The Nation July 31, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

‘They offered us N20m to kill Oshiomhole’s aide’ NEWS

Page 58

•Suspect links rights activist to murder

Sovereign Wealth Fund hits $7b

BUSINESS

Page 54

•Management team coming

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VOL. 7, NO. 2203 TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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Subsidy fraud trial: Ali’s son seeks variation of bail terms

M

AMMAN, son of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National chairman Ahmadu Ali, yesterday urged the court hearing the alleged N13 billion fuel subsidy fraud trial to vary his bail conditions.

His lawyer brought the application during the ar-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Adebisi Onanuga

raignment of two other suspects and an oil firm in the alleged fraud.

Last Thursday when Mamman Ali and others, including Mahmud Tukur, son of PDP National Chairman Bamanga Tukur, were arraigned, Jus-

tice Adeniyi Onigbanjo granted each of them bail in the sum of N20 million, with two sureties.

One of the sureties is expected to be a blood relation of the suspect, who must own a property worth not less than N100 million in Lagos, with verifiable title document.

The other surety, who must

be a level 16 officer in the Lagos State or federal civil service, must produce three years tax clearance verified by the chief registrar of the high court.

The accused persons are also to deposit their international passports with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) whose

officials must not release it without the express permission of the court. The matter was then adjourned till October 11.

Ali, his company Nasaman Oil Services and Christian Taylor were jointly arraigned for allegedly conspiring to fraudulently obtain N4,461,136,798.94 by false

pretence from the Federal Government, purporting the sum to be payment under Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) as subsidy for the purported importation of PMS from Europe to Nigeria.

Mr. Toyin Pinheiro, counsel to Ali, applied for Continued on Page 2

Gunmen hit Sambo’s home One dead, two policemen injured Suicide bombs rock Sokoto From Tony Akowe, Kaduna and Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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HE violence in some parts of the North has failed to subside, despite the government’s battle to stem the

tide.

Vice President Namadi Sambo’s family home in Tudun Wada, Zaria, Kaduna State, was yesterday attacked by unknown gunmen, who injured two policemen and killed a cobbler.

In Kano, the police said they foiled an attack on a mosque in Jamblo Quarters and killed four gunmen Sunday night.

Bombs went off simultanously in two places in Sokoto, the seat of the Sultan, who is the head of the Moslems.

The VP’s family house, which is not inhabited, was razed down during the postelection violence that engulfed the state last year. Renovation has just begun on it.

The three gunmen, who were said to have ridden to the residence on a motor bike, reportedly shot at the policemen.

They killed a cobbler who was said to be polishing the shoes of one of them.

One of the policemen was said to have been shot in the leg; the other sustained gunshot injury on the hand. They have been admitted at the Ahamdu Bello University Teaching Hospital.

It was gathered that the gunmen came to the Vice President’s residence at about 11:00am and opened fire on the unsuspect-

•The remains of the car used by a suicide bomber at the AIG’s office in Sokoto…yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

gunmen who were on the bike stormed the house located at Tudun-Wada ‘areaTheofthree the city and opened fire at the policemen guarding the house. The cobbler was actually shinning the shoes belonging to one of the policemen, when they came ’ •PROPERTY P13 •SPORTS P15 •AVIATIONP23 •ENERGY P41 •POLITICS P47 Continued on Page 2

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

NEWS PDP backs arraignment of fuel subsidy suspects

Gunmen hit Sambo’s home Continued from Page 1

ing riot policemen and the cobbler.

A source said: “The three gunmen who were on the bike stormed the house located at Tudun-Wada area of the city and opened fire at the policemen guarding the house.

The cobbler was actually shinning the shoes belonging to one of the policemen, when they came.”

Acting police spokesman Abubakar Balteh said the cobbler died on the spot from a bullet following the exchange of fire between the police and their attackers.”

DSP Balteh said the three gunmen stormed the house which is under construction, opened fire on the policemen guarding the place, but were repelled.

“Yes, there was an attack.

But the house is under construction. The policemen are guarding the house. A cobbler was killed by a stray bullet as a result of the exchange of fire between the three gunmen and the police. The cobbler died while one of the policemen was shot in the leg.”

Security has been beefed up in the area, with a combined team of heavily armed policemen and military personnel drafted to maintain law and order.

In the Kano incident, the police said they foiled an attack on a mosque in Jamblo Quarters and killed four gunmen on Sunday night.

On arrival at the mosque with a vehicle, laden with explosives, the gunmen, the police said, embarked on a failed attempt to dismantle the protective barrier around the mosque.

An eyewitness account said they made a futile effort because the bomb they were carrying suddenly exploded, resulting in the instant death of one of the gunmen.

The men later engaged the police in a gun battle at about 8.45 pm during a congregational prayer after breaking the day’s fast on Sunday night.

At the end of the gun battle, which lasted about 20 minutes, the police subdued the gunmen, killing four of them.

Kano State Police Commissioner Ibrahim Idris said the police is in firm control of the area.

T

•AIG Zone 10 office in Sokoto after the explosion…yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

Policeman, hair dresser killed in Sokoto suicide bombings

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OKOTO, seat of the Sultan - head of the Muslim Ummah- which has been largely spared of attacks, was hit by twin suicide bombings yesterday.

Two police stations, including the headquarters of Zone 10, where the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) is located, were the targets of suicide bombers.

Four persons were killed, among them a police corporal. The two suicide bombers were blown into pieces. Over 30 people were injured.

Sokoto was thrown into panic, with people running helter skelter.

Last night there was sporadic gun shots around the Arkilla Divisional police station, hours after the morning suicide blasts.

The exchange of fire sources believed, was between the police and unidentified persons suspected to be criminals.

The gun shots were heard minutes to

He said bomb experts drafted to the scene of the bloody clash with Boko Haram members recovered assorted weapons abandoned by them.

A statement yesterday by the command’s Public Relations Department said 10 live Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) abandoned after the Janbulo attack in the university town of Kabuga, were re-

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

the time of breaking of fast by muslims even as there were no official reports of killing or injuries.

But unconfirmed sources said four persons were feared dead in the marathon shootings that shattered normal activities of residents many of whom took to their heels for refuge.

The AIG Zone 10 office is at Marina, the centre of town. The other police station attacked is at Ungwar Rogo.

A Corporal, identified as Samaila and the suicide bomber, died at the AIG’s Zone 10 office blast.

The attack on Ungwar Rogo Police Station left the suicide bomber and one hair dresser dead.

The hair dresser, who operates a saloon in one of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA)corner shops, was killed.

The blast destroyed almost one-third of the building, damaging the official

covered. The area was mopped up by the bomb disposal unit.

Idris said: “Officers of the Command’s Anti-bomb Squad combed the entire area and also recovered 10 undetonated explosives.”

The statement reads: “The Kano State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on July 29, 2012 at about 20:30hrs, unknown

car of the AIG. The twin explosions were carried out simultaneously by the attackers.

The Marina suicide bomber, who drove a Honda Civic vehicle, reportedly forced his way into the premises to launch the attack.

AIG Mukhtari Ibrahim said the suicide bomber was stopped by the police but he resisted and rammed his vehicle into the building.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Kudu Nma of U/Rogo said the suicide bomber could not penetrate the premises of the station and crashed into the POWA building. “ We had always cordoned off the police station and that made it difficult for the bomber to access the premises,” he said.

Boko Haram Islamists, responsible for scores of deadly gun and bomb attacks in recent months, are suspected of

gunmen on three motorcycles attacked a patrol team stationed at Gate II at the Jamblock Estate in Rigiya Zaki.

“The Police patrol team responded appropriately following which a gun battle ensued, three of the attackers were gunned down by the Police while the other two died from explosives they were carrying, one of them was burnt beyond recogni-

Continued on Page 58

tion.

“The Command reiterates its call to members of the public, especially the Muslim community, to use this holy month to pray for peace and stability of the state and the nation as the command would continue to intensify its campaign towards the protection of lives and properties of peace loving citizens.”

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said yesterday that the Federal Government’s decision to bring to trial those indicted in the fuel subsidy probe was a signal that the PDP- led administration had nothing to hide.

National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh stated this in a statement in Abuja.He was responding to the call by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for the resignation of PDP National Chairman Bamanga Tukur over the indictment of his son Mahmud, in the probe.

The statement urged the ACN to rise above petty partisan considerations and acknowledge the fact that the Federal Government has “no sacred cows” on the fuel subsidy probe.

It described as “outlandish and sheepish’’ ACN‘s pronouncements on the issue, stressing that the opposition party’s position was “hypocritical and laughable’’.

According to the statement, ACN‘s pronouncement is a desperate measure to smear the image of an individual who stands tall in his contributions to the development of his country.

The statement said the call was an assault on Tukur’s fundamental rights and a wild misadventure by a group that was ignorant of the workings of due process.

It added that the PDP, as the party holding the mandate and trust of the people, would continue to show example on all matters of morality and good governance.

The statement said the PDP would, however, not allow the integrity of its leaders to be violated neither shall it succumb to blackmail from opposition political parties.

It stated that Tukur would not resign because he was not on trial, neither had he been linked to any of the allegations on the current petroleum subsidy trials.

The statement added that Tukur‘s son, is being tried, is an adult and was fully responsible for all his actions in the eyes of the law.

“We shall therefore not allow the name and dignity of Continued on Page 58

Subsidy fraud trial: Ali’s son seeks variation of bail terms Continued from Page 1

variation of the bail granted his client and the 3rd defendant, Christian Taylor.

“I have filed a new application for variation of bail terms granted the defendants at the last hearing. So, there are two applications before the court now.

“We want to withdraw the earlier one dated July 27, 2012.

The new one was filed today (Monday). I have discussed with my learned colleague.

That is the one we want to argue now,” Pinheiro told the court.

Counsel to the prosecution, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, told the court that they were in the process of filing their response to the earlier application when they were served with the new application for variation of bail condition.

Jacobs told the court that they would need time to respond to the new application, in view of the issues raised in it.

He said, for instance, that the third defendant, Taylor, who earlier in the proof of evidence claimed to be an indigene of Edo State had suddenly turned round to claim citizenship of Sierra Leone.

“We want the court to look into these issues before deciding on a date to argue the issues of bail,” Jacobs said.

After a consideration of the views of the prosecution and defence, Justice Onigbanjo adjourned the matter till tomorrow for argument of application for bail variation.

Those arraigned by the EFCC before Justice Onigbanjo yesterday included Oluwaseun Ogunbambo, Habila Th-

eck and Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited.

One accused person, Olugbenga Adesanya, could not be arraigned because he is “still at large”.

The accused are among 17 oil marketers and seven oil companies indicted in the fuel subsidy fraud.

The accused persons are facing a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and use of false documents.

Though the agency had earlier preferred a seven-count charge against the accused persons, one of the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Francis Usani, applied to the court to drop one of the charges.

The EFCC said the offences they committed are contrary to Section 8 and punishable un-

der Section 1 (1)(2)(3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

The offences, the commission said, are contrary to Sections 363 and 364 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria No 11, Laws of Lagos State 2011.

The EFCC alleged that the accused persons and the oil company “on or about February 10, 2012, with intent to defraud, conspired with one Olugbenga Adesanya, still at large, to fraudulently obtain N976,653,110.28 from the Federal Government of Nigeria by falsely representing it.

That the said sum represented subsidy accruing on importation of 13,627,084 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) purportedly bought from Sea-

lac Petroleun Limited and imported into Nigeria.

The EFCC also alleged that the accused persons and the oil company” on 14th day of October, 2011 at Lagos and within Ikeja judicial division, with intent to defraud and in order to facilitate your obtaining money by false pretence from the Federal Government, under the Petroleum Support Fund, forged a document titled “Certificate of Origin, Port of Loading Antwerp Belgium” dated October 14, 2011, purporting the document to have been issued by Seatac Petroleum Limited”.

When the charges were read, the accused persons pleaded not guilty.

Counsel to the defendants, Mr. Babajide Koku (SAN), told the court that there were two applications for bail, one of which was dated July 25, 2012 and forward-

•Ali

ed to court last week and a new one filed yesterday morning.

Koku applied for the application for bail dated July 25, 2012 to be struck out and for its substitution with the new application.

Continued on Page 58

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

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NEWS DANA AIR CRASH

Will Fed Govt

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (middle) signing the Land Use Act Regulation Bill into Law at the Conference Room, Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday. With him are: Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Ade Ipaye (left) and the Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Hakeem Muri Okunola (right).

The Federal Government’s declaration that it will implement the recommendations of the Technical and Administrative Review Panel on Domestic Airlines (TARPDA), which indicted Dana Air for cutting corners and accused the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) of laxity in its oversight duties on domestic airlines, has thrown the aviation sector into anxiety, writes KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR

I

•Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson (right) and the First Lady of South Africa, Her Excellency, Mrs Nompumelelo Ntuli-Zuma during a Command Performance in her honour in Yenagoa...on Sunday

•Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu (middle), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mrs Fatimah Bamidele and Special Adviser to the President on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati briefing State House Correspondents after a presentation on the 2012 Budget Implementation to President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja...yesterday

•Country Manager, West Africa, MasterCard World wide, Omokehinde Ojumuyide, Group Head, Debit Products, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Mr. David Elliot, Divisional President for Sub-Sahara Africa, Mr. Daniel Monehin, MD and CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, Executive Director, Lagos and South West Bank, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. IK. Mbagwu and Executive Director, Corporate Bank, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. John Obi at the official presentation of PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA MasterCard Principal Licence to the bank

T was not a good weekend for players in the aviation sector.

This week and the weeks ahead appear set to also be stormy for them____ no thanks to the report of the retired Group Captain John Obakpolor-led Technical and Administrative Review Panel on Domestic Airlines (TARPDA).

The panel, which submitted its report at the weekend to the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, was set up after the Dana Air plane crash of June 3, which killed all 153 people on board.

The report hit hard on the Dr. Harold Demuren-led Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for alleged laxity in oversight duties. It also is unsparing of Dana Air, which it accused of not complying with regulations.

A source told The Nation the Federal Government is embarrassed by the report’s revelation that some NCAA officials do not have the competence to carry out their oversight duties on airlines.

An expert, who sought anonymity, said the indictment of the NCAA did not come as a surprise because, according to him, it appeared the regulatory authority went to sleep after the attainment of Category One status in 2010.

The panel reviewed the maintenance practices of Dana Airline and other domestic operators and assessed their level of compliance with the regulations. It also assessed the effectiveness or otherwise of NCAA’s oversight of the maintenance practices of domestic carriers.

In carrying out these assignments, the panel held 35 sittings in Abuja and Lagos. It interviewed 98 persons from the NCAA, the domestic airlines and other aviation parastatals.

Obakpolor said: “At the end of its deliberations, the committee came up with the 59 findings and 41 recommendations, in line with the terms of reference. The panel found out that certain maintenance practices by Dana Airline, particularly the use of Technical Logbook were not in conformity with standard and recommended practices. It was also found out that in some instances, the surveillance by NCAA inspectors on the airlines’ maintenance practices were below expectation. This is attributed to such factors as insufficient manpower and training.”

The panel recommended that: •The Federal Government should immediately declare an emergency in the aviation sector and commence the implementation of an Aviation Sector Emergency Programme (ASEP).

•To adequately perform their duties, it is important that the NCAA inspectors should have continuous training to ensure that they have the qualification, operational or technical work experience compatible with the operations that they are required to certificate or inspect and that their qualification compare favourably with those of operators personnel they will encounter in their inspections.

•NCAA should ensure that airline operators are put on closer surveillance.

Maintenance actions carried out by operators, if not routine should, always be queried to establish what necessitated the maintenance action and ensure the continuous proper use of the technical logbook.

•Federal Government should intensify effort to complete the on-going reconstruction and remodelling of terminal buildings and structures, as well as construct new ones across the country.

•The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should empower commercial banks to create a window for long-term low interest funding for direct lending to aviation. The industry will require at least N500 billion for this purpose.

•An aircraft leasing company with an initial investment of $10 billion should be set up by the Federal Government to acquire modern aircraft directly from major manufacturers and lease to qualifying Nigerian air operators at preferential rates. This will help in the reduction of operating cost and improvement of efficiency and competitiveness.

•While the panel recognises the concern of the Federal Government on ageing aircraft in Nigeria, greater emphasis should be laid on proper and adequate maintenance of aircraft, rather than age restriction.

•The Federal Government should review downwards, all taxes and charges relating to airline operation. These includes: import tax/duties on aircraft and spares, stamp duty on aircraft purchase/lease agreement, withholding tax and VAT on aircraft lease.

•The Federal Government should take appropriate measures to reduce cost of aviation fuel. This should include urgent resuscitation of local refineries.

•The Federal Government should facilitate the formation of a local aviation insurance pool that is able to negotiate better rates in the international insurance market for Nigerian airlines so as to reduce insurance premium payable by domestic air operators.

•The Federal Government should take urgent steps to provide Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities capable of handling maintenance of various aircraft types operating in the country up to D-Check. In the interim government should fast track the completion of the MRO facility at the Akwa International Airport, Uyo and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

Speaking through her Media Assistant, Mr Joe Obi, Oduah said: “Government will implement the recommendations of the Obakpolor Committee report for the enhancement of the growth and development of the aviation sector.”

The chairman of Nigerian Aviation Safety Initiative (NASI), Captain Dung Pam, said the NCAA should wake up from its slumber.

Pam also described as laughable the decision of the Federal Government to set up a committee to investigate the Dana crash, a development, he said, is a gross violation of the statutory requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Pam said: “Given the opportunity, I

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

5

NEWS DANA AIR CRASH

t implement Obakpolor Report?

•Oduah, Obakpolor and a member of the comiittee, Mfon Udom , during the commiittee’s inauguration last month

• Demuren

Mother discovers daughter died in crash almost two months after

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LL along, she had pitied families of the victims of the Dana Air plane crash. But, unknown to Mrs. Victoria Okeke, her daughter, Hope, was one of the victims. She only found out at the weekend that her 33-year-old daughter is no more.

The news threw Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State into mourning.

The late Okeke was a midwife with the S.O.S Children’s Village, Gwagwalada, Abuja.She was on her way to Owu-Ijebu, Ogun State on relief duty when she died in the crash.

Mrs. Okeke said she has taken consolation in the Lord since the crash affected many families. She gave the example of Job in the Bible who lost all he got and yet blessed God. Mrs. Okeke warned Christians to amend their ways while alive to avoid regrets at death.

Information on the website of Nursing Nigeria World indicate that but for her seat that was allegedly allocated to another passenger, the late Okeke would not have been counted among the dead in the plane crash.

The nurse was said to have booked a seat aboard Dana Air flight 9J998 at 7.45am on the fateful day but found out that another passenger had been allocated her seat when she got to the Abuja International Airport at 7.30am Her colleague at the SOS Children's Villages Nigeria, where she was a

nurse, Mr. Mark Nwakudu, said the late Okeke left the SOS Village in Abuja for another in Owu-Ijebu, Ogun State, en route Lagos, to relieve a colleague who had travelled to Benin Republic on an official assignment.

Narrating his last moments with Okeke, Nwakudu said: "I was in Edo State when she was leaving Abuja but I was monitoring her movement on the telephone. She was at the airport with her sister and another colleague.

"I asked her why she didn't travel with a bus but because of her passion for the children, she said she needed to be at the Owu-Ijebu SOS village on time as our colleague there had travelled to Benin Republic.

"Her flight was to take off at 7.45am but she didn't get to the airport until about 7.30, when she was told her seat had been allocated to another passenger. Our colleague, who was with her, queried the unfair treatment."

The late Hope worked briefly at Dionye Hospital, Ekwulobia before going for further studies. She attended Umuezennefor Primary School, Ekwulobia Community Secondary School, Oko before proceeding to N.S.K.S.T School of Nursing Nkar Gboko, Benue State and Midwifery courses at the Ministry of Health, Makurdi also in Benue state. She is survived by three siblings and an aged mother.

will give 90 days to the current 16 airlines and ask them to confer and merge themselves into between three to five airlines. These must have clear business plans, defined business models and robust quality management systems in

facturers to facilitate procurement of new equipment and realistic lease/ maintenance contracts. The government can support aviation development without throwing money at the airlines. Giving them money, I be-

T

place. After they have achieved this, government should then do everything possible to support them, including tax breaks, duty free on consumables, zero interest loans and loan guarantees with aircraft manu-

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

lieve, will just encourage fiddling and bribing to continue unabated.

“On the Nigerian scene, the local airlines are under the illusion that if they can undermine each other, they will eliminate competition, increase

market share and control the local market. Unfortunately, this will only weaken the entire group and make it easier for the real competition coming soon into confidence without encountering any real resistance.

“The regulator, NCAA has been deluded in thinking that by providing weak economic regulation, it is giving the airlines some respite and maybe a lifeline. Sadly, it is unwittingly delivering them the hangman’s noose. News of their poor credit history and lack of financial discipline tolerated by the NCAA spreads beyond national borders and jeopardises the reputation of the whole country in international circles.

This becomes a real hindrance in taking advantage of the Cape Town Convention and securing favourable lease and insurance conditions. It breeds complacency among the operators and leaves them operating without robust business plans or financial discipline. The result is the obvious low life expectancy and high failure rates of airlines in the country.”

Though the panel did not say anything about Dana Air resuming or not resuming operation, it is unlikely government will heed the call of the Dr. Steve Mahonwu-led Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to lift the ban.

Mahonwu, shortly after the crash, said: “The panel set up by the Federal Government is un-procedural, unprofessional and cannot hold water because the Constitution has roles for those who investigate the immediate and remote causes of air accidents under the Ministry of Aviation.

“We have the Directorate of Investigation Bureau that has the constitutional authority to investigate accidents and report its findings to the president through the Ministry of Aviation. Setting up a panel now is politically motivated and would amount to a duplication of effort.”

The association last week urged government to allow Dana Air resume operation, giving reasons such as cost of maintaining staff and so on.

But the concern of the Chief Executive Officer of Take the Lead Company, Mr Michael Bananiji, is improved oversight duties on domestic airlines.

He said: “In every sector that works, regulation is essential, supervision is essential, I believe that we could take a cue from the British experience, because of upgraded levels of supervision of the aviation industry. We need to upgrade the level of aircraft maintenance. Evidently, government should provide the needed facilities for operators to enable them buy new aircraft, along with supervision and improved regulation.”

TVC, Channels, AIT to show clips of crash tomorrow

HE Lagos Coroner conducting inquest into the June 3 Dana Air plane crash in Iju-Ishaga, a Lagos suburb yesterday re-scheduled the appearances of oil companies, television stations and other witnesses summoned to give evidence on the incidence.

According to the Lagos Coroner, Abule Egba division, Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, Television Continental (TVC), Channels and African Independent Television (AIT) are to appear tomorrow to show clips of the scenes of the crash.

The TV stations had appeared before the court yesterday with the tapes as earlier scheduled but failed to come with the equipment to play the tapes.

Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe adjourned the matter till tomorrow.

Mr. Oludare Falana, from Falana and Falana Chambers, at which instance the coroner is sitting, urged the court to order the television stations to bring their equipment needed to play back their recordings.

A counsel from the Ministry of Justice,

•Dana employee shouted down at inquest

CBN holds memorial service today

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HE central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)will today hold Others are: Anthonia Attuh, Samuel Mbong and a memorial service for its members of staff and their Bamaiyi Adamu. relatives, who died in the June 3 Dana Air plane Relatives of members of staff who died in the crash are: the late Shehu Saad, father of Mubarak Saad of the crash.

The service, which holds at CBN Auditorium, Abuja, bank’s trade and exchange department, the late Elizabeth Akwaeze, sister of Ngozi Ike of the bank’s banking and starts at 9am.

The members of staff who died in the crash are: Falmata payment system department, wife and daughter of Francis Mohammed, Special Adviser to the CBN Governor Wasa of the banking and payment system department Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Kim Noris, I.I. Mutihir, Ibrahim and Adobi Mojekwu, sister of Chizoba Mojekwu, the director of Human Resources.

Yusuf, and Raphael Amiaka.

By Adebisi Onanuga

Akinjide Bakare, cautioned against sacrificing diligence on the altar of speed.

Bakare said while it might be convenient to take evidence from some witnesses orally, it would be better for the television stations to circulate

copies of their clips to all interested parties so as to enable them prepare questions.

His position had the backing of the counsel to Dana Air, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde(SAN), who said the world was monitoring the inquest.

Ayorinde said the court should be

seen to be doing what would help to avoid a recurrence of the incident.

He suggested that more copies of the video tapes be made and circulated to counsel.

Ayorinde urged the court to painstakingly go through the process and avoid any rush.

An employee of Dana Air, Gbenga Osikoya, said there was no need for the video clips.

Osikoya said the job of the coroner was simply to find out how the plane crashed, why it crashed, when and where it crashed.

His views drew the ire of other interested parties who all shouted him down.

Magistrates Komolafe directed the TV stations to make copies of the video tapes for counsel.

He said the video tapes would not be accepted as exhibits until they were shown in court for parties to see.

A witness, Mr. Adewale Adeniji, who claimed to be a cousin to the husband of one cabin official who died in the crash, Vivian Osinuga, told the coroner that the emergency agencies did not manage the crowd.

Adeniji said he was at the crash site because he thought there might be possibilities that his cousin’s wife might survive the crash.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

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CITYBEATS

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

Church worker dupes members N24m

A

WORKER at the Redeemed Pillar of Fire Prayer Ministry International, Ajao Estate, Lagos, has been arrested by the police for allegedly duping members of the church about N24m.

The suspect was said to have opened an account with First Bank Plc in his name, after which he sent text messages to his unsuspecting victims to donate towards offsetting the medical bills of the church's General Overseer, Bishop Adol-Paul Obinwogu, who was abroad on treatment.

The bishop was shot by un-

By Precious Igbonwelundu

known gunmen and flown abroad for treatment. The church members paid huge sums of money into an account with number 304737143, thinking they were saving their bishop's life.

In a chat with The Nation, Bishop Obinwogu said: "Some of my members within and outside Lagos expected me to thank them for the purported money they gave me for treatment through the account.

"The suspect collected huge sums of money from my members, especially, in the

top class, who thought they were donating for my treatment.

"I did not ask anybody to collect money on my behalf; neither was I given any money. I was not aware of any such payment by members nor received any money.

"I escaped assassination attempt on my life by gun men two years ago on my way to a crusade and was flown abroad for treatment. While I was abroad, the suspect took the advantage and extorted money from members under the guise that it was meant for my medical treatment abroad."

According to the bishop, the suspect neither gave him the money as he claimed, nor told him about it.

He said he became aware of the suspect's activities with his accomplices after he returned from his medical treatment last year. He said he was not surprised because he knew God would expose members of the gang who pretended to be "born again".

The bishop said the suspect was not alone, adding that some pastors were also involved.

The suspect, who is from Imo State, confessed to the crime and pleaded for for-

giveness, saying that he, got the members' phone numbers from the Bishop's visitors' note book where names and phone numbers were written.

"I started contacting them through text messages and some paid money into the account," he said.

Obinwogu said the police had begun investigation into the matter, adding that the bank has been notified to stop any transaction on the account pending the conclusion of investigation.

The police said the suspect would be charged to court after investigation.

Woman, daughter lay siege to auto shop

A

WOMAN and her daughter were the cynosure of all eyes yesterday as they laid siege to a property on Victoria Island, Lagos.

Princess Hadiza Ibrahim and her daughter, who said they came from Abuja, blocked the building's entrance with their mattress.

Mrs Ibrahim, who claimed to be the owner of the property where cars are sold, said she had asked the proprietor to leave, all to no avail.

Though they did not stop people from entering the premises, she and her daughter told those who cared to listen that the occupants, who are claiming ownership of the property, are not the true owners.

Princess Ibrahim said she acquired the property from the Federal Government in 1988 and sold part of it to a company to build its corporate head office.

She said: "The company paid me $625,000 for that part of my property and left this one for personal use. I was selling Peugeot cars here before, but when I decided to stop, they approached me and said they needed the place and I let it out to them for N20million for five years.

"Now that I have asked them to leave, they have refused. Instead, they have asked me not to come here again. The last time I was here, I was assaulted with slaps. The matter was reported at the Bar Beach Police Station from where I was charged to court.

They have been asked to vacate this place but they are still coming here. Each time I challenge them, they will tell me they don't have a place to park their cars, but they keep bringing new cars. I was even told they brought some new cars on Friday.

"I heard that they have gone as far as forging documents of the property and that they have been telling people that they are owners of the place. People are giving them cars on credit may be because they are telling them that the property belongs to them, but am telling everybody who cares to listen that this property is mine and that the original documents are with me.

They have threatened to kill me if I continue to make noise about this property, I am here now with my daughter, let them come and kill us."

During the protest, a worker at the auto shop arrived in a light

•Mrs Ibrahim (right) and her daughter in front of the car shop

By Jude Isiguzo

brown Toyota Camry around 8am and tried to force the woman out of the place.

The man collected her telephone and tried to manhandle her before passersby and other workers intervened. The man left after about 30mins, after other employees had gone to talk with him.

Princess Ibrahim, who said she was not moved by such actions, told our correspondent that she would remain in front of the car shop until the occupants leave.

Efforts to speak with owners of the company failed as none of the staff agreed to talk.

Lagos seals off 38 illegal drugs stores

O

FFICIALS of the Lagos State Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods have sealed off no fewer than 38 illegal drugs stores in Ajegunle and Apapa, surbubs of Lagos.

Commissioner for Health Dr Jide Idris said government's resolve to streamline the activities of medicine sellers was borne out of its zeal to stop the inherent dangers associated with the peddling of fake, substandard and expired drugs.

“We cannot fold our arms and do anything in respect of the excesses of these illegal drug operators, that is why we will not relent in our drive to sanitise the drug dis-

R

OBBERS in police uniform on Sunday night attacked the Editor of the Nigerian Compass, Gabriel Akinadewo, snatching his Toyota Avensis car, with registration number CP 11 AKM. The incident happened at Amara Olu Street, beside Zenith Bank, Agidingbi, Ikeja about 10pm.

The bandits, numbering

tribution system in Lagos hence the mandate of the Task Force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods,” he said.

The commissioner wondered why people still chose to be on the wrong side of the law adding that the provisions of the law as stipulated by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act of 1992 and the Registration of Pharmaceutical Premises Regulation Law of 2005 outline the requirements for the registration and renewal of pharmaceutical premises, culpability and punishment for offenders.

He said: "The provision of the pharmaceutical laws stipulates that pharmaceutical premises cannot be lo-

cated in motor parks and environment where commercial activities take place like market places, kiosks, roadside stores and containers and the law also frowns at pharmaceutical stores standing and growing very close together."

Idris said the shops were sealed off for offences ranging from sales of drugs without license from the regulatory authority; failure to relocate from a market area and adherence to the mandated distance between a patent medicine shop and market place as stipulated by the law; and sale of counterfeit and fake drugs, among others.

The Commissioner advised anybody interested in selling medicine to liaise

with the Pharmaceutical Inspectorate Unit of the Ministry of Health, the legitimate authorising body for Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors License (PPMVL), located on the ground floor of Block 8, Old Secretariat, in Ikeja, just as he urged those interested in importation, distribution and sales of drugs to get their premises licensed by the appropriate authority, the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN).

The raid was conducted in conjunction with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), PCN, National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmaceutical Inspectors Committee (PIC) and the Police.

Nigerian Compass idenRobbers snatch Editor's car card, tity card, complimentary cards, newspapers and an unfour, used flash lights to flag down the Editor, who stopped because he thought they were policemen. One of them told him to open the car's trunk.

As he alighted, he was ordered to hand over the car key and enter the back seat.

He was sandwiched between two of the bandits,

who drove through Wempco Road, Oba Ogunnusi Road, Stadium Road, Pen Cinema and to Abattoir at Agege, where he was told to alight.

They then sped off away.

Items stolen included Akinadewo's Ipad 3, his driver's licence, a purse containing FCMB Mastercard, a London Train Station Oyster

disclosed amount of money.

Immediately he alighted, Akinadewo called the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Umar Manko, who mobilised policemen from Pen Cinema, Alausa and Ikeja police stations to trail the robbers.

The car was yet to be found at press time yesterday.

Okadaman charged with assault

By Precious Igbonwelundu

A MOTORCYCLIST has been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate's Court in Lagos for allegedly beating a Police Corporal.

Isaac Patrick, 34, was brought before Magistrate A.O. Layinka on a twocount charge of assault and unlawful damage.

He was alleged to have unlawfully assaulted Odion Frederick, a Corporal with force number 392144, attached to the Dolphin Police Division, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The offence was said to have been committed on July 29, at Obalende, Lagos around 8pm.

Prosecuting police officer, Inspector Godswill Agoi, told the court that the accused attacked Frederick who was on patrol along with other members of his team.

The policeman, he said, stopped the motorcyclist who refused to comply. He was subsequently arrested and asked to get off the bike for inspection.

According to Agoi, the accused told the policeman that he did not have to ask him to get off his bike.

"Along the line, an argument ensued and a passersby, Oluwafemi Gbenga, came to mediate between them, but the Okada man attacked the mediator and tore his dress.

"At that point, his bike was seized after which he attacked the officer, slapped him and tore his uniform," he said.

The total value of the damages caused by the accused was said to be N7, 300. His offences are said to contravene Sections 172 and 170 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

Magistrate Olayinka granted the accused N50,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

She adjourned the matter to October 10.

Two Muslim clerics held for alleged fraud

T

WO Muslim clerics, suspected to be fraudsters, have been arrested by operatives of the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi, Lagos.

Fatai Bamidele and Lateef Ahmed were paraded yesterday by SFU's Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ngozi Isintume, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), for allegedly swindling Lawal Suleiman of over N10million in Ilorin, Kwara State.

SFU said it acted on a petition alleging that the suspects, sometimes in October, last year, collected goods (fireworks) worth N13, 320, 750, from Suleiman, with a promise to pay as soon as the goods were delivered, but did not.

The petitioner said he later got a message from the suspects' elder brother alleging that he was duped.

Police operatives subsequently went to Ilorin and arrested the suspects and recovered some charms which they allegedly used to hypnotise their victims.

Bamidele, said to be a long

By Jude Isiguzo

time friend and prayer partner of the victim, told the police that Suleiman came to him to seek spiritual assistance concerning his life and business. Bamidele told the police that since he did not have the spiritual powers to help the victim with money ritual, he introduced him to Ahmed, his master.

Ahmed allegedly collected N10million from the victim, for the money making ritual and spiritual protection from his creditors. He allegedly gave N2.5million to Bamidele out of the money.

The 45 year-old Ahmed told The Nation that the charm that Suleiman was looking for was one that would make his creditors forget their indebtedness when they see him as well as make him rich.

He claimed that the victim's allegation that he was kidnapped and locked up in a room for three months is false, adding that Suleiman locked himself up because he was running away from his creditors.

7

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

NEWS Ekiti inter-faith youths calls for tolerance

ACN: Oyo suffering from rot, fraud inherited from PDP

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

AN inter-religious summit held by some Muslim and Christian youths in AdoEkiti, the Ekiti State capital, has urged followers of both religions to tolerate one another to promote peace and security.

The youths urged leaders of both faith to use their religious activities to promote peace and “ensure the stability and security of life and property in the country”.

The summit, which held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ado-Ekiti, was meant to “deliberate on the security challenges facing the country”.

In a communique, the summit noted that “no meaningful development can take place without justice, peace, love, equality and tolerance among persons of diverse beliefs”.

At the summit were notable Muslim and Christian leaders, including an Islamic scholar and Head of Department, Religious Studies of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Prof.

Abdulraheem Adesina.

Others at the summit included the Parish Priest, St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Opopogbooro, Ado-Ekiti, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Fakehinde; the Coordinator, Justice Development and Peace Initiative of the Catholic Church, Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Raphael Borisade; and the Catholic Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye.

The youths noted that no development can take place when followers of both faith live in mutual suspicion.

They condemned the killings and destruction in parts of the North by the Boko Haram sect.

Group warns parents, girls against abortion

T

HE Oyo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said the state, with its education system, is suffering from the rot and fraud it inherited from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government.

In a statement in Ibadan, the state capital, by its Publicity Secretary, Dauda Kolawole, the party said Oyo State is unable to access the 2011 Universal Basic Education (UBEC) fund because, on assuming office, the Abiola Ajimobi administration discovered that the former government, in the 2010 UBEC contracts, awarded frivolous, bogus and unsubstantiated contracts.

“After due consultations

with UBEC in Abuja, the Ajimobi administration revoked all those shady contracts. New ones that satisfied due process were awarded two weeks ago and it is only when they are certified okay by UBEC that Oyo State can access the 2011 intervention fund,” ACN said.

On the allegation by the PDP that the government has not paid schools’ running grants, the ACN challenged the PDP to present the papers showing that the Alao-Akala administration paid running grants faithfully.

It said: “In this case too, we inherited cooked-up figures on running grants for

‘In this case too, we inherited cooked-up figures on running grants for schools. Indeed, the PDP government didn’t pay 2007 and 2008 grants at all.’ schools. Indeed, the PDP government didn’t pay 2007 and 2008 grants at all. By the time we came on board, we inherited two unpaid school terms’ grants, which we have paid The PDP govern-

ment had a system of paying grants in arrears.”

ACN noted that “even at that, Governor Ajimobi has signed and ordered that half of the grants be paid, pending the authentication of the apparently ‘frontloaded’ claim of grants”.

It added: “The figure for grants that we inherited was a political figure; it was bogus and unrealistic. The Commissioner for Education has mandated Teaching service Commission (TESCOM) and State Universal Basic education Board (SUBEB) to prepare the payment of the September grants. We are beginning a system where the government pays these school grants in advance.”

•From left: Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Kaduna State Sector Commander, Olumike Olagunju; Zonal Commanding Officer, Charles Theophilus and Deputy Corp Marshal, Incharge of Vehicle Administration, Danjuma Garba, inspecting vehicles at the launch of a special patrol in Kaduna...yesterday

Oyo community’s road in disrepair From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

T

HE Isokun/Idigedu/ Irepo Road in the Oyo West Local Government Area of Oyo State has cut off many parts of the community.

The road contains a ditch usually covered by water after a downpour.

The road also links the ancient Oyo town with other parts of the state. These include the Old Oyo National Park, the headquarters of Oyo West Divisional Police Command, the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, primary and secondary schools as well as the secretariat of the Oyo West Local Government.

The dilapidated road poses a danger to motorists and other users plying it.

It was gathered that the road has become so bad that it is difficult for users to locate the bad portions, especially after rains.

Heavy duty trucks have also worsened the road.

Some motorists and commercial motorcyclists urged the concerned local government to repair the road to avoid casualties.

A resident, who spoke in confidence, said: “At least, an interim measure is necessary.

The local government should fill the big pothole and provide some caution signals. If this is done, a first-time motorist plying this road will not have his life endangered, because he would see the danger signal before reaching the pothole.

Normal work can follow later.”

Germany to assist Ogun on SMEs, others From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Ondo ACN youths mobilise for Akeredolu

A

GROUP, the Youth Alliance (OYA), led by a former governorship aspirant of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), THE Deputy Grand Knight Mr Olukayode Adeyemi, has of the Maryland Sub-Council started mobilising the resiof the Order of the Knights dents for the victory of the of St. Mulumba, Nigeria, Mr party’s candidate, Mr Rotimi Michael Nwaojei, has Akeredolu (SAN). warned parents against The group also launched its aiding their girls to have secretariat in Akoko North abortion.

East/North West local govThe religious leader said ernment areas. the act is murder and could Handing over the party’s have serious consequences. banner to the youth leaders, Nwaojei spoke at a semiAdeyemi urged them not to nar organised by the group fall into the hands of crafty, for parishioners of the “use and dump” politicians.

Catholic Church of PresentaHe said: “We, the youths, tion, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, with are a focal target for politithe theme: Life: a gift from cians because we form the God; protect it. largest electorate in any elecHe said “Nobody has the tion. right to take a life in any “It is important for us to form, because it did not work together and not fall come from us. again into the hands of self“We have been talking to styled master politicians who youths in secondary schools are only good at the ‘use and about the evils of abortion dump game’.” and the opportunities they An ACN chieftain in Ikare, have to abstain from preMr. Fatai Akadiri, urged the marital sex. Today, we have youths and their leaders to be decided to bring this same steadfast. message to parents through The politician advised them the Christian Women Orto focus on the need for the ganisation (CWO). This is state to join progressive govbecause we found out that ernments in the Southwest. even mothers in our society He noted that ACN states take their daughters to the have created thousands of jobs hospital to procure for youths. abortions to protect their Presenting the plan of a prestige and ego. This is community development evil...”

UK ACN group to launch London campaign for candidate HE Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the United Kingdom (UK) has endorsed Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) as the party’s governorship candidate in the October 20 election in the state.

It said the Aketi campaign team, to give international support for Akeredolu, would be inaugurated in London, the United Kingdom, on August 5.

In a statement by its chairman, Mr ‘Tunde Doherty, the group hailed the emergence of Akeredolu as the party’s standard bearer.

It said: “Ondo State, in the last three and a half years, has been run by a “Cowboy Governor”, who has nothing much to show as the dividends of democracy for our people, except cheap popularity and window-dressing projects.”

The group noted that some aspirants who left the party because they were not selected have shown who they are.

It described such aspirants as those who are in politics to serve their selfish interests alone.

It said the defectors are “men of easy virtues, self-seeking and self-professed politicians without shame”.

“They are political prostitutes and agents of backwardness, whom providence had been so

T

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

project, which is one of the pivot of an Akeredolu government’s youth initiative programme, Adeyemi said it is only a progressive leader that could initiate a progressive programme.

He said: “It is time for new progressive-minded leaders

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

kind to and had the opportunity of passing through a university but the university or knowledge they gained from such institutions never passed through them.

“Hence, they have become men of low morals with no conscience and feelings at all to the suffering of our people, they are parasites to any government with nothing to offer and betrayals, who shout hosanna today, crucify him tomorrow.

It noted that any contest requires winners to be grateful in victory and losers to be humble in defeat, stressing that some people do not understand this but believe in winning at all cost.

The group congratulated those that stood by the party’s decision, describing them as true progressives and giant democrats.

It recognised only one chapter of Ondo State ACN members in the UK, led by Tunde Doherty and the general body of ACN UK, chaired by Dr Philip Idaewor.

It said: “The ACN is set to rescue the state from its present precarious situation, while taking due consideration of the past, present and future of the state and its people.”

to emerge in Akoko, not opportunists that hobnob with different political parties just to gain power.

“We, the youths, are ready to take our future in our hands.”

At the event were Mr Adamson Adeboro, an Abuja lawyer.

He contested the Ondo State House of Assembly seat under the defunct Action Congress (AC) in 2007.

The politician urged the youths to come out in large number to mobilise and vote for ACN and Akeredolu.

Adeboro said: “This (ACN) is the only party that can save us from servitude and deceit.”

G

ERMANY has promised to give Ogun State technical assistance and capacity development for the development of the non-oil sector in Nigeria.

The German government will work with the Gateway State through its programme, the Pro-Poor Growth and Promotion of Employment in Nigeria (SEDIN).

This targets the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The programme will be funded by Germany’s Ministry of Economic Corporation and implemented by its Agency for International Corporation (GIZ).

The Head of the programme, Christian Widmann, addressed reporters in Abeokuta, the state capital, with the representatives of Ogun State Government, headed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Emanuel Ogunnaike.

Widmann said the selection of the state followed the prevailing conducive business environment provided by the Ibikunle Amosun administration.

He noted that the willingness of the state government to partner SEDIN programme was another reason Ogun was chosen.

The German said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed on the partnership.

8

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31 , 2012

NEWS ‘Intervene in Ogun PDP crisis’ THE Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Adebayo Dayo, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, to intervene in the crisis rocking the party.

This followed reports credited to the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Dr. Sam Jaja, that the party was planning to conduct fresh congresses in the state.

Dayo urged the duo to arrest the move, which he said, might bring about lawlessness.

He said Adoke, as the nation’s Chief Law Officer, has the “onerous reponsibility to ensure obedience and compliance with the laws of the land”, adding that anything short of this is retrogressive and unhealthy to the development of any society.

In a statement in Abeokuta, the state capital, the party chieftain said the plot is being orchestrated by “some powerful people who believe they are above the law in spite of the subsistence of the validly elected state exco.”

Minister explains Presidency-House row

A

MINISTER yesterday said President Goodluck Jonathan’s insistence on completion of on-going projects is the cause of his feud with the House of Representatives.

The Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, yesterday said President Jonathan has shown that he would rather complete old projects instead of initiating new ones.

He explained that the design of new projects take up to 14 weeks, before the procurement and award of contract processes.

The minister spoke to State House Correspondents after briefing the President on the performance of his ministry.

He said: “But there are also those that have not been completed, if you rather insist that we do new programmes, obviously there will not be

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

enough money to complete those other previous constituency projects that are there.

“If you go through the records you will find that there are a lot of constituency projects that are yet to be completed.

“For Mr. President, he made sense in what he said, let’s forget any new constituency projects, let’s complete all the uncompleted projects, but then these are issues still under discussion.”

On the issue of delayed implementation, Chukwu said: “The reason is the procurement process like I said, the budget was signed in April and it’s after the budget has been signed and MDAs have been advised on what is the timed appropriation that

they will begin the procurement.

“For any project if it involves construction you will know that if you go through the procurement act, you first have to have a design.

“That design, even the contractor who did the design involves procurement, advertising, people bidding, then you select.

“It is only after design that you can do construction. You cannot bring up procurement for construction if there is no design.

“So these things take time and many people have said if even you remove human factors, if you just follow the main procurement act, just to get that design will take you between 12 and 14 weeks.

“So you can understand why a budget that started be-

ing implemented in May as at July you may not have gotten to the stage of awarding contracts.

On the general budget performance of his ministry, the minister said his ministry has been able to implement up to 39 per cent for the year.”

The Federal Ministry of Health has attributed significant delay in implementing its capital budget on the sundry constituency projects inserted into the 2012 Appropriation Act by National Assembly members.

The minister said the National Assembly’s reduction of the ministry’s budget proposal on disease prevention, surveillance and control, which is a major mandate of the ministry, from N582million to only N78 million has affected its response to disaster and emergency areas.

Curb insecurity, cleric warns

By Adeola Ogunlade

THE Iju Station Area Superintendent of The Apostolic Church, Pastor Aniedi Akpan, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to discuss with the northern elite to stop the insecurity in the North.

Akpan said this at the fifth annual Convention of the church held at the Area headquarters in Iju-Fagba, Lagos.

He said the spate of insurgency can be curbed when northern leaders are proactively engaged as peace advocates to the poor within their domain.

The cleric said: “We are tired of the needless killings, maiming and destruction of lives and properties in most part of the North which have continued to throw the nation into mourning, creating fears which hinder development in any society.”

Multimedia camp for Abuja, Lagos ARENA Multimedia, the world’s leading training brand in the creative industry, will hold its inaugural camps in Nigeria.

Scheduled for August 1-3 in Abuja and Lagos, the camps are designed to prepare Nigerians to benefit from the global creative industry.

Targeted at Nigerians with interest in multimedia, animation, gaming, with applications in the movies, media, advertising, among other sectors, the camps will expose participants to the newest trends in the creative industry.

Resource persons will be drawn from the creative industry, Arena Multimedia and Middlesex University, with participants given the opportunity to win scholarships worth N1.3million.

•From right: Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Mr Atedo Peterside, Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke and Information Minister Labaran Maku at a meeting of the National Council on Privitasation in Abuja....yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

360 Nigerians in Chinese prisons

N

IGERIA’S Ambassador to China Aminu Bashir Wali has said about 360 Nigerians are in detention in Chinese prisons for various offences.

In an interview with The Nation in Beijing, China, he said most Nigerians in detention were being held for drug trafficking and for over staying in the country.

According to him, the Embassy has been able to reach a common ground with the Chinese authori-

From Augustine Ehikioya, China

ties by sending Nigerians who overstayed their visit to Nigeria instead of sending them to Chinese prisons.

The envoy said China could not be asked not to implement its laws.

He urged Nigerians visiting or residing in China to respect the laws of the land.

He said: “As of three to

four months ago, we have slightly over 360 prisoners in various prisons in China.

“The basic problem we have here are in terms of over stay and drug trafficking.

“A lot of the problems we encounter are self-created by our nationals. Majority of the Nigerians in China’s prisons are there because of drug trafficking.

“If you go to Chinese Embassy, they give you a

visa for 30 days single entry and you are expected to stay for 30 days from when you step into China.

“But a lot of our people when they come in, they don’t respect that law. Some stay for good. And of course when they are picked up, it is a crime here and they are clamped into prison.”

“They fine them and surcharge them for their over stay. They also ask their relatives to send tickets to them to repatriate them.”

CJN warns judicial officers against misconduct

T

HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mariam AlomaMukhtar, has warned judicial officers, registrars and other top officials against conduct that can dent the judiciary.

She spoke at the opening of the National Workshop for Chief Registrars, Secretaries of Judicial Service Commissions, directors, inspectors and Area/Sharia/Customary Court Judges on ethics, management skills and information technology in Abuja, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

Represented by a Justice of the Supreme Court, Olufunlola Adekeye, Justice Mukhtar warned against attitudes that can erode public confidence in the judiciary.

She said: “The centrality of the judiciary to the continued existence of any society can hardly be overstressed and once the public loses its confidence in the organ of government charged with adjudication and justice delivery, then that society is no doubt

set for extinction.

“You must be above aboard. You must be fair to all and sundry both your staff and patrons of your courts.

“Let your conduct be seen to be ethical and impeccable.

“I urge you to be honest.

Show leadership by example.

Lead all your staff and let them learn good ethical conduct and integrity from you.

“By so doing, the image of the judiciary will receive high rating in the opinion of the public that we serve.”

The NJI Adminstrator, Justice Umaru Eri, said the work-

•Justice Mukhtar

shop was to improve the knowledge of the administrators in Information Technology.

NAMA records rise in aircraft movement

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

T

HE Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has said the nation’s airspace has witnessed an increase of about 12.8 per cent in aircraft movement from January to June, while revenue from over-flyers increased by five percent within the same period.

Over-flyers in this instance refer to aircraft which passed through the nation’s airspace to other destinations.

The Managing Director, Mazi Nnamdi Udoh, who spoke in Lagos yesterday, said the passenger traffic has witnessed a growth of eight per cent during the period.

Udoh was reacting to reports that the agency was losing revenue because foreign airlines that usually overfly the nation’s airspace now divert to other countries due to safety challenges in the nation’s airspace.

He debunked this, saying that the agency has invested heavily in the installation of navigational aids and equipment to facilitate safe flights.

His words: “NAMA has invested huge resources in providing adequate communication for the Nigerian airspace.

“Towards this, a Total VHF project geared toward VHF coverage for the Nigerian airspace is nearing completion.

“The project is presently on a test run and once fully activated it will enhance redundancy in all areas of controller pilot communication in any part of Nigerian airspace.”

Bishop pleads for the displaced

T

HE Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rev. Duke Akamisoko, has called on both federal and state governments to make alternative accommodation arrangement for residents, who were displaced in Makoko and Mpape, in Lagos and Abuja.

The Bishop spoke yesterday at the Synod thanksgiving service held at St. Peter’s Church, Karu.

He said the residents in those areas are Nigerians and should be treated with dignity and respect and not as animals by allowing them take refuge under bridges.

“Nowhere in the world are citizens driven away from their land.

“They are all Nigerians and must not be treated as refugees in their own country,” the cleric said.

Acknowledging the inhabitable condition of the areas marked for demolition as well as the efforts to bring sanity to the cities, the cleric maintained that it must be done with a human face in order not to attract the wrath of God. The church urged that “there must be an end to the cycle of looting of the country’s treasure.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

9

NEWS

Obasanjo, Babangida should apologise for Nigeria’s insecurity, says Falana

F

ORMER Heads of State Ibrahim Babangida and Olusegun Obansajo endangered Nigeria’s democratic process through their actions, activist-lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) said yesterday.

He said the two retired generals contributed to the security challenges facing the country.

Falana was reacting to their suggestion at the weekend that the federal, state and local governments should involve Nigerians in addressing the menace of violent crimes.

He said the former rulers should rather have apologised for their roles, which brought about the present situation.

He said: “In their usual arrogant posture, both ex-rulers did not apologise to Nigerians for institutionalising official corruption, executive lawlessness and extra-judicial killings and unprecedented poverty in the midst of plenty.

“Under the regimes headed by both rulers, the country witnessed ethnoreligious clashes which claimed hundreds of thousands of innocent lives and destruction of property.

“Under the Babangida junta, corruption became the directive principle of state policy. He and his colleagues in the ruling council stole the country

•‘Why ECOWAS Court judgments aren’t enforced’

By Joseph Jibueze

dry.

“Even though General Obasanjo enacted anti-graft laws, he enriched himself at the expense of the country.

“It would be recalled Babangida deliberately divided Nigerians along religious lines when he took Nigeria to the Organisation of Islamic Conference and cancelled an election which defied religious and ethnic differences.

“For the first time in the history of Nigeria, citizens were either bombed or assassinated by armed official goons.

“On his own part, Gen. Obasanjo allowed some states to adopt a particular religion while he himself built a chapel in the Presidential Villa and appointed a chaplain for the Presidency, contrary to Section 10 of the Constitution which states that the State shall not adopt any religion.”

Falana also spoke on why ECOWAS Court judgments are not enforced. He attributed this to lack of opportunities for appeal and inconsistency in decisions.

He said the reluctance of some litigants to comply with the judgments was because many parties who are

dissatisfied with decisions have no opportunity to appeal.

In the absence of an appellate chamber, some aggrieved parties have either brought applications for review or stay of execution, which are usually dismissed, Falana said.

“For some inexplicable reasons both the Ecowas Commission and the management of the Court have frustrated the establishment of the appellate division of the Community Court.

“In the circumstance, I have sued the Commission in the court with a view to compelling it to carry out the decision of the Ecowas Council of Ministers of June 13, 2006 on the matter,” Falana said.

Falana stated this in his opening remarks at the Civil Society Forum convened by Media Foundation for West África in Abuja yesterday.

A second reason the court’s judgments are not obeyed is alleged inconsistency in several decisions, Falana said.

He said: “To earn respect and command obedience of its orders, the Court should be consistent, independent and impartial.

“In Alhaji Hassan v FRN, the court

struck out the case for want of locus standi by the plaintiff who was challenging the failure of the defendant to investigate the killing of 70 people by a killer squad set up by a state governor.

“The court also held that a Nigerian lawyer who challenged electoral malpractice in Cote d’ivoire lacked locus standi.

“The case challenging the illegal overthrow of the democratic government of Mali filed by the West African Bar Association has not even been listed.

“But in the earlier case of SERAP v Federal Government (2008), the Court had held that the plaintiff had locus standi to enforce the right of every child to education in Nigeria.

“In Raddo v Senegal, the legal standing of an NGO to seek redress in the Court was once again upheld by the judges.”

According to Falana, the hostile attitude of African states to courts is essentially the same. Not only are court orders disregarded, judges who rule against governments are harassed by security forces, the lawyer alleged.

Bank driver arrested with 19 ATM cards, money

By Jude Isiguzo

A BANK DRIVER has been arrested by the police in Lagos for alleged stealing.

Dare Oladujoye was held for being in possession of 19 Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) ATM cards and N652,000.

Lagos Commissioner of Police Umar Manko said the suspect withdrew the money from an ATM machine.

He was using the cards to withdraw money from an ATM machine at Ogba branch of the GTB when a security guard raised the alarm.

The suspect denied stealing the cards.

He said he is a money lender who usually collects people’s ATM cards as collateral.

He said: “I usually loan people money and I’ve been doing it for over a year. Whenever I loan a person cash, I collect their ATM cards and their Personal Identification Numbers. When they repay me, I return their cards to them.

“However, if they don’t pay me back as at when we agree, I go and withdraw the money from their accounts with their ATM cards.”

Jonathan for Trinidad, Jamaica From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

•From left: Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Godsday Orubebe (middle), Director of Infrastructures, Mr Otito Ewi (left) and Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr Esan Funso at a news conference in Abuja on the East-West Road ...yesterday See story on page 11 PHOTO: NAN

EFCC accuses Keystone Bank of alleged fraud

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claimed it has established a case of fraud against Keystone Bank Plc in its investigation of allegation of fraudulent deductions made against the bank by one of its customers, Pan Fedam Marble and Granite Limited.

The commission said although it was yet to conclude its investigation, some of the bank’s officials questioned have admitted the transactions in which about N90m was purportedly withdrawn fraudulently from the customer’s account number 00112000039.

EFCC said it was putting finishing touches to its investigation, following which it will initiate criminal proceedings against the bank’s officials should a prima facie case be established against them.

It said it had invited the Chief Com-

By Eric Ikhilae

pliance Officer, Head of Treasury, the Account Officer (in respect of the affected account) and the Chief Legal Officer of the bank formerly known as Platinum Habib Bank (Bank PHB).

The commission gave this information in a counter affidavit it filed before a Federal High Court in Lagos in response a suit by the bank, seeking, among others, to restrain the EFCC from arresting and detaining any of its staff in respect of the said investigation.

An investigating officer with the EFCC, Joseph Okezie, said in a July 9 affidavit that “a total sum of N89,767,000 was fraudulently deducted, which the applicant’s (the bank’s) officials acknowledged and requested that same should be communicated formally to the bank.

“That the 1st respondent (EFCC) is on the verge of concluding investigation and there was the need for representatives of the applicant to clarify certain issues that cropped up in the course of investigation.”

Okezie denied the bank’s claim that the commission was harassing its officials with the aim of arresting and detain them. He said no charge has been filed against them as investigation was yet to be concluded.

EFCC urged the court to dismiss the fundamental right enforcement suit by the bank on the ground that it was unmeritorious. It argued that being a statutory body saddled with the responsibility of investigating allegation of financial crimes, its activities cannot constitute a threat to the bank.

The bank had, in its originating motion, prayed the court for, among

others, an order of injunction restraining the EFCC from further taking any steps in respect of the transaction.

An official of the bank, Sulaiman Sadiku, who deposed to a supporting affidavit, said Pan Fedam had a banking related transaction with Bank PHB, a bank that is now defunct. He stated that the transaction complained about occurred between March 7 and September 2006.

He admitted that although the bank’s officials had been invited by the EFCC in the course of the investigation, they never admitted the alleged fraudulent withdrawal.

The bank argued that except the EFCC was restrained, it will continue to harass its officials and possibly infringe on their fundamental rights by detaining them without an order of any court.

The hearing begins November 22.

Wike flags off 2012 admission into Unity Colleges

M

INISTER of State for Education Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has urged principals of the 104 Federal Unity Colleges to display professional competence and productive leadership.

Flagging off the selection and placement exercise into Junior Secondary 1 and Senior Secondary 2 classes in the Unity Colleges yesterday, Wike urged the principals to see themselves as leaders who are directly responsible for achieving qualitative improvement in the Unity Colleges.

He said: “We recognise that today’s principals face more complex challenges from a new generation of learners as well as high expectations from parents who are dissatisfied with the present poor state and achievement of these colleges.”

On the admission policy of the Unity Colleges, Wike said officials must not unfairly deny placement to any qualified candidate, who meets the mandatory requirements of the college of his/her choice.

The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr Ben Ibe, said: “Principals must honestly and strictly adhere to the Federal Government guidelines/criteria on admission into unity colleges in determining the outcome of the selection and placement exercise”.

The commencement of the admission process for the colleges was attended by principals from 101 Federal Government Colleges across the country.

Admission will not be conducted into Federal Science College, Sokoto, Federal Science College, Ogoja and Federal Government, Academy, Suleja.

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will leave Abuja today for Trindad and Tobago and Jamaica.

He is to attend the Trinidad and Tobago Emancipation Day and Jamaica’s Independence anniversary celebration.

Jonathan, according to his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, will be accompanied by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

He is expected to review the Kambule Street Procession, the major event marking the Trinidad and Tobago Emancipation Day, on Wednesday, August 1, with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

He will also present a Goodwill Message to the Procession, pay a courtesy call on Prof. George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago and his wife, Dr. Jean Ramjohn Richards, and meet with members of the Nigerian community resident in Trinidad and Tobago.

Jonathan will attend the Emancipation Day Cultural Programme at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village and be hosted to a State Banquet by the President of Trinidad and Tobago.

He will leave Trinidad and Tobago for Jamaica on Thursday. A Special Commemorative Session of Parliament will be held in his honour. He will be hosted by the Jamaican Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Miller.

Jonathan is expected back in Abuja on Saturday.

Mouka appoints directors THE Board of Directors of leading manufacturer of mattresses, pillows, beddings and other polyurethane products, Mouka Limited, has appointed two directors.

Babatunde Savage and Olaolu Akinkugbe join the board of Mouka to enhance corporate governance, manage the oversight function of the business and long-term strategy and objectives of the company while evaluating and directing implementation of company controls and procedures.

Savage holds an honours degree in Physiology from the University of Ibadan and is a product of the famous Igbobi College, Lagos.

Akinkugbe is the Chairman / CEO of L. A. Consultancies Limited. He is described as an icon in the Nigerian soft drinks industry.

10

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

NEWS THUGS AT WORK

Election divides Oyo NMA HE Oyo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has been divided.

A splinter group emerged from the professional body following an election it held at its annual general meeting (AGM).

But a member of the executive, Adefolarin Malomo, yesterday told reporters at the NMA House, Total Garden, Ibadan, the state capital, that the matter is a storm in a tea cup.

He said it would be resolved.

Malomo, who was recently elected the state NMA chairman, explained that the argument of the splinter group could not stand because it has no basis in the constitution and the byelaws of the association.

It was gathered that the splinter group kicked against the election of Malomo, a professor at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, on the grounds that the former NMA chairman, Milicent Obajimi, was also from the tertiary hospital.

The group said this contradicts an agreement between

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From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

O

other members of the association and UCH doctors.

It was learnt that only two of the offices - the chairman and Secretary - were contested for, while the others were returned unopposed.

Those referring to the “gentleman’s agreement” reportedly participated and lost in the election.

Malomo said: “Naturally, in a big family like the NMA Oyo State, the process of election and inauguration of new executives may have left some pains and reservations.

But the election was conducted in line with the provisions of the bye-laws of our association.

“The new State Executive Council (SEC) will do everything to reconcile any aggrieved party and harness the numerous talents that abound in our association in moving the health of the citizens and residents of Oyo State forward. We can always find a common ground in our Hippocratic Oath, which clearly stipulates the essence of our brotherhood.”

Cocoa farmers reject ministry’s chemicals

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EMBERS of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) have rejected the agro-chemicals the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development plans to buy for them.

The farmers are from Kogi, Kwara, Edo and Delta states.

They reportedly rejected the chemicals because they fall short of those they use for their crops.

Addressing reporters in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, at a national summit of cocoa producing states, CFAN National President Raheem Adeniji said farmers were drawing President Goodluck Jonathan’s attention to their plight.

Thanking the President for providing the agro-chemicals, Adeniji siad the farmers rejected the products because they are not useful to them.

He said: “We had written Mr. President before using this forum to inform him that the chemicals are being pro-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

cured against our request and without due consultation with our members. We have severally written to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to follow our request, but it has continued to ignore our demands.

“We want Mr. President to know that the so-called cocoa box, where all the procured agro-chemicals are kept for the cocoa farmers to buy, are very unscientific.

“How do we explain the inclusion of three different brands of agro-chemicals of same work in a single box purportedly meant for for the same usage for cocoa trees?

Are they saying different brands of agro-chemicals should be sprayed simultaneously?”

The farmers said the position of the Ministry of Agriculture on the proposed chemicals is confusing and could adversely affect the their cocoa farms and destroy the country’s economy in the future.

Ajimobi seeks investors for Oyo at London forum

•An Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) member attacked by suspected Labour Party (LP) thugs in Akure, Ondo State...at the weekend.

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday said the state is the choice destination for foreign inves-

tors in agriculture, especially those who desire to come to Nigeria.

The governor spoke at the New World Nigeria Investment Forum and Business Summit at the Dorchester Hotel, London.

He said Oyo State is the largest producer of cassava and poultry in Nigeria with arable 27,000 square kilometres land mass and a market population of over six million people.

According to him, the state holds great prospects for any investor in agriculture.

Ajimobi noted that the participation of Oyo State in the forum, put together by the Nigerian Bank of Industry (BOI), was to further enhance its quest for foreign investors.

The governor said he was impressed with the response of prospective investors.

He said the state is seeking foreign investors in agriculture, solid minerals, mining and infrastructural development, particularly in the construction of the 110-kilometre Ibadan circular road and the proposed Ibadan Cargo Airport.

Ajimobi said the state is also focusing on power, conversion of waste to wealth and the provision of gas for domestic and industrial uses.

The governor said the state’s focus on agriculture would enable it to leverage on a comparative advantage as the largest producer of cassava and poultry as well as a leading producer of cocoa, yam, rice and fruits in Nigeria.

He said the state government has outlined incentives to attract investors into the state, including a liberalised regime of land allocation, tax holiday and state collaboration in the form of financial guarantees and partnerships.

The governor said in the last one year, his administration has set the foundation for industrialisation by ensuring peace and tranquility, a far cry from the sordid tale of the past when Oyo State was renowned for violence and brigandage.

He said his government has been encouraged by the identification of Ibadan as one of the top 10 destinations of foreign investments in Africa by the Financial Times of London.

Ajimobi added that he was committed to translating the potential into reality through proactive measures.

Boko Haram: Anglican warns Fed Govt against military force

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HE Diocese of Osun Anglican Communion yesterday urged the Federal Government not to rely on military force alone to curtail attacks by the Boko Haram sect.

The church said the time has come for the government to allow states to own their police force.

Addressing reporters in Osogbo, the state capital, to mark the diocese’s 25th anni-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

versary, its Bishop, Rev. James Afolabi Popoola, urged the Federal Government to consider state police because of the nation’s insecurity.

The cleric noted that with men having a good understanding of the local terrain, state police would fish out undesirable elements in the

society.

Rev. Popoola advised those in power to fight corruption with sincerity, saying religious leaders should increase their efforts against the malaise.

Listing the achievements of the Osun diocese in the last 25 years, Rev. Popoola, who became bishop of the diocese on August 1, 2000, said it has established two non-governmental organisations

(NGOs) to take care of the social and economic needs of indigent members of the church.

He added that the activities lined up for the Silver Jubilee celebration include a public lecture on August 3, to be delivered by Prof. Olalere Oladitan of the Department of Foreign Languages in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Tension in Ilesa as chief is detained

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HERE was tension yesterday in Ilesa, Osun State, following the detention of the Obanla of

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Ilesa, Chief Oyekanmi Ogedengbe.

The chief is the second incommand to the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.

Last week, the Obanla was detained on the orders of a Magistrate’s Court, sitting in Ilesa, over a disputed land matter involving the monarch.

Oba Aromolaran and Chief Ogedengbe have allegedly been at loggerheads following the chief’s alleged refusal to cooperate with the monarch in a land dispute between him and the family of Owa Atayero in the town.

The tension was heightened when the Magistrate, Mr. Adebayo Azeez, mentioned the matter involving the monarch and the chief.

Ogedengbe’s supporters, who are mainly chiefs and

youths in Ilesa, were in court.

It was learnt that the supporters expected the chief to be released on bail. But they were disappointed when the Obanla was not brought to the court.

Ogedengbe’s counsel was said to have prepared a written application for his bail but the lawyer was reportedly not given the opportunity to tender it when the matter was not mentioned.

Mimiko appoints campaign team for re-election bid

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NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko yesterday appointed Mr Akin Adaramola the Director-General of his re-election campaign team.

Adaramola, a former Head of Service (HOS) in the state, is the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.

He is to be assisted by Mr Clement Faboyede, who is designated the Director of Campaign Operation.

Faboyede is the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative Services. He is to be assisted by a deputy and four assistant directors.

A former Chief Press Secretary to the gov-

ernor, Mr Kolawole Olabisi, will head the campaign office as the Director of Media and Publicity.

Other directorates are Security, Health, Welfare, Transportation, Mobilisation, among others.

A statement yesterday in Akure, the state capital, said the campaign team would be coordinated at local, wards and unit levels.

Mimiko urged members of the team to work in tandem with the leadership caucuses at each local government for best results.

He assured that if everyone does his or her duty, victory would be theirs.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

11

NEWS Teenager, others held for alleged TEENAGER, his kidnapping brother and three

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others are now in police custody for alleged kidnapping.

Police spokesman Anthony Airhuoyo said the teenage suspect, 16, in connivance with his brother allegedly made a threat phone call to their victim, demanding some money.

He said the suspects were arrested while attempting to withdraw the money at a bank in Benin City.

Other suspects, Andy Olufemi (32) and Eneji Godwin Otoro (25) were apprehended in Suleja, Niger State, where they had gone to withdraw the N18, 000 allegedly paid by their victim.

Also in police custody is Nosa Onaghinor (30), who was arrested while attempting to withdraw N14, 000

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

said to have been paid into an account of his accomplice.

Airhuoyo said the suspects would be charged to court when investigations are concluded.

In another development, youths suspected to have been involved in the on-going cult crisis in Benin City have been arrested.

The spokesman said policemen launched a clampdown on the warring cult groups in Benin City, adding that a number of suspects were apprehended during raids of flash points.

He advised parents to warn their children and wards against involvement in criminality as the police would deal with anyone caught.

Corporal killed in Delta From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

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HE Delta State Police Command yesterday said it rescued a kidnap victim and his four-year old son.

Duke Joseph Okeze and his son were rescued at Atuma-Iga Community, Aniocha North Local Government after security operatives stormed their hideout.

Police spokesman Charles Muka said a corporal was killed in the gun battle that ensued.

Muka said the four-year-old victim, identified as Emma, was shot.

He said efforts are being made to track down the fleeing gang members Muka said the victim’s Toyota Corolla was recovered.

Three robbers have been arrested in Asaba-the Delta State Capital including a “corps member”.

Muka said the gang was arrested with a LAR rifle, three battle axes, three cartridges, a laptop and a camera.

Muka said the gang members would be arrainged in court.

Dickson visits Obasanjo

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AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has said his administration would provide purposeful leadership hinged on transparency and accountability.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT The general public is hereby informed of Loss of Letter of Land Allocation issued by Land Use &Allocation Committee,Lagos State Lands Bureau with File No Ref:- LU/2009/AYOBO/ BL./PL got lost in transit.It belongs to MR. OLUGBENGA AKINOLA OYEKANMI. Lagos State Lands Bureau and General public note.

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08029297464, 08035172936.

Dickson spoke when he visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo, at his Hilltop residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

He said though there were teething challenges facing his administration, he was resolute in his desire to bring development in the state.

Dickson hailed the former president for his fatherly role in fostering peace in the past and present which, he said, had also benefited Bayelsa and the nation.

Obasanjo, who received the six-man delegation, said he was delighted to welcome the governor to Abeokuta.

He asked him to remain focused in his quest to make positive impact in the lives of the people.

Dickson also reiterated his conviction on the issue of corruption in its various guises and his resolve to fight the menace in the state.

•Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Mrs Oluremi Oyo (left) and the Managing Director, Kaduna State Media Corporation Mrs Tamani Yusuf at the NAN creche in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

Fed Govt needs N193.9b to complete T East-West Road

HE Federal Government is to source for N193,855,828,511.04 for the completion of the East-West road, it emerged yesterday.

The project, meant to open up socio-economic potentials of the region, started in 2006 and is at 51 per cent completion level.

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, at a briefing yesterday in Abuja lamented paucity of fund which he said was threatening the 2014 completion date of the project.

He said the Ministries of Niger Delta Affairs, Finance and Justice as well as the Debt Management Office (DMO) are collaborating with financial institutions to ensure that the completion date was met.

According to him, the

From Dele Anofi, Abuja

ministry has not been able to surmount the challenges on the project it inherited from the Ministry of Works since 2009.

“I wish to recall that the total payment made by the Federal Ministry of Works from 2006 – 2009 is N33.4 billion with a percentage completion of 10 per cent at the time the project was handed over to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

“To date, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has paid N122.6 billion and moved the average percentage completion to 51 per cent.

“The ministry will require N193,855,828,511.04 to com-

plete the East – West Road by the new date of 2014,” he said.

The minister gave an analysis of the project and prospects for its completion with the estimated funding gap to complete project (Sections IIV) as at December 31, 2014.

He said the amount owed contractor was N 8,572,143,549.2, cost of completion by December 2014 was put at N176,536,978,563.18 while retention to be paid in 2015 was also put at N8,746,706,398.57 “So, far out of the total 338km dual carriageway road about 50km have been completed to asphaltic wearing course, 115km have been completed to asphaltic bind-

er level while over 120km earthworks have been done.

“Also, out of the total 42 bridges, 34 have been substantially completed, which include the second 850m Imo River Bridge.

“To complete the project by 2014 according to the programmes of work and cash flow projections for the four sections, the additional funds required in 2012 is N34,428,000,000.00, while funds required for 2013 will be N86,553,529,762.00 and funds finally required for 2014 will be N50,013,997,249.00.

From the Sure-P budget for the ministry, N21.7 billion is to be utilised for the East – West project this year.

“Going by these appropriations, it is not likely that these funds will be enough to complete the project by December 2014.”

Ohanaeze hails Jonathan for NIMASA appointment T

HE leadership of Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo yesterday lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing a chieftain of the Igbo apex body into the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) The body described the appointment of Nwabueze Obi, the President of the Abuja Branch of Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo and Vice President of Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo Presidents in Diaspora as the Executive Director (ED) Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services as laudable.

A statement by the leader-

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

ship of Ohanaeze Presidents in Diaspora signed by the President, Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo, Lagos Branch and President, Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo in diaspora, Chief Oliver Akubueze and Chief George Iheonunekwu, secretary, described Obi’s appointment as credible and worthy.

The statement reads in part: “It is a welcome development that Mr. President took the wise decision

of getting a credible person of impeccable character to do the job, and that is commendable.

“We in the Ohanaeze leadership and on behalf of the entire Igbo hail Mr. President for this noble step.

“We have known Obi and his tested leadership qualities.

“He has led people into positive actions and a great motivator of men and resources.

“He has proven over time in his legal career spanning over 20 years, individual life and in the leadership of Ohanaeze that he has what it takes to help in moving the nation forward.

“With such appointment, it has become manifest that Mr. President has intensified his transformation agenda.”

The Ohanaeze leadership noted that it has no doubt that Obi would justify the appointment and his presence in NIMASA together with the others would add immense value to the operations of the agency.

Eight tanker fire victims still in hospital

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HE Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Prof. Aaron Ojule, yesterday in Port Harcourt, said eight of the victims of the July 12 petrol tanker fire at Okogbe in Ahoada West Lo-

‘No overseas treatment for victims’ From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

cal Government of Rivers State were still receiving treatment.

Ojule, who is also the Chairman of the 11-member Riv-

ers State July 12th Emergency Burns Committee, set up by the Rivers government to ensure survival and recovery of the victims, noted that there would be no overseas treatment for the hospitalised vic-

tims, stressing that there was no clinical reason to do so.

He said four of the victims of the Okogbe tragedy left the hospital against medical advice, The CMD stated that the victims mostly suffered over 70 degree burns.

12

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 30-7-12

NSE records marginal growth with 0.04% T HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) at the close of business yesterday, opened the week with an appreciation of 0.04 per cent on the key indicators. The All-Share-Index added 9.42 points to close at 23,302.22 points while the market capitalisation appreciated by N3 billion to close at N7.417 trillion.

Looking at the analysis, some stocks were responsible for the marginal upward movement of the key indicators. These stocks include Oando, Guaranty Trust Bank, Nigerian Breweries and Dangote Flour.

Specifically, Union Bank and Diamond Bank were the top gainers in the banking sector, booking 5.0 per cent and 3.7 per cent apiece. FCMB also rallied with a 2.8 per cent mark-up; GTBank however lost points towards the close of the session as it reverted to N17.10, booking a 0.5 per cent gain after an initial surge had lifted the price to N17.21.

Demand at the lower N17.00 level however remains

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

strong and should provide support at this level today.

Demand for A.G. Leventis led to a 4.8 per cent mark-up.

PZ Cussons also had a good outing, booking a 1.0 per cent gain; fairly matched offers and demand could however stall further appreciation tomorrow.

On the flip side, Transcorp dropped 2.9 per cent with closing sentiments skewed to the sell side; it could lose more points today.

The food and beverages sector went to the bears with more losses than gains; Nascon, Cadbury, Dangote Sugar and Flour Mill headed south with losses ranging from 0.5 per cent to 2.0 per cent.

At the end of transactions, investor’s interest moved eighteen stocks upward in value while 24 others recorded drop in value based on profit taking. Leading the

gainers table, Union Bank of Nigeria led the gainers table with a gain of N0.20 to close at N4.20 followed by Glaxosmith with an increase of N1.27 to close at N26.77.

Other actively traded sectors were BOC Gases, Port paint, A G Leventist, Japaul Oil, Ikeja Hotel, Diamond Bank, UTC and FCMB. On the losers table, Julius Berger led with a drop of N1.38 to close at N26.25 followed by Vitafoam with a drop of N0.16 to close at N3.14. Also on the table were Eterna Oil & Gas, Avon Crown, Continental Insurance, WAPIC Insurance, Presco, Livestock, May & Baker and Royal exchange insurance.

In all, investors traded 149.627 million shares worth N1.311 billion across 3,657 deals. Others with relatively high sectors were Consumer Goods, Conglomerates, Services and Oil & Gas with 10.245 million shares, 6.707 million shares, 6.264 million shares and 5.615 million shares respectively.

Tobacco, Banking shares excluded from LoS part of deepening tus Islamic Index launch the capital market,

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the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday launched the first Lotus Islamic Index on the floor of the Exchange.

However, the financial services sector and tobacco companies are excluded from the new index launched.

Other companies that did not make the list are gambling, alcoholic beverages and adult entertainment companies.

Addressing the capital market community at the launching of the non interest index, the Managing Director of Lotus Capital, Mrs. Hajarat Adeola, said the index was created to track the performance of Shari’ah

compliant equities trading on the floor of the Exchange.

She pointed out that the index comprises 15 stocks which have met the eligibility requirements of Shari’ah advisory board, adding that the stocks are rigorously screened and reviewed biannualy to ensure their continous compliance for inclusion.

The companies are; Ashaka Cement Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, Larfage WAPCO Plc, Nahco Plc, Unilever Plc, Nestle Plc, Cadbury Plc, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc, etc.

According to Adeola, each stock in the index has undergone a two- stage screening process and those companies

that pass the initial test are evaluated on the basis of Islamic financial screens to eliminate those with unacceptable levels of debt, cash and interest income.

“Only companies that pass the second stage are considered for further analysis.

Other important criteria such as liquidity and market capitalisation of the equities were also taken into account,” she added.

Adeola explained further that constituent stocks are ranked based on the highest market capitalisation and average daily volume traded over a six-month period with a minimum average volume of 100,000 units.

She said: “Each sector weight is capped at 40 per cent and each component stock is capped at 30 per cent and the index is re-screened, rebalanced and reviewed biannually on the first business day in January and July of every year.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 30-7-12

13

PROPERTY

Tuesday, JULY 31, 2012

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

* The Environment * Mortgage * Apartments * Security * Homes * Real Estate

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

Security challenge: Developers, investors shun Abuja for Lagos

•Katampe Housing Estate, Phase III, Abuja.

On the heels of Nigeria’s security challenges, developers and real estate investors who found the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) an investment haven due to government patronage and high returns on investments have turned their focus to Lagos. Lagos is enjoying an exclusive right to property development, with players in the sector stressing the import of security as not only a deciding factor but also a stimulus in any investment, especially in the real estate. OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reports.

•CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

•Ikeja GRA hosts residential •Our stand on street trading irrevocable, says Commissioner exquisite apartments - PAGE 14

- PAGE 51

•Multiple Listing Service: Surveyors adopt Sept 1 as take-off date - PAGE 52

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Developers, investors shun Abuja for Lagos •CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

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HE series of bombings in Abuja and some northern states by religious extremists has left in its wake a devastating effect on property development in the affected areas as people are leaving the troubled areas to places considered safe.

Due to the carnage and destruction, investors are moving southwards, especially to Lagos, which has always been considered as the economic hub of the nation and property development.

It is important to note that the first consideration for any investor is the security of his investment, and when it cannot be guaranteed he will look for a new investment window or for ways to achieve a mixed portfolio of investments to overcome the attendant inherent risk.

Though investment and yield in real estate investment has a long gestation period, investors still have a clear-cut timeline for returns on investment.

Head of Practice/CEO, Ayeye & Co, a firm of estate surveyors based in Abuja and Lagos, Otunba Victor Ayeye, said insecurity challenge had really taken a toll on the business of real estate in Abuja. He said Lagos was still considered in some quarters as the economic capital.

He said some people were trying to sell their properties in Abuja to invest in Lagos as the push in Abuja has resulted to a pull in Lagos. He said most people were not too sure of the direction of government, believing that once there is an upset in governance their investment may go down the drain.

“Property investors are concerned about the safety of their investment, knowing that as soon as

•Upper class housing estate in Abuja.

the government is grounded everything is grounded.

“As a firm in the last six months we have not sold a property in Abuja but we have countless requests for properties in Lagos. Indeed, the situation is giving Lagos the upper hand as far as property development is concerned” he said.

President, Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV) Mr Emeka Eleh said Lagos will gain in terms of real estate investment due to security challenges is not in doubt.

According to him, security is key to investment. He regretted that Af-

rica receives only 10 per cent of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), due to conflicts.

Principal Partner, Akomolede & Co, Asiwaju Kola Akomolede said if the security problems lead to mass exodus of people from Abuja, the scenario will create a big challenge to the real estate market there but he however, stressed that it has not got to that point yet.

He said: “If the challenge becomes pronounced in Abuja people would be forced to come down south but it hasn’t gotten to that and we pray it doesn’t. If the problem becomes widespread the

economy of Abuja will suffer and this time not necessarily the real estate sector alone.

“Some people are in Abuja for the convenience of being close to government; if it becomes clear that government cannot protect them and their investments they will relocate as nobody wants to put his money in an unsafe place.

Immediate past President, NIESV, Mr Bode Adediji said all options are possible. He, however, said he will prefer to tread with caution on the impact of migration on property prices and values.

He recalled the instability in the Niger Delta, especially Port Harcourt and Warri some years back which led to the migration of expatriates to Lagos that consequently led to increase in property prices though short lived.

Adediji said the security challenge not withstanding Lagos remains a destination of sort for property investors as the profile of the economy of the state is rising daily with competitive infrastructure.

He confirmed that satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are busting loose as displaced persons from affected states in the north such as Bornu, Yobe, Kano and Kaduna have found such settlements a safer haven to live in.

General Manager of NIC Properties, a branch of Niger Insurance Company Plc, Mr Sam Ukpong said no doubt the security situation in the north and especially, Abuja will increase demand for housing in the south, especially for those who live in the north but are not of northern origin.

He said the situation does not encourage investment in real estate and said whatever semblance of real estate development found in Abuja is what may have been planned in the last two or three years.

Ukpong called on the government to hasten its security plan for the nation to create an enabling environment for property development.

Furthermore, he warned that if the government fails to address the issue squarely it may deter the private sector from investing in the sector in Abuja and environs which may have a negative impact in the sector in times to come.

Our stand on street trading irrevocable, says Commissioner •Ladipo market remains closed indefinitely

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AGOS State Commissioner for the Environment Mr Tunji Bello has reiterated the government’s position on street trading.

He was reacting to the alleged presence of an illegal market behind the new Tejuosho Market in Yaba.

The market, The Nation investigations, revealed operates three days a week, between the hours of 7am and 1pm.

The mastermind of the market, a social miscreant (name withheld) with his lieutenants, collect N1,200 from each trader. The hosts between 1,500 to 2,000 traders that deal mainly on female clothings while non market days attract a reduced rate of N200 per trader.

It will be recalled that the bustling Yaba market on the rail line was closed down when some traders beat up KAI marshals and, in the process, a female marshal in the milieu that ensued lost one of her eyes.

Since the saga, the government insisted that the traders must identify

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By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst Editor

and surrender for prosecution the culprits or risk the indefinite closure of the market. Rather than comply with government directives, they resorted to self-help by encroaching onto the streets, causing environmental nuisance to the neighbourhood.

Some of the traders, who spoke to The Nation, said they decided to patronise the market though with limited business time frame because they want to maintain their business relationship with their old customers so as not to lose them to other markets, pending when the market will be reopened.

On the risk of being arrested by government agents, they noted that life itself is about risk and they will continue with their activities until the market is reopened by the government.

But in a swift reaction, Bello restated the subsisting ban on street trading, he also said the state was in-

•Illegal street trading in Tejuosho Road, Yaba, Lagos.

vestigating the situation and would punish those found culpable.

He called on the public to desist from patronising the market to avoid

the unpleasant consequences that will be visited on culprits.

On the closure of Ladipo market, he said there is no going back as the

traders consistently defied the sanitation and environmental laws of the state after much entreaty.

Kwara communities kick against govt land acquisition

O fewer than 15 villages in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State have accused the Kwara State government of illegal acquisition of their land.

Accordingly, scores of placard-carrying members of the villages stormed the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, protesting against what they called “illegal acquisition of our farmland by the Bureau of Lands.”

Some of the placards read: We support the emirate. Please Emir of Ilorin bail us out from the despotic government of Moro local government area; the people of Malete district are against illegal acquisition of our

•Urge Emir of Ilorin to intervene From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

land; the land is our source of income. Do not kill us.

The protesters specifically accused the state government of acquiring over 1,000 hectares of land from them as site for the state university (KWASU) in Malete without any compensation.

They added that the government had deceitfully and tactically acquired another 200 hectares of land and selling same to their cronies in and outside

the state.

In their letter of protest which was handed to the Emir for onward transmission to the state government, spokesperson of the people of Malete District Toyin Alawaye said: “The people of Malete District of Moro local government in the Ilorin Emirate wish to present this letter of protest to your royal highness, against the illegal acquisition of our farmland by the Bureau of Lands.

“Sir, we have no other source of income other than the farmland which

has been bestowed on us by our forefathers and which your royal highness has equally blessed for us.

“It is to be noted that we had in released a large parcel of land for the establishment of the new Kwara State University as well as the state Mechanised Agricultural Institute, of which no compensation was paid by the state government and we conceded because of the developmental reasons adduced.

“If the proposed acquisition from Elemere spanning to the left covering villages like Okonu, Olokonla,Galli,

Bube, Okete Tuntun, Abeegba, Aladie Ile Oke, Igbo, Ajia up to Gaa Malete and parts of Malaete towns are allowed, then many villagers would be displaced and rendered homeless.

Above all, their economic lives would be paralysed, hence we are seeking for your immediate intervention to avoid violent reaction from the communities.

“We wish to inform you that alternative site has been proposed by the district head, Alhaji Usman Alheri without any compensation so as to avoid displacing the communities.

LONDON OLYMPIC SCHEDULE

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

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IKORODU LOCAL GOVERNMENT IKORODU WEST LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREA

INVITATION TO TENDER Tenders are hereby invited from reputable and qualified Building/Civil Engineering Contractors for the execution of the underlisted Projects: 1.

RENOVATION OF THE COUNCIL SECRETARIAT: - General Landscaping of the Council Secretariat - Renovation of existing offices - Procurement of office Furniture and Fittings - Illumination of the Council Secretariat - Procurement/Installation of Generating Set (MIKANO-200KVA) 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

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10.

CONSTRUCTION OF STAFF CLINIC/CRECHE/MEDICAL LABORATORY. CONSTRUCTION OF MODERN STAFF CANTEEN CONSTRUCTION OF 2 (NOS.) SECURITY POSTS WITHIN THE LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREA HEADQUARTERS CONSTRUCTION OF A LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER CONSTRUCTION OF AN EVENT CENTRE/MULTIPURPOSE HALL CONSTRUCTION OF A BANKING HALL PROCUREMENT OF UTILITY VEHICLES PROCUREMENT OF TWENTY (20) TONS TIPPER PROCUREMENT OF A GRADER.

PUBLIC PROJECTS: 11. EDUCATION RELATED PROJECTS 1.

Rehabilitation of Anglican Primary School at Isawo.

2.

Construction of School Library at Anglican Primary School, Isawo.

3.

Procurement of desks and benches.

4.

Procurement and Installation of Computers.

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5.

6.

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11.

HEALTH RELATED PROJECTS Rehabilitation of existing (3nos) Public Health Centres at Igbo-Olomu, Majidun and OriOkuta.

Construction of One Public Health Centre at Owutu, Agric Procurement of Medical/Laboratory Equipment Purchase of 3nos Ambulances.

CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINS Construction of Concrete Drains in the following areas: - Olu-Odo Community in Ward A - Oliwo-Idikan/Old Ojokoro Rd (Fish Pond) Ward C Rehabilitation of Drains in the following areas: - Dagbolu Street, Idiroko in Ward B - Onafowokan Street in Ward D ROAD CONSTRUCTION Rehabilitation of Roads: - Bode Akinyemi - Aiyegbajeje - Ojokoro New Town - Oju-oro Phase One - Igbo-Olomu

Ward Ward Ward Ward Ward

A B C D E

15. CONSTRUCTION OF CULVERTS (SINGLE/DOUBLE) Construction of Culverts in the following areas: WARD A - Fagbamila/Liberty Rd - Ikot Ekan WARD B - Aiyegbajeje Street - Bello Close, Idiroko WARD C - Solarin Avenue, Ojokoro Road - Sikiru Adenowo Street/Ijale Street - Baale Close WARD D - Shogunwa Junction by Ifelodun - Ifesowapo Street by Believers Road WARD E - Baale Junction, Igbo-Olomu - Nepa Junction, Igbo-Olomu 16.

REHABILITATION OF PALACE AT IPAKODO

17. WATER SUPPLY Provision of Boreholes in each of the 5 Wards: WARD A Tasin Rd - Ipakodo WARD B Majidun Ewenla - Idiroko by Oja WARD C - Owutu - Mechanic Village WARD D - Ori-Okuta - Ajaguro WARD E - Igbo-Olomu - Konu Road Rehabilitation of water supply system at Majidun Awori ENVIRONMENT RELATED PROJECTS Construction of Public Toilets in Each of the Wards: - Majidun - Owutu Bus-Stop - Isawo

- Ipakodo

VITAL INFORMATION I. Payment of a Non-Refundable fee of Twenty Five Thousand Naira Only (N25,000.00) as tender fee which shall be in bank draft in favour of Ikorodu West LCDA. II. Tender documents including Bill of Quantities and Specifications are available at the Works and Housing Department (Council Engineer’s office) at the Council Secretariat, Owutu House, Oja Bus-Stop, Agric, Ikorodu on payment of a non-refundable fee of Fifty Thousand Naira Only (N50,000.00) per contract Job/Project.

III. Tenders must be Waxed, Sealed and Marked “CONFIDENTIAL” indicating the project type.

IV. All tenders must be properly addressed and delivered to the Council Manager at the Council Secretariat in Owutu.

V. Please note that any tender submitted without full compliance with the criteria stipulated in this NOTICE will not be considered. The Council reserves the right to accept or reject late Tender and cannot be obliged to consider favourably any particular Tender.

VI. Submission should be done between the hours of 8.00a.m. and 4.00pm. (Monday-Friday) not later than 2 weeks from the date of this publication.

REQUIREMENTS Interested Contractors/Tenderers are expected to attach the underlisted documents alongside their tender documents.

I. Certificate of Incorporation and Registration II. Company’s Profile III. Evidence of Registration with Lagos State Government and Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area IV. Evidence of Three (3) Years Tax Clearance V. Evidence of Previous Jobs (Capital Projects) done for Government or any reputable Organisation VI. Evidence of payment of Radio and Television License Fee(s) VII. Evidence of VAT Remittance VIII. Copy of Audited Financial Statement IX. Evidence of Performance with Reputable Financial Institution.

Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area is not bound to accept the lowest or highest tender and cannot as well be held accountable for rejecting any tender.

Please note that non adherence to any of the conditions contained in this notice may render the tender invalid.

SIGNED: RUFUS OLUWATOYIN SHOKOYA ESQ COUNCIL MANAGER

A. 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

REHABILITATION/CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD Construction and Asphalt Surfacing of Jacob Shonola Street, Oke-Ira. Construction and Asphalt Surfacing of Lawson Street, Oke-Ira. Construction and Asphalt Surfacing of Bamako Street, Ojodu.

Construction and Asphalt Surfacing of Alhaji Bashiru Street, Ojodu.

Construction and Asphalt Surfacing of Ayodele Ariyo, Oke-Ira.

B. 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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CONSTRUCTION OF REINFORCE CONCRETE DRAINAGES (WITH/WITHOUT COVERS) Ologun Street, Oke – Ira Size .75 x .75 Adeleye Street, Agindinbi Size .6 x .6 Otunla Street, Oke-Ira Size .75 x .75 Iye Street, Aguda Size .75 x .75 Osaye Street, Aguda Size 1m x 1m Irepodun Street, Oke-Ira Size .75 x .75 Dapson Street, Oke-Ira Size .75 x .75 Alhaji Adebimpe Str, Oke-Ira Size .75 x .75 Ayodele Ariyo Street

C. 1.

2.

CONSTRUCTION OF ROAD AND DRAINAGE Otunyelu Street, Oke – Ira Drainage Size 1m x 1m Oluyemi Erinosho Street, Aguda Drainage Size .75 x .75

D. 1.

2.

3.

4.

POWER ENERGY RELATED PROJECT Installation of 500KVA II/0415 KV Transformer at Aguda.

Installation of 500KVA II/0415 KV Transformer at Ayanleye, Oke-Ira. Installation of 500KVA II/0415 KV Transformer at Dipo Abe Street, Ojodu.

Supply of 5.5 KVA Generator Sets.

E. EDUCATION RELATED PROJECT School Furnitures: 1. Supply of Student Desk and Benches for Oke-Ira Primary School.

2. Supply of Student Desk and Benches for Ojodu Primary School.

3. Supply of Teachers Tables and Chairs for Ojodu Primary School.

F. 1.

2.

3.

4.

HEALTH RELATED PROJECT Renovation of Oke – Ira Primary Health Care Centre.

Renovation of Akiode Primary Health Care Centre.

Renovation of Aguda Primary Health Care Centre.

Re-Construction of Gbadamosi Health Care Centre.

G. 1.

THE COUNCIL Furnishing of the Legislative Chamber.

H. 1.

2.

3.

4.

PURCHASE OF VEHICLES Purchase Captiva Chevrolet Vehicle Purchase of Chevrolet Cruize Vehicle.

Purchase of Chevrolet Optra Vehicle.

Purchase of Chevrolet Aveo Vehicles.

REQUIREMENTS Prospective tenders are expected to provide the under listed information and photocopies of the following documents. a. Evidence of Incorporation of Business name with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) b. Three (3) Years Tax Clearance Certificate (Including the current Year). c. Evidence of Registration with Ojodu Local Council Development Area. d. Proof of previous jobs done for Local Government (s) or any other reputable organization. e. Performance bond issue by a Bank. f. Evidence of Financial capability g. Radio and Television License receipt (Current Year). h. Prospective Tenders should pay a non refundable Tender Fee of Twenty Five Thousand Naira (N25, 000) only as application fee to the treasury of Ojodu Local Council Development Area.

The Tender should be wax – sealed and marked in capital at the left corner “TENDER” and should address to :The Secretary, Tender Board Ojodu Local Council Development Area, 1 – 3 Secretariat Road, Power Line, Oke – Ira, Ogba, Lagos.

Please note that any Tender submitted without full compliance with the criteria stipulated in this NOTICE will not considered and that the Council reserved the right to accept or reject and cannot be obliged to consider favourably any particular tender.

The completed tender should be submitted between 8:00am and 4:00pm Monday – Friday not later than Fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice.

The Local Council Development Area is not bound to accept or give reason for rejection of any tender. Any tender received other than in the manner prescribed above will not be entertained or considered.

SIGNED OLAOPIN, G.O (MRS) Council Manager For:- Executive Chairman

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

EDITORIAL

Their dirty linen •It’s a new low for Nigeria as two of her first wives do their laundry in public

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T is indeed unprecedented in the annals of Nigeria that two First Ladies – one serving, and her immediate predecessor – would dispute openly to the point of going to court to seek resolution.

In like manner, it is unknown that Nigeria’s First Ladies would acquire choice parcels of land in the centre of the Federal Capital City in the name of a pet project. It is as well that this matter is coming up now that the country is in the midst of a constitution amendment exercise, as time is ripe to clearly define the roles of wives of presidents and governors in our polity.

Though the matter had been brewing for some time, it came to light last week.

The immediate past First lady, Hajia Turai

‘Apart from the public opprobrium of two first wives quarrelling publicly, numerous disturbing issues arise. First is the role of wives of presidents and governors in the polity.

The time has come to clarify their status and spell out their limits during the tenure of their elected husbands. A code of conduct may well be in order if we do not wish to elevate it to a constitutional affair’

Yar’Adua, wife of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, is currently in an Abuja court over a parcel of land right in the heart of the city. The prime property was said to have been acquired by Mrs Yar’Adua during her time as the First Lady, for the purpose of her pet project, Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation. According to reports, the land was duly allotted to her and she paid the requisite charges. She was also said to have been issued the titles to the land.

However, upon the change of guards when President Goodluck Jonathan mounted the saddle, the land title issued to Mrs Yar’Adua, which she had almost perfected, was revoked and the same property re-allotted to the current First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, for the purpose of building the African First Ladies Peace Centre, the secretariat of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM), which is the current pre-occupation of the incumbent First Lady.

Even though the erstwhile First Lady had gone to court to seek redress and an Abuja High Court had ordered a stay of action, the current lady of power had gone ahead to encroach on the land, turning the sod and moving in equipment for the construction of the high-rise edifice of the AFLPM office.

Apart from the public opprobrium of two first wives quarrelling publicly, numerous disturbing issues arise. First is the role of wives of presidents and governors in the polity. The time has come to clarify their status and spell out their limits during the tenure of their elected husbands.

A code of conduct may well be in order if we do not wish to elevate it to a constitutional affair.

For instance, Mrs Jonathan has caused to be awarded, a N13billion contract for AFLPM secretariat while hundreds of millions of naira must have been expended in hosting the so-called African first ladies on a bogus peace mission.

During the reign of Hajia Yar’Adua, a multi-billion naira cancer centre was initiated for which donations were extracted from contractors, businesses, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and various tiers of government. No centre was built and all the funds had gone with that administration.

One can cite a dozen other examples.

In essence, the office of the First Lady, though not statutory, is sensitive. It is also easily susceptible to high abuse and corruption. There is neither accountability nor transparency in the activities of these women. Notably, these pet projects are often put in trusteeship of the first ladies and the huge assets acquired in the name of the people soon revert to the first ladies when they are out of office. This is not healthy and does not happen in better ordered places.

We urge Mrs Jonathan to purge herself of unbridled power show and impunity; she must obey the law and await the court process. The country under her husband’s watch is in turmoil; it is a time that requires sobriety and not jamborees.

Need we add, that Nigerians also expect the president to call his wife to order.

Necessary voyage “

•We should know the issues behind the Malabu oil field transaction

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RISE to oppose this motion roots, stem and branches. It is my contention that the Senate as the highest law making body in the country cannot be made to go on a voyage of discovery. A motion of this magnitude must contain sufficient facts to determine whether there should be investigation in the first place … Does this oil bloc belong to the Federal Government? The answer is no. The Senate would be seen to be a meddlesome interloper in a problem between private individuals in carrying out this investigation. If we must investigate this matter, then we should investigate the allocation of all oil blocs in this country since 1999”.

That was Senator Heineken Lokpobiri

‘Were the monies realised from the alleged sale paid into the Federation Account? Were these monies disbursed by the agent of the Federal Government? Is it true that the Federal Government agent moved the money from the Federation Account to Keystone Bank? These posers show that the issues at stake may far transcend a mere transaction between private parties as Senator Lokpobiri avers. It may well be that the entire affair is one between private parties. But without the ‘voyage of discovery’, the truth cannot be ascertained’

rather dramatically opposing a motion moved on the floor of the Senate on July 26, to investigate the controversy surrounding the sale of the $1.09 billion OPL 254 oil bloc involving Malabu Oil and Gas Limited and Shell/Agip.

Contrary to Senator Lokpobiri’s view, we believe that this proposed investigation is a most necessary voyage, which is in the best interest of the quest for transparency and integrity in public life, as well as the country’s international image. We thus wholeheartedly support Deputy Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi, who moved the motion for the investigation of the transaction reportedly said to involve the triad of the Federal Government, Shell/Agip and Malabu Oil and Gas, with the Federal Government allegedly selling the oil bloc OPL 245 to Shell/Agip for the sum of $1.092 billion.

Senator Ningi’s reasoning is, in our view, unimpeachable. He argued that the controversy surrounding the transaction raises legal and ethical issues that, if ignored, can further erode the country’s image locally and internationally.

Some of the pertinent issues, which should be investigated for the public to know the actual truth, are: Were the monies realised from the alleged sale paid into the Federation Account? Were these monies disbursed by the agent of the Federal Government? Is it true that the Federal Government agent moved the money from the Federation Account to Keystone Bank? These posers show that the issues at stake may far transcend a mere transaction between private parties as Senator Lokpobiri avers. It may well be that the entire affair is one

between private parties. But without the ‘voyage of discovery’, the truth cannot be ascertained.

Senator Lokpobiri explained to the Senate that the oil blocs in contention were allocated to private individuals, including Malabu Oil and Gas by the General Sani Abacha regime, revoked and reallocated to Shell by the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration, but later ultimately returned to Malabu by the Supreme Court. He can surely make any useful information he has on the matter available to the investigating committee. But it is disingenuous of him to claim that investigating this contentious oil bloc will necessitate doing the same for all oil bloc allocations since 1999. Why investigate allocations on which there are no controversial issues?

Again, as Senator Ningi rightly pointed out, turning a blind eye to the weighty issues raised with regard to this oil bloc will have serious negative implications for Nigeria as a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which could take appropriate sanctions against the country. We thus commend the Senate for resolving to investigate the issues involved.

Senate President David Mark’s poser is pertinent: “I know close to nothing about oil bloc and what I want to ask is whether there is anything wrong with Senate committee investigating these facts and bringing them to us”. We don’t think so. But we do not want to have another Lawan/Otedola saga on our hands!

The long, uphill battle against AIDS

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HE international AIDS conference in Washington has already made two points clear. There is no prospect that scientists will any time soon find the ultimate solutions to the AIDS epidemic, namely a vaccine that would prevent infection with the AIDS virus or a “cure” for people already infected with the virus. Even so, health care leaders already have many tools that have been shown in rigorous trials to prevent transmission of the virus, making it feasible to talk of controlling the epidemic within the foreseeable future.

The only question is whether the nations of the world are willing to put up enough money and make the effort to do it.

An estimated 34.2 million people around the world are currently infected with H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS. According to the United Nations agency that tracks the disease, some 23.5 million of these live in sub-Saharan Africa and another 4.2 million in India and Southeast Asia. About 1.1 million live in the United States.

This conference is the first in more than two decades to be held in the United States. It became possible only when a benighted policy that prohibited entry visas for people suffering from AIDS or infected with H.I.V. was finally overturned in 2009. It was “a bad policy, based on faulty science, that ran contrary to America’s deepest values,” Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of health and human services, told the conference.

There has been optimistic talk at the conference about accelerating the search for a “cure” that would allow people to eventually stop taking the drugs that have prolonged many lives for decades — and about developing a truly effective vaccine. But Dr. Anthony Fauci, the American government’s top AIDS expert, made clear just how difficult those tasks will be. He told the conference that a cure was “way upstream” and depends on future research breakthroughs, and he called the most successful vaccine trial to date “humbling” because it showed only a modest degree of efficacy.

Instead of waiting for these future possibilities, Dr. Fauci and other health leaders are proposing the broad adoption of other available tools to reduce the spread of the virus so as to produce an “AIDS-free generation,” a goal enunciated last year by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. In her talk at the conference this week, Mrs. Clinton anticipated a time when virtually no child anywhere would be born with the virus, teenagers and young adults would have much less risk of becoming infected and those that do become infected would have access to treatments to prevent them from developing full-fledged AIDS or passing the virus on to others.

She cited the importance of condoms, counseling and testing; voluntary circumcision to protect males from becoming infected by a female partner; treating mothers to prevent transmission to their babies; and treating infected people with antiviral drugs as early as possible to enhance their own health and lessen the likelihood they will spread the virus to others. Studies also show that people at high risk of infection can protect themselves by taking an antiviral pill daily.

All that will take money. There is a widespread misconception that donors from well-heeled international organizations, rich countries and charitable foundations are the main source of money to combat the global epidemic. The share provided by international donors has, in fact, stagnated while the share provided by lowand middle-income countries to fight the epidemic on their own turf has been growing rapidly. Last year, the poorer countries invested $8.6 billion of their own money while international financing remained at $8.2 billion, the 2008 level, according to a report from the United Nations AIDS agency. Both groups will need to expand their contributions to meet ambitious treatment and prevention goals set for coming years.

Mrs. Clinton announced additional financing for AIDS programs, but perhaps her most important pledge was that the United States will issue a blueprint by Dec. 1 setting forth a road map for how to achieve an AIDS-free generation. To be effective, it will need to set priorities and define specific health outcomes and coverage targets and require detailed annual reports on the progress being made. It is unacceptable that millions of people sick enough to need treatment are not getting it.

– New York Times

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: It is a pity that the so-called ethno-religious conflicts that have bedeviled the northern states, for nearly two decades today and on which the affected states and the Federal Government have so far refused to take decisive punitive actions, are now threatening to engulf the entire country. Whether by design or accident, the “Boko Haram” insurgency which is increasingly proving to be championed by both Muslim and Christian elements, as many of the arrests have proven, is now used as the launching pad for catapulting Nigeria into the orbit of full-blown pseudo-religious conflict.

Beginning from the early 1980s such pseudo-religious movements with Islamic colouration started with the Maitatsine saga in Kano which quickly spread like wild fire to Kaduna, Borno and then Gongola states, devouring large number of mainstream Muslims who were dismissed as unbelievers by MuhammaduMarwa (Maitatsine), the founder of the movement. Since

Ghana’s Johns: What is in a name?

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IR: Our anglophone and progressive West African neighbour - Ghana has been ruled by “JOHNs” in the last 20 years. First was former president John Jerry Rawlings who ruled the nation for eight years. He was succeeded by former president John (again!) Kuffour who was also in office for eight years.

Then came late President John (and again!) Atta-Mills who died in office last week.

Late Prof. Atta-Mills’ Vice – President, John (and again!)

Dramani Mahama has been sworn in as president. That makes four “JOHNs” in a row!

One must give kudos to Ghana’s politicians for the seamless transfer of power to the new President without recourse to the use of doctrines outside their constitution.

Nigeria should swallow the humble pie and learn the right lessons from the progress Ghana is making in all aspects of her people’s life.

• Seni Salako, Ikorodu

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Ethno-religious settlements and national security then the country has witnessed the emergence of various sects claiming Islamic orthodoxy, the current Boko Haram reigning supreme.

It is pertinent to recall that but for the quick intervention about two years ago by the Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, in the development of a veritable religious settlement somewhere near Mokwa in Niger State, this country might have witnessed something worse than Boko Haram. The forceful dispersal of that settlement with 3000 sectarian inhabitants saved the state and even the Federal Capital Territory next door of the possibility of being the epicenter of faithbased armed insurgency which, unlike Boko Haram, would have had a territorial stronghold.

Unfortunately, the governors of Kaduna State from Makarfi to Yakowa have been slow to appreciate the long-term consequences of

the development of what are becoming exclusively religious settlements right under their noses. This process started way back in 2002 as a result of the so-called ethno-religious conflict in the state. Many Christian inhabitants, especially from the southern part of the state, moved to Kaduna South. Settlements like Rigasa and Tudun Wada were vacated by Christians and they have virtually become exclusively Muslim enclaves. This led to the emergence of Sabon Tasha, Abuja Junction and Gonin Gora as principally and exclusively Christian enclaves.

Apparently, the Kaduna State government negelcted to intervene to make sure that the warring factions were reconciled and refugees returned to their homes. Now this situation has instilled what is now clearly a permanent enmity between the Christian elements of not

only Kaduna metropolis and their Muslim compatriots but similar divide is also presently defining the relationship between all Muslims and all Christians in Kaduna State and even beyond. So much so that whenever any socio-political crisis erupts under the guise of religion, the new settlements established by the Muslim and Christian elements at places like Rigasa, Gonin Gora, Marraban Rido, Sabon Tasha, Abuja Junction and all other settlement dominated by a particular religion, automatically become killing fields for any innocent Muslim or Christian who happen to be in that vicinity as a traveller passing through, businessman in the area or lives there as a minority.

Recently after the unfortunate attack on churches in Zaria and Kaduna, the criminals, disguising as Christian militia killed several people and burnt vehicles leading

to other senseless reprisal attacks on Christians by hooligans and criminals disguising as Muslim militia in Kawo and other areas of Kaduna.

This trend is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue in Kaduna State and even in other states in the north like in Jos Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe, just to mention a few.

To achieve true reconciliation and security, the governments at all levels must not allow its citizens to live according to their ethnic groups or religion. We must continue to live with one another in peace as admonished by the faiths that we claim to follow. People must be allowed to live anywhere they wish to live as citizens and as human beings. It is only the government that can ensure that either such settlements are dismantled or be made to accommodate all in other to balance the situation to foster reconciliation, brotherhood and security. We cannot build a united and peaceful country in a situation where ethno-religious nationalism are encouraged by government even in the manner our settlements are patterned.

• Dr. Muhammad Kabir Aliyu ASUU Chairman, ABU Zaria.

Ogun LG polls: The flowering of democracy

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IR: On Saturday, July 21, the much-anticipated local government elections took place in Ogun State.

Contrary to reports and insinuations in some quarters, the elections went peacefully in a free and fair atmosphere to the admiration of the good people of Ogun State and independent observers who came to monitor the polls.

The Coalition of accredited Civil Society Organisations for Ogun State Local Government Elections gave the exercise thumbs up at a press conference in the following words: “That we inspected sensitive and non-sensitive election materials at the OGSIEC Headquarters before they were dispatched to various Local Government Areas.

“That the electoral law and due process were adequately adhered to, especially in the accreditation, voting, counting and announcement of results.

“We observed that different political parties, which included the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), keenly participated in the elections...”

Nine of the political parties which fielded candidates in the elections, under the umbrella of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), also addressed a press conference where they commended the state government for giving OGSIEC free hands to operate.

The report of the observers merely corroborated the views of the good people of Ogun State across the local councils where elections took place.

It is not out of place to have some hitches on the day of elections in a young ‘electoral democracy’ like Nigeria. For instance, the issue of missing names on the voter register has been with us since the return of

civil rule in 1999; we are yet to produce an error free voter register.

Complaints relating to missing names in the register ought to have been overcome by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) since state electoral bodies such as the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) rely on the voter register provided by the national body to conduct elections.

I believe the new INEC headed by the highly respected Prof Attahiru Jega will do something urgently to sanitise the voter register.

Judging by our past experiences in Nigeria, the turn-out of voters at the polls, in my own view, can be improved upon as governments across the federation provide an enabling environment for credible elections and also deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

Just as Senator Amosun observed during the polls, “This is the very

first time we are conducting local government elections in a free and fair atmosphere since 1999. The last exercise under the previous administration was so marred by malpractices and an atmosphere of fear, terror and intimidation such that opposition parties had to boycott the polls. So we are having under the current administration free and fair polls with every party participating.”

The elected chairmen and councillors should now settle down to deliver on their promises to the electorate.

As the governor said during the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, they should immediately hit the ground running, as they have become trustees of the people’s mandate.

• Funmi Wakama Abeokuta, Ogun State

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

COMMENTS

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acknowledged the joke of his HE call came through. But there election. Then, as his life was nothing to presage its omiebbed away, an Abuja cabal did nous message. great constitutional evil in the “I hear the Ghana president just died. poor Yar’adua’s name; all in a Can you try to confirm?” bid to keep Goodluck Jonathan It was Tuesday July 24, at about 4pm; from the presidency. When he around Atomic Down, a suburb of Accra eventually died, there was too Ghana, that hosts the Ghana Atomic much bitterness and rancour Energy Commission, around North Olakunle for a unanimous collapse in Legon, en route to Aburi. Scholars of lordbeek@yahoo.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola grief; though most acknowlNigerian contemporary history would edged his gentle and aristoremember Aburi. Aburi, it was, where cratic soul; but also rebuked last-ditch attempts at peace to avert the his moral cowardice for allowNigerian Civil War (1967-1970) flouning himself to be pressed into dered; and the inevitable march to war an office he knew his frail started.

When Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s most repressive maximum ruler health could not cope with.

“Terrible news,” I told my host, Mrs Gladys Asante, who and ace-thief to the bargain died, given the humongous tale of works with Ghana Television (GTV), the television arm of The late Ghana President, John Atta Mills, also suffered some sleaze that dogged his memory, it was far from unanimous moral cowardice, if not by seeking and winning the presithe Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). “I hear the grief. In fact, it was open rejoicing in the streets of Lagos, with dency in 2008, but by seeking a second term in 2012, knowing president is dead!” people in delirious back-slapping, vigorous hand-pumping and full well, like Nigeria’s Yar’adua, the rigour of the office was Gladys’ jaw fell; and gloom flickered across her shiny gaily screams of “divine intervention!”, “divine intervention!”; giving his health a fatal pounding. Like Yar’adua, he probblack face, robbing it of its trademark sheen. in joyous reference to Gen. Abacha’s sudden expiry.

“Was he ill?” I asked. ably was also captive to some power lobby, determined to To be sure, the celebration was by no means unanimous, as to milk his presidency – his health be damned! – for their own “As to that,” she replied, trying to put herself together, be expected in a country plagued by moral federalism and the ultra-selfish benefit. That was regrettable. but her face still a collage of shock, gloom and fear, laced resultant moral relativity, even when faced with the most outwith phantom hope-against-hope that the news would be But President Mills came to the fray with a clean election rageous conducts in public office. Till this day, a Sani Abacha that further deepened democracy in Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana, false. “He has not been that fine, from what we hear. But Stadium stands in Kano, his home place, in his name and going to the dogs before Jerry John Rawlings gave it a second the government and the party people kept telling us he was memory. fine. Maybe it is another rumour of his death.” life. In office and in power, President Mills respected his high Still, even among the most ardent of Abacha’s friends, it was office and honoured his people. He worked hard at his high “Has he been rumoured dead before?” I asked, both of us near-unanimous that Abacha, like the thief in Chinua Achebe’s still careful not to refer to the late Ghana President, John office and never wielded power without the requisite responnovel, A Man of the People, stole too much for the owner not to sibility. He remained a true father of the nation by exercising Evans Atta Mills, in the past tense. notice. Aside from the sleaze mentioned with his name, he humility, modesty and honesty, the classical avuncular elder “Yes. But each time, we found it was a rumour. The last conspired to usurp Moshood Abiola’s presidental mandate of next door. time he was going to America for medical check-up, he was 12 June 1993, mowed down those who had the temerity to even skipping on the tarmac, like a happy calf, just to show Neither did he or his spouse, Ernestina Nadu Mills, generprotest the injustice on Lagos streets and to boot, flung MKO ate needless scandals by receiving dubious government posihe was quite fine.” into the gulag and threw away the key – and still claimed to be tions in the president’s native Western Region, or dissipating Gladys was on her handset making frantic calls to her a “Nigerian leader”. On top of all these, he purported to trans- Ghana’s scare foreign exchange on a jamboree of African First GBC office, but no dice. Nobody was picking their calls. mute from military maximum ruler to an “elected” president Ladies of even more dubious value! What is more? When he So, I put a call across to Divine Dzegbla, a Ghanaian friend of Nigeria. This brazen chain of injustices bred the anti-Abacha died, Ghana rose as one to mourn the fall of a true Ghana who could pass for honorary Nigerian. As a matter of fact, resistance, especially in MKO’s native South West, that led to patriot and a rare African leader that chose not to be the usual in Ghana, his friends and admirers call him ‘Igwe’, to unmass rejoicing at his sudden death. derscore his Nigerian connection. Divine, when not in African Big Man, as the Economist of London dubs those irreUmaru Musa Yar’adua’s death in office came with the bag- sponsible African leaders that, unfortunately, are in the maGhana, is very much a Lagos boy. In Ghana, he is close to gage of the worst election in Nigerian history, with a selectorate jority. the presidency, and top shots of the National Democratic cabal violently shunting aside the Nigerian electorate. That Congress (NDC), the party Jerry John Rawlings founded, President Mills despite the institutional flaws that allowed was the height of civil violence, and the late Yar’adua himself him to gamble with his health for office, imposed his tradeand the current ruling party.

“Divine,” I asked, “what’s happening to the president?” mark integrity on an evolving democratic polity because he But even before the question was completed, Divine had sound education (he earned his PhD in Law at 27) and ‘President Mills, despite the institutional blurted out, half-crying, half-speaking: “It is true. The news crowned his academic exploits with a professorship. More flaws that allowed him to gamble with his is true. I will speak to you later. I will speak to you later.” importantly, he boasted even sounder character. health for office, imposed his trademark inAnd the line went dead.

Brilliance without character, aside from outright mediocAnd so, the president died. And the nation mourned – rity even from people who claim high paper qualifications, is tegrity on an evolving democratic polity bemourning, as a people united in grief, the passage of the the bane of the Nigerian crisis. cause he had sound education and even father of the nation.

When will Nigeria produce such leadership, made of men sounder character.’

That triggered some flashback in the Nigerian’s mind. and women sound in learning and even sounder in character?

epublican ipples

And the president died

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FTER going through the 84-page House of Representatives report of the Ibrahim El Sudi-led ad hoc committee on the investigation into the near collapse of the Nigerian capital market at the weekend, I couldn’t resist the conclusion that the capital market would remain in a limbo for years to come. This time, courtesy of the lower House, another opportunity to identify the forces behind the plunging of the market into the crisis has been blown!

Part of the reality show is the situation in which the capital market is now synonymous with names like Herman Hembe, Ibrahim El Sudi and Arunma Oteh. It is unfortunate that a House that set out to identify where the rains began to beat the market and to fish out those who plunged it into the crisis would be caught wandering in the woodlands of its own self-imposed confusion. Not even our traditional aversion to rigour, or even the complex workings of the virtual economy described as the capital market would suffice to explain the virtual abdication by a committee on which the nation had pinned its hope for possible recovery of the once vivacious capital market.

I need to explain. Most Nigerians are of course familiar with the story. In March 2008, our capital market peaked at N13.5 trillion. It was the height of the bubble economy in which just every Tom and Dick of a registered company freely issued and traded in shares. In the free-for-all environment of endless IPO’s, courtesy of Soludo’s banking consolidation, the nation’s lenders would come to commandeer some 65 percent of the entire capital market.

Ten months later, that is, in January 2009, the market would tank to an all-time low of N4.6 trillion. Since then, it has been hell for the market not least the operators. By August 2009, 10 banks had gone under the CBN regulatory hammer – three in fact came in for nationalisation later in August 2011. Today, the market capitalisation struggles around the N6 trillion mark.

The story of how operators in the financial services sector broke every known rule in the book, how they helped themselves via dubious avenues of insider trading, the emergence of financial in-breeding described as margin-lending, the manipulation of stocks and other infractions seems a long way yet from being documented and punished. That was the task the House claimed it set for itself – at least that was the general understanding of the so-called probe of the near collapse of the capital market.

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

The undertakers Had the House Committee been well guided in the assignment, it would probably have avoided the pitfalls which came via its astonishing wild goose chase in the absence of capacity and direction. For instance, it seems to me as odd that Arunma Oteh, the SEC Director-General appointed in January 2010 became the issue as against being merely symptom of the same pathology of wholesale regression of the capital market institution that became noticeable nearly a year before.

Now, I need to make the point about the rather rancorous tenure of Oteh as helmsman of SEC. I guess there is a world of difference between her touted qualifications for the top job, her stewardship since she took charge of affairs at SEC and the unholy design to hang her for the collapse of the market.

Sure, qualification is important. That obviously explains the pride of reference made to it in the enabling Investment Act 2007. In her particular circumstance, the House seems more than convinced that she lacked the cognate experience at the time of her appointment. That seems understandable enough.

Unfortunately, like those high-minded reformer-types, her management style, reeking of messianic overdose does not seem to have endeared her to staff and executive management of SEC, a fact that would readily explain why only Project 50 – and nothing else – seems to have moved for the forlorn commission. The latter point would seem to me the best argument to be made by those pushing for her disengagement. Blaming her for the widespread infractions which predated her appointment in 2010 obviously takes oversight to new limits. It is clearly baseless.

That takes us to the body of the recommendation by the House. How far did the House go to unmask those behind the margin loans that plunged the financial services in-

dustry into ruins? Are citizens now better informed about the circumstances behind the exit of the foreign portfolio investors with their haul of $15 billion? How did they do it in the first place? What lessons are there to be learnt?

What about the widespread malfeasances of the era? Why was it so easy for the operators to jettison extant financial controls? What happened to those who broke the law? Is it true that the same sets of people are behind the clamour for the bailout of the capital market? Can we now reasonably say ‘Never Again’ to the widespread abuses of the era?

Those were the questions agitating the minds of Nigerians and for which they looked up to the House for answers. The House unfortunately failed to supply the answers in their 84-page report. Aplenty was shadow-boxing in the figurative manner of chasing after the wind.

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) which came after the crisis in 2010 to clean up banks’ toxic assets came in for a meaningless censure.

For not being able to penetrate its impervious walls for a good snap of the misdeeds of the era, the House considers Sanusi Lamido Sanusi’s CBN of deserving a bareknuckle knock.

These, we are told for the sins of institutional arrogance.

It was said that the CBN Governor would neither cooperate nor would AMCON let the House into their operating manuals. Did the House at any point pretend to know what it was looking for? One needed to see what came by as memoranda and the House’ subsequent treatment of same to get the meat of the latter point.

If the distracting drama is what progress is all about, the House may have a lot to be excited about. Not so for the throng of hapless investors seduced into the Casino of 2008. The wounds seem fresh as ever. And they talk about confidence returning to the market soon.

‘If the distracting drama is what progress is all about, the House may have a lot to be excited about. Not so for the throng of hapless investors seduced into the Casino of 2008.

The wounds seem fresh as ever. And they talk about confidence returning to the market soon’

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

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COMMENTS

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OOD news is hard to come by in Nigeria nowadays. Even the coming of the London Olympics is not brightening up things as Team Nigeria has given us little to be happy about.

The dominant news in the country for a long time now has been insecurity here and there.

Boko Haram, armed robbers. Boko Haram, armed robbers. I am sure you know what I am talking about. The kidnappers have suddenly re-emerged and this time in Lagos, taking away renown broadcast journalist and presenter of popular Ramadan programme on television, Abdulrazak Gawat. It’s about one month now and the man has not been seen neither have we heard from his abductors.

The north has for some time now been subjected to incessant terrorist attacks by Boko Haram suicide bombers and gunmen attacking every target that catches their fancy. The north east has been the worst hit. Now the terrorists are targeting the northwest especially Sokoto, the seat of the Caliphate.

Plateau state in the Middle Belt has been witnessing its own brand of terrorism as a pseudo religious war between the Hausa/ Fulani elements in Jos and environs and the Berom people in the same locality has been going on for some time now and has claimed thousands of lives including a serving senator who was killed by yet to be identified gunmen as he attended the mass burial of victims of an earlier killing.

Why and how the terrorists have not found their way to the south only God knows, and while nobody here prays for that, the fear is real that it could happen here also. But in their absence, their cousins, the armed robbers and lately, kidnappers have been terrorizing the south. It no longer surprises any one here again to hear commercial banks closing shops indefinitely on account of armed robbery attacks. Transporters, especially luxury bus operators are reconsidering their night time operations after coming under repeated armed robbery attacks. Day time travels are not totally safe as well. The robbers are being assisted indirectly by the federal government that has left the bulk of its road network in bad shape, thereby forcing motorists to slow down unnecessarily and in the process making them easy prey for these men of the underworld who are always lurking around

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HE question of ethics and morality raised recently by Rev Chris Okotie of FRESH party is a timely reminder of an incident that rocked the German political scene few months back. The immediate past President of Germany resigned over a housing loan scandal involving his wife. The President was not found culpable neither was he directly involved, but the high ethical standard of German politics demanded that he leaves office because of the huge moral burden he carried.

Although under the German constitution, executive powers reside in the Chancellor, the Presidency, being largely ceremonial, it was generally felt that an improper transaction involving the President’s wife had weakened the moral authority of his exalted office. So he had to leave.

Representative democracy cannot be divorced from the ethics and tradition of transparency that govern it. In Nigeria, that is not the case. A serving Senator was fingered by the violent Boko Haram sect as one of its sponsors. He was briefly detained and released on bail, even though the treasonable offence of levying war

“The problem started when at the end of the military interregnum, those who fought for June 12 that birthed the present republic were effectively shut out of power by the retreating military who conspired to make their cronies succeed them in order to cover their tracks”

State Police as an option these bad spots.

In the face of all this is a hapless and helpless Nigeria Police Force, numbering less than one million to a population of over 150 million people.

The Nigeria Police Force whose responsibility is to provide internal security, prevent crimes from being committed and arrest and present criminals for punishment by the courts is so unfortunate that it cannot even protect its personnel. Police officers and men have become meat to Boko Haram, armed robbers and their likes. Save for harassing and extorting innocent and at times unfortunate citizens, the Police have failed miserably in all the tasks assigned to them. Their failure to tackle drug trafficking and the likes led to the creation of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Ordinary road traffic matters they couldn’t handle well, and so came the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). There is Civil Defence Corps, so also an organization in charge of preventing human and child trafficking. So what is left for our federal police, simple policing, provision of internal security, yet they couldn’t do it very well?

So, what do we do?

If the federal police can not do it; cannot guarantee our security, why can’t the states take up the challenge, after all each state governor is responsible for the security of the people under his jurisdiction as the chief security officer of his state. Why can’t each state have its own separate police force, equipped and funded by and responsible to the state government?

As the National Assembly prepares for yet another amendment to the 1999 constitution, the issue of state police has once again come

up and no less a personality than the president of the Senate, senator David Mark, his deputy Ike Ekweremadu have called for its inclusion in the constitution. Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state has equally voiced support for state police. And it is easy to know why they are calling for this. One does not need to go far to find out why, some of the reasons I have stated above.

Surprisingly, however, those that ordinarily should support the entrenchment of state police in the constitution have come out strongly against the idea. The Northern Governors Forum said recently that it is opposed to state police expressing support instead for a strong federal police. For a region tormented by terrorists even in the face of federal police and military might, its leaders saying no to state police looks suicidal.

Apart from the fact that it is an aberration to have just one unified police force in a federation of different ethnic groups, cultures and religions, it is commonsense to know that a single Nigeria Police Force can no longer serve the interest of Nigerians and Nigerian effectively. In no other federation, anywhere in the world apart from here, do we have this kind of arrangement. The US after which our presidential system was fashioned doesn’t operate a unified police system. Why can’t we go the whole hog and copy all the good things from the American system. Why is it ok to have an executive president and governors second only to God Almighty, in terms of the powers that they wield, but not a system that would guarantee the security of the people?

Yes, we need a stronger, better, well trained

Democracy without ethics and morals

By Taiwo Gidado against the republic hanging on his head has not been cleared. He is back in the senate, carrying on as if nothing serious has happened!

A former governor, now a serving senator has been indicted for spending more than one billion naira to print some few thousand or so copies of dictionaries for his impoverished state. The guy is there in the hallowed chamber of the Senate with other colleagues.

The honourable thing to do now for the two respected chieftains of the PDP whose sons are currently facing trial over the fuel subsidy scam is to resign. That is the best way PDP Chairman, Bamanga Tukur and Dr. Ahmadu Ali, a former chairman of the same party, whose sons are on trial in this fraud scheme can restore honour to the polity. Mr. Ali should simply opt out of the race for the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP in which he is seen as a front runner.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, not known for idle talk but famous, in fact, for his frankness, recently lamented openly that most of our present crop of legislators are not fit to be lawmakers. In a decent society, most of these lawmakers would, actually be behind bars.

Such is the sorry state of our democracy.

According to Rev Okotie, “The problem started when at the end of the military interregnum, those who fought for June 12 that birthed the present republic were effectively shut out of power by the retreat-

ing military who conspired to make their cronies succeed them in order to cover their tracks”. He argued that the beneficiaries of our hard earned democracy inherited power without actually fighting for it. “They got it so easy, with little struggle.”

Many have argued that those soldiers who worked to truncate M.K.O Abiola’s mandate are now in civilian garb, presiding over the key structures of our present democracy. Little wonder, the ruling PDP has the largest concentration of ex-generals than any other party.

This is why corruption seems to be in the DNA of our politicians. They have simply inherited the pervasive corruption, cronyism, nepotism and the tokenism that were the hallmarks of the discredited military era. One could see the source of the junta mentality of our executive office holders at all levels of governance. Our politicians have no moral scruples. They’ve no moral conscience; even when indicted in courts of law or by recognized legal entities, they feel no shame.

A former Governor of Bayelsa state who recently returned from jail over corruption was seen in the entourage of President Goodluck Jonathan at a public function.

What message is the President passing across? In a more sensitive political climate, this kind of association could create a serious image problem for the President.

But our politicians are birds of the same feathers. We, however, expect our President to support the campaign for clean

and well equipped Nigeria Police, but it still can not be a substitute for a local police in each state, in even each local government.

There is a saying that no matter how big and wide the eyes of the visitor are they cannot see as clearly as those of the host/local. The locals know their terrain, the culture and the people and are better placed to provide security in their area. After all what the Nigeria Police can not do the vigilance groups, composed of locals are doing in terms of effective security in their areas.

Apart from provision of employment for the locals, the community would also have a stake in their security if their sons and daughters are the ones in charge. The argument that state police could be abused by governors is neither here nor there. Is the federal government not guilty of the same accusation now?

In any case the state police would be set up by law, subject to interpretation by the courts.

Any abuse can always be rectified or redressed by the judiciary up to the Supreme Court.

Well, those who want state police should be allowed by the constitution to have it, while those who don’t want it should just ignore the constitutional provision that allows state police. It won’t be compulsory for them to have it. But I am sure one day they will like it and even need it and if it is not in the constitution now, they won’t have it then, and that time it might be too late for them to cry.

‘As the National Assembly prepares for yet another amendment to the 1999 constitution, the issue of state police has once again come up and no less a personality than the president of the Senate, senator David Mark, his deputy Ike Ekweremadu have called for its inclusion in the constitution’ politics.

Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw said that good people will make good laws. How many good people do we have in office today is a question begging for answers. Which good leader would allow his wards to get involved in transactions that question their integrity or cast them in bad light? By their fruits you shall know them, the Holy Bible said. No good tree produces bad fruits. We’ve seen enough of the horrifying cases of corruption involving generations of politicians and their children in this country.

We had thought that the emergence of Dr. Jonathan as President last year is the beginning of a shifting paradigm in our polity. But what we have witnessed so far is a disappointing romance with tired, old leaders who have nothing to offer a nation that is facing serious challenges on all fronts.

• Gidado, a public affairs analyst wrote from Lagos

‘We had thought that the emergence of Dr. Jonathan as President last year is the beginning of a shifting paradigm in our polity. But what we have witnessed so far is a disappointing romance with tired, old leaders who have nothing to offer a nation that is facing serious challenges on all fronts’

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

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AVIATION

Minister: how we spent $60m BASA funds M

INISTER of Aviation Princess Stella Oduah has given clarification on how the $60 million Bilateral Air Services Agreement ( BASA) was spent. She affirmed that the funds have been deployed to fix critical airport infrastructure, under the transformational agenda of the government tagged “Airport Remodelling.”

Oduah said the clarification has become imperative against the backdrop of the need to carry the public along on how the funds are being utilised.

Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

She said before the Ministry of Aviation went ahead to utilise the funds it had secured statutory approvals from the Presidency and the National Assembly.

The minister, who spoke through her media assistant, Mr Joe Obi, explained that the BASA funds were neither missing or utilised without approvals, but affirmed that the funds have since received due process certification to enable the Ministry attend to the obvious decay in airport

infrastructure and other operational unds, which stands at $74 million, about (N7.5 billion), last year is being accessed by the ministry, as a follow up to an earlier request by the former Minister of Aviation, Mrs Akuabuta Njeze, from the funds for the rehabilitation of infrastructure at the nation’s airports in line with the Civil Aviation Act of 2006.

Princess Oduah said the former minister, however, could not access the funds, before leaving office.

She said: “Worried by the scale of infrastructure deficit at the air-

ports, we initiated fresh processes to access the already approved $60 million from the BASA fund to form part of the resources required to execute the remodelling of 11 airports in the first phase.”

All relevant approvals from the Presidency and the National Assembly were obtained to access and utilise the fund to address the huge infrastructure challenge in the sector. Reconstruction work at the 11 airports is over 90 per cent completed and due for inauguration soon.

“ Stashing BASA funds in the banks when critical infrastructure challenges require immediate and urgent redress serves no one any useful purpose, not the nation’s aviation sector.

“It will even amount to official irresponsibility and abdication of leadership when considered against the backdrop that BASA fund, according to the 2006 civil aviation act is intended to be deplored for the development of infrastructure and civil aviation in the country.”

Aero to begin third party aircraft maintenance

A

ERO Airlines has concluded plans to commence comprehensive maintenance checks on aircraft of other carriers, the Managing Director of the airline, Captain Akin George has said.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in 2011 approved Aero as an Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) for: “A” and “B” checks on Boeing airplanes, various levels of checks on other airplanes, boroscope, wheels and brakes , which include assembly, overhaul, replacement, air frames, and avionics and battery cap check and overhaul. “C” checks on Boeing by the airline which will commence soon.

With the certification of Aero as an AMO, Aero, intends to expand its existing hangar to enable it meet the requirements of aircraft maintenance work including third party work, service the West African subregion market for third party maintenance work, provide employment opportunities, training and staff enhancement programmes for employees.

George said: “A lot has been said about carrying out “C” and “D”

checks abroad. The expected savings anticipated from doing the checks in Nigeria are quite little due to the taxation policy.

“Nigeria has relatively high import duties on aircraft parts. Airlines typically fly their aircraft to, say, Turkey to have them serviced and relevant parts replaced. Once that aircraft flies back to Nigeria, the new parts are not subject to import duties as they are already installed on the plane. This puts any Nigerian maintenance provider in a big disadvantage against foreign players.

“A Nigerian maintenance provider would need to import all spares used in maintenance and thus incur the import duties that those maintaining their aircraft abroad avoid completely.

“The resolution to this issue can be either that spares imported as installed on a plane are subject to import duty, or that Nigerian maintenance businesses would get import duty relief. If Nigeria ever wants aircraft maintenance business to develop in Nigeria, it needs to create a level playing field between domestic and foreign operations. Right

•From left: General Manager, Head of Flight Operations, Captain Patrick Agbonlahor and Aero Base Manager, Captain Dayo Awarun addressing journalists at the Aero maintenance facility press tour in Port Harcourt.

now, Nigeria is subsidizing maintenance businesses abroad and as a result is not allowing the same business to develop in Nigeria.”

Also, Aero is taking delivery of Boeing 737-400 and -700, including the Dash 8-Q400 new generation aircraft commencing from next month,

as part of its fleet renewal programme.

The new generation aircraft are expected to assist the airline in its expansion programme, and add new destinations and offer greater customer service and comfort.

“Aero adheres strictly to the main-

tenance schedule of our aircraft as prescribed by the manufacturers and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority {NCAA}. We are audited at least four times a year by the NCAA and three of our top customers who engage aviation inspectors from Europe and the US.

ICAO, NCAA, others seek ways to create lucrative airlines

T

HE International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), African Civil Aviation Commission, International Air Transport Association ( IATA) and Nigeria Civil Aviation Organisation are working on a template that will bring about technically fit and financial sound carriers in Nigeria before the end of 2015.

The arrangenent, according to investigations was triggered through a disress invitation by Nigerian authorities as a fall out of the DANA Air crash of June 3, which appears to have exposed the underbelly of

the civil aviation regulation in Nigeria.

According to sources, the invitation to the international bodies comes on the heels of sloppy regulation by the NCAA, which seems to have failed to carry out effective economic regulation of the existing carriers.

The NCAA, investigations revealed, has failed to impress it on carriers to adhere strictly to their maintenance schedule for their aircraft, following the window of deffered maintanance, which appeared to have been abused by the

operators.

To ahieve the new template, Nigeria has called on IATA to assist it in effecting the certification of its carriers for the mandatory International Safety Operations Audit ( IOSA) before the end of 2015.

The IOSA audit is the benchmark for technical and financial safety for most carriers across the globe.

A few carriers in Nigeria including suspended Air Nigeria have completed the IOSA audit, even as it is the only carrier from Nigeria listed on the IATA registry.

Other carriers that have made ef-

forts to scale the IOSA audit include Arik Air, which is inching towards the international safety benchmark.

IRS Airlines, Associated Aviation have domenstrated interest to embrace the IOSA audit.

The director in charge of Air Navigation Bureau at ICAO, Ms Nancy Graham said plans have reached an advanced stage under the status for safety in Africa by ICAO to ensure there is relative improvement on the safety status of African carriers including airlines from Nigeria.

The ICAO official said the global body insists that governments in Africa must ensure as a delibrate policy that there is the establishment of civil aviation authorities with full autonomy and sustainable sources of funding.

Other steps to be taken, she said to bring about financially sound and technically safe carriers in Nigeria is a template required by airlines and other service providers to put in place a safety management system by 2015, even as all international aerodromes must be certified for

audit by 2015, in addition to a plan to ensure that all African carriers meet up with the IOSA audit by 2015.

She said: ”Nigeria like other countries in Africa must implement effective and independent regulatory oversight. They must establish civil aviation authorities with full autonomy, powers and independence, sustainable sources of funding and resources to carry out effective safety oversight and regulation of the industry by the end of Dec 2013. They must also ensure that they establish timelines and provide resources for implementation for ICAO/State Plans of Action by July 2013.”

She said: “ICAO’s role is to act as a “mirror” to the states and regions in terms of aviation safety. However, ICAO is only a part of the picture (regulatory). Work is underway with several partner organisations to provide a more holistic view of civil aviation. There is already work being done with IATA airlines to share information. Safety initiatives are also being taken to identify, monitor and address safety issues.”

Qatar boss gets award

Q •From left: Commissioner, Infrastructure and Energy, African Union Commission, Mrs Elham Ibrahim; Aviation Minster Princess Stella Odua and Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Dr Harold Demuren at the Africa Ministerial Conference dinner in Abuja.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

ATAR Airways Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Akbar Al-Baker has been honoured by the editorial team of the Airlines Business magazine for his leadership and strategy in developing the Doha-based airline from a small fledgling carrier to a global network business.

He has been instrumental in guiding Qatar Airways into a powerful airline in Middle East aviation and a leading international force since being appointed CEO in 1997 at the time of the carrier’s relaunch.

Al Baker has shaped Qatar Airways into an award-winning global airline – today rated the world’s best – from its operational hub of Doha, capital of the State of Qatar.

He was presented with his award

by Max Kingsley-Jones, Editor of Airline Business in London.

Accepting the award, Al Baker paid tribute to employees of Qatar Airways for helping make the airline the success it is today by helping lead the way in service and standards within a highly competitive global industry.

24

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

INSIDE

TUESDAY, JULY

31 2012

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 25

Traffic pits lawmaker against traveller - Page 27

Jonathan urges African women on peace - Page 28

Abuja and the crude oil thieves - Page 40

TT

Sights and sounds of Garki Market

HERE is something for the senses at Garki Market, the second biggest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

For the nose, there is a pungent mishmash of urine, orange peels and kerosene smell.

For the eyes, you have the ubiquitous banners advertising businesses and phone numbers to call when in need of a service.

Also available to the ever wandering eyes are discarded cartons, cans, wrappers of used products and traders’ wares displayed in front of the market.

From Halima Olajumoke Sogbesan

The ears have to decide which sounds to enjoy: the blaring music from different shops, the cries of beggars, the noise from generators or the loud bargain between buyers and sellers.

There is a lot to touch and feel. As for the mind, there is a sense that this is a market for everyone, featuring everything imaginable. It is popularly referred to as the ‘Mon-

day Market’ but it is there for patrons everyday.

The drivers know what the market demands. For those who drive cars, the fee is N100 at the gate. The pickup driver pays N200, the “CANTER” contributes N400, lorries are charged N600 and the trailer, N1000.

The drivers provide such a spectacle when they struggle for parking space at

Continued on Page 14

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

26

ABUJA REVIEW

Sights and sounds of Garki market •Continued from Page 25 the market.

The front of the market offers a dreadful experience for the road traveller because of the heavy vehicular traffic, while parking spaces are difficult to find in the market.

Like any other market, one can purchase almost any product here. The fancy shops are complemented with tarred roads, blaring music and choking fumes from ear-splitting generators. These are the shops that display bags, shoes, children supplies, provisions, toiletries, sweets and biscuits. A walk down the market reveals the other side.

The other side of the market has a stench of raw meat, fish, ogbono, iru, kulikuli, and rotten tomatoes filling the air. As should be expected, the stench attracts the buzz of flies around the products. The noise here comes from traders haggling over the prices of their wares and also from those who try to sell their products by advertising them. However, we need to ask the questions, do these traders face any challenges and how do they think the federal government can be of help?

The traders are the main conductors of the bustling market activity, though they need their customers to make it complete. On weekdays, they are mostly stationed at their shops or at spaces provided for them. On Sunday, however, some of them, especially sellers of vegetables, plaintain, fish, yam and the

like who are stationed down and deep in the market migrate with their wares up and then display them for people to buy.

According to Muhammad Abdullahi, a trader in the market, most of the traders are being bugged down by the excessive charges levied on them by the market authorities. Abdullahi, who must have had some form of formal education judging from his speech, told our correspondent that marketers pay a lot of money to carry out day-to-day business in the market. Though a butcher, Abdullahi lamented that the situation was unfair especially since they deal in perishable goods, which are not as profitable as other goods. To express the frustrations encountered in the course of doing business in the market, Abdullahi drew the attention of our correspondent to a space that was once occupied by another butcher who had to leave because of his inability to meet up with the required funds. He urged that the government should help in reducing the N10,000 charge they have to pay. He also recommended that more jobs should be created for the youth emphasizing that he is in the meat business because there are no jobs for him as a graduate of law.

A trader of cosmetic products, Alhaji Aliyu, revealed that he pays a N200,000 rent to his landlord every year. In addition to the fees, he also has to pay a service charge to the market’s management. The service charge as he explained cov-

A trader of cosmetic products revealed that he pays a N200,000 rent to his landlord every year. In addition to the fees, he also has to pay a service charge to the market management

T

HE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said over 500 plots of land are ready for development and would be handed over to their owners in October.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed also said contractors have been mobilised to hasten work on all ongoing projects.

•Sometimes, a hard-working wheel-barrow pusher takes a nap ers the cost of keeping the environment clean and also serves as compensation for the security offered by the market authorities. Aliyu believes that the government can help traders in the market by reducing the service charge since they don’t earn so much. In the words of the trader, “How much do we earn that we will now pay N6000 as service charge?”

Ms Ijeoma took a different stand from previous traders. The seller of grains complained about the tight spaces at her side of the market. She explained that the small space discourages many traders from renting spaces there. Ijeoma suggested that the shops should be expanded to attract more traders there as well as more customers. Ijeoma pays a N180,000 charge to her landlord too.

Our correspondent was received with a lecture about the service charges by excited Ms Chioma Chukwu, a seller of leafy vegetables. She explained that the service charge they pay is divided into the environmental fees and the land revenue. Both add up to N6000. She complained about the small shops and the ever increasing prices of goods. She added that traders are not making as much profit as they should be making. As a result she urged that the government should put a control price in place, that is, a fixed price at which all goods should be sold to avoid serious loss of profit for the traders.

Ms Alice, a fish trader enlightened our correspondent about the price of shops. She explained that depending on the part of the market one stays, the fees could range

PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

from N50,000 to N180,000. Alice complained that no space has been made available for the roast of fish.

She advised that the government should provide freezers for them and also reduce the price of rent.

To complete the process, our correspondent spoke to a trader of children supplies who prefers anonymity. She said she pays N400,000 for her shop which is located at the fancy part of the market. She complained that her day to day activities as a trader are frustrated by the unstable electricity in the market and the frequent harassment from members of the taskforce.

Though the pleas of the traders have been clearly stated, as they go around doing their daily activities, an air of optimism surrounds them suggesting that things will get better and more convenient someday.

Guzape District plots ready for development From Bukola Amusan

The minister, who was represented at the inspection tour of projects at Maitama Extension, also

known as Goodluck District, Guzape District, by his Special Assistant on Projects, Hon. Ajah Nwabueze, expressed satisfaction at the speed of work.

The minister, who also inspected

facility at the city tower, said work was ongoing though with little hitches caused by the heavy rains.He was assured of an October completion and hand over of the Guzape project.

“Asphalt and earth work was at 80 per cent completion,” the official was told by Mangrovetech Nigeria Limited, the indigenous construction firm handling the project at Goodluck District.

Speaking with newsmen after the tour, the FCTA official assured residents of intense supervision of FCTA projects to ensure timely delivery.

Senator Bala also spoke on the various link roads which the FCTA is

partnering neighbouring states of Nasarawa and Niger to help open the city centre for freer traffic inflow.

Some of such roads are the GitataMpape-Abuja Road, the KarshiApo, Abuja road which are ongoing, saying commuters will soon enjoy the benefit.

The FCT administration also called on the firms handling the projects to hasten up as residents are anxious to have them put to use.

The official also reiterated the FCT concern over the traffic situation in the city, assuring its commitment for a collaborative effort by all agencies charge with the responsibility of freeing Abuja of its traffic held ups.

The FCTA official assured residents of intense supervision of FCTA projects to ensure timely delivery...as residents are anxious to have them put to use •Abuja lands

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

27

ABUJA REVIEW

Traffic pits lawmaker against traveller A

N epic battle is currently brewing between a civil engineering graduate from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Mr Victor Bello and a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Friday Sani Makama.

While the Kaba/Bunu-born Bello insisted that the lawmaker and his aides physically assaulted him for daring to overtake their three car convoy on the Abuja Lokoja highway, Hon Makama accused Bello of outright fabrication. He said Bello brushed another vehicle while driving recklessly and later fought with his aides who tried to correct him.

However, Bello said he lost a wristwatch and a hand chain during the fracas while his friend lost shoes and a phone. He said he reported the case at the Lugbe Police Station and vowed to seek redress in court.

Bello narrated his encounter with the lawmaker and his aides this way: “Yesterday the 21st of July 2012, I went to Lokoja to do some site inspection.

While I was coming back I saw three cars along Abaji.

“I don’t know who they were so I

From Sanni Onogu

just overtook. The policeman in the last car now brought out his gun that I should not overtake them again but I had already overtaken the cars.

When I got to Sheda, the Lexus car passed me again leaving the other cars behind because they were already out of site.

“So as I wanted to overtake again, he blocked the road. I swung to the right, he blocked the road again. Fortunately for me I was able to overtake him. When I got to Lugbe my friend who saw me up to the site, Mr. Kayode Elewodalu stays in Lugbe wanted to alight. A taxi took one way and almost brushed me. I now parked and I was still talking with the taxi driver, that ‘why will you follow one-way at this time of the night around 7pm’ the next thing I saw was that the three cars which were in a convoy I overtook in Abaji/Sheda now stopped, two mobile policemen, two honourable members of the Kogi State House of Assembly and four other people came out.

“One was Honourable Friday Sani

As I wanted to overtake again, he blocked the road. I swung to the right, he blocked the road again. Fortunately for me I was able to overtake him

T

HE Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Mr. Mansur Ahmed disclosed that the Katampe District Basic Engineering and Infrastructure Development has been handed over to private investors under the Public Private Arrangement (PPA).

Ahmed, an engineer, stated this when he received the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Mustafa Balarabe Shehu who led a delegation of the society on a courtesy call in Abuja.

He said, “Four other districts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will soon be handed over on a similar arrangement, the FCT was supposed to have about 70 fully developed districts if the trend of rent increase were to be stemmed.

“The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) is ready to work with the Nigerian Society of Engineers as key stakeholders in the execution of its mandate to move the nation for-

Makama. He is the honourable member representing Igalamela/Odolu Local Government in Kogi. They asked me ‘who is the owner of this car?’ He said ‘look at the stupid boy.’

‘Who is the owner of this car?’ I said I was. He said who was driving. I said I was driving.

“He asked why I was driving recklessly , did’nt I not know he is a honourable member? I now asked him, ‘In which way have I been reckless in my driving? The road is a federal highway and I reserve the right to overtake anybody. Besides, there is no police van, or any car to indicate that this is a convoy.’

“The policeman now said that I should identify myself. I said ‘my name is Victor.’ He said I should identify myself that maybe we are on a mission, I am a robber or something and that he want to check my booth.

“So my friend now went to open my booth. The next thing I saw was that Hon Friday Sani Makama and his people had started manhandling my friend at the back of the car. They were beating him. He lost his slippers, wristwatch and a phone.

“So when they now came to me, we were still talking the next thing was that he slapped me. I now told him come ‘my head is half. I just went for s a surgery and I am supposed to go back to London for my second surgery. If you beat me again in my face, you might end up carrying a corpse here.’ That was how they now left after they had dealt with us. I lost a

•Mr Bello

•Mr. Elewodalu

wristwatch and my hand chain.

“Of the three cars I was able to get two numbers because I was under tension. One is KGHA 65. It is a Sienna bus. and the CRV 2008 model is LB 586 IKY Lagos. But the number of the other 450gold colour Lexus car LS 450 gold colour Lexus car I could not get.

“I now followed them thinking they were going to Ibro Hotel because the lawmaker stays at Ibro Hotel. They turned and came to the hotel near Heritage House in Wuse zone 3. I called some people who know him in Lokoja; that was why I went to Zone 3 Police Station to report the case. They told me it was not their jurisdiction that I should go to Lugbe where it happened. I went to Lugbe Police station and they said they could not arrest him but I should make a statement. So I made a statement. I have reported the case to my lawyer and he will

prepare a case against him soon.”

Hon Makama however did not deny the encounter. He said his aides were trying to caution Bello against reckless driving when he began to fight them.

He said: “He (Bello) did not have any problem with my convoy. He hit somebody’s car while trying to be too rough and we were trying to correct him that what he did was wrong, was totally wrong and he started fighting some of my aides.”

Apparently incensed while speaking to this reporter on phone, he told Bello off.

He added: “So if that is a story he has to take to the press, oya, let him go ahead. Let him go ahead. Let him go ahead. Let him even go beyond that. I never knew that a human being can behave the way he behaved on the highway.”

Katampe District goes to private investors From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

ward and achieve the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“It was in realisation of this that a Committee with four eminent Engineers was set up to advise the Board of the Commission on key issues to enable it make the right decisions in activities of the commission.

“NSE should make inputs in the process of developing guidelines for the use of Consultants in the execution of projects to be funded by the World Bank,” he stressed.

Speaking, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr.

Shehu called for closer working relationship between the ICRC and the NSE.

“Your Commission is charged among others with the responsibility to ensure that the advantages and requirements of PPPs are well appreciated at the National level amongst potential investors and by other relevant stakeholders.

“Infrastructural delivery is an engineering concern, so the NSE as a body of all Engineers in Nigeria is a major stakeholder and therefore there is need for closer working re-

lationship between the two agencies.

“NSE is interested in a system that makes it possible for Nigerian Engineers to play a greater role in the process either by deliberately making it compulsory for concessionaires who are foreigners to have Nigerian Counterparts, or to engage a certain percent of Nigerians in their total workforce which is important, if the Country

plans to gain from the process in the long run.”

Shehu said, the Society would be involved in its planned specific training programmes aimed at educating stakeholders on the operation of Public Private Partnership(PPP) of the government to enable them appreciate the importance and its impact on the provision of Infrastructure in the country.

Firm launches HIV/AIDS awareness campaign A

firm, Total Upstream Companies, has launched a oneweek HIV/AIDS awareness campaign for truck drivers in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The theme of the campaign was “Think Health and Safety First, Oga

•From left: South African First Lady, Mrs Nompumelelo Zuma; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru; President Goodluck Jonathan; Nigerian First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and President Joyce Banda of Malawi at the 7th Summit of African First Ladies Peace Mission in Abuja

From John Ofikhenua

Driver”. It took place at the headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Garki.

The event was organised in collaboration with Public Health and Community Development Centre (PHCDC), a non governmental organisation, and other stakeholders.

During the campaign, participants also benefited from free eye tests, height and weight checks, blood pressure checks, and blood and HIV/STD’s tests. Though targeted at truck drivers, their spouses and possible sex partners, the campaign could through the NURTW reach as many as 2.5 million people, according to the Deputy Corps Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Uche Wihioka.

Commenting on the programme, the General Manager (Corporate CSR), Dr. Justus Pearse, said: “For us at Total, we regard HIV as a chronic communicable disease and hence, stigmatisation is not allowed. We would like to encourage you all here to embark on voluntary testing and pre/post counseling in the spirit of this flagoff and the entire campaign.” In her speech, the Medical Director of the PHCDC, Dr. Ima Kashim noted that “the well being of drivers is important to all road users.”

In a message, the President,

NURTW Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin who was represented by Deputy General Secretary, Chief John Olaoye, described the commitment of the union to the campaign as a testimony that beyond coordinating and controlling motor parks, the union gives premium to the safety and health of her members and society at large.

Other Stakeholders at the event were the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Nigerian Business Coalition against AIDS (NIBUCAA), FRSC, FCT Agency for the Control of AIDS (FACA), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

Highlights of the occasion were the presentation of certificates to 40 Peer educators who had earlier been trained to administer and counsel participants before and after the tests as well as the announcement of toll free numbers (122, 622), in the event of poor driving or HIV concerns by the FRSC and NACA respectively.

It is believed that truck/lorry drivers are particularly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS because of being away from their spouses or regular sex partners for long periods and the frequent interstate trips which predispose them to multiple sex partners.

28

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

ABUJA REVIEW

I

T was pandemonium at a village near the Games Village in the Federal Capital Territory as gunshots and teargas shattered the early morning peace. The reason?

The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) attempted to demolish the village.

Bullets and teargas flew in the air intermittently, people, mostly the mechanics and women selling various items around the many workshops in the area, fled the vicinity, many jumping over fences in their attempt to avoid being hurt.

That was the picture as the De-

FCT police, residents clash over demolition From Victor Oluwasegun and Bukola Amusan

velopment Control Unit of the FCDA tried to dislodge residents of a village named Sabon Kuchingoro in Kaura District, Abuja.

But the attempt was unfruitful as the youths in the village, which is about 500 metres from Games Village, repelled the authority in spite

The attempt was unfruitful as the youths in the village, which is about 500 metres from Games Village, repelled the authority in spite of the firepower of the police that went with them

of the firepower of the police that went with them.

Officials of the Development Control Unit came in five vehicles with registration numbers CT 499 A11 (Toyota Hilux) CT 39 C28 (Toyota Hiace) CT 33 BOG (Hiace)’ an Urvan CT 74 C09 and an unregistered Coaster in which the armed policemen numbering about 11 were brought.

A CAT bulldozer which had gone into the village to effect the demolition had its enclosure of glasses shattered, as the irate youths pursued it, with the mob hurling heavy rocks into the cabin and injuring the driver.

The Nation reporter, who was caught in the middle of the fracas was told by an official of FCDA that the place had been slated for demolition.

“We have marked this place for demolition, we have come to carry it out,” the man who refused to give his name said.

He added no further information.

Before the fracas, our reporter saw hordes of residents carrying their luggages out of the village in compliance with the earlier quit notice given by the authorities.

The attempt was the third to dislodge the villagers and effect a demolition, Abuja Review learnt.

“The last one didn’t end well,’ A mechanic whose workshop was at the entrance of the village told our reporter.

A Toyota Hilux which they brought was totally damaged and they were chased out.

The boys in that village are very dangerous and fear nobody...”

As he spoke, multiple gunshots rang out as the police retreated, a few canisters of tear gas landed real close, causing a disruption in the conversation, as people ran helter skelter looking for what to use to temper the effect of the tear gas on their eyes.

With the police and FCDA offi-

cials out of the way, the rampaging youths blocked the roads leading towards Galadimawa Junction and Games Village causing a snag in the traffic, with vehicles making detour towards the city gate to access alternative routes.

The Nation however learnt that the decision to demolish the village may not be unconnected with security reports indicating that illegal immigrants may be residing in the village.

A similar exercise was carried out on too long ago at Galadimawa Village barely half a kilometers from that site.

The Galadimawa operation, which was carried out by the Nigeria Immigrations Service, the state Security Service and the Police, however did not include demolition but the arrests of suspected immigrants that constitute security threat to the Federal Capital Territory in particular and the country as a whole.

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has stressed the importance of women in the search of elusive peace in the continent. He said they have a vital role to play in promoting peace and stability.

Jonathan who spoke at the 7th General Assembly of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) held in Abuja, noted that insecurity, human trafficking, terrorism, among others, have prevented African nations from realising sustainable development.

“As wives, mothers, and leaders, African First Ladies have an important role to play in the promotion of peace and security on the continent. Our history is rich with the examples of the enviable role that our women played in maintaining peace and stability in our society.

“In recent times the contribution of women to the ECOWAS effort has led to the resolution of the civil war and political crises in Liberia and Sierra Leone is particularly noteworthy.

“The African First Ladies’ Peace Mission must continue to serve as a voice for the disempowered, dispossessed and the violated especially women and children.

More importantly, it must continue to stand firm as a special advocate for peace and the growth of our mother continent,” Jonathan said.

He also urged the African First Ladies to encourage their governments to implement international legal frameworks that will promote peace, security and human development. He said African countries must eliminate any barrier that may impede women’s right adding that the mission must also raise alarm whenever their frameworks are abused.

Speaking on 35 per cent affirmative action, Jonathan noted that his administration has demonstrated women inclusion in government.

He said if women can enlist in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), it is also possible for them to occupy the post of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), or head any other service in the armed forces.

The President of the AFLPM, Dame Patience Jonathan condemned incessant conflict in the region. She lamented the number of deaths and displaced women recorded during and after regional conflicts.

According to her, “Africa today has more than 5 million refugees, with over 75 per cent of them be-

•African women

Jonathan urges African women on peace ing women. About the same percentage of the over 12 million displaced persons are women and children, many of whom are being recruited as child soldiers, militants and terrorists.

She identified advocacy, capacity building, negotiation, reconciliation, provision of relief materials and involvement in the rehabilitation of victims of conflict as some of the areas where women can actively take part in peacemaking efforts.

The AFLPM president urged her colleagues from other African countries to advocate strongly for peace and use their influence to prevent violence and war in their countries.

She expressed optimism on the outcome of the summit, stressing that it will provide a platform for collective effort to achieve greater peace in the continent.

The President of Malawi, Mrs. Joyce Banda decried the rate of conflicts in the continent. She said women and children are often the victims of these crises,

stressing that African nations recorded 11 of such armed conflicts out of 24 recorded globally in 2011.

She said: “Several African countries have experienced upheavals in recent decades, including violent and often brutal intrastate conflicts. Most of the 24 major armed conflicts recorded worldwide in 2011 were on the African continent with 11 of those conflicts lasting eight years or more as reported by the United

Nations Commission on Human Security.

“Most of the impact and heavy social development costs disproportionately affect women since women do not just lose sons and husbands but their bodies also become battle grounds as soldiers plunder women’s bodies too through sexual violence. It is a result of this disproportionate impact of conflict on women that the importance of including women and gender perspectives in the

The African First Ladies’ Peace Mission must continue to serve as a voice for the disempowered, dispossessed and the violated especially women and children

planning and implementation of peace operations is increasingly recognized.”

Mrs. Banda however reiterated the need for women’s voice in conflict prevention, in peace negotiations and in peace consolidation.

She suggested that the First Ladies should be engaged as a first point of contact in conflict prevention and early warning mechanisms to help reduce the risk of clashes which may escalate into wars that can spill across borders, and lower other critical costs in terms of human lives, infrastructure and economic development.

“Peace negotiation, peace building and consolidation after conflict offer important opportunities to support the advancement of gender equality in conflict-affected countries.

“First Ladies need to collaborate with civil society in strengthening the capacity of women and women’s organisations involved in conflict resolution and prevention,” she added.

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

29

‘

The delay in the dispensation of justice is one of the problems we are facing that needs a lot of reforms. I believe, if we can copy the example of what is done overseas, the first thing we need to do is to reform the court system.Do you know that the judges are still writing in long hand?Until we change that, we will continue to have problems in the judiciary.

• SEE PAGE 30

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

’

• House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal

Since the threat by the House of Representatives to impeach President Goodluck Jonathan, if he fails to ensure 100 per cent implementation of the budget by September, the political landscape has not been the same. To lawyers, there is nothing wrong with the threat, but they advised the lawmakers to only insist that the President obeys extant laws.

ADEBISI ONANUGA, ERIC IKHILAE and JOSEPH JIBUEZE report

‘Impeachment T threat not strange’

HE threat by the House of Representatives to begin impeachment proceedings against the President by September has shifted focus from many other pressing matters. The Presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are busy managing the fall-out of the threat.

Expectedly, public opinion varies on the lawmakers’ move.

Some analysts believe that the lawmakers are justified to try and whip the president into line, if he is derailing, but others think that they are also guilty of the allegations of arbitrariness and abuse of public trust levelled against the Executive.

The House Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, who raised the impeachment issue, had noted that, chief among the President’s many constitutional breaches, was his alleged disdainful treatment of the Appropriation Act.

“The President, by failing to implement the budget as passed by this honourable House, violated the 1999 Constitution and is, therefore, liable to be impeached under section 143 of the 1999 Constitution.

“With great trepidation, I must confess that I like the President. He is a fine gentleman, but I like my people more; and, because of this, it’s about time, Mr Speaker, that we do what is right and best for our country. So, I want to hereby submit that, come September, we will begin to invoke and draw up articles of impeachment of Mr President,” Gbajabiamila said.

To those who share this position, the lawmakers are in order, in view of the fact that aside its inability to implement the budget as passed, the government has consistently

•STORY ON PAGE 30

Inside: ‘Judicial reform must address delay of cases- P.31 Deploying law as tool for developmental...- P.32

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

30

LAW COVER CONT’D •Continued from Page 29

acted as if it is not responsible to Nigerians. This they said is reflected in its policies and programmes, which rather than ameliorate the people’s suffering, have added to their pains.

They pointed to the increasing level of insecurity and the government’s recent decision to compel fresh graduates to undertake their youth service in crisisprone states, despite the risk to their lives; inadequate power supply; rising unemployment; decaying infrastructure in the face of huge state’s revenue; and state’s seemingly helplessness in the face of mounting corruption, among others.

Some have argued that the President ought to have been shown the way out long ago, had the lawmakers heeded the call of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) last January in the wake of what many described as a “callous increase in petroleum prices” and the crisis it later generated.

The NBA, led by Joseph Daudu (SAN), in describing the fuel price increase as wicked observed that the “government took advantage of its people’s distress arising from the Christmas bombings and killings by the Boko Haram terrorists and insensitively caused the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (a creature of statute) to announce the withdrawal of petroleum subsidy.

“If government should apply half the vigour with which it has pursued the issue of the removal of subsidy to the eradication of corruption at all arms of government and in the society in general, then trillions of naira would be freed for developmental projects,” it said.

Other proponents of impeachment argued that it was within the power of the lawmakers to ignite the impeachment process as stipulated in Section 143 of the Constitution, having been satisfied that the President has committed acts amounting gross misconduct.

To them, President Jonathan, who on most occasions, had attributed his emergence to some celestial powers as against the will of the people, has consistently carried on as if his loyalty is to some gods somewhere and not the Nigerian people, on whose behalf he holds power and exercises state’s authorities.

They argued that having failed to properly exercise state powers and respect the laws passed by the people’s representatives in a de-

• Olanipekun (SAN)

• Fashanu (SAN)

• Okutepa (SAN)

Impeachment threat not strange mocracy, the lawmakers reserved the powers to check the President’s perceived excesses via an impeachment process.

On the flip side, however, is the argument that the House of Reps, seen by the people as a group of individuals not guided by patriotism and service, but by the urge for self aggrandisement, cannot be trusted to lead the way in the fight for the rule of law and constitutionalism.

To them, the House of Reps is propelled by an ulterior motive.

They cited the insinuation that the crisis was partially stoked by anger over the refusal of the Executive to give bank guarantees that would have allowed members collect their third quarter recurrent allocation before proceeding on holidays last Thursday.

This development, they said, further added to the animosity generated by the government’s seemingly selective implementation of the House’s report on the fuel subsidy fraud; its perceived role in the allegation of bribe acceptance against the then Chair, Subsidy Probe Committee, Farouk Lawan and the Presidency’s reinstatement of Ms Arumah Oteh as director-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), despite the House’s recommendation to the contrary.

Those against impeachment argued that the action of the House was not appropriate at this period when the nation was going

through challenges, including air crash, terrorist onslaughts, tanker explosions, fire disaster and destructive floods, which had claimed many lives and destroyed property worth billions of naira.

They wondered why the House failed to inform Nigerians what effort it had made to extract from the Executive what was responsible for the alleged poor performance of the budget. They queried the rationale behind the House’s resort to impeachment when the 2012 budget was signed into law in mid-April, a delay resulting from institutional and bureaucratic challenges allegedly created by the National Assembly.

To them, it will be a disservice to the people should the government embark on a disbursementspree to attain a high percentage statistical performance of the budget without ensuring that strict financial checks were applied as required by the Public Procurement Act. Be that as it may, it should be noted that the service of a notice of impeachment on the President does not amount to impeachment.

By design, impeachment is a complex series of steps and procedures undertaken by the legislature which affords an indicted public officer the opportunity of stating his case and defending his position.

To former NBA President, Wole Olanipekun, Afolabi Fashanu and

Jibrin Okutepa (Senior Advocates) and Dr. Charles Nwachukwu, there is nothing unusual in calling the President to account to the people how he is managing their affairs. The concept of checks and balances and the principle of separation of powers exist to check excesses of all arms of government.

They argued that it was within the democratic norm for the House to have initially invited the President to explain issues relating to insecurity and, subsequently, query his execution of the budget.

Olanipekun, in a lecture entitled: Challenges to governance in emerging democracies, argued that accountability was essential for democracy to thrive, contending that “a necessary incident and ingredient of accountability is information.”

Citing the “State of the Union Address” in the United States, “Queen Speech” in the United Kingdom, among others, as instances where the leader of government is required, as a tradition, to provide information about activities of government, Olanipekun faulted the fuss generated by the House’s invitation to the Presidency to address it on a pressing national issue.

“If we were to make progress on the path of good governance, we must realise that budgets and budget implementation are core aspects of accountability. To this end, I will advocate the promul-

gation of a Budget Implementation Act or the amendment of the Constitution to introduce provisions making full and strict implementation of the budget mandatory,” Olanipekun said.

Fashanu argued that under the principle of separation of powers, the Legislature can act as a check against the arbitrariness of the Executive.

“So, it follows, therefore, that once appropriation is made, the Executive is obliged to show how far it has gone with the approved budget. Even in ordinary financial transactions, you would do what is called retirement. That is, after spending some funds allocated to you, you would retire the funds; you would go back to say ‘this is how I spent the money that was allocated to me’. So, it is the same principle that extends to budget.

However, it is not sufficient for the House, for this singular reason, to serve impeachment notice on Mr President except there are other apparent impeachable offences. It should be remembered that the ministers are there. What have they individually or collectively done to make the budget work?

“So, this issue of budget performance is not sufficient on its own for them to say they want to serve impeachment notice on Mr President. I will, therefore, urge the House to thread softly on the issue.

Okutepa said: “Budget is passed as an Appropriation Act. If the Reps are sure that the President is breaching the Appropriation Act, then they will be correct to draft articles of impeachment.

“The President will then have the opportunity to defend his action.

The threat of an impeachment is part of democratic norms. It is also within the constitutional rights of the House.There is nothing wrong with it.”

Nwachukwu argued that, despite the condemnation of the House of Reps’ threat to impeach the President, there was nothing unusual about the lawmakers’ intention.

“I think my only problem is that it will heighten the crises in the country should they impeach him. It is not that they are wrong. Impeachment procedure is contained in the Constitution to be deployed when necessary.

“So, if the lawmakers feel the man has breached the law, and was acting outside what the law provides, he should be told the truth. But I will advise they tolerate his excesses in the interest of national peace.The man has not actually done well enough,” he said.

• From left; E. Olu-Alade; H.R. Tayo; J.K. Omotosho; Hon A.S. Adeyemi; Mrs T.A. Adegbite; A. A. Ayodele and S.A. Obafemi at the delegates conference and election of new officers.

31

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

LAW PERSONALITY

‘Judicial reform must address delay of cases’ Mr Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), Managing Partner, Afe Babalola and Co, Ibadan, Oyo State, in this interview with OSEHEYE OKWUOFU, speaks on the need for reform in the judiciary.

Y

OU have been working with Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) for so many years. What is it like working with him ?

Well, as I told you, my schooling, apart from doing it by instalments, I also did it by doing some parttime work to finance my education.

When I was going to the University of Ibadan to study law, I had no plan of who would sponsor or how I was going to finance it. I just went there with the determination that to every problem, there must be a solution. So, when I got there I engaged in some part-time work, teaching in some places, but in 1988 I ran into trouble. I couldn’t get a part-time work, I couldn’t get anything to support the education, but before then, I was always passing through the chambers of Chief Afe Babalola. I had never met him before that time.

I had never never met him. I have read about him - in books, newspapers, of his cases and so on. But one morning, I said to myself, suppose I go to this man’s office, meet him whether he could have something for me to do since I could type, run errands. I could use it to finance my education. It was a Monday morning. I went to his office very early.

I remembered it was on August 15, 1988. I was allowed to see him. I met him. I introduced myself. I told him a bit of my background and I requested that he should allow me to work for him on part-time, may be to type or to do anything. And surprisingly, he readily accepted.

He even said he would not give me any work to do, but that he would sponsor the rest of my education.

That was how I met him. So, he sponsored the final year in the university and also the law school without allowing me to even do any part-time work with him. So, when I finished, I went back to him and he said if I wanted to work him that the door was opened. That is how I started work with him . My experience with him, I can write book on him and on my experience with him. The first thing I noticed was that this man never remembered that he assisted me. He treated me just like any other staff.

He paid me just like any other staff and, in fact, I was always the one to remind him of the circumstances of how I met him. So many things happened which I cannot say here, but the summary of it all is that he started treating me like one of his sons.

And in 2003, he called me and said it was time for you to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria; go and put your papers together and pursue it. And in 2005, I applied and I was made a Senior Advocate and you know what it means to become a Senior Advocate. It’s not something you can do on your own. It is through God and through this man, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN). And since I became a Senior Advocate, the story has never been the same again. And our relationship till today - the summary of it all is that he treats me like his son.

He has handed over the office to m - the management, the running, and the administration. And I can tell you that a father cannot do more to his son than what he is doing to me. That is the summary of it.

But many people believe that you have a biological relationship with Chief Babalola (SAN).

Well, from what I have told you, I didn’t know him until that 1988.

Two, I am from Ilesa in Osun State and specifically, Ere-Ijesa, near Ilesa. Chief Afe Babalola is from Ado-Ekiti. They have no relationship at all with Ijesa people. And I am not the only one. Several other people he adopted as children and it has nothing to do with where you

came from. Once he is fond of you, he likes you; he adopts you as one of his children that is all. Nothing, no sentiments, no relationship. He is a highly detribalised Nigerian.

Have you ever had some challenges working with Chief Babalola (SAN) and if there are, what are these challenges?

Well, you know that in life itself there are challenges. There have been challenges, though. I will be honest with you. The challenges have largely been with other members of staff in the Chamber. And you know that in an environment like this, you cannot remove from it the challenges of rivalry among staff and that has been the greatest challenge I have faced. A lot of misgivings, putting motives that are not there and in some cases, many of the staff think that as close as I am to Chief, there must have been some things going on which they don’t know.

That has been the greatest challenge that I have. Unfortunately and before God and man, as a Christian, everything is just ordinary. And there has never been a time Chief and I ever sat down to discuss any staff in the chamber.

We don’t even have the time. Indeed, because of my background, because of my training, because of my experience, because of what God has done for me, it will be out of place for me to sit down and work against any staff. It is true, where we need to take decisions for the running of the office, we have to take it. But it won’t go outside the official system. And you know, in things like that, you can’t please everybody.

Some will like your decision, some will not. But outside that, we don’t have time to discuss petty things, which are not necessary. And there have been some challenges which I faced in my career. You know some people who have problems with Chief, also extend it to me; in fact, that has been the greatest challenge in the office.When people have issues with him, the transferred malice will also be visited on me as one of the closest persons to him. When they have issues with Chief, they will believe that I am the cause of their problem.There is nothing that you can say that will remove that from them. So, you leave it at that. God is the judge of everything.

How will you assess the judiciary?

The judiciary, a lot have been said about it.They have been on it for some time. I can tell you nothing is wrong with the judiciary. If you have 100 people in a system and if three or four are bad, you will know those three. A lot of people will regard every other person as bad because those three are the people they will see, they won’t remember the 97 others that are good in the system that are doing things according to standard. So, it is the same thing with the judiciary. One thing that people should realise is that the judiciary is part of the Nigerian system. If things are wrong with the Nigerian system, there is no way it won’t affect the judiciary, especially with the democracy.

There is a lot of pressure on the judiciary. During the military era, the judiciary is not as important as it is today and that is why people don’t talk about the judiciary then because the military will just do what they like and go away with it. But the judiciary in a democracy is a different matter.This is a judiciary that can remove the president and put another person there.

Several governors have been

• Adenipekun

sent away by just only pronouncements by the court and where the judiciary possesses such enormous power, you will expect pressure being put on it.And if it has problems, it is not the problem, it is the society.

There have been clamour in some quarters for urgent reforms in the judiciary. Do you think this is necessary ?

Yes. I share the view, but the one that is paramount is the delay in the dispensation of cases. That delay is even more important than any other reform now. They have tried to do that, but they have not achieved the desired results. You imagine a commercial case, somebody is owing N10,000. I take it to High Court. The case is there for about 10 years; imagine the effect that will have on the life of the people. Even if it is not a commercial case, a divorce matter where the husband and wife are at each other’s neck. You take the matter to court to be settled and the matter is dragging on there for several years. How do you get a better society in that circumstance?

So, the delay in the dispensation of justice is one of the problems we are facing that needs a lot of reforms. I believe, if we can copy the example of what is done overseas, the first thing we need to do is to reform the court system.Do you know as that the judges are still writing in long hand.Until we change that, we will continue to have problems in the judiciary.

The world has gone to the level where when you get to court overseas, the judge will just be watching the proceedings just like any other person because the thing is being recorded, and within a short time, all he is saying is already there in the computer and he can decide so quickly. But here, when you are giving evidence, my name is Adebayo Adenipekun. He will say hold on. My name is Adebayo Adenipekun. I live at number so so and so. He will say repeat again. I live at number so so and so. On so so and so date, I was in my house ... So, look at the time it will take the judge to write that.

Whereas he doesn’t have to write.

So, we need to computerise our courts.

We need to train our judicial officers to use these computers and we need our system to work, because I can see in many courts these computers are there, but they are not working. That is one major reform I can suggest that should be done as a matter of urgency to solve this problem. No matter what rules of courts, once this one is not done, then it cannot work. About the corruption, and about the incompetence of lawyers, judges and so on, that can be cured with better legislation.The appointment of judges must be looked into critically.

The system where people are appointed on promotion is not good for this country, where in the Ministry of Justice, this person is already a director, the next time, he will become a Permanent Secretary, after he becomes a Permanent Secretary, he becomes a judge, even though either he is good or not. Whereas we have young people, very active, brilliant people you can’t appoint them because they have to queue.

Also, in the Court of Appeal, they will look at the judges of the High Court, who are the senior, who are the most senior, it is the most senior that must be promoted to go to the Court of Appeal. All these must be corrected if we want to get the desired result.

As a SAN of many years, can you tell us about some of your landmark cases?

As you rightly said, there are so many landmark cases I cannot forget in a moment. One of them is an election petition matter that I put in my best. Although I even-

tually lost the case, I was fulfilled in the sense that both the petitioner and the respondent acknowledged my industry. I am happy about that. Dr. Fayemi, the governor of Ekiti State, I have high regard for him, because not minding that I was handling a case against him, he acknowledged my industry and my skill.

That I cannot forget. I remember that I was once called to cross examine him. People have been cross examining him all along, but when it was my turn, I stood up, he (Dr. Fayemi) wanted to stand up because all the while he was sitting down, but I said sir, please you can sit down. I am going to cross examine you while you are seated. But he said ah ... no, I won’t sit down for you; no, I will stand up to answer your questions.

That was so fulfilling. And outside the court, he sighted me. When we met, he said, ah I will not forget you in a moment.

I also remember I met Great Ogboru of Delta State. I cannot forget the Delta case too because I handled that of Delta State matter, and he (Ogboru) said to me sir, you are the one who has been giving us sleepless nights. I cannot forget that too. I remember one case in 2003; it was an election petition. My Oga was always the one leading the case, but on few occasions, when he was not around, I had to conduct the hearing. One afternoon, while the case was going on,the then President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Abdulahi, openly said, Mr Adenipekun, we are impressed with your performance. I can never forget that.

How would you describe your social life?

As a lawyer, lawyers don’t really have social life, especially litigation lawyers because they are always busy. But in my own case, I have told you about my background; the miracle of my life.If anybody tells you this behind me, you will find it very difficult to believe that somebody from nowhere can rise to this level. It could never have happened, but by God’s power. My social life revolves round the serving of God, and as a Jehovah’s Witness by practice, when I am not in court, when I am not in office, the only place you can ever find me is serving as a Jehovah’s Witness. My weekends, I preach from house to house and apart from that I have no other social life.

• Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama(SAN), pioneer chairman and Class Leader, Class ’86, Nigerian Law School, receiving an Achiever’s Award from Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, at the Silver Jubilee Dinner of the class at Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

LAW & SOCIETY

Deploying law as tool for developmental governance

W

HY has socio-economic development continued to elude the country despite its abundant human and material resources? What steps are required on the myriad of challenges inhibiting the emergence of accountable and responsive leadership in the country 52 years after independence?

The need to resolve these and other questions formed the focus of a lecture organised in Lagos last week by the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos in commemoration of its 50th anniversary. The lecture highlighted the importance of law and constitutionalism in ensuring accountability in governance.

Speakers, including the ProChancellor, University of Ibadan and former President, Nigeria, Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu (also a Law graduate of the institution) identified obstacles to good and effective leadership in the country.

The absence of which, they argued, informed the lack of meaningful growth in the country.

Faulting the governance structure of the country, which they blamed on the culture of arbitrariness and disrespect for law and constitutionalism - relics of military governance, Olanipekun and Akiolu argued that until the nation embraces a rule-based system, where everyone operative according to legal prescriptions, development will continue to elude the country.

Olanipekun, who presented the lecture entitled: Challenges to governance in emerging democracies, contended that the governance problem in the country lies in the disconnect between the people and those in authority, a development he said resulted from the failure of the leadership to direct power to the service of the people.

As he spoke, Olanipekun was intermittently interrupted by applauds from the audience, who appreciated the sincerity in his tone and the passion he exhibited in his delivery.

This, Olanipekun said, resulted from the faulty nature of the Constitution, which while saddling the state with responsibilities on one hand, as provided for in chapter two, it made the performance of

• Chief Olanipekun

By Eric Ikhilae and Adegunle Olugbamila

such duties discretional with the provisions in Section 6 (6) (C).

“The government exercises its power as an agent of the people, who are the principals, for the attainment of the fundamental objectives set out in chapter two of the Constitution. It should ordinary follow from the trite principles of the law of agency, that the government should be held accountable, as fiduciaries for the exercise of the powers in relation to the provisions of chapter two.

“The non-justiciability of the provisions of chapter two of the Constitution is, in my opinion, the missing link between power and purpose in Nigeria, ultimately, culminating in the governance problem,” he said.

This inadequacy, he said, could be cured through the amendment of the Constitution to make these provisions justiciable and the court’s liberal approach to interpretation of the law as was done in the case of Attorney General of Ondo State against the Attorney-General of the Federation.

He identified greed, personalisation of state powers by crude leaders, the equation of the state with political office holders, poverty; corrup-

• From left: Alo, Oba Akiolu and Bello... at the event

tion, disregard for rule of law and due process, illiteracy, lack of accountability, among others, as accounting for the nation’s retrogression.

Olanipekun observed that despite that the country was under democratic governance, disregard for law and order was still rampant creating a picture of gradual decent into a state of arbitrariness.

He said in view of the importance of Rule of Law in the attainment of an orderly and prosperous nation, it was urgently imperative that the many developments in the country, which undermine the promotion of Rule of Law should be addressed.

Stressing the importance of a virile Judiciary and efficient court system in the sustenance of the Rule of Law, Olanipekun lamented the alarming rate the nation’s appellate court churns out contradictory decisions, and the practice where the Executive subject judicial pronouncements to discretionary interpretations.

Olanipekun argued that in a true federation, the powers to determine whether or not additional states should be created did not rest with a central institution as the National Assembly was planning to do, but with the people - the constituent

units.

Olanipekun regretted in incursion of the military into public governance and blamed it for the current socio-economic and political dislocations in the country. He argued that but for the military, the level of corruption and abuse of public office would have been minimal.

He stressed the negative effect of corruption to democracy and good governance, Olanipekun argued that the menace undermines the legitimacy of government and such democratic institutions as trust and tolerance.

Olanipekun also blamed the people’s seeming unwillingness to engage the government, the growing culture of deifying political office holders, the current arrangement where politics has become the most lucrative business in the country, among others for why the country remains underdeveloped over 50 years after independence.

He suggested the need for electoral process reform, creation of strong institutions, promotion of rule base-system, citizens’ participation in governance process, the convocation of national dialogue, restructuring, among others as panacea to the nation’s myriad of

challenges.

Oba Akiolu identified greed, the people’s decision to distance themselves from God and personal aggrandisement as the factors responsible for the nation’s retrogression.

“It is absolutely necessary for us to sit down and talk. Whether they call it sovereign or not, we must talk and seek ways or reordering our country. We can no longer continue to rob Peter to pay Paul.

“They said they hate alcoholic drinks, yet they share from the VAT from alcohol. This is unjust. We should talk. Let the Boko Haram and their sponsors come to the table with their demands. The Boko Haram thing is not religious. It is just being utilised by some politicians.

Also at the event were former Minister for Petroleum Resources, Odein Ajumogobia (SAN); Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN); Dean Faculty of Law, UNILAG, Prof Oyelowo Oyewo, former Minister for Works, Seye Ogunlewe and Vice-Chancelor, University of Ibadan, Prof Isaac Adewole, Acting Vice Chancellor, Unilag, Prof Rahman Bello and Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Management Services), UNILAG, Prof Jide Alo.

How to tackle Nigeria’s problems, by Ali Mazrui, others

S

CHOLARS and law experts have converged on Lagos to deliberate on the challenges confronting the country and attempted proffering solutions to the numerous factors hindering its development and peaceful coexistence among its citizens.

They stressed the need for a social and constitutional order and argued that the country must begin a process of political and economic healing through constitutionalism.

The event was the Eighth Aelex Annual Lecture, held under the chairmanship of the retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Kayode Eso. Guest lecturer was the Director, Institute of Global Cultural Studies, Binghamton University, New York, Ali Mazrui. Others include Dr. Haruna Adamu, Dr. Ayo Teriba and Ms. Annkio Briggs.

Mazrui said the most fundamental challenges the country needed to address in her political planning included how to release the developmental energies of the Nigerians; balance agriculture and industry; reduce socio-economic inequalities especially between regions, social classes, ethnic groups and religious communities; sanitise the political and economic sys-

By Precious Igbonwelundu

tem and reduce corruption.

He stressed the need for the country to seek ways of empowering its women; stabilise civilian supremacy in Nigeria’s civil-military relations; entrench human rights and civil liberties in actual practice and not just in the document of the Constitution; as well as reconcile the cultural autonomy of states with the collective principles of the whole nation.

Mazrui argued that the northern part of the country was economically and educationally marginalised, factors he blamed for the security crisis in that part of the country.

He observed that brilliant minds in the country have spent a lot of time exploring how to share political power in Nigeria more justly, federalism has been studied with great sophistication and some reformers have called for confederation in Nigeria.

“But not enough time has been spent by Nigerian intellects exploring how to share economic power and economic skills more justly across ethnic and regional lines.

The most dangerous economic inequalities in Nigeria are not class

• From left: Haruna, Eso, Ayo, Mazuri and Briggs at the event

inequalities. They are economic inequalities between ethnic groups, religious communities, and between regions. Particularly difficult to handle is the problem of the maldistribution of economic skills,” he said.

The professor suggested a form of economic quota for Northern entrepreneurs in new ventures in economic privatisation adding

that an affirmative action was needed in Nigeria if we still believe in saving the Union.

He noted that the national politics of the country have been bedeviled since independence in 1960 by sectarianism, regionalism and ethnicity even as he noted that Nigeria remains resilient in its singularity but with lots of challenges.

“Nigeria, one of Africa’s leaders,

is still struggling to find the right balance between sovereignty and human rights. The law of libel can be used to stop the flow of information, rather than to facilitate it.

Libel law in Nigeria can be an ally of censorship, rather than a partner of the open society. Does the future Constitution of Nigeria • Continued on page 33

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

LEGAL OPINION Lagos AG cautions police on illegal detention

T

HEAttorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State Mr Ade Ipaye has advised the police against the detention of persons without duly informing the Judiciary.

Ipaye gave this advice at a training on the Enforcement of fundamental Human Rights organised for lawyers in the state by his Ministry in collaboration with the Lawgate Training Consultants.

He stressed that the detention of any person, which does not follow due process is an infringement on their fundamental human rights of the person so detained.

The Attorney-General explained that the training became necessary to ensure that practitioners are grounded on the basic principles and rules relating to fundamentyal human rights such that when one is called to make a claim on behalf of indigent citizens, one would not make unnecessary mistakes.

While urging participants to have a thorough look at these laws to avoid these mistakes, Ipaye further said the training would help to equip the Judiciary on the concept of Fundamental Human Rights and the related rules available in Nigeria. He emphasised that the Judiciary must ,therefore, be equipped to meet up with these challenges in the system.

Mr Femi Falana (SAN), in his paper entitled: A rank study of the Fundamental Human Rights Enforcements Procedure Rules 2009 stated that the 2009 rules are revolutionary in every respect as it has

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

By Adebisi Onanuga

overruled the 1979 rules, which had the Application of Leave as a condition precedent for the enforcement of fundamental human right.

On the right of corporate bodies to enforce fundamental human right, Falana (SAN) argued that, therefore, it is erroneous to say that they cannot enforce fundamental human rights in view of the fact that companies are made up of human beings who run their affairs.

He said the right of companies and other corporate bodies to secure the enforcement of fundamental human right has been successfully challenged some of decided cases.

He said the position of the court is based on a nature of fundamental right, which has to do with the protection of rights of human beings, adding that this is a departure from such a restrictive interpretation of the law.

Speaking on Limitations of action, the Human Right activist explained that an application to secure the enforcement of fundamental Human Rights cannot be statute barred because of the significance attached to Human Right which has been said to stand above ordinary laws of the land, which cannot be taken away from anybody without affront to justice.

Falana also mentioned that apart from enforcing fundamental hu-

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

•Mr Ipaye

man right in a High Court in any of the States of the Federation, any person whose fundamental human right has been violated in Nigeria may file a complaint at the African Court of Human and Peoples Rights in Banjul, Gambia, adding that, alternatively, an aggrieved person who is a citizen of a member state of Economic Community of West Africa States, (ECOWAS) may file an application before the community court of Justice for the enforcement of the human right enshrined in the Africa Charter.

He, therefore, called on legal officers in the State and Commissioner of Police to familiarise themselves with the law and practice of High Court on human rights to reduce the volume of cases alleging human right violations in the State.

Mr Dele Belgore (SAN) said those in the legal profession are trained to defend the rights of the citizens and, therefore, called on lawyers to always fight for peoples right.

‘How to tackle Nigeria’s problems’ ‘The new Nigeria of the 21st century should consider having a special and effective Ombudsman System on Corruption Control both at the federal level and in each state’ • Continued from page 32 need a truly enforcible Freedom of Information Clause? Or are there alternative democratic means of promoting the democratic goal of the open society?”

To fight corruption, Mazrui suggested that an ombudsman system be created at both federal level and in each state of the federation.

He said: “The new Nigeria of the 21st century should consider having a special and effective Ombudsman System on Corruption Control both at the federal level and in each state. Complaints about bribery, nepotism and other forms of corruption would be lodged to the Ombudsman, who would be equipped with resources and staff to investigate, warn, and where necessary sue.

“Corruption can be a deadly cancer on both the economy and the political system, and deserves considerable investment of resources.

The Ombudsman system may need the support of a Corruption Investigative Police.

“There will need to be a different Ombudsman for Human Rights and Clean Governance. Complaints about violations of civil liberties or economic ethics at either the state or the federal level would initially be lodged within the Ombudsman system. One of the purposes is to increase mediation and reduce litigation.”

According to the scholar, the case

for ethnic checks and balances is ultimately to avert the destructiveness of ethnic conflict, while the case for gender checks and balances is ultimately to promote greater androgynous creativity and development.

“Happy ethnic relations are necessary because the alternative is the danger of devastation. Better gender relations are necessary because the alternative is waste of talent as well as injustice. The ultimate developmental case for ethnic checks and balances is to avert destruction.

The ultimate developmental case for gender checks and balances is to promote innovation and creativity.

“Of course, gender equity is also an issue of human rights in the moral sphere. In parliamentary constitutional reform, there should be gender reservation of seats in three stages. Between now and the year 2030 (70th anniversary of Nigeria’s sovereignty), a third of the legislature should be parliamentary seats for women, occupied by women and voted by a female electorate — without prejudice to female participation and election on the common electoral roll. The other two thirds of seats should be open for competition to both men and women, he said.

Justice Eso said Nigeria has had near fullness in constitution making since almagation but none of the constitutions ever reflected the will of Nigerians.

“The only way to safe this country from collapse is true federalism.

The people should be allowed to make their rules because any constitution that is not accepted by the people is no constitution.”

For Haruna, the people have not been allowed a referendum of all aspects of the constitution. He decried the amendments on the constitution as the view of the elites since it ended with the National Assembly The veteran journalist said there wasthe need for the implementation of compulsory education for children between the ages of six and 18 years to guarantee the girl child right to education if the north was to improve in education.

Haruna said the nation must, as a matter of urgency, address disparities between the north and south that has further widened the gap of both regions. He listed the disparities as economic, political and educational disparities.

Ayo and Briggs, however, disagreed that the north was marginalised even as he maintained that northern Nigeria occupies 80 per cent of Nigeria’s land and has resources that if harnessed properly, would fetch the region more wealth than crude oil.

They said the north does not need any quota, adding that the educational disparity was created by the region’s rejection of western education and can only be corrected by the north.

Briggs noted that the injustice in Nigeria was being suffered across north and south adding that Nigeria is being made ungovernable politically by the massive killings of innocent souls in the north because a southerner was President.

“So, we need to go back to the drawing board. I blame the British for all our problems. We have never had a constitution because the people have never been brought in. To make matters worst, the 1999 constitution was a military decree handed over to a civilian president.

“I do not know what Nigerians are afraid of; I do not think we should continue discussing year in year out. If we do not insist on a new constitution before 2015 whatever comes to us after 2015 we should know we are the architects.

It is time we insist on a new constitution to enthrone true federalism.

“Nigeria is not only a complex but also a confused system. We are not fully doing a parliamentary and yet not doing a presidential system.

“We are governed along the line of ethnicity and have forgotten the first national anthem ‘in brotherhood we stand. Today it is in corruption we stand.

“I think it is time every state uses the money it gets from federal allocation to invest in and develop which ever natural resources they have.”

Law as guide for Mr President and others

P

OLITICIANS like to stir controversies to remain relevant in the public consciousness. For most of them gaining a front page commentary in the newspaper is all that matters, not the difficult art of nation building. So, while a politician may turn a nation builder, nation building is far beyond the ordinariness of an ordinary politician. It is like confusing base and precious metals. While playing politics is an opportunity to eke out a living for many, engaging in nation building is an opportunity to become a statesman. For a person elected to the exalted office of a President, he is perpetually being tested to choose to either become a statesman; or an ordinary politician.

The controversy over the faith of Justice Ayo Salami, the suspended President of the Court of Appeal now recalled by the appropriate constitutional authority is absolutory unnecessary. While obviously the learned jurist’s admirers and haters alike have turned his fate into a political warfare; Mr President should simply look up to the law and act if he has not done so by the time this column is published. If he is interested in statesmanship Mr President must appreciate earnestly that the presidential system of government is built on a tripod, namely: the legislature, the executive and the judiciary, with each substantially independent, while at the same time exercising influences and checks on one another.

In making a decision the President must be guided by the provisions of the Third schedule paragraph i section 21(b) of the 1999 constitution which provides: “the National Judicial Council shall have power to recommend to the President the removal from office of the judicial officers specified in sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph, and to exercise disciplinary control over such officers”. Among the specified officers are the President and Justices of Court of Appeal, of which Justice Salami is one. To underscore the importance and independence of the National Judicial Council as head of the judiciary, section 158 of the constitution listed it among the bodies, which shall “not be subject to the direction or control of any other authority or person”.

The constitution by these provisions sought to guarantee the independence of the judiciary. To also underscore the importance of checks and balances from the organs of government, the constitution also allowed the other two institutional arms of the state - the executive and judiciary - a sphere of influence by the provisions of section 292(1)(a)(i) of the constitution. The section provides that: “a judicial officer shall not be removed from his office or appointment before his age of retirement except in the following circumstance – in the case of President of the Court of Appeal (et al), by the President acting on the address supported by two thirds majority of the Senate”.

With due respect to the learned Attorney-General of the Federation, those provisions should be the guiding principle in his advice to the President. While truly emotions have ran high in deciding the fate of Justice Salami - with some eminent lawyers even questioning the powers of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to exercise disciplinary control over Justice Salami when he was suspended - the fact remains that it is the provisions of the law that must guide the President in the circumstance. If the NJC has the power, which they do, to take a disciplinary action against Justice Salami, it also has the power to rescind it as it has done.

So in the present circumstance the decision of the NJC that Justice Salami should return to his duty post should be a matter, of course, regardless of the disposition of the presidency. Should the President feel strongly against that, he can deploy the provisions of Section 292(1)(a)(i) to oust him; but he cannot and should not hide under any subterfuge as in seeking to consult any other unconstitutional body.

Also with respect to pending court actions, while parties are enjoyed to take judicial notice of the pendency of such actions, they do no operate as a stay, as to foist a reason for a further delay to reinstate the learned jurist. So if despite the recommendation of the NJC, Mr President dithers in allowing the learned Justice to resume his constitutional responsibilities, then he must appreciate that he is subscribing to ordinary political instinct, as against statesmanship.

As to the other debate over the recent comment of General Muhammed Buhari over the 2015 election, let me also ask the retired army General to confine his public commentaries to the provisions of the law. While election rigging has become one of the plagues of our democratic experiment, it is unlawful to threaten violence as an answer to any debacle, even if he could privately prevaricate over such possibility. By so doing he has simply passed a vote of no confidence on the electoral process, and even the judicial process. To show the absurdity of supporting such a claim, Buhari’s conclusion that if what happened in 2011 should happen in 2015, then blood would flow, can appropriately be interpreted that if he should loose the election in 2015 as many agreed he lost in 2011 then blood will flow.

Strangely otherwise dispassionate commentators, because of the hardship, corruption and gross ineptitude foisted as governance by the hegemonic ruling party, are sold on the dummy that Muhammadu Buhari’s commentaries subscribing for violence as an alternative is in other. Nothing can be farther from the truth, coming from a partisan in the circumstance. The reference to past spontaneous violence over election rigging misses the point. Here General Buhari is engaged in a premeditated call for violence, and that should not be justified.

• This article was first published on May 22, 2012

34

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

NATIONAL BAR THE DELEGATES CONFERENCE AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) IN ABUJA

• From left: J. S. Okutepa (SAN); immediate past NBA President, J. B. Daudu (SAN) and President, Muslim Lawyers Association (MULA) Abdul-Ghaniy Bello

• From left: Former Minister of Defence, Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN); former President, NBA, OCJ Okocha and former President, NBA, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN)

• From left: General Secretary, NBA, Olumuyiwa Akinboro; Chairman, Eastern Bar Forum (EBF), Kemasuode Wodu and former Asst. National Publicity Secretary, NBA, Gbolahan Gbadamosi.

• From left: President, NBA, Okey Wali (SAN), former President, NBA, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Iniabasi Udobong

• From left: Nnamdi Ibegbu (SAN); Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and George Uwechue (SAN)

• From left: Chairman, NBA Lagos, Taiwo Taiwo; former NBA General Secretary Dele Adesina (SAN) and Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN)

• Okey Amaechi (SAN) (left) and Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN)

• From left: Rickey Tarfa (SAN); Chief Ziggy Azike and Chief John Ochoga

• From left: Mrs Victoria Awomolo; Agnes A Omuya and Mrs Ranti Daudu

• From left: President, NBA, Okey Wali (SAN), Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN) and Second Vice PHOTOS: JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU President, NBA, O.J. Erhabor.

35

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

LAW & SOCIETY

Participants score OAU Law faculty conference high

By John Austin Unachukwu

• Popoola

P

ARTICIPANTS at the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State three-day international conference have given it kudos.

The event was part of activities to mark its 50th anniversary, which the faculty shares with the university.

The event held at the Oduduwa Hall of the university.

The theme of the conference is Law and economic transformation in Nigeria.

The Dean of the Faculty of Law, OAU, Prof. Ademola Popoola, defined “the objective of the conference as seeking to provide a platform for multi-disciplinary engagements on the theme through critical interrogation of the issues of law and the economy.

The conference was attended by eminent Nigerians and scholars, who presented papers on the topic from different perspectives and disciplines.

In his presentation, the Keynote speaker, Omotoye Olorode, said: “In most human societies, there are generally certain rules of engagement that arise from the need to regulate social , economic and socio-political relations. Before laws got codified as such, social and economic engagements were guided by the practical necessities of the engagements and presumably, from the moralities that arise from and underpin the engagements.

“Although law as it developed carried a lot of moral precepts, jurists tend to separate moral precepts, sensu stricto, from laws as codified rules of engagements in the society.

“Over time a whole body of philosophy or a multiplicity of ‘philosophies’ have arisen concerning the nature of law, its purpose, the institutions for achieving its means, its limits and the various ways in which laws have changed historically; these are all areas of jurisprudence. “ The development of societies and social relations have been accompanied by changes in the conception, development and content of laws. We shall address this question later in relation to law, evolution of the state, social classes and even the specific intellectual movements in legal and political philosophy arising from these developments.

Popoola said: “So far, presentations have been made by scholar’s practitioners and industry stakeholders across the disciplines, so that first

of all, we have been able to bring together, people from different backgrounds such as law, history, philosophy, economics geography, education who have been able to interrogate the issues in a very imaginative manner.

“And you find out that the response of the participants have been very impressive.

“We hope at the end of the day, to package the recommendations, first with a book of proceedings, but more importantly, to also pass them to appropriate authorities so that they can have insight into the thinking of a segment of the intellectual community on the issues of law and our economic transformation.”

• Olatunbosun

Dr. Adeniyi Olatunbosun of the Faculty of Law, OAU , said: “The conference has been fulfilling and promising in the sense that you see the array and calibre of those, who participated in the programme. You have been with us throughout the programme and you can attest to the quality of the presenters and presentation made in the programme.

“Key issues have been raised; policy issues have been formulated by those practitioners, the professionals in their various callings.

We tend to blend practice, academic and professional callings to make it a more robust and a more expansive concepts that we have addressed. So, we invited scholars from various universities, who are reputable authorities in their various areas of specialisation.

“We also invited technocrats, those who are policy makers for the government.

We also called upon those who have acquired great experience in their various fields or careers and it has helped a lot to formulate issues for national development. We believe that law is not about crime alone, crime is just an aspect of law.

Law is versatile in the sense that it covers every aspect of mankind. Since we are looking at law and economic transformation in line or in tenure with the Federal Government policy on transformation, we believe that when we are able to do that, it is going to assist the government’s policy makers and public opinion moulders to, at least, fashion a new path towards economic growth and development for without economic growth and development, a nation cannot be taken as a nation of a developed status or a nation that is committed towards enhancing the well being of mankind and stan-

dard of living of its people, for without law, whatever platform you set, will not be able to be effectively monitored and effectively regulated in the society.”

ter of Labour.

“So, with the 2006 National Industrial Court Act and the Third Alteration to the Constitution, what we now have is an enlarged Jurisdiction in terms of what the court can do.

And in giving it enlarged jurisdiction, certain new issues in Labour jurisprudence has been introduced. “ For instance, issues relating to unfair labour practice can now be formally litigated upon, the mandate given to the court is to apply international best practice when it is adjudicating.

“All of this are actually pointers to the same direction, that people can utilise such provisions to their advantage.

• Adediran

Former Dean, Faculty of Law OAU, Prof. Olu Adediran said: “I am very happy at the attendance of people. I was away from this placed for some time. I have just come back, but let me state that it has been a long time when this faculty organised this kind of conference. So, it is a very good idea that we organised this conference in commemoration of our 50th anniversary of the university.

“You can see that a lot of papers have been presented.

There have been a lot of activities here since the beginning of this conference, several papers were delivered by erudite scholars, the papers are very well research and posed of many problems and raised so many issues and these are issues that Nigerians should look at and address what we find out in most papers is that they raise so many issues that Nigeria is yet to take note of, even when some those issues were raised in this conference.

“I told somebody that the problem we have with conferences is that most of those who would implement the recommendations are not there so, if we are able to pass those information to them and they are able to address those issues, Nigeria will be better.”

• Adesina

Prof Olutayo Adesina osf the University of Ibadan said: “What I tried to do in my paper was to draw a critical nexus between all these diverse phenomena.

“I discovered that all these groups, the citizenry, the state and the law work at cross purposes because over the years, the citizenry has become very cynical and critical of the state and its instruments; principally, the legal instruments.

“This is because law has been used, reportedly, over the centuries to exploit, to cage and to disempowered the people and so, each time the people hear the law, they are fearful of what may befall them as a result.”

• Fubara

• Kanyip

Justice Kanyip said that developments in the laws of the country have actually strengthened the operations of the National Industrial Court.

He said: “Actually, the developments relate to strengthening the National Industrial Court.

“You know it is the apex institution, If you take account of mediation, conciliation and the arbitration functions, which we had hitherto done under the Minis-

Team of the Federal Government. She was quoted as saying that Nigeria is the third fastest growing economy in Africa and then I wondered, that all these laudable analysis’ of principles, opinions on national economy, you wonder why it has not translated into concrete realities. What is the affect of this on the living condition of the average citizen?

“Look around; many people cannot afford three square meals a day and they keep talking that our economy is doing very well.

There is something somewhere; there is something that is really not commenting. Our leaders would try and make the necessary connect. So, economic growth must necessary impact positively on the lives of the average Nigerian.

“The theory of this conference is that the law channels, it is the architecture, it shows us the plan, the rules of the game and provides a level playing ground. I made reference to chapter two of the constitution; it provides us with laudable economic objectives that if implemented by our leaders we will find ourselves in paradise but they said that it is justice able.

Prof. M. T. OkoroduduFubara said: “Let me say that the theme of this international conference is very timely and it is germane. It just hits the nail on the head.

“It encompasses so much issues that I think will benefit our policy makers. If they can just go through it and extract some of these wealth of opinions and ideas that have been canvassed here.

“The purpose is bringing out the nexus between law and economic development.

I made reference to what I read in the papers, which was credited to the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinator, Economic Management

• Ikhariale

Prof Mike Ikhariale said: “It is already well established that law is an instrument of social engineering; so historically, there are a lot of evidence that man has used law to change the goal or orientation of his environment. So, speaking in the context of the constitutional process, it is not in double that the constitution itself was established to sustain or justify some economic functions that our leaders have made.

“For example, you can see that from our constitution, we are encouraged to participate as an individual in the economy while the government is also encouraged to participate in it. That is the mixed economy.

“We also know that by means of the constitution amendments that we are making, we are pushing more into private participation with minimum government involvement. That has to be given effect to by new set legislations.

“But for those legislations to be valid, they have to be made according to the provisions of the constitution, in other words, the constitution must be taken into account when passing such legislations.

“We also have to ask, does the constitution allow for such changes. If the answer is yes, it then means that our

constitution or our ground norm has always had in its nature, the readiness to be a tool or part of the tools needed to enforce such economic transformation.

“The problem we have had in Nigeria is that we are talking of transformation in terms of sloganeering. There is no appropriate legislative tools put in place for that.

“We saw how the Healthcare reform was transformed in America through the Obama care as call it. We saw how President Roosevelt changed the American economy after the depression through the so called New Bill legislations. He set up a new minimum wage. The government started creating jobs; construction companies were formed; the new employment schemes were working; there was social security to ensure that people would not panic but we don’t have that around here.

“Even though we get such laws, do we have the political will to implement them?

So, where you have a political environment where there is no political will, law continues to lose its credibility because they systems cannot work by themselves.

Someone has to activate the system in the way that it will achieve the goals for, which it was established.

But supposing that person his not keyed into the philosophy of the system? So, there has to be an ideological realignment between those who run our systems and we the citizens.

“At present, I think we have those people driving the machinery of reforms. I don’t even think that they believe it.

“And that is why when you are thinking of energising a dormant economy. You are bringing into your bad economy a bad regime that can always discourage production and inflict hardship on the people. If a reform is going to bring hardship, then it is not worth it and that is the basis of my criticism, but I believe that a reform worth its name must bring relief and economic happiness for the people.

• Alaka

Mr Alaka said: “I really congratulate the OAU, for their 50th Anniversary Conference is not only wonderful in organisation and planning, the quality of presentations here, no doubt, will greatly enrich our intellectual development.

“The papers will, no doubt, provide rich materials and resources for our policy makers and drivers to sharpen up the laws and process of our national economic transformation agenda.

“Once again, I say congratulations to the faculty.”

36

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

LAW & PERSONALITY

Experts fault provisions of extant international investment laws • Suggest ways Africa can benefit from them

L

AW experts converged in Lagos last week to examine existing international investment laws and how to guarantee their applications to ensure they benefit the African continent in term of trade and investment.

Speakers at the event - the third Diaspora Scholars Lecture organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advance Legal Studies (NIALS) identified ways to make international investment laws work for the continent in this 21st century and beyond.

Guest lecturer, Mrs. Uche Ofodile a Professor of Law from the University of Arkansas, United States, Justice Benedicta Molokwu of the Federal High Court, Lagos and other participants were unanimous in observing the continent, and in particular, Nigeria has not benefited in any way from Bilateral Investment Treaties, (BITs) and other investment liberalisation treaties.

Mrs Ofodile noted that such treaties and laws were replete with unfavourable clauses which benefit solely the foreign investors, who are mostly Western nationals and at the detriment of host countries, who are mostly African.

She contended that BITs were simply reflective of the Annexation Agreement which the continent’s forefathers were made to sign and through which the colonialists exploited Africa through Christianity, commerce and civilisation.

The Professor of Law observed that the model of BITs adopted from the Western powers by African countries contain many provisions that replicate imperialism and colonialism. She identified such provisions to in include: broad assetsbased definition of investments, standard national treatment provision and most-favoured nation clauses and war clauses that cover state of emergency regardless of the reason behind the declaration of national emergency.

Mrs Ofodile also noted the broad and potentially expensive definition of expropriation; no direct reference to economic, sustainable, or the right to developments; no duty or responsibility imposed on investors or their home country; vague investment promotion clause only found in the preamble of the treaties; and guarantee of protection against unreasonable measures, among others.

To her, the solution to investment setbacks in Africa was for the continent to either reform or reject International Investment law, even as she maintained that there was need to fix the content and rule making process.

She further suggested a reconciliation of the law with other regimes of public international law such as human rights; environment and sustainable development, and an adoption of a comprehensive and coherent investment policy, as well as a revamp of the arbitration system.

Ofodile regretted that in the appointment of arbitrators, conciliators and committee members at the International Court of Arbitration was scewed in favour of tEurop e and America. She noted while Western Europe, which contributes just one per cent of cases, has 47 per cent arbitrators and North America and Canada with similar percentage of case generation contribute 23 per cent of the court’s arbitrators, Africa which generates 16 per cent of cases, provides two per cent arbitrators. ”It was important that Nigerian transforms investment into a force for good. Government should put a stop to signing Bilateral Investment Treaties (BIT) as well as other trade liberalisation treaties or the Washington Consensus because they are tools of exploitation by the

By Precious Igbonwelundu

western world.

“I am not saying investment is not good, infact, foreign investment is very important for a country but Nigeria and Africa has to manage it effectively.

“Research in the past has shown that many countries that signed investment liberalisation treaties in the 80s and 90s did it under the guidance and prescribtion of the World Bank. Countries adopted even structural adjustments programmes because of Worls Bank’s influence.

“Why do we keep suffering many years after colonialisation when we do not have machine guns on our heads like our fore fathers who were forced to giving Africa away?

Why do we accept contract terms that hold Africa to perpetual bondage at the benefit of western powers?”, she queried.

Ofodile noted that Africa can control its future, adding that even when the World Bank or any international institution suggests an investment procedure, Nigeria as a country can reject it on grounds that it is not favourable.

“Countries can resist, say no, it may work for others but not us. It does not mean that we reject foreign investment neither does it mean we taking away protection of foreign investors.

“All we ask for is a balance arrangement. The privileges of the foreign investors should come with responsibilities, and there should be a re-caliberation of the regime, rebalancing of rights and interests,” she said.

Ofodile advocated the introduction of International Investment Law at undergraduate levels in the universities, adding that there should be a common African position on international investment rule-making.

Justice Molokwu said International Investment Law cannot be isolated from its socio-political environment, adding that the political culture from which it emerged determines its core character.

“It is common knowledge that international rules on the protection of foreign owned property emerged in the context of imperialism during the 17th to early 20th centuries and they are of fundamental importance to the shape and characters of modern international investment law.”

According to her, there was need to address the unequal or capitulation treaties which conferred one sided rights; as well as unfavourable exploitative concession agreements through the exertion of pressure on African countries from Western states seeking favourable concessions for their

‘The solution to end investment setbacks in Africa was for the continent to either reform or reject international investment law ... there was the need to fix the content and rule making process ... It was important that Nigeria transforms investment into a force for good. The government should put a stop to signing Bilateral Investment Treaties (BIT) as well as other trade liberalisation treaties or the Washington Consensus because they are tools of exploitation by the western world’

• Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Hon. Justice Barbra Molokwu, and Prof. Azinge(SAN)

• Dr. Nechi Ezeako and Dr. Tochi Okwor

• Cross section of participants

• Dr. Chiyere Ani and Onwuka Igwe (right)

nationals.

“We need to know how to loosen the grip on international investor protection regime that has been controlled by the capital-exporting states for the last two centuries.

“Although there are a lot of investment the world over, the legal regime in Nigeria has a sort of mixed provision for smooth operation of investment in the country.

“For the judges, when there is dis-

pute between an investor and the other party and they come to court, sometimes the agreement itself states arbitration as a means of resolving dispute so we have to send them to arbitration.

37

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

LAW & SOCIETY

Akeredolu: Getting to know a man honoured by NBA

I

N recognition of the indelible accomplishments and monumental contributions of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has made for the advancement of the NBA and uplifting of the administration of justice in general, the leadership of the association bestowed an unusual honour on him on July 17, 2012.

Akeredolu, fondly called “Aketi” by admirers, was given the honour of having the multi-million NBA new national secretariat in Abuja named after him.The reason for naming the secretariat after Akeredolu was informed by the need for “generational identification and recognition of those who had contributed immensely to the development of the association.Everything in the NBA is usually highly politicised. The sheer courage for him ( Akeredolu) to go through the rigour is a testimony to his selfless service.” With this words, the outgoing President of the NBA, Mr Joseph Bodunrin Daudu (SAN), gave the reason for naming the secretariat after Aketi while opening the edifice.

To say that this honour is welldeserved will be an understatement, as anybody who took note of Akeredolu’s performance during his tenure as the 24th President of the NBA (2008-2010) would readily give kudos to the NBA for giving honour to whom it is due.

As somebody who worked at close quarters with Akeredolu, both as the Publicity Secretary of the NBA during Aketi’s tenure coupled with the intimate rapport furnished by the unofficial interaction with him, I am one of the few Nigerians who can talk confidently and authoritatively on the former NBA boss’s persona and character contents.

I conceived this piece as kind of memoir to highlight Akerdolu’s contributions to the development of law, legal profession, social justice, and rule of law during his tenure to underscore the fact that the decision of the NBA to immortalise his name was sound, apt and welljustified.

To start with, it is remarkable to state that there was one consuming passion that characterised the Akeredolu’s administration. This was his unquenchable hunger for good governance as evindenced in his promotion of lofty ideals of the rule of law, preservation of civil liberties, proper accountability and sustained demand for social responsibility on the part of government.

His inexorable stance against corruption could be felt in his numerous pronouncements and agitations that were effused at virtually every forum he had the opportunity to speak. Aketi is one of the few leaders I know who managed to combine many of the attributes

By Muritala Abdul-Rasheed

of great leaders in no small measures. He is honest, disciplined, humble, courageous, humorous, firm and remarkably intelligent and his activities at the NBA were permeated with exemplary demonstrations of all these virtues.

Some of the Aketi’s indelible accomplishments during his tenure may be briefly highlighted under different heading as follows: Huge success of 2009 NBA Annual Conference under Aketi’s administration After 20 years it last hosted the NBA Annual conference, Lagos once again had the opportunity to host the Bar in 2009. It was the first annual conference of the NBA under Akeredolu’s leadership and while many people who knew Akeredolu’s passion for excellence were anticipating a memorable conference, the success of the conference transcended all expectations! In terms of the administration, organisation, quality of papers presented, deliberations and intellectual resourcefulness, wide and popular participation and series of novelties as well as income generated for the association. Lagos 2009 remained a watershed that set the template for Kaduna 2010 and the seamless Port Harcourt 2011 conference .

A princely sum of N77 million was generated for the NBA - the highest in the history of the association until Port Harcourt 2011.

Another unique feature of the Lagos 2009 was the debut of Bar News bulletin, which purveyed a daily account of events and activities of conference throughout the five-day conference. This development was fashioned after the IBA tradition of IBA News which gives daily accounts of events and happenings at the IBA conferences. The writers of Bar News were seasoned journalists cum lawyers drawn from the nation’s top national dailies. The Bar News has been sustained till today.

Acquisition of the N200 million NBA Secretariat in Abuja One of the hallmarks of great leadership is execution of visionary plan and accomplishment with relevance beyond the immediate utility of any particular administration. Blessed with the eyes that see into the future, Akeredolu realised that a body, such as the NBA should have a secretariat in Abuja and his administration went ahead to purchase a N200 million secretariat for the association in Garki Area of Abuja. This is a very remarkable achievement since the only developed real property of the NBA prior to Akeredolu’s tenure was the Lagos NBA secretariat built during the Alao Aka-Bashorun tenure, though the association had another land in Abuja, which was purchased by Akeredolu’s predecessor,

• From left: Former President NBA, O.C.J. Okocha (SAN); Mr Dauda (SAN); Akeredolu (SAN) and former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Akinolu Olujimi (SAN) at the event in Abuja.

‘Blessed with the eyes that see into the future, Akeredolu realised that a body, such as the NBA should have a secretariat in Abuja and his administration went ahead to purchase a N200 million secretariat for the association in Garki Area of Abuja.

This is a very remarkable achievement since the only developed real property of the NBA prior to his tenure’ Mr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN).

Vociferous agitation for the enthronement of the rule of law Although it has been the tradition of the NBA to speak out against the societal ills and abberations of rule of law, this function was catapulted into unprecedented altitude altogether under Akeredolu’s regime which has the watchword To pursue our convictions with courage as its guiding philosophy. This constructive engagement was prosecuted with limitless energy and exuberant passion to the extent that the NBA literally became the mouthpiece of the polity. Hardly was there any issue of national importance that NBA’s would not lend its wisdom-laden voice and considered opinion. Matter came to such a head that even the Federal Government was apprehensive and it accused the NBA of having transformed itself into an ‘opposition party’ Public Interest Litigation In consonance with the Akeredolu’s administration focus

• Cross section of guests at the swearing in of the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Aloma Mukhtar (centre) at the Supreme Court.

on the rule of law and responsible governance in Nigeria, the NBA under him became phenomenally pro-active in invoking judicial intervention on issues where consultation and constructive dialogue failed. Thus, the body instituted many public interest litigations to preserve civil rights and liberties, rule of law and constitutionality.

Some of the cases filed by the NBA included NBA Vs Attorney-General of the Federation, which prayed the court to direct the National Assembly to invoke Section 143 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, when the late President was sick and was flown abroad without transmitting a letter to inform the National Assembly of his absence.

Another case instituted by the body is NBA Vs. National Judicial Council, which prompted the court to pronounce on the question whether the Chief Justice of Nigeria has the constitutional right to reappoint the nominees of the NBA who have completed a term in the NJC, without recourse to the NBA. Elaborate, nay, unparalleled burial for Gani NBA has always played significant role in the burial ceremonies and payments of last respects to prominent members of the Bar and the Bench who transited to the great beyond. However, the role of the association in the burial ceremony of Chief Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi (SAN), during Aketi’s tenure was taken to a sublime dimension, which happily, was a due recognition of the enormous role the deceased human rights lawyer had played on both the development of law and protection and promotion of human rights in Nigeria.

No lawyer had ever enjoyed such elaborate and burial ceremony!

Akeredolu, who seems to have many things in common with Gani, especially as far as vociferous agitation for human right is concerned, spared no efforts in ensuring Chief Fawehinmi was laid to rest in blaz-

ing glory.

NBA, paragon of democratic leadership Another high point in Akeredolu’s leadership was his penchant for allowing robust debate on all issues at the general NBA or its National Executive Council meeting. No matter the serious nature of the matter, Akeredolu believes in democratic participation of all shades of opinion and would never impose his own view on the association. It is built-in tendency for lawyers to project their opinions on any issues no matter whose ox is gored and it could be very tiresome for a leader of the Bar to accommodate the ever differing hues of opinions of learned lawyers in all its ramifications. But Akeredolu was never a man to subjugate any shade of opinion for personal or other reasons, ‘all must be heard’ is the concise philosophy that drives his handling of affairs at public discourse.

NBA reforms Another positive highlight of the Akeredolu’s adminstration was the landmark reforms introduced in the NBA itself. It was under Aketi’s tenure that the NBA constitution was amended to make it possible to have NBA general election before the Annual Conference of the association.

The advantage of this amendment vis a vis the former position of holding a joint annual and delegates conference is that the general conference is no longer unencumbered with electioneering activities and its attendant distraction-the Annual conference focuses exclusively on its objects.

Excellence in crisis management The NBA under Akeredolu had become too ‘hot’ a tool of social re-engineering that the reactionary forces were left with no other option than to attempt destroying it by sponsoring agents of schisms and divisiveness.

Suddenly, there emerged discord and in-fighting among the national officers which rocked the body to its foundation, but it redounds to Akeredolu’s astuteness and masterly management that the association survived the crisis.

Conclusion In a nutshell Akeredolu had gone down in history as one of the best presidents the association has ever had. The little issue detailed above represents only some of the good and memorable deeds of Mr Akeredolu, but the full extent of his good leadership will continue to reverberate in the hearts of the people acquainted with his performance for a very long time.

• Abdul-Rasheed is a former Publicity Secretary of the NBA.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

LEGAL OPINION

Immanent dualities?A socio-legal analysis of the character, attainments, and limitations of Gani Fawehinmi’s human rights praxis

I

N furtherance of this particular socio-legal struggle, Ganialso made a prominent showing, some 15 or so years later, at the Justice Oputa-chaired Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (HRVIC) set up after the end of military rule in 1999 by the then Obasanjo-led civilian government, and fought doggedly (up to the Supreme Court of Nigeria) seeking to get former military president Ibrahim Babangida and two former military officials of that regime to attend the Commission and testify on oath before it as to their responsibility or otherwise for the murder of Dele Giwa, the famed late founding editor-in-chief of Newswatch magazine. In INEC v.

Balarabe Musa, Gani challenged the constitutionality of restrictive guidelines which impaired the freedom to association of Nigerians interms of their right to form or belong to political parties. 17In Tony Momoh v. Senate and Others, he challenged, on his client’s behalf, the attempt by the then Senate of Nigeria’s National Assembly to force the editor of a national daily to reveal his sources.In Fawehinmi v. IGP and Others, he challenged the decision of the Nigerian Police Force not to launch criminal investigations against the then Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, because the interpreted the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as having granted the governor immunity from such investigations.In Fawehinmi v. The President, he challenged the restrictive locus standi requirements in constitutional cases that had for a very long time functioned to hobble human rights litigation in Nigeria.In Fawehinmi v.

JubrilAminu and Four Others, Gani urged a Federal High Court to strike down the pre-conditions for suing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company as unconstitutional and sought a public account of the windfall profits Nigeria had realised from the sale of its crude oil during the Gulf crisis of 1990.

In Fawehinmi v. Head of State and Another, he sued in defense of the rights of equality as between the peoples or ethnic groups which constitute Nigeria.In Abacha v.

Fawehinmi, he doggedly fought for the supremacy, or at least the applicability, of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights within Nigeria’s domestic legal order.In Garba v. University of Maiduguri, he sued to enforce the fundamental rights of student activists who had been disciplined and expelled for participating in a violent demonstrationwithout fair hearing.In Fawehinmi v.The State, he challenged the procedure adopted by a Lagos High Court in trying and convicting him for contempt for its lack of observance of fair hearing/due process. And lastly, inLegal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee v. Fawehinmi, he sued to enforce his own human rights to fair hearing when he was brought before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for professional misconduct (for describing himself in the advertisement for a book he had written as a “famous, reputable, controversial Nigerian lawyer).”

While these are just a tip of the iceberg of the body of law suits filed and litigated by Gani, with varying degrees of success, they suffice here to expose the nature of the kinds of technical legal advocacy that Ganiresorted to as part of his broader integrated and trans-disciplinary efforts to advance the cause of human rights in Nigeria. They are also sufficient to indicate the impressive extent of his courage, tenacity, and commitment in the execution of his sustained program

adopted (such as technical legal advocacy and even public protests and campaigns).

By Obiora Chinedu Okafor

of technical legal advocacy.

Public Protests and Campaigns As was suggested at the beginning of this section of the paper, Gani deployed much more than technical legal advocacy to advance his human rights praxis. One of the methods of human rights struggle that he also employed, albeit in combination with other approaches, is his leadership and participation in public protests and campaigns against perceived human rights abuses and violations.

To state that this particular method of human rights activism is one of the mostcommonplace both in Nigeria and around the world is to state the obvious. And throughout his long career as a human rights defender, Gani consistently made use of this strategy to bring attention to struggles against one human rights abuse or the other, especially the very fact of the control of the Nigerian polity by a military junta (something he correctly saw as a denial of the human rights of Nigerian to govern themselves and choose their own leaders). As The Telegraph (UK), put it in an editorial to markGani’s passing: “by the end of his life, his fearless, relentless campaigning had made him something of a celebrity.”It is clear from this statement that not only were sustained, if sporadic and episodic, public protests and campaigns as central to the constitution of the universe of Gani’s human rights praxis as his deployment of technical legal advocacy in the law courts, such protests and campaigns were responsible in significant measure for the fame and respect that he came to achieve. Some have even gone as far as suggesting that – at least during the later period of his career – his reputation as a campaigner began to outstrip his courtroom renown. A couple ofexamples will suffice here to illustrate the ways in which Gani did make use of this strategy of public protests and campaigns as part of his human rights praxis. In the early to late 1990s for instance, Fawehinmi led or participated actively and prominently in a number of related pro-democracy campaigns and public protests against the annulment of the Presidential elections of June 12, 1993; the usurpation of political power in Nigeria by the Abacha-led military junta; the denial or violation of the democratic rights of Nigerians; and the wanton violation of the rights of all-too-many Nigerians to freedom of expression, assembly, and the like.Another example of the kinds of public protests and campaigns that Gani led or participated in is the mass street procession that he led protesting his arrest and detention in October 1994 by the Abacha regime for forming an illegal partyand celebrating his subsequent discharge and acquittal by the relevant court. These two examples sketch the outlines of the nature of the Gani’s public protest and campaigns. Space constraints do not allow more detailed or extensive discussion of the relevant material here.

Partisan Politics In 1994, more toward the end of Gani’s career, and deep enough within the troubled era of the Abacha-led junta, “he formed the National Conscience Organisationas a human rights movement committed to fighting for the economic (and political ) rights of the down-trodden Nigerian masses.” In October of that same year, he led the public transformation of this provocatively, if appropriately, named organisation into a partisan political party which was christened in like fashion as the

• The late Chief Fawehinmi

National Conscience Party (NCP).

This was in direct and courageous defiance of the Abacha junta’s ban on the formation and operation of political parties in Nigeria. Despite constant harassment and detention by the Abacha junta for his defiance of their ban on partisan political activities, Gani and the new party organised and held several political rallies to protest the annulment of June 12, 1993 elections and the continuation of military rule in Nigeria.Even after the end of military rule in 1999, Gani and the NCP continued to operate and participate in partisan politics. After its official registration as a political party by the newly formed Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (INEC), Gani contested the 2003 Presidential elections as the candidate of the NCP.These are, in sum, the ways in which Gani deployed the approach of active participation in partisan politics as part of his broader integrated effort to advance the status of human rights in Nigeria.

Human Rights Research, Documentation and Publication By the end of his career, Gani had authored over 12 books, the majority of them on human rights and related topics.By the time of his passing, Gani had also produced over 12 separate lines of law reports and digests, quite apart from the now widely recognised Nigerian Weekly Law Reports (NWLR) series(which have been in continuous production since 1986).Needless to say, the sets of facts discussed above testify eloquently to thevery strong accent which Gani placed on human rights research, documentation and publication both as a discrete dimension/aspect of his human rights praxis, and as the infrastructural and supporting edifice for the other kinds of activist approaches that he

Support to and from kindred spirits Another way in which Gani approached or went about his human rights work was by lending active support to, and sometimes receiving same from, other human rights organisations and activists in Nigeria (and even beyond); his kindred spirits. For example, Gani often acted as legal counsel for student union activists who had been rusticated for leading (sometimes peaceful but at times violent) protests against the relevant ruling military governments or university authorities. In so doing he coutilised a range of other methods/ strategies/tactics to enhance his effectiveness. But the lawyer he was, he often made technical legal advocacy the centerpiece of his strategic repertoire for the support of these kindred spirits. For example in SegunOkeowo v. Attorney-General of the Federation, he argued on behalf of the famed leader of the then National Union of Nigerian Students, Mr SegunOkeowo (who had led nation-wide “save education” protests and had been arrested and detained), that the then Federal Military Government (FMG) had no power to remove him from the Constituent Assembly to which it had originally appointed him, since the enabling Decree of the FMG did not expressly or impliedly grant the FMG any such powers.Gani was unsuccessful on this particular occasion but did enjoy success in another case in which he also lent his support as legal counsel to the same student leader.

In SegunOkeowo v. Inspector-General of Police, a Lagos High Court agreed with Gani’s clever legal arguments.

The judge agreed that the detention order made by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), based on which the plaintiff had been detained, “told a lie about itself” (because of contradictions regarding the date on which the plaintiff was detained at Ikoyi Prisons), and that as such his detention was illegal, null and void. The court also agreed with Gani that the detention of the student leader was, in the alternative, also a nullity because the plaintiff was detained at both a Police cell and the Ikoyi Prisons – something that the enabling Decree (which must be strictly construed as a law that seeks to abridge human rights)did not allow. Under the Decree the IGP must detain a person either at a police cell or a prison, but not at both. In OloriMagege v.

University of Benin, Gani also deployed similarly clever technical legal arguments to reinforce this dimension of his human rights praxis.There he argued successfully

that the disciplinary panel which had tried the plaintiff, a student union leader who had led protests against the university authorities, was incompetent to try him under the law as it had been set up by the Council and Senate of the university rather than by the Vice-Chancellor (President) as stipulated by the enabling law.For their own part, many activists, such as Femi Aborisade, did actively align with Gani in the process of forming and running both the National Conscience Organisation and political party that it later became.These two sets of examples suffice to make the point.

A Holistic and Integrated Methodology Another significant feature of Gani’s human rights praxis is that it was not characterised by any appreciable distinctions between civil and political rights (like the rights to freedom of expressions and assembly), and other kinds of rights such as economic/social rights (like the rights to education, food or health), minority rights (like the right to equality with the more dominant “ethnic groups”), and environmental rights (like the right not to have a community’s agricultural land destroyed by constant untreated oil spills).Gani’s praxis was also not significantly biased in favor or against any one or the other of these categories of human rights. 46Similarly, he also tended to treat his anticorruptionstruggles as part and parcel of his human rights praxis.

This should not be surprising given the clear and well-known linkages between the inability of the Nigerian state to effectively guarantee certain kinds of human rights and the fleecing of Nigeria’s national wealth by corrupt public officials. As importantly, Gani’s human rights praxis also combined and made little practical or appreciable distinction between the legal, political and social spheres of human rights struggle.The one merged seamlessly into the other. Each reinforced and breathed life into the other. To Gani, a battle in the courts needed to be reinforced by protests in the streets, and vice versa.Thus, for Gani, the occasion of his acquittal by a court on charges of forming an unlawful political party was at once a forum for a street protestagainst his arrest and trial by that court. Thus, Gani’s praxis was in effect a lawin-society approach that recognized and was influenced by his appreciation of the socio-legal character of human rights itself.

• To be continued next week

• Chairman NBA Onitsha Branch, C.H. Onyiuke (front left) with members of Onitsha Bar Delegates at the just concluded NBA Election in Abuja.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

39

ABUJA REVIEW ABUJA PULL-OUT PHOTOS

•From left: Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafiya; Special Adviser to the President on Economy, Prof. Kingsley Monye; Minister of Justice and AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke and Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House Abuja

•From left: Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko; Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Peter Orubebe and Special Advier to the President on Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Prof. Sylvester Monye at the Presidential Maritime Sector Retreat at the State House, Abuja

•Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Senator Ahmed Barata (middle); Vice-Chairman, Sadiq YarÁdua (right) and Director General, Commission for Museums and Monuments, Yusuf Abdallah during the Committee’s visit to the Commission in Abuja PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•From left: FCT Police Command Representative Charles Mozie; Commissioner, Police Service Commission, Dr Otwe Ighuzor; Country Director, Macarthur Foundation, Dr Kole Shettima and Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Innocent Chukwuma at the CLEEN Foundation Findings of 2012 National Crime and Safety Survey in Abuja

•From left: Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fuel Subsidy, Aigboje AIG Imoukhuede; Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke and Senior Special Adviser, Media to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati after the submission of the Committee’s Report at Presidential Villa PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN

•The executive of the National Assembly Legislatives Aides after their inauguration. From left: Secretary, Friday Okoh; Assistant Financial Secretary, Fauzi Zurruk; Financial Secretary, Micheal Zira; Mr. Sanusi Musa; Chairman, Mohammed Mahmud; Vice-Chairman, Wumi Ajomale; Sherif Mohamed; Legal Adviser II, Pro Ishaya Natur and Treasurer, Olugbemi Olusola

•Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Abike Dabiri Erewa (left) Chairman, Board of Trustees, Nigeria Diaspora Alumni Network, NIDAN, Prof Mammy Aniebonam and member of the Committee, Hon Jerry Alagbaoso during Diaspora Day Celebration in Abuja PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•Oyo State GovernorAbiola Ajimobi (left); Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide and Director of Special Duties, FCTA, Sagir Hamidu, during a condolence visit to the governor over the death of his mother

40

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

ABUJA REVIEW RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan started the week by providing an insight into how to halt crude oil theft in the country, a peculiar vice in the oilproducing areas of the country.

He said holders of sensitive positions must be seen to be insulated from such crime, arguing that if such officers as the President, Vice President, Chief of Defence Staff and the like are not involved or have no interest in bunkering, the crime will be easily tackled.

Apart from the embarrassment the incidence has caused, the country is said to be losing over N9.6billion as a result of the activities of sea pirates and over N2 trillion annually in capital flight due to the inability of indigenous ship owners to fully participate in lifting over 150 million tons of cargo from the country including crude oil.

Jonathan who spoke at the opening of the maritime sector presidential retreat at the Banquette hall of the Presidential villa, Abuja reiterated the need for concerted efforts to put an end to crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and the activities of the illegal local refineries.

He said: “It is embarrassing that it is only in Nigeria that crude oil is stolen. It is very bad news and I believe that Nigerians and foreigners who are engaged in that act need to throw their heads under the pillow because all over the world it is only in Nigeria that crude oil is stolen. We are not the only oil producing country; why is it that is only in Nigeria that people steal crude oil? This must stop. We will be decisive in putting an end to this malaise.

“Our charge to all relevant agencies and departments of government is to work cooperatively with the required urgency this challenge deserves”.

He also talked about the ills of piracy.

He said: “The cost of piracy to our economy is unacceptably high. Pirates frustrate fishing activities and threaten investments on the West African coast. Higher insurance premiums and charges on ships sailing along the Gulf of Guinea impact negatively on our economy and image.

“Similarly, pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft result in serious loss of revenue to government even as maritime environmental degradation from such

P

Abuja and the crude oil thieves From the Villa

By Vincent Ikuomola disasters affects our people and well-being.

“Government is determined to reverse this situation. We will protect our natural resources and ensure their sustainable use for the benefit of present and future

It is embarrassing that it is only in Nigeria that crude oil is stolen. We are not the only oil-producing country; why is it that is only in Nigeria that people steal crude oil? This must stop

generations”, he said.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also spoke on the insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, noting that the cost of inadequate maritime safety and security to Nigerian society and the economy “has been significant”.

She revealed that piracy has risen from 45 per cent in 2010 to 64 per cent in 2012, thereby threatening Nigeria’s over $600 million fishing business.

The president raised a 15-member committee on maritime reform. The committee is expected to draw up a roadmap for effective maritime operations in the country. Specifically, the committee was asked to look at all the issues raised at the retreat and

bring out workable solutions.

The committee is chaired by the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar while a renowned maritime lawyer, Olisa Agbokoba, will serve as the Vice Chairman.

The following day was also eventful with the Presidential Committee on Verification and Reconciliation of Fuel Subsidy payment report indicting 21 firms for making fraudulent claims.

The Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuedeled committee submitted its final report to President, asking the Federal Government to recover N382billion from the indicted companies, which it did not name.

The said N382billion was part of the contentious N422 billion identified by the Technical Committee, which was also chaired by Aig-Imoukhuede.

Aig-Imoukhuede, who briefed State House correspondents shortly after submitting the report in the company of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke Bello and the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the committee had six categories of issues, likely fraudulent cases for criminal investigation involving 21 firms.

He also noted that there were

Firm provides water for FCT community

A

FTER years of deprivation, succour has come the way of Jahi 1, a Gbagi-speaking rural community of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). A firm, Total Upstream, has inaugurated a water project in the area.

The scheme which consists of two water boreholes with 6000 litres of storage capacity each, one of which will support the community’s’ clinic, was executed through Women and Youth Environmental Safety and Empowerment Organisation (E-Way for Development), a non-governmental organisation (NGO). The ceremony to deliver the project was also an opportunity for the NGO to commission the community clinic built and equipped with the support of the United States Embassy in Nigeria

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

through grants from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Speaking on the occasion, the General Manager Corporate (CSR), Dr Justus Pearse, praised the NGO for driving the dream and the community for embracing the projects. He said: “We at Total Upstream are really pleased to be anchoring this initiative as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility here in our corporate Office in Abuja. As we all know, the availability of safe potable water is essential in any community.” He added that it was in the character of the company to express

such gestures in her host communities and locations.

While giving a brief on the projects, the Executive Director of the project, Mrs Anne Addeh said the initiative followed a request from the community leader, Alhaji Adamu Dogo who said water was life to them and expressed gratitude to the company for the gesture. “The TOTAL intervention in Nigerian communities through their Corporate Social Responsibility is vast and immeasurable, and this kind gesture of your corporation will go a long way in reducing vulnerability of children and eradication of water borne diseases,” she said.

Community leaders and Women from the community said the projects were the realisation of a

dream and paid tribute to the NGO and Total for making life better for them through the projects. The ceremony was also graced by dignitaries and people from various walks of life including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Portugal, Mrs. Ijeoma Bristol; a representative of the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria and Country Coordinator PEPFAR, (Mrs.) Shirley Dady; a former Executive Director Human Resources and Corporate Affairs of Total, Mr. John Addeh; a representative of Abuja Municipal Area Council ( AMAC), Dr. Mrs. Adeyinka; the president of Medical Association of Nigeria, Dr. Joyce Barber; former Lady Captain of IBB Golf and Country Club, Mrs Nana Abubakar and women from the NNPC Cooperative Estate.

irregular payments and shorttime certificate issues, among others. Of the contentious N422 billion, the committee noted that N18 billion was found to be a duplication; the actual amount that was being verified was N403 billion.

Of the balance of N403billion, the committee cleared N21 billion, thereby leaving N382 billion, which it said should be recovered.

In its final report, according to Aig-Imoukhuede, the committee made 22 recommendations, which include recovery of N382billion.

On the possibility of recovering the N382 billion, Aig-Imoukhuede said: “It will be naïve that we can recover the whole amount. The most important thing is that the state diligently pursues recovery to its logical conclusion. At the end of the day having exhausted all means at its disposal, I think the people of Nigeria will know that justice has been done.”

On Wednesday, the Federal Government was able to find its voice, as the most experienced hand in the President Jonathan’s administration, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the deadline is not achievable.

The Presidency had earlier allayed any fears of possible collision with the House of Representatives over the issue of 2012 budget implementation, saying that the president’s priority is to ensure full implementation of the budget.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala who is the country’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating minister for the Economy ruled out the possibility of full implementation of the budget as requested by the House of Representatives, arguing that budget is a process with a life cycle of a whole year and that there is nowhere in the world where budget has ever been fully implemented.

She said that government might probably attain 80% to 90% of the budget, as much as can be done; adding that “100% by September, you know September is the ninth month of the year, so we will definitely be moving towards the figure.”

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

41

ENERGY THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Since the beginning of this year, there have been allegations and counter-allegations of unmerited collection of subsidies, which run into tens of billions of naira by oil marketers for fuel imports.The development underscores the challenges of regulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. With all that had happened in the last seven months, is it not time to deregulate or liberalise the sector and plug all the corrupt outlets through which public funds are cheaply siphoned? EMEKA UGWUANYI writes.

Subsidy scam: Need to reconsider deregulation Origin

S

INCE 1999, the Federal Government has been making spirited efforts to deregulate the prices of petroleum products especially premium motor spirit (PMS) or petrol. Within this period, the price of aviation turbine kerosene (ATK) or aviation fuel and automotive gas oil (AGO) or diesel were deregulated but each time the same attempt is made on petrol, government is met with severe resistance by the coalition of labour and civil society groups.

The most recent attempt was the announcement of full deregulation of the price of petrol on January 1 this year by the government. The announcement drew the ire of the Nigerian people who took to the streets in protest. After two weeks of nationwide strike, which resulted in total grounding of economic activities, the price of petrol was fixed at N97 per litre from N65, which has been the pump price since 2009. The consensus to peg the pump price at N97 followed series consultations and dialogue between the government and the labour groups.

Despite every effort by the labour and the government to find a common ground that seemed acceptable to the populace, the downstream sector has known peace since this year.

In fact, the sector is on the brinks of collapse. The operators are seeking the government’s intervention to keep them in business. A couple of depots have closed shops and many will follow suit if immediate remedial action is not taken.

Implications of regulation Currently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting 20 marketers alleged to be implicated in the oil subsidy fraud. The suspects, according to the

anti-graft agency, comprised of seven oil companies and 12 individuals.

The companies and individuals who are facing charges of obtaining N4.46 billion as subsidy payments from the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) under false pretence. The development underlines the gross abuse of the subsidy policy.

Besides, the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMA) and Jetties and Petroleum Tank Farm Owners of Nigeria (JEPTFON) just called off their strike after dialoguing with the government.

The oil marketers had closed shop and if not for urgent intervention of the government, their action could have resulted in grave fuel scarcity.

The marketers said they are being owed over N200 billion in arrears of unpaid subsidies on fuel imports of last year despite over N2.3 trillion paid by the government for only last year’s import.

Following lack of clarity surrounding the claims ranked as unprecedented and unreal, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, stopped all subsidies payments; the marketers in turn stopped fuel imports. Their action left the burden of importation on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) alone and since this year, it has been only NNPC that imports petrol consumed in the country and the Federal Government currently owes the corporation over $7 billion in subsidies.

The danger in having only NNPC as the sole importer of such indispensable product, is that if the corporation for any reason ceases to import, there would be energy calamity especially as the output from the refineries is very insignificant when compared to national demand.

If not because the government was

•Oil platform

quick to resolve issues with the depot owners, even if NNPC imports enough petrol, it doesn’t have adequate storage facilities to keep the nation afloat in terms of PMS supply. Therefore, even as the marketers have not been importing, they remained indispensable because the NNPC uses their facilities for throughputs, hence the Finance Ministry quickly directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to pay all marketers with verified subsidy claims.

The reality The fact is that postponing the full deregulation or liberalization of the downstream, is like postponing the inevitable because industry players in the country and overseas have maintained that the huge funds channeled into subsidies are not sustainable and earlier the Nigerians accept the reality and work toward meaningful use of funds that would be saved from deregulation, the better for them. For instance, Mr. Paul Michael Wihbey, President, GWEST LLC, Washington DC; and Visiting Scholar/ Research Fellow, Emerald Institute for Energy Economics,

Policy and Strategic Studies, University of Port Harcourt, said that in view of this challenge as well as the enormous volume crude lost to oil thieves, that it has become imperative to find a lasting solution. The lasting solution partly would be by expedited passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law.

However, since the Presidency submitted the draft new PIB to the National Assembly a couple of weeks ago, nothing has been heard about it.

Benefits of deregulation Prospective investors in new refineries licensed by the government could not begin construction because of price regulation. The licensees could not deliver due to the unfavorable regulatory and investment environment. Even the Greenfield refineries and Petrochemical plants the NNPC planned to build in conjunction with some state governments were the refineries would be sited with financial support from some Chinese investors, have been in the dark since the project was conceived.

With deregulation, investors would be ready to invest in the existing and new refineries and the current capi-

tal flight through fuel imports would be retained in-country.

The implementation of the Gas Master Plan and other gas development initiatives would be vigorously pursued by the government and private sector companies. The turn-around-maintenance (TAM) programmes carried out on the existing refineries with aim of increasing the production capacities have not yielded expected results. New TAM on the refineries planned to be conducted by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) will only be successful with deregulation of the sector. These efforts would create jobs in-country.

Government dominates the downstream sector through the NNPC, which is the predominant owner and controller of downstream oil infrastructure e.g. refineries, pipelines and depot facilities, with deregulation the monopoly would stop With deregulation, all leakages through which unscrupulous marketers fritter away public funds would be plugged and the government would be held responsible for imprudent spending.

Group lambasts NOSDRA on plan to divert Chevron’s compensation

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HE members of the Niger Delta League of Minerals, Oil and Gas Producers (NIDEL-MOGPROS) has criticised the move by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to compel Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) to pay the Federal Government $3 billion as administrative fine for environmental damage caused by Chevron’s drilling rig – K.S. Endeavour at the Funiwa gas field in Bayesla State.

The group, which is an umbrella non-governmental organisation of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Edo, Ondo and Rivers States described the moves by NOSDRA as unfortunate and inhuman noting that instead of making efforts to ensure that Chevron pays compensation to the communities affected by the incident, NOSDRA wants to divert the compen-

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

sation to the government pocket.

The K.S. Endeavour incident, which took the lives of two workers on board the rig, occurred on January 16, this year and resulted in natural gas emission that lasted for about 55 days before the leakage was completely fixed.

NIDELMOGPROS in a letter to The Nation and signed by its Secretary General/Director Media and Publicity, Kunegha Monday Jones Agbajule, expressed surprise that NOSDRA, which was established by the government to protect and take care of communities in case of oil and gas pollution turned to solicit compensation for the Federal Government instead of the people and communities affected by pollution.

He said: “Since the Chevron drill-

ing rig explosion occurred, instead of NOSDRA, House of Reps committee on oil and gas in collaboration with CNL to rescue the victims first by supplying drugs and relief materials to them, they were busy fighting one another over compensation without assessing the gravity of the damage by the explosion. That is a show of absolute disinclination and indifference because they deviated from their responsibilities of providing succour to the victims of the explosion despite the affected areas still oozing of gas.

“In fact, NIDELMOGPROS is absolutely surprised over what the Director-General of NOSDRA Peter Idaho said that Chevron must pay an administrative fine of $3 billion to the Federal Government for environmental disaster due to the explosion. If we may ask, when did the Federal Gov-

ernment become an agent to collect compensation from oil companies for victims of environmental disaster?

When did NOSDRA become a claiming agent to the Federal Government?

Is that what the Federal Government instructed NOSDRA to do?”

The group also alleged that NOSDRA diverted the Chevron N100 million relief materials to 16 communities in Okoroma in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State instead of Koluama in Southern Ijaw Local Government, which is the epicentre of the gas explosion and where people were mostly affected.

“In fact, the NOSDRA chief didn’t listen to Senator Gbenga Aluko’s explanation of facts. Aluko said Chevron was ready to pay compensation but such payments must be based on scientific findings and not on figures

plucked from the air,” the group said.

They added that NOSDRA, which is supposed to be the hope of the predominant fishermen and women in the coastline communities, is rather struggling to secure compensation for the government without sympathy for the people especially children and pregnant women that were affected by the incident and gasping for fresh air.

“Up till this moment, the gas is still smoldering the Koluama people.

NOSDRA should not play middleman for the collection of compensation for the communities. The communities want to directly submit their claims to Chevron after carrying out proper scientific reports by competent environmentalists. So, NOSDRA should listen to Senator Gbenga Aluko, which is the voice of reason.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

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ENERGY

Lagos okays firms’ partnership on LPG promotion

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HE proposed partnership between two Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) operators, Nidogas and Domgas, meant to promote the use and growth of LPG (cooking gas) in Lagos has received a boost as the state government has given its endorsement describing the initiative as a welcome development.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Taofiq Tijani, an engineer, gave the nod on behalf of the government during a familiarisation/inspection tour of Nidogas’ terminal in Lagos.

The partnership between the two players in the LPG business entails Domgas installing and providing skid stations in strategic places in the state and Nidogas supplying and delivering the gas to these stations for sale to consumers. The fi-

By Bidemi Bakare

nancing scheme is to be handled by the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

Tijani said after inspecting the facilities, that he was implicitly convinced that the partnership would be able to achieve the set out objective in conformity with the gas aspiration of the state government.

Tijani, who could not conceal his admiration of the multi million naira facilities at the terminal said it is quite unprecedented that a company could boast of a combined storage capacity of about 8000 MT for supply of LPG not only to Lagos but the whole of Nigeria.

This, he said, would not only help in solving the problem of distribution and scarcity but also ensure the product is made the fuel of

choice among residents.

He added that the state government as the public sector would continue to do its part to support any laudable initiative by the private sector in the promotion of the product by raising awareness among resident on the advantages that LPG offers far and above other fuel sources.

“As for us as government we will continue playing our role just as we have been doing over some months now. We have been doing a lot in terms of sensitising and creating awareness for the public on the importance and need to switch to LPG as a clean energy source. As a matter of fact, I can proudly say that we have the backing of the state and indeed the governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) for support in whichever way necessary to help deepen the growth of LPG consumption in

the state,” he said.

He said from the level of the preparation and scale of investments put on ground by the two companies, it is obvious that they are both ready to make LPG readily available and accessible to the consumers.

He said: “From what we have seen today after being shown round to see the storage facilities, one is sure Nidogas is ready for the project. Coupled with what Domgas is trying to do to get skid tanks, which are to be deployed to strategic places in Lagos, there is no doubt that this is going to make it easy for the product to be available. This is because one of the ways to promote LPG is to make the product available. So I can unequivocally say that the two companies are ready to partner to make this product available to Lagosians

and Nigerians through this initiative.”

On the significance of forming cooperatives among beneficiaries for the enhancement of the project, Tijani said: “I think forming cooperatives is one of the ways of achieving the objectives of this whole project. If we have cooperatives, I believe it would be easy for everybody to align with the aspiration of what the scheme is all about. We have been informed that UBA is handling the financing of the project so that whoever is interested can get access to the fund.

I believe the way the whole thing is being proposed is good and we have other stakeholder doing the same thing on the other side and with all these collaborations I believe LPG would be made the fuel of choice not only in Lagos but in other parts of the country.”

NGC assures host communities on development projects

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•From left: Dr. Mayowa Afe, NAPE President; Prof. O.S. Adegoke, Chairman of the occasion; Dr. Ebi Omatsola, Celebrant/ Speaker; and Dr. Layi Fatona, Managing Director, Niger Delta Producing Resources Limited; at the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists’ (NAPE) special technical/business meeting in honour of Dr. Ebi Omatsola @ 70 held in Lagos.

Chevron makes $7.2b in second quarter

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HEVRON Corporation has reported earnings of $7.2 billion ($3.66 per share diluted) for the second quarter 2012, compared with $7.7 billion ($3.85 per share diluted) in the 2011 second quarter indicating a drop of $.5 billion.

Sales and other operating revenues in the second quarter 2012 were $60 billion, compared to $67 billion in the same period last year.

Commenting the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Watson, said: “Our second quarter earnings and cash flow were among our strongest ever, even with softer oil markets. Despite current weakness in the global economy, we continue to invest in our long-term growth projects to help deliver affordable energy to meet future demand. We took several important steps to advance our major upstream capital projects, in particular achieving milestones in our natural gas development projects in the AsiaPacific region. We also expanded our global exploration resource acreage, including new leases in the Gulf of Mexico where we already hold a significant position.”

The company recorded some upstream milestones, which include signing nonbinding Heads of Agreement with Tohoku Electric for LNG offtake, and additional binding agreements with Tokyo Electric for LNG offtake and an equity interest, for the Wheatstone Project in Australia. To date, more than 80 percent of Chevron’s eq-

uity LNG from Wheatstone is covered under long-term agreements with customers in Asia and also announced a natural gas discovery, Pontus-1, in the Carnarvon Basin in 47.3 per cent-owned Block WA-37-L in Australia.

In the United Kingdom, the company initiated front-end engineering and design (FEED) for the deepwater Rosebank Project west of the Shetland Islands while in Kurdistan Region of Iraq, it acquired an 80 percent interest and operatorship in the Rovi and Sarta blocks.

In the Suriname, it acquired a 50 percent interest in two offshore exploration blocks and bid successfully for a 50 percent interest and operatorship in a shale gas block in Ukraine.

In the United States, it also bid successfully for additional shelf and deepwater exploration acreage in the Gulf of Mexico.

The company’s worldwide net oil-equivalent production was 2.62 million barrels per day in the second quarter 2012, down from 2.69 million barrels per day in the 2011 second quarter. Production increases from project ramp-ups in Thailand, the United States and Nigeria were more than offset by normal field declines, the shut-in of the Frade Field in Brazil, maintenance-related downtime and dispositions.

“In the downstream business, we continued divesting non-core assets, while also furthering work on new growth investments,”

Watson added. The company completed the sale of several of its fuels-marketing and aviation businesses in the Caribbean, and the company’s 50 percent-owned GS Caltex affiliate in South Korea completed the sale of its power operations. On July 26, 2012, Caltex Australia Limited the company’s 50 percent-owned affiliate, announced that it plans to convert its Kurnell Refinery to an import terminal in 2014. In addition, the company’s 50 percentowned Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC announced the execution of FEED contracts for an ethylene cracker at its Cedar Bayou facility in Baytown, Texas and two polyethylene facilities near its Sweeny facility in Old Ocean, Texas.

The company purchased $1.25 billion of its common stock in the second quarter 2012 under its share repurchase programme.

US upstream earnings of $1.32 billion in the second quarter of this year were down $632 million from a year earlier, primarily due to lower crude oil and natural gas realisations, lower production and the absence of gains on asset sales.

The company’s average sales price per barrel of crude oil and natural gas liquids was $97 in the second quarter 2012, down from $104 a year ago. The average sales price of natural gas was $2.17 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $4.35 in last year’s second quarter.

HE Managing Director, Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Saidu Mohammed, an engineer, has assured of the company’s commitment to developing communities where its facilities exist as well as sustainable mutual relationship with people of its host communities.

Mohammed stated this during the inauguration and donation of doctor’s quarters the company built, at Ijede Health Centre in Ijede community, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Mohammed who was represented by the NGC Executive Director, Services, Olu Badejo, said in his address that the NGC as a responsible and responsive company, remains committed to developing a robust and sustainable relationship with its host communities and would remain committed to developing people’s wellbeing which is paramount to the company’s corporate social responsibility thrust.

He said: “Our presentation of doctors’ quarters is a token of our contribution to the development of this community, which we cherish dearly as our immediate neighbour and stakeholder. The project is integrated with all basic amenities ‘ required of a standard residential apartment.

“On our part as a company, we shall continue to solicit for your cooperation and assistance in the sustenance of peace and good neighbourliness, in order to support our business growth aspirations, for the benefit of all our people and generations yet to come.”

The NGC chief also urged the community to give useful information to the company through its public affairs department on any community issues and not through a third party adding that problems are bet-

By Ambrose Nnaji

ter solved where there is constant communication between entities with vested interests, for the mutual benefits of all.

The primary function of the Nigerian Gas Company, he said, is transmitting and marketing of natural gas and its derivatives in the market, and to the West African sub-region.

He noted that NGC network of gas pipelines extend to about 2500 kilometres, with metering stations spread in 10 states including Lagos, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Abia, AkwaIbom and Cross-River States.

He said that NGC is faced with many challenges in the areas of provision of basic amenities to over 200 communities, across various areas of the country where it facilities exist.

The Chairperson of the Hospital Governing Board of the Ijede Health Centre, Dr. M. Ibrahim Subair, noted that the ijede community approached some corporate organizations for hospital equipment, construction of staff quarters and administrative block and the Nigeria Gas Company accepted to build staff quarters in December 2008. “The NGC has shown that they are highly responsible and awake to their social responsibility, they promised and they have delivered,” she added.

She urged NGC to strive to do more, adding that the Ijede Health Centre is looking forward to more assistance and cooperation in order to elevate the status of the health centre to a full-fledged general hospital.

The Acting Medical Director, Ijede Health Centre, Dr. Olusola Amure, thanked the NGC for living to its social responsibility and promises that the health centre would make good use of the facility. He also requested for the donation of an ambulance to the health centre as it would aid quick response to victims.

SPE holds conference next week

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HE Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria Council’s (SPENC) 36th annual international conference and exhibition August 6 and 8, this year at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Expo Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Chairman, SPE Nigeria Council, Sir. Ikechukwu Okafor, said the Society of Petroleum Engineers is the largest volunteer/individual - member organisation serving professionals worldwide in the upstream segment of the oil and gas industry and provides a global forum for the sharing of knowledge and exchange of technology to meet the world’s energy needs both today and in the foreseeable future.

“The SPE Nigeria Council having considered the changes taking place

in world energy dynamics and the environmental effect of oil exploration and exploitation has decided to build this year’s event around the theme ‘Future of Oil & Gas: Right Balance with the Environment and Sustainable Stakeholders Participation,” he said adding the conference will provide a forum for healthy dialogue and purposeful engagement between stakeholders on the future of oil and gas development with focus on the environment.

The aim, he noted, is to stir our members and the general public to embrace and promote environmentally sustainable development of oil and gas in Nigeria while taking advantage of new opportunities in the global energy market.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

ENERGY

Privatisation: Power minister laments workers’ opposition T

HE Minister of Power, Prof.

Bart Nnaji has said it is unfortunate that the two trade unions in the power sector, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEIC), are opposing the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies.

Nnaji in his paper entitled: Electricity development and achievement of millennium development goals delivered at the annual Herbert Macaulay Memorial Lecture organised by the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said the very nature of their opposition has led most Nigerians to conclude that the trade unions are guided by self-serving interests, instead of any commitment to the interests of the Nigerians who have over the years suffered untold epileptic power supply.

He said: “Of all the main features of the 2005 EPSR Act, the most popular among the Nigerian people and the international community are the liberalization of the power sector and the privatisation of PHCN successor companies. Ironically these aspects are the most vilified by the two active trade unions in the sector, namely, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEIC).

“The very nature of their opposition has led most Nigerians to conclude that the trade unions are guided by self serving interests, instead of any commitment to the interests of the Nigerians who have over the years suffered untold epileptic power supply. It is important to note that some of the vociferous attackers among the trade unionists in the power sector are not employees and they have never worked in this sector.

They are professional trade unionists whose services may be contracted tomorrow by the

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

labour union of road transport workers or that of theatre workers. This is why they engage perennially in agitation and propaganda (agit-prop), rather than substantive and critical issues in the sector. They do not really have a stake in the sector, unlike PHCN workers.”

He noted that after several years of fierce opposition to both the liberalisation of the power sector and the privatisation of PHCN successor companies, officials of the labour unions recently came out to state they were not opposed to liberalisation but to “the privatisation of our national patrimony. ” They, therefore, advocate that the successor companies should not be privatised but rather allowed to compete with electricity companies set up by private sector operators. This reasoning is, of course, specious.

The minister said it contradicts every inch of the way the 2005 Electric Power Sector Reform. Every nation must respect all its extant laws, otherwise we all will return to Thomas Hobbesian state of nature where life is nasty, brutish and short. Nigeria may have its own shortcomings and challenges, but we are not one huge jungle of barbarians.

The proposal by the trade unionists that we jettison the privatisation of PHCN assets runs against the choice which the Nigerian people have boldly and freely and unequivocally made.

The first item in Jonathan’s campaign manifesto in the April 2011 presidential election is the power sector reform. The most important aspect of the reform is arguably the privatisation of the PHCN successor companies. On the basis of this promise, millions of Nigerian citizens voted for him overwhelmingly in the election. Now, is it fair for a few trade unionists

to audaciously insist that the sovereign will of the Nigerian people should not be respected? Are we still practising democracy?

Those campaigning against privatisation are obviously ruled by fear of job losses and fear of the unknown. What they fail to understand is that it is the very prescription they have made which will throw electricity employees into the labour market perpetually and ruin their future.

How can state-owned enterprises like the PHCN and its successor companies compete with private sector organisations? Was NITEL or MTEL able to compete with the MTN, GLO, Airtel, Starcomms, etc? NITEL’s inability to compete

led to a situation where the workers were owed for several years which made them demonstrate several times in the streets of Abuja in 2010. Is this the fate we want to befall the PHCN staff in the name of competing with the private sector?

“Modern development is hinged on electricity. Proper electricity development in Nigeria will empower our people, reduce poverty drastically, promote Millennium Development Goals and accelerate the attainment of the post 2015 Development Agenda.

The first far-reaching step to change the face of electricity business in Nigeria has been taken, and the world acknowledges we are now on the right track. With the continued support of the Nigerian people, we shall sustain the momentum in electricity de-

•Nnaji

velopment. For millions of Nigerians everywhere, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.

•Gad Meme, Deputy Chairman, Eleme LGA performing the child de-worming exercise to mark the flag-off of the week-long Shell Health-in-Motion outreach programme at Nchia, Eleme LGA in Ogoniland. He is supported by Blessing Amadi a Public Health Nurse from SPDC.

Need to fast-track passage of new PIB

By Ifeanyi Nwabugu

•Mrs Alison-Madueke

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HE new Petroleum Industrial Bill (PIB) as approved penultimate week by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) represents an important document in the management and operation of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

The draft bill, which was crafted and harmonised from different versions of the bill (Executive, Senate and House of Reps) by Senator Udo Udoma led seven-man special PIB task force set up by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke on January 18, this year presents a significant window of opportunity to further redress

decades of secretive and ineffective management of the oil and gas sector, which has impoverished Nigerians rather than enriching them.

Though oil exploration commenced in 1958 after its discovery in 1956 at Oloibiri , a sleepy community in Bayelsa State, yet no comprehensive law or legislation has been put in place for the administration of the industry . Successive governments in Nigeria have had to grapple with handouts and pieces of ad- hoc legislations that best suit not only their purpose for administrative conveniences but also that of foreign companies who often dictate the terms of contracts and operations.

The new PIB therefore, seeks to repeal the existing 16 Petroleum Acts and replace them with an all encompassing Act that provides for better fiscal and regulatory management of the oil and gas sector. The new Petroleum Industry Bill is therefore, an attempt to bring and harmonise under one law various legislations, instruments, institutions and conflicting policies that have governed the petroleum Industry in Nigeria.

Highlights of the draft bill include the unbundling of the octopus called the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which has been the epicentre of corruption in the country and the proposal to end gas flaring from all oil and gas op-

erations in the country by the end of December 2012. The bill provides for full commercialisation of the NNPC and creation of other institutions that will ensure restructuring for improved efficiency.

By this arrangement, the Federal Government will divest 30 percent of its shareholding in the national oil company, which would be created from the unbundled NNPC and sell the shares in the Nigerian Stock Exchange. By this, the Federal Government hopes that it would create a viable oil company that will operate under commercial terms and will transform into a world class oil firm in the mould of Saudi Aramco and Brazil’s Petrobras.

The bill also intends to establish rules, guidelines and procedures that will ensure good governance, transparency and accountability in the management and exploitation of oil in the country. Its target is therefore, to introduce operational and physical guidelines for efficient management of revenue to enable the Federal Government retain higher proportion of revenue accruing from the petroleum industry. The new bill provides a comprehensive document towards domesticating the oil and gas sector. The bill though not exhaustive just like any other human document, suggests an ambitious and integrated guideline in revolutionising the sector, which presently is the major cash cow of the economy.

The interest of the host communities were also factored in as it compels the oil major and government to plough back 10 per cent of its net profit towards the development of the communities. This becomes imperative especially when one considers that the orgy of restiveness in that region is as a result of criminal neglect of the area by both the government and oil companies. These ideas have been on the drawing board for decades thus raising fear that lack of political will and vested interests both in government and among the operators in the industry combined to stall efforts that have been made in that direction by various successive government in Nigeria.

The purpose of the bill is not intended to wrestle operational or exploration power from the oil majors as erroneously circulated but rather to make Nigeria and Nigerians competitive stakeholders and equal alliance with the foreign oil companies, which will equally offer opportunities for Nigerian oil firms to benefit from the transfer of technology. Besides, Nigeria is a sovereign nation and PIB presents an important opportunity for Nigerians to exert its sovereignty in the management of its oil and gas resources. The bill also established guidelines for operations both in the downstream and upstream sectors.

In fact, stakeholders, civil society groups and organised labour lead-

ers have argued that the new Petroleum Industry Bill is a landmark opportunity to herald a new era of reform in the oil and gas industry that will maximise Nigeria’s vast potential, restore transparency and facilitate a thriving industry and the entire economy.

Failure to pass the PIB they said, will lead to a reduction of investments in the Nigeria petroleum industry. To date, most of the oil companies have ceased to invest in the sector until there is clarity as to what provisions will be contained in the final PIB and how it will affect the industry. With the increase oil finds in other African countries such as Angola and Ghana, among others, Nigeria must understand that investments are transferable and would eventually flow to other countries that are more receptive. Lastly, the recent efforts to deregulate the downstream sector creates an opportunity for lawmakers and other stakeholders to push for the swift passage of the PIB. The PIB has been touted as the most important legislative document of President Jonathan’s administration, as it is expected to establish the legal and regulatory framework, institutions and regulatory authorities for the Nigerian petroleum industry; and establish guidelines for the operation of the upstream and downstream sectors.

•Nwabugu wrote in from Lagos.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

45

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE SPECIAL REPORT

Chevron, others set to eliminate HIV in babies O IL giant Chevron is to partner with other intrested groups to eliminate mother-tochild transmission of HIV. The others are Pact, Business Leadership Council, mothers2mothers, and the Global Fund.

At the International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) in Washington DC, United States, Chevron said the project would combat mother-tochild transmission of HIV in Nigeria, Angola and South Africa.

Its Executive Vice-President, Policy and Planning, Rhonda Zygocki, said: “We must intensify our collective efforts to meet the serious challenges to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV head-on. We are mobilising resources, strategic partners and specialised expertise to address this critical issue facing Nigeria, Angola and South Africa in order to move toward an HIV-free generation by 2015.”

In Nigeria, about 75,000 babies are born with HIV yearly, and most of these infections are due to transmission from their mothers. South Africa has the largest number of people living with HIV in the world, and about 30 per cent of expectant mothers were HIV-positive in 2009. In Angola, where more than 60 per cent of the population is under 25 years old, about 15 per cent of the country’s HIV cases are by mother-to-child transmission.

Zygocki said: “As a company, we depend on a healthy society and healthy workforce. And with HIV/

Stories from Oyeyemi GbengaMustapha, Washington D.C.

AIDS disproportionately affecting women in Africa, it is critical that we come together to fight the disease. At Chevron, we recognise prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV as critical intervention for the families of our employees and for communities in general.

It is also a realistic approach to eliminating HIV entirely.”

The PMTCT partnership’s focus will include building the capacity of civil society organisations to increase PMTCT health practices in Bayelsa State; raising awareness; reducing stigma; and supporting the government of Nigeria to develop and implement policies to reduce motherto-child transmission of HIV. “This partnership,” he said, “will be part of the $20 million commitment made by Chevron in June 2011 to support the global plan to eliminate new HIV infections among chil-

dren by 2015 and keep their mothers alive.”

Chairman of the Business Leadership Council (BLC) for a Generation Born HIV Free, John Megrue, said: “Nigeria is the front line in the fight to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and its government is ready to dramatically scale up testing and treatment for mothers – through both public and private healthcare providers. Chevron is committed to improve public health in Nigeria and around the world, and I am grateful for its generous support to the BLC and to the government of Nigeria. Together, we want to work with Nigeria to realise their vision for a generation born HIV free into reality.”

President and Chief Executive of Pact, an international NGO in 29 countries, Mark Viso said: “Every mother wants to protect her baby. But if a mother with HIV never knows she is living with HIV, she can do little to prevent infecting her baby. In the

Bayelsa, where nearly 100,000 women become pregnant in a year, an astounding 95,000 are never tested for HIV. That has to change, and Chevron will help this possible.”

Co-founder of ‘mothers2mothers’, Robin Smalley, said: “Every mother living with HIV should have access to the support and care she needs to defend her health and protect her baby from HIV infection. We are thrilled to partner with Chevron to expand the reach of our Mentor Mother model and champion the well-being of the Nigerian mother and child.”

General Manager of the Global Fund, Gabriel Jaramillo said: “The private sector is an extremely important partner in the fight against the disease, both in programme implementation and as a supportive donor. Chevron became the first Corporate Champion in 2008 and recommitted additional resources in 2010. We are hugely encouraged by its continued support for the Global Fund and we hope that other private sector companies will follow Chevron’s example.”

US creates anti-HIV labs for Africa

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HE United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and Becton, Dickinson & Company to create Labs for Life to consolidate the gains of the fight against HIV in Africa.

Labs for Life, according to a statement by the US Department of State, is to strengthen health care and laboratory systems in the developing world to boost HIV test. This is in tandem with that of the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The new collaboration, worth $20 million, will include Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Mozambique and will expand outside Africa and India.

The scheme will focus on the validation and upgrade of laboratory services to international standard, manpower training on laboratory skills, and collaboration with local stakeholders (African Centre for Integrated Laboratory Training and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine) to support local ownership, initiative and sustainability of laboratories. The programme will address non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes on the continent.

In the past, the partnership between Becton, Dickinson & Company and PEPFAR had yielded laudable results in HIV and tuberculosis detection in Africa.

Cardno, an external auditing firm, served as third party in assessing the previous progress.

•The award winners at the event.

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10 groups get Red Ribbon Award

EN community-oriented organisations have been honoured for their roles in the fight against AIDS. They received the Red Ribbon Award at the XIX International AIDS Conference in Washington DC, United States.

Each award came with $10,000 grant and an invitation to partake in the conference.

The winners are: The Help, Myanmar; SEROvie, Haiti; Espolea, Mexico; The Kenya Hospices & Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA), Kenya; Positive Women’s Network (PWN+), Sri Lanka; Initiative Group Patients in Control, Russian Federation; Delhi Network of Positive People (DNP+), India; Giramatsiko Post Test Club, Uganda; and Global Youth Coalition against AIDS (GYCA), Egypt.

The organisations are from Egypt, Haiti, India, Iran, Kenya,

Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Russian Federation and Uganda.

The awardees were pooled out of the 1,400 nominations from more than 120 countries.

The honours were bestowed by The Red Ribbon Award secretariat in partnership with some UN organisations: the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, STOP AIDS NOW!, the Global Network of Women Living with HIV/AIDS and the International Council of AIDS Service Organisations.

The UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé said: “The winners of the Red Ribbon Award have accomplished so much with so little. They work at the grassroots in very challenging situations to ensure that vulnerable groups and people living with HIV get the information, services

and opportunities they need.

Communities are where the response to AIDS started and it is their energy, innovation and leadership that have set us on the course to end of AIDS.” Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway presented the award to the winners. She said. “I am proud to give the awards to these outstanding organisations, whose actions in the communities they serve truly make a difference to people affected by HIV. The community response to HIV is at the heart of the AIDS response.”

Nobel laureate and General Secretary of Myanmar’s National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi, said: “By strengthening the community, we strengthen our chances of achieving democracy and of building up strong democratic institutions.“

Homosexuals’, sex workers’ treatment suffers setback

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RANSGENDER, sex workers, and men who have sex with men (MSM) are still the most susceptible to the HIV infection, experts have said.

Speaking at this year’s international conference on AIDS, they said despite the marginal health right given to this group by the society, there has been a resurgence of the HIV infection.

Paul Semugoma, a physician who represented the Global Forum on MSM & HIV, Uganda, said there was the need for concerted and indiscriminate effort in turning the tide against HIV among MSM. “At 30 years, the HIV pandemic is not young. Neither is it a new concept that MSM and transgender people are, particularly, vulnerable to infection. ‘’What is new are the tremendous prevention and care options; exciting possibilities for curbing the ravages of HIV, in the world and in Africa. It is thus, particularly, challenging that we are stumbling on the same old blocks of denial, stigma, prejudice and discrimination. ‘’Together, we can turn the tide against HIV. We can get to the dizzying heights, realms of a world of zero infections, but not without input from and services for all at risk of HIV.” Dr. Elly Katabira, AIDS International Chair and President, International AIDS Society (IAS), said: “If we are to take advantage of the huge possibilities that the science is affording us in tackling the epidemic. We urgently need the most vulnerable populations at the table, but at the same time we need governments to be brought to account for policies that are criminalising sexual preference and people´s behaviours rather than dealing with these issues as public health concerns.”

Cheryl Overs, Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Australia, advocated the involvement of sex workers in the public health response to HIV. Overs criticised the policy that enforced tokenistic participation of sex workers, which should be amended to bring about meaningful participation by this group to effect the change.

In a statement the transgender representative at the conference said: “We are the people who are tired of being in the target sights of this epidemic and other storms.

We are going to make that change.

I have a dream that one day society will recognise the transgender population as human and deserving of all the rights afforded to most citizens.”

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TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

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POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The House of Representatives is threatening to begin an impeachment procedings against President Goodluck Jonathan, if the government fails to implement the budget 100 per cent by September. VICTOR OLUWASEGUN and DELE ANOFI examine the causes and effects of the threat.

Jonathan, Reps and impeachment saga T

O many, the impeachment threat against President Goodluck Jonathan by the House of Representatives did not come as a surprise. In the last three years or so, the National Assembly has been in a running battle with the Executive over poor implementation of the budget.

This probably, provided the tonic for the resolution by the House to impeach the President if by September the 2012 Appropriation Act is not implemented.

Though the poor implementation of the budget has been said to be the immediate cause of the threat, there are, other factors which fueled the anger of the Reps against the Presidency.

It was learnt that one of these factors is the negative or lukewarm attitude of the Executive towards resolutions by House. Members are said to hold the opinion that the attitude of the Presidency towards the resolutions of the House encourages Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to do same.

The House has always expressed concern over the non statement attitude of the MDAs to resolutions of the House, claiming it is an offshoot of the impression created by the Presidency that such resolutions are unimportant.

Unable to stomach the style of the MDAs, a member of the House, Hon. Lillian Uche Ekwunife, underscored the feeling of the House when she sponsored a motion titled: “Need for every Ministry, Department or Agency of government to set up a Legislative Compliance Desk.”

The House, in passing the motion, urged the Executive “to direct the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to set up a Legislative Compliance Desk in each organization as soon as possible for easy communication, effective compliance and implementation of resolutions of the National Assembly directed to them”.

The height of the face-off in this regard occurred when the President, through his spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati, described the resolution of the House that the Executive should reverse the removal of fuel subsidy as “merely an opinion.”

Perennial source of Legislative/ Executive friction But even before the Thursday sitting, members had been discussion the poor implementation of the budget and the need to tackle the Executive over what they termed as perennial disrespect by the Executive for the Parliament in terms of implementing Appropriation Acts.

Over the years, the National Assembly has always accused the Presidency of selective implementation of budgets. To the lawmakers, the annual presentation of budget proposals is seen by the Executive as a mere ritual that must be done just to satisfy the requirements of the Constitution. The Executive presents the budget, the legislature makes the final input and the executive implements what they wish.

This trend has been the reason for many motions on the floor of the House in the past few years. One of such was the motion by Hon. Patrick Ikheriale on October 4, 2011, titled: “Poor implementation of the nation’s capital budget”. The motion was passed to the committee on Appropriations for further legislative input.

Generally, budget issues have always been a source of friction not only between the House of Representatives and the Executive but with the National Assembly as a whole.

The House clashed with the Executive over the low implementation of the 2010 budget, which the House put at 35 per cent in spite of the Executive’s claim that it was not less than 55 per cent.

The 2011 budget was not much different.

• Dr Jonathan

While the Executive said the implementation was at least 60 percent, the House disagreed insisting the 2011 performance was not more than 40 per cent.

It is the same same scenario that led to the present face-off. The Chairman of the House Committee John Enoh decdlared before the House last Thursday, that the performance of the 2012 budget was 35 per cent. The claim has however been countered by the Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. According to her, the 2012 budget performance stands at 56 per cent.

Engaging the impeachment gear At plenary on Thursday, July 19, accused the President of gross violation of the Appropriation Act, 2012 through selective implementation. It went ahead to give the President till September to get its acts together and ensure 100 per cent implementation or face impeachment proceedings.

The House further directed Iweala to stop forthwith the violation of the Act and release money to agencies as and when due.

If, however, there was anything that surprised political watchers and even the Presidency itself, it was the overwhelming support the PDP dominated House gave to the motion on impeachment as amended by the House Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila.

It was one development that forcefully drove home the fact that the impeachment motion might not have been an impromptu decision.

In considering the motion, originally brought before the House by the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business Albert Sam-Tsokwa and twenty other legislators, members expressed displeasure at the selective implementation of the 2012 budget, noting that the percentage of implementation put at less than 35 per cent is dismal.

• Tambuwal

They argued that the budget is the only way through which the government can impact on the people and its non-implementation, seven months into the fiscal year, is robbing Nigerians of the dividends of democracy.

Of particular interest to the lawmakers is the aspect dealing with constituency projects, which impacts directly of the constituents of each lawmaker. The issue of constituency projects has always been a sore point between the National Assembly and the Presidency.

Lawmakers often see the refusal by the Executive to fully implement the constituency projects as a calculated attempt to bring them into disrepute in their political jurisdiction.

But the Presidency was quick to fault the proceedings descring it as self serving. It allegedly described the constituency projects in the 2012 budget as “bogus” and that the House was being railroaded into the impeachment project by outside influences.

But going by the submissions of SamTsokwa, the 2012 Budget was passed with aggregate expenditure figure of N4.887 trillion, including the N180b for the Subsidy Reinvestment (SURE) Programme.

He said reports from various MDAs showed a negative trend in that while the recurrent expenditure has kept pace with projections, capital budget implementation is seriously lagging behind and that such leaves much to be desired “When the bill was first presented before the National Assembly, Mr. President said gone are the days of beautiful budget speeches, selective and non-implementation of budgets,” he said.

Sam-Tsokwa said the President had promised that if passed, the budget would be implemented to the letter, “but as we speak, five months to go in the year and less than three months to the presentation of 2013 budget proposal, except the capital expenditure is implemented properly, there is no way that promise would come to pass”.

‘The President had promised that if passed, the budget would be implemented to the letter, “but as we speak, five months to go in the year and less than three months to the presentation of 2013 budget proposal, except the capital expenditure is implemented properly, there is no way that promise would come to pass’

The lawmaker said the intention of the motion was to engage the Executive on the implementation of the budget. “We need to know basically what the challenges are and it is then that the House can proffer a solution”.

According to him, though majority of MDAs have reached advanced stages in the implementation of the procurement process, they are unable to release contract award letters as a result of insufficient funds or none at all, adding that this has further worsened the crushing burden of accumulated debts.

Sam-Tsokwa, therefore, pleaded with the House to constitute an ad hoc Committee to interface with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the Budget Office and Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) to unearth the claims and counter claims of the contending parties in the budget implementation process and report back to the House within the first week of resumption from recess.

He also wanted the leadership of the House to immediately engage President Jonathan and communicate the concern of the House.

Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, in a bid to ascertain the correct position of the motion, asked Chairmen of Committees that have oversight over revenue generating MDAs to enlighten the House on the true position of the country’s financial standings.

John Enoh, (PDP, Cross Rivers) Chairman, Committee on Appropriation, fingered the Ministry of Finance as the main cause of the problem.

According to him, the Ministry has refused to adhere to the letters of the Appropriation Act, 2012, on the issue of release of funds to the MDAs. The lawmaker said based on available documents, N304 billion and N375 billion ought to be released to the MDAs for the first and second quarters respectively.

“As at the end of the second quarter, that is June, 2012, out of about N1.5trillion for capital expenditure, what the Executive supposed to release for the first quarter is at least, N375 billion but in the first quarter, only about N104 billion was released.

“In the second quarter, only about N100 billion was released. So there was a total release of capital expenditure of just about N204 billion, and this is a far cry from what we expected”.

He said many reasons were offered by the Ministry of Finance in the course of several interactions for the inadequate releases.

“Not only that, another tragedy was accessing the released funds as the actual amount accessed so far is less than N200b meaning that the actual budget performance is less than 35 per cent’” he added.

Another lawmaker, Jubrin (PDP Kano) explained that the country has all the resources to raise and finance its budget as opposed to the claims by some officials of the government that the economy is on the brink of collapse.

He said several revenue generating agencies of government have not only been meeting their set targets but have surpassed them in most cases.

According to him income estimated from Petroleum Profit Tax by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as at May 2012 was N747.4 billion but that the organisation generated N1.3 trillion leaving a surplus of N565 billion .

He further stated: “Set revenue from nonoil sector was N767.4 billion but N576 billion has so far been generated, meaning that there is no shortfall. This information was from the FIRS. “The FIRS has 25 per cent increment in their budgeted generated revenue and just from five items. As at this moment, from January, the agency has generated N2.43 trillion as against the targeted N1.81 trillion which •Continued on page 48

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POLITICS

Jonathan, Reps and impeachment saga •Continued from page 47

means that they have a surplus of N620 billion ,” he added.

Jubrin said that Personal Income Tax yielded N1.59 or 65 per cent above set target, Company Income Tax grossed N476 billion amounting to 17 per cent while Value Added Tax (VAT) grossed N349b amounting to 14 per cent.

According to him, Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) generated N313.9b between January and May against set target of N363 billion leaving a shortfall of N49b. “However, the Customs made up for that shortfall from levies as they grossed N127b against set target of N64.8b.

“In total, Customs have been able to generate N426b between January and May from total of N820b and I am optimistic that they will double that before the year ends”.

According to Jubrin, against claims that the Federal Government has stopped granting waivers, document showed that waivers have been granted consistently to the tune of about N2b monthly, “but in the month of May alone, N139b waiver was granted.”

He said records showed that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has surplus in its projection as it has so far generated N468b as opposed to N307b projected.

On the other hand, he revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has remained adamant about non-disclosure of its accounts in spite of all entreaties.

He noted that it was wrong to state that the Nigerian economy is on the brink of collapse. As crude oil has never sold below the $72 benchmark and the approved quota for the country has not reduced.

While he accused the NNPC and other concerned agencies of not disclosing the actual number of barrels of crude oil stolen daily, the lawmaker questioned the rationale behind the status of indebtedness.

The main grouse of the lawmaker was that the Ministry of Finance found it convenient to make funds inaccessible for revenue generating agencies.

He cited the example of Customs which was supposed to retain seven percent of its earnings for its operations, “but once the NCS remits the money to the Ministry, it does not get anything back. The Service has not got anything for its operations this year,” he added.

He said N446 billion has so far been borrowed from a total of N744 billion , “What is the use of borrowing when the budget has not been implemented? It seems some people are determined to put in our psyche that we don’t have money in this country.

But the Minority leader, Femi Gbajabiamila brought another dimension into the proceedings when he said the Executive had always refused to abide by the letters of the Appropriation Act on a yearly basis. According to him, it was time for the House to put its foot down and finally stop the trend.

“If Mr. President does not implement the budget 100 per cent by September 18, this House must begin to file articles of impeachment against him”, he said.

In defence of impeachment The House did not take kindly to allegations of witch hunt on account of constituency projects. It replied the Presidency, saying it would not bow to blackmail or intimidation.

“To now conclude that our resolution for Thursday is borne out of selfish motives is terribly out of

place. We would, however, continue to raise our voices to the highest level where we sight injustice or impunity, no amount of blackmail or intimidation would cow us to abdicate our constitutional responsibility which we signed with our employers the (Nigerian people) to stand firm and protect their interest,” Zakari Mohammed, the House Spokesman fired back in a statement.

The House’s spokesman said they were not unaware of the comments as well as the deliberate plan by the Presidency to misinform the public on the rationale behind their stand.

Mohammed, who said members were aware that all revenue generating agencies have surpassed their annual target by mid-2012, stated that the decision of the House was fired by the fact that Nigerians’ standard of living has nort reflected the growth in the economy.

“To then insinuate that the House of Representatives took this noble step to satisfy pressure from a political party or because the Constituency projects were not awarded to members or because of the drama that followed the presentation of the fuel subsidy report, is to say the least, malicious, damaging and uncharitable to the image of the Assembly.

Fighting Lawan’s battle Others see the impeachment proceedings as the House’s own way of striking back at the Executive for what was perceived as the Presidency’s involvement in the $620,000 bribe-for-clearance saga involving the former Chairman of the House Committee on Education, and head of the ad hoc committee on Fuel Subsidy regime, Farouk Lawan.

The bribery saga is seen as an attempt to smear the otherwise remarkable tenure of Tambuwal as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, so much so that at a time when he should be celebrating a good first session of the 7th House, he was busy trying to douse the fire of the bribery scandal.

This school of thought, to a large extent, believes that the House is trying to avenge itself in this regard.

The action of the House has also been perceived in some quarters as an extension of the Jonathan/ Tambuwal power play which stemmed from the Presidency’s preference of Mulikat AkandeAdeola for the position of Speaker against that of Tambuwal.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former National Secretary, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Dele Adesina, believes that reviewing the 1999 Constitution will be an exercise in futility. He explains his stance in this interview with Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN. He also dilates on other burning national issues.

‘Constitution needs substitution, not review’ P

ROMINENT in our national dis course today is the much-sought review of the nation’s Constitution. What is your view on the development?

The constitution of a nation is the organic law of that nation. It is foundation upon which everything in the nation is built. It determines what is right or wrong and what is legal or illegal.

It is the fundamental barometer for judging governmental actions. Therefore, from its making to its provisions, all through to its operations, the vital document must satisfy the yearnings of the people. With this background, let us look at the 1999 Constitution that we are talking about. First, I remember that a small committee was set up by the General Abdulsalam Abubakarled military administration to go round the country, using the 1979 Constitution as their raw material. They were to have discussions with the people in parts of the country. In most cases, they stayed in five-star hotels, returned to Abuja, packaged a panelbeaten constitution, and gave it to the federal government, who later promulgated the 1999 Constitution, I think, with Decree 24. That the constitution was enacted by a decree put a serious question mark on the document. The document is thus a schedule to the decree that promulgated it.

So, its making is flawed. The constitution of a nation must be peopledriven; it must enjoy popular participation of the people in that country to give it popular legitimacy because it will enjoy wholesome acceptance by the people. So, our constitution, as it is today, does not enjoy popular legitimacy. That is why we have been continually in search of a constitution with people’s acceptance. And if we think we can find that through series of amendments, in my humble opinion, we can’t.

Can you shed more light on your stand?

Far back, when Bourdillon was going to put together the 1951 Constitution, we had it from the books that he formulated some questions that were sent round all the parts of the country. One of the questions was whether the people wanted a very strong centre where power concentrates. They were to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Or did they want regions that would only be advisory in nature and so on. The totality of those questions was to ascertain whether the people wanted a unitary of federal system of government.

And people’s answers favoured the latter. This effort by Bourdillon was informed by criticisms against the 1946 Constitution of Richard, which was said not to have given the people

• Adesina

the right of consultation. If that could happen in 1951, we need much more now. I believe that this 1999 Constitution can be regarded as a raw material which can be reproduced in different Nigerian languages and be sent to every nook and cranny of the nation for people to discuss, make suggestions and proposals. A constitution-drafting committee can then be put together to look at those proposals. From there, a clean copy is produced and sent back to the people through their various bodies. When they go through and approve of it, it is sent back to the constituent assembly after which a final copy is produced. That final copy is again sent back to the people in a referendum.

That is an idea of what I called a people-driven constitution.

Why do you think that amendment will not work?

As a lawyer, I know that when you continue to amend your court papers, it gets to a point when the court will advise you to withdraw the case a refile; that amending it over and over again is an indication that the document is flawed. We have had three amendments; first and second in 2010 and the third in 2011. Now, we are thinking of the same amendment in 2012. Are we going to be amending our constitution every year? We amended Section 285 by inserting a time-frame within which election petition cases should be dispensed with.

In the election petition tribunals, you have 180 days; in the Court of Appeal, 60 days, and in the Supreme Court, 60 days. It was in reaction to the abominable dragging on of some election cases for three years while the wrong person enjoys the spoils of

office illegally. So, the makers of the amendment believe that we should discard all election cases in one year at most. But what happened to that amendment as we saw in the petitions that arose from the 2011 elections? Most of the petitions were struck out on very technical bases with a view to keeping within the time-frame stipulated by the law. We have seen cases where the trial of a petition went through the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court and the latter ordered a retrial of the case only to be told on getting to the lower court that the time had expired. And so, the petitioner went back home without getting justice. What kind of system is that? In a constitutional democracy, rule of law – unrestricted access to justice - is uppermost. Justice delayed is justice denied and justice hastened is no justice! We have not got to the solution yet.

Do you have any other reason to buttress your opinion?

When you have a document, and you are carrying out 30 per cent alteration, that is no longer an amendment; you are already in the realm of substitution. Can the National Assembly substitute the 1999 Constitution?

No! Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution does not anticipate a review, but an amendment. Thirdly, when you see some of the proposals being mooted now, clamour for devolution of powers is uppermost; that the centre is too powerful while the federating units are too weak. But there is unanimity of opinion that with the 1999 Constitution, we are operating a unitary constitution in a federal system of government, which is a fundamental contradiction. In order to correct that contradiction, you now want to devolve powers to the states; that is a fundamental change in the character of that 1999 Constitution.

And the National Assembly cannot do it. We must dialogue. If the word ‘sovereign’ is the problem, let us do away with it. I concede that the National Assembly comprises the representatives of Nigerians, but do the market women, trade unions, students, civil society organisations, professional bodies like the NBA, Nigerian Medical Associations, drivers’ and farmers’ unions have representatives there? If you are a lawyer in the National Assembly, you are representing your local constituency and not the interest of the NBA. We need a body that will comprise the representatives of these people. Whatever constitution is produced by these people can be regarded as people-driven.

Cause and effects To say that President Jonathan took the impeachment threat from the House seriously would be an understatement. A flurry of meetings with the House leadership has reportedly taken place at the instance of the President in order to douse the flames of the threat. The PDP’s machinery has also been activated to ensure an amicable settlement of the issue before it spirals out of control.

The President has also began interviewing ministers on the level of budget performances in their various ministries. But whatever effect the President’s actions will have on the members of the House remains to be seen until September.

While the House has reiterated its stance on the impeachment threat saying it would not back down if the Presidency does not abide by its resolution, the recent utterance by Iweala that it is impossible for the Federal Government to implement the 2012 Budget 100 per cent by September seems to have set the stage for further friction.

• Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, (second left), Deputy Governor Titi Laoye-Tomori, Pa Ladunjoye Omigbodun, and the Awara of Ifewara, Oba Layiwola Adereti, representing the Ooni of Ife during the 100 th birthday of Pa Olugbodun, at Osogbo, the capital ... yesterday.

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PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT Ikeja GRA is getting its vibe back with the continued stream of top of the range buildings and luxury flats, far from the traditional large land-size bungalows and duplexes. The GRA Ikeja skyline has since transformed with improved infrastructure and coming on stream of the 1,640 square metres Chez Moi, a residential serviced apartment , OKWY IROEGBU- CHIKEZIE writes

Ikeja GRA hosts residential exquisite apartments

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HEN the defunct Nigeria Airways gave up its right to land buildings in Ikeja GRA, the private sector made good use of the opportunity to invest therein.

Gone are the days of single unit duplexes and bungalows in colonial designs on large expanse of land. It has been replaced almost completely with more modern designs and trappings of wealth and glamour.

Taking advantage of the low density character of the axis, Chez Moi residential apartments was built to target both short and long term residence who desires a bridge between a home and a hotel with comfort and ease.

It is five minutes’ drive from the airport, half a kilometre from the Police High Command in Ikeja and

the general hospital.

Essentially, it is most suited for those who are desirous of serviced apartments with minimal cost or those on transfer or relief duty to Lagos and need a kind of transit house for months or limited years before moving on.

Each room is about 25 square metres, enough for a medium sized family, a spacious lounge, kitchenette, a bathroom and a laundry room.

The building has a garden, gym, grill bar and a swimming pool ; this is in addition to works of art, peacocks and caricature of animals.

The walls are also heavy with paintings from the Francophone countries. On the cost for the service apartments, the Manager, Mr Tope Oluseye said it costs N45, 000

Lagos, Canadian firm discuss infrastructure collaboration

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XPLORATIVE talks to determine areas of possible partnership has commenced between the Lagos State government and a Canadian firm, Messrs SNC Lavalin ( PTY) Ltd. Special Adviser to the State Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ganiyu Johnson, said the state government is committed to promoting best practices that will enhance and support government’s drive to attract infrastructure.

Johnson said the state represents the best investment haven in the continent.

He said the government had embraced the concept of public procurement that is transparent and in line with international best practices.

Johnson said the government,

apart from direct contract, has also adopted Private Public Partnership (PPP) to ensure long term risks are adequately identified and funds are allocated such that there is efficient use of public resources.

While assuring prospective investors on the security of their investment, he restated that such partnership will be mutual as dividends of democracy will promote a stable polity that will guarantee return on investment.

He said the ministry’s role in government projects include consultancy to agencies of government adding that there is a need to ensure adequate communication plans are adopted and utilised during the lifespan of a project.

Mrs Shola Shashore from the

•Chez Moi residential apartments, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

per day.

He said they have built-in top of the range maintenance programme

Public Private Partnership(PPP) office of the state, said in addition to enhancing the mobilisation of private capital to accelerate the delivery of public infrastructure, PPP offers other benefits such as encouraging competitiveness and innovation in the delivery of public goods and services.

She said the office as project advisor would continue to collaborate with them by providing hands-on technical assistance from inception to concession execution and in the development and delivery phases.

According to her, the state government in anticipation of the prospective partnerships with the private sector has strengthened its laws to enhance more efficient regulation of diverse sectors in the economy.

Senior Vice President of the Canadian firm (SNC- LAVALIN), Dr Mark Hall said the company has diverse expertise in construction and are interested in road projects.

to ensure their services remain on top in order to keep their clients.

He also said they expose their

staff to training to keep them abreast with managing such an outfit as done overseas.

Odu’a opens N20m estate

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DU’A Investment Company Limited has commissioned a N200 million estate in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, raising the portfolio of its estate investment.

The estate, named Almond Court, is located in the heart of Ikolaba Estate, near Agodi.

By the new addition, the conglomerate is confirming its distinctiveness in the real estate sub-sector of the economy. It was built through its Property Redevelopment Programme (PRP).

The company in the last few years has been redeveloping all its old properties that have become physically and functionally obsolete turning them into modern buildings, thus enhancing higher values and profitability.

The Almond Court is a luxury estate of 10 units of four-bedroom duplex built on a 5,300 square metre land, which hitherto contained a three bedroom bungalow with boy’s quarter.

Speaking at the commissioning of

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

the estate, the chairman of the conglomerate, Chief Sharafadeen Alli, said the Board and Management of the conglomerate were committed to turning the fortune of the company around, adding that they would keep alive the vision of the founding fathers.

“The Board and Management of ODU’A adopt the idea of Property Redevelopment Programme (PRP) to rejuvenate most of ODU’A’s derelict properties spreading across the ODU’A states and Lagos to enhance new value and profitability”, he said.

The first phase of the company’s strategic focus at redeveloping properties, according to the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) of the company, Mr Adebayo Jimoh, started with Luggard Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos with the redevelopment of a four-bedroom detached house into a six unit three-bedroom luxury flats named “ODU’A House.”

Nigerite trains graduate architects

Balyelsa to hold talks on land management

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From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

T

HE Bayelsa State government has proposed a stakeholders workshop to educate the public on land management and the need to procure the services of profesionals in land transactions.

Commissioner for State Capital Development Mr Zuwa Konugah, gave the hint when the executive council members of the state Chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP) visited him in Yenagoa.

He advised land developers to consult officials of his ministry before buying lands to ensure that such lands fall in conformity with the Yenagoa City Master Plan.

He said the workshop has become necessary following frequent flaunting of land use rules by developers, which is threatening the successes of the Capital City Development plan.

The workshop, he added, would also educate the public on the importance of seeking all the requisite approvals from the ministry before developing their plots.

Describing the Ministry as a highly technical one which demands collaborative efforts from all building professionals to get it right from the start, he solicited for co-operation of members of the institute.

NITP state Chairman, Mr Ezekiel Goin, who commended Governor Dickson for appointing Konugah as the pioneer commissioner, expressed the institute‘s preparedness to assist

PHOTO: OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE

•Dickson

the ministry.

He asked that they be incorporated into the planning processes to ensure proper and orderly development of the city.

Goin appealed for planning schemes to be provided, adding that the numbering and naming of streets be done to provide direction and to guide the people.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the Town Planners Registration Council Law of Nigeria as well as the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Laws to the Commissioner.

IGERITE Limited, manufacturers of NIT fibre cement roofing and ceiling sheets, has trained young architects from the University of Lagos(UNILAG) to have practical knowledge of installing dry construction system.

The training was held recently at the company’s head office in Lagos.

Sales Manager, Nigerite Limited, Mr Jesse Onovre said the initiative is to sensitise young Architects in schools on the process of how to achieve a cleaner environment through dry construction system.

“Basically, we are sowing seeds into their lives. We are mindful of the fact that they are students and someday they are going to come back into the society and start to give back to their various communities where they will reside.

“We really want them to explore new ways of construction methods, how they can think out of–the-box. We want them to see that buildings do not look straight anymore or even if they look straight, the technology behind their construction is a bit different from what we used to see in the past.

“We are doing this to let them see that we care about their academic and career welfare. Some of these people can someday become directors in Nigerite; you never can tell, but it starts from what we are doing here today,” he said.

52

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Stakeholders adopt model to combat effects of Climate Change

T

HE Africa Adaptation Programme (APP) of the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) last Thursday organised a twoday workshop.

The workshop is anchored on using integrated modelling for linking economic, social, and environmental factors to reduce the negative impacts of climate change and promote sustainable development in

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

Nigeria.

Participants at the workshop were exposed to the development indices model known as T21, which in its composition includes the most reliable data used by countries sourced from international sources such as the World Bank World Development Indicator, United Nation’s World’s Population Prospects and IMF’s International Financial Statistics etc.

The T21, The Nation learnt, is targeted at helping policy

makers deepen their understanding of the dynamics within their countries while providing insight into how funds can be allocated to have the greatest impact on climate change strategies, poverty reduction, economic growth, and the reduction of economic inequality.

The workshop was attended by officers from different ministries such as National Planning, Science and Technology, Finance, Water and Agriculture etc. They were told how the T21 model have been tested in

several parts of the world including Namibia in the African continent can be adapted to soothe our peculiar scenario.

In his address at the workshop, Director, Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Samuel Adejere Adejuwon, said doing business as usual is not an acceptable and sustainable option as every country is trying to find effective ways to reduce the negative impact of climate change.

He recalled that President

Goodluck Jonathan pushed for greener economy at the just concluded UN Conference on sustainable development summit and re-affirmed government’s determination to create greater employment opportunities for Nigerians through the pursuit of a green economy.

This, he pointed out, will be underlined by clear national objectives, social and economic development imperatives and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs).

Adejuwon disclosed that the economy is one of the fastest growing in the world, growing by 7.8 per cent annually, and it is projected to become the fifth largest country in the world by 2050, and the largest economy in Africa by 2015.

But bright as the future may appear, he argued that climate change pose challenges for the nation’s efforts as projections by the World Bank show vast areas of the north will likely face reduced rains and higher variability, which may reduce crop yields.

Multiple Listing Service: Surveyors adopt Sept 1 take-off date STATE Surveyors & Valuers have revealed plans to establish a Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a platform where members will list their properties in the institution’s server making it easier to market properties to the public.

President, Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV ), Mr Emeka Eleh said the platform is to ensure ease of transaction, faster closure of transactions and further distance the registered professionals from quacks.

He decried the activities of quacks because of the low barrier to entry in a part of their profession that has to do with agency and called on the public to only patronise qualified surveyors to always have a fall back in case of dispute.

Eleh decried the level of corruption, especially by public servants perpetrated through what he called anticipatory asset declaration where they submit bogus asset declaration forms with intent to steal in the course of their service.

He said: “Our members should be the first to value the identified asset before people are allowed to submit their forms to any agency of government to ascertain the location, description and other relevant characteristics of the property. But unfortunately what most of these people do is anticipatory declaration believing they will acquire such before leaving office.”

On the maintenance of public infrastructure, the NIESV boss observed a wide infrastructure gap and the dilapidated nature of available ones.

He called on the government to refrain awarding huge construction contracts while doing nothing to maintain existing ones. Eleh advised the government on appointing facility managers from the private sector to manage public buildings and roads to ensure they are up to speed at any time.

He also informed that they are in the process of changing their rules to achieve dynamism by encouraging members to make a paradigm shift from answering family names to pseudonames to make for bigger firms and position the firms to serve the public better.

On social housing, Eleh said though they believe the private sector should be the engine room for delivering the project, however, not everybody can afford to own one which makes it imperative for the government to be involved in social housing delivery.

He suggested that the arm of government most suitable

E

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst Editor

to deliver it are the local governments as they are closer to the people and can easily identify needs in the locality.

He also called for the

strengthening of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) to deliver houses and sell to the public.

On the most important way government can support affordable housing, he asked

that government provide the needed infrastructure such as good roads, electricity, and water in addition to the liberalisation of land ownership and registration.

The importance of a virile

mortgage cannot be over emphasised and until government changes its ways of doing things nothing will change in the housing sector.

The issue of high cost of building materials should

also be looked at as the bulk of housing deficit is in the low income group, except there is a deliberate effort by the government to tackle the changes the housing gap will continue to widen, he added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

53

54

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS Naira falls against dollar

Recapitalisation: PenCom okays 18 PFAs

N

AIRA fell against the dollar on the interbank market on yesterday on strong dollar demand, erasing gains made after central bank took measures to strengthen the naira currency.

The naira closed at N160.80 to the dollar on the interbank market, weaker than the N160.35 it closed at on Friday.

The naira received a breather last Wednesday, a day after the Central Bank took measures to stabilise the weakening local currency, closing at N160.02.

The Central Bank (CBN) left its benchmark interest rate on hold at 12 per cent on Tuesday, as expected, but took surprise measures to tighten liquidity. The CBN raised cash reserve requirement for lenders in Africa’s second biggest economy to 12 percent from 8 percent and reduced net open foreign exchange positions to one percent from three percent to support the naira.

Traders said strong demand for the greenback coming from importers who are taking advantage of the initial appreciation in the value of the local currency to take positions in the market was responsible for the naira loss.

“The central bank measure was short-lived because when the naira appreciated initially, a number of importers rushed to buy the dollar to take advantage of the lower price and this put more pressure on the available dollars in the market,” one dealer said.

“We saw some dollar flows from oil companies today, but not enough to support the level of demand in the market,” the dealer said. Traders said unit of Royal Dutch Shell and Agip sold over $100 million to some lenders on Monday, but demand in the market clear the available dollar.

On the bi-weekly foreign exchange auction, the central bank sold $200 million at 155.84 to the dollar, compared with $217 million at 155.84 to the dollar last Wednesday.

Traders said the naira will continue to hover around the present level with expected further month-end dollar flows from oil companies.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil - $123.6/barrel Cocoa - $2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold - $1,800/troy ounce Rubber - ¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -12.6% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending 15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -14.18% Time Deposit 5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $34.6b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 245 $ 156.4 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 241 RIYAL 40.472

By Chuks Udo Okonta

E

• Gov. Peter Obi (middle) flanked by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga ( left) and the representative of SABmiller Brewery, Henry Rudd ( right) at the summit in London ... yesterday.

Savings from Sovereign Wealth Fund hits $7b S AVINGS from Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) has increased to about $7billion, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said.

Mrs Okonjo-Iweala, who spoke yesterday at the opening of the ongoing Nigeria Business and Investment Summit, entitled: New World Nigeria: The world’s most vibrant market, said the savings increased from $4.22billion and should hit $10billion before the end of the year.

At the summit organised by the Bank of Industry (BoI) at the Dorchester Hotel, London, she said the Federal Government has completed the process of recruiting top executives – Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Risk Officer, for the management of Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), adding that the

• Mgt team coming

From Ayodele Aminu, Group Business Editor in London

trio were among the 730 candidates who applied.

“Once we get the board in place, the SWF will start operation. We intentionally left the positions of the Chief Investment and Chief Risk officer open to Nigerians to give them the opportunity, and threw the position of CEO open,” she explained.

The funds for the SWF were pulled from Excess Crude Account. The fund is a major component in the country’s attempt to hedge against budget volatility, build infrastructure, combat unemployment and provide economic growth.

“We want this growth to be inclusive and job creating because as of now, there are no enough jobs. We want to focus on the diversification of the economy,” the minister said.

Earlier, President Jonathan Goodluck, who was represented by the Finance Minster, said the government was tackling the various challenges confronting the country such as security, infrastructure, corruption, crude oil theft and other leakages in the economy.

Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham underlined the strong business relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, noting that the latter is the largest market for the former in Sub Saharan Africa after South Africa.

In her remarks, Managing

Director/Chief Executive Officer, BoI, Ms Evelyn Oputu called on foreign investors to invest in Nigeria.

She said the event offered unique opportunity for foreign investors to meet key Nigeria policy makers and senior government officials as well as business leaders from virtually all sectors of the economy.

Director-General, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Dr Kandeh Yunkella, said Africa was looking to Nigeria to provide 50 per cent of Africa’s gas needs to generate energy.

“Energy must be addressed because it accounts for over 40 per cent of the cost of manufacturing in Nigeria. We need to use that gas flared away to generate energy and empower our women who cut down trees to make charcoal,” he stressed.

Okonjo-Iweala: we’ve achieved 56% implementation of 2012 budget

T

HE Federal Government has attained about 56 per cent in the level of implementation of the 2012 Budget, a statement from the office of the Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, has indicated.

The statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister, Paul Nwabuikwu, yesterday identified some key milestones in the budget implementation of capital projects to include: “total capital budget for 2012: N1.3 trillion; releases so far: N404 billion; cash backed portion

From Nduka Chiejina Assistant Editor

of the capital budget: N324 billion; percentage of cash backed portion that has been utilised: 56 per cent.”

Nwabuikwu said Mrs Okonjo-Iweala has “explained that the improvement in implementation ratio from 39.2 per cent by the end of May to 56 per cent utilisation of cash backed resources by June 20 was made possible by the direct leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan, who is leading the drive for better budget performance.”

The finance minister was

said to have “expressed confidence that the there will be further improvement in the level of implementation before the end of the year.”

The minister also said: “To maximise results, the ministry is careful and methodical in releasing funds to MDAs. She stressed that given the rate of utilisation, there is still room for more implementation.”

She restated that the Federal Ministry of Finance is not holding any funds and that more funds would be released soon.

“Our objective is to achieve both higher budget

implementation and better management of the country’s resources,”Mrs Okonjo-Iweala, said, adding: “We will not toy with public resources because they belong to Nigerians.”

She assured Nigerians that the budget was being managed in a way that protects and enhances the best interests of the country.

Responding to concerns raised in some quarters recently, Mrs Okonjo-Iweala stated that transparency and prudence remain the key priorities of the Federal Government in the management of the budget.

Despite AMCON’s support, banks still face challenges, says report F ITCH Ratings has said the recent rapid credit growth in the banking sector may give rise to weakened asset quality and higher impairment charges if left unchecked.

In a report, it said: “There was a marked improvement in banks’asset quality during 2011 following the sale of problem loans to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria,” says Denzil De Bie, a director in Fitch’s Financial Institutions team. “However, rapid underlying credit growth of 30 per cent-66 per cent was evident in most of the Fitch-rated banks in 2011 which the agency considers

•World Bank: rising food prices a concern

By Simeon Ebulu with agency report

will be a negative credit driver if it continues.”

The report highlights some of the key rating drivers for banks in the context of their mostly ‘b’ range Viability Ratings.

“Fitch considers that many Nigerian banks have thin levels of Fitch Core Capital, which are lower than is appropriate for Nigeria’s difficult operating environ-

ment. Sustainable Fitch Core Capital ratios will be a key rating driver for any future positive action on the banks’ Viability Ratings,”adds De Bie. In addition, the agency considers that improved efficiency will be a key differentiator for the more successful banks and will support earnings’ growth and, ultimately, contribute to better internal capital generation.

The report, entitled: Nige-

rian banking sector: Rapid credit growth returns is available at www.fitchratings.com.

Meanwhile, the World Bank has said it is ready to help governments respond to a broad-based run-up in grain prices that has again put the world’s poorest people at risk and could have lingering detrimental impacts for years.

“We cannot allow shortterm food-price spikes to have damaging long-term consequences for the world’s most poor and vulnerable,”World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said in statement.

IGHTEEN Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) have scaled the recapitalisation hurdles set by the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

In a statement, the Head, Communication Unit, PenCom, Emeka Onuora, said six PFAs met the minimum capital requirement before the start of the recapitalisation on May 31, 2011, adding that their capital has been verified by the Commission.

He said 12 others that met the capital requirement after May 31, last year, woud be verified, adding that three firms had their pension assets acquired by other operators, while two failed.

He listed ARM Pension Managers PFA Limited, Leadway Pensure PFA Limited, Premium Pension Limited, Sigma Pensions Limited (Sigma) and Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited as those that met the requirement before the commencement of the recapitalisation.

He said the Commission has given a 28 days notice to revoke the operating licences of the two PFAs that failed to shore up their funds before the provisions of Section 54 of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004.

He said: ”The Commission would like to assure the public, particularly the contributors of the two affected PFAs of the safety of their pension fund assets even in the event of the revocation of the licences of the PFAs.This is due to the fact that the pension fund assets are securely in the custody of Pension Fund Custodians licensed and strictly supervised by the Commission in accordance with the PRA 2004.”Those that recapitalised after May 31 are Aiico Pension Managers Limited, APT Pension Fund Managers Limited, Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited, Fidelity Pension Managers Limited, Future Unity Glanvills Pensions Limited and IEI-Anchor Pension Managers Limited.

Govt to save $1.25b on LPG use

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

T

HE Federal Government can save about $1.5 billion (about N245) billion in foreign exchange every year, if Nigerians who use kerosene can change to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

The Managing Director, Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) Mr Venkataraman Venkatapathy said this yesterday while fielding question from reporters at the Nigerian Gas Association’s first quarter business forum in Lagos.

Venkatapathy, who was the guest lecturer at the business forum in his paper entitled: Domestic cooking gas supply and utilisation in Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities, called on the government to formulate policies that would promote use of cooking gas in the country.

He said the government would benefit from such policies because Nigeria has a large market for the commodity, which has high demand potential that are yet to be tapped.

55

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

MONEY LINK

Banks deploy 185,000 PoS terminals to merchant locations

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that banks have rolled out 185,000 Point of Sale (PoS) terminals to merchant locations across the country. The feat is expected to enable the lenders achieve a seamless cash-less banking outing.

The CBN Deputy Governor, Operations, Tunde Lemo disclosed this at a workshop on Payment Card Data Security Standards (PCIDSS) and a Cashless Nigeria held in Lagos.

He said that banks have continued to roll out more innovative electronic payment platforms to meet customers’ expectations. Currently, banks have

By Collins Nweze

deployed about 185,000 PoS terminals and before the end of the year, if things go as planned, about 150,000 PoS terminals will have been deployed. The cashfewer project is on course and the initial challenges are being overcome.

The CBN had earlier indicated interest to acquire a new fraud prevention system, payments system oversight and anti-fraud system, to tackle fraud in the electronic payment system in the country. This, he explained, will assist the regulator in ensuring that customers’ transactions are secured while

scious customers,” he said.

He explained that the fraud detection system will help detect potential fraud situations through the generation of online alerts as a result of transaction analyses. He said this would help the apex bank in the efficient documentation of potential fraud situations, as well as facilitate identification and capturing of fraudsters.

The CBN has recorded over 90 per cent drop in card-related frauds after it had in 2010, effected migration from the magnetic stripe-based payment tokens, to the Chip and Personal Identity Number (PIN)-compliant channels and tokens. The

using e-payment tools.

It said the new tools will distinguish fraudulent and legitimate transactions based on redefined checks in online payments, allowing only legitimate transactions to be processed.

It explained that the adoption of the system will boost the cashless initiative and help secure customers’ transactions against fraudulent activities. “Fraud has always been one of the biggest challenges of any online payment system. Increasing fraud rates around the world has dampened the growth of electronic payment by exposing merchants to substantial losses and unnerving security-con-

AIDC & ASO Savings support mortgage financing SO Investment & Development Company (AIDC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Abia State for mass housing development.

This new agreement will see AIDC build 400 units of two and three bedroom detached bungalows in the proposed Ochendo Liberation Housing Scheme, and it is in line with the state government‘s objective of providing affordable housing to its citizens all around the state through Public Private Partnership arrangement.

At the MOU signing ceremony in the Executive Chambers of the State House, Umuahia, the Executive Governor of the state, Chief Theodore Orji welcomed the management team of AIDC led by Mr. Collins Chikeluba, Chairman of AIDC

A

and Vice Chairman of ASO Savings & Loans Plc, Isoken Omo, Managing Director AIDC, Kojo Sagoe and Rachel Dwyer both of the Public Sector Unit, ASO Savings & Loans Plc, Fatima Muhammed, Legal Officer, AIDC and Jane Odonwodo of the Corporate Communications department at ASO Savings & Loans Plc. Chikeluba stated that the firm is doing a lot in providing affordable housing schemes and viable mortgage options for the

T

ARABA State Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai has described Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practice, as a viable tool in mitigating the social inequalities in the country.

Nigerian populace.

“We are partnering with the federal and various state governments across the country through the public private partnership scheme to key into the vision of the present leadership in Nigeria to provide housing for all Nigerians by the year 2020.

It is for this reason that our organisations are collaborating with the Abia state government to launch the state housing scheme. This is part of his Excellency, Governor Orji’s bold and

ambitious housing programme to build the new Abia for Abians”, Chikeluba explained.

Governor Orji, speaking to a large numbers of guests at the ceremony, promised that the Ochendo liberation Housing scheme will be delivered in phases, with the first phase of 50 units of 2 and 3 bedrooms of exquisite urban architecture bungalow. It will be built on 38 acres of land, with modern infrastructures; and it is expected to be completed within 12 months.

Suntai made the assertion in Jalingo while commissioning the Jalingo Blind Workshop which was renovated by the bank in collaboration with its staff at Jalingo branch.

Permanent Secretary in the

state’s Ministry of Social Welfare, Youth and Sport, Hussain Modibbo, who represented Suntai said that such gestures are rare especially among organizations whose operations are supposedly driven by commercial con-

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 30-7-12 SYMBOL

UBN GLAXOSMITH BOCGAS PORTPAINT AGLEVENT JAPAULOIL IKEJAHOTEL DIAMONDBNK UTC FCMB

O/PRICE

4.00 25.50 5.70 2.87 1.05 0.63 1.29 2.46 0.57 3.30

C/PRICE

4.20 26.77 5.98 3.01 1.10 0.66 1.35 2.55 0.59 3.29

C/PRICE 26.25 3.14 2.17 2.19 0.62 0.63 14.70 1.32 1.63 0.56

vices. As a new Partner in Advisory Services, Afudego will focus on Risk Financial Services. He brings to Ernst & Young’s clients over 15 years of world-class experience in governance, risk and controls.

Ben specialises in banking and capital markets and has extensive experience in public sector financial management as well as donor funded projects.

In Africa, Ben recently managed the review and design of the target operating model for internal audit and internal control function of a leading bank in Nigeria, including writing the methodologies and manuals. He previously, managed the reform of public sector financial management processes for Ghana and Uganda governments including the central and local government agencies and re-engineered the business registration process for Ghana.

CHANGE 1.38 0.16 0.11 0.11 0.03 0.03 0.65 0.05 0.06 0.02

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

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% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE

0.20 1.27 0.28 0.14 0.05 0.03 0.06 0.09 0.02 0.09

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

LOSERS AS AT 30-7-12

SYMBOL O/PRICE JBERGER 27.63 VITAFOAM 3.30 ETERNA 2.28 AVONCROWN 2.30 CONTINSURE 0.65 WAPIC 0.66 PRESCO 15.35 LIVESTOCK 1.37 MAYBAKER 1.69 ROYALEX 0.58

siderations.

“Reviving this legacy institution is a noble act. For staff of Fidelity Bank to take time out, take notice of a need such as this and raise funds themselves to meet this need is remarkable indeed.”

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Currency

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

E

RNST & Young, a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, has appointed three new Partners Linus Osita Okeke, Benjamin Afudego and Funmi Ogunlowo, to join its team.

The appointment is to strengthen capacity in the Forensic Investigative & Dispute Services (FIDS), Risk Advisory and Assurance business.

Okeke becomes a Partner in Assurance Services for West Africa with focus on Forensic Investigative & Dispute Ser-

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

regulations and guidelines in the Nigerian payments system.

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

•Lemo

Ernst & Young strengthens capacity, appoints new partners

Fidelity Bank lauded on CSR

FGN BONDS

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

regulator has also instituted ATM Anti-fraud Committee, which was adjusted to become the E-Payment Fraud Forum, a group that ensures that antifraud mechanisms are kept abreast of new challenges for proactive responses.

It also called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the Payment System Management Bill and the Financial System Ombudsman Bill, in addition to reviewing of the Evidence Act. This he said, will give legal backing and assist in enforcing

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 122.73 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 105.51 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.74 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.09 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.95 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,713.35 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 8.95 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,978.16 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 122.59 105.46 0.72 1.09 0.93 1,712.68 8.51 1.33 1.80 7,766.68 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

56

NEWS Orji warns officials against fraud

Abductors of Anambra monarch demand N100m ransom

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

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NGAGE in fraudulent practice and face the consequences, Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State warned his commissioners and permanent secretaries yesterday.

He threatened to hand over any official found to have engaged in sharp practices to the financial detriment of the state to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

Orji directed the commissioners to immediately close all ministries’ accounts being used to warehouse funds meant for the state treasury, reminding them that such accounts are for the lodgments of funds for the maintenanceof ministries.

Speaking with 10 commissioners and their permanent secretaries in Umuahia, the state capital on the dwindling Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and the state’s over-dependence on federal allocation for the development of the state, Orji told them to think of how to shore up the revenue base from internal sources.

He told them to look beyond the funds being generated from the Ariaria Market in Aba. According to Orji, evidences abound that nine of the state’s revenue generating ministries have been pocketing all the revenue they generate instead of remitting same as appropriate.

The affected ministries are: Health, Environment, Commerce & Industry, Lands, Urban Renewal, Agriculture, Transport, Public Utilities and Finance.

He warned that all the touts engaged as revenue collectors should be stopped from representing the government forthwith.

Orji said the government has engaged the services of Noble, a consulting firm to checkmate the fraudulent activities and incompetence of the make-shift revenue officers.

•Police say no contact yet From Nwanosike Onu, Awka and Chris Oji, Enugu

•Igwe Eze

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BDUCTORS of Ukpo monarch Igwe Robert Eze yesterday demanded a N100 million ransom to free the Anambra firstclass royal father, who was kidnapped from his palace shortly after returning home from the a church service on Sunday.

A source close to the palace in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, said the

abductors had reached out to the monarch’s family, even as the Anambra Police Command countered the claim.

Igwe Eze is businessman Prince Arthur Eze’s younger brother.

Police spokesman Raph Uzoigwe told The Nation that he was not aware of any ransom yet. He also said that no contact had been established between the family of the royal father or the police.

But the palace source, who confided in The Nation yesterday, said that the abductors had contacted the family adding that “by the grace of God, everything will be sorted out soon”.

Igwe Eze was allegedly kidnapped from the palace on Sunday at about 12 noon, after attending a service at Saint Mary’s Anglican Church.

A four-man gang that abducted the monarch shot sporadically to scare residents and to pave the way for their escape.

An eyewitness account claimed the gang drove in a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), painted green.

Eze is the fourth royal father to be kidnapped in Anambra State recently time.

Others who have suffered the same fate included

Abagana monarch Igwe Patrick Okeke, Igwe Lawrence Oragwu of Adazi Nnukwu in Anaocha Local Government Area and Igwe Jerome Udechukwu of Ihembosi in Oraifite Local Government Area.

Since their sudden disappearances more than a year ago, Oragwu and Udechukwu, have not been found.

The administration of Governor Peter Obi has invested massively in the procurement of vehicles and other gadgets for security outfits to stop kidnapping and robbery.

Okorocha, council chiefs disagree on tenure •Peace parley deadlocked

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SHARP disagreement between Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and the reinstated chairmen of the 27 local government areas over the tenure of council administration yesterday widened the gulf between the governor and the grassroots managers.

The meeting convened to determine the tenure of the reinstated council helmsmen ended in a stalemate.

It was learnt that the government had concluded plans to dissolve the council administration on August 8, the second anniversary of the chairmen’s tenure.

The chairmen, all of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), were sacked in June, last year by the governor, who appointed care-taker committees to oversee the councils.

They were reinstated by a Court of Appeal judgment.

Before the well-attended parley at the Government House went into a closed-door session, Okorocha expressed his displeasure at the refusal of the chairmen to attend an earlier meeting he called.

According to him, the meeting was organised to establish a close working relationship with the chairmen.

Although the chairmen declined comments on what transpired at the meeting that lasted for several hours, a press statement by the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), confirmed that discussions centred on tenure.

The statement signed by ALGON chairman and secretary, Mrs. Ruby Emele and

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

Enyinnaya Onuegbu, maitained that the expiration of the tenure is a matter of law, which can only be established by judicial authorities.

It (statement) reads: “Your Excellency, it is important to recall that even your broadcast of Friday, 27th of August, 2012 spoke of your plan to conduct local government election this August.

“It is therefore noteworthy that it appears your administration has a premeditated plan against the peaceful performance of our duties during the life of our administration.

“It appears Your Excellency is still determined to further abort our tenure prematurely.

The goodwill of your invitation to this meeting again is doubtful.

“The consequences of such an action will affect the peace, security and stability of Imo state.

We are certain you know very well.”

The chairmen also described as deceitful the government’s claim that the chairmen have been asked to resume work, stressing that the illegal transition chairmen continue to function despite the ruling of the appellate court.

They said: “It is disturbing to note that since the Appeal Court judgment, the illegal transition committee chairmen are still functioning as council chairmen and are still in possession of official vehicles and properties of council areas but left bare offices for us, while they conduct government businesses from their homes and hotel rooms in Owerri.”

Obi is championing industrialisation, says Aganga

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INISTER of Trade and Industry Dr. Olusegun Aganga has described Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State as the champion of industrialisation.

He made the assertion yesterday at the Nigerian Business and Investment Summit at Dorchester Hotel, London.

Speaking on “Investment opportunities in the industrial sector”, Aganga, who described Nigeria an import-dependent country, said it was unacceptable that the country exports most of its raw materials than finished goods.

He said the commitment of the Federal Government was to focus on areas of competitive and comparative advantage to encourage local manufacturers.

According to the minister, the government has not only identified the barriers to industrial growth including problem of electricity which has pushed up production cost by 30 per cent, but working towrads removing them.

He said the overall aim was to kick-start industrial revolution across the country.

On the efforts being made to encourage local manufacturers and attract direct foreign investment, Aganga urged the Federal Government to emulate Obi, who, according to him, had shown uncommon commitment.

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NEWS Kogi revokes contracts

‘1,277 corps members relocate from Kano’

From Mohammed Bashir,

O

Lokoja

K

OGI State Government y e s t e r d a y announced the revocation of the contracts awarded to the two contractors handling projects at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp at Asaya in Kabba Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Idris Wada announced this at the inauguration of the new deputy governor’s complex in Lokoja.

The governor, who decried the poor standard of construction at the site, said action is being taken on the contractors, though the contracts have been revoked.

He said workers found conspiring with the contractors to do a shoddy job would be sacked and prosecuted.

The governor added that such workers would forfeit their entitlements.

He said the completion of the complex showed that his administration was determined to complete the projects it inherited from its predecessor.

Governor Wada said the Ministry of Lands and Housing was created to achieve a lot in the area of shelter.

Earlier, Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi hailed the present administration for placing premium on conducive accommodation and stimulating environment for effective service delivery.

‘Benue is proud of you’ From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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OVERNOR Gabriel Suswam yesterday hosted four Benue State indigenes who have completed studies in marine engineering and navigation in Alexandria, Egypt.

One of the students, Simon Gengwe, has a First Class in marine engineering, while a female seafarer, Miss Scholastics Gbashima, who studied navigation, was adjudged the best parade commander.

Suswam said the government and people of Benue are proud of the sailors.

He said his administration would soon sponsor indigenes to train as pilots and called on the seafarers to be good ambassadors.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Higher Education, Chief Agbo Madaki, said the students had completed their training, which took them to many countries.

He hailed Governor Suswam for the interest he has shown in marine engineering and urged him to sponsor more Benue students as seafarers.

The students presented a symbolic ship and various awards to Governor Suswam.

•Traffic gridlock caused by a broken down vehicle on State Secretariat Complex Road, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta... yesterday

Suspected Boko Haram men kill widow G

UNMEN suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect yesterday killed an aged woman believed to be a widow and cleaner with the Yobe State Police Command.

Police Commissioner Patrick Egbuniwe said the gunmen ambushed a bus conveying workers to the command office on Gashua Road and opened fire on it, during which the woman and a little boy were shot.

He said: “Our bus was attacked this morning

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

(yesterday morning) by gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect around Gwenge on the Gashua Road. The attackers just opened fire on the bus.

The bullets hit an old woman who worked with us as a cleaner. She was sitting at the back seat with one little boy.

“They were taken to

hospital, but the old woman was certified dead, while the boy was treated and discharged.”

Egbuniwe said the police are trailing the attackers.

He accused the residents of shielding the Boko Haram men from arrest.

“The problem we have here is that the residents shield the Boko Haram men by hiding their identities.

If they had cooperated, we

would have finished our job here since.

“The boys attack the police and disturb everybody’s peace. Then they go back to their homes. The people in this area have refused to help the police. They know the homes of these hoodlums but refuse to fish them out,” the Commissioner of Police said.

Yesterday’s attack, which occurred at 8am, forced many workers to stay at home.

Commercial banks in Damaturu were shut.

Micro-credit scheme for 3,740 businessmen

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BOUT 3,740 artisans and small business owners have so far benefited from the Kwara State Government micro-credit intervention scheme for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

The government has disbursed N268.6million to the beneficiaries. The amount represents the first tranche of the N500million intervention launched by Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed last April.

In a statement, the

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Dr. Muideen Akorede, said a breakdown of the amount showed that it was disbursed to 374 cooperatives comprising multi-purpose societies, farmer associations, FADAMA associations, transporters and artisans.

The government said the N268 million was disbursed through the 10 microfinance

Mpape demolition: Rights Commission summons FCDA boss

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HE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has summoned the Director of the Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Yahaya Yusuf, to appear before it over the proposed mass demolition of houses in Mpape.

In a July 26 letter signed by its Executive Secretary, Prof. Bem Angwe, the commission asked him to appear on August 2.

The letter was pursuant to sections 6(1)(a), 6(2)(b),(d) and e of the National Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Act 2010.

“We hereby invite the Director, Department of Development Control to appear before the commission on August 2 in our council chambers by 12 noon.

“We wish to draw the attention of the director to the consequences of failure to honour the invitation of the commission as provided in sections 6(4) (a)-(e) and (5) of the NHRC Act 2010.”

NHRC said it received and addressed a group of women from Mpape community, who staged a peaceful demonstration on July 9 on the proposed mass demolition of houses in Mpape by the FCTA. The protesters, Angwe said,

From Kamarudeen Ogundele and Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

had submitted a formal complaint in which they alleged that FCTA had concluded plans to demolish their houses without following due process, constitutionality, legal and human rights safeguards expected of the government.

The commission said when its investigators went to Mpape, they observed that the protesters’ houses had been marked for demolition.

It noted that FCTA was in the news on July 26 when it gave Mpape residents an ultimatum to pack out of their homes on or before August 31.

“The proposed demolition portends serious consequences that have direct bearing on the rights of Nigerian citizens to adequate housing together with its associated components, such as the right to dignity of human person, education, health and family life as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.”

This position of the 1999 constitution, NHRC said, is supported by African charter on human and people’s rights as well as other regional and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party.

banks shortlisted for the exercise during the launch of the Micro-credit Intervention Scheme by Governor Ahmed in April.

The government hailed the beneficiaries for keeping to the repayment schedule. It said another set of cooperatives would soon be empowered.

It announced plans to implement the next stage of the scheme, which is targeted at providing micro-credit to entrepreneurs across the state as part of the government’s efforts to enhance the capacity of SMEs to economically empower the people and

stimulate economic development under shared prosperity.

Governor Ahmed launched the N500 million scheme in April with a pledge to boost the capacity of the SMEs in the state, based on their strategic role in economic development.

He announced plans to accelerate commercial farming in the state with a N750million intervention scheme for farmer cooperatives.

Government has begun verifying the farmer groups as a prelude to disbursing the funds to qualifying farmers.

NE thousand two hundred and seventyseven (1,277) of the 2,150 corps members posted to Kano State for the 2012 ‘Batch B’ service year have sought for redeployment to other states.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Coordinator, Alhaji Bashir Yakasai, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano yesterday.

He said of those who sought redeployment, 1,108 were posted to other states on health grounds and for security reasons, while the remaining 169 were redeployed on marital ground.

Yakasai said NYSC had also received more than 50 corps members redeployed from other states to Kano.

The coordinator said the number of corps members so far rejected by employers was negligible, considering the number of those who relocated to other states.

“With the population of Kano, the remaining 873 corps members are grossly inadequate to cater for the state,” he said.

Yakasai assured the corps members of security.

He hailed the government for supporting the scheme and urged individuals and corporate organisations to contribute towards its success.

ABU,NIPOST introduce new stamps

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HMADU Bello University (ABU), Zaria and Nigerian Philatelic, a subsidiary of Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), have introduced new postal stamps to mark the institution’s 50th anniversary.

Samples of the stamps were made public during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations in Zaria.

The four stamps that carry various inscriptions were designed by the Department of Fine Arts of the Faculty of Arts of the university as part of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Abdullahi Mustapha, said: “The whole process started when Nigerian Philatelic came with a proposal to the university.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

NEWS

We were offered N20m to kill Oshiomhole’s aide, says suspect

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SUSPECT in custody in connection with the murder of Olaitan Oyerinde, the Private Secretary to Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, has reportedly told police interrogators that he was offered N20m for the job.

He said he was paid N200,000 as part payment with which he recruited four others.

Five suspects, including the Executive Director of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev. David Ugolor, have been arrested in connection with the murder.

Rev. Ugolor was picked up on Friday by the investigating team from the Force CID

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

in Abuja. His office and residence were ransacked. He was arrested after the suspect named one “David” as the sponsor of the murder.

Police sources said the suspect identified Rev. Ugolor during an identification parade as the “David” that sponsored the killing.

It was gathered that the suspect told police investigators that the deal to kill Olaitan was sealed at a restaurant in Benin City and that Rev. Ugolor pointed Olaitan to him at a bureau de change where the late Olaitan had gone for a transaction.

He said they trailed the late Olaitan to a place where he

(Olaitan) and Ugolor had a drink before following him home to carry out the killing.

Ugolor took the late Olaitan home the night he was shot and he was the person called

by Olaitan’s wife to take him to the hospital after he had been shot.

Police sources said Ugolor and the suspect met on Sunday. Ugolor reportedly questioned him.

Ugolor, however, said he was being framed up for the murder of Olaitan.

A statement signed by the Programme/Policy Officer of ANEEJ Innocent Edemhanria, in Benin City said the relationship that existed between the late Olaitan and Rev. Ugolor was convivial

and neither of them could plot the killing of the other.

The statement said: “The suspect who is accusing David Ugolor is of a northern Nigeria origin and is completely unknown to Rev. David Ugolor, colleagues and friends. At the moment, the police are still holding onto David as they carry out their investigations on the allegation we consider spurious.”

“We suspect strongly that somebody high up somewhere is framing up our Executive Director Rev. David Ugolor, over the murder of the personal aide to Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

“Rev. David Ugolor is a life saver, not taker as his natu-

Policeman, hair dresser killed in Sokoto suicide bombings Continued from Page 2

having hideouts in Sokoto, but the group has rarely struck within the city.

A Red Cross official said: “A policeman and woman were killed in the bombings.

Thirty people were injured, mostly around the market in the Yan Marina neighbourhood,” said the official who requested anonymity.

Yan Marina resident Usman Bube said the area was “engulfed in flames”.

“There was a huge explosion about an hour ago at the police station that was followed by thick smoke,” Bube told AFP. “It is so chaotic

now, with people running to safety.”

A senior police officer, who did not want to be identified, said the bomber approached the station in a vehicle packed with explosives and was denied entry at the security gate, where the vehicle then blew up.

Lawai Danfili, who lives near the Unguwar Rogo station, said residents raced into their homes following the attacks.

“We heard a loud explosion around the police station. The impact of the explosion shook houses in the area. We all moved indoors,” he said.

While there was no imme-

diate claim of responsibility, Boko Haram has repeatedly targeted police across the North, where most of its attacks have been carried out.

The radical Islamist group has long stated its loathing for traditional Muslim leaders, saying they have betrayed the faith by subjecting themselves to the secular government.

Boko Haram has said it wants to create an Islamic state in the North.

In May, gunmen accused of being Boko Haram members, shot at a building near the Yan Marina Police Station, killing one officer and a civilian.

A Briton and an Italian were killed in Sokoto in March during a failed attempt to free them from their kidnappers. They were believed to have been shot by their captors before they could be rescued.

Boko Haram, which regularly claims attacks in statements sent to journalists, denied involvement in the kidnapping and killing the two Europeans.

The group has claimed the deaths of more than 1,000 people in attacks since mid2009 and three of its top leaders have been designated as global terrorists by the United States.

PDP backs arraignment of fuel subsidy suspects Continued from Page 2

our revered chairman to be dragged into an issue he knows nothing about,’’ the statement said.

It assured the public that the PDP would not interfere in any judicial process and particularly the fuel subsidy probe.

“Contrary to insinuations by the opposition, it is on record that the PDP is the only party in Nigeria that does not unduly interfere in judicial processes involving its members.

“We are committed to creating a level playing field for all Nigerians in every aspect of our

national life.

“We wish to create a Nigeria where no one will suffer for the perceived wrong doings of another person.

“We must also uphold the principle of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty,’’ the statement said.

It added that it was unfortunate that the ACN was already dishing out judgments even before trials were concluded.

“What is expected from a responsible opposition like it is done all over the world is to give credit where it is due, and criticise where necessary’’ the statement added

ral penchant for poverty eradication, enlarging the voice of the voiceless, assisting the poor and needy is unparalleled in his almost 25 years of effective and resultoriented activism.

“While, we wouldn’t want to obstruct police investigations on the murder of our friend, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, as a law abiding corporate citizen, we insist that Rev. David Ugolor is innocent of any accusation being leveled against him. We call for his immediate release so he can rejoin his family.”

The late Olaitan was murdered on May 4 at his Benin City home by unknown gunmen.

•Rev. Ugolor

Subsidy fraud trial: Ali’s son seeks variation of bail terms Continued from Page 2

He told the court that the new application was informed by the need to react to the counter affidavit of the prosecution which opposed bail for the first defendant.

Jacobs told the court that they would have moved their application but that they needed time to react to some fundamental issues in the new application.

The defence asked for a short adjournment to enable parties react to all applications before the court.

While conceding the need for an adjournment, the prosecution urged the court to order that the accused persons be detained in the custody of the EFCC, pending when their application for bail will be argued.

Justice Onigbanjo granted the request and adjourned the matter till tomorrow for argument of bail application.

With the latest development, 23 suspects are now on trial over the alleged scandal.

But there is a new twist to the

ongoing trial as one of the suspects arraigned last week, has threatened to open up on the link between subsidy funds and the 2011 general election.

The suspect, who was taken to court in absentia, queried why he was arraigned when the chairman of his oil firm was left out.

A source quoted him as saying: “I cannot understand why I was being arraigned but the chairman of our oil firm was left out.

“The chairman and other directors knew what this money was used for during the last general election. Now, it is my reputation that is being sacrificed whereas those neck-deep in the fuel subsidy matter are walking the streets free.

“I am ready to open up unless justice is ensured because I had no hand in this subsidy scam. If you log on to the Internet, my integrity does not worth a penny anymore.

“I cannot be sacrificed; I will say the truth in court and nothing but the truth,” he threatened.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

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y marriage is breaking up because I cannot perform well. My penis grows soft easily. There is no prolonged and good hardness and I ejaculate fast.

I can only go for one round and of course I cannot get her to orgasm – Musa Musa your body lacks adequate blood flow to your penile tissues and that is why your erection is weak. Erectile dysfunction can be cause by a variety of illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disorders, atherosclerosis and multiple sclerosis. Prescription drugs such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, appetite suppressants and anti-depressants can also cause this and so can prostate cancer surgery and bladder removal surgery. You also did not mention your age because old age also causes erectile dysfunction. As men get older, their bodies and organs begin to shrink including their veins. This shrinking of the blood vessels restricts blood flow to the penis thereby causing weak or no erection.

I am hoping you have no serious illness behind this. Try taking an erection supplement. It helps a lot. Natural herbal supplements such as Sex Volts and Libigrow help facilitate greater blood flow to the penis for very strong erections. These supplements also give energy and erections on demand for several rounds of performance. As for your premature ejaculation, using a delay cream during intercourse will reduce your sensitivity and help you last longer. I write about them almost every week and delay creams such as Emperor’s Delay Cream and Rock Hard Delay Cream are very good for this.

Once your performances improve, your wife will be more satisfied. You can also get her a vibrator and an orgasm gel to aid her satisfaction. Ask for Jelly Chocolate Vibrator and Tingle Gel Orgasm Lubricant – Uche How can I know when my woman is satisfied and what can I do to make sure she does not cheat? Mahmud The easiest way to ensure that your wife is satisfied is by learning how to be a good lover yourself. You can learn about sexual performance and how to satisfy a woman from educational films such as More of What Women Want

and Turn On’s: How to Please Your Partner. These films teach you a lot. Take care - Uche Good day sir and thank you once again. I have been using Mega Me Penis Enlargement Cream for almost seven months now and I am satisfied with the size I have grown.

Can I stop using the cream now or should I continue?

Chimezie I am a patient with high blood pressure and diabetes and for three years, I have not had an erection. I have tried taking drugs for erection and even tried the penis pump but it did not work. Can I still be cured? I am 68 years old – Fred Dear Fred, good penis pumps work and should work for you.

The problem is that diabetes medication also causes erectile dysfunction. Because health comes first, I will not advise you to stop your diabetes treatment. Instead I recommend you use a penile extension during intercourse to at least satisfy your wife.

A Penile Extension is a realistic-looking artificial penis you can wear for intercourse. With it you can have sex for as long as you want. It comes in sizes of 6 inches, 8 inches and 10 inches - Uche Please I need a vibrator but something affordable – Susan There are lots of affordable vibrators out there. Ask for Love Wand, Water Proof G spot vibrator or Erotic Stud Vibrator – Uche Sir, thank you very much for the Mega Me Enlarger. I have started using it and the enlargement is working. It has also made my erections stronger and last longer after ejaculation. Thank you sir - henry You are welcome Henry. That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

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NEWS

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Court decides APGA chair Umeh's fate tomorrow

MBATTLED National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chief Victor Umeh will tomorrow know his fate on the restriction slammed on him by an Enugu High Court.

The court presided over by the Enugu State Chief Judge, Justice Innocent Umezuluike, last week, stopped Umeh from convening any meeting/ convention or expelling anybody from the party.

But in a counter application which came before the court yesterday, Umeh challenged the jurisdiction of the court and the locus standi of the applicant, Chief Jude Okoli, who he contended was never a member of the party.

Although hearing on the substantive suit was earlier fixed for July 31, it was brought up yesterday due to the urgency of the matter.

Mr. Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), who led a team of the defence lawyers, urged the court to

Southwest governors plan alternative route to Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Jega petitioned over party crisis

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From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

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CCUSING fingers were yesterday pointed at the electoral umpire –the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of taking side in the crisis ripping apart the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

In a petition to the INEC chair, Prof Attahiru Jega, the National Executive Council (NEC) of APGA blamed the commission for conferring recognition on Chief Victor Umeh, after he had been suspended at its July 16 meeting in Abuja.

Addressing reporters in Abuja, the party’s Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Sadiq Masalla, recalled that the Director of Political Parties Monitoring and Liaison, Mrs. Regina OmoAgege, attended the NEC meeting where Umeh and the National Secretary, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi were suspended.

He accused the INEC’s Secretary, Abdullahi Kaugama of single-handedly writing a purported letter of recognition to Umeh without recourse to due process and the rule of law.

Masalla said: “If the said letter was actually written, then the commission would have erred in its judgment since the premise for its conclusion was indeed wrong and uninformed.”

According to him, a copy of the letter was not sent to the party’s NEC as claimed by the INEC. He said: “The speed, with which the letter was written, delivered and published in a national newspaper may have been alien to any public bureaucracy including INEC”.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

entertain the application yesterday due to its urgent nature.

This, he said, was on the grounds that everything has been put in place for an execu-

•Umeh

tive committee meeting slated for tomorrow.

Contending that the application which led to the injunction handed his client was in bad faith and frivolous, he asked the court to hear the applications same yesterday.

Counsel to Okoli, Afam Ogbu, however, asked the court to apply the law as it is while deciding on the issue of date.

Justice Umezulike decided to hear the case today on jurisdiction and locus standi and give ruling.

He also shifted the time down from 1pm to 9am.

HOULD the governors of Southwest states keep their promise, an alternative route would soon be provided to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

About a month ago, the governors requested from President Goodluck Jonathan that they be allowed to revive the 120-kilometre federal highway but did not get a favourable response from the Presidency.

After the expiration of the two weeks promised to get back to the governors, the President expressed confidence in the ability of Messrs Bi-Courtney Road Services to fix the dilapidated highway.

But the Commissioner for Works and Transport in Oyo State, Mr Yunus Akintunde, disclosed yesterday that the governors are working out an alternative travelling route to the expressway.

Akintunde also said that the solution to the poor maintenance of federal roads across

Govt to complete privatisation of PHCN before December

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HE Federal Government yesterday renewed its readiness to complete the privatisation of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) before the end of the year.

The National Council on Privatisation (NCP) chaired

by Vice President Namadi Sambo took decisions on the deadlines for the privatisation processes involving all

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

the companies under PHCN. Briefing reporters at the end of the N C P m e e t i n g yesterday, the Director General for Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), Ms Bolanle Onagorowa, said that the July 31 deadline for the submission of the bids for the distribution company of the PHCN

remained sacrosanct as the NCP vowed to strictly adhere to its timeline on the programme.

She also informed that the Council revised the timelines for various approvals that would be required for transactions in the PHCN. Ms Onagoruwa also stated that the Council would meet on August 24, to announce the bidders that

passed the technical evaluation for the generation companies.

She also disclosed that the Council would meet on September 11 to unfold the list of bidders that passed technical evaluation for the distribution companies.

Onagoruwa stated that the financial bids opening for the generation companies will be on September 25, while finan-

‘Muhammad, not a man of war

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ROPHET Muhammed has been described as a peace-loving individu-

al.

President of the a group in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) known as Total Loyalty Alhaji Oluwatoyin Balogun made this statement in a statement yesterday.

Balogun said Islam is a religion of peace while Prophet Muhammed had never been a man of war.

‘It is paradoxical of any man claiming to be his follower and taking to destruction of lives and properties’ “It is paradoxical of any man claiming to be his follower and taking to destruction of lives and properties. This is hypocritical of the messages of the Prophet and not adhering to the messages of the prophet will only amount to a waste of time and energy, violence is not a true reflection of a good Muslim,” he said.

He urged Muslims to pray that Allah should intervene in correcting the wrongs that are fast becoming a way of life The interest of the nation, Balogun said, should be above individual interest and wishes.

cial bid opening for the distribution companies will be on October, 8.

She also added that the Council would give final approval for the commercial bids for distribution companies on October, 22.

Power Minister, Prof.

Berth Nnaji described the privatisation programme as a key pillar of the ongoing reform in the power sector.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

the country is for the federal authority to hand over the roads to the state governments.

He was reacting to questions on the worrisome state of roads in the country in an interaction with reporters in Ibadan yesterday.

He said that efforts by the governors and other leaders in the region to make the Federal Government repair the LagosIbadan expressway have not yielded the desired result, hence, they decided to pursue an alternative to the bad expressway.

Akintunde explained that the maintenance of roads will be better carried out by states and local governments as against the Federal Government which has multiple roles and stuck in bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Akintunde deplored the complexity surrounding the repair of the expressway, saying it indicates the inefficiency of the system.

The commissioner also hinted that Oyo State has the mandate from the Federal Government to repair the Toll Gate-Iwo Road axis of the expressway.

He added that the state has also undertaken the construction of bridges on the federal highways, not minding that it was a federal responsibility.

Akintunde restated the commitment of the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration to alleviating the suffering of the people.

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

Children in Ramadan

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HILDREN are Allah’s greatest gift to man. Their presence in a house is blessing. Their contribution is immense as they constitute a major security for parents in any given environment. Those are children for you. They can be the best friends or the worst enemies depending on the situation in which they find themselves.

Children have both temporal and spiritual roles to play in a matrimonial life. And with such roles, they sometimes create hope for humanity and sometimes, they signal despair. They are the greatest asset in the possession of parents in time of peace.

They are also the most formidable fortresses for them against Satanic aggression.

Because of their innocence, they pave the way for God’s forgiveness and quick acceptance of prayers. And, most importantly, children guarantee the continuity of man’s existence on earth. It is only with them that the fulfilment of today’s promise is possible tomorrow.

In the Qur’an, children are mentioned many times and most often with reverence. They are treated in that glorious book as a major issue in the life of man. As orphans, they do not only have a role to play, they also compel some adults to play a role relating to them.

As heirs to their parents, they have a substantial share in inheritance. Muslim children are like cubs. They follow the footstep of their parents or guardians a lot.

They are often with their parents during the five daily prayers.

They watch their parents as the latter give charity to the poor.

They accompany them to public lectures and Islamic social gatherings. And, in Ramadan, children are part of the Muslims’ total spiritual package. They wake up with them at night. They fast with them in the day. They break the fast with their parents at sunset. They join their parents at Tafsir and Tarawih. They participate in Laylatul Qadr and in giving Zakatul Fitr to the poor.

In all these activities, they are supposed to be encouraged. At the tender age of seven, they should be guided to fast even if for half a day. And when they reach the age of 10 they should be strengthened in faith and in religious deeds. They should be provided with necessities of life both on temporal and spiritual grounds. With these, they will grow up to become the fulfilment of their parents’ dreams.

Most children grow up as good or bad Muslims by emulating their parents. A child is therefore what his parents make him. If advantage of Ramadan is not taken by parents to mould their children into good Muslims what other platform will be used?

Your child is your sun. Make a while it shines.

63

THE NATION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012

SPORT EXTRA

Rivers celebrates Royal Hoopers’ back to back victory

T

HE Garden City of Port Harcourt went agog with celebrations as the Basketball team from the state, Royal Hoopers defeated Kano Pillars over the weekend to successively defend the DSTV/NBBF trophy which they first lifted in the year 2011.

By that victory, Royal Hoopers Basketball becomes the first Champions in the modern era of the game in Nigeria to lift the trophy in two consecutive seasons.

While receiving the team on arrival from Lagos on Sunday at the Police Officers Mess in Port Harcourt, it was an atmosphere of celebrations as the supporters and fans of the club gathered to celebrate the arrival of the trophy for the second season running to the state.

The elated team manager of the Royal Hoopers Basketball Club, Ifie Ozaka who narrated their ordeal, said it was twice more difficult to win the trophy for the second time.

"Am all smiles, so excited and elated to be the first team manager who did it in Nigeria, back to back. Words are not enough for me to say how am feeling.

"There is no how the race could have been easier this time because every time you go for the finals, there are teams from all over Nigeria who battle to get to the championship. That we have won it back to back does

•As team expects Car and Cash Rewards tion Cup trophies for 2011, not winning the Nigeria Premier

From Florence Nkem Israel, Port Harcourt not make in anyway an easier race at all.

"Maybe we had some more experience because we've won it previously but the problems that we faced but I believe my players were extremely determined to make it and they did", he said.

The team coach, Ogor Odaudu said it was great beating rivals, Pillars.

"Kano Pillars has been our rivals ever since, in 2010, they came to Port Harcourt and beat us by one point in the finals of the sameevent.Whichwasverypainful but since that time it has been a different ball game."

Asking him the expectation of his team from the government now that the trophy has been won again, "Sport is Sport", he said. "If a particular sports team has gone out to make the state proud, I think they should be rewarded.

Fortunately, the Rivers state government has set a precedence that it is car splash for winners and off course, myself and my boys are highly expectant of the same", he said.

It can be recalled that recently Dolphins Football Club and Rivers Angels Players were rewarded with cars and cash for

We will beat Tanzania again —Obuh

F

LYING Eagles’ coach John Sam Obuh has come out to defend his victory against the Tanzania heroes yesterday saying that it wasn't a fluke.

The Nigeria U 20 team, took a step toward reaching the third round qualifying series of the 2013 African Youth Championship after they defeated hosts Tanzania 2-1 on Sunday.

It would be recalled that the Flying Eagles were very disappointing in their recent warm up game against Rwanda and other early matches which put to question mark on the competence of the team's technical crew.

"This win has explained a lot, that you can't judge by warm up matches. I know we shall do more even when the return leg is played in Nigeria. I have to hail

By Paul Oluwakoya the courage of my players.

Though they missed many goals but the much needed victory has been achieved" he said.

Meanwhile, Coach of Wikki Tourist, Ladan Bosso has urged the team coaches to work on their lapses, saying there are lots of loose nuts to be tightened in the team. :" It is not over, they are still coming to Nigeria. They don't have to be complacent. They need to work om their lapses especially the attack." he said The Flying Eagles will be playing host in the return leg of the AYC encounter on August 12, as against the former fixed date, at the Ilorin, Kwara state. The players are due back in Nigeria on Wednessday.

MTN wins 2012 Nigeria Telecom Games

T

ELECOM Games football event Cup holders, MTN not only staved off a spirited challenge by Etisalat to successfully defend their title but also made a near clean sweep of the medals in other events as the Nigeria Telecommunications Games came to an exciting end last Saturday at the University of Lagos Sports Complex. It was a well attended closing ceremony with former Super Eagles Manager, Samson Siasia and ex-international Waidi Akanni joining the top level executives of MTN and Etisalat to cheer the teams. Some of those in the VIP pavilion from MTN included Andrew Ezemezie, the General Manager, Planning & Customer Management and from Etisalat were Rotimi Akapo, the Senior Manager Commercial Legal and John Murray, the Chief Information Officer, who earlier in the tournament won the 1500m race.

One goal each from Yusuf Abubakar and Alichie Iheukwumere sealed victory for

MTN in the final which was dominated in the first 45 minutes by their opponents. On a rather sad note, Etisalat’s goalkeeper and an early favourite for the tournament’s MVP, Chima Nnorom who had kept a clean sheet in all matches saw his aspiration to set a record blown by a red card following a professional fowl on a goalbound Iheukwumere. Enterprising David Ore got the second expulsion of the day to perhaps snuff out the fight back mounted by the Bello-Osagie chaps.

MTN finished tops on the overall medals standing with 13 gold medals and their class act was highlighted in the Lawn Tennis event where their top managers made a sweep of the medals through Nwokocha Ishmael, the General Manger, Corporate Treasury, Adudu Erjay, the Senior Manager, Partners Account, Ikpomwosa Afe, Process Audit Manager and Olorunfemi Ojomo, Strategic Sourcing.

League and the female Federa-

also forgetting that Sharks re-

ceived same gesture for winning the 2010 WAFU trophy.

And if actually its a precedence that the government has set, just

as the coach said, the the Royal Hoopers Basketballers should be smiling to Government House very soon.

www.thenationonlineng.net

TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

TODAY IN THE NATION

‘President Mills, despite the institutional flaws that allowed him to gamble with his health for office, imposed his trademark integrity on an evolving democratic polity because he had sound education and even sounder character’ VOL. 7

NO.2,203

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

Y

OU will not find “panelocracy” in a standard dictionary of the English Language.

That term was coined, I believe, by – who else? – Odia Ofeimun, in our Rutam House years to denote the system of government by committee that was the trademark of the regime of military president Ibrahim Babangida in its first year On practically every subject under the sun and even beyond it, Babangida put one committee or another to work with a bold, even radical mandate. To leave nobody in any doubt that he meant business, he made sure that the committees comprised some of the most knowledgeable persons in that field.

When that committee was done, Babangida would constitute a fresh panel, again comprising persons with impeccable credentials, to review its submissions.

Following that, another committee, made up exclusively of insiders who may or may not be civil servants, would prepare a White Paper setting out the government’s position on the matter. And it was not uncommon that yet another committee would review the White Paper.

The outcome was never certain. But in the public imagination, it came across as one that had been arrived at by exhaustive discussion and debate That was before Babangida dispensed altogether with the pretence of shared governance and ruled by the ethos of the military that had bred him.

But the novelty was not lost on the public.

It was captured brilliantly in a 1986 cartoon in the newsmagazine African Guardian, long defunct, that clings in my memory. A mother catches her son in the very act of filching a piece of meat from the family’s soup pot and demands an explanation.

Totally unfazed, Junior demands that a panel be set up to look into the matter – remote and proximate causes, likely consequences, prospects – the full Monty.

More than two decades later, the Goodluck Jonathan administration is taking Nigeria back to the time of panelocracy. Take, for a start, the way he has handled the investigations into the syndicated racketeering known as “oil subsidy” that a long line of administrations, including his, has tolerated, if not actually encouraged.

The public always knew that what was being subsidised was a criminal enterprise on a scale almost beyond belief.

But the Jonathan administration pretended not to know this, and went ahead to present the public with an unfeeling New Year gift in the form of a 120 percent increase in the price of gasoline, on the pretext of ending a subsidy that would kill the economy if it was sustained for one day longer.

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Back to ‘panelocracy’

•Jonathan

•Mark

The massive protests which convulsed the nation for nine days thereafter, and the hearings of the House of Representatives SubCommittee led by Farouk Lawan, jolted the Jonathan administration out of denial and moved it to resort to the expedient of panelocracy.

So, Dr Jonathan set up a committee led by the banker, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, to look into the whole subsidy regime, who obtained what, how, and with what consequences, drawing on the findings of the House Subcommittee.

Finally, the administration seemed set to proceed on the basis of hard data rather than stubborn denial. The report of the Farouk Lawan Committee is a sweeping indictment of prominent and not-so-prominent figures close to the corridors of power, vitiated however by the fact that it is in some respect a product of the very corruption it had set out to expose. Still, there was reason to suspect that the Jonathan administration was scheming to eviscerate it entirely.

After studying the Aig-Imoukhuede report, the government invited its chairman back to

head another committee to plough the same territory all over. I will not be surprised if, on reviewing the second edition, the government invited its author back again to chair yet another panel to review it with a view to furnishing a third edition.

Nor is the Aig-Imoukhuede panel the only one seeking to plumb the murky depths of the subsidy scam. Petroleum Minister Diezani Allison-Madueke, under whose regal and untroubled watch the racket flowered as never before, set up a panel that will report directly to her.

The chair of the panel, Nuhu Ribadu, former head of the anti-corruption agency EFCC, is on record as saying that he would have completed in just one week the task that Jonathan has assigned Aig-Imoukhuede twice over. But not much has been heard from Ribadu’s committee. It may well be that Allison-Madueke already has in place a committee to review Ribadu’s preliminary findings.

It is this same strategy, the strategy of panelocracy, that Dr Jonathan has chosen to employ in fashioning a constitution for

RIPPLES NIGERIA LOSES $5M TO OIL THEFT DAILY-Okonjo-Iweala

How much is lost to TREASURY LOOTERS PER SECOND?

HARDBALL

E

VER since trials in the fuel subsidy scandal started, some affected parties have been battling furiously to contain the fallout. The affair has been particularly embarrassing for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The sons of the its former chairman, Ahmadu Ali, and the incumbent, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, are among 20 individuals who have been arraigned.

In the face of public anger over the identity of those on trial, Tukur and others have sought to distance themselves from the alleged sins of their offsprings. Not content with reminding Nigerians that our statute books guarantee that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, the PDP boss dug up the Bible for comfort.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Monitoring, Mr. Bernard Mikko, quoted Deuteronomy 24:16, which states that “the father shall not be put to death for his children and the children for their father; every man shall be put to death for his own sins.”

He equally referred to Ezekiel 18:20, which states that “the soul that sinneth shall die. The son shall not bear iniquity for his father and neither shall the father bear iniquity for the son.”

The interesting thing about the Bible is that

The sins of the sons mischief-makers can pick out convenient portions to push their cause. Perhaps someone should have reminded Tukur and his adviser about other instances in Scripture where fathers and their lineage paid dearly for the iniquities of their errant sons. Hophni and Phineas were the bad seed of whose sins cost Eli and his family line their priesthood.

Ordinarily, it would be unfair to crucify the father for the sins of his children. But then we have to look at the circumstances surrounding this case. The position of the PDP chair is an influential one. Many are asking whether these chaps would have been given the licences to import petroleum products without the powerful positions of their parents being critical factors. In our environment where conflict of interest is a strange concept those are valid questions.

In his desperate attempt at damage control, Tukur went as far as the United States and South Korea for examples where

OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

Nigeria. First, he sets up a committee under former Chief Justice of Nigeria Alfa Belgore to disinter from the archives all the proposals ever presented but never adopted nor implemented at every constitutional conference ever held in or about Nigeria and bring them forward for consideration.

The panel did just that, and submitted its report to the Federal Government, which then passed it on to its own internal panel for scrutiny. The proposals that survived the scrutiny will now be passed onto another panel for yet more scrutiny. The proposals that survive the process will presumably be presented to a committee of the National Assembly This committee will further scrutinise them before passing on whatever survives to a committee of the whole House to fashion into a bill that will be presented to the President, who will subject it to a final onceover before stamping it with his assent.

A “people’s constitution,” we have been assured, will emerge from this process — a process from which the sovereign people of Nigeria have been so brusquely excluded, one riddled with manipulation of the kind that landed a fake Petroleum Industry Bill before the National Assembly and may well have resulted in the enactment of not a few fake bills.

The impertinence of it all is simply breathtaking. Even the British overlords did not visit that kind of stultification on their colonial subjects in Nigeria when it came to writing the Constitution that led to independence in 1960.

The very thought of Dr Jonathan and David Mark and all the officials thrown up by gravely flawed elections as lawgivers is preposterous through and through. Their remit is to make laws for the good governance of Nigeria, not “give the people” a new Constitution. They may mean well, but their good faith cannot be a substitute for the imprimatur of a constituent assembly.

Constitution-making cannot be done through panelocracy.

In whatever case, how much faith can the public be expected to invest in an official who looks the other way as his wife marshalls the powers of his office to grab a piece of land that had been duly allocated to his predecessor’s widow and proceeds to develop it in defiance of a subsisting restraining order issued by a competent court of law?

Correction The first word in the ancient legal maxim I cited in my last column as “volunti” should have been “volenti.” I thank Femi Falana (SAN) for calling my attention to the error.

•For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above people in high places were not punished for offences committed by their relations.

Unfortunately, that intellectual fishing expedition was a vain exercise. They should also have dredged up the example of Rupert Murdoch who has seen the fortunes of his News Corporation crumble around him as a result of the actions or inactions of his son, James, and former employees over the phone hacking scandal in the United Kingdom.

The reality is that in matters like these there is no rule of thumb as to what the consequences are. It would be naïve for Tukur and other PDP bigwigs whose offspring have ensnared by the fuel subsidy mess to think they won’t pay a price.

Everyday this trial goes on the PDP suffers the reproach and embarrassment of having the children of its leaders paraded as suspected key players in one of the worst corruption sagas in Nigeria’s history. It is left for the party to decide whether this is the way it wants to be perceived in the eyes of the Nigerian public. That alone will determine whether the fathers pay for the sins of the sons.

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