not want to fall into any negotiation trap which will compound the woes of the abducted girls.”

No government official or any of the parties to the secret negotiation was willing to respond to issues on the swap deal.

A senior government official, who was speculated to be part of the covert deal, simply said: “I am not in a position to admit or deny that report (the list).”

But a veteran Nigerian civil rights activist, Fred Eno, who was part of the talks, told The Telegraph of UK last week: “We felt the negotiations would go better with the backing of a major international humanitarian organisation like the ICRC. “There have been two or three ICRC people at each meeting international staff rather than Nigerians - and they accompany the government security agents to the various prisons and detention centres to identify the people that Boko Haram want released.”

‘Attack on judges desecration of temple of justice’ Continued from page 4

Falana therefore told the federal government to distance itself from the shameless display of brute force by an in-coming governor.

The erudite lawyer emphasized that by “ desecrating the temple of Justice with the connivance of the Police the armed lumpen elements left no one in doubt that they have the full backing of the ruling party in executing the premeditated onslaught on the judiciary. So far, those who perpetrated the barbaric attack and their sponsors have their admitted ignoble role through public statements issued by them.

“The Ekiti state governorelect, Mr. Ayo Fayose has justified the shameful attack on the rule of law in Ekiti State by saying that his election cannot be challenged in court. This is a reminder of the Idi Amin era in Uganda when judges were killed while discharging judicial functions. Mr. Fayose and his thugs should not be allowed to kill judges and law-

yers before calling him to order”, he stated.

He recalled that in his reaction to the outcome of the Ekiti state governorship election held on June 21, 2014 , he expressed the view that the Ekiti people had gone back to Egypt adding “the mayhem unleashed on a high court judge, lawyers and litigants in the precinct of the Ekiti State High Court sitting at Ado Ekiti on Monday, September, 23, 2014 by a gang of hired hoodlums has confirmed that the Ekiti people have fully returned to the wilderness.

“As the thugs were not brought to book they regrouped this morning(yesterday) and launched another attack on the High Court. In the process Justice Isaac Adeyeye was beaten up while the car of Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association was destroyed. Other judges and lawyers ran for dear lives”, he noted.

Falana said that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has

the duty to defend the rule of law and protect judges and lawyers in Ekiti State and at the national level and that the body should mount pressure on the Police Authorities to fish out those who beat up and chased the the judges and lawyers out of the Ekiti State High Court noting that even under the defunct military junta, judges were never subjected to physical assault over their decisions.

To buttress his views, the erudite lawyer referred to a suit, Garba vs Federal Civil Service Commision (1998) 1 NWLR (PT 70) 449 where it was held by the Supreme Court (per Eso J.S.C.) that: “the military in coming to power is usually faced with the question as to whether to establish a rule of law or rule of force. While the latter could be justifiable a rule of terror, once the path of law is chosen the mighty arm of government, the militia which is an embodiment of legislature and executive must in humility bow to the rule of law thus permitted to exist.

57

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

US hits IS oil targets in Syria

T

HE United States and its allies are steeling themselves for what an American defense official described Thursday as a years-long fight against the so-called Islamic State, a revelation that came as airstrikes pummeled oil refineries in Syria used by the terror group to help fund its operations. “I think we are in this for a matter of years,” the Pentagon spokesman, Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby, said yesterday. “... We are steeling ourselves for that period of time.”

U.S.-led airstrikes hit locations overnight in a remote area of eastern Syria where ISIS has been using mobile refineries to produce oil that brings in up to $2 million a day for the group. The U.S. military was still assessing the damage to the refineries by the airstrikes, Kirby said.

The attacks are focused on the “infrastructure around the refineries,” meaning the ability of ISIS to produce oil, he said. Even so, there are questions about just how much impact the destruction of the refineries will have on ISIS, which analysts have said has access to billions of dollars.

“Even if we stop their oil flow today, they still have about a billion dollars in the bank,” retired U.S. Army Col. Peter Mansoor said. “They seized about a third of a billion dollars from the central bank of Mosul (Iraq).” On top of that, he added, ISIS has gar-

nered millions of dollars in ransoms from European governments for hostages and have traded much of their oil.

For now, the United States is focused on the refineries, according to Kirby. But he acknowledged there are “other economic levers the international community is going to have to pull” to cut off all funding to ISIS. At least 14 militants and five civilians were killed in the overnight airstrikes, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a dissident monitoring group.

ISIS targets in Iraq were also hit Thursday morning by France’s military, government spokesman Stephane Le Foll told reporters in Paris.

The news came as reports surfaced that ISIS fighters carried out a public execution of a well-known human rights lawyer, who took to Facebook to criticize the group’s destruction of mosques, churches and shrines in Iraq. Calling the torture and killing of Sameera Al-Nuiamy savage and cowardly, U.N. special representative for Iraq, Nickolay Mladenov, said the Iraqi government and the international community must do all they can to ensure those responsible for her death are brought to justice.

Al-Nuiamy was reportedly abducted from her home in Mosul on September 17 and put on trial before a

Sharia court, which Mladenov says found her guilty of apostasy. “She was then held for a further five days during which she was subjected to torture in an attempt to force her to repent before she was executed in public,” he said. The reports about the execution came as new details emerged about the killing of up to 300 Iraqi soldiers in Iraq’s western Anbar province after ISIS fighters overran the base near Falluja this week.

A handful of survivors who escaped from Saqlawiyah, which had been under siege for a week, accused the Iraqi government of failing to respond to pleas for help in the days leading up to Monday’s final ISIS assault on the base. One soldier recounted in a video posted to YouTube how he and his comrades battled the fighters for hours before starting to run out of ammunition and then being shot by a sniper.

“I called the commander ... for support, but no one responded,” he said.

While the authenticity of the claims in the video cannot be confirmed, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider alAbadi has ordered an investigation into what happened and why the soldiers were left to fend for themselves.

At least 113 soldiers were killed and another 78 are missing, according to Iraqi security officials.

West’s blunders helped ISIS to rise, says Iran’s President RESIDENT Hassan Rouhani of Iran delivered a searing indictment of Western and Arab states on Thursday in his annual speech to the United Nations, blaming them for sowing the seeds of extremism in the Middle East with “strategic blunders” that have given rise to the Islamic State and other violent jihadist groups. “Certain intelligence agencies have put blades in the hands of madmen, who now spare no one,” Mr. Rouhani said, adding that “all those who have played a role in founding and supporting these terror groups must acknowledge their errors” and apologize.

He also used the occasion to denounce the Western-led sanctions imposed on Iran’s nuclear program and reiterated his government’s desire to resolve Iran’s protracted dispute with the United

P

States and other nations over the program. He implied that the nuclear negotiations were linked to Iran’s cooperation in combating the Islamic State and its affiliates, saying that no security cooperation was possible until the sanctions were lifted. “The people of Iran, who have been subjected to pressures especially in the last three years as a result of continued sanctions, cannot place trust in any security cooperation between their government with those who have imposed sanctions and created obstacles in the way of satisfying even their primary needs, such as food and medicine,” he said.

Mr. Rouhani’s speech to the United Nations General Assembly, his second as Iran’s president, began by striking some of the same notes that his counterparts from the United States and

Europe struck on Wednesday regarding the rise of the Islamic State, the militant group that now controls parts of Syria and Iraq. President Obama, in his speech on Wednesday, called on all nations to unite in a concerted effort to destroy the group, which is also known as ISIS or ISIL. Mr. Rouhani denied that Iran sought to control other nations in the region, calling that belief “delusional Iranophobia,” and reminded the world that Iran was among the first countries to assist Iraq in June, when Islamic State fighters invaded from neighboring Syria. He said the extremist group and its affiliates, which have drawn recruits from around the world, do not represent the true teachings of Islam. “I am struck that these murderous groups call themselves Islamic,” he said.

Poroshenko: Ukraine set to join EU in 2020

U

KRAINIAN President Petro Poroshenko outlined a programme of social and economic reforms Thursday that he said are aimed at preparing his country to apply for EU membership in 2020. Since he took office in June, Poroshenko has pursued a pro-European agenda despite opposition from Russia. “This program foresees about 60 reforms and special programs that will allow Ukraine to prepare for submitting in six years a bid for membership of the European Union,” he said, according to national news agency Ukrinform.

Poroshenko also told reporters Thursday in Kiev that a nearly three-week-old

ceasefire between Ukraine’s military and pro-Russia rebels in the country’s east is holding.

This, he said, was “the first day in many many weeks and months when Ukrainians have not had a single person killed, and not a single person wounded.” Poroshenko said he expected to hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin within the next three weeks. He did not specify the venue of the meeting, just saying that it would be held in Europe. The ceasefire deal was agreed to following a phone conversation between the two leaders and negotiations between representatives of Kiev, Moscow and the pro-Russia rebels in Minsk, Belarus. Kiev and the West accuse Moscow

of arming and supporting the rebels and of sending Russian troops over the border to fight with them. The Ukrainian Parliament and the European Union last week ratified a political and economic agreement that also includes free trade provisions, though they won’t come into force until the start of 2016.

Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to drop the EU Association agreement late last year in favor of closer ties with Moscow triggered the popular unrest that led to his ouster in February, followed by Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region a month later and months of deadly conflict in eastern Ukraine.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

58

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08078425391

Globacom for Ojude Oba festival

CJ: courts inundated with rape, related cases

T

HE 10 family courts in Lagos State receive at least three cases of sexual offences and domestic violence against children daily, the Chief Judge, Justice Funmilayo Atilade said yesterday.

She said with over 1,000 abuse, rape and molestation cases filed yearly, there is still much to be done in effectively enforcing the child rights law.

Speaking at the Stakeholders Summit on Child Rights/ Domestic Violence laws as part of activities marking the Judiciary’s new legal year.

Justice Atilade said there is a rise in domestic violence, rape and other sexual offences.

“Recent happenings make it obvious that violence and tyranny are shifting to the girl-child. The abduction of the Chibok grils is a case in point.

“The increase is phenomenal, frightening, offensive and disturbing,” she said.

Justice Atilade called for a reassessment of how child abuse and domestic violence cases are prosecuted.

She asked: “Are we all doing what we should do under the circumstance by protecting the best interests and welfare of these children?

“Are cases of rape being diligently investigated and prosecuted? Are lawyers promoting the right of victims of these offences and not just giving prominence to the right of the perpetrator to fair trial over that of the innocent victims?

“Are the courts ensuring justice for all - the offenders, victims of these offences and the society at large?”

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF NAME OBI I formerly known and addressed as Bernard Obi Mberekpe now wish to be known and addressed as Bernard Obi Mberekpe All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF NAME OZOEMENE I formerly known and addressed as Gerald Chibuike Ozoemene now wish to be known and addressed as Sir Boniface Chibuike Gerald Okolie. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

By Akintola Mustapha

G

By Joseph Jibueze and Adebisi Onanuga

The Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire advocated the consolidation of child laws for easy implementation.

She urged victims of violence to speak up and seek help before it is too late. Besides, there is the need to change the cultural and religious perception of women and children as weak.

Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General Mr Ade Ipaye noted that some socio-economic and cultural factors were working against effective enforcement of laws on women and children.

Recalling a case where a woman died from domestic violence, he said the husband was arrested and was about to be charged with murder when relatives pleaded with the ministry to drop the case for the children’s sake.

“They family were begging that the father of the children should not be sent to jail because there will be

•From left: Justice Atilade; Mrs Orelope-Adefulire and Justice Opeyemi Oke ... yesterday.

PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

no one to provide for them,” Ipaye said.

According to him, when no one is willing to come up and testify, conviction becomes difficult.

“We cannot stop impunity if offenders are not punished,” Ipaye said.

Executive Director, Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) Mrs Funmi Falana said perpetrators of rape and domestic violence got away sometimes because of weak inves-

tigation.

“Sometimes the police destroy rape/molestation cases at the point of investigation. Imagine asking a 7year old victim to make consistent statements for more than once,” she said.

She also faulted prosecution’s requirement for another person to corroborate a rape case, saying: “Rape is not a dinner party that you ask people to come and witness.”

Executive Director, Part-

nership for Justice Mrs Itoro Eze-Anaba said the police must be well trained on how to deal with victims of rape or domestic violence so that the culture of treating the victim like a criminal will end.

“Rape is a crime against the state, so rape victims should be given transportation fares to court so they do not lose interest in the cases, which usually take several years to determine,” Mrs Eze-Anaba said.

My wife is troublesome, uncaring, says man

A

69-YEAR-OLD man, Yekini Yusuf, has sought the dissolution of his one-year-old marriage to Bose, 20, at the Alagbado Customary Court in Lagos.

He is alleging that his wife is troublesome.

Yusuf, who works as a ticketing agent with operators of commercial tricycle, Keke Marwa, alleged that his wife is not caring, adding: “Worse still, she always harasses me in my place of work and even rains curses on me.

He continued: “Since we got married, I have not known peace. She insults me each time she needs something from me. Her mother keeps advising her to be patient, but she doesn’t listen to her.

“There was a day she took some stamped tickets because I did not give her money to purchase a dress for her church’s anniversary. All this started after she got pregnant.

“I don’t want her to visit my place of work, but I will be depositing N10, 000 monthly

‘I really don’t know if I love him’

By Basirat Braimah

for the upkeep of our baby and hers. I really crave this divorce because I doubt if she can turn over a new leaf.”

But, Bose denied the allegations, saying: “We have never lived as a couple let alone spent a night together. I live with my mother, but I don’t know where he resides. He either sleeps with me in his

office or at a hotel. I have told him several times that I detest this, but he won’t listen to me. “ Yes, I took his tickets because when I asked for the money he promised me, he suddenly removed his dress, locked the doors and ordered me to lie on the table, saying he wanted to sleep with me.

But I turned him down that day. I do not rain curses on

him, as he claimed. However, he is fond of cursing me whenever he calls me on the phone.

“I honestly have to think over it because I don’t know if I love him.”

The court’s President, Mr. Olubode Sekoni, fixed a chamber discussion for the couple and ordered them to bring four relations each.

The case was adjourned the case till October 9.

‘We no longer love each other’

A

MIDDLE-AGE woman, Mrs. Saki Soronke, has prayed the Mushin Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve her 14-year-old marriage to Gani. She alleged that her husband shirks his responsibilities as a father.

The marriage, which was sealed under Native and Custom law, has produced two children:’’ Azeez (12) and Amiratu (4)

By Akintola Mustapha

Mrs. Soronke said: “Our marriage was close to perfect when we got married. Suddenly, my husband’s attitude became unpredictable. He has no respect for my relations and harasses me publicly. He constantly attacks me over trivial issues. Our home lacks a father’s love and affection. I don’t love him anymore. I also want my son in my care.”

Her husband agreed to the divorce, saying: “I don’t love her any more, but I have been responsible for my children’s upkeep.I am not releasing them to Her. She is free to visit them whenever she wills.”

The court President, Mrs. R.O Wushishi, advised the couple to maintain peace and try to settle their differences.

The case was adjourned till October 9.

Why I want to be senator, by council chief

A

N All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial aspirant Hon. Kamal Bayewu has said the people of his constituency deserve a worthy representative at the National Assembly.

Bayewu, who declared his interest in the Lagos West Senatorial seat yesterday, hailed the APC National Leader Bola Tinubu for giving opposition “a strong voice in the polity”.

Speaking at the rally held at Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), the banker turned politician said his ambition to represent the largest Senatorial district in the state was borne out of the fact that the people deserved the best.

He said: “Whether we like it

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

not, we are all beneficiaries of Tinubu’s largesse. This great and highly resourceful leader used to tell us that power is not served a la carte. You have to work assiduously for it so that you will value it and impact people’s lives positively”.

While thanking all the party faithfuls from the entire 28 local governments that make up the district for the love shown to him, he promised to make the APC agenda his topmost priority.

“I am signing a covenant with all of you today that every three months there will be stakeholders meeting and we will ensure that dividends of democracy get to all of you in Lagos West Senatorial Dis-

trict,” he said.

He added: “I spent 27 years in the banking industry. I always tell people that there is no difference in banking and politics. In the bank, you are required to assist people by rendering service. That is what politics is all about”.

“I did it in Ajegunle, a city once notorious for crime has been transformed into one of the most peaceful in Lagos today. That is what I promise you when I get to the Senate”.

“This is a divine project that must be accomplished. I know I cannot do it alone. That is why I have come to you to solicit your support. God himself said ‘Ask and it shall be given to you. Knock and it shall be opened. Seek and you shall find’. I believe with God,

LOBACOM Nigeria has promised to partner with organisers of Ojude Oba festival to ensure its success.

Its Head, Public Sector Sales, Mr. Tunde Amunikoro, said the firm would sponsor the festival as part of its contributions to entrenching Ojude Oba as a world-class event.

The festival, he said, had become a rallying point for tourists from all parts of the world who visit the country yearly, adding that the festival has also become a melting point where ideas and initiatives which would boost the growth and development of Ijebuland are considered.

Amunikoro said: “By sponsoring Ojude Oba, and other festivals with huge tourism potential comparable to the Rio De Janeiro Festival, Globacom is helping to advance the cause of tourism in the country.

“The obligation has seen us partnering with the people of Ijebuland to celebrate Ojude Oba festival, a relationship that began eight years ago and will last for many more years”.

The festival coordinator, Chief Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuff, a former Information Commissioner in Ogun State, said Globacom’s sponsorship of the festival in the last eight years contributed to improvement in what makes the festival unique and memorable.

He said the company has shown interest in tradition and values, which are binding forces, thereby enhancing the tourism potential of the festival.

Yusuff said: “When the history of the telecommunications industry is written in Nigeria, Dr Mike Adenuga will receive copious mention not only as a man whose company boasts of very affordable, people-oriented products and services alone, but also as one who contributed immensely to ensuring that our customs, cultures and traditions do not go moribund”.

The festival, which is held in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on the third day after the Eid-el-Kabir (Odun Ileya) has been on for over 100 years.

•Bayewu

nothing is impossible.”

Bayewu, the chairman of Ajeromi- Ifelodun Local Government, praised the incumbent senator representing the district, Ganiyu Solomon.

He added that if given the chance, he will ensure good representation and promote welfare of the people through human development.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

NEWS

•The Senior Special Assistant to the the President on MDGs (SSAP-MDGs), Dr. Precious Gbeneol (middle); former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi (left) and the Representative of the Catholic Bishops of West Africa, John Cardinal Onaiyekan at the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

•German Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Michael zenner (left) with Senate President David Mark during a visit to the Senate President in Abuja…yesterday

•Wazirin Katsina, Dr Sani Lugga (left), with Prof. Yusufu Turaki of ECWA Theological Seminary, at a roundtable on the roles of religious bodies towards reducing electoral violence in Abuja…yesterday.

•Director General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Dr Grace Elemo (left) briefing Director General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Bature Umar-Masari during his visit to FIIRO in Oshodi, Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTOS: NAN

Boko Haram kills pastor, 18 others

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OKO HARAM went on the rampage again yesterday.

Borno State villages were raded by sect members who killed a pastor, a teacher and 17 others.

Churches were also razed in Shaffa and Shindiffu villages of Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State.

Pastor Eliud Gwamna Mshelizza of the Living Faith Church and a teacher with the Government Girls Secondary School Shaffa were killed.

The terrorists burnt down about 10 churches including E.Y.N No:I, E.Y.N No: II and III in Shaffa and Shindiffu villages.

However, troops came in

from Adamawa and Biu (Borno State), ambushed the retreating sect members and killed many of them.

The attackers according to fleeing residents invaded Shaffa at about 8pm on Wednesday and wrecked havoc before storming Shindiffu Village on Thursday morning at about 11am.

CJ orders closure of courts Continued from page 4

on Monday, 22nd September, 2014, some political thugs invaded the high Court No. 6 in Ado-Ekiti where Hon. Justice O.I.O. Ogunyemi was presiding.

His sitting for that day was disrupted and aborted and the Hon. Judge had to be ferried away by a detachment of police officers after he had been harassed and chased around his office by these political thugs.

“Again today, Thursday, 25th September, 2014, another set of political thugs came

in their hundreds and invaded the High Court premises in Ado-Ekiti and in the process assaulted Hon. Justice J. O. Adeyeye of the High Court No. 3 in Ado-Ekiti by beating him up and tearing his suit into shreds while the police officers on guard looked unconcerned and uninterested as Judges, Magistrates and other members of staff had to run for their dear lives, while courts’ properties were either damaged or completely destroyed.

“The court room of the Hon. Chief Judge was not spared in the orgy of assault

and destruction as members of staff to his office were beaten up and his court record book torn into pieces by these political thugs who also invaded and disrupted proceedings at the Election Petition Tribunal within the High Court premises in Ado-Ekiti.

“A date for re-opening of the courts shall be announced as soon as adequate and effective security of our judges, magistrate, members of the bar, members of staff of the judiciary and other court users is assured and put in place.”

Fed Govt declares October 1 public holiday

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HE Federal Government has declared October 1 as a public holiday to mark the country’s 54th Independence Anniversary.

Minister of Interior Comrade Abba Moro, who spoke on behalf of the government, congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, urging

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

them to build a more united and virile nation, which would be the pride of all citizens wherever they lived.

According to a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magaji,

the minister enjoined Nigerians to use the period to reflect on the giant strides made by government in the development of the country towards building a more formidable Nigeria, especially under the transformation and visionary leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Judiciary must punish Ekiti judge’s attackers, say SANs

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HE judiciary must unite to resist any acts of intimidation against judges, senior lawyers said yesterday.

An example, they said, must be made of those who had the effrontery to assault Ekiti State High Court judges.

Failure to decisively punish those responsible for such impudent behaviour will erode the judiciary’s integrity and respect.

Besides, it could encourage political thugs to simply beat up judges at a whim to silence them.

The Chief Judge of Ekiti State Justice Ayodeji Daramola, Justice John Adeyeye, and Justice Akintayo were allegedly assaulted by the hoodlums earlier on Thursday.

The development led to the court’s indefinite shut down.

Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN), Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN) and Deacon Paul Ananaba (SAN) condemned the development.

Fagbohungbe said: “It’s an embarrassment to the judicia-

By Joseph Jibueze

ry, it’s an embarrassment to the society. I’m sure it’s an embarrassment to the entire Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole.

“I’m sure Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a party will thoroughly be embarrassed by this development.

“The character (of the thugs’ leader) is beyond description.

It’s awful. It’s terrible. I think he should not be allowed to get away with this.

“Judiciary and lawyers must come together to let him know that he cannot get away with it, that the hands of the law is so long that it can catch up with anybody. It should not be allowed at all. I’m quite concerned and worried.”

Ngige said the attack was a consequence of voting for the wrong candidate in the governorship election.

“It is a clear manifestation of a return of anarchy to Ekiti State. It’s unfortunate that this is what Ekiti people bargained for by voting against Dr Kayode Fayemi.

“The only unfortunate aspect of it is that the innocent people will also suffer along with those who voted for ‘stomach infrastructure’.

“That is the unfortunate thing about democracy: the mistake of the majority will lead to everybody suffering from either their mistake or their foolish voting behavior.

“What it signals is the return of anarchy and intimation of the judiciary and return of breakdown of law and order.”

Ananaba described the attacks as sacrilegious.

“This is a situation we must all unanimous speak against.

Even those who think that they are benefiting from the hooliganism today will suffer its ripple effects in the long run.

“Considering our political journey down the ages, even with the military interregnum, in spite of the seeming collapse of the nation, the judiciary has remained the safety valve.

“The act is sacrilegious and it must be treated as such. The perpetrators must be brought to book,” Ananaba said.

Ikole communities donate power generating set to varsity

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THE Federal University Oye-Ekiti has received a donation of a 350KVA power generating set worth N9.65 million from indigenes of Ikole Local Government Area for its new Faculty of Engineering.

The gesture came from the Ikole University Development Forum with membership cutting across the 23 communities in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the fo-

rum, Chairman of the Fund Raising Implementation Committee, Chief Ben Oguntuase, said the gesture was a step towards complimenting the efforts of the university in a bid for the faculty to secure accreditation.

Oguntuase said the forum’s choice of a power generating set among other numerous challenges confronting the university and faculty was reached dur-

ing one of the interfaces between the forum and the university’s management.

The generator donation, he said, was the beginning of the proposed N189 million intervention, which the communities were expected to mobilise towards the N1.89 billion mark required for the provision of necessary facilities for accreditation of the faculty.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

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SHOWBIZ

BBA Hotshots unveils Nigerian contestant stant •Says won’t cheapen herself to win

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INCE last week, organisers of Big Brother Africa reality show have been releasing in batches, the identity of contestants in the show, billed to start airing on October 5.

It came as a teaser, because unlike in the past, Big Brother has been revealing the contestants in a group of three, daily.

The Nigerian Housemate, who was revealed Wednesday, is called Lilian, with the alias, ‘SexyLeeLee’. She described herself as a model, actor, presenter and tax collector.

She claimed to have entered the show because of “the platform it provides and the publicity that comes with it, and of course the winning prize - the money.”

Lillian disclosed that she’s not willing to sell herself short to win the grand prize. If she does win, she’ll invest in her talk show, which is about ‘helping upcoming talents’ and then get herself a house.

The show, which will confine contestants in a house for 91 days is staking USD 300 000 on the would-be winner.

According to Lillian, her favourite delicacy is rice and plantain. She also likes watching Baggage on TV and listening to 2face Idibia.

She doesn’t have a favourite book, but likes movies like

Think Like A Man, Blended, Friends With Benefits, Bridesmaids and Twelve Years A Slave.

H e r favourite actor is Angelina Jolie, because ‘ s h e (Angelina Jolie) is creative and can switch roles easily.”

Speaking on the reality show, M-Net Africa Regional Director (West Africa), Wangi MbaUzoukwu, says viewers are in for almost as many surprises as the housemates.

“We work hard to make each season of Big Brother Africa bigger than the last – and we’ve really upped the ante this year,” she said, adding that, “Big Brother Hotshots is going to bring viewers exciting innovations, heart-stopping twists and uniquely African glamour, 24/7 for the duration of their stay in the house. Both fans and housemates are in for some unmissable television.”

Also Lilian says her favourite place in Nigeria is Lagos, and she says the best thing about Africa is its cultural diversity. Outside her home country, she’d like to

visit California for the opportunities she believes it would provide her to improve her career.

Lilian’s role model is Oprah Winfrey, because of her strength, and the person who has most influenced her life is her mother, “because she has always believed in me and encouraged me to follow my dreams.”

She describes herself as ‘spontaneous, easy-going, focused and confident’ and says her best assets are that she’s ambitious, a good listener, flexible, persuasive, competitive, independent and original.

Sound Sultan ventures into movie, sport

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WARDS-winning artiste, Lanre Fasasi, aka Sound Sultan, is exploring other grounds, by venturing into movie production and sport.

The satire-styled singer who has just produced a movie, Head Gone, has also acquired a Lagos-based basketball team called The Islanders.

The singer confirmed his new ventures, Wednesday, at the Spice Route, Victoria Island, as guest at Industry Nite, a weekly music networking event.

Head Gone, produced and directed by the music star, with support from his brother and label coowner, Dare Fasasi better known as Baba Dee, is a star-studded movie featuring top celebrities such as Ali Baba, Afeez “Saka”

Oyetoro, Eniola Badmus, Basketmouth, IK, Zack Orji, Wale Ojo, 2face Idibia and Basorge Tariah Jr. among others.

Sound Sultan’s first single, Jagbajantis, released in 2000, criticises Nigeria’s government for hyping its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the largest in Africa, without improved power supply, functional refineries and effective government policies. The song, accompanied with a mimicry graphic video, became an instant hit.

Speaking on the new business move, the artiste said: “As most people are aware I love basketball and movies a lot .So I decided why not invest in what you love, which is sport and filmmaking, asides music

of course . So I discussed with my family and team, and we drew a strategy and implemented it; the result of which you will be seeing very soon”.

The event was not one for just talks, as the artiste took guests down memory lane, by performing some of his hit tracks such as Bush Meat, Orobo, Kokose and Jagbajantis.

Label mates Young Grey C, Kamar and Blackha were also present to support their boss, also performing their individual tracks.

Other celebrities who came out to party with the artiste on the night included Deji Awokoya, Tonia Soares, Adams Soundcity, Muna, Lami, TY Mix and Sasha.

Industry Nite, since its inception, has celebrated Nigerian music acts such as D’banj, 2face, Wizkid, MI, Burna Boy and Ice Prince, while also giving upcoming acts a platform to showcase their talents. Many of them have, through the programme, secured record deals and won cash prizes.

The last event was hosted by Beat FM OAP Jimmie, with Dj Spinall manning the wheel of steel.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

SPORT EXTRA

NFF insists on Falcons’ overseas pros HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will leave no stone unturned in trying to secure the release of several players of the Super Falcons ahead of the 2014 African Women’s Championships (AWC) in Namibia.

The European clubs of several integral members of the Falcons – Perpetua Nkwocha, Esther Sunday, Onome Ebi and Desire Oparanozie – have expressed unwillingness to release the players on the grounds that the AWC is not on the FIFA calendar.

The NFF has, however, expressed optimism that the foreign-based national senior team players would join the team’s camp soon ahead of the AWC in Namibia.

The federation’s technical director, Emmanuel Ikpeme, disclosed that the football house is keen to see the players arrive at camp in time for early preparations.

“The truth of the matter is that they will make it to the camp.

We are in touch with them; they have some matches, you know their league is still going on,” Ikpeme told supersport.com.

He added that the NFF is in constant contact with the players with a view to getting them cleared to join the Nigerian squad.

“We are in contact with them and they have told us they will definitely come to be part of the squad.

“Having said that, assuming that some of them cannot make

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• Desire Oparanozie

it, we have good players who can take their positions,” he said.

The last three months have seen Nigerian football hog the headlines for the wrong reasons with consistent crises at the NFF. Ikpeme, however, insists that the furore at the NFF has not affected the preparations of the Falcons for the AWC. “For now, I can’t really say but it is not ruled out; but the crisis in the NFF has affected so many things.

“Initially, we had such plans and the plans are still there, but it is very difficult to say, because the bottom line of all these is funds. The FA is having serious challenge of funds now.

“Of course I have confidence in the team because they have pedigree with regards to the AWC. “I am also happy with the fact that a few of them from the national under-20 team, the Falconets, have been added to

this team and they are doing very well.

“With the plans we have for them before the competition starts, I want to believe that they will be physically and mentally ready for the competition.

“I made them to know that we are not just going to Namibia to participate.

“They have to win that trophy although it is not their birth right, they have the capacity and competence to win that trophy,” Ikpeme said.

The Super Falcons have been in camp since September 14 preparing for the AWC. Only one of the six overseasbased players invited for the AWC has arrived in camp.

Nigeria are in Group A of the AWC alongside Zambia, the Ivory Coast and hosts Namibia.

The top three sides at the 2014 AWC, which gets under way in October, will represent Africa at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

WONDER GOAL AWARD

Oghogho to present prize share to Edo Orphanage Home

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ATCH Day 27 was a remarkable day for Bayelsa United’s forward, Oghogho Oduokpe as he celebrated his Glo Premier League Wonder Goal award presentation by scoring one of the two goals in his side’s defeat of table toppers, Kano Pillars.

The setting was the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, the adopted home ground of the Restoration Boys and Oghogho was billed to receive the award for his goal against Dolphins FC on Match Day 5 which was earlier in the week announced as securing the

highest votes.

Match Day 25 hat-trick hero, Frank Egharevba had fired a fierce one from outside the box to open scoring for the hosts and then Oduokpe came in as a substitute to double the lead and make victory certain for his relegation-threatened side. He had joined in the fray after being presented the N100, 000 prize money at half time by the Edo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Chris Okaeben.

Oduokpe, who joined Bayelsa United during the midseason transfer window, described the award as “one of

the best stories of my career” and expressed appreciation to the League Management Company (LMC) for instituting the scheme.

“I wish to thank the organisers of the award, it is an inspiration to all of us and commendable,” declared Oduokpe who also had stints at Rangers International and Warri Wolves.

On his Charity of Choice, Oghogho named the Edo Orphanage Home, off Siloko Road, Benin City as the wouldbe recipient of fifty percent of his win purse.

• Presentation of Wonder Goal Award Prize symbolic cheque to Bayelsa United player, Oghogho Oduokpe (middle) by the Edo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Chris Okaeben (left) and the Ondo State FA Chairman, Otunba Dele Ogungbemi.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

SPORT EXTRA

FC part ways Enyeama confident Eagles Crown with Akpokona will qualify for AFCON G

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UPER Eagles’ first choice goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has expressed confidence Nigeria will qualify for the Morocco 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite a slow start to the qualifying campaign, which has seen them get only a solitary point from a possible six.

Enyeama, who missed both games against Congo and South Africa due to ‘family reasons’, says he’s a firm believer in possibilities, and as a result, believes qualification is not out of Nigeria’s reach.

“I have always believed in possibilities and I have absolute confidence that we can always achieve the best no matter what.

“There are still four games to play and I’m very confident we will make it to Morocco 2015, we just have to keep the focus,” he said.

Nigeria are third in Group A, with Congo topping with a maximum points haul of six, South Africa are second with four points, while Sudan are bottom with no points from the two games played so far.

The Super Eagles will play back to back against Sudan, first in Omdurman and then possibly in Abuja, knowing that they must secure maximum points from those games if they are to stand a clear chance of qualifying for the tournament.

LO Premier League club, Crown FC, yesterday ended their relationship with their head coach, Lawrence Akpokona.

Crown FC relieved Akpokona of his appointment following unimpressive results in the Glo Premier League in recent weeks.

One of Akpokona’s assistant, Oseni Babalola, is now expected to manage the club when they confront Nembe City on the road.

“Yes, he has been sacked, but there is no replacement yet for him. Our next match (against Nembe City) on Sunday will be handled by Oseni Babalola,” Crown FC spokesman, Oyekunle Oyeleye, told supersport.com.

Supersport.com sources at the Ogbomoso outfit, however, hinted that the sack of Akpokona at Crown FC was always coming and that the club

capitalised on the five-nil loss at Kaduna United to fire the former Enugu Rangers coach.

It was also learned that Crown FC had planned to sack Akpokona before their 1-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors over the weekend.

“The club actually sacked Akpokona because of the 5-0 loss to Kaduna United. He was nearly made not to sit on the bench against El-Kanemi but somehow that did not happen.

“That 5-0 defeat should not be blamed on coach Akpokona because the travel plan was wrong before that game. We got to Kaduna like around 9pm or 10pm, a day before the match and had no time to rest. So fatigue set in and that was why we lost that much,” one of the influential players of the club said yesterday after a meeting with the Crown FC management.

Nembe City banished, fined after abandoned tie

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• Enyeama

HE Nigeria league yesterday ruled that Nembe City will play their next three home matches in Benin.

These decisions and others including a financial fine on Nembe City were reached in the aftermath of the inconclusive Match Day 26 fixture between Nembe City and Lobi Stars at the Krisdera Stadium, Omoku, Rivers State.

The LMC found that the match was discontinued as a result of fans invading the pitch in protest of extra time penalty

awarded by the centre referee against Nembe City.

It noted that it was the action of the fans and not the protest of Nembe City players, who though initially protested the penalty award, that caused the pitch invasion and inhibited the continuation of play It further observed that play could not have resumed even if Nembe City players returned within five to twenty five minutes as stipulated by the rules when the fans refused to vacate the pitch and accordingly fined

the club N500, 000 for the unruly conduct of its players, officials and fans.

The LMC therefore ordered that the botched match will be concluded at a neutral venue on a date preceding the 2014 Federation Cup final.

The match will be re-started from the time it was halted and with the same result that prevailed at the time of the disruption.

The LMC said these immediate actions are without prejudice to the Organizing and Dis-

ciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

• Baribote

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

NO.2,983

“…Power comes only with the death of politics.

That is why I choose to become emperor. I place myself beyond politics. At the moment of my coronation, I signal to the world that I transcend the intrigues and mundaneness of politics. Now I inhabit only the pure realm of power…”

- A Play of Giants by Wole Soyinka

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STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

HE molding of an emperor:

Of course Soyinka was at his best in his 1984, 69-page power pack of a play. If you have not read A Play of Giants, then you have missed what is perhaps the deepest interrogation of the psychology of power, dictatorship and the dire African condition of the 20th century. The little book of giants is like a cauldron in which the Nobel laureate broils an illicit combo of four blood-sucking dictators: Emperor for Life Jean-Baptiste Bokassa, (Central African Republic); President for Life Marcias Nguema (Equitorial Guinea); Life President Mobutu Sese Seko (Congo DR) and Field Marshal El Hadj Idi Amin of Uganda.

Never mind that these characters in their heady days all labeled themselves life presidents and supreme rulers, today, they are all ‘history’; sad history of Africa’s darkest moments. They represent tales of how leaders get carried away by power, forgetting their base mortality. The above quote is attributed to Emperor Kasco; the characterisation of Bokassa in the play. At his peak, he morphed into an emperor; he ‘killed’ politics in his country and descended into the realms of raw power.

If you ever read A Play of Giants, you are bound to be haunted by a feeling of de ja vu from last week’s ‘adoption’ of President Goodluck Jonathan by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as sole candidate for 2015. Not just because they were enacting before our eyes, the incipient ‘killing’ of politics but the sinister fact of the molding of an emperor out of the president. The recent upwelling of sycophancy has become mind-bending.

Thousands of groups had mushroomed recently feigning to draft Jonathan and a committee headed by a notable professor was set up to sort it out.

The other day, a prominent Yoruba monarch visited Aso Rock to “thank the President” for appointing his people into high offices. The Nigerian students union or the remains of it paid homage, insisting Jonathan is the new messiah. And that group we have come to know as TAN has tanned the hell out of our backsides recently, spending money as if it holds the key to our treasury while raining banalities upon our political space. It’s okay for a political party to endorse sole candidates but let them be reminded that what they are molding so ravenously looks like an emperor.

National (settlement) Awards: If only the president would raise his game a notch, it would not matter if he stayed on the stool all his life; but the environment gets grimmer daily and our incubus would not lift. For the past three years, we have spoken about the manner and method of

VOL.9

TODAY IN THE NATION ‘For not upholding sincerity of purpose, truthful justice and realistic reliability in this odious blanket endorsement of an inept “ruler” in Jonathan, it is almost certain that the words of the presently suffering Nigerians and the future generations will not be kind on these political jesters’

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

A smorgasbord of sad auguries money laundering and in better-ordered climes, heads would have rolled and even governments would have tumble quickly for this kind of cross-border ballistic scandal, to borrow from that famous commentator, Ernest Okonkwo. Is this a pointer to how we are governed today? Is this where we are today, a bazaar of treasury stomping; an unmitigated fiscal carnage being visited on our economy?

The socio-politics and economics of the Synagogue Church: There goes

•Jonathan the annual National Honours award but each year it gets even more odious.

The same pock marks we noted in 2011 still mire the awards now to wit: why do we have such a large marketplace of awardees?

Why do we reward political appointees, civil servants, ruling party stalwarts, economic saboteurs and renegades with supposedly important national awards? Why has President Jonathan turned what ought to be one of our most prized national asset into an object of ridicule, a national cake to be shared freely to all comers?

Why do we consistently honour service chiefs with national ‘honours’ yet we could not quell a restricted insurgency for five years? What is the NSA, the defence minister and all the senators being rewarded for? Some names on the honours list churn the stomach and pose vicious assault on the people’s psyche. Why have we elected to convert our national heritage to an object of crass merchandising?

Desperate cash haul: Why is it that every sad, debilitating augury infesting our nation has the imprint of the presidency? Is Nigeria in such a state that it cannot acquire weapons through legitimate routes for its military? Going by the tale of the federal government in the September 5, $9.3 million cash haul to South Africa, does it mean that Nigeria cannot get arms to buy from the open market anymore that it had to resort to a black market cash-and-carry arrangement?

But that must be the most implausible tale ever told by any government to its people.

That incident has all the tell-tale imprint of

our own Jerusalem! Not in all the ersatz carnivals staged at both the state and federal levels did we have up to 200 foreigners visiting. But here was a less regarded and much despised congregation, the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), attracting more than 300 South Africans, among other foreigners to its downtown grove.

If only the disbursers of the National honours were perspicacious enough, they would have long decorated Pastor Temitope Joshua with the GCFR. Introduce yourself to any Southern or Eastern African and the first question he pops is about the Man in the Synagogue – TB Joshua. It is as if every soul from the Cape of Good Hope to the Horn of Africa had ‘tasted’ the goodness and received the healing touch of the man in the Ikotun surb-slum.

Joshua is a one-man exchequer who single-handedly lifted the economy and indeed status of that little corner of Lagos where he found himself. If the local government did half as much as him, Ikotun would have been paradise. From a small shop, he bought up all the space around him. He had to start constructing vertically when his congregation became hemmed in and claustrophobic and today, he is a victim of his good fortune.

If only our governments were a little ‘sharp’, they would have ‘catalysed’ the TB Joshua phenom into a model of Africa’s own Jerusalem, targeting seven digit visitors to government orchestrated TB Joshua’s shrine yearly. That would have earned us more stress-free forex than our god-forsaken crude oil.

Imagine the socio-economic impact of an internationally acclaimed shrine on the Nigerian soil. All our social malaise could just vaporise immediately; that is the kind of salubrious effect great shrines bring upon their countries of abode. The politics of a huge congregation is even more salutary. It

HARDBALL

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HE above title sounds like a blockbuster low-budget flick eh; the type that the Chinese and Indians inflicted on us in the 60s and 70s? Well you are not too far from it except that this is yet a script and it features a certain actor known as Buruji Kashamu (boo if you think that’s his stage name, it’s actually his name . Or is it?), who fancies himself as very “prominent in Nigeria’s business and political circles”. Hardball never heard of this fellow until he emerged from the blue a few years ago as a ‘certified’ PDP stalwart in Ogun State. He proceeded to earn more epaulettes when he assigned himself the role of the check-mater and tormentor-in-chief of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Southwest PDP politics.

But why is Hardball expending space and matter on Buruji Kashamu (let’s stay with BK here)? Well, you must pardon me for this, but BK has over the years come across

MOBOLAJI SANUSI

is such a huge counterforce to silly governments and dictators. In fact, the fear of a big church is the beginning of political wisdom for politicians. See how governors and presidents are paying homage to the Man in the Synagogue for ‘inadvertently’ putting down over a hundred people. He must have found the antidote against election failure. This must be Joshua’s ‘divine’ deflection point.

The terrorists at NFF: Harry Iwuala, my brother and ace sports analyst, takes the credit for first referring to the troublemakers at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as insurgents. They are actually worse than the Boko Haram terrorists if you ask me because they inflict even more psychological mayhem particularly on our youths and the footballloving generality of Nigerians.

Why has Nigeria chosen to always behave like a wayward teenager among the comity of nations? Even in matters as basic as football, we cannot conduct ourselves properly; we always have to provoke FIFA into upbraiding us? After the World Cup in Brazil, all other countries have set about revamping their game; changing managers, seeking out fresh set of players.

But not Nigeria; we are still stuck in the muck.

Yet the entire brouhaha must be heaped at the corridors of the federal government with its overbearing sports ministry. The new sports minister has actually been the crooked wood disrupting the fire at the football house because we do everything but the right thing. Solution: Governments should simply hands off football immediately. This is what obtains in the civilised world.

Poor GSM services: Is NCC moribund? Who will rescue the subscriber from rapacious telcos? Does the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) still exist? Are the GSM networks being regulated at all; who is doing that and how?

These are the questions frustrated subscribers are asking daily without an answer from anyone. In over one decade of the existence of the global system of mobile communication, never has services been so poor across all networks. Not even at the teething introductory stages.

It has been almost impossible to put even a one minute call through in the last two months: you don’t get through on first dial, the connection is noisy and the call is bound to drop, warranting you to redial several times over. Short messages are fraught with “some text missing” in between or are undelivered altogether. In the midst of all this, charges are running remorselessly; crazy, unsolicited message and even calls assail the subscriber. Could it be as a result of the recent out-sourcing of masts or is it that NCC has become plain moribund?

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

The shadow-boxer (featuring Buruji Kashamu) as an interesting character whose maker must have created for the special purpose of lampoons. Put better, BK is a lampoon character, the joy and mainstay of a satirist.

Secondly, BK has been a curio of a sort to Hardball since he gate-crashed into national fame through the backdoor of PDP’s infamy.

Apart from having a storied past (detractors say he has no past at all), the BK one knows from newspaper pages where he seems to live cuts a fascinating persona. His is the picture of an agitated mind that is in a perpetual flux. He must be always in quest of something or vice-versa. His specialised name, his visceral visage and burger bulk completes his collage of make-believe.

Still, these are not the reasons Hardball picked on him; one was actually moved by his recent advertorial installment in national newspapers in what seems like a never

ending shadow-boxing. The last one, titled: KASHAMU: I’LL FIGHT TILL I GET JUSTICE, has actually provoked this intervention. By way of an aside, since BK likes to write, Hardball would advise he gets professional help quickly, in fact before he writes the next piece; it would do him much good. In other words, his indigestible writeups may well be compounding his problems.

The write-up is an attempt, albeit jumbled, by BK to exonerate himself from the “false indictment made against me in the US Courts which the British courts have cleared me from unequivocally.” The piece is a full page of stuff like this which will test to the full your capacity for comprehension. The quote above is however, the nearest summary of it. There is also an aspect of BK’s tale suggesting that a felon being

pursued by the federal authorities of the US over drug importation is his twin brother and not him. He insists that he had never been in the US thus could not be culpable of any crime in that land.

Two things actually got Hardball red in the face: first, BK has a lot of angry words over his indictment by the US courts and for the presiding judge. Words like “mischievous”, “unjustifiable indictment”, “persecution”, “racial prejudice” and more. Hardball advises here again that he should get a lawyer; abusing judges and faulting court indictments won’t help him a nit bit.

Finally, we thought that scoundrel of an old trick, that twin alibi popularised by Nigeria’s former senate president Evans (Evan) Enwerem, was interred with him?

That line must be jaded now.

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