The Nation September 28, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Budget 2013: House rejects Oct. 4 date •‘2012 issues yet unresolved’

Ibadan herbalist held with human skulls

NEWS

Page 56

NEWS

•Man, 75, keeps exhibit in container

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VOL. 7, NO. 2262 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

ONDO 2012

N150.00

State people have a character that ‘Ondo repels oppression and intimidation.

Mimiko should learn from history ’

•FL OODED OUT •FLOODED OUT:: Mothers with their children at the displaced people’s camp in Makurdi, Benue State…yesterday

R

ATTLED by the resolution of the two chambers of the National Assembly that Nigeria should appeal the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment on the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroun, the Federal Government is considering raising a committee to advise it on the matter.

This is a shift from the government’s position that there is no going back on the judgment delivered in 2001, following which an agreement was signed between Nigeria and Cameroun to implement

the ICJ’s decisions.

This is, in spite of Article 61 of the ICJ Statute, which makes provision for a review of its judgment if an appeal is launched within 10 years.

Following the resolution of the House of Representatives that Nigeria should ap-

PAGES 4&5

PHOTO:NAN

Bakassi: Panel on Senate Resolution coming From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

•AND MORE ON

peal the decision, the Senate on Wednesday said an appeal must be filed before October 10- the 10th anniversary of the ICJ ruling.

A government source, who pleaded not to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media on such

matter, said the Presidency was awaiting the Senate’s resolution.

The source said: “We respect the resolution of the Senate. We will look into it and we will respond to it, based on competing arguments.

“The Federal Government will set up a committee to look into all issues, especially fresh arguments raised by the Senate and relevant documents, before arriving at a final decision.

“As I am talking to you, we have not received a copy of the resolution from the National Assembly.

Continued on page 6

Tension mounts as Saudi shuts out more Nigerians 671 back home Tambuwal, Saudi envoy meet

N •Tambuwal

IGERIA and Saudi Arabia were struggling yesterday to avert a diplomatic row, even as another batch of 512 pilgrims were brought back home, following the refusal of the authorities to allow them entry.

House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and the Saudi Ambassador, Mr. Khaled Abrabuh, met in Abuja.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja, Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto and Jide Orintunsin, Minna and Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

One of the pilgrims is a man, who could not understand why his wife was disallowed from performing the Hajj along with him.

The refusal of the authorities to allow the man’s wife to join him raised

fresh fears in government circles that there might be more to the hostility of Saudi Arabia against Nigeria.

Besides, Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Azizal –Saud has not given the Federal Government’s delegation to be led by Tambuwal the green light.

The delegation has been on “standby” in the last 24 hours without any

response from the Saudi authorities.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON ‘s) Head of Media Unit, Mana Uba, said: “Efforts are still on to resolve the issue. But, as I am talking to you now, out of the 1,200 pilgrims denied entry in Jeddah, 510 are on their way. Among them is a Continued on page 6

•CITY BEAT P8 •SPORT P23 •SOCIETY P25 •BRAND P29 •POLITICS P43

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

2

NEWS

‘Three of What does it feel like to discover that a child or children you have laboured for since cradle are not yours? Experts believe three in 10 men are fathering other people’s kids.

ASSISTANT EDITOR (INVESTIGATIONS) JOKE KUJENYA investigates the trend, which is tearing families apart •Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (right) presenting a souvenir to the former Military Governor of the Old Western Region, Gen. Oluwole Rotimi, who visited him in Osogbo... yesterday. With them is the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi LaoyeTomori

I

N the home of the Akinwoles (not real name), life was blissful.

The couple were the quintessential inseparable duo. The children, well behaved. But that was until a fortnight ago when a fight broke out.

The wife, Jovita, who for the 11 years of their idyllic matrimony fondly called her husband ‘Mine’, used despicable adjectives to describe him. The husband, Yemi, who was seething with anger, threatened to beat her up. He wanted her to take the four children he tagged ‘bastards’ out of his life for good.

The situation was practically out of control at the time this reporter met the husband, who was willing to blow the lid off the cover of his wife . It took the persuasion of a few of their male neighbours to calm him.

A victim, his story •Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (middle), Minister of Interior Abba Moro (left) and Zonal Co-ordinator, Nigerian Prisons Service, A.A. Bunu, during a visit by the minister to the Governor's Office in Abeokuta... yesterday

• Wife of the Deputy Senate President, Nwanneka Ekweremadu(left) presenting a sewing machine to Kate Ikhile, one of the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to mark the 50th anniversary of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in Abuja... yesterday. Watching is the Director-General, NTDC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike (middle), acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Alhaji Musa Hassan (left) and the National President, Unity Schools Old Students’ Association , Alhaji Nuhu Koko during the association’s visit to the minister in Abuja...yesterday

Akinwole: “Before now, I had always been concerned each time, particularly, two of my children would be sick and we had to take them to the hospital. My wife would naturally act the good, caring mother and tell me not to worry that she would handle it. At first, it did not bother me. But as time went on, I would discuss with her that the children might think that I do not care about them and they would take to you more than me. But trust my wife to readily assure me that she had explained to the children and that she was just doing her natural duty as a wife and mother. Ours was what you would call a good family, no doubt.

Again, I was always protective of the peace and love in our home. The children knew I loved their mom.

They could see our unity. And I always reminded them that it required sacrifice on each of our parts. I work hard to fend for my family and she knows I never joke with that.

“But, I believe it is God that does not want my efforts to go in vain who made the very sickly one among the children very sick at a time my wife was not around and I had to handle the situation. It was not long after I got home from the office on this particular day that the child slumped and would have died when the other children shouted ‘daddy, daddy, Toke has fainted!’ I dropped what I was doing and ran to her, picked up my car keys and rushed her to the hospital. I got to our private hospital, and the family doctor said that the child was anaemic. So, I asked what was to be done and he said we had to give him blood. Fortunately, for me, the mother was not around. I know that if she was, she would have pressured me to just go for the blood bank. And I actually tried to call her but communication network was awful as usual. So, I called our eldest child to keep trying the mother until he got her. Obviously, he too tried fruitlessly. Back to the doctor, I asked if I could donate blood to set the child on a resuscitation course. The doctor gave his consent. Few minutes later, he called me into his office and told me that he could not give the child my blood because we don’t match. I laughed at the doctor and said that

was not possible. He said well it’s his job and he wouldn’t trifle with such an expensive incident when it had to do with life. So, as a man, I begged him to do what he could. We then resorted to a blood bank and I paid all that was necessary. All the while, I kept calling our home. My wife was not back. So, I told the other children to lock up the house and meet me at the hospital. I told them our need and they all volunteered to give blood to their sibling.

“The children are 10, eight, six and four. It is the six-year-old that was sick.

So, samples of the ten, eight and four year old were taken purposely for paternity test but we didn’t want them to be suspicious. So, we made them think it was for donation to their sick sibling.

When my wife got home and we told her how the child was sick and taken to hospital and was placed on admission, instead of thanking me, she got so mad you would think it was a crime for me to take care of a child I presumed was my own. You know what, I kept calm. I watched her fidget and nag for days.

After one week, the doctor invited me to his office and informed me that only the first child has my blood. I was furious.

But he told me to calm down that he would like to talk to my wife first.

“So, I started watching. My wife suspected that I began to keep more to myself. I managed my emotions until another day that the doctor invited me to his office again. This time, I met my wife in his office. I noticed her swollen eyes that she must have been crying. So, I just dropped the bombshell and said ‘so, I am not the father of three of your children!’ Initially, she fell on her knees, begging me, but because we were in an hospital premises, I stormed out and went home, waiting for her. When she got home, again, she went on her knees and told me that it was because she was not having conjugal satisfaction from me that made her to look out. I shouted that is infidelity. She told the doctor who their real father or fathers are. I don’t want to give a damn about that. She should take them to him or them. Perhaps, I would miss those innocent children.”

After reliving his experience, he jumped up trying to beat the wife but some men stopped him from going to his wife, who was still raining abuses on him while picking some of her personal effects.

A wife’s bold face When approached, the angry woman yelled at this reporter to leave her alone.

In law, paternity is defined as the legal acknowledgment of the parental relationship between a man and a child and it is usually based on several factors.

The law gives backing to paternity DNA testing to enable families find out who the actual biological father of a child is and then empowers them to build a family life based on truth and trust, instead of doubt.

The Dana angle Was Moses George the father of Hannah? That is a puzzle his family is battling to unravel. George was killed in the June 3 Dana plane crash in Lagos.

The DNA test result of the retired Fire Service official and Hannah, his daughter, according to Consultant Forensic Pathologist and Chief

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

3

NEWS

my kids are not mine’ ‘

She told the doctor who their real father or fathers are. I don’t want to give a damn about that. She should take them to him or them. Perhaps, I would miss those innocent children •Obafunwa

‘

•DNA structure

Three of 10 men are not fathers of their ‘kids’, says DNA expert Abiodun Salami, a senior geneticist/CEO of DNA Centre, Lagos is a 1998 graduate of Cell and Genetics from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). He obtained a Master’s degree in Forensic DNA & Serology from the United States. He spoke with JOKE KUEJNYA on paternity disputes and related issues. Excerpts: Is paternity testing becoming an issue in Nigeria?

We have seen that there is serious need for it because in many homes things are happening that are scary both to the lives of children and their parents. And for the general statistics that is now available, it is found that three out of every ten men are not the fathers of their babies. Similarly, three out of every ten children are not fathered by men they have seen as their biological fathers. What we have found out is that, anytime we take ten men, at least three of them eventually found that they are not the fathers of the children they call their own. And these men would have taken care of the children for all their lives.

Now, the global statistics is 100, 000 out of every 300, 000 men. But what we have found that is that the situation is higher in Nigeria than other places. For example in our laboratory here, 50 per cent of the cases comes out negative. And we also realised that majority of the first-borns are affected. You only need to be here to see big men cry like little kids and watch children weep in agony. It has been that bad. And I dare say it is becoming something every home must do and you may be quite surprised at the level of dastard revelation.

About thirty per cent of fathers are unknowingly bringing up children who are not biologically theirs.

And it is suspected that this percentage may be on the increase due to sexual recklessness. According to recent trends in sexual health, especially in Nigeria, it was suggested that unprotected sex and multiple partners are comparatively common occurrences with a large proportion of conceptions still unplanned. So, more than half, that is, 50 per cent of all paternity tests carried out by our lab comes out negative and the most affected are first-borns, except in a few cases.

Do these cases happen mostly in matrimonial settings or in casual relationships?

In both matrimony and casual affiliations! I tell you, we have had series of married men come here and go back home devastated. In one instance, a man came Examiner, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof John Obafunwa, did not match. This suggests he was not her father.

But the family is querying the result. It has resubmitted fresh samples for a retest.

A cousin to the late George, Chief Moses Olajide, said he began to panic when he discovered that his uncle's name was not among those whose DNA results arrived from the UK. He said: "A day after the incident, my cousin (Hannah) and l came here (LASUTH) to identify the body of my uncle. We saw it in the mortuary. The body was intact. His identity card was hung on him. The name was number 22 among the names of identifiable bodies released by the hospital.

here with his wife. Out of the five children he thought were his own, he discovered that only two belonged to him. And they are both duly married, living together as husband and wife. You see, the major problem we have in our country is that most of these cases are not duly documented. So, people don’t know we have such issues among us. In fact, some even don’t know where to go for the test to determine their child or children’s paternity. And I tell you, if you go to ten homes as we speak, you will be amazed to find that in almost all of them the children there do not belong to the men. It is that rampant.

If it is that rampant, how would you describe the three years since you started testing men?

Now, the general statistics by the American Association of Blood Banks is that globally, 100, 000 out of 300, 000 men are not the actual fathers of their presumed children. And like I said earlier, the Nigerian situation is even alarming. Also, Duess International, the condom manufacturers, once noted that Nigeria has the most reckless sexual life. So, you can then imagine what the outcome would be like if we say okay, let’s start taking statistics one-by-one.

How many families do you attend to each week?

We test about 15 to 20 families. People come here as a result of various types of controversies over the paternity of certain children. You know, families have come to us with claims that a child neither takes after the mother nor the father in looks and character. So, the man of the house would be curious to ascertain facts. And when they come here with such children, the fears of the fathers have often been affirmed.

Fathers usually have the doubts; maybe he has been hearing some rumours, and you know, men are often the last to hear such things about themselves. Until many of them come here to take the test, they have nurtured other men’s children before realising it.

What does it take to do a paternity test?

Technology has made it so easy. It is just like any

"I understand there were 16 bodies that were burnt beyond forensic analysis or some families could not show up with reference samples. But our case does not fall into any of these categories. So, where is his body?"

Another family member said: "Prof. said the DNA results did not correspond with that of the man (deceased). Really, I don't understand what is happening. What could that mean?"

DNA paternity tests don’t lie A paternity DNA test is one of the most accurate ways to determine who the biological father of a child is. All

‘ •Salami

other deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test. In less than two seconds, we take the sample from the man. We use the Helix Swabs like a “big cotton buds” to extract some cells from the man’s mouth. We rub the ‘Swab’ up-and-down the mouth to get some epithelial cells from around the cheek bone. In the nucleus of every cell, there is DNA. Once we collect that, we purify, extract and then multiply it and get the genetic profile which we then send to DNA laboratory abroad for testing.

What happens in situations where DNA samples do not match as we saw with someDANA victims?

So many reasons could be responsible for that. We have had a case in which a boy went to an hospital to claim the body of his deceased dad and on testing him, it was found that he was not fathered by the dead man. The genetic profile of the boy does not match with that of the man he claimed to be his father.

And DNAs don’t lie. The medical experts conducting these tests have nothing personal against the people that come to them for testing. Every human being take half of the genetic profile from either parent.

Therefore, it is a matter of case closed if the genetic profile of the living does not match with that of the dead man. He is simply not that father.

that is required is a simple swab from the inside of the cheek. And the results have been 99.9999 per cent accurate.

CEO, DNA Centre, Lagos, Mr. Abiodun Salami, narrated the story of a man who presumed he was the father of his four children.

He said: “This man came to us for testing. And none of the four children were his. He was so devastated.

Now, he was able to know this because his wife died. And few months after the burial ceremonies, another man showed up with evidence that the four children were his. The other man who came to lay claim was hell bent on having his children to himself because he didn’t want to lose out completely. Now,

all these children are adults, with the last child in the Senior Secondary School. It became such a knotty issue.

But the children helped us to resolve it when the eldest said, ‘okay, you may not be our actual biological father. It is you we know who raised and sent us to school till we have become who we are today. So, you remain our father, not the new man whom we have never seen till this time. “ Salami said there was the case of a woman who ‘shopped’ for a ‘father’ for her son out of the five men she had copulated sex with.

He said: “At the end, she gave the child to the richest, the one with the highest prospects, among the men.

However, at about age seven, the child was very ill and required blood transfusion. The father was called to donate blood for his child. He did. The blood was tested. And it was found that their blood did not match. The father gave another pint of blood and the result was negative. So, the woman was called and queried. It was at the point of seeing that her child was dying that she confessed to having slept with about five men in her desperation to have children.

Now, this same woman, on seeing that she got pregnant and wanted the rich man, met with her pastor at that time to dissolve her marriage to her actual husband so she could get married to the rich man . The pastors and other family members pleaded with her but she refused to accept their pleas. So, her request was granted. The husband she left later married another woman and has children with that one. By the time they pressed her to bring the other men, it was the nonentity, whom she did not want to consider at the start, a man that could not even fend for himself that fathered the baby. She almost ran mad. And this happened in Lagos State here, not any other place. So, it is a very dicey situation and couples should not fool themselves into taking things for granted.

“We also saw the case of another couple that had been married for four years. Then one day, the lady met an old school boyfriend. They rekindled their friendship and before you know it, they started meeting secretly somewhere. In about three months of outing with the boyfriend, she became pregnant. Apparently, the boyfriend was pestering her that he would take his baby and cannot allow her to give it to her husband. This lady then went to meet with her pastor and confessed to him and asked for his help. So, the pastor encouraged her to go and confess to her husband. But instead of going to confess to her husband, she put up a big fight and scattered the home she had built over the years.

She told the husband that none of the four other children, apart from the new pregnancy, belonged to him.

Among the children was a set of twins which the father was strongly bonded with and he even believed that they take after him in everything. But after the test, he was nowhere near being their father. So, while the issue became messy, the man’s family said she should call the real fathers of the children to come and take their children. This woman brought two other men and their DNA did not match that of any of the children. The husband at home quickly filed for divorce and ran away from her with her children. The woman was then left to her problems to go in search of the fathers of her children.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

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NEWS ONDO 2012

Sambo, Obasanjo, Mark storm Ondo for Oke October 2 ICE -President Namadi Sambo will on Tuesday lead top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Akure, the Ondo State capital, for a rally to garner support for the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Olusola Oke. Others expected at the rally are former President Olusegun Obasanjo; PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Senate President Davis Mark; House of Reprsentatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal; as well as the Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Sambo, who is also the Presidential Campaign Committee Chairman for the election, is expected to rally support for Oke in the October 20 election.

Addressing reporters at Oke’s campaign office in Akure, the Director-General of the campaign organisation, Dare Bada, urged members of the party to welcome the party’s national leaders.

Bada said the rally would enable the PDP to show its seri-

V

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

ousness and the commitment of its national secretariat as well as the Presidency for the PDP to win the poll.

He said: “It is important to mention that the theme of the Presidential Campaign Committee is ‘win your ward, win your local government’. This is to emphasise the fact that the party implores all members in the state, irrespective of status and class, to join hands in the task to succeed in every polling unit on the Election Day. I want to restate that this is a message that all party members in Ondo State have imbibed and is responsible for the success that continues to characterise our state-wide campaigns.

“It is also important to underscore the fact that puerile speculations, to the effect that a particular party is an appendage of the PDP and enjoys Abuja’s support, is all ruse. It is an unwise manner to hoodwink and confuse the good people of this state.”

•Akeredolu (right) with Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele-Oloyede, at a rally in Akure.

‘Mimiko colludes with security agents T to harass ACN leaders’ HE Akeredolu Campaign organisation (ACO) of the Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday accused the ruling Labour Party (LP) administration of planning to arrest top ACN members ahead of the October 20 governorship election.

The organisation said the alleged plan is in collusion with security agents.

In a statement in Akure, the state capital, by its spokesman, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, ACO said: “The drowning LP and Governor Olusegun Mimiko plan to destablise the ACN by using security agents to arrest notable leaders of the party across the state. Besides, we have it on good authority that a top LP chieftain has mobilised hordes of militant

Bakassi Boys to Ondo State to unleash violence on ACN leaders.

“Indeed, meetings were held with some security agents, who arrived in the state almost two weeks ago, to perfect the plan.

Prominent ACN leaders, who have been listed for arrest and intimidation, include Chief Nathaniel Adesoji, the State Chairman; Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Ifedayo Abegunde, Chief Tayo Alasoadura, the Director-General of ACO; Chief Wumi Adegboro, Chief Olu Adegboro, Olu Adeyan, ACN Leader from the USA; Ade Adetimehin, Mr. Adegboyega Adedipe, State Secretary of ACN; Mr. Femi Johnson, Mr.

Timehin Adelegbe, Mrs Erelu Johnson, State Women’s Leader, among others.

“Our leaders can no longer sleep in their homes. The latest development is an indication of a desperate man, who is determined to cling to anything to retain power.

“The governor has been wasting Ondo State’s resources on frivolous propaganda, renting crowds to rallies and paying for a fictitious opinion poll, despite the complete failure of his administration in the last three and a half years. But he must remember James Ibori, the former Governor of Delta State, who did

more than this in his eight years’ reign… Today, Ibori is in jail in a foreign land for the atrocities he committed against the people of Delta State. Mimiko should remember that by the time he leaves office, he will be held accountable for the billions of naira which he has wasted on frivolous projects that the people of Ondo State have not benefited from.

“ACN is a peaceful party, but we are not weaklings. Therefore, ACN members in Ondo State are ready to defend themselves in

Group mobilises for Akeredolu

A

• Managing Director, Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, Mr Segun Ogunsanya (right); Chief Molade Okoya Thomas (middle) and Secretary-General, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Eko Festival, Dr Kweku Tendoh, at the presentation of partnership between the company and LOC for the 18th National Sport Festival, Eko 2012, in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

the face of bias by the security agents.

“Several times, our members have been attacked by LP thugs, with the police standing, arms akimbo.

“It is against this background that we are calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, to look into this to avoid chaos and confusion ahead of the October 20 poll.

“Ondo State people have a character that repels oppression and intimidation. Mimiko should learn from history. If the late despot, General Sani Abacha, could not cow the late Michael Adekunle Ajasin, even in his old age, how does he think he will suppress the present ACN leaders?”

GROUP, Asiwaju Frontliners (AF), has said it would mobilise support for the victory of Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) in the October 20 election.

In a statement by its Coordinator, Mr. Gboyega Ilegbusi, and Publicity Secretary, Dipo Adesida, the group said Akeredolu is the best candidate for the office.

It said: “We sincerely commend the national leadership of ACN for its rightful decision to pick the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

“ACN leaders are versed in politics and know the qualities in an individual who wants to rule.

That was how they selected their candidates in all the Southwest states and are today ruling their respective states.”

The group’s National Coordinator, Mr. Doyin Johnson, travelled from Lagos State to canvass support for Akeredolu.

AF coordinators in the 18 local government areas have also been

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

mobilising for the party’s victory.

Ilegbusi said AF was planning to stage a 50,000-man rally for the ACN candidate.

He berated the ruling Labour Party (LP) for not providing jobs for the youths but embarking on deceitful projects.

He said: “It is unfortunate that they (LP leaders) are only embarking on cosmetic projects and deceiving the people, though a huge revenue comes to the state every month through Federal Allocation.”

AF praised Akeredolu for his visionary programmes, which it noted would be implemented as from February 2013, if elected governor.

The group hailed the ACN candidate and said he would rebuild Ondo State through his people-centred programmes, especially agriculture, employment and education.

It promised to mobilise the residents for Akeredolu’s victory.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

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NEWS ONDO 2012

Activist to governor: stop harassing journalists •Petitions IGP over planned ‘attack’ on radio station

A

•The Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Lagos State, Comrade Ayodele Adewale and House of Representatives member, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at ACN rally in Akure.

LP absent as running mates slug it out at debate From Damisi Ojo, Akure

•Dr Akintelure

T

HE second round of debates for Ondo State deputy governorship candidates was held yesterday in Akure, the state capital, ahead of the October 20 governorship election.

The event was organised by the Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG).

Six candidates were invited but five made it. Alhaji Ali Olanusi of the ruling Labour Party (LP) shunned the event.

In attendance were: Dr Paul Akintelure of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); Saka Lawal, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Moses Losha, People for Democratic Change (PDC); Alonge Ahmed, Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA); Babatunde Bidemi, Change Advocacy Party (CAP) and Cornelius Adefila, National Solidarity Democratic Party (NSDP).

Akintelure said the LP administration had abandoned the people, urging the electorate to deliver the state from such a “visionless” administration.

He promised residents of rural communities that they would benefit from an ACN administration because it is people-oriented.

The medical doctor promised that the people would reap real dividends of democracy under ACN, if voted to power next month.

The people, he said, would bid goodbye to poverty, which they

have been experiencing under the LP since 2009.

Akintelure cited the ACN-controlled states of Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos and Edo, where the people are enjoying prosperity.

Residents of the Sunshine State would start enjoying the benefits of a progressive government under ACN from February 13, 2013, he said.

Lawal said he would bring positive change to governance, adding that the PDP would bring economic prosperity to the state.

He said the PDP would provide jobs for youths, adding that all moribund industries would be reactivated.

On education, Lawal said rather than promote mega schools, through which the state’s resources were being siphoned, the PDP would improve on the infrastructure built by the former Olusegun Agagu administration between 2003 and 2009.

The PPA, PDC, and CAP candidates spoke on employment generation, security, education and infrastructural development.

The Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) described Olanusi’s absence at the debate as contempt for the people, adding that it was a sign that the LP has nothing to show for its three and a half years in power.

In a statement by its spokesman, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, ACO condemned Olanusi’s absence.

It hailed Akintelure for his articulation of ACN programmes for the Sunshine State.

The statement reads: “Indeed, Dr. Akintelure came tops. But with the absence of Olanusi, LP was robbed of the golden opportunity to roll out its achievements

and convince the people of Ondo State on why they should vote for the party.

“This is clearly an admission of failure by the LP administration.

Akintelure was able to expatiate on the programmes of the ACN on agriculture, which will utilise the various climatic conditions for fish farming, rice and cocoa cultivation. He said the ACN would create 30,000 jobs within its 100 days in office, if elected.

“This will be generated through Public Private Partnership (PPP) and various need-based agencies for waste management, traffic control, environmental sanitation and others; comprehensive health care to take care of father, mother and child and the people of Ondo State.

“He reiterated the fact that civil servants are not slaves, adding that their welfare would be paramount to the ACN administration. He was given a standing ovation by the audience and hailed across the state for his brilliant performance.

“Akintelure urged the residents to ensure an enduring change that would impact positively on the present and future generations. He advised the people to vote for ACN to replicate the glorious experience of the old Western Region through the present Southwest Regional Integration Agenda.

“Akintelure said: ‘We must do this for our children. Let’s keep our date with destiny on October 20.’

“For us at ACO, we want the Ondo State people to join hands with us to build an enduring legacy for the state. We must not be left behind. Ondo State residents, true to their nature, will exercise their will without succumbing to intimidation and the deception of the LP. They will vote Mimiko out on October 20.”

RIGHTS activist, Mr Morakinyo Ogele, yesterday urged the ruling Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State to stop harassing journalists and private media.

Ogele alleged that there were plans to attack some journalists who the government regarded as “unfriendly”.

The lawyer said if the LP administration was popular among the people, it would not resort to harassing people.

He recalled how Governor Olusegun Mimiko used a private radio station, Adaba FM, to pursue his election petition at the tribunal in 2009, “as if he was the owner”.

Ogele said: “Mimiko used Adaba FM as his megaphone between 2007 and 2009, when he got favourable judgment at the Appeal Court, Benin City, (Edo State), against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Governor Olusegun Agagu.

“He and his party, the LP, were completely shut out by government media, particularly the Ondo Radiovision Corporation (OSRC), during the period and relied solely on Adaba FM. “However, instead of the governor to be appreciative of the gesture, he ordered that a construction company should dig a gully on the only access road to the media organisation. For many months, the station and its workers were made to suffer unnecessarily.”

The activist said the media should be allowed to carry out their duties without molestation, adding that a popular government would not attack them.

He alleged that at a clandestine meeting held outside the state, some notable government officials planned to punish Adaba FM workers for allegedly being hostile to the government.

The activist also alleged that the LP administration wanted to plant incriminating materials on the station’s premises to enable the government arrest its senior management workers.

He threatened to mobilise the masses against any political office holder that intimidates the radio workers or other journalists.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Ogele urged security agents to be wary of the antics of the Mimiko administration to cause violence ahead of next month’s governorship election.

The lawyer has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, over LP’s alleged plan to unleash terror on journalists.

In the September 27 letter, Ogele said the LP had been intimidating the media and opposition parties.

He said: “Some six months ago, the state government directed one of its local contractors to dig a gully on the road leading to Adaba FM. For almost three months, this paralysed its activities while several millions of naira were lost.

“In addition, workers at the station were harassed and intimidated while the General Manager and the station’s Head of News and Current Affairs were summoned by the governor, who warned them to ‘behave’.”

Ogele said series of petitions were sent to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which led to the closure of the station for weeks.

The lawyer noted that the fresh onslaught on Adaba FM was to incriminate the GM and other principal officers.

He alleged that a meeting was held on September 26 at the home of a commissioner, adding that an arrangement was concluded that large quantities of arms should be deposited on the station’s premises.

Ogele said: “The intimidation against the radio station has been extended to correspondents of The Nation, Peoples’ News, Daily Independent, among others.”

The lawyer also criticised the daily attacks on supporters of ACN governorship candidate Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and those of the PDP’s Olusola Oke. He urged the police chief to transfer the police commissioner for his alleged inability to provide “unbiased” security for the residents.

Ogele also called for tight security for the radio station and its workers.

Cleric counsels politicians

T

HE President of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akinosun, yesterday cautioned politicians against heating up the polity.

He said election would be free and fair when political parties play the game according to the rules.

Addressing reporters after the end of CAC Pastors’ Conference at Ikeji Arakeji in Osun State, Akinosun also warned against the use of thugs before and during elections.

He said: “Politicians should note that they are representing human beings and not animals.

Killing and destruction of property should be stopped. It is high time Nigerian politicians learnt to accept defeat and embraced peace.

“It is God who appoints leaders.

You can only rule a country, state or local government, if the Lord approves your ways. You cannot

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

force yourself on the electorate.

Stop killing the people you want to rule.”

The cleric urged the electorate not to allow any selfish politician to use money to determine who they would vote for among the 13 governorship candidates in Ondo State.

Akinosun advised governors to stop oppressing their opponents.

He said: “The latest case of suicide bombing in the church has reinvigorated the call for our security service to be reorganised.

What the latest bombing indicates is that the talks with the terror group may be collapsing.

“While we call on the Federal Government to redouble its efforts to ensure that the terror group’s activities are brought under control, we also urge President Goodluck Jonathan to consider the introduction of state police.”

6

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

NEWS Economic growth driving Nigeria’s foreign policy, says Jonathan

N

•President Jonathan, Norwegian Prime Minister Stoltenberg, ex-President Clinton and others in New York...on Wednesday

Bakassi: Fed Govt to raise panel on Senate Resolution Continued from page 1

Normally, the resolution ought to be sent through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, to President Goodluck Jonathan.

“But we have to look at the resolution against the backdrop of international conventions and diplomatic norms.

Can a nation like Nigeria go back on its words after making international commitment to respect a judgment?

This is a moral and diplomatic challenge we all need to address.

“It will amount to an aggression against a sovereign state to renege on an agreement. That is one of the challenges we are facing.”

Responding to a question, the top source added: “By Article 91 of the statute, the enforcement mechanism is wellprovided and the consequences.”

Although Article 61 of the Statute of ICJ provides for a revision of its judgment, there is a caveat - that a country seeking a revision of any judgment must first comply with the judgment before its

appeal can be heard.

The article says: “An application for revision of a judgment may be made only when it is based upon the discovery of some fact of such a nature as to be a decisive factor, which fact was, when the judgment was given, unknown to the Court and also to the party claiming revision, always provided that such ignorance was not due to negligence.

“The proceedings for revision shall be opened by a judgment of the Court expressly recording the existence of the new fact, recognising that it has such a character as to lay the case open to revision, and declaring the application admissible on this ground.

“The Court may require previous compliance with the terms of the judgment before it admits proceedings in revision. The application for revision must be made at latest within six months of the discovery of the new fact.

“No application for revision may be made after the lapse of ten years from the date of the judgment.”

Article 98 -100 of the Rules

of ICJ also reads: “In the event of dispute as to the meaning or scope of a judgment, any party may make a request for its interpretation, whether the original proceedings were begun by an application or by the notification of a special agreement.

“A request for the interpretation of a judgment may be made either by an application or by the notification of a special agreement to that effect between the parties; the precise point or points in dispute as to the meaning or scope of the judgment shall be indicated.

“If the request for interpretation is made by an application, the requesting party’s contentions shall be set out therein, and the other party shall be entitled to file written observations thereon within a time-limit fixed by the Court, or by the President if the Court is not sitting.

“Whether the request is made by an application or by notification of a special agreement, the Court may, if necessary, afford the parties the opportunity of furnishing further written or oral explana-

tions.

“A request for the revision of a judgment shall be made by an application containing the particulars necessary to show that the conditions specified in Article 61 of the Statute are fulfilled. Any documents in support of the application shall be annexed to it.

“The other party shall be entitled to file written observations on the admissibility of the application within a timelimit fixed by the Court, or by the President, if the Court is not sitting. These observations shall be communicated to the party making the application.

“The Court, before giving its judgment on the admissibility of the application, may afford the parties a further opportunity of presenting their views thereon.

“If the Court finds that the application is admissible, it shall fix time-limits for such further proceedings on the merits of the application as, after ascertaining the views of the parties, it considers necessary.

“If the Court decides to Continued on page 10

IGERIA’s foreign policy focus is on how to attract greater foreign direct investment to accelerate domestic growth and create jobs President Goodluck Jonathan has said.

He spoke Wednesday in New York at a dinner organised in his honour by the Corporate Council on Africa.

The President is attending the 67th United Nations General Assembly Session.

Jonathan, according to a statement by his spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati, said his administration is wholly committed to promoting the development of a knowledgeeconomy that will enhance the security of lives and property, thereby accelerating growth to provide more employment and reduce youth restiveness.

The President told the gathering of leading American businessmen and investors that attracting foreign investment to support the realisation of the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation is the topmost priority of Nigeria’s diplomacy abroad.

“Let me restate here that Nigeria’s foreign policy is now anchored on the realisation of this Transformation Agenda through the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment. Under the new policy thrust, our Diplomatic Missions abroad have been directed to focus more on attracting investment to support the domestic programmes of government with a view to achieving not only our Vision 20: 2020, but to bequeathing an enduring legacy of economic prosperity,” he said.

President Jonathan assured guests at the dinner that adequate safety nets has been established to protect all foreign investors in Nigeria.

Such measures, he said, included the establishment and strengthening of the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission and

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

the Bureau of Public Procurement.

The President said his Administration is dealing decisively with Nigeria’s security challenges. “We have some security challenges now, but let me assure you that the Nigerian Government is on top of it. We are dealing with the issue decisively; it will soon be a thing of the past.

“Opportunities abound for would-be investors with capital and technical know-how in key areas of Nigeria’s economy with a high rate of return on investment. I invite our friends in the United States to take advantage of existing incentives and invest more in Nigeria. I am confident that by the year 2015, Nigeria would have witnessed transformation in all sectors to the benefit of not only its citizens, but also those who have an interest in Nigeria,” President Jonathan concluded.

Welcoming President Jonathan to the dinner earlier, the United States Assistant Secretary of State, Ambassador Johnnie Carson, pledged that the Obama Administration will continue to support Nigeria’s efforts to attract greater foreign investment.

Noting that Nigeria is already a very important destination for American companies and the second highest recipient of American direct private sector investment in Africa, Mr. Carson said he is optimistic that Nigeria could become a great economic success over the next decade.

The Assistant Secretary of State announced that the USNigeria Bi-National Commission, which has been established as a primary platform for the promotion of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, will meet again in Nigeria next month.

President Jonathan’s other engagements in New York on Wednesday included meetContinued on page 10

Tension mounts as Saudi maintains hard stance Continued from page 1

male pilgrim, who has decided not to perform the Hajj because his wife was not allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.

159 Nigerians were brought back on Wednesday.

Yesterday, the pilgrims were brought back to home through the Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.

They are from Katsina, Taraba, Adamawa and Oyo states.

Two lorries with registration number KT40A28 and KT41A28 were at the Hajj Terminal, to evacuate the Katsina pilgrims.

Those from other states were taken to Kabo Guest Inn. “These pilgrims were flown to Saudi Arabia by Max Air, but another carrier, Meridien, is assisting to bring them back, based on a mutual arrangement.

“I think the carrier that flew them to Saudi Arabia does not want to subject them to any further hardship because they had remained at the airport.”

On attempts being made to resolve the impasse, Uba added: “We are optimistic that the Federal Government team will be able to resolve this challenge.”

Saudi Ambassador: we ‘ll resolve it today

S

AUDI Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Khaled Abrabuh yesterday expressed confidence that the issue of Nigerian women pilgrims detained in Saudi Arabia will be resolved today.

Abrabuh spoke during a visit to House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal at the National Assembly.They met behind closed doors.

Tambuwal is the head of the Federal Government team to resolve the controversy. He was appointed by Vice President Namadi Sambo who on Wednesday ordered that the Saudi Arabian government should resolve the issue with Nigeria within 24 hours Abrabuh said Nigeria was not singled out for the detention of female pilgrims who fell short of the Saudi Arabian entry requirements. He said some pilgrims from other countries have also been subjected to similar screening on arrival at the airport.

A government source said: “The government team is still in Abuja, the King of Saudi has not given a date to meet with them.

“What is apparent now is that the motive of Saudi Arabia in denying our pilgrims entry was not about Muharrams (male guardians) as being claimed. Why will the wife of a male pilgrim be denied the company of her husband after

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

The envoy said officials of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj were holding talks with a delegation of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the issue in Mecca.

Tambuwal also confirmed that the Nigerian mission in Riyadh had been meeting with the Saudi authorities to end the impasse.

The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House was on Wednesday briefed by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Mohammad Bello, who said the problem was as a result of the discovery by the Saudi Arabian authorities that many Nigerian women pilgrims were without their statutory male escorts, as required by Saudi Arabian law.

The Federal Government has also expressed its determination to resolve issue.

meeting the regulations spelt out by Saudi?

“It is insulting to ask Nigerian delegation to wait for clearance before going to Saudi Arabia.”

The NAHCON National Commissioner in charge of operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad, said government will transport back to Nigeria all the 908 women pilgrims detained in Saudi Arabia. He

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, said yesterday during visit by the House of Representatives committee on the Diaspora headed by Mrs. Abike DabiriErewa.

Anyim said: “It’s a concern all of us share. It’s an embarrassment. We did not anticipate this and we cannot allow it to repeat itself.

“I assure all our pilgrims that the government is deeply concerned about the situation and resolved to address everything promptly. We are also trying to work out an arrangement whereby even though those pilgrims come back, the issues complained about will be regularised and they can go back.

“The President is committed to it that every person is entitled to his right to his religion.”

spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said that the commission had no choice but to bring back the pilgrims as the Saudi authorities insisted that they must be brought back.

The chairman of the commission, Mallam Muhammad Bello, had on Wednesday told the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs that the Mahram issue was nev-

er discussed now with the Saudi officials.

He said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the Saudi government for the 2012 Hajj had no provision on the issue.

Bello said the issue came up when some Nigeria pilgrims arrived at the King Abdul’azeez Airport, Jeddah on Sept. 23, adding that only Nigerian pilgrims were sub-

•Abrabuh

jected to such treatment.

Muhammad regretted that the Saudi authorities had rebuffed all diplomatic moves by the commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The commission on Wednesday suspended the transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for 48 hours to resolve the matter.

Continued on page 10

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

7

NEWS

How Nigeria can be secured, by Aliyu, Fayemi •Governors give tips on how to tame security challenges

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

F

OR enhanced national security, social justice and economic development, corruption and indiscipline must be fought to a standstill, Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu said yesterday.

Aliyu spoke at a public lecture organised by the Obafemi Awolowo Institute of Government and Public Policy.

The event was held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

According to him, the mere physical protections or strategies that reinforce fear and isolation are cosmetics that cannot secure the country.

He said national security effort should reflect the economic transformation agenda of government and backed with effective leadership.

He traced the emergence of militant groups–Boko Haram, Bakassi Boys and Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) among others to inequities, poverty and failure of a proper appreciation of what constitutes national security. He described the nation’s foreign policy as a “father Christmas” approach.

The governor said: “We need to move away from our Father Christmas foreign policy posture of the past and embrace economic diplomacy and political reciprocity within the context of the new international order. “ Those who attended the event were Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Niger Assembly Speaker, the Institute’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, first female Federal Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Yetunde Emmanuel, Director, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. I.O. Albert and International Relations lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Dr. Charles Ukeje.

In his lecture entitled: “The search for national security: Challenges and prospect,”, Aliyu said the country should be more sophisticated in managing its security challenges rather than handling the issues in reactionary ways or adopting impulsive measures and strategies that fail to address the fundamental problems on a sustainable basis.

He said the country can only enhance its national se-

•Aliyu (left), Dr. Fayemi and Mrs. Emmanuel...yesterday.

By Precious Igbonwelundu, Staff Reporter

curity if internal security challenges are handled effectively by fighting poverty, reducing unemployment, eradicating corruption and through effective leadership.

Calling for a comprehensive economic plan to address endemic poverty in the land, he said there was also the need to institutionalise policies and programmes that foster national integration and citizenship. He said Nigerians should find a home wherever they live and enjoy full rights and privileges of citizenship without discrimination.

Aliyu said: “We need to have pro-poor policies that address the fundamental social problems directly affecting the people. There must be free education at all levels, free healthcare services agricultural subsidies and abolition of food importation to boost local food production, affordable housing for all citizens, good roads, stable electricity to boost businesses, among others.

“Nigeria is not being made more secured merely by antibomb or anti-terrorist barriers or by subjecting the people to checks that curtail their freedoms or violate their fundamental rights. Neither are we made more secure by curtailing movement of visitors, investors, lawful migrants or creating too many check points in different parts of our country.

“Why do we think some nations like China, Japan, India and the European countries are

stable and flourishing, despite their huge population and challenges? It is because they can feed their population and at the same time grow their economy to foster their national security.

“Nigeria can also do the same. Let there be food on the table of every Nigerian first and foremost, to reduce the tension and scrambling across the nation.

“Perhaps, the greatest impediment to national security in Nigeria today remains corruption which creates an unending vicious circle of poverty, deprivation, greed, exploitation, unemployment and general underdevelopment, thereby weakening the capacity of government to provide social and ultimately undermining national security.

“In the same vein, elite fragmentation poses a serious challenge to national security because of the inordinate ambitions and competition within the elite. They are unfortunately engaged in endless competition and the pursuit of narrow selfish interests at the expense of national unity and integration.”

The governor who decried the lack of equipment for the security agencies to function optimally, noted that the country has not been able to meet the minimum standard of adequate security as the current ratio is one police officer to 431 Nigerians; one army to 1, 270; an air force officer to 11, 000; a Navy to 9, 167 and one civil defence officer to 3, 200 Nigerians.

Clarifying Northern gover-

nors’ position on state police, Aliyu said what the Northern State Governors Forum called for was a debate to help clarify the issues surrounding it especially with the peculiarities of the Nigerian state.

Fayemi ,who chaired the occasion said there can be no concept of national security if the security of the individual is not placed at the centre. He said it was in the drive to ensure the security of lives and properties of the people that made some states to advocate for state police.

Although, the Constitution allows for military’s collaboration with civil authorities in matters of internal security, Fayemi said it is a judgement call because the more the military is called upon to intervene in such matters, the more the civilian government makes the military believes it is incompetent.

He said: “We have dominant of security issues to deal with, yet we have not demonstrated the capacity to do so.

“If the safety and security of our people is the defining principle of policy, then the people must be carried along.

“Do we have a consensus?

Do we have a shared vision of this entity called Nigeria? Are we citizens or subjects? Do we have ownership? We need to return to the brass stand to get a sense of this place called Nigeria.

“The states no longer possess the monopoly of the management of violence that is why we have so many security challenges. We have reached a level where the legitimacy and ac-

countability of every security apparatus have been let loose through privatisation of violence.

“For us to get it right, our defence, economic and foreign policy must be in tandem just as Governor Aliyu said and they must be driven by respect for the citizens.

“Poverty itself is not the problem we are confronting in Nigeria but the inequality it breeds.

Private jets are parked all over the tarmac when we cannot even run a national airline. We must set a pathway for the youths to look up to.”

In his opening remarks, Chief Bisi Akande, who is the National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), said the country continues to score close to zero in every positive dimension of human development irrespective of its abundant natural and human resources. He was represented by Mrs. Emmanuel.

The ACN national chair said: “The point of course is that we have not suffered from a lack of insightful voices with regards to how we can better secure our nation and people, but the lack of political will on the part of the dominant factions of the elites over time or a criminal tendency of the same elite to generate and feed fat on the conditions that lead to instability.

“It seems the elite prefer to cut their noses to spite their faces. They sacrifice strategic interests for transient, tactical gains. No wonder the Nigerian people have become more trenchant in their prayers to God to save them from their leaders.

PDP has run out of ideas, says ACN

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has called on Nigerians to brace up for tougher times ahead as the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government has run out of ideas.

In a statement in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said rather than address the issues raised in its criticisms of the government’s inept handling of the multiple tragedies and calamities the country is currently reeling under, the PDP has characteristically embarked on a flight of fancy and daylight hallucination. “ To accuse the Action Congress of Nigeria of politicising

Senate passes Bill to protect workers

national disasters and calamities when it only criticised President Jonathan’s lack of capacity, pro-activeness, and co-ordinated response to these natural calamities and disasters depicts the paucity of the thought process of the party-led Federal Government, “the party said.

The party said:“How can the attempt to draw the attention of Nigerians to the inept handling of the problems confronting the country be disparaged as attention seeking? How long did it take for any minister or high ranking government official to visit the scene of the flooding for an on-thespot assessment? Why would a President, just 15 minutes away from the scene of the worst

flooding ever witnessed in the country fail to visit for immediate assessment? How many days after the disaster did it take the Federal Government to belatedly take any action? Where are the concrete adaptation and mitigation measures to prevent a future occurrence of this disaster if it occurs elsewhere in the country tomorrow?

“In other saner climes where a capable President and not a trainee President is in charge , the President would have made a stop over with pronouncements about support,relief materials and expression of sympathy for the victims, the party explained.

“While conceding that flooding is a global phenome-

non, it is quite unfortunate, however, that despite the huge sums the country has expended on attending international conferences on the impact of climate change, the Federal Government has been unable to come up with concrete adaptation and mitigation measures to avert these disasters or respond in a co-ordinated, timely and robust manner whenever or wherever they may occur, the party said.

“The Peoples Democratic Party’s response is nothing but a recklessly rabid disposition to repel at all times any criticism no matter how constructive . We are not even sure whether PDP’s National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh

•Alhaji Mohammed

and his ilk read or understood the whole point made in our statement which is that only an incompetent and trainee government could have gotten Nigeria into the present mess ,the party concluded.

THE Senate yesterday passed a Bill seeking to protect workers from hazards in the workplace.

The private member Bill titled: “Occupational Safety and Health Bill” was sponsored by Senator Chris Anyanwu.

The Chairman, Joint Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity, Health, Establishment and Public Service, Senator Wilson Ake, said the Bill had already been passed by the House of Representatives.

The Bill is aimed at promoting safe and healthy work environment for employees and to protect them from injury and illness at the workplace.

The Bill also made provisions for protecting others against risks to safety or health in connection with activities of persons at work.

A harmonised version of the Bill is expected to be sent to the President for assent.

Monday is holiday From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

THE Federal Government yesterday declared October 1, public holiday to enable Nigerians celebrate the nation’s 52nd Independence anniversary.

Minister of Interior Comrade Abba Moro made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by his Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Daniel Nwaobia in Abuja.

Congratulating Nigerians, Moro urged them to resolve to build more united and virile nation “that would be the pride of all Nigerians wherever they live”.

The Minister, however, noted with concern the practice where some foreign organisations and companies deny Nigerians the right to observe and enjoy work-free days by the government.

NEMA warns of more rains From Osagie Otabor, Benin

RESIDENTS of coastal region of the River Niger have been advised to relocate as more rains are being expected.

Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Alhaji Mohammed Sani Sidi, gave the warning yesterday when he visited some camps where displaced persons in Etsako Central Local Government of Edo State are being housed.

Sidi urged the people to always listen to advice and warnings.

He told the victims that the Federal Government has taken stock of the damage caused by the flood.

The NEMA boss presented relief materials to the victims.

He said: “We are going to continue to monitor situations in these camps until the displaced returns to their normal lives.”

Items given to SEMA included rice, beans, toilet soaps, mats, mattresses, oil, blankets, towels and beverages.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

8

CITYBEATS

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

Woman, 65, held for cocaine trafficking

T

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), yesterday arrested a 65-yearold grandmother, Hassan Fatimat Abike also known as Chika Okoye, for allegedly trying to smuggle 1.740Kilogramms of substance suspected to be cocaine on board of British Airways flight to London, in a herbal syrup.

According to a statement, she was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, while attempting to board a British Airways flight by NDLEA, it was not the first time the suspect was travelling to London. The drug, the agency said, was cleverly packed in balloons and inserted in 10 plastic containers of herbal syrup.

According to the Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar, the suspect has two international passports bearing Hassan Fatimat Abike with passport numbers A03348648 and A3771781A. "She was caught during the screening of British Airways passengers to London. The cocaine found in her possession was packed in balloons and prepared into the shape of the plastic bottles. It was also wrapped in black polythene inside 10 plastic bottles of local herbal mixtures. Each bottle was neatly sealed to avoid suspicion," Hamza said.

Preliminary investigation, according to Hamza, revealed that she is also known as Chika Okoye. He said: "She speaks Ibo and Yoruba fluently. Her father is a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State while her mother hails from Owerri, Imo State. Hassan Fatimat Abike also known as Chika Okoye, has six children and many grandchildren. She currently lives alone in Owerri and sells

Akingbola to close case Oct. 10

By Adebisi Onanuga

FORMER Managing Director Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr. Erastus Akingbola may conclude his defence at a Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja, on October 10.

Although Akingbola's trial could not go on yesterday following the absence of a witness, Ebobo Gloria Alero, his counsel, Chief Felix Fagbohungbe, (SAN), told Justice Habeeb Abiru, that the defence may close its case on October 10.

Akingbola is standing trial, alongside an associate, Bayo Dada, for alleged theft of N49.1billion belonging to the bank.

Fagbohungbe said the court-subpoenaed Ebobo Gloria Alero, who was supposed to tender some documents in court, but she could not make it. He therefore, applied that the matter be adjourned.

The prosecution counsel, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) did not object to the application.

The judge adjourned till October 10.

At the last trial, Akingbola denied that the defunct bank was involved in any share buy-back.

By Seyi Odewale

clothes to earn a living. The drug found in her bag tested positive for cocaine and weighed 1.740kg."

In her statement, the suspect claimed ownership of the drug, saying that it was given to her by a friend. She said: "I live at Owerri alone because my children are grown up and now have their families. I sell clothes to take care of myself.

I met an old friend two weeks ago and during our discussion, I told him I will soon be travelling to London.

“He asked me to deliver some herbal medicine to his sick relative in London. I was only trying to assist an old friend. I blame myself for everything, because I should have turned down his request.

The drug was detected during a search at the airport.”

Chairman, Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said the agency is investigating her claim. "The case is under investigation to ascertain her role. This is very worrisome, considering the fact that she is a grandmother," Giade stated.

• Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (right), addressing traders, motorists and other stakeholders during the Motor Park Health and Safety Initiative screening and launch of safety promotional video "Emi o olaro" organised by Lagos State Ministry of Health and Transportation at Iyana Ipaja Motor Park...yesterday

Policeman to die by hanging for murder A LAGOS High Court, sitting in Ikeja, yesterday sentenced to death by hanging Police Corporal, Ikechukwu Nwabueze, who shot dead three-year-old Kafusarat Murtala two and half years ago.

Justice Olabisi Akinlade held that there was no justification for Nwabueze to fire the shot that killed the girl.

The girl’s death on April 5, 2009, at a check-point in Alapere, Ketu, a Lagos suburb, sparked a riot.

Her parents held on to the police, demanding that their child be brought back to life.

Reviewing the trial, which started on June 15, 2010, following Nwabueze’s arraignment, Justice Akinlade declared that the “weight of evidence showed that he had the intention to kill.”

"The only statutory punishment for murder is the death penalty. Accordingly, the sentence of the court upon you, Ikechukwu Nwabueze,

T

HE monthly environmental sanitation holds tomorrow.

The Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Tunji Bello said yesterday that, human and vehicular movements would not be allowed from 7am to 10am.

Bello said the restriction is to allow residents observe the exercise.

He urged residents to clean their drains, reminding them

By Adebisi Onanuga

is that you be hanged by the neck until you breathe your last and may the Lord have mercy on your soul," Justice Akinlade said.

Nwabueze, who was dismissed from the Police, is formerly attached to Alapere Police Station. He was arraigned on a one-count charge.

The late Kafusara died on the lap of her mother in the car she was travelling with her father and other siblings when she was hit by the bullet fired from an AK 47.

The offence, according to the prosecution, was committed in front of Mr. Biggs at Obanlearo, Alapere, Ketu.

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

Justice Akinlade noted that

Nwabueze in his extra-judicial statement, confessed that he fired the shot that killed Kafusarat.

She said the Corporal later retracted the statement for another, which he claimed was drafted for him to sign

by Inspector Raphael.

Nwabueze insisted during the trial that he was coerced to make the confessional statement by the police officer who investigated the case.

He also claimed that he was not the only one that fired shots into the air. Other members of his team did, he added, contrary to his earlier statement.

But Justice Akinlade upheld the evidence of the prosecution witnesses; the father of the deceased, Sergeant Adeboye James, of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, Professor John Oladapo, the pathologist who performed the

autopsy on the deceased and Atunbi Jeremiah, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), who is a ballistician.

Justice Akinlade, who noted some inconsistencies in Nwabueze's testimony, held that a recanted confessional statement does not necessarily cancel its relevance.

She said: "It is trite law that the confessional statement of a defendant is relevant regardless of the fact that it is recanted. It is also trite that a person can be convicted on the basis of the confessional statement. It is my opinion that the evidence of PW1 is consistent with the testimonies of PW 2 and PW 3."

The judge said the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses were not discredited during cross-examination.

She said Nwabueze had stated that "by his training as a police officer, he (Nwabueze) cannot claim ignorance of the probable consequences of shooting at the vehicle.”

Monthly sanitation holds tomorrow that the last lap of the rainy season is around.

The government, according to him, would not relent in the cleaning and dredging of primary and secondary channels; the Emergency and Flood Abatement Department (EFAD) would continue to de-silt and deflood blocked channels.

Bello said: "Lagos State has not experienced serious flooding like other states in Nigeria, because we have continued to expand and clean our channels in anticipation of the unusual rains.

“The peculiarity of Lagos as a coastal state is flooding, as such, all hands must be on deck to assist the state in re-

ducing the incidence of flooding to the barest minimum, by not engaging in acts like dumping into drain and canals, as well as desist from patronising cart pushers."

He advised Lagosians against panicking whenever it rains, saying all the drainage channels are being cleared and dredged.

Stay away from Lagos, ACN warns criminals

T

HE Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has warned criminals to steer clear of the state.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, ACN warned criminals that there is no room for them to operate in the state.

The government, Igbokwe said, was commit-

ted to total policing of the state to safeguard lives and properties of residents.

With the heavy investment the government has made on security, there is no hiding place for criminals in the mega city, he said, adding: “We note that it is natural that the nature of Lagos as Nigeria's commercial capital and its most productive state has given fillip to criminal prospect-

ing for an ideal state to perpetrate their noxious acts.”

“We note that armed robbers, kidnappers, 419ers, ritual killers, petty thieves and all manners of criminals are hoping to tap into the expanding economic potentials of Lagos, but we want to warn them that the Lagos State Government is ready for them and will ensure that the state retains the relative peace it had been enjoying in recent times.”

•Igbokwe

Independence day marathon

T

HE Organiser of the First Lagos Beach Marathon, Community Agenda for Peace, (CAP), has said the race will form part of events to celebrate the nation's 52nd Independence anniversary.

The event, sponsored by RLG Communications, is geared towards advocating environmental safetyand mitigating the scourge of ocean erosion along the shorelines.

The race will hold tomorrow, starting from the Alpha Beach to Lekki Beach on Lekki Peninsula.

Mr. Obuesi Phillips, CAP Coordinator, said: “The marathon will simply be ceremonial as it will be used as a campaign platform to celebrate Nigeria's Independence anniversary.

He said CAP had reached out to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, (AFN) for partnership to make the competition a full-fledged sporting activity.

Phillips said with support from the sponsor, RLG Communications, prize monies and mobile phones would be given to winners after the marathon.

He said: "The overall winner will get a monetary prize, a Fusion Tab phone, certificate and a golden trophy.

The first runner up will get a cash reward, L8 phone and a certificate; the second runner up will go home with cash reward, a G53 phone and a certificate.

There is a handsome package for the first woman that will breast the tape on that day and more importantly every participant will be a winner as there will be a lot of gifts to share courtesy of RLG Communications.”

The event, according to him, will start by 12noon with entertainment from renowned Nigerian musicians.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

9

NEWS CPC to Jonathan: Maku ‘ll destroy your administration

$12.4b oil windfall suit: Court to deliver HE Federal High Court, judgment on Nov 23 Abuja has fixed Novem-

T

•Party: he’s looking for cheap publicity

T

HE Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) yesterday advised President Goodluck Jonathan to be wary of his Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku lest he destroys his government.

CPC was reacting to Maku’s recent comment that National Assembly’s resolutions were not binding on the executive.

The party said the minister is in the league of: “talkative Information ministers” that have used the position as platform for self aggrandisement.

According to a statement in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Fashakin, CPC said Maku seems to have “penchant for stifling divergent opinions from the government he serves and invariably, his political party. It smacks of immaturity and political rascality for an appointed public official like himself to crudely lampoon elected representatives of the people, be it at the state or Federal level, just for the purpose of showing fawning sub-servience to his benefactor. Who does not know that the Senate resolution on the proposed currency restructuring was closer, than the Federal Government’s position, to the people?”

The statement reads: “The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) has noted the apology to the Senate by the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, on his disparaging comment to the Upper Legislative house resolution on the introduction of the N5,000 currency by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Quite aptly, Senate President David Mark had referred to Mr Labaran Maku as characteristically careless in speech.

“As a party, we have noted the trajectory of Mr Maku’s performance as a minister and quite convinced that he, being caught in self-denial of his past radical posturing, is desperately in search of an identity. It seems to us that his current demeanour is informed by the expediency of retaining his ministerial portfolio as against

NMA urges dentists to shun strike From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin City

T

HE Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) yesterday urged dentists and health workers in public hospitals across the country to remain at their duty posts and ignore the “illmotivated strike” called by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU).

NMA, in a statement by its National President, Dr Osahon Enabulele in Benin, called on JOHESU to call off its job boycott in the interest of professionalism, peace and progress.

It described JOHESU as an amorphous coalition of some allied health professionals/ paramedics and criticised its demands, particularly the basis of its strike. The NMA said the boycott is unwarranted and unpatriotic.

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

the far more important conscience-based position on the national discourse. In January, Mr. Maku had dismissed Nigerians’ aversion to the removal of the fuel subsidy by declaring that the removal was long overdue” and should have been done by previous regime. President Jonathan should be careful of this minister if he wants to have a safe landing.

“This was dialectically opposed to his position as President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Jos , when he stoutly opposed the subsisting government’s decision to remove

•Maku

oil subsidy and invariably increase the petrol pump price, by declaring the move as “a crime against the Nigerian masses and a war against the poor.”

ber 23 for judgment in a suit seeking public disclosure of how the Federal Government expended the $12.4 billion oil windfall earned during the regime of former military president Ibrahim Babangida.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole chose the date after parties reargued and re-adopted their written addresses.

The suit, initiated by the Registered Trustees of SocioEconomic and Accountability Project (SERAP) and five other rights groups is urging the court to make an order compelling the apex bank and the AGF to publish detailed accounts on the spending of huge amount of money between 1988 and 1994.

They also sought for an order of the court compelling the

By Eric Ikhilae

respondents to diligently and effectively bring to justice anyone suspected of corruption and mismanagement of the $12.4 billion oil windfall.

They prayed for an order directing the respondents to provide adequate reparation, which may take the form of restitution, compensation, satisfaction or guarantees of nonrepetition to millions of Nigerians that have been denied their human rights as a result of the respondents’ failure and/or negligence to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of $12.4 billion oil windfall between 1988 and 1994.

The suit has the Attorney-

General of the Federation (AGF) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as defendants.

SERAP’s Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni said in a statement that the new date was communicated to him by Sola Egbeyinka of the Falana and Falana Chambers.

He said the Federal Government, in its argument insisted that the enactment of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 by the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Idris Kutigi “exceeded his constitutional powers by liberalising the rules on locus standi, permitting public impact litigation, and allowing the inclusion of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights in the Rules.”

10

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

NEWS Tension mounts as Saudi maintains hard stance Continued from page 6

So far, 24,886 of the 95,000 pilgrims have been transported to Saudi Arabia by the commission.

No fewer than 102 women intending pilgrims from Sokoto State were yesterday returned home.

The situation has delayed the airlift of the first batch of 500 pilgrims from Niger State slated for airlifting yesterday. The trip was cancelled in compliance with the suspension of airlifting of pilgrims directive.

Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Commission spokesman Alhaji

Sani Awwal said in Minna yesterday that the commission compiled with the NAHCON directive. “Therefore, we aborted our planned inaugural flight to Saudi Arabia today (yesterday). “We had finished the screening of the 500 intending pilgrims from Mashegu, Paikoro and Mariga local government areas but when the message of the suspension reached us, we complied with it.

“The pilgrims were already at the Minna International Airport after the completion of their screening at the Hajj Camp,

while the carrier, MAX Airline had stationed its plane on the tarmac waiting, when the suspension came into effect.

“We have, therefore, returned the pilgrims to the Hajj Camp, awaiting further directive from NAHCON. Appropriate measures had been taken toward ensuring the comfort of our pilgrims at the camp, including free feeding and medical care,“ he said.

Awwal assured intending pilgrims that the commission is determined to ensure that all of them are transported to Saudi

Arabia immediately the issues concerning the female intending pilgrims are resolved.

An official has suggested that Nigeria and Saudi authorities should work out laws to accommodate elderly women who have lost their husbands.

“The laws should also work out ways to accommodate rich women who are capable of sponsoring themselves to the Holy Land without depending on any man as guide,” Alhaji Salisu Musa, Executive Secretary, Plateau Pilgrims Welfare Board, said in Jos.

Economic growth driving Nigeria’s foreign policy, says Jonathan Continued from page 6

ings with President Sauli Ministo of Finland and the President of the Swiss Confederation, Mrs. Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf.

The President also met with President Francois Hollande of France, the Emir of Qatar and President Jacob Zuma of South Africa. He also received representatives of the over 200 Nigerians who work

for the United Nations and its agencies.

President Jonathan and Prime-Minister Jens Stoltenberg of Norway with whom he serves as Co-Chairperson of the United Nations Com-

mission on Life-Saving Commodities for Women and Children also participated at an event to promote its work.

Guests at the event included former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Wait for Ojukwu’s Will, ex-Ikemba aide tells feuding family members

A

FORMER aide of the late Igbo leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu yesterday cautioned the family against feuding over his property.

Sir Azuka Okwuosa asked them to wait for the late Ezeigbo’s Will to be read or incur the wrath of Ndigbo.

Okwuosa was supported by the late Ojukwu to become Nnewi North Local government chairman in 1994. He remained Ojukwu’s right hand man until his death.

One of the grandsons of the late Sir Louis Ojukwu, (father of the late Ikemba) Dr. Ike Ojukwu, had reportedly accused the late Ikemba’s wife Bianca, of coming to take away

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka her husband’s property.

Okwuosa said the oracle of Nnewi would rise against anybody that insults the late Mrs Ojukwu over her husband’s estate.

Okwuosa said Dr. Ike Ojukwu has no right to talk about the family, being a member of what he called the third generation in the family, when his father Prof Joseph Ojukwu is still alive.

“I found what the young man is trying to do nauseating. It is to tarnish the name of the family and the reputation the family and the late Ikemba built for many years.

“We expect the elders from both the family and communi-

ty to call him to order; he should watch his utterances, we are not opposed to having issues in the family but where I will take exception is where Ojukwu’s name is being rubbished.

“Dr. Ojukwu’s father is in a better position to call him to order. He claims that Emeka Ojukwu (Jnr) is in support of what he is doing, Emeka is an adult who can speak for himself. He should stop dropping names.

“I want to believe that Ike Ojukwu was quoted out of context but if not, he is far from the truth on the issue of property.

He is talking about five properties out of over 38”.

“The late Ikemba Nnewi was instrumental to the recovery of those properties including that on 29 Queens Drive, Ikoyi, La-

gos which was abandoned until he came back from exile in Ivory Coast, through the instrumentality of his lawyer, the late Chief Rotimi Williams (SAN) “During that period, none of these uncles came around and also during the removal of mourning cloth after six months by the family, none of these uncles was in attendance, some people have desecrated the land and it is a taboo in Igbo land to give quit notice to a widow.

“Bianca has not finished mourning the husband. I found everything absurd, the family should go into sober reflection, they should wait for the will to be released, anybody who insults Ojukwu’s widow, Ndigbo will not take it lightly with him,” Okwuosa warned.

Why Igbo may not get president in 2015, by Iwuanyanwu

W

ITHOUT an effective zoning arrangement, the hope of an Igbo President in 2015 cannot materialise, industrialist and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said yesterday.

Speaking at a news conference in Owerri yesterday, the three-time presidential aspirant advocated the inclusion of zoning of political offices in the Constitution.

He said the six existing zones should be given equal opportunity to produce the president of the country through a zoning arrangement.

Iwuanyanwu added that for any zoning policy to be effective and meaningful, it must be in the Constitution.

He said the Igbo have qualified and experienced people capable of leading the country.

The PDP chieftain identified internal politics and selfishness as part of factors militating against the aspiration of the souheasterners.

He also canvassed the autonomy of local councils, saying the constitution should be amended to allow the councils total control of their funds.

He said state government’s control of the council funds was responsible for the failure of the local government system, as it had made it impossible for any council chairman to embark on projects beneficial to their communities.

On security matters, Iwuanyanwu urged the Federal Government to address the fundamental causes of insecurity in the country so that its fight against it would be effective.

According to him, the level of unemployment in the country is alarming and the government needs to address the issue if it hopes to win the war against insecurity.

Iwuanyanwu recommended that some stipends should be paid to unemployed youths in local government areas, believing that such gesture would help to reduce crime in the country.

Bakassi: Fed Govt to raise panel on Senate Resolution Continued from page 6

make the admission of the proceedings in revision conditional on previous compliance with the judgment, it shall make an order accordingly.

“If the judgment to be revised or to be interpreted was given by the Court, the request for its revision or interpretation shall be dealt with by the

Court. If the judgment was given by a Chamber, the request for its revision or interpretation shall be dealt with by that Chamber.”

“The decision of the Court, or of the Chamber, on a request for interpretation or revision of a judgment shall itself be given in the form of a judgment.”

11

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira gains as dollar supply, oil advance The naira appreciated for a third day as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increased the amount of dollars sold at its twice-weekly auctions and as oil, the nation’s key export, advanced.

The naira gained 0.1 per cent to N157.25 a dollar as of 2:10 p.m. in Lagos, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The apex bank sold $450 million at its two auctions this week, the highest in seven, according to data on its website. Oil rebounded from the lowest close in almost two months and extended gains on speculation that China will take measures to stimulate its economy. Nigerian benchmark Bonny Light crude climbed 0.62 per cent to $111.47 a barrel.

“Naira is appreciating largely due to sufficient dollar supplies from the CBN,” Kunle Ezun and Kenneth Asenime, Lagos-based strategists at Ecobank Transnational Inc., wrote in a note to clients yesterday.

The apex bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at a record 12 per cent on Sept. 18 to control inflation and bolster the naira, Governor Lamido Sanusi said. The inflation rate slowed to 11.7 per cent in August from 12.8 percent the previous month, the lowest this year, the statistics agency said Sept. 16.

The yield on Nigeria’s 16 per cent domestic bonds due June 2019 rose two basis points to 13.37 per cent, according to yesterday’s data

There will be zero tolerance in the operations of market making and every participants is expected to play the market according to set rules and regulations.

-CEO, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema

‘Why govt raises stake oilEO blocks’ THEinC The Minister of Petroleum Resources and Chairperson of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, said the increase in government’s stake in the Deep Offshore blocks from 61 per cent to 73 per cent, was necessitated by the prevailing realities in the global oil and gas sector.

Mrs. Alison-Maduake, who stated this on Wednesday in New York at the 3rd Nigeria Investment Summit under the auspices of the African Business Roundtable, explained that the Federal Government is proposing a review of the fiscal terms in the Production Sharing Contracts for deep water fields in the draft Petroleum Industry Bill currently before the National Assembly for consideration.

In a statement yesterday, NNPC’s Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Fidel Pepple, quoted the minister as saying the proposed increase of government’s stake “is not only competi-

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

tive, but considerate, when we look at the scale of other entities around the world like Norway, Indonesia and even Angola with even higher government’s stake.”

She said based on prevailing realities in the global oil industry, it was only natural to review the terms of the PSC to reflect the current trend.

She stated that the novel 1993 PSC agreement was based on $20 per barrel price for crude oil real time, adding that records indicated that since the start of production in the PSC fields, crude prices have been on the upward swing, thus the consensus to have a review of the terms.

She said the new PIB provides for a refreshing fiscal regime which has strong incentives for enhanced exploration of new frontiers, especially in the Inland Sedimentary Basins as well as providing strong support base for the complete activation of the Gas Master

Plan.

Mrs. Alison-Maduake, said under the new arrangement, fiscal regime is anchored on royalty and tax which is now predicated on production as opposed to terrain and investment as was previously done.

She explained that Royalty by production as outlined in the bill, is designed to capture the output of companies as opposed to their location, and create a fair balance between small and big operators in the same terrain, thus giving operators the opportunity to make fair returns during field decline.

It also proposes lower rates on condensate from large fields as well as ultra-deep water fields, she said, and called on investors to embrace the various business opportunities which the oil reform law has on offer.

The high level investment roundtable with the theme: ‘Nigeria-Africa’s Frontier in the Global Economy,’ was declared

open by President Goodluck Jonathan, with former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair and erstwhile US Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, as special guests.

Also present were Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Dr. Olusegun Aganga, Minister of Trade and Investment; Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State; Gabriel Suswan of Benue State; Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Jim Ovia, the founder and former CEO of Zenith Bank, among other dignitaries.

Earlier in his presentation, Mr. Blair commended the gGovernment for the recent initiatives embarked upon to ensure that the Nigerian economy is open to sustainable growth and effective foreign participation.

This view was also echoed by Dr. Rice, who called on Nigerians in diaspora to support the transformational strides of the current administration.

MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N7.560 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -11.9% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) yesterday arrested four persons in connection with mass registration of sim cards under one name, which were being sold to the public.

In its nationwide crack down on illegal registration of sim cards, the Commission, led security operatives to some dealers’ premises in Abuja and sealed off those that failed to produce the suspects and the machines being used for the illegal registrations.

While two persons were arrested at Glovic Communications in Yashua Plaza,

by AP Plaza in Wuse 2, one person was arrested at the Correspondence Nigeria Limited in Prime Plaza at Wuse 2. The last person was arrested at Wuse Shopping Plaza.

The office of Glovic Communications in Wuse 2 was sealed off yesterday until the Chairman of the company produced the suspects involved and the machines being used for the illegal registration.

Speaking on the issue, the NCC Head of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka said: “The arrest is in continuation of the campaign to rid the streets of pre-registered sim card.

“We’ve been able to arrest quite a number across the country,” he added.

NNPC to retail LPG From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound

NCC arrests four over sim card racketeering

• From right: Divisional Head, Products & Channels, Unity Bank Plc, Felix Ezeh, Executive Director, Payments Infrastructure, Interswitch Limited, Akeem Lawal, Executive Director, Central, Unity Bank Plc, Ibrahim T Mohammed, MasterCard VicePresident, Business Development, West Africa, Ojomuyide Omokehinde, presenting the cards to the public.

Sanusi, ex-Minister to lawmakers: Don’t tamper with CBN’s autonomy Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and former Information Minister, Frank Nweke (Jr), yesterday urged the National Assembly not to tamper with the apex bank’s autonomy.

Sanusi, who spoke at the 2012 Annual Public Lecture organised by the law firm of J-K Gadzama & Partners LLP, said if politicians are allowed unfettered control of the CBN, it would not effectively achieve its regulatory mandate.

“Politicians and even the executive think short term.

The CBN thinks long term.

If you allow politicians to control the CBN, we’ll not achieve anything. Politicians will never allow us to manage inflation, interest rate simply because they want to win election.”

• NBA President, others seek lower interest rates

By Joseph Jibueze

Sanusi, who chaired the event, was represented by the CBN Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Alhaji Suleiman Barau.

The lecture, which had the theme: “Nigeria in the Year 2012: The Vision of a Cashless Economy,” was delivered by Nweke.

Sanusi was reacting to a comment by former Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Senator Nkechi Nwogwu, who was a guest at the event.

She said some CBN policies must be subjected to legislative approvals, first, arguing that while CBN should have complete independence in its regulatory functions, some of its poli-

cies, such as the proposed introduction of the N5000 banknote, (now suspended), should be subjected to legislative review.

She said: “I don’t think the Senate has ever said the independence of the CBN should be curtailed. We never said so. The intervention of the CBN in distressed banks and the like is within its purview.

“But there’s no agency that is an Island. We’re saying that there are some of its projects, which need democratic review. Certain monetary policies must be brought before the legislature for a review. That’s what we’re concerned about.

We’re not at loggerheads with CBN at all. All we’re saying is that they should

consider the opinions of Nigerians.”

Senator Nwogwu, also criticised the suspended new banknote policy, saying it contradicts the ‘cash-less’ policy “because in my handbag I can carry N20million.”

However, Sanusi defended the N5000 banknote, saying it is consistent with the cash-less policy.

He said the cost of printing a single N100 note is almost the same as printing N5000 note because they are printed on the same paper.

N5000 note, he said, would therefore reduce the cost of printing, moving and destroying cash.

He said the cash-less policy was not to completely eliminate cash use, but to “navigate from 95 per cent usage

THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is to start the retail of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) and lubricants in its 450 mega and affiliate stations across the country, the Group Managing Director, Andrew Yakubu, has said.

Yakubu, who spoke yesterday in Abuja at a workshop on Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Awareness for owners of its retail stations, said retailing the products would bring them closer to consumers at guaranteed quality and pricing.

Represented by the Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Peter Nmadu, he urged its partners to follow standard procedures on health, safety and environment issues, adding that the workshop is intended to challenge stakeholders on the need to have the best possible practices in operating these stations safely in an environmentally friendly way and also do nothing to harm the workers and those who patronise them.

“For us in the NNPC, the logo of the NNPC Retail has become something of pride because it has become something to be recognized by Nigerians as a brand where they expect quality, standard in the sale of petroleum products. A

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

12

BUSINESS NEWS

SON gets Reps nod to prosecute fake products’ importers The House of Representatives has said it would pass a bill empowering the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to prosecute importers and manufacturers of substandard goods.

The Chairman , House Committee on Industries, Alhaji Mohammed Onawo, who led members of the Committee to SON’s office, yesterday, in Lagos, said the House is ready to give SON all the needed legislative backing in its crusade against pro-

By Toba Agboola

duction and circulation of substandard products in the country. “ There is a bill before the House from SON. It has to do with empowering the agency to prosecute those dealing with fake products.

Now that we have seen the good work of SON, we will be delighted to pass it. We have no option now than to pass it,” Onawo said.

He urged the organisation to embark on awareness campaigns to

educate consumers, saying the measure would enable consumers to identify and avoid substandard products. “ There is no doubt that there is a big task before you which you have set. We will help you to achieve the goals. We know there are lots of challenge, but with determination and courage, we know that a lot will be achieved.

“We have visited some of your laboratories and we are not encouraged with what we’ve seen. We

Sacked Air Nigeria’s staff drag Jimoh Ibrahim to Court

Workers of the grounded Air Nigeria have dragged its Chairman, Jimoh Ibrahim and the Chief Executive Officer, Kinfe Kanssaye to the National Industrial Court in Lagos.

They are questioning the illegal and wrongful termination of their employments, non-payment of salaries and non remittance of their 7.5 per cent pension scheme contributions.

In a suit filed by the workers’ solicitors; Muhmad Adesina ESQ, and Ogunsany &Ogunsany against the firm and other two defendants, the workers said they were all employed by the Virgin Nigeria Airways Limited via their respective letters of employment, but that on December 31, 2010, Virgin Nigeria Airways Limited was changed to Air Nigeria Development Limited and all business related and liabilities of Virgin Nigeria Airways Limited were transferred to Air Nigeria.

The workers through their solicitors, also averred that the letter notifying them of the change was communicated by Ibrahim through the Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Kinfe Kanssaye, who also

signed the letters.

The workers contended that on September 5, 2012, Air Nigeria terminated their employment unilaterally and compulsorily retired them, adding that the termination of their appointments was communicated to them through the media.

This they said, did not follow due process as contained in the employment hand book. They argued that the workers did not withdraw their respective services to Air Nigeria Development Limited as they did not write any letter to the company.

They averred that prior to the termination of their appointments, the airline owed workers arrears of salaries; from May to August, 2012 and that some were paid for the month of May only, while others were not.

The workers in their suit, claimed that prior to the wrongful termination of their appointments, they had contributed 7.5 per cent of their salaries to the Pension Contributory Scheme, while the company contrib-

uted 7.5 per cent, but that despite deducting this amount from the salaries of the workers, the company has not been remitting same to the pension scheme as agreed upon by employer and employees.

The workers also claimed that the money deducted from their salaries under the Pay As You Earn(PAYE) up till the moment of their wrongful dismissal, could not be accounted for, as there was no evidence of payment to the appropriates authority.

Based on these, the workers asked the court to declare that the purported termination of their appointments by Air Nigeria Development Limited via the media was wrongful, unlawful, illegal and null and void, and of no effect whatsoever.

That the court declares that the notice of dismissal on the face of newspaper is not valid and an order that the defendants pay workers the arrears of salaries from May to August, 2012.

have identified this as one of your challenges. We want to assure you that we are going to give you every support you need to deliver on your mandate, “Onawo said.

The Director-General of SON, Dr.Joseph Odumodu, said the agency is compelled to sanitise the country from the influx of substandard and fake products, adding that SON is ready to take further steps to get rid of fake products in the country.

He noted that lack of a strong le-

gal structure has hindered the agency from prosecuting the manufacturers, importers or distributors of fake and substandard products in the country,” He decried the way some foreigners, with the connivance of their Nigerian cohorts, have turned the country into a dumping ground for all products. He expressed dismay at the turn of events, wondering why this set of people do not see anything bad at what they were doing.

Gaslink upgrades odourisation system Gaslink Nigeria Limited, a natural gas distribution company, has begun upgrading of its odourising system at its facility on Jobi Fele Way, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The upgrade according to the company would last from 24 to 28 September. Odourisation is a global safety measure that involves the systematic injection of a synthetic odour into gas pipeline systems to help detect leakage.

The planned exercise is a controlled process that uses a precision mechanism to prevent emissions. However, in the unlikely event that there is an emission of a pungent smell similar to that of a rotten egg, the public especially those living around Alausa, is hereby placed on notice to remain calm and please call 0700 GASLINK (0700 4275 465).

Commenting on the planned exercise, Victor Dairo, Head Operations, Gaslink said: “As an ISO certified company, Gaslink takes the safety and environment requirements of its natural gas network

very seriously.

“As we commence the odourising exercise, the general public should be rest assured that we have put in place world-class safety measures required for this level of upgrade of our gas pipeline network.”

Gaslink pioneered private sector distribution of natural gas to industries in Nigeria. The company has since built a 100km natural gas network in the Greater Lagos Area, connecting over 120 leading companies, which having experience reduction in their energy costs by as much as 75 percent. This has tremendously improved the profitability of the offtakers, making them globally competitive brands able to employ thousands of Nigerians.

On the back of the Lagos pipeline, a 12.15MW Power Plant has been built dedicated o provide stable electricity to the Lagos Water Corporation.

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N100m for Edo flood victims

E •Governor Oshiomhole

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has said that N100 million would be released to cater for about 30, 000 persons displaced by flood in Etasko East and Etsako Central Local Government Areas of the state.

The governor who made the disclosure during his visit to camps of displaced persons, said the money would be used to purchase relief materials for them.

Oshiomhole also promised free medical services in the camp and transportation to

Boreholes, generating sets’ donation excites communities

BOUT 10 boreholes valued over N15million have been donated to communities in Ideato South Local Governmnt Area of Imo State by Mr. Festus Uzoma Mbisiogu,the Managing Director of Blue Diamond Logistics.

The gesture was accompanied with generating sets that would power the boreholes to supply water to the people.

Before the donation, the 10 communities had only one source of water supply, the Urashi River,for drinking,laundry and livestock activities.The beneficiaries are Umuokwaraiheanakwe, Umuduruonara, Umudu ruesika (Obinugwu), Okoroduru Ozokwere, Obiohia autonomous community, Unuikpa, Ugbele, Agbaumuma Isiaku, Ishiogwugwu and Umumaisiaku communities According to the leaders of the communities, the effect of drinking from the river has been grave particularly in the lives of the women and children as they suffered from water-borne diseases such as typhoid fever, dysenteryand diarrhoea before now They added that the most painful effect of drinking from the unsafe water contaminated by hu-

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Imo man and human faeces and urine was the high rate mortality among the youth.

Beside untimely death, the communities were also faced with the risk of being attacked by wild animals as they have to treck long distances to get water.

Inaugurating the boreholes, the state Commissioner for Public Utilities,Prof Chima Iwuchukwu and other commissioners and traditional rulers thanked Mbisiogu for his kind gesture and for saving his people from diseases. He said the donation was in line with Imo State government transformation agenda.

A highly elated Mbisiogu pledged to sink additional five boreholes before the end of the year so that every community in Ideato South would enjoy clean water.

On his motivation,he said:When my mother died, water to prepare for her burial became a serious challenge to us, after which I made a vow to sink boreholes to various communities in my local government to end the perennial water problem tomenting my people.”

‘Cross River is preferred destination’

Edo enable the displaced return home.

The governor, who bemoaned the situation of the victims stated that the flood was the worst natural disaster to occur in the state.

“Never in history have we had such a natural disaster in the state. Just as we are concerned, so also is the President.

“Both the state and the Federal Government are putting heads together to see to it that the displaced do not suffer much,’’ he stated.

Over 30,000 persons from 12 communities in the two local government areas of the state were affected by the flood.

The flood, which was as a result of the River Niger over-flowing its banks, destroyed hundreds of hectares of farm lands.

The flood which completely submerged 10 of the communities also destroyrd houses and other valuables. The only road linking the communities had also been flooded.

Praise night THE World Evangel Central Choir will holda special night programme with the theme: Riding on the wings of praise at its World Evangelism Bible Church Auditorium at 51/53 Ogudu Church Road in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State on October 5. The time is 10pm till dawn.

The spokesman, Evang-George Mathew said the programme is a total praise of God, saying it is a Holy Ghost praise night.

A special minister expected at the event is Pastor Taribo West.

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• From left: Mallam Momodu Segiru Momodu, Director Port Inspectorate of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control(NAFDAC) Dr Paul Orhil, Director General of the agency and Mrs Ngwoke Shella Ngozi, Asst Director Drug Abuse Preventive Education of the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency during the NAFDAC/NAFDAC NYSC members sensitisation campaign on Drug Abuse and Alcoholism for commercial drivers and commercial motorcycle riders at NITEL Training School , Cappa ,Oshodi, Lagos PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAM

Delta plans world class media ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, has announced plans to upgrade the state-owned Delta TV and Pointer newspapers to world class media outfits. Governor Uduaghan made the revelation

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Residents get free medical service

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ESIDENTS and non-residents of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State have benefited from a fourday free medical service.The programme included surgical operation in areas such as lump on the head,neck, hand, leg ,breast, groin, ,genitals,womb,fibroid,thyroid gland,enlargement of prostate and hernia.

The venue was the Hosanna Hospital Festac Town Lagos.It was organised by the Councillor ,Ward C ‘Orire’ of the local government, Hon. Adetayo Adegbembe, in conjunction with The Hosanna Hospital and Association of Rural Surgical Practitioners of Nigeria (ARSPON).

The aim was to assist people get healthcare delivery which could have cost them thousands of naira at a free rate.

In his welcome address, Hon.Adetayo said: ‘Health is wealth for every human endeavour; if a nation is sick, every of its citizen is sick. In a nation where health system is almost at zero level, minor or major surgical activities will be unaffordable’.

Adetayo added that there are so many lives that are in need of one surgical operation or

By Olatunde Odebiyi

the other and the funds for such operation are not available. ‘It is in the light of this that the free surgical operation is being embarked upon.

He said that the administration of Comrade Ayodele Adewale, the chairman of the local government has been in the forefront of affordable healthcare to its residents, adding that the programme was another milestone in his support for healthy living.

He said the programme also served as a complement to the Eko Free Medical Programme of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) which is being enjoyed throughout the state.

Adetayo called on all other corporate organisations to come up with programmes that can directly or indirectly impact on the lives of others.

Speaking with one of the doctors, Dr. Dike Patrick, he said the free surgical operation aims to help people who are in need of surgical operation but can’t afford it. He said the whole exercise aims to ensure that people are given quality and free surgical operations by experts in the field.

• National President, Association of Rural Surgical Practitioners of Nigeria (ARSPON) Dr. PHOTO: ODEBIYI OALTUNDE A.B.J Sagua addressing beneficiaries of the programme

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•From left: Former Amirah Al-Muminaat, Hajia Qudrah Mahmud; Dr Safiyyah Miftah and the Amirah, Al-Muminaat, Lagos State, Hajia Basirah Afuleyin at the Medical Caravan programme at Iwaya health centre, Lagos.

‘Govt committed to speedy execution of Ibaka seaport project’

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HE Federal Government says it is committed to the speedy execution of the Ibaka Deep Seaport project in Akwa

Ibom.

Vice President Namadi Sambo said this in Uyo,the state capital, while inaugurating the fourth flyover bridge constructed by Governor Godswill Akpabio along Olusegun Obasanjo Way. The inauguration of the bridge was part of activities lined up for the silver jubilee celebration of the creation of Akwa Ibom State Sambo assured that the Federal Government would continue to partner with the state government to bring meaningful development to the state.

The Vice President, who expressed delight over the quality of work done on the flyover, noted that the state government had added value to the quality of lives of its citizens.

He said that the transformation agenda of the Federal Government was on course and would touch the lives of all Nigerians, including Akwa Ibom people.

Governor Akpabio said that the facility was the fourth major flyover constructed by his administration since 2007.

He said that the bridge was situated along Ring Road 3 and would help to divert traffic from the city centre especially those coming from Aba in Abia State and environs toward Ibom International Airport.

Akpabio, who praised Julius Berger Construction Company for timely delivery of the project, said that the Ring Road also passed through the area earmarked for the construction of an Olympic-size stadium.

He thanked the Federal Government for

Akwa Ibom

Delta

Orji backs agitation for state creation ABIA State Governor Theodore Orji has declared support for the creation of an additional state in the Southeast geo-political zone, saying that it would foster equity on the polity.

He said the endorsement of the agitation for a new state by Southeast Governors’ Forum is non-negotiable, adding that it would redress the current geo-political imbalance and make the region at par with other regions.

Orji said in a statement by his media aide, Ugo Emezue, that although he supported the creation of Abia State, the proposed state can be created from any of the five Southeast states.

The governor praised the leading lights championing the creation of new state in the region, including Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, pointing out that they have displaced patriotism and maintained an abiding faith in the cause of Ndigbo.

He stressed: “Ndigbo is committed to the creation of the new state and we will not rest, until our dream comes true. We are agitating based on the principles of equity, fair play and justice”.

Cross River former to operate.

Replying, Governor Imoke praised the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria

(CMAN) for its dogged determination to develop the mining industry.

He described the cement sector as possessing the greatest potential to develop the economy.

Clearing agents plead with minister

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LEARING and forwarding agents in Nigeria have appealed to the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar to allow the Council for the Regulation of Freight forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), an umbrella body of freight forwarders, to carry out its statutory responsibilities without further hindrance. Four out of the five accredited associations stated this last week when they visited the CRFFN national office in Lagos to lodge a protest letter with the Council Chairman, Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju for onward transmission to the Honourable Minister.

The summary of the content of the letter, according to the groups is that they are in support of the collection of transaction fees by the council at the ports because it is to the general wellbeing of the freight forwarding industry in Nigeria.

The four associations: NAGAFF, AREFFN, NAFFAC and NCMDLCA appealed to the minister not to allow himself to be misled by a few in the industry that are only seeking their own personal

Abia

By Uyoatt Eshiet

benefits.

Responding to the aggrieved agents who gathered in their numbers at the CRFFN national office, the council chairman, Hakeem Olanrewaju, appealed to them to go about their lawful businesses at the ports and remain calm as he promised them that their protest letter will be delivered to the minister. He assured them that very soon all issues will be sorted out as the Council is acting within the laws that set it up.

Olanrewaju say there are about 15,000 freight forwarders who must be trained, regulated and controlled for them to become professionals as required by the enabling Act in order to bring them in line with the standard obtained abroad.

‘Give us parking space’

By Ayeni Olalekan

From Shola O’Neil, London

during the opening ceremony of a training programme organised for 12 practising journalists at Thomson Reuters in London, England.

The governor, who was represented by Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah, said the move would help improve the standard of journalism in the state and Nigeria at large.

He said: “At the end of the day, we believe that the government and people would be the biggest beneficiaries because we will have a better and well informed press that would lead to a better society.

“The training will enable government and the press work together for the development of the state without compromising independence of the press. We want a situation where the press and government are not in perpetual war”, he added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Delta State council of Nigeria Union of Journalist, Comrade Norbert Chiazor, praised the state government for sponsoring the programme.

He said: “It is the first time that journalists practising in Delta State would have this kind of opportunity, not just to be trained, but to be trained at a renowned agency like Thomson Reuters.”

The NUJ chairman commended Governor Uduaghan for his favourable disposition to the proposal of the union for the workshop.

The week-long training programme is being held at the ultra-modern complex of the agency in Canary Wharf, South East London.

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`• •Newly installed President of Lagos Unity Estate Lions Club, Lion Kehinde Adebayo (middle) with the Royal Father of the Day at his investiture, Oba Abdulrasaq A. Afolabi Iyiolasemi III, the Olojoku of Ojokuland and his wife.

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HE Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has been applauded for the recent raids of the office of the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MSCN) and arrest of some of its officials for allegedly acting as collecting society without its permission.

Director of Enforcement of NCC, Mr. Augustine Amodu and members of his team

Honour for NSITF chief

inaugurating the Technical Committee on the Ibaka Deep Seaport project.

Briefly

ROSS River State has been described as a preferred destination for investment in Nigeria.

The chairman of Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN), Engr. Joe Makoju, made the assertion during a courtesy call on Governor Liyel Imoke at the end of Managing Directors of Cement Factories quarterly meeting in Calabar.

Makoju, who disclosed that the meeting was to appraise the performance of the cement sector in the country, said it was a successful meeting.

According to him, this year makes it the first time the country has not recorded any importation of cement because the local cement factories are performing tremendously well.

He said the conducive economic environment in Cross River State will soon see the state become the cement hub in the country.

Makoju maintained that they were mindful of their social corporate responsibilities to their host communities.

He acknowledged the support which UNICEM has received from the Cross River State government and praised the latter for providing a conducive environment for the

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HE 2012 Children Ambassador Award has honoured Dr. Ngozi Olejeme for her contribution to values that promote child development in Nigeria. The group honours distinguished Nigerians who have proven record of contribution to development of young people.

The recipient of the 2012 edition Dr. Olejeme is currently the Chairman, Governing Board of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and Trust Fund Pension Plc. She was described as ‘Angel of Charity’ for

•Dr Olejeme

her dynamic visionary leadership role in public service and her exemplary humanitarian work in Nigeria.

Her role in n a t i o n building fires through the b u r n i n g passion to transform lives in homes and communities across Nigeria

but more dipped in her native home town in Aniocha North, Delta State, Southern Nigeria, where she is involved in humanitarian activities like providing stipend to widows and providing vocational training for young school leavers.

Receiving the awards in Abuja, Olejeme said touching lives through nation- building values are the common philosophy that drives her role in governance. She noted that the role of politics is to shape the society and provide direction that would impact on the lives of people. “I thank you for the honour” she told the organisers but quickly pointed that the award would prompt her to do more. Dr. Olejeme is also head of Vocational Training and FERMA committees of the subsidy reinvestment programme,( SUREP) , with mandate to provide 10,000 jobs for each state of Nigeria.

“I believe government needs to improve the lives of people and it will continue to do so” she said.

The award organizers justify the recipient as possessing values that promotes good governance. These values are inscribed in the innate expression of her core leadership principles- touching lives one at a time until the entire community is transformed into a prosperous society- This is the guiding philosophy that drives Olejeme’s input and impact on the underprivileged.

HE Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) and Accredited Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN), Toll Gate unit, Ogun State have appealed to the state government to make provision for a parking space for them.

They made the plea at the public enlightenment campaign rally organised by the Federal Road Safety Commission, Otta, Ogun state, in conjunction with the two associations at Okada’s park, Toll Gate .

Speaking at the occasion, the head of administrative department and human resources of the commission, Mr. Jeffrey Monday Otubu, urged the commericial motorcyclists to be careful while on the roads.

Otubu said “All the okada riders are expected to have uniforms with registration numbers for easy identification and use their helmets and ride cautiously.

One of the ACOMORAN executive, Mr. Bunmi Jayeola who spokes on behalf of the unit chairman of the association said: “The associations are doing their best in supporting the government by enforcing their members to comply with the road rules and regulations”.

Group hails Nigeria Copyright Commission

By Amidu Arije

carried out the operation.

The commendation was contained in a letter sent to the commission and signed by Hon. John Ewelukwa Udegbunam on behalf of the Nigerian Music Industry Coalition. Hon. Udegbunam is the President of the Music Label Owners and Recordings Industries Association of Nigeria (MORAN). In it, he hailed the commission for its efforts at sanitising the industry.

“We write to commend you on this action taken to ensure the sanitisation of the Nigerian music industry. We express our full support in your drive to see that the average musician in Nigeria has a

pride of place in the industry,” the letter reads.

Chief Tony Okoroji, former PMAN President and chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) also hailed the commission for the giant stride it made at sanitising the industry.

“Everybody in our industry now knows the character and style of MCSN. Instead of addressing their rabid lawlessness, they will start shouting ‘human rights’ and use fake demonstration to try and con everybody. It will not work this time. Under five different D-Gs of the NCC, their request for approval has been refused. The Attorney-General of the Federation has intervened and asked the MCSN to respect the law. They ignored his advice.

•Executive Director, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF), Alhaji Abdullahi Shuaib (holding micro phone) flanked by ZSF Missioner Ustadh Jamiu Trimidhi (right) and Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Area, Hon Jide Jimoh during the inauguration of borehole at Migbewe, Makoko, Lagos

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News

DPR warns marketers on illegal construction of filling stations

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

•Olorunsola

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HE Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has warned oil marketers on the construction of filling stations without its approval.

The DPR Director, Osten Olurunsola gave this warning at the

2012 major and independent marketers meeting held in Lagos. He decried the rising issue of marketers building new filling stations without seeking the statutory approval from the regulator.

Olorunsola, who spoke through Mr Lanre Buraimoh, DPR’s Assistant Director, Product Depot and Jetty, said: “The past year witnessed an upsurge in the number of marketers who began construction of filling stations with an ‘Approval to Construct,’ and then later applied for a waiver from the Department. This is an outright violation of the laws governing the construction of filling stations, and an appropriate penalty will soon be in place for this.”

He told the marketers that the construction of filling stations and fabrication of underground tanks should be undertaken only by DPR accredited consultant. Likewise all oil and gas equipment suppliers

must be accredited by DPR, he added.

He drew the attention of the marketers to strict compliance with oil and gas industry standards as practised worldwide.

On ensuring further application of global standards in local operations, Olorunsola said the Department is in advanced stages for the implementation of the Trucking Policy, which is envisaged to enhance tanker trucks usage and institute orderliness in trucking activities at the depots. The policy will also minimise pipeline vandalism, check diversion, theft and adulteration of petroleum products, and enhance road users’ safety, amongst others.

On the current fuel scarcity, the

DPR chief said that fuel distribution has remained stable until recently when reduction in supply has been noticed probably as a result of outstanding subsidy payments to the marketers and vandalism of distribution facilities as witnessed recently at Arepo. He said that the government is making concerted effort to ensure the availability of petroleum products.

He also appealed to the marketers to step up product supply, especially as the festive periods approach. “We are approaching the end of year with the expected usual surge in social and festive activities. The attendant elevated quest for consumption of petroleum products cannot be overemphasised. We wish to encourage

marketers to ensure product availability to the public at this critical period. Marketers are strongly advised not to engage in acts that may lead to creation of products scarcity, and other associated ills such as hoarding and product diversion for profiteering, he said.

DPR Operations Controller Mr Gbenga Koku corroborated Olorunsola, urging the marketers to conduct their operations within the provisions of petroleum laws and regulations, adding that a lot of challenges still lie ahead towards transforming and repositioning the downstream sector for sustainable economic development.

He said: “We will continue to monitor licensed outlets, and hand over the illegal operators to the police. We will not licence retail outlets constructed without recourse to petroleum regulations.”

Operator lauds local content implementation

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HERE are indications that Nigerians playing in the upstream oil and gas sector have started reaping the benefits of the Local Content Act because they now have jobs to do more they had in the pre Content Act era.

The Managing Director, Channel Oil and Petroleum Limited, Ebibomo Timitimi, who disclosed this in Lagos, said the Nigerian companies had experienced tremendous growth under the Local Content Law and its implementation by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, which follows issues to the logical end.

He said in addition, more opportunities have been created because the law specifies certain things that as a matter of compulsion should be given to the locals - even the communities where the oil and gas activities take place, have been properly empowered by the local content board.

Timitimi predicted a situation where the indigenous companies would soon have more than enough jobs to handle. “Given where we were before and where we are presently, it’s been a tremendous growth. They are work-

By Ambrose Nnaji

ing along the path to achieving full implementation,” he added.

He dismissed insinuations that other African countries would soon overtake Nigeria in terms of investments in the oil and gas sector, saying that the Nigeria sweet crude still remains the highest grade in demand by refineries abroad.

Timitimi said: “The Nigerian sweet crude because of its very low sulphur content is what is needed by refineries. It’s the highest grade of crude. We will continue to be the destination of first choice by the international oil companies (IOCs). I don’t think the findings in these other regions are of the (blend) sweet crude grade.”

He said there are crude that have very high sulphur content and crude that have low sulphur content, which according to him, affect the yield when refining.

“The Nigerian sweet crude is of the highest grades in the world and that’s why it is in hot demand. We will continue to be the preferred destination for the IOCs if the right enabling environment is created,” he said.

Integrated oil denies oil theft HAIRMAN of Integrated Oil and Gas and former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, has described the involvement of his company in alleged stolen petroleum products as false and fictitious.

Ihenacho said the whole thing is a false and fictitious frame up.

Ihenacho was reportedly arrested at the weekend over alleged involvement in the hijack of a vessel said to be carrying suspected stolen petroleum products.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi, disclosed the arrest of the Integrated Oil and Gas chief.

Akpobolokemi, who spoke through the NIMASA Executive Director in charge of maritime labour services and Cabotage, Mr Obi Nwabueze , had said the stolen products were traced to

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Integrated oil and Gas Limited tankfarm in Apapa.

The agency in view of the allegation sealed off the premises of the company pending outcome of investigation.

Nwabueze said: “You recalled we had cause to parade some pirates here and we did say that we were going to continue to look for those who were behind these pirates because we came to the realisation that behind the facade there are the kingpins and the big men who facilitate piracy.

“So in line with our promise to the Nigerian public, we intensified our search for the big men behind the scene and we are happy to tell you today that we have been able to trace them to a company, a major company integrated oil and gas.

“The products that were stolen from the activities of piracy were conveyed and stored at integrated oil and gas. As we speak we have sealed off the company and we have arrested the top management of the company.”

•From left: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc Reginald Ihejiahi; Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company Mutiu Sunmonu and Managing Director, Access Bank Plc Aighoje AigImoukhuede at the launch of the Shell Contractors Support Scheme in Port Harcourt.

Vigeo Power strategises to acquire PHCN assets A

S the battle for the acquisition of the prized assets of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), under the ongoing privatisation programme hots up, Vigeo Power Limited has positioned itself to clinch some of the assets.

Vigeo, which was among the firms shortlisted by Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) from the 54 firms that submitted bids to acquire the 11 electricity distribution companies (discos), also participated in the PHCN bid for metering and billing management.

The company was the management operator for the National PrePayment Metering Programme (NPPMP) in the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) covering Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti States. The programme primarily targeted at reducing non-technical

losses and improving customer satisfaction via improved customer service delivery. This entails the procurement, installation and management of prepaid meters in BEDC. The contract provides for the installation of 161,000 Pre-Paid Meters (PPMs) within two years and management of the vending operations until the operator’s investment in metering and vending infrastructure is fully repaid.

“Again GUMCO emerged top with no less impact, installing over 150,000 prepaid meters within two years, when the total prepaid metering installation in the whole 11 distribution companies under the NPPMP was less than 500,000, that is, 485,000 at the stoppage of investment deployment under the NPPMP. This is a feat unequalled in the an-

nals of PHCN,” a source in the company added.

Vigeo according to one of its officials has continued to render technical support services to BEDC, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IEDC) and other DisCos especially in areas of metering, billing and collection infrastructure development and management. Established in 1999, Vigeo Power has extensive experience in the Nigerian electric distribution and downstream sector.

It is managed by a team of indigenous and expatriate professionals with over 60 years cumulative experience in power and utilities project management.

The company’s Nigerian experience includes over eight years of public private partnership experience in both Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) and Prepaid Metering Service with the PHCN.

Conoil begins door-to-door gas, lubricants distribution

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ONOIL Plc has started the distribution and marketing of lubricants and domestic gas (liquefied petroleum gas, LPG) to mechanic workshops and homes.

A statement from the company, said the concept is aimed at improving the delivery of lubricants and cooking gas to the door steps of customers on real-time basis and at affordable prices.

The new initiative, simply known as COSA (Conoil Services Associates), guarantees product availability through branded motorcycles and tricycles. Through COSA, the first of its kind in petroleum products distribution and marketing in the continent, the volume of the company’s lubricant sales is projected to increase by over one million litres in one

year, the statement added.

Another value addition of COSA to retailers, and invariably end consumers, is reasonable reduction in price. COSA is also designed as the company’s corporate social responsibility as it is expected to create hundreds of employment opportunities and promote entrepreneurship among fresh graduates.

The company said: “COSA will create direct and indirect employment opportunities and reduce unemployment rate in Nigeria.”

Conoil recently announced, plans to invest N1.5 billion to re-invigorate the totally deregulated and high margin-yielding lubricant business over a four-year period with projected revenue of N33 billion over same period.

Towards achieving this projection, the company upgraded its filling lines at its Apapa plant and constructed new ones in Port Harcourt and Kano to generate additional volumes.

Chairman of the company Dr. Mike Adenuga at its last annual general meeting (AGM) promised shareholders that the company would continue to invest in initiatives that would offer new choices to customers and also consolidate Conoil’s dominant position in the downstream petroleum sector.

“We will consolidate and re-establish our commanding presence in retail business, lubricants, aviation, liquefied petroleum gas and specialized products,” Adenuga told shareholders.

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COMMENTARY Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Mr. Obama’s refreshing defense of free speech

Steps ahead •’Bloody Sunday’ robbery suspects’ sophistication shows the police need modern tools to combat crime

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HE “bloody Sunday” robbery that shook Lagos three weeks ago is still causing ripples with news of the arrest of three suspects by the police: Uche Okeagbu (23), Emmanuel Ezeani (23) and Chinonso Nwuaugwu(23). In the incident which sent the city into panic, a gang of dare-devil robbers shot dead three policemen, a bureau de change operator, a commercial motorcyclist and a commercial bus driver; and more than 10 people were believed to have been injured. The robbers drove round in two vehicles, spreading horror as they escaped with their loot of foreign currencies stolen from a bureau de change in Agege. For hours, the gang terrorised the public as it surfaced at Ifako- Gbagada, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Mile 2 and Agege.

Jolted by the apparent ease with which the robbers carried out their violent operation, the Inspector- General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, reacted with strong words for his men: “There is no doubt, some of you are sleeping on duty,” he said, adding, “We can’t fold our arms; and policemen must be seen and felt on every road and street in Lagos. The robbery incident is an embarrassment to the force. It can never be accepted anymore.”

Probably prompted by this put-down, the state Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) swung into action and eventually arrested the three suspects that were paraded at the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. Also on display were four vehicles which hitherto served as the gang’s mobile armoury, Infinity and Toyota Sports

Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and two Volkswagen buses, which had been reconstructed to conceal arms and ammunition. Found in the improvised chambers were : two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, five dynamites with a detonator, two general purpose machine guns, nine AK47 rifles, 225 AK47 magazines (fully loaded), 260 rounds of GPMG live ammunition, and over 10,000 rounds of live AK47 ammunition. Police commissioner Umar Manko said one of the gang’s operational vehicles also has a sensor Close Circuit Television (CCTV) to monitor whoever was trailing them.

The discovery of these arms and ammunition is simply mind-boggling, and shows how well equipped the robbers were for their evil business. The level of sophistication of their weapons and operational devices is also amazing. This development definitely raises a crucial question about the source of such weaponry. Furthermore, it highlights the possibility that there are criminals on the loose who might have an operational capacity that is beyond the police. So, the issue of probable complacency of the police raised by the IGP does not seem to address a fundamental question. We ask: How well equipped is the force to deal with such crimes?

To go by his words, however, the IGP would have us believe that the police should be up to the task. In his reaction to the incident, he told his men: “They must put more strategy on ground and methodology of fighting crimes. We cannot fold our hands anymore and allow few criminals to terrorise residents. The

governor has given us everything that we need in terms of mobility, in terms of technology, in terms of support and we shouldn’t allow the people of Lagos to be terrorised by common charlatans and criminals.” On our part, we wonder whether the matter is really no more than a failure of strategy and process, and whether the force is sufficiently equipped to do its work.

It is noteworthy that the arrested suspects are young men in their twenties, and we wonder what could have attracted them to a life of crime at their age. In a sense, their alleged involvement in the “bloody Sunday” mayhem could be a metaphor for the state of the nation with its huge unemployment crisis and pervasive corrupt values.

‘On our part, we wonder whether the matter is really no more than a failure of strategy and process, and whether the force is sufficiently equipped to do its work.

It is noteworthy that the arrested suspects are young men in their twenties, and we wonder what could have attracted them to a life of crime at their age ...’

Vanity upon vanity ...

•Imelda Marcos’ legendary shoe collection goes to waste

T

HE recent announcement that the over 1,220 pairs of shoes amassed by Imelda Marcos, wife of the late President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines, has gone to waste is a testimony to the vanity of worldly ambition and the ultimate foolishness of human greed.

Reports have it that the shoes, clothes, accessories and other materials accumulated by the Marcos family during the twodecade dictatorship of its patriarch, and abandoned by them when they fled the country during the “People Power” revolt of 1986, have been damaged by years of neglect and poor storage. They had initially been kept at the Presidential Palace in Manila, and then transferred to the National Museum after termites and humidity began to affect them. Little effort was

‘The Nigerian elite rank among the most assiduous purchasers of private jets anywhere in the world. The populace is repeatedly assailed with tales of frauds involving the theft of billions of naira. Industrialists, bankers, traditional rulers and other wealthy Nigerians continue to breach the boundaries of good taste in their unending quest for ways to show off their ill-gotten wealth. As they continue to indulge themselves, however, they would do well to remember the fate of Imelda Marcos’s shoes ...’

made to properly preserve them, and flooding appears to have damaged many items beyond repair.

Given the monumental avariciousness with which Mrs. Marcos collected shoes and other fashion items, the neglect and damage that they have sustained demonstrate the true extent of her greed. Once kept in custom-built, temperature-controlled and heavily-secured walk-in closets, these things have become a fitting epitaph for a wasteful, corrupt and useless regime. At a time when thousands were starving and denied access to educational, healthcare and other aspects of social welfare, the Marcos family embarked on an orgy of conspicuous consumption that was almost unrivalled in contemporary history.

Unfortunately, they are the rule rather than the exception. The developing world in particular is littered with insatiable leaders whose greed virtually has no limit. The rogue’s gallery includes star performers like Congo Democratic Republic’s President Mobutu Sese Seko, who was adjudged to be wealthier than his country; Jean-Bedel Bokassa, the “emperor” of the Central African Empire, whose ambition was to become Africa’s Napoleon Bonaparte; Haiti’s “Papa Doc” Duvalier, who used a combination of murder and voodoo to sustain himself in power. Even Nigeria had its General Sani Abacha, whose determination to perpetuate himself in office was exceeded only by the rapaciousness with which he looted the nation he purported to lead.

Imelda Marcos’ obsession with shoes is symbolic of the moral regression that affects many rulers and their families when

they attain the heights of power. She often claimed that the shoes were gifts from adoring citizens, but she never thought to ever give away even one pair of the over 1,220 pairs that adorned her homes. As museum officials struggle to preserve what they can of her tainted legacy, she is currently a law-maker in her country, continuously regaling the citizenry with promises of a return to power. Her superlative shoe collection, however, is as useless to her as it is to her shoeless compatriots who could have benefitted from a timely display of generosity on her part.

Nigeria in 2012 is eerily similar to the Philippines in 1986. There is the same ostentatious display of wealth by politicians and their cronies, the same contempt for public opinion, the same confidence in impunity. Only recently, it was revealed that the Nigerian elite rank among the most assiduous purchasers of private jets anywhere in the world. The populace is repeatedly assailed with tales of frauds involving the theft of billions of naira. Industrialists, bankers, traditional rulers and other wealthy Nigerians continue to breach the boundaries of good taste in their unending quest for ways to show off their ill-gotten wealth.

As they continue to indulge themselves, however, they would do well to remember the fate of Imelda Marcos’s shoes: whatever is flaunted will ultimately end up being neglected; all ostentation and luxury will inevitably come to an end, no matter how expensive it is.

W

HEN ANTI-AMERICAN demonstrations spread around the world this month, the Obama administration focused much of its public response on denouncing the anti-Muslim video that had provoked outrage and provided a pretext for extremists. President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton rightly distanced the U.S. government from the video and stressed the American system of religious tolerance; more disturbingly, the White House asked Google to consider removing the offending video from its YouTube Web site.

So it was heartening Tuesday to hear Mr. Obama, in his address to the U.N. General Assembly, deliver a vigorous defense of freedom of speech, including the right of individuals to “blasphemy against our most sacred beliefs.”

“Americans have fought and died around the globe to protect the right of all people to express their views — even views that we disagree with,” the president said. Without such freedom, he said, individuals might be stopped from practicing their own faith; “efforts to restrict speech can become a tool to silence critics or oppress minorities.” He concluded: “Given the power of faith in our lives and the passion that religious differences can inflame, the strongest weapon against hateful speech is not repression, it is more speech.”

Mr. Obama went on to denounce violence as a response to speech, and to insist that other leaders speak out against extremism — including “those who — even when not resorting to violence — use hatred of America, or the West, or Israel as a central principle of politics.” The rhetoric was well-targeted: Anti-Americanism has become a tool of extremist and reactionary forces in the power struggles underway in post-revolutionary Arab states. The anti-Muslim video — a vile but obscure piece of Internet flotsam — was seized on by militants in Egypt and Libya as a means for rallying support in Cairo and as a cover for staging an armed assault on U.S. personnel in Benghazi.

It is important for the president and his administration to try to make clear to the majority of Muslims — who do not participate in demonstrations but follow the controversy — that the United States does not sponsor or endorse religious slander. That fact, while obvious to Americans, is not widely understood in the Middle East. But it is just as important to send the message that American free speech will not be curbed to suit religious sensibilities and that violence will not be tolerated. “We will bring justice to those who harm our citizens and our friends,” Mr. Obama said. Delivering on those words will be another important piece of the administration’s response.

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

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

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CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: It is saddening and a paradox that a nation richly endowed with abundant human as well as natural resources, such as crude oil could be in dire need of what is supposed to be a blessing. Our problems are generally hinged on bad leadership, corruption, poor maintenance culture, lack of patriotism and institutional failure.

While many of the consuming nations, which buy crude oil from Nigeria are comfortable with their fuel situation, our dear country is engulfed in incessant fuel crises, which continues to take a toll on virtually all facets of its national life because of its strategic importance. The latest is the ongoing scarcity in major cities across the country. Many filling stations currently sell a litre of petrol for N115, while others sell for N150 or more, as against the official price of N97.

Initial reports of the scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) described as ‘an ordinary hitch’ in the supply chain to some Northern states has now spread to other parts of the country. Reports say the scarcity may linger for many more weeks!

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On the perennial fuel scarcity The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has blamed the shortage on the continued closure of a vandalised NNPC System 2B pipeline at Arepo, Ogun State. Repair works at the vandalised pipeline were stopped after suspected vandals allegedly killed three NNPC engineers at the site. The scarcity has also been attributed to the reluctance by members of the Jetty and Petroleum Tank Farm Owners of Nigeria (JEPTFON).

There are reports that most of them owe banks for fuel imported on behalf of the NNPC but which the corporation is yet to settle. There are equal claims that fuel importers have been unable to import because their subsidy payments had been stopped.

The Ministry of Finance on its part, has stated that it paid N259

billion outstanding subsidies for 2011 and another N78.8 billion for this year despite the marketers’ outcry of an alleged outstanding payment of up to N200 billion.

Going by the past experiences, the nagging episode the perennial fuel crises may not abate until concerted efforts are made by relevant stakeholders to address the problems. First, the activities of vandals should be stopped. It is unfortunate that our oil pipelines are insecure in this part of the world. Government and relevant security agencies must ensure that our oil pipelines are secure at all times to prevent recurrence of the ugly incident of the killing of oil workers on routine maintenance duties as witnessed at the Arepo village and elsewhere.

Inadequate refineries, mal-func-

tioning or under functioning of existing refineries is another factor in the incessant fuel crises. At the moment, none of the country‘s refineries is working efficiently, making the country to depend on 100 per cent fuel importation. Efforts should be stepped up to ensure that new refineries are in place so that there can be enough fuel for domestic consumption and if possible, importation. Refining of the country’s crude would lead to higher opportunities in a deregulated market; stimulate medium scale service industries, better industrial capacity utilization and creation of greater job opportunities for our teeming restive, unemployed youths.

• Adewale Kupoluyi Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

Ajimobi’s ‘New Deal’ and Oyo PDP

S

IR: The use of diversionary tactics to dissipate the energy of the governing class has become an acceptable tool of the opposition in modern democracy.

It is equally a truism that effective leadership is determined by the extent to which the leader can resist the antics of the opposition.

The first prize if such a leader allows himself to be swayed is that he would lose focus of his programs and projects to the people.

It is a paradox that the PDP in Oyo state has never seen anything good in any of the transformation agenda of Ajimobi administration.

It is one thing to acknowledge the quality of a project even if it means offering an input on how it can still be better. While the Oyo State government has been consistent with facts and figures about the number of roads it has awarded across the state, the PDP has not faulted the

figures as well as their locations.

Instead, the party continues to claim that most of the roads and bridges had actually been in the pipeline since Akala days.

If for over four years the PDP could not get itself together to actualize these “pipeline” projects, it may need another decade to implement them.

When the PDP discovered that it had lost the battle on the issue of quality of work on the road projects, it resorted to cheap propaganda touting inconveniences caused to the public in the course of road construction. The plain truth is that the people cannot eat their cake and have it at the same time. But even at that, the government has not been found wanting in creating alternative routes with adequate notice to the public before commencement of construction work.

One innovation which Governor Ajimobi has brought into governance in recent time is the quality of personnel he had brought on board. This is the first time in history of Oyo state that recycling of personnel in the service of the state would be jettisoned. In the past it had been the case of club of ex-this, ex-that holding sensitive positions in the state even when their physique and psyche could not meet the challenges of such offices.

For the first time we see the executive council of the state made up of people within productive prime age burstling with energy and mental alertness to deliver dividends of democracy to the people. It is to the credit of the governor however that in limiting his cabinet to prime age bracket substantially, he did not neglect the aged either. He put them in less challenging positions in the

parastatals and other agencies where they can take their stride.

One other area where the governor has performed miracle in the state is in relative peace that has permeated the state. When one reflects on what used to be life in Oyo state two to three years ago, one begins to wonder whether the road transport workers of that time was different from the present set of NURTW. The institution of traditional rulership has witnessed relative peace and stability unlike in the past when government caused commotion and confusion within the rank of traditional rulers through phony elevations aimed at distorting history for selfish some purposes.

• Agboola Sanni Ibadan

Sharp practices in varsities

S

IR: Most lecturers in our tertiary institutions are now in a serious business. The business , as you may think is not making sure that students are educationally equipped in all ramifications but are bent on enriching themselves at the detriment of the students.

Under normal circumstances, a university graduate is believed to have passed through rigorous academic tests under the tutelage of lecturers who had sleepless nights with a view to making sure the students become envy of the neighbourhood and pride of the nation.

But alas, what is going on now in our tertiary institutions amongst the lecturers is impoverishing the students by extorting money from them by one means or the other. They now force the students to buy handouts and any student that refuse would fail that particular subject. Another system in vogue is writing of textbooks which they sell only to the students and any student that fail to buy would not receive the blessing of the lecturer. In other words, no matter how intelligent or factual the student is he is going to fail that paper.

But the worst of them all is sorting of papers syndrome. Here, students pay to pass any paper they take in the examination and the amount involved is outrageous, This attitude will never augur well for us if we are serious about raising the standard of education to enviable heights.

So, my appeal is to Vice chancellors and heads of departments to investigate to confirm this allegation with a view to bringing those involved to book.

• Nkemakolam Gabriel Port Harcourt

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 16

21

COMMENTS

Reality Bites I

Olatunji Ololade

DO not celebrate Rauf Aregbesola for this is hardly about him. I do not know the man nor do I intend to meet him; probably because I have met him many times over in his spirited reason. He calls it “Islam, Education and the Principles of Jihad,” but I would call it a gift, a cognizant bequest to the Muslim brotherhood.

In his submission subsists caution, that proverbial depth of reason and understanding that has become forbidden fruit to a greater section of religious faithful cum humanity.

He advocates peace, tolerance, the pursuit of knowledge for the collective good and sincere worship of Allah (SWT). In the lecture which he delivered recently at the 2012 (1433) National Unity Ramadan lecture of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society of Nigeria, Abuja, the Governor of Osun evoked those rare principles of spirituality and humaneness that constitutes the essence of Islam.

The uneasy relationship between the Christian and Muslim worlds, he claims, is partly because they are competing faiths and partly due to gross misunderstanding of what Islam truly represents. Since September 11, 2001 when some terrorists flew fuel laden planes into buildings in the United States, killing about 3, 000 people in the worst terrorist attack in the country, there has been an unprecedented surge in what scholars now refer to as ‘Islamophobia,’ he acknowledges.

Aregbesola condemns the unending cycle of violence and intoler-

C

ance perpetrated in the name of religion, warning that it would lead to mutually assured destruction of adherents of both faiths. “This scenario is foreboding and should send cold shivers down our spines. Let nobody be under any illusion, it is an unwinnable war for any of the parties,” he warns.

“In my part of Nigeria, Christians and Muslims are so interwoven in communal living that a religious war and forcible conversion are unthinkable. There is no family that does not have a generous mix of Christians, Muslims and traditional religious worshippers. Even though I am a Muslim, my uterine sister is a fervent Christian…I am proud of this heritage although it does not subtract anything from my Islamic faith,” he says.

Any fairly honest Nigerian knows that the Boko Haram sect does not approximate Islam by any stretch of the imagination, the Governor avers and the issue, he says, “is about the dynamics within Islam and if not well managed, could affect its perception by the larger world and its fortunes in a changing world.”

As panacea, Governor Aregbesola sensitizes the Muslim Ummah (community) to the inherent benefits in scorning violence and evolving a peaceful and highly progressive Islam and educational system.

However, his effort no matter how heartfelt, would have amounted to an exercise in futility had he not sought to explain Islam’s true position on the oft misrepresented con-

OME Monday October 1, the country will be marking its 52nd independence anniversary. Bayelsa State will equally be rolling out the drums to mark the 16th anniversary of its creation on October 1, 1996.

Naturally, the state should command and evince the respect and admiration of all, owing to the discovery of oil in commercial quantity in Oloibiri in 1956. The discovery launched Nigeria into global reckoning as a major oilproducing nation. It is sad to note that 56 years after the discovery of oil and now 16 years since the creation of the state, not much has happened to alter the largely rural status of a state that is today nicknamed the Glory of all Lands.

Oloibiri, the small, creek community where oil was first found in Nigeria, has today become some sort of metaphor. Several authors have written about Oloibiri. One author likened the abandoned creek community to a once beautiful village bride, who suffered countless rape by the same man who professed undying love for her and with several unfulfilled promises of marriage. Now she lies desolate and there is nothing left in her that is desirable for any man to treasure.

Yet, another anonymous author once wrote in a piece titled ‘Mission Oloibiri: “The goose that lays the golden eggs nourish the same persons who famish her so as to exploit her more effectively”.

Many other narratives of the political economy of Bayelsa State by such discerning intellectuals like Claude Ake and local natives alike noted the prevailing unsavory ecological circumstances which had actually contributed largely to its under-development.

Some people have alluded to the emergence of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as President was God’s own way of compensating the deprived people out of whose land oil was first discovered. Good as it sounds, the line of reasoning smacks of conventional wisdom.

President Jonathan, no doubt, is first and foremost, a Bayelsan, one in whom we take enormous pride. Indeed, President Jonathan has exhibited a rare trait of a leader who truly symbolizes our collective resolve and aspiration as a people earnestly desirous of turning a new page in our country’s history.

I have heard people make comments like “It will be disastrous if President Jonathan fails to turn around the fortunes of his people after the expiration of his term in office.”

President Jonathan as the President of the

Golden Islam…the pursuit •(A review of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s quest for true Islam) cept of Jihad – given the Christian disposition to equate every Islamic enterprise as an appendage of bloody and violent Jihad.

In Islam, Jihad is not all about war. Qital (war) is just one form of Jihad. Jihad in its broad sense implies all forms of striving, struggle or exertion of effort aimed at improving a situation or reaching perfection or attaining excellence. It could imply struggling against evil or against one’s limitations, weaknesses and excesses. To this end, all efforts aimed at attaining discipline, self-improvement, self-denial, self-restraint, excellence, patience and perfection for the sake of Allah (fee sabilillaah) constitute forms of Jihad.

In this respect, Muslims need to learn, he admonishes, from the outstanding conduct of Khalifah Umar Ibn Al Kattab (R.A.) and Salahudeen Al-Ayyubi when they both took control of Jerusalem during their reign as leaders of the Muslim Ummah. They destroyed neither churches nor synagogues. Rather, Muslims were permitted, if need be, to pray in them. Besides, the Christian and Jewish inhabitants were accorded respect and nobody imposed Islam on them. It is also on record that the Prophet allowed the Christians from Najaran to worship in his mosque while on a visit to him in Madinah al Munawarah.

“But what do we see today? Wanton destruction of churches and mosques, and the thoughtless killings of both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Isn’t Islam itself now under a threat in the hands of villains who claim to be defending and promoting it?” laments Aregbesola.

To those who only believe in imposing Islam on others, he remon-

strates, Allah (SWT) asks a pointed question in Surah Yunus (10:99): ‘If it had been your Lord’s will, they would all have believed – all who are on earth! Will you then compel mankind, against their will, to believe?’

Coercion has no place in Islam, argues Aregbesola; neither does hateful monotheism. Thus he counsels that a Muslim needs not live in an ideal Islamic society before he can diligently serve Allah and uplift his society. “Otherwise, Allah would have restricted Muslims only to certain parts of the world,” he said stressing the need for Muslims to learn to live, work and find fulfillment in a multi-religious and multi-cultural society no matter the odds. Pristine Islamic values and ethos must not be confined to the mosques and our homes. They must be on display in our social interactions and our committed effort towards the transformation of the society. Indeed, to be able to win the world to Islam, we must be in constant contact with people of other faiths and those who are not religious at all.

In a nutshell, Aregbesola suggests a new template for Islamic propagation. According to him, every generation needs to respond to the needs of its time. Muslim scholars have to develop their capacity to address modern audiences and modern challenges. Modern tools of technology and communication must be legitimately used for the purpose of Islamic propagation.

Most importantly, the voice of moderation and inclusion must now drown out the voice of extremism and exclusion.

Aregbesola advocates a holistic agenda for the education and reeducation of the Muslim mind and

stresses the elimination of victimhood, the notion that Muslims are victims of western and Christian conspiracy, the tendency that predisposes Muslims to hatred and make them easy recruits of merchants of violence. Rather, where Muslims are in authority, they should use their positions to promote and enthrone good governance, mitigation of misery and poverty, promotion of justice and liberty for all people. It is unacceptable that ignorance, poverty and underdevelopment are somewhat pronounced in places where Muslims are in the majority in this country. This situation must change.

History teaches us that Islam has nothing to do with misery, poverty and underdevelopment.

While working with other communities, the Muslim must share the responsibility of making the world an abode of peace, justice and progress that the Muslim Ummah may once again become torchbearers of civilization and human progress emphasizes the Governor.

No doubt, Aregbesola evokes glories attributable to the Muslim Ummah in the epoch widely acknowledged as the golden age of Islam. In that era also known as the time of the Abbasid Khilafah, from the 8th Century to 15th century, scientists, geographers, poets, engineers and philosophers amongst others, contributed significantly to their respective fields, by creating new inventions and by preserving and building upon earlier work.

Their contribution till date, impact every major civilization that succeeded their era.

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

Bayelsa at 16: A paradigm shift in governance

By Daniel Markson-Iworiso whole country has a responsibility to govern all parts of the country, not just Bayelsa or Niger Delta. Besides, how does having a son of the soil as President, as many would like us to believe, amount to an appropriate compensation sufficient enough to atone for the long years of cruel, unjust deprivation and unfair exploitation and depletion of our natural resources? How does it adequately compensate for the terrible devastation of the natural environment and eco-system in the last 50 or more years since the discovery of oil?

What is important now is for us to press on in our collective pursuit to build a better country, where everyone will have a true sense of belonging and be made to feel the impact of government. The ethnic card and politics associated with it must stop as basis for national renewal. And this is why the emerging face of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson as a bridge builder in a multicultural nation like ours is most commendable. We are seeing a new era of politics of substance, politics of meaning and conviction.

For good reasons, Bayelsans who hitherto were cynical about politics and politicians due to their penchant for failed promises have had cause to beat a retreat. They are now seeing fundamental things happening in government unlike in the past. Consistently for the past six months, the Dickson-led administration has lived up to the commitment to announce and publish all revenues accruing to the state. This singular move, which was designed to entrench a regime of transparency and accountability in the conduct of government business, has indeed done a lot to rebuild the lacerated ligament of confidence of the people in governance. It has further endeared the state to investors as evident in the influx of investments in key sectors of the economy such as in the agricultural sector where a Memorandum of Understanding was recently signed with a Dutch firm seeking to set up a cassava processing plant in Bayelsa for the purpose of export.

Tourism is also looking up as a strategic means of development with the basic infrastructure and policy framework being put in place.

The last 16 years have been quite challenging as a state but our people are beginning to understand and appreciate that under the Dickson-led administration, politics is no longer business but a mission. Indeed, through his actions and pronouncements in office, Governor Dickson has re-enacted Dante Alighieri’s lux fiat – ‘show the light, to bring to the fore that he that finds himself at the head must lead the way for others to follow’.

Bayelsans are truly persuaded that the restoration agenda is well on track. The ban on commercial motorcycle has given way to brand new Restoration taxi-cabs and buses now visibly plying the streets of Yenagoa and its environs. There is also the massive restoration of decrepit infrastructure, reformation of the institutions of good governance, strict enforcement of law in line with the avowed commitment to ensure zero tolerance for crime and criminality. The Dickson-led administration has no doubt made the necessary investment in security in order to create and sustain a secure society governed by the rule of law.

Even more evident is Governor Dickson’s resolve to deliver on education given his principled stand on the development of the human capital. Little wonder, his declaration of state of emergency for the sector immediately resulted in the pronouncement of the policy on free and compulsory education for children in primary and secondary schools with emphasis on computer literacy, science and technology. This policy has since taken effect, so also is the rebuilding of educational infrastructure.

Bayelsa State is fast becoming the epicentre of educational excellence. Never in the history of Nigeria with exception to the regime of the Western regional government under the able leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has any state governent taken such keen interest in the education of its citizens like Governor Dickson has done. For the first time in the history of the state, tution-free education is backed up by provision of free school uniforms, writing materials, exercise books, school sandals, including the supply of stateof the-art school furniture to enhance the quality of learning for every Bayelsan child. Quality education has become a necessity, taking

cognizance of the challenges of the modern knowledge economy.

To further underscore his attachment and passion to education, Governor Dickson’s giant strides in this sector are evident in the award of scholarships. First, was the award of N1billion post- graduate scholarships to 300 persons to study in the best universities in Nigeria and abroad. Then, there is also the award of schorships to 250 secondary school indigent pulpils under the Bayelsa State Restoration Secondary Schools Scholarship Scheme, started by Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha and President Goodluck Jonathan as governors of the state. The scheme is being sustained

by Governor Dickson in its effort to build on the solid foundation already laid by the duo.

What is interesting to note here is that, of the 250 beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme, 50 of the slots were allocated to students of Ijaw speaking parts of Edo, Delta, Akwa-Ibom and Ondo States.

As Bayelsa gets set to mark its 16th anniversary, one thing that can be taken for granted under this present administration is the fact that there is a new ‘sherriff’ in town whose word is his bond. Governor has really redefined governance as a tool for development, accentuating stout leadership and integrity. It is widely shared that the paradigm shift in governance offers the prospect of faster economic progress than ever witnessed. In the evolving scenario, we can see a bold identity of creative leadership and enterprise with the sole objective of casting off poverty in Bayelsa State. No doubt, making this vision an enduring one would require collective effort, cooperation and some sacrifice on the part of the good people of Bayelsa State, serving a higher, more worthy goal than individual or group interest. On the part of the leadership, we have seen a lot of courage in this regard, raising hope of greater possibilities. So at 16, it is plausible to contend that Bayelsa State is still relatively young and the journey of statehood arguably tough and mixed, but there is great hope that the future is very bright. This is the good news.

• Markson-Iworiso, Chief Press Secretary to Bayelsa Governor, sent this piece from Yenagoa.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

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COMMENTS “Deceiving others: That is what the world calls a romance.” - Oscar Wilde NDO people are on the march again!

Come October 20, 2012, they will troop out to vote for the next person that will rule them for another four years.

The people are expectant just as many are already in the arena, striving valiantly with great enthusiasms and devotions to a worthy cause of electing a new leader that will determine their fate within the now largely politically emancipated people of the SouthWestern part of the country. Ondo state cannot afford to be left out of the progressive train that its current leadership obviously seems incapable of offering to them.

However, there are some timid souls under the delusion of grandeur that are working tirelessly to undermine the coming into fruition of the desires of the people of Ondo to join the progressive train in the coming electioneering project. Two of those figures are worthy of mention because of their pedigree of deceits and treachery. Segun Mimiko, the current governor of Ondo (see my piece of Friday, June22, 2012 titled: Are Ondo people ready for change?), and Olu Agunloye, erratic politician and power gravellier. Both are supposed to be distinguished sons of that state but for their penchant proclivity for sacrificing whatever is noble in pursuit of their inordinate ambitions. The two pretends to be friends in the public even though they are presently united by questionable circumstances. To be more apt, they are friends of convenience, united albeit temporarily, by the need to stall incursion of progressive train in that Sunshine state of the west. Any good student of history will know that it is always very difficult to stop a moving train, moreso, a progressive one for that matter.

Olu Agunloye from antecedent is not someone to be taken serious in contemporary public estimation. The apogee of his relevance was when he could truly be identified with the inimitable man of words and Nobel prize winner, Professor Wole Soyinka. It was on the revered Soyinka’s crest that Agunloye came to limelight, first as personal assistant to Soyinka and later as the helmsman of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC). One could easily doubt whether the Nobel award winner would still be proud of the unbridled promiscuity that has become another name

O

S

UCH comforting irony it is that sometimes, adversary brings out the best in you and if you are lucky, some good fortune. This is what may happen to the age-long, half-hearted agitation by Ndigbo for equity and fairness in the distribution of Nigeria’s commonwealth among the federating units.

The Igbo nation which was one of the three regions (Eastern Region) of Nigeria at Independence in 1960 has today been viciously carved and sculpted into a tiny appendage entity of southern Nigeria through the instrumentality of the Hausa-Fulani hegemony which held sway for over 35 years since 1960.

Recently, the governor of Kano State, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso kicked the doughty backsides of the Igbo elite when he let it be known in clear terms that Ndigbo agitating for an additional state is misguided and unreasonable. And one must say it here upfront that Ndigbo have this man to be grateful to who has let it out that the pre-civil war conditions, perceptions and even afflictions are still alive and well. Did our fathers not teach us that when evil persists for one year, it tends to become the norm? One noticed some Igbo leaders hee and haw about Kwankwaso’s statement but if it takes the Kano governor to stir us to life then we should show him nothing but gratitude.

It was before our eyes that so many voodoo censuses have been held for the sole purpose of keeping the Igbo nation static at her postindependence population while other region’s population had been growing in leaps and bounds. Before our eyes, Southern Cameroun was excised from Southern Nigeria; before our eyes, the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula was handed to Cameroun just to spite the Eastern Region. We watched as the hegemonistas in military uniform brazenly reparceled the country into states, federal constituencies, local governments and even electoral wards to suit their design to continue to dominate in perpetuity.

Never be a bedfellow to an unjust man, says an old adage for you will always wake up on the floor. Governor Kwankwaso is only acting true to type. Traditionally, he is not capable of fair play, equity and justice otherwise, he would have been restrained in his comments knowing that Nigeria’s population censuses, the premise on which his argument is built is deliberately skewed and therefore, unreliable. Kwankwaso would have been cir-

Mimiko/Agunloye’s curious romance

•Olu Agunloye for Agunloye in recent time.

After a period in the doldrums, the man was rehabilitated by late Chief Bola Ige when the Olusegun Obasanjo administration appointed him as Minister of Mines and Power.

The erudite Ige appointed him as his Personal Assistant. He followed Ige to the Ministry of Justice when the late minister was redeployed there. At the time, he was known to be one of the closest persons to that assassinated Awoist.

The Obasanjo administration that Ige served tirelessly could not unknot the conundrum surrounding the gruesome murder of Ige in his Bodija, Ibadan residence. Even, Professor Soyinka in exasperation reportedly described the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a ‘nest of killers.’ The contrary has not been proved since Ige’s murderers

are still at large.

Not long after Ige was killed and the mystery surrounding his murder still confounding, this Agunloye was immediately‘compensated’ by the Obasanjo government. His acceptance of the offer remains a much higher mystery to Ige’s death.

Where is principle in Agunloye taking up a ministerial appointment from an Obasanjo administration that Soyinka, his mentor and the public largely suspect to have had a hand in the killing of this former governor of old Oyo state. Agunloye was till the end, one of the men relied upon by that administration (Could it be for being ‘loyal’ to it?). The main issue here is more on principle because if indeed Agunloye still has any strand of principle in him, he ought, if only on ground of public morality, to have turned down the ministerial offer(Greek gift) from Obasanjo.

Agunloye’s incongruous political life manifested in his having, like Mimiko, traversed few of the main political parties in the country today. He was in PDP from where he absconded to Labour Party and later Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). After failing to gain ‘me and today’ there, he went back to Mimiko where he is now the governor’s Man Friday. Could it be said that Agunloye was a mole in ACN, like he was allegedly presumed to be in Ige’s office?

One thing is clear and that is the lack of any

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8181624757, email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

New Southeast State: Thanks Gov. Kwankwaso

cumspect if he realized the deep hurt the entire Igbo nation bears for being subordinated to the size of old Kano State (today’s Kano and Jigawa States). These two states now have more local government councils, more federal constituencies and more INEC wards than the entire five Southeast states. What this means is that in the last 20 years or so, these two states have been getting more federal allocation than the whole of the Southeast put together.

How could Governor Kwankwaso make such a callous, if not wayward statement knowing that Ndigbo make up about one-third of the phantom nine million population figure he claims that Kano has? It is the same way Ndigbo are littered across all Nigerian towns and cities; refugees in their land, partly because there is an unspoken national agenda to mark them out even when they do not have the ball. This is the punishment and pain Ndigbo have endured and lived with, albeit, gallantly since after the civil war.

But there is no wallowing in self pity here.

Ndigbo actually have themselves to blame for their current situation as this column had posited several times in the past. Fact: if Ndigbo by a certain consensus this instant, are asked to present a new Igbo State for adoption, one doubts if they are capable of presenting one in the next 10 years. Reason: every Amadi and Okoro who has a say wants the new state carved out of his backyard and the new capital sited in his front yard. In short, there is no critical Igbo elite therefore, there is no critical

consensus on issues that matter to us. What a pity. Perhaps Kwankwaso has roused us?

LAST MUG: PHCN sale: why would IBB, OBJ buy power plants they run down: there is something uncanny about former presidents buying up state facilities they allowed to be run down and decay under the guise that government cannot run anything. During the reign of President Ibrahim Babangida, over $12 billion oil revenue was unaccounted for.

In the time of President Olusegun Obasanjo, again, over $12 billion was repaid as loan to some rich countries. Today, the country suffer untold infrastructure and power deficit and the nation’s meager power assets are unbundled and privatised to make them more efficient and guess who is buying them? To allow firms (North-South Power Coy and Transcorp) in which Babangida and Obasanjo have interests to buy Nigeria’s power plants is the limit of corruption in Nigeria.

Right of Reply Re: Of Deathways, Highways and Onolememen’s N652 billion Ordinarily, one would not have bothered replying Steve Osuji over his article published in last Friday’s (14th September, 2012) edition of the Nation Newspaper titled “Of Deathways, highways and Onolememen’s N652 billion’ but for the malicious falsehood contained therein.

Osuji apparently trying to create an unsupported parallelism between a recent accident along the Benin-Ore-Sagamu expressway in

noble ideal. Upon the nomination of Rotimi Akeredolu as ACN governorship candidate in Ondo, he was patient enough to sign the Osogbo declaration, pretending to accept everything that went with it before jumping ship back to Labour Party that he left unceremoniously.

Agunloye and Mimiko are not what they think they are because what they are definitely is what they hide that is now in the public domain! Through the duo, we now easily know that nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility. Mimiko in simple adire with an Awo cap to match and: Agunloye in well starched shirt and trouser, erroneously depicting a man of revolutionary standing. What dubiosity from these craftsmen of pretence!

This man should not be entirely judged by his relationship with Soyinka. Agunloye is an opportunist that confirms the saying of Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 - 1969), a general and former US president in a speech at Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania that: ‘The opportunist thinks of me and today. The statesman thinks of us and tomorrow.’ This is what Agunloye and Mimiko are-bloody opportunists pretending to be rescuers of the people when in actual fact they only think of themselves and today. Agunloye that has suddenly become Mimiko’s best friend recently accused the governor of being ‘Market/Town hall builder’;runner of ‘government of abandoned projects’ such as the failed N1.5billion Doom-dome, Owo-Akure road, Ondo-Akure road and so on. It is still on paper that Agunloye described Mimiko’s government as ‘the worst in the history of Ondo State for wasting the people’s money on purchasing of awards all over the place.’ Agunloye should come out and tell Ondo people what has changed in Mimiko or his administration to now make him his best political friend. Of course, a plot that will not fly is in the offing.

Ondo people, please beware!

However, the intricate history of Ondo politics has shown that from time to time, the state throws up political prostitutes and election marauders. For a while, they may seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall.

These two strange bed fellows would not prove history wrong come October 20, the date of their waterloo. Do I hear you say an end to their curious romance! which four lecturers of the Igbinedion University plunged into Ovia River and the awarded contract for its rehabilitation, claimed that the Federal Executive Council has just approved the award of the repairs of the road to the tune of N652 billion. This is not only false, but a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.

For the purposes of records, the rehabilitation of the third phase of the Benin-Ore-Sagamu expressway was only approved by the Federal Executive Council on the 5th of September, 2012 for award to RCC Limited at the cost of N65.223 billion and not N652 billion as claimed by Osuji. Our friend Osuji would have made a balanced and beautiful article if he attempted to delve into the recent past condition of the Benin-Ore-Shagamu expressway before the intervention of the present administration. If he did, he would have also told the reading public that barely six months after taking over as Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen substantively changed the condition of the road and commuters no longer have to spend over 9 hours to shuttle between Lagos and Benin City. Not only that, the ongoing works in the first two sections of the road have reached 89% and 91% respectively, making it possible for travellers from Benin to Lagos to make the journey in about four hours. Expectedly, no road has attracted commendations from the public like the BeninOre-Sagamu expressway since Arc. Onolememen restored the perennial failed section at Ore. It is our joy that all contractors working at various locations of the nation’s roads including the Onitsha-Enugu dual carriageway which he also mentioned, have just been paid by the Federal Ministry of Works and massive works will soon resume in a matter of days as the rainy season ends.

•Tony Ikpasaja S.A (MEDIA) to Hon Minister of Works Note: the wrong figure, N652 billion was picked from a national newspaper which reported the FEC meeting. It is simply an error which this column regrets. No malice or deliberate misrepresentation was intended. But the piece is about the rate of fatal accidents on our roads which has become a carnage. Who might the next victim be? Our Federal roads are still largely death traps. That is the story.

Moses happy to be a father

NIGERIA/AZERBAIJAN FALLOUT

Pg. 24

•Relishes first Chelsea goal

Mabo cautions Flamingoes Pg. 41

•Says wide margin won’t guarantee overall win

Sport

Friday, September 28, 2012

PAGE 23

RACISM CHARGE

English FA slams Terry with four-match ban

•Fined £220,000 •Has 14 days to appeal

24

41

NATIONSPORT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

Raheem Lawal's Turkish deal put on hold

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HE contract of Raheem Lawal with Turkish club Adana Demirspor has been put on hold, a top source in Turkey has disclosed.

A top football agent in Turkey told MTNFootball.com said the contract has been put on hold now as they await his clearance after he was initially certified free by FIFA. He said, “Raheem Lawal’s contract has been put on hold at Adana Demirspor. The club have waited for the clearance and it is still yet to come. They are still waiting but Raheem is here still training with the team. Let us wait and see what happens.”

It was earlier reported that Lawal has been cleared to play for the Turkish team after he Spanish club Atletico Beleares reportedly owed him.

The Nigeria midfielder’s problems started when he honoured a Super Eagles call against the wishes of his Spanish team Atletico Beleares, who needed him for promotional playoff games, but he instead chose to feature for his country.

During the summer transfer, Raheem Lawal signed a lucrative two-year deal with Turkish second division side Adana Demirspor without the approval of his Spanish club.

NIGERIA /LIBERIA CLASH

We’re good for Nations Cup—Leone Stars boast •Team arrives Nigeria Thursday

P

RESIDENT of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Musa Bility has declared that the Leone Stars, the Liberia senior national team has what it takes to get a representation at the next African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Speaking ahead of the second leg of the last qualification match slated for Calabar barely 15 days from today, Bility said the team has put the stalemate at home behind them and have been camping in Ghana ahead of the cracker.

According to the ace football administrator, the Leone Stars are billed to arrive Nigeria on Thursday, have a feel of the UJ Esiene Stadium on Friday, for the match which takes place on

Akpala opens Bremen goal account

N

IGERIA striker Joseph Akpala scored his first goal for German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen against Freiburg on Wednesday night.

Akpala, who joined Bremen during summer transfer window from Club Brugge of Belgium, drew his team level in the 47th minute.

Bremen won the game 2-1 and they have now moved to seventh place on the table with seven points from five matches.

In Turkey, Kalu Uche scored Kasimpasa’s third goal in 3-1 win over Istanbulspor in Turkish Cup game on Wednesday.

Uche was on song in 89th minute.

Former Nigeria Olympic international Dudu Omagbemi scored KuPS consolation goal in a 4-1 loss away to HJK Helsinki in a Finland league game.

Dudu was also on song four days earlier in a 2-0 win over MyPa.

By Paul Oluwakoya

S mixed reactions continued to greet the 38-man list released by Coach Stephen Keshi for the crunch October 13 Nations Cup qualifying cracker against the Lone Star of Liberia, former Nigeria Under-23 Coach James Peters has wondered why 15 foreign base players were invited.

Peters who acknowledged the fact that Liberia does not have the caliber of players in the Super Eagles and they don’t have resources compare to Nigeria on and off the pitch said inviting as much as 15 euro base Eagles is “share waste of resources.”

In the words of the former head coach of the homebased Super Eagles, coach Stephen Keshi is ready to leave no stone unturn in the bid to secure the Nations Cup ticket but thinks the number of euro-based invitees to join the 23 home-base players is just too much to achieve the feat.

According to coach Peters who recalled that the Big Boss invited 11 euro based Eagles for the first leg of the match in Monrovia and not all the players where paraded said same is likely to happen again in Calabar with the addition of more foreign players for the match. he said, “ There is nothing wrong in inviting foreign players, though we have abundance home base ace who are reliable and competent to prosecute the match but the I think inviting 15 euro base is lavish of human and national economic resources, “I know it’s a must win match for Nigeria but inviting 15 players from abroad, does it mean that no home-based players will be paraded for the mach or some of the foreign pros will not be part of action? well I think there is need for some thorough check and balances, call ups should be by quality of players and not by quantity. I hope that there must be technical reasons for the number of call ups and I hope at the long run Nigeria will qualify.” He said.

Keshi who on Tuesday released the list of 23 homebased stars and 15 foreign based players to make the 38 invited players for the October 13 cracker has defended the list saying all the invited players are in good form and will do the job for Nigeria against Liberia.

John Mikel Obi Chelsea FC, England, Joel Obi - Inter Milan, Italy and Ogenyi Onazi - SS Lazio, ITALY were some of the new list on Keshi euro invitees

T

•Akpala

South America is the birth place of Beach Soccer, and many well-known players of the traditional game owe some of their skill to Beach Soccer. The likes of Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona and Ariel Ortega have all experimented with Beach Soccer at some point in their careers.

Copa Lagos presence in South America will be unrivalled this year with the tournament being broadcast to 250 million homes. Fox Sports will be broadcasting the tournament to North and South America, Fox Sports has the potential to reach an audience

•Musa Bility

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Copa Lagos South American fan base on the rise

HE Copa Lagos fan base is set to rise to new heights this year.

This comes after the recent announcement that Argentina will compete in this year’s Copa Lagos 2012.

The tournament itself is not due to get underway until the 14th December this year, but already it is evident that the 2nd edition of Copa Lagos will be a big hit in South America.

Argentina will become the 2nd South American team to compete at Copa Lagos in 2 years. It is no surprise that there is always a strong South American presence at Copa Lagos.

ORMER Falcons’ coach, Imaila Mabo has cautioned that the Flamingoes’ wide margin against Azerbaijan should not be seen as a yardstick for measuring the strength of the team.

The Nigerian U-17 women’s team on Tuesday trashed the host 11-0 in the second match of the group stage at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Reacting in a live Radio interview, the tactician said the wide margin will may not secure the trophy for the Flamingoes at the long run, but a consistent performance.

“The Flamingoes have done well, but they should not be carried away by this result. It is just in the group state

By Innocent Amomoh

and they still have a long way to go.

The must endeavourer to be consistent” The Flamingoes lead Group A with four points from two matches, after forcing Canada to a 1-1 draw before going ahead to whitewash host country Azerbaijan.

The coach Peter Dedevbo tutored side will be attempting to better their quarter final status at the last edition in Trinidad & Tobago 2010.

They square- up against Colombia in their last group match to consolidate on their leadership status in group A on Saturday.

•Chinwendu Ihezuo

to be a father •Relishes first Chelsea goal •Victor Moses

of over 300 million people in South America. Sponsors of Copa Lagos such as FCMB will be delighted to see their brand being carried all the way to the emerging markets of South America.

Media and PR Officer for Copa Lagos, Steven Apampa, stated that, “We are proud to have such a large following from South America, the fans last year were so refreshing and added a lot of fun and atmosphere to the event. We are pleased that we are able to show all the good things about Nigeria to fans in South America”

Osanga debuts for Sochaux in Cup win

Mabo cautions Flamingoes N •Says wide margin won’t guarantee overall win F

Moses happy

It’s wasteful to invite 15 foreign pros —Janes Peter

A

•Raheem Lawal

By Innocent Amomoh October 13. He said Liberia can upset the Eagles in front of their teeming fans.

“We are ready for the match against the Super Eagles. It is going to be eleven players on each side so I don’t see any reason why any one will think we don’t have a chance. This is Africa, and we will be coming to Nigeria to play some good football.

“We have been training very hard in our camp in Ghana and playing a lot of matches ahead of the match. We played against Malawi and defeated them before the first match against Nigeria. We also defeated Ghana in an

international friendly recently and I think we are ready.

“The team will arrive Nigeria on Thursday, have a feel of the pitch on Friday, Play of Saturday and return to Liberia same day,” he said.

Meanwhile, while responding to questions on how prepared his team is for the allimportant Nations Cup qualifiers against Liberia, Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has assured that he is not perturbed about his opponent, but focused on the challenge ahead.

“We don’t care about where the Liberians are camped; the technical crew just want to concentrate on building a strong team for Nigeria clinch the ticket to the Nations Cup. We are more concerned about what we want from the players an we have told them that,” he emphasised. Nigeria will attempt to clinch one of the tickets for the Nations Cup taking place in South Africa next year after it eluded the two-times champion of Africa’s most coveted football trophy. The Super Eagles will be approaching the second leg with a two away goals advantage after being held to a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Monrovia weeks back.

NIGERIA/AZERBAIJAN FALLOUT

HELSEA and Super Eagles striker, Victor Moses is enjoying double joy as his darling wife delivered a baby girl yesterday morning after he scored his first goal for his new club Chelsea on Tuesday night in his side’s 6-0 drubbing of Wolves in the Capital Cup one (formerly Carling Cup).

Moses had o n Wednes

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

day helped his team; Chelsea complete a total routing of visiting Wolves whom they white washed 6-0 by scoring the sixth goal in the 71st minute of the match for Chelsea in the Capital One Cup formerly known as Carling Cup. He, however, followed it up with the joy of being a dad when his wife put to bed early yesterday.

The Capital One Cup goal was Moses first goal for Chelsea and he was very happy after achieving if for his new club.

In his reaction after the match he said “I am very happy scoring my first goal for

Chelsea and hopefully more would come”, he said happily Tuesday night after the match.

The winger has now followed it with the birth of a new baby girl called Brentley.

Moses said via his tweeter yesterday, “I am really proud to announce that I am now a Dad. (My daughter) Brentley Moses was born this (Thursday’s) morning and she is 3.960kg all healthy, thanks to God and fans for your support”, he disclosed.

Moses is expected in Nigeria latest on October 8th to join his other invited Super Eagles colleagues for the final showdown with visiting Lone Stars of Liberia in the 2013 Africa Nations Cup qualifier clated for Calabar.

Zidane's infamous World Cup final headbutt captured in bronze statue

Z

INEDINE ZIDANE'S infamous World Cup final headbutt on Marco Materazzi has been immortalised by a five-metre high bronze statue in the heart of Paris.

The shocking incident, in the 110th minute of the 2006 World Cup final with Italy, ended the legendary Frenchman's international career and the red mist moment has been captured by Algerian-born artist Adel Abdessemed.

The statue has been unveiled outside the famous Pompidou art museum and shows the grimace on

the Italian defender's face as Zidane plants his shaven head into his chest.

Zidane had been planning to step down from the national team after the tournament but he bowed out early - and literally - after Materazzi allegedly made a derogatory remark about his sister.

It meant Zidane, one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation who shone for Juventus and Real Madrid and helped France to World Cup glory in 1998, missed the penalty shootout in which Italy won.

IGERIA winger King Osanga finally debuted for his French Ligue 1 side Sochaux on Wednesday night in a league cup game.

Former Heartland star Osanga started the game against Evian Thonon Gaillard and was substituted in the 66th minute by Bakambu, who scored the second goal to take the game to extra time at 2-2 at regulation time.

Sochaux won the cup tie 3-2.

Osanga has made bench for three straight games before he finally debuted for his team.

The 21-year-old player has played for Etoile Sportive du Sahel in Tunisia and AlNasr Benghazi of Libya. Michael Uchebo was also on song in Belgium for Cercle Brugge when he opened scoring in the 12th minute to put his side 1-0 up against Hoogstraten in a Belgium Cup tie.

Cercle Brugge went on to win the game by 3-1.

In Norway, Daniel Chima Chukwu failed to lift his team as his goal was only a consolation one for Molde, who lost to Tromso 2-1 in the semi final of NM Cupen.

Chima struck in the 84th minute to reduce the deficit, while Tromso have now booked a place in the final with this victory.

•Osanga

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Sunshine sends warning signals to Ahly

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OACH of Al Ahly, Hossam Al-Badri has said Sunshine Stars pose a big threat to his team’s dream of winning a seventh CAF Champions League.

Nigeria’s Sunshine Stars host Al Ahly of Egypt in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-ode on Sunday, October 7, with the return leg two weeks later.

Ahly are on track to record seventh conquest, while Sunshine Stars are making only their debut appearance in Africa’s foremost club competition.

However, Al-Badri has insisted his more experienced team expect a tough test from the Akure club.

“We never have it mind that we will have an easy ride or very easy game against Sunshine Stars,” Al-Badri said.

“They are good side and we have to be very careful facing them. We have been preparing hard for them and we are not taking them for granted for any reason. ”The overall winners of this semi-final will clash with the winners of the other semi-final between defending champions Esperance of Tunisia and TP Mazembe of DR Congo.

• Hossam Al-Badri

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBR 28, 2012

25

PEOPLE THE NATION

AN -EIGHT PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

A reception has been held for legal giant Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who was conferred with Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) by President Goodluck Jonathan, reports KAMARUDEEN OGUNDELE

•From left: Hons Ihedioha; Tambuwal and Chief Olanipekun and wife Omolara

A befitting honour I

N today's Nigeria, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) needs no introduction; he bestrides the legal profession like a colossus. As a fitting tribute to his many legal battles, he was honoured by his country with the officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) on September 17. After he received the award from President Goodluck Jonathan, he was hosted to a reception organised by his law firm. Olanipekun was accompanied to the event held at the Hawthorn Suite, Abuja by his wife, Omolara, who wore a multi-colour lace with maroon gele and Ipele to match, and children. Clad in Agbada, Olanipekun told the gathering that no honour given to a citizen by his country “is too small.”

His contribution to legal jurisprudence dates back to 1976 when he was called to the Bar. For those who have listened to him in court, Olanipekun, unarguably, is one of the finest in the legal profession with powerful advocacy and uncommon humour.

He was the lead counsel to the late President Umaru YarAdua and the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in 2007 and 2011 at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunals, and he won.

He was also the lead counsel to Buba Marwa in the famous “Tenure Elongation Suit”, where five governors were sacked by the Supreme Court after they had won their cases at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

The atmosphere at the venue of the celebration was electrified with the rendition of Olanipekun’s panegyric by his wife, who thanked God for preserving his life.

Olanipekun’s friend of many years, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), proposed the toast to the guests’ delight. Among the guests were Olanipekun’s former teachers, Pa Saka (90) and Chief Olubayo Kayode, who came from Ekiti.

Awomolo recalled their days as junior lawyers struggling to make a name.

He relived how Olanipekun worked to achieve fame, advising the younger generation to emulate him. He described Olanipekun as a true friend who always wants good things to come the way of his friends.

Cutting of the cake follwed the toast.

House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, who was first Assistant National Secretary of the Nigerian bar Association (NBA) in 2000-2002, described Olanipekun as a man of honour, who believes in the Nigeria project.

Tambuwal said Olanipekun was one of those who ensured that he was elected Speaker.

He said: “Indeed, today is a great day, not only in the life of Olanipekun, but also in the life of so many of us because our leader and daddy is being celebrated for having been recognised by the Federal Government. ‘’Chief Olanipekun has done marvellously well, not only in the area of legal profession but also in so many other areas which many of you don’t know. Chief did not only produce judges and senior advocates, but he was one of the very strong pillars that produced the current leadership of the House of Representatives. ‘’So, his sphere of influence is not limited to the legal profession, but transcends all spheres of the fabric that makes up the entity known as Nigeria’’ Senator Smart Adeyemi said he knew Olanipekun in Ilorin over 20 years ago when he was a journalist. He described him as an “honourable man worthy of emulation.”

When it was time to respond, Olanipekun left no one in doubt of his understanding of the rich Yoruba culture and respect for institutions.

“In Yorubaland, he said, when you are given something small, you don’t reject it. No

•Awomolo and his wife Victoria

honour of a nation is too small, it makes me more humble.

“It is an honour and I feel honoured. I feel appreciated and also appreciative of my nation, of my state, the nation of Nigeria for recognising me. One thing I noticed which tickles me is that in the citation, it is put there that I am being honoured for my outstanding contribution to legal jurisprudence and development and the course of justice in Nigeria. That is my profession; the profession of law and for my nation to have singled me out among others, recognising me for my contribution to legal development and to our jurisprudence nourishment and enhancement and development of our jurisprudence and course of justice, I am appreciative. And I want to thank God for it.”

His first son, Dapo, thanked the guests for coming to celebrate with the family. He said his parents are the best any child could wish for.

Among those in attendance were Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Minority Leader Suleiman Kawu, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, his Attorney-General, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN).

Royal flavour also added to the reception. The Akaiyejo of Ikere, Oba Samuel Adegoke Adegboye, sent his staff of office as a mark of royal presence. Chief Sao Kayode Omotosho also led other high chiefs including the Osolo, Chief J.O Oloro; the Asaye, Chief Oluwafemi James and the Akapesa, Chief Oladimeji Adegboye to the event.

The dignitaries included the Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdullahi; former Lagos State Military Administrator, Brig-General Buba Marwa; Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Niyi Akintola (SAN) and former Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tunji Akeredolu.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

26

SOCIETY The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Hon Kingsley Kuku drew Vice-President Namadi Sambo and other dignitaries to Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, during the launch of his book entitled Remaking the Niger-Delta: Challenges and Opportunities, last Friday. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there.

•Arc Sambo flanked by Hon Kuku (left) and Mrs Orelope-Adefulire

•Senator Abatemi-Usman

•Former Governor of Rivers State Diete Spiff

•Chief Godwin Bebenimbo (left) and Pere of Isaba Pere Donokoromo

T

HE expansive Jasmine Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos witnessed a mammoth crowd of A-list personali-

ties.

Led by Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, who stood in for President Goodluck Jonathan, the guests streamed into the exquisite hotel in sleek cars.

They came for the public presentation of a book written by Hon Kingsley Kuku entitled Remaking the Niger-Delta: Challenges and Opportunities.

The book tells the story of 50 years of neglect, exploitation, oil industry and state repression and pays tribute to the martyrs of freedom movements such as Boro and Ken Saro-Wiwa. It celebrates the now three year old amnesty programme initiated by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua in 2009 in a courageous effort to save Nigeria from economic meltdown.

A development manual, the book underlines the critical importance of the Niger Delta to the development of Nigeria and, especially to the capacity of the federation to provide meaningful employment for its youth by ending its over dependence on oil and gas and diversifying the economy while the oil lasts.

Kuku, Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta, has come a long way from his days on the Creeks when they gathered in a class to discuss the desprilation of their environment by oil companies. Under the Tutelage of the late Isaac Adaka Boro, they learnt many things, especially how to reshape their communities.

Later on, Oronto Douglas, an activist law-

•Oba Akiolu (left) and Mr Alaibe

•Dr Charles Akintoye (left) and Kenneth Steveasoh

•Alhaja Fatima Fanimokun (left) and Alhaja Nourat Babs-olorunkemi PHOTOS: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE AND ABIODUN WILLIAMS

The militant who made good yer, led them to the streets to express their grievances. This went on until the bearded Mujahid Dokubo-Asari joined the struggle.

According to Kuku, who is Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme,Dokubo-Asari’s arrival changed the course of the struggle.

Militancy later snowballed into a moneyspinning ventures courtesy of kidnapping, prompting the government to seek the way out.

When the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua initiated the Amnesty Programme in 2009, some of the militants’ leaders found themselves in the corridor of power.

One of them according to Ijaw leader, Pa Edwin Clark, is Kuku.

Kuku was brought into the Amnesty Programme Committee by his predecessor, Mr Timi Alaibe. Since then, he has been a revelation, assisting in encouraging the militants to drop their weapons and embracing the Federal Government’s olive branch.

Today, the history of the success of the amnesty programme is incomplete without mentioning the contributions of the Ondo State-born graduate of crisis resolution.

Indeed, last Friday event was breath-taking and entertaining; one that saw the duo of Richard Mofe-Damijo, Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and Bimbo Oloyede, a veteran news caster, as compere.

As soon as Sambo walked into the hall, the event commenced.

It featured national anthem, prayers, citation of the author, book review and musical interlude among others.

The review of the book was done by the duo of Prof Gus John, associate Professor, University of London and Prof Gordini Darah, Professor of Oral Literature and Folklore at Delta State University, Abraka.

There was entertainment and musical interlude from comedian Ayo Makun (AY), Timi Dakolo, Corporate Dance World.

It was capped with a superlative cultural display by the cultural troupe from the Niger-Delta region.

In his remark, Senate President, David Mark, who chaired the occasion, applauded the commitment of the author to the development of the nation.

Senator Mark, represented by Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, said the militants have been reformed to responsible citizens courtesy of the Amnesty Programme.

Sambo, before unveiling the book, expressed happiness to beat the presentation.

He described Kuku as one of the Nigerians brain box.

The book, he said, underscored scholarship and deep research.

He recommended it to scholars and re-

searchers.

Clad in white Niger-Delta outfit, Sambo congratulated Kuku for helping “this generation and generation yet unborn to know the history of the region.”

He and Lagos paramount ruler Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Senator Abatemi-Usman unveiled the book amidst glittering lights.

Kuku thanked President Jonathan; Sambo, Oba Akiolu, Alaibe and a host of others for honouring his invitation.

He nearly read out names of dignitaries at the event and people that assisted him in his making.

He announced that the proceeds from the book would be donated to Keketobou Care Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) named after his late mother.

One of the white cap chiefs present was called to deliver the closing prayer.

Among the personalities on the occasion were the Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Chairman Senate Committee on Niger-Delta, Senator James Manager; Bayelsa State Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw Affairs, Dr Felix Tuodolo represented Governor Seriake Dickson; former House of Reps deputy Speaker Hon Chibudom Nwuche; a renowned Niger-Delta female activist, Ann kio Briggs; former leader of the Ijaw Youth Council and Niger-Delta agitator, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari among others.

•More pictures on page 40

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

27

SOCIETY

FOURTH LAGOS CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT TOWN HALL MEETING AT EKO CLUB, SURULERE, LAGOS

•From left: Oba of Lagos Oba Rilwan Akiolu chatting with Senator Oluremi Tinubu and wife of Lagos State Governor Dame Abimbola Fashola

•Pa Abiodun Sunmola

•Alhaja Fatimat Bintu-Tinubu and Alhaji Mutiu Aare

•Hon Olawale Oshun (left) and Chief David Adenekan

•From right: Hajia Abah Folawiyo; Revd Funmi Braithwaite-Elumelu and Olori Yetunde Onileere

•Former Minister of State for Defence Hon Demola Seriki (right) and Hon Kola Peregrino

•Senator Munirudeen Muse and Hon Adetoun Adeniran

•From left: Chairman, Drain Duck Alhaji Akeem Apatira; Hon Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe and Hon Hakeem Bamgbola

•From right: Prince Abayomi Daramola; Hon Jide Jimoh and Hon Oladele Adekanye

•Lagos State House of Assembly Deputy Majority Leade Hon Lola Akande

•Colonel Rafiu Ajala

•Hon Olugbenga Oyebode

PHOTOS: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE AND TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

28

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

SOCIETY The remains of renowned industrialist Chief ‘Dotun Okubanjo have been buried in Lagos, reports KUNLE AKINRINADE.

A celebration of life I

T was a funeral but there were no tears and no sober looks as the bereaved family and guests filed out in Ankara fabric.

The gathering was the celebration of the life of the late industrialist and philanthropist par excellence, Chief Oladotun Okubanjo.

He died on August 22 at 84.

The funeral service for the late founder and Chairman of Intercontinental Distillers Limited was held last Friday at The Church of Evangelism, Awoyaya, Ajah, Lagos.

The service was officiated by renowned televangelist Bishop Lanre Obembe and 11 other men of God. In-between the service, special songs were rendered by the deceased’s daughter, Olufolajimi and pupils of Edidot School, Ajah.

After the service, the body tucked in a grey casket was carried by pall bearers, who put up a dramatic display that lasted 20 minutes.

Okubanjo’s remains were interred in a mausoleum built inside the church’s premises at about 1.30pm after a brief service attended by his widow, children and family members.

Entertainment of guests followed immediately inside the expansive premises of the church established by his widow, Revd Edith Okubanjo. Popular gospel artiste, Evangelist Dunni Olanrewaju of the Opelope Annointing fame thrilled the guests.

Many paid glowing tributes to the deceased.

Dr. Ishmael Igbani, a National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), described him as a man of impeccable character and an exemplary leader.

“We were very close friends. One thing that fascinated me about him is his business skills and entrepreneurial acumen. He has left a legacy for all of us; both family and friends and the millions touched by his kindness and philanthropy. He led a disciplined life, always frank, firm and determined. He be-

lieved in hard work, which he encouraged and rewarded. He never believed in failure and he was always courageous in the face of daunting challenges,” Igbani said.

A business associate of the deceased, Chief Patrick Anegbe described Okubanjo’s death as a losts of a father, a friend and a motivator.

His life, Anegbe said, was that of hard work, enterprise, integrity, loyalty, honesty and exemplary service to humanity.

“When his death was announced, I was rudely shocked. However, the qualities of hard work and enterprise runs through his entire life can be seen in the foot print he left behind in business and social life as an accomplished industrialist and philanthropist,” he said.

Extolling the virtues of her late husband in a chat with The Nation, Revd Okubanjo said: “He was everything to me and I thank God for his life. He was so humane but blunt and I am happy that even those who did not like him for his bluntness while he was alive have realised the wisdom in his principled lifestyle and now has good words to describe him.

“When I was to start my ministry, he promised that he would support me and he did. As a matter of fact, he was my first contact and number one supporter of the church.”

“He once told me that he would like to die the way his father had died. He told me his father died after having his lunch and that was exactly how he died too. He was a fulfilled man who loves me and the children and was always there to guide them. I never regretted marrying him throughout our 40 years of marriage,” she added.

Those who attended the ceremony include Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu 1, who was represented by some of his white cap chiefs who came with the monarch’s staff of office; Senator Bode Olajumoke, daughter of Afrobeat king Fela, Yeni and her estranged husband, Femi Segun and Prince Godwin Inagbedron among others.

•Chief Waidi Yusuf (left) and Chief Lateef Ajose

•From left: The son of the deceased Segun; the widow, Edith and other children

•Mr Tunji Makanju and his wife Lola

•Yemi Kuti

•Wife of Dr Mike Adenuga, Princess Adefolake Adenuga

FUNERAL OF LAGOS ACCOUNTANT MR. OLUSEGUN OLUFOJUDE AT ST. LUKE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, IJEBU, OGUN STATE The deceased’s family (From right) Mrs Bosola Adeniji (nee Olufojude) with her husband, Pastor James Adeniji; Mrs Ajibola with her husband, Odunlami; Oludare Olufojude; Olufemi Olufojude, with his wife, Adesola

29 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

Vol 4. No. 1768

O

VER the years, the malt industry has experienced growth, with consumers confronted with different brands.

Only a few of the brands have survived. Reason: stiff competition.

Some didn’t blossom because of geographical constraints; some are peculiar to a particular region of the country; some fizzled out because they refused to follow the trend of the new age. Today, three brands seem to remain in the supremacy battle.

Following the coming of the first malt drink, Maltex, in 1967, the industry has witnessed an influx of various brands. The sudden health consciousness of Nigerians to sugar in-take gave rise to the success of the emerging malt product that didn’t gained much popularity then.

Brand names, such as Maltonic, Vitamalt, Betamalt, Maltex, Hi-Malt, Maltina, Malta Guinness, Nasmalt, Amstel Malta and Malta Gold were once reigning; they all had their target markets. But, suddenly, the influence of the various malt brands started waning; some went into oblivion; others are barely managing to tag along.

The three malt brands ahead today are Maltina, Malta Guinness and Amstel Malta. According to brand expert Mr Femi Akinwunmi, Chief Executive Officer 7one7 Concept Advertising Limited, “the three brands have recorded success because they evolved with the current trend and, most importantly, they have been sensitive and responsive to the needs of their consumers.”

From the stable of Nigerian breweries came Maltina, which was launched in 1976, making it the second malt drink, but the first locally to be brewed. Maltina introduced various groundbreaking ideas. First, it changed the bottle design from the conventional - short and rotund - to a

Malt drinks battle for supremacy For years, Malt drinks have been locked in a fierce battle to be the market leader. With different promos and mouth-watering offers, they are throwing everything into the contest - all to woo consumers. RAJI ROTIMI reports. more unique design.

This created a distinct brand differentiation, which stood Maltina out from the rest. Maltina also introduced fruit variants, which gave room for consumers to pick their favourite flavours. Taking it a step further, it was the first to introduce the tetrapak ‘Maltina sip it’ that made it more handy and accessible.

Taking a survey on why consumers drink Maltina, Mrs Elizabeth Ojuolape, a malt depot owner, said: “Those that buy and drink Maltina do so because of its promise of vitamins and body nourishments. On the other hand some complain that the drink leaves some unpleasant after-taste” Malta Guinness was introduced into the market in 1990 by Nigeria Guinness Plc. It came with great taste and, above all, no after-taste.

This feat was a big relief for consumers. Soon, a generally accepted

rumour spread like a wild fire, stating that Malta Guinness acts as a blood booster or blood tonic.

This statement, though not scientifically proved, has gathered more ‘disciples’. Mrs Ojuolape added: “I was at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LUTH) some months ago to donate blood. To my uttermost surprise, I found cans of Malta Guinness around. I also noticed that after a donor donates blood, he is given a can of Malta Guinness or he buys a can of Malta Guinness to restore the blood he has lost. Some even went further to say mixing it with milk doubles the potency. While on the other hand, many believe that Malta Guinness contains more sugar than other brands.”

To constantly lead the market, Nigerian Breweries launched the low-sugar malt drink, Amstel Malta, in 1994. The new addition became the latest gold rush in the

market, forcing other malt brands on their toes. Health conscious Nigerians went for Amstel Malta.

Amstel Malta rivalled its own sister brand (Maltina) from the same mother. This point marked the beginning of another struggle for survival.

The malt industry became a battle ground of sorts as these three leading malt brands started churning out various strategies to achieve market dominance.

Rocking the world of entertainment and television reality shows since then are the three giants, In 2007, Maltina stormed the television with their Maltina Family Dance. The programme has large viewership, thus increasing sales. Mata Guinness introduced Malta Guinness Street Dance.

Not too long, Amstel Malta stormed higher institutions with Amstel Malta Showtime, all in a bid to stay in the forefront of the

‘The malt industry became a battle ground of sorts as these three leading malt brands started churning out different strategies to achieve market dominance’

market, to continually stamp their brand in the hearts of consumers.

Brand migration is actually inevitable, judging from the way the market fluctuates. According to Media Monitoring Service (MMS), an agency that monitors the media in Nigeria, Maltina Dance All had a good number of viewers during the competition, at the same time sales increased.

Nigeria Guinness Plc recently launched its low-sugar version of Malta Guinness, balancing the market and bridging the gap. Before now, Nigerian Breweries was championing the low-sugar campaign in the malt industry.

Tasting the new Malta Guinness, it is no doubt a low-sugar or nosugar malt drink. But a shop owner, Bona Odinaka, said: “The sales of the new Malta Guinness low-sugar are very slow due to its taste, compared to Amstel Malta with low-sugar but good taste.”

The good part of this brand battle, observers believe, is that it gives room for various brands to constantly seek consumers’ satisfaction. It makes them offer the best deal to attract consumers’ patronage.

Competition, it is believed, breeds improvement, which breeds good deal, leading to value for money, which is most important, said an expert in the industry.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

30

Brandnews

Dark and Lovely hosts 3,500 hairdressers …unveils products

D

ARK and Lovely range of beauty products from the staple of L’Oreal Central West Africa hosted over 3,500 hairstylists and dressers across the Southwest zone to make history as the biggest gathering of hair professionals in one day. It was at the unveiling the new Dark and Lovely Anti-Breakage range, which offers 10 times less breakage to hair.

The hair professionals were drawn from all the major trade associations within Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states. The new anti-breakage range of products includes the complete relaxer kit, the strengthening oil moisturizer, the nourishing

Stories by Wale Alabi

hair butter, and the healing treatment.

The 111year old signature of the L’Oreal Group dedicated to Afro beauty - “SoftSheen Carson” has discovered from its institute that African hair is the most vulnerable of all and the most prone to breakage. Research shows the natural surface of Afro hair bears the most numerous weak points because its cuticles do not perfectly overlap as a result of its twisted shapes.

However, the good news for consumers from the African descent is

Nokia organises training for developers

I

N furtherance of its commitment to supporting local de velop-ers Ecosystem, global phone manufacturer, Nokia has organised an advanced Java training for its key developers and partners in Nigeria and Ghana. The two-day intensive training, which held at Co-Creation Hub on the 20th and 21st of September focused on utilising the latest developer tools for 40 key developers to encourage them to develop applications for the new Nokia Asha Full Touch devices.

Mr. Tony Torp, a senior lecturer of software engineering at Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland conducted the theoretical and hands on training, which focused on developing the participants’ skills and current applications.

As part of the training, Torp also led a workshop for six potential Nokia Certified trainers from Nigeria and Ghana with the goal of certifying the trainers to be part of the official Nokia trainers network globally.

Speaking at the training, Head, Ecosystem and Developer Experience, Nokia West Africa, Mr. Teemu Kiijarvi, expressed Nokia’s delight in being able to bring a global top talent to Nigeria to support local developers in improving their skills in mobile app development. Nigeria, he said, has a thriv-

ing and growing mobile software start-up scene with a lot of potential for growth. He stated that the company will through the workshop and other initiatives like Nokia/Co-Creation Hub Growth Academy; continue to provide support to Nigerian developers and ICT companies. ”We are also extremely delighted to start the process of certifying the first West African Nokia trainers.

Our goal is always to find and collaborate with the top local talents and by finding these certified trainers we have much wider developer training support network in the region. Through the process the selected trainers will become part of Nokia’s global trainer network and they will get access to materials and tools available only for selected partners. They will also get early access to the latest Nokia developer tools and devices. This is an extremely important moment for us and we have been working long towards this moment,” he said.

Also at the training, Ernie Ofori, one of the six selected potential Nokia-certified trainers described the Growth Academy program as a novel accelerator programme in Nigeria which will build the capacity of Nigerian technology startups to create world class applications that will meet the real needs of Nigerian consumers.

La Casera Apple Story thrills consumers in Osun

B

UILDING on the enormous success of its Apple Story Campaign, the La Casera Company Plc is taking the experience to the doorsteps of consumers of its ever popular La Casera Apple flavour drink as the Southwestern state of Osun was recently hit by a ton of refreshment, energy and fun when the Apple Story train arrived the town.

Like an affirmation of the company’s culture of innovation and excellence, The company has attracted an unprecedented number of students of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, in their ongoing campaign.

In a four hour-Apple Story Experiential show held at the polytechnic, Iree, a huge crowd of students and visitors were thrilled to the dexterous moves of the dancers and football jugglers on offer, as free samples of cool and refreshing La Casera Apple Drink were handed out. The audience also had a chance to win fantastic prizes in the various dancing and juggling competitions that were organised by the

La Casera Apple Story team.

Many of those present praised La Casera for filling their day with fun and flavour and asked for a return visit. Miss Bose Awoniyi, a student of the polytechnic and winner of the female category of the dancing competition was also grateful to La Casera for providing a platform for her to showcase her skills.

“This is a day I’ll never forget.

Winning the dancing competition will surely bring me more recognition to my dancing skills on campus - and who knows what this will lead to. Thanks to La Casera, I have my own ‘Apple Story’ to tell,” she enthused.

She also praised the effort of the LaCasera Company for the opportunity by emerging the winner in the female category dancing competition which gave her the chance to became famous in the campus.

The La Casera Apple Story train continues on its journey across the country with the promise of energy, refreshment and fun to the teeming consumers of the popular Apple Drink.

that L’Oreal has created the perfect solution to fight breakage for Afro hair. The natural cement of the hair is the ceramide and the scientists have created s synthetic version to replenish these weak points said Mrs. Severine Fadairo-Lemon, Marketing Director, LOREAL Central/West Africa.

Consequently, The Dark and Lovely Anti-breakage range has been scientifically proven that it is the only range of products that puts back the ceramide lost to guarantee up to 10 times less breakage.

Explaining the rationale behind the event, Mrs. Fadairo-Lemon said: “We are here today to host Nigeria hairdressers to present them with our new Dark and Lovely anti-breakage range. It is new range of full product, dedicated to afro-specific hair and to help consumers fight breakage problems they encounter.”

“We know that the major problem women face with the hair is breakage and secondly is the lack

of moisture in the hair and that is the dryness of hair, adding that the current range of the company’s hair products were designed to help with the dryness problem and that is why the range was called moisture plus.

“The new addition now is to treat the breakage problem therefore, if you have dry hair you should keep with our current range –Dark n Lovely Moisture Plus and if you have breakage problem with your hair then you should go for the new released-Anti-Breakage range,” the marketing director said.

On the affordability and availability of the products particularly to low end market, Mrs FadairoLemon said: “Our brand is actually a premium brand and so there is no denial in us saying that we are a brand that is at the bottom of the pyramid because we think that our mission for being part of the Loreal Group is the number one group for beauty in the world is ready to de-

liver quality for women across the world either they are Africans, Europeans, Asians or Americans they deserve the best to be able to look good and feel good about themselves so Dark n Lovely is really a premium brand but it doesn’t mean that being premium we want to put some people to the side. Our goal is really to cater for every problem and also to be available for everyone. So, the first step is actually to be available as I just said and this is the reason Loreal opened a subsidiary here, we are only operating in Nigeria for eight months now. It is because we really want to put our products on the shelf to be available for everyone to buy.”

According to her, the second step after the opening of the subsidiary is that ”we have partnered with some national distributors that have footprint in Nigeria not only in urban areas but also in semi-urban and the rural areas across the country.”

From left: Logistics Director, Mr. Stephen Opayemi; ICT Manager, Miss Yinka Megbope, both of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, receiving the Best CSR Award on Education from Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos State, Mr. Jide Ologun. With them is the Marketing Director of Promasidor, Mr. Kachi Onubogu, at the SERA awards in Lagos.

Trophy Lager rebrands

I

N consonance with the brand’s aim of re-connecting with consumers, SABMiller Nigeria has introduced Trophy Beer in a new 330ml CAN with an attractive label, supported with an extensive new Above The Line communication campaign.

This was disclosed by Mr Andre Lubbe, Commercial Director SABMiller Nigeria during the launch of the label and campaign held at Ilesha Breweries recently.

At the launch of the CAN new label and communication campaign, Lubbe said the new campaign has given rise to a new identity that really communicates the intrinsic values of the brand both in terms of emotional and rational benefits.

“The new re-design of the label has given rise to a new brand identity that communicates the intrinsic values of the brand both in terms of emotional and rational benefits, as well as to build long lasting aspiration for Trophy beer’’, Lubbe said . Lubbe also reiterated that the brand which has

also added a new title Honourable as part of its repositioning plan to position it to be first among equals and the leader of any social group. ‘’Thereafter with the title Honourable which is used to describe respected members of the society and community, first among equals and the leader of any social group, Trophy larger’s new title symbolizes deserved respect, being a beer well cherished and appreciated amongst the south – westerners,’’ Lubbe said.

Continuing, Lubbe maintained that the beer which means so much to the consumers because of its distinctive taste and quality is also referred to as the pride of the West “ Trophy lager means so much to the consumers because of its distinctive taste and quality. It is regarded as the pride of the west, as such, to most consumers of the beer, it is seen as first among equals and remains the leading economy brand in the Southwest,’’ he said.

Therefore, to further entrench the brand values and personality,

Lubbe said it became imperative to refresh the beer by putting it in its rightful place. He also disclosed that following a consumer research conducted in the Southwest towards the end of last year and this year, hence the need to develop this new marketing campaign to reflect a new brand positively.

Also speaking at the launch, the Chief Operating Officer of Ilesha Breweries, Mr Carlos Gomez stated that IBL has a very proud history while it remains ambitious to be of quality standard, to produce brands with quality standards that will be visibly positioned that will have a appreciable share of the market.

Trophy lager beer, which was originally launched by International Breweries Plc, Ilesha, Osun State in 1978 and taken over in 2011 by the management of SABMiller, world’s second largest brewer and the biggest in Africa, has remained a remarkable choice of lager with strong and notable presence in Southwestern Nigeria.

SHOPPING

31

THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

• Curved nest leather chair

•Curved room set

• Viva bar stool

Home makers go for curvy, sensual fixtures For a warm and welcoming home, sensual, classic curves will do. Curvy furniture are back, creating a lovely and artistic ambience, writes JANICE NKOLI IFEME.

P

EOPLE with taste are leaving the conventional, rectangular and square straight cut shapes for more curvy and sensual styles in their home and office fittings.

After more than a decade of understanding linear furnishing, some decorators are now switching to curves. Now, arcs are appearing in many places, from statement

seating to sinuous tables, organically shaped kitchen cabinetry to consoles.

The many brand furniture stores around the metropolis display different styles in their showrooms to the admiration of shoppers and passersby.

A dealer who specialises in curved furniture, Mr Moses Eruchalu said: “They are not conventional. They are not things you see in every store. In many cases, we deliver them

Champagne for class

Page 32

• Bamboo chairs

based on the taste of the customer. In as much as many love their artistic appeal, they may not go for them because they believe it is a bit on the high side. But it is not so. Just like antiques, they are strictly for those who love to stand out from the norm. We are happy dealing with this set of customers because they know they are getting value for their money”.

According to him, curves are more difficult to conceive and manufacture than sharp angles. In the past, they were seen more in antiques but now, it has been taken to a high art form of contemporary furniture.

According to a research from Oregon State University, People react more positively to,

Shopping for used cars

Page 33

and prefer to socialise in spaces filled with curvy forms and shapes, as opposed to rectangles, “Curvilinear forms create warmth,” noted Sibel Dazkir, a doctoral student in design and human environment, who conducted the study. “They are associated with organic forms found in nature. If you want your guests to feel more comfortable, use curved shapes in the room”, she added.

Seeing that most curved furniture are usually imported, which increases their cost in the shopping malls, some local furniture designers have taken it upon themselves to pro•Continued on page 32

Night market for the working class Page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

32

SHOPPING

Home makers go for curvy, sensual fixtures •Continued from page 31

duce them and make them more affordable.

Among such local designers is the Jakande – Okeafa Furniture Makers Association with stores located along Isolo, Jakande and Ikotun road. Another group is also waxing strong on the Ikeja axis of the Agege Motor Road. A local furniture specialist, Mr Gbenga Moronfolu, said: “Before, people thought that good furniture can only be imported but we have proved them wrong. Many people now come to us and we produce unique curved and straight furniture to their delight.”

Curved fittings come in different forms and sizes and would give a unique effect anywhere.

A lover of curvy design, Mr Barnabas Iwundu, displayed some curvy designs in his office and home. Pointing excitedly at his curved office furniture, he said: “It creates a comfortable environment and makes people feel welcome. What I love about this table is that it is a big impressive piece, but at the same time, the shape is very peaceful, warm and relaxed. Sometimes, design can be sharp and cold but this is not aggressive furniture”.

Mr Ahmed Sidki, whose works have gone on exhibition in different parts of the world said: “Curves are always more time consuming but worth it in the end”. He explained the technical challenges of producing his work: “the metal must be cut with absolute accuracy and the edges butted tightly, each meticulously welded to avoid distortion through heat expansion, then ground and sanded by hand. “The technical accomplishment may be dazzling, but it is the aesthetics

• Contemporary curved chairs

that appeal to buyers”, he said.

In functional areas of the house, such as kitchen, curves could be easier to live with than straight-up-and-down furnishings. Besides, they give unique appeal. Curve is among the distinctive fittings you could keep in your home.

You could get a skilled local furniture

maker to make styles that strive towards perfection, elegance, beauty and charm.

The scheme is to give your home a warm and welcoming feel with a classic and sophisticated look. If well picked, your style could be an inimitable creation that would stand the test of time and not go out of fashion; instead, it should become contemporary furniture classics.

Here are some classy designs to choose from.

Music chair The music chair is a joy of modern design; you can create something useful and still be playful.

Its curvaceous nature has a spark of ingenuity and the fact that it is really a couch and comes equipped with speakers, makes it more interesting. It is really for those with big ears.

• Music chair

Curved nest leather chair This is a great example of a clever use of leather because it is made to look like a leave, seating in this chair gives you a feeling that you are hanging up a jungle tree.

Swedish bathtub In a way, it is surprising that bathroom design has veered towards the clinical, this great bathtub design shows that there is room for more innovation, The pale wood gives it a very Swedish

• Curvy book shelf

Bamboo chairs Bamboo is an amazingly durable and strong material, which also grows quickly making it an easily renewable resource. Its inherent strength allows the spring a superthin curvy profile and ensures a light weight chair. The sensuous curves shine with dense grain, while the material’s flexibility allows a gentle soothing rocking motion. An ergonomic design, the bamboo chair provides great comfort as well as modern classic style.

Curved bench The curved bench set is durable and ideal for in and outdoor setting.

Jig saw

The jig saw glows and works very well in a restaurant environment.

feel. The fact that it has curves adds to the warm feeling of a bathtub.

Curvy shelf

book

This curvaceous book shelf works as a display cabinet.

Viva bar stool

• Glass table curvy design.

This is a very seductive chair, it is very feminine just because it has a bottom part which looks like a female skirt, the silver edge at the foot is also en- • Jig saw ticing.

•Sanderson

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

33

SHOPPING Shopping Right with

Are you a smart shopper?

“I • Lanson champagne

Champagne for class Champagne ranges in texture and style, depending on the mix of grapes used, the dosage applied, and the producer.

There are extremely light Champagnes, such as those produced by Lanson with each flavour having its unique taste, ensuring that for any occasion there is a perfect bottle.

TONIA ‘DIYAN writes.

L

ANSON champagne is one of the few brands, which avoids the malolactic fermentation year on year and for all its styles. This practice retains the freshness and fruitiness of each cuvee’, enabling the wines to keep longer in pleasant lasting aromas and flavours.

It is brewed in the best champagne tradition. The attraction is on how to retain the captured position in the Nigerian champagne market.

According to Chief Olatunde Onakoya who has the sole franchise‘ of the product “We are bringing the Lanson champagne back to the consciousness of the Nigerian society, for people who love champagnes to know that Lanson has come back to retain its top place .” he said.

The price is affordable and it is available in all top choice marts where champagnes are sold across the country.

It is French classic champagne, first produced in the year 1760, reputed particularly for its vintage. It is one of the oldest champagnes in the world that has been improved and refined over the years.

It comes in four different flavour styles,

all of them universally appreciated. The black label (brut) the rose label, the ivory label and the gold label.

Each variety has its unique rich taste and appeal suitable for all kinds of occasions.

The black label is a non- vintage champagne, with a racy and lingering taste. The aroma gives an impression of vitality with hints of ‘toast’ and honey from a variety of flowers.

The rose label is a fresh wine with a hint of pink, a beautiful pure colour with aroma of roses and fruits. It is tenderly fresh and one of the most sought- after in the world.

However, the ivory label is sweet champagne, with the aroma of ripe fruit, cinnamon and honey. While the gold label is a brut vintage wine known for its delicacy and elegance. And is best enjoyed at special meal occasions.

Champagne generally is the ultimate celebratory drink used to toast newlyweds, applaud achievements, and acknowledge milestones. A large part of its appeal is due to the bubbles that spill forth when the bottle is uncorked. Lanson champagne is considered a mark of sophistication.

Medicated soap or nothing With the various advertorials on medicated soap and the need to fight germs, more people are turning to medicated soaps, writes OMOLARA MOFESOLA OMONIYI.

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ITH the aid of campaigns and promos, medicated soap manufacturers seem to have wormed their way into the hearts of consumers, especially children. Brands like Dettol, Tetmosol, Lifebuoy and Delta have become the toast of many homes. You can find them everywherefrom the Mallam on your street, to the provision stores in the nearest market to the exotic shopping malls in the metropolis. The multinational companies producing them are constantly bringing up strategies to make more sales. The price begins at N100.

To create interest in consumers, the promoters of these products indulge in several campaigns in the media, on the streets and even in schools to assert themselves to target consumers. Dettol for instance, has designed many campaign programmes in schools in the bid to make it the most preferred among kids. Lifebuoy also undertakes the same meas-

ure. Tetmosol and Delta targets adults and children alike. The good thing about them is that they are good and suitable for the entire family. They boast of cleaning and proper disinfection of the body against germs. They also moisturise the body and give it lasting freshness.

F fools did not go to market, cracked pots and false wares would not be sold,” said Jean Le Malchanceux in the 12th century. The market place offers a bewildering variety of choices and we often end up getting a raw deal. It is, therefore, very important for us to make informed choices.

You do not always buy clothes to own them, you buy them because you think they make JANICE NKOLI IFEME you look good. And for an important social event, looking good is 50 per cent bulk of your reasons to even be at an event. If you Do you make your customers’ experience a learn to shop smart, you would greatly reduce seamless one? post-purchase hassles.

Do you let customers do more for themTo get a fair deal, it is very important that selves? you, as consumer, assert yourself while buying Do you measure the things that customers goods and services. really care about?

Never buy on impulse or under pressure. Decide in ad‘You do not always Points of View vance exactly what you want buy clothes to own From the customer’s Get advice and price quotes point of view, your comfrom several sellers of various them, you buy pany or brand exists only brands and compare to create value for them, to them because you Check for any extra, hidden provide them with results. charges such as delivery fees, think they make In the fast-changing global installation and service costs economy, the focus must be you look good.

Read and understand any on the way in which the nacontract or legal document that And for an importure of value is changing, you are asked to sign. Make new ways to tant social event, involving sure there are no blank spaces. price goods, innovation Insist that any extras you are looking good is 50 and emotion. The implicapromised orally be put in writtion of these new forms of ing. Never assume things. Ask per cent bulk of exchange is a transfer of the sales person to fully expower from the producer to your reasons to plain the store’s return or exthe customer. change policy. even be at an There are multitudes of Save all papers that you get values present in every event.

If you learn with your purchase-sales rebuyer-seller exchange: ecoceipts, manuals and warranty to shop smart, you nomic, informational and documents. Ensure that the These exwould greatly re- emotional. warranty card is stamped with changes increasingly hapthe dealer’s seal and has the duce post-purchase pen so fast that there is no date of purchase and term of time to translate them into hassles’ warranty period on it. Any precise monetary terms. card without these details Businesses need to identify renders the warranty null and these hidden values and think more accurately void Read and follow product and service instruc- about their worth before accepting the price tions. If there is a defect, take the product only proposed. The implications are profound. to an authorised service centre of the manufac- Companies need to think in terms of offers, turer. This helps you make a legal claim in case which involve merging products and services to exploit their knowledge and give customof a recurring problem ers a value-added experience, not just selling Are your customers satisfied with them stuff.

your offerings?

In today’s world, customers are looking for products that suit their purpose best – in terms of price, features, quality and appearance. They expect to be treated as kings and to receive sales and service support, along with definite solutions to problems from retailers, dealers or channel partners.

The mantra that the ‘customer is king’ is the premise that any product’s design, production, distribution and marketing should have one central focus at the core of all decision-making: the customer (remember: in some instances, the customer may not necessarily be the end-user or consumer).

Products or brands by themselves do not automatically usher in customer loyalty or strengthen customer relations.

Consider the following questions Do you present a single face to your customers?

Do you work in different ways for different classes of customers and different types of people?

Do you know what your customers will ask for before they do?

Checklist Customer first – refers to making customers the central focus of all decision making; product design, production, distribution and marketing Customers want products that best meet their needs in terms of price, features, quality and appearance.

Know your customer and predict their needs before they ask the question.

Tailor products to meet different customer needs.

Simplify the purchase process for your customer.

Add value through innovation and incentives.

Deliver something that goes beyond the basic product.

The key concern is the kind of interface your brand builds and presents to your customers as well as your end user. To be successful, you need to add value for your customer, by distinguishing between what you are selling and what your customer is buying. Take a broad view of your customer’s needs and deliver something that goes beyond the basic product purchase.

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com

34

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

SHOPPING Are you looking for a first rate used car and you don’t have enough money? The showrooms are your best bet.

Many of them dot Lagos, write TONIA ‘DIYAN and AZZAN OLAJUMOKE.

T

HERE is a large thriving market of used cars in Lagos.

Prices of the same vehicle sometimes vary widely from one dealer to the other. What one pays for will depend on several factors including the vehicle’s features, its mechanical condition, age or motivation of the seller among other factors.

Some people would display their cars for sale in open spaces such as car parks, on the streets and even in front of their residences. Most times there is a simple sign such as ‘Buy me’ or ’for sale’ with a telephone number to indicate that the car is about to be sold so that interested buyers can make enquiries.

Depending on your needs, cars can be found for sale in just about every place. Individuals sell their cars to meet an urgent need.

Virtually all car brands can be bought and sold but the overwhelming majority of them are used cars. The most popular brands of used cars are; Toyota, Honda and Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz, Peugeot, BMW and several others. Used cars can be bought at lower and affordable prices compared to brand new cars.

A used 2001 Honda Civic car is sold for N750,000; 1999 Toyota Previa is sold for N850,000; 1999 Mazda Protégé N980,000; 1998 Ford Ranger XLT N1,100,000; 2004 Toyota Highlander N1,350,000; 2008 Nissan Rogue SE N1,800,000; 2000 Toyota Sequoia LTD N3,000,000; 2011 Toyota Sequoia N4,000,000; 1986 Honda Accord N270,000; 1993 Honda Civic hatchback is sold for N300,000, 1996 Suzuki Baleno N300,000; 2004 Skoda Octavia N350,000; 1989 BMW 3 series goes for N350,000; 1996 Rover 827 Si is sold for N370,000; 1999 Nissan Altima N370,000; 1996 Honda Accord N380,000; 1996 Nissan Quest N400,000.

Major car dealers who sell brand new cars also stock used cars. They are the likes of; Lanre Shittu cars, Porshe car dealer at Victoria Island Lagos, Motorways, SCOA cars, among others.

People have different choices when it comes to cars, some like jeeps, and others prefer sporty cars which are usually small and portable in size. It is advisable for any body who wants to buy a car to weigh his/her options by visiting different car dealers, compare prices and be able to pick the most reasonable price at the end of the day.

Nigeria is filled with car lovers who

T

HE goods, are patronised mostly by people returning from their places of work . At this time, they would be able to calm down and buy whatever they need depending on how much they have.

It is also patronised by people who do not like coming out during the sun because of its harsh rays and also because of its relative affordability. Some people, due to the tender nature of their skin, do not come out in the noon time.

The security of the market is tight as there are different security personnel assigned to guide the bus stop. The interesting thing about shopping is when you get a commodity which is worth your money, and this is one of the advantages this market will offer you.

For example, you can buy a compact disk for as cheap as N100, and enjoy it. You can purchase tomatoes cheaper than the normal market price depending on your bargaining power. Obviously, the seller will call a higher price, and then it is left to you to bring it down.

There is no age restriction in this market. Both the young and old are seen purchasing different items they need. There is no class division in this market as expected, it is Just like a normal market, you purchase what best suites your budget.

As expected, the market is very noisy; the noise is coming both from the sellers, buyers and cars that are plying the road. The goods are displayed on thick nylons spread on the floor or tables.

• Range Rover

Shopping for used cars import and use different types of expensive cars, as long as they can afford it. The large size of the Nigerian used car market has made it possible to select from an assortment of cars and Jeeps (not just the Peugeots as was the case in the 1980s). Most frequently, the latest European and Japanese cars and Jeeps enter the Nigerian market a few months after they are released.

Do your homework before parting with your hard earned money; whether you are buying a brand new car or a used car. If you are not comfortable with a particular dealer, try another one; there are several of them.

Do not be quick to take the first offer given to you.

Knowing when to buy a car is important, the end of the month is a suitable time. You may want a Porsche, a compact car, Sedan, SUV, van, or truck.

However, knowing the class of car and your price point will help you focus.

You should be able to choose between a manual and an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions tend to be a little less expensive.

Consider buying a car with enough space if you intend using it to carry load.

According to Philip Reed, a consumer advice editor and a co-author of Strategies for Smart Car buyers “the price of a car should not be more than 20 per cent of your take-home pay and the end of the month is always a good time to car shop because dealers are anxious to meet their quotas. In the beginning of November, cars are often discounted because dealers want to get them off for the new batch to be sold during the holidays” Companies traditionally release next year’s models in late August and early September. It is important to see new features, updated models, and sizes of cars, and then compare them to existing ones. Perhaps the new features are not worth the extra money for the next year’s model.

Night market for the working class The thriving night market at Abule Egba, a Lagos suburb, has gradually turned to a market for the working class. The sellers display their wares ranging from phones to foodstuff. Some of the wares come cheap. OMOLARA MOFESOLA OMONIYI reports.

The goods being sold in this market include cooked foods, bread, raw foodstuff, shoes, bag, male accessory, female accessory, clothes; both new and fairly used, fruits amongst many others and they are all displayed neatly. The traders are very nice.

According to a banker, Mrs Aduke Olaseni, “I barely have time during the day to do my shopping because of the nature of my job. So I wait till night time, which is most convenient. I won’t say because of my job, I won’t cook for my family or wear new clothes.

“As you can see, this place is a blessing to people like me. I can tell you that for the past six months, I have not done my shopping anywhere else. I have come today to buy some foodstuffs,that I may cook for my family when I get home.”

According to another worker, Miss Omowumi Oguntuase, ‘It is easier for me to buy things here when I am coming back from work. Besides, the things here are relatively cheaper than that of the normal market’.

• Some items on display

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

35

Brandnews According to the Integrated Marketing Services website, a strong promotion is founded on sound consumer insights; leverages a strong link to the brand’s equity; includes relevant media channels and delivers incentives that are ultimately motivating to the consumer. Wikipeadia defines promotion as one of the aspects of the promotional mix, writes JIMI DAVID as Nigerian Breweries unveils promo.

Nigerian Breweries unveils biggest FMCG promo

S

OME identified consumer promotion techniques are a tem porary reduction in price and loyalty reward programmes, where consumers collect points, miles, or credit for purchases and redeem them for rewards.

Nigeria’s favourite and leading beer brand, Star lager beer, manufactured by Nigerian Breweries Plc, recently begans its National Consumer Promotion. It is tagged: Star Time to Shine promo. Well, Star lager is not looking at reducing the recommended retail price of the beer, even though the promo is a unique reward scheme. What Star is, however, looking at, is rewarding over 8.5 million consumers.

Perhaps, drawing a parallel between the number of expected lucky winners and population of Nigerian states will paint a picture of the enormity of the unique reward scheme. The 2006 census figures estimates the population of Lagos State at 9.1 million. Hypo-

thetically speaking, if the promo is restricted to the Centre of Excellence as Lagos is popularly called, about 93.4 per cent are already guaranteed winners.

If it was also restricted to states such as Oyo, Rivers, Benue and Anambra, which have 5.5 million, 5.1 million, 4.2 million and 4.1 million respectively. Clearly, there will be an abundance of prizes. Citizens from Benue and Anambra will even win twice.

The press conference announcing the promo was held on September 19. Welcoming the media, Mr Walter Drenth, Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, said that Star lager beer has upgraded its packaging with a radiant blue neck foil and 3D-like enhancements on the label to reassure consumers of the brand’s commitment to quality and as another mark of Star’s leadership in the Nigerian beer market.

Represented by Edem Vindah,

Media and Public Affairs Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, he noted: “You have seen the campaigns of Star on various media encouraging our consumers to experience the Shine of Quality that only Star brings and Shine On. It’s been a very busy and important year for the Star brand and like we used to say, there’s never a dull moment.”

Speaking on the promo, he stated: “This time however, is the time to reward and say thank you to the millions of our consumers in every part of Nigeria. It is with pride that I introduce to you the Star Time to Shine promo – a national consumer promotion designed to reward our loyal consumers across the country with various fantastic prizes.”

The Marketing Director further averred that the promo’s main aim is to reward the consumers of Nigeria’s favourite beer. He noted: “This promotion has one

main objective: to give our consumers the chance to shine and we call on them to seize the chance!

The sheer number of winners that will emerge from this promo is astounding.”

He shed more light on the mechanics of the consumer promotion. “The promotion is a crown cork based one. That means consumers buy and open a bottle of Star and while enjoying the premium quality, look under the crown cork and there is their passport to shine.

“There will be two categories of winning crown corks. The first is the instant prize crown corks. Under this category, the following prizes can be won: 85,000 umbrellas, 92,000 T shirts, 20,000 baseball caps, two million pens and a whopping 6.3 million free drinks.

To make claiming prizes very easy, there are 1,200 redemption centres nationwide. The basic idea is to ensure that as many Star loyalists as possible get rewarded.”

Speaking further, he stated that there will be draw crown corks containing special numeric codes. He listed some of the prizes to be won via weekly draws as follows: 400 people will win N20,000, which is the third prize while 240 people will win N50,000 which is the second prize. The first prize of 32 inch LCD TV will be won by 160 persons.

The special codes will also qualify contestants for the grand prize of a brand new Toyota Corolla to be won by 16 persons.

Holders of the draw crown corks can ‘redeem’ them in either of two ways: By sending information such as their name, sex, age, location, and the special code to 30383

by SMS or by going to any of the 1200 redemption centres and registering their codes and personal details. Consumers will also be able to register their crown corks on the Star website www.starnigeria.com and facebook page www.facebook.com/starnigeria.

All holders of the draw crown corks will be expected to keep them as the ultimate proof of ownership. The SMS system will work with all major telecoms operators in the country.

The draws for the Star Time to Shine promo will be held weekly in different bars around Nigeria from October 12 and broadcast on major network televisions, including Newsline every Sunday from October 21.

“This promotion is another testimonial of Star’s commitment to giving back to the society and especially the consumers of the brand. With over 8.5 million winners to emerge, the lives of many Nigerians will again be touched through the Star Time to Shine promo.”

Guinness launches SNAPP

• From left: Brand Manager, Star, Obabiyi Fagade; Marketing Manager, Lager, Tony Agenmonmen; Media and Public Affairs Manager, Edem Vindah, and Senior Brand Manager, Star, Sampson Oloche all of Nigerian Breweries Plc, at the press conference.

SABMiller opens brewery in Onitsha

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REWING giant SABMiller has opened a new brewery in Onitsha‚ South Eastern Nigeria - the company’s first ‘Greenfield’ brewery to be built in the country.

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan commissioned the new brewery‚ the company said in a statement.

Work began on the Onitsha site in 2011 following an investment of over $100 million‚ making it the largest single investment in Anambra State for almost 20 years.

The communities in Onitsha and surrounding towns stand to benefit significantly through the creation of employment and through indirect commercially-related activities and support services.

Immediate direct job creation sees 180 local people employed‚ with that number increasing to ap-

By Raji Rotimi Solomon

proximately 450 as production volumes grow. Local raw materials such as sorghum and maize will be used where possible supporting the local economy and the government’s efforts to eradicate poverty and create jobs, SABMiller said.

The new brewery has an annual capacity of up to 500,000 hectolitres.

The new brewery has commenced the production of a new lager brand, Hero which will be among several other brands that will roll out from the Onitsha plant. Other brands lined up for roll out here are Trophy Lager‚ Grand Lager and non-alcoholic malt beverages Grand Malt and Beta Malt.

Mark Bowman‚ Managing Director of SABMiller Africa‚ said: “Over the past five years we have invested over $1 billion in Africa. Today’s opening is an indication of our com-

mitment to increase our capacity further and to consolidate our position on the continent while contributing positively to the local communities in which we operate.”

The Onitsha brewery brings SABMiller’s total number of sites in Nigeria to four‚ having first entered the market in 2008 through its strategic alliance with the French Groupe Castel, which bought majority stake in International Breweries Plc, Ilesa. SABMiller bought Pabod Breweries, Port Harcourt and Standard Breweries in Ibadan, the companies it used for soft landing.

According to industry pundits, Nigeria is Africa’s second largest beer market and is growing at around six per cent a year. However‚ average per capita consumption is still relatively low at around 10 litres per year, which compares to an average of around 60 litres in Africa’s largest beer market‚ South Africa.

ON September 22, Guinness Nigeria Plc launched its newest brand, SNAPP made for women of style and sophistication, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, which was a night of class, sophistication and glamour was hosted by on-air-sensation, Anita “Omalicha” Isedeh and comedian, Owen Gee. It saw in attendance some of the biggest names in the Nigerian entertainment industry as well as top notch entrepreneurs including on-air-personalities – Toke Makinwa and Freeze; fashion designers – Ugonna Omeruo and Mai Atafo; Nollywood star Segun Arinze, TV hosts – Adora Oleh and Eku Edewor; top photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi and former Miss MBGN Sylvia Nduka.

All guests were treated to best of entertainment by music stars, Chidinma – who performed her hit tracks in an Ankara piece and Chuddy K, finger licking food and refreshing glasses of SNAPP. SNAPP is the first apple tasting alcoholic beverage with a crisp taste specifically made for women. It is packaged in an attractive and crystal clear 30cl bottle with a gold and green label which gives it a distinct and classy look.

Mainstreet Bank begins campaign MAINSTREET Bank has launched a culture-change campaign aimed at repositioning the bank and motivating its workforce.

Managing Director of the bank, Faith Tuedor-Matthews said in a statement that the campaign with the theme: Unbeatable Standards (US) will inspire the bank’s workforce into improved productivity.

She said the campaign is the lender’s way of translating its core values into winning advantages. “It is our promise to keep investing in the right people for enhanced customer experiences. It means we will never settle for less no matter how convenient it is; it is all about US because we are setting unbeatable standards,” she said.

According to her, to be successful in delivering the exciting future, there is need to build the right culture, climate and behavior platforms on which the bank will run. “We need to see leaders engage positively with peers, colleagues and immediate reports, ensuring that they not only set clear objectives but also ensure understanding, motivate and inspire performance,” she said.

According to the GMD, the bank has engaged experts in the field of culture change to help initiate the desired new culture amongst the bank’s staff.

“A performance consultancy firm and an organisation with significant international experience and expertise in culture change management, will partner with the bank in the transformation process”, she added.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

36

I

N today’s fast changing world, manufacturers are constantly challenged with aligning their products and marketing activities to suit the ever changing needs of consumers. For major and upcoming brands, the goal has always been to capture a fair share of an ever changing market.

To achieve this, deft marketing techniques become an imperative. Overtime, marketers have come to realise that to ensure consumer loyalty which ultimately leads to increased sales, there must be a strong connection between a brand and the consumer.

Social and cultural trends have continued to dictate the taste, style and attitudes of consumers. The pace at which consumers attitudes change in recent times, has proved to even be faster than marketing can cope.

Marketing strategies that worked a short while ago may prove a colossal failure when employed again. Today’s consumer is now more informed, as a result marketers find it a bit daunting connecting with them.

One of the hurdles involved in creating a connection between brands and consumers, is that there is no guaranteed path to achieving this even though certain fundamentals are often considered.

Today, brands strive to find new strategies and innovative ways to dominate their markets. This explains why brand builders are constantly looking for diverse ways to connect with their target audience. It is therefore not surprising that a successful consumer engagement platform can spell huge gains for a brand with foresight.

In Nigeria, brands are springing up from almost every sector of the economy. The implication of this is a huge increase in brand clutter. In order to differentiate itself from this clutter, brands look for meaningful ways to engage and connect seamlessly with consumers. It is imperative here to note that only a few brands ever get to truly connect with their audience and achieve their marketing goals.

Legend extra stout, one of the strong brands from the stables of Nigeria breweries plc, is considered as one of the few successful stout brands in the country.

Market results shows that the brand is the fastest growing beer brand in the country. Within a short time the brand has climbed up the market ladder to compete head-to-head with other so called major brands that have been in the stout market for decades.

The brand has maintained over 65 per cent increase over the past years and this has continued to rise. How has the Legend brand been able to achieve this rare feat in such a competitive beer market?

What factors, propelled this brand to the top echelon of the market? These are some of the pertinent questions on the mouths of market watchers.

A cursory look at some of the workings of the Legend brand reveals that indeed the brand merits the current position it occupies. One of the most distinguishing factors of the Legend brand is its taste.

Legend is regarded as the best tasting stout brand in the country. A blind test with several participants revealed that the taste of Legend was unique and tasted better that all others.

Legend is also the only full brewed stout in the market. Another factor is that of cost. The Legend brand not only tastes better, but it’s also pocket friendly. The unique combination of cost and superior product has played to the advantage of the brand.

Legend, the real deal Another factor, that has proved significant to the success story of the Legend brand, is its association with entertainment. Knowing full well that Nigerians are fun loving people, the brand in March 2011, introduced ‘Real Deal Nite’ as one of its consumer engagement platforms.

The brand has been able to sustain the intensity and excitement of the event far beyond expectations. In doing this, Legend seems to have realized what its consumer’s desire.

The brand also envisaged the challenges of sustaining such a platform and thus put in place strategies to continue to make the event captivating and highly rewarding for consumers.

Overtime, the brand has been able to leverage on this platform to provide optimum entertainment for its consumers.

The Legend ‘Real Deal Nite’, which holds at the Niteshift Coliseum hangout, Lagos, has become a monthly convergence of revelers, top entertainers and crème-dela crème of the society.

The fusion of comedy, an electrifying in house live-band and music by current Arated artistes and living legends, seems to be delighting consumers as the number of attendees continue to leap each month.

This year alone the event has been able to attract high profile entertainers like Basketmouth, I go Dye, Seyi Law, Mike Okri, Flavour Nabania, J.Martins, Gordons amongst others.

It was all fun and excitement at the last edition of the highly entertaining Legend ‘Real Deal Nite’, which held at the Niteshift Coliseum, Lagos. Fast rising humour merchant, Bovi, held the audience spell bound as he thrilled them to rib cracking jokes. Also on ground at the event, was legendary musician, Mike Okri, who dazzled the audience to sublime dancing skills while performing vintage hit tracks like ‘Time Na money’, ‘Omoge’, and ‘Rumba Dance’.

One of the high points of the ‘Real Deal Nite’, is the raffle draw promo where wonderful gift items ranging from generators, DVD players, refrigerators, standing fans and lots more are given out to lucky winners.

Miss. Tokunbo Dosunmu, a civil servant based in Port-Harcourt, was the proud winner of a brand new generator. According to her, she came to Lagos to unwind with her friends. It was also her first time ever at the Niteshift Coliseum. “This new generator is a life saver because my canteen business will benefit very much from it due to the bad state of the old one”.

Tokunbo said, she applauded Legend for making this possible.

Mr Olamide Lawal who was also attending for the first time won a brand new refrigerator. He acknowledged that he was shocked when it was confirmed that he had won. “I came here to relax after a friend invited me. I never imagined that I would go home with a new refrigerator. I am really glad to be here today.”

Funso Ayeni, Brand Manager, Legend Extra Stout, reiterated that the relevance of the “Real Deal Nite” is to create an atmosphere where the brand bonds with its consumers and make them understand the essence of the brand. “We are calling on people to follow the brand, try it and of course become loyalists,” Ayeni explained.

‘We are calling on people to follow the brand, try it and of course become loyalists’

H

E is clean-shaven. He is well dressed.

He drives a brand new car. He speaks impeccable English and you would never believe he is engaged in such act. He has caused several people heartache through his activities. He is not afraid of the law. In fact, he has devised a way around it. He is so smart; he has befriended the law.

That friendship has given him the liberty to operate without fear. He has friends in high places. As such, he carries on with impunity and no one dares stop him.

He operates through the issuance of fake cheques, fraudulent wire transfer, spurious anonymous call and Web-based e-mail and more. He called the other day. He informed that someone somewhere had given him one’s name. As his story goes, one has offended the anonymous fellow.

Therefore, as an herbalist, this faceless, aggrieved fellow has contracted him to deal with one ruthlessly through ‘African magic’. Being a “good” herbalist, he has decided to call and issue a timely warning.

However, on the one hand, to avoid being ‘hit’, one should, as a matter of urgency, present oneself for ‘special cleansing’.

Gosh! The man was so smooth, so convincing any fool would have believed him.

Through such a professional pitching, several unsuspecting Nigerians and foreigners have fallen victims. However, at that time, he was an herbalist. But were he dealing with government of another country, he would be a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Were he dealing with bank chiefs of another country, he would be the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria. Were he dealing with local companies, he would be the MD/CEO of Phantom Company Nigeria Unlimited. And after his conquest, whenever he is in the midst of his comrades-in-arms, he is the Chairman!

Through his unholy act, he has caused countless people monetary loss. Estimates of the loss vary widely. The Nigerian scam is hugely successful.

According to a newspaper article, “We have confirmed losses just in the United States of over $100 million in the last 15 months. Special Agent James Caldwell of the Secret Service financial crimes division said, “And that’s just the ones we know of.

We figure a lot of people don’t report”.

Nevertheless, this Nigerian lives everywhere.

He is based in South Africa. He has offices in the US and Canada. But, in fact, he could be your neighbor next door. At other times, he is actually in Johannesburg. That is where he resides now. He has transferred his trade to that country.

That is because there are still several “magas” in that country. One Osamai Hitomi, a Japanese businessman was lured to Johannesburg, South Africa in a 419 scam and kidnapped on 26 September, 2008.

He was then taken to Alberton, south of Johannesburg and a $5 million ransom was demanded from his family. Seven people were arrested. Another 29-year old George Makronalli, a Greek, was murdered in South Africa after responding to a 419 scam.

Who is behind these shady activities? Answer, the same Nigerian who is involved in advance-fee fraud. Through his fraudulent activities, Nigeria has attracted mud.

The country’s image has been battered.

However, other Nigerians are writing the country’s name in gold. Philip Emeagwali is one. Wole Soyinka is another. Chinua Achebe is popular. There is a Professor IlesanmiAdesida, the first black to be appointed the Provost/Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, United States

One nation, two citizens of America.

A professor of Electronic Engineering with outstanding works in nanotechnology, Adesida, was appointed by the search committee of the institution on May 31, 2012. Before his appointment, Adesida was the Dean, College of Engineering of the institution.

He is flying the country’s flag in a foreign land. Then there is Sanya Ojikutu, the erstwhile cartoon editor of defunct Fame magazine. Ojikutu, like Adesida, lives in the Diaspora Ojikutu’s latest invention, Share Buds Mx 2-in-1 stereo earphones, makes it possible for two persons to listen to music simultaneously. It works with most iPhones, iPod, mp3 players, mobile phones, Blackberry and other portables media players. Released in 2008, Share Buds has become a hit in the US and Apple has added the invention to its product guide. Celebrities in Beverly Hills, California and Hollywood have responded positively to the product.

It has also been featured on Channel 5’s the Gadget Show Road Trip Special in the UK. For it to get to this stage it took Ojikutu a year to design the gadget, which involved research and development, focus group and the final prototype. It is a very simple solution to everyday challenge.

However, it would change the way people listen, share and interact with their favourite music, iPods and other portable digital devices. According to Ojikutu, Oprah Winfrey and Bono inspired the invention while the two celebrities shared one pair of headphone during the launch of Apple’s product in Chicago.

Ojikutu was sure these celebrities were not getting the full benefit of the stereo quality. While he contemplated that, the idea for Share Buds hit him. Then he went to work. Ojikutu’s invention may not hit you hard. It may not make your heart skip a beat. It may not throw up the country’s name in wild ecstasy. But imagine if Ojikutu has committed an offence, imagine if he were a scammer, imagine if he were a drug baron, then imagine the kind of dirt it would have attracted to Nigeria.

These things go that way. One bad deed, which goes unnoticed or unacknowledged, can do more damage than several good ones. The country’s name has been dragged in the mud for so long it would take more than cosmetic surgery to clean it. It would take more than propaganda to get Nigeria out of this mess.

It would take more than what we are doing now before a Ghanaian or South African agrees to conduct a legitimate business with another Nigerian. He would always think the Nigerian has an unholy motive, whereas, in fact, the Nigerian is legit.

But who can blame the Ghanaian? Who will rid Nigeria of its bad image abroad? Nigeria’s situation is a case of one nation with two different shades of citizens. A scammer. An inventor; negatives and positives. Through the former, Nigeria is painted in bad light.

The latter brought glory and positive story to the country. Through the act of the former, 419 have entered global consciousness and it is linked directly to Nigeria.

Now, any Nigerian, clean or not, is perceived as a fraud. However, the inventor may be relatively unknown but his invention would change lives forever. One Nigeria.

Two sides. One is ugly. The other is beautiful. One body of water. Two streams. One is hygienic. The other stinks. One nation, two citizens. One is law abiding; the other is a member of Boko Haram sect. Who will rescue Nigeria from this mire?

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Brandz Republic Consulting and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

37

SOCIETY Bolaji Osho of The Nation and his lovebird Olufunmi Awopeju, a linguistics graduate of the Ekiti State University, got married last Saturday at the Isolag Junior School, Akute, Ogun State. AMINAT ADESINA was there

The groom’s mother, Mrs Osho and the bride’s father, Mr Awopeju

•The couple Bolaji and Olufunmi

‘She matters most to me’ T HE hall was ornately decorated in gold and blue. It blended with the colours of the event.

Family, friends and colleagues converged on the Isolag Junior School, Akute, Ogun State to share in the joy of Bolaji Osho of The Nation and his lovebird Olufunmi Awopeju, a Linguistics graduate of the Ekiti State University.

The duo bade farewell to singlehood after seven years of courtship.

The guests were thrilled by the performance of the anchors.

Shortly after, the event began with an opening prayer, led by Deaconess Yemisi Apanisile.

After which the couple were introduced to the guests.

Bolaji, a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State, looked charming in his blue top, agbada and a blue cap to match. He was accompanied by his friends who were all clad in uniformed Ankara.

He was introduced formally to the bride’s family amid prayers by both families.

The groom performed the ritual prostration, a tradition during engagement in Yorubaland, with his friends.

He was then led to a gold arm chair meant for the couple.

Olufunmi’s arrival was greeted with pomp.

Everyone stood to catch a glimpse of the bride.

She looked radiant in her blue Iro and Buba with matching blue head gear.

She danced to the song, Oni lojo Ayo mi, meaning Today is my day of joy as she was led into the hall by the bridesmaids.

No doubt, she was the cynosure of all eyes as she acknowledged greetings from friends and family members.

After receiving blessings from her parents and in-laws, she was asked to pick the most treasured gift from the things brought by her husband’s family, she

•Elder Owa and the bride’s mother, Mrs Morenike Awopeju

picked the Bible.

She was later asked to fit the cap on her husband’s head which she carefully did on her knees, a sign of respect.

The engagement cake designed like a fruit basket in yellow and gold was cut.

The couple thereafter performed their ‘first assignment’ – feeding each other.

Olufunmi described her husband as the best thing that has ever happened to her The Ekiti State-born lady said: “He is gentle, kind and understanding. He is everything to me and the best thing that can ever happen to me,” she enthused.

Bolaji, a graduate of Accountancy from the University of Lagos, said he met his wife through a friend. ‘’She is what matters most to me,” he said.’

The bride’s father, Mr Sunday Awopeju, said he felt on top of the world giving his last born, Olufunmi’s hand out in marriage.

PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

‘’I feel fulfilled now as a father. I’m so glad my daughter is getting married to Bolaji. I see him like my son and not son in-law because he is respectful, humble and down to earth’’ The groom’s mother, Mrs Elizabeth Osho, described her daughter-in-law as a wellmannered woman, brought up in a good Christian home.

The Chairman on the occassion, Elder Jonathan Owa, urged the bride to be submissive to her husband, and the husband to also reciprocate.

“When you are being submissive and respectful, you can get whatever you want from your husband and also make him do your wish because you have the keys to his heart,” he said.

There were lots to drink and eat from small chops to a variety of cuisines.

Asiwaju Lekan Great supplied the music that got everyone on the dance floor.

WHAT AND WHAT ANDWHERE? WHERE Week

T

HE youth fellowship group of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Holiness Assembly Ijegun Road, Ikotun, Lagos will on Sunday round off its annual week programme with a Thanksgiving service at the church’s auditorium.

The programme started yesterday with a prayer session in the church.

The programme with the theme “Never Give Up, God Will Make a Way” will be ministered by Brother Israel Adeshina and other anointed men of God. There will be a football match between the church (Holiness Assembly youths) and their RCCG Emmanuel Mega counterpart on Saturday.

There will also be a film show today at the Children’s Church Auditorium located at 2, White Disu Street, St. Saviour’s Bus/ Stop, Ijegun Road, Ikotun.

T

Installation

HE Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (Okukenu IV) will tomorrow install Chief Jimoh Adebayo as the Baale of Imedu-Nla Mowe, Ogun State.

The installation ceremony will take place at the Community Primary School, Imedu-Nla, Mowe, Ogun State.

T

Funeral

ODAY, the lying in state of Chief Oluwole Alani Adeosun will take place at Centenary hall, Ake Abeokuta, Ogun State. Later the funeral service follows at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ago-Ika, Gbagura, Ogun State.

Entertainment of guests follows immediately after the church service at DLK Event centre, Moshood Abiola Way, Abeokuta.

Thanksgiving service will hold on Sunday at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ago-Ika, Gbagura Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Obsequies

T

•Oba Gbadebo

OMORROW the burial ceremony of Mr. Henry Eduviere Imoni will hold at his residence Urhuoka, Abraka, Delta State.

A thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Success Arena Model Parish, Abraka, Delta State.

Programme

Wedding

ODAY, the Ayobola Foundation will hold its food and nutrition strengthening programme for pensioners at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium Alausa, Ikeja.

HE funeral service of Chief Jeremiah Aghedo Ighodalo will take place today at his family home- Idinrio, Okaigben, Ewohimi, Edo state.

Reception follows immediately at same venue.

HE wedding ceremony of the children of Chief and Mrs Abiodun Fajobi and the late Mr Lawrence Omotosho and Mrs. Adetola Opayebo, Temitayo Oluwafunmilola and Bamidele Oludayo will take place tomorrow at the All Saints Anglican Church, Montgomery Road, Yaba, Lagos.

The reception follows immediately at The Haven, Oba Akinjodi Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

The engagement and introduction ceremony was held yesterday at the Muson Centre, Race Course, Onikan, Lagos.

Sanitation

Remembrance

T

Funerals

T

H

IGHER Dimension Church will on Monday hold its first community sanitation exercise on Queen Road and other area in the Yaba community.

The exercise will be coordinated

by Pastor in charge of the church, Pastor Akinbowale Alabi.

T

A

REMEMBRANCE ceremony for some illustrious sons and daughters, indigenes of Ijoko community in Ogun State will hold on Monday. The event will hold at the Palace of the Oba of Ijokoland Oba Lasisi Ogunseye.

It will feature laying of wreath at the community’s cenotaph.

38

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

SOCIETY

Partying with a SAN Last Saturday, a reception was held for Theophilous Abidemi Oyesanya, who was conferred with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on September, 11. SEYI ODEWALE was there.

•From left: Mr Osayaba Giwa-Osagie; Mrs Folashade Bankole-Oki; Mr Oyesanya (SAN); Mr Alade Agbabiaka (SAN) and Mr Ray Ekpu

•Mr Sina Sofola (SAN)

T

HE evening started with the rendition of soulful Christian songs such as Great is thy faithfulness by a bevy of ladies from the Living Spring Choral Society. It was a prelude to what the evening had in store for the distinguished audience. It all happened at the reception for Theophilous Adekunle Abidemi Oyesanya, who was conferred with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on September 11.

For the audience, the 600-capacity Lagos City Hall, was the place to be last Saturday.

With ace comedian SeyiLaw as the compere, the evening, which featured poetry; choral interludes; solo performances; reminiscences; short speeches; documentary and chops and drinks, was laced with rib-cracking jokes.

It was, indeed, an evening to honour a lawyer, a music composer par excellence and a consummate Christian and a family man.

At the entrance of the hall were beautiful ladies from the stable of Stesi, the event planner, who acted as ushers. Smartly dressed in white and gold evening gown, their courteous and warm disposition put the guests at ease. With the air conditioners working at their optimal level, everyone felt cool in the cosy atmosphere of the hall decorated by McChezy Decorations and Arts.

Pastor Gbenga Adefarakan said the opening prayer.

Mrs Kemi Makanju (Nee Oyesanya) recited a poem she wrote in honour of her brother.

There were other solo performances by the likes of the new SAN’s daughter, Olajumoke, son, Oluwajomiloju and Pastor Oluwawemimo Odunaiya, who did a number: “Niggers walked on the Missippi”.

•Justice Adegboye Gbolagunte (left) and Justice Solomon Humponu-Wusu

•Mr Akin Ajayi (left) and Col Adewunmi Adegbesan

•Captain and Mrs Akinbo Johnson

•Chief Alaba Oniru

•Prince Onagoruwa

his family and those who had in the course of his life shaped his career and, ultimately, his destiny.

Selection into the elevated rank, he agreed, was in the past fraught with all manner of irregularities.

But he said things were being done to bring sanity into the selection of SANs. He lauded this year’s selection, saying the committee in-charge did a thorough job.

“In fact, in the last three years,

we should give it to the legal practitioners committee. They know what they are doing. Like everything in Nigeria, people want to come in through the back door, but the committee has begun finetuning the process. This last set was thoroughly done and everyone agreed,” he said.

He prayed God to grant him the ‘Solomonic’ wisdom to excel and surpass the achievements of those before him.

While these were on, guests were treated to nice cocktails, food and small chops, and choice wines by Baylow Cocktails, JJB Kitchen and Grubbix, and Tims.

Desserts were served by Rosalitas.

When it was time for tributes, those who spoke eulogised Oyesanya.

His childhood friend, Prince Foluso Onagoruwa, described him as his industrious. He recalled their growing days and the things

they did together. “I have known Abidemi for over 36 years. We started together, played together and ate together,” he reminisced, singing one the songs composed

by Oyesanya on Nigeria.

The celebrator could not hide his joy. He was everywhere in the hall, greeting friends and wellwishers who graced the event.

Dressed in a coffee-brown Kaftan, the bespectacled Senior Advocate in a chat gave the Almighty all the glory. He was also grateful to

FUNERAL

•The son of the deceased, Mr Wale Adeyemi of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and his wife Kemi during the funeral of Pa Joseph Adeyemi

BIRTH1DAY

From left: Mr Zacheaus Kunle Owoshina; Mrs Fatimo Owoshina; Mr Rasheed Asahnu Olajuwon; Mrs Ajoke Olajuwon and Mr Segun Iyapoo during the 50th birthday held in Mushin, Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

39

SOCIETY 52ND BIRTHDAY OF ALHAJA SHERIFAT AREGBESOLA, THE WIFE OF OSUN STATE GOVERNOR, OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA AT GRA , LAGOS RESIDENCE, IKEJA

•Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Hon Lateef Ibirogba flanked by his Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs counterpart Hon Ademorin Kuye (left) and Chairman, Conference 57 Hon Akeem Sulaiman

•Cardinal Omolaja Odunmbaku (middle) led others (from left) Hon Lola Akande; Hon Tobun Abiodun; Alhaji Ganiyu Badmus and representative of Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, Mrs Yemi Salau-Odusoga to cut the cake

•Mrs Toyin Solomon (left) and Hon Omolola Edet

•From right: Hon Abiodun Mafe; Alhaji Jubreel AbdulKareem and Hon Musbau Oyefeso

•Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Works and Infrastructure Mr Ganiyu Johnson

•Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Information and Strategy Mr Lateef Raji

•Hon Funmilayo Tejuoso (left) Mrs Funmilayo Banire

•Members, Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Muhibat Rufai-Adeyemi (left) and Hon Ramota Akinlola-Hassan

•Fellow, Institute of Housing, London, Alhaji Najeem Jimoh

•From left: Former LASPOTECH Bursar Alhaja Monsurat Alli-Oluwafuyi; Hon Opeyemi Akindele and Alhaja Muinat Ogun

•Hon Benjamin Olabinjo

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

40

SOCIETY

‘He is my kind of man’ Former Miss Risqat Ramoni of The Nation and Yusuf Tijani, an enterpreneur got married last Sunday at the expansive auditorium of the Shangisha Central Mosque, Ketu, Lagos.

ABIKE ADEGBULEHIN and AMINAT ADESINA write.

I

T was their day of glory. Risqat Ramoni of The Nation and her beau, Yusuf Tijani sealed their one-year relationship with marriage last Sunday.

It was held at the auditorium of Shangisha Central Mosque, Ketu, Lagos.

The weather was cool and calm, the environment was welcoming. Guests thanked God for the serenity of the atmosphere.

The Shangisha Central Mosque hall was beautifully decorated.

The groom, Yussuf, was resplendent in blue Agbada and sokoto He arrived the venue in a Honda SUV accompanied by his friends.

The bride, Risqat, was dressed in blue colour Hijab.

The occasion was chaired by the former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) ace broadcaster now General Manager, Ogun State Television (OGTV), Mr Ayinde Soaga.

The event began with a reading from the Quran.

The proceedings of the Nikkah was coordinated by the Chief Imam of Erunwon in Ogun State, Imam Mikail Rufai.

The couple was joined in Holy Matrimony by the Imam after all requirements had been met by both families.

The cleric sought the permission of the couple’s parents to join Risqat and Yusuf.

They concurred joyously.

Imam Rufai urged parents not to deprive their children of getting married early, saying this would help to sanitise the society and help the children grow well.

He said marriage is a union ordained by God and that it should be respected.

“Marriage is a union set by God and it is important at a particular time in everyone’s life,” he said.

He prayed for the success of the marriage.

The cleric urged the couple to be God

fearing and hold firm to the ropes of God. Imam Rufai advised the couple to be patient with one another, saying it is the only way to a successful marriage.

Risqat, a graduate of Mass Communication from the Olabisi Olabanjo University, said she was happy and on top of the world.

“We actually met at a programme last year and we became friends, which grew to love and now, marriage and I feel very happy because this is a great achievement being that my husband is the kind of man I want in my life,” she said.

Yusuf, a Business Administration graduate from the Lagos City Polytechnic, could not hide his feelings as he declared the day as his happiest.

“I feel very grateful, good and happy,” he said.

The couple took photographs with family and guests.

Advising the couple, the bride’s father Alhaji Haruna Abdul Rahman, urged them to keep to the words of the officiating Imam.

He said he was happy the ceremony was a success.

“I feel very happy,” he said.

“My advice to them is to know that they are forming their own family different from the one they are used to. They should always be patient with each other and I know they would live in peace,” he said.

The groom’s father, Alhaji Abdul Rasheed Tijani, said: “I feel very happy because my son who is like a twin brother to me is getting married today and it gives me great joy.”

Marriage, he said, is not always a bed of roses, enjoining the couple to respect each other’s opinion.”

Big canopies mounted outside the hall housed some of the guests who were treated to choice food and drinks.

•The couple Yusuf and Risqat

THE MILITANT WHO MADE GOOD

•Dokubo-Asari (left) and Chief Ratrict Ketu

•From left: Chief Julius Tonfawei; Chief Rufugha and Chief Igbedikuru

•Oloye Nurudeen Olubiyi (left) and Oloye Olalekan Adamson

•Mamman Isafe and Mrs Fumm Adedewon

CAPITAL ONE CUP 4TH-ROUND

FOURTH-ROUND DRAW

Chelsea draw United, Liverpool to face Swansea

C

HELSEA's game against Manchester United is the pick of the Capital One Cup fourth-round draw.

The Blues slaughtered Wolves while United edged past Newcastle to set up the mouthwatering clash.

Reading, who beat QPR in a five-

goal thriller, will play an Arsenal side which scored six against Coventry in the third-round.

Elsewhere Liverpool play Swansea, which pits Reds boss Brendan Rodgers against his old side, while Norwich face Tottenham in the final allPremier League tie.

Sunderland and Wigan will be favourites to progress against Middlesbrough and Bradford respectively, while Southampton travel to Leeds.

Fixtures will be played in the week commencing October 29, 2012.

Sunderland v Middlesbrough Swindon Town v Aston Villa Wigan Athletic v Bradford City Leeds United v Southampton Norwich City v Tottenham Hotspur Liverpool v Swansea City Chelsea v Manchester United Reading v Arsenal

F

Arsenal manager expressing his joy at the prospect of Gunners facing Chelsea without the dreaded Didier Drogba.

Rooney, Fletcher happy to return for United

Xavi deserves the Ballon d'Or, says Keita ORMER Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita has taken the time to praise his former team-mate Xavi, and believes winning the Ballon d'Or would be the icing on the cake, for the Catalans' star, following an impressive career.

The 32-year-old played a key role in Spain's successful Euro 2012 campaign, and Keita, who left Barca for Dalian Aerbin this summer, feels Xavi deserves to be rewarded for his fine performances.

"Xavi really is an incredible player who has been playing on a very high level for years now," Keita was quoted as saying by La Xarxa.

"With all the titles he has won, he deserves a Ballon d'Or in my opinion. However, it wouldn't change anything about his career if he doesn't win it this year.

"He has been playing at Barcelona ever since he was a child. It would be amazing both for him and for the club if he would retire at Barca."

Xavi's current contract with the Blaugrana is due to expire in the summer of 2014, and Barca are ready to open talks over a new and improved deal.

'I don't know if Chelsea miss him, but we don't miss him. He did a lot of damage against us. That is not to say Chelsea are any eaiser a proposition since Drogba's departure, though, as now they have drafted in the likes of Oscar and Belgian star Eden Hazard, who has made a particularly big impact. I am not surprised that he has gone to Chelsea and is straight away one of their stars.

M 42

Friday, September 28, 2012

VS

•Arshavin

•Eden Hazard

Gunners glad

Drogba missing

•Xavi

for Chelsea

A

RSENAL manager Arsene Wenger says he is relieved that his team will not have to contend with Didier Drogba when they take on Chelsea on Saturday.

The Ivory Coast striker left Stamford Bridge to move to China at the end of last season, having seemingly reserved his best performances for games against the Gunners, having scored 13 goals in 14 games against them.

'I don't know if Chelsea miss him, but we don't miss him,' said the Arsenal manager.

'He did a lot of damage against us.'

That is not to say Chelsea are any eaiser a proposition since Drogba's departure, though, as now they have drafted in the likes of Oscar and

Belgian star Eden Hazard, who has made a particularly big impact.

'I am not surprised that he has gone to Chelsea and is straight away one of their stars,' said Wenger.

One surprise in the Arsenal line-up for Saturday could be the inclusion of striker Andrei Arshavin, whose days at Arsenal last season seemed to be numbered, but who has now played his way back into contention after impressing in the 6-1 Capital One Cup win over Coventry.

'At the moment the competition is very high [for a first-team place] but he will get his chance,' said Wenger.

'He showed here that he deserves it. I have selection solutions, not selection problems. You want two players in every position.'

OTHER SPORTS...OTHER SPORTS...OTHER SPORTS...OTHER SPORTS...

THE RYDER CUP

Woods, others playing for pride LESS than a week after Brandt Snedeker picked up an eye watering $11.5 million check as he claimed the FedEx Cup, the best golfers from the United States and Europe will go head to head with not a dime on the line and with nothing to play for but pride itself.

Embattled golfer, Tiger Woods and other players will be playing for pride starting from today.

The 39th Ryder Cup matches at Medinah Country Club in Chicago will be watched by packed and partisan galleries and a huge global television audience, but for the 12 players on each team overall victory in the biennial team event is all that matters.

They are playing for expenses only and whenever the issue of financial rewards is raised, it is quickly ruled out.

"No prize money is involved, just a

ARSENAL star given 12-month driving ban

A

lot of pride," three-time European

captain Bernard Gallacher told CNN. "And the matches are very, very competitive."

The American team will have the Stars and Stripes running through their veins and it's a chance for the Europeans to combine under a united flag.

"It's the only competition we have with the United States outside the occasional football match and it's the same for them given that their main sports are baseball, gridiron and icehockey," said Bill Elliott, Chair of the Association of Golf Writers.

"Let's face it, it's not hard for Americans to show nationalistic pride! " the Briton added with tongue in cheek.

•Woods

ANCHESTER United striker Wayne Rooney has revealed his delight at returning to action following a month out through injury.

The England forward had been sidelined after sustaining a badly gashed leg in a Premier League victory over Fulham in August but played 76 minutes for Sir Alex Ferguson's side in Wednesday's League Cup victory over Newcastle.

Goals from Anderson and Tom Cleverley ensured the Red Devils eased through to the fourth round of the competition, where they will face Chelsea, and Rooney says he is relishing the prospect of more playing time at Old Trafford.

He told Sky Sports: "Of course it was good to be back. It has been four weeks since I last played and I was delighted to be back out on the pitch playing.

"It was a good run-out so I'm delighted and hopefully there are a lot more games to come.

"I feel good. It was my first game back after a few weeks and it was great to get the minutes under my belt and hopefully that will benefit me.

Meanwhile, Darren Fletcher said he was delighted to be back after returning to Manchester United’s starting line-up for the first time in 10 months last night.

The Scotland captain has been trying to manage a career-threatening bowel condition.

And after a brief Champions League appearance against Galatasaray, Fletcher took a major step forward by captaining United to a 2-1 Capital One Cup victory over Newcastle.

“It is great to be back,” said the midfielder. “I have had a few reserve games and a run-out in the Champions League last week but it is good to be back, especially at Old Trafford, and in a winning team as well.”

NDRE Santos has been banned from driving for 12 months after he admitted speeding at up to 145mph.

Hendon Magistrates' Court, in North-West London, was told that Santos, 29, had failed to stop when pursued by police, weaving between lanes on a busy motorway on the morning of August 17.

The court heard that the Arsenal defender evaded officers in his black Maserati on the A1 •Santos and M25 in Hertfordshire before being pulled over and arrested close to the Gunners' training ground.

Santos, of Barnet, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention. He was also ordered to pay £3,600 in fines and costs.

43

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Pius Ewherido represents Delta Central Senatorial District in the Senate. The only senator elected on the platform of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), speaks on the state of the nation in an interview with our Correspondent POLYCARP OROSEVWOTU at Ewu, his country home in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

‘State police is sure answer to insecurity’ O

N the security, what do you think will become of this country if state po-lice is introduced?

I am one of the first persons that generated this debate over state police and my position at still remains that every crime is a localized one because it happens in a local environment and the best way to it is the participation of the immediate people in that area. The security problems in Delta is not the same as the security problem in Borno State; and the Borno people have a clearer understanding of what their security challenges are.

So, if we allow state police to function, it will act in such a way that it will be the best in fighting crime in this country. I believe that unless we have an arrangement like that, it will be difficult to reduce crime in Nigeria, but some persons will argue that it will be open to abuse and I tell you, everything is open to abuse.

I am for state police and I have not seen any reason to shift from that position. I believe that Nigeria will be a more secured environment if we have state police and this security thing we are talking about is the bedrock of development as it attracts foreign investors and believe only state police can arrest the security problems of this country.

So, you think the state police if introduced, could be influenced by the governors?

My argument is that everything can be abused; but the process can be controlled with provisions for checks, even the governors you are talking about will be shown their boundaries. On how it will be funded, l asked if all the money we are spending on security not part of the funding, I see it as a fundamental thing as long as we all need security to develop, provide jobs, encourage investment and to even live your everyday life.

Don’t you think if we legalize the local vigilance groups and if properly funded will be better than the issue of state police?

I am even talking beyond state police. You can have state police and have what is called community policing. All we need do is to refine some of them. You know we need to refine these vigilance groups because some of them operate operate crudely as if we are in a country without laws. We are supposed to be law-abiding citizens so there must be set of laws that you must obey.

A lot of people are of the view that administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has not done much in curbing the Boko Haram sect unlike when Obasanjo was in power ...

I think government should step up intelligence, not necessarily violence because something tells me that no amount of threat can win Boko Haram war with guns.

You must look into a whole lot of factors and you look at their operations and work more towards prevention.

A lot of Boko Haram people are being killed now. But unless you want the President to commit genocide which you too will not advise, as Boko Haram people are also Nigerians. The only difference is the brutal manner they have descended on fellow Nigerians. I believe part of the reason for the slow arrest of the Boko Haram problem is that it is a new kind of problem with massive operation.

The federal government says they are talking already; they should take that negotiation seriously. Some people don’t believe that there should be negotiation, but I believe that when your children are misbehaving, you must hear them out, then see whether or not you can resolve the problem. I support the negotiation going on, but let it be genuine.

You have been there for about one year now, how many bills have emanated from you and how are they going to affect the lives of Nigerians?

The process of lawmaking is such a cumbersome one but so far, l have presented two bills and submitted the third for presentation. The first one is on devolution of powers and the amendment of the constitution to remove areas of fraud in some government agencies; an amendment that will separate the office of the Auditor General of the Federation from that of the Auditor General of the Federal Government.

Hitherto, the Auditor General of the Federal Government which up till now and until the amendment has no power to audit some federal agencies. And that was the problem we faced with the oil subsidy regime. You recall that Auditor General of the federation has no power to audit the account of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) but can only approve an external auditor. The Auditor General of the Federation takes care of those accounts that are common to the states and the federal government. That one is the distribution pool from where you have both the states and the federal government. Auditor General of the Federal Government should be a separate Auditor concerned with only Federal Government Account.

The Auditor General of the Federation should preside over those accounts that are both federal government and the states and it should be rotational from state to state.

By section 85.3 of the constitution, the Auditor General is precluded from auditing the account of certain government corporations and bodies which I believe is an anomaly because if the Auditor General of the federation had the responsibility of auditing those accounts, I am not sure that we will run into those kinds of problems that we ran into in the oil subsidy problem. The Farouk report although troubled today, also detected that, and that is why they recommended that the Auditor General should now be allowed, but even the report of the House of Representatives Committee saying that, the Auditor General should be allowed cannot be implemented in the face of the provisions of section 85.3 of the constitution; so you must amend this section to make it possible for that to happen.

Second one is the welders’ regulation council bill that has to do with the industries, the welding profession industries especially in the oil sector. Hitherto, there has not been proper standardization of the welding profession in Nigeria in terms of standard.

The third one I have submitted is that of co-rporate manslaughter and we had to do that after the Dana air crash. You know there were early reports that the air craft was certified by experts from Ghana, but administration overruled it. If that is true, it means that somebody whodecided to put an unfit air craft on air caused the loss of over two hundred and fifty lives. So, I decided to work on that bill so that both companies and the individuals will not escape subsequently and that will deter such actions. It will place people on guard and make them more careful.

How has it been as a Senator, considering the fact that you are the only elected Senator from the DPP? The Senate has been a challenging place, though interesting this past year. This is

• Ewherido

one of the most turbulent years in Nigeria’s history in terms of internal strife especially by the Boko Haram sect; and so, the senate spent most of the time on security issues than issues like unemployment and poverty, including trying to correct some of the ills perpetrated by privatization and the subsidy regime. But my status as a senator from a party has not affected my legislative works as such. What I have observed in the senate is that across political parties we have always been at peace. May be issues may crop up later that will make them show some of us that we are a microscopic minority, but for now I am not sure that there is a discrimination that has made me feel minority status.

But how has your one year in the Senate affected the lives of the people you represent?

I have started in terms of empowerment and other things and you know there is a limit to which a legislator can go, but within the limit of means as a legislator and with other agencies, we have been able to do something substantial. I think I will call it a good start.

You are aware Delta central comprises eight local government areas and as l speak, we have just finished training of 80 women - 10 from each local government area in various trades. It is ongoing; the next batch will be 100 boys that will be trained in various trades. We have also done a lot in terms of empowering those who are good craftworkers and others to set up productive ventures that will earn them a living apart from those we have helped to get employment.

We also have a scholarship scheme that has been there with over 150 students as beneficiaries of N100,000 each per session.

Those in law school get N200,000 per session. I put a lot of premium on education. I believe we should encourage education by

‘The Federal Government says they are talking already; they should take that negotiation seriously. Some people don’t believe that there should be negotiation, but I believe that when your children are misbehaving, you must hear them out, then see whether or not you can resolve the problem. I support the negotiation going on, but let it be genuine’

giving scholarship to indigent students, especially those student that their parents are very poor and cannot afford to pay for their education.

During the election, I did promise that we would revive the Urhobo language. Thus, we have set up a programme, which examination will be written this month and it is tagged ‘Urhobo language competition’. The essence is to encourage our youths and young ones and we have a brand new car as the star prize and other consolatory prizes.

The issues that we brought to fore in the senate also include the troubled Delta Steel Company and I am sure that with the intervention of the senate, there will be progress and its aggrieved pensioners will smile at last. the Urhobo had oftentimes cried of marginalization by the federal government.

With the fact that you are a lone voice in the Senate, how do you intend giving them full representation?

First, I have interacted with Mr. President on the state of Urhobo nation and he gave some assurances, but one of my biggest worries is the place of the Urhobo people in Nigerian politics at the federal and state levels going by its numerical strength in the state. Though it beats my imagination to think that Urhobo, the fifth largest ethnic nationality in Nigeria, has no representative in the federal executive council, boards and not even appointee or having anybody over the 400 parastatals in this country. It calls for concern, but as I said, we are doing work on it and we hope that we will get some response very soon. I will continue to interact with government on it so that we can get our proper place in the polity.

The Niger Delta region has been expressing discontentment with slow pace of the construction work on the East-West Road, what have you to say?

The Senate Committee on Niger-Delta has once questioned the Minister on it and he said that the funds provided were inadequate. I think it is the desire of the both the committee and every well meaning Niger Deltan that more funds be provided as the road is crucial in terms of linking the East-West road. We are all concerned about it and whatever we can do within our power, even appealing to Mr. President for more funds to speedy the completion of the project, we will do.

Still on the Niger Delta, many Niger Deltans are of the view that Mr. President is not doing much that region, more so that he is from this region?

If you ask me, the question of development of the Niger Delta region is not just an issue for Mr. President alone. Yes I believe that Mr. President should do more, but I also believe that our various state governments from the 13% derivation money should do a lot to complement the effort of the Federal Government.

What is your reaction to the sale of oil blocs in the country?

My worry is the way and manner it is being carried out as if our people should not have been saying things on matters that concern them. There is no way you can just sell oil blocs as if we are in a community of idiots. I say this because of the safety concern that has been raised by the people and the clandestine manner some of the sales were carried out without the knowledge of those inhabiting the area. I think we have come to a state in this country where people should not believe they can take people for granted in their areas and get away with it.

Well, they may succeed for a while, but I foresee a major uprising unless our people are carried along in the sale of some of these oil blocs. So, my advice is that if we are serious, we must first carry the people along.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

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POLITICS

‘Osun will be envy of other states’

By Gbenga Aderanti

T

HE State of Osun will soon become the envy of other states going by the transformation agenda of Gov Rauf Aregbesola, Special Adviser to the Governor of Osun State on Land, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Ayodele Owoade, has said.

According to Owoade, Gov Aregbesola is 150 per cent committed to the state, a bug which he said had infected the people working with the governor.

He disclosed that the people working with him had also caught the bug.

“Those of us working with him have been infected with his vision, his enthusiasm, passion and his aggression. Everything about Ogbeni, if you have to work with him, is infectious. He wants this state to be the envy of the world,” said Aregbesola’s aide.

“He wants this state to be an example of what black men could do. He wouldn’t accept for one second that black is an inferior concept. His vision is clear-cut. He wants to transform the state completely - socially, economically and politically. He wants to transform the whole state such that we would be the reference point of what black people could do, “ he said.

Expatiating further on the infrastructural development initiative being embarked upon by the state government, he said: “Recently, the dualisation of Osogbo/Ikirun/Okuku to Kwara State border was signed. It is N17.5 billion worth of contract and the financing was thorough. “ He disclosed that the Aregbesola administration had made tremendous reengineering of the economy of the state through impeccable approach to revenue generation. . “We inherited a pathetic economy with an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N300 million per month, and just by blocking leakages, the IGR has increased to N600 million. The target before the end of the year is to increase IGR to N1 billion.”

“We want to make the State of Osun the economic hub of this region. We have a plan that anybody from Kwara, Delta, Ekiti and other places can bring their luggage here for onward transportation to Lagos for free. We are building the facility at Dagbolu now and when that is completed, invariably when people bring their things here, opportunities will rub off on all. Also, the government awarded contract for the dualisation of Osogbo to Gbongan junction and the expansion of the road to Ogbonyinfa, Ago Owu to Ijebu Igbo and to Lagos.

“We are making Osun the preferred route, even if you are coming from the north, Ilorin or wherever on your journey to Lagos. Things are being done so that in the next two years, IGR will expand. Once economic activities boom, many people will have the opportunity to come home and engage themselves.

Apart from road expansion we have invested heavily in education with about 30 billion splashed on improvement of school infrastructure.

• Owoade

Elections: Group seeks collective sponsorship of candidates

By Joseph Jibueze

A PRO-DEMOCRACY group, Awake Nigeria Movement (ANM), has called for a change in the way leaders are elected to positions of authority.

It suggested the method of adoption and collective sponsorship of candidates, saying it is “the sure way to Nigeria’s greatness.”

The method, it said, would create a new kind of awareness where the led will always ask questions on accountability, transparency and good governance, making elected officials take their oaths of office with seriousness.

Collective sponsorship, it added, will make citizens vigilant and sensitive to development in the polity due to their direct individual contributions financially, morally, physically, and spiritual1y to the emergence of candidates and their eventual victory at the polls.

The method, the group said in statement by its Director Mr Akanni Iromini, will end the financial and moral indebtedness of elected leaders to various interest groups, agencies and individuals.

The method will also end corruption and atrocities perpetrated by elected public officials in their effort to recoup money spent during elections and the bid to amass more money for future electoral ambitions, the group said.

Besides, ANM said collective sponsorship will discourage elimination of political rivals, stop money-bag politics and influence of godfathers, and allow elected officials deliver democratic dividends to Nigerians.

It also has the capacity to generate a sense of belonging, involvement, hope and patriotism in all Nigerians, ANM said.

On how the method can be implemented, ANM said: “The people will come together in large numbers per local government engaging in discussion and education on good governance and electoral process regularly.

“This will turn them to violent-free revolutionaries that will use their vote and that of others to elect genuine representatives who will serve their interest.

During the elections, each constituency will choose one or some among them to represent their interest as candidates to run for counsellorship, chairmanship of local government, House of Representatives, Senate, and governorship as well as the presidential elections.

“During the campaigns, they will not engage anybody with money to run the campaigns for their candidates. Instead they will voluntarily form themselves into campaign groups to go from house to house, street to street, campaigning for their candidates.

“On the election day, they will also voluntarily form themselves into party agents and poll guards as well as observers that will oversee the conduct of elections at the polling stations and make sure that their candidates are not rigged out. Collective sponsorship will give us our dream of a great and prosperous Nigeria.”

ANM, however, admitted that there would be challenges, such as raising a minimum of 5,000 members per Local Government across Nigeria, financing the movement and ensuring participation.

“We need to groom the members in each Local Government across Nigeria who will collectively come up with ways and means of raising resources that will be needed to run the movement’s activities and sponsorship of candidates in each LG and across the country. We will also seek the financial support of non-members and the public who share our concerns,” the group said.

Chief Deji Fasuan, retired Permanent Secretary in the old Ondo State and frontline social commentator and critic, spoke with SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN about the need to introduce Parliamentary System of Government, restructure and run Nigeria along the six regional line, while merging the states and local governments into a third tier.

‘Nigerian system needs overhaul’

T

HERE appears to be so many problems in Nigeria. What is your feeling as a stakeholder?

I think Nigeria is fundamentally in trouble. Basic issues affecting the nation are not being addressed or at best are being inadequately addressed. It continues to surprise me that Nigeria is what it is to day. One can conclude even without any long argument that God loves this country, otherwise just a fraction of what had happened in Nigeria has torn apart other entities.

My view is that unless the vital issues are addressed, we will continue to grope in the dark.

What are the issues One is the pervasiveness of corruption. The institutionalisation of corruption. It is the most pervasive element in Nigerian society today. There is no aspect of our life that has not been debased by corruption. It appears the whole structure of the society is even formulated on corruption. The whole stratum of society is based on fraud.

Are you suggesting Nigeria is the equivalent of fraud?

Perhaps. Talk of any institution that is not being debased by corruption. It appears the whole strata of society is based upon and formulated on corruption. The whole concept is fraudulent. Look at the civil service, look at our political arrangement.

Is the geographical division of Nigeria itself not fraud?

Geographically, the constituents are incongruous and fraudulent. How can a place across the border here, I mean the next village to Otun-Ekiti here be regarded as North Central. The people there are Ekiti people, point blank!

How can you call my own very brothers there northerners. They say they belong in the north central. They are in the original domain of the Oore.

There are four sections of the Oore that were taken away.

What about Kogi, Kabba, Ilorin?

Those ones are even a bit far-off. Of course, they are Yoruba as well. Let us consider the immediate contiguous town to Moba. You say that is north central. They are Yoruba. Such malarrangement, if not corrected, will continue to haunt Nigeria. Somebody two kilometers to Erinmope yoked with another in Jos, in what you now call the North Central? The whole idea is fraudulent, including the title ‘Nigeria’, with the geographical configuration. It is easy to dismiss what I’m saying as mere theorising. Take our judiciary. Much of it is sickening. Let me give practical example. There are some people who two, three years ago, were paraded, taken to court in a ceremonial way, got them exposed to the media only to hear that they are on bail. And that was the end of the whole thing. Billions of naira went down the drains. Just two or three in that group

• Fasuan

of hundreds are unlucky. The Group Managing Director of a bank, who stole more than N100 billion was sentenced to 1 or 2 years in prison most of which he spent in a comfortable hospital apartment; a former Inspector General of Police who also admitted to stealing billions was sentenced to six months imprisonment most of which he too spent outside the four walls of a prison yard; the most recent and possibly most spectacular is that of the so-called party big wig, Chief Bode George. He was sentenced to two years and was actually made to spend the two years where he should spend it in a drama which most believed was punitive, bearing in mind the treatment given to others.

The real sinners who stole our money are today roaming the streets.

They are warming up for election now. And the malady cuts across the whole Nigerian landscape. Most saddening of all are politicians who get clean judgments here only to be sentenced, condemned and jailed offshore, based on and considering the same allegations of corruption, precisely fraud. Can you imagine someone being charged for 171 offences and those offences being cleared 2 or 3 days? The issue is about having judiciary that is completely honourable which would deal with issues as they are presented not on the basis of ‘this man is too important’. Nigeria will not be where it is. People will eschew corruption and criminality.

The problems bedeviling the country like corruption, maladministration seem like a spiral. How can Nigeria break away from this cycle?

And that is a tragedy. It is actually a cycle and one being operated by just about five per cent of the population.

Less than five per cent of the population have cornered well over 80 per cent of the collective wealth of all of us - the resources of this nation. The

imbalance in the arithmetic will be entirely irrelevant when the trouble comes. We only pray.

How can we begin to actually address these problems. The basic, fundamental, primary steps we should take?

There are two ways to fundamentally address the problems. One is changing the system of government completely. Federalism is bare fraud. we should change it to parliamentary system. We should also make legislative duties/functions part-time.

Nigeria’s administration should be parliamentary and legislative duties part-time. You will therefore reduce the retinue of special assistants, senior special assistants, special advisers; even chairmen of local governments have advisers, senior special assistants, assistants, in all departments of life.

No local government in Nigeria reaches the so-called grassroots. Not one of them.

Why? Because the funds are not available for them. The funds that are available are taken up by overheads, salaries and allowances. Go to the local governments, 95 per cent of all monies that come to them go on overheads, salaries and allowances with little for development.

What place do you envisage for the local government in that new arrangement?

There should be no local government at all in the restructured Nigeria in the course of time. The restructured Nigeria should be in this shape: a parliamentary system of government and regionalism should be brought back.

A maximum of six regions. Then the state and local governments yoked in one should be the third tier.

Can you make that clearer ?

Okay. The new arrangement should be like this: federal, region and the state and local government merged as the third tier of government. Certain things should be specifically exclusively limited to the federal government; small percentage again to regional government and the bulk of the resources to state governments. I have thought about it. If you have a parliamentary federal system with defined, limited powers with nothing more than 20 to 25 percent of the country’s income available to them, then a regional government, comprising six regions, with another 20 to 25 made available as resources to them as well. Then the bulk of the resources between 45 and 50 per cent of our entire wealth conceded to states. There is no reason the state government in Ado-Ekiti cannot know, should not know and ought not know what we need in Afao-Ekiti. Why do we need a local government in another area?

Ekiti State government, hypothetically, is a local government; local to me because it is within my reach.

• Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (centre) discussing with former Attorney-General and Minister of Justce Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) at the opening of the 2 Division Nigerian Army Training Week 2012 in Ibadan on Wednesday. With them is Colonel Mohammed Mohammed, Assistant Director, Legal Services of the division.

PHOTO: OYO STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

45

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Established on November 20, 1957, the University College Hospital, (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, is the country’s premier teaching hospital. How has the hospital been faring 55 years since its establishment? OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA, who was at the hospital, reports.

Why UCH remains the leader, by CMD

W

ITH a 500-bed capacity, the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, made its debut in 1952. Its coming was in response to the need for the training of medical personnel and other health care professionals for the country and the West African sub-region.

Fifty-five years after its establishment, the hospital has 850 bed spaces and 163 examination couches. The current bed occupancy ranges from 60 to 70 per cent.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Temitope Alonge, a product of the institution, described the challenges as daunting, but surmountable.

The hospital has trained 6,051 doctors, 501 dentists, 4,513 nurses, 2,307 midwives, 471 Peri-operative nurses, 1,062 laboratory scientists, 576 environmental health officers tutors, 451 nurse/midwives/public health educators, 326 primary health care tutors, 590 community health officers, 640 physiotherapists, 551 health information management personnel (formally referred to as Medical Records Officers) and 1,394 resident doctors.

The patients turn out in the accident and emergency (A and E) Department of the hospital averages 6,000 annually and about 150,000 new cases are attended to, and go through the various clinics every year. The million clientele mark had been attained.

Available facilities include Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine (MRI), Helical CT Scanner, Gamma Camera (Nuclear Medicine Facilities), Radiotherapy High dose, Brachytherapy, State of-the-art Operating Theatre Suites, First class Intensive Care Unit (Burns Beds), Mammography machine, ECG, Echocardiography, State-of-theart Ultrasonography, Ambulance pick-up services, Modern laboratories, Tele-medicine. Most of the equipment supplied under the VAMED project had packed up because, “even at the point of supply they were obsolete”, hinted a source.

“Due to the aforementioned facilities, manpower and track records, the hospital enjoys wide patronage of both national and international clientele,” Prof Alonge said, who became CMD in 2011.

The hospital is not resting on its oars and is trying to improve on the medical breakthroughs that it initiated and is known for, “despite challenges in funding and electricity. In the late 70s, the hospital pioneered open heart sur-

• Prof Alonge inspecting a project

• Dr Otegbayo

geries in Nigeria. More recently with the refurbishment of the operating theatres and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital, UCH reactivated open heart surgery with three open heart surgeries successfully with assistance from colleagues in the United States,” Prof Alonge.

He cited more achievements: “Since 1994, UCH has been performing the transurethral dissection of the Prostrate (TURP) and in 2005 organised the first national training workshop for all relevant cadres. Between 1995 and 1996, the hospital has successfully carried out Charnley hip replacement and Johnson and Johnson knee arthroplasties. The hospital acquired two adult arthroscopes recently and to date over 12 knees arthroscopic surgeries have been carried out successfully.

“The newly established nuclear medicine department, the first ever in the country has commenced bone scanning services using radioactive pharmaceuticals. This service is available both for medical and oncological diagnosis and treatment. Diagnostic medical endoscopy of both upper and lower gastrointestinal tract has been done at the UCH. Since the 1980’s the newly refurbished endoscopy unit has broadened the scope with services that now include fibre optic endoscopy of the oesophagus. We procured N52, instruments to increase ability and ca-

PHOTOS: OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA

pability to treat. It was supplied

by Exco Lab, Germany,” said Prof Alonge.

As for the private suites, the Chief Medical Director said: “Preference for medical treatment abroad by those who can afford it is no longer new for obvious reasons, while all the human resources in the health sector, who favourably compare with their counterparts all over the world, are available here in Nigeria. These resources as you may know are mostly located in teaching hospitals of the country of which UCH is premier.

“The in-patient facilities consist of 36 well furnished and airconditioned suites of international standard on the fourth floor of Neuroscience Building with functional elevators. It is a five-star clinical hotel settings; guaranteeing maximum comfort and hospitality with steady electricity and water supplies. It is an excellent alternative to medical treatment abroad.

“Its benefits include unhindered access to highly skilled professionals; convenient and prompt consultations to patient’s satisfaction in medical/surgical specialties and sub-specialties. Surgical operations and other procedures will be carried out within a short time of establishing diagnosis; adequate security cover and full privacy; right to choose desired con-

sultants; qualified and courteous personnel at your service and all modern diagnosis/medical equipment at your fingertips.”

On the management of human errors, especially those that led to patient’s death or disability ; the hospital has instituted a Morbidity and Mortality Committee, chaired by the CMD. When the CMD is not in town, the chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr Jesse Otegbayo stand for him.

“We meet first Thursday of each month to review death cases. This internal regulation is put in place to ensure that patients get best care. Each death is probed to determine if such was preventable or not. Whoever is culpable is sanctioned. No more cover up in UCH. Nobody can mess up the system,” he said.

On the case of eight-year-old Kehinde Babalola, who had her arm amputated following bungled treatment at the hospital, when she was a-month old, the CMD said: “The agreement was for the hospital to train the child to tertiary education level, right from childhood of the unfortunate incident.

“But management discovered that some people have vested interests and won’t allow the benefits get to the child. So, we decided that before any financial commitment is released, there

must be evidence. For example, evidence of receipts obtained from schools, purchases among other things that would indicate that the child is actually schooling. Alas, there is foot dragging by the parties. The funding for the girl is intact, only that the parties involved don’t always come up with concrete or credible evidences.”

On how some projects have been executed despite fund shortage, Otegbayo said the solution lies in public private partnership (PPP).

“For instance, the ultra modern Cardiac Theatre/ Cardiac Laboratory, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a PPP initiative between UCH and Journal of the Nation Cancer Institute (JNCI). Team work is working for us. UCH is rated Third in Africa, Seventh in Nigeria based on academic research/citations. With advancement in technology, the use of bottles, rubber bungs and aluminum caps for the productions of large volume infusions could not be continued. However, the production of small volume infusions/injections e.g. sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, magnesium sulphate nasal drops have continued to date and this is unique to the UCH Ibadan Pharmacy Department. With the advent of the PPP initiatives of the Federal Government, the hospital is now in the process of producing large volume of infusions e.g. normal saline using the latest technology of formfill-seal technique using polypropylene materials.

“UCH was the first institution in Nigeria to produce sterile products used for its patients. The production of infusions including intravenous fluids (i.e. normal saline, five per cent dextrose, Hartman’s solution, dialysing fluids-which were packaged in plasmosan bottles, smaller injections like Morphine sulphate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride- which were filled in empty streptomycin and penicillin bottles), eye drops, nasal drops date back to1952 as stated in the 1953 handing over note of Mr M. Ritchie who pioneered the pharmacy department.

Three per cent of our internally generated funds go to research and this has improved our ranking globally, but we need more.

“At the moment, there are sundry renovations and projects going on, just to ensure we keep the flag flying. The Government should help the golden chicken to produce more golden eggs.”

Dentists call for more awareness on oral health

T

HE Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) has called for more awareness on oral health.

According to its president, Dr Olurotimi Olojede, the mouth is the gateway to the body.

He spoke at the World Oral Health Day (WOHD), with the theme: Oral health and the young adult.

Oral health, Olojede said, is an integral part of general health, which includes optimal function of the mouth and its tissue in a manner. This, he said, helps to preserve self-esteem and enables an individual contribute meaningfully to the society.

He said there is the need to develop sustainable strategies for na-

By Wale Adepoju

tional preventive and therapeutic oral health services to cope with the oral health challenges in Nigeria.

“The Federation Dentaire International (FDI) believes that good oral health is essential to general health and oral well-being,” Olojede said.

The NDA, he said, will collaborate with corporate partners, professional associations and the three tiers of government, and the dental industry to fulfill its mission to ensure oral health in the country.

He recommended more funding of oral health, saying it will improve general health and yield more dividends for the country.

Rersearch in oral health, he said, can be quite expensive, saying this often made it difficult for experts to collate samples in a population of over 150 million. Most of the oral health surveys in the country have been sporadic and based on convenience samples, he added.

He said it is possible to gain an insight into the oral health challenges of the country through the sporadic surveys conducted.

Periodontal disease and dental caries, he said, were identified as the two main oral health problems facing the people. Others are mal-aligned teeth, dental fluorosis and oral cancers.

He berated the neglect of oral health locally and internationally, adding that the day was established to openly speak about it.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

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COMMENTARY

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ET me start by tendering an unreserved apology to the regular readers of this column over its failure to come up in the past two consecutive weeks. It was an inadvertent disappointment. We are sorry.

Many of those readers who are quite familiar with the characteristic style of ‘The Message’ might have guessed what the topic would be in this column last Friday. They might have waited impatiently to read a reaction to the then raging global brouhaha over a fame-seeking amateurish film screened from the US penultimate week to malign the personality of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as usual. Their guess might be right but reaction to a nauseating film of that nature may come in various ways. It may be positive or negative depending on the world view of the person reacting and his social status. It takes a delirious person to strip naked in a market place in order to fight a lunatic.

The quality of any speech, writing or action is a potent determinant of the quality of the speaker, the writer or the actor.

And that clearly shows the difference between men and kids. The furious dust on the devilish American film had not completely settled penultimate Wednesday when another assault was hauled at the person of the same Prophet through a nude cartoon published in France. It came as a confirmation of the fact that during a melting economic situation like the one currently prevalent in Europe and America, only the name of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) could bring cheap money for charlatans and boost their market falsehood.

Denigration of the person of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Islam in the West is a familiar terrain. For many centuries, the so-called Orientalists adopted defamation of the Prophet’s character and denigration of Islam in a bid to score cheap fame and make easy money. And since their main objective according to their capitalist orientation was to make money who else in the history of mankind could have provided the type of elastic market they needed? Thus, for centuries, they wrote all sorts of blasphemous fables in books, pamphlets, magazines and newspapers in the name of Islam and claimed academic authority on such fables. That was how many Westerners emerged as Professors of Islamic History or Theology or Jurisprudence in the London School of Oriental Studies. Remove Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from the literary project of the West today and you will discover that nothing else will remain for those intellectual charlatans to live on again.

The discipline in Islam is such that no Muslim of worth would ever go to the extent of writing rubbish about any other religion and audaciously claim authority on it. As a matter of fact, no true Muslim will ever malign the personality of Jesus and go scot free. He/she will immediately be countered by fellow Muslims because Jesus like Muhammad (SAW) was a Prophet of Allah. Besides, both the Qur’an and the Bible strongly admonish against such blasphemous utterances or sacrilegious acts against any Prophet of Allah. Qur’an 61 Verses 7 and 8 says: “Who does greater wrong than one who invents falsehood against Allah, even as he is being invited to Islam? And Allah guides not those who do wrong.

Their intention is to extinguish Allah´s Light with the wind of their mouths: But Allah will complete His Light, even if the Unbelievers detest it”. And in the Bible, Mathew 12: 32 says: “Whoever speaks a word against the son of man will be forgiven. But whoever speaks a word against the Hilly Spirit will not be forgiven in this age or in the one to come”.

In Islam, the general norm is that people who live in glass house do not throw stones. But despite the blasphemous books of yesteryears and the nefarious films and cartoons of today, Muslims should rather remain calm and emulate the equanimity of the noble Prophet who Allah described as a unique exemplar for mankind. After all, the same Western Orientalists have had cause to reverse themselves in many of their publications after being confronted with impeccable facts.

At a time in the 1970s when the West-

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

History’s greatest man ‘ The summary of Hart’s analysis is that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the greatest of all the living while alive and he remains the greatest of all the dead even 1400 years after his demise. And that greatness keeps waxing stronger as the population of the Muslims increases geometrically across the world despite the implacable hostility from the West ern Orientalists, were busy basking in the euphoria of vanity as the echoes of their hostility to Islam reverberated to all parts of the world, a Jewish American Astrophysicist suddenly came up with a book that shook the Western world to the marrows.

The man’s name is Michael H. Hart. He was born on April 28, 1932 at a time when Adolf Hitler was cooking his Nazi party which eventually catapulted him onto the chair of dictatorship in Germany.

Until Michael Hart’s book entitled ‘The 100: A Ranking of the most Influential Persons in History’ stormed the market in 1978, it was never imagined that such a book could ever come from the West. Within weeks of its publication over 500000 copies of the book were sold mostly in Europe and America. Some people bought the book out of curiosity. Others bought it to know the other side of the story which the West had touted viciously for centuries about Islam and its great Prophet.

The spectacular point in that book was the naming of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), out of the 100 personalities listed in the book, as the greatest man that ever lived. If the book had been written by an Arab or an African or an Asian it would not have come as a surprise to an average European or American. But the fact that such a book was written by a Jewish American and marketed in the West immediately removed any toga of doubt about it even as it lifted the veil of ignorance from the face of the antagonists of Islam.

What prompted Hart to write the book at that time remains a puzzle but ever since its publication, Europe and America have not been the same again especially in their attitude towards Islam. After reading the book, most Westerners came to realize how ignorant they had been not just about the person of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) but also about Islam as a divine religion. Their further search for knowledge in this sphere has since altered their old perception of Islam considerably.

Although the book attracted some particles of criticism from those who disagreed with Michael Hart’s choice, (especially his ranking of Muhammad vis a vis Jesus), no one has genuinely been able to fault that choice on the basis of the facts advanced by the author. And from thence, Islam has confidently carved a special niche for itself in Europe and America though randomly interrupted by some conservative elements in the West who can’t imagine any change in the status quo.

’

Nevertheless, the book has succeeded in achieving two main objectives hitherto undreamt of. One is the exposure of many Westerners to Islam. The other is the rapid growth of that religion in Europe and America despite the suffocating environment forged for it. Today, the White House of the US and Downing Street of Britain have officially adopted the tradition of hosting the Muslims to fast breaking (Iftar) in the month of Ramadan while the call to prayer (Adhan) now sounds louder through the minarets in European and American capital cities, towns and villages.

As to ‘why Hart wrote the book?’ it is better to hear from the horse’s mouth.

Here is what he said about the listed personalities and the choice of Prophet Muhammad as the greatest man that ever lived: “My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels. Of humble origins, Muhammad founded and promulgated one of the world’s great religions, and became an immensely effective political leader. Today, thirteen centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and pervasive.

The majority of the persons in this book had the advantage of being born and raised in centres of civilization, highly cultured or politically pivotal nations.

Muhammad, however, was born in the year 570, in the city of Mecca, in southern Arabia, at that time a backward area of the world, far from the centres of trade, art, and learning. Orphaned at age six, he was reared in modest surroundings. Islamic tradition tells us that he was illiterate...

His economic position improved when, at age twenty-five, he married a wealthy widow. Nevertheless, as he approached forty, there was little outward indication that he was a remarkable person. Most Arabs at that time were pagans, who believed in many gods. There were, however, in Mecca, a small number of Jews and Christians; it was from them no doubt that Muhammad first learned of a single, omnipotent God who ruled the entire universe. When he was forty years old, Muhammad became convinced that this one true God (Allah) was speaking to him, and had chosen him to spread the

true faith. For three years, Muhammad preached only to close friends and associates. Then, about 613, he began preaching in public. As he slowly gained converts, the Meccan authorities came to consider him a dangerous nuisance.

In 622, fearing for his safety, Muhammad fled to Medina (a city some 200 miles north of Mecca), where he had been offered a position of considerable political power. This flight, called the Hegira, was the turning point of the Prophet’s life. In Mecca, he had had few followers. In Medina, he had many more, and he soon acquired an influence that made him a virtual dictator. During the next few years, while Muhammad’s following grew rapidly, a series of battles were fought between Medina and Mecca. This was ended in 630 with Muhammad’s triumphant return to Mecca as conqueror. The remaining two and one-half years of his life witnessed the rapid conversion of the Arab tribes to the new religion. When Muhammad died, in 632, he was the effective ruler of all of southern Arabia. The Bedouin tribesmen of Arabia had a reputation as fierce warriors. But their number was small; and plagued by disunity and internecine warfare, they had been no match for the larger armies of the kingdoms in the settled agricultural areas to the north.

However, unified by Muhammad for the first time in history, and inspired by their fervent belief in the one true God, these small Arab armies now embarked upon one of the most astonishing series of conquests in human history. To the northeast of Arabia lay the large Neo-Persian Empire of the Sassanids; to the northwest lay the Byzantine, or Eastern Roman Empire, centred in Constantinople. Numerically, the Arabs were no match for their opponents. On the field of battle, though, the inspired Arabs rapidly conquered all of Mesopotamia, Syria, and Palestine. By 642, Egypt had been wrested from the Byzantine Empire, while the Persian armies had been crushed at the key battles of Qadisiya in 637, and Nehavend in 642. But even these enormous conquests, which were made under the leadership of Muhammad’s close friends and immediate successors, Ali, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar Bn alKhattab, did not mark the end of the Arab advance. By 711, the Arab armies had swept completely across North Africa to the Atlantic Ocean. There, they turned north and, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, overwhelmed the Visigothic kingdom in Spain.

How, then, is one to assess the overall impact of Muhammad on human history?

Like all religions, Islam exerts an enormous influence upon the lives of its followers. It is for this reason that the founders of the world’s great religions all figure prominently in this book. Since there are roughly twice as many Christians as Moslems in the world, it may initially seem strange that Muhammad has been ranked higher than Jesus. There are two principal reasons for that decision. First, Muhammad played a far more important role in the development of Islam than Jesus did in the development of Christianity. ... It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Muhammad to be considered the most influential single figure in human history”.

The summary of Hart’s analysis is that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the greatest of all the living while alive and he remains the greatest of all the dead even 1400 years after his demise. And that greatness keeps waxing stronger as the population of the Muslims increases geometrically across the world despite the implacable hostility from the West....

When Hart revised and reprinted the book in 1992, he dropped some names and retained most of those who made the original list with their rankings. Some of those he dropped include Vladimir Lenin of Russia and Mao Zedong of China for the reason that their communist empires which qualified them for that list in the first instance had collapsed. He however listed some new names which included Mikhail Gorbachev and Williams Shakespeare. For more details check www.en.wikipedia.org.

Michael Hart was not alone in his realistic assessment of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) many other well-meaning men and women of literary substance did same before him. Some of such men will be brought with their views in the near future in sha’Allah.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-9-12

University Press pays N151m dividend U NIVERSITY Press (UP) Plc has assured shareholders that it would continue to seek new ways to grow its business and returns to shareholders as members of the company approved distribution of N150.99 million as cash dividends for last year.

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company in Ibadan, Oyo State yesterday, shareholders applauded the dividend per share of 35 kobo and commended the consistency of the company in ensuring good returns to shareholders.

In his address to the shareholders, chairman, University Press Plc, Dr. Lalekan Are assured that in; spite of the challenging operating environment, the printing and publishing company has been well-positioned to continue to grow.

According to him, the company has the requisite human capital, latest infor-

• Equities slip further

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

mation technology, wide distribution network and facilities and industry experience to sustain growth irrespective of operating challenges.

“The board and management are committed to continually delivering quality products and services and returns to all our stakeholders. We will also continue to improve on our internal efficiencies and seek innovative ways to meet the needs of our various customers,” Are said.

He outlined that the company would partner with the government and government agencies to produce vocational rich curriculum textbooks that meet up

with the practical requirements of employments and which would also make young graduates to be less dependent and become more innovative and enterprising.

Audited report and accounts of the company for the year ended March 31, 2012 showed that turnover rose by 11 per cent from N1.87 billion to N2.08 billion. Profit before tax increased from N326.6 million to N343.5 million while profit after tax rose from N211.38 million to N227.4 million.

Meanwhile, the stock market remained in red zone yesterday as the benchmark index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange dropped by 0.25 per cent. The All Share Index dropped from 25,774.53 points to 25,710.55 points while aggregate market capitalisation of all equities dropped from N8.207 trillion to N8.186 trillion.

The decline was orchestrated by losses suffered by highly capitalised stocks such as Dangote Cement, Oando, UAC of Nigeria, Cadbury Nigeria and PZ Cussons Nigeria.

Total turnover stood at 329.1 million shares worth N3.08 billion in 4,340 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-9-12

55

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

MONEY LINK

CBN probes Naira credit card transactions

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has commenced full audit of all Naira Credit cards issued by local banks in the country.

The audit, the apex bank said, will cover all transactions carried out in 2010 and 2011.

This became exigent after the banking watchdog commenced full implementation of its anti-money laundering /combating the financial ter-

By Collins Nweze

rorism (AML/CFT) riskbased supervision framework for banking transactions, which it issued in 2011.

Circular signed by Director, Trade & Exchange Department, Batari Musa and addressed to all authorised dealers said hard copies of their returns on forex transactions on Naira denominated cards should be forwarded to the apex bank.

The report will cover source of funds on a month by month basis for 2010 and 2011.

Batari said authorised dealers should provide information about banks used in facilitating the transactions, card funding source at the Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) and Interbank, month and year of transactions, card type, amount loaded in Naira, dollar equivalent and naira

or dollar exchange rate.

In addition, the regulator requested for a soft copy of same information in hard copies to be forwarded to designated address.

In both cases, the information should be received in Trade & Exchange Department, of the CBN latest by close of business today.

The regulator said implementation of risk-based supervision to combating money laundering and ter-

rorist financing depends on a sound understanding of the threats and vulnerabilities of the menace to each financial institution in particular and entire financial industry in general.

It said the measure is further supported by the importance the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) attached to the risk-based approach to AML/CFT supervision in its revised recommendations issued earlier in the year.

•CBN Governor, Lamido

Sanusi

Unity Bank launches MasterCard

U

NITY Bank Plc, yes terday formally launched its MasterCard products in Abuja in its quest to partner with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in achieving its cashless policy by launching.

Unity Bank launched its MasterCard Verve Debit Card, Master Card Prepaid Card and the Holy Trip Master Card.

Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director, Mr. Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed said the customers of the bank would benefit from the cards because “they now have wider opportunity in a globe where things have gone electronic.”

He said these new cards are meant to support the Verve card, which was launched last year by the bank. He added that the cards “are prepaid and recharged in dollars with a minimum of $100, but that does not mean that you cannot transact with them in

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor) and Mercy Madu, Abuja

other currencies”.

Mr. Mohammed said the Master Card can be linked to both current and savings accounts.

On the issue of availability of the cards, he said they have been in the market since August last year.

The Divisional head, Products and Channels of Unity Bank, Mr. Felix Ezeh said that the Verve Master Card can help customers access funds both locally and internationally and at any time. He said the card is very convenient and secured.

Mr. Ezeh said the prepaid card “helps you manage your expenditure, and you do not need to own an account, while the Holy Trip Card is like the prepaid card, you just load it and use it.” He said the card would be especially beneficial to pilgrims since they usually get a cheaper ex-

change rate.

Mr. Felix said the card has features such as the holders name on it.He added that the cards “are convenient, they are safe and they are not very

expensive. The cards have a validity of two years, protection and worldwide acceptance’’.

Mr. Akeem Lawal, Director of Payment, Infrastruc-

G

ROWTH of the Nige rian economy de pends on professionals with sufficient exposure to leadership skills and ethics, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (CIBN) has said.

The President, Mr Doyin Owolabi disclosed this at a valedictory session in honour of former president of the association, the late

By Daniel Essiet

Chief Oluwole Adeosun in Lagos.

Emphasising the need for quality leadership, the ICAN president said Adeosun made enormous progress in achieving greater strategic success of the banks he managed. He said Adeosun upheld the highest standards of performance that enable the

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

D

EUTSCHE Bank AG (DBK) yesterday cut its global growth forecast to 2.9 per cent for this year and 3.2 percent in 2013, citing stalled recover-

ies in the United States and Japan and planned American tax increases and spending cuts.

“The outlook for the world economy has dete-

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 27-9-12 SYMBOL

UNILEVER LIVESTOCK NEIMETH TRANSCORP CUTIX RTBRISCOE GOLDINSURE UTC HONYFLOUR PRESTIGE

O/PRICE

38.20 1.47 1.05 1.05 2.18 1.73 0.50 0.76 2.31 0.52

O/PRICE 1.34 3.20 12.85 8.31 5.15 1.46 0.63 2.11 67.70 0.64

appears likely to restrain growth well into 2013,” analysts led by chief economist Peter Hooper in New York wrote in a report.

C/PRICE

40.11 1.54 1.10 1.10 2.28 1.80 0.52 0.79 2.40 0.54

CHANGE

1.91 0.07 0.05 0.05 0.10 0.07 0.02 0.03 0.09 0.02

C/PRICE 1.21 2.92 12.21 7.90 4.90 1.39 0.60 2.01 64.50 0.61

CHANGE 0.13 0.28 0.64 0.41 0.25 0.07 0.03 0.10 3.20 0.03

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 27-9-12

SYMBOL FIDSON REDSTAREX OANDO UBN CCNN CUSTODYINS AIICO LEARNAFRCA FLOURMILL WAPIC

riorated. Optimism regarding the near-term global economic outlook continues to fade, particularly in the US where the ‘fiscal cliff’ at the end of this year

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

Currency

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

sion, he said Adeosun contributed immensely to pension reforms and the nation will no doubt miss his uncommon experience and expertise.

Owolabi said the late accountant who was the 1992 to 93 President of the institute had a fantastic achievement in both public and private life and would certainly be missed.

Global growth forecast now 2.9%

MANAGED FUNDS

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

banks he headed perform effectively.

While recalling Chief Adeosun’s laudable career in the banking sector, he commended his contributions as Secretary of Transport, Aviation and Communications under the Interim National Government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan in 1993.

As Chairman of the National Pensions Commis-

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

tion of the prepaid card, the master verve card which he said has dual value of domestic utility and the Holy Trip card has proved the bank to be innovative”.

ICAN seeks professionals to grow economy

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

ture and processing of interswitch said “although Unity bank is not the first to go into Electronic payment, it has proved innovative”. He said “the introduc-

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 125.13 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 116.60 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.77 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.10 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.93 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,717.91 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 10.45 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 8,652.66 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 124.96 116.90 0.74 1.10 0.91 1,713.62 9.94 1.33 1.80 8,411.80 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTMBER 28, 2012

56

NEWS Herbalist arrested with human skulls in Ibadan From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

A 75-YEAR old herbalist has been arrested by police in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for possessing human skulls.

The suspect, Mr. Ahmed Akekaka, was arrested in his house in Apete, a suburb of the city, following report from residents at the Eleyele Police Station.

He was arrested with two human skulls kept in a container, The Nation learnt.

Akekaka was said to have confessed to possessing the items but denied that they were human heads. He alleged that Yisa Adeleke of Inalende in the city supplied him the heads.

Police spokesman Daniel Oboyi confirmed the arrest.

He said the heads had been sent for examination to establish claims of the suspect that they were not human skulls.

Oboyi, who said the case was being handled by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), explained that the result of the test would soon arrive.

Ajimobi gets Constitution Committee OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has reconstituted the Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution.

A statement in Ibadan by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the 14member committee is headed by the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adebayo Ojo. Other members of the committee are Prof. Yemisi Bangbose (Co-chairman), Mr. Oluwole Akintayo, Dr. I. O. Olatunbosun, Dr. K. O. Amusa, Dr. Tunde Oni, Mr. Seun Abimbola and Dr. Michael Adeleke.

Others are Dr. Bolaji Omitola and Dr. Ademola Aremu, both representing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU); Dr. Doyin Adebowale (human rights group) and Miss Aderonke Ige (Justice, Peace and Development Council).

The committee has Mr. T. M. Abdulganiyu and Dr. Femi Ladapo as Secretary and Assistant Secretary respectively.

N.45m theft: Three bank officials in police net in Ado-Ekiti T

HREE workers of a new generation bank in Ado-Ekiti have been arrested by the police for alleged theft of N450,000 from a couple.

The couple, Dr. Tunde Akindele and Mrs. Josephine Akindele, in a telephone interview with reporters said they came from Ife in Osun State on a visit to their relations at Ijelu farmstead in Ado-Ekiti.

They said they went to the bank to withdraw the said amount but ended losing it in a way they considered strange.

Mrs. Akindele said: “When I said I needed a withdrawal form, a lady at the counter told me to use the Automated Tell-

By Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

er Machine (ATM). When I attempted it, it was rejected twice. The machine would just not do it.

“Then the lady I spoke with across the counter contacted another worker in the bank who she referred to as the computer operator. While the computer operator was working on the computer system, she made a telephone call.

“I was eventually paid the money across the counter by

the same cashier and left the bank, keeping the money in a safe in the car.

“We left the bank’s premises and headed for Ijelu but observed that a green Honda was following us right from the bank but we did not think it could be robbers planning their game on us.”

She said at Ijelu where they had gone to see their father-inlaw, they did not spend 10 minutes. When they came out, only their car had been vandalised and the money was stolen.

“Our mobile handsets, my handbag and some cash were all lying on the car seat but none of these were touched by the thieves. That sparked our curiosity,” Akindele said.

A private prosecutor, Niran Owoseni, said the case was transferred to the State Investigation Bureau (SIB) .

Owoseni said he had sought the Attorney-General’s fiat to prosecute the matter.

But, police spokesperson Mr. Olu Victor Babayemi said he was not aware of the development.

E

O

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has appointed 29 Permanent Secretaries.

The Permanent Secretaries are: Owoeye Olayinka, Akinyemi Obafemi, Oluwadamilare Oyeleke, Adewunmi Adelowo, Adegoke Kayode, Aina Ayanleye, Olajide Festus, Adesina Olajide, Aduroja Richards, Adeagbo Nurudeen, Kolawole Adesina, Olorunsogo Olusegun, Ojo Adewale and Fawole Olufemi.

Others are: Ajayi O, Dr. Adeyinka Eso, Dr. Oladele Olalekan, Adewemimo Abiola, Oyeniran Bamidele, Odediran Soladoye, Olaluwoye Dayo, Olayode S.,Oyeniran Oyelade, Olayinka M.O, Mrs. Bello Olajumoke and Kolawole Olufunke.

Those for the Local Government Service are Agbedaunsi Abimbola, Afolabi Aliu and Dr. Oyebola Festus.

Three Tutors-General have also been appointed. They are: Buari Kola, Adisa Olabamiji and Dr. Obisesan Tunbosun.

Lawmakers condemn federal service

T

Deputy Governor of Ekiti State Mrs. Funmi Olayinka flanked by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague (left) and outgoing Chairperson of the ACN, Ireland chapter, Mrs Bunmi Salako, at the second Congress of the chapter in Dulleck, Ireland.

SGF reopens debate on State of Osun

C

ONTROVERSY over the name change by the Osun State Government raged on yesterday.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator Anyim Pius Anyim said the adoption of the name “State of Osun” by the government is unconstitutional.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who proposed the name for the Living Spring State, argued there was nothing unconstitutional in what his administration did.

According to him, there is no section in the constitution that stipulates how the component states making up the country should be addressed.

The constitution, he said, clearly specifies that Nigeria shall consist of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Aregbesola said the Statute Book is silent on where to put the state.

Anyim’s comment was made during a courtesy/advocacy visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, when

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

a member of the Committee, Ajiboye Famurewa, introduced himself as a lawmaker from “ the State of Osun.”

“That is unconstitutional,” Anyim said, throwing the visiting lawmakers into laughter.

The SGF went on: “Let me also say that, even though in a lighter mood, that the State of Osun issue should be a serious matter. And for me, it is a very serious matter.

“We should not trivialise issues regarding our nationhood.

More particularly as it could be interpreted anyhow to affect the unity of the country.

“The constitutional name for each state should be upheld, more particularly by parliamentarians. Ordinary local politicians can try to politick with it, but not those of you who are to keep the country in shape and in firm stand.”

Adeosun: Nigeria has lost another patriotic man

P

ROMINENT Nigerians gathered yesterday at Our Saviour’s Church for the Commendation Service held in honour of the Chairman of National Pension Commission, Chief Oluwole Alani Adeosun, who died on September 14 in India.

The church’s vicar, Ven. Igein Isemede, said “Baba was a member of the 11’o

By Segun Balogun

clock service, which he attended promptly.”

Many spoke about the late Adeosun’s patriotism and industrial spirit that propelled him to the top echelon of Nigeria’s financial sector.

The vicar said the league of patriotic Nigerians was diminishing.

At the Service of Songs held for the former President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi joined hundreds others to honour the deceased.

As a former First Bank Managing Director credited with the bank’s auspicious period, it was not surprising the gathering was fairly a

First Bank community, as many officials of the bank, led by the Managing Director, Bisi Onasanya, converged, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island to honour him.

A former First Bank official, Rev. Akpoghene Okoro of Our Saviours Church, who delivered the brief but poignant homily, reminded the congregation of their mortality.

Fayemi: We’ll commission 10 roads, 100 schools in October KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said 10 roads and over 100 renovated schools would be commissioned in October.

Fayemi spoke on Wednesday on his monthly media chat, “Meet Your Governor”, which was aired on all radio and television stations in the state.

The projects are to be inaugurated as part of activities marking the second anniversary of Fayemi.

He said all the public schools undergoing renova-

Osun appoints 29 Perm Secs

By Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

tion under Operation Renovate All Schools in Ekiti (ORASE) would be ready by October 2, when students resume.

Fayemi said: “I am amazed at the pace of work going on in the schools and this speaks volumes to our commitment to revamp education and ensure that learning takes place under a conducive environment.

“I have been receiving

messages on the work we are doing in our schools. Our people are elated, they are happy and appreciate good things that are happening in the schools.

“ANCOPSS, Old Students of Ekiti Parapo College and various communities have written to me to appreciate what we have done some of them pointing out that some of those schools have not been touched for over 40 years now.”

Fayemi accused the local government workers’ union

leaders of being used by politicians.

He said: “We are carrying out a staff audit at the local government level to know who is the authentic local government worker. Do we continue to pay those who are not supposed to be in the system?

“That exercise has been completed by the Local Government Service Commission and the report has been submitted to me.

“I want the local government workers to return to

work and I have assured workers that the genuine ones will receive arrears to the point of when it was supposed to have been paid.

“The leadership of NULGE must withdraw the allegation (of illegal deduction of council funds) and they cannot do that by subterfuge and when they do that, we will go back to the negotiation table. I have my name and integrity to protect and I want them to be intact after I might have left office.”

HE Ekiti State House of Assembly has frowned at the low number of citizens of the state shortlisted for appointment by the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

The House, in a resolution passed at its plenary in Ado Ekiti, condemned the commission for shortlisting only 199 candidates from the state.

A member of the House, Hon. Ayodeji Odu who raised the motion under matter of Public Importance, called on the Assembly to condemn the situation, saying it does not conform to the stipulations of Federal Character. All the lawmakers who spoke on the motion condemned the development.

The Speaker, Hon. Adewale Omirin said the state does not have a commissioner on the Board of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and called for a redress.

The motion for the approval of the resolution was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Churchill Adedipe and seconded by Hon. Ade Ajayi.

Ekiti bans public smoking KITI State House of Assembly has passed into law the State’s Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Bill and the Ekiti State Peace Corps Bill.

The anti-public smoking bill was passed after the House considered the report presented by the Chairman of the Committee on Health and Human Services, Hon. Adeojo Ayodele.

The bill on the prohibition of smoking in public place is a private bill sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Orisalade Adetunji.

The Peace Corps bill, which was passed after the consideration of the report presented by Hon. Ogundele Folorunso, seeks to establish a peace corps to assist law enforcement agencies in the maintenance of communal peace and security.

The two reports were adopted and unanimously approved by the lawmakers.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

NEWS

PPA seeks speedy trial of Kalu T

‘Babangida, others destroyed the civil service’ From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

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HE Head of Service of the Federation (HOSF), Alhaji Isa Bello Sali, has blamed the regime of former Military President, Gen Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), for laying the foundations of the rot that currently permeates the nation’s civil service.

Sali said the reforms carried out between 1985 and 1988 were largely responsible for the dearth of professionals and committed public officers.

The Head of Service made the allegations in a paper he delivered at the opening session of the 36th Annual Conference of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSAN), in Abuja, yesterday.

He explained that the implementation of the Professor Dotun Philip’s report and subsequent promulgation of Decree 43 to give legal backing to the implementation of the recommendations of the report largely eroded the vitality, standard of performance and cohesion of the public service.

He said: “The subsequent reforms of 1985 to 88 which arose from the recommendations of the Dotun Philip report was given legal effect through Decree 43 of 1988. The legislation paved the way for all comers into the top echelon of the civil service.”

•From left: Enugu State Acting Governor Sunday Onyebuchi, Secretary to the State Government Amaechi Okolo and Regional Coordinator, Department for International Development (DFID), Mrs. Olachi Ronnie, at the Enugu State 2012 Budget Assessment Retreat in Enugu...yesterday.

National ID card: NIMC to capture 100m Nigerians in 30 months, says DG •Disengaged workers protest amid tight security

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HE National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) yesterday said it will soon issue new National ID cards with a target of capturing 100million Nigerians in 30 months.

But some of the 4,029 disengaged workers of the commission yesterday staged a peaceful protest in Abuja over the manner in which they were asked to go and non-payment of the pension of those due for retirement.

NIMC,’s Director-General Chris’E. Onyemenam, however, said about N940.0million has been spent on the exit package of the protesting staff.

Onyemenam, who made the clarifications at a briefing in Abuja on the new National Identity Cards, said the new exercise will not be derailed unlike the case in

From Yusuf Alli and Yomi Odunuga, Abuja

the past.

Assisted by one of the directors Aliyu Azeez, an engineer, the DG said: “Our plan is to capture 150,199,000. But within 30 months, we will capture 100million and everybody will be captured in 40 months.

“We intend to focus initially on Nigerians who are 16 years and above. This is about 53.76 per cent (80,746,982) of the targeted population.

“Nigerians will not pay for the new ID card and the latest copy to be issued will be a multi-purpose card. The project is one in my life that I have seen a strong political support.”

But as the briefing was in session, some of the 4,029 dis-

Duke, Anya, others identify path to nation’s growth S

OME eminent Nigerians yesterday said except the nation’s elite resolves to sacrifice its individual comfort for public good, the country will persist in its state of stalled growth.

They spoke in Lagos at a lecture organised by Cosmopolitan Women’s Club (CMC) on Nigeria’s 52 Independence anniversary wit the theme: Nigeria at 52: embracing peace and unity.

The speakers included Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN); former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke; former Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Chairman, Prof Anya O. Anya; former Managing Director of Concord Newspapers, Dr Doyin Abiola and former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN).

They noted that the nation’s inability to create a growth pattern, 52 years after independence, has led to the elites’ failure to have a consensus development model, a set of ethics and ethos that should drive the nation’s development agenda.

The guest speaker, Prof Anya, blamed the nation’s faulty structural and economic foundation from independence on myopic, crude and selfish leadership.

The renowned scholar noted that this led to the nation’s current unenviable state.

By Eric Ikhilae

He said there is need for the renegotiation of the nation’s rules of engagement, adding that there is nothing wrong in re-examining Nigeria’s past and chatting a new course for its future to enjoy equity and justice.

According to him, will achieve its growth potential under urbane and intuitive leaders, who must place human development above structural and physical development.

Prof Anya said: “We must reestablish our value of truth and justice. We must redesign our political and economic architecture; we must reconstitute our leadership pattern so that we can have leaders with pan-Nigerian focus on development; we must restore and refocus our vanishing value system; we must create a system that ensure the protection if every citizen’s right.” The renowned economist decried the profligacy in government and its officials.

He faulted the current huge earnings by members of the National Assembly.

Anya also decried what he called the embarrassing way the country gave out the Bakasi Peninsula to Cameroon.

He noted that former Nigerian leaders, Generals Yakubu Gowon (rtd) and Olusegun Obasanjo, gave out Bakassi, despite swear-

ing to the Constitution to protect its territory and citizens.

Fashola, who was represented by Commissioner for Establishment, Flaurence Oguntuwashe, agreed with the event’s organisers that the nation’s development depends on peace and security.

Duke blamed Nigeria’s underdevelopment on the elite’s alleged refusal to place the general good above selfish interests.

He noted that though the elite constitute a little fraction of the nation’s population, its members are unfortunately and selfish.

Osinbajo advised the elite to lead the nation to greatness.

The frontline lawyer said in other nations that have attained greatness, the elite evolved some principles and ethics that guided such nations’ conducts and direction for public policies.

Regretting the preference for foreign education and medical services among the elite, Prof Osinbajo averred that the practice is an indication that the “elite has voted against the society which it inhabits”.

CMC President Mrs BintuFatima Tinubu said the event was part of the club’s commitment to addressing societal challenges.

Education/charity organisation celebrates golden jubilee

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AN international educational charity network, the United World College (UWC), is celebrating its 50 years of existence with about 60 events going on across the world.

In Nigeria, a dinner/concert will be held today at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island,

By Adegunle Olugbamila

Lagos.

The Chairman of Etisalat Nigeria Hakeem BeloOsagie who is also the National Chairman of the UWC National Committee in Nigeria, told reporters in Lagos that the essence of the dinner is to “create more awareness about UWC in Nigeria.”

engaged staff were protesting at the gate of NIMC amid tight security by policemen.

The workers wielded placards like “Enough of injustice,” “We did nothing wrong”, “We were not idle staff”, the “Federal Government should probe NIMC,” among others.

One of the affected protesters, who simply described herself as Mrs. Nkechi said: “We were wrongly disengaged without any cogent reasons.

We have been protesting against this injustice in the last three days and we will continue to occupy NIMC. “The government should probe the activities of NIMC management because we cannot understand why 4,029 workers were laid off in one swoop.”

HE National Chairman of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Chief Ken Gbalokoma, has urged the Abuja High Court to expedite the trial of former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu for alleged corruption.

In a statement yesterday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, Gbalokoma said the “lackluster prosecution” of Kalu by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) gave the former governor the guts to join the presidential contest.

He said: “If the EFCC had diligently prosecuted him, Kalu would have been in jail now, rather than on the soap box canvassing for votes. It is regretful that Kalu is taking Nigerians for granted by seeking to occupy the highest office in the land, despite

the fact that he knows he has tainted credentials.

“Despite plunging Abia State into a N27.3 billion debt, the former governor is currently seeking to be placed on a special monthly income from the state’s treasury.

“I urge the Chief Justice of the Federation to prevail on the Abuja High Court trying Kalu to expedite the trial, so that Kalu would be sent to jail where he truly belongs to save the nation from further embarrassment.”

Gbalokoma urged Nigerians to disregard Kalu, who he described as a “spare parts mentality politician”. He said there was no space in the PPA for Kalu.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE DEW OF ZION CHURCH INTERNATIONAL This is to inform the general public that the above named church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration Under Part “C” of CAMA Cap. C 20 LEN 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. APOSTLE (DR) I. E. EYO — CHAIRMAN 2. PASTOR MOSES EFFIONG EYO — SECRETARY 3. ELDER JACOB PETER —— MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1) To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Nation.

2) To raise more Labourers in the vineyard of God. 3) To establish churches wherever converts are made so that they can be taught the Holy Scripture unto Maturity.

4) To do all such things that are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objectives mentioned above.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Cresent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: APOSTLE (DR) I. E. EYO (CHAIRMAN)

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

NEWS IGP takes over Ozuah’s murder case From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

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NSPECTOR-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has taken over the case of the late Ugochukwu Ozuah from the Lagos State Police Command. He has also constituted a high powered investigation team to unravel the circumstances that led to Uzuah’s death.

Ozuah was killed at a Lagos bus stop on September 20 in circumstances that have pitted members of his family against the police with the former accusing the latter of being responsible for the gun shot that killed the young man.

A statement by Deputy Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Frank Mba yesterday stated that members of the new team were picked from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja. .”The IGP has mandated the team to identify and fish out the killer(s). The directive is necessitated by the need to maintain neutrality, professionalism, speedy and holistic dispensation of justice,” the statement said.

According to Mba, the IGP’s action was informed by the need to unravel the controversy surrounding Ozuah’s killing, a development that has generated so much public interest since the incident occurred.

The statement quoted Abubakar to have appealed to members of the public, especially those who may have witnessed the crime to come forward with useful information that could aid the police in arresting the culprits.

Prospective informers are encouraged to use the special police email: policemonitor@npf.gov.ng to relay useful information on this case to the police.

The statement added that the investigating team will be releasing special dedicated phone lines for purposes of interacting with members of the public, as soon as they are on ground in Lagos.

“While commiserating with the family, friends and relations of the deceased, the IGP reassured the nation that the Force will do everything humanly and operationally possible to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime are unmasked and eventually brought to book.

“The IGP is also using this medium to dispel rumours making the rounds, especially on the social media that he had earlier made a definite statement concerning the incident.

“As a matter of fact, this is the first and the only statement so far made by either the IGP or the Force Headquarters on this subject matter. As the Chief Investigator of the nation, it is not in the character of the IGP to jump into hasty conclusions before initiating investigations.

“Finally, the IGP appeals to all for calm, patience, understanding and support, while efforts are being intensified to unravel the crime”, the statement added.

Tribunal dismisses petition on Oshiomhole’s certificate

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HE Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Benin, the state capital, yesterday struck out some paragraphs of the petition filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the July 14 election, Maj.-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (rtd.).

Airhiavbere is challenging Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s re-election on the grounds that Oshiomhole lacks the educational qualifications to contest the election and that the poll was marred by irregularities.

The tribunal said it lacks the jurisdiction to hear pre-election matters and would not entertain issues about the governor’s educational qualifications.

The Tribunal Chairman,

From Osemwengie Ogbemudia and Osagie Otabor, Benin

Justice Suleiman Ambursa, said the Electoral Law stipulates that candidates submit copies of their documents to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) before the election and that INEC publishes such documents, so that any person that is not satisfied with the information contained in them can approach the Federal High Court for appropriate interpretation.

Justice Ambursa said only paragraph eight of the petition, which is based on electoral irregularities, would be entertained.

He said: “Any person who has any reasonable ground to contest the educa-

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We have thoroughly examined all the grounds of the petition. Paragraph eight is the only surviving paragraph on which the petition is valid and competent for the tribunal to hear...

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tional qualification of the first respondent (Oshiomhole) should seek a declaration in the High Court.

“We have thoroughly ex-

amined all the grounds of the petition. Paragraph eight is the only surviving paragraph on which the petition is valid and competent for the tribunal to hear. The petitioner should proceed on the merit of the remaining paragraph.”

Justice Ambrusa ruled that INEC and its officials could be joined as respondents in the suit.

The tribunal will today rule on whether INEC should release sensitive electoral documents to the petitioner.

Airhiavbere’s counsel Mr. Efe Akpofure said he would consult with his client on the next line of action.

Akpofure was optimistic that his client would win the case on electoral malpractices.

Oshiomhole’s counsel Mr. Omoruyi Omonuwa (SAN) said with the striking out of the greater part of the petition, the case is more or less dead.

NECO blacklists 13 schools

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FTER five consecutive years of mass failure, the National Examinations Council (NECO) yesterday announced improvement in the June/July 2012 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) with over 50 percent of the candidates posting credit pass in Mathematics while 49.33 percent of the 1,087,627 candidates passed English language with credit.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NECO, Prof Promise Okpala, who announced the significant improvement yesterday in Minna, Niger State, said 13 schools in seven states have been blacklisted for engaging in gross examination malpractices in the last SSCE for two years.

Pa Ogunleye dies at 80

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•Edo State Deputy Governor Pius Odubu (second right) and jubilant party faithfuls after the Tribunal’s ruling...yesterday.

Edo governor advocates judicious use of Ecological Fund E DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole yesterday urged the Federal Government to make judicious use of the National Ecological Fund in the management and control of flooding across the country.

The governor spoke yesterday while hosting the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Sani Sidi, who was in the state to appraise the damage done by floods in Etsako Central, Etsako East and Esan Southeast local government areas.

He said the state government would collaborate with NEMA to provide a solution.

Oshiomhole said the floods, caused by the overflow of the River Niger, are getting worse.

He said: “We appear

helpless and the Federal Government ought to do more than it has done. The situation calls for a more drastic response. The state government is doing all it can by providing relief materials, as well as deploying doctors and nurses to treat the victims.

“We need to act fast because this is a national calamity. There are long term implications, as farm lands have been destroyed and domestic animals killed.”

Sidi commiserated with the government and residents on their losses.

He said: “Disaster occurrences and the number of people affected by them have risen significantly in recent years as a result of the impact of climate

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This phenomenon got more intense last year and has become very alarming this year, as all rivers in the country have overflowed their banks.

’

change and increased human activities. Similarly, economic losses from disasters, both natural and manmade, have escalated.

“Nigeria is not immune to the negative impact of these developments. The wide-spread flooding, which occurred in 23 states of the federation in 2010,

are a pointer to the growing intensity of climate changerelated disasters.

“This phenomenon got more intense last year and has become very alarming this year, as all rivers in the country have overflowed their banks. Many communities and local governments from Lokoja, Kogi, through Etsako West in Edo State d o w n t o B i a s e i n Cross River State are presently under water.

“As the rainy season peaks, we must prepare for more floods, because the weather has become unpredictable and extreme conditions, such as excessive rainfall, severe windstorm, heat wave and drought, have become more frequent with adverse effect on the economy, environment, agricultural production and food security.”

HE death has been announced of Mr. Joshua Adeyemi Ogunleye, popularly known as Lord Bishop! He died in his Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State home on September 10.He was 80.

He attended Ondo Boys High School and worked in the Premier’s office in the old Western Region as one of the confidential secretaries of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The late Ogunleye worked in the Western State Civil Service and was the confidential secretaries to two attorneysgeneral: Dr. F.A. Ajayi and Dr. Lateef Adegbite. He was later transferred to the defunct Western State Court of Appeal as the personal secretary to the court’s Prsident, Justice Kayode Eso. When new states were created in 1976, he was posted to the Ondo State judiciary, where he seved as the personal secretary to the state’s Chie Judge, Justice Akinola Aguda, before retiring in 1977.

The late Ogunleye is survived by his wife, Ebunoluwa Ogunleye, and children, including Gbemiga Ogunleye of Television Continental, and many grandchildren.

He will be buried at his home town, Ayere, in the Ijumu Local Government of Kogi State at a date to be announced later.

Red Cross evacuates 200 flood victims in Asaba

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HE Nigeria Red Cross Society in Delta State has relocated over 200 flood victims to a temporary camp in Asaba.

Secretary of the organisation Mr. Francis Agarivbie spoke with reporters yesterday in Asaba.

Agarivbie said the evacu-

ation was done in collaboration with the state government.

He said some of the evacuated persons had been given mattresses and blankets.

Over 1,000 buildings were last Monday destroyed by flood in Oshimili South Lo-

cal Government Area.

Agarivbie praised the state government for its timely intervention and appealed for the provision of speed boats to facilitate rescue operations.

He said many people are still trapped in the flooded communities.

The Red Cross scribe urged the state government to set up a clinic at the camp.

He urged donor agencies, individuals and corporate organisations to assist the victims.

Some of the victims said they lost everything to the

flood and urged the state government to assist them.

Mr. Philip Ukadike said: “It is not easy to lose all you have laboured for in life. I am appealing to the government to help us get back on our feet. We need relief materials, so that we can start all over again.”

•The late Pa Ogunleye

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

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NEWS Ex-Gov Audu’s trial: Supreme Court rules Nov 23

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HE Supreme Court yesterday fixed November 23 to rule on ex-Governor Audu Abubakar’s application to discontinue his criminal prosecution in a high court in Kogi.

Justice Walter Onnoghen, who led four judges, gave the date after counsel to the parties had argued the application.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2006 filed charges that Abubakar should account for his tenure as the Governor of Kogi.

The anti-graft agency charged Prince Abubakar with embezzlement of state funds.

The former governor had, through his lawyer, Chief Mike Ezekhome (SAN), appealed the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which upheld his trial in a Kogi High Court.

Ezekhome said the High Court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain a matter brought to it by the Attorney-General of the Federation.

He argued that the lower court erred by transferring a case with federal jurisdiction to a state to be tried.

“This process is strange in law and we are urging the apex court to reverse the decision of the lower court,” he said.

He said the purpose of the appeal before the Supreme Court was to confirm whether the High Court had the jurisdiction to arraign the accused.

“Until that application is decided, the accused cannot stand trial.

“The court is not the court duly designated to hear criminal matters initiated at the instance of the EFCC and as such, lacks the competence to try same.

“The charge is incurably bad and defective, having been brought by the Attorney-General of the Federation under both the federal and state legislation in a state high court,” he said.

Flood in North to last till February, say experts

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HE November respite predicted by the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememhe, is no guarantee for less floods.Experts from the Jebba Dam Authority have reportedly said the communities near River Niger and River Kaduna would experience floods till February.

A monarch, the Kuta of Muregi, Alhaji Mohammed Kuta, said at Muregi in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, when he received relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) that the

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

experts predicted that floods would last till February. The donation of the relief materials was facilitated by the lawmaker representing Mokwa/Lavun/Edati Constituency in the lower chamber, Mohammed Sani Kutigi.

He said they have told residents of the affected community that the flood will be in two phases, adding that what they have just experienced is the ‘white flood’ and they should expect the ‘black flood’

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor Ahmed

F

LOODS, occasioned by the overflow of Rivers Niger and Kaduna, have displaced residents of 70 communities at Patigi in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara

State.

This happened just as the government announced that flood has rendered 4,700 people homeless in Edu Local Government.

At Patigi, houses, farmlands and property worth several millions of Naira were submerged.

The Managing Director of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Ilorin, Abubakar Aduragba, said the flood swept away over 3, 200 hectares of rice plantation.

The plantation is under the

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State as a result of the release of excess water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon is about to submerge a substantial part of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.

It was learnt that electricity transformers and the maintenance block in the teaching hospital have been submerged.

It was also discovered that prominent indigenes of the state have lost property estimated at millions of Naira.

At the hospital, Benue State Health and Human Services

Commissioner, Dr. Orduen Abunku, said the facility was threatened by the floods which had scaled the fence and submerged some buildings.

He said the transformers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) have been affected and that the hospital now relies on two generators for electricity supply.

Prominent Benue indigenes, including former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Audu Ogbeh, former Attorney-General and

HE House of Representatives has kicked against the withdrawal of the Joint Task Force (JTF) deployed in Maiduguri, Borno

State.

The decision of the lawmakers followed their refusal to debate a point of order raised by Kyari Gujbawu (PDP, Borno) who accused the soldiers of alleged excesses and highhanded attitude.

Gujbawu, in his presentation, noted that the JTF soldiers, on the pretext of searching for the followers of Boko Haram, have been wreaking havoc through the use of force on the residents of Maiduguri and neighbouring towns and villages.

The lawmaker regretted that the encounters between the JTF and members of the extremist group always resulted in killing, maiming and burning of houses belonging to innocent residents of

Justice Minister, Mike Aondoakaa and the former Governor of the state, the late Rev-Fr. Moses Adasu, lost property estimated at millions of Naira.

The late Adasu’s Covenant Clergy Retirement Home on the Beach Road and Covenant Projects Company on the Makurdi-Gboko Road were submerged.

The floods also overran Ogbeh’s Makurdi home.

Hundreds of bags of rice which Aondoakaa stocked in

Hamid Usman, Comrade Philip Agbese and Mr. Jonah Nabut, said it is time for Nigerians to reward the political maturity, generosity and sportsmanship of the Middle Belt since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

The group said the political parties in Nigeria have enjoyed a fair share of patronage and goodwill across the Middle Belt and should consider fielding a candidate from the region in the next presidential election.

Maiduguri or wherever such conflicts occurred.

He said: “Under this unwarranted strategy being deployed by the JTF, three major settlements in Maiduguri including Shehuri North, Kalari and the most recent, Gwange, were ransacked and hundreds of thousands of inhabitants ejected from their homes and compelled to become refugees in their own country.

“In addition, major markets like the ones in Budum and Gamboru that are international centres of trade have been burnt down either completely or in part under the guise of retaliation against Boko Haram sect’s attacks.

“JTF is also involved in the arrest, disappearance of detained youths as well as detention under inhuman conditions and torture.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Materials used for making bombs were intercepted in a raid yesterday.

Police Commissioner Ibrahin Idris who spoke to reporters said the bomb manufacturing industry has been cor-

doned off by armed mobile policemen and would soon be demolished.

Three vehicles suspected to be owned by the Boko Haram sect, which were intercepted, have been transferred to the police headquarters in Bompai for further investigation.

By Nneka Nwaneri

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HE Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) yesterday said it warned government on the occurrence of flood in Lokoja years ago.

It said besides the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, the flood was also caused by climatic change in the country.

The President of NAS, Prof.

Oye Ibidapo-Obe, who spoke to reporters while briefing them on the activities lined up for the 8th Annual General Meeting of the African Science Academy (AMASA-8) scheduled to hold from November 11 to 14 in Lagos, with the theme: “Climate Change in Africa: Using Science to Reduce Climate Risks”, said instead of the government to take up mitigation options as it was done in New Orleans, USA, it acted without planning which led to the disaster.

He said: “This is the worse flood in the last 100 years. We warned government to prepare for the flood but it did not listen to our advice. We have not conserved nature and government has not acted well on the issue.”

Former President of NAS, Prof. David Okali, said climatic change caused the flood, which he described as devastating.

Primate Okoh’s mum’s burial

M •Aondoakaa

two warehouses on Ogbeh’s premises as raw materials for the Miva Rice Factory, have been destroyed.

The communiqué noted that the group’s call should not be equated with supporting mediocrity, as qualified persons from the Middle Belt would submit to a national scrutiny before contesting election.

It said, in addition to finding a middle ground in the nation’s troubled polity, the other geo-political zones would be acting in a just manner by allowing Middle Belt to produce a democratically-elected leader for the country.

AMA Sarah Okoh, the mother of the Primate of the Anglican Church Communion in Nigeria, His Grace, Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, will be buried on October 12.

According to a statement released by her family, new dates have been fixed and obsequies will begin with a service of songs on October 11 at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Owa-Alero in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State at 4.pm.

Funeral service will be held at the same venue the next day at 10.am, while interment follows at her family home.

Thanksgiving service will hold on Sunday, October 14 at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Owa-Alero, at 9.am.

The deceased passed on at 90.

FOREIGN 10 die in Homs shelling

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Police uncover bomb factory in Kano

pects.

The suspects are undergoing interrogation at the Bompai headquarters of the command.

The factory was uncovered at Hawan-Hotro, a Kano suburb.

efits of the project include production of 53, 000 metric tones of rice annually through double cropping with market value in excess of over N3 billion.

The Chairman of Patigi Local Government, Alhaji Taoheed Makun Lata, described the flood as a disaster that had wreaked havoc on his people.

The Special Adviser on Emergency and Relief Services to the Governor, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, during an assessment tour of the flooded areas in Edu Local Government, assured the people of government’s support to cushion the effect of the flood.

‘It’s our turn to produce president in 2015’

Boko Haram: Reps reject withdrawal of JTF from Maiduguri

P

Tada-Shonga Irrigation Scheme in Edu Local Government.

He urged the Federal Government to release fund for the completion of the 32,000 hectares in Tada-Shonga Irrigation Project, which was started by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

Aduragba said the project is located on the fertile plains of the River Niger between Tada and Shonga in Edu Local Government.

He said the objective of the Tada-Shonga Irrigation Scheme was to increase the nation’s rice production through large scale rice plantation.

According to him, the ben-

Floods hit Adasu, Ogbeh, Aondoakaa, HE floods ravaging others hard communities in Benue

T

OLICE in Kano yesterday discovered a bomb factory after the arrest of two sus-

A representative of the Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NISEMA), Alhaji Mohammed Shaba, bemoaned the inability of the Federal Government to allow the take off of the Hydro-electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) since its establishment was signed into a law.

He said with the warning of more floods, residents of coastal areas should move to the relief camps set up by his agency.

70 Kwara communities taken over by floods

HE Middle Belt Youth Leaders’ Forum (MYLF) has urged politicians and political parties to focus on the Middle Belt geo-political zone in the search for the president in 2015.

In a communiqué issued after a Consultative Assembly of the MYLF, the group said the choice of a president from the region would help to end the NorthSouth controversy that is tearing the country apart.

The communiqué, which was signed by Mallam

T

which will cause more destructions.

Kuta, who said the last time the country witnessed water surge was in 1929, added that “experts have told us that the second phase of the flood called the ‘black flood’ will last till January or February next year.”

He said he was worried about the prediction.

The monarch hailed the initiative of the lawmaker and called for more assistance from the state and federal governments.

‘We warned govt against Lokoja flooding’

•Al-Assad

A

T least 10 people were killed in shelling by Syrian government troops in the flash point province of Homs yesterday, activ-

ists said.

The attack followed what the opposition said was the deadliest day since the Syrian uprising began some 19 months ago, with 300 people killed across the country on Wednesday.

“The shelling targeted the rebel-held area of al-Rastan, killing 10 people and wounding many others,’’ Omar Homsi, an opposition activist based in the central Homs province, told dpa.

Video footage posted online showed what the opposition

said were bodies of people killed in al-Rastan.

Elsewhere, clashes reportedly raged between government troops and rebels in the strategic northern city of Aleppo, the scene of fighting between government and rebel forces for more than two months.

The London-based opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 300 people were killed in Syria on Wednesday, while the Local Coordination Committees put the figure at 343.

Trial of Pope’s ex-butler to shine light on Vatican

T

HE trial of Papal butler, Mr. Paolo Gabriele, for breach of trust begins tomorrow in the Vatican City, and the trial is expected to beam light on the tiny religious state headed by Pope Benedict XVI. Gabriele is also charged for stealing and leaking the pontiff’s personal papers.

The Vatican has certainly seen more sensational trials in its long history, including the In-

quisition ordered by the papal see for Galileo to recant his theory that the earth revolves around the sun, and that which led to the burning of philosopher Giordano Bruno at the stake for heresy. But even those cases, both in the 17th century, did not involve a breach of trust by a papal aide the issue at the core of this Saturday’s trial of papal butler Paolo Gabriele.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

NEWS Seminar on US property

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

A

MECHANISM to acquire property in the United States (US) has been introduced by an America-based firm - International Property Investment Company.

The firm, with offices in Atlanta, Georgia (US) and Abuja, offers investment solutions to investors in the real estate sector.

Its spokesperson Adewale Owomoyela said the company could get property for clients for as low as N13 million in choice areas of Atlanta.

Such property, he noted, are not only riskfree but has the potential to double in value within three years.

He spoke of plans to stage an investment seminar for willing investors on Sunday at the Civic Centre, Lagos on Ozumba Nbadiwe, Victoria Island.

Echoes of civil war inAchebe’s memoir

C

HINUA Achebe, often called the “father of modern African literature”, released his first major work in years yesterday with a long-awaited memoir centred on the war that nearly destroyed his nation.

“There Was A Country: A Personal History of Biafra”, chronicles Achebe’s experiences during the 1967-1970 civil war, which saw his native Eastern region, dominated by the Igbo ethnic group, secede as the Republic of Biafra.

The split came largely in response to massacres of Igbos in the North and saw Achebe, author of the revered novel, “Things Fall Apart,” speak out forcefully in support of the move.

His memoir was released in Britain yesterday and will be available in Ni-

geria shortly after, said publishers Allen Lane, a division of Penguin.

Its release in the United States (US) is slated for October 11.

The tensions that ignited the Biafran conflict, which left around one million people dead, including many from starvation, are largely settled. Today, sporadic calls for greater Igbo autonomy have limited impact in Nigerian politics.

Experts, however, say a Biafra memoir from the 81-year-old Achebe is urgently needed in a country that remains deeply fractured on other levels, despite the book’s focus on events that happened more than four decades ago.

“Achebe is sustaining the debate on integration, on unity and on oneness,” said Dapo Thomas, a history pro-

fessor at Lagos State University.

“Until there is a sovereign agreement from the peasants to the elite that we want to remain as one, we must continue that debate. A nation cannot remain comatose while these issues are unresolved,” he said.

Achebe strongly backed his native Biafra in the civil war and even toured to speak on its behalf. Echoes of the conflict emerge in his writing, including his collection “Christmas in Biafra and Other Poems.”

The octogenarian remains a towering figure in Nigerian and African literature, though he has been based in the US in recent years where he has been a professor at Brown University in Rhode Island.

He travels infrequently due to a 1990 car accident

‘

Until there is a sovereign agreement from the peasants to the elite that we want to remain as one, we must continue that debate.

’

that left him in a wheelchair.

Achebe’s novel “Things Fall Apart”, about the collision between British colonial rule and Igbo society, remains

•Achebe

a landmark work. “Just as we read Shakespeare, it’s not possible for any student in this department to graduate without reading the works of Chinua Achebe,” said the head of the English department at the University of Lagos, Adeyemi Daramola.

Optima Media Group partners TVC

N

OTABLE broadcast content providers, Optima Media Group (OMG) has signed a deal with Continental Broadcast Services (CBS), owners of Television Continental (TVC) and Radio Continental (RC).

The partnership follows recent step-up of the latter’s operations, which include the streaming of its radio arm internationally; a feat that affords the station a global gravitas to project Nigeria to the rest of the world.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the two parties on Wednesday in a brief ceremony at the OMG Ladipo Bateye office, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

Present at the ceremony were: Mr. Adeoye Roluga, OMG’s Group Executive Consultant (Marketing), Theresa Taiwo, Commercial Director, CBS; Mrs. Ugochi Pedro, Head of Legal/Director of Special Programmes, OMG; Richie Dayo Johnson, Director of Radio Services, CBS and Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Deputy Director of Programmes, TVC Entertainment.

Thrilled by the partnership, Roluga said the union is strategic, and will bring about greater things in the future.

By Victor Akande

He said: “We at OMG pride ourselves in being premium content providers, and we believe that CBS is poised, not only to dominate the broadcast space in Lagos and beyond.

“If the rumour we are hearing about them starting a 24-hour station is right, we know that they are going to go global, and we hope that they will take us along with them.

“I just want to congratulate everybody that has been responsible for making this happen, and look for greater things to happen in future.”

Roluga said he has been monitoring the operations of TVC since inception, when operated only as a radio station.

He said: I knew they are a station to watch. You know Dele Alake was their first Managing Director. I saw Dele Alake as Bola Tinubu’s brain box.

So, when he was now setting up this operation, I knew it has to be something that is bound to be phenomenal. It is now left for the managers that are now there to move it to the next level.

“That is how businesses are supposed to work; a brilliant mind comes, lays the foundation, and lets others execute the idea.”

Dickson woos UK investors

P

ROVISION of security and insurance cover are some of the incentives being offered by the Bayelsa State government to attract Foreign Direct Investment (DFI) to its domain.

Governor Seriake Dickson, dropped the hint at a business parley with a team of investors at Hilton Metropole Hotel, London, United Kinggdom (UK).

He spoke of the efforts being made by its administration to turn the state around by making it the destination of choice for foreign investors.

According to him, the government has taken concrete steps to put in place the required institutional framework for an investmentfriendly environment.

In a statement, Dickson’s media aide, Daniel MarksonIworiso quoted his boss as saying: ”Gentlemen, I make bold to say to you that Bayelsa today is one of the most peaceful and secured states in the whole of Nigeria.

“We have achieved this given the huge investment we have made in the area of security since we assumed office barely six months ago.

“Mind you, we are even doing more because of the seriousness we attach to the security of not only the lives of our investors, but also to their investments.

“That is why today in Bayelsa, all the multinational companies who abandoned the state at one time, are all back and they are on ground as we speak, working.”

•From left: Richie Johnson, Director of Radio Services, CBS and Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Deputy Director of Programmes, TVC Entertainment, Mr. Adeoye Roluga, Group Executive Consultant (Marketing), OMG, Theresa Taiwo, Commercial Director, CBS during the MoU Signing ceremony

Human Rights Award for Nnimmo Bassey

R

ENOWNED environmentalist, writer and Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action / Friends of the Earth Nigeria ERA/FoEN, Nnimmo Bassey, has been named the recipient of the “2012 Rafto Human Rights Award.”

Making the announcement yesterday in Bergen, Norway, the Rafto Foundation said: ”The 2012 Rafto Prize is awarded to the Nigerian Nnimmo Bassey in recognition of his long-term fight for people’s right to life, health, food and water in a world affected by complex and threatening climate change and mass environmental destruction.”

The award will be presented at the National Venue of Theartre (Den Nationale Scene) Bergen, Norway on November 4, 2012.

Accepting the award, Bassey said: ”I am honoured and humbled by this announcement. I hold the Rafto Founda-

‘

•Bassey

tion in high esteem for its commitment to human right defenders.

“I have campaigned on oil pollution and human rights in Nigeria for decades. Standing with impacted communities we continually demand justice. We press on, convinced that truth will prevail.

“We expect justice to be done very soon, after a major court case hearing

I am honoured and humbled by this announcement. I hold the Rafto Foundation in high esteem for its commitment to human right defenders.

’

against Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell in The Netherlands. Shell’s incredible contamination in Nigeria will be under scrutiny at a court hearing in The Hague on October 11 and the verdict is expected in early 2013.”

The Rafto Prize was established in 1987 in memory of Prof Thorolf Rafto, a professor of Eco-

nomic History at the Norwegian School of Economics.

Several Rafto laureates have subsequently been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The past Rafto lauretes include: Aung San Suu Kyi, Jose Ramos-Horta, Kim Dae-jung and Shirin Ebadi, among others.

Bassey is one of Africa’s leading advocates and campaigners for the environment and human rights, who has tirelessly stood up against the practices of multinational corporations and the environmental devastation they leave behind.

The crusader, who is serving a second term as chair of Friends of the Earth International FoEI, is recipient of the 2010 Rights Livelihood Award, listed as Time Hero of the Environment in 2009 and was specially honoured by the Benin Monarch, Oba Erediauwa for his contributions to environmental sustainability in the country, among others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

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TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

T is time once again to mark (celebrate?) the flag independence of our dear country and to lament what turns out to be its unfulfilled promises. Yet while this lamentation comes natural to many who invested a sizeable amount of capital in the prospect of a strong, united, and democratic nationstate, many others are not surprised at the ugly turn of events. There are good reasons for both reactions, though as I would argue, the second group has the benefit of the facts.

To the first group, it is the case that the struggle for freedom forged a united front against the colonial powers universally condemned as a rampaging force of racist exploiters responsible for the dismemberment of motherland Africa, first through the enslavement and physical separation of its sons and daughters, and second through the balkanisation of its land without the courtesy of involving any of its rulers.

The resentment of the European master brought Africans to the realisation of their kinship as the dispossessed and, in the words of Frantz Fanon, the wretched of the earth.

Pan-African ideas bolstered the resolve of Africans in the Diaspora and on the continent, and decolonisation became a rallying cry for the mobilisation of the people against imperialists and exploiters.

Interestingly, for the masses of African colonies, it was the colonial factor that brought them together and developed in them the consciousness of a common bond.

A semblance of national consciousness was thus generated as the direct outcome of the people’s encounter with the colonial system.

To those who invested a lot of capital in the development of this consciousness as a result of their leadership of the anti-colonial struggle, and later in the newly independent country, Nigeria in our case, it was this semblance of national consciousness that enticed and entrapped. It enticed them to the possibilities of a truly new and bold experiment which, they thought had a great potential for becoming a reality. While the enthusiasm could be explained by appeal to the investment of time and resources, there were indications even right from the beginning of serious impediments.

To the second group referenced above, the whole idea of a common nationality or national consciousness has been a ruse all along.

The coming together of different groups and forces was motivated by different and in many cases, conflicting interests, with traces of these emerging during the “nationalist” struggles. Indeed, as some analysts have observed, it could be surmised that there was a conscious decision, independently or collectively arrived at, by the differing and conflicting forces, to first gloss over their divisions for the sake of working together to eliminate the common enemy.

Frantz Fanon’s analysis of “The Pitfalls of

RIPPLES N5000 Note: JONATHAN IS A LISTENING PRESIDENT, Says PDP

...but he never reduced the PRICE OF FUEL!

VOL.7 NO.2,262

‘Before our eyes many voodoo censuses have been held for the purpose of keeping the Igbo nation static at its post-Independence population while other region’s population had been growing...’

STEVE OSUJI

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

National consciousness as camouflage

•The late Chief Awolowo

National Consciousness” in The Wretched of the Earth captured vividly the imagery of a disjointed and inept national middle class at the dawn of independence. Of course, while Fanon saw something worth commending in the initial act of solidarity against the imperialists, he also worried that it could lead to an anomalous outcome of dog eating dog if and when national consciousness slides into ethnic consciousness: “National consciousness, instead of being the all-embracing crystallisation of the innermost hopes of the whole people, instead of being the immediate and most obvious result of the mobilisation of the people, will be in any case only an empty shell, a crude and fragile travesty of what it might have been.” Fanon laments the “facility with which, when dealing with young and independent nations, the nation is passed over for the race, and the tribe is preferred to the state.”

The fear and the agony passionately expressed by Fanon are shared by many Africans in and outside of the continent who decry the post-independence rot. But while they blamed the slide into ethnic consciousness as culprit, I would suggest that we take another look at the issues. For this, we must acknowledge the groups that were involved in the original struggle: the masses, the elite, and the coloniser.

For the most part, the masses were never unmindful of the reality of their primordial attachments. Indeed, for them the ethnic community—the original nation—was their only reality. They were never properly attuned to the reality of the new nation, which was more of an imposition than a voluntarily assumed consciousness. The masses were right at home with their ethnic nationalities.

The elite, on the other hand, had a love-hate relationship with the new “national” reality. It promised a new lease on life with the prospect of taking over the perquisites of office at the departure of the colonial lords. On the other hand, there was the fear of the Other—the rivals from pre-existing primordial groups competing for the same perks. And so, while national consciousness meant little or nothing to the masses, it proved to have a dual meaning for the elite who must therefore present a bifurcated relationship to it: take full advantage of its promise for self-advancement, and at the same time undermine its potential for genuine national consciousness which supersede primordial attachments. Since national consciousness is an essential prerequisite for national unity, it is not a surprise that the latter has been so elusive.

In the special case of Nigeria, recent history is no different from the now apparently ancient times of anti-colonial struggles. Consider the so-called North-South divide. It

HARDBALL

seems clear that the self-interest of the political elite has been the motivating factor of the crisis of mistrust. Northern governors want to re-open the litigated and adjudicated offshore-onshore controversy. They are against the creation of more states in the South and they reject the idea of embedding zonal arrangements in the constitution. The South is against the position of the North in every instance of these issues.

I like to believe that northern governors believe sincerely that these issues have a direct bearing on the welfare of the northern masses and not just the interest of the elite. To that extent, they must also believe that it is their sacred responsibility to fight for their people. In the same way, the southern governors have similar belief about their position vis-à-vis the welfare of their people. Is there another group that is looking after that other entity that is named NIGERIA? Indeed, does any one of the antagonists in the current debate acknowledge the existence of that entity?

National consciousness will be mouthed ad nauseam in this season of remembrance. But it is hard to not see it as a ruse.

There is one more thing. Both northern and southern political elites get motivated by self-interest. It is human as psychological egoists would argue. But there is a difference. In the case of the Southwest in particular, precedence was created at the dawn of Western Nigeria’s self-government in 1957 when the foremost welfarist of our space, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, consciously aligned his self-interest with the interest of the masses. Awolowo was not a saint. But he knew the game of politics well and he made a calculated effort to ensure that the welfare of the masses was the measure by which his success would be judged. It paid huge dividends politically and morally.

Since that successful experiment in political engineering, the political elite in the Southwest are hard-pressed to ensure the congruity of their elite motivation with the interests and welfare of the masses. Awolowo ensured that the struggle against colonialism culminated in massive investments in welfare institutions—education, health, employment, rural development—that cater to the basic needs of the people. This was how a fractious people, united only by a common language (with some dialects mutually unintelligible), came to see themselves as one.

This was how a Yoruba nation was born out of a myriad of tribal enclaves. And it is a lesson for how a Nigerian nation can emerge out of a multitude of tribes and tongues. That is, if the train has not already left the station.

•For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

So, Labaran Maku talks nineteen to the dozen

S

ENATE President David Mark was charitable early in the week when he described Information minister, Mr Labaran Maku, as a mere careless talker. Judging from the high voltage of his anger, he could very well have described the minister in more uncharitable terms. After all, this was not the first time the Senate would lose its temper in the face of ministerial bluffing, as Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi can affirm. Maku had last week described the resolution passed by an angry Senate against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) plan to print N5000 banknote as advisory and not binding. Convinced they were not in the upper legislative chamber to market jokes, the Senate invited the minister to explain himself. A contrite Maku, who had no wish to grandstand like el-Rufai, told the Senate, as any repentant careless talker would always do, that he held the upper chamber in high esteem.

It is a pity Mark offered us no assistance in documenting some of the careless talk Maku had engaged in prior to the Senate hoopla.

But there is no doubt both the Senate and the public must have formed the unfavourable impression the minister actually talks nineteen to the dozen. Mark’s putdown resonated

with the public, and it was accepted with relish. It will be recalled that the minister was voluble in the days fuel subsidy protest lasted, when he showed how fondly he loved to hear himself speak, sometimes declamatorily on any subject, including economics and law. Though he was still measured in comparison with Dr Doyin Okupe, the now famous presidential attack dog (or lion, as the physician fantasises), but certainly not less melodramatic, he has managed to impress everyone how overflowing he can be when he puts his mind and energies to talking.

Though Mark was unsparing, having described Maku as talking before thinking properly, he and the Senate were nonetheless eager to accept the minister’s apology. They however warned that ministers who talked carelessly henceforth would be recommended for sack.

Had they been as angry now as they could have been when Sanusi, the CBN governor, suggested in a lecture on the economy that unreasonably too much was expended on the National Assembly, he would have been the first candidate for the legislature-induced sack. It is well known that when it comes to verbal waterfalls, few people can hold a candle to Sanusi.

But how would the eminent Senate describe one of their own in the lower chamber, the

veritable Niagara, Hon Patrick Obahiagbon?

Hear him pontificate on the fuel subsidy protest early in the year, according to a popular quote: “I have read with a catalytic disgust, government’s asinine and puerile ratiocinations attempting to justiceate the proposed removal of subsidies from petroleum products. It has asseverated that its intention is guided by the need to checkmate the odoriferous excesses of a Machiavellian and Mephistophelean cabal, and I have said to myself, what a shame! What a self-indicting admittance of the failure of governance! What an hocus-pocus! What an anathemalous disdain for its citizenry!” Perhaps the honourable legislator was misquoted. Or perhaps he was just being deliberately entertaining, and is otherwise a reserved person who is sometimes inflated by a passion for explosive talk.

Though Maku has responded to Mark’s gentle rebuke by quickly apologising, it is not clear whether he understands that the Senate expects him to put a tougher leash on his natural tendency to “shoot before aiming.” But he shouldn’t feel too bad; he is in good company with most of humanity whose natural tendency is to be talkative both to nourish their egotism and to underscore their argumentativeness.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos.

Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361. Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302.

WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO

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THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira gains as dollar supply, oil advance

T

HE naira appreciated for a third day as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increased the amount of dollars sold at its twice-weekly auctions and as oil, the nation’s key export, advanced.

The naira gained 0.1 per cent to N157.25 a dollar as of 2:10 p.m. in Lagos, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The apex bank sold $450 million at its two auctions this week, the highest in seven, according to data on its website. Oil rebounded from the lowest close in almost two months and extended gains on speculation that China will take measures to stimulate its economy. Nigerian benchmark Bonny Light crude climbed 0.62 per cent to $111.47 a barrel.

“Naira is appreciating largely due to sufficient dollar supplies from the CBN,” Kunle Ezun and Kenneth Asenime, Lagos-based strategists at Ecobank Transnational Inc., wrote in a note to clients yesterday.

The apex bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at a record 12 per cent on Sept. 18 to control inflation and bolster the naira, Governor Lamido Sanusi said. The inflation rate slowed to 11.7 per cent in August from 12.8 percent the previous month, the lowest this year, the statistics agency said Sept. 16.

The yield on Nigeria’s 16 per cent domestic bonds due June 2019 rose two basis points to 13.37 per cent, according to yesterday’s data on the Financial Markets Dealers Association website.

There will be zero tolerance in the operations of market making and every participants is expected to play the market according to set rules and regulations.

-CEO, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema

Budget 2013: House THE Crejects EO Oct. 4 presentation P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan would not be presenting the 2013 budget on October 4 as earlier scheduled before the joint session of the National Assembly, it emerged yesterday.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal had onTuesday read a letter from President Jonathan conveying his intention to present the 2013 budget at a joint session on October 4.

The lawmakers maintained that it was impossible for them to consider the acceptance of the presentation of the 2013 budget while the 2012 budget is having issues as the President was yet to convince Nigerians on the implementation of the current budget.

The House of Representatives said it would not be able to complete the scrutiny of the 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy (MTEFF) paper as well as engage relevant government agencies concerned with the document before the said date.

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

According to the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Public Affairs, Zakari Mohammed, (PDP, Kwara), the House has also suspended plenary for next week to conduct oversight on physical inspection of infrastructural projects nationwide.

The indication of the imminent postponement was dropped by the Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Abudmumin Jibrin (PDP, Kano), who also doubled as the Chairman of the Joint Committee saddled with the responsibility of scrutinising the document at the plenary yesterday.

Saying that though the preliminary process of detail examination of the document has commenced, Abudmumin Jubrin informed the floor that “Knowing the implication and importance of the document to

the presentation of the budget by Mr. president, it is practically impossible to engage all the relevant government agencies involved with the document.

“We have to invite agencies like the Ministry of Finance, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and several others”.

Jibrin stressed that considering the limited time interval before the Presidential presentation, more time would be needed by the Committee in order to be able to do a thorough job on the document.

The Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal asked the Committee to continue with it’s work on the basis that the passage of the MTEF is a prerequisite for the presentation of the Budget by the President.

The House Spokesman, at the weekly media interaction

said the importance of the oversight function cannot be overemphasized, while pointing out that the stance of the lower chamber was not a muscle flexing against the executive.

“The question of Mr. President coming to present the budget on 4th is ruled out because by next week we are not going to be available.

Also, the MTEF must definitely be looked into first, by law and convention before the budget for the incoming year is considered.

“These are issues of law, it is not about the House trying to flex muscles. Maybe later, a letter of convenient day would be fixed for Mr. President to come and present the budget.

“We are considering an aspect of the 2012 budget and not yet completed, yet another one is coming. 4th October is just not realistic, we are going on the oversight and be back on 9th,” he said.

-N7.560 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -11.9% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

Abuja

T

HE Nigerian Commu nication Commission (NCC) yesterday arrested four persons in connection with mass registration of sim cards under one name, which were being sold to the public.

In its nationwide crack down on illegal registration of sim cards, the Commission, led security operatives to some dealers’ premises in Abuja and sealed off those that failed to produce the suspects and the machines being used for the illegal registrations.

While two persons were arrested at Glovic Communications in Yashua Plaza,

by AP Plaza in Wuse 2, one person was arrested at the Correspondence Nigeria Limited in Prime Plaza at Wuse 2. The last person was arrested at Wuse Shopping Plaza.

The office of Glovic Communications in Wuse 2 was sealed off yesterday until the Chairman of the company produced the suspects involved and the machines being used for the illegal registration.

Speaking on the issue, the NCC Head of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka said: “The arrest is in continuation of the campaign to rid the streets of pre-registered sim card.

“We’ve been able to arrest quite a number across the country,” he added.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

T • From left: Divisional Head, Products & Channels, Unity Bank Plc, Felix Ezeh, Executive Director, Payments Infrastructure, Interswitch Limited, Akeem Lawal, Executive Director, Central, Unity Bank Plc, Ibrahim T Mohammed, MasterCard VicePresident, Business Development, West Africa, Ojomuyide Omokehinde, presenting the cards to the public ... yesterday.

Sanusi, ex-minister to lawmakers: don’t tamper with CBN’s autonomy

MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

From Augustine Ehikioya,

NNPC to retail LPG

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound

NCC arrests four for sim card racketeering

C

ENTRAL Bank of Ni geria (CBN) Gover nor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and former Information Minister, Frank Nweke (Jr), yesterday urged the National Assembly not to tamper with the apex bank’s autonomy.

Sanusi, who spoke at the 2012 Annual Public Lecture organised by the law firm of J-K Gadzama & Partners LLP, said if politicians are allowed unfettered control of the CBN, it would not effectively achieve its regulatory mandate.

“Politicians and even the executive think short term.

The CBN thinks long term.

If you allow politicians to control the CBN, we’ll not achieve anything. Politicians will never allow us to man-

By Joseph Jibueze

age inflation, interest rate simply because they want to win election.”

Sanusi, who chaired the event, was represented by the CBN Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Alhaji Suleiman Barau.

The lecture, which had the theme: “Nigeria in the Year 2012: The Vision of a Cashless Economy,” was delivered by Nweke.

Sanusi was reacting to a comment by former Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Senator Nkechi Nwogwu, who was a guest at the event.

She said some CBN policies must be subjected to legislative approvals, first, arguing that while CBN

should have complete independence in its regulatory functions, some of its policies, such as the proposed introduction of the N5000 banknote, (now suspended), should be subjected to legislative review.

She said: “I don’t think the Senate has ever said the independence of the CBN should be curtailed. We never said so. The intervention of the CBN in distressed banks and the like is within its purview.

“But there’s no agency that is an Island. We’re saying that there are some of its projects, which need democratic review. Certain monetary policies must be brought before the legislature for a review. That’s what we’re concerned about.

We’re not at loggerheads with CBN at all. All we’re saying is that they should consider the opinions of Nigerians.”

Senator Nwogwu, also criticised the suspended new banknote policy, saying it contradicts the ‘cash-less’ policy “because in my handbag I can carry N20million.”

However, Sanusi defended the N5000 banknote, saying it is consistent with the cash-less policy.

He said the cost of printing a single N100 note is almost the same as printing N5000 note because they are printed on the same paper.

N5000 note, he said, would therefore reduce the cost of printing, moving and destroying cash.

HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is to start the retail of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) and lubricants in its 450 mega and affiliate stations across the country, the Group Managing Director, Andrew Yakubu, has said.

Yakubu, who spoke yesterday in Abuja at a workshop on Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Awareness for owners of its retail stations, said retailing the products would bring them closer to consumers at guaranteed quality and pricing.

He was represented by the Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Peter Nmadu. He urged its partners to follow standard procedures on health, safety and environment issues. He added that the workshop is intended to challenge stakeholders on the need to have the best possible practices in operating these stations safely in an environmentally friendly way and also do nothing to harm the workers and those who patronise them.

“For us in the NNPC, the logo of the NNPC Retail has become something of pride because it has become something to be recognized by Nigerians as a brand where they expect quality, standard in the sale of petroleum products.

THE NATION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

12

BUSINESS NEWS

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‘Why govt raises stake in oil blocks’

HE Minister of Petro leum Resources and Chairperson of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, said the increase in government’s stake in the Deep Offshore blocks from 61 per cent to 73 per cent, was necessitated by the prevailing realities in the global oil and gas sector.

She disclosed this on Wednesday in New York at the 3rd Nigeria Investment Summit under the auspices of the African Business Roundtable. The minister explained that the Federal Government is proposing a review of the fiscal terms in the Production Sharing Contracts for deep water fields in the draft Petroleum Industry Bill currently be-

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

fore the National Assembly for consideration.

In a statement yesterday, NNPC’s Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Fidel Pepple, quoted the minister as saying the proposed increase of government’s stake “is not only competitive, but considerate, when we look at the scale of other entities around the world like Norway, Indonesia and even Angola with even higher government’s stake.”

She said based on prevailing realities in the global oil industry, it was only natural to review the terms of the PSC to reflect the current trend.

She stated that the novel 1993 PSC

agreement was based on $20 per barrel price for crude oil real time, adding that records indicated that since the start of production in the PSC fields, crude prices have been on the upward swing, thus the consensus to have a review of the terms.

She said the new PIB provides for a refreshing fiscal regime which has strong incentives for enhanced exploration of new frontiers, especially in the Inland Sedimentary Basins as well as providing strong support base for the complete activation of the Gas Master Plan.

Mrs. Alison-Maduake, said under the new arrangement, fiscal regime is anchored on royalty and tax which is now predicated on

Sacked Air Nigeria staff sue Ibrahim

W

ORKERS of the grounded Air Nigeria have dragged its Chairman, Jimoh Ibrahim and the Chief Executive Officer, Kinfe Kanssaye to the National Industrial Court in Lagos.

They are questioning the illegal and wrongful termination of their employments, non-payment of salaries and non remittance of their 7.5 per cent pension scheme contributions.

In a suit filed by the workers’ solicitors; Muhmad Adesina ESQ, and Ogunsany & Ogunsany against the firm and other two defendants, the workers said they were employed by the Virgin Nigeria Airways Limited via their respective letters of employment, but that on December 31, 2010, Virgin Nigeria Airways Limited was changed to Air Nigeria Development Limited and all business related and liabilities of Virgin Nigeria Airways Limited

were transferred to Air Nigeria.

The workers through their solicitors, also averred that the letter notifying them of the change was communicated by Ibrahim through the Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Kinfe Kanssaye, who also signed the letters.

The workers contended that on September 5, 2012, Air Nigeria terminated their employment unilaterally and compulsorily retired them, adding that the termination of their appointments was communicated to them through the media.

This they said, did not follow due process as contained in the employment hand book. They argued that the workers did not withdraw their respective services to Air Nigeria Development Limited as they did not write any letter to the company.

They averred that prior to the termination of their appointments, the

airline owed workers arrears of salaries; from May to August, 2012 and that some were paid for the month of May only, while others were not.

The workers in their suit, claimed that prior to the wrongful termination of their appointments, they had contributed 7.5 per cent of their salaries to the Pension Contributory Scheme, while the company contributed 7.5 per cent, but that despite deducting this amount from the salaries of the workers, the company has not been remitting same to the pension scheme as agreed upon by employer and employees.

The workers also claimed that the money deducted from their salaries under the Pay As You Earn(PAYE) up till the moment of their wrongful dismissal, could not be accounted for, as there were no evidence of payments to the appropriates authority.

production as opposed to terrain and investment as was previously done.

She explained that Royalty by production as outlined in the bill, is designed to capture the output of companies as opposed to their location, and create a fair balance between small and big operators in the same terrain, thus giving operators the opportunity to make fair returns during field decline.

The high level investment roundtable with the theme: ‘Nige-

ria-Africa’s Frontier in the Global Economy,’ was declared open by President Goodluck Jonathan, with former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair and erstwhile US Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, as special guests.

Earlier in his presentation, Mr. Blair commended the gGovernment for the recent initiatives embarked upon to ensure that the Nigerian economy is open to sustainable growth and effective foreign participation.

SON gets Reps’ nod to try fake products’ importers

T

HE House of Representatives has said it would pass a bill empowering the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to prosecute importers and manufacturers of substandard goods.

The Chairman , House Committee on Industries, Alhaji Mohammed Onawo, who led members of the Committee to SON’s office, yesterday, in Lagos, said the House is ready to give SON all the needed legislative backing in its crusade against production and circulation of substandard products in the country. “ There is a bill before the House from SON. It has to do with empowering the agency to prosecute those dealing with fake products. Now that we have seen the good work of SON, we will be delighted to pass it. We have no option now than to pass it,” Onawo said.

He urged the organisation to embark on awareness campaigns to educate consumers, saying the measure would enable consumers to identify and avoid substandard products.

By Toba Agboola

“ There is no doubt that there is a big task before you which you have set.

We will help you to achieve the goals.

We know there are lots of challenge, but with determination and courage, we know that a lot will be achieved.

“We have visited some of your laboratories and we are not encouraged with what we’ve seen. We have identified this as one of your challenges. We want to assure you that we are going to give you every support you need to deliver on your mandate, “Onawo said.

The Director-General of SON, Dr.Joseph Odumodu, said the agency is compelled to sanitise the country from the influx of substandard and fake products, adding that SON is ready to take further steps to get rid of fake products in the country.

He noted that lack of a strong legal structure has hindered the agency from prosecuting the manufacturers, importers or distributors of fake and substandard products in the country.

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Budget 2013: House rejects Oct. 4 date •‘2012 issues yet unresolved’

Ibadan herbalist held with human skulls

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State people have a character that ‘Ondo repels oppression and intimidation.

Mimiko should learn from history ’

•FL OODED OUT •FLOODED OUT:: Mothers with their children at the displaced people’s camp in Makurdi, Benue State…yesterday

R

ATTLED by the resolution of the two chambers of the National Assembly that Nigeria should appeal the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment on the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroun, the Federal Government is considering raising a committee to advise it on the matter.

This is a shift from the government’s position that there is no going back on the judgment delivered in 2001, following which an agreement was signed between Nigeria and Cameroun to implement

the ICJ’s decisions.

This is, in spite of Article 61 of the ICJ Statute, which makes provision for a review of its judgment if an appeal is launched within 10 years.

Following the resolution of the House of Representatives that Nigeria should ap-

PAGES 4&5

PHOTO:NAN

Bakassi: Panel on Senate Resolution coming From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

•AND MORE ON

peal the decision, the Senate on Wednesday said an appeal must be filed before October 10- the 10th anniversary of the ICJ ruling.

A government source, who pleaded not to be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media on such

matter, said the Presidency was awaiting the Senate’s resolution.

The source said: “We respect the resolution of the Senate. We will look into it and we will respond to it, based on competing arguments.

“The Federal Government will set up a committee to look into all issues, especially fresh arguments raised by the Senate and relevant documents, before arriving at a final decision.

“As I am talking to you, we have not received a copy of the resolution from the National Assembly.

Continued on page 6

Tension mounts as Saudi shuts out more Nigerians 671 back home Tambuwal, Saudi envoy meet

N •Tambuwal

IGERIA and Saudi Arabia were struggling yesterday to avert a diplomatic row, even as another batch of 512 pilgrims were brought back home, following the refusal of the authorities to allow them entry.

House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and the Saudi Ambassador, Mr. Khaled Abrabuh, met in Abuja.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja, Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto and Jide Orintunsin, Minna and Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

One of the pilgrims is a man, who could not understand why his wife was disallowed from performing the Hajj along with him.

The refusal of the authorities to allow the man’s wife to join him raised

fresh fears in government circles that there might be more to the hostility of Saudi Arabia against Nigeria.

Besides, Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Azizal –Saud has not given the Federal Government’s delegation to be led by Tambuwal the green light.

The delegation has been on “standby” in the last 24 hours without any

response from the Saudi authorities.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON ‘s) Head of Media Unit, Mana Uba, said: “Efforts are still on to resolve the issue. But, as I am talking to you now, out of the 1,200 pilgrims denied entry in Jeddah, 510 are on their way. Among them is a Continued on page 6

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