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Investors reject rice import licence bazaar

The Federal Government, under my leadership, has contributed in the past four years to lead our country forward, ever under the most trying circumstances. The progress we have made in priority areas bears us testimony —Jonathan

T

HE rice market is flooded – no thanks to an import licence bazaar that is threatening to run major investors out of business.

The industry’s stakeholders have cried out to the Federal Government to save their huge investments.

They are pleading that the Federal Government should: •cancel the recent wave of rice import licences; and •keep the government’s self-sufficiency plan on track by protecting those who have invested heavily in the sector, which is now threatened by a flood of imports.

The first great task facing Nigeria today, therefore, is to put in place a government that can guarantee the safety and security of Nigerians throughout the length and breadth of our country. This is because Nigerians must first of all be alive, safe and free from fear before they can exercise and utilise their talents for the benefit of their — Buhari nation

Continued on page 2

NLC to govt: cut cost of governance

We must also remember that we must have a peaceful country before we can have the platform to pursue our individual or group ambitions.

—Mark

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

T

HE Federal Government yesterday got a piece of advice on its planned austerity measures. It should reduce its running cost, workers said.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is displeased with the “opulence” in government while workers’ salaries are not paid and employees are being told to tighten their belts.

In its New Year message, which also serves as a review of the state of the nation in 2014, the NLC predicted a tough 2015, urging workers to brace for hard times but warned against imposition of selective austerity measures and rationalisation of the work force.

It said: “We support government initiatives to tax the rich through luxury taxes. More importantly, we are convinced that the surest way to manage the budget under austerity is to reduce the cost of governance. Bloated prerequisites of political office holders must be cut. Prerequisites and comfort of politicians need to reflect the reality of the times.

“Mr President and the State House must

We hope to develop national framework, structure and policies on internally displaced persons and ensure that these policies are implemented at all times —Tambuwal For a country as endowed with human material and natural resources as Nigeria, the level of poverty in which the vast majority of our people live is appalling and unacceptable.

—Tinubu

•People release balloons to celebrate the New Year during an annual countdown ceremony in Tokyo, Japan...yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

Continued on page 2

We come into a year of endless possibilities. We must view the faults of the past as foregone days of lessons that we have learned from, and see the future as a chance to attain greatness. —Saraki

Our plan for Nigerians,

by Jonathan, Buhari

?

WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 EVER RETURN?

T

HIS year’s elections will be free and fair, the President has promised.

Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is facing a major challenge from All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in the February 14 election.

The president is seeking re-election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Jonathan made the promise in his

•SEE President promises one man one vote ALSO PAGES APC candidate issues five-point agenda 4&5 From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

New Year message broadcast this morning. He said his involvement in the campaigns notwithstanding, the government would not be distracted from “its ongoing effort to significant-

ly improve their living conditions”.

Dr. Jonathan pledged to continue to take steps to insulate “the poor and low-medium income earners from the full brunt of measures included in the 2015 budget to ensure the stability of

the national economy in the face of the current downturn in the prices of crude oil”.

In his New Year message, Gen. Buhari urged Nigerians not to lose hope Continued on page 2

•NEW YEAR EVE TRAGEDIES: •SIX KILLED IN YOBE EXPLOSION •35 DIE IN CRUSH P6

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

NEWS Investors reject import licence bazaar Continued from page 1

•Security operatives frisking Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters at a zonal rally in Gwaram, Jigawa State…yesterday.

NLC to govt: cut cost of governance Continued from page 1

lead in this regard. The size of the presidential fleet (there are 11 planes in the fleet), the cost of running the State House and the retinue of political jobbers can all be reasonably cut without reducing the effectiveness of the Presidency.”

The message signed by NLC President Abdulwaheed Omar asked workers to reject politicians with anti-workers policy in this year’s election.

Any governor who cannot pay workers’ salaries as at when due has no moral right to take his own salaries and allowances, the NLC argued.

The NLC President frowned at the treatment of workers by some state governments and federal agencies in 2014 and the avoidable strikes that paralysed services in the health and education sectors.

He lamented the non payment of December salaries to workers in 11 states before Christmas and some federal ministries and asked workers in the three states that are owing salaries for between three

and eight months to immediately began the process of an industrial action.

“Government’s behaviour further undermined the fragile peace and capacities in the sectors.

“Of the 30 states reporting as of the 30th of December, 11 subjected their workers to a Christmas/New Year celebration without the December salary. Three of these, Benue, Plateau and Osun, owe their workers arrears of salaries ranging from three to eight months! Some federal government employees in the ministries of education, labour and productivity, among others, are owed arrears of salaries ranging from one to three months.

The NLC President expressed concern that little was being done to deepen democratic culture in the polity as the government, through the institutions of the State, especially the police, has continued to demonstrate unacceptable intolerance of political opposition.

Congress, he said, is also concerned that political debates during the year “were non-issue-based and largely centred on mundane and primordial stripes”, adding that “there were cases of gross human rights abuses, especially the cold-blooded murders in Abuja and Zaria in the name of pre-emptive strikes against Boko Haram”.

The NLC, said: “Government, however, deserves commendation for giving the Human Rights Commission free and unfettered freedom to conduct investigations and to reach un-influenced conclusions.

“Despite the rating of the economy in the year as the biggest in Africa, there was little by way of practical performance: lending rates remained high, making the cost of doing business unreasonable; the Naira was hugely devalued in the last quarter, jerking up the cost of living and preventing Nigerians from benefitting from falling crude oil prices; the economy remained large-

ly import-based, in spite of the volume of the so-called foreign direct investment.

“Not surprisingly, unemployment figures remain unacceptably high; crime rates quadrupled, poverty deepened, energy sector consistently operated at its lowest ebb ever, putting a question mark on the wisdom behind privatising the sector. Paradoxically, this poor service was marked by inexplicable high tariffs.

“Insurgency rose to unprecedented levels, leading to loss of territories, destruction of lives and properties, refugee problems and threat to food production. On a non-physical plane, the psyche of Nigerians was thoroughly brutalized. ”The inability to locate and rescue the Chibok girls remains a dagger piercing the heart of the nation. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of these girls as we celebrate the New Year. ”Insecurity came by other means in the form of kidnapContinued on page 69

In a protest letter to the government through the ministers of Finance and Trade and Investments, the stakeholders drew attention to the recent “indiscriminate and wrongful “ award of import licences as well as concessions to businessmen with “absolutely no investments in the rice sector “ who are now “making millions and billions of naira selling those licences to importers in the market”.

The fear of rice industry sources is that with the current developments “in which new comers without prior experience were favoured over and above operators who are investing billions of naira in line with the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), their investments may go down the drain.

“The way it is going, another few years will be wasted and the nation drawn back. With oil prices falling, the ATA provides the best opportunity for the country to generate alternative revenue by reducing import and in the near future, join the export market. With this sort of policy,this thing is not going to work. The rice import allocations will derail the self-sufficiency efforts,”

said the petitioners.

The industry players across the value chain, with existing substantial investments said the crisis they are facing is “imminent crisis of viability and closure” following the government’s “seemingly biased” allocation of import quotas.

Besides, if the situation remains, said the petitioner, the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) may suffer severe reversals. It is their view that the allocations “provide a free ride for smugglers, thereby derailing the objectives on rice self-sufficiency.

Nigeria, according to reports, “also stands to lose in excess of N 40 billion through smuggling and loss of Customs revenues.”

According to a Federal Ministry of Finance stipulated revised lower tariffs for rice imports in a circular dated July 8 2014 (entitled 20142017 Fiscal Policy Measures On Rice), bonafide “investors with rice milling capacities and verifiable backward integration programme” are entitled to import rice at the revised tariffs of 10% duty rate and 20% levy.

Pure rice traders (with no existing capacities/programme) are to pay a duty of 10% and a levy of 60%.

Continued on page 70

Why insurgency persists, by JNI

T

HE apex Islamic body in the North, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has identified lack of implementation of useful recommendations in reports of various committees and commissions of enquiry on insurgency and similar crimes as the reason why insurgency festers.

The JNI argued that the development has led to culprits being unpunished, thereby encouraging others to commit more crimes in the society.

In a communique issued

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

at the end of its special meeting on “the security situation in the country,” signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar, the JNI said: “Useful recommendations in reports of various Committees/ Commissions of Enquiry on insurgencies and similar crimes were not implemented leading to culprits being unpunished thereby encouraging others to commit Continued on page 70

Our plan for Nigerians, by Jonathan, Buhari Continued from page 1

because change is imminent.

Besides, he listed five ways on which he plans to make a difference – if elected.

The President vowed that the government would deal with those who threaten the public peace before, during and after the elections.

He said the economy – rocked by low oil price, low industrial production due to high energy losts and an unstable naira, among others had made progress.

Jonathan said: “By the special grace of God, the Federal Government, under my leadership, has continued, in the past four years to lead our country forward, even under the most trying circumstances.

The progress we have made in priority areas bears us testimony.

“Our national economy maintained a steady growth rate of close to seven per cent in the past four years and millions of fresh employment opportunities were created for our people as a direct consequence.

“Being very conscious of the inherent perils of our over-reliance on income from crude oil exports for national development, we have focused on

2015: My five-point agenda, by Buhari

A

LL Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari yesterday asked Nigerians not to lose hope because change is imminent in the country.

He said 2015 is a year of change for the nation, which the forthcoming elections would bring.

Gen. Buhari listed a five-point change agenda which he would implement - if elected president.

He pledged to change the nation’s debilitating dependence on crude oil to earn revenue.

Gen. Buhari, who explained the change he has envisioned for the nation in a New Year message, pledged to provide mass employment, adequate security, fight corruption, improve infrascptructure and good health care.

A statement by Director of Communications Buhari Campaign Organisation, Mr. Dele Alake, said: “I have unshakeable faith that 2015 will be the year of change.

Now some of you have asked me: what ex-

accelerating the diversification of our economy.

“The non-oil sector which has grown by an average of 8% in the last few years, is now a major driver of growth in our economy.

“The 2015 national budget, which is now before the National Assembly, is targeted at deepening our efforts at becoming a non-oil economy.

actly does ‘change’ mean?

“I have taken time to explain this at different opportunities, but on this special day, let me remind you in five short statements.

Change means: •A country that you can be proud of at anytime and anywhere: where corruption is tackled, where your leaders are disciplined and lead with vision and clarity; where the stories that emerge to the world from us are full of hope and progress.

•A Nigeria in which neither yourselves, nor your parents, families or friends will have to fear for your safety, or for theirs.

•A Nigeria where citizens get the basics that any country should provide: infrastructure that works, healthcare that is affordable, even free; respect for the environment and sustainable development, education that is competitive and outcome-oriented in a knowledge-economy.

•A country that provides jobs for its young people, reducing unemployment to the lowest of single digits and providing

“The budget also includes measures to ensure that the downturn in the price of oil does not affect our development plans and our national economy too adversely. We are adjusting our financial processes to safeguard our economy. We are also taking steps to ensure that the poor and the low and medium income earners do not bear the brunt.

safety nets so that no one is left behind.

•A Nigeria where entrepreneurship thrives, enterprise flourishes and the government gets out of your way so that you can create value, build the economy and aggressively expand wealth.

The APC candidate expressed confidence that the five agenda are implementable.

He said: “Are these things truly possible? Of course. That is the essence and outcome of leadership, and that is what my party and I promise you as we get into 2015.My dear friends, this New Year, more than ever before, I am hopeful about Nigeria.

“Yes, you are disappointed and you are angry, as you are entitled to, but you must never give in to the temptation to feel so weighed down by those who have failed you that you lose your hope and your energy and your passion to see change. You must never give up on Nigeria.

“Together, we can build a nation that is secure, prosperous and gives everyone a

“In 2015, this administration will continue to lay the foundation for a vibrant economy that attracts significant Foreign Direct Investment and promotes policies that ensure economic stability.

“We will ensure stability in the value of the Naira by striving to take away speculative behaviours that cause market exchange pressures.

Continued on page 69

“We will continue to build and maintain a healthy external reserves position and strengthen fiscal buffers. We will ensure the Naira remains strong, and gives foreign investors the clarity and certainty that they need, to guide future investment decisions.

“We will continue to improve our payment systems and strengthen risk-based su-

•Gen. Buhari

pervision mechanism for Nigerian banks to ensure overall health and stability of the banking system,” President Jonathan said.

The President reassured Nigerians and the global community of his administration’s resolute commitment to free, fair, credible and acceptable elections.

He also warned that a firm and decisive action will be taken against any individual or groups who attempt to disrupt the public peace before, during Continued on page 69

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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Broken ANALYSIS

L •Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle); his former Special Adviser on Environment and Sanitation, Mr Bola Ilori (left) and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr Ola Oresanya at an Award organised in honour of Ilori as the Best Public Sector Environmentalist in Nigeria 2014 at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, Abere, Osogbo.

•Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha (left) greeting the Imo State Commissioner of Police Mr Ali when he visited the police command in Owerri.

IKE the flash of lightening, 356 days have passed and a New Year is born. Again, the nation is in sober reflection. Like the preceding year, the broken promises are eliciting nation-wide condemnation. The gulf between expectation and reality has created a hollow in the record of President Goodluck Jonathan. To many, the Commander-in-Chief has been tested. The puzzle is: can he be trusted?

A year ago, Dr. Jonathan peeped into the future. Then, 12 months was a long period. The President reeled out promises, ranging from security to improved electricity supply, good roads, provision of jobs and general welfare. To critics, the speech has now paled into a declaration of deceit. The security situation has turned worse.

The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Plc has generated more darkness than light. Many roads across the federation remained death traps. The Supervising Minister of Information, Dr. Nurudeeen Muhammed, said that three million jobs have been created, but it is like a drop in the ocean, judging by the soaring number of unemployed graduates.

In his New Year broadcast, the President raised the hope of fellow countrymen, promising to make good governance his priority. Beyond promising to rejuvenate the ailing economy, President Jonathan said his administration would work assiduously to ensure that Nigerians enjoy 18 hours of uninterrupted electricity supply daily. In fact, he said that his government would boost power transmission with $1.5. “We shall boost investments in transmission to ensure power generated is properly distributed. We have mobilised an additional $1.5 billion for the upgrade of the transmission network in 2014 and beyond,” he said.

In 2013, there were complaints about the unmitigated corruption in the land.

The Transparency International had listed Nigeria among the 23 most corrupt countries in the world. The disclosure dented the image of the admin-

•President Jonathan

By Emmanuel Oladesu Group Political Editor

istration. A searchlight was beamed on Nigerians travelling abroad at various airports. To halt graft and resolve the image crisis, the President said the anti-corruption fight would be re-invigorated. Many had expected an effective anti-graft curator in their President. To underscore his commitment, Dr. Jonathan informed that his administration saved N126 billion by blocking loopholes.

The President promised to create more jobs, fortify the education sector with adequate funding, secure the country and promote unity. “Our economic priorities will be stability and equitable growth, building on diverse sectors of our economy,” he added.

Other top government agencies believed the Transformation Agenda was on course. They boasted that, by December last year, the country would

Insecurity remains blight, says govt •Minister reviews performance •Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Yero (left) welcoming the Chairman, Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) at the commencement of SURE-P Graduate Internship Scheme in Kaduna...on yesterday.

•Mrs. Rebecca Adeogun, a distributor of ABS Powder and one of the lucky winners of a promo organised by the company being presented with a car at the launch of ISONEM products

by DRS Limited in Abuja.

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan won’t interfere in the electoral process and the job of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the government said yesterday.

The federal government also expressed regret, that insecurity stained its performance in 2014, but said the measures put in place would tackle the Boko Haram insurgency and other threats to lives and property of Nigerians.

Supervising Minister of Information Dr. Nurudeen Muhammad spoke yesterday at a news conference in Abuja.

He said the country would not be going to war over the elections slated for next month.

His words: “President Goodluck Jonathan has reaffirmed his commitment to the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections. He has not, and will not interfere with the operations and activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Rather, the President is determined to clear all obstacles that might hinder the smooth operations of INEC. President Jonathan also expects all politi-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

cal actors to play by the rules, in particular by abhorring violence and manipulation of the electoral process. In this regard, I am sure we are all aware of Mr President’s pet phrase, that his ambition to be elected to govern is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

“In about six weeks from now, voting will begin in our country’s general elections. There are great expectations about the elections. But while politicians and their supporters are crisscrossing their constituencies, asking for votes, and this is usually accompanied with excitement and sometimes tension, I should stress that Nigerians know that the country is not going to war over the elections.”

Muhammad also urged the media “to demand the highest standards of candidates during and after the period of electioneering”. “The media should also refrain from giving vent to misguided elements whose attitude is win-or-destroy.

“Nigeria is bigger than any one of us, and the people on whose behalf candidates seek to govern want peace

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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NEWS

promises and renewal of deceit ‘ Human rights groups have warned that the fight against corruption has become a child’s play. They allege that corrupt cases involving top government officials are being swept under the carpet

be counting its blessings.

Morning, it is said, shows the day.

After a curious delay in the passage of the budget, the government, according to observers, wobbled on with faulty implementation. At the driver’s seat of the economy, some have argued, are voodoo economists, who are fanatically dedicated to the cause of the free market economy as dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Since government’s economic advisers often subject to the willful western dictation, the import is not lost on the beleaguered country. After strategically rebasing the economy, the government had a fairy tale to tell. To the consternation of citizens, the Finance Minister declared that Nigeria’s economy is the fastest growing in Africa. Other ministers and party chieftains clapped for the President on account of the imaginary feat. The rebased economy has no corresponding positive effects on the general well-

‘

being of the people, who continue to wallow in poverty and misery. In many homes, three square meals are luxury.

However, when discerning Nigerians warned that the economic ship was heading for the rock, leaders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) replied that the opposition was whipping up sentiments. The party read political meanings to mere economic criticisms. Elder statesman Adebisi Akande had described the Commander-in-Chief as a kindergarten President. He wondered whether he was in effective control. The former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said the Federal Government was clueless. The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, reasoned that hope may be illusory under the administration. But, he said: “If put in the hands of enlightened progressive leaders, this nation can become a fertile land of prosper-

•Vibrant economy •Strengthened naira •Keeping a healthy external reserve •One man, one vote ity, lawfulness, peace and dignity for all us.”

The budget, in the opinion of many people, lacked facial validity. The bogus recurrent expenditure, which is at the expense of the capital expenditure, underscored wastages. The cost of governance is burdensome. In the face of budgetary fragility, the economy nosedived. Twelve months after, power generation, transmission and distribution stand at 4,200 mega watts. It is a wide departure from the promise of a glorious dawn in January, last year.

Artisans, peasants, and informal sector operators continue to spend much more on petrol and diesel for generators. The manufacturing sector is on crutches. More manufacturers closed their factories and relocated to neighbouring smaller countries. How can government create jobs when the manufacturing sector is ailing and closing shops? How can the sector break

•Muhammed...yesterday.

end of the second quarter of 2014, over 500,000 jobs had been created.

“As part of the special attention being paid to jobs, in September 2014, President Jonathan inaugurated the 31-member Presidential Jobs Board of Nigeria. Headed by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the board has govern-

terror, and for us to reclaim and live our normal lives.”

Muhammad, however, reassured Nigerians that every effort towards ending the insurgency is being undertaken. There are renewed training and retraining towards enhancing the capacity of security services to combat the insurgents, he said.

The minister added: “As part of the measures to defeat terror, President Goodluck Jonathan has initiated actions at both bilateral and multilateral levels, within the sub-region and beyond, to ensure concerted focus to bring the spate of violence to an end.

For instance, the war on terror is now firmly on the regional and continental agenda, with ECOWAS and the African Union adopting measures to combat terrorism. The United Nations has also declared Boko Haram a foreign terrorist organisation. Furthermore, the Multinational Joint Task Force, which became operational this year, as an outcome of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) Partnership, is actively involved in the fight against the insurgents.”

To address the fallout of the insurgency, Muhammad said the president took some measures, including the Safe School Initiative, the Presidential Committee on Victims Support, also known as “Nigeria Terrorism Victims Support Foundation”, and the Presidential Initiative for the North-East (PINE), whose responsibility is to plan, coordinate and raise funds for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of places ravaged by the insurgents.

•Deepening non-oil sector

gency, the rate and quantum of growth and development would have been far more rosy. This is why all hands must be on deck for us to collectively defeat terror, and for us to reclaim and live our normal lives.”

‘

Scale Enterprises Development Fund. “ The N220 billion development fund is designed to enhance access to finance by MSMEs, which will have a knock-on effect on entrepreneurship and job creation. “ The fund will provide wholesale financing windows for participating financial institutions, and improve their capacity to meet credit needs of MSMEs, at customer-friendly interest rates.

“Significantly, 60% of the MSME fund is meant to be allocated to women entrepreneurs. “ In addition to the foregoing, the clean-up of the banking sector has been well-handled. All banks are now fully capitalised.”

The minister also said non-performing loans stood at 36.5% in July 2010, by July 2014, they were 3.69%, well within the 5% prudential limit.”

The government identified insecurity as a major blight in its achievements in 2014.

Muhammad said the government made some landmark achievements but it would have done better if not for the activities of the Boko Haram in the Northeast.

The minister said: “From my presentation, there is no question that we have made progress, and the key indicators show without doubt that the progress we are making will be consolidated. But for the insurgency, the rate and quantum of growth and development would have been far more rosy. This is why all hands must be on deck for us to collectively defeat

Some of the fresh promises

‘ But for the insur-

and progress.”

The minister scored the government high in performance in 2014.

He also said the government created 500,000 jobs by the end of the second quarter.

Muhammad said: “In 2013, about 1.2 million jobs were created; by the

through when the cost of doing business is exorbitant? How can local industries grow when they are not protected? How can production be boosted in a country of imports and disdain for exports?

Education and health are still on their knees. Tertiary institutions are yet to fully recover from protracted university and polytechnic strikes. For many months, many did not even know that the colleges of education teachers have down tools. Although efforts have been made to jerk up teachers’ allowances, education infrastructure critical to teaching and learning are still not adequate. When medical doctors embarked on strike, many patients lost their lives.

Human rights groups have warned that the fight against corruption has become a child’s play. They allege that corrupt cases involving top government officials are being swept under

the carpet. Irked by slow pace, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, cried out that the President has abandoned the anti-graft crusade.

On Tuesday, pioneer Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi (rtd), said that the war against corruption is now past tense.

Since the preoccupation of those in power appear to be the quest for power retention and consolidation, more energy is devoted to preparations for the general elections. Under the Jonathan administration, Nigerians have become more divided, contrary to his avowed promise to promote national unity. A National Conference was convoked. But, the report is not out yet, confirming the fears of skeptics that it was a decoy and a jamboree.

But, most worrisome is the worsening security situation. Commercial kidnapping is on the increase. So is armed robbery. In the Northeast, two states - Yobe and Borno - have not known peace. The fear of members of the out-of-control sect is the beginning of wisdom. Towns and villages are being invaded by the terrorists, who hoist strange flags, thereby threatening national sovereignty. Almost 260 days after, the abducted Chibok girls have not been rescued. The soldiers are trying their best, according to Army authorities. But, they are handicapped by obsolete weapons. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are agonising daily as refugees in their fatherland.

According to the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), “political instability is increasing and major indicators now put Nigeria on the “Red Alert.” The group added: “We are now faced with a depressing economic outlook because of dwindling revenues, corruption, and heavily flawed and extravagant budget.”

What will be the fate of the country in this election year? Will the government have time for governance? Will the President be able to improve on his shoddy performance in the face of dwindling revenue? Will he maintain a clean break from the past? Only time – the four-letter word will tell.

ment officials and private sector members, all charged with facilitating employment generation.

“Boost for Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs). In August, this year, the Central Bank of Nigeria announced the take-off of its N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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New Year’s eve crush in China kills 35

INEC is conspiring with PDP, says Balarabe Musa

OURTEEN political parties, under the platform called Credible Alternative Alliance (CAA), have accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of conspiring with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to frustrate other political parties, ahead of the general elections.

Former Governor of Old Kaduna State and a co-chairman of CAA Alhaji Balarabe Musa, who said this at a news conference in Abuja yesterday, decried the alleged stance of INEC on the merger of the political parties.

Musa said: "INEC is deliberately creating difficulties for the emergence of parties under CAA. By doing so, the commission is conspiring with the PDP to make sure that they did not contest the 2015 general election and also not to vote.

"What I mean is that those political parties, including the deregistered political parties, which are coming together to merge under CAA, are now faced with problems created

by INEC to help the PDP. These political parties are not connected with the PDP and the APC. They have decided

IGP orders tighter security nationwide

•'Jonathan is incompetent to rule' From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

to form a democratic and credible alliance under the leadership of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).

"But, INEC, which is serving the interest of the PDP, do not want to allow this to happen. Therefore, they are creating and supporting fictionalisation in the ACPN, so that there will not be a chance for these political parties to perfect their planned alliance.

"INEC is illegally recognising a rebellious faction of the ACPN, so that ACPN will not give platform for these political parties to pursue their constitutional right of contesting election."

Musa vowed that the affected parties would not allow INEC to go away with its plans.

The elder statesman noted that those behind the new political coalition were surprised to read in the newspapers that ACPN submitted the name of "Gani Galadima" along with other political parties that have submitted the

names of their presidential candidates.

But former governor said he never heard of "Gani Galadima" since his connection with ACPN, accusing INEC of smuggling him through the backdoor to frustrate the alliance.

Musa, who is the chairman of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), also faulted President Goodluck Jonathan's comment few days ago that no place was safe in Nigeria.

He urged Jonathan to resign and forget running in the pres-

idential election, adding that the president was "incompetent" to rule the country.

His words: "Few days ago, President Jonathan said that there is no security anywhere in the country. The incompetence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is quite clear. We must correct the negative state of the nation.

"Jonathan has proven what I have always said that he is incompetent; because he is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the chief security officer of the country.

If he knows that no part of Nigeria is safe, he should be able to do something about it, because that is what is expected of him.

"If he cannot for whatever

A •Balarabe

reason; then, he should resign. The implication of what Jonathan has said is that Nigerians should not rely on government.

"With this statement, Jonathan has ruled himself out of contesting the presidential election."

Six killed in Yobe suicide bombimg

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IX people were killed and others injured when a suicide bomb went off in a bus in Fika, Yobe state yesterday, one of the injured told Reuters.

The state has frequently seen attacks by Boko Haram militants, although no group immediately claimed responsibility for the bus attack.

“A suicide bomber, I think he was on his way to bomb the market in Fika ... but un-

fortunately while he was still in the bus to the market the bomb strap on him exploded and killed six people. This happened early this afternoon at about 1 p.m. (1200 GMT),” the man said in hospital.

He said others were injured but did not know how many.

Yobe is one of three Nigerian states put under a state of emergency by President Goodluck Jonathan last year as an insurgency by Boko

Haram intensified.

Borno, one of the other states under a state of emergency, increased security for New Year and Eid-Maulud celebrations, banning all transport by motor vehicles, bicycles and animals in the state over the Jan. 1-2 period.

In Yobe state, the government has banned vehicle transport across its borders over the same period.

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

HE Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has directed Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police nationwide to ensure effective and efficient deployment of operational manpower during the celebrations.

Abba has also directed the AIG in charge of border patrol to ensure that the nation's borders are effectively manned to prevent cross-border crime.

The AIG in charge of police air wing has also been directed to provide aerial patrol for the Federal Capital Territory and other states.

A statement yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said the directives were to ensure secure and hitch-free celebrations.

In view of the current security challenges, the IGP urged worshippers both at Jumat and church services to take adequate measures to reduce the number of vehicles around their places of worship.

Operators of motor parks, shopping malls and recreational centres were also advised to work closely with the police and other security agencies, as they strive to strengthen general security in their various facilities.

"The Inspector-General of Police, on behalf of the entire officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, heartily felicitates with good people of Nigeria as we celebrate the New Year.

"While saluting the courage and gallantry of officers and men of the Force for their tireless services in protecting lives and property during the year, the IGP charges police personnel to continue to be civil in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

"He, however, warns that officers found acting contrary to the Force's vision and mission will be appropriately sanctioned.”

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•An accident on Abuja airport road...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

‘Trials of soldiers have instilled discipline’

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HE ongoing trial and convictions of soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Army by a General Court Martial for mutiny as well as other offences have instilled discipline and professionalism in the armed forces.

Army spokesman Brig-Gen. Olajide Laleye, who said this at a media briefing at the Army Headquarters yesterday, claimed that troops were now better attuned to the reality of the nation's security emergency.

His words: "On this note, I wish to bring to your attention that the strict enforcement of service regulations and laws by the Army is paying off.

Troops are now better attuned to the reality of our national security emergency.

"Cases of unprofessional conducts have been significantly reduced. The Army notes with satisfaction that troops' fighting spirit, courage, determination and patriotism have been rekindled".

The spokesman confirmed that a number of officers and

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

men are still undergoing trial before the General Court Martial in Abuja, Lagos and Jos, adding that they are being tried for various offences.

But, Brig-Gen. Laleye did not give the exact number of officers and men on trial.

He dismissed reports that proceedings at the General Court Martial did not follow due process, stressing that it was not a mushroom court.

"The judicial process that led to the convictions and acquittals followed international best practices in military law and also confirms to relevant Nigerian laws.

"This is contrary to insinu-

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ations in the media, which suggest that due process has not been followed in the trial of officers and soldiers. Let me state categorically that a General Court Martial has the status of the high court and is backed by extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," he said.

He, however, added that the military court is not a final authority, saying that the process and convictions were subject to confirmation by the appropriate superior military authority and appeal.

Brig-Gen. Laleye said the army had introduced new strategies to the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the Northeast.

This, he claimed, had led to the recovery of some territo-

ries captured by Boko Haram.

He listed the towns recaptured by the military to include Gombi, Hong, Uba, Makera, Mubi, Holma and Vimtim - all in Adamawa State. However, some territories similarly captured by the insurgents in Borno and Yobe states, he added, were still under the control of the insurgents.

He vowed that every inch of Nigerian territory still under Boko Haram's control would be recovered.

Brig-Gen. Laleye assured that the military would work in collaboration with other security and relevant agencies to ensure credible and violence-free elections, especially in the troubled Northeast.

Tomorrow is public holiday

HE Federal Government has declared Friday as public holiday to mark the Eid-el Maloud.

Minister of Interior Abba Moro said this on behalf of the government.

Moro, in a statement by his Permanent Secretary, Magaji Abubakar, urged Muslim faithful and all Nigerians to pray for the country's peace

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

and unity.

He also enjoined Nigerians to desist from any violent activity as the general elections draw near, urging support for President Goodluck Jonathan's Transformation Agenda.

CRUSH at a New Year’s eve celebration in Shanghai killed 35 people and injured 42 others, Chinese state media reported last night.

The crush broke out in Chenyi Square in Shanghai’s Huangpu district, Xinhua news agency reported The Shanghai City government said the crush broke out at 23:35 local time (15:35 GMT) and that a working group had been set up to handle the incident.

The cause of the crush was currently under investigation, it added. Many of those hurt had been transferred to Shanghai General Hospital, Xinhua said.

Photos posted on social media showed people receiving first aid on the road and large numbers of police cordoning off the area.

NDLEA uncovers new methods of drug concealment

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

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HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered new methods of drug concealment by traffickers.

NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport Hamza Umar said the new methods include dissolving drugs in water and re-absorbing them into towels and T-shirts, concealing them in industrially packed tin foods and body cream packs.

However, the agency has apprehended 14 drug suspects at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos with 33.655 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs.

Eight of the suspects were caught trying to smuggle cocaine into the country from Brazil and Argentina.

Six others were intercepted while smuggling drugs to Hong Kong, Dubai, Italy and Brazil.

Umar said four suspects were apprehended after disembarking from Royal Air Maroc on their way from Brazil, adding: "The estimated value of the seized drugs is about N300,000,000."

The names of the suspects and the illicit drugs they were found with, he said, are: Okafor Chijioke Franklin (25) caught with 13.735 kilogrammes (kg) cocaine in tin food; Okeke Uchenna Aloy Pascal (29) arrested with 3.425kg cocaine absorbed in towels; Akpobome Godwin Ujunwa (32) found with 1.730 kg of cocaine absorbed in T-shirt; and Ani Monday (37) arrested with 300 grammes of cocaine.

Others are: Madububa Amaechi Joseph (38) ingested 845 grammes of cocaine; Amuka Sunday (26) ingested 1.505kg cocaine; Ijoganu Edache (25) also ingested 1.240kg of cocaine; Obiefuna Tochukwu Kenneth (40) found with 500 grammes of cocaine; Ogbodu Williams (48 years) caught with 1.650kg of cocaine; Nwakama Walter Chinonso (32) caught with 1.060kg of cocaine; Egbueme Benedict McCarthy (31) found with 1.190kg of cocaine; and Nwanchukwu Chimeremeze Leonard (38) found with 975 grammes of heroin/cocaine.

Adebayo Wasiu Abiodun (30) caught with 5kg of cannabis and Oforegbu Godwin Ujunwa was arrested with 505 grammes of cocaine.

It was revealed that most of the suspects engaged in drug trafficking to get money for the end of year celebrations.

7

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

NEWS NEW YEAR MESSAGES Oshiomhole, Fayemi seek change

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi have urged Nigerians to go all out and effect the desired positive change in the nation’s polity this year.

To Oshiomhole, the new year would be an important one for Nigerians to vote for change and get the country back on the path of greatness, rather than the present system at the federal level, where he said nothing works.

According to him, “next year presents Nigerians with a unique opportunity to vote out the party, which produced bad leaders who buffeted us with different excuses and fed us with empty rhetoric on why Nigeria is yet to achieve her greatness, after being in the saddle for 16 years.

Fayemi described 2015 as a year of decision for country and urged the citizens to join hands with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the quest to sweep out bad leadership.

“Nigerians have worked and prayed for a nation that would meet the vision and aspirations of its founding fathers. This is the time to take

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

a bold step further and effect the change with our votes”, declared Fayemi in a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode.

The former governor noted that the country’s future prosperity is tied to the change the people make through the opportunity provided by the February 14 presidential election and other outlined elections in the year.

He urged Nigerians to use their votes as the only power they have to make the right change and bail themselves and the country out of the inept Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government, which, the former governor said, has proved to be helpless as the country continue to writhe in the pains of general insecurity, corruption, economic hardship and poor leadership.

Fayemi, who was chairman of the successful national convention of the APC that produced Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s presidential flagbearer, said the APC remains the most veritable vehicle for that change, which Nigerians have long desired.

Ekweremadu urges prayers From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

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EPUTY Senate President Ike Ekweremadu believes it is through prayers and patriotic conducts that the general elections will be successful.

He said this in a goodwill message by his Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, in Abuja.

Ekweremadu described the elections as potential milestone for the nation’s democracy and development.

According to him, the longevity of the current democratic dispensation, which surpassed all others before it, was made possible by sacrifice, commitment and determination on the part of Nigerians.

He said: “The current democratic dispensation is unique in many respects. For the first time, we have been able to transit from one civilian administration to another. We have also enjoyed an unprecedented 15 years of democratic rule.

“Therefore, year 2015 presents us with yet another opportunity to build on our democratic gains.

Aregbesola: new year ’ll be rewarding

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged his people to look forward to a more rewarding new year.

He also called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for the country’s continued existence.

Aregbesola, according to a statement by his Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, noted that the new year would engender more development, peace and

prosperity for the citizenry.

The governor stressed that what Osun had witnessed in the first four years of the administration will be a child’s play to what will be witnessed in the second phase of his government.

He assured the people “good governance, which will surpass previous achievements, not minding the economic hardship the Federal Government’s strangulating allocation tactics has caused Osun in recent times.”

Mark to Nigerians: don’t despair From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

•Mark

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ENATE President David Mark urged the citizens yesterday not to despair, saying “there will be light at the end of the tunnel”.

He was confident that the nation’s socio-political and economic problems in the last one year would give way to better days in the new year.

Mark spoke in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh.

The Senate President said: “There is no doubt that the situation, especially insecuri-

ty, is challenging. We cannot pretend that all is well with us. But we are a nation of good faith in one God. When it seems impossible, God will make it possible.

“This trying time is only, but a phase in our match to greatness. With cooperation, dedication, honesty and patriotism on the part of all of us, we shall surely triumph.”

“All that is required,” Mark insisted, “is for all citizens; both the government and the governed to see our challenges as a collective problem facing all of us and not only to a part.”

He noted that there was no problem too difficult for the nation to surmount, “if we come together in one accord to confront the menace.”

Elections ’ll be crisis-free, says Oritsejafor

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HE President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, said yesterday that this year’s general election will be free and fair.

Nigerians, he said, must learn to support their leaders in prayers in the new year.

The CAN president said: “We must all exhibit love and sacrifice for ourselves and our nation in our collective quest for a better Nigeria beginning from 2015.

“Many have alluded to the fact that the 2015 general elections would throw Nigeria into chaos, but as a man of faith, I see the election as Nigeria’s turning-point.”

Oritsejafor, in a statement in Abuja, said: “Leaders must be wise and courageous in their decisions in this coming year, because, as it has already been known, the challenges are becoming multifaceted from insecurity to crashing oil prices and many others.

“But I see a lot of positives and opportunities in the midst of these challenges; and that is what I want Nigerians to absorb in their hearts. The year 2015 may seem quite challenging for Nigeria, but it is one that equally holds a lot of hope and promise that could lead to the fulfillment that we have all yearned for.

“So, I disagree with the wide

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

spread projections about 2015 whether in terms of security, infrastructure, politics and the economy; man is not God. I believe that 2015 might just be that year in which Nigeria’s socio-economic revolution will be actualised.

“I reserve special accolade for gallant men and women in the battleground. May their efforts to secure a one, united and peaceful nation never be in vain. For our youths, women, the aged and all Nigerians, I wish them well in this New Year and pray that Almighty God grant our individual and collective desires as we enter the new year.”

The statement also reads: “Fellow Nigerians, it gives me great pleasure and joy to extend my warmest regards to you all. We have come to the end of another eventful year that truly tested our strengths and weaknesses; measures our faith in God and stretched our limits beyond what we all could have imagined.

“Despite the daunting challenges, we were able to weather the storm and have emerged even stronger and can be counted among people of strong character and unwavering faith.”

The CAN boss urged all

Nigerians, especially Christian faithful, to “brace up for the challenges ahead of us both as individuals and as a nation.”

He went further that: “As we reflect on the events of the past year and look forward to the times ahead, I want us to concentrate on the issue of overcoming. In this light, it is important to emphasise that all challenges are timely, and they are not accidental.

“God tests us in such ways to enable realise his greatness.

You cannot realise the real value of your life, if you have not compared it to something.

God sends us trials so that we could understand the deepness of His goodwill and love.

“No one is alone until he has his faith. The Bible has such words: “God withdrew from him, in order to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart” (Chronicles 32:31 NKJ).

“So, you see that even in His withdrawal, God is always with us. Sending us trials and challenges, He wants to demonstrate to us the real power we have inside and the real power he gave us. Often we fail to use it properly, because we don’t know how strong we are.”

He said he dwelled on encouragement because he wanted Nigerians to approach the new year with a

Northern governors urge Nigerians to HE Northern States sonnel to necessary pre-elecseek peace Governors Forum tion monitoring trainings and (NSGF) has urged Ni-

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gerians to pursue the search for peace.

It stressed that it was only in building on the culture of peace that meaningful socioeconomic development could be guaranteed in the new year.

Chairman of the forum and Niger State Governor Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, who said this, explained that irrespective of religious, political or ideological differences, people must support genuine efforts aimed at ensuring that the conduct of general elections is successful and devoid of needless bickering capable of threatening the nation’s corporate existence.

Aliyu, in a statement in Minna yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, said the new year would be a crucial year for the country.

He enjoined Nigerians to enter the year with renewed

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From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

hopes, stressing that the citizens could not afford to miss out in numerous opportunities that the new year has to offer.

The forum also called on politicians to play politics according to the rules of the game and shun acts capable of plunging the country into avoidable crisis.

According to the group, the unity and developmental aspirations of Nigeria are sacrosanct.

The statement reads: “We must all make sure that the elections are devoid of violence. All hands must be on deck. The electoral body and other critical establishments connected to the elections must be ready to go extra miles in the execution of their respective assignments.

“We also expect security agencies to subject their per-

programmes.”

Aliyu prayed for a prosperous and fruitful new year, urging everybody to be prayerful and law-abiding.

“It is indeed instructive for politicians to desist from overheating the polity with inciting comments, hate speech as well as blackmail. We should think of what benefits the entire country than what individuals stand to gain. This is the only country we can call our own. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that things go on well.

“Undoubtedly, Nigeria is on the verge of attaining greatness beginning from this very year. Those who think the nation won’t survive the general elections should be ready to bury their heads in shame.

“Nigeria will not only survive the election year, but it will become more peaceful and generally safe”.

renewed sense of vigour and the understanding that the citizenry must work for the kind of society that they desire.

“If we want peace and prosperity, then we must work for it and not lament over the challenge.

“But all these will not be possible if we continue to stay away from God or desist from doing his will in our small areas of jurisdiction.

“We must therefore approach everything in this year, first of all by inviting God’s presence to lead that particular venture and secondly, by approaching it with a positive mind. That is the spirit that will lead Nigeria to the promise land.”

•Rev. Oritsejafor

Ajimobi calls for vigilance

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has urged Nigerians to continue to work for the nation’s unity and not to lose hope.

The governor said this in a message by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo.

He also urged the people of the state to be vigilant and not allow those he called “enemies of the state to find their ways back to the corridors of power.”

Ajimobi said: “As patriotic Nigerians, we should continue to work for the unity, peace and progress of our dear country. While it is true that Nigeria is currently facing a myriad of challenges ranging from security to economic and political, we should not lose hope. Rather, we should work together as a people to bring the desired change to the country.”

Saraki, Ahmed, Imoke preach hope

HAIRMAN of Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and his Cross River State counterpart, Senator Liyel Imoke, have urged Nigerians to look forward with hope in the new year.

Saraki, in a statement in Abuja, said there was no doubt that last year was challenging for Nigerians socially, economically and politically He, however, urged Nigerians to know that the new year has presented an opportunity to alter the course of the nation.

The former Kwara State governor insisted that it was time Nigerians see the elections holding in February as a turning-point and also see themselves “as history-makers and change agents, as we work to bring about a new

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja and Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Nigeria for all Nigerians.”

The statement also reads: “We have witnessed our nation struggling through tough times due to our security challenges; in our homes, we have struggled through the economic realities that have become so pervasive; in the media, we have seen our great nation skewered internationally for the failed policies of this current administration.

“Yet, despite all of this, my fellow Nigerians, you must know: with your help, things are about to get better.

“As we come into 2015, we come into a year of endless possibilities. We must view the faults of the past as foregone days of lessons that we have learned from, and see the future as a chance to attain greatness.

“In this new year, we must set ourselves to the task of moving forward with the goal of creating a new Nigeria that our sons and daughters can be proud of; a Nigeria that works for the betterment of the many, as opposed to working for the greed and excesses of the few.

But Ahmed said: “Every new year always brings hope and greater opportunities.

However, we have more work to do to.

“As we enter 2015, let us remain united by a shared desire for a better Kwara State.

Let us pray for peace as we enter a defining year in our democracy. Let our youths be agents of change rather than instruments of violence during the elections.

“While thanking you for standing with us in the last four years, I solicit your con-

tinued support in 2015 so that we can sustain the good work of making your lives much better.

“Collectively, we can make our state a better place to live in, now and in the future.”

Imoke assured the people of the state that all ongoing projects undertaken by his administration would be completed before the May 29 handover date.

The governor, who gave the assurance in a New Year message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita, said no projects would be left uncompleted, adding that “all ongoing projects such as the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), the 18-Hole international Golf Course, the Ogoja township stadium, among others will be completed and ready for use before May 29, 2015.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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NEWS Ambode gets campaign DG

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N All Progressives Congress (APC) Vice-Chairman in Lagos West Senatorial District, Folusho Ologunde, has been appointed Director-General of the Akinwunmi Ambode Campaign Organisation.

A statement by the organisation said Ologunde, a former Lagos APC Deputy Publicity Director, will lead a team of seasoned and committed politicians and professionals to co-ordinate the activities towards Ambode’s election as governor.

The statement also announced Adeniji Kazeem as Deputy Director-General of the campaign organisation. Kazeem is an experienced lawyer and consummate strategist.

A former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of National Mirror, Steve Ayorinde, was named as Director of Media and Communication for the organisation.

Jonathan greets Ooni of Ife at 85 From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, on his 85th birthday.

In a congratulatory letter to the monarch, the President described the Ooni as one of the nation’s most revered monarchs.

He praised his unwavering dedication to the highest ideals in his distinguished reign.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said: “On the occasion of your 85th birthday anniversary, I write to extend warm felicitations to Your Majesty on behalf of my family, the government and people.

“Yours has been a life truly worthy of celebration. You have always readily availed our administration of your wise counsel and invaluable support as we work assiduously to reposition our dear nation for enduring peace, security, accelerated growth and development. For this, we owe you a debt of gratitude.

“As you celebrate this glorious anniversary, I join your family, the good people of the historic kingdom of Ife, friends, protégés and well-wishers to thank God for your life and to pray that He continues to guide, guard and prosper you, even as He blesses you with many more years of good health and personal fulfillment.”

Ogun Assembly passes N210b budget

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HE Ogun State House of Assembly (OGHA) passed yesterday the N210billion appropriation bill for the 2015 fiscal year.

The “budget of continuity” was sent to the Assembly on November 18 by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

The budget allocates N82.094billion to recurrent expenditure, N10billion to consolidated revenue fund charges, including pensions and gratuities, and N118.260billion to capital expenditure.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

The passage of the bill followed the presentation of the report of the Committee on Finance and Appropriation by its Chairman, Akanbi Bankole.

It was adopted through a motion by Samson Onademuren.

The Speaker, Suraj Adekunbi, said a clean copy of the bill be sent to Amosun for his assent.

The governor has signed the bill into law.

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Seven Ekiti PDP lawmakers ‘sit’ in secret to pass budget

HE seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly staged another “legislative coup” yesterday when they “sat” in camera and “passed” the 2015 Appropriation Bill into law.

They approved N80.94 billion as budgetary provision for the fiscal year, which was about N160 million higher than the N80.77 billion presented to them by Governor Ayo Fayose on December 15.

The increase was to allow for repairs of the leaking roof of the Assembly complex, which needs rehabilitation.

The PDP lawmakers, led by factional speaker Dele Olugbemi, asked all journalists and other observers to leave the gallery.

They “sat” for about 44 minutes in which they passed the budget.

Signs that the “sitting” would not be covered by reporters began to emerge as soon as the lawmakers entered the chambers, complaining about the “heavy presence” of reporters and party faithful.

The member representing Ekiti East Constituency 2, Samuel Ajibola, expressed displeasure about the presence of many people in the gallery but the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Idowu Adelusi, asked that reporters be allowed to cover the “sitting”.

All entreaties by Adelusi were turned down by the lawmakers as they began the “sitting” at 10.54am, with Olugbemi saying the opening

•Speaker Omirin: it’s unlawful and illegal From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

prayers.

Ajibola moved the motion to have the gallery cleared of “everybody who is not a honourable member and staff of the Assembly”.

Describing the “sitting” as a “special one” that needed to be held behind closed doors, Ajibola said they were protected by law to hold a secret session.

“We are not flouting the law if we ask non-members to walk out,” he said.

The member representing Ikole Constituency 1, Adeyinka Adeloye, seconded the motion to “walk out all non-members of the Assembly.

As the Assembly security operatives slammed the door against reporters and the public at 10.58am, the PDP lawmakers went ahead with the “sitting”, which lasted till 11.42am.

Olugbemi, who briefed reporters in his office shortly after the “sitting”, justified the shut-out of the media, claiming that the House Standing Order allows them to bar the press from covering sittings of such nature.

He said: “The action we took was as a result of exigency of time. The House can design the model under which it conducts

its sitting.

“In our Standing Order, we have the right to allow journalists but it depends on exigencies of the business of the day. If we don’t want anybody to enter the House, the law also permits us.”

Speaking on the size of the budget, Olugbemi said the Committee on Finance and Appropriation did a thorough job, adding that this was the first time the budget estimate would be increased since 2011.

“The Appropriation Bill has now become a law. We decided to increase the budget estimate not for any other reason but to prove that we are independent.”

The Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin, described the “sitting” and the “passage” of the bill as illegal and unconstitutional.

Omirin, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Wole Olujobi, described yesterday’s exercise as “one in the series of comic tales by farcical politicians holding the reins of governance in Ekiti State”.

The Speaker said: “It is sad that Governor Ayodele Fayose has turned the House of Assembly to a safari park where the macho posturing of misguided adults in G7 is being masterfully manipulated by this accomplished choreographer of political sophistry.

“In the sitting they themselves knew was illegal, they chased away print and elec-

tronic reporters.

“They held the illegal meeting with no in-house correspondents in attendance as they were also chased out.

“To them, the machination is yielding astounding results that confound and defy logic.

Clearly, this is illegal, unconstitutional and another toadfor-dinner sitting that responsible Nigerians know quite well does not have a place in our legal statue.

“The constitution is not a cocktail of brawn and sinews; neither does it condone the boisterous essence of gangsterism.”

According to Omirin, Ekiti State has grown beyond the motor park antics of pretenders to the throne of honourable members of the parliament.

The Speaker insisted that APC members would continue to apply laws in whatever they do, stressing that what APC members swore to protect at inauguration was the sanctity of the constitution.

“As far as the constitution is concerned, the “Assembly”, led

by Olugbemi, is an illegal body that has no place in law.

“APC lawmakers shall continue in the path of constitutionality for our errant and misguided colleagues to know that it is only through law, truth and honour that we can take Ekiti State to the heights that will be a pride to all our people.”

Olubadan cautions politicians

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HE Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade, has called on politicians to guard their utterances as the elections draw near.

The monarch, in his New Year message yesterday, urged politicians to be temperate in their utterances and conduct, stressing the need to refrain from all actions capable of jeopardising the peace in the state and the country as a whole.

A statement by his personal assistant, Isiaka Akinpelu,

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

described last year as “a very challenging year”, particularly in the area of security, which he said was a big threat to the unity and corporate existence of the country.

The monarch praised the counter-insurgency efforts of the Federal Government and other stakeholders and urged Nigerians to be more resolute in resisting terrorists, who he described as “forces of destruction and disunity”.

Omoworare wins fresh primary From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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ENATOR Babajide Omoworare has emerged the All Progressives Congress candidate for Osun East Senatorial District in a re-run primary held on Tuesday in Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State.

Omoworare defeated his only rival, Sola Lawal, in an open, election, where he polled 2,193 votes to Lawal’s 49.

In all, 2,305 delegates drawn from 95 wards in the district, except Ife Central, where both contestants hail from, were accredited.

Omoworare, in his acceptance speech, said the victory was for democracy. He assured the people of more robust legislative deliberations.

Lawal described the election as a sham, adding that it was “an unmitigated travesty of democracy and flamboyant assault on representative governance”.

He said: “It should be consigned to the bin. No comedy can be more denigrating than putting two ballot boxes marked out by posters of contestants before delegates, who were coerced to drop their card in the box of the preferred candidate.

“The APC constitution prescribes open secret method, which was strictly adopted at the Lagos presidential primaries. The world knows that no box was labelled in Lagos. It is sad that the exercise has exposed strategic deficit of the system.

“If the authorities had nothing to hide, why were reporters not allowed into the hall? What democratic norm supports labelling of ballot boxes with posters of aspirants? Why were ballot papers counted without considering whose votes they contained?”

•Amosun signing the bill at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta...yesterday. With him are Adekunbi (second left), Israel Jolaoso (left), Commissioner for Budget and Planning Mrs. Oluwande Muoyo (second right) and Head of Service, Mrs. Modupe Adekunle.

Ladoja faulted on gender inequality in Accord

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N aspirant in Accord in Oyo State, Mrs. Bola Amole, has lamented what she called “gender inequality” in the party.

She accused the party leader, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, of being biased.

Mrs Amole spoke to reporters yesterday in her Ibadan home, when a group of deaf and dumb members of the party visited her to protest gender inequality and marginalisation of less privileged persons in the party.

She said: “Ladoja has not been fair to the women in the party; he has just selected his anointed aspirants.

“He watched us support the party with our money and efforts but when it comes to reaping the benefits, he sees us as irrelevant assets.

•It’s not true, says party spokesperson From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

“When we heard that there would be a primary and that we should start preparing, I was glad. Of 22 council chairmen, 19 endorsed me to contest in my constituency and 75 of 82 delegates have supported me.

“I was shocked later to hear that on the night before the primary election that Senator Ladoja has selected candidates in his house without the consent of other party leaders.

“Many of these candidates, especially the one in my place, cannot speak good English or construct a simple sentence. Are those the ones they have selected to

represent the people?”

The party’s spokesman, Dotun Oyelade, said the situation was a dilemma of democracy.

He added: “There will always be people who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the primary selection.

“The reason Accord did not go through the rigours of primary elections was to avoid acrimony.

“The party did not pick any woman candidate because they are less formidable.

We consulted with party leaders before arriving at that decision. There are palliative measures for them and positions will be given to them if the party wins.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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NEWS Protest in Ibadan as REC resumes From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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HERE was another protest in Ibadan yesterday against the posting of Mr. Rufus Akeju as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State.

Hundreds of protesters from various parties and nongovernmental organisations marched on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters, rejecting Akeju’s posting.

They appealed to INEC Chairman Prof Attahiru Jega to re-post Akeju to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, alleging that he would be partial in the conduct of elections.

Akeju replaces Nasir Ayilara, who has been transferred to Niger State.

The protesters, who were drawn from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Accord, market associations, youth groups and other non-governmental organisations, carried various placards with inscriptions against the REC. Their spokesman, Isiaka Kehinde, said the protest was to register their displeasure on the posting of Akeju to the state.

He alleged that there was a court ruling against Akeju based on an allegation that he might be sympathetic to the cause of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Head of Voter Education Department of INEC, Ayodele Folami, told reporters that Akeju resumed on Tuesday.

“Handing and taking over have taken place. But right now, he’s out of the state on an official assignment.

“This would be the second round of protests. They came on Monday and they are here again.

We addressed protesters with the divisional police officer in attendance.

“For them to protest peacefully is legal. So, they have the right to protest. But if you are protesting, you should not prevent other citizens from carrying out their duties as well.

“We have reported the first protest to our headquarters in Abuja. I am sure the headquarters is taking some steps on the protest. So, we told the protesters to be patient and should not allow miscreants to hijack the protest.”

Work begins on Ondo inland port

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HE Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom, Oba Lawrence Omowole, has praised the Federal Government for approving the establishment of an Inland Port at Ipare on the bank of Alape River in Mahin, Ondo State.

The monarch in a “special appreciation letter” to the government praised Governor Olusegun Mimiko for recommending the area to the Federal Government.

Oba Omowole said it was most gratifying that work has begun on the project, few months after the approval, as officials of the Federal Ministry of Transport, National Inland Water Ways Authority (NIWA) and Ministry of Transport inspected the site and held Town Hall meetings with the people.

He urged the governor to set up a committee that will coordinate and liase with the Federal Government towards speedy execution of the project.

APC: Fed Govt using security agencies to decapitate opposition T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised the alarm on the plan by the Federal Government to use the security agencies, especially the Department of State Security (DSS) and the police, to harass and intimidate the opposition.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the party said the torrent of threats by the Minister of Police Affairs and the DSS over alleged inflammatory statements by opposition leaders, is nothing but a thinly-veiled attempt at cowing the opposition and destabilising its ranks.

It said the strategy includes the “invitation” of key opposition figures for questioning by the DSS, starting with the APC National Publicity Secretary, to be followed by arrest and detention.

APC said the impending clampdown is the PDP-led Federal Government’s answer to the soaring profile of the opposition ahead of the polls.

It called on local and international observers to observe the unsavoury developments, which can jeopardise the success of the elections. ‘’The minister of Police Affairs said publicly that he has directed the inspector-general of police and the DSS to arrest anyone who makes inflammatory statements ahead of the elections.

“He then went ahead to castigate the APC, thus exposing the real rea-

son for his directive. ‘’The minister had barely issued his orders when the DSS, which has unabashedly become a PDP megaphone, fired its warning, directed pointedly at ‘’a governor calling on the Armed Forces to rise up in protest against constituted authority,” when nothing of such happened. ‘’If the minister and indeed the security agencies were carrying out their duties as an official/agent of state , they would have realised that no one is more guilty of making inflammatory and even treasonable statements than the supporters of the president and PDP members. ‘’Yet, not once has the Minister, and the security agencies under his control, called these people to order.

“There is no better indication of the mindset of these threats-issuing minister and the security agencies under his control than their glaring double-standard and vexatious partisanship. This is not how to run the affairs of state,’’ the party said.

It recalled that a series of inflammatory, insulting and treasonable comments by supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP officials all went without as much as a whimper from those who are now howling at the opposition for statements that are neither inflammatory nor treasonable.

‘’A die-hard supporter of President Goodluck Jonathan once threatened that there will be blood on the streets, if the President is not re-elected, without anyone calling him to order.

“He recently said the President has won the yet-to-be conducted February 14 presidential election, suggesting that the election will be a mere formality.

No one called him to order. ‘’Another supporter of the President, Chief Edwin Clark, said if the opposition had its way, it would poison President Jonathan just to take power.

“The minister of Police Affairs and the security agencies under his control snored the comment away. ‘’PDP National Secretary Wale Oladipo called the APC’s presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, a “semi-literate jackboot”.

PDP National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh heaped abuses on APC leaders in an ill-tempered statement arising from a disoriented party.

A spokesman for the President called Gen. Buhari names for being a “poor” man, yet this minister and his agencies did not see anything inflammatory in all these statements. ‘’We know that Nigerians as well as the international community are watching and documenting these developments.

“It is important to do so if they

are to make informed comments on the outcome of the forthcoming polls. ‘’On our part, we will continue to document the developments while maintaining a responsible and purposeful public discourse, highlighted by issues and devoid of the kind of inflammatory and treasonable comments that PDP and Presidency officials have been spewing out,’’ APC said.

But the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe described APC's claim as another smear attempt against the President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement yesterday, Okupe said the Federal Government has high regards for democratic principles and has assured Nigerians and the international community on its commitment to delivering free and credible elections next month.

Okupe said: "Nothing can be as unfounded as the accusation by the APC. "The Federal Government has ensured that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is well equipped to perform its statutory duties.

“Security agencies have the responsibility of carrying out any function within their powers that guarantees the safety of lives and property.

"We find all the allegations by the APC as baseless and we challenge its leadership to provide any proof to Nigerians."

•Fashola (second right); Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Council, Deji Elumoye (left), President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Femi Adesina (second left), Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation, Sam Omatseye (middle) and Former NGE President Gbenga Adefaye at the briefing…yesterday.

Agbaje no match for Lagos APC, says Fashola

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje, is no match for the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state.

The governor said Agbaje’s performance in the 2007 election was a clear indication of the strength of his candidacy.

Addressing reporters at an endof-year briefing at the Lagos House, Alausa, Fashola said: “Agbaje is not a threat to us. Let’s go and check the result of the 2011 election.

“He got three per cent of the votes cast. We have defeated the PDP in all elections since 1999. Our candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode, is going to defeat Agbaje with your support.

“This is not the place to experiment; one needs a lot of experience to achieve what we have

done in Lagos.

“When you look at what their party has done with the country, for instance, there are missing funds, non-functioning rail, epileptic power supply and others, do you want that to happen in Lagos?”

On comments credited to Vice President Namadi Sambo that people were leaving Lagos because of high taxation, the governor described it as a mark of ignorance.

Fashola said he believes Sambo was misquoted or the utterance could be a reflection of the quality of people the country parades as its leaders.

“That statement is a very serious display of ignorance if it was true that the Vice President said so.

“How do you then justify the perception that people are leaving Lagos? “ Is the Value Added Tax (VAT) being collected from Lagos reducing compared to other states?

“Is the air traffic into Lagos reducing? Or have you a significant reduction in traffic in Lagos? More hotels are being built in Lagos, companies are licensing and operating in Lagos.

“Displaced people from other parts of Nigeria are moving into Lagos. Has the workers’ demand in Lagos reduced? Has the demand for hospital services reduced?

“So it is a very grave statement to make. That is why I said may be he was misquoted because that is the Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Council.

“So if he misunderstands what is happening in the nation’s commercial and economic nerve centre it may be a very revealing index to his understanding of the economy.

“It may also confirm to you that some of the things you heard from the president that he receives all sorts of contradictory advice and

may be this is part of it.

“It is a very dangerous statement to make. It is either ignorant or diabolical and either way it is not good because it tells you then why the economy is not functioning.

The governor who reeled out the achievements of his administration in different sectors said the APC had delivered dividends of democracy to lagosians.

On the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution and the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the elections, Fashola said the real head of the commission should be a statistician and not a professor or an academician.

“It is not about theory, it is about practical. People who should also do this job should be those who have managed distribution activities in the country. It is not a judicial work but about logistics,” he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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NEWS BUDGET PRESENTATIONS

•Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha (left) presenting the 2015 Appropriation Bill to the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Chris Duru...yesterday.

•Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo (left) presenting next year’s Budget to the Speaker, Alhaji Inuwa Garaba...yesterday.

Why Ezekwesili is our person of the year, by Online news N online news blog, YNaija.com yesterday explained why it named former Education Minister Dr. Obiagaeli Ezekwesili its Person of the Year. It said the choice of Ezekwesili followed her unrelenting demand for the rescue of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls.

The blog noted that while other Nigerians spent their Christmas holiday with their loved ones, Ezekwesili and her #BringBackOurGirls campaigners marched on the streets of Abuja in continuation of their solidarity for the over 200 girls kidnapped by extremist Boko Haram sect, which they have kept on for over 200 days.

Describing the campaign as the country’s longest advoca-

A

•Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio presenting the 2015 Budget proposal to the Speaker Sam Ikon...yesterday

By Precious Igbonwelundu

cy campaign, the blog said Dr. Ezekwesili, who is the group’s national coordinator, put her life on the line and brought international attention to the activities of the terrorists.

The blog posted on its site: “The Christmas day march was almost interrupted by policemen who tried to block access to certain city areas, but the group soldiered on purposefully. Even though their numbers had depleted considerably since the period when the #BringBackOurGirls movement was loudest and trendiest, the die-hard members who continued to show up for the daily sit outs are no strangers to hostile law officers, even though they have done no

wrong.

“Leading the charge, keeping her eyes on the ball, and refusing to give in to distractions including the most virulent and dishonest attacks, has been Obiagaeli Ezekwesili, a national coordinator of the movement.

“This uncompromising willingness to speak for the voiceless and truth to power has made Dr. Ezekwesili, 51, a natural fit for the leadership of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, where her considerable clout has helped put the missing girls on the top of the agenda for both Nigerians, our Federal Government, whose tardiness in acknowledging the plight of the Chibok girls caused a very costly delay.

“What started out as another

terrorist attack by a devious group soon snowballed into a global storm with serious international consequences, largely because of Dr. Ezekwesili’s drive and determination to put herself in the line of fire.

“Dr. Ezekwesili will certainly be loath to take this credit, but it is hers nonetheless for giving hope, and strength and clarity to an army of young Nigerians without whom many of us would have long forgotten those children.

“She has shunned politics, been quick to dismiss those who would seek partisan profit from a national tragedy and in displaying an inspiring discipline has kept this single issue alive as Nigeria’s longest, and most resilient public advocacy intervention.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Sovereign Wealth Funds are managed conservatively.

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

Alleged N47.5b theft: Appeal Court quashes charges against Akingbola

By Adebisi Onanuga and Precious Igbonwelundu

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HE Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has quashed the 22-count charge brought against the former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr. Erastus Akingbola by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ruling on Akingbola’s application yesterday, the court presided over by Justice Amina Augie held that the High Court of Lagos State presided by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed against him by the commission.

Justice Augie said it amounted to miscarriage of justice for the lower court to have dismissed Akingbola’s application challenging its jurisdiction on the matter.

She declared: “The appeal is meritorious and allowed.

“I am convinced that the lower court refused to align itself with the decision of this court in Nwosu’s case.”

Akingbola, with his co-defendant, Bayo Dada, had filed two separate applications challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the 22-count charge filed against them by the EFCC. But, the lower court, in its ruling on May 2, last year dismissed their applications.

Justice Lawal-Akapo had then held that the charges preferred against the defendants were within its competence and jurisdiction to determine.

Dissatisfied with the ruling of the court, Akingbola and Dada had approached the Appeal Court, praying that the trial court’s decision be set aside.

Delievering its judgement yesterday, Justice Augie declared that the lower court fell into serious error by not abiding by the decision on Nwosu’s case adding, “it is most unfair and is an injustice”.

According to her, the lower court has no option but to follow the decision of the higher court on Nwosu’s case.

“The point must made that the decision of this court in Nwosu’s case was based on proof of evidence.” the judge held, adding that all the charges against the defendants arose out of capital market transactions.

“Only Federal High Court is conferred with the exclusive jurisdiction to try cases of capital market transaction,” she averred.

The appellate court held that the lower court holds it a duty to compare and contrast the document cited by parties.

“It is its duty to examine materials brought before him.

It is the role of the judge to do justice in adjudicating all the cases brought before him.

“One sided justice would amount to injustice and favouring one side.

Bank customers waiting to withdraw money from automated teller machine (ATM) at Mile 1, Port Harcourt...yesterday.

No going back on $65 benchmark, says Minister A

S the price of crude oil continues to slide, the Federal Government has remained adamant that it would not revise the budgetary benchmark downward in the new year.

Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, said though the Federal Government recognises the fact that prices may slide further,it does not intend to revise the benchmark further down. The reason for government’s insistence on holding on to the $65 benchmark, Yuguda said is because government is “aware that price intelligence indicates that prices might average between $65 and $70per barrel (pb) in 2015. This is anchored on the fact that American shale oil which is largely driving this price shocks also runs the risk of becoming unsustainable as it is produced at a high cost of at least $65 per barrel.”

Crude oil price yesterday slid further, below

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

the 2015 budget benchmark of $65, a trend analysts said, if sustained for long, might affect government’s spending in the year.

However Yuguda emphasised that the government’s scenario-based approach to the regime of oil price shocks is structured to proactively respond to such situations.

The minister said the Jonathan administration had taken policy decisions to correct the identified structural imbalances in the economy and the concentration of government’s external revenue on crude oil sales.

Insisting that government has made progress in this regard, Yuguda said it was evident in the rebased gross domestic product (GDP), which showed “the strengthening of agriculture,

services, construction, hospitality and other nonoil sectors.”

He explained further that critical infrastructure projects will not be affected by the announced fiscal restructuring measures, describing them as “key to economic growth and development as well as job creation.”

The areas that would be affected by the fiscal adjustments, according to him, are those that would have the least negative impact on the generality of Nigerians, including widening the tax net, and pushing for higher levels of compliance, introduction of a new tax on luxury goods as well as reducing expenditure by cutting foreign travels by government officials to the barest minimum, especially with regard to overseas training programmes.

He said the government

will remain resolute “in its resolve to further diversify the economy, significantly boost non-oil revenues, plug loopholes and cut unnecessary expenditures but has restated its determination to maintain growth and stabilise the economy in 2015 despite the challenge of declining revenues among oil producing countries.”

Yuguda however stressed the preparedness of government to introduce further measures “if prices fall outside this range.” He noted that the government initiated “the Capacity Enhancement Programme (CEP) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to improve non-oil tax revenue”, adding that the agency is expected to meet its target of surpassing 2014 impressive performance by about N160 billion.

Additionally, the government is working on a system of tax incentives for MicroFinance Banks in order to promote financial inclusion for the poor.

Fed Govt approves disbursement of N166b outstanding fuel subsidy

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HE Federal Govern ment has approved the payment of about N166 billion to petroleum marketers as reimbursement for outstanding subsidy claims.

According to sources at the Federal Ministry of Finance, the payment is for batch I to part of batch M. However, the other part of batch M, and batches N, O, and P to the tune of N105 billion are still at the Debt Management Office (DMO) awaiting payment.

This part payment is geared towards ensuring stability in the fuel supply as well as to encourage banks and other financial institutions, who were hitherto, reluctant in issuing letters of credit to finance petroleum products’ importation.

• Okays release of Q1 2015 fuel allocation to marketers From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Meanwhile, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani-Alison Madueke has approved the release of first quarter (Q1) 2015 allocation to marketers for the importation of petroleum products.

A statement issued by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), said the early release is in furtherance of the government’s resolve at ensuring continuous and robust products supply in the system, aimed at sustaining the serenity in the downstream industry.

While calling on motorists

not to engage in panic buying, the Executive Secretary of the PPPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, assured that, “there is ample supply of petroleum products in the country and discharges and truck-out had continued in spite of the holidays and the festive periods”.

The PPPRA further explained that apart from facilitating an improved national Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) supply and stock build-up, the latest effort is also to enable marketers make adequate preparations towards products sourcing and importation early in the New Year.

The PPPRA attributed the proactive initiatives put in place at ensuring products

availability across the nation to the support and direction of the Petroleum Resources Minister. Mr. Ahmed said the agency on its part, is committed to prompt processing of documents for all imported products duly brought into the country.

The minister had commenced a regime of early release of quarterly PMS allocations in addition to supplementary allocations to complement national demand.

According to the PPPRA, the widely-applauded early approvals, apart from providing additional imports to supplement the prevailing stock level in the system, is now responsible for the sustained availability of petroleum products across the country at regulated prices.

ARG urges reduction in recurrent expenditure

By AyetotoTemitayo

T

HE Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) has urged the government to cut down on wastages in its outrageous recurrent expenditure and channel a substantial chunk of the budget into capital expenditure.

Its National Chairman, Hon Olawale Oshun who spoke yesterday in Lagos during the presentation of a report of an assessment of the nation’s democratic governance, said any developing nation desirous of growth must be concerned with recurrent and capital comparative analysis whether at the budgetary or actual implementation level. He stressed that an average of between 70/30 recurrent/capital actual figure portends a stagnating society limited by infrastructure capacities.

He said: “The most important revelation from this report is that as 2015 approaches, Nigerians have to be sober because political instability is increasing and major indicators now put Nigeria on red alert. We are now faced with a depressing economic outlook because of dwindling revenues, corruption, and heavily flawed and extravagant budget. Worse still, divisive politics is now so pervasive that the concept of a free and fair election in 2015 is looking more like a mirage, especially with the way INEC’s rating has plummeted in recent times. How we navigate 2015 elections in the reality of this context will determine the country’s survival.”

According to the report, how to keep Nigeria’s debt and recurrent expenditure down is a matter of urgency as the cost of servicing debts has risen by 330 per cent between 2009 (N215.79 billion) and 2013 (N834.57 billion). The domestic debt of about $60 billion is proving unsustainable as almost N943 billion has been proposed to service debts this year while capital expenditure is only N633 billion, inclusive of SURE-P allocation.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 31-12-14

25-07-14 DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 31-12-14

Stanbic IBTC lists N11.45b ETF

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TANBIC IBTC Asset Management Limited (SIAML), a wholly owned asset management subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, yesterday listed its Stanbic IBTC Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) 30 on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The listing followed the successful completion of the ETF’s initial public offering, which was oversubscribed. SIAML had issued 10 million units of the Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 at a price of N100 per unit. But yesterday, it listed 11.447 million units valued at N11.447 billion.

The listing followed approval of the allotments for the ETF by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

An Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) is an investment vehicle that tracks an index, a basket of assets, or a commodity but trades like regular shares on a stock exchange. The objective of the Fund is to replicate as closely as possible the total return of the NSE 30 Index. The NSE 30 Index tracks the 30 most

•Pharma Deko’s rights open for trading Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

capitalised stocks on the NSE. The Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 will invest 100 per cent of its assets in the same portfolio of securities that comprise the NSE 30 Index in proportion to their weightings in the underlying index.

Also, the rights issue of Pharma Deko Plc has opened for trading on the NSE, paving the way for investors who were not prequalified for the rights to buy into the company through renounced and traded rights. The offer is expected to close on January 30, 2015.

Pharma-Deko plans to use the net proceeds of the rights issue to restructure its balance sheet and provided support for its business plan.

Commenting earlier on the ETF, managing director, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited (SIAML), Mr Olumide Oyetan explained that the NSE

30 Index comprises of the top 30 companies in terms of market capitalization. The index serves as the flagship benchmark for the stock market as it represents 92 per cent of the NSE’s market capitalization.

He noted that the Fund represents a convenient and efficient way for investors to have access to the top 30 most capitalized and liquid stocks on the NSE, in a cost effective manner.

He pointed out that the Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 will differentiate itself in the marketplace as a highly liquid and transparent investment adding that the financial services group would leverage on its extensive client base and brand name to promote Nigerian ETF to Nigerian and international investors.

“Our target is to keep the expense ratio at one per cent. We are looking at growing this Fund to become one of the largest funds in the market,” Oyetan said.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 31-12-14

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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THE NATION

BUSINESS INDUSTRY

industry@thenationaonlineng.net

As 2015 begins, most Nigerians’ wish may be to own their own homes. To realise their dreams, the cost of building materials must fall, experts say. But, some manufacturers are against that, citing harsh operating environment and high cost of production. The plunge in oil prices and devaluation of the naira may have introduced another dimension to the matter, writes Assistant Editor CHIKODI OKEREOCHA.

Why manufacturers are walking a tightrope T

HE Management of Dangote Cement Plc recently wormed its way to Nigerians’ hearts when it announced a 40 per cent slash in the price of cement, a critical component in building and construction works.

Consequently, the cement giant, under its new price regime that took off last November 3, pegged the price of its 32.5 cement grade at N1,000 per 50kg bag; the higher 42.5 grade goes for N1,150 per bag. The price exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT) represented about 40 per cent discount on the prevailing market price of the product, which sold for N1, 700 irrespective of the grade.

As the company’s Group Managing Director, Devakumar Edwin, explained, the move was in line with the company’s commitment to the nation’s dire need for the development of infrastructure and to boost the federal and state governments’ ongoing effort to reduce the near 20 million housing deficit in Africa’s largest economy. “We recognise the need for a dramatic increase in the response to the huge infrastructure and housing deficit in the country and one of the ways of addressing the issue is bringing the price of building materials down to much more affordable levels especially cement, which is within our own control,” he said.

However, shortly after the announcement, it was learnt that some factors outside the company’s control may have conspired to throw spanner in the works, as the anticipated price reduction could not happen.

A reliable source told The Nation that though manufacturers in the building and construction industry had come under severe strain in recent times as a result of rising cost of production, the situation took a turn for the worse in the last few weeks. The source, who declined to be named, traced the problem to the plunging of the oil price in the international market and the slide in the foreign exchange rate of the naira to other major currencies, among others.

Apart from the falling oil price on which Nigeria depends for over 85 per cent of its revenue, the naira devaluation and the noninclusion of raw material input in sourcing foreign exchange from the bi-weekly Royal Dutch Auction System (RDAS) also have grave implications for those in manufacturing who look overseas for essential input. At moment, most manufacturers, including those in the building and construction industry depend on foreign input, and with exchange rate now going up the roof, cost of input went up. The

interbank exchange rate went up as high as N185 to a dollar as at December 22, last year.

And for manufacturers, the challenge is twofold: “First, when they borrow to import raw materials, it will be at higher interest rates.

Secondly, with the naira devalued, they will have to pay more naira for each unit of goods they import,” the source said.

Already, there are fears within the economic circles that what is playing out is reminiscent of the events of 1986, when the naira was devalued by the then military government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.), which resulted in the steep rise in prices and caused collateral damage to manufacturers of consumer products. The belief is that what is happening will lead to the lowering of the purchasing power of the local currency, increase in cost of input, with the resultant effect that goods emanating from Nigeria will command higher prices, as against imported ones.

Already, prices of consumer goods particularly cement and other building input, rod and its associates, plywood and wood in general, electrical materials, roofing sheets of all kinds, etc, have all gone up. Expectedly, the Organised Private Sector (OPS) are worried. “If we are concluding 2014 on a faltering note because of falling crude oil prices and devalued naira, we should all be ready for a challenging 2015,” says First Deputy National President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Chief Bassey Edem.

He disclosed that because of the high interbank exchange rate of the dollar, and the 13 per cent Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) as against 12 per cent at the beginning of the year, businesses have reported increased production cost because they are spending more money to bring in their raw materials.

Edem, at a briefing in Lagos to review the state of the nation, pointed out that the macroeconomic fundamentals are less stable than they were in the first half of this year and this has serious implications on the progress of the real sector of the economy.

He also identified the ECOWAS CET as

‘

another major challenge manufacturers will grapple with next year. He said: “This (ECOWAS CET) is another challenge to our growing industries that are currently battling with the devaluation of the naira amongst other challenges.”

Edem noted that though NACCIMA appreciates the need for the ECOWAS CET, it is also concerned about the fact that the nation’s borders will be thrown open for goods from the West African region this month when the ECOWAS CET becomes operational.

“The need to ensure compliance with all protocol signed by ECOWAS to eliminate dumping of goods in the region becomes of great importance if our growing industries are to survive with the implementation of ECOWAS CET and for the realisation of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP),” he advised.

However, for manufacturers in the building and construction industry, the prevailing macro-economic indicators particularly the plunge in oil prices and devaluation of the naira, are only addition to an already bad situation. This is so considering that before the economic crisis, manufacturers have been grappling with acute lack of critical infrastructure. For instance, the challenge of transporting building materials, especially cement products on the road is said to be one reason prices of building materials have not fall significantly.

The deplorable nature of the country’s roads and inadequte railways has impacted on the price of the products. The high cost of building materials is because of the high price truck drivers charge for transporting the products most of which are heavy.

Similarly, electricity supply has not improved despite the power sector privatisation. Though cement manufacturers, for instance, rely on their own gas-powered plants, getting gas to fire their plants remains a pain in the neck. A reliable source close to Dangote Cement, for instance, said the company spends about N1 billion daily on its power plants, while most of its spare parts are imported. The source disclosed that

Though cement manufacturers, for instance, rely on their own gas-powered plants, getting gas to fire their plants remains a pain in the neck

‘

•From left: Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar; Vice President Namadi Sambo; Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr Adeseyi Sijuwade and Gov. Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State, at the inauguration of Kaduna Intra-City Mass Transit Train in Kaduna.

•Dangote cement

the announcement made by the firm that it was shifting to coal as an alternative energy source had not materialised, hence the anticipated cement price reduction had not happened.

The truth is that, manufacturers run inhouse power plants full time at production, for fear of unannounced power outages and surges from the utility firms, which often result to damages to machines, tools, raw material, man-hour loses, and disruption to production processes. Power takes up between 35 per cent and 40 per cent of manufacturers’cost. Also, over 75 per cent of the electricity needs of manufacturers are said to be generated in-house, leaving only about 25 per cent coming from the utility firms. What this means is that manufacturers must factor in the element of in-house plant from the start. And there is no way manufacturers would bear the extra cost alone.

As a result, Chairman, Electronics and Electrical Sectorial Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Reginald Odiah, said it was hardly surprising why Nigeria is perhaps, the most expensive country to do business with.

“The cost of manufacturing in Nigeria is about nine times that of China, four times that of South Africa and about two times that of Ghana,” he said, at a forum organised

by MAN in Lagos. Because of rising energy cost, most manufacturing firms have had to contend with falling profit margin, which remains a major threat to business sustainability.

With the way things are, local and foreign investors must brace for an extremely turbulent operating environment in the coming year, especially with the coming elections and other upheavals that are set to test the resolve of investors. For instance, as former president of Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Chucks Omeife, noted, the increasing cost of some building materials had discouraged investors from investing in the construction sector and low income earners from building their houses.

“The development of our housing subsector may be hampered if the prices of building materials continue to rise unchecked because the cost of iron rods, window and door frames and other building materials are all escalating,” Omeife added, urging the government to rise to the challenge.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

17

COMMENTARY LETTER

EDITORIALS

Ebola breakthrough

Good news, except that local scientists are outside the loop

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EWS of significant progress in the development of effective vaccines to prevent Ebola virus infection deserves notice, particularly considering the expert confirmation of their safety.

“This is the first study to show comparable safety and immune response of an experimental Ebola vaccine in an African population,” according to Dr Julie Ledgerwood from the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health, USA. Dr. Ledgerwood, lead author of the findings from the first trial of filovirus vaccines in Africa published in The Lancet, gave a helpful insight into the importance of the experimental success: “This is particularly encouraging because those at greatest risk of Ebola live primarily in Africa, and diminished vaccine protection in African populations has been seen for other diseases.”

The two new DNA vaccines that code for Ebola virus proteins were developed

‘The scientific breakthrough holds useful lessons for local scientists in Africa, who should see it as a wake-up call. Beyond the interest and intervention of the international scientific circle, which should be commended, Africa-based scientists ought to be more involved in finding solutions to Ebola, especially given that the continent’s populations appear to be more vulnerable to the disease’

from the Zaire and Sudan strains and the Marburg virus protein; and they have opened fresh possibilities in the counterEbola international campaign. Dr Ledgerwood said: ”These findings have already formed the basis of a more potent vaccine, delivered using a harmless chimpanzee cold virus, which is undergoing trials in the USA, UK, Mali, and Uganda in response to the ongoing Ebola virus outbreak.” It is a reflection of the seriousness with which scientists are treating Ebola, as well as the gravity of the disease itself, that the trials leading to the reported findings took place about four years ago, before its current occurrence.

It is worth mentioning that the evolving 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak has thrown the West African sub-region, in particular, into understandable apprehension. Indeed, the scale of the epidemic has acquired a global tint, forcing the international community to acknowledge that it constitutes a major public health crisis. Against this background, the positive news about Ebola vaccine development has far-reaching implications not only for African populations, but also for other peoples across the world.

However, it is relevant to highlight an important response by Dr. Saranya Sridhar from the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford in the UK, who said the findings deserved to be “the focal point around which the broader question of vaccine development, particularly for Africa, must be addressed.” Dr. Sridhar further said: “we must ask ourselves whether a filovirus vaccine should have

been in more advanced clinical development.” In other words, it is possible that political and economic considerations may have hampered the speed of progress. Hopefully, the speed and purpose with which clinical vaccine development has been pursued, and has progressed, in the context of international response to the present Ebola outbreak, will be sustained for the good of all mankind.

The scientific breakthrough holds useful lessons for local scientists in Africa, who should see it as a wake-up call. Beyond the interest and intervention of the international scientific circle, which should be commended, Africa-based scientists ought to be more involved in finding solutions to Ebola, especially given that the continent’s populations appear to be more vulnerable to the disease. Unfortunately, such expectations bring up issues of socio-economic underdevelopment and inadequate research and health infrastructure, among other negatives that constitute a drawback.

In a profound sense, the international efforts to develop effective and safe Ebola vaccines reinforce the idea of a global humanity. The concept of a global village is given further expression through such all-embracing actions. For a disease with such deadly consequences and high fatalities, the wise saying that prevention is better than cure makes a lot of sense. It is hoped that Ebola vaccines will not only be perfected, but will also be available and affordable wherever they are needed.

Revisiting amnesty The programme fails if the beneficiaries lack jobs

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EADER of the Niger Delta Democratic Front, Precious Iyoyo, has pointed out what obviously is a major flaw in the amnesty programme initiated for the Niger Delta militants by the Umaru Yar’Adua administration in 2009. The flaw is the inability of the government to provide jobs for the militants who were sent to various schools abroad to enable them acquire necessary skills that could guarantee them a meaningful lifestyle.

Iyoyo, who expressed his disappointment with the programme in Port Harcourt, said “The truth is that it is frustrating to see the ex-freedom fighters that have been trained abroad and coming back home, they do not have anything to do; they have no jobs to fall back on. It is abnormal.”

We agree with him. Whatever may be his motive, it is indeed bad if it is true that the ex-militants only acquired education and skills in various fields abroad only to come home to join the unemployment queue. This would not be strange though because successive governments usually address national challenges using Fire Brigade approach. It shows the disconnect between planning and execution of government’s programmes.

We recall the situation in the Obasanjo era when we kept importing heavy electrical equipment without consideration for the logistics of how to transport them to their various sites. It was long after the equipment had arrived and stayed idle that they were dismantled and taken to

the various locations where they were required.

When people are sent to school or for training, the aim is to make them acquire skills that can enable them put food on their table and be useful to themselves and the larger society. But when such people return from wherever they went to school or for training and cannot find something worthwhile to do, the purpose is defeated. Worse still is that they would have become more sophisticated in doing whatever they decide to do, whether for functional or dysfunctional purposes, and the result can only be imagined for people who had to abandon militancy due to promises of a better future that the government assured them before they embraced amnesty.

Ideally, government ought to have worked out the job needs of people in the region before asking the militants to proceed to school. But it appears this is not the way government operates here.

Do we even know how many we are, not to talk of the demographic breakdown of our population? Has the government even provided jobs for non-militants?

However, nothing we have said should be misconstrued as condemning the amnesty programme. It was a good idea to redress decades of neglect in the Niger Delta region, particularly in the area of youth restiveness. The point is that there is hardly any policy or programme that is perfect. It is during implementation that some shortcomings manifest. The beauty of it is that in many other places,

periodic reviews are done with a view to correcting identified lapses in policies; it is just that in our own circumstance, governments usually move on once such policies take off. We hardly have time for review.

Anyway, since it is better late than never, the Federal Government still has the chance to review the programme to see how well it has fared, with a review to making amends where necessary.

Iyoyo’s observation as well as those of others who have expressed opinions on the initiative should be worked on. The country cannot afford to return to the preamnesty era when the entire nation felt the negative impact of militancy in the Niger Delta region. The boys have to be meaningfully engaged to prevent their returning to the creeks or their being recruited by politicians to foment trouble, especially during the coming general elections.

‘Iyoyo’s observation as well as those of others who have expressed opinions on the initiative should be worked on. The country cannot afford to return to the preamnesty era when the entire nation felt the negative impact of militancy in the Niger Delta region’

Military’s aggression against the media

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IR: There is something poisonous that is painting the canvas of the Jonathan presidency and it relates to the military leadership in Nigeria. It seems that many of these uniformed men with a gun in their hands want Nigerians, including military wives, politicians, and journalists, to worship them.

Freedom of expression is assumed to be protected in Nigeria, a nation that, at least on the surface, has a written constitution which was mainly adopted from America’s Constitution.

It was not long ago that the Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, allegedly addressed soldiers in the following manner: “If they repeat it” (referring to soldiers’ wives who protested for the safety of their husbands), “all those wives will leave the barracks.

This is not a civil service organization. This is not a Boy Scout organization. Any repeat of such act, I will tell soldiers to use koboko on the wives and bundle them out of the barracks.”

Recently, the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, warns that, “In view of the series of insinuations, allegations and false claims being made by certain activists and politicians on the legal and disciplinary process in the Nigerian military, the Defence Headquarters finds it necessary to make this call...Politicians should avoid using the forum or medium of their political campaigns to incite or endorse acts of indiscipline in the nation’s military establishments.”

This warning came because a Nigerian who happens to be a politician, Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, stated in a speech, “The soldiers have the right to protest for the federal government’s failure to fully equip them.”

Then we have the Director of Public Relations, Brigadier Olaleye Lajide, who, because of an Army-related story published in an online newspaper, Sahara Reporters, asserted maliciously that, “It is noteworthy but unfortunate that Sahara Reporters has committed itself to support terrorism and fight Nigeria, its people, its military and particularly the Nigerian Army.”

Yes, Nigeria is still a young and growing democracy but that is not an excuse for the current wave of military aggression against individual, group and institutional freedoms.

The military is supposed to distance itself and adopt a position of neutrality from divisive politics; instead, it is overstretching its constitutional role and thereby diminishing the quality of service.

The military ought to know that constitutionally, journalists are protected from revealing their sources, and digital freedoms are directly protected by federal law, and if not for the chaotic democratic style in Nigeria, there should be some form of whistleblower protection for all Nigerians. No wonder President Jonathan recently reflected on the challenges he continues to face as a leader due to the contradictory advice he continues to receive from men such as these.

• Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi, Jos5930458@aol.com

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

18

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: A lot has been said already about the groundbreaking ceremony of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ), Ogidigben, in Warri SouthWest LGA, Delta State, intended to take place on Friday November 14, 2014, but was abruptly cancelled at the last minute by President Goodluck Jonathan.

As it were, the Ijaws, have been opposed to the EPZ being named after Ogidigben community which gives the identity of its location in Itsekiri homeland that is deservedly so. They demanded that since the project site also included some Ijaw communities in the Escravos, a claim that is absolutely false, it should be called OgidigbenGbaramutu EPZ, to give it both Itsekiri and Ijaw location identity.

To resolve this gratuitous controversy, and specifically to pacify and gratify the raging Ijaws, Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan changed the name of the project to “Delta Gas City”. Although this was completely outlandish and unfair to the Itsekiri people in the Escravos as they felt unjustly shortchanged and undermined, none-

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Still on the Ogidigben EPZ fiasco theless, they, in their usual nonviolent disposition, did not raise dust with the change of the cognomen in order to give peace a chance.

But like an aggressor that would not be mollified, the Ijaws kept making more spurious and avaricious demands, such as monetary compensation and parity of recognition with the Itsekiri by the Delta and federal governments. So they warned the President not to come to perform the EPZ groundbreaking ceremony until their demands are met.

Initially, it seemed the President had called the bluff of his kinsmen and he gave his word that he was coming. Alas! The President chickened out. He succumbed to the intimidation of his kinsmen. Perhaps the only other rational way

to explain the President’s conduct in the panicky cancellation of the EPZ groundbreaking ceremony, is that he sees himself as an Ijaw president who must do everything to pander to and protect Ijaw interests and agenda to the detriment and total disregard of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality and perhaps other ethnic nationalities in the country.

As a Nigerian, I cannot help but view the President’s conduct and action as horrendous, reprehensible and inexcusable. The call-off of the EPZ groundbreaking ceremony by the President is condemnable in all ramifications.

The other explanation that the President aborted the groundbreaking ceremony in order to avoid bloodshed is nothing

but to give legitimacy to the use of terror as a means to press and enforce one’s demands in Nigeria.

The implication of this is an invitation to anarchy. By the way, did the federal government not grant amnesty to militants for surrendering their arms? Should it not be a serious security concern to the President that his kinsmen made such an open show of arms and ammunitions in their possession in spite of the colossal amount of money the federal government is expending on the militants in the amnesty deal?

I am inclined to suspect an orchestrated conspiracy and subterfuge in high quarters in government against the Ogidigben EPZ project. The ploy is to stir up a crisis over the location of the EPZ in

Buhari, a blessing to Nigeria

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IR: Let me congratulate Nigerians and All Progress Congress paty in particular for proving us right that Nigerians need the General. If Buhari can live that kind of modest lifestyle and still be passionate about Nigeria, I think he is a blessing to this country because many of his contemporaries have given up on Nigeria.

I think God knows why he keeps him alive and healthy at 72, when many of his contemporaries are no more or not hale and hearty like him.

Recently, Dino Melaye, a former member of the House Representative was so disturbed to hear that

General Buhari could not afford the N27 million naira APC nomination form knowing well that all former Presidents and Head of States get N23 million monthly since the period of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as president. . He decided to investigate the matter and later discovered that General Buhari personally wrote a letter to the minister of finance to pay him 10 percent of N23 million former Presidents and Head of States take as salary. So, he realised that General Buhari’s monthly payment is N2.3 million instead of N23 million. What a Nigerian? What class of integrity?

Bob Marley of blessed memory

once said that you can only deceive people sometimes but you cannot deceive people all the time. PDP has deceived Nigerians on the personality of Buhari all these years.

Finding fault in Buhari persona has long been the basis of PDP’s campaign strategy of instead of addressing the issues of insecurity, corruption and economy.

It seems we are gradually realising our collective mistakes because upon the propaganda of PDP on him before now, the latest being that the General is a ‘semi-literate’ when evidence abounds that the General graduated in Royal Military Academy UK as a lieutenant.

The Military Academy is equivalent to a degree awarding institution. He also passed out in Defense College, India and US Army War College Pennsylvania, US in the late 70s for his Brigadier- General rank.

Among his mates in US Army War College are General Beltson, General Thomas P. Carney, General Bill Matz, General David E. K. Cooper and many others. The electoral map seems to be favouring Buhari this time around. Nigerians are ready to risk their votes on him. We all want change.

• Adeyemi Omotunde Auchi, Edo State

Itsekiri homeland so that the crisis will then become a pretext or excuse for President Jonathan to move the project elsewhere, possibly to Bayelsa State.

Let me say that though a minority tribe, Itsekiri have right to exist as a people. They have right to their homeland. No amount of threat of terrorism or pogrom against them will alter that truism, EPZ or no EPZ. • Samson Ebrohimi, Lagos.

Ikeja Disco’s gross incompetence

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IR: I write to express my utmost displeasure at the harrowing experience I am having with the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC). Since Christmas Eve, I have been unable to recharge my prepaid meter. I went to three service units in OkoOba, Iju and Jankara and I was told that the computer rejected my card due to an upgrade in the system. I was told to proceed to their AlausaIkeja headquarters, where I met hundreds of customers suffering in the sun. Since then I have lived in darkness with no remedy.

I feel the IKEDC has breached a legal contract we had and they have shown crass incompetence in their operations. If the company does not have the capacity to effectively upgrade their system, they should have waited until they have such capacity instead of throwing hundreds of customers into despair.

My family is in darkness including small children. I call on IKEDC to immediately rectify this fault. I am also putting them on notice that I will be pressing charges too.

•Seun Akioye, Abule Egba

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

19

COMMENTS

America and the world of Islam

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N July and August, I was in the United States on a long visit including a lecture tour of one of their universities. I had all the time in the world to follow the discussion in the media about American foreign policy. The foreign policy of any country is essentially designed to protect that country’s national interest and the office charged with articulating and prosecuting that interest is the Office of the President or Prime Minister depending on which system of government that is being followed. In the case of the United States, it is the office of the President that is responsible for executing America’s foreign policy. The Secretary of State, National Security Adviser, the Central Intelligence Agency and all other security forces contribute to advising the President in the formulation and execution of the foreign policy. When President Obama was running for office, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were raging. He ran on a peace platform to end these two wars to bring American soldiers home, he was able to extricate the United States from the quagmire in Iraq and was determined to wind down American military involvement in Afghanistan and in spite of provocation

by Iran and the urging of Israel, the tail that waxed the dog of American foreign policy, to take on Iran militarily on the grounds that that country is building atomic bomb, Obama had resisted and he is working with the P-5 and Germany to prevail on Iran not to go the way of building atomic weapons. The resolution of this problem is still ongoing and the recent meeting between the two parties has not resulted into expected solutions. Iran says, it has its sovereign rights to go into peaceful use of atomic power without any restriction and that it has no plans to build atomic weapons which it claims would even be against the dictates of the Quran but nobody believes them. The situation in the Middle-east in general characterised by violence, wars, and Islamic fanaticism frightens the western world about an Islamic bomb. Of course, Pakistan an Islamic country already has the bomb which makes some people to feel uncomfortable because Pakistan is totally unstable and its government could well fall into the hands of Muslim fanatics. It is with this background that the west particularly the United States and the Europeans and apparently excluding Russia are scared to death when there is instability in the Middle-east.

The declaration of the so-called Islamic Caliphate (IS or ISIL) in Iraq and the Levant has further introduced a complex factor into the Middle-east cauldron. The beheading of American and British nationals by this so-

F

ORTUNE-telling is not for ordinary mortals. It is for men who are schooled in the art of looking into the seeds of time to tell which grains will grow and which will not as the witches did to Macbeth in the Shakespeare play of the same name on his return from battle with Banquo. The witches predicted that Macbeth will be king, but had no message for Banquo until he challenged them to use their power to look into the future for him. They did before they vanished right before the eyes of both men.

Their disappearance provoked an argument between Macbeth and Banquo on what the witches told them. As it was then, so it is today.

Like Macbeth, many today believe in the power of seers, who go by many funny names nowadays.

Those who believe in them can swear by them. They take what these seers tell them as the gospel truth, which must come to pass.

So, they go to any length to ensure that predictions concerning them are fulfilled. In ensuring the fulfilment of these predictions, they are ready to kill, if need be. Seers play on the gullibility of their clients. They know that people want to be told about nice things that would happen to them and would also do anything to avert evil. So,

262 DAYS AFTER

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WHERE ARE THE ABDUCTED CHIBOK GIRLS?

called Caliphate has put so much pressure on the Americans and their allies to do something. Obama for weeks resisted the urging of the media and the rightwing politicians in the Republican Party that feel that Obama’s foreign policy was amounting to appeasement and was leading to lack of respect for American power globally. They want America to resist Russian aggression in the Ukraine, intervene militarily in Syria, send troops back to Iraq to degrade and destroy the Caliphate and possibly invade Iran to remove the possibility of that country building nuclear weapons. In their madness, they would also want America and their allies to intervene and probably engage in nation-building in Libya that has collapsed after the NATO murder of Muhammad Ghadafi. I watched with dismay, the ignorance of many so-called experts in the US put pressure on their government to embark on military adventure overseas without counting the cost. I of course remember President Dwight Eisenhower’s warning Americans to be careful of not handing over its government to what he called the military industrial complex. This is to say corporations that are building weapons of war as the basis of their industrial prosperity.

Without these weapons being used their prosperity would not be sustainable. Ironically, it is when Americans are at war that there is more employment if not full employment. The point to make is that there is economic interest in going to war among some circles in United States. The public face of this war mongering group is the Fox network and the rest of the Murdock media empire. Their constant barrage of information and abuse of Obama as a weakling has finally forced the poor man to start bombing ISIL in Syria and Iraq and occasionally bombing Al-Shabab in Somalia and sending drones into Pakistan’s Waziristan. One would not be surprised even without discussion with Nigeria, the war party in the US may prevail on Obama to start bombing north-eastern Nigeria all in the cause of putting down global terrorism. The recent mid-term elections in the United States in which the Republican Party took over the two arms of Congress amounted to repudiation among other things, of Obama’s foreign policy of employing diplomacy to solve inter-state problems rather than using the awesome military might of the United States. We now have a situation in which 3000 foot soldiers are now deployed back to Iraq while Obama continues with the charade that he would not deploy back American foot soldiers in Iraq. The logic of this situation is that mission creep would set in and 3000

troops would grow into hundreds of thousands before the forces of ISIL can be degraded and destroyed. The air force alone which has been dubbed the Shiite air force would not do the job and there would be need for American infantry and armoured Jide forces to clear the Osuntokun forces of ISIL on the ground. This unfortunately would totally destroy the pacific legacy of Obama’s presidency and his campaign of bringing American soldiers home, a campaign platform on which he was elected. There is also no certainty that when American forces are drastically reduced in Afghanistan, the situation there will be stable.

The worst scenario therefore is that Obama will end his presidency and be disgraced out of power with America fighting wars in Syria, in Iraq and in Afghanistan. This will gladden the hearts of the racists who ab initio expected the first black American president to fail. This unfortunate legacy will seal the fate of future non-white aspirants to the White House.

‘I watched with dismay, the ignorance of many so-called experts in the US put pressure on their government to embark on military adventure overseas without counting the cost. I of course remember President Dwight Eisenhower’s warning Americans to be careful of not handing over its government to what he called the military industrial complex’

2015 through the crystal ball our soothsayers cash in on this to fleece their clients. But to them, it is all good business.

This is the time of year that business used to boom for them in the past. Parapsychologists were the darling of the media in the not too distant past. In those halcyon days, newspapers devoted a lot of space to capture what they have to say about the incoming year. Their predictions border on the good, the bad and the ugly. For the nation, institution and individuals, especially the affluent and influential among them, they are one or two messages for them. So, as 2015 dawns today, we will gaze into the crystal ball to see what the year has in store for our dear country. Will it be a year to remember for good or for ill?

As the year begins, with as usual, prayers across the country, our utmost wish should be for a peaceful Nigeria where equity, justice and fair play reign. 2015 is a critical year. It is the year of crucial elections. Many are afraid that the elections will be a do or die, but it is heartening that President Goodluck Jonathan, who is seeking reelection, has been assuring Nigerians that he is not ready to shed blood in order to return to office.

It is heartwarming that such statement is coming from him, but he has to call his loyalists to order.

The President may mean well in his desire for a free and fair poll, but can we say the same of his followers, some of whom are already seeing him as winner of the February 14 election? The President has much work to do to ensure that the impending elections do not split the country. As President and Commander-in-Chief, he is the de facto and de jure leader of the country.

The buck stops at his table.

To ensure that there is no rancour during the elections, he must tell his men, who are spilling bile, to apply the brakes in order not to overheat the polity. We should be spared such statements as ‘’in 2015, it is either goodluck or bad luck’’.

Such inciting pun on the President’s name is uncalled for. It will be to Jonathan’s eternal glory if Nigeria comes out of the elections still united. At least, the so-called experts on Sub-Sahara Africa, who expressed fear that the country may break up in 2015 if we do not get things right, will come to see that their fear was needless after all.

If the elections do not break the country, what about the Boko Haram monster? We have been battling the menace without success in the past five years. Rather than being tamed, the monster keeps growing, threatening the social fabric of the country. Boko Haram strikes virtually every day in the Northeast, killing and maiming.

Gombe and Bauchi states, which were hitherto considered safe in the Northeast, are now facing the heat from Boko Haram. These states and Abuja harbour many of those displaced by the sect from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states. ith Bauchi and Gombe now feeling the brunt of Boko Haram insurgency, the entire Northeast has come under siege. The Jonathan administration must address the problem in 2015.

It can no longer afford to sit on its hand over this matter. Enough of looking for an easy way out of a problem, which requires thinking outside the box. There is nothing that portrayed the government’s lack of seriousness in ending the insurgency than the calibre of boys that milked it of millions of dollars.

Where were our security agents when these boys were running rings

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round top government officials, collecting money from them under the guise of getting the Boko Haram leadership to ceasefire? The government fell for the scam by announcing a ceasefire that never was. Today, they are holding those boys as criminals when those that should be arrested are our security operatives who failed to do real intelligence work when it mattered most.

And how can we forget the over 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls who have been in Boko Haram enclave since April 15. Will the government bring back our girls this year? These girls have suffered enough and we cannot continue to go on with life as if everything is okay. Things are bad, extremely bad. As the mother of one of the girls put it during an interview with

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204, 08112661612

the Cable News Network (CNN) shortly before Christmas, ‘’it’s a bad Christmas’’. It may end up being a bad year if at the end of 2015, these girls are still in captivity. Happy New Year, Nigeria.

Promise unfulfilled

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Y now Nigerians should have thrown away their generators going by the boast of President Goodluck Jonathan some years ago. When he succeeded the late President Umaru Yar'Adua in 2010, he boasted that by 2012, electricity would have become so stable that Nigerians would dash him their generators! Trust Nigerians; they were unimpressed by his boast.

They adopted a wait and see attitude. 2012 came; no dice. The Federal Government then moved the goalpost forward as it usually does when it has overreached itself. It

promised a power generation of 5000megawatts (Mw) by the end of 2014. The 'magic' year 2014 ended yesterday and it was, again, no show. We are told that the target fell short of 887.71Mw. We do not know whether to believe them or not since they are the sole custodians of the record. What we know is that power supply is still bad, very, very bad; yet people are being sent crazy bills for services they do not enjoy. They are fuming and cursing the government and wondering when things will improve. In 2015? I pray so!

‘What does 2015 hold in store for our dear country? Will it be a year to remember for good or for ill? The President has a lot of work to do to ensure that the impending elections do not split the country’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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COMMENTS

T

HE Jonathan administration rated low in the fight against corruption and notorious for many acts of impunity in the last six years is similarly not known to be strong in its decision making process. The recent ill-advised obscene Abuja fund-raiser was therefore in character. They chose a date close to Christmas when millions of jobless Nigerians and thousands in the employ of MDAs and state governments looked up to a bleak Christmas celebrations because of backlog of government unpaid salaries, to celebrate a few wealthy Nigerians whose source of wealth is traceable to government. In what can at best be regarded as a tactless display of insensitivity, President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, PDP governors, Ministers, PDP National Chairman Adamu Muazu and the chairman, Board of Trustees of PDP, Chief Anthony Anenih, jointly supervised the assault on Nigerians, on the constitution and the Electoral Act with a haul of a whopping N21 billion from mostly government contractors euphemistically called ‘friends of government’.

If PDP leading lights are cut off from reality of a nation they govern where millions go to bed without food and millions more are in refugee camps in their own country, it is no less distressing that with the quality of minds we have as ministers and special advisers, none was bold enough to point out that with election few weeks away, the event could only further alienate the electorate. If the president doesn’t give a damn about the electorate because he has put his fate in the prediction of landslide victory by Asari Dokubo, the militant turned government contractor, who did not indicate if it would be through the aid of hooded security men or through the use of Sure-P armed traffic controllers Musliu Obanikoro claimed was the brain-child of Bode George to create problems during election, those genuinely committed to our nation within the party could have saved the president from himself even if only to create an illusion of the supremacy of the electorate.

With great tact, billions of naira “which belong to Caesar would have returned to Caesar” without an open assault on the electorate, the Nigerian 1999 constitution, section 221 which clearly states: “No association, other than a political party, shall canvass for votes for any candidate at any election or contribute to the funds of any political party or to the election expenses of any candidate at an election.” or the Electoral Act 2010, as amended, Section 91 (2) that states “the maxi-

I

T was right and timely that public intellectual Professor Bolaji Akinyemi warned last week that the greatest problem staring Nigeria in the face concerning the up-coming national elections is not about who wins or loses but about how prepared Nigeria is to manage the violence preparatory to the elections, during the elections and the certain violence that historically attends results of elections in Nigeria.

The major cause of violence in the past had been the prevalence of obvious injustice in the land and which the electorate had always hoped would disappear once those perceived to be oppressing them were removed from power. More often than not, the reverse was always the case when those in power had always sought to retain the status quo.

Another major cause is usually the availability of muscled men who are ready to fight to the death in furtherance of their employers’ bidding. These muscled men, usually vagrants and vagabonds, popularly known as thugs are armed to the teeth with all manner of weapons and are unleashed on the society.

Contestants to power and position are also another major cause of fear before, during and after elections. They too, usually madly desperate for power, would go to any length, foul or fair, to out-manoeuvre their opponents and gain control. In the process, threats are issued, wild and uncouth language is lavishly deployed, and the polity gets seriously heated up.

Money also plays a major role in the scenario that usually plays itself out before, during and after elections. Money actually is the root, the trunk and the branches of all the problems and fears afore-mentioned.

Why should this be so? The reason is not far fetched. Majority of contenders for power and position do not discuss issues.

And aside from the First Republic when some semblance of political parties existed

PDP’s obscene fund-raiser mum election expenses to be incurred by a candidate at a presidential election shall be N1 billion.”

The tragedy however is that many of the bright minds surrounding Jonathan are more committed to the president and his controversial transformation agenda than to the nation. This explains why impunity has thrived more under Jonathan presidency. For instance the president in December 2012 removed the so called fuel subsidy claiming the alternative was an imminent collapse of the economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance and the then CBN governor, Lamido Sanusi were on hand to provide fraudulent intellectual backing. They openly lied to Nigerians by claiming only middle class car owners and diesel generator owners would be affected. When the House probe revealed it was a strategy to shield PDP men and their fronts who had allegedly stolen N1,7 trillion, Dr Doyin Okupe asked Nigerians to praise the president for his courage to order the children of his party leaders to be charged to court for their alleged involvement in the scam.

For upturning the victories of PDP governors that had usurped their opponents mandates in Ondo, Edo, Ekiti and Osun, a development that threatened the position of the president whose own disputed victory was then pending in the appeal court, the National Judicial Council(NJC) was on hand to be used as a tool for illegal suspension of Justice Ayo Salami. Respected former CJN, Justice Muhammadu Uwais recently condemned the action of the NJC. To checkmate the influence of Rotimi Amaechi whose position as the

chairman of the governors forum posed a threat to Jonathan’s nomination as PDP 2015 candidate, 14 PDP governors and Segun Mimiko of Ondo and Peter Obi of Anambra were in Aso rock villa to fraudulently claim they were the winners of an election they lost by 16 to 19. The point is there are always enough men and women without character within PDP that have price tags.

Now, let us take a critical look at the president new friends who were probably busy serving other masters at the time pastor Tunde Bakare led civil society groups to fight the president battle on the streets of Lagos and Abuja and Obasanjo blackmailed the northern governors to neutralize the PDP constitution that stood on Jonathan’s path. Leading the new fair weather friends is Mr. Tunde Ayeni. His consortium was said to have recently acquired NITEL and Mtel. He was also linked to the Ibadan Electricity Development Company. He started the orgy of donation with N2b on behalf of himself and unidentified friends. The obscene scene could have been brought to an end with that scandalous donation by an individual, which was far in excess of the amount allowed by law, but those who don’t give a damn about how Nigerians feel went ahead to inflict more injuries . N5 billion came from Bola Shagaya, a woman who is said to be an active player in the oil and gas industry. She made the donation on behalf of herself and unidentified friends. Then followed by another bizarre donation of N5 billion by Jerry Gana, a man described by ACF as ‘.the friend of any government in power’.

Jerry Gana it was who not too long ago led

a delegation of beneficiaries of PHCN sales (the DISCOs and GENCOs), to beg government to buy equity shares in their new companies, solicit for import duty waivers as well as plead for government bailouts. One would have expected the president and his party’s leading light to be concerned about the implications of such huge donations from Gana, a key player in the energy sector - a concern recently raised by The Punch editorial which in summary agonises that “It is little wonder that the government, after selling the power sector to private operators, is still interested in arranging a N213 billion bailout for them” More scandalous donations followed. The 21 PDP governors, many with months of backlog of unpaid salaries of workers earning minimum wage of N18, 000, gleefully announced a joint donation of N1.05 billion. The power sector which has been billing consumers for energy not supplied, followed with N500m. Also from the construction sector where most of the roads flagged off by Obasanjo 10 years back remain work in progress because of failure of government to meet its financial obligations, came with N500m. Even the automobile sector whose key players in the wake of ‘Oduagate’ were found to have benefited unfairly from government waivers were not left out. They also made a modest donation of N500m.

Year 2015 is neither 2009 nor 2011 when others fought Jonathan’s battle for him resulting in massive support for the shoeless poor boy from Otuoke in Balyelsa by Nigerians who chorused ‘leadership of Nigeria is not the birthright of any group.’ Now Jonathan is entering the 2015 contest with six years legacy of corruption, impunity and squandering away of overwhelming goodwill of Nigerians that gave him a landslide victory at the polls in 2011. The new fairweather friends he empowered in the last six years have attributed that along with the sweat of others to his famed good luck. That good luck will be called to test in 2015.

The obscene Abuja fund-raiser only confirms the characterization of the president as a shrewd investor who expects higher dividends from his investments. But Jonathan doesn’t need N21 billion for an election that comes up in less than eight weeks. Jerry Gana should be assigned the responsibility of using part of the humongous donations to look after the displaced people of the besieged north eastern Nigeria. Niger Republic only last Sunday admitted she has capacity for only a limited number of refugees in her territory with thousands of others left to their fate in a strange land.

Nigeria and issue based campaign

By Tola Adeniyi and individuals running for office explained their manifestoes to the electorate, often times since then, Nigeria merely relied on mushroom cults and associations masquerading as political parties.

It is the individuals in all these associations that pushed themselves to the front burner and are selected/chosen/picked by larger members of the cult/associations to run for office. Let me quickly say that there had been a very few exceptions.

With no real programmes or plans for the people, and no real manifesto by the cult/association, individuals gunning for office fall back on their own designs and devices. The easiest weapon available is character assassination. Contenders spend more time researching the failures and failings of their opponents than they spend on what they intend to offer the electorate if voted into power.

When character assassination fails, when foul language fails, when threats fail, then the gate is open for thuggery, butchery and cold blooded murder, leading to a chain of gory consequences.

All these thoughts must have been at the back of Professor Akinyemi’s mind. A former federal minister, a university teacher of four and a half decades, an elder statesman and a man who has travelled the world, Akinyemi surely knows what he is talking about.

Now, therefore, as judges would say, the way out of these fears is to promote issuebased discourse as the basic essential of our political arena.

Politicians of all shades and colours must submit to the veritable culture of debate. And when they debate, they must debate issues. And there are so many is-

sues to debate and discuss. We have corruption as our middle name. We have power epilepsy as our number one disease.

We have armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings and other manifestations of insecurity as our major pre-occupation, we have unprecedented greed as our national malady, we have a totally collapsed infrastructure as a major stumbling block, we have a collapsed education infrastructure as our dilemma, and amongst numerous others, we have collapsed hospitals and health care as our sure passport to the grave. These are issues begging for solution.

We may, for comic relief, talk about wives who speak English like totally uneducated fellows and with voice modulation like when an Ekiti man speaks with badly prepared pounded yam in his throat or an Ijebu struggling with poorly prepared ikokore in his mouth. We may entertain ourselves with the idea of leaders who are ruled not by their head, but by the pendulum dangling between their thighs. All those could come in once in a while as comic punch, but not as the core issue in a debate.

Nigerians must take politics more seriously and attach greater importance to the very survival of the country. After all, this money being stolen will no longer be available for stealing if there is no country to bleed to death.

And it should also be emphasised that politics should NEVER be allowed to create enmity between friends, more so in Nigeria where there is not much difference between one party and the other. What exists is the fact that some political associations consist of by far more terrible human beings than the other, especially by their performance, character and utterances.

There are some governors in the two leading political associations in Nigeria who will make excellent President, (if not obstructed by the vultures in their party) while also in the two political associations, there are governors who are not qualified, by their performance, for local government chairmanship position!

If politics in Nigeria is issue based, two brothers of the same parents are welcome to belong to two different political associations. Must they be enemies if their goal is to serve the common good to the best of their abilities and in the best way they know even with different and opposing approaches?

However we should be able to differentiate between being nice and being a good leader. There are so many nice and gentle individuals out there who are very poor, extremely poor in their leadership resume.

What Nigeria needs now at this point in time more than any period in her history is VERY strong, capable, visionary, and ACCOUNTABLE leadership.

Let Nigerians take Professor Akinyemi’s fears very seriously or we find ourselves marching to Somalia or Rwanda after the elections!

‘There are so many nice and gentle individuals out there who are very poor, extremely poor in their leadership resume. What Nigeria needs now at this point in time... is VERY strong, capable, visionary, and ACCOUNTABLE leadership’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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COMMENTS

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S the February presidential and other elections approach, the most important considerations with most Nigerians, and with most observers of Nigeria in the wide world, are peace and security. It is true that Nigeria is, endemically, an incoherent, chaotic, and unstable country, but hardly has it ever come under such a dark and heavy cloud of insecurity and violent turmoil as it does today. It is also true that our elections are perpetually managed with very truculent crookedness, resulting usually in countless violent deaths and massive destruction. Still, though I have witnessed Nigerian elections since 1952, I cannot remember one other election whose approach is so fearsomely loaded with so much certainty of death and doom. A few weeks ago, one of our leading national newspapers asked: Are our politicians preparing for elections or for war? We see and hear motions and echoes of electioneering campaign no doubt, but, in the balance, we hear and see more of threats and preparations of war. More and more, as 2015 dawns, it seems as if some apocalyptic force is dragging us towards violence, war and national collapse – without our being able to resist in the least.

From most regions of Nigeria, leading citizens are spitting fire and venom and threats of war. From the South-south, the small region which produces most of Nigeria’s oil wealth, which nevertheless suffers horrendous neglect and underdevelopment, and where an insurgency against Nigeria’s Federal Government has existed since independence, prominent leaders of the insurgency have become very massively empowered in the course of the past five years under the presidency of their native son, Goodluck Jonathan. Now, they are saying that if Presi-

Issues in Nigeria’s 2015 presidential election: Peace and security dent Jonathan does not win election for another four-year term in 2015, they would shred Nigeria. A statement credited to one of their main leaders on the internet threatens to destroy Yorubaland in the South-west first and then proceed to go and do the same to Northern Nigeria.

Similar threats have been frequently emanating from the Muslim North (or Arewa North) for years. On this column about one year ago, I had occasion to rebuke one of the most prominent intellectuals of the North for endlessly threatening that the North would go to war if the political process fails to return presidential power to the North, that the North would make Nigeria ungovernable, and that the North was prepared for war. But the persons who have been issuing these threats are so bent on what they are saying that nothing can make them stop – which means that we should absolutely expect some violent action from them. In fact, recently, another prominent northerner raised the rhetoric of war and death to new heights. If anybody tried to withhold presidential power from his people in 2015, he wrote, “We will kill, maim, destroy and turn this country into Africa’s biggest war zone and refugee camp”.

Proofs that these threats are no empty words are plenty. For years now, the world has been aware of secret and illegal weapons purchases by prominent Nigerians all over the world.

‘From most regions of Nigeria, leading citizens are spitting fire and venom and threats of war. From the South-south, the small region which produces most of Nigeria’s oil wealth, which nevertheless suffers horrendous neglect and underdevelopment, and where an insurgency against Nigeria’s Federal Government has existed since independence, prominent leaders of the insurgency have become very massively empowered in the course of the past five years under the presidency of their native son, Goodluck Jonathan. Now, they are saying that if President Jonathan does not win election for another four-year term in 2015, they would shred Nigeria’

A

T last, that year of the sphinx, 2014, has rolled away, leaving all its survivours with bated breath!

Not a few Nigerians wished that such a year should not have come up at all, though they could not foresee a better alternative in the succeeding year 2015, when the general election would hold - a year for which more gloom than boom has been widely predicted, but which cannot be skipped all the same. Those who wished 2014 away therefore should look beyond 2015 for succour, be it for political or economic bail out.

While at the national level, the year 2014 gave Nigerians more than they had bargained for, narrowing it down to Ekiti State was even more unpredictable and mysterious, particularly on the political front. It was a year of political flip-flop when a performing incumbent lost his seat for another political maestro with a negative past, thus returning the people to a dark era of much promise, less execution.

Neither an optimist nor a pessimist saw it coming that a John Kayode Fayemi, the incumbent and a man of worth, would lose out and a Peter Ayodele Fayose, a smart alec and political gadfly, would win the June 21 election in a state that prides itself as the land of Honour and Pride.

Fayemi is an internationally recognised political and human rights activist, who has a Doctorate degree in War Studies. Fayose parades a questionable Higher National Diploma certificate that is still a subject of litigation. Fayemi has won accolades as a respecter and an advocate of the rule of law, while Fayose is widely known as one who rules with impunity. Fayemi has never been indicted for any offense and was enjoying positive public opinion, while Fayose has been publicly indicted, removed from office and had a case to answer with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Yet Fayemi lost the election to Fayose in all the 16 Local Government areas of the state in a baffling circumstance, the mystery of which has yet to be unravelled. Predictably, the result transformed the state from a lawful to a lawless one. The state suddenly became newsworthy for negative happenings and a relatively peaceful state became a one-week-one-trouble one. In his characteristic manner, Fayemi accepted the outcome as the wish of the people and moved on, while Fayose began a reign of terror, riding roughshod on people’s rights.

Teasers: While in the saddle, Fayemi was a stickler to all that was civil. He would ensure that due process was followed in appointments, promotions, transfers, procurements, award of contracts, and so on. The rule of law prevailed with the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government operating independently, while

In recent months, such illegal arms purchases

by Nigerians have reached an absolutely frenetic pace. That is, below the surface of Nigeria’s politics, a massive and dangerous arms race is in progress. It is not limited to small arms (like sophisticated rifles, grenades and such); it includes grenade-propelling rockets, gun boats (which most Nigerians call war ships)and perhaps even helicopter gunships.

At home in Nigeria, especially since 2013, Nigeria’s law enforcement authorities have been extremely busy over tracing, finding and confiscating illegal caches of arms. Given the universal corruption characteristic of Nigeria’s governance and public agencies, it is not difficult to imagine how much of the illegal arms must remain in the hands of their importers. In short, many segments of the Nigerian political elite are ready to settle the issues of Nigeria with a military showdown.

As is well known from history, arms races hardly ever end peacefully; they usually end in the actual use of the arms – that is, in war.

But it is not being suggested here that the war is unavoidable. It is avoidable. However, for us to avoid it, we Nigerians, especially the leading ones who direct Nigeria’s affairs, will need to make very serious changes in the way they handle Nigeria’s affairs. Some changes along such lines were proposed some days ago by the former Nigerian Foreign Minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi. Particularly, Prof. Akinyemi proposed that the two candidates in the 2015 presidential election should meet and sign a joint undertaking to ensure that their supporters would not start violence before, during and after the election.

Unfortunately, the willingness to make such changes does not exist among most of Nigeria’s leading politicians. Thus, while some assistants of General Buhari have said that Prof.

Akinyemi’s suggestions are not unreasonable, a leading spokesperson for President Jonathan has responded that, since the president’s record of elections demonstrates his commitment to free and fair elections, there

Gbogun gboro is no need for him to enter into any peace undertaking with anybody. Meanwhile, also, not a single one of those who have been making incendiary threats of mass killing and war has come forth to withdraw their threats. And much more importantly, it is indicative of the direction that some Nigerian leaders believe they must go that government has asked no question concerning the news that a citizen has bought some warships. In what other country in the world can a citizen take such a step without question?

What all these mean is that, though war is not necessarily inevitable as a means of sorting out dissolving our country, we are, almost certainly, going to slip into war in the 2015 election – or even earlier. The fundamental essence of our interrelationships as nationalities in Nigeria seems now to have reached the point at which we must settle matters by blood and iron. From this point on, therefore, groups that have not prepared for war and that have been regarding war as unnecessary and foolish, would now, almost certainly, begin to find ways and means for defending themselves. For any group to neglect to take at least such a step would be utter folly.

Increasingly, the masses of ordinary Nigerians in Nigeria, as well as the millions of Nigerians resident abroad, are helpless. In the wide world, informed people who are watching developments in Nigeria are doing so with increasing alarm and worry. There doesn’t seem to be much more anybody can do.

Between Fayemi and Fayose

By Segun Dipe security matters were taken seriously and budgets were preceded by consultation with the people.

But no sooner had Fayose emerged a winner than all these began to thin away for dictatorial tendencies. Like any conman, Fayose knows how to prey on the minds of his followers, and he is doing so without let. He would whip up sentiments, keep them emotionally enslaved, cover their eyes with veil and wrap their minds up with wishful thinking. He has presented himself as one from among them, who would rather stay with them at their level of reasoning than attempt to elevate them. He would rather give them fish than show them how to fish or provide the enable environment for them to fish. He would shed crocodile tears, tell them he was so doing in their best interest. He would denigrate his predecessor’s efforts, write them off as unnecessary distraction to the simple and modest ways of life of the helpless people.

Yet, like their hapless shepherd and they his helpless sheep, he would milk them of substance and relevance.

No sooner did he mount the saddle than he started to drive it furiously leaving in his trail balls of dust. Immediately his name was announced as the winner of the election, he went round the banks, threatening fire and brimstone should they further honour any request from the incumbent governor who still had four months from then to hand over to him, and those ones caved in to the threat. This translated to financial paucity for the state, which hitherto had been honouring its financial obligation as at when due.

For Fayose, separation of power is a long process and an undue sharing of authority. First he pounced on the judiciary where he had a case of perjury to answer, manhandled sitting judges and chased justice away from the land. Next, he invaded the hallowed legislative chamber with thugs and force men, replacing the rule of majority with that of the minority, chased away the 19 opposition members, installed the rule of minority with seven members holding sway.

On mounting the saddle, Fayose removed all the constitutionally recognised structures and began to rule with impunity. He made propaganda the official form of communication, converted lying to a virtue and was pacing hurriedly to wipe off his predecessor’s legacy of civil culture, replacing it with street credibility, his own ver-

sion of governance of appealing to sentiment rather than reasoning. From his lying lips flow unsubstantiated allegations against Fayemi, whom he had earlier told that he would outsmart with lies. “That is politics,” he would say.

Fayose promised the people of the land of pride and honour stomach infrastructure in the place of physical and developmental projects. He promised to line their belly with rice and chicken, even at the expense of giving them a befitting edifice. Day in day out, he rakes off whatever relevance Fayemi had laid in the lives of the people.

Like an Emperor, Fayose resumed a life of opulence while decking the people up with poverty. The relationship is a master-servant one. Everything civil started giving way for everything trickish. The more the people are looking, the less they are seeing. They were being told whatever they would want to hear instead of what they need to know. A fruitful hope started giving way for a fruitless one.

The year 2014 thus ended in nostalgia of a quality life for the people of Ekiti, asking one another questions more than they, or anyone else, could provide an answer.

Fayose is busy having a field day, feeding the people with lies and feasting on the collective wealth. But in the words of Pastor Enoch Adejare of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, who visited the state for a crusade at the end of of the year, better days are ahead again for the state. The state nose-dived in 2014, it will bottom up in 2015. Hopefully.

• Dipe, a journalist and public opinion analyst, writes from Ado Ekiti

‘Fayose promised the people of the land of pride and honour stomach infrastructure in the place of physical and developmental projects. He promised to line their belly with rice and chicken, even at the expense of giving them a befitting edifice’

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

• What hope for primary education?

How will education fare in 2015? Will the sector be marred by strikes as witnessed in previous years? Stakeholders believe things will be better if the sector is well funded and infrastructure refurbished, among other measures.

KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE, ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA and MEDINAT KANABE report.

Way forward I for education, by scholars, others

N 2015, stakeholders hope that the education sector enjoys a better fortune. However, that will not happen if necessary steps are not taken to address poor funding, infrastructural decay, insecurity, especially as a result of insurgency, and poor performance. They seek changes in the following areas:

Tertiary education

The problem of quality at tertiary level is of concern to - academics and employers. This is one of the reasons that the Academic Staff Union of

INSIDE

ICAN to support tuition houses with library grants

TUITION houses that prepare students for professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) are to receive grants to boost their training capacities if they meet the institute's conditions. -Page 28

Beneficiaries praise Fed Govt’s internship scheme -Page 46

Universities (ASUU) went on strike for six months in 2013. The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) also went on an 11-month strike that was suspended on July 12, 2014’s appointment following Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau stepped as Minister of Education.

The unions protested the poor state of teaching and learning facilities in school, which has an attendant effect on the quality of graduates produced by the institutions.

From a research he conducted with

CAMPUS LIFE The change we want, by students -Page 29

others last year, former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, (NUC) and ProChancellor, Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State, Prof Peter Okebukola, said poor infrastructure actually places Nigerian universities behind others on the continent.

However, he said Nigerian universities are richer in terms of curriculum, quality of students and academics.

He said if infrastructure is improved, and students study more, while academics research more, •Continued on page 26

•A 10-page section on campus news, people etc

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

EDUCATION

Way forward for education, by scholars, others •Continued from page 25 Nigerian tertiary institutions will lead Africa.

Okebukola said: "On the not-sopleasing side, our data revealed that relative to many other countries in Africa, Europe and North America, Nigerian universities are poor in infrastructure, reading culture is poor among students and research culture among staff is weak.

"Aside from South Africa and Egypt, our date showed that no other national university system in Africa matched the quality of curriculum, staff and students of the Nigerian university system. At international conferences, Nigerian scholars are rated among the best in terms of quality of participation. Students trained in Nigerian are highly sought after for postgraduate studies in European and North American universities and during postgraduate training, they perform among the best.

"Looking beyond 2015, the overarching strategy is to improve access and quality of education and make it more relevant to productive activities, value re-orientation, employment generation and wealth creation. Government at all levels should upgrade/rehabilitate existing facilities as well as construct new classrooms, laboratories, libraries and provide basic infrastructure and instructional materials."

If the Federal Government keeps to its promise to pump N1.3 trillion into public universities in the next four years, then the lapses identified by Okebukola would be addressed, says the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof Rahamon Bello.

He said the first tranche of the money (N200 billion) disbursed last year is being used to correct the anomalies in university infrastructure as well as train teachers.

"For university education, the intervention of the Federal Government in terms of the Needs Assessment of Public universities will go a long way to assist us to rectify all the areas of physical problems we have. The fund is aimed at correcting existing facilities that are not up to standard. Every faculty has projects going on in them simultaneously; classrooms are being upgraded to world standard with internet, interactive board, projectors and good chairs; science laboratories are being expanded and equipped. It is obvious that things will get better," he said.

Insecurity/Insurgency Last year, schools were torched, pupils and students killed, and some others kidnapped by the Boko Haram sect in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, and other parts of the north.

With thousands of young people scarred by the sect's operations, National President of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Dr Binta Abdulrahman urged Nigerians to show concern over the problem of insurgency.

"This is no concern of government alone but the entire Nigerians," she said.

Educationists say it is time for the government to use education to address insurgency by ensuring all school-aged children go to school, and reviewing the curriculum to include content that address religious/ethnic intolerance, psychological trauma, among others.

On his part, Mr Stephen Akintola, CEO, GileadBalm Group and President, Infinity Foundation, said massive investment in education is the only way out of the problem of insurgency. He said the government must work hard to mop up pupils who do not attend school.

He said: "I was born in Maiduguri and it is true that poverty was a major issue in fact that informed my

foundation for orphans. Any serious leader in the north must really condemn any act that reduces education. See what education has done for Malala and whenever you listen to her you see that she is saying the fact. Education helps if only people will go to school. The Almajiri School also is a good one; the government should be supported and encouraged on that. Government should make sure everyone goes to school, because if they do poverty will be easily alleviated and the problem of insecurity will be resolved."

To Prof Okebukola, said the curriculum should be reviewed to dilute the Boko Haram ideology.

He said: "We are not to take up guns to fight but draw on the power of education in addressing the challenges even as we are on our knees praying.

"We begin with the curriculum and suggest some toning up of the basic education curriculum to which all six to 15 year-olds in the country are exposed. Boko Haram is about ideology and indoctrination.

Education is a powerful tool for ideology change and indoctrination.

We should draw on the potent and positive power of education to counter the jihadist messages of the insurgents.

"The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council which is charged with curriculum development and renewal should embed topics in all subjects in the basic education curriculum that can steer the young hearts and minds of Nigerian children and youth away from religious violence and jihadist tendencies. The message of religious tolerance should hit the children from all sides in every subject they learn and everyday in school. The school anthem should contain a line or two which promotes temperate living."

Mallam Garba Abdu Ganger, Managing Consultant, Prime Functions Consultants based in Abuja, also said in an interview that Nollywood could play a role in reorienting youths. He also said psychologists and counselors are needed to rehabilitate children traumatised by the insurgency.

He said: What about the Nollywood? Our creative industries?

What kind of films should they make?

Any film you watch from the U.S. or any country is a public relations artifact; it is portraying the image…So can we do our films with content that can work on the psychology of children who have been traumatised, can we do text books?

"What about the support of services like counselling, psychology, education psychologist and even content developers? What kind of content, like the textbooks that they should use, content developers, who are sensitive to this kind of situation can we begin to readers and essay's, stories that will work on this dramatization of the children and begin to orient them."

Concerning insurgency and electoral violence, the National President of ANCOPSS, Dr Abdulrahman, has this advice for youth: "Our youths are the ones often use to perpetrate this violence therefore I have a message for our students: do not allow any politicians to lure you into political thuggery. If anybody wants to entice you with money to fight, simply say no!", She warned.

Prof Biodun Akinpelu of the Faculty of Education, Lagos State

• Prof Okebukola

•Prof Fajana

• Ganger

• Dr Abdulrahman

What about the Nollywood? Our creative industries? What kind of films should they make? Any film you watch from the U.S. or any country is a public relations artifact; it is portraying the image…

University (LASU), said insurgency can also be checked by securing the country's borders.

"I teach in LASU, so I interact with some of these people in Alaba Rago market (a market controlled mostly by northerners which shares neigbourhood with LASU). Our experiences have shown that many of them are not northerners but emigrated from Chad, Niger, and Republic of Benin and within three or four years they learn to speak Yoruba or pidgin.

"Today, we find many of them in security, military and even customs, and it is easy for these people to collaborate with outsiders to do us harm. The truth is, our borders are porous, let government plug all loopholes and stop these people from sneaking illegally into the country," he said.

Intervention in Primary and Secondary Education Like tertiary level, former LASU Vice Chancellor Prof Abisogun Leigh said basic and secondary education needs adequate funding as well. He described the state of education as "terrible", and called for a state of emergency to be declared in the sector. He counselled against politicising education.

"Something definitely is fundamentally wrong and we should leave politics aside. I think from my

own experience, it is funding. The Federal Government is not allocating enough percentage of the budget to education. UNESCO says minimum of 26 per cent. There is nothing wrong for state running free education up to secondary school. They have the money but are misallocating to other areas, that is what is wrong," he said.

Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs Gbolahan Daodu, also agrees that basic education sub-sector could use massive injection of funds to address the challenges of infrastructural decay and teacher deficit. She welcomed the notion of the lawmakers introducing a sister agency to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) which provides grants for public tertiary institutions from the two per cent of accessible profits of registered companies.

"That would be cheering news because I think we are making a mistake if we don't fund the foundation. The root of development is actually at the primary level and we have said the same thing even in respect of the Eko Project grant( that is disbursed to secondary schools in Lagos State). We ought to have started at the primary level. So it is a welcome development and I think it will yield a lot of fruits," she said.

For Dr Leni Omoyimi, a academic, Nigeria should begin from the primary school level to develop an

Aside from South Africa and Egypt, our date showed that no other national university system in Africa matched the quality of curriculum, staff and students of the Nigerian university system.

At international conferences, Nigerian scholars are rated among the best in terms of quality of participation

education curriculum that is futuristic.

He said: "It is a philosophy built on the fact that the right education is the education that would make the individual discover his purpose and in discovering your purpose which definitely rely in the future, it won't be part of what has expired. It is something that would be the reason for you to want to continue to live…so the education that would enable you actualize must be the focus and the reason for education and that is what life itself should mean, learning how to actualize. So that is why I said it should be a curriculum that focuses on what the future contains or the kind of future we really want to see manifest."

Private partnership in education service delivery.

Private partnership is one area that the President Goodluck Jonathan's administration boasts to have provided an "enabling environment for participation of individuals and agencies in the delivery of education services under government's regulation."

However, proprietors of private basic, secondary and tertiary schools are complaining of multiple taxations and lack of financial support from government despite rendering a social service.

In Lagos State alone, there are over 12,000 private schools educating 1.4 million children as against 1,671 public primary and secondary schools educating 1.1 million children. Mrs Bolajoko Falore, Education Director, Mind Builders School, Ikeja, said despite helping government to provide education for the teeming population of schoolaged children, private school proprietors get little support from the government.

She said: "I will still continue to repeat it: the government cannot do it alone. They need this private partnership to educate our young ones. But from the look of things, they are not really giving us support. They are more or less frustrating us multiple taxation here and there. We are battling with our own challenges of no electricity; we have to get diesel and the government instead of assisting us, instead of making thing easier for us, they are even the one exhausting us by all these multiple charges and I will use Ogun State as an example. Once you cross into Berger area, the agents here will ask for this; they will ask for that. On each vehicle (school bus), I pay at least N18,000 to get all the papers."

Mrs Falore is urging the government to support proprietors with grants or low-interest loans to help them work better.

"If they can actually give us a kind of grant to do most of these things we need to do - there is no way we can compare some of the public schools to private schools that have all the facilities in place - so if they can actually give us a kind of grant, instead of asking us to pay the annual dues, I think it will be better," she said.

Vice Chancellor of the Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Prof Sola Fajana, is also seeking grants from the government to fund private universities. He is calling for an amendment of the TETFund Act of 2011 to allow private universities benefit from the grants.

Fajana, who has also condemned the heavy taxes imposed on private universities, said private universities were not making profit.

"The private universities in the country are not profit making institutions. They are established to support the government. The private universities like the public ones provide social services, hence the need for the government to support them," he said.

Prof Akinpelu supports the view that private institutions should enjoy public funding. He hinged his argument on the fact that some private universities in Nigeria have been adjudged outstanding either in some programmes they are running or in terms of research works as certified by NUC. He said such institutions deserve to benefit from government funding.

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

EDUCATION

50 years after, Lennon lives on

I

T has been 50 years now since the death of Archdeacon Lackland Augustus Lennon, M.B.E., O.B.E., J.P. (1885-1964), the quintessential clergy sent by providence to the Akoko and the Ebira of Ondo and Kogi states to preach the gospel, and introduce western education and development.

Lennon was born in Mocho, Clarendon, Jamaica, in 1885. He was a tall black Christian missionary of the Anglican Communion whose first assignment in Nigeria was teaching at the St. Andrews College, Oyo, in the second decade of the last century. In 1920, Lennon (then a reverend) was posted to IkareAkoko as a church superintendent with a mandate to propagate Christianity in the area.

Lennon's built churches, schools, dispensaries, postal agencies and constructed roads. He introduced modern agriculture and taught people the art of masonry and carpentry. He was a missionary not only of the word but with multiple calling for various teaching. From 1920 - 1951 remain his golden years.

Lennon had oversight responsibility for the four Akoko Local Governments in the presentday Ondo State and the five Local Governments in the present-day Kogi State peopled by the Ebiras and the Oko-Osayen. The Oko-Osayen is a distinct minority group with a language that is unique to them.

They are located in the OgoriMagongo Local Government Area.

They were administratively grouped with the Ebiras up till 1997 when they had a new Local Government.

Since missionary work is without boundaries, Lennon, for good measure, extended his services to the Kukurukus (in northern Edo State) and Kabba in Kogi State.

Prior to Lennon's arrival, Christianity had been introduced into Akoko through the efforts of liberated slaves who returned to

By Oluwole Osagie-Jacobs

their native communities between 1875 and 1900 to preach the gospel amidst heathen opposition.

When Lennon arrived in 1920, Mr. Oseni, a native of Owo, who was a Church agent in Ikare was already tutoring 163 pupils on the primers of the Yoruba language. Lennon was surprised that there was no primary school in the whole of Akoko.

The only primary school in the territory where Lennon worked was St. Peters Primary School, Ogori founded by the Anglican Mission in 1913.

The society Lennon met was similar to the one Apostle Paul met in Corinth: a degraded culture where animism, syncretism and mutual hostility were the order of the day. Islam, which had been introduced by the Nupes many years earlier, was not conducive to modernism because its scope was restricted to routine worship and Koranic recitations.

Lennon opened the first primary school in Akoko at Ikare in June, 1921. He opened six more schools in Akungba, Ishua, Arigidi, Ikaram, Oka and Akunnu later in the same year. He followed with the opening of St. Andrew's Anglican Primary School, Okene in 1926. The first headmaster was Mr P. A. Obayan who later became a Reverend. Some of the pioneer students of this school were Mr. J. M. Baiye, Peter Adeniyi Erin and Esther Adebusola Ogedengbe. In Ebirra land, Lennon ensured that the Church was firmly rooted in other Ebira towns like Okengwe and Obangede. In the year

1935, he opened a senior primary school (Jubilee Central School) to complement the only senior primary school at St. Stephens Primary School, Ikare. In this school, pupil teachers, clerks and church workers were trained.

In Ebira land, which then included Ogori and Magongo, he made Okene, Okengwe and Ogori veritable centres of Anglicanism. He made way for some brilliant Ebiras to attend the Jubilee Central School, Ikare. One of such was the late Rt. Rev'd Herbert Haruna, the former Bishop of Okene Diocese (Anglican Communion). In the year 1947, he founded Victory College, Ikare - the first secondary school in Akoko land.

It is instructive to know that as at 1947, there was no secondary school in bigger towns like Osogbo and Akure until 1950 (Osogbo Grammar School, Osogbo) and 1951 (Aquinas College, Akure).

Lennon was instrumental to the introduction of the then Atta of Ebira to the benefits of Christian education.

Deriving from this, many of the children of the Atta acquired Western education at an early period.

Amongst them was a former Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Abdul-Aziz Atta who became the first Ebira to graduate from the university in 1947.

One other major area Lennon made a positive impact was in the construction of roads linking towns and villages. Starting in 1923 and working with the chiefs and kings of communities he was able to mobilize the local people to construct the 45km Owo - Ikare road. Some of the other roads constructed were the Ikare -

•The late Lennon and wife Margaret

Ado-Ekiti, Ikare - Okene and Ikare Omuo-Ekiti roads. He opened Postal Agencies in many towns and villages and was made an agent of the Department of Communications to distribute letters. Drawing from his technical background, he taught many Akoko sons masonry and carpentry.

Many of these people latter moved to cities like Ibadan and Lagos to ply their trades. In the field of agriculture, Lennon was a man of distinction. He introduced exotic species of fruits like mango, banana, apple, orange, grape, guava and pawpaw to Akoko and Ebira land.

It was he who organized the first agricultural fair in Nigeria at Ikare in 1946. His wife, Mrs Margaret Lennon, maintained a dispensary with which she cared for the health of the people. In. 1943, he was one of those nominated to represent the Western Region in the Legislative Council in Lagos. It was during this period he influenced the provision

Lennon opened the first primary school in Akoko at Ikare in June, 1921. He opened six more schools in Akungba, Ishua, Arigidi, Ikaram, Oka and Akunnu later in the same year. He followed with the opening of St. Andrew’s Anglican Primary School, Okene in 1926

of water and electricity for Ikare.

In 1951, Lennon left Nigeria for Jamaica due to the serious illness of his wife. She died in 1957. Lennon handed over his ecclesiastical duties to Rev. Kolade, the father of Ambassador Christopher Kolade, a former Nigerian High Commissioner to The United Kingdom. Back home in Jamaica, he continued his missionary work. He was the Chairman of the Jamaica Missionary Society and served as a member of the scholarship board.

During his missionary work in Nigeria, Lennon established 300 missions.

Lennon worked with unqualified missionary zeal during his service years. He was not restrained by his not having a biological child of his own. He said on many occasions that all the people God placed under his care were his children.

The nation recognised his services by recommending him to the British government for the award of the Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 1943, and Officer of the British Empire in 1947.

During Nigeria's independence ceremony in 1960, he was one of the eminent personalities honored with an invitation by the government. In 1977, the Anglican community in Ebira renamed Igbirra (Ebira) Anglican College after this illustrious son of Africa and the world. The school is now known as Lennon Memorial College, Ageva in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State. One of the school's distinguished alumni is the journalist, playwright and politician, Dr Adinoyi Ojo Onukaba.

On a personal note, this writer - a Bini from Edo State - was born many years after Lennon concluded his work in Nigeria in 1951. By a quirk of fate, I benefitted from the legacy of this missionary having had part of my schooling in Ikare and Arigidi, both in Akoko land. It is for this reason I felt obliged to proclaim his goodness not only in "Jerusalem and the whole of Judea" but in all parts of the world.

Mr. Oluwole Osagie-Jacobs is a Chartered Accountant.

Lagos wins 2014 national JETS competition

L

• Mrs Oladunjoye

T

AGOS State has emerged the overall winner in the 2014 edition of the National Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) Competition held in the Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, who disclosed this in Lagos, explained that the state's contingent won the first positions in Inter-State Quiz Competition, National Theme Project, Free Choice Project and Physics Competitions; third positions in Physics and Technology Competitions and fourth position in Mathematics competition.

She noted that Masters Kadiri Ogbaji and Ibrahim Shamusideen both of Abibat Mogaji Millennium Senior Secondary School, Agege came first in the National Theme Project competition for their project on Mobile Energy and Fertilizer Machine; while Fisayo Fatoye and Abiola Omosowon of Doregos Private Academy, Ipaja won the Free Choice Project with their project Power Generation through resonance device.

Oladunjoye added that the two projects won by the state automatically qualified the state to

represent the country at the 2015 edition of the International Science and Technology Competition which venue and dates would be determined by the federal Ministry of Education.

According to the Commissioner, Lagos State also produced the best female JETS pupils in the competition.

In 2013, Lagos produced Nigeria's representative to the 2013 Taiwan International Science Fair and won the third prize of the Chemistry category.

Other pupils that represented the state in the JETS competition included: Ikechukwu Ugwu of Penny

International College, Surulere; Modestus Amaechi of Starfield College, Agege; Kelechi Inuagwu of Lagos State Model College, Kankon, Badagry; and Kasiso Onyeka of Faith Academy, Gowon Estate, Egbeda.

The JETS Competition held last month is aimed at promoting the experimentation and application of scientific and technological concepts by pupils; improving some indigenous technology products, designs and fabrication; and generating and fostering the interest of pupils in basic manipulative skills in science and technology, among others.

Accreditation teams hail HE Leaders of the National Universities Commission UNILORIN (NUC) accreditation teams to

the College of Health Sciences (COHS) and the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof M. T. EgriOkwaji, and Prof. M. O. Edoga, have congratulated the management of the university for equipping the Clinical Skills and the Chemical Engineering laboratories.

The dons gave the commendation while presenting the teams' observations on their separate accreditation visits to the ViceChancellor, Prof.

AbdulGaniyuAmbali in his office.

Egri-Okwaji noted that the Clinical Skills Laboratory has put the University far ahead of many of its contemporaries, adding that the curriculum of the University is adequate. He also commended the university's e-library and added that the facilities for members of staff were adequate.

However, he advised the university to expand its lecture theatres.

On his part, Edoga, who observed that running engineering programmes is capital intensive, said that what the university is doing with its Chemical Engineering programme is unique.

Edoga also said that the department was not found wanting in terms of the academic content and encouraged them to purchase more equipment and expand classroom facilities.

In his remarks at the end of the presentation, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, who was represented by the Deputy ViceChancellor (Management Services), Prof Y.M. Fakunle, thanked the teams for their objectivity and for what he called a "thorough, comprehensive in-depth report."

• From left: Mrs Gbolahon Daudo, Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); Mrs Ethel EmmaUche, Lagos Brewery Manager and representative of the MD/CEO, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Mrs Yetunde Abeke Fatoke, Education Secretary, Surulere LGEA and Mr Laolu Akanni, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Schools Project at the inauguration of the renovated Adisa Bashua Primary School, Surulere.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

EDUCATION HOD honoured

institute's Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing Department, Mrs Bunmi Owolabi, noted that to benefit from the fund, the tuition houses must have the following: "basic facilities including a dedicated building with good parking space, uninterrupted power supply, proper furniture and fittings, electronic writing board, projector and library. The centre must also have a canteen, good conveniences with regular water supply and an administrative office to cater for students' welfare with a minimum of three staff."

Apart from the above, the lecturers must be qualified.

She said the institute seeks to improve performance in its examination, which has been

unimpressive.

Other interventions put in place to improve performance include the publication of ICAN Study Packs and creation of the Students' Special Project (SSP), which following its success since its introduction in 2006, gained funding support from the World Bank. Now, through a "twinning arrangement with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)", the project has produced world-class learning materials, as well as a new examination structure and syllabus which came to effect in November, 2014.

Under the new structure, the syllabus consists of three levels, namely, Knowledge, Application and Professional, unlike the old syllabus that had Foundation, Intermediate, Professional Examination I and Professional Examination.

THE Head of the Department of Mass Communications, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Dr Kola Adesina, has been honoured with an award of excellence by the African Age International magazine.

He was honoured with eight others selected from the academia and other professions who have distinguished themselves in their areas of practice in West Africa.

Publisher of the magazine, Prince Sado Patrick, said the award was to encourage the recipients to impact their countries and reward the right calibre of people in our society.

Presenting the award to Adesina, the Oba of Akinale, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, described him as a consummate journalist whose outstanding 25-year career made him to be head hunted to head the Mass Communication Department of Crescent University.

In his acceptance speech, Adesina praised the organisers for bringing to the fore the unsung heroes in the society.

"We did our research and found the organisers worthy. The glory is given to Department of Mass Communication of Crescent University, Abeokuta and Prince Bola Ajibola, the founder of the institution," he said Adesina's journalism career started in 1985. He was Assistant Editor, Ogun Community Concord, Abeokuta while doubling as Editor, Village News, Abeokuta from 1985 to 1988; Editor, Flight Africa Magazine (1988-1989); International Editor/ Head of Europe Bureau, Flight Africa based in London (19891990); Assistant Editor, Home News, United Kingdom (19901992); Executive Officer (Press Office), Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS), Greenwich, London (1991-1993); Special Correspondent, West African Magazine (1993-1996); News Editor, West African Magazine, London (1996-1999) and Managing Editor, African Concern Magazine, London (1999-2004).

He was the winner of Best Written Feature Category in United Kingdom in 1998 in the Multicultural Media Awards moderated by Kinston University, Surrey.

Ayantola said: "I just thank God. And I still feel bad for my assistant too because it is not easy to (run for an election) and lose it."

He promised to work with all to move the school forward.

Favour thanked God for her election. She said she would help to advance the school's academic

and moral standard.

David and Oreoluwa also pledged their support for their superior prefects.

The other prefects are Omitola Zainab (Library Prefect), Adeoye Kehinde (assistant Library Prefect), Adeoye Taiwo (Chapel Prefect), Talabi Sogoyitan (Games

Prefect), Taiwo Demilade (Social Prefect), Odunsola Moyinoluwa (Time Keeper), Tomoloju Fiyinfoluwa (Welfare Prefect), Olaleye Toluwalase (Music Prefect),Best Aima (Health Prefect), Odukoya Israel (Class Governor), Olakunle Tolani (assistant Music Prefect).

•The judges (front row) with the essay finalists.

40 secondary pupils defend LIRS essays

Fellows decry bias FELLOWS of the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) have decried the discrimination that the girl-child faces in the society and are calling for a change.

Speaking during a Role Modelling event with the theme, "The girl child can make a change" organised by two fellows, Dr. Modupe Babajide and Dr. Olubukola Isah, the guest speaker, Prof Alaba Jolaosho of the Department of Pasture and Range Management, said a world without the girl-child would be without peace, love, beauty and joy.

She said studies have shown that there is a link between a country's attitude towards women and its progress - socially and economically, noting the status of women was central to the health of a society.

When given equal opportunities, Jolaosho said the girl-child could change the society because she possesses the ability to multi-task, be focused, meticulous, diligent, and determined.

She called on the government and the society to ensure that the 1995 Beijing Declaration recommendations were upheld, which guaranteed the freedom from discrimination against the girl-child as well as sexual exploitation.

Schools at the event were: FUNAAB International School, Emmanuel College, Stephen Centre, Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School, Isolu Muslim High School and Nawarudeen Grammar School, all in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

T

HE 40 Junior and senior secondary school pupils whose essays were shortlisted as the best in the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) secondary school essay competition will know their fate on January 15 during the Lagos State Tax Conference scheduled to hold at The Havens, in Ikeja, Lagos.

The top three in each category will be rewarded with scholarship grants of between N100,000 and

N300,000, trophies and plaques at the event expected to be chaired by Governor Babatunde Fashola.

The finalists defended their written essays before the panel of judges at an oral session held at the NUT Pavilion, Agidingbi.

The contestants wrote on one of three topics: "Discuss the various sources of revenue available to African countries, highlighting the best that will guarantee sustainable development"; "What role should

oil revenue play (in relation to tax revenue) in the development of Nigeria in the next 10 years"; and "What is the relationship between tax revenue and employment."

The aim of the essay competition is to enlighten the pupils about the role taxes play in development with the hope that they would grow up to become tax-compliant adults as well as serve as change agents in their families and communities.

ICAN to support tuition houses with library grants T

UITION houses that prepare students for professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) are to receive grants to boost their training capacities if they meet the institute's conditions.

The Governing Council of the institute set up the fund to help the tuition houses that show seriousness in offering quality training to improve their facilities and better prepare students in expectation of better performance in ICAN examinations.

The fund, known as the Tuition House Support Fund, comes in three categories: Tier 1: provides library support of up to N1 million, while Tier II is N500,000; and Tier III, N250,000.

In addition to the library fund, the beneficiaries would also get modern accounting textbooks, study packs and pilot questions as well as participate in a bi-annual mandatory tuition house operators retreat among other training programmes.

However, a statement by the

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

School elects prefects

P

UPILS of Lilyvale Nursery and Primary School, Pipeline, Akute-Ishashi Road, Akute, Ogun State have elected new prefects for this academic session.

The exercise saw the children take turns, class after class, to cast their vote in an exercise that was monitored and supervised by the school management and some of the parents.

At the end, Faruq Ayantola emerged the new Head boy with 111 votes beating David Oboh who got 99 votes. David is the Assistant Head boy. Also, Favour Ogbekhilu won the post of Head girl with 149 votes beating Olatunde Oreoluwa (now the assistant Head girl), who got 88 votes.

The Head Teacher, Titilayo Orisabinone, said the objective of the exercise was to educate the pupils about leadership and politics.

"We want them to know about leadership and secondly, we want them to know that they can actually practise politics without bitterness and they should start from the elementary school.

"Those that are ruling us today, if

•The new prefects and some teachers.

they had started the way these ones have started now, the kind of challenge we are having in politics we will not have it," she said.

She disclosed that though hitchfree, the exercise was not devoid of surprise as pre-election favourite for the head boy position, David, lost to Ayantola.

How to make varsities great

Towards peaceful 2015 elections Page 42

Page 31

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

2014 was challenging for students. Teachers’strikes and protests in many higher institutions kept students more at home than in school. It was not also a rosy year for students in the Northeast, where Boko Haram insurgency led to the closure of many schools. As 2015 begins today, students have two major demands: improved security and a strike-free year, writes OLUWAFEMI OGUNJOBI (NYSC, Makurdi).

•LASU students during the fee hike protest

The change we want, by students T

HE year 2014 was full of trials and tribulations for students. Schools were shut for more than 10 months, following an indefinite strike by universities’, polytechnics’ and colleges of education teachers.

It was a period of agony, pain and sorrow that many don’t want to remember. Some died before the strike was called off; others tell stories of incidents, which not have occurred if there was no strike.

After the teachers’ strikes, some institutions were faced with their own internal crises. For instance, students shut down the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun

State, over fee hike.

The students’ action led to the stranding of commutters on the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.

Their Lagos State University (LASU) counterparts engaged the government over the same issue.

In the North, students’ worry was insecurity. Boko Haram waged war against schools, forcing many students to flee.

At the time of this report, the Federal Polytechnic in Mubi (MUBI POLY), Adamawa State, had yet to open after it was overrun by Boko Haram militants in October. Although the town has been recaptured by the military, stu-

dents still fear to return.

“I will never return to school,” said Michael Obong, a National Diploma II student of MUBI POLY, who managed to escape during the Boko Haram invasion. He said: “I am not going back to Mubi again. Returning to school would be suicidal for me after all I encountered when Boko Haram insurgents came to the school. I have had enough of Boko Haram.

Government cannot guarantee my safety. I have decided to secure my own life by myself.”

Students of Umar Ibrahim El-Kanemi College of Education in Bama, Borno State, are

not ready to return to school even after troops recaptured the town from insurgents. Hassana Abubakar, a student of the school, said: “The college has not had it so good since Boko Haram struck in Bama. It has lost its essence.

Nobody is eager to return to Bama again even though the military has taken over the place.

We have witnessed too many horrors, that it was almost becoming part of daily routine. It has made education unattractive. Education has simply lost its grip on us.”

With the dawn of a new year, what are the students’ expectations?

•Continued on page 30

•Controversy trails union’s project •Danjuma donates water reservoir to varsity P32

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Pushing Out

My wish list for 2015

I

F you’re reading this it means you’ve ‘crossed over’ into 2015. Welcome to 2015, the year doomsayers predict Nigeria will cease to exist. They often base their “prediction” on the 17-page summary of a one-day conference of ‘US experts on Africa’ convened in January 2005 and sponsored by the United States of America’s National Intelligence Council to discuss likely trends in Sub-Saharan Africa over the next 15 years.

This document titled, ‘Mapping Sub-Saharan Africa’s Future’ is freely available on the Internet http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/ awcgate/nic/africa_future.pdf.

In its “Downside Risks” section the report said: “The most important would be the outright collapse of Nigeria(emphasis included). While currently Nigeria’s leaders are locked in a bad marriage that all dislike but dare not leave, there are possibilities that coulddisrupt the precarious equilibrium in Abuja. The most important would be a junior officer coup that coulddestabilize the country to the extent that open warfare breaks out in many places in a sustainedmanner. If Nigeria were to become a failedstate, it could drag down a large part of the West African region. Even state failure in small countries such as Liberia has the effect of destabilizing entire neighborhoods. If millions were to flee a collapsed Nigeria, the surrounding countries, up to andincluding Ghana, would be destabilized.

Further, a failedNigeria probably couldnot be reconstitutedfor many years - if ever and not without massive international assistance.”

If you’re a Nigerian who lived through the famous June 12 crises and the Abacha years you must have trained your nerves to relax and know that “God is a Nigerian” as a popular saying goes. That saying emanated from the dramatic way the Abacha issue was resolved. Just when Nigerians threw up their hands in helpless despondency waiting for what befell other African countries to start emanating, Abacha died a sudden death! For once, we saw Nigerians “disrespecting the dead” by pouring into the street to jubilate.

But some would say the dynamics of the present state of the nation is totally different from the Abacha years, that we have never been more divided than now and that

the level of religious and ethnic distrust is on an all-time high. To add to our woes, we have an insurgency that has gotten out of hand. with This is the scenario as Nigeria will be holding one of the most hotly contested elections this country has 08116759750 seen in recent times next month.

(SMS only) Five years after the NIC’s report, McKinsey and Company released its •aagboa@gmail.com own forecast on the potentials of African economies – including Nigeria – and how they will grow by 2020.Titled well established around the world for do“Lions on the move: The progress and po- ing just that.” tential of African economies” and released I have presented two reports here; one in June 2010, it pointed out that future eco- negative and the other positive. So how nomic growth will be supported by Africa’s come many Nigerians believe the report of increasing ties to the global economy.Rising a potential breakup and not that of ecodemand for commodities will drive buyers nomic rejuvenation that has the potentials around the world to pay dearly for Africa’s of lifting a substantial portion of the popunatural riches and to forge new types of part- lation from poverty? Recollect that some nerships with producers. analysts predicted chaos and violence in the In another report released in July 2014, the 2014 Ekiti and Osun state elections. They company noted that despite our ongoing were proven wrong as the elections came struggles with terrorism and poverty, oil and went without major incidences. and gas will remain critical sources of govThere is no doubt that we live in perilous ernment income and of exports;however, times and the clouds may look hazy followAgriculture and trade are larger and faster ing hate speeches and threat from certain growing. It “believe that Nigeria can build characters who do not wish the country well, on the momentum of the past decade and, if but my take is that the elections will come all goes well, achieve 7.1 percent annual and go and Nigeria will remain. I’m glad GDP growth through 2030. The country is that most Nigerians are beginning to see well positioned to benefit from trends such beyond religion and ethnicity because we as rising demand from emerging econo- now know that these are not our real probmies, growing global demand for resources, lems. and the spread of the digital economy. NiOur youths want jobs; millions living in geria also has a young and rapidly growing poverty want to come out of it, thousands’ population and an advantageous geographic travelling to India to access health facilities location in West Africa, which enables trade would wish to assess same here; we all want within the continent, as well as with Europe to see a vibrant and diversified economy, and North and South America.” we want to see an education system that McKinsey and Company concludes its re- would provide solutions to the myriad of port with this: “If Nigeria can achieve the challenges we face, and we want to see our upside economic-growth scenario, it could varsities compete favourably on the global lift 70 million people out of poverty…To scene once more. Religion and ethnicity – tie growth to rising living standards across as far as I’m concerned - will not make these the economy, the country will have to raise and many more happen. farm incomes and create more formal urFirst on my wish list for 2015 is to witness ban jobs…The most important step that gov- a free, fair and credible elections and for the ernment can take, in our analysis, is to im- losers to congratulate winners. Even though prove its delivery of programs and services. we still have a small minority that see things A critical initiative for Nigeria, then, will from the prism of religion and ethnicity, I be to adopt the best practices that have been wish to see how the two major parties – the

Agbo Agbo

APC and PDP – will tackle the security question, end insurgency and how the parents of the close to 300 abducted Chibok girls will get their daughters back.

The critical roles of INEC and the security forces in the conduct of credible and violence-free elections cannot be over emphasised. When INEC officials arrive polling centres on time and with adequate materials, conduct elections in open and transparent manner and tally results accurately - as it did commendably in Ekiti and Osun states last year - it is easier for losers to come to terms with, and accept, their loss. I pray they repeat the feat.

Next on my wish list is for our public universities to compete on a global plane, and for us to promote undergraduate teaching that match global standard, produce research that solves problems, encourage faculty to be part of a global academy where research and productivity are measured in qualitative ways. I also wish we could bring back the Nigerian varsities that produced the likes of Wole Soyinka, Late Chinua Achebe, Ola Rotimi, J.P Clark, late Bala Yusuf, Obaro Ikime, Eskor Toyo, Emmanuel Alayande and a host of Nigerian intellectuals who first “cut their teeth” in Nigerian varsities before proceeding abroad for further degrees.

This might be a tall order now because we cannot separate the diminution of our public universities from the degradation of the public sector and the recycling of inept and visionless leaders across board.

If the quality of leadership is mediocre, its vision and instructions will be severely limiting. If elite behaviour is morally bankrupt, its value will affect everything the institutions do. This however is not an impossible wish as we have the opportunity to choose leaders we believe have potentials of at least putting us on the right track once again.

I wish to see our leaders follow the developmental states of Asia who devote a substantial share of national revenue to funding education; some even surpass the 26 per cent stipulated by UNESCO. I desire that our public universities are repositioned to take their rightful place in the knowledge economy especiallyin the training and remuneration of teachers. I wish we can adopt the Japanese model where graduate teachers are the best paid public servants.

These would suffice for now.

‘The change we want’ •Continued from page 29

For Taiwo Isola, a 400-Level Human Anatomy student of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), strengthening security in the Northeast is his utmost request from the government. People, he said, can only make progress where their is peace.

He said: “I hope 2015 would mark the beginning of economic prosperity and democracy. But, this can only be achieved when there is peace. I want the government to step up efforts to address the insecurity facing our nation. As a youth, my hope is to live in a free country and I believe the action of our leaders this year would determine whether there will be changes or not.

“I wish there would be no strike this year. I wish the government would be proactive in handling our challenges and make 2015 a productive year. “ Aderemi Ojekunle, a Corps member in Ondo State, wants students to change their attitude towards education, saying it is only through good values that the nation can experience change.

He said: “The change we want in 2015 may not come from the political leadership. We must start by changing our attitude and the values we uphold. If we espouse good values, this will in turn pave the way for the social, economic and political development of this nation. If we really want change, then that change will start from us as citizens of this nation. When we change, the society adapts to it and we move on.”

Adebayo Caleb, a 500-Level Law

student of OAU, said: “We should hope to see a nation where people will vote freely in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. I want to see naira regaining its value in the market. I want to see progress and improvement in key sectors of our economy. I want to see more funds being channelled into the education and health sectors. Most importantly, I don’t want ASUU strike this year. We have had enough and our lecturers must devise a means to channel their grievances.”

2015 is an election year. Already, politicians are getting ready for the elections coming up next month. How can students participate in the process?

Hammed Hamzat, a 400-Level Educational Management student of the University of Ibadan (UI), said students must engage the leaders on issues and responsive governance. He said: “As students, we can use our population to clamour for a government that will improve security of lives and property and one that will make our welfare its priority. We should engage our leaders on issues affecting our wellbeing rather than being used as thugs to foment crisis.”

Zainab Sanni, a Political Science student of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), wants the end to Boko Haram insurgency. She said: “We have been terrified with the spate of killings by the Boko Haram. Our colleagues in the North cannot go to school because of this problem.

The only thing I want is for government to stop these bloodthirsty criminals and stop the killing of our fellow citizens in the Northeast.”

•Cross section of freshers at the event

12,650 matriculate at UNILORIN

N

O fewer than 12,650 freshers took the oath of matriculation at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) main auditorium during the institution’s matriculation ceremony.

The freshers, all decked in blue academic gown, beamed with smiles as they moved into the auditorium amid excitement. The principal officers were led to the venue by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali.

In his speech, Prof Ambali said of the 114,700 applicants, who applied to the university through direct entry and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), only 41,470 students met the minimum score of 180.

The VC said the institution could only admit 12,601 of the successful candidates eligible for admission,

From Afis Odeyemi UNILORIN which is 11 per cent of the total number of applicants. Out of the admitted students, 80 are international students. Faculty of Education has the highest number of freshers with, over 2,150 students admitted.

Prof Ambali whose speech was titled: Arise and fly, advised the freshers not to engage in acts that could jeopardise their admission.

He said: “Today is special in the lives of many of you, because it is a day some of you, if not all, have been longing for. As you take the oath of matriculation today, you have become a bonafide student of this great university with rights and privileges.”

The Vice-Chancellor urged the students to be grateful to God, say-

ing many qualified applicants could not be admitted because of the admission quota. He urged the freshers to adhere to the rules and regulations of the university, while also advising them to face their studies.

“As students you must respect yourself, your colleague, your teachers and all university staffs.

Don’t engage in examination malpractices or get yourself involved in acts that can jeopardise your admission. I believe you can fly and achieve success after your programmes with hard work and prayers. I urge you to rise up and fly higher,” he said.

The oath was administered on the students by the Registrar, Mr Emmanuel Obafemi, who advised the freshers not to against the letters of the oath.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

31

CAMPUS LIFE

Beauty and brain Oge Nwokoye, a 300Level Medicine and Surgery student, has won the beauty pageant organised by the University of Benin Medical Students’ Association (UBEMSA). EDDY UWOGHIREN (300Level Medicine and Surgery) reports.

I

N measured steps, they marched to the stages, amid catcalls by the audience. They looked athletic in the glittering gowns as they filed out, waving to the crowd. No sooner did they make their first appearance on stage than members of the audience started to predict a tough contest.

Who would win among the seven contestants in the beauty pageant organised by the University of Benin Medical Students’ Association (UBEMSA)? For those who have eyes for beauty, the winner should be beautiful. But, others wanted intelligence and wisdom to be used as parameters for selecting the winner.

Many at the Multipurpose Hall of the Women’s Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC) in Benin City were on edge as the contest progressed last Saturday.

Welcoming participants, UBEMSA president, Samuel Nwaobi said the event was part of activities marking the association’s 28th Health Week.

He said the pageant was organised to dismiss the notion that medical students do not socialise.

Samuel said: “Many people consider medical students to be too preoccupied with books and do not have time for fun. We deemed it fit to create time out of our busy schedule to hold this social event.

We included a beauty pageant to harness the beauty and intelligence in our colleagues and show to the world that beyond the big

•The contestants appearing in dinner gowns

‘Many people consider medical students to be too preoccupied with books and do not have time for fun. We deemed it fit to create time out of our busy schedule to hold this social event. We included a beauty pageant to harness the beauty and intelligence in our colleagues and show to the world that beyond the big textbooks we read, we are multi-talented’ textbooks we read, we are multitalented.”

The contestants appeared in traditional attires to showcase the richness of Nigerian culture. They held a parade in Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani and Niger-Delta attires.

They later appeared in casual wears and dinner gowns. The contestants were assessed based on their dressing, sense of history, current affair and academic excellence. The event moved into question and answer session, where the contestants’ intelligence was assessed. This resulted in the elimination of some of them.

After the judges’ assessment, Natalie Obadan, UBEMSA vice president, announced the winners.

Contestant Number 1 Oge Nwokoye, emerged winner for her brilliance and sense of culture.

Oge, 19, a 300-Level Medicine and Surgery student, broke down in tears following the announcement. She moved from one side of the hall to another. It took a few minutes before she could pull herself together and acknowledge cheers from the crowd.

Oge was presented with a LG Flat Screen Television for her efforts.

She will represent the College of Medicine at the coming University of Benin (UNIBEN) pageant and the Nigerian Medical Students’ Association (NiMSA) beauty contest.

Contestant No 7 Ifueko Uhunwango emerged first runner up, winning a Blackberry Q10 smartphone, and Agatha Odamen, second runner up, got a microwave.

Oge, in an interview with CAMPUSLIFE, said her confidence

made her to win, noting that she desired to make a point with her appearance.

She said: “Buying the pageant form showed I am ready to become the next Miss UBEMSA. I always believe that I would be a beauty queen one day. Years back, the password to all of my account was ‘beautyqueen’ because of my desire to be one.

“But being in the competition with six other colleagues was a great experience for me. We had to do things together and the girls became my sisters. We had so many great moments together and I also believe they deserved to win because of their intelligence.”

What would be her pet project?

Oge said: “I will raise awareness on female participation in campus politics and organise tutorials for female medical students

The Pro-chancellor, McPherson University, Seriki-Sotayo in Ogun State, Prof Israel Adu, was the guest lecturer at the Convocation Lecture of the Crawford University, Igbesa. He urged managements of higher institutions to administer with fear of God. AYODEJI ADESINA reports.

How to make varsities great

C

HALLENGES facing higher education in Nigeria may get worse if the stakeholders do not have the fear of God. To the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of McPherson University in SerikiSotayo, Ogun State, Prof Israel Adu, education is in crisis because people have turned away from God. Adu spoke while delivering the 6th Convocation Lecture of the Crawford University in Igbesa, Ogun State. In his paper titled: Knowledge with Godliness as panacea to restoring Nigeria’s higher education to the path of glory, Adu said universities would not regain their glory until the administrators, lecturers and other stake-

holders imbibed the fear of God. He said lecturers must show practical and transformative skill to impart godly knowledge on their students.

Adu said: “The problem of Nigeria universities was that, there is no fear of God again in the administration of schools. Our higher institutions will never return to the path of glory until we have the fear of God. The practice of goodness and virtue is what Nigeria needs to overcome the greed, corruption and failings being experienced in our higher education.”

Prof Adu, the former Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta (FUNAAB), said universities had

critical roles to play in the transformation of the country from its mono-cultural factor-driven economy to a knowledge-based economy.

According to him, knowledge is a necessary ingredient of development and it is the most important instrument of change in any society. He said ivory towers must lead the change.

“In today’s economy, knowledge strongly influences development. This is why universities will continue to be relevant,” he said.

The university administrator cautioned that intellectual development without character would destroy the value system and lead to the destruction of universities.

•Continued on page 44

•Prof Adu

preparing for any of the profession medical exams in medical schools. I also plan to hold motivation seminar and mentoring programme for fresh students in the medical school. I will organise health outreach with the aim to enlighten female students on prevailing health challenges and ways to avoid them.”

Akhere Musa, a medical student, praised the association for using the event to boost social activities in the medical college. He said the event was an opportunity to relax.

The event also featured presentation of awards to lecturers and students with outstanding performance in the college. Dr V. Adams of Community Medicine Department, Dr C. Annoye of Medical Biochemistry and Prof Ray Ozolua of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics departments were honoured with Best Lecturer award.

Pius Ojemolon was awarded the Most Outstanding Medical Student for his ground-breaking distinction in the third professional Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in Pathology and Clinical Pharmacology held earlier this year in the college.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

32

CAMPUS LIFE Controversy trails union’s project From Wale Bakare and Jennifer Umeh OFFA POLY

T

HE Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY) was agog last week for the commissioning of Love Garden, which was built by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) but the ceremony was trailed by controversy.

Some students wanted the union leadership to explain how much was spent on the project.

The special guests at the event included Olofa of Offa, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi, Rector, Dr. Muftau Olatinwo, Alh S. Oyawole, Imam Muyideen Salman, Mr Lola Ashiru, Femi White, and Chief Bayo Akinola.

The union president Festus Adedeji, said his vision was to make the institution withstand its peers in social life. He said: “Many students have been gossiping that I collected the N230,000 from Oba Muftau Gbadamosi. I will say it before him that I have never collected N10 from him for the project.”

The Rector, Dr Olatinwo, said: “I commend the union for this laudable achievement. I want to urge students to continue to eschew violence and embrace dialogue in your agitation.”

The union honoured some of the guests for their contribution to the development of the institution. The honorees included Oba Gbadamosi, who is the grand patron of the union.

Others are Alhaji Oyawoye, Imam Salman and Ashiru.

The union named the garden after the Olofa, who commissioned the structure.

After the ceremony, some students spoke against the project, wondering why the love garden

•The controversial project

‘N2.3 million the SUG leaders claimed they spent on the Love Garden is a big lie. How can the president say that he built such a small structure with that amount’

•Oba Gbadamosi (right) being joined by guests and principal officers of the school to commission the structure

should be the priority of the union. Lovable Ude, an HND II student, said: “I have been in this

school for years, the polytechnic does not have good toilets. The ones built by the management

have been messed up by students. Students pee indiscriminately on campus. Instead

T

HE South Atlantic Petroleum Limited (SAPETRO) has donated one million litre water reservoir to the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK). The reservoir was commissioned on Tuesday in a ceremony marked with feast of culture and comedy.

Water is a scarce commodity in the university and protest by students to draw the authorities’ attention to their plight led to the death of three students two years ago.

The project was commissioned by the chairman of SAPETRO, General Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd), who was represented by the Executive Vice Chairman, Senator Desi Danjuma.

Senator Danjuma said: “I am delighted to be here today to commission this project on behalf of my husband and the entire management of SAPETRO. We are proud to deliver this project as one of our corporate social responsibilities. Water is life and we all know that when you have good source of water, you have good source of life. We are pleased to be intervening in some parts of the development of this institution.

SAPETRO will continue to do the best to support the development of this university.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Muhammad Mainoma, said the reservoir would solve the water challenge facing the school. “Anybody who gives you water has given you a life. With this intervention by SAPETRO, which constructed and donated a one million litre water reservoir, the water problem in the university has now been solved. We thank the man-

building toilets, the union leadership spent N2.3 million to build what we don’t need.”

Another student of Quantity Surveying, who spoke under anonymity condition, said: “N2.3 million the SUG leaders claimed they spent on the Love Garden is a big lie. How can the president say that he built such a small structure with that amount? He still needs to tell us the truth.”

Polytechnics union gets exco From Afeez Adeyemo OFFA POLY

P

•Senator Danjuma cutting the ribbon to unveil the reservoir. With her is Prof Mainoma (left) and other members of the university

Danjuma donates water reservoir to varsity From Ahmad Muhammad Auwal NSUK agement of SAPETRO for this contribution,” he said.

Students of the Department of Theatre and Cultural Studies entertained the guests with cultural performance.

While giving vote of thanks, the Registrar, Alhaji Dalhatu Mamman, said: “We do not have enough

words to use in showing our gratitude to General Danjuma for this wonderful and life-touching project. His contributions to the development of this university have always been remarkable. As we all know, the university clinic, a modern and well-equipped healthcare centre was constructed and donated by General Danjuma.

We pray that he will continue to be our partner in progress. Your

wealth means nothing until you use such wealth to touch the lives of people in the society.”

A plaque of honour was presented to Senator Danjuma by the VC on behalf of the university community to show appreciation for the intervention project.

It should be recalled that the university was shut down for months in 2013, following a violent protest over water shortage on campus.

OLYTECHNIC students nationwide gathered at the mini campus stadium of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY) in Kwara State to hold their annual convention and election of new leaders.

The students, under the banner of National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), participated in 24th convention, which lasted for 72 hours. They accused the outgoing leaders of the association of abuse of office and elongation of tenure.

Participants moved motion dissolving union leadership, and nomination of members to constitute new executive.

Three aspirants vied for the presidency of the association. They were Gbenga Adeyeye of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida (BIDA POLY) in Niger State, Lukman Salahudeen of OFFA POLY and Obafemi Olajide, who also came from BIDA POLY. Security was provided by riot policemen, officers from Department of State Security (DSS) and men of the Nigerian Service and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

After the election, chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Liberty Nwagu, a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (NEKEDE) announced Lukman as the new president, while Ibrahim Seriki, also a student of OFFA POLY, was elected as the General Secretary.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES

Low patronage of public places in Imo

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

‘How to avoid fire this season’

•PAGE 34

PAGE 33

A heart for the needy •PAGE 40

•PAGE 36

•Traders waiting for customers to come and patronise them

Abia residents defy cash squeeze SUNNY NWANKWO, REJOICE IWUALA and CYNTHIA NDULUE scoured Aba and other parts of Abia State and report that the people kept their spirits up despite the economic crunch

T

HE cold, dry winds of harmattan swept through Abia State on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. But it could not temper the zest of traders to make some Yuletide cash. Nor could it halt the outward flow of the state’s residents from the cities and towns.

Prices of foodstuff shot up, as did transport fares. Still, the business community kept ticking and villagebound travellers hit the road.

Traders complained of increased petrol pump price, selling for between N112 and N115, a situation which, they said, affected patronage.

Yet, there they were, displaying, on trays and in baskets, their fresh, red tomatoes and peppers and waiting for buyers. A basket of tomatoes sold for N7000, pepper for N5,000. They knew it was their season, a time for more stews and soups. They knew it

‘

was the Yuletide, a time to make more money.

They were not the only ones. Though Christmas Day and Boxing Day were declared public holidays and big markets in Aba closed for business, traders still maximised the opportunity to display their wares such as live chickens, clothing, gift items and other consumables on the main road to woo customers.

The only concern was that the volume of buyers was uncharacteristically low but it was for obvious reasons.

Apart from the increased petrol cost, the naira devaluation also played a crucial part, affecting not just local goods but also imported articles.

There was better news, though. The police and other security agencies said they stepped up surveillance to ensure that Abia residents and visitors would not worry about their safety.

There they were, displaying, on trays and in baskets, their fresh, red tomatoes and peppers and waiting for buyers. They knew it was their season, a time for more stew and soups. They knew it was the Yuletide, a time to make more money

,

In an exclusive chat with The Nation, the state Commissioner of Police (CP) Ibrahim Adamu promised a crime-free festivity, adding that the police had

strengthened their crime-fighting operations through the establishment various units.

Adamu said, “We are fully back to

fight crime. For now, we are advising Abians to keep in touch with the police or other security agencies in whatever they are suspecting or not sure of. But for the criminals, we are warning them to leave the command, otherwise, we flush them out; any criminal who is thinking of coming into Abia should rethink.

“You are aware that we made so many arrests last week and some rifles were recovered. We are all out to ensure that we rid Abia State and Aba of criminals.

“We warn hoodlums to stay out of Abia State otherwise we will flush them out or cause them to face the wrath of the law.

“We have a lot of programmes that we would not want to go to the press for security reasons because we don’t •Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

34

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

T

HE Yuletide was a bit odd this time in Imo State. Most residents seemed to prefer staying back at home to visiting public places. But it was not strictly for cash reasons; security had more to do with it.

Gaily-dressed women and children who usually patronised the parks in large numbers were nowhere to be seen, except for a handful of kids and their guardians who defied the apparent security fears to have a bit of fun.

A few weeks to the Christmas, the Imo State Police command, uncovered explosives planted in a popular eatery in the state capital.

Apart from this, the discovery of a large quantity of explosives at the headquarters of the Winners’ Chapel, equally instilled fear into the residents, despite spirited efforts by the police to assure funseekers of a crime-free yuletide.

Hoteliers appeared to be the worst hit as they daily counted their losses.

Decrying the development, a resident, Chief Ngbemena Ikoro, said that the security threat in the state was responsible for the low turnout of people in public places.

According to him, “the aborted terror attacks in the state, created apprehension in the people. Although the Police has done well to avert the attacks but the fear it created in the minds of the people cannot be easily erased. Today if you go around the state, especially Owerri, you will discover that the places are empty because people are afraid to take their children out”.

Mr. Basil Obong, a bar owner, said, “We have never experienced this poor turnout of customers during Christmas before. I have not been able to recoup my investments but if it were before, you couldn’t have a place to sit. We are praying that the situation will improve soon”.

For Gloria Ukeje, the security apprehension in the state coupled with harsh economic situation in the country, is responsible for the low-key celebration, “the situation is not peculiar with Imo State. All over the country, the situation is

•An empty park

Low patronage of public places in Imo From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

the same, people are complaining of bad economy”.

Another civil servant, who pleaded anonymity, said the rea-

son for the dull Christmas was the non-payment of salaries of civil servants, “Imo State is essentially a civil servant state, so when the workers are not paid, it affects all other sectors of the economy. For instance, I cannot take my family out because I was not paid my De-

cember salary”.

He added further that, “the state government did well to beautify every part of the state but the people are not buoyant to patronize the places. I don’t totally agree that the people are afraid as a result of the discovered bombs, I

Cash crunch mars celebrations in Enugu

O

N Monday, two days before New Year’s Day, the streets of the Coal City were deserted. Informal football teams could have played on them without any hindrance. On Tuesday, the footballers could have extended play-time. Why? More and more residents of the Enugu State capital were moving to their hometowns.

Why did they not travel earlier as they were wont to? It had to do with cash. Civil servants in the state got their salaries a bit late, on Christmas Eve, and could not make their yuletide arrangements until Christmas Day. Traders were just as disenchanted because of low patronage. So, as soon as some cash came in, Enugu residents made their purchases, packed their bags and headed for their hometowns, leaving behind essentially indigenous people.

This was unusual. Before now, salaries were paid much earlier and the outflow of residents to the villages began as early as the 22nd.

Travelling out of the city during the Yuletide is a tradition and many head out to be available for such commitments as weddings, traditional marriages, and memorial services, among others.

By Tuesday, many residents had travelled out of Enugu, as Mr. Mike Anyim put it, “to usher in the New Year in my ancestral home”.

Mr. Uche Nwosu, who deals in cosmetics, said this period was one

‘

•Continued on page 35

Although travelling out of the city has taken root in our lives and every family strives to make it home during this period, but you can see that there was delay by people travelling home this year. It was due to difficult times.

Besides, civil servants could not receive their salaries in time and we the traders could not dispense our goods

From Chris Oji, Enugu

in which families who lived apart gathered in their hometowns to relish one another’s company and sometimes thrash out issues.

But this year, the residents had some challenges.

Nwosu said, “Although [travelling out of the city] has taken root in our lives and every family strives to make it home during this period, but you can see that there was delay by people travelling home this year. It was due to difficult times. Besides, the civil servants could not receive their salaries in time and we the traders could not dispense our goods”, posited Mr. Nwosu.

Nwosu, however, was optimistic that it would be better next year, having blamed the trend on politicians “who reserve their money for the February elections.” He may not be far from the truth by blaming the crunch on politicians.

As investigations by the Southeast Report revealed, the politicians are capitalising on the yuletide period to shift their campaigns to the villages. Although here have not been open campaigns, undercurrent maneuvers were on among the politicians who dish out some hand outs of food to the rural dwellers. Also meetings after meetings as alignments and re-alignments were being negotiated this period.

think it is because they don’t have money to spend”.

Uzoma Ifeka, blamed the low turnout on cash crunch in the state, “when people are not paid what do you expect. There is poverty in the

,

•Ever-busy Edingburgh Road deserted on Christmas day A post-primary school teacher, Ofoegbu Aneke who tried to explain the cash crunch this Yuletide, said, “It is true that there is cash crunch which made this year’s Christmas low-key. But remember we are on the eve of an election year. It is so every four years. Once the election is approaching, about two months away, there will not be much cash in circulation. The

politicians hoard the money. The government will give excuses. So it is not new. The cause is electionyear”.

Aneke, however, praised the governors of Enugu, Imo and Anambra states who ensured that the workers were paid while calling on other governors to emulate them even as they were about completing their tenures.

One noticeable thing in this year’s yuletide period is the stability in prices of commodities.

Rather than the usual increase that follows the yuletide, prices of commodities were stable and in some cases, there were reductions. Items like a 50kg bag of rice sold below N9000, four litres of vegetable oil sold for as low as N900.

Chickens, goats and turkeys were within reach. So also were clothing and shoes. The only concern was lack of cash.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

35

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT Some unforgettable words attended the passing and burial of Jude Uche Isiguzo, our crime correspondent, reports SUNNY NWANKWO

H

IS widow, Gwen, wrote: “In Jude, I have lost a personal friend and a brother across the Niger. J’Gwen, my No.1, my best friend, my heart…you never told me you were leaving, you promised we’ll renew our wedding vows, instead you left without saying goodbye.

You were gone before I knew it and only God knows why. My heart breaks desperately, a million times I cried, I feel totally lost without you.

Nkem, in life I loved you…In death I love you still, you hold a place in my heart that no one can ever fill. Alubam, just so you know that you didn’t go alone but you took a part of me with you. We shall meet again to part no more. Rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Adieu my love and best friend.”

More tributes poured in from his bosses and colleagues.

Mr Victor Ifijeh (MD) His death is a great loss to the profession. I pray that this does not happen here again and in other media establishments...As NUJ chairman, he always sought advice before taking any major step. We had a cordial relationship.

Gbenga Omotoso (Editor) It is so sad that we lost him; a nice guy is gone. We got a letter from his doctor last week seeking extension of his leave for two weeks and the request was granted automatically. We never envisaged it was that serious, otherwise we would have raised a team to visit him and see if he was well attended to. What people said about Jude was amazing. He was dutiful, well-behaved, considerate and ever willing to help. I’m so proud that he was one of us. The question remains why this man? We seek solace in the scripture that admonishes us that in all things, we should give thanks to God. Adeniyi Adesina (Deputy Editor, News) Jude was a professional who did his work diligently. He applied himself to crime reporting as if his life de-

•Jude's wife Gwen performing the dust to dust ritual

Memorable words at The Nation ‘ Isiguzo’s funeral

pended on it. He was jovial and easygoing and made friends easily...I got a letter from his doctor last Thursday that he was on admission and would need at least two weeks to get treated and get well to return to work. I never knew he would never return. He will be sorely missed.

Deji Elumoye (Lagos NUJ Chairman) He was passionate about his job and union activities. The Nation chapel, as a result of his activities is one of the chapels the council relies on always.

We never had issues with The Nation management. He always said positive things about the management at our congresses. It is sad to lose him at this time.

Tajudeen Adebanjo (The Nation)

What people said about Jude was amazing.

He was dutiful, well-behaved, considerate and ever willing to help. I’m so proud that he was one of us. The question remains why this man? We seek solace in the scripture that admonishes us that in all things, we should give thanks to God

,

We were so close being both signatories to the Union’s account. People always wanted to cash in on Jude’s generosity as a person and one who

would give you freedom, even in money matters. Jude would approve every proposal brought to him. He had so many great programmes in

line for NUJ members which he had mapped out plans to accomplish. But God had another plan for him. All the glory to God. Adegunle Olagbamila (The Nation) Hello Jude! Are you there? Can you please hear me? I was actually looking forward to your resumption on Monday to reunite with you as we relive the memory of everyday’s work while we go home together, but that is never to be again. Adieu great friend. RIP.” Isiguzo was also mourned by a school he helped. A tribute titled ‘Don’t Let Him Die” presented by pupils from Umuokegwu Primary School, Omoba, read: “On November •Continued on page 40

A heart for the needy

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•Patrons are few at this park

Low patronage of public places in Imo •Continued from page 34 land. Most of the civil servants did not get their salaries for the month of December and this affected their mood because they don’t have what to celebrate with.

“Before the Governor embarked

on the Presidential race, civil servants were paid before the state gets Federal Allocation but since he came back everything has not been the same and this affected this year’s Christmas”.

But a reliable source within the Government House, who did want his name in print, said the problem

was not peculiar with the government, “Imo is one of the few states that managed to pay December salary even though some people have not received their salaries but efforts are on to ensure that everybody is paid before the end of the year”.

HE prayer of a dumb 16year-old was probably the most emotional moment.

The visiting Senator Joy Emordi could not hold backtears, always dabbing at her eyes a white handkerchief.

The boy kept pointing to the heavens, his moving, but no one could hear what he was saying.

Emordi was visiting the Red Cross Motherless Babies’ Home in Onitsha, Anambra State’s commecial town. Children of the Home swarmed around her crying for help.

It turned out that Joseph, the dumb boy, was praying for peace and unity in the land.

For over ten minutes, everybody at the orphanage stood motionless trying to come to terms with what was happening.

The Chief Nursing Officer of the Home, Bridget Ajero, told The Nation that Joseph Was the prayer warrior of the home, teaching the other inmates how to do it.

The Senator who, before now, represented Anambra North Senatorial zone at the Upper legislative house had gone to the Home to celebrate the yuletide with the children.

She went with a lot of gifts including Christmas cakes, many

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

bags of rice, rolls of toilet tissue, bags of salt, cartons of food drink, cartons of soaps and many cartons of noodles, among others.

At the Home, it was discovered that other children from the Umunna Motherless Babies Home numbering over 16 were transferred to the orphanage by the government, following the closure of that home.

It was alleged that the home was used to traffic children by some public officers, while the matron of the home, who was a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Women Affairs, was arrested by security operatives in 2013.

The Onitsha orphanage home has 13 staff working in the place and 45 motherless children, while the place looks as clean as most of the homes of other people.

According to the chief nursing officer, Anambra State government has been taking care of the place while the home receives more babies more than any other in the state because of the way the place is handled by those in charge.

The Nation gathered that the •Continued on page 40

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

36

37

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Another ‘Aba’ on the way E

•Some of the offices with Christmas decoration

VERYTHING going well, another commercial hub will soon spring up to rival Aba, the Abia State’s commercial nerve.

This information came from Chief Arisa Solomon Ikwuagwu, President of Abia North Industrial Development Initiative (ANIDI), who confirmed that arrangements had been concluded on the development.

Speaking at the inauguration of ANIDI executive members in Aba, Ikwuagwu said that the essence of creating another economic city in the state was to help decongest Aba and help other economic potential city(ies) grow and as such spread development across the state using Lagos as an example.

He said that the organisation was set up to enable businessmen and women to come to Abia North and establish their businesses and also develop the infrastructure in the zone.

The ANIDI president said for government to stop the massive drift of people from rural to urban areas like Aba and other parts of the country, it was high time attention was diverted from Aba to Abia North where the residents have good business and entrepreneurial skills, as is obtainable in Aba. Said he, “Our people are good entrepreneurs. Give an Abia North man a chance and he will do wonders out of the little you gave him. Aba is over-populated and something must urgently be done to develop other parts of the state that have the potentials which Aba has and there is no any other place good enough for such but Abia North even as the government of the day is talking about developing other towns”.

Ikwuagwu, who stated that membership was open to all Nigerians mainly those resident in Abia State, said the viability of ANIDI lies in the fact that over 60 per cent of the businesses in Abia State were owned by people from Abia North.

“The idea is to bring investors to Abia North. What it takes to become a member is to pick our interest declaration form, from that, we will know who you are and if are accepted as a member, you then pay a membership dues that is determined by the execu-

•Customers catching a bit of the Christmas

Abia residents defy cash squeeze ‘

•Continued from page 33

want them to plan ahead of us. But we have programmes that we are adopting and the reigning peace in the state is a clear indication that police and other security agencies are working to make sure that Abians and Aba residents sleep with their two eyes closed.

“Last week, the Rapid Response Squad made some progress, recovering nine rifles which we displayed during the press conference. We are working hard to make sure the people of the state and visitors alike enjoy their stay in the state during this festive period.”

Most churches visited in the Enyimba City, recorded a sharp drop in the number of parishioners as they were said to have travelled. Drinking bars were agog as early as noon.

At the Recreation Park and Children’s Amusement Park parents and their kids had fun while other couples were seen relaxing over their favourite drinks.

Until the 26th night many ladies were seen at some of the available hairstylists waiting patiently to be braided or manicured by their beauticians. Some of shop owners, though, lamented low

patronage compared to what obtained in 2013.

One of them, simply called Ogechi said, “I will not say that business is that bad. It depends on luck and how God wants to favour someone. For the past five days, I was like, are we really sure that people are going to braid their hair this year? But I thank God that today I have been the busiest of all and my friends have to come to my assistance. I am sure that my response today would not have been my response if you were here in the past five or three days. But in all, this year is very dull.”

At Aba Central Motor Park, many people were seen boarding vehicles out of the city. Mr. Okoronkwo who said he was at the park to see off his family travelling to Okigwe, thanked the federal government for making petroleum products despite the sharp increase of petrol from N97 to N110 and above.

A government worker who would not want his name in print, said he was sending his people to Ohafia ahead of the Igboto mma (retirement from community service ceremony) of his mother. He regretted that the inability of the state government to pay their

The police have a lot of programmes that we would not want to go to the press for security reasons because we don’t want the criminals to plan ahead of us. But we have programmes that we are adopting and the reigning peace in the state is a clear indication that police and other security agencies are working to make sure that Abians and Aba residents sleep with their two eyes closed

,

arrears of salaries affected his budget.

He said, “I had to borrow money to make this trip. You journalists and any other concerned citizen should be aware that the state government is owing workers arrears of salaries and you can imagine what life is for the families of government workers. If not for the event in my compound, I wouldn’t have contemplated travelling at all. We have house rent and school fees to pay by January. One of my

daughters is at Federal Girls, Umuahia.

They will be resuming in the first week of January and I have to stay to see how I can raise money from friends to pay her school fees and gradually offset that of her siblings. We thank God for the life but when there is no money one can hardly find a place to say that he or she is having fun during this time when in the real sense we should be joyful that Christ, the Saviour of the world, is born”.

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•A fire service truck

HE Abia State Fire Service has warned residents to be careful while handling inflammable materials and steer clear of firecrackers in order to prevent fire outbreaks in the dry season.

Speaking with our reporter on the telephone, Mr Victor Gbaruko, the fire service chief, said it is more economical to prevent a fire outbreak than fight it.

According to him, most of the fire outbreaks recorded in the state in 2014 were attributable to the depletion of the ozone layer and faults in electrical circuits.

“We recorded over 90 fire incidents in the state this year and most of them occurred during the rainy season and now that we are entering the dry or harmattan season, it would not be out of place if we record more fire outbreak.

Checks within the Aba Central Park revealed that transport fare from Aba to Port Harcourt remained at N500, though it was not the same for people travelling from Aba to Ohafia or Onitsha as fares on those routes shot up to between N1300 and N1000, far above what used to be.

The highly patronised Ochendo Youth Empowerment Transport Scheme bus from Aba to Umuahia maintained the N200 fee, while other commercial buses covering the same distance charged N300.

A dealer on onions, Mustapha, said that a bag of the articles sold for N45,000, rather than its old price of N35,000.

Canned malt drinks sold for between N2,300 and N2,400. Canned beer sold for N3000 or N3,600.

A trader at New Market urged buyers to use “this opportunity when prices of goods and services are still affordable to come and buy from us because very soon some companies will start taking stock and supply of goods to dealers and distributors will stop which will in turn cause scarcity and high cost in price.”

There was a note of optimism.

Things will be better next year, some •Just for Christmas residents said.

‘

‘ avoid fire this season’ ‘How to

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

“And this calls for caution on the way we handle inflammable and combustible materials in our homes, offices and among others.

The ban on the use of fireworks and knockouts are still in place. People should not endanger the lives and property of others simply because they want to play fireworks and have fun.

“The truth is that it is more beneficial and cost effective for us to avoid fire outbreak than attending to it. People that have warehouses should make sure that they make them to be airy as the changes in the weather condition due to the depletion of the ozone layer can instantaneous heat that could lead

People should avoid storage petrol and other inflammable materials in their homes.

Because of the epileptic power supply, Aba and Abia residents should cultivate the habit of switching off and unplugging their electrical appliances at bedtime or when going out for work or business and when those appliances are not in use

,

to overheating and where there is no enough space, it could trigger off fire outbreak.

“People should avoid panic-buying, storage of PMS and other in-

flammable materials in their homes as storing such materials could be a catalyst to fire during an outbreak.

“Because of the epileptic power,

supply Aba and Abia residents should cultivate the culture of switching off and unplugging their electrical appliances during bedtime, going out for work or business and when those appliances are not in use. Electrical appliances at home and in offices should be the one that has been certified and approved for use by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON)”.

On shortage of manpower and logistics facing the agency, Gbaruko declined comments but however stated that the fire agency would try to work effectively with the number of the personnel at its disposal, even as he admitted that there was the need to boost the agency’s workforce to match their work rate in the state.

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

tive committee from time to time.”

Ikwuagwu disclosed that ANIDI was not a Chamber of Commerce in the strictest sense of it, but a Non Governmental Organization which aim was to assist members in the areas of developing and expanding their businesses and source funds through donor agencies.

“We assist our members in the areas of developing and expanding their businesses, source funds through donor agencies because the issue of funding has become a big reoccurring decimal such that funds are difficult to access and when you don’t have funds to execute your business, you see over a period you will go comatose so what we are trying to do is to bring our members, come together and see how we can internalize and initiate means and ways of raising funds to assist members in order to expand their businesses “We are not Chamber of Commerce, but more of an NGO with different departments that take care of all the facets of our members businesses because if we limit our organization to becoming a Chamber of commerce, we only find ourselves doing what Chamber of Commerce will do.

“But we do not want to do that, we want to broaden the space and create jobs thereby stopping the influx of people into Aba that has led to infrastructural collapse and decay which is the most important thing to us.

ANIDI President further stated concerns itself with trade and commerce including manufacturing and urged people to embrace the organisation.

While inaugurating the executives, the Abia State Director, Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, Chris Nwoko who represented the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, pledged government’s readiness to partner with ANIDI for the overall achievement of her objectives.

Describing Abia State as the home of commerce and industry, Nwoko said with the birth of ANIDI, the industrialisation of Abia North would be a matter of time.

Our people are good entrepreneurs. Give an Abia North man a chance and he will do wonders out of the little you gave him. Aba is over-populated and something must urgently be done to develop other parts of the state that have the potentials which Aba has and there is no any other place good enough for such but Abia North even as the government of the day is talking about developing other towns

,

38

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

40

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

A heart for the needy •Continued from page 35 home does not partake in adoption of children which had been rampant in most of the motherless babies homes in the state leading to the closure of some of them.

Emordi did not only celebrate the festive period with the motherless babies, she also did same with the widows in Onitsha at the Central school Odoakpu same day.

The widows numbering over 500 danced, prayed for long life and more prosperity and sang praises of Emordi in the vicinity.

For 72-year-old Onyejeagbo Okeke from Anambra East Local Government Area, God would not allow Emordi to suffer any ailment in her life time.

She said, “your pocket will never dry for remembering the widows who have nobody to do for them not only in festive periods but all the time in this zone despite not being in politics again” “Your own children and children of those you have helped in life will always remember you in your own old age and anybody who sees you as an enemy will fall into a bottomless pit.

“You will never encounter any form of sickness and no form of danger will come your way, these are our prayers for you and they shall come to pass” the woman

•The widows at the event cried out.

Also, Mrs Margaret Nwapudezili from Oyi Local Government area who is 50 years old, told The Nation that Emodi has been an inspiration for all of the widows in the seven local government areas that make up Anambra North zone.

According to her, “what baffles us is that she continues doing it despite not being in any elective position while those who are representing us in any capacity will not talk to you.”

Speaking with The Nation, Senator Emordi said that she had not

been doing it to attract praises from anybody but that her concern is for the less privileged and the needy in the society to be happy.

“I see participation in politics as a means of helping the less privileged, I have never been in politics to amass wealth for myself, family and community alone.”

“This started when I was nobody in the society and when I rose, the passion increased, I cry when I see these people while some of us will be moving on convoy, blowing siren and allow such people to suffer, it is wrong” “It is my own little way of helping the needy and I will continue doing it by the grace of God with or without any position in the country.”

‘

•Jude’s brother, Chijioke (second right), his widow Gwen (second left) and two of his sisters at the burial

Memorable words at The Nation Isiguzo’s funeral •Continued from page 35 5, 2014, we wrote you, the president and the entire members of Umuokegwu Progressive Union, Lagos, appreciating the exercise books that you donated to our school.

“The donation made children from our neighbouring villages who attend our school to benefit from your your large hearts. It also elevated our school as a place where school materials are distributed to pupils.

“Again we wrote requesting for a set of computers to help beef up our ICT room in the school. And as we were waiting for 2015 when we hoped our request would have been realised, the news of your death came to us.

“We know the path you chose; to write, educate, inform and tell the truth as is the wont of journalists. All these only make your death a mere farewell to mortality and welcome to eternity.

“You have gone to receive the sweet

scenes of rest. We shall not let you die.

“And we urge all here today, the family, friends, Umuokegwu Progressive Union, the mass media for which he lived and worked, never to let him die.

“Let all you stood for, the ideals, the truth be vigorously pursued”.

Chika Isiguzo, his sister-in-law, said: “I have been crying all through but God has taken him and we know that it is for the best. We will miss him. We never knew he was going to leave us so soon. I believe that God will always strengthen Gwen.

Mr. Mba Anthony, his father in-law, said, “When we needed him most, he departed. We have seen him as a star, someone that would bring up his family and a model to his generation. But it is unfortunate that God wanted him and He has taken him. The four years relationship as my in-law was quite wonderful. My daughter and my inlaws should take heart.”

•Lowering the body into the grave

“What I am doing is to encourage our people especially the rich to always remember this caliber of people, it gives me joy and happiness seeing these people happy,” Emodi said.

When she met with the widows at the legion of widows, gave them a bag of rice each, cartons of tomatoes which were accompanied with cash for their meat and other items for their households.

“There is no other way to make the widows happy and encourage them other than this way.”

“Some of them lost their husbands years ago, while some do not have anybody to help them in their different homes and there is no way we can fold our hands and allow them to suffer unnecessarily” She said.

What I am doing is to encourage our people especially the rich to always remember this caliber of people; it gives me joy and happiness seeing these people happy

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

41

CAMPUS LIFE

•Prof Mimiko with members of the alumni body

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HE Vice-Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Prof Femi Mimiko, has urged the national executive officers of the institution’s alumni association to focus on mobilising members for unity and progress of the school.

The VC enjoined members of the executive to complement the efforts of his administration in making the institution a world-class ivory tower, saying he would welcome any idea from members of the alumni body towards uplifting the school.

Prof Mimiko spoke last Saturday while inaugurating the national officers recently elected during a twoday delegates’ conference of the alumni association.

VC urges support of alumni association •Ajasin varsity gets new alumni body From Seyi Oluwalade AAUA The VC said: “As members of a functional alumni association, you are expected to continuously mobilise graduates of the university into your fold, foster bonding, unity and cooperation among every member. Your action and activities should support the university administration at all times, not just with finances and resources, but also contacts. Your action must project

the school in good light.”

The VC recalled that the alumni body was disorganised a few years ago, saying: “We quickly disbanded the rickety platform that was in place and started to constitute a functional body.”

In his address, the Deputy ViceChancellor and Director of the University Advancement Office (UAO), Prof Francis Oyebade, noted that alumni relation was part of the mandate given to the UAO, praising the VC for ensuring stabilisation of the alumni association.

Oyebade hailed members of the association for their commitment, while thanking the keynote speaker at the conference, Mr Olusegun Esho, for honouring the invitation.

The conference, which has its delegates drawn from the five existing chapters of the association, was held in the university’s Multipurpose Hall.

The elected officers are Patrick Oluyide, President, Denis Akinbobola, Vice-President 1, Oluwumi Ajayi, Vice President II,

Sunday Ogunode, General Secretary, Gbenga Olukayode, Assistant General Secretary, Issa Adebayo, Treasurer, Mr Afolabi Jayeola, Financial Secretary and Oluwaseyi Oluwalade, Event and Publicity Officer.

Others are Abimbola Oladunmiye, Legal Adviser, Mrs. Olubukola Aduwo, Director of Women Services, Mrs Bisola Ogunsakin, Ex-officio and Kazeem Yusav, Ex-officio.

Oluyide, in his acceptance speech, praised Prof Mimiko for showing interest and commitment to the alumni association. He promised the association would work with the management to enhance change and development of school.

Rotaract installs 27th president From Ismat Anifowose UDUS

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•Ogunlana (left) displaying the plaque he received on behalf of Kuku

Ondo students honour Kuku

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ROM Ondo State came an honour for the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Kingsley Kuku.

Kuku, who is also the chairman of Presidential Committee on Amnesty, was honoured by the University of Ibadan (UI) chapter of the National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) for what they called Kuku’s achievement in reducing activities of militants in the Niger Delta.

Kuku, represented by former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Oludare Ogunlana, said the award would motivate him to do more.

He said he was grateful to President Goodluck Jonathan for ap-

From Sikiru Akinola IBADAN pointing him as one of his aides, adding that the youth had never had it good under any government until the present administration came. He urged the youth to support the president.

Kuku, who donated a Students’ Union building to Ekiti State University (EKSU), his alma mater, said he decided to give back to the society. He said he was committed to peace in the Niger Delta, noting more than 1,000 ex-militants had been trained in various vocations.

He said the beneficiaries were trained in Germany, Italy and other European countries.

While delivering a lecture titled: Ondo: Perspectives on good governance and economic development in a demo-

cratic state, Prof Akinbolaji Iwayemi of the Centre for Petroleum Energy, Economics and Law at the UI said that Ondo had risen from a dependent state to a less dependent one.

He said: “Ondo is now the sixth oil producing State in the country and what remains is to tap into this.

The state also grows food crops in large quantity. With this, the state will become the economic hub of the country.”

The NAOSS president, Opeyemi Opara, a 400-Level History student, thanked members for the support given his administration.

Guests at the event included Prof Nelson Fashina, who supervised Kuku’s thesis as an undergraduate, Prof Adenike Osofisan and representative of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Bolanle Olafunmiloye.

HE Rotaract Club of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) has installed its president. The event, which was held at the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida Youth Friendly Centre, was graced by guests, including the club’s Staff Adviser, Dr. Sheikh Abubakar, a businessman Alhaji Muhammed Usman Gusau, and Ibrahim Isa Musa, a technologist at the Department of Chemistry.

Speaking on the purpose of the orgnaistaion, a member, Abdulwahab Babatunde, said the club’s objective was to provide an opportunity for young people to enhance the knowledge and skills that would assist them in personal developments.

The Installation Committee chairman, Yera Hussein, said the club was founded by Paul Harris in 1905 for humanitarian activities.

The out-going president, Mohammed Issa, thanked the members for their support during his tenure, noting that his administration affected the lives of the people within and around the institution through various projects. He urged the incoming leadership to improve on what had been done.

The new president, Kabiru Sambo, said his administration was ready to build on the association’s legacy, and would do everything to change the world.

•Kabiru being installed

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42

CAMPUS LIFE Members of Liberty Chamber, a students’ group at the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) have held a public lecture on security agencies’ role in the forthcoming general elections. TOYIN ALI (300-Level Law) reports.

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HAT is the role of security agencies in ensuring a violence-free general election? This was the thrust of discussion at a public lecture organised

by Liberty Chambers, a students’ group at the Faculty of Law of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

The lecture with the theme: Security agencies and the management of electoral violence in Nigeria: Lessons for 2015 general election was held in honour of Mr Kolapo Aliyu Abdulkadir, a lawyer and Deputy Registrar at the National Maritime Authority.

While declaring the event opened, the faculty’s Dean, Dr Yusuf Arowosaye, extolled the honoree’s virtues for his professionalism, which he said made him to become an authority in maritime law and administration.

The dean praised members of the Liberty Chamber for charting the course for what he called “intellectual discussion” on how the election would be successful and free of controversy.

The guest lecturer, Dr Adegboyega Kareem of the Institute for Security Studies in Lagos, said the conduct of security agents would determine whether the 2015 general elections would be peaceful, stressing that security agents must shun partisanship in order not to derail the democracy.

He said: “As the 2015 elections draw closer, it is expected that the security agencies define their responsibilities and prevent, intercept and control electoral violence.

Their conduct and loyalty to the constitution would contribute to the sustenance of democracy in the country.”

While canvassing for a free and credible process, Kareem urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use technology to conduct the elections. He said INEC should deploy electronic gadgets, such as video recorder to monitor campaign rallies, parties’ conventions and distribution of electoral materials during the elections.

“These electronic gadgets would assist the INEC to prosecute violators of the numerous extant laws governing the elections as well as bring about orderliness in the process,” he added.

The lecture was followed by the launch of Advocatus, a magazine published by staff and students of the faculty. While launching the magazine, Abdulkadir donated N100,000 in addition to other gift items given to the students.

The honoree was presented an

Towards peaceful 2015 elections •Justice Saliu Saidu (second left) with Mr Nasir Adeoye (middle), Abdulkadir (second right), Dr Yusuf (right) and a lecturer at the event

•Members of the Liberty Chamber with the honoree

award for his contribution to the development of maritime law.

Some students, who spoke with CAMPUSLIFE, praised the chamber for the event, describing it as “intellectual exercise”.

Ali Ibrahim, a 200-Law student,

said: “I am very proud to be part of this excellent team in the school.

As this would be the first time a chamber of the faculty would produce a magazine.”

Sodik Kolapo, also in 200-Level Law, described the event as unprec-

edented, saying it took determination and hard work to hold such event.

In his remarks, the chamber’s president, Bamigbola Jimoh, a 400-Level Law student, thanked the honoree for personally at-

tending the event, saying: “Your name will continue to tread in the foot print of humanity.”

The event, held in the newly commissioned Faculty of Art Lecture Theatre, was attended by guests from within and outside the campus.

The Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (NEKEDE POLY) management has organised a cultural carnival for staff and students.

EKENE AHANEKU (300-Level Medicine and Surgery, Imo State University) and CONFIDENCE EWUZIE (ND II Mass Communication, NEKEDE POLY) report.

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HE Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (NEKEDE POLY) in Imo State was a sight to behold last week. Students came out in different shades of armour-like vests made of soft wood thread.

They looked resplendent. They moved round the campus, singing and dancing according to their departments.

It was the maiden edition of Carnival of Arts and the Culture organised by the Office of Polytechnic Development. The event is to promote peaceful coexistence and harmony on the campus.

Setting the tone for the ceremony, the Rector, Mrs Ugochi Njoku, said it was a rare privilege for her to organise such an event since the school was established.

The school stadium, where the

Carnival of culture event was held, was filled to capacity as students trooped into the facility to catch a glimpse of the carnival. A traditional troupe added colour to the show through its stunts.

Each department came out with its team of revellers for performance. Members of staff were not left out.

Students of Faculty of Engineering brought their ingenuity to bear with the display of building architecture and various engineering masterpiece. The Department of Architecture used wood and aluminum sheet to design a replica of the polytechnic’s school gate.

Female students of the Department of Arts and Design used cement sack and wood thread to cover their bodies as they performed their dance steps. The Fishery Department brought a canoe they designed for the occasion.

Pupils of the polytechnic’s staff school were not left out. They displayed breathtaking acrobatics.

Speaking to CAMPUS LIFE, Mrs Njoku said: “The event is organised to ease the academic tension on campus. Students are having fun with their lecturers. This will promote understanding, which will in turn engender excellence. We have made all efforts to

ensure the event is successful and I believe after this, students would return to their classroom refreshed and rejuvenated.”

Students, who spoke to our correspondents, hailed the management for the event, describing the carnival as the biggest social event on the campus.

Chidera Ogbonna, a ND II Food Technology student, said: “I am happy to witness this carnival.

This is the first of its kind and I must say that the management led by the Rector has done a wonderful job putting the event together. It is the biggest social event on campus this year.”

Describing the event as successful, Uche Felix, a ND 1 Mass Communication, said: “I enjoyed every bit of the performance, es-

pecially the one rendered by students of Arts and Design Department. For me, it was all fun. I can’t wait to witness next year’s edition.”

Students of the Architecture Department were adjudged the best in acrobatic performance. They were given the sum of N50,000 as reward for their innovation. Department of Fishery got the Most Creative Department award, while Arts and Design Department got Best Costume award.

Dignitaries at the event include Eze Godwin Onyewuchi Nmerenin Dibia 1 of Umudibia Nekede, Deputy Rector, Mrs Florence Eleke, Librarian, Mr Christian Enyia, Bursar, Mr Adolphus Obi, Registrar, Mr Matthew Aligbe and Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr S.N. Ohakwe, among others.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

43

CAMPUS LIFE

I

HAVE been to Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja on two occasions. My second visit was the occasion of my Call to Bar Ceremony and I had to put up with an in-law of mine, who is married with two lovely children. I had a tough time keeping Ezinne, the three-year old child away from my room. She would run in and insist on ransacking and inspecting every belonging of mine. During one of such occasions, she stumbled on my wig and gown, and as soon as I informed her what they were for, she declared emphatically that she wanted to be a lawyer. Ebube, her elder sister, laughed and informed me that only some days ago, Ezinne had made a lot of noise about wanting to become a pilot. I had a good laugh at that revelation. But it was not only humour that was sparked up in me, as that incident took my thought down the windy path of memory.

I did not always want to be a lawyer. In fact, there came a time when I was totally clueless and confused as little Ezinne. Being the best Biology student in secondary school, my parents concluded that I would be a surgeon and frowned when I eventually went to the Art class.

My decision stemmed from my flair for the Art subjects and more importantly, it was, for me, a chance of becoming an economist like my favourite sister, Ify. At that time, I believed that if I followed my sister’s steps, I would then end up like the likes of

Lessons from my past Okonjo Iweala of the World Bank, Charles Soludo and Ndidi Okereke of the stock exchange. And so my sister became my greatest model and mentor. Then, it was not so much about what I really wanted to be in future, but who I wanted to imitate and eventually become.

I was blinded by my desire to become like other folks that I never looked deep down. Time went by and I found myself in the Economics department. I later got wiser, discovered a brand new path which I should follow if I desired career fulfilment - the legal profession.

Switching was not an easy task as I had to re-sit the JAMB exam and aptitude test, while also dedicating adequate study time to my courses. I sought counsel from few persons before I finally decided and of all the pieces of advice I got, the one offered by a certain Chioma, a final year student particularly stands out. She berated me for not considering my friends in the Economics department. Being the assistant course representative at that time, she reminded me that I owed my friends and fellow students great duty to remain with them in the career journey we had already begun. According to her, my decision to switch courses was most incongruous with my obligation to the class. I was to stand by my friends, she maintained, and any contrary decision

will be tantamount to disloyalty and gross unfaithfulness to friendship.

There was a certain doctor who also stands prominent in my mind.

I had a small medical challenge in school – one that I cannot remember now – and I visited the school clinic. When he inquired my discipline, I told him of my intention to switch discipline, he immediately started warning me. He considered my decision thoughtless and warned me to re-think. According to him, going into the legal profession would usher me into poverty. He made reference to several relatives of his who were lawyers with a long history of impecuniosity. “You may end up as a charge-and-bail lawyer, so you better stay in Economics,” he sternly cautioned.

I really considered Economics an amazing course which presents its graduate with wide prospects of employment. My decision was driven by a far deeper conviction, a nagging yearning, whose end I could not fathom. I was satisfied in the knowledge that I would derive eternal glee in the very act of following the path that I was rightly convinced was meant for me. I neither followed Chioma’s advice, nor that of the doctor, and so far, especially on the day I was called to the Nigerian Bar looking back in time, I have found endless

contentment in the path I treaded.

Experience, they say, is the best of teachers. So, from my career mistake, I learned a lot of lessons.

I am now convinced that everyone must follow his or her own dream, and strive to tread that unique way that is most suited for their destiny. I have also learned that role models and mentors are there to inspire us to be the best we can be.

They are not persons to be followed sheepishly or blindly. For we all are made with our own unique abilities and destinies.

Again, I have learned that in life, there will always be dream killers. Focus and determination is the only solution to overcoming them.

And for me, they were personified in Chioma, and the medical doctor. Chioma was wrong. I concede that there is nothing compared to faithful friendship. But any sort of friendship which becomes a barricade between a person and their dream, is at best, useless. It’s almost seven years now, the wind of life has blown me and those erstwhile course mates of mine to different directions, and naturally, I have lost touch with most of them.

The doctor was also grossly wrong. Fear is the seed of failure and there is nothing as bitter than pessimism and an abject lack of hope. His words were channelled to ignite fear in me, which if conceded to, will only distance me from my ambitions. Any man who prepares for poverty, will certainly find him at his doorpost. I did not set my eyes on poverty. Having

If I were NANS president

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HE National Association of Nigerian Students has elected new officers to pilot the affairs of the apex Nigerian students’ organisation and the largest black students’ movement in Africa.

NANS used to be one of the strongest unions in Nigeria that stood and fought for justice, good governance, rule of law and struggle for the greater interest and welfare of the Nigerian students. But today the reverse is the case.

If I were Comrade Tijani Usman, the newly elected president of NANS, my eecutives and I would work tirelessly to repair the image of NANS. The country and other parts of the world now see NANS as a political tool and a toothless bull dog. As the president, I will look back and learn from the past, establish good and cordial relationship with students and allied students’ groups. We will together repair the image of the largest students’ organisation in Africa. We will put an end to the bogus award-giving NANS and usher in a new era in students’ unionism.

One of my focal objectives as NANS president would also be to have a direct impact on my students.

The best way I could do this is by ensuring that intimidation, sexual harassment, exploitation of all kinds, witch hunting, suspension and unjustifiable rustication of students in our nation campuses be-

come a thing of the past. This will also make NANS embark on meaningful projects that would have direct impact on the lives of Nigerian students. And until that is achieved, many students will not see reasons to participate in NANS movement.

The history of Nigeria will be in complete without mentioning NUNS which metamorphosed into NANS. This is because of the active and pivotal role the then NANS played in the democratisation process of this country. So if I were the NANS president, I will make sure the union and comrades under this association speak out loud on issues that affect the students, the society and the country at large. I will bring NANS back to those good old days, those times when NANS was a respected crusader for the gospel of change. Therefore, NANS will speak when necessary, because the future would have no pity for those men who possessing the exceptional privilege of being able to speak the truth to their oppressor, but have taken refuge in passivity of mute indifference, and sometimes, cold complicity.

As NANS president, I can be described as a freedom fighter. And according to Ayatollah, “revolution is the religion of fighters for freedom, who pursue justice and righteousness, the religion of those who crave freedom and the school

of resisters of exploiters”. So “peaceful revolution” for a better Nigeria is going to be among our objectives. As president, I shall make sure my vibrant and intelligent executives, stakeholders and comrades across the country stand against corruption, injustice, bad leadership and injustice of any kind in our democratic experiment.

In the words of Prof Wole Soyinka, “the man dies in all who keeps silent in the face of tyranny… in any people that submit willingly to the daily humiliation of fear, the man dies”. My administration is going to have zero tolerance for maltreatment, intermittent wounding, maiming and killing of Nigerian students by government forces or due to negligence on the part of government agencies. In this regard, I will embark on nation-wide sensitisation of NANS officials, establish and maintain good relationship with security agencies and use my noble office to make sure government agencies like Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) do what is expected of them to reduce and prevent early death of my students. When all these are done, and the aforementioned still, then we shall be confrontational and ensure any one, government agencies or security personnel that intermediate, maim, wound or kill our student are brought to justice.

It is no doubt that Nigeria as a

By Abdulrahman Zakariyau country is facing a myriad of challenges ranging from insecurity to unemployment crisis. If I were the NANS President, part of my plan will be to integrate the country and close every gap created by ethnic and religious tussles. NANS shall organise intellectual programmes, seminars and workshops to bring various regional campuses together.

When this is done, the unity of the country will be strengthened and when there is unity, the security challenges we currently face, are half way solved.

If I were NANS President, I will

By Uche Anichebe only been called to the Nigerian Bar and currently in the NYSC orientation camp, I currently have three letters of employment from very reputable law firms in Victoria Island and Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Surely, the doctor was very wrong.

Finally and most importantly, the past incident has enhanced my appreciation of the concept of time.

It remains true, the old saying that no time is ever too late. Upon the discovery of a mistaken path already taken, one must be quick enough to make the necessary amends, or forever, live in regret, and wishful thinking.

Uche is a Corps member, NYSC LAGOS lead with zero tolerance for corruption and would never compromise my integrity for fleeting wads of naira notes. Once NANS is not corrupted, compromised, betrayed, miffed and hijacked by the Federal Government, then the association will be able to perform effectively as expected.

History has it that national association of Nigerian students has always been an advocate for good governance. My reign as the NANS president will make sure that the association regains its pride of place as a campaigner for true and lasting democracy. Therefore, we shall get involved in policy implementation and make Nigeria a better country for its people. As a consummate grass root mobiliser, NANS under my watch, would rally Nigerian students to support good governance and reject every bad administration.

Since Iam not NANS president, I urge its new president Tijani Usman, other executives and stakeholders, to make good use of this opportunity given to them to change NANS for good. They should consider some of these points as advice on what they can do to bring back the lost glory of the famous National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). The best part of activism is for one to make sure that his or her name is inscribed in history books. Let us continue the struggle and God willing, victory will surely be ours.

Abdulrahman just finished from Mass Comm., ABU Zaria

Nigerian culture: Why dry bones must rise again

C

HRISTIAN folks will be familiar with the story of the dry bones that sprang back to life like a corpse sent to haunt its killer. It is an epic experience that anyone would like to witness.

And, say for instance, one was given the opportunity to pronounce life to any cadaver of one’s choice, a plethora of options will flood into one’s heart: the imperative of having one’s granny back to life; the quest to fill the vacuum left by the demise of one’s parent; the need to have a dear sibling

By Oyindolapo Olusesi back; the pinch to save the helpless carcass of one’s spouse or the thirst of wrapping one’s arms around a deceased child. They will keep rushing in like edgy commuters on Nnamdi Azikwe Lane in Lagos.

And needless to dwell on the feeling of ecstasy that will emanate should such request be acceded to, the merriment will surely exceed that on the day of the prodigal son’s return. Duties will be put on

hold. Holidays will begin. It will not only remind one of the gone good days, it will give one an ample opportunity to experience them again. Indeed, even the staunchest of sadists will rejoice at such development.

Like we cherish our loved ones, it is expedient that we cherish our dwindling culture. It is sad to discover that a large number of the purported leaders of tomorrow are so estranged from the tenets of the nation they are to supposed to lead. If the words of the Yoruba be

true, that doom looms for a deity that young folks know nothing about, then, tragedy lurks in the corners.

A visit to various schools will reveal the hopeless state of our local dialects. Severe punishments dangle on anyone found speaking such languages within the school environs. I remember the N10 fine we paid if we faltered in keeping that directive. Parents are helping matters, as they start training their kids in the whiteman’s ways, from a very early stage – keeping to the

catch –them – young principle. A child that speaks thorough English is considered precocious and that whose grammar is not as sound is not presentable. A recent report on Silverbird Television reveals the dearth of Nigerian languages, even among the celebrities – some of whom were unable to speak their local dialects without infusing a bit of the English language.

We have forgotten that the proverbial river that forgets its source is predisposed to draught. Our lan•Continued on page 44

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

44

CAMPUS LIFE

‘Hard work is key to success’

F

RESHERS admitted into Ogun State College of Health Technology in IleseIjebu have been urged to work hard to achieve excellence. The Provost, Dr Tunji Dawodu, spoke when the college held its matriculation for the students.

The ceremony was graced by the families of the matriculating students.

Dr Dawodu urged them to be of good conduct and face their studies with all seriousness. He said: “It is my advice that you all be of good behaviour and remain focus, so as not to have any conflict with the college’s rules and regulations. Having chosen to take up career in the health sector, a lot of responsibilities are staring you in the face.

“You must be diligent, smart and hardworking. You should also know that regular attendance in class is compulsory, because it forms part of the evaluation criteria. Continuous assessment should be taken seriously because at the end of the day, it adds

Two firms to build UNILORIN’s 6,000-bed hostel

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WO estate agency firms have won a bid to construct 6,000-bed space for the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

Crossgate Designs and Hadrat Building and Estate Management Services have signed Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) agreement with the management of the institution to deliver the project.

While Crossgate proposed to build a 5,000bed hostel, Hadrat will build 1,000-bed hostel to further lessen the accommodation challenge in the school.

The representative of Crossgate, Mr Abdurauf Ojo, disclosed that the company intended to do the project in phases, saying 200-bed spaces would be completed by next February, while the whole project would be completed in 2016.

The Hadrat Building and Estate Management Services presented a similar proposal through its Project Manager, Mr Z. Oladotun, who said his company had an impressive track record in building and civil engineer-

By Kunle Akinrinade up to grade points average. Be respectful to your lecturers and obey all lawful instructions.

Be vigilant, be security conscious and be careful of the company that you keep.”

The Acting Registrar, Mr Toyin Obatosin, advised the students to see their studies as primary objective on the campus, while urging them to be obedient. “You must exhibit best conduct in studies and behaviour in order to excel and successfully pass out of the college,” he said.

Ayorinde Dipeolu, a fresh student of Health Information Management, said: “I shall exhibit good conduct and respect the regulations of the school as well as engendering robust relationship with the lecturers throughout my stay.”

The ceremony ended with the traditional handshaking of the freshers with the Provost.

• •A fresher having a traditional handshake with the Provost

Nigerian culture: Why dry bones must rise again

From Burhan Olaitan UNILORIN ing. He said the firm would comply with the regulations of the university.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Abdulganiyu Ambali, represented by the Deputy ViceChancellor (Academics), Prof N.Y. Ijaiya, said the university was in need of accommodation for its students, urging the firms to adhere to the rules and regulations of the school.

The university’s Director of Physical Planning Unit, Mr Ademola Adesiyun, said that the management was ready to take the developers to the site as soon as they submit their building plans, which must include the electrical design.

Adesiyun noted that the university had a standard Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for all its partners to foster mutual agreement.

The Director said the university was always keen about the quality of its buildings, because the structures are public facilities.

Meanwhile, the university has begun discussions with an agricultural firm, Deen Crowns Farms and Dairy, to establish of a plantain plantation on campus.

Mr Hussain Faizudeen, the manager of the firm, said it was first time his firm would partner with UNILORIN on such project.

•Continued from page 43

guages are as important as our existence as a society.

Even the America that we sheepishly revere and follow, in its diversity, refutes any servility to foreign language, hence the invention of American English.

According to Olusanya in his work, Introduction to Sociology, our education system is run as a means of propagating the colonialists’ culture. It divorces the kid from its native culture. And, sadly, that is the kind of system Nigerian parents extol and pray their kids epitomise. It is ponder-worthy the raison d’être of school’s expeditions. What drives such excursions? Are they truly another form of lessons or a mere way of making students have fun? If the former, do the students see it that way, or do their instructors make them see it from that angle?

Nigerian history is no longer taught in secondary schools. Those that teach it relegate it to the Art students – and even there, unfortunately, it is optional. In a society like ours, it is yet cataclysmal that youths are alienated from their history. In an insightful publication, fiery Nigerian columnist, Sam Omatseye, noted: “Most secondary schools in the country are doing away with the study of history, and the universities are diluting it, making history major study a lost cause.” History is a congruent tool for tackling topical problems in any society. He who knows little about history lacks the

bedrock for tackling contemporary issues.

Hence, Omatseye submits that: “If our young know history, they know their country. Tragically, the old, including our leaders, know little about our past, except the ones they experienced. If they know our history, they would know that some things happening today hark back to our past.”

Little wonder our leaders find it herculean to solve our problems.

It is therefore quintessential that we help our culture recuperate from its current state of comatose and our heritage be upheld against colonial underpinning. It is expedient that the entirety of the citizenry rise to the clarion call to salvage our culture. We indict the government of post-colonialism and its imperialist leanings– that they are yet under the shackles of the colonialists.

Yet, we promote the very sermons of the colonial leaders. We are predisposed to the Western culture at the expense of our native culture – dressing, eating, lifestyle, etc. In the words of Governor Babatunde Fashola, “it is regrettable that culture and tradition may go into extinction if something urgent is not done by relevant stakeholders, including the government, to revive the state of our culture.”

Indeed, if holistic measures are not taken towards resuscitating the dry bones of our sociocultural heritage, like a rootless tree, we may be extirpated by the winds of time.

Oyindolapo, 200-Level Law, UNILAG

LASPOTECH alumni elect officers

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HE Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) Alumni Association has elected new officers. At the end of the exercise held last Sunday, Olumuyiwa Olugbile emerged the president, while Yinka Adewusi became the Vice President.

Others elected are Wasiu Babalola, Secretary, Adesegun Olusanya, Assistant Secretary, Wasiu Ogungbo, Social Secretary, Olawale Oriade, Publicity Secretary, Afolabi Benson,

By Kunle Akinrinade Welfare Secretary and Adebayo Onaade, Auditor.

The chairman of the Electoral Committee, Comrade Yemi Arigbabu, explained that there were no contestants for the post of Treasurer, adding that the new officers would be sworn in this month.

How to make varsities great •Continued from page 31

Faith-based institutions, he said, were unique responsibility of promoting ethical values and leading the transformation of the society.

He said Crawford University had shown how a university should be run, noting that the school would be seen as a foremost institution where upright leaders are trained.

Adu said: “A university that carries the name of Rev. Florence Crawford must live in constant appreciation of the burden of responsibility it is carrying not only in ensuring the quality of its academic programmes but also not desecrating the good and great name of Crawford.”

The university administrator said academic curriculum must be upgraded with emphasis on analytical, communication, problem-

solving and creativity skills.

“Lecturers must shift emphasis to knowing and understanding their students, while their lectures must awake the potentials of students. If Nigeria must be great, it must be good and its people must be creative. Lecturers must lead the way by teaching with godliness and integrity,” he said.

The former Vice-Chancellor recommended that stakeholders must reconstruct the ethos and ethics of academics to engender good character among students.

Adu said: “Our education must be functional and qualitative with the right students, subject, teacher, requisite tools and time of learning. The key to achieve this aim is knowledge and godliness, which will promote quality delivery and restore our universities and society to the path of glory.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

45

EDUCATION AAUA FILE

Aliyu appoints Kolo as aide

Senate building for inauguration

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

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HE out-going Vice Chancellor of the Niger Stateowned Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Prof Ibrahim Adamu Kolo, has been appointed Special Adviser on Education to Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu .

His appointment came before the expiration of his tenure as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

The letter of appointment, signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Saidu Ndako Kpaki, was dated December 16, 2014, and would take effect from January 15, 2015.

According to the letter, Kolo’s appointment was “based on the track records of performance and achievements as a Provost of the State College of Education, Minna and his term as Vice Chancellor of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai”.

He further said the appointment was in tandem with the constitutional powers conferred on the governor, urging the new appointee to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in him by the governor.

•Prof Kolo

• Vice Chairman, Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind, Asiwaju Fola Oshibo; Chairman Executive Council, Mrs Bola Agbaje; and the Life Vice President, Chief Dr. Eniola Akinsete during the graduation of FNSB in Lagos.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Stakeholders hail TETFund on transparency V ARIOUS stakeholders have applauded the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for judiciously disbursing the two per cent Education Tax Fund (ETF) paid by registered companies yearly.

They spoke at the Taxpayers Forum organised by the agency at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos to reward companies that have paid their taxes over the years.

Government officials, vice chancellors, rectors and provosts of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education testified of how TETFund grants have helped improve infrastructure in their institutions, enabled staff training, provided equipment, books and instructional materials, and aided research.

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Education, Aminu Suleiman, endorsed the agency's activities, describing it as a good job well done. He said the success of the fund in improving facilities of tertiary institution is making lawmakers to consider establishing

Inter-campus link project to aid learning W

ITH the inauguration of the University Inter-Campus Connectivity (UNICC) project at the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos (CMUL) in Idi-Araba and 16 other medical schools, medical training in Nigeria can only get better.

Inaugurating the project, the Minister of Communication Technology, Dr Omobola Johnson, said students would learn better because class sessions would be archived and streamed online.

The smart classrooms have an interactive smart board, overhead projector, audio-visual support systems with lecture recording and playback capabilities, as well as 50 wireless-enabled touch screen computers.

The minister noted that the project would make education more effective and have positive impact on the students.

"They can have the lectures on their laptops, tabs; look at them later, make their own notes. What it does really is that it just enhances education, learning and of course research in the college of medicine like this," she said.

The minister said the 'smart classroom' project is being funded by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to facilitate the extension of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and telecommunication services to tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Dr Johnson said the project, which was implemented by Teledom Nigeria Limited through the USPF, and National Universities Commission (NUC), is designed to support the Nigerian Research Education Network (NgREN).

By Sampson Unamka

She disclosed that during the first phase of the project, the USPF will deploy over 300 kilometres of 48 cores, single mode Optic Fibre Cables (OFC) between the main campuses of 17 universities and their corresponding annexes.

When asked how soon it would spread to other tertiary institutions, the minister said after more colleges of medicine benefited in the second phase of the project, state universities, polytechnics and colleges of education would be connected.

Chief Executive Officer of Teledom Group, Emmanuel Ekuwem, said with the facility, students could access class sessions even after they have held.

“Whatever the teacher writes in class, the full video and audio of the event are saved in the server of the smart classroom. And because all the lectures are archived, if you were not in class, you simply go to the server and download the lecture. No lecturer or teacher will walk into a smart class room unprepared because whatever he or she does in a smart classroom leaves 500 years after him,’’ he said.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Rahamon Bello, expressed delight at the project.

"So, this intervention of USPF is essential and should be commended and extended to ensure the ICT infrastructure in our universities are complemented and upgraded to high standards," he said.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

a similar agency to fund basic and secondary education.

He said: "TETFund has not given me the opportunity to criticise. Since I sought for and could not find, I therefore, resolved to support the fund to continue the good job it does.

If there is one good thing that the country has got right, it is TETFund.

Some of us have been tempted to say that we should create a similar fund to cater for primary and secondary education as well,’’ he said.

Rector of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Magaret Ladipo, affirmed that the taxes have been well utilised to improve quality of education in tertiary institutions.

"TETFund is working; taxpayers' money is well utilised. If you come to YABATECH, apart from infrastructure, we are now bridging the gap between industry and the classroom. Without TETFund, it would have been impossible," she said.

On his part, the Provost, College of Education, Katsina-Ala in Benue State, Dr Hans Senwua, said almost all infrastructure in public institutions can be credited to TETFund, while the representative of Prof Godwin Onu of Oko Polytechnic, said if the tax is increased by even one per cent, more development would be recorded.

However, despite doing so well over the years, the vice chancellor, Bayero University Kano, Prof Adamu Rasheed Abubakar, in his paper, urged the agency to review how it funds research to strengthen the research capabilities of institutions.

He said the institutions were not

churning out relevant researches because they lacked the enabling environment.

He said: “There is lack of enabling environment in tertiary institutions to embrace enterprise. This makes research from tertiary institutions unattractive to industry. But for TETFund, the universities did not have the capacity to do serious research.TETFund may need to slightly fine-tune its role to support high impact research and development."

In his presentation, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Prof Suleiman Bogoro, said all categories of tertiary institutions in Nigeria benefited immensely from TETFund grants in the past three months. He said the method for disbursement is fair and devoid of politics.

He said: "In the past three months, we disbursed N912 million to every Federal and state university in this country; N681 million for polytechnics; N561 million for colleges of education. For the High-Impact fund, which is a special intervention fund to address particular identified needs, universities get N3 billion; polytechnics get N1 billion.

Gradually, we are covering many institutions."

At the event, 100 companies were presented with plaques for faithfully paying the Education Tax Fund, which is collected by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and remitted to TETFund.

One of the recipients, Mhammed Hijo, who collected on behalf of A. S. Yadin, a road construction company in Yola, said he was glad that the tax he paid was well utilised.

• Dr Johnson and the Provost of CMUL, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, at the event.

THE new four-wing and fivestorey Senate Building of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), in Ondo State, will be inaugurated tomorrow.

The structure, which has 16,000square metre office spaces on a 12-hectare land, will be inaugurated by the Visitor to the university Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

The edifice, will house the Vice Chancellor's Office, the Registry and the Bursary. It also has spaces for the Senate Chamber, Council Chamber, a large reception hall, and cocktail and entertainment lounge.

It boasts of five stairs, three lifts to aid accessibility, as well as a covered courtyard and a large foyer.

Other facilities include 104 parking lots with capacity to extend, 143 offices, 149 toilets, 11 Conference/Board rooms and a Generator House housing two 1,000 KVA generators.

On the exterior, two fountains and a well-landscaped lawn beautify the building. It also has an open Piazza that can sit 2,500 people.

Workers rewarded NINE AAUA staff smiled home with cash prizes ranging from N25,000 to N150,000, at the institution's maiden Best Staff Award.

The winners also got commendation letters.

Dr Bolanle Ogungbamila, a Senior Lecturer of the Department of Psychology, came first in the academic staff category and went home with N150,000; while Dr. Francis Gbore, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Biology; and Dr. Moyosola Akomolafe, another Senior Lecturer in the Department of Guidance and Counselling, tied as first runners-up with cash prize of N25,000 each.

Mr. Charlz Olusa, a Principal Assistant Registrar (Senate), got the star prize of N100,000 in the senior staff (Administrative and Technical) category; while Dr. Joseph Osakuade, a Senior Master I of the University Staff School, and Mr. Razaq Adeyemo (Bursary Department), who were first and second runners-up, received N25,000 each.

VC counsels alumni leaders THE AAUA Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Femi Mimiko, has urged the pioneer national executive officers of the institution's alumni association to focus on mobilising graduates and fostering unity among themselves.

He also enjoined the new officers to support the university administration for the uplift of their alma mater.

The VC gave the charge while inaugurating the new officers of the associaion during its two-day Delegates' Conference, tagged: "Towards a Functional Alumni Association in AAUA".

“As a functional alumni association, you are expected to continuously mobilise all graduates of the university into your fold, foster bonding, unity and cooperation among the alumni; support the University at all times, not just with finances and resources, but also contacts, and continuously project AAUA in good light,’’ he said.

The VC said he was glad that the reconstruction of the association’s building had been completed following efforts he made when he assumed office in 2010.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

46

CAMPUS LIFE AOCOED FILE

SCHOLARSHIPS APPROACHING DEADLINE

Don wins UNESCO fellowship A LECTURER in the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Dr. Temitope Elizabeth Odetoye, has won the L'Oreal-UNESCO for Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Fellowship.

Odetoye is one of the 10 talented African women who bagged the Fellowship at a grand ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa, in November. Odetoye will receive 10,000 euros as a postdoctoral researcher working in a laboratory in an African country.

The award, which was given to women for the quality of their research, is to encourage them to pursue a career in science-related fields. The selection criteria included outstanding academic records, impact of publications, relevance of research project, and ability to promote science to younger audience.

Honour for ex-dean THE immediate past Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Prof.

BabatundeLateef Adeleke, has been conferred with a Merit award by his native community, Osogbo, Osun State.

Adeleke, a professor of Statistics, was conferred with the honour at a grand ceremony at the Osogbo City Hall.

According to the Osogbo Progressive Union (National), organiser of the event, the award "aimes at honouring selected distinguished personalities who have contributed in no small measure to the development of Osogbo land in various areas such as education, business, industry, politics, community service, civil service, arts, culture, religion, health care and other philanthropic gestures."

Centre’s pioneer workers feted THE National Centre for Hydropower Research and Development (NACHRED), UNILORIN, has held a party to celebrate five pioneer members for their contributions to the centre.

They were: Prof. B. F. Sule, the centre's pioneer Director.

Others include: Alhaji Saka Onolapo, Dr. M. K. Garba, Adeogun Ganiyu and Miss Oluwafunsho O. Raiyemo.

The Vice-Chancellor UNILORIN, Prof. AbdulGaniyuAmbali, represented by his deputy (Academics), Prof. (Mrs.) N.Y. S. Ijaiya, urged the centre’s staff to work hard.

The centre’s Acting Director, Dr. O. S. Balogun, urged Sule to continue to sustain enviable culture at the centre.

UNU-INRA Visiting Scholarship Programme for Africans, 2015-2016 •Continued from last edition Eligibility: This programme is reserved for applicants from the African continent who are faculty members or researchers at African universities and other research institutions. Applicants should have a PhD degree in environmental economics, natural resource economics, ecological economics, development economics, agricultural economics, soil science or any other relevant field of study.

-Female candidates are encouraged to apply. (In recent years, four out of

ten visiting scholars have been female.)

All candidates are expected to demonstrate excellent communication and writing skills in either French or English.

A working knowledge of the second language will be an advantage.

The programme does not make provision for collection of primary data.

The programme is ideal for candidates who have the relevant data and who desire an environment to undertake data analysis and write-up.

Specific research questions may be proposed to a selected candidate, but

priority will be given to those candidates who already have research questions which overlap with our current thematic areas in green growth for rural Africa.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Citizens of Africa can apply for these visiting scholarships.

Scholarship Description: UNU-INRA, with funding from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), is undertaking a three-year project titled: ”Unleashing the potential of African Rural Economies through green growth”.

The project aims to provide empirical

Don urges Fed Govt on climate change

T

HE Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Director Centre For Cilmate Change and Environmental Research (CCCER) Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof.

Temilolu Emmanuel Ologunorisa, has called on the Federal Government to rise to the dangers posed by climate change to protect Nigerians from future danger.

He gave the advice in a paper he delivered at the 2014 Special Lecture Series organised by the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo.

Speaking on a topic titled: Climate change impact, vulnerability and adaptation in Nigeria, Ologunorisa described climate change and its impact on the environment and social -economic system as the most important challenge that confronts mankind.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

He identified extreme weather as one of the impact of climate change, noting that its effect has been attributed to the occurrences of flood, drought, heat, cold waves in different parts of the world in recent years.

Ologunorisa also spoke on climate variability in arid and semi arid regions, stating that agricultural activities when affected by climate change in these regions, could result in a decrease in food production and cause adverse effect on the health of the people.

On global warming, the climate expert attributed it to factors which include emission of poisonous substance such as methane and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.

He also said vehicular emission of gases as well as waste products

• Prof Ologunorisa

from industrial establishments and thermal power stations are some of the sources of carbon dioxide which pollute the environment.

He warned if the situation was not addressed on time, its impact could cause mankind untold calamity, such as malnutrition in children and sudden deaths among adults as a result of increasing cases of cardio respiratory diseases.

evidence on how green growth strategies can, amongst others, influence employment, income generation, innovation, competitiveness and social inclusion for rural Africa under four thematic areas: Green business opportunities in rural Africa Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and resource efficiency, productivity and resilience in rural Africa •Continued on next edition

Describing climate change as a global problem, the university don urged the government to be on the alert to prevent the phenomenon from exerting its impact on agriculture, land use, energy, bio-diversity, health and water resources.

According to him, since scientific findings revealed that about twothirds of states, such as Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Sokoto, and Niger are prone to desertification, adding that there is urgent need to address the problem to prevent inhabitants of these areas from experiencing starvation and becoming refugees.

He harped on the need to protect farmers in the south from experiencing the negative effect of climate change which may come in form of reduction in rainfall, outbreak of crop pests, diseases heatstones, among others, adding that the move has become necessary to prevent food shortage and loss of their livelihood.

The Provost of ACE Ondo, Prof.

Olukoya Ogen, described the lectures as apt and vital to the development of the country and enrichment of people’s mind.

Beneficiaries praise Fed Govt’s internship scheme HEN Kinsley Nwoke who studied Banking and Finance graduated from the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri in 2005, his eyes were already glued to becoming a banker in short time. He never got that dream attained until nine years after.

Kinsley put his hand in everything, applied to many blue chip companies, including banks, to no avail. In 2008, he was recruited as a contract staff in one of the now defunct third generation banks.

He was relieved of the job a year after due to restructuring.

Kingsley had no choice but to resort to doing all sorts of demeaning jobs as he was gradually ageing. He later took up teaching in various private schools around Igbesa area in Ogun State, on a meagre salary.

W

By Adegunle Olugbamila

He soon got married to a working class woman; they both pooled their resources to cater for their two children and meet other needs.

Just like Kingsley, many graduates have had a lifeline courtesy of the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) under the SURE P of the Federal Government.

Though introduced in 2012,

Kinsley only heard about the scheme in October, last year and registered. Having gone through a three-day orientation by the Federal Ministry of Finance, as a prelude to the training, Kinsley is now optimistic of a brighter future.

“This one will provide training for one year and I am combining it with the little experience that I have already to make my CV richer,” Kinsley told The Nation.

He continued: “I am in Crawford

Some interns will become employers at the end of the programme while others will be employed. The training, basically, is for interns to know what they are doing and how exactly to become entrepreneurs

• Members of the Methodist Boys High School Ibadan Old Boys Association (85-91 set) in a group photograph after their annual reunion held at the school premises in Ibadan on Friday (Boxing Day).

University as an intern now.

“I work in the Bursary where I issue cheques and register students. For me, the experience is a lot better than teaching. I was just teaching because there is nothing else for me to do. The monthly pay is also better than what I got as a teacher.”

Kingsley said he was doing his best to prove his worth, hoping that the university would retain him at the end of the exercise.

The Project Director, Mr Peter Papka, explained that programme was aimed at providing graduates with job experience and make them ideal for employment.

“They will add it (job experience) to their CV to make it richer.

Companies these days want to employ experienced people so we are giving them an avenue to gain it. Some interns will become employers at the end of the programme while others will be employed. The training, basically, is for interns to know what they are doing and how exactly to become entrepreneurs,” he said.

Represented by Projector Auditor, Implementation Unit, of the ministry, Mrs Adesanya Christiana, Papka said the threeday event was an opportunity for interns to interface with employers. According to him, each intern is paid 30, 000 monthly.

Mr Kunle Edagbemi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Untimate Drycleaning Company, Ikeja, said he has six interns under him, adding that they were doing well.

“We are into professional drycleaning. Some of the interns do marketing for the company. Some, especially those who studied BioChemistry, work in the cloth treatment department where cloths are treated with chemicals and stains are removed,” he said.

He said the interns who were hard working and willing would be retained.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

47

EDUCATION

Group rewards outstanding pupils

S

• First Prize Winner, UBA Foundation National Essay Competition for Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria, , Fehintoluwa Fabelurin of Maverick College, Ibadan, (middle) flanked by 2nd placed winner, Obi Chukwudum of Saint Thomas Secondary School, Kano, and 3rd placed Sunday Ikemsinachi of Dority International Secondary School, Aba, during the grand finale of the competition held at UBA House, Lagos.

IX pupils in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, Lagos State have been awarded prizes at the Third Oshodi Brilliance Awards (OBA) at Ikeja Grammar School Hall, Oshodi.

According to the organiser, Nigeria will be greater when the culture of appreciation for positive achievements is enthroned, adding that the central message of OBA is that recognition serves as an impetus to greater productivity.

The awardees were: Ogunola Taiwo of Ewafuntun Senior Grammar school; Iwuala Onyinyechi of Mafoluku Senior Grammar School; Esekhiagbe Peter of Ikeja Senior Grammar School; and Abdul Azeez Olamilekan of Oshodi Senior High School.

The two others were: Ogunniyi Isreal of Bolade Senior Grammar School and Ekemma Emeka of Oshodi Comprehensive Senior High School who emerged overall best. Emeka bagged two awards - overall best and best student.

Speaking to The Nation on how he achieved it, 17-year-old Emeka said: “It was not quite easy but due

It was not quite easy but due to my hard work and dedication. Sometimes I do sleep late into the night because of study.

I also associate with intelligent friends because a popular saying goes thus: “Bad company corrupts good manners”

By Sampson Unamka

to my hard work and dedication.

Sometimes I do sleep late into the night because of study. I also associate with intelligent friends because a popular saying goes thus: “Bad company corrupts good manners.”

Emeka, who is the son of an interior decorator father and mother, who is into business, hopes to study Chemical Engineering in future.

“He advised his colleagues: We all should always work and study hard. We should always strive for success and not settle for less.”

Chairman of Adams College, Mr Adams Adebola, said the council

was inspired to start the initiative because of the societal penchant for rewarding mediocre pupils.

“For national development, education is key and one of the ways we can develop it further is to look into the grassroots and see how we can get young boys and girls into limelight by motivating and encouraging them.

Congratulating the awardees, Education Secretary Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, Mr Olalekan Adekoya, said: “We congratulate the winners; we urge them to see this as a call to higher duties. You must be ambassadors of change by redoubling your efforts and promoting the culture of diligence and doggedness.”

Pupils advised to meditate

P

UPILS of Redeemer's Intentional Secondary School (RISS), Port Harcourt in Rivers State, have been advised not to see Yuletide as a period to merry, but a season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The school's head teacher of Mrs Joy Oseahon, gave the advice during the school's end of year party and Christmas Carol service.

She said as a Christian school

Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

with high moral standard and academic excellence, pupils are expected to reflect its values as they mingle with other children to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

She noted that graduates of the school acquire both academic and spiritual excellence.

She said: "We have told our

We have told our pupils to know that Christmas is not about eating, buying, dancing and playing but to meditate on Jesus Christ who is the reason for the season

pupils to know that Christmas is not about eating, buying, dancing and playing but to meditate on Jesus Christ who is the reason for the season. It is the end of the year, so we are celebrating Jesus.

"This is a Christian school which focuses purely on Christian ethics.

We teach them how they can understand Jesus, practice His words and demonstrate it through their behaviour," she said.

The school administrator, Mrs Modupe Oni said: "Both parents and children should know that without the birth of Jesus, there will be no death and without His death, there will be no redemption. So the reason for the celebration in this season is Jesus Christ."

Kogi spends N2.99b on school’s renovation

T

HE Kogi State government says so far, it has expended N1.64 billion on the upgrade of its primary schools.

Similarly, another N1.35 billion was spent on the upgrade of structures and facilities in select postprimary schools across the state.

Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada in a statement listed Abdulazeez Atta Memorial College, Okene, Government Secondary School, Dekina, St. Augustine's College, Kabba and Titcombe College, Egbe, as some of the schools being renovated.

Speaking during the inauguration of constructed schools funded by the Oladele Oyelola Foundation at Ayegunle Gbede, Iyah Gbede and Ayetoro Gbede, all in Ijumu Local Government, Wada, who was represented by his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, said as a product of the public school system and having enjoyed considerable opportunities that made it possible for him to pursue his careers despite his humble parental background, he was challenged to improve the physical conditions of public schools.

Wada promised that the government would further commit over N5 billion to provision of structural, instructional materials and social facilities in basic schools in the state this year.

He praised the foundation initiated by Oyelola, for his resolve at promoting human capital development and empowerment.

• Onyema (left) and Ajayi at the facility.

From James Azania, Lokoja

In her address, Kogi State Commissioner for Education Dr Agnes Okai, lauded the foundation for complementing the efforts of the state government in improving learning and teaching in public schools. She assured that facilities provided would be put to good use.

Earlier, Oyelola said funding of education could no longer be left in the hands of government. He

T •Wada

urged other well-to-do individuals to partner with the government in developing education.

Rotary Festac donates crèche to HE Rotary Club of Festac public school Town, Lagos has inaugu-

rated a children's lounge in Central Primary School, AmuwoOdofin Local Government Area.

The lounge is well-equipped with learning aids to give children a feel of some of the facilities they may be lacking at home.

Some of the facilities in the air-

• The Founder, Ajesola Solarin Majekodunmi Foundation, Prof. Ajesola Majekodunmi (middle) with teachers and pupils of Surulere Girls Secondary School, Lagos at the 2013/3014 Scholarship awards and fund raising of the foundation at the University of Lagos.

By Ibrahim Adam

conditioned room include: an LCD television, a DVD set in an colourful cartooned wall arts, DSTV and a padded foam carpets.

According to the President of the club, Gabriel Onyema, the idea of the lounge, which he estimated at N730,000, is to afford the less-privileged the same opportunity as their counterparts in high flying private schools, and other children in the neighbourhood.

The centre will be open to the public from 7am- 5pm daily free and will be maintained every three months by the Rotary, Onyema added. The facility was handed over to the local government.

"We hope parents will appreciate this gesture and make good use of it because it is our zeal to impact knowledge on the younger ones with the hope to improve education in the country.

These are the kind of things we expect the government to invest in in the education system."

Onyema said.

Council Manager of Amuwo Odofin, Mr Segun Ajayi, described the gesture as unique and the fulfilment of a promise.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

48

EDUCATION

Cleric warns parents against T exam malpractice HE Lord Bishop of Lagos West Anglican Diocese Rt. Rev. James Odedeji has urged parents to stop abetting examination malpractice.

He spoke at the inauguration of the Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye Schools.

He said parents who helped their wards to cheat to pass examinations were as guilty as those who steal public funds.

He said: “Parents should teach their children good example; they should bring them up to understand that cheating is not the way of God. They should not assist them fraudulently to pass exam; rather, they should create the enabling environment that will allow them to study hard to pass their examinations.”

He added that education in Ni-

By Musa Odoshimokhe

geria had received a boost since schools were returned to the missions. “You can see that the schools under our control in Lagos State are doing extremely well. The schools are well taken care of in terms of the provision of teaching facilities and conducive learning environment,” he said.

He further urged the Federal Government to make education accessible to Nigerians through the provision of grants and scholarships to the underprivileged who cannot afford the cost of education.

He maintained that the society

Parents should teach their children good example; they should bring them up to understand that cheating is not the way of God. They should not assist them fraudulently to pass exam; rather, they should create the enabling environment that will allow them to study hard to pass their examinations

would be better if the youth had access to good education that will make them productive. “The youth who roam the streets probably do not have access to good and qualitative education.

“It is the responsibility of the government to cater for its citizen – including the provision of means of education, supporting the missions to train the people morally and otherwise,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman Board of Governors of the school, Mrs. Adenike Okudoh, said the maintenance of schools was important.

“Regular maintenance of school facilities which on the long run may even be more than the cost of the buildings must be inculcated.

“The schools environment must be kept clean, damage must be minimised and report areas of attention to the appropriate authorities. The cost of building schools in Nigeria is alarming and it must be continued if we have to keep abreast of global standards,”she explained.

• Host and member, Governing Council, University of Calabar, Otunba Ilupeju Muhammed (7th left); his wife, Alhaja Titilope Ilupeju (sixth left) and Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Salaam Najeem (sixth right) with other members of the 1993 graduates of Political Science from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, at a get-together in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Lagos obtains 8,000 maps for schools

F

ROM this term, Civic Education, History, Government and Geography classes will come alive in public primary and secondary schools thanks to the new Nigerian maps purchased by the Lagos State Ministry of Education to aid teaching and learning.

In addition to showing the positions of all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as their capital, the maps which were designed by Safari Books, also provides information about the population of each state, number of languages, and natural re-

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

sources.

The Lagos State government purchased 3,500 of the maps, while West African Ventures donated an additional 4,500 copies.

Receiving the maps at the conference room of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, said the dearth of maps in schools was a concern for the ministry which wanted to buy some before Safari produced the updated map.

PTA donates science lab

T

HE Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Babcock University Schools, Ogba, Lagos State, has donated a science laboratory to the school.

The PTA Chairman, Mr Mykel Jegede, said there were plans to add a second laboratory as well as upgrade the computer laboratory, among other projects.

Jegede said it was the duty of parents to partner with teachers in training the students so they could become useful to their families and the society at large.

He praised parents who offered themselves to support the school in

various capacities. He also praised the management of the school for maintaining a cordial relationship with the PTA. Speaking at the inauguration, Principal of the school, Elder Gabriel Fasanu, thanked the parents for their support.

He also informed the parents that the school was planning for the Home Economics laboratory and Basic Technology workshop and an e-library.

He appealed to parents to support the library project by donating generously towards it, adding that the pupil population has increased by over 100 per cent.

She said the maps, which would be distributed to the 1, 007 public primary schools and 664 junior and senior secondary schools, would go a long way to help pupils understand the subjects better.

The commissioner also said it would help many Nigerians who do not know the map of the country to learn.

"Let me assure you that the maps will help the students in their subjects such as Geography, History, Civic Education and Government among others; and they will know more about the country, states of the federation, local government areas and indeed the world. In addition, the map will aid the understanding of the country by other Nigerians as well," she said.

The Commissioner also thanked the West African Venture for the donation of the additional 4,500 copies of the instructional materials to complement the state government's efforts in improving learning outcomes in schools.

On his part, the Executive Chairman of Safari Books Ltd, Chief Joop Berkhout, said his organisation decided to produce the maps after finding out that there were no maps in schools.

He thanked the Lagos State government for the enthusiasm that greeted the map project.

EDUTALK

with

Great 2015!

Are we in doubt?

E underrate ourselves so much.

We are overcritical of what we have. We wait for endorsement from foreign countries before we can validate our worth. However, I hope this year, things would change. After all, it is a New Year, another opportunity for a new beginning.

Some may wonder that as a

W

Kofoworola

Belo-Osagie Kofosagie@yahoo.com 08054503077 (SMS only)

writer, I am one of those who criticize the system. Yes, I do try to point out what is wrong with the hope that we can make amends.

But I am also a firm believer in Nigeria. I love Timi Dakolo's song, Great Nation. It says it all. Please sing the chorus below: We're all we have, we'll defend our land We believe in this nation, and we know we'll get there We're all we have, we'll defend our land We believe in Nigeria and the promise she holds And that one day we'll shine like the sun We're a great nation I am tempted to reproduce the entire lyrics of the song but I will resist that temptation. Before Dakolo's song, I loved the one composed by King Sunny Ade (Nigeria yi ti gbogbo wa ni). It also speaks of patriotism and the fact that we are the ones to lift our country up.

Some may wonder again why this feverish spirit of patriotism has suddenly enveloped me. It has always been there - perhaps buried under so many disappointments about how despite so much potential, Nigeria remains an underdog. But I have strong faith that our deliverance is closer than we expect.

Mrs Obiageli Ezekwesili strengthened this faith on November 29, 2014 at a programme organised by Women In Successful Careers (WISCAR) when she said she had hope that Nigeria would rise again because she could see the youth unfolding in a new way.

So why do I suddenly feel so hopeful. Well, part of it had to do with reading a speech delivered by Prof Peter Okebukola at the 2014 convocation of the Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun State recently.

He said despite the beating that our education system gets, it is still better than most of Africa. And, if we just do our bit, our institutions would compete favourably with others around the world. Hear him: "During the course of the year, God provided an opportunity to visit several universities within and outside Africa. One of the projects which studied quality of university education, my team found a generally poor quality of higher education system in all 54 African countries that we studied in comparison with Europe and North America. Within this gloomy picture, it is bitter-sweet to note that the Nigerian university system rated among the best in Africa.

It is proverbially said that if you have not visited the farm of others, you will believe that your father's farm is either the best of the worst.

"Aside from South Africa and Egypt, our data showed that no other national university system in Africa matched the quality of curriculum, staff and students of the Nigerian university system. At international conferences, Nigerian scholars are rated among the best in terms of quality of participation.

"Students trained in Nigerian are highly sought after for postgraduate studies in European and North American universities and during post-graduate training, they perform among the best."

Can you believe what you just read? That our curriculum is actually not as bad as we think? Our curriculum that many so-called elite private primary and secondary schools replace with foreign curricula? I have always taken their claim with a pinch of salt. This is because I have seen so many who wrote our Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and travelled abroad to study in foreign universities and topped their classes there.

Okebukola's speech also revealed where we are not doing well.

He said: "On the not-so-pleasing side, our date revealed that relative to many other countries in Africa, Europe and North America, Nigerian universities are poor in infrastructure, reading culture is poor among students and research culture among staff is weak."

But if these areas are corrected, then Nigeria would be a force to reckon with. Let us take up the challenge. Happy New Year!

‘Can you believe what you just read? That our curriculum is actually not as bad as we think? Our curriculum that many so-called elite private primary and secondary schools replace with foreign curricula? I have always taken their claim with a pinch of salt. This is because I have seen so many who wrote our Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and travelled abroad to study in foreign universities and topped their classes there’

50

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

51

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

CLINIC DAY

Managing Director, Health Forever Product Limited, Otunba Olajuwon Okubena, answers the question on natural remedies for cancer.

‘Natural medicine suitable for cancer treatment’ Question: T

HE rampant incidence of cancer in Nigeria in recent times, has informed the choice of the topic of this article which is the first in the health column for the New Year. I have reviewed many articles on the internet and I was fascinated by one written

by Mr. Tony Isaacs as it dealt with the issue of cancer in a very comprehensive way. He has agreed that his work could be replicated to spread the essential knowledge about cancer.

Western medicine, in contrast to at least 6000 years of natural medicine, treats the body as a collection of parts instead of as a synergistic organism. When it comes to treating broken bones and injured body parts, mainstream Western medicine is unequaled.

When this same approach is used to treat illness and disease - fixing or repairing the parts where the symptoms of underlying illnesses manifest themselves, modern medicine fails miserably.

In the instance of cancer, instead of addressing the causes of cancer - toxins and a weakened immune system - we see instead treatments that either slash, burn or poison away the tumors and cancer cells, which further weakens an immune system cancer has already defeated and only worsens the conditions that led to cancer to begin with.

Even if initially successful at getting rid of existing cancer cells and tumors, the end result is a weakened body which may have major organ damage and which is more susceptible to the reappearance of the original cancer, as well as other forms of cancer and diseases.

For half a century or more, we have been told that a breakthrough or cure for cancer is just around the corner, yet the death rates for cancer remain virtually unchanged. Meanwhile, effective natural and alternative treatments which address and correct the actual causes of cancer continue to enjoy much greater success than the largely failed mainstream treatments, even as they are suppressed and come under increasing attack by the medical establishment.

By far the most effective way to beat and avoid cancer is to remove the causes of cancer and to make your body as inhospitable to cancer and illness as possible. To understand what steps we should and can take, we should understand what we know about cancer: We know that: •The development of cancer indicate that our natural first line of defence, our immune system, has been defeated and that the presence of either toxins and pathogens, and some imbalance in our bodies have led to the development of cancer and enabled it to gain an upper hand.

•Cancer cannot develop without an impaired liver.

•Cancer cannot survive in an alkaline environment, nor can it survive in a highly oxygenated environment.

•Detoxing and cleansing our colons and liver helps restore balance, prepares our bodies to better be able utilise natural immune boosters and cancer fighters and paves the way to rebuilding our livers and immune systems.

•Cancer cells are diseased, impaired and/ or beset by pathogens and have lost the ability to die naturally through cellular apoptosis and be replaced by healthy cells. These cancerous cells simply become abnormal and outlive the other cells in their normal cell life/replacement cycle and end up crowding out a territory over time.

• Iodine, vitamin D, and potassium are all vital to beat and ward off cancer.

•Fresh air, pure water and sunshine are also vital to maintain healthy bodies which can fight off and beat conditions like cancer.

Sir, how useful is natural medicine in cancer treatment?

-Adenrele Olajide, student, Ibadan, Oyo State

•A natural diet of uncontaminated raw vegetables and raw fruits, with plenty of omega-3 and balanced nutrition has been proven to be effective in numerous natural anti-cancer protocols.

•A great number of natural botanicals and supplements, such as those containing beta glucans and other long-chain polysacharrides, the oleander remedy I have written about, Colloidal Silver, Inositol (IP6), the ABM mushroom, South Africa’s “Cancer Bush” sutherlandia frutescans, cat’s claw, pau d’arco, corialus versicolor mushroom, and many others have been proven to boost the immune system, destroy pathogens, protect our cells, and beat cancer.

•An excellent dietary supplement called Jobelyn which is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants in the world and the most researched herbal remedy in Africa for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune modulating properties has been approved by the Nigerian regulatory authorities to be marketed for its antioxidant and immune boosting properties.

We have accumulated evidences of the efficacy of Jobelyn in some cancer patients as shown below: An American, whose wife is an associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University, Massachusetts, United States had acute myeloid leukemia, refractory type M-O. He received three courses of chemotherapy between 1996 and 97. Two weeks after the last chemotherapy, his leukemia relapsed.

He subsequently underwent a bone marrow transplant, but the leukemia relapsed later. He went for another protocol in which he received lymphocyte infusion (helper - T cells) followed by three weeks of interleuken two injections. In spite of all these, his blasts continued to increase and the haematocrit kept going down. He was transfused with two pints of whole blood every other day.

He also received multiple platelet transfusions. His case was dismissed by his doctors at Dana Farber Cancer Centre (one of the best two cancer centres in the world) as irredeemable. He was given two days to live after discharge from hospital.

His wife, Elsie, placed an order for Jobelyn capsules through the internet. Though the patient is now deceased, his condition while on this therapy could best be summarised in the spouse’s own words “The Jobelyn treatment definitely stabilised his haematocrit for as long as he took it and it may have prolonged his life a few weeks. Having been able to keep him alive for a month after they thought he was going to die was worth it”. (ii) A middle-aged woman who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when it was at the terminal stage was treated with Jobelyn capsules at a Nigerian university teaching hospital and got full remission within a period of six months. ( iii ) Another testimony was from Niyi Owoyemi, father of 26-year-old leukemia patient whose ailment had defied chemotherapy and who was on the verge of receiving a bone marrow transplant. He came to Nigeria from America to procure the remedy for his son and returned four or five months afterwards to say that his son had been discharged from hospital as a result of

•Okubena

complete remission.

The following protocol is therefore recommended, based on what nature has to offer us: •As soon as possible, cleanse your body to get rid of built up toxins like heavy metals and pesticides, as well as the undigested food, fecal matter and gallstones that build up in the body by cleansing your colon and liver and by chelation to rid the body of heavy metals. Such contaminations are breeding grounds for, and causes of, disease and illness. A toxic and unclean body weakens the body’s immune system that should be your first line of defence. Once cleansed, the body is much more receptive to the good measures you take to rebuild your immune system and fight disease.

•Cleanse your environment to the greatest extent possible and eliminate bad habits.

In an ideal world, you would move to the country where there was plenty of fresh air and sunshine and less stress. In the real world you may not find that possible, so eliminate common toxins in your household, workplace and other places you spend time.

•Immediately eliminate bad habits and begin building build good ones so that you will make sure that you no longer have habits that weaken your immune system and that you will be able to build your body to fight and conquer illness. A sedentary lifestyle with a poor diet, lack of pure water, sunshine and fresh air, and constant exposure to toxins will in time lead to bad health conditions. Remember, a bad health habit is like an invitation card for illness and disease to enter your body.

•Begin and maintain a healthy immuneboosting and cancer fighting diet. A good balanced diet, pure water, fresh air, sunshine and exercise are some of the essentials. You will find that a good diet does not have to be a bad tasting diet –far from it! However, it should be noted that the very best and most healthy diet is one that is close to the diet our ancestors evolved to utilise: lots of fresh and uncooked vegetables, fruits, nuts, roots and tubors, and fish and meat uncontaminated by growth hormones, artificial fertilizers or pesticides – and little or no grain or dairy products. It should be noted that of all the foods, essentially only raw vegetables and fruits contribute to an alkaline pH. •Rebuild and strengthen the body’s natural immune system. It is very likely that a weakened immune system contributed to your illness in the first place. It is absolutely certain that a rebuilt and strengthened immune system will help you beat your illness and keep it at bay. Again, good diet, nutrition and habits are all important – they lay the foundation for a strong and healthy

immune system. However, they are not enough by themselves. You want to build a good foundation and then make your body a healthy fortress against disease and illness.

Quite simply, disease and illness hate healthy hosts. The stronger your immune system is, the harder it is for disease to survive and grow.

And, to be the very strongest you can be, you need extra measures in the form of supplements as well as the healthiest foods.

• Cleanse, restore and protect the liver before, during and after your anti-cancer and disease battle. Cancer cannot develop unless the liver is impaired to begin with. Plus, an effective cancer fighting regimen will result in the release of a cascade of toxins that are released when cancer cells die. Such a release can overwhelm an already impaired liver and can even be fatal if measures are not taken to protect and regenerate the liver.

Some of the very best anti-oxidants to use to protect and regenerate the liver are the ones used in the Berkson Clinical Study: Milk Thistle (silymarin), alpha lipoic acid and selenium.

•Maintain an alkaline pH and get plenty of oxygen to the cellular level. Cancer cannot survive in the presence of an alkaline cellular pH level, nor can it survive in the presence of highly oxygenated cells. Dr. Johanna Budwig of Germany has shown that for proper cellular utilization of oxygen to take place, our diets must contain adequate amounts of unsaturated fatty acids.

•Make sure you have plenty of iodine, potassium and Vitamin D. All have been proven to be essential in beating and avoiding cancer. As mentioned above, cancer cells have lost the ability to be shut off by the body in what is called cellular apoptosis.

These cancerous cells simply become abnormal and outlive the other cells in their normal cell life/replacement cycle and end up crowding out a territory over time. Iodine goes in and both does away with the surrounding cyst where cancer has set up residence and then also goes in and allows the specific shut down of the individual cells that are abnormal, diseased, or beset w/ pathogens to make room for new cells.

•Drink plenty of pure water and get plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Water is essential for all healthy life;however, regular tap water contains trace amounts of hundreds to thousands of pesticides, carcinogens and other industrial pollutants.

For that reason, the author recommends only the purest drinking water, such as reverse osmosis filtered water. Don’t overdo the sunshine, but sunshine is essential to the production of vitamin D, and, strange as it may sound, has been found to be essential in warding off melanoma as well as other cancers.

•Exercise in moderation. Regular exercise does not have to be grueling, but it is essential. Exercise stimulates the immune system, stimulates the production of natural human growth hormone, stimulates the production of hormones and pheromones that make us happier and healthier, and simply leads to alonger and happier life period. It is not a coincidence that studies have shown up that those who exercise only a few hours each week have up to 50 per cent less chance of developing many different kinds of cancer.

•Avoid sugar to the greatest extent possible.

Sugar feeds cancer and other illnesses and causes a myriad of other health problems.

Refined sugar is also the number one single cause of health problems in the entire world!

•The final key to winning your battle is your mental attitude. Remove as much stress from your life as you can and believe that you are going to win. Stress and worry accomplish nothing – worse, they are actually allies of illness and disease.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

52

NATURAL HEALTH

Will 2015 be a Happy New Year?

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APPY NEW YEAR, as we are fond of saying on this side of the earth on the first day of the Gregorian Calendar.

Happy New Year, I say, mindful that despite the good intentions behind this loving wish, 2015 will not be a happy one for everyone. A new carpet of fate has unfurled before every earth-man, which must be trodden, and on which is engraved the harvests of seeds long sown and most probably forgotten. It is on this same carpet that the weavings of future fate would be made this year. So, the best way to begin a new year, in my view, is to seek inner strength and alertness of spirit as the journey unfolds packages of the harvests of seeds long sown. Inner strength will surely counterbalance the suffocating pressure of unpleasant experiences. Alertness of spirit will permit a thorough search of these experiences, like a search for a pin in a hay sack, for the messages or lessons they bring.

But just this many people fail to do. Yet it is what ought to be done. I know of many people who cannot go out of their way or inconvenience themselves a little bit to help other people and make them happy, even if for only a brief minute. Such people do not receive help, and keep wondering why the whole world appears so hostile to them. Think of women who are close to 50, are unmarried but long seriously to be, attend every church programme, fast almost every day for the Grace of the Lord to be upon them, but have never bothered, for a minute, to ask themselves a simple question: what am I doing wrong that is making the men not to find me marriageable?

Some may be domineering, wishing to make women of their would-be husbands. Some may be aggressive. Some may be spendthrifts, unable to manage small housekeeping budgets in these austere times. Men hate dirty women. Men are scruffy and disorganised. Women are, naturally, dainty. A dirty, scruffy woman in the house is another man in the house. In the office near mine, there used to be a young, pretty woman of delicate build who couldn’t keep a man. Even a man blind to many faults in a woman on account of her beauty would not fail to see from the straps of her brassaire which often hung out from her dress that this was a dirty woman. The churches are filled with these types of women who are either searching for husband or struggling desperately to keep false marriages which, on account of being false contraptions, must inevitably fall apart in the natural law, which compels all falsehood to collapse. When my pastor friends and I discuss this matter, and they speak of such women or marriages requiring “deliverance form family or other warfare assailing them, I quickly remind them that all human activities are meant to help us achieve one objective: Fulfillment of the Will of God. Marriage therefore, is nothing other than a union of two complementary souls in which one lives for the other apart from self, to help each other fulfill this adamantine Will, which, alone, will admit them someday to the Paradise of perfected spirits. If marriage cannot help both partners gain admittance to paradise, it is a waste of time, a failure. It take a lot to recognise that marriage is not to prime purpose of existence on earth, which is the recognition and fulfillment of the Will of God, a process through which a human spirit grows from an unconscious state to a conscious, knowing being in Creation. Marriage may support this spiritual venture or damage or destroy it. If it becomes a legal cage in which the inmates become sworn enemies. It is, therefore, from themselves and from no other that marriage-at-all-cost women need deliverance. Women in whose marriages a drifting apart has occurred should recognise that the spoken word, like thought, is powerful, and brings about forms. It would appear many women marry only for the comfort of the man’s purse and for children. Thus, for them, there is a maternal endgoal or objective in marriage. In Southwestern Nigeria, women often call their children oko mi (my husband). We should not forget that the creative fiat or command which brought the entire Creation into being came from the words LET THERE BE LGHT. A young, single woman who, at play with her baby often called the young one her husband, was shocked to learn that, as she was making a husband of her baby, she may be blocking access to herself of potential husbands. Henceforth, she called her baby “My little angel”. When I was a young man, I was taught a simple, natural solution to combustive relationship with anyone, and it has always worked for me.

When there is disquiet in a relationship, do not set out to douse the fire by challenging the other party, or believing he or she is in the wrong.

Try to find out what you may have contributed to the combustion, and remove it. When you remove yourself from the equation, it collapses.

I have mentioned marriage as one of the possible causes of unhappiness for many women this year, despite many heartfelt wishes for a happy new year, because, increasingly, it is becoming a mountain too steep for many to climb. It is as heartbreaking to men. But the men do not etch their troubles on their faces. From the experiences I encountered in my late twenties while climbing this steep mountain, I wrote the column entitled The big boys also cry.

Business and health ILL there be happiness in the business and health sectors this year? I forsee the packaging of old wine in new skin. The same attitudes which conditioned activities in 2014 will, very likely, infuse them in 2015. In Nigeria, many people have not recognised that life is about service, hardly about bread and butter. We enjoy sunshine, rainfall, cool weather of the harmattan, various fruits in their seasons, food crops all year round. Where the government does not provide piped water and we are too far from a water river or stream, we dig a bore hole and we live on a spherical planet, the earth, which is hanging in space, rotating on its axis and revolving around the sun in 365 or 366 days, which we call one year. The earth’s journey around the sun in one year takes place at about 30 kilometer per second (108,000 kilometers per hour or 67,000 miles per hour). Rotating on its axis, the earth is like a little child at play who, from a stationary position, sud-

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denly breaks into a swirling motion for some seconds or minutes, eyes turning. The earth rotates on its own axis at the speed of about 1,674.4 kilometers per hour. The earth is about 4.54 billion years and has carried out these and other movements without fail. Movement around the sun at 108,000 kilometers per hour and on its axis at 1,674 kilometers per hour are stupendous speeds by current human attainment. Only in November, 2013 was the fact sheet of what is to become the world’s fastest aircraft released. This future airplane is not for commercial use. Called Lockheed SR-72, this aircraft will fly at six times the speed of sound at about 4,200 miles per hour. It is a military assault weapon of the United States Air Force which is to “leave the enemy with no place to hide”. It will have hypersonic missiles which can strike targets in any continent in less than one hour. It will be operational only in 2030, that is 15 years from now. On December 4, 2012, BLACK BIRD was reputed with the fastest air speed at 2,193.2 miles per hour (3,529 kilometers per hour).

What I am driving at is that there is a huge difference between Black bird at 3,529kph and the earths rotation around the sun at 108,000kph and the earth’s rotation at 1,674.4kph.

When we travel in a car on a bus and the driver hits 120kph, we begin to caution him to “take it easy”. That is because we are afraid he may lose control and the vehicle may crash, maiming or killing us. But do we ever get the impression that the earth is also moving, and at terrific speeds? I have mentioned only two well known movements. There is yet another of which I will not speak today. I am thrilled always when I think of these earth motions that dawn, day, dust and night come about without our knowing something is going on at great speeds. Turn or twist as we may at the knowledge that some beings are behind all these, they really are, in obedience to the creative fiat of God Almighty. They are rendering service to enable the earth to be hospitable for the purpose for which we humans dwell on it, namely to grow from an unconscious state to a conscious one which recognizes creation, the Laws of God in Creation which bear HIS WILL, and then, unconditionally fulfill this Will as the only means of perfecting our spirits to become admittable to Paradise. Paradise is a perfect domain or world. Imperfection cannot reside there, as this would create disorder. An imperfect spirit cannot be forgiven the sin of not perfecting the spirit and, on emotional grounds, admitted to paradise. Didn’t the Lord Jesus cast away the Five Foolish Virgins? Many people on earth today do not live a conscious life. They do not render service. All they care about is bread and butter. That is why political leaders degenerate to the level of “stomach infrastructure” to win elections and, after getting to office, render no service to their stupid electors but rob the public treasury dry. Were they striving upwards, that is homewards, they would think only of rendering service to their society, even as the sun, the moon, the stars, other stellar bodies and features on this earth render their services unconditionally so that this earth would become hospitable to visiting mankind. To the extent to which 2015 may be noted in history as another year in which many Nigerians merely were in existence, occupying space, and not living, that is conscious of Creation and adjusting themselves to it, to that extent will the harvest of the seeds they sow be no different from those harvests of previous years.

Health

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ILL many people get well or ill this year? One of the markers of health or illness will be the noise level in the society. Nigeria is a noisy country, Lagos city probably the noisiest; despite a beautiful anti-noise law which is hardly enforced. In garages, the noise situation is intolerable. In buses, including the government owned LAG buses or the franchised ones, drivers play music at the loudest pitch. It does not matter to them that workers are returning home after a hard day’s work and require not noise but a gentle massage of their bodies and souls to recuperate for another day ahead. In the mornings, it hardly means any sense to these drivers that their passengers are going to offices and need to construct their day plan with peace of mind. These drivers are haggard – looking, much older biologically than their calendrical ages. Probably because environmental noise has

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affected many people, they cannot talk silently on the phone.

They shout and that’s probably because they can hardly hear the person on the other side of the line because noise has impaired their hearing system. All over Lagos, huge loudspeakers can be found displayed outside shops and blaring music loudly to invite attention of passers-by to the shops. I look at this noise disturbance from the angle of environmental noise pollution. Opposite my house, an electricity generating set has almost affected me negatively. The noise doesn’t bother my sleep any more. But I wake up when it stops running. That suggests it has altered something in me. Many people do not appreciate that nose is sound and sound is a form of energy.

We obtain energy from food, air, water, radiations from the environment, sunlight and sound. When the sun is high, we seek a shade so we do not absorb much more of its energy than we need. In the poultry, day-old chicks and broilers are exposed to all sorts of heat, including that from electric bulbs, to make them grow rapidly. But too much energy weakens. Sound energy does the same. From the ears, the auditory nerves induct it into the brain and the blood circulation system where an overload of energy may cause health havocs. Doesn’t an electricity surge damage appliances?

The relationship of noise to health which I find very intriguing is that propounded by Dr. Masaru Emoto of Japan. I have mentioned him a number of times in this column, including 3rd April, 2014, after Mr. Ade Martins brought his work to the attention of some people in Lagos. His work and books are available on the internet. Basically, he showed that sound impacts positively or negatively on the crystalline molecules of water, depending on the quality of that sound. The sound of pop music and other related music damage the fine assemblage of the crystalline structure of water, whereas classical music creates beautiful and healthy crystalline structure. Dr. Emoto shows, also, that the spoken word, said to water, or the written word pasted on a bottle of water, for example, has the same effects, positive or negative, depending on the quality of the word, which exercises an impact on its environment. Now, what can we say of the quality of the lyrics in today’s younggeneration music characterised by sexual degradation, particularly of woman, and lofty ideas. The lyrics obviously have their origins in the nether regions, that is the depths, the swamp.

They can therefore, do nothing but degrade the Crystalline structure of water.

Dr. Emoto’s work infers that, since the human body is about 70 or 75 percent water, the crystalline structure of this water can be affected positively or negatively by sound, depending on the nature of the sound, to bring health or illness. And since the preponderance of the noise from music assailing us everywhere, everyday is negative, what can we expect our health to be like? Whether I sit in a bus or I am walking past a loudspeaker in the street or exposed to thoughts music at a party, Dr. Emoto’s works run through my mind. Many people are ignorant of what may be happening to them in these places.

About 66 percent of their water content is in their cells, about 22 in the spaces between the cells (interstitial fluid) and the remainder in blood vessels. We have a near cancer-epidemic in the country today. Doctor and researchers now speak of cancers being linked to infections of Candida, viruses, bacteria, to heavy metals and other poisons to lowered immunity and genetic mutation and to nutritional deficiencies and to acidosis, deoxygenation, low cell voltage and dehydration and cellular stress. Unfortunately, it was only Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, now of blessed memory, who was most persistent in the linkage of cellular dehydration with diseases of all sorts, including cancer. Today, it is reasonable to assume that if a cell is about 70 percent water, and the molecular structure of that water is denatured, the cell must become denatured, unable to function normally or protect itself against all kinds of parasites which prey upon it. The bodies of many people are possessed by all kinds of parasites, some of them dormant but activated by the right conditions, including stress and immune depletion. Two weeks ago, a young woman in my office neigbourhood complained about pain and hardness in her right breast which had quickly grown bigger than the left breast. Luckily, the swelling did not present as a typical cancerous lump, immobile and rough. I asked her to see a doctor immediately and the physician suggested it was an infection which gain access to the breast through a nipple injury she took for granted. The case was similar to the case history of an American woman whose breast skin got infected by pathogens in a new bra she wore without washing or ironing. The breast skin itched and she scratched it. Later, it became inflamed and developed a sore.

The doctor gave medications. The sore enlarged and an abscess was opened up for drainage and cleaning, worms were found in the breast cavity. If the treatment has come late, it was possible the organisms may have eaten up more tissue and the breast may have reacted to toxins from pathogens one way or the other. Our Nigerian woman was luckier. The breast responded positively to antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. I taught her about breast care, using fat soluble nutrients, fat soluble antioxidants, since the breast is largely a fatty tissue, and massage oils. Many women do not care for or play with their breasts, as the American gynaecologist and author of Women’s body, women’s wisdom suggests they do. A gynaecologist for 35 years, she worked under intense stress, striving to hold her head high in this male-dominated profession in her country. She developed a serious breast infection and abscess in the process which taught her the need to care for and play, even talk, with her breasts. I advised the young Nigerian woman in reference to immediately embark on a parasite cleanse with the specific herbs. It was a prophetic counsel. For when I saw her tongue a few days later, it was laden with a grayfish carpet over the pinkish-red colour of the tongue. This is a symptom (oral thrush) that Candida, a yeast form called a fungus, may have overgrown its bounds in her intestine.

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THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015

53

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The stage is set for the February 14 presidential battle between President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Gen. Mohammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI examines the chances of the two candidates

Jonathan, Buhari in titanic battle for Aso Rock are turning down offers to play a leading role in his campaign. With less than six weeks to the election, the campaign posters of the PDP flag bearer on the streets of major cities in the region, which are considered crucial for his re-election victory, are few and far between. This contrasts sharply with the situation four years ago, when promotional materials for Jonathan had sprung up in virtually all the northern states many months to the D-day.

A number of reasons have been adduced for this. A source ascribed it to the prevalent mood of the people, following the emergence of General Buhari as the APC flag bearer. Another is the fear of being labelled as anti-North. The voice of Buhari’s massive supporters appears to be drowning those of Jonathan in the zone. “The feeling here is that Buhari and the APC represent the best opportunity for power to return to the region and as such all northerners should line up behind the General and his party. Even in states where PDP is in power, the party’s chieftains are cautious about preaching Jonathan’s reelection so as not to offend the sensibilities of their people,” another source said.

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INNING the February 14 presidential election is not going to be a stroll in the park for President Goodluck Jonathan of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) or Gen. Mohammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for that matter. But, the APC standard bearer seems to enjoying the momentum, going by the good run he and his party is enjoying in the media. This is crucial because when it comes to elections, public perception cannot be waved aside just like that; particularly in this age, with the advancement in the world of information communication technology.

The PDP, which has been at the helm of affairs at the centre for the past 16 years, had been having it so easy in previous elections, because most of the parties in the opposition were regional-based, weak and fragmented. It was clearly foreseen that with the coming of the APC, which has transformed the country into a two-party state, a competitive contest was in the offing. In fact, it is said that this was the reasoning that propelled the move to form the APC, immediately after the 2011 elections.

The ruling PDP saw it coming. But, since old habits die hard, it could not turn a new leaf overnight. In that regard, the APC has been more proactive. Internal democracy has been a major problem for most Nigerian political parties. But, the APC has demonstrated a willingness for change in this respect with the manner it conducted its recent presidential prmary, where Buhari was picked as the party’s flag bearer. The opposition party has sent a strong signal to the ruling party with its decision to conduct the primary, even though it was clear to everyone that Buhari is the best man for the job, compared to the other aspirants. In the same vein, many observers believe that, as a sitting President, Jonathan would have equally picked up the party’s presidential ticket, if the party had allowed a free and fair election to take place.

The clear message is that, for the first time since 2003, the PDP is facing a genuine challenge of being defeated at the polls.

• Dr Jonathan

• Gen. Buhari

Jonathan’s tough re-election battle Indeed, Jonathan faces a tough re-election battle. He appears to be confronted with a crisis of credibility. Analysts say he came with a lot of promise, but seems to have disappointed a lot of Nigerians who voted for him in 2011. Such Nigerians say the President has squandered the opportunity handed to him because one of his campaign messages of having no shoes as a young man moved them and they felt they could trust someone who comes from within their ranks. The underdog factor also worked in his favour when he was contesting the 2011 election, following the way the cabal in the late Umaru Yar’Adua’s administration tried to prevent him from taking over power, even though it was obvious that his principal was incapacitated.

Being an incumbent comes with the benefits and advantages of having something to showcase. It provides an opportunity to make more promises of a better tomorrow. Yet, the same incumbency factor opens the occupant of the office to a lot of criticisms about errors committed, things left undone or things that could have been done better. The perception of the public is that President Jonathan has performed below par. He would not have found himself in a situation where he would be struggling for his re-election had he delivered on key promises.

The President’s team is not doing much to improve his poor public perception.

The APC has been exploiting this, by not giving him a breathing space; the party has stayed on the message all the time. The refrain of APC is that the PDP has run the country aground. It regularly cites the brazen corruption, the widespread insecurity and the worsening insurgency in the Northeast as reasons why Nigerians should vote for change.

It is not as if the mild-mannered Jonathan does not have achievements to flaunt. But, against the mountain of expectations, the general per-

• Sambo

ception is that Jonathan, 56, has performed below par. In August 2012, Jonathan claimed he was the world’s most criticised president. This prompted him to vow to become the most praised before he leaves office.

With the changing political landscape in the country, which has whittled down the enormous advantages hitherto enjoyed by the ruling party, it is clear that the era of impunity is over. For instance, since 2003, the PDP was been able to win successive presidential elections easily because it had control over majority of Nigeria’s 36 states.

As at the time the 2011 was conducted, the PDP was at the helm of affairs in 27 states. Today, it controls only 21 states. But, it can rely on the support of the Governor of Anambra State, which is a member of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), one of the smaller parties that regularly back the PDP. The APC, on the other hand, controls 14 states.

Buhari riding on wave of popularity But, Buhari’s performance in 2011, where he garnered over 12.2 million votes, has shown that incumbency advantage and control of the states by a particular party is limited by local factors

• Osinbajo

such as the popularity of the candidate.. For instance, in 2011, the President could not win in 12 Northern states. Nine of the 12 states are PDP states, which voted for the ruling party during the governorship election, but opted for Buhari in the presidential election. This is in spite of the fact that Buhari’s Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) was less than four months old and was not in control of any state. Buhari as a candidate has never lost elections in states like Gombe, Kebbi, Niger, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna which are PDP-controlled states. Jonathan was however able to secure more than the 25 per cent of votes threshold in all but four Northern states. Interestingly, two of the four states were PDP-controlled.

Buhari’s major challenge in 2011 was the southern part of the country. In 2015, he can count on securing substantial votes from the Southwest, Rivers and Edo in the Southsouth and possibly Imo and Anambra in the Southeast.

Unlike the 2011 election, Jonathan is not going to enjoy the backing of voters from the four corners of the country. For instance, there are reports that members of his party in some parts of the North are afraid to openly identify with him as the party’s standard bearer in the election and

‘The choice that would confront the electorates in the February 14 presidential election is a difficult one. The Nigerian electorate faces a dilemma between the shambolic that is known and the uncertainty that is to come’

Not yet uhuru for APC But, it is not yet uhuru for the APC; the PDP equally has the wherewithal of staging a comeback. As a sitting President, the odds are stacked in his favour. This includes a huge financial resource base of N21 billion and the utilisation of governance machinery, propaganda and coercive apparatuses. No civilian president has lost a re-election bid in Nigeria’s political history.

Jonathan may not be an exception.

Gen. Buhari has been described as a friend of the “masses’ and a nemesis for the elite. Indeed, the controversial N21 billion donations for Jonathan’s re-election by some of Nigeria’s moneybags suggests that the elite are not favourably inclined to a Buhari Presidency. A former military head of state, Buhari, aged 72, is widely regarded as honest and incorruptible. In fact, he remains a folk hero to many Nigerians because of his vocal opposition to corruption. But, the former Head of State has failed in three previous presidential elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011.

Beside the fear of the elite that he may likely crackdown on corruption and waste in government, his major baggage is the perception that he is a religious fundamentalist and northern irredentist. However, there is no concrete evidence to prove that these perceptions are true.

Many have also raised the issue of Buhari’s age, saying he may not be able to function optimally as President of Nigeria. But, the age factor is neither here, nor their, because Buhari looks fit and rearing to go. Buahari has picked Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, a Christian from the Southwest as his running mate.

The President’s chances are going to be determined by how well he is able to perform in the North and the Southwest. From all indications, Jonathan’s candidacy has lost the voters confidence in the Southwest. Nevertheless, the recent elections in Ekiti and Osun suggest that the ruling party may spring a surprise in the Southwest.

The North is undoubtedly the stronghold of Gen. Buhari. He enjoys a cult following in that part of the country, including some states governed by the PDP. Since the core North is yearning to get back to power, Buhari is likely to have a smooth ride in the Northwest and Northeast, while much of the Northcentral may be more inclined to give Jonathan a second chance. President Jonathan’s running mate, Namadi Sambo, is from Kaduna, in the Northwest.

According to some observers, the choice that would confront the electorates in the February 14 presidential election is a difficult one. One of the observers puts it this way: “The Nigerian electorate faces a dilemma between the shambolic that is known and the uncertainty that is to come.” There is a plethora of reasons why some people would feel disappointed at the turn of events regarding the Jonathan presidency; just as those seeking change by rooting for Buhari may be heading into the sphere of the unknown.

54

THE NATION THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015

RACE TO 2015 L

By Emmanuel Oladesu

H

E was the most colourful politician in the post-Awolowo era. He was bold, brave, witty and sarcastic. On the podium, he was an excellent speaker and shrewd debater. The Cicero was electrifying. He was an embodiment of courage. James Ajibola Idowu Ige was highly charismatic. Although he was assasinated at 72, many believe that he died without reaching his full potentials.

The Southwest was enveloped in grief on that fateful day when he was callously murdered at night in his Bodija, Ibadan, residence. It was a day of mourning for the progressives. It was the end of an era for the former defunct Action Group (AG) National Publicity Secretary, Second Republic governor of old Oyo State, Deputy Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Alliance for Democracy (AD) leader and Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. His asociates were in for a long period or bereavement.

Ige, as his son, Muyiwa, the Osun State Commissioner for Physical Planning, told reporters, was planning to resign from the Federal Executive Council before he was killed. He wanted to return home to strengthen the opposition, ahead of 2003 elections. His demise was a terrible blow to the AD. Its members later dispersed into various political camps. In that year, the AD was compromised by the power-loaded President. The result was the electoral earthquake in the Southwest region. Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Ekiti were overrun by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Only Lagos State, where Senator Bola Tinubu was governor, survived the onslaught. The party has never recovered from the tremor.

Thirteen years after, the killers are still at large. But, the wound has not healed. The scars has not faded.

If Ige were alive, how will he have reacted to the convocation of the national conference?

What will be his reaction to the Boko Haram insurgency? How would he have rated the Jonathan Administration? What would have been his role in the formation of the All • The late Ige Progressives Congress (APC)?

‘

‘Why Al-Makura deserves second term’

By Emmanuel Oladesu

Ige: 13 years after

Since its creation in 1976, the laws of Nasarawa State have not been compiled and documented until Al-Makura came

In this piece, Yakubu Lamai reflects on the achievements of Nasarawa State Governor Tanko alMakura and justifications for his second term bid.

APC chieftain protests attack by PDP members AGOS State All progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Hon. Muslim Folami has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against causing trouble, ahead of next year’s elections.

He alleged that PDP members have been attacking APC members in Orimedu, Ibeju-Lekki without provocation, adding that the rampaging PDP youths have the support of a notable PDP leader from the area.

Folami, who has sent a petition to the Area Police Command, Ajah, Eti-Osa, urged the police to investigate the unwarranted attacks on the indigenes of the area, who have sympathy for the APC. The Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Political and Legislative Matters alleged that no fewer than 34 APC youths have been marked for liquidation by suspected thugs.

He said: ‘The APC members that they planned to attack have been listed and pasted around the walls in the Orimedu Community. Some of the shortlisted APC members’ property have been vandalised. This is to show that, if the members of the APC have not been tolerant, the community would have been turned to a battle field “This matter is in court and the court verdict should be respected. We believe their actions to restrain the APC members from entering the town contravenes their fundamental human rights as entrenched in the 1999 Constitution as they are not law enforcement agents empowered to do so.”

Folami urged the police to intervene in the matter, with a view to resolving the matter so that the shortlisted indigenes can return to the community without further molestation.

The Special Adviser, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, berated PDP leaders for do-or-die politics, saying that it is counter-productive. He lamented that three APC chieftains, including himself, former Health Commissioner Dr. Tola Kasali and Baruwa Yusuf, were detained by the police when they were framed up after the murder of a PDP member, Shakiru Ogboye.

Folami alleged that suspected PDP thugs killed the deceased, dumped his body at the front of his residence and vandalised his property. He added: “Many APC chieftains were picked up forcefully in the night on the order of the PDP leader in the area. Twenty six people were arrested before some of them were released. I was detained at Panti Statation and taken to court on the fourth day where I appeared before a Chief Magistrate Court at EbuteMetta. I was granted bail on self-recognition.”

The Special Adviser said that PDP leaders have planned to threaten APC members so that they will not participate in the elections. He added: “We have informed the governor. We have reported the matter to the police. They are boasting that they have the police. But, we believe in the law and justice.”

In another petition to the State Security Service (SSS), Folami alleged threat to his life, following his objection to the hijack of community land by the PDP leader. He said: “Some elders of Orimedu, including myself, who were not happy with the fraudulent manner the land was given to him challenged it.

As part of our strategy, we decided to have a sensitisation forum that brought the stakeholders together to let them know the implications of allowing such a massive land, which could have been used for the development of the town, to be given to only one individual.

“My activities and that of the elders in respect of this matter must have pro,pted him to ask his thugs to make ‘threat to life’ calls threatening through hidden numbers. I think it will be stupid of me to fold my hands and allow the unexpected to happen to me and my family. Hence, this petition to alert you for prompt investigation, protection and action.”

‘

• Al-Makura

F

OR many Nigerians, our most fervent prayer in 2015 is that the political campaigns and elections should be hinged on issues rather than insults and violence. A quick flashback will remind us that the 2011 election in Nasarawa State, which brought Umaru Tanko AlMakura to power, had the trappings of a revolution.

Remarkably, it proceeded without any form of violence. Once upon a time the ordinary folk of Nasarawa were seen as docile, weak and without voice by the political elite but then in 2011, they rose against all odds to cast, escort and defend their votes thereby burying what they rightly felt was “the politics of false promises!” At that time, the will of the people was that change must come to Nasarawa State and they were resolute in their choice of Umaru Tanko Al-Makura who offered himself as the candidate who had broken away from the status quo to lead the march to positive change in the state. The masses believed and propelled him to send packing a sitting Governor in the person of Aliyu Akwe Doma.

Till date, the flight of Umaru Tanko Almakura to victory in 2011 has remained as jolting as it was revolutionary. A day after INEC announced him as Governor, on Tuesday 27th April 2011, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura declared: “May I use this opportunity to thank my fellow contestants, most especially Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma OON, Madaucin Doma, for a very interesting and vibrant contest.

There are no losers in this victory. It is a victory for the entire people of Nasarawa State!”

From 2010, when he threw his hat into the ring to wrest Nasarawa State from stagnation, there was an evident sense of mission about Umaru Tanko Al-Makura. As at 2011 there was a corrosive level of infrastructural decay in the state and the near absence of facilities in urban and rural areas. There was no single asphalt road in Lafia. Some popularly referred to the capital city as a glorified village. Streets were locked in sand and no traffic light existed in the entire state. At the time of AlMakura’s coming, doctors were on strike and teachers in the state polytechnic and Nasarawa state university were also on industrial action and inspite of the fact that the state was mired in staggering financial debt; the new minimum wage had not been implemented. The electoral victory of Al-Makura became a symbolic expression of the courage and sacrifices of struggling people who were tired of being tired and the explosive spill-over of the pent up frustration of disaffected young men and women who were dissatisfied with the lacklustre performance of government in Nasarawa State.

Undaunted by the task ahead, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura noted in

his inaugural speech that Nasarawa state since its creation “has been held hostage to the excesses and folly of its rulers” and his ascendance represented “a decent burial to the politics of pettiness, division and false promises” that had plagued the body politic of the State. Consequently in the three and a half years of stewardship that has since followed, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura took a clear stand to which he made no apology: the old order and the vested interests that sustained it had to be swept aside for the sake of conducting a people oriented style of governance where leadership must move decisively to change the face of Nasarawa State! This stance put Tanko Al-Makura in direct firing line and confrontation with the elite, who were used to partaking in the spoils of power.

Since its creation in 1976, the laws of Nasarawa State have not been compiled and documented until AlMakura came. With the administration’s hands-on approach, the state government procured and distributed earth-moving equipment to each of the three senatorial zones, for the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads. To boost the morale of workers Governor Al-Makura was among the first to fully adopt and implement the national minimum wage of (N18, 900) and ensure that no child pays school fees in public schools, while government also took on the added responsibility to pay for NECO exams on behalf of all graduating students in secondary schools. Al-Makura has also revived the moribund policy of paying scholarship allowance to all students of Nasarawa State origin in Tertiary institutions and made medicine available to the poor through the long dead initiative of drug revolving scheme. Under the sterling leadership of Al-Makura, Nasarawa State has continued to set the pace by being the first to fully digitize its state owned broadcast organization, the first to employ its youth in a state owned security outfit christened NAYES and the first in a wide array of landmark achievements attained by his administration.

In summary, Umaru Tanko AlMakura has within three-and-a half years changed the discourse about the flourishing of worthy political leadership in Nasarawa State. He has lifted the bar for development and set a new standard to which others who aspire to become governor cannot fall below. He has exposed the lie that government does not have enough money, means and resources to de-

‘Al-Makura has also revived the moribund policy of paying scholarship allowance to all students of Nasarawa State origin in Tertiary institutions and made medicine available to the poor through the long dead initiative of drug revolving scheme’

velop her state and better the lives of people. Without being a magician and without borrowing loans, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has applied the most stringent economic approach to manage the little resources at his disposal and has affected a turnaround that will be permanently etched in the annals of history.

2011 is gone and now we are at the doorstep of another cycle of elections in 2015 and as the storms gather; observers have paused to see if 2015 will turn out to become the second chapter in the “Umaru Tanko Al-Makura Revolution”, or has fatigue gradually chipped away and eroded the revolutionary turncoat of ordinary people in Nasarawa state? One thing is certain though, Nasarawa State will be a hot spot during the 2015 elections for the singular reason that Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura has exceeded every index of development and surpassed the performance of every other administration since the creation of the state, and since there is nothing to fault about the quality of his performance; the opposition will hammer on the twin facts that Al-Makura did not share the state’s money among the political elite and point out that the spate of ethno-religious and communal conflicts as well as politically orchestrated violence increased during his tenure.

With such an enviable bill of health, those who are determined to uproot Al-Makura will seek to avoid campaign on the basis of “issues,” but hinge their mudslinging and attack on the slippery slopes of religion and ethnic sentiment. Their game-plan will be to inflame passions so as to sway constructive logic and becloud the truth of the matter. This strategy they believe will detract the attention of electorates from evaluating and focusing on the exemplary performance of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, but instead they will be swayed to vote on the basis of religion and ethnic sentiment. To achieve this goal these power mongers will put at risk, the fragile peace which the people of Nasarawa have fought so hard to keep. On the altar of political ambition, they will take for granted the lessons of history that good and bad events occur and violence may erupt but peace is not the product of a victory or a command. Peace building has no finishing line, no final deadline, and no fixed definition of achievement. Peace is a never-ending process, the work of many decisions and unless they as leaders of society set aside the coloration of their political parties and reach across the aisle to engage in a campaign that is issued based and centred on development, rather than mired in sentiment; then Nasarawa like many other parts of Nigeria is likely to breakup into permanent divisions and ranks of hatred.

The philosopher Avishai Margalit who wrote the book: “On Compromise and Rotten Compromises” reflected deeply upon human values and described compromise to mean a meeting of the minds, striking a balance, finding a happy medium between two extremes, or meeting someone halfway. In political life, compromise is often used in the context of furthering one’s goals. But knowing when to negotiate, when to be accommodating, and when to resist can have far-reaching consequences. However a rotten compromise is a compromise one should not sign under any circumstances.

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THE NATION THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015

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I can also tell you that in 2015, there is no party in Abia that will defeat APGA and when you talk of APGA, people are talking of Ikemba Nnewi and Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba in Abia

RACE TO 2015 Chief Reagan Ufomba is the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship candidate in Abia State. In this interview with SUNNY NWANKWO, he speaks about his ambition, the APGA crisis and its preparations for next year’s polls.

‘APGA ‘ll bounce back in Abia’ W

HY are you in the governorship race?

I have often said that I am in this race for my people. I was also in the race in 2011; I was the APGA governorship candidate in 2011 election.

My motivation has not changed. I was and I am still motivated by the sufferings of my people, the mere extinct of what used to be the pride of Abia and Igbo people and that is Aba. I am motivated by the loss of vision and focus by successive governments.

Abia should be one of the fastest growing economies in the world because we have what it takes to be the number one state. We have the human and material resources. The basic motivation is the infrastructural decay, which we intend to improve on. Aba is a disaster and we need to maximize the gains accruable to agriculture through mechanized farming, processing of products and export of such products, these are not there yet.

Youth unemployment. We need to set up small scale agriculture, small scale industries to enable farmers maximize their profits and of course their sufferings. These are the major motivations propelling me to run for the governorship of Abia State.

Why is Aba a disaster area?

The jargon or slogan is not new to me which every other person has turned himself into a copycat. In 2011, I did declare a 12 point agenda for Aba alone. Aba is the commercial hub of not just Abia State, maybe not just for Igbo land, but for Nigeria and it is in such a deplorable situation. People cannot move freely, flooding all over the place, we have gullies in all our roads in Aba and life has become so difficult for the inhabitants. If you have God, if you have vision and conscience it means that you save the people of Aba and the commercial town from going extinct and collapsing. And when you talk about the town, you are talking about one of the most industrious and resilient people in the world. There is no group that would be put under the kind of condition of Aba people; both the traders and civil servants and all that they have gone through that will survive it.

On the other part, Aba should be a revenue earner for the state going by its network of commercial activities and that is not being harnessed. Aba has a chain multi value effect when properly developed. It will help the government to earn more revenue and have more money to run the state and because Aba is a cosmopolitan town, you will be widely acclaimed and acknowledged as a governor that has performed.

Aba is the center of economic activities, not only in Abia, but the country at large and I tell people that as soon as Aba is fixed, Abia is fixed as well.

Apart from Aba, are there other programmes you have for the state?

I am happy you mentioned about my comment at the Aba Recreation Club during my flag off. I did talk about free education at secondary and tertiary education levels. We intentionally excluded the nursery and primary schools because we expect parents to bring up their children at that level. We are going to offer free education. We are going to mechanize agriculture and I did say that Abia is standing on a tripod of Agriculture, commerce and artisanship.

In agriculture, for instance, we intend to mechanise and process. We will generate employment for our

• Ufomba

people and in addition to that, we will earn more revenue through the exportation of what we produced.I also did say that we are going to reintroduce Marketing Boards that will buy up whatever the farmers in the rural areas produced because we are going to process it and when we process, we market.

We are going to support traders in the state with bonds and guarantees because for you to make profit in business, you need to borrow at single interest digit rate. You need to have collateral that can give you money to engage competitively with people in Lagos, Onitsha, Port Harcourt and other parts of the country. But because of the state of Aba, an edifice of this nature (his house) if valued at N1billion in Lagos, it will be valued at N10million in Aba and government need to come in and breach that gap so that people who are trading in Lagos would compete favourably with those who are in Aba because the more money you have, the more business you do, the more business you do, the more people you engage, the more tax you pay. So the value chain we get when government get involve is enormous and I have also said that I do not believe in this school of thought that government in a whole state like Abia has no business being in business. We are going to drive the economy.

Abia is a poor state. Where would you get money to fund these projects?

One of the things that I have against this government is that they keep misapplying funds. It is a serious issue in Abia State and may be in most other states. You need to prioritize; government needs to do things that are extremely necessary, that we are going to do. We are going to prioritize and by so doing we save funds. We

‘I am motivated by the loss of vision and focus by successive governments. Abia should be one of the fastest growing economies in the world because we have what it takes to be the number one state. We have the human and material resources’

are going to harness the potentiality of the people. Aba on its own is a revenue earner, but you must organize it What is your unique selling point?

My selling point lies in my vision.

My uprightness, commitment to excellence, commitment to service and commitment to whatever he believes in.People say that Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba is a fighter. I fight for whatever I believe in. Some say he is intelligent, I articulate my position all the time. Others say that the man is resilient; for whatever I believe in, I stick to it, I fight for it and if need be, I even die for it. These are the USP (Unique Selling Point) of Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba.

What is your reaction to the crisis rocking the APGA, which resulted into the emergence of two governorship candidates?

Let me start from our national office.

I must continue to stand on the path of truth and justice. Umeh’s tenure has elapsed and he must go. He is the architect of the entire problem that we have in APGA, including the exit of a gentleman, Peter Obi from the party.

We can no longer allow him to destroy the party.

Is the APGA a credible opposition party?

If a party won the 2011 election but was stopped by the ills of the society, which we are fighting today, it means that is a credible opposition. Even if we didn’t win and we came second, it means that APGA is a credible opposition party. But I can also tell you that in 2015, there is no party in Abia that will defeat APGA and when you talk of APGA, people are talking of Ikemba Nnewi and Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba in Abia and no more, no less.

What is the level of confidence you have in the INEC? Well, I think we have a clear departure from where we were in 2011. We now talk about card readers, permanent voter’s card that is 21century compliant. We have also listened to Jega talk about linking ones card to the ballot papers and to your vote. That makes it a little difficult for people to snatch ballot boxes to go to somewhere and thumbprint them and, as such, over stuffing the ballot box and in return, get bloated votes.

What is your reaction to zoning?

That is absolute nonsense. When people say things to favour them, I simply pray that God should touch their heart.

I have been a player in Abia politics effectively from 1999 till date and I know that the zoning formular has been between Old Aba and Old Bende divides and by so saying, Ukwa Ngwa and Old Bende. When people come and say it is in the interest of fairness that this thing goes to Abia South.

What are they talking about? Am I an Umuahia person? I am an Ukwa Ngwa man and that is the struggle that has been on since 1999. Right from the old Imo State, people have laboured and fought that an Ukwa Ngwa man becomes the governor of the state.

If we say that we are going to get the governor based on senatorial divides, are now saying that an Umuahia man, who lives in Aba or a Bende man who is living in Ukwa or Ohanku Street, should become the governor. It is a question for the proponent of this illegality to answer. Can an Umuahia man living in Abia South become the governor? They will say no that is an ngwa man. I am an ngwa man and I am eligible to contest and that has been the position. You also cannot talk about ngwa without the head of the clan.

‘

‘Campaign should be issue-based’

P

EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Gloria Adebajo-Fraser has urged political parties to build a culture tolerance and promote issue-based campaigns to avoid heating up the polity during the electioneering.

She said: “The PDP is determined to base its campaign on issues, facts and the truth. The truth is always constant.”

The frontline politician also urged Nigerians to reflect on the personality of elective office seekers to make the right choice.

She said: “ A person’s personality is a major issue in political parlance and that is why in the United States presidential contest, personality is one of the most important factors. A psychological evaluation of a Presidential candidate is also mandatory.”

Urging Nigerians to re-elect President Goodluck Jonathan, she added: “President Jonathan is not perfect as only God is perfect, but he can be trusted with power. He is humble and Nigerians should give him the last chance, if he demonstrates his commitments to address the needs of the people.”

She said the political class has a responsibility to the electorate to make sure they are well informed about the candidates.

Noting that governance is a collective enterprise, Adebajo -Fraser enjoined Nigerians to come up with advice on how to strengthen the currency, reduce importation, and encourage agriculture.

She added: “Nigerians can come up with proposals to support and complement government effort in this area to salvage our economy and diversify our revenue base.”

The politician said the people of the Southwest will critically study the flag bearers before endorsing them.

She stressed: “The people of the Southwest will not be sentimental. As the major homogenous tribe in Nigeria, we are politically mature. We shall examine the two candidates, check the facts and decide based on an understanding for the best interest of the Yoruba race.”

Jafojo urges aggrived chieftains to embrace reconciliation

By Emmanuel Oladesu

S

ECOND Republic Lagos State Deputy Governor Rafiu jafojo has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants who lost dur ing the primaries to work with the candidates in the interest of the party.

The 79 year-old politician reminded them about the admonition of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo that a good politician should always subject his personal ambition and interest to the collective interest of the party.

Jafojo said: “The APC is a large party and nobody can lose out. Awolowo, our leader, has taught us not to leave our political family because there was a contest and we lost. he sai, if our personal ambition cannot be realised, accomodation would be found for every party member within the larger collective interest of the party.

“This admonition is instructive. If you aspire today and you don’t get the ticket, you can still get it next time. Your future is always bright in a progressive party, if you are committed to its principles, goals and activities.”

Jafojo, a chieftain of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), had defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2006. But, he joined the APC, following the merger of the progressive parties. Reflecting on his sojourn in the PDP, he said: “It is evident that the PDP cannot win election in Lagos State. It is not organised. It lacks a mass appeal. Only a progressive party can mobilise successfully and rule Lagos.”

The former deputy governor noted that the birth of the APC has fulfilled the prediction of Awolowo that the progressives will come together to fight for power.

Urging them to sustain the tempo, he said victory is assured because Nigerians are yearning for change.

He described the APC presidential candidate as a tested and trusted lader, who will promote good governance, maintain transparency and fight corruption, if elected in next year’s election.

Jafojo urged Lagosians to vote for the APC governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, at the poll, assuring that he will build on the firm foundation laid by former Governor Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

He added: “ There is no victor, no vanquished.

All the aspirants are winners. I urge them to support the party in its efforts to retain Lagos. I appeal to them to team up with Ambode, who is • Jafojo destined for victory.”

Dabiri: protect your PVCs

H

OUSE of Representatives member Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has advised the people of Ikorodu Constituency, Lagos State to pro tect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), ahead of next year’s general elections.

She said: “Don’t misplace it. Don’t sell it. Protect it. It is your electoral weapon and voting power in 2015. You will need it on poll day.”

Dabiri-Erewa, who spoke at Ikorodu, on the election, said 2015 will be a turning point in the country.

The politician urged party chieftains to intensify their mobilisation for the polls, adding that the APC will leave no stone unturned to achieve victory.

Dabiri-Erewa, who described Lagos State as the stronghold of the APC and the progressive bloc, said the campaign issues will include the performance of the APC government and the neglect of the state by the Federal Government.

She added: “The next governor is coming to build on the wonderful performances of his predecessors. We have that heritage of service in the APC. That is what is lacking in the rival party, the PDP.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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58

THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

The rich evade tax, says NLC

T

HE rich do not pay tax, the General Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Peter Ozo-Eson, has.

Speaking with reporters in Lagos, he said: “Most of the very rich people in the country are not paying tax; there must be a scheme to get them to pay adequate tax.

“Most of the luxury goods are consumed by the rich, and goods in this category include private jets that are in our airports today.’’

He said the country could survive the economic depression occasioned by the fall in oil prices with effective taxation on luxury goods being consumed by the rich.

Stories by Toba Agboola

The labour leader appealed to the government to shun plans to transfer the burden of the crisis to the workers.

“Nigeria is a country that is so rich and yet there is serious poverty that we are talking about. If we tax private jets and other frivolous forms of consumption in a very high rate, that will be a welcome development. Those who consume such commodity should be taxed heavily,’’ Ozo-Eson added.

The unionist said the starting point of the austerity measures

should be a cut in the cost of governance to check waste, adding that the government could efficiently function with leaner expenditure pattern.

He said: “Our position is that with the employment positions in public sector today, most of the cost that is heavily weighing down the finances has nothing to do with the remuneration of workers. It has to do with the bloated and exquisite allowances attached to the management staff, political office holders and their staff.’’

The NLC, he said, is supporting the government’s plan to raise tax on luxury items.

‘Reform labour, industrial practice’ THE Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has urged the Federal Government to reform industrial and labour relations practices in workplaces.

Its Director-General, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo, said the group is calling for the reform of industrial and labour relations practices in workplaces in the country because it had become imperative to strengthen labour and industrial harmony in the country in line with international best practices.

He decried the practice where employers remit check-off dues from the employees’ salaries to the union, saying the development is not good for the workers.

He also pointed out that there

were no automatic check-off dues in the country before 1978 as it is practised now.

Oshinowo lamented unionism in the nation’s oil and gas sector, saying the unions there act outside the context of the law to agitate for the demands of their members.

On the recurring crisis between the Federal Government and varsity teachers, he blamed the former for hastily reaching agreements with the latter without exploring the possibility of meeting same.

“The Federal Government should reach agreements with the Governing Councils of universities on the needs of university teachers rather than the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),” he said.

Workers urge domestication of ILO protocol

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•Council Manager, Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mrs Moronkeji Okowonu, presenting gifts to the council’s Best Staff of the Year (2014), Mr. Bello Lukman of the Finance Department during the Council’s end of the year party. With them is the immediate past Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Sanyaolu Olowopejo.

ITF, OGFTZA sign MoU on vocational training T

HE Director-General, Indus trial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority (OGFTZA), Onne, Port Harcourt in Abuja.

The deal is for collection of contributions for capacity building.

The ITF boss observed that the country’s population is growing very fast, and that there was need to harness this potential.

She said the shortage of technical and vocational skills is constraining enterprise development and restricting employment, “Evidence from developed and

T

emerging economies show that requisite expertise constitute a key platform for attaining sustainable economic improvement, which could only be accomplished by a properly planned and implementable system of education and training. In spite of the different governments’ interventions, it is evident that the nation is nevertheless grappling with shortage of skills,” she said.

She noted that Nigeria does not have the expertise, and that the ITF had proffered options that would address the weaknesses and bridge the capabilities with-

out which it would be hard for Nigeria to industrialise.

The Managing Director of OGFTZA, Hon. Alabo Victor, said the free trade zones were designed to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the oil and gas sector. He said the oil and gas free trade zones had been active and attracted main oil field operations.

Hon. Victor pointed out that Onne Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone attracted more than 200 businesses operating in different statuses, ranging from oil service companies, projects, manufacturing and processing, banking and so on.

‘Prioritise youth employment’

HE Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has charged the Federal Government to priorotise the creation of employment opportunities for the nation’s youths in this year’s budget.

The group warned that if the unemployment situation was not tackled headlong, it might become a time bomb.

Its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, spoke to reporters in Lagos on how the Subsidy for Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) of the Federal Government, may affect youth empowerment.

He said: “Going by the government’s position on austerity measures as policies to tighten government expenditure, close

loopholes that cause revenue losses and a gross reduction of budget deficits during adverse economic conditions, we call on the government to priorotise the creation of job opportunities for youths in the country as the 2015 budget for now, is not certain on youth empowerment.

“This is because the threats for the subsidy for reinvestment and empowerment programme (SURE-P) of Federal Government is an externality to the aggregate 2015 appropriation bill, and it may be adversely affected by the global oil slump, since except the oil price rises, the landing cost of fuel will still be low, leaving little savings for SURE-P that has to do with youth empowerment.”

Kaigama, who argued that the rate of unemployment in the country is one of the highest in the world, lamented that at 24 per cent, particularly with over 50 per cent of the youth in the urban areas unemployed, the government must review its policies to arrest the unemployment challenges before it gets out of hand.

“There is an urgent need for the government to show more concern by reviewing its policies on youth entrepreneurship as the high unemployment rate among youth in Nigeria, especially young women has negative effect on our country’s development agenda, particularly as we approach this year’s general elections.

HE Textile Garment and Tailoring Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (TGTSSAN) has urged the Federal Government to ensure that the new global protocol against forced labour is given attention.

The protocol, which was adopted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland, is aimed at accelerating action against modern slavery.

Its National President, Comrade Ambi Karu, made the declaration while interacting with reporters on how the protocol has put other world leaders on the spot in efforts to combat forced labour which is rampant in the private sector.

He said: “We are very comfortable with the new ILO Protocol on forced labour that will put the government of member-states of the ILO on the alert. This is because the private sector is responsible for 90 per cent of the estimated 21 million victims of forced

labour, reaping about $150 billion from some of the most severe forms of exploitation in existence.”

According to Karu, the call became necessary to prevent jobless youths from being exploited by the political class to create political crisis in the country as the nation prepares for this year’s general elections.

“We are more comfortable because over 92 per cent of employers and workers’ delegates at the ILO conference voted in favour of the protocol, which the ILO described as bringing one of its longest-standing instruments, Convention 29, into the modern era.

“We are optimistic that the new ILO protocol, if taken seriously by the three tiers of government will revitalise action to ending forced labour, especially in the textile and garment industry, as the new rule will put those who make money from anti-workers’activities on notice,” he said.

670m jobs in 15 years, says ILO

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HE International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said over 670 million jobs are needed to be created over the next 15 years to keep up with the growth of the labour force and contain the spread of unemployment in the world ILO’s Special Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ms. Jane Stewart, who made this known while reviewing the implementation of the ILO’s progressive Global Jobs Pact, called on the international communities to combine decent work and inclusive growth into one goal in the post 2015 development agenda “It makes good sense to combine decent work and inclusive growth into one goal to be inclusive and sustainable, economic growth must create decent jobs as the ILO estimates that around 670 million jobs need to be created over the next 15 years to keep up with the growth of the labour force and contain the spread of unemployment,” she said.

To achieve the goal of decent work for all, ILO called on the

international community to, by 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

“To achieve this target, significant efforts will be needed to reduce large numbers of the working poor, to increase employment rates for women, youth and people with disabilities, to promote formalisation and close the gender pay gap,” she said.

Meanwhile, over seven million people from 194 countries who participated in MY World (the United Nations (UN) survey) have voted for better jobs opportunities, health care and education as the top three priorities for post-2015 development agenda.

The MY World survey is the largest survey ever undertaken by the UN in its 70-year-old history. It has reached over seven million people all over the world, mostly young women and men.

To celebrate this milestone, the UN released the report titled: “We the peoples.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS e-Business

e-mail: e-business@thenationonlineng.net

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2015 Amid the monetary policy and dwindling oil revenue, things may be tough for the telecommunications sector in 2015, reports LUCAS AJANAKU.

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HESE are certainly not the best of times for the country. The prices of crude oil in the international market, Nigeria’s economic mainstay, have witnessed an unprecedented dip of more than 40 per cent in so short a time. There appears to be no end in sight to the woes of the economy as the oil cartel to which the country belongs, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has refused to bow to pressure to cut supply to ease the pressure on demand.

Nigeria’s national currency, the naira, has been on a free fall after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had frittered away the national foreign exchange (forex) reserves in a most unsustainable attempt at defending it.

At his wit’s end, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele announced the devaluation of the naira by eight per cent.

The apex bank also directed that all importations involving electronics, finished products, information technology (IT), generators, telecommunication equipment, and invisible transactions would henceforth be funded from the interbank foreign exchange market only, a development telcos say will hurt efforts at expanding capacity by unwittingly increasing cost.

Its Director, Trade & Exchange Department, O.I. Gbadamosi, via a circular to all authorised dealers, said the policy was to maintain the existing stability in foreign exchange market and strengthen the various policy measures, already initiated by the CBN. He said: “The importation of electronics, finished products, information technology, generators, telecommunication equipment, and invisible transactions importations shall henceforth be limited to the interbank market only.”

The telecoms industry thrives on importation of most of its inputs. The naira devaluation will inevitably put more pressure on the ability of the operators to expand capacity and upgrade existing infrastructure.

Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Eugene Juwah, said to get a seamless, hitchfree service delivery in the country, between 70,000 and 80,000 base transmission stations (BTS) would be required. Currently, there are about 29,000 BTS serving both the licencees of the four global system for mobile communication (GSM) and one code division multiple access (CDMA) operator.

With this scenario, quality of service (QoS) is expected to dominate the telecoms space once again this year. This is because the operators will not be able to grow their network while the quest for subscriber acquisition will continue.

Country Manager, Ericsson Nigeria, Kamar Abass said it will be a dangerous precedent for any regulator to attempt to bar any operator from taking more customers onto its network. NCC agrees no less as it has insisted that at the core of its mandate is telecoms access provision to all.

Customers Service Executive at MTN Nigeria, Akinwale Goodluck said the directive of the CBN will only worsen the woes of the industry. For one, about 80 per cent of the cell sites across the country run on generators as major source of power while power from the national grid is stand by. Generators, IT equipment and telecoms equipment are among the list of items the CBN has prohibited from direct importation except via interbank foreign exchange market only.

Goodluck argues that going through the interbank forex market will add between six and seven per cent to cost. The government’s policies are bound to impact negatively on service delivery and put the regulator once again on the spotlight as it will be helpless.

Chief Executive Officer, MainOne Cable Company Nigeria Limited, Ms. Funke Opeke said both the telcos and the consumers are

•Mrs. Johnson

•Juwah

•GSM base station

Cloudy horizon for telcos, regulator, subscribers unwittingly under pressure arising from the currency devaluation.

Opeke who was former Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of MTN Nigeria spoke on the sideline at a telecoms forum in Lagos, said: “Well the declining value of the naira is definitely putting pressure on margins for telecoms operators. As you know, a lot of

the technology inputs into the sector are imported, so they are dollar-denominated and most operators have long term supply service contracts.”

According to her, with these supply service contracts entered into on a long term basis and the “value of your naira receivables against the dollar not at par puts a lot of pres-

‘The apex bank also directed that all importations involving electronics, finished products, information technology (IT), generators, telecommunication equipment, and invisible transactions would henceforth be funded from the interbank foreign exchange market only, a development telcos say will hurt efforts at expanding capacity by unwittingly increasing cost’

sure”.

She said consumers will also feel the pinch of the inflationary trends as they would not have so much disposable income to spend on telecoms.

“So, it is a two-sided equation. I think we are all hoping that there will be additional stimuli instituted by the government to try to advance the economy a little bit faster to stimulate spending in all the sectors aside from oil so that the economy can quickly recover,” she said.

On whether a sustained unease on the economy could ultimately dovetail to an increase in telephone end user tariff, she said it was too early for any operator to contemplate that as all the telcos would strive to avoid that.

She said: “I think its early days. Given where the industry is, everyone will like to avoid that (tariff increase) because in an environment where consumers are also under pressure, they can least afford those increases.

But perhaps for us as Nigerians, it is also an opportunity to look at other areas where we can grow our economy and add value and provide services out of Nigeria on a global basis and to earn revenue andforeign exchange. There are other economies in the world that have done that successfully and we really need to be more aggressive in trying to push for new frontiers in our economy.”

One other issue that may take front burner this year is the propriety or otherwise of compelling the four major carriers-MTN, Airtel, Globacom and Etisalat, to list on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) to allow for their broader ownership by the citizens and • Continued on Page 60

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

e-Business

Cloudy horizon for telcos, regulator, subscribers • Continued from Page 59 share in their annual huge profits, most of which are repatriated to South Africa. Nigeria remains the cash-cow of MTN while the country contributes immensely to the African operations of Bharti Airtel.

All the four except Globacom are listed in Johannesburg Stock Exchange, The Stock Exchange, Mumbai (BSE), Delhi Stock Exchange (DSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) all in India and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) respectively. In spite of these, there is no law barring them from cross-listing their shares in Nigeria.

Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi OkonjoIweala, last year said government, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the NSE had set-up a working group that is in discussion with big firms such as telecommunications, consumer goods, as well as oil and gas to list on the bourse.

She said: “We are already talking with the Minister of Communication Technology, with the DG SEC and the CEO of NSE. We actually have a working group that is talking to big companies-MTN, and other telecommunications, consumer goods, industry and others.

Even the power sector, oil and gas, we are trying to persuade them to list because this is the way we can deepen our capital market.”

She said although the government was exploring the option of incentivising the telcos to encourage them to list on the local bourse, the government would resort to other measures to get the companies listed if the persuasive measures failed to take them to the floor of the NSE. The Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Oscar Onyema said the bourse is making progress in its bid to get the carriers listed in the country.

Onyema told Bloomberg that discussions “have moved from them (the telcos) not wanting to list, to them looking at how to deal with the issues that would make it unattractive to list.”

He said the NSE is “gaining traction,” in trying to entice more firms to place initial public offerings (IPOs) to reflect the health of the economy. He spoke on the sidelines of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) in Seoul, Korea.

Minister of Communications Technology, Dr. (Mrs) Omobola Johnson said the telecoms sector now contributes about 9.5 per cent to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).

According to the rebasing of Nigeria’s economy, the telecoms sector is a major contributor to the GDP. Onyema said though none of the operators have come with proposal to list its stock, the

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HE E-payment Providers Association of Nigeria (E-PPAN) has urged Nigerians to be security conscious especially at this festive season where a lot of transactions take place with the use of various payment instruments.

Its Media and Strategy Development Manager, Mrs Ntia Nnene Sylvia who spoke in Lagos, said people must be careful as they use their cards during shopping at merchant outlets using the point of sale (PoS) terminal or use mobile banking/payment; online transactions or even at the automated teller machine (ATM) point She said: “Typically, fraudsters also use this festive season to launch their nefarious activities to unsuspecting bank customers. The onus is therefore on the individual first, to consider safety in all transactions, and these will take some extra and conscious effort by the individual.

“It is very safe to use any of the payment instruments but to minimise the chances of becoming a victim of electronic fraud, we advise consumers to follow some safety tips such as looking after your cards and card details at

• Chairman Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga

• CEO, Airtel, Segun Ogunsanya

• CEO, MTN, Michael Ikpoki

•Wilsher

‘Well the declining value of the naira is definitely putting pressure on margins for telecoms operators. As you know, a lot of the technology inputs into the sector are imported, so they are dollar-denominated and most operators have long term supply service contracts’ carriers did raise “structural issues” topping them from IPOs, adding that the bourse is working with the Federal Government to address any shortcomings.

“Some don’t need to raise capital, but some do. If any one of the four carriers wanted to raise capital on the NSE, I don’t see that not being successful,” the SEC CEO said.

• Ms Opeke

Stakeholders in the industry have urged the National Assembly to enact a law that would make blue chip firms such as the telcos and oil majors to cross-list on the Nigerian bourse.

CEO, Teledon Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem said if the telcos list on the local

E-PPAN urges security consciousness

By Toyin Adeleye

all times; trying not to let your card out of your sight when making a transaction; not leaving your cards unattended to in public places. We emphasise that card users should never share their PIN with anyone and ensure you are the only person that knows your PIN. Your bank will never ask you to disclose it; anyone who asks you for your PIN is a fraudster. Keep it secret, keep it safe – protect your PIN. For those who will use the ATM at any point, we always advise that, never use an ATM at any isolated location especially at night and weekends. ATM’s are generally very safe; however they do sometimes attract criminal attention, so you still need to follow common sense precautions when withdrawing cash. At the ATM when entering your PIN, stand close to the ATM , use your free hand and your body to shield the number in case someone is watching you over your shoulder. “Once you have completed a

transaction put your money and card away before leaving the ATM. If the ATM does not return your card, report it immediately to your service provider. Destroy or preferably shred your ATM receipts, mini-statements or balance enquiries when you dispose of them. If you think someone has seen your PIN you can change it at the next ATM or by contacting your bank. To minimise the chances of having your card or card details stolen at an ATM, we say that if you spot anything unusual about the ATM, or there are signs of tampering, do not use it. report it to the relevant authorities immediately” According to her, for those traveling overseas, the advice is that “you call your financial service providers and inform them on your location of travel. Only take cards that you intend to use; leave others in a secure place at home.

When you are overseas don’t let your card out of your sight, especially in restaurants and bars; when you get back check your card statements

bourse, it will be in their best interest. According to him, opening up the space for individual and corporate Nigerians to be partowners of the companies will not only engender liquidity, it will also give Nigerians a sense of belonging.

He said the spate of wilful vandalism of telecoms equipment would be a thing of the past as the would-be-vandals would start to see themselves as co-owners of the assets.

The embrace of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) by the telcos too has raised fears about job security in the sector. At the twilight of last year, some of the telcos offloaded the yoke of tower management by selling them off. All the four carriers, except Globacom, have sold their towers in the country.

Regional tower management specialist IHS Holding, bought 2,136 towers from Etisalat, it also bought more than 9,000 from MTN. Mobile operators are exploring ways to reduce the heavy investment needed in maintaining and improving their networks at a time when customers are expecting faster speeds over 3G and 4G services. The deal is part of a plan by Etisalat to improve the quality of its network performance and accelerate roll out of 2G and 3G coverage across the country.

Its CEO, Mathew Wilsher said the partnership with IHS is designed to promote network sharing, ensure higher quality, sustain reliable mobile services, lower overall costs and also promote a cleaner environment through reduced diesel usage and increased investments in alternative energy solutions.

IHS has installed a large number of alternative energy sites across the country in addition to the construction of a state-of-the-art Network Operations Centre (NOC) with 99 per cent on its own sites.

IHS has further committed to investing $100m in the towers acquired, on advanced generators, efficient batteries and alternative energy solutions to reduce diesel consumption and improve efficiency of grid use.

IHS will also own and manage over 6,540 towers in the country and market services on the towers promoting tower sharing and colocation to help drive network improvements, better service to subscribers and economic growth.

For Airtel, it will sell 4,800 towers and then lease them back from American Tower for 10 years, the two companies said in a joint statement.

American Tower in a filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission in the U.S. had said the total consideration for the deal is expected to be $1.05 billion.

“The agreement will allow Airtel to focus on its core business and customers, enable it to deleverage through debt reduction and will significantly reduce its on going capital expenditures on passive infrastructure in Nigeria,” Bharti said in a statement released to a stock exchange in Mumbai.

American Tower Cor is an independent telecommunications and broadcast real-estate company which owns, operates and develops about 70,000 towers for cellphone companies and television stations. This deal will mark American Tower’s first foray into Nigeria. It already has operations in Ghana, South Africa and Uganda. Bharti and American Tower expect to close the deal during the first half of this year, subject to regulatory approvals, the company’s joint statement said. carefully for unfamiliar transactions. If there are any, report them to your financial service provider as soon as possible.”

For those doing online transactions, she said: “Our advice to those category of people is that they should only shop on secure sites. Before entering card details ensure that the locked padlock or unbroken key symbol is showing in your browser. Additionally, the beginning of the online retailer’s internet address will change from ‘http’ to ‘https’ to indicate the connection is secure. Never send your PIN over the internet.

Always log out properly after shopping online – if the website you have used has a ‘sign out’ or ‘log off’ button, click it when you have finished, especially if you have been using a shared or public computer. As additional preventative measures when banking online, you should ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring. Be particularly security-conscious if you are using a public computer or public Wi-Fi internet connection.

“If everyone follows the safety security tips that we have highlighted they would have protected themselves from being victims of fraud.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

61

MONEYLINK

Foundation institutes $100m entrepreneurship scheme

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HE Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, an annual scheme for training, funding and mentoring, designed to empower the next generation of African entrepreneurs, has instituted $100 million for African entrepreneurs.

Beneficiaries are expected to, from today, submit entries through its application portal.

Submission of entries ends March 1.

The $100 million programme, announced in Lagos will identify and support 1,000 entrepreneurs from across the continent each year over the next decade. The 10,000 start-ups and young businesses selected from across Africa will ultimately create one million new

Access Bank bags IFBA award

A

Stories by Collins Nweze

jobs and add $10 billion in annual revenues to Africa’s economy.

The programme is open to citizens and legal residents of all 54 African countries. Applications can be made by any for-profit business based in Africa in existence for less than three years, including new business ideas.

The foundation said entrepreneurs must complete the online application form with questions on their background, experience and business idea, plans for growth and proposed pan-African impact.

“Since the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme was announced, we have been enthused by the level of interest and

•Mr Elumelu excitement from entrepreneurs across Africa. We are looking forward to reviewing the entries and identifying the first cohort of the continent’s next generation of business leaders,” its Director of Entrepreneurship, ParminderVir OBE said.

Stanbic IBTC to float more ETFs

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HIEF Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Asset Man agement Limited , Mr. Olumide Oyetan, said the firm plans to float more Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) this year.

He said the bank will do so because of its commitment to make the Nigerian capital market less equity based and provide alternatives for investors.

Oyetan who spoke during the listing of the Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) said the ETFs will be launched by the first half of this year.

A total of 11.44 million units of the ETF were listed on the daily official list of the NSE at N100 per unit. The 42,000 units of the ETF valued at N422, 000 were

traded same day.

He called on investors to take advantage of ETF 30 to invest in a low cost instrument that will deliver the required market return from the NSE 30 Index.

The Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 was designed to track the performance of the NSE 30 index which comprises the top 30 companies listed on the NSE in terms of market capitalisation and liquidity. The index serves as the flagship benchmark for the stock market as it represents 92 per cent of the NSE’s market capitalisation and the will replicate the price and yield performance of the index.

Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited had in September offered 10 million units of the Fund at N100 each par to investors. The

offer, which has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the NSE, had a minimum subscription of 10,000 units and multiples of 5,000 units thereafter.

Oyetan explained that investors could invest or dispose of units of the Fund by buying or selling in the secondary market or through creation and redemption of the units in the primary market, adding that creation and redemption of the Fund could only be done by the Fund Manager when it is in excess of 500,000 units.

He said that units of the Fund could be created or redeemed either in kind or cash or combination of both.

CCESS Bank has been recognised by the International Film and Broadcast Academy (IFBA) for its support to the growth of the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

The lender got the recognition during the award presentation ceremony in Lagos.

Speaking in Lagos, the founder, IFBA, Mr. Victor Okhai said the academy provided students the opportunity to network with film makers and broadcasters from all over Africa and the rest of the world.

He said: “The truth is that the new generation has to take over and so we have to give them the opportunity to compete in the international level. If they are to start doing films today, you will find out that our standard will shoot up.

“Of course, we needed to encourage this sector by creating a platform where talents can be discovered, nurtured and where they can get a springboard to the next level. With what we have done so far, the careers of many of them have exploded. So, for us, a natural partner was Access Bank.”

In her remarks, its Executive Director, Information Technology and Operations, Mrs. Ojini Olaghere, who represented the bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, said the partnership with IFBA was part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).

She said: “For us, it is about partnership and support. Here in Access Bank, we are encouraged to carry out CSR. It is not just as a bank, we are also encouraged as groups to carry out CSR initiatives and at the end of the year when we have the CEO award, whichever group has the best CSR, the bank will refund the amount spent on the project to the group. We do a lot of things and we don’t make noise about it. We make sure that these projects have a lot of impact.”

According to her, Access Bank believes “in catching them young,” hence the need for the partnership with IFBA. ”We have products for children and our partnership with the academy is also in line with our mission of catching them young,” she added.

FirstBank partners Etisalat on Firstmonie, Easywallet

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IRST Bank and Etisalat, have reached agreement to drive the mobile pay ment systems and support the CBN cash-less policy. The partnership which involves FirstBank’s Firstmonie Mobile Money and Etisalat easywallet, a SIM application solution, is expected to significantly impact the uptake of mobile money in Nigeria. It would also make mobile payments more accessible and secure.

In a statement, FirstBank said the aim of the partnership is to promote the use of Firstmonie mobile money on the easywallet STK menu, adding that by doing so, there would be value added to all stakeholders in the mobile money segment including customers, Agents and merchants.

FirstBank’s, Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Folake Ani-Mumuney, said “Firstmonie has continued to show its commitment to upholding the financial inclusion drive by the Central Bank of Nigeria, adding that this is evident in its recent award of the Best Mobile Money Operator in Nigeria by the EFInA Financial Inclusion Awards.

She said partnering with Etisalat to promote the use of the STK menu as the preferred Mobile Money channel, further demonstrates “our commitment to lead innovation in the development of secure mobile payment solutions.”

DATA BANK AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

152.19 9.17 1.12 1.19 2,237.65 1.39 1,710.65 1,092.63 115.26 121.16 1,117.51 1.1841 1.2569 0.7009 1.1047

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 10/12/2014 3/12/2014 1/12/2014 1,116.70 1.7777 1.2569 0.6899 1.1047

GAINERS AS AT 31-12-14

SYMBOL O/PRICE STERLNBANK 2.42 MANSARD 3.05 WAPIC 0.61 AFRIPRUD 2.90 AGLEVENT 1.25 VONO 1.07 EVANSMED 2.18 OMOSAVBNK 0.88 WEMABANK 0.92 FIDSON 3.74 UPL 4.05

C/PRICE 2.54 3.20 0.64 3.04 1.31 1.12 2.28 0.92 0.96 3.90 4.22

CHANGE 0.12 0.15 0.03 0.14 0.06 0.05 0.10 0.04 0.04 0.16 0.17

LOSERS AS AT 31-12-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

TRANSCORP FCMB OANDO SKYEBANK TOTAL CONOIL IKEJAHOTEL UAC-PROP PORTPAINT UBA CUTIX FIDELITYBK COSTAIN NASCON

3.60 2.66 17.15 2.80 150.00 40.11 3.89 9.98 4.09 4.50 1.36 1.69 0.77 6.46

C/PRICE 3.25 2.49 16.11 2.66 142.50 38.11 3.70 9.50 3.90 4.30 1.30 1.62 0.74 6.22

CHANGE -0.35 -0.17 -1.04 -0.14 -7.50 -2.00 -0.19 -0.48 -0.19 -0.20 -0.06 -0.07 -0.03 -0.24

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Inflation: November

7.9%

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b) Money Supply (M2)

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$36.8b

US Dollar

167

168

$61.12

Pounds Sterling

261.9395

263.508

Euro

206.2617

207.4968

171.546

172.5732

Yen

1.3838

1.3921

CFA

0.2944

0.3144

242.3484

243.7996

Yuan/Renminbi

27.1505

27.314

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES December 29, 2014

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

Swiss Franc

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

WAUA Tenor

17-12-14 Rate (%) Rate (%) 18-12-14

Overnight (O/N)

10.54

11.17

Riyal

44.4906

44.757

1M

11.94

12.18

SDR

243.2856

244.7424

3M

13.08

13.33

6M

14.03

14.17

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

FOREX RATES

R-DAS ($/N)

165.29

165.29

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

Parallel ($/N)

185.50

185.50

0

Dec. 18, 2014

Rates

T-bills - 91

13.65

T-bills - 182

13.88

T-bills - 364

13.65

Bond - 3yrs

13.81

Bond - 5yrs

13.85

Bond - 7yrs

13.83

62

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

CITYBEATS Runaway kidnap kingpin arrested

Five held over lawyer’s death T

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SUSPECTED kidnap kingpin, who allegedly spearheaded the abduction of Durodola Muwalu, the Managing Director of Dam Jay Hotel in Ikorodu, Lagos, has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS).

Oni Adekoya a.k.a Big Fish’s arrest is coming on the heels of the earlier arrest of his colleagues, : Ikuomola Felix (37), Gbenga Popoola, Akinbi Adebayo (40) and Azeez Olowu (38).

The hotel manager had been erroneously kidnapped at Itoiki and held hostage for 12 days before his rescue by the police.

The kidnappers used the victim’s phone to invite his wife and relations to bring

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

•Adekoya

By Ebele Boniface

N20,000 phone credit to facilitate their discussion on the ransom. They initially demanded N60 million but, eventually settled for N3 million. They were arrested while trying to collect the ransom.

HE Police have arrested five persons over the death of Mrs Ola Adeola, a lawyer and insurance broker.

The woman, according to the police, was found dead in her apartment at Oniru Private Estate in Lagos last December 15.

The suspects include her driver, Asokwa Uche; a cook, Alex Julius; a security guard, Jimoh Ibrahim, and another security man simply identified as Joseph and an agent Olutola. Charles, the second cook, is at large.

Their arrest followed a directive by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) State Investigation Department (SCID), Mr. Olugbenga Adeyanju.

They were arrested on the theory that being close aides of the deceased, they must be aware of the circumstances of her death.

‘My husband bribes me with N500 for sex’ A

TRADER, Laide Adeegbe, has prayed the Alagbado Customary Court, in Lagos, to dissolve her 22-yearold marriage.

She wants to divorce her husband, Monsuru because of cruelty and disrespect.

She said: “Among his wives, I have been the only one who has stood by him all these years. I am his fourth wife, but I have never enjoyed him. I was advised not to sleep with my husband if I wanted his right leg to heal because it discharges some smelly pus but he wouldn’t listen. The worst part is that, each time my husband and I have misunderstanding, his elder brother beats me. I have scars all over my body. I can’t remember the last time he gave me monthly allowance but he prefers to bribe me with N500 each time he wants to sleep with me. I left home because I couldn’t put up with his attitude anymore. I now sleep in my shop and I am comfortable.

I just want our marriage dis-

‘

I am his fourth wife, but I have never enjoyed him. I was advised not to sleep with my husband if I wanted his right leg to heal because it discharges some smelly pus but he wouldn’t listen. The worst part is that, each time my husband and I have misunderstanding, his elder brother beats me. I have scars all over my body

By Basirat Braimah

solved. “ Monsuru, 55, is not ready to let her go. He told the court: “We have been living happILy. The problem starts whenever I am broke. I had to learn how to rear fowl just to feed our children. In order to support my wife’s business, I borrowed some money from my younger brother. When I asked my wife why she usually came late, she lied that she worked with a soap manu-

’

facturing company but I was pained when I knew she sells alcoholic drink.

“Why would my brother beat my wife? I will beat any man who beats my wife. I don’t want this marriage dissolved. I love my wife; she assists me.”

The marriage was sealed under the Native and Customary Law has produced it three children.

The Court’s president, Mr. Olubode Sekoni, ordered the parties to be peaceful. The case was adjourned till January 15 for further hearing.

‘

... Getting to the woman’s house, I opened the kitchen door and we went in. Opening the door to the dining table, we met the woman lying facedown, dead. The agent and I then went to report the matter at the Maroko Police Station

By Ebele Boniface

’

The suspects are claiming not to know how Mrs Adeola was killed.

Julius, the cook, said: “Mrs. Adeola was like a mother to me. I swear; I did not plan the death of the woman. I know nothing about her death. Police arrested me and said ‘this is the kitchen knife used to kill the woman’. We are five in custody now. We met her lying face-down and dead in the parlour.

“Three of us - myself, agent and security man - went to Maroko Police Station to report the incident. They gave us two policemen and a photographer. Getting to the

house, the sisters and family members were already there.

They went inside, did their investigation and took us back to the police station.

They detained us and transferred us to SCID, Panti on Tuesday.

“When we got to the sitting room, Charles who is still at large, Uche and I saw her dead. When I resumed work at the woman’s place, I noticed that everywhere was dark whereas there was always light in the house; I mean the boys’ quarters where we live. I called the agent to inform him of what I noticed and he asked me to see the security men so that they would accompany me to the main building. Rather than follow me, they told me that something happened.

“They said even the family of the driver did not see him throughout that Saturday. The following day, they told the relatives of the driver that they saw him unconscious on the floor with blood stains on his shirt and body, including wounds on his forehead and chest. They picked and rushed him to the hospital. I called the agent who promised to call in the morning.

“In the morning, we met at Sanfe bus stop and went

•Julius

together to the gate of the estate. The security men did not allow us in; rather, one of them said he must follow us inside. Getting to the woman’s house, I opened the kitchen door and we went in.

Opening the door to the dining table, we met the woman lying face-down, dead. The agent and I then went to report the matter at the Maroko Police Station.

“I went off-duty on Saturday. At about 8am, I was working at Ikate at Lekki bus stop. I closed there with my younger brother in the evening. I went home on Sunday morning. We resumed at 8.30am and closed by 8pm and my brother went home. I was not in the woman’s compound when the incident happened.”

Lions Club holds health walk

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EMBERS of Lions Club 404B-2 led by their district Governor, Abiodun Adediji, have held its last fitness walk for the year. It was tagged Lions Walk for Life.

The exercise which lasted about three hours commenced at Yabatech Staff School and ended at Rowe Park, Yaba on Lagos Mainland.

The coordinator of the monthly exercise, Lion Nkoli Ogunubi-Johnson, said that it is the desire of the club to ensure that its members stay fit “because we have a lot of work to do

By Ovwe Medeme

to humanity and if we are not fit physically, we won’t be able to carry out our responsibilities to the public.

This walk also serves as an avenue to create awareness and encourage people to join us.”

Adediji, the pioneer governor of the district, also explained that the exercise goes beyond walking around as it also serves as an opportunity to showcase the organisation to the public.

“This was introduced because wellness is fitness and fitness is wellness. We de-

cided to walk for life and in doing that we encourage people to join us so we can do more for the society. We really want to do more but we need more people to work with us so we can serve people better. This is an aggressive way of mobilising people to join us,” Adediji said.

Lions Walk for Life holds every third Saturday of the month. A monthly activity, the walk attracts members of the service club across the district and, according to its management, is meant to encourage a healthy lifestyle and attract more membership from the society.

Tricyclists sue Lagos police chief over detention C OMMERCIAL tricyclists have sued the Lagos State Commissioner of Police in Lagos at the Federal High Court over the detention of two of their colleagues without charge.

They are seeking a declaration that the detention of Semiu Alabi and Mumuni Abolaji at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti since December 19 constitutes a violation of their fundamental rights.

They are also seeking an order mandating the respondents, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and the investigating police officer, Inspector Ojugbele Bola, to release them forthwith. The plaintiffs want N10million as aggravated

By Joseph Jibueze

damages for their emotional stress and psychological trauma.

The applicants said their arrest Branch followed a disagreement over the control of Roundabout New Road park at Ajeromi, Lagos.

According to them, the Keke Owners Association of Nigeria (KOAN) Ajeromi Ifelodun branch leadership asked Chairman Ganiu Dauda to leave the park for Alabi and Abolaji. Following Dauda’s alleged refusal to comply, the applicants lodged a complaint with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

“The fourth respondent (Dauda) having sensed that the park is likely to be returned to the applicants, decided to use members of the police force to harass, intimidate and molest, the applicants,” they said in a supporting affidavit.

They said they were accused of attacking Dauda, which according to them, was an excuse to detain them for fear of losing the park to them.

The applicants said they fear they could be eliminated in detention, praying the court to order their release.

Justice Mohammed Yunusa fixed January 5 for the hearing of the application.

•Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, Dr. Tajudeen Abiodun Afolabi, assisted by Permanent Secretary (OES), Hakeem Ogunbambi, while planting a tree to commemorate his birthday at Alausa in Ikeja, Lagos.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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‘A vote for PDP is own goal against Nigeria’ Text of Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola’s speech at the Christmas Eve Party of Island Club/Yoruba Tennis Club, Lagos

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ONIGHT I deliver my valedictory Christmas eve address to you as Governor of Lagos.

I have done so consistently for 8 (eight) years since the first time on 24 th December 2007 the year you elected me as your Governor.

I have never delegated the task because I enjoy coming back to my club, and because it provides opportunities for interaction and communication.

I come here again tonight with gratitude and with pride.

Gratitude for your support, for your counsel, for inspirations and for your useful criticisms all of which have been most defining.

I come here with pride about what we have achieved under a social contract in a democratic setting by which we have demonstrated that multiethnic, multi-religious, very diverse and multi-lingual people can co-exist harmoniously and develop in a democracy in Nigeria’s most populous state.

I am proud because we have worked together to explode many myths.

I am proud because Lagos is working despite the nay sayers.

Inspite of tumbling oil prices Lagos is not in arrears of workers’ salaries.

We can still pay our workers their salaries and also add a 15% end of year bonus.

This is not because we are not affected by revenue losses as a result of the Federal mismanagement of our economy which has affected all states, we are able to keep going because a party and a Government that knows what they are doing run Lagos.

Inspite of these challenges the national long-term financial rating of your state according to Fitch International rating agency is “AA+ (nga) with a stable outlook.

The rating agency also affirmed our long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings at BBwith a stable outlook and our shortterm foreign currency Issuer Default Rating as B. As a further mark of investors’ confidence in our debt management strategy, our N275BN MTN Programme, together with the N57.5B and N80B Bonds, which mature in 2017 and 2019 respectively have been affirmed at BB- and AA+(nga).

Your state is the only state in Nigeria that has these ratings.

I am proud because many sectors of our national life show progress and results of the hard and dedicated work, of our public servants.

Our unemployment index is 8% compared to the national index of 24 per cent and this is inspite of our size. The whole of Nigeria lives here.

Recent polls and studies show that confidence in our public schools is daily increasing.

53 per cent of Lagosians now say they prefer to have their children in state owned primary school as against 47 per cent who opt for private primary schools.

69 per cent of Lagosians now say they prefer to have their children in State Secondary School as against 31 per cent who opt for private secondary school.

When you understand that the ratio of private to state schools is four private schools to one state school, you will appreciate the enormity of the challenge.

But let me be clear, we are happy to embrace this challenge because Lagos is working with your support.

Our WAEC results have improved year on year from 2008 till date by the number of students who pass with 5 (five) credits at one sitting from 7% in 2008, to 18% in 2009, to 21% in 2010, 19% in 2011, 38% in 2012, 41% in 2013 and 45% in 2014.

As far as our primary responsibility of providing security is concerned, 77% of Lagosians now say they feel secure and 89% say that crime has reduced.

This is inspite of the increasing global crime index and our national security challenges.

But your Government has not come up with excuses inspite of the absence of a State Police. We have been inventive, determined and unyielding as far as crime fighting and safety of lives and property is concerned.

Although we have had excuses and blame trading from the national government about its failure to deliver power, we have lit up public spaces in our State inspite of this national abdication of responsibility.

Businesses now run late into the night and some run for 24 hours which means that Lagosians get an opportunity to work and earn a living in the second economy.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I could go on but I will not.

You are the one who chose the change you now experience.

You are the ones to whom the responsibility to keep that change and consolidate it now falls.

Your vote is the power you have to do so.

Please ensure that you go and collect your Voters’ Card in order to protect what you have built in Lagos.

Lagos is too important within Nigeria, in Africa and across the world to be entrusted to those who want to experiment.

Our Party has held a well-organized and transparent gubernatorial primary in which the most popular candidate Akinwunmi Ambode emerged as our candidate.

Almost all of the aspirants have worked in our Government and with me in building the progress we now have.

Akinwunmi Ambode served with me as Accountant General for 6 years.

He worked in the Local Government for many years.

He was part of the building process.

He understands how Government works, he will not be guessing on day one, if you elect him as my successor, because he is experienced.

The alternatives to him will be an experiment with your lives, your businesses and the future of your children.

When you look at the other side on the national level it cannot and does not inspire confidence.

No power, no security, broken economy, slogans and failed promises.

If I started to enumerate the list of broken promises, it will take a while and I know you all want to dance and enjoy yourselves tonite as much as I do.

I will only remind you that the party and government at the federal level inherited a whole country from us in 2011.

They are returning to ask for your vote with only part of a whole country having lost some parts by failing in their first and primary duty, which is security.

Yet all we continue to hear are slogans that transform nothing.

Nothing was too much, too sensitive, to important to them to play politics or slogan about.

They even sloganized about innocent girls held in captivity for months where they tried to play on the hashtag bring back our girls, until an an-

gry public brought them back to reality.

We have heard slogans about how they made us the biggest economy in Africa.

Please ask them to tell you why smaller economies provide electricity for their people and they keep us in darkness.

Please ask them why smaller economies provide petrol easily for their people and why we have to queue for hours or days to get petrol.

Please ask them why we are trying to buy arms for our security forces from an economy that is smaller than ours.

Please ask them why our own Naira is trading at over N180 to the dollar, and South Africa Rand is trading at less than R12 to the dollar.

Please tell them that it is your quality of life and prosperity that matters, rather than the size of the numbers.

If you want to know how important this economy is to the Federal Government, please ask yourself when last you saw the President present the budget to the National Assembly.

I think that one of the lessons leadership must impart, is the lesson of example.

They almost turned Ebola into a political trophy even though they knew little about how the battle was fought and won in Lagos which was the epicenter.

For the record, let me say today that Lagos is not only the first urban centre experience of Ebola that was successfully contained, your Governor, is the first political office holder on global record to have met and embraced Ebola survivors.

This was later to be followed by the American President.

Your Governor is also the first head of Government to enter a medical facility where an Ebola patient was managed after it was de-contaminated.

This could only have happened because of the commitment of our dedicated public servants and health workers who assured me that the patients had been fully treated; and the facility fully de-contaminated. I had to lead by making myself an example and I did so because I trust the professionalism of these public servants.

I do not know about you, but I am clear that a vote for that party will

•Fashola

be a vote for bad leadership and an own goal against Nigeria.

We need a fresh pair of hands, a fresh pair of eyes and fresh minds to take us to our promised land. The All Progressive Congress with General Buhari and Prof Yemi Osibajo, SAN, represent the leadership that Nigeria needs now. Their security, law and order and integrity credentials are urgently needed to rescue Nigeria.

For now, I will leave the story of failure of governance, of broken promises and dysfunctional administration, where only 14.4% provision is made for all of us in the 2015 national budget for infrastructure that is clearly in deficit, whereas Lagos has budgeted 51% for infrastructure.

I wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2015 that will be defined by your votes.

I expect that they will come here to ask you again for your votes.

When they do, please ask them why there is no Lagosian in the Federal Executive Council.

Please ask them why they have not done the road to Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

They promised to do it at Tafawa Balewa Square in 2011.

Please ask them why they have not paid the N51b owed to Lagos for Federal roads rehabilitated by Lagos State.

I look forward to seeing you all next year.

God bless you all and thank you for your support and prayers.

Eko o ni baje o!

Ojudu: Jonathan should declare emergency on economy

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•Chairman, Isoko South Local Government Council, Sir Constantine Ithiako Ikpokpo with the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Mrs. Beatrice Igogo-Oyibotha after the House inauguration.

LL Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Babafemi Ojudu has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in the economic sector, stressing that the serious economic crisis may worsen the political situation of the country in the New Year.

Ojudu, who represents the Ekiti Central District in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, lamented the drop in oil earnings, which he said, may spell further doom for budget implementation.

Ojudu spoke yesterday in Lagos at the yearly review of the socio-political economy by the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), led by Third Republic House of Representatives Chief Whip, Olawale Oshun.

At the parley, the group released its report on the economic and political administration entitled: “Nigeria Democratic Governance Report: Curbing Political Instability and Extravagance.”

Accompanied by other ARG

•ARG alerts on state fragility, economic comatose

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

members, including Mr. Ayo Afolabi, Gen. Sam Odunsi, Mr. Segun Odegbami and Mr. Kunle Famoriyo, the former legislator alerted Nigerians to the reality of state fragility, warning that it could herald total collapse of the country.

Oshun said: “We crave for stability and economic progress. But, we have voodoo economists managing our economy. They are dedicated to the cause of the free market and global economic market.

Local industries are not protected. China has led the way in protecting its producers. India, with a population of 1.2 billion, has protected its economy. It does not import clothes. Nigeria imports everything, including tooth picks.”

The ARG leader also warned about the consequence of the imbalance between re-

current and capital expenditure. He said the drop in capital expenditure and rise in recurrent expenses could spell doom for the country in its drive for development.

Ojudu said the conspiracy between the United States (US) and the Saudi Arabia to punish the Soviet Union is affecting Nigeria, urging the Federal Government to pay more attention to the global economic trend.

HIS words: “The Nigerian oil cargo is being rejected in the oil market. The oil is being offered at a discount. We must begin to tighten our belts and reduce wastages. This is not the time to buy private jets for the President. The Head of the British Government travels in the British Airways.

“Last year’s budget harboured 45 per cent wastage. In the budget, civil servants were asking for old type writers. Under the military, we had a fouryear development plans. That

stopped in 1989. We prepared budgets for the benefit of civil servants, who spend more funds on tours, generators, computers, research and development. The money goes to the departments that do not even conduct research.”

Noting that civil servants hide under the rot in the system to perpetrate evil, the senator said: “In my own opinion, civil servants have become more corrupt than politicians.”

In his own remark, Ojudu said: “The President should declare an emergency in the economic sector. We must also stop the wastage. Few people will come from abroad, change the pound sterling and dollar, get more naira and buy the electorate.”

The senator lamented that parliamentary reprimand for the executive because of budget failure has become difficult because the majority of lawmakers respond to issues along party lines.

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THE NATION THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015

NEWS APGA urges INEC not to be biased From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

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THE All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to be biased in conducting the general elections.

It also advised politicians and parties, as they mobilised Nigerians, to “make their campaigns explicit and issue-based, their debates factual and thought-provoking and their criticism sincere and constructive, for an enduring democratic culture, so that the electorate will make a well-informed choice.”

A statement by the party’s National Director of Publicity, Ifeanacho Oguejiofor, said: “The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) wishes its supporters and other Nigerians a promising, optimistic and blissful year filled with economic advancement, peaceful political milieu and socio-religious harmony.

“The party implores the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make the votes count, to have a zero tolerance for rigging, to be strict in the rules guiding electoral conduct and to give the parties a level-playing field, so that the winners, who will emerge after the elections, will be a reflection of the voting.

“APGA warns Nigerians to avoid provocative utterances, unlawful acts and unpatriotic news reportage capable of jeopardising our corporate existence, especially regarding terrorism.

“APGA wants Nigerians to be aware that terrorism by the Boko Haram is a malady, which poses a challenge and a threat to our national security, economic development and sovereignty. Thus, APGA wants Nigerians, no matter their state of origin or place of abode, political leaning or interest, religious affiliation or association and other sundry interests, to support, co-operate and assist the security agencies and the Federal Government to overcome this monster of violence, agent of mayhem, behemoth of destruction and gruesome deaths, which have left many Nigerian families desolate, despondent and destitute.

“The party implores that all hands must be on deck to salvage and protect the country, nurture and transform its democracy, build and grow its economy, maintain and preserve the rule of law, for the benefit of all.”

Ebonyi deputy governor, speaker, others beg Elechi

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HE crisis rocking the Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday took another dimension at the House of Assembly complex on Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki.

The Deputy Governor and the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Dave Umahi, embattled Speaker Chukwuma Nwazunku and the nine lawmakers loyal to the speaker, for over three hours, begged Governor Martin Elechi to forgive them and support their political aspirations.

The governor, his deputy, the speaker and 11 lawmakers of the 24 have been fighting over who controls the PDP in the state.

Elechi supported the former Minister of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, to succeed him. The deputy governor, through the help of the

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

national leadership of the party, hijacked the party structure from the governor with other notable politicians.

The speaker and the 11 lawmakers plotted the impeachment of the governor to allow his deputy take over, but the purported impeachment failed, which led to the speaker writing President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him not to approve the N15 billion bond the government sought to complete major projects.

The trouble and the unacceptability of Umahi as the choice candidate of the governor and those loyal to him, led to the defection of the governor’s aides, council chairmen, federal lawmakers, among others, to the Labour Party (LP).

In a bid to save PDP and ensure its victory in the general

elections, the deputy governor, speaker and other 11 legislators met the governor at the legislative chambers during the presentation of the 2015 budget by the governor and begged him for more than three hours to forgive them.

A source told The Nation that the deputy governor, the speaker and others expressed their support to the Elechi administration, saying without the governor’s support, the chances of the PDP winning any of the elective positions would be slim.

The source said: “You know the deputy governor, the speaker, Dr. Sam Egwu and others never believed that thousands of Ebonyi people, including exco members, National Assembly members, state Assembly members among other notable PDP faithful, will dump the party

for the LP. “Today when PDP members go for campaigns and chant the party’s slogan, the response of the people is: “Labour Party, forward ever”. Worried by the development, they begged the governor.

“The deputy governor, sensing the possibility of losing the governorship election to the LP candidate, Chief Edward Nkwegu, who hails from Ebonyi North, which has a voting strength of over 49 per cent, approached people, including the Catholic Bishop, Michael Okoro, to beg the governor on his behalf. But the effort failed.

“Immediately the governor wrote the speaker to allow him present the 2015 budget, they saw it as an opportunity to meet him.

“When the governor arrived the Assembly complex and

IPMAN president gets title

CAN greets Nigerians

By Tokunbo Ogunsami

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HE National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chief Chinedu Okoronkwo, has been named the Nwa Chukwumere Eze of Eleoha Ututu, Abia State.

At the coronation, the Eze of Eleoha Ututu and Chairman, Abia North Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Chris O. Nwankwo, said the title was in recognition of his philanthropic gesture.

He said the IPMAN president brought succour to indigent scholars and offered health care and other services to the less privileged, using Avina Foundation as a platform.

Okoronkwo thanked the kingdoms and people of Eleoha Ututu for the gesture.

He promised to continue catering for the less-privileged.

Okoronkwo said the title was a challenge to him.

He prayed that God should give him the wisdom to serve his people.

•Eze Nwankwo giving the chieftaincy title to Chief Okoronkwo at Ututu in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.

Okorocha presents N141b budget proposal

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MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday presented a proposed budget of N141, 291,133,849 at the House of Assembly.

The budget, tagged: “Budget of Total Rescue and Sustainability”, according to the governor, would lay emphasis on projects and programmes with high capacity for wealth creation, skill acquisition and self employment and socio-economic development.

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

He said the budget, which projected 57 per cent for capital projects and 43 per cent for recurrent expenditure, was prepared to achieve concrete and formidable dividends of democracy in the areas of completion of projects and implementation of prioritised projects.

A breakdown of the budget showed that N119, 698,633,849 of the revenue projection is for

recurrent items and N21, 520,500,000 is for capital receipts.

Explaining the slight increase in the recurrent expenditure in the budget, compared to last year’s, the governor said it was conceived to improve on the welfare of the people, whom he said, endured hard times in the last three years.

A further breakdown of the budget include: N12,263,433,920, Personnel

Costs N12,010,469,311, Subvention Costs 17,728,500,000 and N18,724,170,603 are for Charges (CRFC).

Speaker Benjamin Uwajumogu, however, regretted that the budget was presented late, but assured of a speedy passage.

He urged the ministries and departments to turn up for the budget defence, to enable the House conclude the required procedures in time.

Court remands two for attempting to swindle Ogbeha

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said yesterday it had arraigned two suspects before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court for attempting to swindle Senator Tunde Ogbeha of £11,000 to clear a phony consignment of £10million.

Abiodun Akorede (aka Kwesi John Mensah) and Sherif Olaseni Ajaga (aka Rowland Komolafe) were put on trial before Justice H.U. Baba.

They have, however, been

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

remanded in Kuje Prison till January 20.

According to a statement by EFCC Head of Media and Publicity Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, the suspects were charged with criminal conspiracy and attempt to obtain money under false pretence.

The statement said: “The accused, who pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge, were arrested by operatives of the

wanted to move into the chambers, the speaker begged him to meet other members, who were having an executive session before the plenary.”

He went on: “As soon as the governor walked into the speaker’s office, the deputy governor, speaker and the 11 lawmakers begged him that they wanted to meet him.

“It was a marathon session, as everyone explained his role, which resulted in accusations and counter- accusations.

“Another issue addressed was the financing of the campaigns of the candidates, as most of the candidates said they lacked money to prosecute the elections.

“The governor, being a man of peace, although decried the roles the politicians played in destabilising his administration, said the discussion would be concluded after the budget presentation and passage.”

commission, following a petition by Senator Ogbeha, alleging attempt to swindle him in a non-existent transaction.

“The retired army general allegedly received a telephone call on December 5 last year from Morris Williams, who claimed to be a worker with a worldwide organisation.

“Williams was said to have told the petitioner that his company was ready to award him (the complainant) £10,000,000

for his consignment that was mishandled by an unnamed courier company.

“Williams was also said to have told the complainant that Messrs Kwesi John Mensah and Rowland Komolafe would meet him in Nigeria to deliver the money.

“There was, however, a caveat. He would pay the clearing/service fee of about £11,000.”

The EFCC gave insights into how the two suspects were arrested by its team.

The statement added: “Aware that he was not expecting any consignment, the petitioner told the accused that his driver would pick them on arrival in Nigeria to his office in Abuja for further discussion.

“It was during the meeting in his office that the accused were handed over to the EFCC.” Justice Baba ordered that the suspects be remanded in Kuje Prison and adjourned the case till January 20.

HE Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State chapter, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, has greeted Nigerians for the grace of God to survive 2014 and for His mercies to witness the beginning of 2015.

In a statement by the Secretary, Elder Israel Akinadewo, CAN said it wanted Christians to be united and prayerful in the new year, to defeat Satan and his warriors, “who are our enemies.”

He said: “With prayers, 2015 will be a better year for us in Lagos State and Nigeria.”

Akinadewo advised parties’ candidates to let their campaigns be issues-based, devoid of rancour and violence.

He said they should allow the word of God, His wisdom and knowledge to guide their utterances and actions before, during and after the elections.

The CAN secretary enjoined Nigerians to pray for peaceful and successful elections.

He prayed that God should give Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) the wisdom to rule the state and that it should be free from insecurity.

Governor condoles with Igwe family

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MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has condoled with Dr. Reagan Igwe and his family on the death of his wife, Mrs. Eudora Obiageli Igwe (Okwesilieze), who was buried on Tuesday at Akokwa in Ideator North Local Government.

She represented Ideator North in the House of Assembly where she was the chairman, Committee on Budget and Appropriation. Mrs. Igwe was one-time chairman of Ideator North Council.

The governor noted that the late lawmaker was a great politician, whose contributions to the political growth of the nation were great.

He described her death as painful, regretting that Imo State and Nigeria had lost an Amazon, a mother to the motherless and a voice to the voiceless.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

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JTF arrests six suspected pirates

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HE Joint Task Force (JTF (JTF), codenamed: Operation Pulo Shield, has arrested six suspected pirates on the Niger Delta waterways.

The task force said it also recovered high calibre arms and ammunition from the suspects.

The arrests came two months after six soldiers were killed in various attacks, with their gunboats snatched by gunmen suspected to be pirates.

The suspects were said to have been arrested by JTF’s special squads, following a week-long smooth operation.

Parading the suspects at the JTF headquarters in Yenagoa,

•Recovers weapons From Mike Odiegwu, Yenahoa

the Bayelsa State capital, the outgoing Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre, Col. Mustapha Anka said they were arrested in connection with the recent attacks on fibre boats belonging to the task force.

Anka said the suspects allegedly attacked JTF troops and other users of Sangana and Santa Barbara rivers in Bayelsa and River states.

He said: “The aggressive and continuous day and night raids, stop-and-search patrols of the JTF operations on the waterways have re-

sulted in the arrest and recovery of some weapons from the hoodlums.”

Anka named the recovered weapons as three Browning machine guns (BMGs) with registration number 1981, with a stand; B572 Banel number Z90323, with a stand; HMG-50MG ST Kinetics serial number 2405PM, with a stand and its links ammunition (buried underground).

Others are: one AK-47 rifle without registration number, a G3 rifle with No. G310D792 and rifle with registration number T67439 and wooden dummy rifle.

Also recovered were three

gunboat batteries, one HP laptop computer, one police fragmental jacket, 1x200 Horse Power engine, empty cases of 12.7mm ammunition of HMG gun, one searchlight with batteries, one bag containing boat tools, one Nokia G6 mobile phone, two rifle butts and one plastic toy pistol.

They were recovered in Ukubie, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Anka said the JTF, under the command of Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Atewe, would continue aggressive day and night patrols to deny miscreants the opportunity to operate.

Princewill sues Princewill over LP candidature

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RINCE Joseph Tamunosaki Princewill, a kinsman of Rivers State Labour Party’s (LP’s) “governorship candidate”, Prince Tonye Princewill, has sued him at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on his alleged candidature “through proxy”.

The plaintiff said the politician’s emergence was not in line with the LP constitution.

Joseph Princewill, from the same Buguma, the headquarters of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, is also an LP governorship aspirant.

Joseph, who is also the leader

•Aspirant demands N10b damages From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

of “The New Breed,” which revived LP from less than 200 members in Rivers State to the present status of over 5,000 registered members, told reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, asked the court to compel Tonye to stop parading himself as LP’s governorship candidate, despite flooding Rivers State with his campaign posters.

He is demanding N10 billion damages from Tonye.

Joseph also said his Port Harcourt-based lawyer, Timipa Jenkins Okponipere, would be in court tomorrow to take a date for the accelerated hearing of the suit.

The five respondents in the suit are: the LP, Tonye, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Emmanuel Dagogo, a personal assistant to Tonye, who is not a member

of LP but was given the Rivers governorship ticket of the party.

Dagogo later handed over to Tonye, after he (Tonye) dumped the PDP, where he was a governorship aspirant.

Joseph wanted an order for the enforcement of his fundamental rights, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2004.

‘PDP’ll be shocked in 2015 polls in Delta’

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N All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Delta State and the party’s Delta South Senatorial District’s candidate, Prince Yemi Emiko, has said the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be demystified in the 2015 general elections.

The APC chieftain said the party would sweep the elections at the state and national levels, even where the PDP had held sway for nearly 16 years.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Warri, Emiko said: “It is no more a secret that the PDP government has failed Nigerians, especially in the

From Shola O’Neil, South South Regional Editor, Warri

areas of security, devaluation of the naira, corruption and virtually in all sectors of the economy. We are worse off after all the years the PDP held sway at the centre and in Delta.

“There is nothing to show for the years of PDP’s rule in Delta South, for those who represent us. Our vision is to bring about effective representation to our people. Despite the huge resources in our land, our communities are in complete darkness and those who represent us don’t speak for us. The APC will fix this mess.”

Why I dumped PDP, by Cross River senator

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HE senator representing the Southern Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Labour Party (LP).

A statement yesterday in Calabar, the state caoital, by his media assistant, Ekpenyong Akiba, reads: “After due consultation, the senator has declared for the Labour Party (LP) under whose banner he intends to re-contest the Senate seat in the National Assembly in the 2015 general elections.

“Consequently, the senator has enjoined his teeming sup-

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

porters to rally their support for him in the new party and rest assured of effective representation and grassroots empowerment.”

On December 24, Otu announced the resignation of his membership of the PDP. At a public reception in his honour as he arrived Calabar for the Christmas holiday, the senator expressed displeasure with PDP’s leadership at the state and national levels.

The senator yesterday gave reasons for dumping the ruling PDP for LP.

Akpabio presents valedictory budget of N462b for 2015

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•Concerned inter-party stakeholders protesting the resumption of Oyo State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) PHOTO: NAN Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Amb. Rufus Akeju, in Ibadan...yesterday.

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GROUP of youths in Ekpeye Kingdom, which comprises Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas of Rivers State, Ekpeye Youth Congress (EYC) World-wide, has backed Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Dakuku Peterside.

EYC thanked Governor Chibuike Amaechi for insisting on equity, justice and fairness for all ethnic nationalities in Rivers State to enable them have a sense of belonging.

Rivers youths endorse Peterside •Hail Amaechi for insisting on zoning From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

Peterside picked his running mate from Ahoada West in Ekpeye Kingdom.

At a joint media briefing, which was organised by Ekpeye Kingdom’s stakeholders, Igbuduya Youth Assembly, the National Union of Ekpeye Students and EYC Worldwide in Port Harcourt,

the state capital, the Ekpeye indigenes said Peterside was the choice of the youth.

EYC’s spokesman Eli Randy Charles said the media briefing was meant to draw the attention of Rivers residents to the support Ekpeye youths were giving Peterside.

He said it was also meant to thank Amaechi for his administration’s programmes for Ekpeye Kingdom, espe-

cially for the choice of (Peterside as APC’s governorship candidate.

Charles said: “As a responsible and responsive youths’ organisation, we are sincerely happy over the decision of APC stakeholders to pick their deputy governorship candidate from Ekpeye. We have decided to endorse Peterside as the only candidate to give a full force mobilisation.”

Imoke to Cross River residents: shun divisive politics

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ROSS River State Governor Liyel Imoke has urged politicians to eschew bitterness and divisive tendencies.

This governor urged them to build a more formidable state that could compete favourably among its peers.

Imoke spoke at the public presentation of a book, titled: The Civil Servant and Public

Administration: An Imperative for Good Governance, written by the Head of Service (HOS), Mrs. Mary-Theresa Ikwen.

He said some ugly trends in the polity, such as sectionalism, ethnicity and nepotism, were unnecessary.

Ironically, the governor stressed that “today, politicians seek relevance from these tendencies”.

Imoke said: “It is obvious today that you can’t be relevant as a politician unless you create something that makes you relevant. You may find some people becoming relevant because they are championing ethnic cause. As politicians, we create a divide-and-rule tactic, which is why the country is so polarised. As poli-

ticians, we have come to realise that our relevance comes from the small empires we create for ourselves. And as we continue to fight one another, like what some people are trying to do in Cross River State, these divisions are played up to keep us apart. This is what I have fought against vigorously.”

KWA Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has presented a budget proposal of N462 billion to the House of Assembly for approval for the 2015 fiscal year.

The proposal, which the governor called the budget of Actualisation and Continuity, comprises a recurrent expenditure of N94.74 billion; capital expenditure of N253.00 billion and consolidated revenue charges of N114.26 billion.

Akpabio said the budget proposal was less than that of last year because of the shortfall in the oil bench mark and the nation’s production target.

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

The governor explained that this year’s proposal was predicated on a bench mark of $65 per barrel at a production rate of 1.5 million barrels per day.

He said the budget proposal would be financed from internally generated revenue (IGR) of N33.06 billion; statutory allocation, N50 billion; derivation fund, N271.11 billion; Valued added tax (VAT), N15 billion; Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), N23 billion and retained revenue from corporations, N1.83 billion, totalling N394 billion.

Rivers PDP inaugurates campaign council

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HE Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) inaugurated yesterday an 85-member State Campaign Council to ensure that the party wins this year’s general elections.

The party’s governorship sandidate, Nyesom Ezenwo

Wike, performed the inauguration on behalf of PDP Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus.

Wike urged the members to ensure that the PDP wins the presidential, governorship, national and state Assembly elections.

Edo to create hundreds of jobs this year

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HE Edo State Government has said it will create hundreds of jobs through foreign and local investors this year.

The government said the investors would establish businesses across the state to employ thousands of job seekers.

Commissioner for Foreign Investment, Mr Denise Idahosa, spoke yesterday when he feted youths of Iguobazuwa, in Ovia South West Local Government Area.

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

The commissioner said investors had shown interest in renewable energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and service industries.

He said the Adams Oshiomhole administration had created thousands of jobs, especially for youths, to make them useful to themselves and the society.

But Idahosa stressed the government alone could not create all the jobs for the unemployed.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

67

NEWS

Seven killed in Kogi ethnic clash

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EVEN people have reportedly died in a renewed clash between Fulani herdsmen and residents of Kupa community in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The Maiyaki of Kupa, Alhaji Muhhamadu Kabiru Isah, recounted yesterday the ordeal of his community in the hands of the herdsmen.

From James Azania, Lokoja

The community leader said seven people died in the clas.

He said four buildings were razed, adding that several tractors, vehicles and motorcycles were destroyed in Ekpan-Abugi.

Isah alleged that over 200 Fulani herdsmen were involved in the attack.

The community leader called for increased police in presence in the area.

Governor Idris Wada described the mayhem as one too many.

Reacting on his behalf, Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi said the government would intervene to avert a recurrence.

He called for vigilance

among the residents.

The governor said the State Emergence Management Agency (SEMA) would be directed to provide succour to those displaced, adding that more security presence would be deployed to the troubled area.

He hailed the Maiyaki for handling the crisis with maturity.

Three Boko Haram suspects die in car explosion

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HREE persons suspected to be members of the Boko Haram died on Tuesday in a suicide mission at Bajoga, Gombe State.

A source told our reporter that the incident occurred at dusk at one of the security checkpoint at the entrance to the town from the Northern axis.

The source said the vehicle used by the insurgents, a white Toyota Hilux, sped into the barricades on the road and went off in an explosion

•Police arrest 22 criminals in Gombe From Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

as the security agents at the checkpoint ran away.

Police spokesman, Fwaje Atajiri, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who confirmed the incident yesterday, added that none of the security operatives was affected.

Atajiri said the take-off and final destination of the insurgents could not be ascertained because the three occupants of the vehicle died in

the explosion.

Also, the police command yesterday paraded 22 armed suspects, who had allegedly been terrorising the state.

Three of the suspects, who were said to have operated in a tricycle - popularly called Keke NAPEP - rammed into an articulated vehicle at the Federal Low Cost as they attempted to evade police arrest.

The others were reportedly arrested at Buba Shongo,

Kagarawo, Jan Kai and Jakadafari areas of Gombe, following tip-offs from the public.

Atajiri urged the public to inform the police on suspicious individuals, movements and activities.

The spokesman said the command would treat the information with prompt attention and utmost confidentiality.

He warned youths with criminal intents and those involved in kalare (political thugs) activities to desist.

Borno group rejects PDP governorship candidate

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ONCERNED Borno State indigenes in the Southwest have kicked against the choice of Alhaji Mohammed Imam as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in their state.

Members of the YerwaOodu’a socio-economic society said yesterday that Borno State should be led by the best the state could offer, especially as it was passing through difficult times in the hands of the Boko Haram insurgents.

The group said they either

Why insurgency refuses to go,

by JNI

belonged to the PDP nor the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that its interest “is the future of the state”.

The Borno State indigenes said this was why “we believe that the two leading parties ought to present credible candidates to enable the citizens make their choice”.

They addressed reporters yesterday in Lagos.

The Borno indigenes spoke through their Secretary, Haruna Wamdio, and Chairman, Alhaji Kachalla Bulama.

The Yerwa-Oodu’a is a socio-economic society of Borno indigenes doing business and living in the Southwest. They expressed worry over the situation back home,

having lost relations and friends to the insurgency in their state.

Some of them said they were hosting in the Southwest family members who escaped from insurgency in their state.

Wamdio said they were opposed to the candidacy of Imam, especially because he had not demonstrated good leadership in his private capacity.

Besides, they said the PDP candidate was imposed on the party by former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff.

The former governor had been under fire for singlehandedly replacing Imam with Alhaji Gambo Lawan, who was “validly elected” by

PDP delegates as the party’s standard bearer.

The Borno indigenes said Imam ought not to be any party’s candidate because of his antecedent.

They claimed that Modu Sheriff once refused to allow his daughter to marry Imam because of certain misgivings about his person.

They queried why Sheriff would “impose on the people of Borno State the same man he refused to allow to become his son-in-law? Why should a man Sheriff considered not suitable for his own daughter to suddenly become suitable to manage the affairs of the over three million people of Borno State?”

Kwankwaso presents N210.7b budget proposal to Kano Assembly

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ANO State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso yesterday presented a budget proposal of N210.7 billion to the House of Assembly for the 2015 fiscal year.

The governor said the budget estimate ofN210, 761,327,885 with the capital expenditure of N135,548,957,885 which represent 64% of the total budget, with recurrent expenditure of N75,212,370,000, which stance at 36 per cent.

According to him, the 2015

Gombe proposes N86.7b budget for 2015

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HE Gombe State Government has earm a r k e d N86,776,880,208.32 as its budget proposal for the 2015 financial year.

Tagged: The Budget of Accomplishment, Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo said the document was prepared with the reality of the fall in the international price of crude oil.

He said: “Considering the current volatility of international commodity prices and their consequences for Nigeria,

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OGI State Governor Idris Wada yesterday presented a budget proposal of N110.2 billion to the House of Assembly for consideration and approval for 2015.

The budget has a recurrent expenditure of N50.15 billion, representing 45.51 per cent, while capital expenditure is N60.05 billion, representing 54.49 per cent.

Tagged: Budget of Stability, Wada said the proposal was N18.7 billion (14.5 per cent) lower than last year’s budget.

The governor said it would be financed from traditional

Kaduna

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HE apex Islamic body in the North, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has said the non-implementation of the recommendations in the reports of various committees and commissions of enquiry on insurgency and similar crimes are responsible for continued insurgency in the region.

JNI argued that culprits were not punished, thereby encouraging others to commit more crimes.

In a communique issued yesterday in Kaduna at the end of its special meeting on “the security situation in the country” and signed by the JNI Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar, JNI said decisive actions should be taken to address the situation.

•InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) Suleiman Abba consoling Sergeant Timothy Useni, who was attacked by robbers at a check point, during his visit to the hospital in Nasarawa ... on Tuesday.

PHOTO: NAN

Two killed as Kaduna tanker drivers clash

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From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

An eyewitness said: “The drivers threw rocks at each other. Some were beaten with clubs. Others drew daggers and chased their enemies.

“Some groups went into bare fist brawls, causing the death of two of their members. Several people are undergoing treatment for the injuries they sustained.

“They fought on, as if it was

some bizarre game, with knives, petrol, clubs, stones and teeth. The police served as unwilling referees. They were fully in charge, to the chagrin of everyone who was not part of the duel. At a point, they even attempted to take over the police station.

But the policemen desperately shot into the air and managed to scare them off.”

Another eyewitness said: “The combatants, surpris-

ingly comprising aged men wearing grey beards and young thugs hardly in their teens, fought with unusual courage. They bled and wept from the pains of blows and from the suffocating effect of the tear gas.

“All banks were shut. The gates to the Kaduna Refining and Petrolchemical Company (KRPC) were shut.

Hundreds of people could neither enter nor leave the

By Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

where crude oil is the mainstay of its economy, 2015 will be a year of moderated growth.

“And my administration is determined to present a budget that it can implement.”

The governor said N33,363,531,139 was allotted to the Economic sector, making it the highest spender in the proposal.

The Social sector was allocated N10,040,976,981, and Regional Development got N981,700,000.

Wada presents N110.2b budget proposal for 2015

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe,

WO people were reported killed in the violence that erupted yesterday over crisis between the two factions of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association (PTDA) in Kaduna State.

It was learnt that the fight erupted around 7.30am, by the tanker drivers’ parking lots and their offices. Each group reportedly wanted to occupy the office of the chairman to take over control.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

estimated revenue for the proposed budget is as follows, Internal Generted Revenue [IGR) N45,672,617,411, statutory allocation N52,200,000,000, Value Added Tax (VAT) N10,600,000,000. While other receipt stood at N5,410,532,069 and the totsal capital receipt is N96,878,178,405 which brought a total estimated revenue from all sources at N210,761,327,885 of the budget.

KRPC. The show of shame went on for hours. Decent men and women trapped in the fiasco wondered how such lawlessness could happen without check.

The sound of an armoured car was heard around 9:30am. The vehicle charged past the United Bank for Africa (UBA) branch in the area.

There were two trucks of angry-looking, armed soldiers speeding behind it.

From James Azania, Lokoja

sources of “Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), statutory revenue allocation, reimbursement from the Federal Government as well as bond issue from the capital market.

Though a sub-sector allocation breakdown was not given, the governor said it would cover administration, economy, law and justice and social service sectors with each sectors having 64.25 per cent; 7.04 per cent; six per cent and 22.71 per cent.

He said the reduction in the budget proposal was due to the dwindling fortune from the Federation Account.

Wada said: “Our nation is faced with precarious economic challenges, resulting from decline in the international price of crude oil, coupled with the negative impact of criminal activities, such as pipeline vandalism and theft of crude oil. These have hampered the nation’s ability to meet its daily production quota.”

Tambuwal seeks help for IDPs

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OUSE of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has urged Nigerians to take special interest in the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been forced out of their homes as a result of the insurgency operation in some parts of the country.

In a New Year message by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, the Speaker said IDPs in various camps within and outside the country deserve our support at all times, adding that governments at all levels must put in place comprehensive and coordinated strategy that will enhance the welfare and living conditions of the affected persons.

According to him, the House of Representatives, in conjunction with other arms of government, will support any effort aimed at finding durable solutions to the challenges of the IDPs.

THE NATION THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2015

68

FOREIGN NEWS Tony Blair says Labour ‘left-wing’ warning ‘misinterpreted’

UN rejects Palestinian resolution

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ONY Blair has insisted he is fully behind Ed Miliband despite appearing to suggest Labour risks being too left-wing to win the general election.

The former prime minister told the Economist May’s poll could become one “in which a traditional left-wing party competes with a traditional right-wing party, with the traditional result”.

Asked if this meant a Tory win, he replied: “Yes, that is what happens.”

He later said he expected a Labour victory and had been “misinterpreted”.

In response, Lucy Powell a close ally of Mr Miliband told the BBC that she had a “great deal of respect” for Mr Blair but suggested he was a politician from a “different era” and the challenges were not the same as when was in office.

•Tony Blair

Mr Blair, the last Labour leader to win a UK general election in 2005, told the Economist he was “convinced the Labour Party succeeds best when it is in the centre ground”.

Stressing the importance of Labour “not alienating large parts of business, for one thing”, he added: “I am still very much New Labour and Ed would not describe himself in that way, so there is obviously a difference there.”

Putin calls annexation of Crimea a historic landmark

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USSIAN President Vladimir Putin has used his New Year’s speech to hail his country’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea Peninsula as an achievement that will “forever remain a landmark in the national history.”

Putin’s comment in his pre-recorded annual address on Wednesday already has been broadcast in Russia’s far eastern regions, where the holiday was celebrated hours ahead of Moscow, given the time difference.

The Kremlin also published several dozen New Year’s messages that Putin has sent to heads of state and international organizations, including one to President Barack Obama.

Putin reminded Obama of the upcoming 70th anniversary of the allied victory in World War II, and said that should serve as a reminder of “the responsibility that Russia and the United States bear for maintaining peace and international stability.”

Moscow is anxious for those bilateral relations to

advance, but only as long as there is “equality and mutual respect.”

After Ukraine’s former Russia-friendly president was driven from power in February, Moscow sent troops to overtake Crimea, home to a Russian naval base.

Those forces blocked Ukrainian military garrisons and set the stage for a hastily called referendum on Crimea joining Russia, which Ukraine and the West rejected as illegal.

The West has imposed crippling sanctions against Russia over the annexation of Crimea and Moscow’s support for a pro-Russian insurgency in eastern Ukraine, where the fighting between the government troops and the rebels has killed more than 4,700 since April.

Under the combined blow of the sanctions and slumping oil prices, the Russian ruble has lost about half its value this year and the national economy has drifted into recession.

HE UN Security Council has rejected a resolution demanding an end to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories within three years.

Jordan submitted the motion after it had been agreed upon by 22 Arab states and the Palestinian Authority.

Eight members of the 15strong Security Council voted for it while the US and Australia voted against.

The resolution, condemned by Israel as a “gimmick”, needed the support of at least nine members in order to pass.

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On Monday, electoral authorities confirmed that Mr Essebsi had won a run-off vote against Mr Marzouki.

Mr Essebsi’s secular Nidaa Tounes also won the largest number of seats in parliament, defeating the moderate Islamist party, Ennahda, in October’s elections.

“There is no future for Tunisia without consensus among political parties and members of civil society,” Mr Essebsi said in his inaugural speech.

His critics say his election victory marks the return of the former establishment, pointing out that he served under President Ben Ali, and was also interior minister under the country’s first president Habib Bourguiba.

Dina Kawar, said the vote should not stop efforts to resolve the conflict.

Of the 15 members of the Security Council •Russia, China, France, Argentina, Chad, Chile, Jordan and Luxembourg voted in favour •The US and Australia voted against •The UK, Lithuania, Nigeria, the Republic of Korea and Rwanda abstained Samantha Power: “Peace will come from hard choices and compromises” The document called for Israel to fully withdraw from all occupied Palestini-

an territories by the end of 2017 and for a comprehensive peace deal to be reached within a year.

It also called for new negotiations to take place based on territorial lines that existed before Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 war.

The vote was the culmination of three months of campaigning by the Palestinians at the UN. In a closed-door meeting of Arab states earlier on Tuesday, all 22 envoys endorsed the call for a sameday vote on the draft.

Gambia president ‘home after coup plot’

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HE Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh has returned to the country after a reported coup attempt, sources say.

Heavy gunfire was heard near the presidential palace in Banjul on Tuesday but officials say the military takeover was thwarted.

Details remain sketchy - an official told the BBC that everything had now returned to normal.

Mr Jammeh seized power

in the tiny West African nation in 1994, and is accused of not tolerating any opposition.

Journalist Omar Wally told the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme that businesses had reopened, after closing on Tuesday.

He said military checkpoints had been set up at the Denton Bridge which links the island capital to the mainland and cars were being searched.

Banjul was deserted on

Tuesday but businesses have now reopened The pro-opposition Freedom newspaper reports that four people were killed, including the alleged ringleader Lamin Sanneh, a former head of the presidential guards, but this has not been confirmed.

Mr Jammeh was said to have been in either France or Dubai during Tuesday’s unrest but different sources agree he has now returned.

He has won several elections since seizing power but critics say they were neither free nor fair.

Numerous officials and opposition leaders have fled the country, saying they fear for their lives.

Apart from a short Atlantic coast, The Gambia is entirely surrounded by Senegal.

The main foreign-currency earners for the country of two million people are tourism and peanut exports.

Families watch as bodies pulled from sea

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NDONESIAN searchers battled bad weather yesterday in their efforts to find more remains from AirAsia Flight QZ8501, a day after the first signs of debris were spotted.

There was conflicting information about whether any parts of the plane had been located underwater.

One search official told CNN that he believes sonar equipment has detected wreckage from the plane at the bottom of the sea.

“I think that that’s the case,” said Muhammad Hernanto, the head of search and rescue for the city of Surabaya, where Flight 8501 began its journey on Sunday. He was dialing back earlier comments he made to CNN in which he said the sonar equipment had lo-

cated wreckage from the plane.

Indonesia’s national search and rescue chief said the body of the aircraft hasn’t yet been discovered.

“Until now, we haven’t found the plane,” Bambang Soelistyo said, according to Indonesia’s national news agency Antara. “We’ve only found seven bodies to this day.”

The grim discovery Tuesday of parts of the missing plane and several bodies on the surface of the sea dealt a heartbreaking blow to families whose loved ones were lost.

Debris was found 100-200 kilometers (60-120 miles) from the aircraft’s last known location over the Java Sea, Indonesia’s search and rescue

agency said.

Seven bodies — four men and three women — have been recovered from the water so far, Soelistyo said. One of the women found was wearing a flight attendant’s uniform, he said.

Search teams are looking for other bodies and parts of the plane, including its socalled black boxes. Those could help investigators determine what went wrong on the flight, which lost contact with air traffic controllers on Sunday with 162 people aboard.

Sonar equipment has been searching the bottom of the sea, tens of meters below the water’s surface, according to SB Supriyadi, the search agency’s director of operations.

Dozens of ambulances were lined up in the Indone-

sian city of Surabaya, ready to carry any bodies recovered.

The search isn’t easy; heavy wind and rain, as well as big waves, are hampering efforts, officials said.

As families watched a live news conference Tuesday about the discovery of the debris and saw video of a helicopter lowering a diver to what appeared to be a floating body, some people fainted. Stretchers were brought into the room.

Family members burst into tears, dabbing their eyes as officials passed out tissues. Some sat with their eyes full of tears, hands covering their mouths or heads buried in their hands. Others had phones jammed against their ears.

Venezuela recession confirmed as Maduro attacks U.S. ‘oil war’

Tunisia: Essebsi sworn in as president UNISIA’S President Beji Caid Essebsi has pledged to work towards national reconciliation after winning the country’s first free election.

After taking his oath of office, he told parliament he would be “the president of all Tunisians”.

The 88-year-old secured victory last week over incumbent Moncef Marzouki.

Mr Essebsi was speaker of parliament under President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, who was ousted in 2011 in the first “Arab Spring” uprising.

Tunisia is the only Arab country to have moved from authoritarian rule to democracy since a wave of popular uprisings spread across the region.

Jordan’s Dina Kawar: “We hope that this loss is taken as an opportunity for future steps and negotiation” Even if it had secured the required nine votes, the US would have used its veto power to stop the adoption of the resolution.

US envoy Samantha Power said after the vote: “We voted against this resolution not because we are comfortable with the status quo. We voted against it because... peace must come from hard compromises that occur at the negotiating table.”

Jordan’s UN ambassador,

•Maduro

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HE Venezuelan economy is now officially in recession after the central bank released figures showing that it has been shrinking all year.

The bank said the economy had declined by 2.3% in the third quarter of 2014.

It also revealed for the first time that GDP contracted by 4.8% and 4.9% respectively in the first and the second quarters of 2014.

President Nicolas Maduro said the economy had been hit by political instability and

falling oil prices.

He accused the United States of flooding the markets with oil as part of an economic war against Russia.

The central bank also said inflation had reached 63.6% in the 12 months to November, one of the highest rates in the world.

Mr Maduro announced a number of measures to boost economic growth and control inflation, including reforms to Venezuela’s currency control system.

Mr Maduro said speculation had affected inflation but he also praised government efforts to rein in the increases.

He said his country was suffering the consequences of an economic war launched by US President Barack Obama “to destroy” the oil producers’ cartel, Opec.

“The US wants to impose a unipolar world controlled

from Washington. That is madness.”

The crisis offered a “great opportunity for Venezuela to change its economic model,” the president added.

Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, with its economy highly de-

pendent on oil exports.

The Venezuelan opposition blames the socialist policies of Mr Maduro and his late predecessor, Hugo Chavez, for a shortage of many staples, such as corn oil and milk, amid a serious economic crisis.

Germany seeks clarification on killing of two citizens in Nigeria

T

HE German embassy in Abuja is seeking clarification over the killing of two of its nationals last weekend in Nigeria.

The embassy has remained in close contact with the foreign affairs ministry, French News Agency AFP, reported yesterday.

The German foreign ministry did not release further details, either on the victims or the suspected killers, according to a statement from its me-

dia office.

The German engineers working with a construction giant, were reported shot while on a motorcycle trip.

Unfortunately we can confirm that two German nationals were killed in Nigeria last weekend, a foreign ministry spokesman told AFP. Regional German newspaper Ostseezeitung said the men, one aged 34 and the other in his mid-50s, were engineers working for Julius Berger.

69

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

NEWS NLC to govt: cut cost of governance Continued from page 2

pings, pastoralist/farmer clashes, communal/ sectarian skirmishes, etc. In spite of government’s sworn commitment and the presence of a multi-agency task force in the Niger Delta, crude oil theft assumed a phenomenon in the year, accounting for as much as 30 per cent of national output.

“This has created loss of revenues and divestments. Closely linked to this horrendous crime is the degradation of the environment by illegal refineries, oil spills, cover-ups and related incidents.

“It would appear that government does not have a structured response to the present volatility in the crude oil market sparked by commercial shale oil mining and deepened by crashing prices across the globe. Practically all the measures mooted or taken so far by government smack of shock and panic and clearly expose our vulnerability.

“Clearly, this would have been avoidable if our suggestions had been taken on board by government. For instance, we recall advising government time without number to boost the capacity of domestic refining instead of depending on imports whose landing cost is dependent on prevailing exchange rate and other motivations not far from usury.

“In consideration of the vagaries of a mono-cultural economy, we had similarly over the years urged the government to diversify the economy by developing other sectors of the economy.

“In light of the following, we find it necessary to urge the government to take sustainably viable and proactive steps instead of punitive measures against workers whose quality of life has already been negatively affected by devaluation and other measures.

“We condemn the imposition of exploitative electricity tariff and urge caution in case this leads to some further un-

pleasantries.

“We still stand by our timetested position that the only permanent solution to the crises of petroleum product pricing is adequate domestic refining. Accordingly, we urge government to put in place realistic appropriate legislation and policy in order to realise this.

“The year 2015 is an election year whose outcome will mark a watershed in the history of Nigeria’s democracy. We call for fair, transparent and credible elections. We insist Nigeria is bigger than any partisan interests and its sovereignty and inviolability are sacrosanct. Workers are enjoined to come out en mass to perform their civic duty as well as defend their votes. Power lies in the voter’s card.

“Government is also called upon to fashion out a comprehensible and implementable national security strategy that is capable of dealing with the myriad of threats to our unity and sovereignty.”

2015: My five-point agenda, by Buhari Continued from page 2

fair chance.

“This is the promise that 2015 holds. That is the promise that change will bring. That is the promise that I bring to you.”

Gen. Buhari said although 2014 was challenging for the nation, Nigerians should not lose hope or despair.

He added: “The year 2014 was a challenging one for most citizens of our dear country.

“We remember our compatriots who were brutishly killed or maimed by evil terrorists in 2014. I remember with a still broken heart that 219 of our children from Chibok are yet missing, let down by a country that should protect them. I re-

member that, even as I speak, some of our towns and villages are yet under the occupation of Boko Haram.

“Yes, it is enough for you to despair. It is enough for you to wonder if your country cares about you and can protect you.

But do not despair.

“Two thousand and fifthen has arrived at a time of great discomfort; but the beauty of the New Year is that we can look forward with renewed hope and the knowledge that things can and will change.”

Gen. Buhari repeatedly assured that Nigerians will begin to write a new story as from 2015.

He said: “In Nigeria’s case, we can truly look forward to the

change that the elections can, and will, bring. Our country will be secure again. Our country will prosper again.

“I have faith that 2015 is the year we shall begin to write a new story - a story of our youth creating jobs and expanding the frontiers of innovation and creativity everywhere from Mavin Records to the Co-Creation Hub; a story of genuine investment in our children and students be they in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka or in the Delta State University, Abraka; a country that finally makes a permanent shift from our debilitating dependence on the free-falling price of crude oil.”

Our plan for Nigerians, by Jonathan, Buhari Continued from page 2

or after the 2015 elections.

“The elections are very important for us as a country.

Their successful conclusion will further strengthen our democratic institutions and place our beloved country even more firmly in the comity of truly democratic nations.

“Given the challenges that have characterised some previous electoral contests in our country, the eyes of the world will certainly be on the conduct and outcome of our fifth postmilitary rule general elections.

“I reassure all Nigerians and the international community of our firm commitment to free, fair and credible elections. My commitment to free elections and one man, one vote remains unwavering.

“Our administration has worked hard in previous elections to prepare all key stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and the electorate optimally, to ensure a progressively improved electoral process in the country under my watch. We will continue to do so for the coming elections.

“We will continue to provide adequate funding to INEC and maintain the Commission’s independence and isolate it from any form of interference or meddling in its day-to-day affairs. This shall continue to guarantee its impartiality and ability to conduct more credible and acceptable elections.

“National security agencies will also be given all necessary support to enhance their ability to ensure that the elections

are peaceful and violence-free.

“I am optimistic that with the cooperation of all law-abiding citizens of the country, our commitment to have a peaceful and violence-free election will be actualised.”

The President emphasised peace, urging that the election should be violence-free.

He said: “I will like to say this, once again, to my fellow politicians and political leaders.

None of our political ambitions is worth the blood of any of our countrymen, women and children. The improvement of their lives and living conditions ought to be our primary motive and the driving force of our quest for political power and leadership positions.

“Let us not promote sectionalism, disunity, intolerance, hate, falsehood or the malicious abuse of political opponents.

Whatever we feel or seek, we must have a nation and a people before we can dream of political ambitions. Let us put the nation and the people first.

“Let us all conduct our electoral campaigns with the highest possible decorum and civility towards political opponents.

Let us give INEC the fullest possible support and cooperation it requires to conduct credible and violence-free elections in 2015.

“After the 2011 general elections, some unpatriotic elements embarked on an orgy of violence, resulting in the destruction of lives and property.

That will not be allowed to happen this time around. This government will act decisively against anyone who disrupts the public peace, before, during or after the 2015 general elec-

tions.”

“All Nigerians, of voting age, are free to vote, based on their convictions. It is our duty to defend and protect that basic right, and let no one be in doubt, we will,” President Jonathan declared.

Wishing Nigerians a happy and prosperous 2015, the President urged them to enter the new year with renewed hope, patriotism and zeal to serve their fatherland.

“As I have always maintained, none of the challenges before us is insurmountable.

We must come together as a people and work with singleminded unity of purpose to overcome them.

“As we go into this New Year, I salute the indomitable and resilient spirit of our people in Nigeria and wherever they are in the world. Our spirit of enterprise and the doggedness to succeed amongst all odds has been our strength.

“Let us continue our march to the future, towards the attainment of our collective vision of a strong, united, prosperous and harmonious nation – a secure nation for us and for our coming generations,” President Jonathan urged Nigerians.

He praised the gallant officers, men and women of the Armed Forces and other security agencies who have been in the forefront of the war against terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria.

“I want to assure you that the terrorists will not get away with their atrocities: they will not win; they will be routed,” President Jonathan assured Nigerians.

70

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

NATION SPORT PREMIERSHIP..... PREMIERSHIP..... PREMIERSHIP.....

RVP the man at Man United’ as Sterling spearheads Liverpool In an English Premier League team, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) is considered based on his contribution; goals, assists, chances created, dribbles, possession, tackles and points saved, among others.

Sportsmail with help from Opta and EA Sports, reveals club's MVP at the halfway stage of another actionpacked campaign.

RSENAL Alexis Sanchez

A

Sanchez has been relied upon by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to the extent that mocked-up photographs of the forward carry-

ing the club on his shoulders swept across Twitter.

A late winner against Southampton here, a double against Burnley there, Sanchez has 10 goals in the Premier League since joining from

Barcelona for £30million. No transition period required.

SUPER STAT: Sanchez has scored the first goal of the game more often than any other player this term (seven)

A

Andreas Weimann has been involved in almost half of Aston Villa's 11 goals in the Premier League this year

STON Villa A n d r e a s Weimann

Aston Villa sit 13th, just five points above the relegation zone, though they would be in the bottom three had it not been for Weimann's contribution.

The 23-year-old winger has been involved in almost half of their 11 goals in the Premier League this season, scoring winners against Hull and Stoke to earn six points.

SUPER STAT: Weimann has either scored or assisted 45 per cent of Villa's league goals this term Aston Villa would be in the bottom three of the Premier League had it not been for Weimann's contribution

Sanchez, with 10 top-flight goals, scored a winner against Southampton and a brace against Burnley

B

URNLEY Kieran Trippier

He has fewer than 16,000 followers on Twitter, a far cry short of a few other Premier League defenders, such as Rio Ferdinand's six million, but Trippier is gaining a legion of fans at Turf Moor.

Burnley, second bottom of the Premier League, will welcome chances being created from anywhere on the pitch, and their right back is providing, second only to Leighton Baines.

SUPER STAT: Baines (40) is the only defender to have created more chances than Trippier (27)

Kieran Trippier has been providing for Burnley from the back, creating 27 chances for the Clarets

NEWS Why insurgency persists, by JNI Continued from page 2

more crimes”.

The JNI also identified “the manifest low morale of troops due to inadequate welfare, lack of desired weaponry and failure of Intelligence among other r e a s o n s ’ a s factors hindering the fight against insurgency.”

It urged the government to consider alternative means of finding final solutions to the menace, such as infrastructural development, youth employment programs and stepping-up the dialogue option, rather than depending on force alone since it has so far proved to be ineffective.

The communique added: “the current security challenges bedeviling the country persist largely as a result of the inability o f G o v e r n m e n t to deploy effective strategies to tackle them. ”For Nigeria to regain and maintain its glory anchored on peace and progress Government must wake up to its fundamental Constitutional responsibility of providing adequate security to the citizens of

this country so as to stop the increasing human carnage and destruction of valuable properties”. It said.

The meeting also observed “that despite the devastation being caused by the incessant sophisticated bombings evidenced by huge losses of innocent lives and gross destruction of properties, our politicians at all levels and in all political parties regrettably show very scanty or no concern about the national predicament and anguish but are only busy with political campaigns.

“That there is urgent need to deploy necessary Intelligence and Security measures to curtail or possibly stop the illegal importation and proliferation of arms and ammunition that is contributing to the escalation of insurgency and other related criminal activities. ”That the welfare and benefits of our gallant troops and other security p e r s o n n e l who are deceased, wounded or alive and on active service should be appropri-

ately and speedily attended to, in order to bring succor to the bereaved families of the dead and boost the morale of those in service thereby avoiding further desertion and mutiny. ”That Civilian JTFs, Hunters and retired Security Officers, who have gallantly been assisting Nigerian Security Forces in the fight against insurgency, cattle rustling and other crimes should be given all the necessary support and encouragement as their intervention has helped positively in Frontline States. ”That Muslims are strongly urged to defend themselves, in appropriate manner against any attack by insurgents and all other acts of violence by criminals, as it is a religious obligation to do so, particularly that governm e n t forces currently seem to be incapable. ”That adequate security should be provided in all Mosques, Churches, Schools, Markets, Motor Parks etc., and that people should be extra vigilant in these places as well as give maximum assistance

to Security Forces in this regard. ”That the government should as a matter of utmost priority and urgency take all necessary measures to alleviate the sufferings of the Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees from mainly Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States as well as other crisis ridden areas to forestall the deterioration of the social and security situation in those States. The Victims’ Support Fund should be appropriately and judiciously utilized for this purpose.

“That the Government and its relevant agencies should urgently re-open the M a i d u g u r i International Airport and provide adequate security to facilitate regular flights and not to make it an exclusive reserve of some favoured politicians. ”That Government should be sincere in its fight against corruption, and all agencies saddled with the responsibility of fighting corruption should do so without fear or favour. ”That Muslim Scholars and Muslim Leaders must stand up to their rightful

positions of piety and righteousness in order to discharge their obligation of guiding the Ummah (Muslim Community) especially as it pertains to matters of unity, security and safety. ”That all Nigerians should intensify prayers to beseech the Almighty Allah

to bring back peace, security and prosperity to Nigeria and that all Nigerians should see the prevailing security challenges as a common menace that needs all hands to contain and most importantly be one another’s keeper in sincerity, justice and fairness.” It read.

Investors reject import licence bazaar Continued from page 2

The allocations released by the Ministry of Agriculture include several beneficiaries who fail to meet the finance ministry’s stipulated criteria.

Of the 28 companies, only 16 have mills. The remaining 12 have no milling capacities, but account for higher imports than the qualified millers.

Many of the companies without any proven capacities are selling off the quotas to pure importers for a handsome margin, leading to huge loss of customs revenue and defeating the basic purpose of the allocations – the petitioners allege.

Some companies have only submitted business plans and expression of interests

without verifiable form of investments in the sector may be enjoying waivers amounting to at least N20 billion as per the allocations.

The basis and pattern of allocations have raised furore and anguish amongst numerous existing investors who were waiting anxiously since July 2014 for the government’s quotas to augment their continuing investments in the rice value chain.

The gap between demand and supply forming the basis of the allocations seem to have been fixed at 1.5 million tonnes, whereas 2.74 million metric tonnes has been imported, into the country in 2014, including legal imports and smuggled rice from neighbouring countries, such as Benin, Cameroun, Niger and Togo.

70

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

NATION SPORT PREMIERSHIP..... PREMIERSHIP..... PREMIERSHIP.....

RVP the man at Man United’ as Sterling spearheads Liverpool In an English Premier League team, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) is considered based on his contribution; goals, assists, chances created, dribbles, possession, tackles and points saved, among others.

Sportsmail with help from Opta and EA Sports, reveals club's MVP at the halfway stage of another action-packed campaign.

RSENAL Alexis Sanchez

A

Sanchez has been relied upon by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to the extent that mocked-up photographs of the forward carry-

ing the club on his shoulders swept across Twitter.

A late winner against Southampton here, a double against Burnley there, Sanchez has 10 goals in the Premier League since joining

from Barcelona for ÂŁ30million.

No transition period required.

SUPER STAT: Sanchez has scored the first goal of the game more often than any other player this term (seven)

A

Andreas Weimann has been involved in almost half of Aston Villa's 11 goals in the Premier League this year

STON Villa A n d r e a s Weimann

Aston Villa sit 13th, just five points above the relegation zone, though they would be in the bottom three had it not been for Weimann's contribution.

The 23-year-old winger has been involved in almost half of their 11 goals in the Premier League this season, scoring winners against Hull and Stoke to earn six points.

SUPER STAT: Weimann has either scored or assisted 45 per cent of Villa's league goals this term Aston Villa would be in the bottom three of the Premier League had it not been for Weimann's contribution

Sanchez, with 10 top-flight goals, scored a winner against Southampton and a brace against Burnley

B

URNLEY Kieran Trippier

He has fewer than 16,000 followers on Twitter, a far cry short of a few other Premier League defenders, such as Rio Ferdinand's six million, but Trippier is gaining a legion of fans at Turf Moor.

Burnley, second bottom of the Premier League, will welcome chances being created from anywhere on the pitch, and their right back is providing, second only to Leighton Baines.

SUPER STAT: Baines (40) is the only defender to have created more chances than Trippier (27)

Kieran Trippier has been providing for Burnley from the back, creating 27 chances for the Clarets

C

C

helsea - Eden Hazard

Poor Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic. Narrowing it down to one player at Stamford Bridge is a thankless task. Sadly

for the duo, Fabregas in particular, the simply unplayable Hazard gets the nod.

The 23-year-old terrorises defences for a living and has contributed 10 goals to the Jose Mourinho machine in

all competitions. He has created 47 chances, too - the fifth most in the Premier League.

His latest victims were Southampton who, having allowed the Belgium star to get on to his trusty right

foot, were punished with a fine equaliser, his seventh in the Premier League this year.

SUPER STAT: Hazard has made a league-high 151 dribbles this season and completed 89 of them.

rystal Palace - Mile Jedinak

Tireless would be the word to sum Jedinak up in one. The Crystal Palace captain, at 30, runs himself into the ground as the Eagles try to escape relegation.

He starred on the front of their matchday programme on Boxing Day, and for good

reason.

The midfielder has scored five Premier League goals this year, four more than his total last season, and who could forget his free-kick against Liverpool in November at Crystanbul 2.0?

SUPER STAT: No player has won more tackles than Jedinak (51, level with Matic).

71

THE NATION THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

SPORT EXTRA FOOTBALL FOR HOPE

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

Egwuekwe not scared of Cote d'Ivoire A

• Egwuekwe

HEAD of the January international friendly against Ivory Coast and Sudan, Super Eagles’ defender Azubuike Egwuekwe has vowed that his team was ready to face their African adversaries in just a couple of weeks, despite just having opened camp.

Players started arriving the team’s camp on Wednesday and have had only their first training session ahead of the games, but Egwuekwe believes they will be ready for the challenges ahead.

“We will be ready for the games, I don’t think that should be a problem.

The players are in high spirits and everything is fine so I don’t think there should be any problems,”

he said.

A predominantly home based Super Eagles team will file out against the Elephants of Cote D’ Ivoire and Sudan in January and will be led by Super Eagles assistant coach, Daniel Amokachi.

And Egwuekwe, who has been a mainstay in the regular Super Eagles team over the last three years says there is nothing to be worried about playing against Sudan and Ivory Coast.

“They are good teams but there is nothing to be worried about. We beat Ivory Coast at the last Cup of Nations and we played Sudan during the last AFCON qualifiers, so we can face them,” he added.

Flying Eagles: we ‘ll beat January 15 deadline

T

OTTENHAM Hotspur player Musa Yahaya and Chidera Eze from Portuguese club FC Porto have promised to join up with the Flying Eagles squad by the January 15 deadline handed

them.

“We have been following up on the release of the foreign pros called up for the African Youth Championship and so far the signals have been very encourag-

…Foreign pros to observe New Year’s Day with endurance drill

T

HE Flying Eagles will open 2015 with an endurance drill in the morning of New Year’s day.

“We will begin 2015 with hard work,” said Flying Eagles assistant coach Nduka Ugbade.

“There is still a lot of work to be done before our first match at the AYC and so we cannot afford to relax even for a day.

“All celebrations therefore have to be put on hold until we have met some of our targets.

“Our New Year’s day will be when we would have qualified for the World Cup in New Zealand.”

The African Continental Hotel in Kaduna, which has severally been home to the Nigeria U20s, plans a special treat for the squad thereafter.

ing,” said team secretary Auwal Aliyu Ibrahim.

“For instance, Musa Yahaya is off to Malaysia for an invitational tournament with the Spurs youth team and he has called to say he will join us as soon as he returns.

“Chidera Eze has also assured he will come in before the January 15 deadline set by the coach for all overseasbased players to report to the training camp in Kaduna.”

Sweden-based Taiwo Awoniyi and Musa Muhammed are so far the only pros now training with the AYC-bound squad.

The other foreign pros called up include Moses Simon, Kingsley Madu, Isaac Success, Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidiebere Nwakali.

Enyimba slaps $1.2m price tag on Udoh

N

IGERIA Professional Football League vicechampions Enyimba have slapped a $1.2 million price tag on Super Eagles invitee Mfon Udoh.

Several teams in North Africa and Europe are interested in the attacker's signature, having put himself in the shop window during the 2014 season.

Having netted 23 goals, he earned his place in the history books as the highest goalscorer in a single season.

Enyimba Chairman, Felix Anyasi Agwu, has turned down a $650,000 bid from an unnamed Egyptian club for Mfon Udoh.

And the club supremo demonstrated that he had good

• Udoh

negotiation skills by slashing the asking price by a mere 100,000 dollars.

When contacted on Mfon Udoh's asking price, Felix Anyasi Agwu kept his cards close to his chest, but has admitted that Enyimba are willing to listen to offers from in-

terested suitors. ''I never said that. Any team that want to buy the player, we will give them a price,'' said Felix Anyasi Agwu to SL10.ng.

Enyimba received at least $1 million from the sale of Stephen Worgu to AlMerrikh, Sudan six years ago.

Ameobi quits Belediyespor

T

HROUGH official c h a n n e l s , G a z i a n t e p Büyüksehir Belediyespor have announced that they have mutually parted company with Shola Ameobi.

Th e f o r m e r N e w c a s t l e United man had penned a one - season deal with the Turkish First League club in August.

But six months before the agreement between the parties was supposed to expire, both club and player have decided to go their separate ways.

33 - year - old Shola Ameobi suited up 11 times in the second - tier, scoring 4 goals including a brace against Elazigspor in the first week of October.

• Ameobi The experienced striker has not been invited to the national team for the past six months.

• Awoniyi

GLO CAFAWARDS

Etim backs Enyeama to win African Diadem

By Bowale Odukale

F

ORMER Nigeria midfielder Etim Esin has tipped Eagles’ Skipper Vincent Enyeama to win the Glo-CAF African Footballer of the Year, after heaping praise on the Lille’s first choice keeper for being superb for both his country and club.

Etim, who represented the country at the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship and in 6 FIFA World Cup qualification matches, added that seeing the national team goal keeper in the final cut of 2014 Glo-CAF African Footballer of the Year, is a force to reckon with, stating that history has being made in African Football.

Speaking to NationSport, “It is a big plus to see a goalkeeper (Enyeanma) in the final list of the award, which is always rare to see a goalkeeper make the cut, not talk less of winning the award, so I hope he wins the award come January.”

“We all saw the exploits Enyeanma made in 2014 for Nigeria at the World Cup and for his club side, he has being exceptional and I really wish him well contesting with the Ivorian Midfielder Yaya Toure” he added.

Fashola, Eagles stars play for charity

L

AGOS State Governor, Babatunde Fashola will lead Eagles stars and other personalities to the maiden edition of the Football for Hope, which will hold at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos on Saturday.

The event, put together by the Special Assistant to the Governor on football Matters, Anthony Adeboye and supported by 1960Bet, is designed to help the less privileged in the society with specific emphasis on Motherless Babes homes, physically challenged personalities and ex-footballers who can no longer cater for themselves.

The governor will lead a team comprising his friends against Nigerian professionals (Foreign and local players) in the second match of the day’ while the Managers FC will take on Lagos SWAN in the first match, expected to kick-off by 3:00pm.

Speaking at the press conference held at the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Boardroom at Onikan Stadium, Lagos, yesterday, Adebayo expressed optimism about the programme and said it would become an annual event meant to help focus the attention of the players on the need to support the needy.

"We are happy to organise the football for hope event and hopefully we will continue to promote this project using football as a platform to reach out to the less privileged in our society.” He also said that the event would give the private

By Adeyinka Adedipe

• Fashola

• Okocha

sector the chance to contribute to the development of the society Taribo West, Obafemi Matins, Babatunde Micheal, Austin Okocha, Teslim Fatusi, Asista Oshoala and Fatai Amoo are some of football stars current and retired expected to play in the match.

www.thenationonlineng.net

TODAY IN THE NATION

‘What does 2015 hold in store for our dear country?

Will it be a year to remember for good or for ill? The President has a lot of work to do to ensure that the impending elections do not split the country’ THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

COMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

OPEN FORUM

Reaching The Stars

Y

ESTERDAY, one of our world giants in Medicine turned 80. We refer to Prof. Etim Moses Essien, M.D; Chairman of the Nigeria National Order of Merit Board, himself an NNOM awardee as far back as 1997. He graduated in Medicine in 1962 at the University of Ibadan. Prof.

Essien is 1993 Laureate of the Developing World in Basic Medical Science, a Haematologist since four decades ago, both laboratory and clinically trained. Variously Fellow of the Academy of Science in Nigeria, Africa and New York, since 25 years. Honoured with Officer of the Federal Republic, (OFR), for his competency and expertise in Haematology and related disciplines, in the year 2000. He emerged from the reputable Hope Waddell Institute, Calabar. Ibadan University College of London was the only baby of the Central Government in the colonial days. Patterned along Oxford and Cambridge. Standard and values were high. Etim rhymed - given the home grooming of Pa and Ma Udondem Essien in hard work and transparency. Etim's foot remains dug in his ageold parental base at Ikot Eko Ibon, Akwa Ibom State.

By TUNDE OSHOBI

Etim Moses Essien @ 80

‘

Besides the buildup of Haemophilia management skill, Essien by mid- 70s had acquired another expertise in the broad area of Haematology. The additional area is in Platelet study

Haemophilia His First Sub-speciality

Pathology, a related medical science, was his initial exposure because Haematology, his distinct interest area, was then at infancy within our medical academy training programme. Dr. Laja, the Pathologist at the Lagos General Hospital, took him over for the preliminary tutelage in basic medical science. Etim later had an additional special spell at the Lagos Federal Vaccine Production Laboratory. He moved out of Lagos to St. Thomas and Hammer Smith Hospitals in London for his fullfledged specialist training in Haematology.

Before he completed the programme, he devised a diagnostic reagent for Haemophilia disease - a Haematology problem area. Haemophilia is a deadly hereditary bleeding disorder. It is a health condition in which the ability of the blood to clot is severely reduced. Resultant continuous bleeding from even a slight injury is terminal when you do not have around a Haematologist with relevant skill to manage the crisis. On returning to UCH, Etim understandably set up a coagulation laboratory for the problem in-depth study. Outcome has been greater and predictable care for the Haemophiliacs. And bottom line: Etim laboratory work kick-started Haemopilia health-care in Nigeria. It also helped better investigation and manage-

RIPPLES MY FRIENDS HAVE ABANDONED ME –Keshi

Yes, Failure is an ORPHAN

VOL. 9, NO. 3,082

’

•Prof. Essien

ment of other bleeding disorders in Africa.

Specifically, he nullified the age-old presumption that Haemophilia disease is Caucasian preserve. Cryoprecipitate is a special form of product used in controlling Haemophiliac bleeding. Production of the agent in innovative form by Prof Essien has saved the lives of many Nigerian Haemophiliacs. Equipment was required to accelerate cryoprecipitate production. Etim invented Masia Machine to achieve the goal. The machine is still used at prototype level. Its commercialisation follows. With the overall landmark work in Hemophilia health-care delivery, Etim earned the University of Ibadan M.D exactly four decades ago. We must, however, remember to salute Prof Luzzarto of UCH for sharing his humbling Haematology knowledge with Etim, before and after his foray at Hammersmith.

Platelet Research Programme: His Second Sub-Speciality Interest

Besides the build-up of Haemophilia management skill, Essien by mid-70s had acquired another expertise in the broad area of Haematology. The additional area is in Platelet study. Platelet is a cell element which is quite active in blood clothing. Prof. Frazer Mustard of McMaster University, Canada, was running a leading world laboratory for the study. Etim worked with a team in his Lab. The team contributed a unique method of understanding the interaction between blood platelet and blood vessel wall. Their contribution has since added to the management of heart-attack, a worldwide killer.

The team also proved that the count of circulating platelet in a given Nigerian population is different in value with that of a corresponding Caucasian population.

HARDBALL

I

F it wasn't such a self-serving projection, President Goodluck Jonathan's optimistic conclusion about the country's immediate future should be very welcome.

It was interesting that he made his rosy but thought-provoking remarks at the Christ Apostolic Church, Garki Area 1, Abuja, on the last Sunday of the year; but this doesn't necessarily translate into a confident and infallible prophecy.

Jonathan said: "As a nation, we have not reached where we want to go; definitely not.

But we are coming up with a number of policies." He continued: "Those who are taking pains to look at what we are doing will agree with us that if we progress as a nation steadily in this manner, in the next four or five years, this country will be a better place."

For a politician who is seeking re-election next year, it was probably expected that he would seize every platform for selfpromotion; but even that could be carried too far, and could be done against the dictates of reason and the dictates of conscience.

Evidently, to go by his words, Jonathan considers himself a strong factor when it comes to realising the dream of a better

Jonathan and 'the next four or five years' Nigeria. Well, he is certainly entitled to his exaggerated sense of self-importance; and he is free to imagine things, not to say hallucinate. But it is surely beyond the bounds of sense to suggest that the country has made steady progress on his watch. It is even more unreasonable to believe that staying on the same track with Jonathan will result in the country's desired progress.

By now, those who are familiar with Jonathan's irreverent use of pulpits for the purpose of political promotion should no longer be dismayed. If he insists that the pulpit is where a president should make strange claims about railway improvement, agricultural advancement, creation of employment opportunities, economic stabilisation despite falling oil prices and the coming elections, then it further reveals that he probably has not only a misplaced

LAWAL OGIENAGBON

Malaria has always been more prevalent among Nigerians than the Caucasians.

The relative level of malaria parasites spread vis-a-vis the level of disorder/disturbance in platelet has since further proved their team position.

Essien 1984 Official Early Red Alert On AIDs And The Saving of The Nation From The Heavy Scourge In mid 80s, Essien's name was synonymous in public with AIDS management.

Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, the then Minister of Health, appointed him as Chairman of the National Expert Advisory Committee on AIDS. His appointment was logical. Indeed, Prof. Essien had been a Member of Haemophilia World Advisory Body.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease, which attacks certain white blood cells, which form a key part of the body's immune system. The attack is activated by a virus identified only in 1983

by Prof. Montagnier of Paris Institute.

There is high correlation between AIDS and the normal fate of Haemophiliacs. The patriotic instinct of Etim moved him to send a fundamental technical memorandum to the Health Minister in 1984. He argued that since no one could fully arrest the onslaught of the pandemic when it inevitably arrived, its spread could be slowed down and controlled in the country with medical and other relevant structure early establishment. Federal Government was very responsive. Etim addressed the challenge with unparalled devotion, hard work, focus and application. Relative to some other countries, the scourge remains effectively controlled within our borders.

This is one achievement for which history will always remember Etim and his team.

Early Etim's alert disposition recognised the inevitable human influence of politics on global medical research. Till today, he encourages independent scientific approach to medical questions affecting Africans. We note his rare joy at 80 in Ekaite, one of his children. Already a medical doctor and in her father's shoes. Now on her way to becoming a laboratory and clinically trained specialist in Haematology.

Hannah, Etim's consort of decades, has given all the critical home support for his academic achievement. An erstwhile University of Ibadan administrator with Master's Degree in Management Science.

She retired voluntarily. Yes we deeply salute our rare breed of today … We salute Etim.

Amb. Dapo Fafowora returns in a fortnight

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above sense of place, but also a misplaced sense of propriety.

The truth is that the sacred environment cannot positively transform falsehood, even when the person involved is falsely credited with having brought transformation to the country by those who tag themselves "Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria."

Jonathan's tales of progress never pass the truth test, which is the honest truth about his dishonesty.

Consider what he said in church about the 2015 elections. Jonathan said: "None of us should begin to think that he is the best person to be anywhere from state houses of assembly to the president. There are a thousand and one Nigerians that are super qualified more than those people who are even aspiring to occupy offices."

If he wasn't just acting a deceptive script, he must be aware that his actions contradict his words. This is the same man who outrageously stage-managed his emergence as his party's unchallenged presidential candidate, driven by a fantasy that he is the best and there is none as qualified as him.

Or does he mean the people should hear his words and be blind to his deeds?

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