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Fake Shekau who insulted Jonathan, Obama killed

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DHQ confirms death of Boko Haram chief

Abandoned Chibok girl found •36 get Borno’s scholarship

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

HE loquacious man who appeared in many videos taunting President Goodluck Jonathan and his American counterpart Barack Obama is dead, the military announced yesterday. The clarification by Defence Headquarters (DHQ) spokesman Major-Gen. Chris Olukolade ended the controversy over the fate of the man who the military said assumed “Abubakar Shekau”, the late “eccentric” leader of the Boko Haram. Residents of towns where the military fought Boko Haram insurgents confirmed that the man who was known as Bashir Mohammed was, indeed, the one killed, the DHQ said. The impostor appeared in a video, boasting that the abducted Chibok girls would be sold and married off. He said Jonathan and Obama were embarking on a futile mission, trying to catch him. Besides, he showed up on television screens claiming responsibility for many Boko Haram bombings. Gen. Olukolade gave yesterday in Abuja an update on the anti-terrorism battle. He said 135 Boko Haram insurgents surrendered in Yobe and Adamawa states. He said while 88 gave up in Mairiga/Buni – Yadi, 45 were captured in and around Mubi – Michika in Adamawa State. All the captives are undergoing interrogation in some designated military facilities. The DHQ said that many terrorists were killed. They included Mohammed Bashir, who has been “acting or posing on videos as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, the eccentric character known as leader of the group.” Gen. Olukolade claimed that Boko Haram made four futile attempts to occupy Konduga, which is about 60 kilometres to Maid-

Continued on page 4

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

From Yusuf Alli, Grace Obike,

Abuja and Joel Duku, Maiduguri

•THE OLD: The original Abubakar Shekau

•THE NEW: The fake Abubakar Shekau (Muhammed Bashir)

GIRL believed to be one of the 219 Chibok schoolgirls in Boko Haram’s custody for more than 160 days has been found abandoned. She was picked up at Kwarihi village near Biu in Borno State after being thrown out of a moving Volkswagen Golf car. She wandered in the bush for two days before she was rescued by villagers. The Chairman of the Chibok community in Abuja, Hosea Tsambido, recounted this story yesterday. He spoke at the gathering of the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners on a day Borno State Government announced a scholarship of N1.4million each for 36 girls – among the 57 who escaped on April 15 from abductors. According to Tsambido, the abandoned girl, who gave her name as Susanna Ishaya, appeared mentally unstable. He said she had been handed over to one of the Chibok parents who took her to the hospital after which she would be propContinued on page 4

$9.3m seized cash: Rep alleges PDP members bribed $20,000 House Ethics Committee to probe allegation

STORY ON PAGE 4

•SPORTS P23 •EDUCATION P25 •POLITICS P52 •N/HEALTH P55 •E-BUSINESS P58 •FOREIGN P67

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

NEWS

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (3rd left), Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajumobi (2nd left), his wife Florence ( left), Dame Abimbola Fashola (2nd right) and former Chief Judge of Lagos State Mrs. Ayotunde Philip at the closing ceremony of 2014 National Wowen Conference organised by Committee of Wives of lagos State Officials in PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES Lagos...yesterday.

•Leader of the European Union delegation to Nigeria,Mr Michel Arrion (left) and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu when the delegation visited Tinubu in his office at the Freedom House Office,Victoria Island,Lagos.

HE United Nations Security Council should be reformed urgently in view of the pressing security challenges and continous threat to world peace, President Goodluck Jonathan said last night in his address to the United States General Assembly. The President also called for an urgent review of United Nations peacekeeping operations across the world. He promised that the abducted Chibok schoolgirls will be released and urged support for Liberia and Sierra Leone to combat Ebola, which he said Nigeria had battled to a standstill. United States President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande, Egyptian President Fatah El – Sisi were among the presidents and leaders who also spoke on the opening day of the UNGA. Jonathan said: “Mr. President, the failure of unanimity of action by the Security Council over pressing challenges to global peace and security, in Syria, Iraq, the conflict in Ukraine, and the renewed aggression between Israel and Palestine, have strengthened the case for the reform of the Security Council.” ”Today’s challenges can only be resolved by a Security Council whose working methods engender transparency, inclusivity, and common ownership through equitable representation of all regions in the decision making process of the Council.” “It is imperative that we take advantage of 2015, which also marks the 50thAnniversary of the 1965 reform, to make concrete progress on the reform of the Council.” “We call for a fast-tracked process, in line with the initiative of His Excellency John Ashe, President of the 68th General Assembly, for establishing a working Group on reform. Indeed, the Security Council requires the collective resolve of all member states to ensure that 2015 brings decisive progress,” he added Noting that the United Nations

Jonathan: w •Jonathan greeting attendees as he met with United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon during the 69th United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York...yesterday. PHOTOS: AFP

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja and Adeola Fayehun, New York

was established about 70 years ago to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, he said that the world sadly continues to experience conflict and human suffering. Jonathan sad: “Today’s terrorism is vicious and aimless. Its consequences are extremely agonising,

How Nigeria can be great again, by Atiku

F •From left: Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget Ben Akabueze, Head of European Union Delegation to Nigeria and Ecowas, Ambassador, Michel Arrion, Group Managing Director Access Bank plc; Herbert Wigwe and Managing Director /CEO Bank of Industry, Rasheed Olaoluwa during the 3rd EU-Nigeria Business Forum in Lagos.

•From left: Director,Brand Communication and Sponsorship, All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Matlou Tsotetsi; Executive Producer/CEO, AFRIMA, Mike Dada and Jury Member, Benin Republic, AFRIMA, Oscar Kidjo at a news conference to unveil the AFRIMA 2014 nominees in Lagos...yesterday.

ORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar threw his hat in the ring yesterday, becoming the first member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to announce his intention to seek the party’s ticket to run in the February 14, 2015 presidential election. The APC has said it will use the modified open primaries system to pick its candidates for the general elections. Atiku, vice-president between 1999 and 2007, in the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration, ran for president in 2007 on the platform of the Action Congress (AC), a party that metamorphosed into the Action Congress of Nigeria (AC N), one of the legacy parties that fused to form the APC. Claiming to be the most experienced man for the job, Atiku said at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja that security of lives and property and fixing the economy will be on top of his table if he gets his party’s ticket and wins the general election. Some of the APC leaders at the event were Senate Minority Leader George Akume, who represented members of the APC Senate Caucus, former Yobe State Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim, a former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, APC gover-

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

norship candidate in the October 11 election in Adamawa state, Senator Jibrilla Bindow, Chairman of the APC in Adamawa State, Hon. Binat Koji and the Director- General of the Atiku Campaign Organisation and former Education Minister Prof. Babalola Borishade Atiku is worried that Nigeria is more divided today than it was during the civil war between 1967 and 1970, with a disturbing rise in ethnic nationalism and religious bigotry as insecurity and disharmony thrive. He lamented that the gains recorded by the Obasanjo administration had been eroded by the Jonathan administration, with everything practically working backwards. He said “good leadership is what it takes to make good things happen”, stressing that the glaring mismatch between the nation’s potentials and its achievements has become for many a frustrating puzzle; for others a topic for national debate; and yet for another group, it is doomsday lament. Atiku lamented that while the Obasanjo administration paid off nearly half of the nation’s foreign debt, the Jonathan’s has continued to borrow more money when the

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

NEWS

han: we’re working hard to free Chibok girls ‘ Today’s terrorism is vicious and aimless. Its consequences are extremely agonising, marked by a tendency to annihilate victims, and completely destroy infrastructure and properties. The involvement of foreign fighters has remained a common feature of terrorist groups - whether Al Qaeda in the Maghreb, Al Shaabab in Somalia, Boko Haram in Nigeria

marked by a tendency to annihilate victims, and completely destroy infrastructure and properties. The involvement of foreign fighters has remained a common feature of terrorist groups - whether Al Qaeda in the Maghreb, Al Shaabab in Somalia, Boko Haram in Nigeria, or the newly emerging Islamic State (I.S).” “The new dimension introduced price of oil has consistently been above $100 per barrel since its inception. Implementation of the budget, he said, has continued to be on the decline since capital projects are poorly cash backed. Some major manufacturing firms have divested from the country while the remaining ones have continued to operate far below installed capacity due mainly to poor infrastructure, the appointment said. Atiku continued: “The environment for doing business and our ranking in world competitive index have worsened. Therefore, job opportunities for our teeming youths have become harder to come by. We recall with sadness the avoidable death of job seekers during the poorly-organised so-called Immigration Service recruitment exam just last year. Up to this moment, no one has been held accountable for those needless deaths. “Resentment, disillusionment and hopelessness are the emotions on which insecurity and disharmony thrive. Our country is more divided today than at any other time since the civil war. “There is a disturbing rise in ethnic nationalism and religious bigotry. This is promoting social tension and mutual distrust amongst the people of Nigeria. All over the country, there are daily breaches of security resulting in loss of lives and property. “Armed robbery kidnapping and human trafficking continue to ravage many parts of the country. A bunch of extremist insurgents are hoisting flags on large areas of our territory, claiming to have conquered. Unspeakable horrors are now being committed daily against our people by anti-social elements in the name of religion and other causes.”

by I.S. to conquer territory and establish its destructive ideology, is a major challenge that must be collectively halted before it becomes the norm. This refocuses attention on the need to review present tools for United Nations peacekeeping operations,” he said. The President assured the gathering that the Federal Government

would continue to do everything possible to rescue the abducted Chibok girls and curb the violent and criminal activities of Boko Haram. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the countries and organisations that expressed solidarity with us, and have continued to support our determined efforts to

‘

free our daughters.” “Although it has been over three months since they were abducted, we have never relented in our efforts to set them safely free. Together with our partners, we are working assiduously to free our daughters and reunite them with their families.” “Let me underline today, that we shall not waiver until we end this

• Atiku (left) with Senate Minority Leader George Akume during Atiku and Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim when he PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE declared to run for President in Abuja... yesterday.

The APC chieftain explained that the government has a responsibility to do everything possible to halt the dehumanisation of Nigerians, adding that rather than do that, “what we have is a serious deficit”. “To put it bluntly, our country seems to be on auto pilot with no one in charge,” Atiku said. He added: “We need a strong, dynamic, decisive, competent and visionary leadership that can halt the current drift of state fight corruption, create jobs, rebuild our infrastructure, provide social services and tackle insecurity in a decisive, robust, multi-pronged way. “This is the change we want. And deserve and this is the change the APC is primed to offer. And that is

why I am a proud member of the platform for change. To fix Nigeria, an APC government will promote a new social political order, which will compel the leadership to always balance power and authority with service and accountability.” While admitting that people have asked him many times why he is always seeking to be President, Atiku said: “My passion for governance is that of a man who wants to do more because there is much to be done in fixing Nigeria. This passion continues to grow as long as this government is not really doing the fixing. “I have what it takes to bring people together and turn things around for the better. Therefore, I

want to play a leading role in the trans-generational efforts to save this country and improve the lives of our people. “With the support of the millions of Nigerians desirous of change and the hardwork by all of us, the APC shall form the next government of this great nation. I have, therefore, decided that I will, along with other respected leaders of our party seek nomination as a candidate of the APC to contest the presidential election of 2015.” “I want to lead a government that will rebuild the institutions of governance with zero tolerance for corruption and nepotism, where hard work and dedication are adequately rewarded,” he said.

mindless war on the innocent, and bring all the perpetrators to justice. We will triumph over terrorism,” Jonathan stated. On to the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus disease in West Africa, the President confidently assured the United Nations that Nigeria is now free of Ebola, but said that the world must act in unison to stop the disease from becoming a global disaster. He said: “While Nigeria was able to respond effectively to control the spread of the disease, the situation in Liberia and Sierra Leone requires sustainable, collective global action to contain. Through the concerted efforts of our healthcare professionals, the World Health Organisation and our international partners, we have been able to contain the EVD and we can confidently say that Nigeria is today, Ebola-free.” “We have however continued to support efforts at containing the spread of the disease in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. It is pertinent to stress the need for the international community to properly appreciate the enormity of the EVD challenge.” “Indulging in isolationist and discriminatory tendencies will only worsen an already critical situation. To prevent the disease from becoming a global catastrophe, the UN must accord it the concerted effort it deserves,” the President said. He concluded the statement by reaffirming Nigeria’s belief in the indispensable role of the UN in the global bid to overcome the challenges of conflict, terrorism, climate change and economic development. “We have been, and will remain a reliable and active partner, especially as we collectively work to resolve the new and emerging threats to global peace and security,” President Jonathan told the assembly of Heads of State and Government. The former Vice President extolled the virtues of the APC, saying “at its inception in July 2013 offered great hope for many Nigerians as a potent alternative to the ruling PDP”. “Regardless of the loud and lavish political propaganda, deceit, official impunity and unjust applications of powers of patronage and sanction by the PDP administration, let me assure you that our party remains strong and capable of fulfilling the nation’s thirst for change,” he told his audience. On leadership, Atiku said: “Some people have argued for a generational shift to get leaders without much experience. However, I believe that it is the responsibility of my generation to offer our political shoulders to the new generation to climb upon, improve their vision and expand their horizon. “It is this trans-generational collaboration and partnership that represents the best model to create the future we desire and deserve. This is a well-tested model and the future of this nation should never again be subjected to leadership experimentation or learning on the job”. Security operatives drafted to maintain the peace at the venue almost created a stampede at the gate, refusing to allow people in and for over 20 minutes. Reporters and delegates pushed and shoved against the gate until it was forced open. The Atiku Abubakar hall of the Yar’Adua Centre was too small for the guests who took over the lobby. Canopies were provided outside the hall. An elderly man suspected to be a pick pocket was arrested by some youths and beaten up efore the police came to his rescue and whisked him away.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

Chibok girl abandoned Continued from page 1

erly questioned. Tsambido said: “One of the girls was ferried in a Volkswagen golf and thrown into the bush about two days ago and she wandered into the village of Kwarihi, near Mubi. “From there they called one of the parents to take care of her in Kwarihi. They are taking her to Yola. “When she was asked, she gave her name as Susanna Ishaya but right now we are not sure if it is her real name until she is really treated because the people that saw her said she is both mentally and phsycally sick and has been taken to the hospital. “We believe that she was probably abandoned by Boko Haram because of her health.” The Borno State Government yesterday granted scholarship to 36 of the 57 Chibok school girls who slipped away from Boko Haram abductors. As at yesterday, 219 Chibok girls were still in the custody of Boko Haram although there had been covert talks to set them free. Governor Kashim Shetti-

•Governor Shetttima (sitting right ), Pastor Pona (speaking) and the Chibok girls....yesterday

ma said the 36 girls have been admitted into international schools in Abuja, Kaduna and Plateau States. Fifty one (51) of the girls were meant for admission after six secured a scholarship

at an international school in Yola, Adamawa State. The governor said the government is spending a minimum of N1.4million annual fees on each of the schoolgirls in their new

schools besides other costs for welfare. The governor, who spoke at a brief farewell for the girls at the Government House in Maiduguri , pleaded not to disclose the names

$9.3m seized cash: Rep alleges PDP members bribed $20,000

T was rowdy again yesterday at the House of Representatives. Aliyu Madaki (APC-Kano) accused members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of collecting $20,000 to hinder the motion on the $9.3 million Federal Government cash seized in South Africa. The money was ostensibly for the purchase of arms. Members of the PDP said Madaki accused them in media reports of collecting $50,000 to truncate the motion moved by the Deputy Minority Leader Ismaila Kawu on Tuesday. But Madaki stood his ground saying he gave the interviews, insisting that the PDP lawmakers collected $20,000 and not $50,000 as stated in the reports. He said: “What happened was that I received a call to con-

Catholic Bishop faults CAN President

HE Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has accused Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor of smearing the image of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), saying it is wrong for his plane to be associated with the scandalous “arms deal” in South Africa. Speaking on the BBC Hausa Service monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna yesterday, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Jos and President, Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria, said they had been watching with sadness how Oristejafor had been hobnobbing with the Presidency for long. He accused the CAN President of dragging Christianity into the mud. He faulted the way Pastor Oritsejafor was From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

firm if members were given $50,000 each to kill the motion. I said that what I know is that

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

running CAN and urged the authorities to investigate the matter dispassionately and ensure that those found guilty are punished. “It is not proper; the guilty must be punished. It is not acceptable for a Christian leader to be seen always with the President. We in the Catholic have always picked holes in Oritsejafor’s style of leadership in CAN and we even wanted to stop attending CAN meeting at the national level,” he said. Archbishop Kaigama said the government should intensify efforts to restore the security situation in troubled parts of the country and expressed worry over the situation in the Northeast.

(PDP) members were given $20,000 each.” But angry PDP lawmakers insisted that Madaki should list those who received the

bribe. Proceedings stopped for a while. Albert Sam-Tsokwa, chairman, House Committee on Continued on page 66

of the schools. He said the schools were kept under wrap in order to shield the girls from public distraction and to safeguard the security of the girls and the new schools.

A Borno State statement said: “Governor Shettima said he opted to spread the girls in different schools so as not to make suitable, unnecessary visits that would Continued on page 66

Synagogue: 62 South African victims’ bodies identified

FIVE-STEP process of identification is underway on the bodies of the South Africans killed in the Synagogue church building collapse, Minister in South Africa’s Presidency Jeff Radebe said yesterday. Giving an update in Pretoria on the situation, he said this was a “methodical and time consuming process, and one would not be able to predict the exact timeframes for completion”. Radebe said 62 of the 84 South Africans killed in the disaster had been identified “with certainty”. “On the issue of the bodies, right now, the team that is there in Lagos has been able to identify with certainty 62 South Africans.

“So the remainder, as you know there are 115 deceased in this tragedy, and 84 of the 115 are South Africans, so we still have a long time to go.,” he said, adding that he meant not long in terms of time, but in effort. Government was committed to ensuring that all those killed were accurately identified, and their bodies brought home. “We want to assure the South African nation that we shall spare neither strength nor effort in ensuring that the deceased are repatriated back home. “We believe that the repatriation of the deceased is the crucial first step in helping Continued on page 66

Fake Shekau who insulted Jonathan, Obama killed Continued from page 1

uguri, the Borno State capital. Each of the four encounters with Boko Haram in Konduga, between 12 and 17 September, lasted about five hours. Gen. Olukolade said: “Nigerian troops have been conducting coordinated air and land operations in furtherance of efforts at containing the terrorists in the NorthEastern part of the country. “Somehow, it became apparent that the terrorists in continuation of their campaign of terror were determined to take over communities around Maiduguri, which is their prime target. “There was therefore the need to ensure that communities, such as Konduga, were protected. It is noteworthy that the terrorists made not less than four attempts between 12 and 17 September 2014 to violate the security and enter Konduga to perpe-

Military pronounces Abubakar Shekau impostor dead

S Abubakar Shekau, the eccentric Boko Haram leader, dead? Is the war-monger still alive? These were some of the questions hanging on the lips of discerning members of the public yesterday when the military said the face of Boko Haram on video was dead. The Cameroonian military seemed to have stirred the hornet’s nest when it announced few days ago that it had killed Shekau. In a rare public show by the Cameroonian Armee Camerounaise (Cameroonian Army), photos of Shekau were made public alongside a statement claiming he was killed trate their atrocities. Air and land forces were subsequently deployed to handle the situation. “The convoy of combat vehicles typical of terrorists’ mission that involves their top commanders was fiercely engaged by the land and air forces. “Several of the terrorists,

ANALYSIS By Adekunle Yusuf, Assistant Editor

during a cross-border raid deep inside Nigeria by its military. Last weekend, it said that Shekau was killed following an aerial bombardment of his hideout inside Nigeria. But, reacting to the latest news of Shekau’s death, the Nigerian military said it would probe the veracity of the claim. There seemed to be a twist in the tale yesterday when the Nigerian military announced that it killed Mohammed Bashir, who had been an im-

including some of their commanders, lost their lives in the encounters, which lasted an average of about five hours each.” The DHQ said the troops killed some of the Boko Haram terrorists and 135 others were either captured or surrendered in Yobe and Adamawa states.

postor. According to the spokesman for the military, Major General Chris Olukolade, Bashir, who assumed Abubakar Shekau, the name of the eccentric leader of the sect, was the one killed in a counter-terrorism operation in the north-east. Last year August, the military had told the world that it had killed the man Shekau. But series of video denouncing his death put doubts in the minds of the public. “This is a victory from Allah,” said the wanted insurgent leader after claiming to have destroyed “21 ar-

It said Mohammed Bashir, who was an “impostor” of Boko Haram leader Imam Abubakar Shekau, was among those killed by troops. The statement added: “The troops captured some of the terrorists and their equipment. In the course of those encounters, one Mohammed Bashir, who has been acting

Continued on page 66

or posing on videos as the deceased Abubakar Shekau, the eccentric character known as leader of the group, died. “Since the name Shekau has become a brand name for the terrorists’ leader, the Nigerian military remains resolute to serve justice to anyone who assumes that desig-

nation or title as well as all terrorists that seek to violate the freedom and territory of Nigeria. “On restoring normalcy after the encounter, inhabitants of the community who were victims of terrorists’ activities corroborated information on the identity of Bashir Mohammed, alias Abubakar Shekau, alias Abacha Abdullahi Geidam, alias Damasack etc. Indeed, the recent devastation on the leadership of the insurgents is attributable to the renewed commitment to the mission of eradicating terrorism in our country. “Meanwhile, a total of 135 terrorists yesterday evening surrendered along with equipment to troops around Biu Local Government Area. Continued on page 66

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THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

NEWS Nigeria retains category one FAA certification By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

•Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (middle), Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Ishola Adekunbi (second left), Chairman, Ikenne Local Government Council, Hon. Tajudeen Salako (right), Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Michael Sonariwo (left) and business mogul, Mr. Dapo Abiodun (second right) when the governor visited Ikenne in continuation of his local government assessment tour...yesterday.

Jonathan’s endorsement mockery of democracy, says APC T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan as the sole presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a mockery of democracy. In a statement in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the endorsement came as a great price to Nigerians, considering the deals struck to make President Jonathan the sole candidate. It said the parody of democracy that the endorsement represents has exposed the shameless hypocrisy of the PDP, which is ever so eager to accuse other parties of lacking in internal democracy. “Obviously, those fellows in the PDP have never heard of the saying that those who must come to equity must

come with clean hands. PDP, where is your own internal democracy now that you have turned your party into a fiefdom controlled by one and only one person? “While endorsements are part and parcel of democracy, they are never done to the exclusion of other candidates. This is simply not democratic. When Barack Obama was endorsed by his party’s bigwigs to contest the US Presidency, the party never excluded Hillary Clinton from its primaries. This is how it is done,” APC said. The party said the price being paid for Jonathan’s endorsement by Nigeria was too heavy, considering that the PDP governors, who spearheaded the endorse-

ment, had secured perpetual immunity from prosecution by anti-graft bodies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC); automatic tickets for all firstterm PDP governors, whether or not they performed, automatic tickets for all PDP governors running for the Senate, as well as free ride back to the upper chamber by Senate President David Mark. “It is now an Open Sesame for the PDP governors, who have no prying anti-corruption agencies watching over their shoulders. They can now simply see the commonwealth as an extension of their deep pockets. The endorsement is

also a vote of approval for the proceeds of corruption that have been powering the noisy and outrageous Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN),” it said. APC accused President Jonathan of desecrating democracy because of his desperation for re-election, adding: “It is a cruel irony that a man who has benefited, more than anyone else, from this democracy has been the one who has been doing everything possible to undermine it.” The party said President Jonathan has also abandoned domestic issues while seeking international relevance, in a clear negation of the aphorism that charity begins at home. It added: “This President has basically abandoned gov-

Reps unearth 30 unregistered companies executing Niger Delta projects

IGP: police to bar candidates with CTING Inspector-Gencriminal records eral of Police (IGP) Sule-

iman Abba has said the police would bar persons with proven criminal records from contesting in the coming general elections. He said the Force would do this in collaboration with the Department of State Security (DSS). “When it comes to screening, we will collaborate with our colleagues, especially the Department of State Security, to ensure candidates with

From: Faith Yahaya, Abuja

criminal records are not allowed to contest,” Abba said. Speaking yesterday in Abuja at a meeting with top police officers, he said the Force had made arrangements to protect the electorate during and after the election. The IGP linked the attack on a police station in Kogi State to criminal activities, which he

said was common during the ‘ember’ months. Said he: “We have made arrangements to ensure the police provide security during and after the elections. The activities include the registration of voters, the primaries, the selection of candidates, their screening, the conventions by the parties, the campaigns by the parties and others. “During the activities, the

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

•Acting IGP Abba

police will ensure adequate security is provided for those participating in the activities,” Abba said.

Senate attributes free trade zones’ failure to weak laws Book on

HE Senate yesterday attributed the inefficient free trade zones in the country to a weak regulatory framework guiding their operations. The Chairman, Senate

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sani Onogu, Abuja

Committee on Trade, Senator Odion Ugbesia, spoke at a Public Hearing on a bill

seeking to amend the Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Authority Act 2011. He said it was obvious that free zones were far from achieving the purpose for which they were established.

‘Boko Haram is fighting a political war’

IGERIA is losing the terror war because it has been politicised, the Senior Pastor of Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA), Lagos, Rev. Yomi Kasali, has said. He spoke with reporters yesterday ahead of a week-long Giant Killers Conference of the church with the theme: “Jehoshaphat’s Army”. Kasali lamented that the insurgency was getting out of hand because government had been playing the blame game. He warned against playing

By Sunday Oguntola

politics of religion. According to him, it would be disastrous to plunge the nation into a religious war. Kasali said: “We are losing the terror war because it has been politicised. We are playing politics of religion with this. “We should not plunge Nigeria into a religious war because it will be disastrous.” He urged Christians and Muslims to unite and fight Boko Haram, saying the sect was fight-

ing a political and not a religious war. “Boko Haram has a political ideology more than political agenda. It is a malaise we should fight. “It is an Islamic sect with political agenda to ostracise and declare a Caliphate. They are a bunch of fundamentalists against western education,” the cleric stressed. He advised Christians and Muslims to coexist peacefully and not treat one another as enemies.

ernance. Unprecedented corruption is mounting, insecurity stalks the land and Nigerians grope in darkness as power generation has plummeted. This President has yet to tell Nigerians the full involvement of his government in the $9.3 million that was illegally ferried to South Africa on a private jet. This President has yet to tell Nigerians why he has continued to hobnob with a suspected sponsor of Boko Haram, who is supposed to be under a probe by his administration. Yet, he is eager to attend meetings with serious-minded leaders, who have done well for their own people. “Mr. President, it is only when you have achieved success domestically that you can parade yourself internationally. You cannot look good abroad if you look ugly at home.”

NIGERIA has retained the United States of America Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Category One Status, with the issuance of certification to the Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, in America. Category One certification is the highest level of civil aviation regulation by any country. Nigeria was first awarded Category One Status in 2009. The retention of the safety status comes, just as the minister of aviation has promised to reform and strengthen the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) in line with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), for greater efficiency and service delivery. Chidoka urged the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to start exchange programmes in air navigation, to deepen knowledge and promote best practice. He was issued the certification after the Nigerian aviation industry, propelled by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other major agencies in the sector closed all the identified open items when the FAA team visited the country in April. FAA carried out intensive internal aviation safety assessment of the sector earlier in the year and there were fears that the country might not retain the status it earned in September 2010. The minister in a statement said the America FAA informed him that Nigeria had met the safety oversight requirements under the international aviation standards.

Jonathan launched By Adeola Oladele-Fayehun

BIOGRAPHY on President Goodluck Jonathan, written by Americabased writer, Matthew Uzukwu, an adjunct professor of operations management at Bowie State University, Maryland, has been launched. The book, titled: “‘Moving Forward: A Biography of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,” documenting the life of the president from birth to his presidency, was launched at the Pierre Hotel, located at 2 East 61st street, in New York City. The author, Uzukwu, described the book as a vital record for upcoming generations to know the man called Goodluck Jonathan. The President did not attend the launching.

HOCKING revelations have trailed a probe into the contracts being handled by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, by a House of Representatives committee, which has uncovered 30 unregistered companies through which multibillion naira worth of contracts have been executed. The Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta, Warman Ogoriba, cried out in Abuja during the investigative public hearing on the East-West road projects. The list of the indicted companies, according to Ogoriba, would be released at the end of the five-day investigative public hearing. The lawmaker said: “Those companies were not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). About two years ago, I did a verification of those companies and discovered that they were not registered.” Ogoriba, lamenting the high level of corruption being perpetrated through the award of contracts by the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, expressed disappointment that “no project has been inaugurated since the inception of the ministry.” He said the ministry would get zero allocation in the 2015 Appropriation, following the inability of the contractors handling the Niger Delta road projects to show results. Worried by the situation, the committee summoned the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Steve Oru, over the shady transfer of road contracts awarded to Trata, but allegedly transferred to a third party construction company, Heartland. Members of the committee, especially Abubakar Momoh, queried why a contractor under the ministry requested for N6 billion to rehabilitate an existing 17km road as well as additional money to pay compensation on same. Another lawmaker, Ogbona Nwuke (APC-Rivers), who knows the terrain well, refuted the claim that the contractor was on site. He said till last year, there was a dualisation job being handled by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from Iguta end of the road. Nwuke said: “There seems to be two contractors going on the same road, and it’s like someone is doing the work, while another is collecting the money. There were some controversies on the road during the tenure of the last minister of Niger Delta Affairs,” he alleged.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

NEWS

‘Jonathan not qualified to run in 2015’

EMBERS of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have gone to the Federal HIgh Court, Abuja, seeking to, among others, restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney- General of the Federation (AGF) from allowing President Goodluck Jonathan to participate in the 2015 presidential election. In a suit by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), the plaintiffs argued that by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President, having contested the presidential election twice, won and taken the oath of office

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

and allegiance twice in respect of that office, he could no longer present himself for election to that office the third time. They relied on sections 132(1), 135(2)(a) and (b), 137(1)(b), 142(1) and (2) and the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Marwa and Nyako (2012) 6 NWLR (Part 1296) 199 at 306. The plaintiffs argued that by the provisions of the constitution, the President and Vice President, who were elected in the same election and sworn into office on the same date and at the same ceremony were in law, taken to have been elected for

one single term of four years notwithstanding the death or even impeachment of the President. “That being so, the reference to “two previous elections” in Section 137(1)(b) of the Constitution includes two previous oath of allegiance and oath of office as President. It is therefore safe to conclude that a Vice President, who had taken the oath of allegiance and oath of office for two previous terms as President is, in law, deemed to have been elected into the Office of President at two previous elections, thereby standing disqualified to contest another election into that office.” The suit marked: FHC/

ABJ/CS/662/2014, with Adejumo Mansouru Ajagbe (a member of the PDP from Lagos State) and Olatoye Wahab (a member of the APC from Osun State) as plaintiffs, listed the AGF and INEC as defendants. The case, filed last Friday by James Ocholi, A. J. Owonikoko, Okon Efut and Mahmu Magaji (all SANs), has been assigned to Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed for hearing. They raised five questions for the court’s determination and are seeking seven reliefs, including an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the AGF and INEC from accepting as candidate in the 2015 presi-

How to stop exam malpractices, by don By Tokunbo Ogunsami

•Dr. Jonathan

dential election anybody caught by “two previous elections limit and eightyear term limit.”

‘NYSC may reduce on-line registration fee’ From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

ANAGEMENT of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) might reduce the N4,000 being charged for online registration and other services, from the next service year, it was learnt yesterday. The Director, Public Relations Unit, Bose Aderibigbe, spoke yesterday on the outcome of the meeting between NYSC Director-General, Johnson Olawumi and the Special Assistant to the President on Youth Affairs, Jude Imagwe. She said the amount being paid was not just for the printing of the call-up letters, but also for the operation and provision of infrastructural amenities in NYSC camps and the 37 secretariats. “These Internet and manpower facilities are to ensure easy operation of prospective corps members,” Aderibigbe said. She said the NYSC management would meet the head of SIGMAT Technologies on the reduction. “It may not be possible now, but subsequently, if it is possible, the public will know,” the director added. According to her, the computerisation of the scheme was not to reduce the workforce.

‘Alumni to improve education’ By Bowale Odukale

HE Imperial College Alumni Association of Nigeria has said it will contribute to the development of education. Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, Edet Amana said: “Government should use our local expertise to develop every sector.” The President, Imperial College Association of Nigeria, Olugbenga Adelana, said the association planned to partner other institutions to create awareness and enlighten the public and government to solve challenges in the country.

•From left: Nollywood stars, Bamidele Fagboyo, Femi Ogedengbe, Babatunde Tokunbo Dare Oyegbola, Saheed Balogun, President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Okehi-Odumakin with an artist, Mr. Kola Olaiya, during a public awareness programme on the Continuous Voters Registration, organised by Women Arise for Change Initiative, in Ibadan...yesterday. PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

Govt begins low-key independence celebration

HE Federal Government will, tomorrow, start activities marking the country’s 54th independence anniversary. The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who spoke at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided by Vice President Namadi Sambo, said the celebration would be low-key. Stressing that the meeting deliberated on the programme brought to the Council by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, he said it would begin with Islamic prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja, tomorrow. He said this would be followed by an inter-denomination Christian prayer at the National Christian Centre on Sunday. Maku said on Monday, President Goodluck Jonathan would

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

give national honours at the International Conference Centre. He said there would be a national broadcast by the President on October 1 at 7am, while a change of guards would take place at the Presidential Villa, by 9am. According to him, on the same day, an Independence Anniversary Dinner would be held at the State House Banquet Hall at 7pm. The minister noted that the Jonathan administration had carried out landmark reforms in the last four years. “The reforms the President has brought on board have given Nigeria a new face,” he added.

Power outage stalls Atuche’s trial

HE trial of a former Managing Director of Bank PHB, Francis Atuche, was stalled yesterday at a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, following power outage. Atuche and his wife, Elizabeth, are on trial for the alleged theft of N25.7 billion belonging to the bank. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the couple and a former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu, at the court presided over by Justice Lateefat Okunnu. The proceedings could not go on because the court was thrown into darkness. The situation was compounded by the malfunction

By Adebisi Onanuga

of one of the generators supplying power to the new court complex where the courtroom of the judge was situated. The heat in the courtroom, occasioned by the blackout, also made sitting impossible. The situation forced the court to adjourn the case till September 26 for Atuche to continue his testimony. He earlier denied the theft charge preferred against him by the EFCC. The former bank chief said he could not engage in theft as a member of the Catholic faith. Atuche also told the court how he grew a mortgage fi-

The heat in the courtroom, occasioned by the blackout, also made sitting impossible nance company, Pinnacle Investment Limited and transformed it to Platinum Bank Plc. He said the bank merged with Habib Bank, following the mandatory N25 billion recapitalisation policy of the Central Bank under Prof. Charles Soludo. The merger, Atuche said, gave birth to Bank PHB,

•Atuche

which became one of the strongest banks in the country while he was the managing director/chief executive officer.

DON, Prof. Adebayo Lawal of the Department of Arts Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, has urged the Federal Government to ensure that mother tongue is used for teaching in primary and secondary schools. Lawal, the guest speaker at the 18th Annual Foundation Lecture of the Fafunwa Educational Foundation (FEF), held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, said the use of mother tongue, as advocated by the late Prof. Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa, the former minister of Education and Youth Development, would boost educational development. He said: ‘If we want to develop as a nation, mother tongue should be used to teach pupils in primary and secondary schools. When you learn in local languages, you learn better and faster. “Exam malpractice is high today because pupils do not understand what they are being taught. English language, instead of mother tongue, is used to teach subjects, and this is wrong. “Most pupils do not understand the subjects they are taught. Some cram to pass exams, while the dishonest ones resort to exam malpractices. “To stop cheating in the exams conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO) and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), mother tongue should be used to teach in primary and secondary schools, to build a solid educational foundation.” The Chairman, Academic Committee of FEF, Prof. Kayode Alao, said the foundation organised lectures yearly to promote excellence in the education industry, adding that this year’s lecture was titled: “Mother Tongue Instruction and the Educational Development of the Nigerian Child.”

‘CAC crisis may soon be over’

HE crisis rocking the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in the last 24 years may soon be resolved. One of its factions, the Supreme Council, has reiterated its readiness to ensure reunification with the General Executive Council (GEC) leadership. A member of the Supreme Council Peace Delegate, Pastor Jacob Akinola, spoke at the opening of the 2014 Annual Pastors Conference at CAC Ile AANU, Alasepe Prayer Ground, Ikire, Osun State. He said: “We, the Supreme Council, are ready for a reunification with the GEC if it will end the 24-year-old crisis. “From the utterances and comportment of the GEC leadership, it is evident that it has distanced itself from any peace move within the entire mission, while at the same time deceiving the fellowship that it was championing the church reunification, but on the part of the Supreme Council, we are still believing God to touch the hearts of those interested in and benefiting from the prolongation of the crisis, before it is too late.” The President of CAC Worldwide, Pastor Gabriel Lagunju, said no sacrifice would be too much to end the crisis.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

NEWS ATTACK ON EKITI COURT

Fayose: APC plans to truncate my inauguration

KITI State governorelect Mr. Ayodele Fay-

ose has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to obtain judgment through the backdoor to truncate his inauguration on October 16 and install the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly as acting governor. Fayose, who disclosed this at a media briefing at his Magodo, Lagos residence yesterday, said the target of the APC, through Justice Segun Ogunyemi, was to obtain a jankara (backdoor) judgment and install the Speaker under the pretext that he (Fayose) was not qualified to contest the June 21 governorship election. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate said it was curious that Justice Ogunyemi, who was forced to stop court proceedings by suspected party thugs recently, delivered the judgment on preliminary objections in the morning. He added that the judge was going to proceed to hear the substantive suit and deliver judgment the same day. But the thugs disrupted the court proceedings in Ado

HE Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Dr. Ayodele Fayose of either being ignorant of the law governing electoral matters or deliberately being economical with the truth. Its Director of Publicity and Media, Segun Dipe, urged Fayose to always consult his legal advisers before making any statement that would characterise him not only as legally deficient, but a desperado. The statement reads: “Rather than baring facts, our governor-elect is baring fangs. Rather than applying brain and wisdom, he is applying the brawn, which he is known for. “If Fayose is not ignorant of the law or opting for deliberate falsehood, he would not embark on campaign of calumny against those who have chosen By Raymond Mordi

Ekiti, the state capital and chased away the judge and lawyers from court room with dangerous weapons. Fayose said the events in Ekiti State showed that certain interests were being represented and that some judicial officers are being compromised. The governor-elect, who was supported by former

to embark on the path laid down in both the 1999 Constitution and Electoral Law 2006 in ensuring that justice is not only done but seen as done. “One would have thought that Fayose’s many legal advisers would have drawn his attention to Section 182 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 or Section 145 (1) of the Electoral Act 2006 and he should base his defence on those, instead of calling out thugs against the dictates of statute. “You cannot build something on nothing. A house molded with spittle cannot last as it will be brought down by the dew. Equity follows the law and he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. “If our governor-elect is wise enough, he should see the legal hurdles ahead of him as a stepping stone to legitimise his

Deputy Governor Abiodun Olujimi during the briefing, said the E-11, an association of professionals of Ekiti State origin, had instituted the case against him two weeks before the June 21 election, claiming that he was not qualified to contest the polls. He argued that it appeared as if the judge suddenly woken from a slumber and wanted to rush the case to repre-

claim to victory. But he and his wise men want to approbate and reprobate at the same time. This is democracy. You can only become a state governor through legal means, not through illegal means. “It is not only legitimate but appropriate that an election victory could be questioned on the grounds that a person whose election is questioned was at the time of election not qualified to contest the election. “We would therefore advise Fayose to seek the path of honour and not that of dishonour in getting to power. History awaits him on whatever steps he is taking right now to get to power. If anyone is haunting him, it is the law of the land and not our party. “Our choice to question his legitimacy is not only because we are in the opposition party, but because we are also bona fide citizens of Nigeria and indigenes of Ekiti, which he intends to govern.”

sent certain interests. His words: “Will it not interest you to know that in less than 24 hours, the judge has turned in the case file. This same judge had adjourned this matter for more than three months. I have been elected for well over three months now. The matter came almost two weeks before my election. But suddenly the judge just woke up

from a slumber, to want to rush a case to represent certain interest.” The governor-elect noted that it was regrettable that the process in court was disrupted. He added: “It’s unfortunate. But don’t forget that the average man on the streets knows what they want and they are equally more enlightened than be-

fore, when somebody would just come, pay a judge somewhere for a backdoor judgment, to stall a process, to steal people’s mandate.” Fayose added that he and his party was not opposed to trials. “But we want trials done through due process. What is the hurry for this judge? What is his interest?” he queried. He alleged that the Chief Judge of Ekiti State was an interested party in the matter. “We have been told that he wants to assign the matter to himself. He is a clear member of the E-11; the petitioners. We want a judge who is ready to carry out his assignment as a judge; who is ready to respect the Constitution of Nigeria, to try matters by being fair to all concerned and be accountable to Nigerians,” he said. Fayose enjoined the authorities at the judicial and executive level, to beam the searchlight on Ekiti and look beyond the propagandas of the political parties. He said he had just arrived from an overseas trip on Tuesday night and that he decided to state his own side of what was going on because of its political implication.

Governor-elect heads for appeal

HE ruling of a high court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, which claimed competence to try Ekiti State governor-elect Mr. Ayodele Fayose’s 'eligibility' case instituted by E-11, has been appealed. E-11, a socio-political group, in May 2014, in a suit filed by the Citizens Popular Party (CPP) and Adeniyi Ajakaye, claimed that Fayose was ineligible to either stand for an elective post or be voted for. The group averred that the grounds upon which he was impeached by the Ekiti State Assembly in 2006 had not been nullified by a competent court. Justice Isaac Ogunyemi of the High Court had in the ruling assumed jurisdictional powers to hear the case and try Fayose on his qualification to stand for the June 21

Governor-elect is ignorant of the law, says party

governorship election. The judge had dismissed the application challenging the competence of the court to try the case, insisting that the defence counsels, led by Ahmed Raji (SAN), had not judiciously discharged the responsibility under the law of evidence to furnish the court with sufficient evidence upon which the claim of the court's incompetence by the defence could be sustained. In the appeal suit number HAD/51/2014 and deposed to by his lead counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), Fayose contended that Justice Ogunyemi misdirected himself in the ruling that the court had the powers to sit on the case. Joined in the suit were Mr. Adeniyi Ajakaiye, Mr. Olufemi Ajayi, Peoples Democratic Party and the Independent National Electoral Com-

mission (INEC). Raji maintained the trial judge was wrong under the law to have assumed that the matter had become functus officio and thus could not set aside its own earlier ruling. Fayose then sought an order setting aside the order of the lower court delivered on the June 6, 2014, abridging the time within which the appellant was to file and serve a counter-affidavit to the originating summons in the action. He also sought an order setting aside the ruling of the high court delivered on Monday, 22 September by Justice Ogunyemi in respect of the case; an order extending time within which the appellants might file their counter-affidavits; and other processes as appertain in the case at the lower court.

•Fayose at the media briefing.

PHOTO: NAN

E-11, Ekiti NBA condemn thugs’ attack on judges, lawyers, others

SOCIO-political group in Ekiti State, the E-11 and the state chapter of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have condemned the last Monday's attack on an Ado-Ekiti High Court by suspected party thugs. The Chairman of E-11, Femi Ajiniran, in a statement, said: "Regrettably and as if to confirm our fears of an impending anarchist era worse than was once witnessed in Ekiti, a group of hoodlums was sponsored to unleash mayhem on the court and all those who have come before the court for refuge. "Our members were severely brutalised and are now lying in critical condition in the hospital. Members of the public, who came innocently to witness the historic proceedings, were not spared this gang assault and brutality by this group of anarchists. "But even more disturbing and horrendous was the attack on the officers of the

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

court who were merely performing their constitutional duty. As we write, that presiding judge has fled the state for fear of his life." The group noted that the episode represented another low in the image of Ekiti in the eyes of the world. It stressed that the state was gradually once again becoming a laughing stock while its claim to honour, integrity and intellectual sophistication was being thrown to the dogs. "To us, this is a big shame! Our long cherished values were once debased and nearly destroyed. It has taken some effort thus far to redeem those values. Another era of value wreckage is again at hand. "Any true democrat not giving freely to brigandage as a way of life would and should know that opportunity exists

‘This is a big shame! Our long cherished values were once debased and nearly destroyed. It has taken some effort thus far to redeem those values. Another era of value wreckage is again at hand’ up to the Supreme Court to challenge the appropriateness of any judicial pronouncement at any lower level in the judicial hierarchy. "To result to violent attack on opposing litigants and officers of the court, worse still

within the court premise, should be seen as not only contemptuous of the entire judiciary, but a repudiation of the very basic tripod principle that defines our government system. The Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary are the three equal legs on which our practice of democracy stands. A challenge to one is a challenge to all," the E-11 said. It called on the Chief Justice to move to assure that protection is guaranteed for anyone seeking refuge under the judiciary as well as the judicial and legal officers to perform their duty free of any harassment and intimidation "We warned a while back of a grand design at the very top of our nation's governance to unleash terror on the Southwest and turn the zone over to the stranglehold of a criminally-inclined, violence-disposed, mafia-like, Gestapooriented gang. We shudder to think that what has happened

in Ekiti is the opening glee of this grand design," the group said. The NBA branch, at a joint briefing addressed by the chairmen of the Ikere, Ado and Ikole branches of the NBA in Ado-Ekiti, urged the police to redouble efforts at discharging their constitutional role at such critical times as witnessed last Monday at the premises of the court. Mr. Joseph Adewumi, who addressed reporters on behalf of others, called on the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, to enhance the security around judges handling what he called sensitive cases. He insisted that the CP should not have delegated powers on such a 'volatile' occasion, noting that Lakanu should have made efforts to assume more roles to contain the development himself. The NBA chief said the association considered it disappointing that some individu-

als could choose to attack the temple of justice, in such a 'barbaric' way when they could as well petition the National Judicial Council (NJC) to punish any judge if such a judge was found wanting of alleged wrongdoing. He maintained that such attack was "uncalled for, unwarranted and could erode the sanctity of the court and people's confidence in the rule of law." "This is dangerous to democratic growth of the country", Adewumi said. He urged the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, to meet the police to improve the security around the court premises to stop such development from recurring. His words: "This kind of ugly scenario happened during the emergency rule under Maj-Gen. Adetunji Olurin and the time to put a stop to it is now. So, we empathise with our lordships for this unwarranted attack."

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

NEWS APC: plot to unseat Amosun a joke

GUN State All Progressives Congress (APC) has described a plot by the opposition to defeat the party in 2015 as a wishful thinking. The party spoke yesterday following a purported plan by the Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to merge for the 2015 elections. President Goodluck Jonathan was reported to have endorsed a working arrangement between PDP and LP. This was aimed at shoring up the chances of the PDP to produce the next governor. But the APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Sola Lawal, scoffed at the plan, saying it would not succeed.

The party said the existing chaotic internal dynamics within the two opposition parties would end up frustrating efforts at any unholy gang up. “In 2011, all the present members of PDP and LP in Ogun State were all in PDP with only a sprinkling of them in PPN. Yet, defunct ACN, a precursor to APC, trounced them. “Without the executive power of government in its hands, the APC pummelled the combined forces of the opposition. “Now, consider how mucheasier it will be with the superlative performance of the Amosun’s administration to send them to their electoral grave,” APC stated.

Lawyer sues Ondo for Owena Motels’ demolition

N Akure, Ondo Statebased lawyer, Charles Titiloye, has sued the state government and its Attorney- General Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) for the demolition of Owena Motels. The demolition following a private/partnership agreement entered into by the government to build a shopping mall in Akure, the state capital, where the Motel stand. Titiloye alleged that there was a public outcry over the demolition of the motels, which he described as the premier hotel in Akure and the only such owned by the government. The former Secretary, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch on August 22, directed his lawyers, Messrs Victor Olatoyegun, to write to the attorney

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

general to oblige him a copy of the said public/private partnership agreement signed by Governor Olusegun Mimiko, which led to the motels’ demolition. The request was premised on the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act. The activist said the attorney- general refused to make the information available thus leading to the suit before the high court. Titiloye is seeking an order to compel the government to make public the transaction. He is also praying the court to direct the government to pay him N500,000 for denying him the information. No date has been fixed for of the case, while government has not responded to the suit.

Oyo school protests minister’s illegal helicopter landing O

WNERS of a popular private secondary school in Ibadan, Bodija International School, have submitted a petition against the Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Jelili Adesiyan, for landing a helicopter on the premises of the school at the weekend without approval. A copy of the petition, which was obtained by The Nation, indicated that the minister’s helicopter landed on the sports arena of the school at 10:30a.m on Sunday. It stated that the illegal landing “caused considerable damage to underlying drainage pipes in the school’s sports arena, which was un-

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

dergoing major construction.” The petition stated that the school had to rectify the damage. The school’s lawyer, Olajumoke Ojo and Co, frowned at the unapproved landing, describing it as “a trespass.” “It has been brought to our notice that your helicopter landed on the school grounds without the knowledge and consent of the school’s authorities. We hereby remind you sir that ours is a private

‘This action, if repeated, could disrupt educational activities and pose considerable danger if the school had been in session’

organisation and landing the helicopter on our premises without permission constitutes trespass,” it added.

Two beggars fight over N10 in Osogbo

Pensioners urge govt to pay gratuity arrears

EMBERS of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) have renewed their appeal to the government to pay their gratuity arrears. The pensioners, comprising former local government workers and primary school teachers, said they were unhappy with the government for the non-review of pensions in the last 10 years. They also decried the non-payment of 36-month arrears of the 142 per cent of pensions increase from 2000 as well as non-payment of gratuities from 2006, among others. Speaking at a peaceful protest to the Governor’s Office, NUP Chairman, Alhaji Najeemdeen Adebayo Ibrahim, said they took the action since previous entreaties to the government there failed. He said they embarked on the exercise twice in the past and were only addressed by some commissioners, who assured them that their plights would be looked into within two weeks, lamenting that nothing had been done to date. Ibrahim decried government’s insensitivity to their plight despite serving the state for over 30 years. He said many of their colleagues had died while others were bed-ridden for lack of care.

•The two beggers...yesterday.

PHOTO: ADESOJI ADENIYI

FIGHT between two beggars over N10 alms yesterday temporarily disrupted free-flow of traffic at Olaiya Junction in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. It ensued between a physically-challenged beggar and a blind counterpart when the latter refused to share the N10 alms from a good Samaritan with the

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

former. An eye-witness revealed that the two beggars started fighting at about 3.30p.m when the boy leading the blind man was hit by a stick held by the physically-challenged. The blind beggar was infuriated and

they resorted to fighting in the middle of the road, consequently halting traffic until men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC, who were passing by, separated them. The blind beggar and his boy were later taken to an unidentified hospital for treatment following the injuries they sustained.

Atilade, Sobowale, others give panacea Nigeria’s challenges

Warning against a recurrence of the action, the school said: “As you can imagine, this action, if repeated, could disrupt educational activities and pose considerable danger if the school had been in session.” The school, which is one of the oldest and elitist private schools in Ibadan, offers both day and boarding services. It has a huge population of pupils in primary and secondary schools. The late famous jurist, Kayode Eso, was the chairman, Governing Board of the school. It is located in Osuntokun, Bodija, a highbrow area of Ibadan, the state capital.

HE Deputy National Vice-Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Southwest, Bishop Magnus Atilade and a mass communication lecturer, Prof. Idowu Sobowale, led the clamour last Tuesday for solutions to the nation’s challenges. Bishop Atilade, Prof. Sobowale and other eminent personalities spoke at a colloquium with the theme, “Christianity and Contemporary Challenges,” commemorating the 50th anniversary of Ikate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos. The cleric said the challenges facing the nation were from the higher realms, which could not be explained from human logic. He said some of the problems, included leaders who put the love of fellow men over the fear of God, leading to things falling out of place.

By Nneka Nwaneri

The cleric noted that the menace has gradually crept into the church and the body of Christ. Atilade also noted that since the late Vice Chairman of The Sun , Dimba Igwe, was murdered in daylight, the car and culprit were yet to be found. He warned Christians from going against biblical injunctions. “Just like Caesar’s wife, Christians should not be pointed out for doing wrong. Christians should be careful because the judgment of God will start from the church. Let’s be careful about what we do and those we associate with because we are the body of Christ,” he said. Sobowale called on President Goodluck Jonathan to humbly tender his resignation as a real Christian. He mentioned this as the only solution to the ills in the

•From Right Mr Opadokun; Prof Sobowale And Prof Osinbajo

country, which he said have defied solutions since Jonathan’s tenure. Sobowale noted that lack of love among Christian leaders was one of the biggest challenges the church was facing, adding that it accounted for the reason why they could not speak with one voice. “Many Christian leaders are members of the cult. That is the only explanation as to why no church has come out

in clear terms to stand against the happenings in the society. Our leaders, especially the Christians amongst them, have violated the biblical injunctions of John 13:34. They lack the fruits of the sprit, where in actual fact they are God’s plan to transform the society.” He also frowned at the norm of applauds after church sermons, describing such show as “entertainment

speeches,” which he said eroded the tradition of having a broken heart after preaching. Another speaker and former Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), described the Rule of Law as scriptural and the fundamental feature of faith. He noted that the preaching of the church was the only way the national sectors could be transformed.

He also lamented that the legal system has failed because Christians don’t report crimes, giving the ratio of those in prisons in the country as 15,000 convicts and 32,000 when non-convicts are added. This, he said, was a wide margin from the national population of 150 million “righteous people.” “Christianity has been a very powerful force for change in the world. That is why the pulpit determines the faith of a nation because the messages from the pulpit breed principles. That is why God gave the gospel to us and thus will hold us responsible,” Osinbajo said. Dean of Academic Affairs at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary Ogbomosho, Prof. Ponle Adetunji, asked Christian leaders to take positions on national issues, defend the defenceless and uphold justice. They warned the leaders to desist from needless material things so they don’t forsake God for the pleasures of life. The chairman of anniversary planning committee, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, decried the deluge of many churches in the country in the face of negativity.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

NEWS

PDP governors are sycophants, says Shehu Sani

HAIRMAN of the Civil Rights Congress Comrade Shehu Sani has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to be wary of his endorsement by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors as the party’s standard bearer for next year’s presidential election. Sani described the governors as “sycophants, who do not mean well for Nigeria”. He said the country should be prepared for a revolution, if the 2015 general elections are not free and fair. Sani spoke yesterday at the IBB Pen House in Minna, the Niger State capital, during the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ (NUJ’s) Press week. Speaking on the “Democratic dispensation in Nige-

•’2015 polls must be credible’ From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

ria, the way forward”, the Kaduna senatorial aspirant said: “The 2015 election must be free and fair or else we risk a revolution in this country. The youths are ready to fight for their rights.” He regretted that despite the country’s population, its democracy remained fragile, adding: “Social injustice remains prevalent, just as political godfatherism continues to threaten effective participation and the ability to ensure a level playing field.” On Jonathan’s endorsement by PDP governors as the party’s presidential candidate, Sani said: “After the endorsement by these gover-

nors, I advise President Jonathan to send investigators to the various states where he has been endorsed and see whether his presence and posters are there or even in the governors’ homes. Most of the governors are sycophants who should not be trusted.” The activist identified corruption as the greatest threat to the country’s democracy. He said: “Social stability appears remote as the nation is faced with other multi-dimensional challenges, ranging from unemployment, poverty, hunger, violent crimes, terrorism, insurgency, impunity and absurdity. “We must all work together to reverse these sad

trends and provide the best way forward. Every one of us has a role to play, whatever class we belong to, be it the masses, civil society organisations, military, judiciary, media and the international community.” Sani said the country’s future would depend on the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct “free, fair and credible elections”. He said: “I have to sound this to INEC, come 2015. Elections must be different from previous ones and based on developments that will give hope and restore honour and integrity. The Commission must ensure a sincere handover to the rightful win-

Katsina APC lawmakers endorse Buhari

ners or risk a revolution.” The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, who was involved in the Federal Government’s negotiation with Boko Haram, said he backed out when he noticed insincerity on the party of the government. He said: “Mr President invited me to dialogue with the group, but I turned the invitations down. I knew the dialogue would end at nothing because the government was not sincere, but I assure you that the insurgency will end soon.” The activist urged the media to be objective in its editorials. Niger NUJ Chairman Iliya Garba said the union would continue to protect its members from unjust arrest and intimidation.

WARA and Ogun states are working together to improve primary health care delivery. Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed spoke yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, while hosting a delegation from Ogun State, led by the Commissioner for Health, Ola-Ogun Soyinka. The delegation was in Kwara to under study the state’s Community Health Insurance Scheme. Ahmed said health officials from both states would interact to improve primary health care delivery. Soyinka said Kwara’s Community Health Insurance Scheme was one of the best in Nigeria, adding that it was being replicated in Ogun.

Tambuwal for honour

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

HE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, will on Saturday confer the title of Mutawallen Sokoto on House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal. President Goodluck Jonathan is the special guest of honour. According to a statement by Tambuwal’s media aide, Malam Imam Imam, dignitaries from within and outside the country are expected at the occasion. The National Organising Committee, headed by Senator Bukola Saraki, said: “Nigerians from all walks of life are invited to grace the event where the rich cultural heritage of the people of Sokoto and the Caliphate will be showcased.”

LL Progressives Congress (APC) members of the Katsina State House of Assembly have endorsed General Muhammadu Buhari for next year’s presidential election. The Minority Leader, Ibrahim Mahuta (Malunfashi), spoke with reporters yesterday in Kaduna. He was in the company of three opposition members of the Assembly - Deputy Minority Leader Rabiu Funtua; Minority Whip Shehu Daura and Deputy Minority Whip Shehu Tafoki –, who urged their counterparts at the National Assembly, as well as local government and ward executives to back Buhari. The opposition caucus said they wanted Buhari to decide the party’s flagbearer for the governorship poll, pledging their support for whoever he chooses. They said: “We all know what happened in 2007 and 2011, and they say a word is enough for the wise. In 2007 and 2011, Buhari allowed the people to do whatever they wanted and we ended up in struggle, chaos and court cases. We failed in 2007 and 2011, so Buhari should give us direction in 2015. “We don’t want to repeat the same thing in 2015. We urge him to give us direction on who to vote for among the aspirants. This is our demand and we call on members of the National Assembly, senators from Katsina, executives at the local governments and wards to accept Buhari as a father figure and leader of the party, and allow him to decide who bears the flag in the state.” On calls by some people for Buhari to step down for former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar, Mahuta said such calls were “mere opinions”. He said he believed the masses were behind Buhari.

Kwara, Ogun partner on health care

•Adamawa State Commissioner for Agriculture John Elias (second right) and others at the kick-off of the second phase of PHOTO:NAN subsidised fertiliser sale under the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) at Kofare Ward in Yola...yesterday.

Two dead in Jigawa cholera outbreak

•56 hospitalised

HERE is a cholera outbreak at Takur site, a government estate in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital. Two people have died and 56 are hospitalised. Speaking with reporters in his office, Commissioner for Health Tafida Abubakar said: “Fifty six cases have been recorded. They are at the Dutse General Hospital and the Police Clinic. The estate is dominated by civil servant and, unfortunately, the hygiene situation is disappointing. The palace is very dirty. “From June till date, our records show that 36,000 cases

From Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

were recorded across the state, mostly as a result of dirty environments. I was at Takur this morning (yesterday) and the place was too dirty, but we met with the sole administrator of the State Environmental and Protection Agency for the clean up of the estate. All the victims are in the hospital. We will overcome the situation. As you know, we have three hospitals in the city.” It was learnt that the two people who died belonged to the same family.

Nyako: Fintiri wants case quashed

CTING Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos not to deliver judgment in a suit seeking to reinstate “impeached” Governor Murtala Nyako. Justice Okon Abang fixed September 30 for judgment in the suit filed by a Lagos lawyer Mr. Olukoya Ogunbeje. The lawyer is seeking an order compelling Fintiri to vacate office. He is also praying the court to reinstate Nyako. Ogunbeje said the process that led to Nyako’s impeachment was unconstitutional, adding that the ousted governor was not personally served the impeachment notice by the House of Assembly. He said the failure of the Assembly to serve Nyako personally with the impeach-

By Joseph Jibueze

ment notice was a violation of Nyako’s fundamental right to fair hearing as enshrined under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution. Fintiri; the Adamawa Assembly; the Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ambrose Mammadi; Chairman of the Impeachment Panel Buba Kajama, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the InspectorGeneral of Police are respondents in the suit. INEC has fixed October 11 for the governorship by-election. Fintiri, through his lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), is seeking to set aside all proceedings in the suit. Olanipekun argued that Fintiri and Mammadi) were not served the originating processes and urged the court to strike out the suit.

He said when the deficiencies in the originating processes and the proceedings were brought to the court’s attention, it simply directed counsel to adopt their written addresses. The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president argued that the address for service on Fintiri, Mammadi and the Assembly in the originating motion was vague. Besides, he said Nyako filed a separate suit to challenge his removal at the Adamawa State High Court, Yola Division. Ogungbeje said Olanipekun’s motion was an abuse of court process and amounted to “anti-law practice”. He said: “What we know is that a judgment has been reserved after parties duly argued our respective cases, and as such, nobody can at-

•Nyako

tempt to arrest a judgment that has been duly reserved.” Nyako was impeached on July 15 after the House of Assembly adopted the report of a seven-man investigation panel, which indicted him of 16 counts of gross misconduct. Fintiri, who was then Speaker of the House, was sworn in as the acting governor.

Kogi PDP chair slams defectors From James Azania, Lokoja

OGI State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Hassan Salau yesterday said some members defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for selfish reasons. He was reacting to the defection of two former House of Assembly speakers, some former local government chairmen, some lawmakers and their supporters to the APC. The defectors were received into the APC at a mega rally last Tuesday at the Lokoja Township Stadium. Salau said: “The people who defected did so for their personal ambitions. Clarence was a former acting governor and speaker, while Abdullahi Bello was a former speaker. The PDP gave them everything so their defection shows greed and personal ambition. I leave them to God and their troubled minds.” The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Jacob Edi, described the defectors as “bad eggs”. He said: “All the bad eggs have left finally and the party is at peace now. This is a game of numbers and majority of the people of Kogi are solidly behind Governor Idris Wada, who has transformed the state beyond the imagination of these bad eggs.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08078425391

Man arraigned for alleged N1.2m theft

Deputy governor, businessman quarrel over land I MO State Deputy Governor Eze Madumere is at the centre of a controversial land deal, which has pitched him against a businessman, Mr Edwin Okolie. Okolie, the owner of Eddy Wine’s Bar in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, is accusing Madumere of assaulting him over the property. At a meeting with reporters in Lagos, Okolie alleged that Madumere is using his office to oppress him over the property at Plot 104, Housing Area C, New Owerri, Imo State. But, Madumere, through his media officer, Mr. Uche Onwuchekwa, described the allegation as false and baseless. Okolie said: “I bought the property from its original owner Godwin Dike in 2011 and the titles, including Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) were properly issued by the Imo State Ministry of Lands in July of the same year. In order to develop the property, I visited the site on January 27, only to be assaulted by Madumere’s younger brother to Madumere, one Chijioke. He claimed that my ownership of the property had been revoked and that his brother (the deputy governor) is the new owner of the land. “I reported the matter to

By Amara Okoye

•‘I was assaulted, brutalised’ •Madumere: he is lying By Kunle Akinrinade

the New Owerri Police Division but I did not get any justice. I took some steps further to forward petitions to the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Abuja, and I was assured of adequate investigation.” Okolie alleged that he was assaulted and brutalised by Madumere at the site during investigation by an official of NHRC, Owerri zonal office. He said: “Following my petition to NHRC, an official of the commission invited me for on the-spot investigation on August 12. I arrived there about 9 am and I saw Chijioke having a discussion with some policemen. On sighting me, they blocked me and asked me to wait till the arrival of the deputy governor. “When the deputy governor arrived, he started beating me up. His security details too joined him in beating me and I was dragged to a corner of the property where I was dealt with for insulting the deputy gover-

nor. They seized my phones and took me to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where I was detained for more than four hours. “Madumere’s brother lied to the police that I insulted his brother. A senior police officer in charge of the case told him that the matter was beyond the state command as it was already being investigated by the Force Headquarters in Abuja. After the attack I was hospitalised and treated cause I was bleeding from my left ear and discharged on January 28. “I bought the property from its original owner with all the titles and documentation stamped by the Imo State Ministry of Lands intact. The explanation that the land had been revoked by the immediate past administration of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim is puerile because I used the land to secure a facility from the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc and the bank actually confirmed from the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Urban Development on February 26 that the land

•Okolie after

•Okolie before the incident

actually belongs to me, before granting me the loan. Onwuchekwa accused Okolie of lying, saying: ”The Certificate of Occupancy (Cof O) of the land was revoked during Governor Ohakim’s administration. The original owner of the land played smart by selling it to Okolie. The property has since been bought

by Mr. Chijioke, who is a younger brother to the deputy governor. He was never beaten up by the deputy governor or his security personnel because they are disciplined officers. “The deputy governor did not meet him until August 12 this year and he only intervened by asking him to see the Commissioner for Lands because he reasoned that Okolie needed help. As a matter of fact, the deputy governor left all the parties involved in the matter at the site because he was embarking on a trip that day.”

Why varsities produce half baked graduates, by alumni

OME alumni of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have blamed incestant strikes by university teachers for the pool quality of graduates. Speaking at the UNILAG Muslim Alumni Association (UMA) 5th Capacity Building Workshop in Lagos, its

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

president, Mr Lere Alimi urged the Federal Government to stop the perenial strikes. Alimi explained that the workshop would equip students with vocational skills that could make them self reliant outside the univer-

sity. UMA, he said, is ready to collaborate with other spirited organisations to assist in developing the students for future challenges. A speaker, Mr Niyi Yusuf said corruption and insecurity were affecting the growth of Information

Okada riders get ultimatum on restricted routes

HE Lagos State Police Command has issued a two-week ultimatum to commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Okada plying restricted routes to desist or be arrested. In a statement yesterday, the Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, said enforcement of the ban would begin immediately after the ultimatum’s expiration. In 2012, the Lagos State Government amended its road traffic law, banning and restricting motorcycles from plying some routes. Spokesperson Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said: “The Lagos State Police Command has observed with total dismay that some Okada riders do not have any iota of respect for

velopment and wealth creation, Yusuf said opportunities still exist in the industry. Take off capital, he said, should not pose a challenge to young entrepreneurs, adding that it is better for one to start doing something small before leaving school.

Help me find my husband, woman begs

By Akintola Mustapha

the laws of the land as they have continuously and flagrantly breached this traffic law. “The Commissioner hereby warns and reminds all Okada riders in the state that the ban and restriction from plying certain routes is still in force. Anyone caught flouting it will have himself to blame. He also warns them to shun violence, to be law abiding and stop causing trouble in the state because the Command is ready to take severe action against anyone violating this law. “He enjoins Lagosians to cooperate with the police as the Command will not relent in carrying out its basic constitutional duty of protection of lives and property.

Communication Technology (ICT). He said by 2017 the country would have invested about $900million on ICT and the telecommunication industry to further boost economic activities. Speaking on The Nigeria ICT Industry, springboard for entrepreneurship de-

By Wale Adepoju

•Bakare

HERE is Mr Tajudeen Abiodun Bakare? His family, friends and associates are worried over the whereabouts of the 40-year old man, who last seen on July 28. His wife, Suwebat, said her husband of over 15 years suddenly disappeared and

had not returned home. She said: “Before he went missing, the police came to the house about noon on that day to look for him. “I was wondering why they were looking for him and what could have brought them because we have never been involved in any criminal act. But, one of the officers said they would like to see him for questioning. “When my husband returned home that day, I told him that policemen came in search of him. He left home and has not returned. He did not tell me where he was going and has not called me since the day he left home”. Mrs Bakare said she re-

ported the matter to the State Criminal Investigative Department (SCID) at Panti, Yaba, a day after, adding that she also informed her husband’s family and the association of Moslem worshippers known as Asalatu which he belongs to. According to her, she gathered from Asalatu that her husband was accused of being bisexual. He was said to be wanted by the police because of this. Although they are not legally married, the couple has five children. The missing man’s family is accusing Mrs Bakare of not doing enough to find her husband. The family had also reported the case to the police.

Fashola to commission EKO CLUB New Arcade Hall

AGOS State Governor, Babatunde Fashola will commission Eko Club New Arcade Hall as part of activities to celebrate the club’s 40th anniversary. The club’s President, Mr. Babatunde Faruk-Grillo, during the half yearly gen-

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

eral meeting that all hands must be on deck for the success. He called for the support and cooperation of members, saying the programme for the celebration of the an-

niversary is slated for October 10 to 18. Faruk-Grillo gave the breakdown of events for the celebration to include thanksgiving Jumat Service and church service and the Special Family Day and Sport Finals.

Other activities include the anniversary Symposium and Photo exhibition, founding fathers special day will come up on October 16 on October 17, the Club will hold Bumper Sitting & Charity Day. The club, he said, had presented Insurance claims to

families of three members of the Club who died last year. Grillo said N300,000 was given to each family. He listed the beneficiaries as families of the late Nosiru Alayaki, the late Rasak Kosoko and the late Ahmed Gaji.

MAN, Kingsely Ebeh has been arraigned at the Surulere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for alleged theft of property worth N1, 230,000. He was said to have stolen a brief case from George Efuk on April 15 at 6.30pm at A.K.T Park in Ojulelegba. The police said the bag contained one Toshiba laptop valued N100,000; one Nokia phone valued N90,000; an unidentified product worth N60,000; radiation and energy pendants and bracelet from Canada valued N55,000; medication valued N30,000; N380,000 cash and some vital documents valued at N515,000. The offence is punishable under Section 285(5)(b)of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. Ebeh pleaded not guilty. Magistrate R. B. Lawal granted him N200,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum. Their addresses must be verified, the court said. She adjourned the case till September 29.

Man charged with forgery By Akintola Mustapha

39-year old man, Mr. Adeoye Adetunji Johnson has been arraigned before a Yaba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for alleged forgery and theft of property worth N1.26 million. Adetunji is accused of forging the documents of a Toyota Sienna Space bus. He was said to have committed the offences on July 30 at the 10th Floor UAC House at 1/5 Odunlami Street, Lagos. The property he allegedly stole belongs to one Abon Abiodun Adeyemi. The offences are contrary to section 278 and section 361(1)(a) and punishable under Section 285(1) and Section 363 of the Criminal Law of Lagos state of Nigeria, 2011. He was found guilty. Adetunji pleaded to pay an initial N500,000 to the complainant and the balance later. Magistrate Bola Folami Williams ordered him to pay the money before the next date of hearing. The case was adjourned to September 30.

Rotaract Club gets president

HE Rotaract Club of Gbagada , Lagos has elected Miss Akerele Racheal Treasure as its 29th President. She is to pilot the affair of the club for 2014/2015 year. Treasure was inaugurated at AM.C .Hall Adedeinbo Medical Centre, Gbagada, Lagos. She is an educationist, and a graduate of Federal college of Education Technical (FCET) ,Akoka, from where she proceed to the University of Lagos state to study Nursing at college of Medicine. She was inducted into the club in 2010 and has shown exemplary leadership both in the club activates and Rotaract D9110 Nigeria.

BUSINESS

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

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

Cross River votes N2.4b for water

NIMC uncovers 600 fake converted workers

HE Cross River State government yesterday awarded a N2.4 billion contract for the construction and expansion of the Okpoma, Yala water scheme. This is coming barely a month after the government awarded contracts for two other water schemes, including the Phase 2 of the Ikom Water Project. Speaking during the contract award signing ceremony yesterday, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr Elemi Etowa said this was part of efforts to attain the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of providing potable water to over 80 per cent of its populace. Etowa said: “All the necessary facilities in terms of funding needed to actualise the remaining water projects have been secured from donor agencies and we are working towards the full implementation of the various projects within the shortest possible time. “At the exit of the Imokeled administration next year, we will surpass our target of delivering potable water to 80 per cent of the urban populace and 80 per cent to rural dwellers through our intervention in Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWATSA). “We hope that by the time we commission all the projects earmarked, we would have exceeded this target. We are going to Okpoma and other rural areas to revive lives through the provision of potable water because as they say, water is life. Let me assure Cross Riverians that we will deliver these projects according to specifications and on schedule, none of them will be abandoned.” In his remarks, Governor Liyel Imoke, who expressed excitement at the successful implementation of the various water projects across the state, pointed out that “this particular project is very significant because it covers over 14 communities in a very challenging terrain.” Stressing the importance of Public Private Partnership (PPP) of the state government, he said with the policy in the state, “we believe that water projects should be maintained on PPP basis with the engagement of operators who will sustain the scheme as well as ensure quality service delivery to the masses.” “I thank the World Bank which is the implementation partner for this particular project and the French Development Bank who came into the state and appreciated what we are doing in the area of water supply and decided to support our modest effort to provide potable water to the citizenry.” While charging the contracting firm to bring its over twenty years of experience in the sector to bear on the execution of the projects by delivering high quality service, Imoke called on the beneficiary communities to give them the necessary support to ensure timely completion of the project.

• From left: Imoke; Etowa and Director Southsouth CGC Nigeria Limited, Mr. Williams Yan, shortly after signing contract documents for N2.4billion water project of great the Okpoma Water Scheme in Yala Local Government Area, in Calabar...yesterday.

Chinese manufacturers reject Letters of Credit from Nigeria, says CBN

HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) yesterday said Chinese manufacturers have started rejecting Letters of Credit (LCs) from Nigerian importers, insisting on cash payment only. Its Director, Trade and Exchange, Olakanmi Gbadamosi lamented that in spite of improved banking regulation in the country and the apex bank’s cash-less policy, the Chinese exporters still reject LCs from the country. Gbadamosi spoke at the 2014 Wema Bank Customer Trade & Structured Finance Forum in Lagos. An LC is a document issued by a financial institution or a similar party, assuring payment to a seller of goods or services provided certain documents have been pre-

By Collins Nweze

sented to the bank. LC serves as a guarantee to the seller that the money will be paid regardless of whether the buyer ultimately fails to pay. It ensures that the risk that the buyer will fail to pay is transferred from the seller to LC’s issuer. The letter can also be used to ensure that all agreed standards are met by the supplier, provided that these requirements are reflected in the documents described in the letter of credit. Gbadamosi, who was represented by CBN’s Deputy Director, Trade and Exchange, Mrs. Onyinye Ahuchiogu said the practice is affecting Chinese trade volume with the country and is being addressed.

“At CBN, we are aware of that because I want to tell you authoritatively that at that end, some people monitor foreign exchange flows. We do know that so much money goes to China, cash, not LCs. The demand for cash is against the CBN cash-less banking policy. “I do know that the cashless policy is gaining ground; everybody is going cash-less, but China has refused. I think it is a bilateral issue and we have suggested that it should be tackled because this people are doing business in our environment and they are making profit. They are enjoying our environment. Despite security challenges in Nigeria, businesses are still thriving.” He however said the CBN

is looking at ways of resolving the challenge. Continuing, he said the CBN is committed to ensuring that banks fund their accounts, two days before the bid date for foreign exchange adding that importers can source for funds either through the official window or interbank. “As a business man, you can source fund from any segment, depending on the transaction you want to execute. But in Nigeria, we have a list of eligible bank transactions, which we expect that importers chose only from this list. It is also our expectations that banks educate their customers about these transactions, and the supporting documents needed for effective import,” he said.

‘Gas supply bottleneck stalls NIPPs’ privatisation’

HE Director General, Bureau of Public Enter prises (BPE), Mr. Benjamin Dikki, has blamed bottleneck in the signing of gas agreements that would make the transaction bankable for stalling on-going privatisation of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) plants. He said the process was not stalled because of politics as being speculated in some

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

quarters. According to Dikki, concerted efforts were being made to secure reliable gas supply that will facilitate the signing of the gas agreements. Its Head, Public Communications, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe in a statement yesterday, made the clarification at a panel discussion ti-

tled Making the Power Sector Privatisation Work in a Privatised Environment” organised by the Business Day newspapers, in Lagos. Dikki said the privatisation programme was anchored on the attainment of clearly defined goals and parameters, adding that in the case of the generation companies, capacity is expected to be ramped up from the current low levels to those that meet

the minimum target capacities specified under the respective business plans submitted by the core investors. For the distribution companies, he said the performance of the new owners would be measured on the basis of their abilities to reduce the Aggregate Technical, Commercial and Collection (ATC&C) loss targets specified in their business plans.

Senate blames free trade zones’ failure on weak laws

HE Senate yesterday blamed the ineffi ciency of free trade zones (FTZs) in the country on weak regulatory framework guiding their operations. Chairman, Senate Committee on Trade, Senator Odion Ugbesia, made the observation during a public hearing on a bill seeking to amend the Oil and Gas Ex-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst. Editor and Sani Onogu, Abuja

port Free Zone Authority Act 2011. Ugbesia said it was obvious that free traden zones in the country were far from achieving the purpose for which they were established. He said: “Our free zones are far from achieving the purpose for which they were es-

tablished and there are serious doubts as to whether Nigeria has indeed benefited from the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zones beyond the benefits accruable to an industrial area. “This is because of weak regulatory framework guiding the operation of Free Zones in Nigeria.” He said the amendments to the Act were proposed to

ensure that the country benefited maximally from the huge investments in the FTZs. Ugbesia said the most attractive feature of an FTZ anywhere in the world, is the tax holiday which investors enjoy as incentive and encouragement for investment which the proposed amendment provides for.

HE National Identity Management Commis sion (NIMC) said it has uncovered about 600 workers with fake letters of conversion on its payroll. It said the discovery came during a staff audit jointly conducted by the office of the Head of Service and NIMC. The affected workers who are largely those inherited from the defunct Department of Civil Registration (DNCR), the precursor to NIMC, are reported to have been queried accordingly. Also, investigation by our correspondent revealed that the fake letters of conversion were purportedly signed by Mr Salawu and Mrs Shosanya and issued to the affected workers ahead of their qualification for conversion. This, the investigation showed is against proper procedure for their conversion. Although background checks to avoid compromising the National I.D Database is one of the conditions that NIMC carries out regularly, some forces are alleged to be bent on scuttling further investigation and application of disciplinary actions by NIMC. NIMC has however turned down request to shed more light on the development.

We have not divested our downstream, says Oando

HE management of Oando Plc has said it has not divested its downstream business as being speculated. It noted that as part of its strategy to focus the firm’s upstream operation, it is exploring ways to see if divestment of its downstream assets would do the magic. Its Head, Corporate Communications, Ainojie Alex Irune, said the divestment plan is agreement with the shareholders of the company, which gave approval to partial divestment from the downstream business a few years ago. He said: “The Oando Group remains focused on its commitment to continued value creation for its shareholders through its strategic plan to increase its investment in the higher margin upstream, to spur long-term growth for the future of the company. “In line with our strategy, we received shareholder approval to partially divest from our downstream business a few years ago and are constantly exploring the best approach to executing this objective.” Last week, the management of Forte Oil Plc had told the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) that it was in discussion with a downstream company for the acquisition of its assets. Although Forte Oil didn’t mention the name of the company it wanted to acquire its assets, stakeholders fingered Oando.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

25-07-14 DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-09-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-09-14

Market rebounds, closes at N13.475 trillion

QUITIES market took a positive direction on Wednesday following gains recorded by 21 companies led by Guinness, Dangote Cement and Gloxo Smith. The NSE All-Share Index appreciated by o.67 per cent or 272.12 points to close at 40,809.32 against the 40,537.20 achieved on Tuesday. Also, the market capitalisation, which opened at N13.385 trillion, rose by N90 billion to close higher at N13.475 trillion. Guinness topped the gainers’ chart, gaining N6.01 to close at N180 per share. Dangote Cement came second on the gainers’ chart with N6 to close at N225, while Glaxo Smith rose by N4.74 to close at N64.74 per

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

share. Guaranty Trust Bank grew by 90 kobo to close at N28.90, and Champion Breweries gained 43 kobo to close at N9.45 per share. On the other hand, Nestle topped the losers’ chart, dropping N19.90 to close at N1, 050 per share. Seplat followed with a loss of N10 to close at N640, while Mobil dipped N5.95 to close at N174 per share. Forte Oil lost N5.85 to close at N219 and Wapco dipped by N1.50 to close at N128.50 per share. In all, a total of 427.766 million shares valued at N11.90 billion, were ex-

changed in 4,342 deals, representing an increase of 45.31 per cent, as against a turnover of 294.390 million shares, worth N3.49 billion, achieved in 5,097 deals on Tuesday. UBA Capital emerged the most traded stock, accounting for 154.38 million shares valued at N324.15 million. It was trailed by Aiico Insurance, which sold 42.62 million shares worth N34.10 million, while NEM Insurance accounted for 27.19 million shares, valued at N22.91 million. Zenith Bank traded 21.42 million shares, worth N514 million, while investors in Guaranty Trust Bank staked N544.76 million on 19.31 million shares.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS INDUSTRY

industry@thenationaonlineng.net

N100b textile fund: How solution became problem Despite the challenge of unbridled importation of cheap and substandard textile materials and the infrastructural deficit in the country, the Federal Government went ahead disbursing the N100b Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) Revival Fund. Stakeholders say the government may have put the cart before the horse thus nailing the coffin of the ailing textile industry, reports Assist. Editor CHIKODI OKEREOCHA.

T a generous interest rate of six per cent and a repayment period of five years, operators in the textile industry ought to be falling over themselves to access the N100 billion Cotton, Textile, and Garment (CTG) Revival Fund. But this has not been the case. Rather than scramble for the loan, most textile companies are said to be avoiding it like plague. Only about 20 textile firms have so far accessed the loan, according to the Director General, Nigeria Textile Manufacturers Association (NTMA), Mr. Jaiyeola Olarewaju. He also disclosed that very few cotton and garment firms have taken the loan, which sought to revitalise the CTG industry along the entire value chain, including textile, cotton, and garment production. Olarewaju told The Nation that the fund introduced in 2010, and currently managed by Bank of Industry (BoI), recorded some noticeable improvements in the fortunes of the CTG industry such as the re-opening of United Nigeria Textiles Limited in Kaduna, and Arewa Textiles, which indicated interest to come back. Besides, the industry, he said, recorded relatively less factory closures and redundancies, as some of the 20 textile companies who took the loan deployed it either as working capital or used it to refurbish their machines. Olarewaju however, expressed regrets that those who took the loan got their fingers burnt when they discovered, shortly after accessing the loan, that over 80 per cent of the market has been taken over by cheap imports from Asian countries. According to him, the influx of foreign textiles into the country made locally produced textiles less competitive, as they are often costlier than imported or smuggled ones. The result, he said, was that other companies yet to access the loan chose to avoid it. Most of them became afraid that they may not be able to repay the loan considering the prevailing unfriendly operating environment particularly with regards to lack of infrastructure. As far as the textile firms are concerned, government put the wrong foot forward when it failed to first reduce smuggling and address the more fundamental challenge of lack of infrastructure particularly power supply before coming out with the bailout fund. Because of Nigeria’s huge infrastructure deficit particularly, inadequate and unreliable electricity supply, manufacturers, including textile companies, are forced to rely on generators at huge cost, resulting in rising cost of production. Cost of manufacturing textiles in Nigeria is considered too high partly because of high energy cost. For instance, the price of gas was increased by 15 per cent from January 2014 and price of black oil, which is an important input in the production process, remains high due to scarcity. In textile production, companies either use gas or black oil. But in a state like Kaduna, there is complete absence of gas. What is found is black oil, which is often in low quantity. Besides, the insecurity situation in the country especially in the Northeast made nonsense of the intervention fund, as most textile companies in that part of the country could not operate. “We are stagnated now; the problem goes beyond money,” says President, National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), Comrade Oladele Hunsu. Hunsu told The Nation that although, there was a significant improvement in the industry, as 1, 500 jobs have been saved through the intervention, efforts to put the industry back on track have been frustrated by government’s policy inconsistency. He said before the introduction of the fund, government had banned the importation of textiles into the country, which was why operators hailed the initiative and also embraced it. He however, lamented that the same government pulled the rug off the feet of operators when it again unbanned the importation of textiles, thus opening the floodgate for cheaper textiles to come in from Asia. Comrade Hunsu lamented that the situation

• Textiles materials

• Aremu

is regrettable considering the fact that the real sector rather than the service sector remains the real growth diver. He said the textile industry is the second largest employer of labour after government, which is why government must put necessary measures and policies in place to salvage the industry. His position was in line with the communiqué issued at the end of a three-day workshop for union organisers and self-employed tailors and small scale garment makers organised recently by his union in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in Ilorin, Kwara State. The communiqué noted, for instance, that the performance of the Nigerian textile industry remained at low ebb in the first half of 2014 due to lack of an enabling environment and inconsistency in government policy. NUTGTWN observed that there are 25 textile

‘

mills employing about 24,000 workers, while capacity utilisation in the industry remains below 50 per cent, with growth remaining stagnant since 2012. The communiqué noted that government had talked about a new textile policy in February 2013, but regretted that there has been no progress. It therefore, argued that unless government takes effective steps to revive the industry, gains achieved in 2010 when the revival fund came on stream would be lost, resulting in job losses, which would aggravate the unemployment situation. One of the effective steps the union is canvassing to breathe life into the comatose textile industry is to immediately checkmate the influx of smuggled goods, which the union insists occupy over 90 per cent of the market. “It is estimated that Nigeria ‘imports’ N300 billion worth of textiles and garments annually, most of which are illegally imported without paying any duties and taxes. The total amount of revenue loss on account of Customs duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) on this volume is estimated at N75 billion. Such rampant evasion of taxes lost to smuggling when the government is running from pillar to post to mobilise revenue should be an eye opener,” the communiqué read. The communiqué further noted that the huge backlog of Negotiable Duty Credit certificates (NDCCs) accumulated over last two years under the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) has thrown the CTG industry into serious financial crisis, which the N100 billion funds has so far failed to resolve. “This has been caused by an arbitrary suspension imposed by the Federal Ministry of Finance on utilisation of the certificates, issued by the same ministry, for duty payment. Textile manufacturers who exported their goods by factoring the grant in their price are facing a severe liquidity crisis,” the union observed. However, textile companies are not the only ones lamenting over liquidity crisis induced

It is estimated that Nigeria ‘imports’ N300 billion worth of textiles and garments annually, most of which are illegally imported without paying any duties and taxes. The total amount of revenue loss on account of customs duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) on this volume is estimated at N75 billion

‘

by the backlog of unutilised NDCC. Earlier, manufacturers under their umbrella association, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) had cried out that the same issue had virtually paralysed their operations and simultaneously affected their image as reliable international partners. MAN said the shoddy implementation of the EEG, a Federal Government’s incentive introduced to help manufacturers for export compete favourably with their counterparts in the international market, created continued reluctance in the acceptance of NDCC for duty payment since 2010. The Nation learnt that under the EEG, benefitting exporters are entitled to some claims based on the value of export proceeds received, duly certified by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), while the approved claims are paid to them by government through the use of a negotiable instrument known as the NDCC, which entitles the exporter to offset part or whole of subsequent Customs and Excise duties payable to the government. But members of MAN and NUTGTWN have been expressing concern over the administration of the EEG scheme, which they say created challenges for their members who are actively involved in the export business. They associations therefore, called for timely policy pronouncement on rendering the backlog of unutilised NDCC by the Federal Government. “This will go a long way to stem the frustrations of majority of the genuine exporters who are desirous of growing their businesses and creating value addition in the economy. It will also address the issue of leakages in government revenue and bring sanity into the administration of the scheme,” MAN argued, for instance. In the case of textile companies, the liquidity crisis caused by the backlog of NDCCs made it extremely difficult for them to pay the interests on the loan from BOI due to low capacity utilisation. The tenure of the loan matures in 2016. Already, the textile companies, in the communiqué, jointly signed by Hunsu and General Secretary of NUTGTWN, Comrade Issa Aremu, appealed to BOI to extend the repayment period of the loan by 10 years. They also requested flexibility to redeem the EEG certificates in lieu of loan instalment. These, NUTGTWN noted, became necessary due partly to the havoc wreaked on the industry by smuggling and partly due to lack of patronage of made in Nigeria textiles as a result of lack of effective policy enforcement. The union observed that most government minis•Continued on page 15

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

INDUSTRY

LCCI canvasses PPP collaboration with govt P

RESIDENT of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alhaji ‘Remi Bello, has canvassed the need for collaboration between the private sector and government. He stressed that public-private dialogue is critical to the progress of the state, the welfare of the citizens and the prosperity of businesses. He spoke at a meeting held in Lagos last week, between LCCI and Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola. He noted that the chamber and the state government have the collective duty to continue to promote and strengthen Lagos as the commercial nerve centre of the country and indeed, the West African Sub region and as a model megacity on the African continent. Bello acknowledged the impact made by the governor in areas such as security of lives, environmental improvement and beautification, and huge investment in drainage

• Chamber decries double taxation By Okwy lroegbu-Chikezie Assistant Editor

improvement. Others are infrastructural development, massive railway project on the Lagos Mile-2 corridor, traffic management, industrial parks and enterprise zones. He further praised Fashola on investments in the power sector, urban renewal projects and intervention in the traffic gridlock created by the heavy duty trucks and tankers along the Mile 2-Apapa axis. He said: “It is widely acknowledged that private sector productivity is a function of the quality of the investment climate. The Lagos State government is working in tandem with this realisation. We however, will like to draw attention to some issues of concern to the business com-

munity in the state such as multiplicity and arbitrariness of levies by local government councils Bello further said: “We have issues with the manner in which the local government councils manage this aspect of their functions. There are concerns about the method, the process and level of transparency. There are several instances of arbitrariness in the imposition of levies. Most often, these are at variance with approved rates.” The LCCI president said many organisations have suffered embarrassment following demand by local council officials for radio and television permit, for instance, which come with a lot of arbitrariness with rates ranging from N50,000 per annum to N200,000 per annum. “Only recently, a local government council sealed up the premises of a

company for failure to pay N200,000 for radio and television permit whereas the approved rate is N10,000. It took the intervention of the office of the Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue to unseal the premises,” he said. He also identified parking permit where he said many organisations have been served with various charges for parking permit ranging from N100,000 per annum to N500,000 per annum depending on the locations and number of parking lots. According to him, there are instances where both local and state officials make demands on the same companies for parking fees. “For companies in the small and medium enterprise categories, these demands could be very burdensome,” he said. Bello called on the governor to prevail on the officials and the agencies to moderate the fees and streamline the levies/permits. He also called for proper coordination be-

tween the state and local councils. While lauding the setting up of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the need to protect the environment and ensure adherence to best practices in the operations of entrepreneurs, he criticised the seeming greater emphasis on revenue drive than the core mandate of protecting the environment. The use of consultants for this purpose, he said, has further worsened the process. He berated the numerous charges imposed on manufacturers most of which are small businesses. A typical payment request by LASEPA, he revealed, could be as high as N500,000, which consists of the following: environmental development charge, chemical storage permit, laboratory analysis fee, submission fees for environment assessment and submission fees for environmental audit report.

‘How African businesses can create new opportunities’

EW opportunities await African businesses if they can align with global business development ideals,the Institute of Business Development (IBD), the leading global professional body for business development professionals, has said. And to underscore its resolve in helping African businesses position themselves to create new opportunities, the institute chose the theme; ‘Business Development in Africa: Emerging Issues for Strategic Actions’ for its ‘2014 Business Development Week’ slated to hold in Lagos, Nigeria, from November 12 to 14. “The summit will demonstrate in real terms how companies can align their core business with the global business development initiative to bring about poverty alleviation at the Base of the Pyramid. By utilising their resource capabilities, companies can improve the lives of people in our continent through increasing investment, creating jobs, increasing skills, and developing and providing goods, technologies and innovations,” the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), IBD, Paul Ikele, said, in a statement made available to The Nation. Ikele said as companies do so, they

By Chikodi Okereocha

will be able to penetrate the marketplace. He added that: “Above and beyond marketplace expansion, aligning your business with the initiative will contribute positively to your company in several ways such as improved supply chain, improved corporate culture, staff retention and morale, increased license to operate, improved investor attractiveness, global corporate reputation, as well as make you become an employer of choice, among others.” The registrar noted that a commitment to do business with low-income communities provides the greatest contribution to regional prosperity and to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). He said the Institute chose to engage in the summit because the overwhelming characteristic of emerging markets is that they exist in a large majority of low income communities that have come to be defined as the Base of the Pyramid (BoP), which is those living on less than $1500 annually. “Four billion people make up the BoP and hold $5 trillion in purchasing power. Asia is home to the biggest BoP market with 2.86 billion

people on an income of $3.47 trillion. That reflects 82 per cent of the region’s population and 42 per cent of the region’s purchasing power,” he explained. According to him, “The BoP concept champions new thinking and new ways of doing business in the world’s poor markets. While this high-level aspiration is not necessarily new, the current concept, also known as B24B (business-to4-billion), was coined by influential business academics. “Africa is and conducts most of its international trade with emerging markets; this means that African companies should be well placed to broaden operations, supply and procurement to involve the Base of the Pyramid. To successfully engage with the BoP market place, new and innovative strategies will be required in order to respond to the unique obstacles and infrastructural development to position African business group to take a chunk from the global market considering our population.” Ikele announced that the summit has been endorsed by top business moguls, key government officials and the leading royal fathers in

Agric’s contribution to GDP low, says BOA MD

ESPITE Nigeria’s highly diversified agro-ecological condition with a production possibility of a wide range of agricultural products, the agric sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and export revenue earnings remains low, the Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, Mr. Mohammed San Turaki, has said. San Turaki expressed regrets that despite the nation’s resource endowment, the agricultural sector has been growing at a very low rate with the smallholder farmers constrained by many problems including poor access to modern inputs and credit, poor infrastructure, inadequate access to markets, land and environmental degradation, and inadequate research and extension services. He spoke at a one-day conference with the theme: “National Dialogue on Agricultural Value Chain: Enhancing Agricultural Export Through Adequate Financing, organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (NACCIMA). He said the economy can only grow if agriculture is treated as a business where farmers produce what the market needs and can process for export. He said: “Unfortunately, no significant success has been achieved due to the several persistent con-

By Okwy lroegbu-Chikezie Assistant Editor

straints inhibiting the performance of the sector. From the perspective of sustainable agricultural growth and development in Nigeria, the most fundamental constraint is the peasant nature of the production system, with its low productivity, poor access to funding which ultimately leads to poor response to technology adoption strategies, and poor returns on investment.” The Bank of Agriculture boss stressed that agricultural commercialisation and investment are the key strategies for promoting accelerated modernisation, sustainable growth and development and, hence, poverty reduction in the sector. He said to attract investment into the agric sector, it is imperative that those constraints inhibiting the performance of the sector are first identified with a view to unlocking them and creating a conducive investment climate. He argued that it is only when Nigeria focuses on the whole agricultural value chain that the country can start exporting. He insisted that government needs to regulate the environment, land tenure system, research and development, marketing and consumers needs. The BoA boss regretted that banks will rather pay penalty than fund agriculture because of its high risk, noting that

except this is addressed its contribution to the GDP will remain abysmal. He further stated that economic growth achieved through agriculture is three times more effective than other sectors of the economy. Director General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Dr. Gloria Elemo frowned at the weak infrastructure and budgetary provision to agric, insisting that such cannot encourage competitiveness of the sector. She also criticised the exportation of primary products at a cheap rate and importing it at a very high cost due to a little value added. Earlier, in his welcome address, President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar said agricultural value chain is an important option for agricultural development, as higher financial returns can be realised through value enhancing inputs. Abubakar further said the value chain concept creates opportunities for farmers, agribusiness and entrepreneurs along the agricultural value chain to transform commodities into higher value products- a process that can play an important role in poverty reduction; creation of employment, provision of raw materials for industrial growth and generate income.

the African sub region. He said it will begin with a keynote address, which will be followed by a series of thought-provoking and engaging sessions covering topical issues on the theme. Each session will be launched with an address by a recognised industry leader, and conclude with a highly stimulating open forum discussion. He also disclosed that the summit is set to become an annual forum of knowledge sharing, showcasing, networking and initiating successful emerging market business ventures, which have a positive social impact and are aligned with the global business development ideals. Attendance is open to interested persons in the public and private

• Paul Ikele

sectors including business development professionals in Research and Development (R&D), top executives, project managers and all stakeholders in the business sphere.

How solution became problem •Continued from page14

tries, departments and agencies (MDAs) such as police, customs, immigration and army still prefer to use imported fabrics rather than those locally made. While emphasising that there is need for some sort of protection for the CTG industry, Hunsu told The Nation that Nigeria should borrow a leaf from developed countries of the world including some African countries that have been highly supportive of their textile industry to improve their competitiveness. He cited the United States of America, which he said dished out a whopping $75 million to bail out General Motors. Also, while Ghana has three large textile mills and allows import of all raw materials, dyes & chemicals and spare parts at zero per cent duty, Kenya continues to be a hub for readymade garment exports. Curiously, while textile manufacturers are groaning that the N100 billion CTG revival fund has not significantly improved their lot, BOI’s records appear to paint a picture of an industry on its way to recovery. For instance, BOI says that over 60 per cent of the fund has been committed to 52 companies in the CTG industry as at March, 2013. The bank cited the re-opening of United Nigeria Textiles Limited in Kaduna as one of the numerous positive impacts of the scheme. BoI also said that a mid-term evaluation of the CTG industry commissioned by BOI/UNIDO to evaluate the impact of the scheme reveals that over 8,070 jobs had been saved through the intervention, while capacity utilisation for most beneficiaries increased from below 40 per cent to about 61 per cent. Besides, over 50 per cent of those making losses has started reporting profits. But the textile companies are not swayed by BOI’s statistics. While

saying that “BOI must be commended for the way it has so far managed the fund, Hunsu however, pointed out that the figures churned out by the bank indicating the success of the fund do not reflect the reality on ground. He said while only about 1, 500 jobs have been saved through the intervention, capacity utilisation remained very low. He reiterated that financing is just one out of the numerous challenges facing the textile industry in particular and manufacturing industries in general. The textile industry was once the bride of the nation’s industrial sector. In its heyday, around the 1980s, the textile market was acknowledged as third largest in Africa, with over 160 vibrant textile mills and over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs. By 1985, the number of textile mills had increased to about 180, engaging about one million workers. The country’s textile capacity accounted for 60 per cent in West Africa. However, the fortunes of the industry started nose-diving in early 1994 when most of the textile firms started caving in under the weight of smuggling, unstable business and political climate, and high production costs due to poor infrastructure. By 1995, government, according to experts, plunged the industry into deeper crisis when it pushed the country into the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The WTO adopted Agreements on Textile and Clothing, which states that all quotas on textile and clothing will be removed among WTO member countries. For Nigeria whose industrial base was considered as very weak, the agreement was seen by many as a fundamental error, as it opened the floodgate for the importation of inferior and cheap textiles in Nigeria.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

NECA gets concession on consumption tax

HE Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has secured concession from the Lagos State government on uncollected occupancy and consumption taxes/rates for companies in the hospitality business including restaurants and fast food businesses. Its Director General, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo the waiver of taxes not collected by them at the inception of the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law 2009 will now in

Stories by Toba Agboola

the spirit of fairness be made for the account of those who did not collect taxes, but made payments to government in fulfilment of the law. He said: “It is therefore a big relief, and a thing of joy to all and sundry when the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, announced the resolutions at the 4th edition of the Lagos Corporate Assembly. The outcome of this unrelenting peaceful

follow up by NECA is an eloquent testimony of good governance that has been the hallmark of the government of Mr. Fashola, which the private sector very much appreciate.” According to Oshinowo, the association has already communicated the relief to hoteliers that are its members. He said: “NECA is a platform for private sector employers to interact with the government, labour communities and other relevant institutions

in and outside Nigeria for the purpose of promoting harmonious business environment that engenders productivity and prosperity for the country.” Following the enactment of the Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Law 2009, the Hotels and Personal Services Employers’ Association (HOPESEA), an affiliate of NECA, had filed a case on behalf of its members at the Federal High Court to seek clarifications on the appropriateness of the tax.

While the legal battle subsists, the hoteliers had refused to comply with the law. The ruling of the Court in the case Attorney General of the Federation vs. Attorney General of Lagos State, the Lagos State Board of Internal Revenue Service had come after the hoteliers to collect all outstanding payment arising from the law, a situation that had led to a disagreement between the parties, which eventually led to the intervention of NECA.

Commission recruits 170 persons with disability

HE Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has recruited 170 persons living with disability into the federal civil service this year. Its chairperson, Mrs Joan Ayo who spoke while receiving the new Head of Service of the Federation (HoSF), Mr. Danladi Kifasi to her office, said the disabled persons have been given appointments, adding that a place must be created for them to utilise their skills. Ayo said: “They have been given appointments; some of them regrettably cannot fit into the system. But we try to ensure that anyone given a job has something to

NDE commissions skills acquisition centre

• Masari (left) and Alake during the courtsy visit.

Oyo, SMEDAN partner to address youth unemployment

HE Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has promised to leverage on the opportunities offered by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) programmes to address the challenges of unemployment and poverty in the state. Ajimobi made the remark during a courtesy visit by Oyo State delegation on SMEDAN management, at its corporate headquarters in Abuja. The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Otunba Moses Adeyemo, noted that poverty and escalating unemployment could be attributable to the disturbing security challenges with their consequences on the socio-economic and political vicissitudes. He stressed that SMEDAN as government agency responsible for the creation and development of micro, small and medium enterprises in the country, has a crucial role to play in translating the government’s agenda of drastic reduction

of unemployment and poverty among Nigerians. Governor Ajimobi regretted that in the past, Oyo State government did not take advantage of partnering with SMEDAN to translate some of its programmes that are geared towards fighting youth unemployment and poverty alleviation in the state. “I want to assure you that from today Oyo State will be in active partnership and collaboration with SMEDAN in order to derive maximum benefits of your laudable programmes that could positively change the lives of our people,” he said. The governor added that even as Oyo lagged behind in partnership between state governments and SMEDAN, the current efforts of the Ajimobi administration will make Oyo a leading state in partnering with the agency. “Henceforth, Oyo State government will participate fully in all SMEDAN programmes so that the

state could benefit from the good gesture of empowering the people through creation and developing of small businesses,” he promised. Responding, the Director General of SMEDAN, Alhaji Bature Umar Masari, thanked the entourage for choosing SMEDAN among government institutions to partner with on enterprise development and youth empowerment. ”I am indeed very delighted to have a high powered delegation from a state government in a quest for partnership and collaboration on job creation. We are ready and capable of collaborating with you to extend the desired dividend of democracy to the people of Oyo State. ”The National Enterprises development Programme (NEDEP) and One Local Government , One Project (OLOP) programme have a lot of potentials that will benefit your people; we promise to constantly engage your state so that all the content of NEDEP will be extended to your people.”

CISLAC urges World Bank to adopt standard

HE Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged the World Bank to adopt a comprehensive labour standard lending requirement in its institutions. It said this is necessary because those adopted by other multilateral development banks to correct the major weaknesses in the draft labour safeguard that was recently issued for consultation were inadequate. Its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani who spoke in Lagos while reviewing the labour standard version proposed for those who work in bank-financed projects, stressed the need for the World Bank President, Jim Yong

Kim, to ensure that the proposal would be to all good intents and purposes and not exist only on paper. According to the CISLAC boss, an important feature of all the other banks’ labour safeguards in the past has been their application to contractors and sub-contractors, thus ensuring coverage of a category of workers that are highly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. He emphasised that the major weakness of the World Bank’s draft labour safeguard is the proposal that the International Labour Organisation (ILO’s) core labour standards should only be fully complied with if they are incorporated

in national law. “Specifically, the freedom of association and right to collective bargaining provisions would apply only where national law recognises them, thus opening the door to retaliatory measures by project managers against workers who wish to exercise those rights. “We fully hope and expect that the World Bank will catch up to the labour standards provisions adopted by the other development finance institutions over the past several years, and not undermine the progress that has been made by adopting a labour safeguard that is full of exemptions and exclusions,” he said.

do otherwise it will be frustrating to the commission and the affected person.” She assured Kifasi that the commission will continue to work harmoniously with HoSF to ensure that government’s policies are implemented successfully and that productivity is enhanced, stressing that only qualified candidates will be recruited into the civil service. Kifasi stressed the need for collaboration between his office and the Civil Service Commission, adding that civil service rules would soon be reviewed and that training would be given priority to boost the capacity of the workers.

HE National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has commissioned a model skills acquisition centre capable of accommodating 250 trainees in different trades. Its Director General, Malam Abubakar Mohammed said the centre, located at Kuduru District, Bwari Area Council, is fully equipped with modern tools and equipment for both technical and agricultural vocations. Mohammed added that the centre, which has boarding facilities in a conducive environment for effective and efficient skills empowerment, will produce a pool of sound artisans as well as modern farmers relative to the demand of the economy and the nation at large. He said the skill-sets currently offered, but which would be expanded in the future, are welding, computer operation/maintenance, mobile phone repairs, plumbing,

electrical installation, hair dressing, catering, interior decoration, radio/ TV repairs, auto electrical, fashion design, cane furniture making, video/photography, satellite installation/maintenance, knitting, soap making, motorcycle repairs and food processing. Some of the skills will have between two to four different sets of trainees annually at no cost to beneficiaries. The NDE boss said to date, the directorate has established 74 centres nationwide, adding that 64 are fully operational while 10 are at various stages of completion. He said youths do not have any reason to remain idle at home. “Learn some vocational skills. It is a vehicle for you to reassert your dignity, occupy a productive place, feel useful and contribute positively to the family, community and the nation at large,” he said.

RATTAWU urges members on professionalism

HE Radio Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU) has called on media houses in the country to avoid being card-carrying members of any of the political parties ahead the 2015 general elections to safeguard the integrity of the profession. The union in a communiqué signed by its National President, Comrade Yemisi Bamgbose at the end of a capacity workshop organised for the broadcast professionals in the Northeast states and Northwest ,called on broadcast stations in the country to adhere to their civic responsibility of promoting election awareness and avoid speculating on election results. Part of the communiqué read: “Broadcast stations in the country must adhere to their civic responsibility of promoting election awareness and avoid speculating

on election results by allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to authenticate and formally announce results using both audio and visual evidences”. Participants also called on media organisations and broadcast professionals to adhere to INEC election guidelines and the National Broadcasting Code in their operations by ensuring balanced reportage on all political issues to ensure fairness and avoid sentiments or biases. While participants identified misconceptions and distrust among Nigerians as major factors in conflicts, it advised media organisations at all levels to avoid making live presentations on religious programmes, they however resolved that all religious transcripts should be subjected to editing before going on air.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Synagogue disaster •There should be no cover up; Nigeria has been embarrassed by it

LTHOUGH it seemed self-serving and opportunistic, President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), in Ikotun, Lagos, ostensibly to offer his condolences following a tragic September 12 building collapse, further highlighted the multiple dimensions of the disastrous incident. It is uncertain whether Jonathan, who flew into Lagos for the Southwest unity rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), would have made such a move outside his political schedule. However, his appearance underlined the magnitude of the tragedy which, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), consumed 90 lives, including 84 South Africans. The crisis agency said there were 131 survivors. Shockingly, but perhaps unsurprisingly given the circumstances of the calamity, the death toll remains inconclusive and the South African government said 115 people may have died. The collapsed guest house on the church grounds was reportedly occupied largely by visiting South Africans who numbered 349 at the time of the disaster. Significantly, South African President Jacob Zuma captured the distressing scale of his country’s loss in a statement: “Not in the recent history of our country have we had this large number of our people die in one incident outside the country.” It is laudable that the collapse is being investigated by the Federal Government, prompting the Lagos State government to suspend its own probe. Especially creditable however is the role played by the state governor, Babatunde Fashola, whose presence at the scene helped to establish a proper emergency response by excluding obstructive members of the church. It

is regrettable that official emergency responders were initially handicapped by church members who unreasonably viewed the happening as an internal affair. In this connection, Nigeria must learn from South Africa’s demonstration of overseas crisis readiness. A South African team of experts in forensic science and disaster management promptly arrived in the country to focus on specific areas: “body recovery and repatriation, victims listing and confirmation, postmortems as well as assessing of injured persons to determine the medical condition and the required levels of care”. In furtherance of this timely intervention, 25 injured South Africans were flown back to their country to continue treatment. Curiously, the church leader, Prophet Temitope Joshua, came up with stories that sounded far-fetched in his effort to clarify what happened. He released security camera footage which showed a “strange aircraft” flying over the church a number of times before the building collapsed. He also presented an email suggesting an earlier failed plot to bomb the church by the Islamist guerilla force Boko Haram, which is promoting terroristic activities in the country, mainly in the northern region. This apparent appeal to pity and the discernible objective of painting a picture of victimhood, apart from being unsupported by persuasive proof, critically failed to address the more fundamental and evidential issues surrounding the crumbling of the building. The church will not only need to show that it obtained official approval for the modification of the collapsed guest house; it will also have to provide evidence of compliance with best practices. Reports said the affected

building was originally a three-storey structure which was being raised to accommodate three additional floors. Without being judgmental ahead of the final results of the ongoing investigations, it is noteworthy that the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Mrs. Abimbola Animashaun, was quoted as saying, “We have investigated and found that they had no approval for the additional structures. Even the main church, which they have added about three floors on, was sealed two days ago, but it is now open.” In this context, it is unclear why the agency allowed the opening of the main church. Besides the importance of individual responsibility and accountability in the erection of buildings, the overriding value of institutional regulatory roles should not be trivialised, which is the central lesson to be learnt from this possibly avoidable tragedy. The investigations should not be one-sided; and individual negligence as well as institutional dereliction of duty must be effectively punished.

‘Besides the importance of individual responsibility and accountability in the erection of buildings, the overriding value of institutional regulatory roles should not be trivialised, which is the central lesson to be learnt from this possibly avoidable tragedy’

Welcome, NASAL •Now that state legislators have resolved to fight for financial autonomy, we say hurray!

T appears legislators in the state houses of assembly have finally come to terms with the fact that they need financial autonomy. The lawmakers have therefore formed an association known as National Association of State Assembly Legislators (NASAL), to pursue that objective. It is envisaged that the body would also assist in their bid to check growing executive recklessness. The association, which comprises present and past members of the houses of assembly, has Dr Valentine Ayika as its interim national president. It is interesting that the state legislators are now struggling to have something which they need to function effectively but which they carelessly threw away during a 2009/2010 constitutional amendment that would have settled the matter once and for all. Well, since it is better

‘Inasmuch as we agree that much more progress can be made in togetherness, the main problem with the state legislators is attitudinal - greed. If this does not change, the governors would continue to have the legislators in their pockets. So, beyond the formation of an association to pursue their collective interest, the state legislators must resolve to be independent indeed and assert that independence’

late than never, the fact that the legislators have recovered from their stupor is still welcome. As Dr Ayika noted, “Our salaries are paid by the executive and he who pays the piper, dictates the tune. What we are seeking is financial autonomy. You cannot be independent if you are not financially autonomous’. We can only hope, however, that the state legislators’ quest for financial autonomy is propelled by genuine need to make them more effective rather than for personal aggrandisement like the National Assembly members. We agree with Dr Ayika that the Doctrine of Separation of Powers must be respected, especially in a democratic setting, and that legislators at the state level have suffered undue harassment and intimidation from many governors. Indeed, democracy would amount to nothing in a situation where one arm of the tripod – Executive, Legislature and Judiciary - can lord it over another. As the saying goes, ‘“power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. It is in the bid to prevent the latter scenario that checks and balances are ingrained in the democratic process. Unfortunately, the Legislature, across board, has become more of an extension of the Executive, ever ready to toe the latter’s line after being induced with money or other freebies, after which the legislators can then be made to do anything, from the ignoble to the ridiculous. Perhaps the latest in the abuse that the Legislature could be co-opted to by the Executive was the impeachment of the deputy governor of Enugu State, Sunday Onyebuchi, for running commercial poultry at his offi-

cial residence, and disobedience to the governor, his principal. Not only have the state legislators been used against others, they had often been used against themselves through frequent changes of their leadership, often at the behest of the governors. We welcome NASAL and wish it success. However, we hasten to add that the state legislators should not pin all their hope on NASAL, good as the dream is. It is one thing to dream and another to actualise it. The impression is being erroneously created that the first attempt at getting autonomy for the state assemblies failed because, as Dr Ayika noted, “part of the problem we have is individually, the state assembly can be dealt with, but with an organisation such as this, we can also surmount some of the executive recklessness and harassment on the state assemblies”. Inasmuch as we agree that much more progress can be made in togetherness, the main problem with the state legislators is attitudinal - greed. If this does not change, the governors would continue to have the legislators in their pockets. So, beyond the formation of an association to pursue their collective interest, the state legislators must resolve to be independent indeed and assert that independence. The people are better off when the assemblies are liberated from strong personalities; we must, instead, build strong institutions. If the state lawmakers pursue their case at the National Assembly with this resolve, they will be able to get their financial independence and other things will be added unto them.

Mutiny: 12 Soldiers only spoke truth to power

IR: This is certainly not the best of times for the Nigerian military. It has continued to remain in the news for the very wrong and bizarre reasons. It is either the “late”? Abubakar 'lunatic' Shekauled Boko Haram group is forcing its officers to consider a 'tactical manouvre' into Cameroun borders or officers within the force are engaging each other in needless internal bickering. As things presently are, our entire military set up appears to have lost the verve and patriotic bent to meaningfully prosecute the insurgency. The military is presently enmeshed in another round of fresh controversy. Just last week, the media reported the shocking verdict of a court martial that tried 18 military officers for allegedly attacking Major General Ahmed Mohammed, the General Officer Commanding of the 7th Division, Maiduguri over the mindless killing of their colleagues by insurgents. Delivering the judgment, leader of the court martial, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, sentenced 12 of the 18 officers to death by firing squad. Expectedly, the verdict elicited loads of reactions, with many queuing behind the 'condemned' military officers. These men truly don't deserve to die. Their action only drew global attention to the chronic stench, endemic rot, mega fraud and cesspool of corruption that the Nigerian military has become. Their action exposed a military where its top brass feed fat on its budget, sell arms and ammunitions to insurgents and arms its junior officers with dane guns to confront heavily armed insurgents. Frankly speaking, those presiding over the affairs of the entire military make-up in Nigeria are the very problem bedeviling the institution. These same elements are chiefly responsible for why the war on terror isn't recording spectacular success as expected. The surest way to meaningfully take this war against terror to the bedroom of Abubakar Shekau (we learnt he’s dead?) and his fellow lunatics is to wield the big stick on the military's top brass. Certainly, some of them should be shown the next available exit route. The nation cannot continue to shoulder the enormous wage bill of trained military officers who cannot live up to the task of stoutly defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria. Before either the President or the head of the military signs the death warrant of these soldiers, Nigerians and indeed the world request that the army's top echelon should first and foremost subject itself to public scrutiny. Those who wish to go to equity must keep their hands clean. The military's top brass should tell us in unambiguous terms how they have been expending the huge yearly budget approved for the entire military. We expect them to give detailed account of how they have spent or managed the money. It is only after then that they can go ahead to approve the firing of these men accused of committing insurrection. I keep saying this. The alleged attack on Major General Ahmed Mohammed wasn't a premeditated one. The said soldiers were only helpless and frustrated. They felt the system deliberately ordered them to the war front without first and foremost providing them with all they needed to prosecute the war. This is one case that most Nigerians won't want to see it go the way of others. These guys weren't conscripted into the Nigerian Army. They willingly applied to serve their fatherland, with the hopes that our country will be better for it at the end. Unfortunately, instead of getting medals, cash rewards or national honour for service to fatherland, the same country has concluded plans to end their lives rather prematurely by facing the firing squad should their appeal fails to scale through. You cannot beat a child and expect him not to cry. We sent them to the war front with dane guns and expect them to crush Boko Haram in one fell swoop. These 12 military men only spoke truth to power and nothing more. • Abdullahi Yunusa Imane, Kogi State

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

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THE NATION THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: With the endorsement of the president Goodluck Jonathan by the People Democratic Party (PDP) for the next year presidential election, Nigerians are eagerly awaiting the opposition All Progressives Congress to choose its presidential standard bearer, who will slug it out with the president under the emerging two-party structures. To say that the PDP has done its best to move the nation forward is to say the obvious. However, its best is not enough to harness the potential of this greatly endowed nation for the good of the citizenry. The party has been in government since 1999 till date, yet, the reality of our development is just like taking one step forward and two backward. Insecurity, corruption, unemployment, poverty in the midst of plenty, epileptic power supply,

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APC: Buhari is the man to beat

poor roads and prostrate economy are the lots of our nation. Although voodoo economists are telling us contrary story about the reality of our development, however, some of us know that they are just pooling wool over our eyes to cover their inefficiency. If there is any auspicious time for the opposition to wrestle power from the PDP, the time is now. However, APC has a great task at hand if she is to accomplish this task. Enemies of progress of

this nation are already waiting for the time when the party will conduct its national congress to choose its presidential standard bearer, what they believe will lead to the implosion of the party. True to the permutation of the detractors, the number of those jostling for the presidential ticket of the party is rising by the day and this is giving the lovers of the party a concern about how the party will come out of the congress unscratched. To be candid, there is nothing bad

Kudos to FCT minister on land swap policy

IR: Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed has contin-

ued in his trend of developing Abuja through private initiatives with the recent signing of land swap agreement between the FCTA and four Land Swap investors – System Properties Development Consortium Limited, Urban Shelters Infrastructure Limited, AMPM Limited and BGD Properties Limited. According to the agreement signed on September 22, these investors are to provide some N170 billion worth of infrastructure in some Land Swap districts in the Phase IV of the southern part of the Federal Capital City, Abuja. As the Minister noted while signing the agreement, the deal which was achieved through intense negotiations and hard work between the FCTA and the land swap investors, has the multiplier effects of creating about 500,000 new jobs in the Federal Capital Territory. It would also fetch the FCT administration about N170 billion – being the total money paid by the inves-

tors – while additional N600 to N700 billion will be recouped when 11 other investors who bid for the contract are brought on board. It is noteworthy that when Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed came on board as Minister in April 2010, plots in such popular districts as Durumi, Wuye, Jahi, Katampe Gwarinpa and so on had been delineated and fully allocated without caring a hoot about their infrastructure. The result was that individuals and corporate institutions had land titles but could not develop them, not necessarily because they didn’t have money but due to the absence of infrastructure in these districts. To reverse the unsavory trend of allocation of plots without consideration for infrastructure and up the momentum for standard engineering infrastructure provision in the nation’s capital, the Mohammed administration was compelled to introduce land swap as a policy which entails granting agreed percentage of land in a greenfield district to a developer for real property development under a special contract en-

visaged by the Land Use Act. In exchange for the grant, the developer is to provide primary infrastructure in the agreed district without any financial, technical or demand risk on the part of the FCTA or the Federal Government. Land swap was therefore devised to catalyze the development of districts within Phase IV of the Federal Capital Territory and open more doors and windows for all interested Nigerians and non-Nigerians to live, work, relax and do business in the territory. The idea is to open up more areas of the Federal Capital City (FCC) via accelerated infrastructure provision in new districts because in Abuja, infrastructure development must necessarily precede construction of residential, commercial, institutional and office buildings. The minister really deserves kudos for these innovations that have been commended by both the World Bank and the Nigerians in Diaspora as a policy that actually has the key to unlock Abuja’s huge development potentials. • Ibrahim Serki-Yaki, Gadowa District, Abuja

in aspiring for the highest office in the land. However, if APC really meant to wrestle power from the PDP, stalwarts should be honest with one another and must be prepared to sacrifice. The situation at hand does not call for experimentation. Nigerian presidency is not just for anybody. It is a complex position which needs complex and tested people, not parvenu, who are just out to give the leadership of the party a jungle to clear. The sacrifice made by the leaders of various legacy parties that merged together to form the APC was highly acknowledged by Nigerians because they saw it as the signal that the liberation of the nation was nigh.

In view of the enormity of the task ahead, if the party is to achieve its aim of winning the power at the federal level in the next election. I am appealing to the leadership of the party to rally round the former head of state, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to fly the party’s flag in the next year presidential election. My reasons for arriving at this position are simple. Firstly, Buhari is a household name in Nigeria, and has his followership cutting across geopolitical zones. Secondly, he is a tested hand and his qualities as disciplined, upright, incorruptible individual with tenacity of purpose are all added advantages. Thirdly, the fact that he had about 12million votes against 22million votes of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last presidential election shows that with support from the leadership of the party from other zones, he could easily make up the lost votes and emerge the winner. This cannot be said of any other aspirant. • Adewuyi Adegbite Apake, Ogbomoso.

Jonathan as sole PDP candidate? IR: The presentation of Goodluck Jonathan as Peoples Democratic Party candidate for the 2015 presidential election fulfils the desire of few groups and individuals. The adoption of Jonathan is not a surprise as it has been something long expected; rather what came as the surprise is the “sole candidate” which is Jonathan. Having a sole candidate for the most coveted political position in a political party like the Peoples Democratic Party tells of the hidden rancor and disintegration going on within the party. After the dissolution of a faction of the party which called themselves New PDP, many had thought that the party has come together in unison but this act of adopting Jonathan as the sole presidential candidate makes it crystal clear that there is still division within the party.

The automatic cancellation of the presidential primary which was scheduled for December 6 means that Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido and Speaker of the house of Representative, Honourable Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, both nursing ambition on the party ticket, have to look elsewhere if they are still interested in the position or settle for less. It is quite evident that Hon. Tambuwal will defect to All Progressives Congress (APC) to compete with General Muhammadu Buhari, Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for the ticket of the party. With the defection of Aliyu Wamakko and impending defection of Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, it tells of the looming division in the house of PDP. • Oyetunji Oluwatobi, University of Ibadan

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

COMMENTS

General Benjamin Maja Adekunle: A tribute

VERYBODY knows that on the federal side of the unfortunate Nigerian-Biafran civil war, the recently departed Brigadier -General Benjamin Adekunle was the most successful field commander but also the most colourful and sometimes arguably the most controversial officer. He was also the favorite of the international press. I was a post graduate student in Europe and North America during the civil war and we followed the course of the war eagerly and Adekunle’s activities dominated the air waves. He was largely responsible for building a brand new army division through the recruitment hurriedly from Lagos and western Nigeria, young men who wanted to see action and rushed through training before deployment into the hot theatre of war . This was Adekunle ‘s Third Marine Commando division. Because of the origin of this army formation, it required sometimes unusual and unorthodox mode of discipline which Adekunle provided.The two other divisions, namely the First and Second divisions, were formed around the nuclei of well-trained and professional army units of the pre-civil war years. Due to Adekunle’s indomitable will, he was able to make good fighting men from the new recruits that gained more and more experience and effectiveness as the civil war ground on. Adekunle’s marine commando was deployed in the difficult Niger Delta where with the cooperation of the navy, made an amphibious landing on the islands in the Niger Delta and from there fighting his way from the creeks into places like Bonny and Port Harcourt. Before this feat no one thought the army was capable of this kind of achievement. And from one island to the other, Adekunle’s troops between 1967 and 1969, cleared the present Rivers State and the then Cross River State Of Biafran troops and fought their way into the heartland of Igbo land capturing Aba, Owerri and Umuahia though they later lost Owerri and Adekunle had to be asked to go and rest and Obasanjo asked to take over from him. He promptly ended the war after reorganization and infusion of discipline into the ranks of apparently power drunk rank and file who became over confident of their fighting ability. The Second Division of the Nigerian army fighting through the then Midwest region managed to clear the

DO not know when their friendship started, all I know is that a strong bond existed between them then. The late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) and Dr Olu Onagoruwa (SAN) were like Siamese twins at a time. They did everything together. Where you saw one, the other would not be far behind. Theirs was more than friendship . It was more of kinship.. They were there for each other. Their friendship was the envy of many of their colleagues who wondered what brought both men together. They wanted to know what the late Fawehinmi and Onagoruwa shared in common that made them to be so close. Whenever the late Fawehinmi was in trouble as he often was, Onagoruwa was always there for him and vice versa. But, most times, it was the late Fawehinmi who was always in the news because of his legendary fame of bucking the system. Onagoruwa is no push over too in challenging the establishment, but he was no match for the late Fawehinmi, who seemed to have capacity for trouble. In the late 1980s and 1990s, it was fun watching these men going in and out of court, challenging the military government on one infraction or the other. It was a time that challenging the military, in whatever form, was a taboo. As far as the late Fawehinmi, whom many simply referred to as Gani, and Onagoruwa were concerned the only taboo was for them not to speak out or act against injustice. These brothers, these friends were a two-man army, who fought side by side. They paid the price for their de-

‘To become a senior advocate, a lawyer must be in good standing with those who will determine his fate. For long, the late Fawehinmi and Onagoruwa were not and the title passed them by and the legal profession was the poorer for it’

region of Biafran troops but suffered heavy losses in abortive efforts to cross the River Niger from Asaba to Onitsha and huge losses at Abagana before it was able to link up with the First Division of the army which had fought its way from Makurdi to Enugu through the northern heartland of Igboland. Without taking anything from the first and second divisions of the army and their commanders, General Muhammad Shuwa and General Murtala Muhammed whose troops naturally met much stronger opposition from the Biafrans in their heartland, Adekunle’s troops fought in minority areas until 1969 when Adekunle and his troops entered Igbo land and virtually finished the war before the change of command from Adekunle to Obasanjo. Adekunle was a strict disciplinarian who on finding out that one of his officers, Captain Macaulay Larmude had shot an unarmed civilian in 1968 got him courtmartialled and executed publicly to teach any other gungho officers who would not abide by military orders of operation. After the war when the cement armada clogged the ports of Lagos, the federal government called again on Adekunle to clear the ports. This was an assignment which, through his unorthodox methods, brought him more enemies until his association with some free-wheeling and high flying Nigerian women led to his premature and unexpected retirement from the army, which was his life. Murtala Muhammed’s short administration tried to rehabilitate him by sending him on a mission to assist the Angolans in their campaign against Portuguese colonialism. His remit apparently involved arming the Angolan cadres. This was a mission which at the end of the war of liberation of Angola in which Nigeria along with Cuba, and the defunct East Germany helped defeat Portugal and South African forces in Quito Cuanavalle. This brought glory to Nigeria to the extent that the longest avenue in Luanda, the capital of Angola, is named after General Murtala Muhammed. Adekunle apparently, due to licentious living and poor management of his resources, fell on bad times that by the time the NPN government of Shehu Shagari took over in 1979, Adekunle pitifully became some kind of security officer sometimes seen stand-

ing unobtrusively behind campaign podium. Towards the end of his death, he had been abandoned by Nigeria and died poor and unsung. On a personal note, I met Adekunle in the late 1970s when I tried to perJide suade him to write Osuntokun his memoirs. His response was that he knew too much about the country that if he wrote he would shake the Nigerian edifice to its very foundation. I tried to persuade him without success that I could help put his memoirs in diplomatic language that will still tell the truth without offence. Adekunle was a fascinating man. He was a true Nigerian. He was born in Kaduna. His father was from Ogbomoso while his mother was a Bachama from Adamawa. Adekunle himself had a wife from the Niger Delta. He spoke about 10 Nigerian languages including Fulfulde,Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Bachama, Ijaw and Efik. When I met him, he reminded me of Napoleon who was a very short General like Adekunle with unusual military skill. He was a soldiers’ soldier. He was a credit to Sandhurst, that military academy that trained the first crop of officers and gentlemen of the Nigerian army. If the civil war had not been among brothers, Adekunle’s exploits would have gone down into history like those of his military colleagues in other lands. He remains an unforgettable hero of the Nigerian-Biafra civil war and his place in Nigerian history is settled.

‘Benjamin Adekunle was the most successful field commander but also the most colourful and sometimes arguably the most controversial officer’

A tale of two friends cision to be on the side of the people and by implication on the side of truth. They were denied certain privileges by their professional association and the government of the day also made life difficult for them. Friends also kept a distance from them for fear of being blacklisted by the government of the day. To be a friend of the late Fawehinmi or Onagoruwa was unheard of then simply because they were seen as rebels. But they were rebels with a cause, who fought for the betterment of society. Both men walked where angels feared to tread. They understood each other perfectly well. One knew what the other should do in case of any trouble. This was why for years the military could not decipher what made both men tick. The duo may be on short fuse and I should know, having been at the receiving end of their anger, this does not detract from their humanity. Let me cite two instances to buttress my point. Shortly after his release from one of his many incarcerations by the Babangida regime sometime in 1989, The Punch, which I worked for then, ran a story which the late Fawehinmi considered offensive and pronto, he fired a letter to the editor, asking that the paper should retract the report or he would go to court. Barely 24 hours after, a lawyer from his chamber was in the editor’s office, with another letter from him, asking that the paper should ignore his threat, adding that he could not afford to fight a paper which did so much for him while in detention. I was to run foul of Onagoruwa sometime in 1990 while handling the Inside the Courts page at The Punch. In an article on the page, I used a word which Onagoruwa did not find funny. Despite being a lawyer to The Punch then, he still complained to Justice Augustine Ade-Alabi about the article, which he said described him in words he did not find funny, and urged the court to order the reporter

to mind his language, henceforth. Justice Ade-Alabi noted the complaint of Onagoruwa, who said he would not push the matter further because he is the paper’s lawyer, and directed the reporter to choose his words whenever he is writing. I learnt one or two things about the tort of libel from that episode. I have gone this length to establish the relationship between the late Fawehinmi and Onagoruwa for the benefit of those unaware of their cordial relationship to know how close they were before the break-up. What led to their parting of ways was Onagoruwa’s decision to serve as attorney-general and minister of justice in the late Gen Sani Abacha regime. The late Fawehinmi did not want his bosom friend to take up the job. But Onagoruwa was prepared to serve the nation to prove a point that you could be in government and still do what is right. The late Fawehinmi did not see it that way. He believed that his friend would compromise on becoming part of the government and asked him not to take the job. It was a painful parting of ways. For those who know, the late Fawehinmi did not do things in half measures. Whenever he drew the battle line, there was no going back. It was so in this instance. Right from the time his bosom friend took up the nation’s chief law officer’s job, he saw nothing good in him again, even after Onagoruwa had left office. The late Fawehinmi was highly critical of Onagoruwa that many did not know that they were so close before Onagoruwa came into the late Abacha regime. Onagoruwa lived up to his promise to be his own man in government. He resigned in 1994, barely a year after coming into office following the promulgation of decrees, which he said he knew nothing about. His action cost him a lot. His lawyer-son, Toyin, who was managing his chambers, was killed some months later.

Onagoruwa himself was a target of many attacks from which he miraculously escaped. But, his family suffered. Onagoruwa lost his wife and his health took a nosedive. In the past 20 years, the man has been pining away. But no matter, God will always honour His own. Though it may tarry, it shall come to pass. For years, both men were denied the highest honour of their profession which they deserve. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is an honour which many lawyers covet, but it is given to the chosen. Many believe that they deserve it, so year in, year out, they apply for the title. In bringing their applications, they count on others to get them approved. No matter how brilliant a lawyer is, if there are no good words from members of the Legal Practitoners Privileges Committee (LPPC), which sits on these applications, on his behalf, he would not be made a senior advocate. It is as simple as that. To become a senior advocate, a lawyer must be in good standing with those who will determine his fate. For long, the late Fawehinmi and Onagoruwa were not and the title passed them by and the legal profession was the poorer for it. In 2001, the late Fawehinmi, who for years was referred to as Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM), was given the title. The late Fawehinmi became SAN without an Onagoruwa beside him to celebrate the well deserved honour. hirteen years later, Onagoruwa’s turn came. As fate would have it, Onagoruwa became SAN five years after Fawehinmi’s death in 2009. I watched brokenhearted as Onagoruwa was being conferred with the honour by Chief Justice Aloma Mukhtar in her chambers and not in full public glare on Tuesday. Onagoruwa was on a wheelchair as he received his well deserved honour. At a stage, he broke down in tears, wiping his face with a white handker-

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

chief. It was not an occasion for tears; it was one of joy, but something would have made him weep. What is it? Was he shedding tears of joy? Was he remembering his late wife and what would have been if she had been alive? Was he remembering his friend who became his harsh critic when he took up the job of attorney-general and minister of justice? Was he remembering how unfair the system has been to him - and of course many other Nigerians in the same shoe with him - over the years? Sir, your days of weeping are over. Rejoice because you lived to see this day. Though it was delayed, it finally came, to show that whatever will be, will be (Que Sera, Sera). Congratulations.

164 DAYS AFTER

WHERE ARE THE ABDUCTED CHIBOK GIRLS?

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

COMMENTS

HE above aptly captures my outings on these pages in the last four years. This focus is precisely because no other party has been able to withstand the intrigues of PDP since the outset of the fourth republic. The Alliance for Democracy, (AD), even under the highly respected late Bola Ige fizzled out when infiltrated by PDP moles. The AC and its successor ACN could not make much impact as a result of endless wars of sons and fathers which define Yoruba politics where the aggrieved often appeal to outsiders for help. The PDP swallowed five of seven governors elected on APP within eight years. Labour and APGA are PDP surrogates. On the other hand PDP has remained the greatest mobilization agent since 1999. When it sneezes, the nation cashes cold. Its actions and inactions affect our past, present and define the future of our children. The insensitivity and the cavalier way the party presented Jonathan as its candidate for the 2015 as if the electorate does not matter was not accidental. Jonathan even with his disabilities is the only asset PDP has for 2015. PDP is an association of wheelers and dealers with no identifiable ideological worldview or a coherent manifesto. In place of party manifesto, Obasanjo in 1999 talked of “a total transformation of Nigeria’ through urban development and privatization, stable power supply, roads and infrastructure and constitutional review”. Yar’Adua came up with his own unwieldy ‘Eight-point agenda’ which the party paid little attention to. President Jonathan came up with his own ‘transformation agenda’, a five-year development plan 2011-2015 which focused on ‘strong, inclusive and non-inflationary growth; employment generation and poverty alleviation and value re-orientation of the citizenry’. John Campbell, a former US envoy for instance described PDP during a debate on Nigeria in the British House of Commons a few years back as ‘an elite cartel at the centre of power in Nigeria, a political party that came together … as essentially a club of elites for sharing of oil rents and political spoils.’ The government has provided enough facts to validate Campbell’s thesis. The privatization exercise as detailed by Nasir El Rufai during a House of Representatives’ probe showed that it was designed to share out blue chip companies built through taxpayers money to privileged members of the political class. The monetization policy was used by PDP and Obasanjo to immorally sell inherited patrimony from colonial masters which rightly belong to our children to party members and their sympathizers. Other evidences include the theft of about N1.7 trillion through fuel subsidy deal which involved highly placed

N all honesty, can anyone expect the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to be truly independent, going by the obvious lack of impartiality on the part of its head? To say no is to state the obvious. And the reasons are not far-fetched: First, it is a contraption created, bankrolled, sustained and regulated by the sitting government. And if the adage that he who pays the piper dictates the tune is anything to go by, then it must as of necessity do the bidding of its benefactors. Secondly, this is Nigeria; a country where executive meddling, undue influence and tinkering with the system are the stock-in-trade of our political aristocracy. It will be counter-productive to the agenda and perpetuity of the ruling class to allow such a strategic agency to run free of its reins on the tenets of autonomy and independence. Thirdly is the political pathogen called the PDP, a party that has exhibited Nigeria’s worst tenures of governance, whether military or civilian, and is yet intoxicated with its self-belief, and aims to perpetuate itself for at least 60 years! After 15 years at the helm, Nigerians are to expect another 45 years of abject poverty, diminishing returns of their lives, misery and insecurity, which the PDP symbolises. So, to ensure that PDP’s reign is not truncated, organisations like INEC are doing their utmost to dismantle all forms of op-

‘It is without equivocation that only a truly independent INEC, operated with forensic checks and balances, can ensure a truly free and fair electoral environment’

Nigeria under PDP members of PDP and their children. There was also the pension scheme scandal where one of the major actors has continued to receive protection from government. The probe set up by President Jonathan to look into the cases of abandoned projects in the last 15 years showed that it would take five years of budgeting to implement uncompleted projects if no fresh projects are embarked upon. Of course there is the outstanding issue of unremitted $10 billion oil sales revenue which cost the whistle blower-the former CBN Governor his job. Only last week, the South African authorities confiscated the sum of $9.3m illegally ferried into the country through a private jet belonging to the CAN president. Starting from 1999, of the 23 PDP governors, 17 were arraigned for corruption. A few that have served their terms along with others who are still expected to be in court defending their integrity have been rehabilitated by government as party chieftains, ministers, or elected senators and governors. Within the same period, many of the party’s leading lights such party chairmen, senate presidents, and speakers were found guilty of corruption. To show that little governance goes on in Abuja outside sharing, Obiageli Ezekwesili, a co-founder of Transparency International and former minister of solid minerals and later education, recently called attention of Nigerians to the new fad of Federal Executive Council holding meeting over award of contracts when there are statutory bodies responsible for such duties. Besides corruption, another enduring legacy that should haunt PDP as we move towards 2015 is insecurity. It started with Niger Delta insurgency leading to political sharia riots and today’s Boko Haram which the president admitted had killed over 12,000 mostly innocent Nigerians in the last five years... Operating in between are the rampaging Fulani herdsmen

killing and maiming innocent people in the north central states of Kaduna, Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa. Although the Boko Haram sect has been active since the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, mindless killing of innocent Nigerians started some five years ago under Yar’ Adua. Government has been unable to contain the sect activities which started with attacks on churches, mosques, police stations and military barracks and then motor parks and populated streets of Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri. Then the insurgents shifted their mindless killings to some schools where they carried out selective murder of male students. What drew world attention to government helplessness was the shameful abduction of about 300 girls from their dormitories in Chibok in April this year. But in spite of its liabilities, the party is probably counting on its selling point which is its big umbrella which besides protecting all those who swear on PDP oath, also drips honey that quenches the thirst of its members. Thus family members who strayed out often scrambled back as they often find it difficult to survive outside the PDP family umbrella. Atiku Abubakar had to overcome many hurdles including prostrating before Obasanjo as well as his Adamawa local branch officers each time he has had to crawl back. Kalu Uzor Kalu is daring his local branch that has insisted he is not welcomed. Bode George even after serving a jail term wrongly has found no other party that can quench his thirst. Ikimi, Fanikayode, Fayose were not just thirsty but famished by the time they returned to their natural habitat. Babangida Aliyu of Niger was not just back after leading a rebellion; he had the unenviable duty of announcing President Jonathan as the PDP sole candidate for 2015. Even PDP former tormentors like Nuhu Ribadu and Ali Modu Sheriff have found the

PDP honey very tempting that they would swallow any insult to crawl under its umbrella. But even at that, Jonathan who controls the big umbrella, is an asset to PDP that canonized him for 2015. This is a president who has won all his past battles without waging any war. Others fought his wars and sometimes committed political suicide in the process. The SNG fought for him to be sworn in as acting president...Ogbuluafor was sacrificed to ensure Jonathan crossed the PDP hurdle that stood between him and PDP ticket in 2010. Obasanjo claimed he sold his candidacy to opinion leaders round the country on the understanding that he would run for one term after completing Yar’Adua’s term cut short by death. But Jonathan himself, a master of political subterfuge made his canonization in spite of his disabilities by the governors and BOT a fait accompli. Every PDP man has a price. The governors also need continuous protection. As Obasanjo once hinted, Jonathan knows how to make wise investments. How will governors without character who proclaimed themselves winners of governors forum election they lost, refuse to pay back their debt when Jonathan demanded dividends on his investment? BOT’s unprincipled leaders like Tony Anenih and Jerry Gana who have been parts of ‘any government in power’ since Babangida era owe their continued relevance to Jonathan. Of course we can only suspect the source of billions of naira the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) committed to media campaign claiming without proof that ‘our roads have never been so good, that farmers have put poverty behind them, that almajiri school have solved problems of poverty in the north, that siting of new universities in states without federal universities are answers to the decay in the educational sector. There was also the TAN claim of eight million signatories of Nigerians who earnestly want Jonathan to run. The PDP wheelers and dealers need Jonathan.

‘Jonathan himself, a master of political subterfuge made his canonization in spite of his disabilities by the governors and BOT a fait accompli. Every PDP man has a price. The PDP wheelers and dealers need Jonathan’

FRESH and the burden on INEC By Jemie Ojekwe position. The commission is also leaving no stone unturned in fulfilling its mandate, which saw it de-registering some parties in 2012, protracting the course of justice by unduly delaying the trumped up appeal of the Fresh Democratic Party’s victory in the judgment delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole at the Federal High Court 5, Abuja Division, which quashed its de-registration on July 29, 2013. This cannot be allowed. If public morality still counts, no member of the Uwais Committee on Electoral reform set up by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua should get involved with INEC. Why? One of the key recommendations of that committee is that for INEC to be truly independent; the President should not appoint its chairman. Sadly, Prof. Attahiru Jega was a member of that panel, and a signatory to its recommendations. When he was offered the chairmanship of INEC by President Goodluck Jonathan, he grabbed it with both hands. This obvious infidelity to principles is symptomatic of the degeneration of our ethical and moral ethos. Jega was a distinguished unionist, whose exemplary leadership of ASUU is still a reference point because he fought the military dictatorship to a standstill. As a university teacher, he rose meritoriously to become a professor. He was the sitting Vice Chancellor of the Bayero University, Kano when he was appointed INEC chairman. He certainly was not jobless, poor or hungry—key factors that inspire lust for public office by political touts in the corridors of power in Nigeria. Prof.

Jega would have received my vote if he had run for public office, because of his pedigree in the human rights community. Was the allure of the lofty offer of INEC chairman simply too much for him to reject that he forgot the unwritten rule that you cannot benefit from a wrong you help to right. This sudden change of attitude by this crusader is hard to comprehend. The arrogance of INEC under his watch now seems to fire off wildly in dozens of different directions. To affirm his strong moral credentials, he ought to have rejected Jonathan’s offer of the INEC job, since the President refused to implement the recommendations of the Uwais panel which his boss, late Yar’Adua, set up, obviously with his full knowledge as the then vice president. No wonder he now he finds himself in the eye of the storm with the controversial deregistration of political parties, and the subsequent calls for his removal from the helm of the electoral agency. Now, the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA) has called for his resignation, following the agency’s decision to create additional polling units. The bone of contention, according to them, is the basis for the skewed allocation of more units to the north, especially the war-torn North-eastern part of the country where droves are fleeing from the insidious BokoHaram insurgency. Even a lone voice that spoke against SNPA’s demand agreed that “if indeed Jega deserves to be sacked, he should have been a long time ago…” The capricious de-registration of political parties and his snub of the FRESH court verdict is the reason why. It will be recalled that in the heat of his

December 2012 de-registration exercise, and after the Rev. Chris Okotie- led party won its landmark judgment upturning the de-registration, a league of 20 deregistered political parties called the Coalition of Concerned Political Parties demanded his immediate dismissal for deliberately flouting the ruling of the court on party de-registration. The National Chairman of Peoples Progressive Party, Damian Ogbonna, who read the position of the coalition, said: “We state for the avoidance of doubt that we have lost faith in Professor Attahiru Jega as an unbiased umpire in the political process. Having publicly exhibited his partiality and disdain for many political parties in the country, we believe he is no longer in a position to honourably superintend in elections where the same parties are participants. Accordingly, we demand that Professor Jega be dismissed immediately as the chairman of INEC.” One thing is certain: the piper’s payer is dictating the tune here. INEC is playing deity, because when the story of the Commission (2007 – 2014) is written, Jega, who responded to the SNPA by saying “I will be there in 2015”, should not expect to receive accolades if he persists in dragging his own name in the mud for whatever reasons. He is unwittingly etching himself on the list of names which conjure failure and are synonymous with the breakdown of developmental aspirations and dreams of the nation. It is without equivocation that only a truly independent INEC, operated with forensic checks and balances, can ensure a truly free and fair electoral environment. • Ojekwe wrote in from Owerri, Imo State.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

COMMENTS

HE large nation of England and the small nation of Scotland agreed, by an Act of Union in 1707, to form a union. From the very first day, however, there were always some Scots who did not want union with England – who wanted the Scottish nation to preserve its separate identity. Such people were the founding fathers of modern Scottish nationalism. Not long after 1711 (roughly from the 1780s), the nationalism of ethnic nations gradually grew into a force in Europe. It started with the French. Emerging from their French Revolution, the French became a strongly unified nation, went forth to try and conquer all of Europe, demonstrated how strong and proud a unified nation could be, and made every other European ethnic nation jealous. In response, the Italians, who had been living in separate small kingdoms, forcibly unified their country together as one country of Italy in 1861. Ten years later, the Germans followed suit and became one Germany. Then the many small nations that were parts of some large countries began to demand their own separateness too. Such demands resulted in the breaking up of such multi-nation countries as Austria-Hungary and the Turkish Empire into smaller countries. But the most powerful countries of Europe did not yet fully understand ethnic nationalism, especially the nationalism of small or weak nations. Therefore, when they broke up Austria-Hungary and the Turkish Empire, they grouped some small nations to form what they thought would be viable countries – such as Yugoslavia (consisting of Serbs, Croats, Slovenes, Albanians, Bosnians, etc), Czechoslovakia (consisting of Czechs and Slovaks), etc. They also established boundaries that split up some nations – such as the Kurds (today 30 million in population) who were split between Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria. And when European countries came to Africa and Asia to create empires for themselves at the same time, they did what they had done in parts of Europe – they forcibly grouped some nations to form new countries, and they created boundaries that split up many nations. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the world has learnt more and more one hard lesson – namely, that these multi-nation countries, and these boundaries that split up nations, are simply unrealistic and, therefore, unsustainable. Nations, no matter how small, are incredibly tough entities, each being a

What Scottish nationalism teaches us product of many thousands of years of evolution. Nations don’t usually die. Countries that are made up of different nations usually break up sooner or later along ethnic national lines. All the powerful multi-nation empires of the past broke up in that way. All the multi-nation countries of today are in trouble; almost all are unstable; many have broken up; more and more are moving towards breaking up. And the United Nations has ruled that each ethnic nation has the right to choose to be a separate country. If a multi-nation country is well-governed, prosperous, powerful and proud (like Britain is), it is not so easy for the nations in it to break away. That is what we saw last week in the Scottish independence referendum. Enough Scots see so much to love in Britain that they don’t want to separate from Britain, but the nationalists are proclaiming that the struggle continues. In contrast, if a multi-nation country is (like Nigeria) poorly governed, corruption-ridden, makes its citizens poor, and makes its citizens ashamed in the world, its chances of quickly breaking up are very high. The Soviet Union was phenomenally powerful, but its central government was, in its relations with its small nations, far too domineering and repressive – and the country broke up, with each nationality becoming a separate sovereign country. Realistically, therefore, Nigeria is not likely to live for much longer. Nigeria is too strongly set in its path of crookedness, corruption, unfairness, hopeless poverty for more and more citizens, mutual hatred among nations, conflicts, and stiff-necked resistance to change. Nigeria has become a monstrous agency of destruction of all morality, and even all human virtue. And the result is that more and more Nigerians are retreating from love for Nigeria to love for their own small nations in Nigeria. For Nigeria, the basis for being one country does not exist anymore. A couple of years ago, our Wole Soyinka said that if changes didn’t come soon, he could see Nigeria breaking up. We can say today that things are not only not changing, but that

ITHOUT any fear of inaccuracy, I was the first person in the media industry-both national and foreign-to have an exclusive interview with Engr. Segun Oni after his swearing-in as the governor of Ekiti State in 2007. The interview happened less than a month after he settled down for the serious business of governance. The interview was a no-holds barred and I asked then Governor Oni many questions. Not minding the political tendency on which I may be leaning as he was meeting me for the first time-having been introduced by Dr. Samuel Arowolaju (a senior friend) as a media guy from the United States, he answered my questions candidly and without mincing words. Some of the questions revolved around his predecessor, now governor-elect Ayodele Fayose and he said more than a mouthful. Hear him: “On the 29th of September, 2005 we had a meeting that was to become a rally somewhere along Falegan Estate area. We actually had a peaceful meeting but the police came in nonetheless. They said Governor Fayose had prepared an agenda to get some of us. They came to get me and fired some rubber bullets…They kicked me, beat me up and I was dragged on the main road of this (Ado-Ekiti) city and thrown into a vehicle. People were watching from afar. The police thought they’ve thrown my lifeless body inside the vehicle but when they realized that I wasn’t dead they took me to the police station and sprayed teargas on me. They wanted to spray the teargas into my nostrils but I told the guy if he did that I would die and the policemen watching him are the ones who would give evidence against him and he would never get out of it.” I asked the then governor if he was contemplating revenge since he then occupied the same office his predecessor allegedly used to attempt to snuff life out of him. The governor said: “The only lesson I took away from that unfortunate incident is that power is very transient. You see, when you have power and you refuse to use it based on your whims you enhance its value.”(Italics mine for emphasis). I never stopped thinking about this last sentence since as reflecting the man’s strength of character. A different aura, as if issued from the core of his being,

‘Injecting character into the body politic will most definitely reverse the self-destructive trajectory of a pathetic country such as Nigeria.

things are getting worse and worse. The growing indication now, therefore, is that Nigeria may be entering into an era of separate nationalisms. Igbo nationalism, Yoruba nationalism, Hausa-Fulani nationalism, Kanuri nationalism, Edo nationalism, Nupe nationalism, Ijaw nationalism, Birom nationalism, and so on – these now seem likely to dominate Nigeria’s near future. And the reason is that more and more of the people of each of Nigeria’s nations feel that their nation is being gradually destroyed in Nigeria, by Nigeria. When I wrote in the Gbogun Gboro column some months ago that many of the enterprising Igbo people were fleeing from their “battered Igbo homeland”, one Igbo reader took offence at that phrase. He or she thought I was denigrating or deriding the Igbo people. But I wasn’t doing any such thing. What I was doing was saying what we all know to be true – namely, that Nigeria has seriously battered the Igbo nation. As the Igbo were rising up by the 1950s, the prospects were great that their kind of dynamism could quickly produce a technologically and industrially notable nation in Nigeria and Africa. But the drastic disorientation occasioned by Nigeria has brutalized that prospect. And more or less the same has happened to every other Nigerian nation. Concerning my own Yoruba nation, I can say we were broadly and confidently prospering by the 1950s, and that we are poorer today than ever before in our known history, thanks to Nigeria. When I see countless thousands of highly educated Yoruba youths roaming the streets for years without jobs and without hope, when I see large crowds of highly educated Yoruba men and women lining up at foreign embassies every day seeking visas to escape from the Nigerian hell, when I see videos or read about highly educated Yoruba and other Nigerian youths trying to walk across the Sahara Desert in order to reach Europe though North Africa (with many of them dying in the desert), I, who in the 1970s had excitedly given up my successful career

Gbogun gboro to go and help build a great Nigeria, am today filled with overwhelming sorrow and worry about my Yoruba nation. I know, of course, that there are some of the Yoruba elite who are benefiting, or who hope to benefit, from the Nigerian corruption outfit, and who therefore want Nigeria to continue. But I am relieved that, in all directions, large numbers of Yoruba people are recognizing and accepting that our nation needs to free itself from the grip of destruction and establish an independent existence of its own. I look forward to seeing a Yoruba nationalist movement (like the Scottish nationalist movement) emerge among these masses of patriots, and I desire to march with them in their peaceful but focused and resolute independence demonstrations. That, I am sure, is the path ahead.

‘If a multi-nation country is well-governed, (like Britain is), it is not so easy for the nations in it to break away. In contrast, if a multination country is (like Nigeria) poorly governed, its chances of quickly breaking up are very high’

Oni, Fayemi, Aregbe and politics of character By Femi Odere enveloped Ekiti State when John Kayode Fayemi took over the mantle of leadership. The calm that descended on the state, which reflected the persona of Fayemi was palpable. Scrupulous Nigerian entrepreneurs and the international community saw in him his genuineness and started to set up shops in the state so much that billions have been sunk into hospitality and other service businesses by private investors. The governor will probably go down in the 18-years’ history of the state as the only governor that continued with the projects of his predecessor, despite the very painful and tortuous experience to which he was subjected in regaining his mandate. On assumption, he became the first governor in this dispensation to declare his assets and that of his wife. The governor declared an eight-point agenda as a blueprint of his administration that not only touches every socio-economic strata of society, but also implemented virtually all the points and sub-points on the agenda during his tenure. This remarkable feat earned him the sobriquet of “O wi bee, O se bee” which literally translated into “He said it, did it”. As part of rebranding the state along the lines of the values that he holds dear, Ekiti state is now known as “Ile Iyi, Ile Eye,” a phrase that embodies a virtuous state that I hope the new helmsman will keep. Osun State was a violent and highly traumatized state on its way to a bottomless perdition when Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola took over its administration. It was a beleaguered state not because it is socio-culturally disposed to brigandage, but because a class of its own people was attempting to take away its very soul. On his assumption of office, Aregbesola decided -almost from Day One of his administration-to take the road less travelled. This earned him the description of an unusual man running an unusual government. He believes that a people, as that organic structure that makes up society, must coalesce around some core principles which must of necessity become their ethos if they must realize their collective destiny. The state was also rebranded along this line of thought. His administration created a crest, a Coat of Arm, a flag and a state anthem that the country’s central authority stuck in its primordial hunter and gatherer political disposition accused him of trying to secede from the repub-

lic. The governor did not stop there. A state known as the “State of the Living Spring” became known as a “State of the Virtuous.” He has been described by people from various walks of life to be a “scrupulously honest and humble” chief of state, which probably contributed in no small measure to his victory at the recent poll for a second term. I have given the synopses of this trio in order to identify a common thread that runs through them. And this is the character thread. Much has been said by political scientists and pundits that one of the major reasons why the All Progressives Congress(APC) has been unable to gain significant traction so far is because of its inability to anchor its existence on a political ideology or an identity. It should look no further. The opposition political party should make character the lifeblood that gives it sustenance. Character should be seen by the people as what distinguishes it from the ruling party. It should be seen as its main pillar. It should be the first identifier of the party’s candidates for electoral offices from henceforth. This time tested virtue should be its brand. As much as Nigeria has been touted as having the largest and the most promising economy in the continent, much of the rest of the world still will not touch her even with a long pole because the country’s government and its people are deemed as hopelessly corrupt and lacking in character. Therefore, injecting character into the body politic will most definitely reverse the self-destructive trajectory of a pathetic country such as Nigeria. Other social pillars of justice, fairness and equity that must be present to lend support to the growth and sustenance of any society can only thrive with the presence of character. A nation without character is a living dead. They say that character is really what you do when no one is looking. I will add that it is also when one is willing to go against the grain because the values that one represents will be seriously compromised or impaired, as exemplified by the people of the State of Osun when they overwhelmingly voted for the presidential candidate of the party they identified with in 2011 even when they knew that his chances of winning was hopelessly low. • Odere is a media practitioner. He can be reached at femiodere@gmail.com.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

•The entrance to KSU

The non-academic staff of the Kogi State University are spoiling for a fight with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Hassan Isah, over the implementation of the 2009 Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)-Federal Government agreement as it concerns them. They have resolved to go on strike next month, if their demands are not met. TONY AKOWE (Abuja) and JAMES AZANIA (Kogi) report.

Workers push for VC’s sack over allowances W

ITH his tenure about to lapse, the least of his problems should be a workers’ strike. But if he does not manage things well, the Vice-Chancellor of Kogi State University (KSU) Prof Hassan Isah may have such a strike on his hands before he leaves office. The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have resolved to go on strike except he is given the boot. Under the aegis of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), the workers are calling on the state government to implement the 2009 ASUUgovernment agreement, especially those aspects on payment of some categories of allowances. These are minimum wage arrears, tax credit/reduction; laboratory/studio/workshop/clinic hazard allowance /responsibility allowance; excess workload allowance; overtime allowance and pension.

The unions are also accusing Isah of being responsible for the university’s low ranking. But the government has given Isah a clean bill. The Commissioner for Education, Dr Ages Okai, said the school under Isah has made considerable progress, wondering why the workers have resorted to raising unnecessary dusts at the twilight of Isah’s administration. Investigations showed that the aggrieved unions also have issues with the students , who it was gathered, volunteered to take over the workers’ job during the build-up to last ses-

‘We have met with the management more than 40 times... written Council more than 28 times and the Kogi State government more than 18 times...we have met with the governor twice. We have met the deputy governor and we have met the Head of Service. Our welfare is not their (KSU principal officers) priority. Why is it that the staff are not being paid? Over the years, our appeal, struggles and agitations for our rights and entitlement have remained unattended to by the university Governing Council’

INSIDE

Why ABUAD is a ‘model’, by UNESCO -Page 27

sion’s second semester examination. Our reporters gathered that the students were the ones sweeping the classrooms, manning the generator houses, ensuring the availability of water, mowing the lawn and undertaking other menial duties when it became obvious that the workers were bent on frustrating their examination. The union leaders said this was far from the truth as no worker had abandoned his or her duties to students. A source in SSANU said: “Our members have always carried out their

Our vision for education, by APC -Page 46

CAMPUS LIFE

•Prof Isah

duties. The allegation is false, except the students making those allegations want us to come and clean their rooms for them.” Last week, JAC staged a protest march to the palace of the traditional ruler of Ayingba, Alhaji Abu Shuibu Okolo. The placard-carrying protesters delivered a protest letter to the monarch on behalf of their Chairman, Comrade Babatunde Moses, for delivery to Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada. “We have met with the management more than 40 times. We have written to the university Council more than 28 times and to the Kogi State government more than 18 times. Throughout this period, we have met with the Governor twice. We have met the deputy governor and we have met the Head of Service. “Our welfare is not their (KSU principal officers) priority. Why is it that the staff are not being paid? Over the years, our appeal, struggles and agitations for our rights and entitlement have remained unattended to by the uni-

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

At IMT, lectures stop when it rains -Page 29

• Continued on Page 26

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

EDUCATION ‘Cash for girls’ education launched in Sokoto By Adegunle Olugbamila

•From left: Member, House of Representatives, Joseph Kigbu; College Vice President, Abayomi Olaitan; Convocation Lecturer, Prof Matthew Araoye; College President, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria at the colege’s convocation.

Workers push for VC’s sack over allowances •Continued from Page 25

versity Governing Council. We are, therefore, forced to forward our case to you as last resort,” they wrote. Babatunde, who led the protest, told the traditional ruler that poor welfare of staff led to the exit of a number of senior lecturers from the university, a situation, he said, has resulted into a serious drop in academic quality and a drastic fall in rating. “Of course this affects the university system. As a staff, you can move once you get a better offer somewhere else. People are leaving. The implication too is that the good hands are not coming. “When there are not good hands or that the few good ones are leaving, it certainly affects the rating of the university. For instance, in a year, we lost more than eight Ph.D holders, who are senior lecturers. They got their Ph.D and left because they trained themselves,” Babatunde added. Babatunde argued that a few years ago when the late Prof. Francis Idachaba headed the university, the institution was rated number one among state universities and the seventh nationwide. He said it was unfortunate that the same university now ranked 111 out of the 112 universities in the country. The John Idachaba-led Student Union Government (SUG) of KSU, alongside the Academic Staff Union of Universities KSU chapter did not support the workers from the outset. A dependable source in ASUUKSU, who preferred anonymity, said ASUU pitched its tent with the management; hence, it opted out of the agitation. He said. “I am part of ASUU. I know how many professors interviewed me. I presented all my publications and papers. I was thinking they would award me Associate Professor, but they gave me senior lecturer; that is how high the standard is here. “About 80 per cent of the students from KSU, who went to the Law School, were top on the list. There is no truth in the allegation of falling standard at all. Kogi State University

is ranked number seven among state universities in Nigeria. I am part of ASUU, so I know what I am saying.” Debunking JAC’s claim, Idah said the 2009 Agreement was not in contention as it is between the Federal Government and its universities, saying it “advised that state universities implement same”. At a briefing at the university on Monday, Idah said vice-chancellors from state-owned universities met and advised their individual governments to implement the terms at state level to enhance standard. KSU, Idah said, had already been implementing some of the allowances to its workers. He listed those entitled to hazard allowance as stated in the 2009 Agreement to include: workers in the workshop, studios, clinic, laboratories, zoos, museums and farms. His words: “Kogi State University is moving forward and is advancing. ‘’As a clinical pathologist, what I do is generating facts and figures in backing scientific statements and this is what I practise. The second reason I am used to facts and figures is religious and morals and this has been the basis of my life. I have been in the university system since 1976 and I still intend to remain there.” Checks on KSU ranking revealed that in last year’s ranking Website of Universities (Webometrics), the university neither featured among the top 10 in Nigeria, nor appeared in the 2014 edition of the same ranking body. Also, in the NUC’s 50 best universities last year, the school had no position. Idah, however, argued that, despite her non-inclusion by three international ranking bodies: QS World University Ranking (QSWLR), Academic Ranking of

World Universities (ARWU) and Webometrics Ranking of World Universities (WRWU), KSU has been blazing the trail, adding that the activities of those bodies are merely based “on web presence.” He said it was unfair of anyone to categorise the university as one falling in standard. He said: “Kogi State University has 100 per cent programme accreditation; 70 per cent institutional accreditation. Only 26 universities in Nigeria (universities) qualify, including KSU, scoring 71.45 per cent and with a validity of seven years.” He said KSU was granted full accreditation of all its programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2011, adding that, 67 academic staff had obtained PhD and 48 Masters. The school, according to him, has been producing local software recognised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to run examinations and release its results electronically. Okai said the government on its part has met its obligation to the institution, including making money available for prompt payment of salaries and staff allowances. She said: “To the best of my knowledge, this vice-chancellor has been paying Hazard Allowance since 2011, that is when the Federal Government brought the circular, and this is meant for certain categories of staff, so what do these people want? “They say even an ICT man that is working for the school wants to be paid. They are saying that even a typist that is watching over a screen and has damage to the eyes must be paid. Because of Hazard

‘To the best of my knowledge, this vice-chancellor has been paying Hazard Allowance since 2011, that is when the Federal Government brought the circular, and this is meant for certain categories of staff, so what do these people want?’

•Dr Okai

allowance, they want the vicechancellor sacked. Is it fair? “The vice-chancellor reported the case to me. NASU wanted to disrupt the last exams; frustrating him. Now that they could not succeed, the only excuse is this Hazard Allowance and it is meant for nominated group of people. There are categories of people that are entitled and he has been paying them since 2011. The government has been paying workers allocation, but let them not start fabricating lies. The vice-chancellor will soon finish his tenure anyway, why are they in a hurry to chase him out?” Although Babatunde could not be reached to react to the management defence as his phone was switched off, a member of one of the unions told The Nation that it is common knowledge that the institution has declined in ranking in recent times. He said: “We are aware that the authority will not admit that the institution has declined in ranking. But you can go and check it out yourself. That is the beauty of technology. We have heard the vicechancellor say that the ranking is based on web presence. Is it not a shame that an institution that was ranked among the best 10 universities in Nigeria a few years ago is now second from the bottom? Of the 112 universities in Nigeria, including the newly established universities Kogi State University is ranked 111 and the vice-chancellor and government could still come out to defend that instead of hiding their heads in shame.”

HOUSANDS of girls in the North are set to receive cash to pay for textbooks and other school-related costs, as part of a UNICEF-supported programme launched in Sokoto on Monday. The initiative aims at encouraging parents to send their daughters to school. At the ceremony outside the primary school in Wurno Local Government Area in Sokoto, many mothers received a first quarter payment of N5,000 (US $ 31) for each daughter aged six to 15, the first payment of an annual N20,000, Sokoto State Commissioner for Education Alhaji Bello Yusuf Danchadi said. Danchadi, who spoke on behalf of Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Magatarda Wammakko, said: “Today, we are here to officially kick off the 2014/2015 enrolment drive campaign disbursement of cash. “The disbursement will continue every quarter for the next two years.’’ ‘’Getting girls to enroll, and remain in school is particularly important in a country where 10.5 million children are out-of school, with 60 per cent of them in the north, and mostly girls. “An educated girl will have a better life, as will her family,” said Utpal Moitra, who heads UNICEF office for the Northcentral and Northwest. “We know that educated girls will have healthier children. Every additional year of schooling further reduces the probability of child mortality,” “In all, 23,000 girls will benefit from the cash transfer programme in the Northern states of Sokoto and Niger this year, and as many as 50,000 the next. The programme is expected to expand and also be replicated in other states.” There is still resistance to sending children to school in northern Nigeria, in part because of a low perception of the value of education, particularly for girls, but also because many parents just can’t afford to send their children to school. Among those in attendance was the Nollywood star Zack Amata, who is producing a film that aims to encourage parents to send their daughters to school. “We want to tell parents: ‘If you send a girl to secondary school, you will get more money later’,” he said after the even. “The longer she attends school, the greater the economic benefits,” added Amata, who heads the Centre for Change and Community Development. The project is jointly implemented by the government and UNICEF, and is funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID). The South African-based Economic Policy Research Institute (EPRI) has been contracted by UNICEF to help design and implement the project.

•Gov Wamakko

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

Why ABUAD is a model, by UNESCO T HE United Nations Organisation for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) has described the Afe Babalola University (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) as a ‘model’. Speaking at the UNESCO regional staff retreat, which ABUAD hosted, the organisation’s Regional Director Prof. Hassana Alidou in her opening remarks said ABUAD was chosen as host simply because of its serene atmosphere conducive for learning, and the extraordinary investment of the Founder Aare Afe Babalola (SAN). Her words: “We are here in ABUAD because of the extraordinary and significant achievements of a humanitarian cum philanthropist Aare Afe Babalola. “Aare Babalola is a global citizen who put his wisdom, knowledge, competence and wealth to the benefit of humankind by building a world-class institution whose reputation has gone beyond Nigeria’s borders with a pool of faculty staff across Europe and America. ABUAD also draws up its studentship all over the world because of its high quality programme recognised by national and international accreditation bodies”. Alidou continued: “A university like ABUAD is a natural home for us. My hope is that we will continue to collaborate and learn from each other.” “We are, in ABUAD not only to visit or hold our retreat and go back to Abuja. We see this (retreat) as a launch pad for increased partnerships in research and innovation into good practices that we can scale up in the region. We are here to see how the UNESCO chairs in Peace and Citizenship Education; and the other one on Entrepreneurship Education and

Ambali,Oloyede others for honour PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved the conferment of National Honours on the ViceChancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, and his predecessor, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede. They are among the 303 distinguished Nigerians and friends of the country awarded national honours. While Ambali will be honoured with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Oloyede will receive the award of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).

Two get World Bank jobs

•Prof. Alidou receiving a plaque from Aare Babalola By Adegunle Olugbamila

Agriculture for Sustainable Development have progressed. We are here to explore options in sciences, culture, communication and education which we can use in our initiatives for the region.” Alidou added: “This campus is in

the league of some of the big universities I have seen in the developed world in terms of facilities. I congratulate you for this investment in your country. You have set a good record which should be emulated by succeeding generations. Investment in quality education is an investment into our future. We wish

you great success as you build destinies of present and future generations.” Alidou congratulated the university management for ensuring uninterrupted academic programmes, particularly in a country where her public institutions are ravaged by incessant strikes.

AOCOED workers end warning strike

TWO undergraduates of UNILORIN, Abeeb Adebayo and Ajoke Ogunshola, have been offered full time jobs with a world’s top financial institutions, the Bank of America Merrill Lynch, London, after undergoing a nine-week internship training with the bank in London. Ogunsola, a graduating student of Counsellor Education, and Adebayo, a 400 -Level undergraduate of Accounting, participated in the summer undergraduate internship having started out as ‘campus ambassadors’. The programme is targeted at engaging undergraduates from select universities nationwide, regardless of their disciplines or courses of study, but with flair for finance. Ogunsola said: “In my intern class, we were close to 200 from different continents; Nigeria and Ghana represented Africa. Students were selected from the best five universities in each of these countries in order to meet the standard.” Adebayo said: “I gained a lot of experience that I wouldn’t have learnt in the four walls of the classroom; an experience that would last me a lifetime.’’

Varsity hosts conference on Islam

•’We’re addressing their issues’

ORKERS of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto Ijanikin, Lagos yesterday concluded their three-day warning strike to compel the management to remit their pension fund. The exercise had seen the entire campus of the college brought to a sudden halt for three consecutive days. Since Monday, when the strike began, workers had blocked the two main entrances leading to the institution. Their grouse - they are asking management to uphold the 65-year retirement age granted non-teaching staff of the college last year, as well as pay in full 18 months’ salary arrears owed them. Workers under the aegis of the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), and the Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education in Nigerian (SSUCOEN) are also demanding payment of members’ dues to the five cooperative societies in the college and conversion of the 2013/ 2014 promotion. Besides, they are also asking management to rescind its earlier decision to de-harmonise staff of AOCOED International School and AOCOED Staff School. The college management led by the Provost Mr bashorun Wasiu Olalekan and Registrar Mr Wole Ajose, had made repeated appeals to both unions who insisted that government must now wade into the issues.

UNILORIN FILE

•Workers blocking the college main entrance with their vehicles ... on Monday

Chairmen COEASU Comrade Michael Avosetinyen and his counterpart in SSUCCOEN Wumi Abugade told reporters yesterday that government is not being fair to workers in the 56-year-old institution. Avosetinyen lamented that their former colleagues who have retired for over two years are in pitiable condition as they are yet to access their pension, ditto for those in service but whose pension are yet to be remitted to their various pension administrators over 16 months. Avosetinyen said management has always given inadequate monthly subvention to the college as reason for the development, adding that it has to make the deductions so as to pay workers’ salaries and meeting up with other cost to keep the institution running. Said Avosetinyen: “Workers’ money are being deducted without remittance to their pension administrators and this we are opposed to. “As I’m talking to you, those who have retired over one or two years

ago have not been paid able to access their pension. For those of us in active service, our pension fund deducted up to 16 months are yet to be remitted to our various pension administrators. “We have approached the management several times on this, and they keep telling us that the monthly allocation is not enough and that if those deductions are not made they can’t pay our salaries. “We can’t keep silent anymore. Its obvious management and government are both playing pranks on us. We have therefore resolved to stay under this sun so government can appreciate our plight.” Abogade said management owes cooperatives societies to the tune of N150 million. Upon her session into the office on July 9, she said the union received a memo from government reversing the 65-year retirement age granted to to workers last year back to 60 years. “How can they (government) do that when it has already been put into

PHOTO: ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

our Condition of Service? We had written two letters to government on this, yet no reply.” As regards the 18 month salary arrears, Abogade said government agreed to pay half while AOCOED would pay the outstanding. She however lamented that the latter has only paid four and a half, while the college has paid only two months. Addressing reporters yesterday, the provost Mr Bashorun said the institution has been going through cash crunch. He assured that the contentious issues were being addressed by the government and management. “We are using this opportunity to make a passionate appeal to the unions to embrace dialogue. Don’t let us disrupt the system by locking up the gates. It pays no one in the end,” Olalekan said. According to him, AOCOED has forwarded to government those demands that concerned them (government), noting that those one that borders on management would be addressed once monthly subvention improves.

THE Islamic Welfare Foundation (IWF), in collaboration with the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the University of Ilorin (Unilorin), has announced its conference on Islam in Nigeria (COIN). It holds between November 23 and 26 at the university’s premises. According to a statement signed by the university’s former Dean of Law, who is also the National Secretary of IWF, Prof. Abdulwahab Egbewole, the theme of the conference is: ‘Islam and the Nigerian State- A centenary of building Theocracy and Secularism”. Interested scholars have been enjoined to send their abstracts on or before September 30, while full papers are to be sent on or before October 15 to 2014coin@iwf.com.ng and visit www.iwf.com.ng.

Conference on Jatropha holds THE Fourth International Conference on Jatropha began on Tuesday at the university’s main auditorium. The four-day conference’s theme is: ‘Emerging trends and issues on Jatropha - A green gold plant’. It is being organised by the UNILORIN Jatropha Plantation Development and Maintenance Committee in conjunction with the Society for the Conservation of Phytofuel and Sciences. According to the statement by the Chairman of the committee, Prof. M. A. Belewu, the conference will showcase the excellence of phytofuels especially, the Jatropha plant, provide great networking opportunities and bring together scientific researchers on phytofuels and allied sciences from all over the country and other parts of the world.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

EDUCATION Tambuwal assures Medical College of better funding

SCHOOL RESUMPTION

•Headmistress Madonna Nursery and Primary School in Gwagwalada, Rev. Sis. Felicia Anukanti and Computer Teacher Mr Barnabas Anzaku, screening pupils of the school for Ebola Virus Disease, during the resumption in Abuja ... Monday. PHOTO: NAN

• Pupils of Notre Dame Nursery and Primary School, Enugu washing their hands before entering the classrooms ... PHOTO: CHRIS OJI yesterday.

HE Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, Tambuwal, has assured that the National Assembly would make provision for more funding for the National PostGraduate Medical College of Nigeria in future budgets. He was responding to a plea for improved funding made by the President Prof Rasheed Ajani Arogundade, for the 35-year-old institution to further meet up with her mandate. Said Tambuwal: “Let me assure you that we are aware that one of the biggest problems you face is poor funding. We are therefore determined to ensure that this matter is handled appropriately. We have therefore resolved to do everything possible to see that funding for this college improves in subsequent appropriations by the National Assembly.” Speaking at the 32nd annual convocation of the college at the its premises in Ijanikin Thursday last week, Arogundade had again sought funding for institution generally, and particularly in the overseas clinical attachment designed to give more successful Part One candidates of the institution exposure to facilities and practice in more advanced countries. Said Arogundade: “We will not stop reminding government of the laudable programme of overseas clinical attachment designed to give successful Part One candidates exposure to facilities and practice in more advanced countries especially in selected sub-specialities. Epileptic implementation of this essential component of training will be detrimental in the long run to the country. “Our personnel and overhead subventions have been grossly slashed to the extent that the college cannot fulfill its personnel tax obligations promptly and we are now in arrears. The capital subvention as usual, comes in trickles, which will definitely mean extended completion time for the ongoing second phase of the second wing of our learning Resources building.” Arogundade said the college plan of establishing a Clinical skills and simulation laboratory, has been hampered by cash. The solution, according to him, is intervention through tertiary Education Tax Fund since NPGMCN is anchored on medical education. Tambuwal, who was represented by Joseph Haruna Dibi, lamented the decline the number of specialists in the country, coupled with incidence of brain drain even among the few available. “First, there is the low number of specialists in various fields of Medi-

By Adegunle Olugbamila

cine in Nigeria today. We must as much as possible seek ways to correct this anomaly and increase the number of specialist available for our people. “Second, there is the related matter of brain drain in which even the few available specialists we have are leaving the country in droves. This is detrimental to the growth of our health industry and no doubt has very dangerous consequences to our very survival as a nation proud of its large population” As the apex body for certifying postgraduate medical education in the country, Lagos State Governor Fashola said the state considers it a privilege as host to the institution. He said the long time relationship between the PGMCN and Lagos needs to be consolidated upon in view of the symbiotic relationship both have enjoyed to date. “The world cannot stand still so the degree of interaction between the National Post Graduate Medical College of Nigeria and Lagos State must rise above the level of consumption. We must move into the field of mutual cooperation, particularly in cutting edge research. Lagos State is desirous to cooperate and collaborate with individuals and bodies willing to engage in research that will help improve the delivery of quality health services to the teeming population of this megacity. Only last year, Lagos State launched a research fund for the first set of awardees. “I understand that this college conducts periodic accreditation exercise to ensure quality of training facilities and programmes. This is one area that Lagos State is sincerely committed to. We cannot have institutions for the sake of having them. Rather, the Lagos State government believes in and will never compromise quality. We are prepared to partner with you to raise training institution in the state to the highest levels. Fashola reminded all of the industrial action being by Resident doctors nationwide describing the development as bad. He therefore admonished the college to seek a meeting point for conflict resolutions between governments and medical associations rather than resort to strike. The convocation lecture with the theme: ‘High blood pressure: The silent killer’ was delivered by the Provost of the College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Prof Mathew Akinyeni Araoye.

Ebola: Schools resume in Kogi •Govt distributes sanitary materials

•Pupils of Ziklag Schools Ilogbo Eremi in Olorunda LCDA, Lagos washING their hands as one of the preventive measures against Ebola Virus Disease during their resumption on Monday.

•Saka Tinubu Memorial School, Agege Lagos, remains shut following Lagos State Government’s postponement of school resumption on Monday till October 8.

MID fears in the wake of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Nigeria, pupils in Kogi State have returned to school after about a three-month vacation. The government has began distribution of sanitary materials to schools across the 21 local government areas of the state. Items distributed include liquid soap, buckets with tap heads, thermometers, and hand gloves. The state Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Agnes Okai, told The Nation that the measure formed part of a plan to re-introduce personal hygiene to schools. Her words: “We are providing all these, including in the rural areas where tap water is rare. They have motorised borehole and they can fill these buckets and pupils can wash their hands and by so doing the culture of hygiene can return to our schools and colleges. “Outside Ebola the plan of the federal government is for the culture of hygiene to return to our

From James Azania, Lokoja

schools and colleges. It is our intention that we will continue to monitor. All head teachers and even NGOs have been told to involve school management to carry on, even NGOs, it must not be government alone.”

•Kogi State Governor Idris Wada

History as girl bags first class in Radiography

Ebola outbreak hoax at UNIBEN

Page 31

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 42

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

At the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu State, lectures stop whenever it rains. Reason: most of the classrooms are without roofs. The hostels too are decrepit. The school is frustrating the students’ efforts to draw attention to the pitiable situation, reports EMMANUEL AHANONU (Political Science).

At IMT, lectures stop when it rains O

N its website, automatic display of neat pictures of students reading in a cozy library welcomes visitors. But a visit to the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu State presents a different picture - that of a polytechnic battling dilapidated infrastructure. IMT is a state-owned institution established in the 1970s. When CAMPUSLIFE visited the school last week, defaced hostel walls, perforated roofs and pothole-ridden pathways abound everywhere. This state of infrastructure led to students’ rampage last month. According to the students, the management collects N10,000 development levy from them every session, to maintain the infrastructure. But the sorry state of the classrooms and Halls of Residence shows nothing is being done with the money. Students are not happy with the administrative style of the Prof Mike Iloeje-led management, which they claimed has done nothing to improve things. Students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, pleaded for anonymity for fear of victimisation. They complained that some classrooms are flooded whenever it rains, prompting lecturers and students to flee. They cited the main lecture theatre whose roof has been blown open. Students also complained about the hostels for which they paid N40,000. The hostels, they said, have no mattresses, fans and water. They said the mandatory payment of accommodation fee was requisite for admission. Six students, they alleged, are forced to stay in a room meant for three. CAMPUSLIFE learnt about the grievances of 215 freshers, who paid the accommodation fee, but are yet to be allocated a bed space, months after their matriculation. Other complaints are prohibition of cooking in hostels and double payment of N3,000 for biometric identity cards, which they claimed was paid with technology fees. The condition of the hostel led to a disagreement between the management and the Kingsley Isiani-led Students’ Union Government (SUG) last month. Kingsley led students to draw the government’s and the management’s to their plight. The protesters challenged the management to account for the N10,000 development levy students pay to maintain

•Block of lecture halls with shattered roofs

infrastructure. Reacting, the management allegedly removed Kingsley and replaced him with his Vice, Millicent Ogbuaka. It was gathered that the Rector warned the Kingsley-led SUG leadership to focus on its studies and not intrude in administrative matters. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the Rector initially threatened to expel Kingsley if he leads students in demonstration. Despite the threat, Kingsley mobilised students to meet Governor Sullivan Chime at the Government House. But riot policemen prevented them

PHOTO: EMMANUEL AHANONU

from leaving the campus. The peace meeting between the Rector and students’ leaders last month ended in stalemate when Kingsley was reportedly barred by the Rector from listing the students’ grievances. A students’ leader, who did not want his name in print, said the Rector was angry late because Kingsley came late for the meeting. When the students gathered again for the protest, they were stopped by the school security personnel and Man O’ War cadets. The Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mr.

Geoffrey Eneonyia, was said to have invited Kingsley to a meeting at Ogui Divisional Police Station, where the co-ordinator of Students’ Affairs, Mr Chinedu Ekwueme, was waiting with a letter removing him as the SUG president. Kingsley protested, saying he could only be removed through a referendum by the general assembly, comprising all students. After being shown the SUG constitution stipulating how the union president can be •Continued on page 30

•Rumour causes stir at OFFA POLY-P32•Students’ N1m endowment fund for Akwa Ibom -P41

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE able, but it is only a matter of time, of course, that children who do not understand the value of hard work will destroy whatever physical structure that we build today. While the elite are training their children in private schools or in schools abroad, they forget that

Critical thinking and Pushing Out our state of anomie

NE of the fallout of the last gubernatorial election in Ekiti State was the introduction of a new lexicon into Nigerian politics and a new “yardstick” for measuring performance. Suddenly, we started hearing about “stomach infrastructure.” In Nigerian parlance, it simply means the art of inducing voters to get their votes. Trust Nigerians, hundreds of theories were propounded as to why citizens of Ekiti State - noted for their high level of knowledge - choose to vote for their “stomachs.” My interest today, as always, is not politics but education, I only used the above scenario to drive home the fact that we are gradually losing – some say we have already lost – our sense of critical thinking. Most of us simply swallow hook, line and sinker whatever the government, religious, economic or business leaders say without critically interrogating them. Should we always believe what they say without subjecting same to logical reasoning? Why are we often scared to ask for the best? Why do we celebrate mediocrity? And why are our institutions of higher learning not encouraging critical thinking? Socrates, it was who set the agenda for the tradition of critical thinking. Simply put, it is to reflectively question common beliefs and explanations, carefully distinguishing those beliefs that are reasonable and logical from those which - however appealing they may be to our native egocentrism, however much they serve our vested interests, however comfortable or comforting they may be - lack adequate evidence or rational foundation to warrant our belief. Socrates’ practice was followed by the critical thinking of Plato (who recorded Socrates’ thought), Aristo-

tle, and the Greek skeptics, all of whom emphasised that things are often very different from what they appear to be and that only the trained mind is prepared to see through the way things look to us on the surface (delusive appearances) to the way they really are beneath the surface (the deeper realities of life). From this ancient Greek tradition emerged the need, for anyone who aspires to understand the deeper realities, to think systematically, to trace implications broadly and deeply, for only thinking that is comprehensive, well-reasoned, and responsive to objections can take us beyond the surface. Can anyone question the fact that we need deep thinking in Nigeria? Francis Bacon, in England, was explicitly concerned with the way we misuse our minds in seeking knowledge. He recognised explicitly that the mind cannot safely be left to its natural tendencies. In his book “The Advancement of Learning,” he argued for the importance of studying the world empirically. He laid the foundation for modern science with his emphasis on the informationgathering processes. He also called attention to the fact that most people, if left to their own devices, develop bad habits of thought (which he called “idols”) that lead them to believe what is false or misleading. He called attention to “Idols of the tribe” (the ways our mind naturally tends to trick itself), “Idols of the market-place” (the ways we misuse words), “Idols of the theater” (our tendency to become trapped in conventional systems of thought) and “Idols of the schools” (the problems in thinking when based on blind rules and poor instruction). His book could be considered one of the earliest texts in critical thinking, for his

with

Agbo Agbo 08116759750 (SMS only)

•aagboa@gmail.com agenda was very much the traditional agenda of critical thinking. By virtue of what they stand for, higher institutions are supposed to be the pillar of critical thinking, this is the major reason research is a fundamental part of all studies. But the way things are presently, you have your answer if you attempt to measures the products of our higher institutions. I don’t have to stress this as I assume we are all too familiar with the state of education in the country. Let’s start from the area of pitching one ethnic group against another. There are stereotypes about almost all ethnic groups in Nigeria. Right from as long as we can remember, we are told to beware of certain ethnic groups because “that’s the way they behave.” We grow up not questioning these stereotypes and when we assume positions of leaderships they are already etched in our minds and difficult to ignore. But a critical thinker will judge people based on their character and not ethnic group. What about infrastructure? Currently, government at all levels in Nigeria concerns itself with the building of infrastructure. Let me state from the onset that I’m a firm believer in world class infrastructure because they make our modern existence easy. But the big question remains: while we concentrate on infrastructure, should we continue while the moral firmament of the country is tattered? Of course, the building of infrastructure is laud-

society is organic and that these welltrained children would be at the mercy of those who remain at home sometime in the future. I consider it important therefore that government takes an emphatic and serious look at restructuring education in Nigeria. Attention needs to be paid to the quality of teachers produced in the country. I am convinced that the preponderance of those who end up studying education as a course in Nigeria do so because they cannot get into other departments. Although I do not have statistics to back up this claim, it is evident that a lot of teachers teach without passion. The effects are glaring for all to see. The absence of critical thinking can also be felt in the area of technical education. Government must give attention to technical education such that those who cannot stand the intellectual rigours of a university can legitimately invest their intellect, which every child is blessed with in other things. This is how the world got blessed with the likes of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Henry Ford and so many others. These entrepreneurs employ some of the brightest brains in their respective companies. We must back out of our state of anomie and begin to embrace the virtues of hard work and diligence once again. Every great and potentially great country lives by a moral code to which everyone - ruler and the ruled - are subjected. Unless this

happens, everyone, wealthy or otherwise, risk a country which might crash on our heads. It was disheartening to hear a former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, lamenting the decay in the education sector. It was not his lamentation that was the problem to me; it was what he said next that should shock Nigerians. He insisted that no political party in the country has a framework for education! He spoke at the 2014 Founder’s Day Lecture which was held in commemoration of the 105th anniversary of King’s College in Lagos last week. “Today, I do not think any party in Nigeria has a vision about education; that is the truth. I am a politician and I belong to a political party but I can tell you that there is none that has a plan and I can back this up with the statistics of the result of WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination). “When Tony Blair (ex-United Kingdom Prime Minister) was campaigning, he emphasised education and when he got there, he dealt squarely with the issue of education. Here we promise one thing when we are campaigning but deliver another thing when we are in office.” The former governor added that one of the reasons why Nigeria’s standard of education was low was not because of lack of funds but the government’s inability to effectively monitor the usage of funds which goes into the pockets of third parties instead of the schools that need them. He boasted that he discontinued the trend in Anambra State and the state came first in WASSCE nationwide. “In Nigeria, all we talk about is minimum wage and not minimum productivity. People are paid better here than in Ghana and other countries and yet they produce more. In Anambra we did not increase funds but only increased the monitoring. The money went where we wanted it to go,” he said. These are words on marble.

Israel Fagbemigun,24, has been sworn in as Senate President of the National Association of Ondo Students (NAOSS). The 400-Level Microbiology student of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, tells KEMI BUSARI (Political Science) why students must show their aim for seeking leadership.

‘Only fraudsters make money from unionism’

H •A lecture theatre without roofs

At IMT, lectures stop when it rains •Continued from page 29 removed, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) urged the parties to maintain the status quo for two days to enable the police make consultations. But, the following day, the Rector summoned other members of the union executive and some members of the management and swore in Millicent as SUG president. Kingsley petitioned the Commissioner of Police and the DPO, notifying them of the development. The petition reads: “This letter is to notify you about the management’s action, which is in contradiction to the provisions of the SUG constitution on how the president can be removed from of-

fice. They, for no just cause, want me out of my position as the SUG leader, without approval by neither the parliament nor the general assembly. I would be delighted if you can use your good office to look into the actions, knowing that peace is good but justice is better.” The police dropped the matter later when Ekwueme told the Deputy Commissioner of Police investigating the case that the management took the decision. Dissatisfied, the students notified the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). It was learnt that the NANS officials, who came to resolve the matter, were lodged in a hostel by the management. A departmental president, who did not want his name in print,

said the NANS officials sold their goodwill to the management. “What do you expect from the NANS leaders? They were lodged in comfortable hotels at the expense of the school. We never heard anything after that,” he said. Meanwhile, the embattled Kingsley has said he would not vacate the position, vowing to defend the interest of the students who elected him. Students, who spoke to our correspondent, urged Governor Chime to visit the campus and see things for himself. Contacted, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr Ifeanyi Ojobor, said he could not comment on the matter, because it is beyond him. He told our correspondent to speak to the Rector.

OW did you join students’ politics? I started by engaging students in political discussions on campus. Later, I developed interest in seeking leadership position by election. In my 100-Level, I contested to be the class representative but I lost. In the same year, I lost the bid to be the Assistant General Secretary of my faculty. After that, I have contested for 16 other offices on campus and won all. What elective positions have you held on campus and elsewhere? I served as a local government coordinator for “Ribadu For President”, a campaign team in Ondo State in 2011. I was elected the Public Relations Officer of the National Union of Ikale Students in Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). I was a member of Students’ Association Parliament for three years during which I served in various committees, including project monitoring and audit committees. I also served in the audit committee of my department for three years and rose to become the chairman. I was also privileged to serve as the General Secretary of National Association of Ondo Students (NAOSS) in OAU and later became president in the 2012/2013 session.

• Israel

How would you describe your emergence as NAOSS Senate President? It was an indication of hope for better change because students voted according to their conscience and not for money.

•Continued on page 44

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

Farewell, Idachaba All roads led to Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State, where students of the Kogi State University (KSU) joined dignitaries from various parts of the world to bid former Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Idachaba a final farewell. MOHAMMED YABAGI (200-Level Mass Communication) reports.

DAH, the cultural capital of the Igala in Kogi State, literarily stood still last Friday. Residents halted all activities to receive dignitaries, who came to the ancient town to witness the funeral of their illustrious son and academic hero, Prof Francis Idachaba, a former Vice-Chancellor of the Kogi State University (KSU) in Anyigba. The event brought people from the government, academia, business, politics and traditional institution. The dignitaries were led by the Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, and his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi. The burial started with a service of songs at the deceased’s residence in New Bodija, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. This was followed by a commendation service at his alma mater - the University of Ibadan (UI) - by his colleagues in the academia. The late Idachaba studied Economics. The remains of the late university teacher departed Ibadan on Thursday to Ofiayi-Idah, where relations and mourners observed a wake before the body arrived. At 9:40am, the body conveyed in a black Mercedes Benz V Class Wagon, was received by officials of United Evangelical Church in Idah for lying-in-state. A large

crowd of sympathisers were at the church auditorium to participate in the burial rite. Stunt by the pallbearers, who were dressed in brown dansiki (Yoruba flowing gown) with etu caps to match, enlivened the mood of mourners. The sympathisers danced to the beat from the accompanying live band as the brown metallic casket, which contained the remains of the deceased, was held shoulder high. The casket was wheeled into the church hall, trailed by members of academia, clad in red academic gown, and students. Other guests at the event included Governor Wada’s wife, Hajia Halima, former Governor Ibrahim Idris, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, KSU ViceChancellor (VC), Prof Hassan Isah, and VC of Federal University of Agriculture in Makurdi, Prof Emmanuel Kucha, among others. In his sermon, Reverend John Ugah urged the congregation to always remember that death could come anytime. The clergy, who took his exhortation from Psalm, chapter 116 vs. 15, said: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” He said God did not promise the sinners a happy welcome into the heaven when they pass on.

•The pallbearers taking the body to church for lying-in-state

Ugah said it was not the plan of God for anyone to go to hell, appealing to members of the congregation to always put their trust in God for them to be guided aright. In an emotion-laden voice, Governor Wada described the late scholar as a man of peace, who chose hard work and sincerity to improve the lots of humanity. He said the late Idachaba contributed immensely to the global knowledge in field of agriculture. Anyim, who spoke through Mr Solomon Ishaya, a Director in the presidency, said the Federal Government said Idachaba’s demise was loss not only to the family and the nation but to the world. Chairman Igala Education Foundation, Chief Gabriel Aduku, who spoke on behalf of the Board of

Trustees, described Prof Idachaba as a pride of Igala people. In his message, which was read by Chief Yusuf Ameh Adaji, the Attah of Igala, Michael Ameh Oboni ll, said the kingdom was touched by the death of the great scholar, adding that Igala people would take solace in the good legacy Idachaba left in Igalaland and the nation while he lived. The late Idachaba’s widow, Dr Esther, said she was privileged to have known him and be by his side for years. “The relationship we had was more of brother and sister but in all, I give glory to God because the Lord giveth and He taketh,” she said. On the deceased’s spiritual life, the widow said: “Francis never left his God; this was why he was able

•The late Prof Idachaba

to attain the level he got to in life. There was never a time he forgot his God; there was never a controversy over who his God was.” Members of academia were not left out in the tribute session. Prof Noah Attah described his late colleague as an “intellectual enigma” who never compromised standard in any field of human endavour. Prof Isah said his late predecessor devoted his energy, time and resources in transforming the university.

Blackout sparks students’ anger A drama played out last week at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, when occupants of the Awolowo Hall splashed water on Students’ Union leaders in the hostel because of power outage and water shortage. AFEES LASISI (200-Level Political Science) reports.

HERE was a drama at the Awolowo Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, last weekend. Occupants of the hostel embarrassed members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG). The students vented their anger on their leaders for not being alive to their responsibility. Some of the union leaders living in the hostel were called out from their rooms and splashed with water. Although none of the students’ leaders were beaten with any hard materials, students said the action was necessary to remind the leaders of their failure to attend to students’ well-being. The first victim was Isaac Ibikunle, the SUG president, who was drenched from head to the toe. As he was being splashed, some of his colleagues, who learnt about the incident, wanted to escape from the hostel but they were prevented by students, who politely asked them to come forward for ‘baptism’. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that there was power outage in the school for five days, resulting in water shortage. While the outage lasted, students turned to mosques and churches to charge their mobile phones and laptops. “Before the union was restored, we always gathered ourselves to fight for our welfare. But the presence of SUG seems not to make any difference. We no longer have a vibrant union anymore; Isaac Ibikunle and his colleagues have become puppets of the management,” a student said. Another student said: “Since we resumed, after the increment in school fees, the quality of services we are getting from the union shows these people are not for us.”

But Isaac pleaded for patience and support from the students, noting that years of proscription may have affected the SUG’s vibrancy. He said: “I understand all your grievances and criticisms, which made you to splash water on me. But, you must remember that the union members are under probation, which means we must be careful of our activities so that it won’t lead to another suspension by the management.” On the allegations that he beat up a student, Isaac said the victim could not explain what he was doing on the spot he was caught at 12am. Some students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE after the incident, condemned the union’s inaction, describing it as unprecedented. One of them, who simply identified himself as Tunde, said: “Students spending days without electricity on the campus had never happened. This tells us that, it is the Students’ Union that is making the situation worse because with a functional union, nobody would have dared to play with students’ welfare.” Another student, Segun Ayoola, said: “Why must we go through agony because we are students of a Nigerian university? How do they want us to excel in our academic pursuit when there is no power supply and water in the hostel?” Before the electricity was restored, students led a procession to the Students’ Union Building to register their displeasure over the outage. Officials of the union hurriedly left their office for fear of being attacked by the angry students. • Students in a queue to fetch water at Adekunle Fajuyi Hall

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

Rumour causes stir at OFFA POLY

• Participants at the seminar

Participate in politics, students told

HE Secretary-General of Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Students (PANS) has organised a seminar for students of the Department of Pharmacy. The event, which took place at the Lecture Theatre IV, was attended by representatives of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN). The Secretary of PSN, Dr Felix Nduka, encouraged the students to imbibe good attitude in their endeavours, stating that pharmacists were not to be depressed by happenings around them. He said: “This is the maiden edition of the pharmacy talk show between pharmacists and pharmacy students. Today’s event is going to be highly informative as you will all be given opportunity to ask questions on any matters that may seem ambiguous in pharmacy.” The Chairman of the Edo State chapter of PSN, Solomon Ikpefan, decried the poor attitude of pharmacy students to politics. He stressed that the ‘book only’ life-

From Ezekiel Efeobhokhan UNIBEN style was not enough to survive in today’s society, stating that pharmacy students live a triangular life that was detrimental to modern career life. “Although I was the best graduating student in my class, I would tell you that no profession can go far without politics. Pharmacy students ought to network and not live a secluded life, involve in politics either at the faculty level or in the student Union government. This will help build the network you require to survive in the profession; the curriculum of the pharmacy school is under review, this is done in order to reduce the work load of the pharmacy students.” High point of the event was the quiz competition of which Akpan Eti-Inyene, 200-Level; Jennifer Otakhor, 500-Level and Christopher Ilegoghe, 600 -Level emerged first, second and third positions respectively.

Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Toluwani Osabiya, 300-Level Pharmacy, said: “I didn’t like politics before this talk show, but now I am willing to sponsor a candidate in any political office he wishes to vie for.” Meanwhile, the Academic Committee organised a seminar titled: “Building a consummate pharmacist”. Present at the event were Jacob Egharevba, Chief Pharmacist, University of Benin Teaching Hospital; Dr Emmanuel Oloton, Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students (PANS); President, University of Benin chapter Samuel Ugwumba, speaker of PANS congress Ikechukwu Abah, Dr Mathew Arewoh and Chairman Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Mr Festus Awo-Osagie. In his remark, Egharevba told the students to lead a responsible life, saying it would help to give the profession a good name. Highlights of the event included the raffle draw where winners were given pressing iron, chargeable lanterns and calculators.

OOU loses two undergrads

TUDENTS of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State have expressed shock over the death of two female students. Busayo Fayomi, 400-Level Medicine, and John Ibidun Anthonia, a final year student of Banking and Finance, who died of undisclosed ailments. The students died at the time their colleagues were agitating for school fee reduction and when the campus was under lock and key because of protest. The late Busayo’s friend, Omotola Folowosele, wrote on her Facebook page: “I can’t still believe this is true. My eyes are still filled with tears. The news of your death is sad. I cannot just open your Facebook page. I can still remember our last discussion. How will you be taken away by death just like that. Apart from you being my school baby, you were just always there for me. I was only waiting for you to be inducted as a medical doctor, not waiting to see your death certificate. Hah! Iku o se yi tan (death, you have done your worst). Rest in peace, my friend.” Gbemisola Ogunyemi also wrote on the late Busayo’s Facebook wall: “You have excessively been on my mind lately. I called you severally, but your phone was switched off. I

•The late Busayo

From Sanya Boluwatife OOU left you a text which I am sure you didn’t have the opportunity to read. But, I got the sad telephone call tonight and I was told you are no more. I looked at your pictures, tears flowed endlessly. You were my sister and confidant. I found strength in you when I felt I was weak. No more will I hear your laughter; no more will we sit under guava tree to chat and no more play.

•The late Ibidun

I will never forget you; I will always remember you. I shall cherish the memories I have with you. Death is a thief, stealing one of my life treasures. The whole world will miss you because you made many smile. Sleep well Busayo.” Adewuyi Ayobami, the late Ibidun’s course mate, said: “I was shocked when I got the news but death is inevitable. My prayer is that, untimely death will never be the portion of any of us anymore.”

HERE was pandemonium last Friday at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY) when reports got to the campus that policemen had killed two students. It was, however, confirmed that the students, who are in ND 1 Accounting, were injured and are in a hospital in Offa Government Reserved Area (GRA). The students’ names and numbers could not be ascertained at the press time. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the victims were on their way to the polytechnic’s permanent site in Ojoku in the wee hours when a commercial bus called “Korope” being chased by policemen hit the motorcyle they were riding. The students, according to witnesses, were flung into the bush. When report got to students on campus, activities were disrupted as they took to the streets in protest. The Students’ Union Government (SUG) officials made efforts to douse the tension but the students were adamant, demanding justice for their injured colleagues. Efforts by the Dean Students’ Af-

From Suliat Abodunrin and Funmilola Adewunmi OFFA POLY fairs, Mr. L.A Adeyemi, to calm the angry students were futile. The Dean, in a statement, said: “This is to inform the entire student that the two students that sustained injuries during the accident that happened on their way to permanent site on Friday are alive and they are responding very well to treatment. “I also want to use this medium to clarify that no life was lost during or after the accident. Students are hereby enjoined to shun rumour and face their studies squarely and avoid any acts that can prolong the semester unnecessarily.” A police officer, who did not give his name, urged students to find out correct information about event before reacting. “This matter is as a result of misunderstanding between the police and students. The policemen did not kill anyone, they were just doing lawful job,” he said.

Beautiful Nubia thrills OAU students

T was an exciting evening at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, last Thursday when singer, Segun Akinlolu, popularly known as Beautiful Nubia, stormed the campus. The Chairman of the Institute, Prof Gbemisola Adeoti, said the concert tagged An Evening of African Folklore, was organised by the Institute of Cultural Studies, OAU, to honour Beautiful Nubia as an icon of African culture. While expressing gratitude for the award, he said singing artistically was a natural gift from God which he had been nurturing since he was nine. He noted that the degenerating situation of Nigerians required a massive change that must begin with helping children to embrace good values and shun vices of corruption right from their early years. “If we get it right with the children, we still have one more chance. Teach them humility, honesty, respect for elders, love for fellow human beings regardless of gender, colour or class,” he said. He urged young people to spot the errors in today’s leaders, noting where the older generation has erred and choose to set things right for the progress of the country. Prof Gbemisola said though some purveyors of modernism would want to denigrate many aspects of Africa’s culture and history, the story-telling art and the folk song tradition remained irrepressible aspects of African heritage. He said “One of these new modes, which we are proud to associate with at the Institute of Cultural Studies is the musical art of Beautiful Nubia and his Roots Renaissance Band. His artistic efforts at rekindling interests in Africa’s cultural heritage accord with the objective of the institute especially in promoting, preserving and propagating knowledge about the culture of African peoples in a holistic sense.” He noted that the need to strengthen the synergy between the academia and the larger society motivated the collaboration between the institute and Eni Oba nke to come up with the programme. He described Nubia as one of

•Beautiful Nubia entertaining students at the show

From Temitayo Ayetoto OAU those very few song stars who were able to win and sustain the interests of audience across gender, generational and national boundaries in contemporary times. “His harmonious blend of Yoruba and English languages in his songs as well as harmonious fusion of musical instruments from African and non-African performance cultures, actively mark him out as an important artiste of our generation who is doing things that are worthy of scholarly note and musical notation.” he said.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES

Kingship tussle tears Anambra community apart

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

Abia Speaker empowers constituents •PAGE 36

•PAGE 35

PAGE 33

Industrialist donates to varsity •PAGE 38

•A traditional ruler receiving homage from his subjects

Ndigbo and the waning traditional institution

INGSHIP in Igbo land is a sacred and highly revered institution. Its awe-inspiring mysteries, myths, glamour and royalty have been major preoccupation among historians and experts in mores of the land. It is essentially a unifying factor and custodian of the people’s norms, beliefs and cultural heritage. Being a highly respected institution, a king’s life, in principle and practice, is significantly free from any form of blame. Kingship is almost mystic in Igbo land. For instance, a king is seen a representative of the gods and is restricted by norms and traditions of the people from doing certain things, of which he must diligently observe. In the past, a king cannot be seen

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

beyond his palace. This, however, had to be reviewed to allow the king the luxury of carrying out his wider responsibilities, which cannot satisfactorily be done within the confines of the palace. It is also a tradition in Igbo land that before a person aspires to become a king, his father must have been dead, for the simple reason that a king must not be subjected to the control of any person. He must be of impeccable character and free from all charges such as robbery, covetousness, indebtedness and drunkenness, among other crummy lifestyles. The king embodies all virtues and the people see him as a symbol of purity. This is outwardly confirmed

by the fact that kings in Igbo land always wear white regalia. There are certain modes of behaviour which are characteristic of

kings in Igbo land. For example, the king’s mouth cannot be seen while he is eating; neither does he eat in public places. He is regarded as a rep-

‘Today, once a man makes enough money, he returns home to buy the traditional throne of his people, even though he was an ex-convict, who has questionable means of livelihood. This has cost the confidence of the people on the traditional institution. It was a taboo to see kings indicted in serious crimes such as robbery and kidnapping. In the past, kings were men of impeccable characters’

resentative of the ancestors, who is above human errors and as such, is seen as an embodiment of truth and justice. Apart from being a secular ruler, the king is also imbued with spiritual powers and authority. He is the High Priest, and therefore at the head of all traditional religious functions in the community. The priestly duties of the king start in the early hours of the morning when the royal gong is sounded. He wakes and offers sacrifice to the gods on behalf of the people. After this, he retires to the palace to discharge his duties and receive homage from his subjects. In the yesteryear, the royal household is usually administrated by three servants known as Ngbaloto Eze meaning the naked servants .They are responsible for the king’s needs and must be naked while attending to him. They are usually very young boys who are considered virgins. Their heads are uniquely shaved in a traditional manner. One serves as the king’s interpreter while the other •Continued on page 34

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•Members of the new Special Response Squad (SRS) during their passing out ceremony

Police in Imo launch new outfit to combat crimes I N its determination to combat kidnapping, robbery, car theft, thuggery, cultism and other heinous crimes, the Imo State Police Command has launched a new crime fighting outfit code-named Special Response Squad (SRS). The Commissioner of Police, AbdulMajid Ali, said the creation of the outfit was one of the numerous initiatives of the command in ensuring a peaceful, crime-free and secured Imo, especially during the Yuletide. He assured that the personnel have been urged to shun corruption and be firm, fair and friendly in the discharge of their duties. Speaking during the passing out parade of the new outfit at the Mobile Police Base in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Ali revealed that the officers and men of the squad had undergone a one-month intensive training, stressing that “it is my

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

pleasure to certify them fit and ready to carry out their assignment effectively and efficiently.” Warning politicians to refrain from acts of thuggery and other forms of political violence during the forthcoming general elections, the police chief announced the ban on the use of firearms by vigilance groups and other unconventional security outfits. He gave a two-week ultimatum to all the affected groups to surrender any firearms in their possession, warning that any person or group of persons found with firearm after the expiration of the ultimatum will be severely dealt with. He said: “All security networks, vigilance groups and every unconventional security outfit bearing firearms should surrender their arms to the police station nearest to

•Mr. Ali

them within two weeks. Similarly, I warn all persons engaged in any form of crime to leave the trade or leave the state entirely, else they will meet their waterloo.” He also disclosed that the command had made remarkable

achievements between March and August in checkmating criminals and their activities. “Within the time under review, the command rescued 22 kidnap victims and arrested 39 suspected kidnappers, rescued 39 stolen babies

‘All security networks, vigilance groups and every unconventional security outfit bearing firearms should surrender their arms to the police station nearest to them within two weeks. Similarly, I warn all persons engaged in any form of crime to leave the trade or leave the state entirely, else they will meet their waterloo’ and arrested 46 child traffickers. It also recovered 40 stolen vehicles and recovered stolen properties estimated at N29 million.”

Ndigbo and the waning traditional institution •Continued from page 33 two are always in attendance during an audience; standing at both sides of the king bearing the royal sword. The wives and children of the king live apart from him. While he can see the children at all times, he can only see the wives only during the day. The king can marry as many wives as he desires, and cannot be asked to pay bride price for his would-be wife, though his in-laws are accorded great respect throughout the kingdom. They are also secluded from the public and are restricted to their royal quarters, but friends and relations can pay visits to them. Male visitors can only see them during the day with the permission of the king and guided by one of the palace guards. The process of being a king in Igbo land is extensive as it is expensive. In most communities, the kingship stool is rotational among royal families who take turns to produce the kings. But the age-long practice has often led to prolonged litigations that had torn most communities apart. In the past, potential contenders to any throne were brought before the Chief Priest who consults the gods

to know the best person to be crowned king and the outcome is accepted by all without complaint for fear of the anger of the gods. In keeping with the tradition of secrecy that surrounds the affairs of the king, his illness and eventual death is kept secret from the public for a long time to allow the performance of all traditional rituals that precedes his burial to be performed. The news of the king’s death is broken to his subjects in a metaphorladen linguistic expression such as igwe ejiri or igwe ejiele, meaning the steel or iron is broken. The Igwe’s second in command, the Onowu or traditional Prime Minister immediately assumes the office of the late king as a regent until a new king is appointed. But with the advent of civilisation, the concept of kingship in Igbo land has changed. In our day, it is no longer the revered institution it used to be. Gone are the solemnity, sacredness and royalty of the throne. The process of selecting a king now is manipulated by politicians who can also depose any king at will. There are also more reported cases of kingship tussle resulting from faulty selection processes than it used

to be when the procedure was guided by established norms and traditions. Kings have also abandoned their hallowed palaces to hobnob with politicians thereby desecrating the traditional institution. With more political roles trusted to kings, the original role of providing leadership at the community level has been abandoned, resulting in increased impunity among the people. For instance, in Imo State, traditional rulers are no more restricted to their palaces from where they administer their kingdoms but are now given a new role that warrants them to participate in the day-to-day running of the government. Their new role, encapsulated under the newly created Traditional Parliament of Imo State has given the monarchs the opportunity to collaborate with the government and the people in the process of development and improving the well-being of their subjects. Commenting on the ‘dying’ traditional institution in Igbo land, Chief Ibeku Uzoaru, lamented that the once-revered institution has been hijacked and desecrated by politicians and money bags, stressing that except something urgent is done, Ndigbo

will continue to grapple with kingship tussle. The octogenarian said: “What you hear in Igbo land today is that Igbo enweghi eze, meaning Igbo does not have a king. This belief results from the republican nature of Igbo land where every male adult that has attained the age of 18 has the right to contribute or air his view at a community gathering at the village square. “It was not so at the beginning but when people with questionable characters found their ways to the traditional throne using their wealth, the traditions of our people were destroyed. “Today once a man makes enough money, he returns home to buy the traditional throne of his people, even though he was an ex-convict, who has questionable means of livelihood. This has cost the confidence of the people on the traditional institution. It was a taboo to see kings indicted in serious crimes such as robbery and kidnapping. In the past, kings were men of impeccable characters.” Chief Uzoaru further criticised the polarisation of the institution. “It is now common in Igbo land to have a

king in every village of few persons and this has weakened the oncepowerful institution. The presentday kings are no less errand boys to politicians who assemble them to add colour to every little political gathering,” he said. For Nze Njoku Anthony, the collapse of the traditional institution in Igbo land is responsible for the high rate of criminal activities in several communities. “In the past, we never heard about crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, rape or any other heinous crime because they were regarded as sacrilege with serious consequences. But today, we are no longer guided by our traditions. “What you have as kings today are mere ceremonial heads who do not even know the traditions of the people. This is so because there are interferences in the manner the kings are selected. “For instance, if a community elects a king in line with their tradition, the government could have preference for another person who will be officially recognised as king and present Staff of Office to him,” he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT Alor, the once-peaceful community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State has, been engulfed in turmoil over the certificate of recognition issued to one of the contenders to the traditional throne by the state government. In this interview with NWANOSIKE ONU, Chief Benson Chinedu Igwe speaks on the state government’s role in the crisis among other issues. Excerpts

Kingship tussle tears Anambra community apart W

HAT is the cause of the crisis that has lingered since 2012? Alor community comprises two traditional sections, namely: Ezi and Ifite. Ezi section is made up of three villages: Umuoshi, Etiti and Ebenesi-Okebunoye while Ifite is made up of three villages also namely Uruezeani, Ide and Umuokwu. The traditional stool of the community rotates between the Ezi and Ifite sections. The procedure for ascending the throne is contained in the Constitution of Alor Peoples’ Convention. But the constitution is not being followed in the current issue. Before the kingship position is occupied, a democratically elected town union government has to be in place and will comprise former members of Igwe-in-Council, (now: the Regency Council, which is 18 traditional Ichies from the 18 kindred units in Alor; one Idi Alo from each kindred unit, hononary chieftaincy title holders; three elected delegates (two men and one woman) from each kindred, one representative of each of the branches of Alor Development Union (ADU) throughout the federation, Chairman and Secretary of Nze na Ozo Council, among others. If you add up all these, you will have between 130 to 140 individuals from Alor community who would be saddled with the responsibility of selecting our traditional ruler in accordance with our town union constitution. Second, after the one year mourning period for our late traditional ruler, the President-General of Alor community would convene a general meeting of the town and announce the vacant kingship position. When this is done, the section that qualifies to produce the next king will present its candidate to the general meeting of Alor Peoples’ Convention for screening. After the person is passed the screening, then he would be declared the Igwe-elect of Alor community by the Convention

and not the 12-man caretaker committee. Thereafter, the town union government would kick-start arrangements for the coronation of the new king (Igwe). After the coronation, the President-General and the town union executive, the newly installed traditional ruler with his cabinet would then go for presentation of the new Igwe to the State Government and then the Governor, satisfied that due process was followed and the general acceptance of the Igwe by the community would issue the new Igwe with the certificate of recognition. Unfortunately, this is not the case in my community. Instead of adhering to the socalled term of reference, by putting in place a democratically elected town union government, the caretaker committee resorted to selection of the new traditional ruler, and that exposed their clandestine and malignant activities. Therefore, I have been denied of my right as a contestant to the throne. How can the screening committee declare a boy whose father is still alive Igwe? This is abomination and a taboo in Igbo land. Would he be addressed as Igwe and his father addressed as prince? As if this is not enough, the Caretaker Committee hurriedly forwarded Mr. Chinedu Okonkwo’s name to the state government as the Igwe-Elect and Governor Willie Obiano quickly issued certificate of recognition to him, even as he is yet to be presented to the people for acceptance or otherwise and subsequent coronation by the community. As far as the community is concern, we have no Igwe at the moment. It is not certificate that makes somebody Igwe of his community; it is the members of the community that crowns somebody their Igwe. Thereafter, certificate of recognition may follow, not the other way around as is the case in Alor community.

‘Our community no longer knows peace. They are playing politics with the fate of Alor people. They usually allege that those against the imposition of the caretaker committee and their misdeeds are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are supporters of Senator Chris Ngige. That’s what they told the Governor’

•Chief Benson Igwe

How helpful has the Abuja-based man in Abuja been to the community? The Abuja-based member of the community has been of great help to the community in various ways, of which we appreciate. But our community no longer knows peace. They are playing politics with the fate of Alor people. They usually allege that those against the imposition of the caretaker committee and their misdeeds are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are supporters of Senator Chris Ngige. That’s what they told the Governor. But everybody knows me as a contented businessman. I have no affiliation with any political party

or politician. I am neither a member of the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). I am equally not a fan of Ngige. I’m afraid God may be angry with our Abuja brother because it appears he uses his God-given position to mistreat vulnerable and the downtrodden in the community. It is wrong before God to pitch brothers and sisters against one another in the guise of helping them. If you want to help people, help them to the Glory of God. What should be done for peace to reign in the community once again? What will bring peace and normalcy to our community would be to follow due process in the selec-

tion the king of the community. The members of the caretaker committee should be impartial in the discharge of their duties. Whoever emerges the Igwe- elect, we shall support. Things must be done the right way, especially serious matter such as choosing a traditional ruler for a community, which must be done in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. If I lose in the process, I will support the winner. But if this unconstitutional act is allowed to continue, it is capable of splitting the community into two with two separate traditional rulers. Just recently, about five Catholic Priests of Alor origin, led by Rev. Fr Marius Obiagwu initiated a peace move. Not satisfied with the actions of the caretaker committee, I have taken the matter to court. I took the action because I know there will not be peace without justice and truth.

•The Primate of the Anglican Church, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh (middle) flanked from left by former Vice-President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and from immediate (right), Chief Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, Prof. Jerry Gana and other dignitaries in a group photograph after receiving award of excellence from the Primate during this year's general Synod of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd Enugu. PHOTO: OBI CLETUS

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT Aspirant’s ambition gets a boost From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

HE ambition of Friday Nwosu, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Abia State for the 2015 general elections has received a boost as a group; Ikwuano/Umuahia Youths Assembly pledged support for his candidature. The group stated that Nwosu possessed the best credentials to build on the foundation and legacies already laid by the Theodore Orji-led administration. Spokesman of the group, Tony Oriaku, said his group was building on the wide support Nwosu enjoys among the PDP stalwarts and Abia stakeholders throughout the 17 local government areas. Oriaku hinted that his group, in its last general meeting at Olokoro in Umuahia South Local Government Area, reviewed political developments in the state, adding that their findings informed their support for the PDP governorship aspirant. According to him, the group’s decision to support the aspirant was borne out of what he termed his level-headedness and ability to sustain unity, peace and development through building on the foundations laid by the present administration in order to take Abia to the next level. “We have considered all the aspirants for the Abia governorship seat for the 2015 general elections and discovered the PDP aspirant possesses the quality needed to enhance the socioeconomic well-being of the people. We have watched with keen interest and critically analysed the aspirants and from all indications, it is clear that. Friday Nwosu is the best man for the job. “Nwosu is a great philanthropist who had, out of his own resources, supported many propeople causes without making noise about it. He is a friend of the less-privileged. When we analysed his programmes and activities even before he showed interest in the governorship race, we are convinced that Abia State would be safe with him as governor than other aspirants. “It is therefore our conviction that, if he is supported to emerge governor of Abia State, he will certainly deliver,” he said.

We have considered all the aspirants for the Abia governorship seat for the 2015 general elections and discovered the PDP aspirant possesses the quality needed to enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people. We have watched with keen interest and critically analysed the aspirants and from all indications, it is clear that Friday Nwosu is the best man for the job…Nwosu is a friend of the lessprivileged

•Some of the Passat cars

•Some cassava drying machines

•The skill Acquisition at Abiriba

Abia Speaker empowers constituents

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha with some students of Rochas Foundation College who visited him in Owerri during his 52nd birthday.

HE Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu has given empowerment items to some members of Ohafia North State Constituency and some individuals from the 17 local government areas of Abia State. He said the gesture was borne out of his desire to appreciate members of his constituents for the trust they reposed in him to represent them at the State House of Assembly. During the event, Hon. Chukwu distributed gift items worth millions of Naira to over 200 beneficiaries. Various political stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and party faithful thronged the play ground of Etitiama Primary School, Nkporo, venue of the event in their numbers in solidarity with the Speaker who donated vehicles and other items of empowerment worth over N50 million. The Speaker said the efforts of the state government had to be complemented through genuine contributions by individuals, even as he revealed that the gesture was his contribution in that regard. He said Governor Orji’s administration lays emphasis on entrenching good governance and delivery of democratic benefits for the common good of the people. “What is happening today is borne out of a sincere commitment to serve and leave an enduring legacy for posterity as well as complementing the efforts of the state governor to empower our people and make them self-reliant. It is gratifying to note that the administration of Governor Orji has aggressively tackled the issue of unemployment of Abia youths through empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes,” he said. Hon. Chukwu urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items, even as he appealed to those who were not accommodated in the programme to be patient as they will be taken care of in the next phase of the programme. The Speaker said there are some ongoing road projects in his constituency which he said the governor has graciously promised to come and inaugurate before the end of his tenure in May, 2015. He reeled off the projects to include Abiriba –Etitiama-Nkporo and Abiriba –Ndi Ebe Abam roads, adding that he had completed construction and renovation of classroom blocks and staff quarters in some secondary schools in the constituency. Some of the items distributed to

•Another set of cars for distribution

•some of the sewing machines and motorcycles for beneficiaries

‘What is happening today is borne out of a sincere commitment to serve and leave an enduring legacy for posterity as well as complementing the efforts of the state governor to empower our people and make them self-reliant. It is gratifying to note that the administration of Governor Orji has aggressively tackled the issue of unemployment of Abia youths through empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes’ From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

the beneficiaries at the event included 53 vehicles; 32 Q-link motorcycles, four bicycles, three giant electricity generating sets, 10 computer sets, 30 sewing machines, 50 small electricity generating sets, 10 weaving machines, 20 hair dressing kits, four vulcanising machines, four deep freezers, 10 sets of garri processing machines, 20 barbing kits, four grinding machines and a complete set of modern disc jockey equipment and 3,000 customised printed wrappers. To ensure that he met the health needs of his people, a medical test session for malaria, hypertension and diabetes screening, among other health conditions, were also conducted to complement Governor Orji’s giant strides in providing quality healthcare for the people. While inaugurating a modern skill acquisition centre built and equipped at Abiriba by Hon. Chukwu where people will be

trained in various skills and trades, Governor Orji praised Hon Chukwu for his people-oriented programmes and urged other lawmakers to emulate him. Though the event chaired by the PDP National Vice-Chairman, Southeast, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd) was meant to appreciate the electorate for their support for Hon. Chukwu who is serving his third tenure as lawmaker and three years as Speaker of the 5th Abia Assembly, some party officials and leading politicians from the 17 local government areas soon turned it into a carnival-like event as they stormed the venue with their supporters. Some of those who attended the event expressed their gratitude to the Speaker for his benevolence, describing him as “the people’s lawmaker.” According to them, Chukwu has been too generous in attending to the needs of the people of his constituency.

One of the beneficiaries, Orji Francis who received a Volkswagen Passat car said: “Hon. Oko Chukwu has been a source of blessing to the people of Ohafia North State Constituency and Abia State. He has been attending to the needs of his constituents without making noise about it. “Before today, I have received a lot of assistance from him. He is a good man who takes pleasure in alleviating the suffering of his people. Only God can reward his love for the people.” Hon. David Iro, PDP Youth Leader in Ohafia Local Government Area, who is among the six beneficiaries of SUV vehicles, said he had worked with Hon. Chukwu over the years, describing him as a benevolent person. Hon. Iro, who was former Councillor and Leader of the Ohafia Legislative Council, said Chukwu’s philanthropy accounts for why the constituency has re-elected him thrice and has vowed to support him for a higher

office in 2015. He said: “Mr. Speaker has been secretly empowering his constituents over the years. Before today’s empowerment programme, he had donated many cars, gave scholarship to indigent students, paid medical bills and provided housing for the less-privileged without blowing his trumpet. “A few years ago, he sponsored about six of us to the local government as elected councillors. He has assisted a lot of people to secure employment and admission into tertiary institutions across the federation. This is why he has been reelected thrice. Oko Chukwu is the people’s lawmaker. The people are already calling on him to seek a higher office in 2015.” He added that the Speaker had set a precedent which will be difficult to surpass. He urged other lawmakers to emulate his example. While addressing reporters, at the event which he described as monumental, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Obasi Okibeh Onwukah had said the empowerment programme has become a regular event through which the Speaker appreciates his constituents and people of the state for their support, adding that the items were not distributed based on party affiliation but on the basis of reaching out to the people of his constituency and state no matter their party inclinations. In attendance at the were Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji; his deputy, Chief Emeka Ananaba; members of the state executive council; members of the state Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Asiforo

Okere; State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Emma Nwaka; his deputy, Chief Allen Nwachukwu, among others. Other top party personalities present were the former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former PDP National Chairman, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Samuel Ikon; former state chairman, Abia PDP and BoT member, Chief Tony Ukasanya,; Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor, Chief Cosmas Ndukwe; Special Adviser to the Governor, Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai; the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Arua Arunsi; member representing Aba North/ Aba South Federal Constituency; Hon. Uzo Azubuike and Deputy Chief of Staff, Abia Government House, Chief Charles Ogbonna. Also in attendance were former Deputy Governor, Chief Eric Acho Nwakanma; Chief Marc Wabara; Ambassador Okey Emuchay; and former Speaker , Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) Parliament, Chief Mao Ohuabunwa, Chief Bourdex David Onuoha, one of the leading aspirants for the Abia North Senatorial zone who was represented by one of his aides, Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Eberechi Dick; Enachioken of Abiriba, Eze Kalu Ogbu and other monarchs from across the state; Leader of the Ukwa Ngwa Ethnic Nationality, Elder Emmanuel Adaelu and former boss of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Chief Chuku Wachuku.

•Governor Orji and his deputy, Ananaba inspecting the skill acquisition centre

•Students of fhe Federal Government Girls’ College Owerri locked out over strike by the Association of Senior Civil Service of Nigeria in Owerri

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

HE Faculty of Business Administration, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus has added another feather in its cap. The faculty benefitted from the philanthropic gestures of one Nigeria’s known industrialists, Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, the Managing Director/CEO of Innoson Industries. Chief Chukwuma built and inaugurated the building named after his business outfit, Innoson. Although he did not reveal the amount of money he spent on the building which he equipped with state-of-the-art classroom gadgets. Speaking at an elaborate ceremony during which the building was handed over to the authorities of the university, Chukwuma said the day’s occasion was a fulfilment of a promise he made to the institution. He said he was impressed by the expertise of person who conceptualised the project, stating that he had donated many buildings to several universities. He urged them to make good use of the building so that with time, posterity would see that many more Innosons would be produced. “I would like to see that the building helped in producing industrialists who will add vigorously pursue the technological advancement of Nigeria,” he said, adding that “it is not the beauty of the building that matters but how the building will help in producing future industrialists for the development of the country.” While thanking Chukwuma for his gesture, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba assured that the building would make a difference in academic and intellectual stature of not only the University of Nigeria but also Nigeria as a whole. He praised the donor whom he said started from a humble beginning to being the first man to have

• Chukwuma cutting the tape to inaugurate the bulding

Industrialist donates to varsity From Chris Oji, Enugu

a vehicle manufacturing company in Nigeria. “He has, so early in life, blazed the trail. Life had not been roses for him. He crossed so many rivers to make it in life. He is today a well known philanthropist. Givers never lack. They are always replenished in many folds. We expect that Chukwuma will start manufacturing jets, having started with motorcycles, to motor cars. He did not study engineering but he is doing better than those who studied engineering,” he said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, Prof. Justie Nnabuko said their hearts were filled with gratitude to “this illustrious son of our land who has magnanimously shown us love.” She said: “If he did not love us, his academic family, he will not bestow on us his hard-earned money to use. Our prayer for him is that God will continue to shower him favour in all areas of his business, riches untold so he will continue to give, divine health, grace and mercy all his life long. He shall conquer more grounds and obtain favour with God.”

‘I would like to see that the building helped in producing industrialists who will add vigorously pursue the technological advancement of Nigeria…It is not the beauty of the building that matters but how the building will help in producing future industrialists for the development of the country’

Rights groups remember their dear member

OALITION of Human Rights groups across the 17 local government areas of Abia State and their counterparts from other parts of the country stormed the commercial city of Aba in remembrance of their departed colleague and former Executive Director, Civil Liberties Organisation, Comrade Chima Ubani who died nine years ago in a motor accident. As a result, vehicular and human movements were brought to a halt. During the rally which began at the Aba South Town Hall, the groups marched in solemn mood through major streets in Aba. They sensitised citizens on their rights and reminded government of its responsibilities to the citizens. The late Ubani, though from Obete-Umuoha in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, believed in the Nigerian Project as he never segregated; had friends across the major and minor ethnic nationalities in the country. He died in active service in a motor accident along PotiskumYobe Expressway on September 21, 2005 on his way to Maiduguri. He was on mobilisation tour against fuel price hike by the then Obasanjo’s administration. Sadly, some of the societal ills that he fought against are still unaddressed or attended to at both state and federal levels. National Convener, United Action for Democracy (UAD) and organiser of the rally, Baba Aye described the late Ubani as a tireless fighter and excellent thinker. Aye said Ubani’s death was symbolic to the working class, adding that “it was on September 21, 1973 that the trade unions decided to come together when one of them,

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

Odunleye was buried.” According to him, Ubani’s spirit lives on, “because some of the issues bedeviling our nation currently were those views Ubani was upholding”. “We are living in a country where the poor are becoming poorer and the rich becoming richer,” he said. Contributing, the National President of Civil Liberties Organisation, Uche Wisdom Durueke said the only way Ubani would be continuously remembered is for social rights activists in the country to always identify with the downtrodden who were Ubani’s constituents. He called on the Presidency and authorities of the Armed Forces to revisit their judgment and revoke the death sentences passed on the 12 soldiers who were tried for mutiny, adding “the soldiers are Nigerians and should not lose their lives. Let us not be deceived by religion, race or anything whatsoever,” he said. In his speech, the Executive Director of the organisation, Ibuchukwu Ezike also urged the Abia State Government to fulfill the promise made by the administration of former governor of the state, chief Orji Uzor Kalu during Ubani’s burial at his hometown Obete Umuoha in Obingwa Local Government Area. Ezike said: “You will recall that during Chima’s burial in 2005 in Obete Umuoha in Obingwa Local Government Area, Abia State Government pledged to take care of Chima’s family and honour him as a great Nigerian of Abia State extraction. The pledge was announced on behalf of the Abia Government and people by the late Deputy Gov-

•Members of the rights group

‘Unfortunately, nine years after, neither the previous nor the present government in the state has made any efforts to respect a pledge to the deceased son while Lagos State Government paid for the mortuary expenses, donated a befitting three bedroom flat and a giant electricity generating set to Chima’s family and awarded full scholarship from nursery to university level for two of Chima’s children’ ernor of the state, Chima Nwafor. “Unfortunately, nine years after, neither the previous nor the present

government in the state has made any efforts to respect a pledge to the deceased son while Lagos State Gov-

ernment paid for the mortuary expenses, donated a befitting three bedroom flat and a giant electricity generating set to Chima’s family and awarded full scholarship from nursery to university level for two of Chima’s children. “Despite repeated appeals by the CLO to urge the government to respect its own pledge, no efforts, not even a reply to our letters, has been made. It is a show of shame that Ubani, who lived and died fighting the cause of the oppressed, the marginalised and the abused; can be treated like this by his own people and government. If it were elsewhere, not only Abia but the entire Southeast state governments ought to have picked the domestic responsibilities of the Ubanis,” he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

politics Why I joined politics, by hotelierr

PROMINENT promoter of the hospitality industry in the country, Chief Bonaventure Mokwe has said he joined Anambra politics to join hands with Governor Willie Obiano to move the state forward. Chief Mokwe, owner of Upper Class Hotel located at No. 8, Old Market Road, Onitisha, Anambra State, which was demolished by former governor of the state, Mr. Peter Obi over allegations that human heads and AK47 rifles were found in one of the rooms, said governance is all about pursuit of the common good devoid of selfcentredness. Mokwe, who said he spent over 80 days in the cell of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS), Awkuzu, because of the false allegation declared for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on August 24. He said one of the reasons for joining the party is to prove to people that he is broad-minded, adding that ordinarily, he has no business with the party of the state’s helmsman who destroyed his property if he is such a man that is petty. He promised to expose the inadequacies of Obi, whose administration he described as a failed adventure, adding that Obi’s crime fighting initiative was meant to witchhunt real and perceived political enemies. Narrating his ordeal, he alleged he was approached by one R.T Martins, proxy to Fidelity Bank Plc to purchase the property for the bank which Obi has an interest in, a demand he said he refused. He alleged that it was after the meeting and his subsequent refusal to sell the property to him that the property was demolished. The hotelier sued Obi for N3 billion as damages over the alleged demolition, stating that a proper in-

•Chairman, APGA, Aguata Local Government Area, Nze Willy Okeke (left), handing over a membership card to Chief Mokwe (third right), after his registration. By Jude Isiguzo

vestigation was not carried out before his hotel was pulled down, adding that the room 102 where the human skull was allegedly found was where a customer who used John Obi as pseudonym lodged the night prior to the demolition of the property. He also said the customer had not checked out of the hotel at the time the police arrived and recovered the items. He said: “My hotel was demolished less than two hours after my arrest. Even when the police knew the real identity of the lodger, they did nothing; rather the officer in charge called him and said he should forget what had happened. “You have three other hotels, forget about the one that was demolished. When they saw there was nothing they could hold against me, they framed me up for murder. “As at today, I have no pending case against me in any court. I am in possession of my property. The court has long declared the action of Obi’s government illegal.” On his joining politics, he said: “My entry into partisan politics was a decision I made after consulting prominent Aguata natives and my

‘My entry into partisan politics was a decision I made after consulting prominent Aguata natives and my larger family. The youths of my town and my neighbouring towns; Uga, Amesi, Achina, Akpo and Ezinifite Aguata were all instrumental to my decision…For the past 10 years, I have been the number one promoter of youth empowerment and poverty alleviation in my area through a cultural festival (Ntanake Festival) which I founded and funded’ larger family. The youths of my town and my neighbouring towns; Uga, Amesi,Achina, Akpo and Ezinifite Aguata were all instrumental to my decision. “For the past 10 years, I have been the number one promoter of youth empowerment and poverty alleviation in my area through a cultural festival (Ntanake Festival) which I founded and funded.

“The final persuasion came from the political czar of Anambra North Senatorial zone; Senator Alphosus Ubanese Igbeke. My recent experience in the hands of Mr. Peter Obi was also a factor in my decision to make a difference in governance. “Sound and logical reasoning in governance and promotion of rule of law are my priorities. Governance by trial and error, act now and think later

‘Judicial autonomy deepens democracy’

BIA State Chief Judge (CJ) Justice Nnenna Otti has called on states that are yet to ensure financial autonomy for the judiciary to do so without delay in order to stabilise the democracy in the country. Justice Otti said there are three arms of government namely the executive, judiciary and the legislature, saying each of them should be independent of each other as none should encroach on the jurisdiction of the other to avoid chaos. Speaking in Umuahia as part of the activities to mark the state's legal year and her valedictory session, Justice Otti said when both the executive and the legislature try to relegate the judiciary to the background, things will not work out well for the system. Justice Otti said the state judiciary has a cordial working relationship with the executive to some extent, adding that there should be a mutual respect for each arm of government as specified by the Constitution of the country, "which is the grand num." She noted that the executive arm of government in most states holds the finances from which other arms of government are funded from, while they make their budgets to the executive which, in most cases do not release enough funds to them. She said: "The executive arm holds in custody money for the other arms of government. While they make their budgets to the executive, it has the right to deter-

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

mine if there is enough money or not to disburse to the other arms of government for their projects. That is one of the reasons the judiciary is calling for financial autonomy and we are happy that it has been granted. But it is left for the executive arm of government to implement them like some of the rich states have done." Justice Otti also said the issue of infrastructure is a problem in the judiciary, stressing that it could only be solved when the state judiciary is financially autonomous. "A situation whereby 80 Magistrates share one court room is absurd as it results in making them to sit on shift basis," she said. She maintained that lack of funds and non-financial autonomy has forced the state governor, Chief Theodore Orji to come to their aid by building two multi-million Naira court houses in Aba and Umuahia and other court buildings across the state. She, however, appealed to the state governments to adhere to the constitutional provision by granting the judiciary financial autonomy as some states have done. Justice Otti appealed to the other arms of government to stop interfering in the affairs of the judiciary, saying that the judiciary is there to dispense justice. "The executive and legislature should not think they can do it alone as such assumption is wrong, be-

‘The executive arm holds in custody money for the other arms of government. While they make their budgets to the executive, it has the right to determine if there is enough money or not to disburse to the other arms of government for their projects…That is one of the reasons the judiciary is calling for financial autonomy and we are happy that it has been granted. But it is left for the executive arm of government to implement them like some of the rich states have done’ cause the judiciary has enormous powers from the Constitution," she said.

•Justice Otti

approach, lack of any sense of damage control and governance by just one man while the rest knows nothing, all of which characterised Obi’s administration will be a thing of the past. “Governor Willie Obiano’s approach to governance is exactly the opposite of that of the past administration, hence my reason for supporting him till the end of his tenure. “Obiano’s crime fighting effort centres on intelligence, manpower deployment, rule of law, youth empowerment, all hands on deck approach, investigation and checks and balances. Continuing, he said: “I was received into the APGA political family on August 24 by the party’s bigwigs in Aguata Local Government Area. The ceremony took place at Umuchu Civic Centre Nkwo Umuchu after which the reception followed at my Upper Class Hotel, Nkwo Umuchu. He said Obi’s administration was hiding under crime fighting to demolish a person’s property while the real intention was to personally acquire a prime property, adding that Obiano’s history of economic accomplishment is legitimate and very clean. “It was arithmetical progression in nature and not sudden wealth. I respect him greatly. His intellectual composition, all of which are earned and not acquired also drew me to him. I equally respect and admire Mr. Victor Umeh for his political shrewdness and resilience. “His spectacular ability to side-step political landmines over the years is very remarkable. I will be honoured to work with him. The partnership will be very interesting. “I am fully aware of all the manmade obstacles including my sad incident confronting Obiano. Governance of last minute sainthood by way of reckless gift jamboree made from the state’s collective wealth is the root of it all. The end result is a financially shackled incoming administration. “Wisdom that is common with intelligent men will see Governor Obiano through the hurdles. He is a breed apart from all the prior governors of Anambra State and he is working despite the shackles,” he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT Group urges youths to shun election violence

YOUTH organisation under the aegis of ZEPUO, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has advised youths across the country to shun electoral violence. They have also been urged to be change agents in the country’s electoral process. Speaking at Okpuala Ngwa in Isiala North Local Government Area, founder and President-General of the group, Mr. Uche Ike said though the group is a non-political organisation, it aims at teaching the members to avoid being used to scuttle electoral process during and after the general elections. Ike said the group seeks to expand the political frontiers of the youth with the aim of making them key into the programmes of the ruling party. He added that while doing that, they should not allow themselves to be used as political thugs during elections. He said the youth are also advised to key into the Federal Government’s youth programmes such as U-Win, saying that the administration of President Jonathan has given youths of the country the necessary tools to express themselves. He opined that the only way youths could benefit from the programmes is to access the funds. He further said the organisation preaches against snatching of ballot box and political violence during elections. He regretted that politicians do not allow their children to come out during elections, let alone getting involved in any political

•Mr Ike with his members From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

violence. He explained that youths in the area are being empowered both economically and politically by encouraging them to participate actively in politics and vie for elective positions. “But when they are not able to win any election, they should be willing to serve in any capacity they may find themselves in any arm of government after the elections,” he said. Noting that President Goodluck Jonathan has worked hard to empower youths of the country, the group revealed that it supports President Jonathan’s ambition for a second term, even as it urges Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji to

represent the people of Abia Central Senatorial zone at the Senate. “President Jonathan has demonstrated a strong commitment to empower the youth through the UWin programme and liberalising the power sector through genuine reforms, among other things that will help in empowering the youth,” he said. Ike further said: “The Alaoji Power Plant in Aba will help to engage the youth and when they are gainfully employed, there will be no youth restiveness thus the economy of the state will improve when they start paying their taxes.” The group is also supporting the zoning of the governorship seat by the Abia State caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Abia South, saying it demonstrates equity, fair play and justice as it will

make every components of the state to have a shot at governorship position of the state. Encouraging Governor Orji to represent his people at the Senate, he said he has empowered the youth through the introduction of various schemes such as provision of cars for taxis, training them in vocational skills and granting them soft loans to start businesses of their own after receiving training. He added that no other governor has been able to achieve these since the creation of the state. Ike noted that the governor has made the youth have a sense of belonging, even as he urged them to make good use of the empowerment tools to better their lives. “Because of his good works, we urge the governor to take his good works to the next level by representing the

people of Abia Central at the Senate,” he said. Mr. Ike expressed the view that the principle of power shift in Abia has been in existence since the creation of the state, adding that the founding fathers made it clear that power must rotate among the different components that make up the state for them to have a sense of belonging. Continuing, he said: “The power shift with regard to governorship position is accurate as the former governor of the state, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu who governed the state for eight years hails from Abia North while Governor Orji is from Abia Central. So, it will only be right just for Abia South to produce the next governor .”

Release our members now, MASSOB tells soldiers

HE leadership of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) in Abia State has called for the unconditional release of their members allegedly arrested by soldiers in Ohafia, even as it threatened that the Movement will not take it lightly should anything happen to their members on detaintion. The Acting Director of Information of MASSOB, Sunny Okereafor told reporters in Aba that 12 members of the group from Abia North were allegedly arrested while they were having their monthly meeting at Ohafia. According to him, the soldiers who came in four Hilux vans arrested 12 of them, even when no arm was found on any of them. They described the alleged arrest as provocative. “This is not the first time our members had been arrested by soldiers without any just cause. We have been pushed to the wall too far and may change our tactics if this persists,” he said. He, however, advised the Military to stop dissipating their energy on members of the Movement who he said had been non-violent in their struggle. They should instead channel their resources in fighting Boko Haram which he said had almost brought the country to its knees. “What are we talking about? Imagine soldiers fleeing from the Boko Haram onslaught that has caused so many problems for this country, only to turn around to arrest MASSOB members who neither carry arms nor violent in their struggle,” he said. Okereafor reeled off names of those arrested to include Evans Okoronkwo, Udonsi Kalu Ogbuka, Christopher Iroadiogu, Ikpo Innocent Kalu, Uka Ojukwu and John Eke. Others were Ferguson Okorie, Chika Uluocha, Marshall Apkan, John Kalu Obu, Ibem Nmecha and Godwin Nwabueze. Okereafor called for the immedi-

‘This is not the first time our members had been arrested by soldiers without any just cause. We have been pushed to the wall too far and may change our tactics if this persists..Imagine soldiers fleeing from the Boko Haram onslaught that has caused so many problems for this country, only to turn around to arrest MASSOB members who neither carry arms nor violent in their struggle’

Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji congratulating Mr. Nwakodo Udochukwu Simon after being sworn in as Commissioner at the Executive Chambers, Government House Umuahia.

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

ate release of the members, failure of which he said, they would rise up in their own way in defence of their members. When contacted, the Public Relations of 14 Brigade, Capt. Umar confirmed that the MASSOB members were arrested by soldiers at Amaekpu Ohafia. Umar said the soldiers discovered some inciting materials while searching the MASSOB members who have since been handed over to the police.

•Newly built toilet facility donated to Eziama Community Primary School, Aba North Local Government Area by the Inner Heart Foundation in Aba

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE Mass Comm students win scholarship From Ahmad Muhammad Auwal NSUK

•Members of the association after their inauguration

Students’ N1m endowment fund for Akwa Ibom

HE leadership of the Akwa Ibom State Graduate Students’ Association (AKWAGRASA) at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has launched a one million naira endowment fund to support educational programmes in the state. The endowment fund launching, which coincided with the swearing-in of the new leaders of the association, was held at the CES Auditorium of the university. Speaking after his inauguration, the president, Rankin Ndipmong, said the educational endowment

From Isaac Mensah UNICAL fund was established with a view of supporting the free and compulsory education programme under the current leadership of Governor Godswill Akpabio. Rankin who appealed for support and donations from public-spirited individuals and organizations, noted that through the endowment fund, educational materials and facilities such as textbooks, notebooks, desks and other writing materials were

made available to public primary and secondary schools across the state. Rankin expressed the belief that the educational materials, when provided, would go a long way in contributing to functional and qualitative education across schools in the state. The Deputy Dean of Postgraduate School, UNICAL, Prof Margaret Okon, applauded the brainchild of the administration, describing the gesture as effort in consolidating the achievements of free education scheme of the state.

Other members of the new executives were Uko Itohowo, Vicepresident; Ekong Asuquo, Secretary General; Ibanga Okon, Financial Secretary; Udoh Oliver, Treasurer; Nta Ubong, Director of Socials and Ebito Amanam as Provost Marshal. John Akpan, a member of the association said: “the initiative of the new leadership will play a significant role in promoting education in the state. Education is paramount, hence, all and sundry must attach importance to it.”

WO students in the Department of Mass Communication at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) have won the 2014 Social Investment award (SIA) and the 2014/2015 NNPC/Chevron Nigeria Limited National University Scholarship Awards. The awards were instituted by Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Limited and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Cheveron Nigeria Limited. The students, Celina Atama Danladi and Monday Ovye Arigu, both from Nasarawa State, get N75,000 and N100,000. The awarding firms said they expected continued academic performance at an acceptable level and satisfactory conduct from the students. Atama said: “I am delighted at this great opportunity and I will continue to do my best.” An elated Monday also said: “I am highly glad to have won the award. I really thank the NNPC/Chevron for the award. I wish to encourage other students who are interested to also apply.” The two were among the over one thousand candidates who sat for the computer-based scholarship tests in English and Mathematics at Chams City, Central Business District Abuja last April. The acting head of the Department, Malam Muhammad S. Rabiu said: “We continuously challenge our students to showcase their brilliant colours. We are happy they are flying high.”

How to win anti-graft war, by Judge

•Prof Anene delivering his lecture

‘Man, insects share the same world’

HE Chuwkuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University in Uli, Anambra State, has held its first inaugural lecture, focusing on insects and their, relationship with man. The event was attended by staff and students, civil servants, traditional rulers and neighbouring institutions of higher learning. In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Fidelis

From Franklin Onwubiko UNIZIK Okafor, said the lecture was a giant step in taking the institution to greater heights. Delivering his paper titled: ‘’Insects and man: species, diversity and interactions, Prof Chukwunenye Anene said as men and insects share the same world, there was a constant interaction between the two,

adding that the intensity of this interaction was contingent upon the size of the human population and upon the number of insects both in terms of the individuals and species. The professor of entomology said only a small percentage of insect was antagonistic to man, and an equal number was beneficial and great majority were essentially neutral.

UTHORITIES of the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, have held a public lecture with the theme: “The anticorruption war in Nigeria: A reality or a ruse? The lecture was delivered by Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya. Speaking during the programme, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie, said public lectures were avenues for the institution to expand its frontiers on research and scholarship. Describing the problem of corruption as a cancer that must be won, he praised the state government for its efforts to fight the scourge. The Chairman, Committee on Inaugural and Public Lectures, Prof Izu Marcel Onyeocha, charged participants to live a life devoid of corrupt practices. In his lecture, Justice Obande said the war against corruption could only be won when everyone joins the fight, saying “the war becomes effective when it becomes everyone’s fight and when the society sees it as an anathema and isolates or ostracises anyone found to be corrupt.” The Acting Registrar, Austin

From Deborah Uzoma IMSU Igbokwe, said the anti-corruption war must start from the family unit, saying that building personal integrity was crucial to ensuring a corrupt-free society. Speaking at the event, former head of department of English and Literary studies, Dr Vitalis Nwulu, stated that the lecture was an eyeopener. “It was quite illuminating and it further brings us to the understanding of the several laws that are germane to the anti-corruption war in Nigeria and what the lecturer has done is to let us know why we need to be part of that war as the family is the basic structure to which this war can be fought in a larger society,” he stated. The event featured presentation of awards to Justice Obande, dance exhibitions and choir ministrations. The ceremony was also attended by Commissioner for Health, who was represented by Dr Sam Madugba; HRH Eze Obiefule, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof Collins Ubochi and other principal officer of the institution.

Varsity women tackle baby factory, child trafficking

MO State University Women Association (IMSUWA) in collaboration with Resos Consulting Group, has held a seminar with the theme: Best practices in curbing menace of operation of baby factories, child trafficking and violence against women at the university’s auditorium.

From Deborah Uzoma and Nneamaka Ekechukwu IMSU In her welcome address, its president, Rose Awuzie, stated that the retreat was to create awareness to curb the menace of child traffick-

ing and other anti-social probems facing women. Chairman of the occasion, Mr E.O. Okorafor, former spoke on child’s rights, saying the state was among the 12 in the country to pass the bill.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Mma Onyechere, spoke on the war against baby factory prevalent in the south-western part of the country. Wife of the State Governor, Nneoma Okorocha, applauded the group for organising the

programme, adding that it would foster better living for the nation and promote the dignity of womanhood. Vice-chancellor, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie, expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying the programme was organised at the right time.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE The rumoured outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has made the management to step up measures to promote hygiene on the campus. EDDY UWOGHIREN (200-Level Medicine), EZEKIEL EFEOBHOKHAN (300-Level Pharmacy) and SUNNY IBEH report.

Ebola outbreak hoax at UNIBEN

N unconfirmed report of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak caused a stir at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) last week. Three students, the report said, tested positive to the disease (EVD) at the school health centre. For a moment, there was panic on the campus as students rushed back to their hostel to avoid contact with the ‘victims’. Disturbed by the report, parents called from far and near, telling their children to return home. Students, who are fond of exchanging pleasantries through handshakes and hugs, maintained their distance from one another son as not contract the disease. The Public Relations Officer of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Gift Obaseki, had to go round the campus to convince the jittery students that the report was an hoax. Dr Raymond Osakwe of the School Health Centre, dismissed the rumour, saying: “No Ebola case in UNIBEN.”

•Students sanitising their hands before entering the library

Following the rumour, the management stepped up measures to prevent the deadly disease by providing hand sanitisers at entrances of the university library, John Harris Library, MTN Library and the extension. The management provided drums of water for library users to wash their hand before entering the facilities. CAMPUSLIFE observed some students performing hand washing at the main library. Students praised the proactive efforts by the authorities to make the campus free of diseases. Precious Oboh, a student, said: “I came here to see students washing their hands, so I joined them. This is a welcome development as it will help in maintaining hygiene.”

The Director of Health Services unit, Dr Comfort Enofe, explained the reason for the preventive measures being taken by the institution to promote hygiene among students, saying the measure was to prevent the outbreak of Ebola in the school. She said: “We have sent message to all students to report strange sickness at the health center and to also properly cook meats before eating. We sensitise them to avoid eating fruits that are not washed and those partially eaten by birds. We are also encouraging them to stop all unnecessary travelling to areas where the disease has been confirmed.” At the entrance to the health center, CAMPUSLIFE observed a medical personnel, checking the

•A health worker checking the temperature of a student at the campus health centre

temperatures of visitors. Dr Enofe said the move was necessary because a high temperature was a symptom of the EVD. “When we find anyone with high temperature, we alert the medical professionals that would attend to the patient to take accurate protective measures in the course of examining, treating and counselling such patient,” she said. Dr Enofe added that students and staff going to the health centre can now get appointment 24 hours before their visit. This, she said, is to prevent waste of time in the waiting room She said: “Everyone can now call and book appointment with our doctor at their own convenient time within the working days.

This is the practice everywhere and we can’t afford to do less.” Janet Okoduwa, a student, hailed the initiative, saying it would bring about quick response to health challenges. Emmanuel Sunmola, a 200-Level History student, encouraged his colleagues on personal hygiene, saying: “Ebola virus is not what you can just contract anyhow. Students should develop the habit of personal hygiene and stop creating panic on the campus.” Meanwhile, the UNIBEN Medical Students Association (UBEMSSA) has joined the campaign against Ebola. The association moved round the campus with posters containing information on how the EVD spread, its symptoms and prevention.

Dropping stethoscope for games Medical students from 18 higher institutions participated in the 15th biennial Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA) Games tagged: “Imo 2014”. EKENE AHANEKU (200-Level Medicine and Surgery, Imo State University) and EDDY UWOGHIREN (200-Level Medicine, University of Benin) report.

TUDENTS of Medicine and Surgery are not the types to be seen playing. But they did, penultimate week. Members of the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA) took a break from their busy academic engagements to participate in the 15th NiMSA Games hosted by the Imo State University (IMSU) chapter of the association. The sporting event, which was held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, the state capital, had medical students from 18 universities nationwide participating in the games. The event featured football, basketball, volleyball, handball, athletics, shot put, javelin, high jump, long jump, badminton, table and lawn tennis, scrabble, taekwondo, chess and ayo. The event started with the arrival and accreditation of participants. There was a bonfire and film show on the night of the first day to prepare the students for the task ahead. The second day began with the opening ceremony graced by the Imo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, represented by Eric Ihesiaba, the Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie, represented by the Acting Provost of IMSU College of Medicine, Prof Bamidele Ezem, and the chairman of the Imo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Hyacinth Emele. The ceremony was followed by first match of the tournament, which was between IMSU team and its counterpart from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State. The match ended 2-1 in favour of the host institution. On the same day, the University of Cala-

bar (UNICAL) team took on the Enugu State University of Technology (ESUTECH) team. Other games came up on the third day of the event after which a capacity building workshop was held. Spectators watched the participants displaying uncommon sporting skills, which showed that medical students can engage in extracurricular activities beyond the precinct of the teaching hospitals. The semi-final match was played on the fourth day. The IMSU team met with University of Benin (UNIBEN); Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) took on the UNICAL team to qualify for the final round. The UNIZIK and UNIBEN teams qualified for the final, while IMSU team won bronze after beating UNICAL in third place. At the end of the final match, the UNIBEN won the trophy, defeating the UNIZIK team, which came second. The UNIBEN team coach, Mr Onome Ikonmi, said: “My boys prepared properly for the games and we are glad that we are returning to our campus with the trophy.” A player in UNIBEN’s team, Anthony Adams, 300-Level Medicine and Surgery, said he felt proud, representing and winning gold for the school. “The games provided me an opportunity to socialise, relax and make new friends. I dedicate the trophy to my mum and the school management for their support when the contest was hot,” he said. In volleyball, University of Nigeria (UNN) emerged winner of the male category, while Anambra State University (ANSU) won the female category. In basketball, ANSU trounced all opponents to win the contest. When the medal chart was unveiled, IMSU topped the list with 61 points from got 11

•Players of the UNIBEN team displaying their medals in celebration

gold, four silver and five bronze medals. UNIZIK followed closely with 57 points from six gold, eight silver and nine bronze medals. Other institutions in the order are ANSU and University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), which had 39 points and 37points respectively. Tochukwu Oluh, Director of Standing Committee on NiMSA Games said the event was successful despite the difficulties experienced in the build-up to the games. He said: “I am happy the competition has come and gone; we look forward to another session. As part of the improvements, we introduced trophies for games, such as football, basketball, volleyball and we gave medals and certificates of honour in other games. These are achievements we expect the next host would build on.” At the closing ceremony, Ihesiaba urged the medical students to use the contest in promoting good health.

•Ngozi Akukwe of IMSU receiving medal and certificate

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE

As NANS becomes a political party

T is painful that this piece is to expose the dark side of our affairs, which have become a matter of indispensable necessity. Anyone who stops learning is old. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young. Keeping our mind young is by making it vibrant, especially by engaging in issues that concern our very existence. I get worried about issues that concern my immediate constituency – which is the youth. As a young Nigerian, I consider it as an obligation to speak and write about how I can improve the lot of this constituency. I do know that some people see the glass half full; others see it half empty. But I see a glass that is bigger than it needs to be. What is my worry? It is about National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). This body, which claims to represent m interest, has lost ethical and moral values. It only represents the interest of the few claiming right to its leadership. NANS used to be the mouthpiece of the entire students. This was the era of Segun Okeowo of blessed memory. The era when unionism was an extension of the organised trade union; when poor naturally subscribed to be the ideology and wishes of students. All that is no more. NANS is now a political party. Its leaders are political beggars, arranging frivolous endorsements and awards for corrupt politicians for pecuniary consideration. By the way, how many of these rogues claiming to be NANS leaders are known to students in far-flung Maiduguri or nearby Ilorin?

We need a platform to explain our challenge as youths. This is my own opportunity. I have written about NANS years back but the rogues won’t change their way. After I published an article titled: Students’ Union officers interference in societal politics: Whether wrong or right in The Nation on September 8, 2011, I got several threat calls from the NANS quarters. Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. This precisely describes NANS of today. Chioma Nwobi corroborated my assertion when she wrote in Punch on September 10, 2014: “Honestly, my anger is more with the Nigerian media which continues to highlight organisations such as NANS in the papers as if they mean anything and as if any value to any serious group of people. NANS has been a useless organisation...’’ Though, some still argue that NANS is still an element of patriotism and students’ brotherhood. Interestingly, they never deny the fact that, today the body is nothing but a drowning entity looking for sustenance. Today’s NANS, in its entirety, is devoid of good concept of students’ unionism, unlike in past when its leaders are used to be respected. But the NANS narrative has assumed a disturbing dimension as the so-called youths behind this body have become corporate beggars. They beg for cheap favours and go around making factions all in a bid to make quick money. The truth about these factions is that, they all stand for the same ideology– to make money. This is a betrayal to the aims and objective of the students’ body. A body like NANS should be seen advocat-

ing for good governance and education reforms. Today, many higher institutions are battling dilapidating infrastructure and inadequate equipment, which naturally should be the concern of NANS. But the shameless adults, claiming to be NANS leaders, are looking elsewhere. The story today is that no Nigerian university is among the best 1,000 in the world or even the best 50 in Africa. Does this not concern NANS? But the rogues move around to make foolish endorsement and give lighthearted awards to political leaders whose actions are part of the reason our education system is messed up. The Punch columnist, Abimbola Adelakun, wrote on September 4, 2014: “NANS obviously is a band of opportunists looking for what to eat and for whom no perfidy, no level of ignominy, would be too low to wallow so long as it guarantees supply of ‘stomach infrastructure’. Their desperation to be included in the routine sharing of the national cake perhaps explains why you never see these professional students ever associated with anything academic.” Arewa Youth Consultative Forum said of NANS leaders: “Many of these characters are found in Abuja today. They don’t go anywhere; they just sit there. They see governance as political activities and endorsements to collect monies from politicians and as a dayto-day routine business. We were part of the so-called NANS in the past. Today, many people will agree that it is neither here or there... All is not well as regard the view of an average reasonable Nigerian towards NANS.

By Habeeb Whyte It shows the body is decaying so fast.” What again do we want to hear about NANS, which reasonable people have not said? Rather than using the platform for emancipation, NANS leaders chose to court corrupt politicians for money. While many graduates are roaming the street in search of non-existent jobs, NANS leaders organise dubious programmes to get mouth-watering sponsorship from the corporate organisations. What hope do the students have? We would continue to ask this question until our values as students are totally eroded by rogues and criminals using the name of NANS to commit atrocities. I leave you with a mind full of hope. If it is to be, it is up to us. Habeeb is a student at Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus

Education as a tool against terrorism

IGERIA, in recent years, has become a theater of bloodshed and strife because of the activities of various criminal groups in the North and South of the country. From secondary schools to tertiary institutions, various cult groups have sprung up with most of them metamorphosing into terrorist groups to unleash havoc on the populace. Although, these groups are numerous but the most noticeable and deadly of them is the Boko Haram sect, which detests western education. Prof Wole Soyinka said: “The unleashing of a viperous cult like Boko Haram on peaceful citizens qualifies as a crime against humanity and deserves that very dimension in its resolution. If a people must survive, the reign of impunity must end.” Against this backdrop, the objective of this article, therefore, is to admonish the government not only to find a sustainable solution to the problem of insurgency in the country, but to also introduce the educational policy of free and compulsory education at basic level, as being practiced already in some parts

By Emmanuel Balogun of the world. Of the colossus academic backdrop in the nation, it is saddening that private institutions continually charge exorbitant fees at the detriment of parents and students. On the other hand, government-owned schools are deteriorating due to frequent strike actions. As I penned this piece, Kogi State primary schools are under lock and keys because the government has not conceded to the demands of teachers. The strike is approaching its sixth month. If I may ask, what are the pupils, who have been kept out of school doing presently? Education is the best tool for emancipation. The generations of our fathers are considered to be very lucky. Most of them are products of the former western regional government’s free education programme. They also had the good fortune of government’s scholarship during Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s regime in the south west. The innovative thinking of the great Awoist, who

saw the need and took the lead in giving education to all, is commendable. Awolowo once stated, when addressing the Nigerian Union of Teachers in 1947: “Education is the process of physical and mental culture whereby a man’s personality is developed to the fullest.” Our history and present predicament as a nation, dictates that the issue of education should still be in the front burner of national discourse. Education is a really valuable as it teaches us respect for others and how to live in unity. The greatest threat of the Boko Haram sect is against the future of Nigerian youths, who are being brainwashed into believing that western education is not good for them. The extremists are afraid of the efficacy of education. The power of education and impact of women frightens them. That is why they are afraid of change and equality that education will bring to our society. Peace is a necessity for education. In many parts of the world, terrorism, poverty and child trafficking had stopped children from

going to schools. We cannot, however, succeed as a nation when half of us are held back in ignorance. The best way to fight terrorism is not through the instrument of war but by quality education. Terrorists are carrying out deadly acts solely because of ignorance. Those funding them have their kids in high profile colleges abroad. Besides, terrorist groups need to explore the opportunities provided by democracy to put forward their demands in clear terms. They need to embrace quality education and allow those who are interested the right to. The abduction of school pupils and bombing of schools are great threats to the dreams and aspirations of the Nigerian child. Famous Pakistani education activist and school pupil, Malala Yousafzai said: “I read thousands of books and empower myself with knowledge. Pens and books are the weapons that defeat terrorism.” In reality, quality education is the best legacy. Emmanuel, 400-Level Zoology, UNILORIN

Why we must separate politics and sport

By Ibrahim Jatto

S a young boy, I grew up loving the round leather game called football. Like most youths, I grew up seeing people playing it in my neighbourhood. They would gather in groups to play soccer either on an open field or unused land. At times, they would go to the main road to entertain themselves. The enthusiasm of the people in watching the national team play explains that Nigeria is a great football nation. The achievement of the country in continental and global soccer is such that echoes the tag: “Giant of Africa”. That, of course, manifests in our national life. The memories of great moments like the Tunisia 94 triumph, the success in Atlanta 96 and most recently

the national team’s win at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nation remain indelible in our minds. Apart from the fact that football offers jobs to hundreds of thousands in Nigeria, it is also the only sport that unites the people genuinely. In soccer, there is no ethnicity, religion or politics. Football has bestowed honours in Nigeria. However, recent development in the sport sector is very disturbing. For the umpteenth time, crisis is threatening havoc on this beautiful game that has genuinely united us as a people. Nigeria football is in deep water and if drastic measures are not taken, the country may lose its hard-earned unity it has enjoyed through football. Sometimes, I am prompted to ask what the crisis is truly all about. Is it about the same corruption that has ravaged the public offices and corporate firm? Or is it lack of competent football administrators as it is the case in all parts of the country? Should it be the interference from the government which the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) frowns at? As it is, everything is wrong with our football at the moment and it is imperative that all the stakeholders involved in the running of Nigerian football do the needful to avoid the disgraceful consequence of a ban by the FIFA. The Federal Government has a responsibility not to allow politics to crop into the nation’s football. But frequent change of the Minster of Sport is not helping matter either; this has proven to be counterproductive to a

sound policy and rigid football development. For instance, in the last 15 years alone, 12 sports ministers have been appointed to oversee sport ministry. The sack of the immediate past Minister of Sport, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, is rather political than being altruistic. It even negates the popular saying in sport, which goes thus: “You don’t change a winning team.” The minister was booted out at a time our football was taking shape. The Under-17 team of the Golden Eaglet conquered the world through soccer. They are the reigning champions. Likewise, the senior national team, the Super Eagles, against all expectations, also conquered Africa after a 19-year without a trophy. The story is the same for our local league. Abdullahi evolved a system that resuscitated the Nigeria Premier league. The establishment of the League Management Company (LMC) upped the ante and ensured fans returned to our stadia to watch our local league. Through the LMC, the issues of fans’ apathy towards the local league and poor pitches are reduced. The former minister never allowed self-interest and politics to be placed above professionalism. In the case Kwara United Football Club fans, who assaulted match officials during a league in Ilorin, Abdullahi ensured law took its course. Kwara United was found guilty, fined and banned to play in Lokoja. As a result, the team was relegated to the lower cadre of the league. This is Abdullahi’s home town and if he could do that, it shows the ex-

minister administered the affairs of the sport sector dispassionately. The appointment of Mr Tammy Danagogo is more of a curse than blessing to Nigeria football. The dismal performance of the senior national team at the World Cup in Brazil was said to have been the cause of a crisis that has now degenerated to a level where the nation had to risk FIFA ban. From the outset, there had been allegations of corruption against senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which later led to the ‘impeachment’ of its president, Alhaji Aminu Maigari. His purported resignation and re-instatement was done when the NFF secretariat was razed by fire in a suspicious circumstance. But the actions of Danagogo have, however, attracted condemnation by soccer lovers. The handling of the crisis rocking football house has been blamed on his inability to exercise restraint in what FIFA termed as undue interference. Now that the crisis is taking its toll on our sport that is connected to football in Nigeria, the local league has since been suspended without a date for resumption. The Super Eagles’ lacklustre performance in AFCON qualifying fixtures is symptom of a crisis in the football house. The present situation demands that all hand must be on deck to rescue Nigerian sport from the path of ruin. This, we must start, by ensuring we separate politics from sport. Ibrahim, graduating student of Zoology, UDUS

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE Varsity unveils Aluta newspaper

T was a day of glamour and style at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University; Awka, when it unveiled the Aluta Newspaper during the second edition of the Aluta Conference held in the university auditorium. The event was attended by top politicians and student leaders in the state, including the National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh; Special Assistant to the President on Youths and Students Affairs, Jude Imagwe and others. At the event, the Director-General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), who was represented by a former Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Youth and Student Affairs; Jasper Uche, in his speech titled: Students as catalyst for national rebirth said unionism was instrumental to fighting colonialism in the heydays of students’ activism. “When the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS) was formed, it became a rallying point for all the fine brand progressives and radical intellectuals who sustained the agitation against colonialism. The student activism gradually weakened the resolve of the critical points of foreign domination, galvanised local resistance and mobilised international solidarity that sparked off independence struggles across the continent including Nigeria,” he stated. He said it was the 1978 Ali-must-Go riot that hardened the students‘ struggle as protest and agitations for students welfare drifted into violence which led to the students call for the sack of the then Federal Commissioner for Education, Dr Ahmadu Ali. He blamed the military government particularly the Ibrahim Babagida administration which infiltrated NANS and broke its ranks when the students protested his structural Adjustment Programme (SAP),

From Oluchukwu Igwe UNIZIK stressing that it was the anti-SAP protest that set the student unionism on a very strong footing. On the challenge for national rebirth, Prof Ahmed advised students to cultivate the reading habit so as to take their place in nation building, stressing that intellectual capital was a great asset. He also urged them to take integrity as a lifeline, to avoid the craving for wealth and always stand up for a cause. While unveiling the newspaper, Chief Umeh appreciated the students‘ effort, thanking the editorial crew and promised to ensure the sustenance of the production of the newspaper. The high point of the event was the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians including Chief Victor Umeh, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Jude Imagwe, a member representing Awka North and South in the House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Nwogbo; Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Joseph Ahaneku and others. Awards were given to three selected students for their distinguished performances. They included Nwamaka Uzoigwe, 300Level Psychology, Davidson Okoroanyanwu, 300-Level Civil Engineering and the CEO of Dazzle Entertainment, a modelling firm received the Most Enterprising Student‘s award while the newspaper Publisher, David Agu was awarded Student Activist of the year. Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Agu said he was driven by the zeal to keep the students informed which led him to start the defunct Gaint Newspaper, a weekly publication he started when he was the Public Relation Officer of the Students Union Government.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

•Student-writers leading an awareness on on the campus

Authors take literary campaign to college

HE Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Imo State chapter, has organised a twoday event for students and writers to commemorate the World Literacy Day, which is celebrated on September 8, yearly. The campaign, which took place in the auditorium of the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education (AIFCE), Owerri, featured literacy carnival, readings, poetry performance, teen authorship programmes and talks on the different genres of literature. The global theme for this year was Literacy for sustainable development, but considering the current ebola

From Johnpaul Nnamdi OWERRI scourge in the continent, ANA adopted its sub-theme: Literacy for the eradication of diseases. In his remark, chairman of ANA in the state, Mr Chidozie Chukwubuike noted that the need to hold such event arose considering the dwindling standard of education in the society and to arouse the consciousness of people to take reading seriously. “It is evident most students no longer read. Take for instance recent performance of students in national

examinations, you will see that the youths have been distracted by the invention of the internet, cable TV and the concentration has tilted from reading to social media activities. It is on the strength of this that ANA Imo chapter went this far to redeem the reading culture among students,” Chidozie said. He also thanked the school proprietors and guardians for releasing their wards to attend the programme despite the fear of the EVD. The highlight of the occasion was an awareness campaign round the campus and a drama presentation titled The trafficker, performed by a theatre group.

•Members of the fellowship after the event

ROM a humble beginning of being the only fellowship with an Academic Secretary in April 1994, the Anglican Students’ Fellowship, University of Benin, Edo State chapter, has grown in capacity and influence. This was explained at the fellowship’s annual anniversary week and alumni reunion, recently held at the All Saints Chapel of the institution. It was a week-long event packed with meaningful programmes for

Fellowship marks 20th anniversary From Awele Okwudarue UNIBEN her members and the university community. It included prayers for the university and Nigeria, visit to the orphanage, variety nights and Alumni reunion service. Speaking on the theme: Arise and shine, Rev Chigozie Anieto explained that it is the will and pur-

pose of God for his children to be shining stars, and of great influence. ‘God is very much interested in your future, so you must not fail. You must as well be alive to effect the changes you want to see in your generation.’ He said. With the congregation clad in the uniform Ankara wear, the event ended with thanksgiving at the fellowship auditorium.

‘Only fraudsters make money from unionism’

•Continued from page 30

I could never match what my opponents spent during the campaign but in the end, the total vote cast for me was more than that of my opponents’ altogether. The victory is a relief and an encouragement for me to serve my colleagues and state. What would you do to foster unity among members? Our roles go beyond making laws to smoothen operation of the association. We are also to check the activities of the executive members. We are expected to offer support where necessary in strength-

ening peace and unity. All these responsibilities are to promote development. How would you manage the seemingly recurring rivalry between executive and legislative arms? Disagreement does not always end in rivalry as people may think. It requires that the legislative arm deals with the executive respectfully in carrying out checks and balances. The executive must, in turn, respect the parliament’s members and their decisions. If there is mutual respect, tension will be reduced.

Do you believe the notion that students’ unionism is a means to get money from politicians? I totally disagree. But some students’ leaders engage in it. This is a product of lack of leadership orientation on the part of those doing it. It is against my principle in politics. While some may do it, people must understand that it is not general. It is only a fraudster that uses unionism to amass wealth. Can students’ politics be devoid of corruption? Yes it can, with the proper orientation. Students seeking elective positions must show sincerity of purpose rather than pecuniary gains.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

EDUCATION FUNAAB FILE

Reps pass vote of confidence on varsity

•Prof. Ibiyemi (8th right), Prof. Oyewole (9th right) and Mr. Jacob (7th right) with members of Achievers University management and others at the quarterly zonal meeting of SIWES Coordinators.

Be more aggressive on education, govt told

TAKEHOLDERS in education have called on the government to be more aggressive in solving challenges facing the education sector in the country. The Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Jide Adejuyigbe; his counterpart in Women Affairs, Yemi Mahmud-Fasominu and the Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO) in Ondo State, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, all spoke at the second international conference of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Communication Studies of the school. Others included the Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Management Sciences, Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin Prof.

Tertiary institutions urged on business devt By Chikodi Okereocha

HE Institute of Business Development (IBD) has urged tertiary institutions to plan towards running business development with its standard curriculum. Its Registrar, Mr. Paul Ikele, said this when the institute paid a courtesy call on the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) Ikorodu, Lagos. According to Ikele, the study and practice of business development will undoubtedly be of immense value and further boost all the sectors of the nation’s economy. Ikele, who led the institute’s delegation, which include the Chairman, Membership Committee, Mr. Amadi George and Membership Officer, Mr. Abraham John, said the visit was to felicitate and update the college with the institute’s activities. He added that the visit was to seek collaborations in training/ workshop, integrating Business Development (BD) courses in the LASPOTECH curriculum, and mentorship programme, adding that it was intended to encourage LASPOTECH workers to become members of the Institute by attending the Membership Conversion Programme. LASPOTECH Deputy Registrar, Mr. Oluwaseun Adekoya, who represented the Registrar, assured IBD delegates of partnership adding that it would be kicked off by making workers become members of the Institute. He also said a seminar would be organised to enable IBD delegates offer orientation to LASPOTECH students on the importance of becoming members of the Institute.

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

Demola Jolayemi and a lecturer from School of Politics and International Relations, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom, Dr. Dele Babalola. They agreed that the nation needed a concerted effort of all to get her out of her socio-political challenges. In a communiqué signed by the conference organising committee Chairman, Dr. Kayode Ariyo and its Secretary, Sunday Afolayan, they praised the nation for remaining united in spite of political, social and religious problems facing her. The communiqué reads in part: “That concerted efforts are

urgently required from all stakeholders to get the nation off her socio-economic doldrums. “That cooperation of and collaboration by all citizens and institutions from all sectors (political, economic, social and educational) are the only panacea to these challenges. “That the nation’s educational institutions from primary to university level have not been given adequate attention that they deserve from governments, in spite of promises and enormous resources that the country is blessed with, and that no nation can attain greatness by paying lip service to the education of her citizens. It continued: “That this neglect as highlighted above has resulted to many years of dwindling standard,

which has made education in the country unable to compete favourably with other institutions in developed countries. “That education, as the bedrock of development, deserves better attention and adequate funding to enable both Nigerian students and teachers face challenges facing the nation in order to keep pace with advancement in technology across the globe. “That there is hope in the future of Nigeria as an economically viable, politically stable and ideologically strong country if the vast human and natural resources which she is blessed with are well harnessed and judiciously utilised, and if education is accorded a prime place in the nation’s quest for development.”

Ebola: UNIUYO sensitises community

HE University of Uyo (UNIUYO) has called on its host community and the public to be careful on how they associate with animals, review their burial practices and stop eating raw bush meat. The community was also advised to avoid contact with body fluid of infected persons, avoid contact with animal’s blood, and not sleep in the same room with infected person in order to forestall a possible outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the state A Professor of Family Medicine with the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Victor Imen, gave the advice at the Onyema Ugochukwu Hall, Town Campus, UNIUYO. He spoke on: “Overview of the

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

Ebola Virus Disease outbreak.” He disclosed that Ebola was transmitted through bats, birds, primate and humans. Imeh told identified EVD symptoms to include high fever, headache, joint and muscle ache, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, sore throat and bleeding. He said the disease outbreak was a serious issue, threatening global public health and requiring collective efforts and cooperation to contain its spread. The Chairman, UNIUYO Ebola Virus Disease Committee, Dr Ibanga Inyang, said the seminar was important as it sought to raise the level of awareness. He charged members of the public to be on the alert.

The Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof Comfort Ekpo, urged the public to avail themselves of the opportunity offered by the sensitisation seminar. The VC, who was represented by his Deputy (Academics), Prof Paul Ekwere, noted that with the outbreak of the Ebola disease, time had come for people to review their lifestyles and return to old habits of hand-washing after contact with people. Ekpo praised the Federal Government for taking prompt actions and proactive measures to contain the spread of the disease. She warned members of the public to stop eating bush meat indiscriminately, and taking people with symptoms of Ebola to crowdy places such as religious houses.

‘Muslims did not deride science’

RESIDENT Lekki Muslim Ummah, Mr Yunus Adeniyi, has said there was no time science education was seen by the early Muslims as contrary to their faith but rather considered a religious duty to be studied and understood. He spoke at a graduation and fund raiser of the Institute of Islamic and Arabic Studies, Lekki, Lagos. The institution produced 31 graduands this year. Adeniyi said: “A Muslim must not get tired of seeking knowledge until he reaches heaven. The injunction in the Holy Quran and the prophetic traditions pushed the early Muslims on a quest for knowledge, including in science.” He said the first Quaranic verses revealed to man shows that humans are repeatedly instructed to use their intellect in order to comprehend the divine will. “Quran 96 vs 1-4 which is the

By Nneka Nwaneri

first verse of the Quran that was revealed says read in the name of your lord who has created all that exist. These first verses refer to the human ability to write, record knowledge and speak. It is a gift from God because it allows human to excel beyond other creatures.” Assuring that the graduating students have acquired Quranic knowledge on various degrees, Adeniyi said there are others who are just learning Quran for the first time, those who are learning to interpret, those who are learning to speak and those learning the way to worship. He said people should attend Islamic institutes so that they can understand what they are reading because according to him, many people don’t understand what they read, and as such they misread, misinterpret and misbehave. “That is the type of terror we

find in the world, Islam is a religion of peace. When you understand what you are reading you, fear God and the fear of God brings you to good conduct. “When you fear God you will not misbehave. Many of the things happening in our society today are because people who don’t really fear God,” Adeniyi said. He advised the Federal Government to contain insecurity through education, adding that if people are educated, the dreaded Islamic sect Boko Haram will not have the kind of followership it has today. “It is not easy in the Southwest or Southeast to convince people to go and fight without a course, so I think people in the North need to be educated more. Here, we have over 100 students that should pay 2,000 a month but they can’t afford it, yet we still train them. They are mainly children of Northerners who are security guards,” Adeniyi added.

AFTER a visit to Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Education, have passed a vote of confidence on the institution’s administration. The visit was part of its oversight functions. The committeee commended FUNAAB over its detailed financial report. Speaking during an interactive meeting with the university Management and members of staff, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, said the essence of the committee’s oversight function was not to query, witch-hunt or audit, but to better the system. According to him, “it became necessary to have an eagle eye to stimulate public officers to run institutions properly”. He said it was one thing to provide what was needed for learning and teaching, and another for public officers to properly spend government funds. He noted that the committee could not carry out its duties effectively by staying in their offices.

VC lauds govt on pensions’ review THE Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole, has praised Federal Government for the periodical review of pension. He spoke at an entrepreneurship capacity building training workshop for pensioners, organised by the Board of Trustees for Pension Administration and the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS). Represented by a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, FUNAAB, Professor Bola Okuneye, the VC said: “You will agree with me that all hands must be on deck to ensure that our pensioners are not made to go through untold hardship, or life of poverty and penury after retirement, but should be entitled to quality living after the meritorious services they have rendered to our dear fatherland.”

‘Nematodes are man’s enemies’ A DON and the Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Nigerian Society of Nematologists (NISON), Prof Olufunke Egunjobi, has described nematodes (worms) as the greatest enemy of man. Egunjobi made this known while delivering a keynote address during the Second Biennial Conference of the society at the university. According to her, nematodes contribute to hunger, disease and poverty that confound humanity today. She said they also cause hunger by feeding as parasites on plants, their roots, stems, leaves, flowers, buds and seeds, causing many diseases that could result in substantial decline in food production or total crop failure thereby, contributing to hunger.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

CAMPUS LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS

ACHIEVERS FILE

APPROACHING DEADLINE

VC praises ITF THE Vice-Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, ProfTunji Ibiyemi, has lauded the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for establishing the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). Ibiyemi, who was represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Oyewole, made this known while declaring open the Quarterly Zonal Meeting of SIWES Coordinators in Ondo and Ekiti States’ higher institutions hosted by the university. Ibiyemi, a chartered electrical engineer, who appreciated the collaborating institutions for providing placements for participating students, reiterated the “relevance of the SIWES programme in the preparation of our students for future careers in industries and public service”. He assured the ITF, which was represented at the meeting by a six-man team led by Thomas Jacob, the Area Manager, Ondo and Ekiti states of the fund, that the university would comply with the fund’s directives on the preparation of the institution’s students for the SIWES programme.

Centre seeks varsity’s assistance THE Centre for Gender Issues of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, has solicited the cooperation of the Management of Achievers University, Owo, in the fight against the deadly human immunoeficiency virus infection/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). An Assistant Director,Dr. Helen Ogunsuyi, spoke during a visit to Achievers University. He said the two areas of the centre are prevention of new infections of HIV/AIDS and care/ support for the people that are living with the virus. According to her, the Centre is partnering Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA) in the onerous tasks, adding that the centre has the mandate “to go to all the tertiary institutions in the state to sensitise students and staff on different ways by which they can get contact HIV/AIDS”. She asked for the support of the university management in the fight against HIV/AIDS. “We should all work to prevent HIV/ AIDS as we want zero level of infection,” she said. The centre, Ogunsuyi said, was committed to spreading the knowledge the university community needed to know to prevent HIV and eradicate AIDS in the next two years.

University of Bern Masters Grants for International Students University of Bern Masters Degree Study in: Switzerland Course starts September 2015

HE University of Bern Masters Grants provides an opportunity for international students to pursue a Master’s programme beginning in autumn 2015/2016. Host Institution(s): University of Bern, Switzerland Field of study: All Master’s Pro-

University of Adelaide Masters/PhD Degree Study in: Australia Course starts 2015

HE University of Adelaide offers Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI) to attract high quality overseas postgraduate students to areas of research strength in the University of Adelaide to support its research effort. Host Institution(s): University of Adelaide, Australia Field(s) of study: Any Masters degree by Research or Doctoral Research Degree offered at the University

gramme offered at University of Bern with the exception of Biomedical Science. Number of Awards: 6 Target group: International students Scholarship value/inclusions: The grant consists of a monthly stipend of CHF 1,600.00, exemption from one-off application fee, and exemption from tuition fees. Eligibility: Permanent domicile outside of Switzerland at the time of applying

• Bachelor degree from a nonSwiss university outside Switzerland • The discipline of the completed Bachelor studies and of the intended Master studies must be same • Predicted completion of the Bachelor studies at the latest by 30 July 2015 • The Bachelor degree conferred in the last five (5) years. Application instructions: To apply for the scholarship, you must submit the application form with supporting documents by post or cou-

rier to the University. The deadline for applications is 28 November 2014. It is important to visit the official website (link found below) to access the application form and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship. Website: Official Scholarship Website: http://www.int.unibe.ch/ content/incoming/master_grant/ index_eng.html Related Scholarships: List of Swiss Scholarships.

Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI) Number of Scholarships: Limited. Target group: International students (except New Zealand) Scholarship value/inclusions: The scholarships includes course tuition fees, annual living allowance ($25,849 in 2015), and overseas student health cover (if award holder holds a subclass 574 visa). Eligibility: Applicants should hold at least the equivalent of an Australian First Class Honours degree (this is a four year degree with a major research project in the final year). All qualifying programs of study must be successfully completed. Gener-

ally, ASI recipients have completed a Masters degree including a significant research component and have several publications and relevant work and research experience. Candidates are required to enrol in the University of Adelaide as ‘international students’ and must maintain ‘international student’ status for the duration of their enrolment in the University See the official website (link found below) for complete eligibility criteria. Application instructions: To apply, you must submit a formal applica-

tion for Admission and a Scholarship via the online application system. The next deadline will be 15 January 2015 for Semester 1 or Semester 2, 2015 intake. It is important to visit the official website (link found below) to access the online application system and for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship. Website: Official Scholarship Website: http:// www.adelaide.edu.au/ graduatecentre/scholarships/research-international/opportunities/ adelaide-scholarship-international/

UNILAG honours Ade Ajayi

HE Senate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Monday last week stood in honour of its third Vice-Chancellor, the late Prof Ade Ajayi, fondly addressed by students as ‘Head of State’. Ade-Ajayi passed on on August 9 and was buried at the weekend in Ekiti State. The occasion did not only attract members of the university’s Senate, family members, friends, and dignitaries were also in attendance as they took turns to eulogise the late VC. As a professor of History, the nickname-head of state, stuck to the late professor like a leech during the military era of the former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) because UNILAG was partly seen as the only university born by the Federal Government through the Act of Parliament. The school, again, was seen by the students as a nation state and the late Ajayi as the VC automatically meant that he was the head of state. “Once his car was sighted, shouts of ‘Head of State’ would always rent the air. Ministers, governors, even

•From left: Bursar UNILAG, Mr Lateef Odekunl;, VC, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Prof Tolu Odugbemi; UNILAG Provost College of Medicine, Prof Taiwo Ogunsola; Registrar, Dr Taiwo Ipaye; Prof Bello, Deputy Vice-Chancellor ( Research and Academics), Prof Babajide Alo, and Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe at the event. By Medinat Kanabe

other Heads of State did not count for much. Things usually came to a head during convocations. Students wanted to make it clear who was the ‘Head of State’ in UNILAG. The then military Head of State (HOS) and his representatives were usually ignored and our HOS was always hailed anytime he spoke,” said the Dean of Engineering, Prof Omotayo Fakinlede. Indeed, it was a moment of praises,

•From left: Project & Event Manager, Angela Success; Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jide Jimoh; immediate past Chairman Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Lagos State Chapter, Mr Jide Ologun and Chief Executive Officer, Tride Consult, Jessica Ibukuoluwa Uwaechie, during a courtesy visit to Jimoh on the proposed youth workshop titled: ‘Unlocking your potential’.

honest retrospections and poetic rendition, laced with songs and applauses that reverberated the school’s Senate Chamber considered as Ajayi’s design because it was during his tenure that almost all the university’s buildings were erected. “Apart from the main university library, formerly Yakubu Gowon Library, the main Engineering Complex, and the Mariere Hall, that were completed before he came, and the Senate Building after he left, it is no exaggeration to say that virtually every other significant building was delivered under his tenure,” Dean of Engineering, Fakinlede added. Fakinlede, who was an undergraduate between 1973 and 1977, when Ajayi was VC spoke on behalf of his colleagues. Fakinlede said because of students’ disdain for military rule then students never appreciated any gifts from the government to the university. He recalled a convocation where the military announced a big donation to the school, the students rather than showed appreciation, condemned the gesture. “The gesture was greeted with a shout of ‘too small’ showing utter condemnation from the students. However, Fakilede said at the same event, some lecturers gave smaller gifts of books and artifacts to students which they appreciated so much. According to him, those times were not easy as they were the era of military coups and regimes. “It was also a time of student unrest. In my time, the university suffered closure due to student unrest at least once every

year and the protest were always against the military rule,” he said. On his part, a Prof of History Tajudeen Gbadamosi, rendered an elegy titled: ‘Goodness rewards goodness,’ saying he grieved over the loss of his supervisor, mentor, motivator, benefactor, editor and co-author. “I sob in sadness for the loss of our champion of African History. I choke with sadness at the demise of our academic manager. I heave and heave on the departure of our captain of excellence; oh dear! I sigh in sadness for this irreparable loss,” he said while reading the poem. The VC, Prof Rahamon Bello, in his tribute, said: “Ajayi’s demise has robbed the intellectual community of one of its most effusive voices especially in the field of African history.” Rahamon said African history owes him an enormous debt of gratitude for pioneering with a few others a nationalist historiography, which aimed at giving pride and confidence not only to Africans but to scholars on the beauty and essence of their continent. “Prof Ade Ajayi was without doubt a transformational leader and change agent, who had very clear dreams of what public education should be. “Many attest that he had the gift of innovative thinking, visionary spirit and tenacious patience required to successfully lead meaningful educational reform. Such rare skills were brought to bear during his tenure as the vice-chancellor of the university,” he added.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

EDUCATION

•Some of the pupils who emerged winners during the grand finale of the First National Green Essay Competition organised by the wife of Ogun State governor Mrs. Olufunso Amosun in association with Channels TV at Progress Hall, Southwest Resource Centre, Oke-Mosan ... in Abeokuta

HE All Progressives Party (APC) took a cursory look at the education sector and gave a verdict: standards and quality service delivery are poor. This was at a lecture by the Kings College Old Boys’ Association (KCBA) to commemorate the 105th anniversary of their alma mater at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos. The Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC were invited by the association to unveil their parties’ vision for education in the country. However, while the APC was represented by its Deputy National Chairman, Southwest, Chief Segun Oni, the PDP neither attended, nor sent a representative. Oni, who described the APC as ‘’a party of change”, noted that though education is an vital instrument for national growth and development, its standards are falling while per-

Our vision for education, by APC By Joseph Eshanokpe

formance is poor, no thanks to poorly trained and motivated teachers. “The problems of quality run through the whole system; it could be worse at the tertiary level if something urgent is not done,” he said. Oni, who decried the over reliance on certificates as against real education, blamed the Federal Government for not being alive to its responsibility as the major regulator. He urged the government to focus on policy direction and quality control. He listed APC’ s programmes to include: reinstatement of the abandoned teacher training colleges; review of the 6-3-3-4 curriculum (or

improve on it, if need be); encouragement of science and technology; investment in research and development; institution of quality control; and elimination of gender discrimination. Others, according to Oni, a former Ekiti State governor, include provision of opportunities for the girl child, establishment of vocational centres, re-introduction of History and Civics in schools and provision of a conducive environment for private participation in education and incentives for those with disabilities. Former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Dr Leke Pitan, who spoke on the need for Special Education, canvassed the inclusion of normal children and their physi-

cally-challenged counterparts in the same class to enable them learn together. He recalled that as a commissioner, he met few centres in Surulere when he assumed duties but established 25 before he left office. Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, who lauded APC’s position, however, said: “I don’t think any party in Nigeria has a vision for education; none.” He lamented that comparatively Nigeria spends enough money on education, but does not get commensurate returns. “Nigeria is one of the highest spenders on education, but does the money get to the programmes they are meant for? We talk of minimum wage, but we do not talk of mini-

‘Why parents are stakeholders’

Foundation to hold quiz contest By Medinat Kanabe

ALL it a Parent, Teacher Association (PTA) gathering and you will not be wrong because their assembly was more like it when parents and teachers of Benchmark Montessori School Ikeja, Lagos, met to delibrate on issues affecting the school. However, at the school, the tag PTA is a taboo, hence they gathered as a ‘Stakeholders’ Forum’, meaning that every parent counts, and has a sense of belonging. The story behind the Stakeholders’ Forum started four years ago, precisely September 2010, when the school opened its doors for academics. Parents in the neighbourhood then had their misgivings on whether the school would meet their wards’ aspiration as it could only take off with 20 pupils despite the fact that facilities were on ground. Interestingly, those with reservations were proved wrong. It only took two terms for the school to convince everyone. “Since the inception of the school, parents were skeptical whether they could entrust their wards in our care. But, after only two terms, the story changed. Parents are now the ones spreading the good news and inviting others to enroll their children,” said the Head of School, Mrs. Olufolake Bisiriyu At a briefing at the school premises, Bisiriyu said parents keyed into the vision of the school on two grounds quality service delivery and modest tuition. According to her, Benchmark Montessori School, Ikeja, is a social service founded by Dr. Teslim Sanusi, the Chief Executive Officer of Cosmic Insurance, Ikeja, who having ben-

mum productivity. “What is happening today will hurt us tomorrow. We are drifting towards anarchy. Let’s reduce the cost of governance and the irresponsibility of governance,” he said. Earlier, a former Federal Permanent Secretary in the Yakubu Gowon military administration, Chief Philip Asiodu, in a remark, said though the idea of Unity Schools was good in concept, it was poorly executed. “They (unity schools) grew to 102, but were poorly funded even the quality of governance deteriorated. Many of them today are certainly not centres of excellence,” he said. At the event were former President, KCOBA, Dr Sunny Kuku; President, Hakeem Belo-Osagie; the school’s Principal, Otunba Oladele Olapeju; old boy/founder, Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mustafa Obi, among others.

•From left: Mrs Sanusi, Mrs Bisiriyu and Mr. Rasaq at the forum. By Adegunle Olugbamila

efited immensely from the success of the company, decided to establish the school as his company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). According to Bisiriyu, the school management sees parents as stakeholders and will never keep them in the dark concerning the philosophy of the school. “We carry our parents along in running the school. We see them as part of us and this has made us grow faster within four years of our existence. We remain committed to the ideals of a Montessori School with aims and objective of building a total child. Montessori is about life, to make a child better and do things on his/her own. You will be amazed that a three year-old pupil can read fluently. With

the aid of Montessori skill, our nursery pupils even read newspapers,” Mrs Bisiriyu added. As a result of its social status, the school management, Bisiriyu said, had not compromised on employing competent teachers. “Aside employing first degree teachers with teacher’s qualification, complementing same with regular training, they are also placed on the same salary scale with their colleagues in Cosmic Insurance, ditto for other condition of service,” added Mr. Tunde Rasaq, an Assistant General Manager, Finance and Administration, Cosmic Insurance, adding: “We pay according to the standard of Cosmic Insurance.” He continued: “This robust welfare package is our motivation and this is the reason some of the founding staff are still around. Here, we give value

‘Aside employing first degree teachers with teacher’s qualification, complementing same with regular training, they are also placed on the same salary scale with their colleagues in Cosmic Insurance, ditto for other condition of service’

far above what parents pay as fees. For instance, what our pupils receive in terms of knowledge is worth the same you can get from other highflying schools that charges as much as N250,000 and above. Here, we do it for less than N50,000. That I think is our unique selling point.” This, he said, accounted for why the school has been recording feats. “The first Common Entrance we did in 2012/2013 session, we got about 95 per cent results, and the kids moved to highbrow secondary schools,” said the school proprietor, Mrs. Modinat Sanusi, adding: “The same feat was repeated in 2013/2014. We even moved up the ladder as some of our pupils were offered admission to King’s College and others.” The founder’s religious orientation, Mrs Sanusi said, has no preference in the school as both Christian Religious Knowledge and Islamic Religious Studies are taught in the school. “So, everything is balanced because it is a unity school where we allow pupils to dwell in harmony,” she said.

NON-GOVERNMENT organisation Steno Memorial Foundation, will on October 21 begin the first stage of its STENO Memorial Foundation Inter School Quiz Competition. The contest, which will be held among Senior Secondary Schools pupils in 86 schools across the six local councils of Ogun State, will test participants on the Use of English, Mathematics and General Knowledge. Its Executive Secretary, Taofik Lawal, said the desire to partner Ogun State government in its mission to rebuild the education sector inspired the competition. He said: “The competition will encourage and promote academic excellence among contestants and resuscitate the age long healthy rivalry occasioned by this out-of-school academic competitions.” Lawal, a lawyer, said the first stage of the competition would be written test for participants, adding that each school is expected to present two representatives while the final stage will comprise six schools where three finalist will emerge. “All participants will get certificates while the schools that produced the finalists will be equipped. Finalists will also get cash gifts and scholarship,” he added.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

EDUCATION Ebola: Lagos distributes thermoscans to schools

Amaechi promises RIVPOLY more facilities

IVERS STATE Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, has said despite reduction in the internally generated revenue of the state, his government would increase the infrastructure in the state polytechnic. He made the promise in Port Harcourt, the state capital, during the 18th and the 20th convocations of the Rivers State Polytechnic (RIVPOLY) where he was the special guest of honour. He said the institution deserves government’s assistance, adding that his administration’s investment in education was yielding positive result. He said stealing and corruption in government have reduced the state’s income making it difficult for the government to pay salaries, fund projects and take care of the schools. He said what the state receives monthly could not execute numerous projects initiated by his administration, adding that lack of fund has become a setback to education. He noted that his administration

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

had been faithful in the management of resources, which has led to landmark achievements, especially, in the area of education. He assured the school’s management of more interventions from the state through improved infrastructure. “The stealing and corruption going on in our government and in the federation have reduced the state’s income from N25 billion to N12 billion, so how do we pay salaries, fund projects and take care of the schools? he asked, adding: “It is the responsibility of the government to fund schools. He continued: “I have spoken with the Rector of this institution on how to bring the school to standard, but the income coming to us is not allowing government to meet the needs of the people as expected. “I am delighted to say that our efforts are bearing fruits. We have made numerous achievements, such

• Gov Amaechi

as the recognition of Port Harcourt as the UNESCO World Book Capital, among others.” The Rector of the institution, Prof. Obianko Nwolu-Elechi, thanked the governor for honouring the invitation, He said: “The challenge of the institution is funding, but despite that we are doing our best to ensure that we are among the best polytechnics in Nigeria, including areas of research and planning.”

NIA to partner UNIUYO

HE Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has expressed its readiness to partner the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) in areas, such as research and programmes on built environment and orderly physical development projects. The institute also promised to help the university attain full accreditation for the M.Sc programme by the Architects’ Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON). The NIA Akwa Ibom State Branch Chairman, Iniobong J. Ukpong, who made this known to UNIUYO Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof. Comfort Ekpo, when he led other members of the institute on a courtesy visit to the VC, praised her for the provision of equipment and other essential facilities, such as Data

By Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

Room and Computer Studio to meet the requirements for full accreditation of the M. Sc programme in Architecture. Ukpong requested the management to consider introducting Ph.D programme in Architecture to encourage those desirous of such qualification without the risks of travelling long distances outside the state for it. He expressed optimism that with accredited programmes in Architecture, students would no longer sit for N.I.A Finals Examination in order to pre-qualify for the Professional Practice Examination (P.P.E). He urged Ekpo to key into the new trend in architectural education where ARCON, in conjunction

with the National Universities Commission (NUC) are converting Departments of Architecture to full-fledged Faculty or Schools of Architecture to offer opportunities for architects to specialise in Landscape Architecture, Interior and Urban Designs. Prof Ekpo recalled previous support and assistance of the institute to the department of Architecture, adding that it has greatly helped the department. She said the university appreciated NIA and expressed UNIUYO’s preparedness to partner with the institute in the growth of the department. Ekpo, who noted that the institute had planned introduce Ph.D programme in Architecture, acknowledged lean resources as a major impediment.

FUTA students off to United States

HE second batch of beneficiaries of the collaboration between the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Tallahassee, United States (US) have departed for the US to complete their undergraduate programmes. The eight students would complete their progarmme at FAMU to earn FUTA certificate and would also be eligible for their Master’s and earn a FAMU postgraduate certificate. At a pre-departure event attended

by the students, their parents and senior teaching staff, the ViceChancellor (VC), Prof Adebiyi Daramola, advised the FAMU class of 2014 to be upright and focus on their studies to achieve excellence in their academic pursuit. Describing the development as a matter for joy and pride to the university, Daramola reiterated the benefits of the exchange programme to FUTA, adding that it would give beneficiaries the opportunity to broaden their horizon and reshape their future and that of their country. Earlier, Daramola’s deputies

(Academics), Prof Adedayo Fasakin, and (Development), Prof Tolulope Akinbogun, and the Registrar, Dr. Modupe Ajayi, congratulated the students. Fasakin traced the beginning of the 4+1+1 programme with FAMU last year to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) approved by the university’s Senate and the National Universities Commission (NUC). He listed the award of scholarships, payment of in-state fees and opportunity for postgraduate studies as some of the benefits of the transfer programme.

•Beneficiaries of scholarship scheme by Young Christian Workers Movement of St. Mary Catholic Church, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos.

HEAD of the October 8 resumption for schools, the Lagos State government, has distributed thermoscans, a scientific instrument used to measure body temperature, as well as 668 Ebola Focal Officers in its public schools. Special Adviser to the Governor Babatunde Fashola on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, who made known at a sensitisation and enlightenment seminar for the Ebola Focal Officers, explained that the officers would will be responsible for surveillance and health monitoring of the disease in each school and interface between schools and primary healthcare center if the need to refer pupils arises. Governor Fashola had held a meeting with key officers in Lagos schools where the government reversed the earlier Monday resumption to October 8 to allow for adequate distribution of the items across public school in the state. Mrs. Adeshina noted that the thermoscan were procured for use of schools to check pupils, especially body temperature which can signal the commencement of fever. She added that government also planned to provide water supply with water to schools, which are not connected to the state, stressing that gloves and liquid soaps for hand washing had also been procured to aid personal and environmental hygiene. Adeshina noted that the fear about the disease was harmful. He said only visibly ill or sick patients that could spread the disease via direct contact with the broken skin,

mucous membranes and secretions of an infected person or through direct contact with materials and surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person. She said: “Lagosians, please remain calm. There is no reason to panic as your government in partnership with the federal government and development partners is resolved and committed to contain the disease.” Noting that the containment of Ebola is a shared responsibility of all citizens, implored the officials to take hygiene serious and report any suspicious case of the disease to the appropriate quarters or better still, call the Ebola helplines. Mrs Adeshina explained that schools had also been provided with guidelines on how to prevent EVD, stressing that one of the goals of the seminar was to enlighten them on what they need to know about Ebola and what should be done on suspicion of the disease. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo, recalled that the exercise of school teachers, principals and head of schools on the EVD started two earlier ago as part of efforts aimed at preparing schools for resumption. She expressed confidence in the teachers at ensuring a healthy and safe learning environment for pupils since teachers are better informed and educated on EVD. The seminar and lecture covered EVD, roles and responsibilities of schools, home and children as well as demonstration of hand washing techniques.

12 pupils win Ogun essay contest

WELVE students from across the six geo-political zones of the country have emerged winners of the First National Green Essay Competition for Secondary Schools. The contest, organised by the wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, in association with Channels Book Club, forms part of her contribution towards educating youths on environmental issues and sustainability, and producing young talented pupils who are being described as Ambassadors of Green Education for the Youth (GEFTY). The winners include Fadipe Isabella Oluwadamilola, Fatima Aliyu-Gebi, Ann Enjoyo Austin, Akudinobi Kasarachi, Igwe Chinaza, Judith Hassan, Sule O Nathan¸ Amadi Sarima Kyna, Agboola Daniel, Ramos Ayomide, and Ibitokun

Oluwanifemi. Speaking during the grand finale of the competition at the Progress Hall, Southwest Resource Centre in Abeokuta, Mrs. Amosun said the aim of the competition was to encourage youths to work towards sustaining the environment to reverse the adverse effects of climate change. She congratulated the winners, saying her Uplift Development Foundation would continue to engage in human capital development among children and youths to promote reading culture that would help improve educational standard in the country. The Coordinator of the competition, Mr. Kunle Kasumu, said there were over 200 entries for the essay in which 40 finalists emerged. He urged candidates to avail themselves of the opportunities provided by Mrs Amosun by putting in their best.

Education fair to hold October 24 HE Third Nigerian Education holds on Friday, October 24 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. According to the Chief Executive Officer of Minds Smiths Limited (the organisers), Dingba Peter, the event will provide parents the opportunity to interact with officials of private schools to enable them choose the best schools for their children. Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, he said the fair was unique because the schools –primary, secondary and tertiary – are based in the country, adding that it is unlike other fairs, where participating schools are based abroad. He listed the benefits of the fair to include: interface between schools and prospective pupils or parents, free admission and cost-saving for parents who would not need to scout for schools and a one-stop shop for parents. He said: “We’ll ensure that schools that are coming are standard. Some schools wanted to take part but we declined their offer because they are

not up to the standard we wanted. For now, no government school is attending. But in future, we will ensure they attend. We invited them but because of bureaucratic red tapism, they could not. “Only schools from Lagos mainly are being expected to attend the fair. But we plan to cover all the geo-political zones in future.” Despite the reported falling in the standards of education, Dingba said: “We have faith in the education system of Nigeria.” On how he came about the idea of the fair, he recalled: “It arose from the demands of parents, who were always asking for the best schools or those which offer particular courses. So, we thought we should organise a forum where they could meet of owners or their management to know about their institutions and what they have on offer. Parents choose schools based on information from friends and relatives and not on their knowledge of the system. This is not good enough.”

Gotze loving life with Bayern

I knew the difference would be made on that final loop. I paced it perfectly and I still had gas in the final. Even on that last descent, I heard I was ten seconds up, but I was pushing all the way and not taking any risks. It was superb.

Bradley Wiggins speaking after his first world time trial title

Thursday, September 25, 2014

ROONEY ADAMANT 'Happy' MAN UTD Ronaldo WILL BE SUCCESSFUL W

AYNE Rooney is adamant Manchester United will enjoy a successful season, despite their disappointing start to the

campaign. United's 2014-15 Premier League season hit a new low on Sunday, when they surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 5-3 at promoted Leicester City. It left Louis van Gaal's men languishing in 12th position, with just one win from five fixtures. However, captain Rooney fired back at United's critics on Tuesday, believing there is enough quality to enjoy a change in fortunes. "There seems to be a lot of people who have written us off because of Sunday's result but I don't see it that way," Rooney wrote on his official Facebook page. "When I look around our dressing room and see the quality we have and the manager's unbelievable attention to detail I have no doubts this team will be successful." United play host to West Ham at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Torres: I would swap my goal for a win

C Milan striker Fernando Torres says he would swap his goal against Empoli for a win. The Rossoneri went 2-0 down after 21 minutes at the Castellani Stadium, but strikes from Torres and Keisuke Honda levelled the game. However, they could not go on to take all three points - despite Jeremy Menez hitting the crossbar and Empoli's Mirko Valdifiori being sent off late on, meaning Pippo Inzaghi's men were forced to settle for a draw. "I am happy for the goal, but I would gladly exchange it for three points," Torres told Milan Channel. "The important thing for a forward is that the side creates chances to score goals. The rest doesn’t count much. We come away from Empoli disappointed, but we reacted well. "I am trying to adapt to the needs of the team ... With great players like those at Milan, it’s easy to understand each other. "I am happy and I am gaining in confidence. However, you can always do better.”

•Torres

not seeking Man Utd return C

RISTIANO Ronaldo has distanced himself from speculation over a return to Manchester United, claiming he is happy at Real Madrid. The Portugal forward has previously spoken about the appeal of one day playing for United again and rumours intensified when former Real president Ramon Calderon suggested that Ronaldo had become disillusioned in Madrid. Those claims came in the wake of the departures of Angel Di Maria and Xabi

•Ronaldo

Alonso, though Real's financial clout has seen them bring in the likes of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez as replacements. And, after scoring four times in the 5-1 win over Elche on Tuesday, Ronaldo spoke of his contentment with life at the Santiago Bernabeu. "It's all speculation, speaking about my future… my future is Madrid. I'm happy," he said in quotes reported by AS. "The season is going well and I'm not talking about my future, it doesn't make sense."

The 29-year-old also played down comments made by former Real boss Jose Mourinho, with the now Chelsea manager having revealed that the two have not stayed in touch since parting ways last year. "It's nothing important, what's important is Madrid," he added of his countryman's comments. "On a personal level, things are going well and I want to help this shirt. "I don't see a need to talk about things outside the club.”

ARIO Gotze has underlined the enjoyment that he derives from playing for Bayern Munich after Tuesday's 4-0 win over Paderborn. Germany's World Cup final hero opened the scoring after eight minutes at the Allianz Arena and doubled his tally in the second half, easing the frustration of Saturday's 0-0 draw at Hamburg and extending Bayern's unbeaten start to the campaign. And the 22-yearold, who made a bigmoney switch to the Bundesliga champions from Borussia Dortmund in July last year, is loving life under Pep Guardiola at Bayern. "It was about time that I scored again - especially after all the chances I had," he said. "We could definitely have scored one or two more goals. I think we played well - we owed that to ourselves after the game against Hamburg. "It was clear to see today that we had fun playing football again and it worked well. I feel great and am happy to be playing. "It's just so much fun playing with this team and this coach. If you're fit and healthy then everything else happens automatically.”

Suarez scores twice for Barca B

UIS Suarez opened his goal account in Barcelona colours during Barcelona B’s 6-0 victory against Indonesia U19s. The former Liverpool striker played the full 90 minutes and was a constant presence throughout, scoring two goals. Ex-Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen also made an appearance for the Catalan side’s B team and the 28-yearold managed to get his name on the scoresheet during his 60-minute cameo. Suarez started the game, which was at Barcelona's training ground, brightly and won the corner that led to Vermaelen’s goal – the Belgian connecting with an Alen Halilovic corner to head home in the third minute. The Uruguayan then netted his first

Milner in no rush to sign new Man City deal

ANCHESTER City midfielder James Milner reiterated playing time will be the deciding factor behind his willingness to sign a new contract. Milner is out of contract at the end of the season and while City are determined to tie him down to a longterm deal, the England international is in no rush to commit his future to the Premier League champions. After being named on the bench for City's opening three Premier League fixtures, the 28-year-old has started backto-back league matches against Arsenal and Chelsea. Milner said he wants to assess his options before agreeing to new terms, with regular football at the forefront of his mind. "I have a year left and have spoken to the club," said Milner. "I love it here and would love to stay at Manchester City but first and foremost I am a footballer and want to play football. Hopefully I can play enough games and will be here for the long term. "You want to win trophies, and I have been fortunate enough to do that, but I want to do that and ideally play in enough games.”

Then, in the 68th minute, Suarez bagged his second goal, shifting goal after he latched onto a the ball onto his left foot delicately chipped through ball before unleashing a fierce from Halilovic, slotting the ball strike from 20 yards out past the Indonesian goalkeeper into the left-hand corner, into the bottom right-hand leaving the keeper with corner. no chance.

•Gotze

Other Sport...Other Sport...Other Sport...

Wiggins wins world time trial title

IR Bradley Wiggins won his first world time trial title after beating defending champion Tony Martin by 26 seconds with a supreme performance. The 34-year-old Briton was four seconds down on his German rival at the first time split but had edged ahead by the second checkpoint and continued to extend his lead all the way to the finish. Wiggins becomes only the second Briton to claim the world time trial title after Chris Boardman's victory in the inaugural event in 1994, and he now adds a rainbow jersey on the road to the six he had already won the track. He is also now the reigning national, world and Olympic time-trial champion, having beaten Martin to gold at the London Games two years ago. Wiggins said: "I don't know what to say. I knew coming into it I had the legs and when I saw the course I realised that if I was ever going to beat Tony again, it would be on a course like this. "It has been an up-and-down year and I

• Wiggins

want to dedicate this to my family. My wife and children back home have always been there for me and had to put up with me. This was my last World Time Trial Championship, so to finish it with a gold medal - I don't know what to say." Wiggins went into the event as second favourite behind Martin, who was looking for a fourth consecutive world title and had beaten the Briton into second place in both 2011 and 2013. The 47.1km course, which started and finished in Ponferrada, in northwestern Spain, contained two late climbs that suited Wiggins over Martin. As expected, the pair were the fastest two riders in the field from start to finish, with Martin edging 4.14 seconds in front at the first checkpoint, after 12.2km. Wiggins fought back over the next 11km to take a slender 2.64-second lead by the second time check, after 23.2km, but then began to dominate and was 9.64 seconds in front by the third and final split, after 35.2km. "I knew the difference would be made on that final loop. I paced it perfectly and I still had gas in the final." The road then started rising up and with Wiggins the superior climber, he put another 16 seconds into the wilting Martin to add yet another global honour to his already glittering palmares. Wiggins added: "I have prepared for things like this so many times in the past and when I know the form and the condition is there, I'm quite relaxed and I know what I have to do once I get out on the bike, so it's just a case of waiting all day. "I knew the difference would be made on that final loop. I paced it perfectly and I still had gas in the final. Even on that last descent, I heard I was ten seconds up, but I was pushing all the way and not taking any risks. It was superb."

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THURSDAY SEPTEM BER 25, 2014

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

KWARA POLITICS Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has been endorsed for second term by many stakeholders. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the succession battle in the Northcentral state between the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

•Ahmed

•Saraki

•Lafiagi

• Belgore

• Oba

Kwara 2015: Ahmed’s battle for second term A

HEAD of next year’s general elections, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed’s second term ambition has been endorsed by no fewer than 15 groups and associations. They include students’ bodies, women groups, the National Union of Road Transport Workers Union (NURTW), and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Also, musicians, artisans, traditional rulers and influential political leaders from the three senatorial districts are backing him. To many observers, these are core stakeholders who can mobilise for his victory at the poll. However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decried the gale of endorsements, saying that it will not work. The party said that it will not brighten the chance of the governor in the election. Few weeks ago, the Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum, the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS), and the Ilorin Emirate Students Union also promised to support his candidature, if Ahmed emerges as the flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Giving reasons for supporting the governor’s bid, the students said that his people-oriented policies and programmes are worthy of commendation. Their leadern Ajadi Muyideen, lauded what he described as Ahmed’s selfless service to the people. He expressed gratitude to the goverment for the payment of bursary to tertiary students. He said the move wsas a relief to parents. “As a body that always fights for students, we want to personally salute the courage of our dear governor for his good works and we assure him of our unalloyed support at all times,” he said. Also, the Ilorin Emirate Students Union, in its statement signed by its President, Alaburo Sherifideen, described the governor’s achievements in education as unprecedented. Sherifideen noted that the governor had been sensitive to public yearnings, pointing out that the reduction of tuition fees at the Kwara State University, Malete, by 50 per cent has reduced dropouts rate among tertiary students. He also praised the governor for making primary and post-primary education tuition free. He said the renovation and construction of classrooms had enhanced a conducive atmosphere for learning in schools. The Coordinator of Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum, Ibrahim Kutan Muhammed, said Ahmed has success stories to tell in health, agriculture, energy, works and transport, education and youth development. “In view of his doggedness, the Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum is in full support of the governor for a second term in 2015 so that he can continue the good work,” he added. However, despite the gale of endorsements,

Ahmed has other hurdles to cross. Kwara Central District, like the South, is agitating for power shift, although the zone had enjoyed the slot for 12 years. There are other calculations. The Peoples Democratic party (PDP) may zone its governorship to the Central, which is more populous and has a history of bloc votes. The propaganda of the opposition party is strong. Ahmed has been painted as the product of Saraki Dynasty at a time some elements are pushing for a shift in political alliance. However, the governor may have done his calculations very well, ahead of the electioneering. For three and half years that he has ruled the state, he has not stirred any controversy. Also, no politician has come between him and his political leader, Senator Bukola Saraki. Unlike other states, where crises between predecessors and their successors have reached the peak, there is a cordial relationship between the former governor and Ahmed. His leader and the entire political camp are proud of his achievements. There appears to be an understanding that, since Saraki spent two terms of eight years, that precedent should be followed. However, as the succession battle gathers momentum, the second term battle will not be a walkover for the governor. Ahmed has to work harder to secure a second term. Following Saraki’s defection to the APC, some calculations were altered. There are new permutations. There is a debate on which senatorial district is likely to guarantee victory for the party, especially when the PDP is working to snatch victory from it. Since last year, some people have said that the defection may cost the governor the second term ticket. Although there is no consensus yet on succession in the APC, some party chieftains believe that Ahmed’s political future hangs in the balance, despite the fact that he has performed. However, those against his ambition allude to political expediency, claiming that since the PDP is likely to pick its flag bearer from Kwara Central, the ruling party should not be indifferent to its implications for the election. This latter group feels that another a stronger aspirant would be a better option. Kwara Central has the highest number of voters. Therefore, it is the target of the PDP. The aspirants in the zone include Dele Belgore (SAN) and Prof. Oba Abdurahaman. But, the zone cannot solely install the governor. Therefore, the opposition party is also mobilising support in the South, where the governor comes

from, and the North, to pull the rug of the feet of the APC. In spite of the permutation, the APC is still believed to have an edge over the PDP. The ruling party is popular across the three districts. Not only has it been able to overcome the regression to ethnic division by the PDP, but, unlike the PDP, which lacks an arrowhead, the APC is forging ahead under the leadership of Saraki, ably supported by his lieutenant, Ahmed. But, the uneasiness in the APC, which was triggered by the strategic decision of the PDP to pick its candidate from the Central, has not fizzled out. Since the zone is regarded as a huge electoral asset, given the fact that it boasts of the highest number of registered voters, the anxiety in the APC and among the governor’s is not unfounded. If the PDP eventually picks its candidate from the zone, as being speculated, the South, where the governor hails from, would be up for grabs. Sources said that the North could go either way. But, the endorsements may altered the conjecture, as the APC and its supporters are not sleeping on guard. In fact, the endorsements are part of the strategies to convince the anti-second term ambition that people are pushing for continuity because Ahmed is popular. A strong message was sent to the governor’s critics when he was endorsed by stakeholders from the North District. The Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Kawu Haliru, has thrown his weight behind his second term bid. The endorsement ceremony was witnessed by former Governor Shaaba Lafiagi, who is representing the district in the Senate, House of Representatives member Aman Pategi, many public office holders, community leaders, representatives of professional groups, youths, women, artisans and peasants. Speakers at the event highlighted developmental projects and empowerment schemes across the districts. Urging the APC to field him in next year’s poll, they maintained that the governor has lived up to expectation. Emir Haliru, a highly respected leader, is believed to have spoken the minds of his people. Analysts believe that his blessings also came as a relieve to the governor’s camp, as it meant that the zone’s agitation for power shift, may not affect APC’s chances at the polls. The endorsement by stakeholders from the North is also significant for another reason. It may weaken the alleged one term pact between the governor and his leader. In 2011, the feeling

‘In spite of the permutation, the APC is still believed to have an edge over the PDP. The ruling party is popular across the three districts. Not only has it been able to overcome the regression to ethnic division by the PDP, but, unlike the PDP, which lacks an arrowhead, the APC is forging ahead under the leadership of Saraki, ably supported by his lieutenant, Ahmed’

was that Ahmed will spend one term and handover to a governor from the North. But, since the endorsement of the governor, there has not been any contrary view. Also, the North, like the Central, has the advantage of a bloc vote. Although there are some PDP governorship aspirants from the zone, they are paper weight actors. The South, where the governor hails from, is solidly behind the him. Many analysts believe that the endorsement and the mobilisation of indigenes appear to have properly positioned the governor for the final endorsement by the party. In fact, his kinsmen have embarked on an aggressive mobilisation for his ambition. During the voter’s registration, they trooped out for the exercise. Now, the calculation is that the combined forces of Saraki in the Central and Ahmed’s foot soldiers in the South should forge a working alliance with compatriots in the North to ensure the push for continuity next year. However, the PDP is of the opinion that the APC’s calculations would hit the rock. According to its leaders, this agenda may not work. The PDP believes that endorsements do not translate into electoral victory, adding that the royal father who has endorsed Ahmed lacked the mandate of the voting public. The PDP Deputy Publicity Secretary, Femi Yusuf, doubted the validity of the endorsements, saying that it is unreliable. He said the next election would be a battle of supremacy between the APC and the PDP. Faulting the endorsements, he said they were instigated by the government. “We see the endorsement as a mere figment of the imagination of the APC. It does not provide the party with any leverage when the election comes. “That aside, the traditional ruler is a civil servant, who collects salary from the state government monthly. So, what do you expect? When they are endorsing him for a second term, what would warrant the endorsement? What have they done for the area for them to say he should continue in office? “You can only deserve endorsement, if you have surpassed the previous administrations. But, the past 12 years have shown that the people of the North District have been neglected. Go to Baruten or Kayama, Lafiagi and Patigi to see for yourself.” However, the Special Adviser to the governor on Communication Strategy, Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, disagreed with the PDP spokesman. He said:”The governor, through his ‘Shared Prosperity Agenda’, has sustained the impactful developmental momentum of his predecessor and he actually deserves the support of well-meaning people to continue his people-oriented projects. “He has successfully consolidated on the projects of the former governor and opened up new ones, which have direct bearing on the people and that simply explains why the people are clamouring for continuity.”

THE NATION THURSDAY SEPTEM BER 25, 2014

POLITICS Southwest All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders have resolved to work hard to make the zone the stronghold of the mega opposition party by winning next year’s elections in the six states. BISI OLADELE encountered them at the maiden zonal meeting of the party in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

Akinyelure: PDP can’t displace APC in Southwest’ quarrels but that has been resolved if that is what you are referring to as stumbling blocks. In Ekiti, the scenario will be a different thing come 2015. In Osun, no doubt we are going to win. In Oyo, I can assure you we are coming back by the grace of God. In Ogun, by the grace of God, the difference between our leader and the governor - I know our leaders are doing everything possible to settle the differences. I think Governor Amosun has done more than enough for the people of Ogun to return him back come 2015. In Lagos, we have no doubt because it is the bedrock of progressives in Nigeria - we are going to win.

HE Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Southwest, Chief Pius Akinyelure, has a challenge. Elections will hold in the six statesLagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti-next year. The region is perceived as the stronghold of the APC. Can the party triumph at the polls? Exuding confidence, the zonal leader said that victory is possible. But, he emphasised that the chapter should put its house in order, learn from past mistakes and work hard. Akinyelure presided over the maiden meeting of APC chieftains from the zone at Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The chieftains were basking in the euphoria of the APC’s success in the Osun State governorsjhip election. The convivial atmosphere buried the pain over the loss of Ekiti State to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) . However, despite their belief in the ability of the party to win the governorship polls in Oyo, Lagos and Ogun, and partliamentary polls in Ondo, Ekiti and Osun, they acknowledged that a lot of work should be done, especially in the areas of giving more opportunities to youths, internal democracy, mobilisation, selection of competent candidates and mandate protection. Chieftains who spoke on the challenges ahead included Lagos Central leader Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Oyo State APC Chairman Chief Akin Oke, Senator Ganiyu Solomon and Dr. Tunji Abayomi. Their views are presented below:

Olusi

• Akinyelure

• Solomon

• Boroffice

Boroffice

We lost Ekiti at the governorship election, yet we have not lost Ekiti State as a whole. We are still very much strong in the state. We have learnt our lesson in the Ekiti election and by the time Osun State election was conducted, those lessons sprang forth and you could see that all the efforts of the PDP to rig the election, to steal the mandate, failed. Now with the defection of Governor Mimiko to PDP, I think it is a good development for us because for a long time there have been many people in the Labour Party that will love to decamp to APC at the higher level but because of the constitutional provision, it was a constraint. Now, the defecting has opened a door for them to decamp to whatever party they like and people’s choice so far is the APC and I want to assure you that but for this meeting we will be holding another rally at the local government level receiving people both from Labour party and the PDP because there are some people in labour party who are progressives and cannot feel at home in the PDP and there are some people in the PDP who believe that Mimiko is an Ebola virus that is going to kill the PDP and these people are leaving the PDP to join the APC. In fact, I can see God’s hand in his defection. Putting all these together, I think the chances of the APC in the southwest come 2015 is altogether strong. “We are being energised by these development in Ondo State. We now have a structure in place: the local government executives are in place, the ward excos are in place, the unit excos are also in place. So, their functions are now being activated to harvest. All these plans will build a formidable party that will claim the state. Conduct an opinion poll today in Ondo State of the chances of both parties winning an election in 2015, the response will be 70 per cent in favour of the APC.

•Olusi

There are no stumbling blocks to be identified. I think, in the Southwest, what we have to do is to make sure that we put our heart together. I cannot envisage any stumbling block. We must not be complacent as we did in Ekiti. We must be ready to meet force with force and also to ensure that our people are ready, not only to vote but to watch and guide their votes form the polling boot to the collation centre. I think that is the only thing that can be a stumbling block. And of course, we have curbed the issue of intimidation by police and army. And I hope that by 2015, the amendment to the electoral law which makes it illegal for the Federal Government to deploy the army and the police, and SSS will have been ratified. That again will brighten the chances of free election.

Abayomi

Let’s take it state by state. In Lagos, I believe we are predictably okay. In Ogun, we are relatively okay. In Oyo, we are relatively okay? In Osun, we are dependably okay. In Ekiti, we need to do some additional work. In Ondo State, we need to do a lot of work. If we add everything together, I think we should be okay. Obviously, the INEC declared us as the winner. Anybody can go to the tribunal?, and I think really we should have gone to the tribunal against Omisore, especially on Ife results. The election that

• Abayomi

was conducted in Ife raises a lot of doubt as to the number of vote committed to Omisore. So, I believe we should initiate a counter petition especially, but apart from that I think everybody followed the election in Osun. I believe that Omisore just wants to be relevant having been embarrassed by the result. You need to understand that before the election, Chief Omisore had boasted, and his party too, that there was simply no way that they will not win in Osun State. Not only that, you will recall that the chairman of the PDP governors had also boasted, so also the vice president. So, the embarrassment was a little large and it needed to be curtailed a little bit by way of petition. What happened was that the Labour Party was an irritant in Ondo Sate. It is a party that has no head, no arm and no neck - you know what I mean. It is a party that is surrounded by only one person. You will recall that when Mimiko was going to start his campaign, he said, “When we decided to use Labour party to realise our ambition.” So, the Labour Party (LP) is really a party not to be in a position to be competitive politically in this country. The only significant person in the party in this country is Mimiko. In the future, the coast is clearer, it is now a battle between the titans and that is the APC which houses the

• Oke

progressives and the PDP which houses the retrogressives in terms of achievement. The nation in the last 14 years has enjoyed civil rule. But the only thing the government has guaranteed us is the chance to die. They have not guaranteed us anything. We do not have water, electricity. It took me four hours to go from Lagos, a major commercial city of Nigeria, to Ibadan, the most populous city. And then, we cannot have any public hospital, none of us has a public primary school where we can put our children without a disturbed conscience. We are not expecting much from the PDP. Only the people of PDP expect much from thePDP and not the people of Nigeria.

Oke

As far as we are concerned, I think in the last three years that we have been in the realm of affairs in the Southwest, outside Lagos state, we have done enough to warrant a return in the six states. In all human endeavours there are bound to be difficulties and challenges. The reality in Ekiti is beyond human comprehension beacuse what happened in Ekiti is difficult to explain for now and I will leave that to the tribunal. With what happened in Osun, I believe Oyo is okay and Lagos is alright. In Ogun, we have some of our members complaining and there are little

‘The issue of internal democracy is a principle we have to imbibe with the party and our leaders have always been singing it into our ears. They have also exhibited that in the elections in Anambra, Osun and Ekiti. So, they also know the situation on ground now, and they know that party members are willing to participate with their candidates. We will not do anything to the contrary’

The chances of our party of retaining Southwest states is very bright. One has to remember that APC is determined to move Southwest forward and to pursue a change for the entire federation of Nigeria. However, history has taught us that when you are pursuing a change from a position to another, particularly a position that will be unpalatable to those who are looting the treasury of our country, then you are going to be confronted with stiff opposition and therefore we are ready for that. Today, we are the predominant party in Southwest part of our country and definitely we are going to maintain that position. We are now ruling a number of states like Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Edo and our governors are performing well and they have the support of the masses, so, we have no fear that we are going to win the whole of Southwest. I am not satisfied with the Ekiti State election and I have made my view known in the national dailies recently. If you look at the Osun State guber election, you will see the performances of the electoral officers, that shows how INEC must be an unbaised umpire. For the APC to retain power in Lagos in 2015, we need to be aggressive in our campaign, we have made a number of achievement in Southwest. See what is happening in Ogun State, see what we have achieved in Lagos State and see what is going on Oyo State. We need to talk and persuade the people, and we need the people to make some sacrifices for the betterment of the people.

Solomon

The issue of internal democracy is a principle we have to imbibe with the party and our leaders have always been singing it into our ears. They have also exhibited that in the elections in Anambra, Osun and Ekiti. So, they also know the situation on ground now, and they know that party members are willing to participate with their candidates. We will not do anything to the contrary. As regards to some other challenges, there will be natural challenges, challenges of candidate, challenges of a now mega party but I don’t see the challenges as insurmountable, because we have at the elms of affairs veteran politicians who have seen it all and we will tap from their wealth of experience in tackling those challenges. The chances of our party is very bright in 2015 and in the three remaining states in Southwest we shall return. We have so many aspirants to contest for the Lagos State governorship seat in 2015, its good for the party and we shall continue to encourage them, but we should ensure that we create a platform and choose the aspirant with the highest support from party members to emerge as the party’s candidate. Its not about the party choosing alone but its about the electorate knowing about the competence of the candidate and we shall not take the chances of the electorate for granted. The party has not zoned the governorship ticket to anywhere.

THE NATION THURSDAY SEPTEM BER 25, 2014

POLITICS Prof. David Bamgbose is a governorship aspirant in the Accord Party (AP) in Ogun State. He speaks in this interview with SEYI ODEWALE on partisan issues.

‘Electorate ‘ll determine my fate’ W HO is Prof David Bamgbose? I’m Prof. David Olusegun Bamgbose, a professor of Educational Administration and Management and the Provost of Yewa Central College of Education. Incidentally, I’m the Chairman of the Association of Private Colleges of Education in Nigeria. I’m also a pastor. I’m an agriculturist and a farmer. You will agree with me that what will revolutionise this country is agriculture. We must go back to the basics. We support our educational activities with agriculture. Also, I’m involved in giving back to the society. We have a foundation, Peaceway Care Foundation, where we reach out to the less privileged in the society. We give scholarships to indigent, but brilliant students and orphans. But for those we cannot give scholarships to, we make sure that our college charges the lowest tuition in the entire southwest. We have an outreach, Prison outreach, which we are doing in Abeokuta. I am from Ifo Local Government, Constituency II, Ward 7, in Ogun State. You seem to have your hands full with all you have mentioned. Why venturing into Politics? All the platforms that I have mentioned can only reach out to a negligible size of the population. We believe that, if you leave politics to a certain people, they will see it as their birth right to govern. In fact, there is a culture now where some people see themselves as the political class. They see themselves as the only ones who must aspire to political office. They move from one party to another, recycling themselves. This, to me, is not proper. Our country is fast deteriorating. Do you know that we are near a major war in the north as I speak with you now? The level of unemployment in the country is gradually making this country to implode. Why then should we leave governance to these set of people who have caused us so much hardships and pains? There must be a new drive, new idea and new dynamism. Yes, they have tried their ideas for 15 years, let us allow people with new ideas, people with proven antecedents; people, who have worked in various levels before come and replicate the good things they have been doing in their private enterprises, which have made them successful. Let them come and replicate those things on a larger scale. Let me give you an example, today, almost all the nations of West Africa depend on agriculture. Countries like Ivory Coast depend on agriculture 100 per cent. So is Ghana, which has 90 per cent dependency on agriculture. In Nigeria, we have one of the best climates in the world for agric. In my state, Ogun, ask anybody how much of the state internally generated revenue (IGR), which is about N4billion, comes from agric? We just have to do things in a different way and to do that, you need new blood, new personalities. You cannot continue to do things the same way you have been doing them and expect a different result. Even in football, you get good results when you inject new and fresh legs into the field of play. We should allow this to happen on the political turf. I want to tell you that 80 per cent to 90 per cent of those in the political terrain are still the same set of people. They have taken it to the level of making it a family business. The father will be a governor and the son wanting to succeed his father. But, that is not strange. We have seen it happen in advanced democracies like the United States (US)… No problem, but, if such people have been able to give us tangible, progressive and dynamic results, somebody like me would not have bothered coming into politics. I would

•Prof. Bamgbose

have concentrated on my business. I will not sit in my office using 50 per cent of my time attending to people applying for jobs because I will know that someone in government is attending to that. These people in government are however, not giving us the result that we desire. They are not the results that develop our potentials because we have not tapped one per cent of this country’s potentials. Therefore, we need new people with new idea, not age. People with proven results and antecedents, I repeat, we need people who have done that at their private level. I give you an example, we have a college of education that is 12 years old and we have produced over 7,000 graduates, 30 to 40 per cent of them are self employed. It is a teacher-education with entrepreneurial skills and they are proving it in their various fields. We can replicate that at a larger level across the state. So, we need good people, for instance, in agriculture, Malaysia came to Nigeria in 1956 to pick the palm tree seedlings, today, that country generates four times what we realise from oil. People think we have money, no. Is it not the royalty that we collect from those oil companies? The entire country’s budget is not up to that of New York City in the United States. I am not talking of the state of New York, but the city. The entire budget of all federal universities in Nigeria is not up to that of the Harvard University. And the little that we have, we waste. That little is not our potential; we must create wealth in Nigeria. We must open up the political space and the only way to do that is to bring in people, who have done it at the private level. Not people seeking rent from the government. I mean people who can develop our real sector and move this country forward. But those you see as major players on the political scene come from that kind of background. Why have they not replicated their successes on the political terrain?

‘There were people nobody knew then and they won elections because of their party. But it is not the same scenario now. Look at what happened in Ekiti and Osun states recently’

I’m zeroing in on primary industry. You cannot develop the tertiary system of education without a sound primary system foundation. In fact, that is the problem with our educational system. Let’s go back to the real sector. The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina is a man with good intentions, very brilliant, but he is not getting results he’s supposed to get. Has he done it before? Can he point out what he had done in agriculture? If you want to give me clothes, I must see what you are wearing. We need people with proven experience in that particular area. Let me also tell you that the mere fact that you a businessman does not qualify you for a political office or appointment. How did you develop? What are your antecedents? Your evolution-who are you? All those things and your character come into play. Do you have character of integrity? Can one or two persons talk about your character where you live? All these are critical to the sustenance of development and achievement from the primary level to tertiary level. Some politicians see you as a political neophyte, who does not have political antecedents. How are you going to cope with this? Fortunately for me it is not those politicians that will determine my fortune. It is the electorate. And by the grace of God, we have done a lot to reach out to the people. The political class you are talking about is less than 10 per cent. But, it determines the tone of elections... No, I don’t thinks so. If you look at the trend today, the people are speaking. They have taken their destinies in their hands. Look at the 2011 elections because of the perception that Governor Fashola performed in Lagos, his party swept all states of the southwest. If the ACN then presented a rat for election, it would have won. There were people nobody knew then and they won elections because of their party. But it is not the same scenario now. Look at what happened in Ekiti and Osun states recently. Look at Osun, all Ijeshas voted Aregbesola, about 90 per cent of the votes from Ijesha were for Aregbesola. So it was for Omisore, about 90 per cent of his votes came from Ile-Ife and its environs. Are you telling me that the politicians determined that? Are there no PDP followers in Ilesha? People voted for personalities. So, I am telling you that the politicians will not determine our fate. We are going to bring our agenda to the people through various media and leave the choice to them to make. You are contesting for what office and on which platform? By the grace of God, I’m vying for the post of governor of Ogun State on the platform of Accord Party in 2015 Don’t you see this as a tall dream? Interestingly, since the declaration of my intention to run there has been a tremendous movement across the state. How do you mean? People have been trooping out, reaching out to us. The first thing we noticed was that the membership of our party rose by 3,000 per cent in the state within two months. This happened the moment I declared my intention. One would have expected you to join the ruling party in the state. What do you mean? The APC came in and won from nowhere. Nobody knew ACN before and the people gave them their votes to remove the incumbent. The same incident can be replicated. Perhaps it was what happened within the PDP that brought about that? I want to tell you that the reason was the perceived performance of Gov. Fashola in Lagos.

‘Why I am contesting’ The Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts, Hon Bolaji Yusuf Ayinla (Mushin 2), spoke on next yearr’s general elections, insecurity and his political ambition. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN met him.

HAT have you done to reduce the menace of street urchins known as ‘area boys’ in Mushin and its environ? In the past, Mushin used to be the haven of area boys. But now, things have changed for better. We have people like Dr Muiz Banire, a legal luminary and former Commissioner in Lagos State, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Hon Funmilayo Tejuosho and my humble self. We are all from Mushin. I know we still have pockets of area boys in Mushin, we shall get rid of them. Rome was not built in a day. I was able to lobby the deputy governor of Lagos State, Mrs Adefunmilayo Orelope-Adefulire to cite vocational training centre in Mushin. The biggest vocational training centre in Lagos State is located in Mushin. The unemployed youths are trained in various vocational trades. As I am speaking to you, a training programme is on. Those who turned up outnumbered those that could be accommodated. After the training, we assist them with the equipment needed for the skills they have acquired. So, when they come out of the training programme, they become self-employed. We will continue to try our best to reduce the area boys in our Constituency. I am happy it has reduced. We will keep improving until the area boys are completely flushed out of Mushin. Why are you interested in the House of Representatives seat? I have spent three terms in the State House of Assembly. All these years, I have attracted dividends of democracy to my constituency. Through me, the people of Mushin have benefitted from the state government. I want to replicate what I have done for Mushin Constituency through the Lagos State government at the federal level. Mushin certainly deserves the presence of federal government in terms of infrastructure. That, we are lacking because we are not ably represented. For instance the last recruitment exercise undertaken by Customs and Immigration Department, Mushin indigenes did not benefit. In democracy, the peoples’ representatives must understand their needs, he should lobby the people in government to attract projects to his constituency. These are the things I intend to do when I get to the House of Representatives. What have you done for your constituency? My job as a legislator is to make laws and carry out oversight functions on the executive arm of government. But because of the peculiar situation in which we found ourselves in the country, a legislator has to move beyond his constitutional mandate and embark on provision of amenities such as roads, drainages, and boreholes. If you don’t do it and talk about your constitutional roles alone, you will be regarded as a failure. I bought rain coats and bags for all the pupils in Mushin schools, I offered some of them scholarship, about 260 youths have been trained on vocations like soap making bead making and other vocations. I promised to drill 50 boreholes and 39 have been commissioned. I employed 50 street sweepers to assist local and state government in keeping the environment clean. I pay them N560,000 every month from my personal account. There is no reason we will provide borehole without providing power supply through generator because of unstable power supply in the country. The boreholes are managed by the BYA Foundation. It makes sure that faulty pumping machines are promptly replaced. We assist children in Mushin to pay their school fees, we off set hospital bills of our people. I was able to facilitate the provision of street light in 47 streets in Papa-Ajao from Lagos Electricity Board, the provision of transformers across 10 wards, rehabilitation of roads such as Ilasamaja, Akano, Kekereowo and Oyewuwo among others. In all, 16 roads were tarred. I donated vehicles to religious bodies, and assisted people with 69 vehicles. Many more are in the pipeline. I love my people in Mushin. I can’t do without them. They voted for me and I’m representing them to the best of my ability. What’s your reaction to the plan by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to form alliance with other opposition parties to wrest power in Lagos State next year? It is a day dreaming. What programme has PDP to convince people of Lagos State. A party that has been in power in the past 15 years and could not improve the standard of living of the people should bury its head in shame. The people of Lagos State are very enlightened, they don’t believe in politics of stomach infrastructure. PDP has nothing to offer. Lagosians are wiser. You can’t cajole them or take them for granted. PDP should be ready to tell people what they have achieved in the past 15 years. What have the people benefitted from the federal government all these years? The so called ruling party has no answer to mass unemployment, security challenges, falling standard of education, infrastructure decay, and poverty. Unlike states being controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) where the welfare of the people is given priority, PDP leaders are not bothered by the problems in the country but how to retain power in 2015. The PDP controlled Federal Government has failed to rescue over 200 Cibok girls abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents more than five months now. The insurgents have seized some towns and villages in the northeast and hoisted their flag without much resistance from federal troops. All these are signs of failure or inept leadership. If an American is missing anywhere in the world, the US government will apply all tactics to rescue that person. The coalition will not work in Lagos State and other states controlled by the APC. The other opposition parties know PDP for their tricks. The people of Lagos are no fools. The APC values the life of the people. Nigerians are wiser. They will vote for you based on your antecedents. Bribing people on the eve of election with rice and cash will not win election in 2015. What are the lessons to learn from Osun governorship poll? The lesson is that your performance will win election for you. Governor Rauf Aregbesola worked for the development of Osun State. He transformed the state through massive infrastructure development, empowerment programme for the people and creation of job opportunities. Aregbesola used his security vote to create jobs for unemployed graduates. He endeared himself to the people, he performed well and the people of Osun reciprocated by reelecting him. What is your expectation about the next year’s general elections? I can assure you that the 2015 election is going in our direction. APC would win the presidency. Given the popularity of our party and its programme which is rooted in the welfare of the •Ayinla people, APC is the party to beat.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

NATURAL HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

‘Training traditional birth attendants can reduce W infant, maternal death’ IFE of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola has said training traditional birth attendants (TBAs) is in line with the vision of the state to reduce infant and maternal mortality during childbirth. According to her, training of this cadre of healthcare professionals in modern and essential skills in child delivery will support the government to achieve its goals. Mrs Fasholoa spoke at the First Convocation of TBAs at the Lagos State College of Health Technology. She said TBAs play important roles in the communities, stressing that they should be valued because of the services they render. Nigeria, she said, is among countries with the highest rate of infant and maternal mortality, adding that this should not be. Mrs Fashola said: “One of the obvious reasons for high infant and

Stories by Wale Adepoju

maternal death ratio (IMDR) is that expectant mothers in the communities prefer the services of TBAs who do not have formal knowledge on the modern and essential skills in child deliveries and other precautions.” The training of the TBAs, she noted, would help to reduce infant and maternal death significantly, and even to “zero level” because the exercise will be done more regularly and across the country. She enjoined the beneficiaries to put to use the skills acquired during the training to ensure qualitative delivery. Special Adviser to Governor Fashola on Public Health, Dr Yewande Adeshina advised the

TBAs to operate within the capacity of their job. She said the hospital remains the best place for delivery, adding that TBAs can be helpful by referring critical cases to health facilities where expectant mothers can deliver unharmed. Dr Adeshina warned them to know their limit because unnecessary delay can cause preventable deaths of mother and child. Chairman, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB), Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi said the TBAs were trained through collaboration between the college and the board. The TBAs, he said, have been classified as Community Based Health Workers (CBHW) by the National Primary Health Care De-

‘How to treat peptic ulcer’

Remedy for catarrh

O you have peptic ulcer? A naturopath, Dr Gilbert Ezengige, said a combination of good food and herbs can ensure healing for people plagued by peptic ulcer, which is a lesion or an erosion of the lining of the stomach. According to him, some soup ingredients are known for their medicinal properties, which can help people ailed by peptic ulcer. They have among other properties the ability to heal gastrointestinal diseases (GI), inflammatory diseases and irritated mucous membrane conditions,” he added. He said ewedu known botanically as Corchorus olitorius and Ahihara in Igbo can aid the treatment of the ailment. Others are coconut milk and Okra, which is a good example of the stew that assists the treatment of the disease. He identified Astringent herbs as good quality herb that can help to arrest bleeding in the bleeding type of ulcers. “A good example of astringent herb is Imi-esu (Agerantum conyzoides),” Ezengige stated. The naturopath said it also possesses anti-microbial property. He said cabbage (Brassica oleracea), pawpaw (Carica papaya) and avocado Persea americana) are nutritional food that can deal with the problem when taken regularly by a sufferer. Also, hardened egg (Solanum incanum) can be eaten frequently to treat the disease. Banana and ogbono soup prepared from the seed of Irvingia gabonenseis can be eaten to cure the ailment. Naturopaths, he said, advocated the use of gel from Aloe vera, Imiesu (Agerantum conyzoides) and Ogbolo (Cissus populnea) as well. The disease, Ezengige said can affect men and women. “When the ulcer affects the stomach wall, it is referred to as stomach or gastric ulcer; if the duodenum tissue is ulcerated it is called duodenal ulcer. Peptic ulcer that

velopment Agency (NPHCDA), stressing that their training was a strategy to improve healthcare coverage in the communities. “This is in line with the World Health Assembly (WHA) strategy on development of traditional medicine to improve health care coverage. This made the World Health Assembly pass some resolutions to recognise the importance of traditional medicine to provision of essential health care, especially to populations with limited access to healthcare system. “Traditional medicine was recognised as one of the resources of primary healthcare (PHC) services that could contribute to improve health outcomes, including the Millennium Develop-

ment Goals (MDGs),” he said. Omoseyindemi said the TBAs are involved in assisting in the birth of newborn in developing countries but they are largely self-taught or informally trained. “They provide additional services, practical help and education as well as counselling to women. Although they cannot substitute for skilled providers, they can contribute to the survival of mothers and newborns by facilitating access to needed information, clinical services and support,” he said. He said their role usually reflects the culture and social structure of the communities, adding: “In some communities, a TBA may be a full-time worker who can be called upon and who expects to be paid in cash or in kind. Omoseyindemi said 110 TBAs graduated from the college after successful completion of their programmes.

•Ezengige

•Okro

•Cabbage

•Avocado

erodes the esophagus is called esophageal ulcer. The principal symptom of peptic ulcer can be described as a deep and gnawing pain around the upper abdominal region which tends to subside somewhat shortly after partaking of a soothing meal,” he added. Ezengige said over 60 per cent of peptic ulcer is caused by a class of bacteria known as helicobacter pylori. Twenty per cent of the sufferers of this ailment acquired it through the use, misuse or abuse of certain drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. The remaining 20 per cent of peptic ulcer patients are likely those addicted to cigarette

smoking, alcohol and coffee drinkers or heavy junk food consumers. Others are people who often experience very stressful living; they get unduly upset and as a result they ‘stomach’ a lot of suppressed anger. Also included in the last category of the 20 per cent are peptic ulcers of no known cause. He said: “In almost all the cases of ulcer conditions the hydrochloric acid (HCL) and the digestive enzyme pepsin become imbalanced thereby giving room for ulcer development. They are hydrophyllic polysaccharides, and when mixed with water they swell considerably.”

TRADITIONAL medicine practitioner, Dr Lambo Adebisi, has recommended onions, garlic and sunflower for the prevention of catarrh and cold. According to him, these plants have essential ingredients that are useful for the treatment of these ailments. He said inhaling the smell of onions, sunflower and garlic can help clear the mucous membrane and nasal track of people who have catarrh. Adebisi, who is a naturopath, said this is a form of treatment known as aromatherapy, adding: “It is a form of alternative medicine that uses plant materials and aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the treatment of diseases.” He said people can also mix some cold pressed natural sun flower oil with some seabuckthorn seeds oil and grease the inside of their nostrils, using a cotton bud. He further said garlic tea can be drunk twice daily to relieve a catarrh problem. People who have catarrh, he said, can soak two fingers in vinegar and rub their nose from the tip to beneath the eye area. “Besides, those who have cold or catarrh can bring a bulb of onion close to their nose to smell it. Similarly, vinegar can be applied on the nostrils. “With two dried fingers, rub on the nostris some vinegar, then put another finger in vinegar and daub the insides of his nostrils. This will bring some relief. Also, people can burn garlic cloves, which has been peeled off for three seconds and inhale the resulted smoke on one nostril and then on the other afterwards,” he said. He said people can drink garlic tea to prevent coming down with allergic reactions or seasonal allergic rhinitis, or even hay fever “All a sick person needs to do is boil 20 garlic cloves, 20 bulbs

•Adebisi

•Garlic

of onions and some violets flower in one litre of water to be taken daily. The sick person can be taking one or two cups daily depending on his immunity. The naturopath also recommended foods that are rich in magnesium. He said this is active against the ailments, adding that cucumbers and red pepper have magnesium, as such people should consume then in soup when sick.

THE NATION THURSDAY,SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

NATURAL HEALTH

Brain health and mass failure in Maths, English (1)

F I am the Minister of Health, I would prescribe that Nigerians take Ginkgo biloba tea, capsules or tincture two times a day, to save them from memory loss. This herb, from the world’s oldest tree which is billions of years old, according to carbon dating, has been shown to promote micro blood circulation in the brain and improve memory even among old people who tend to forget almost everything, including their own names. In Nigeria, the memory tends to be short. Not many people remember today that, only a few years ago, some people in high places pocketed money voted for children’s drugs in hospitals. Have we not easily forgotten, also, the petrol scandal in which billions of Naira was paid by the government to petrol hawkers who did not supply it a drop of petrol? What about the pension money of poor workers which has ended up in private bank accounts? It is ridiculous that no one remembers this, and the press does not remind us of it when stories are published of old pensioners who slump and die in blazing African sun while protesting unpaid pensions! We wouldn’t be Nigerians if we easily remember that only a few weeks ago we were bemoaning to high heavens the 69 percent failure in the last “O” Level examinations! It was the first time so many boys and girls would be unable to score at worst an “O” Level “Pass” in Maths and English Language. These are a sort of “life or death” subjects in Nigerian’s ‘O’ Level education. Employers regard candidates without a credit pass in both, no better than semi-literate persons. And the universities would not touch them with long poles. This boys and girls would, therefore, appear stuck in life, useless to self and country. On a more serious note, I would prescribe Ginkgo biloba along with other brain health food supplements which may help to “open” up the brains of schoolboys and girls. But the matter goes beyond this, as we may soon discover. Mass “O” Level failure in Mathematics and English Language is not peculiar to Nigeria. It happens in England as well. Prince Charles, future king of England if he survives his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, has been lamenting in public that the average English boy and girl cannot write or speak Queen’s English any more. They hate mathematics as well. Worse still, they hate school and homework. It would appear an upcoming generation is redefining society and overturning the foundations of society. Someday, if the trend persists, Britain would become a slack country and may go under. Unlike in Nigeria, however, hardly is anything forgotten in Britain. Researchers went to work. Why are dull students dull despite healthy parenting, which is often lacking here, teacher and child support, they wanted to know. The investigations led them to check if brain nutrition was adequate. In one of the experiments designed to test this guess, omega-3 fish oil, an essential fatty acid thought to be deficient in the diet of many school children, was supplied free by the government to some groups of dull students during a long vacation. One of the guinea pigs was a boy named BEST. He hated school and homework, had short attention spans, fidgeted in the classroom and disturbed his colleagues. As was to be expected, he was a dreg in his class. During that long vacation, he had plenty of Omega-3 oils in his diet. No one thought much of the experiment or gave it any chance until, back in school, BEST clinched a digit position in the first examination. In their headlines, the newspapers roared: ‘BEST IS BEST’. Many dreg students like him also swung up in examinations.

Language OCIOLOGISTS teach us language summarises a people’s culture. Spiritually we know culture is the nature of human essence or ego, the so-called overself, the human spirit. I still do not know how, as a child, I learned the language of my parents, and speak it. But I know • The spoken language is derived from sounds put together to form words which give meaning to existence. What we call the Universe is a work in Creation filled with sounds and colours, from top to bottom. These sounds and colours derive from the radiations or vibrations of the activities of Nature beings who brought the Universe about upon the Creators command. We cannot see them easily nowadays because our vision has become too dense. But we cannot on this account deny their existence. In any case, do we see the air we breathe or the heat of sunlight? We see colours because they fall within the spectrum of light the eyes can see. These colours are waves. Waves produce sounds. Sounds, too, produce colours. Clairvoyants tell us our thoughts, invisible to us as they are, solidify into forms, also unseen, and emit sounds and colours. When we immune cells see and fight germs, how do they do it? Do they have eyes? No. every cell of the body of about 100 trillion cells in the average adult human emits waves of energy or vibrations. And because they all originated from a single fertilise egg, the zygote, they broadcast their existence or where about on a common frequency. Different germs do the same but on different frequencies. So, immune cells are able, through this signaling, to differentiate the body from its enemies, except a mishap occurs as in auto immune diseases. What occurs in the microscopic cells occur in the gigantic universe. The planets and other heavenly bodies, including the stars, maintain their unique pathways in so-called space through gravitational forces of mutual attraction and repulsion which maintain sanity. There forces are waves, waves make sounds, and sounds express as colours! This is an interesting field Dr Alex Thomopolous, Chief Executive Officer of The Guardian Newspapers Limited (GNL) may spend a whole day talking about it. In the universe, there are many spheres of existence. Each one, from the bottom to the top, is a different force field, which means it is of a different sound and colours. Higher spheres have richer sounds and colours than lower spheres, because their motion is stronger. The higher we go, the stronger this colours and sounds. The lower we descend the more sluggish and dull they are. Some

animals hear these sounds and see the colours. The cock, for example, crows at specific time of the day, say 4 p.m and at dawn, giving us an indication of time. Didn’t many animals migrate before the tsunami? The Old Testament of the Bible reports an incident in which the horse on which a man named Baalam declined to heed his command to hop on. The horse was stationary despite his command to the contrary. Its eyes were seeing astral ethereal events which the restricted physical eyes of Baalam could not behold. Suddenly, says the report, the inner or ethereal eyes of Baalam were permitted to open. He saw some beings in an activity in which fire was erupting from inside the earth. In error, he called them Angels. We now know they were Nature Beings, who were trying to prepare that portion of land for the future use of a people who would be led there. The astral form of that event was taking shape. Maybe it would express as an earthquake someday. Maybe there were trying to alchemically transmute the soil to some mineral resources. The horse saw them and Baalam did not. Had he lived in this part of the earth, he may have called them witches out to harm him. For many of us know no better than this. We must quickly return to how all these are involved in the evolution of language and of how unfolding generations worldwide are failing massively in language education as evidenced in the 69 percent failure in Nigeria’s 2014 “O” Level English Language examination. The earth is a spiritual school in one part of our universe. The level of the inner or spiritual development of individuals or a people connects them to that sphere of the universe which corresponds to the degree of their maturity. We get a faint picture of this from what happens during the refinement of crude petroleum. (is Mr Wale Ajila Listening?) At different degrees of heat or pressure or friction, different products emerge… aviation fuel, regular motor oil, diesel, kerosene, grease, engine oil, petroleum jelly etc. As individuals and whole people or generations differentiate in this earth school, they become automatically connected to the spheres of the universe homogeneous with their kinds. There spheres, they become acquainted with sounds and colours prevenient there. From these vibrations words were formed. Often, helpers were sent (incarnated) to help them develop the language. The work of Martin Luther in respect of the German Language has been recongnised in this regard. The Germans recognise fears as high as Olympus and Valhalla. When, today, I read the Yoruba Bible, and match its language with the Yoruba many Yorubas speak now, I wonder if Bishop Ajayi Crowther didn’t belong to the order of people such as Martin Luther and if his captivity as a slave boy was not to support his work. It would, therefore, require a lot of effort over many generations to keep developing a language to its loftiest heights. But as we learned in the 1920s, more than half of the population of this earth was not meant to be here, they were to still be in the nether regions of the Universe, maturing. But through irreverence with the procreative act, they have, inadvertently, been prematurely inducted up. The sexual irreverence has led to a largely irreverent population which is turning upside down everything that was painstakingly built up. Look at politics and governance. Turn to the economy. Where is trust and the good family name today? Our nutrition fares no better; it has been ruined! And the language? Just pay attention to the language of the motor boys or the street traders. In terms of inner development and inner worth, the incoming generation cannot sustain the culture of their forebears, which included the spoken language. They desecrate everything. Their music, suffused with sex, tells you where they are coming from and where they are heading. They know nothing but sex, showing they have fallen to the level of the animal. On Facebook, the language is bastardised, vulgarised and denigrated. I used to correct my ‘friends’ every morning, but I gave up on that when they wouldn’t budge. They cannot see that sphere of the universe they are not matured for. We cannot blame them without blaming ourselves. Many of us took the procreation act for granted. Hardly do we remember or know that when a man and a woman engage in it, they set vibrations which echo into the universe. These vibrations provide a channel or bridge through which souls waiting to incarnate approach the couple, the woman in particular. If lustfulness is what has enveloped them, what kind of soul would they attract in The Law of Attraction of Homoge-

neous species? Purity of thought is demanded of both parties. When the act is over, the attracted souls hardly disperse. They wait for a body to start to form in the womb and jostle to incarnate in it. It is far, far, better in my view, to seriously will for the souls one desires as children to come home and surround one, even when no procreative act is going on. Women who should take the lead in this do not know about it or, if they do, approach this talk lukewarmly yet our grandmothers would tell us how pregnant women in particular should conduct themselves lest of wrong soul incarnate through them. In summary, we have on our hands an incoming generation that is sinking down the sphere, in tune with the Law of Spiritual Gravity, and defining us own world with nether region values. In English Language examinations, we assess them on the basis of a standard they have no capacity to grasp. I have seen Master’s Degree University graduates who cannot write a correct sentence of English. As Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, I would bring in about 25 university graduates job seeker every month for assessment for reportorial work, all I would ask them do was write an essay on wither MY MOTHER or A BICYCLE or RAIN DROPS OR my BEST MEAL. Stuff like that. It was amazing that many of them could not write more than a page of A4 paper on the woman who brought them to this earth, breastfed them, changed their nappies, kept the vigil with them, and sold their headgears and wrapper to send them to school! I am therefore, not surprised when I met doctors, lawyers or engineer who do not speak good English. They may be sound professionals. The language, as the summation of culture, tells a lot about all of us. Mathematics ACK in high school, I had no head for maths. I was later to discover in my late twenties it was probably not an ability I needed not in fulsome measure to get around in this earth-life. Spiritual (not religious) life gave me a beautiful inkling into the origins and some depths or dimensions of mathematics. One evening, Dr. Thomopoulus and I were discussing life. We know God is life, the starting-point of everything which exists. He and I show serious interest in the Bible and other accounts of about LIFE now distorted and formed into religions. It seemed to have done a lot of study about the pyramid. The pyramid is a four-sided figure. Jewish slaves helped the Egyptians build stupendous pyramids. Pyramid specialists teach us that when the angles of the triangle are well inclined, a pyramid connects or plugs into certain forces in this creation. That means certain powers from the universe flow into the pyramid. This is an explanation, for example of why anything kept in the Egyptian pyramids does not despoil. It is like they are frozen in time without actually freezing. Corpses of kings (Pharaohs) known as mummies have been preserved in these Egyptian pyramids for hundreds of years without anything happening to them. Armed with this knowledge, some people have tried to build household pyramids which could serve as refrigerators for preserving food. It has been suggested, also, that huge pyramids can be constructed to store foodcrops in their seasons which can then be release in their, off season, for consumption. This would prevent food wastages, high food prices, hunger and poverty. Who knows, if it wasn’t in pyramids that the Egyptians stored food in the seven years of plenty which were later overtaken by seven years of famine? Remember pharaoh’s dream of seven lean cows swallowing seven fat cows which slave boy Joseph ably interpreted as famine overtaking food surplus. Back in school, I did not understand the pyramid. It was an aspect of geometry we learned under the heading “constructions”. But it made a lot of sense to me that evening that Dr. Thomopolous and I shared experiences in his house. He reminded me of •The starting point, God, and •The four animal beings at the foot of God’s throne. This imagery is in the Bible’s Book of Revelations. Elsewhere, I have shared experiences I gathered from revelaed knowledge of creation on the face of the earth today about the nature and importance of these Animal Beings, or beings in Animal forms. Today, I will speak only of their relationship with the pyramid, one of the subjects of mathematics I hated in school. The Book of revelations report that these Animal Beings, the Lion, the Ram, the eagle and the Lamb, are equidistant from one another and from the starting point above them. If you join together the equidistant points of the Beings at points A,B,C and D, what results from that is a perfect Square. If your project points A,B,C and D in the square to the dot of the starting point, a Pyramid emerges with a Square base. It should be clear from this that mathematics is a royal subject which may lend its secret to any-one. It is, in my view, knowledge of transcendental reality passed down to earth dwellers in a special language which can be easily understood by only the initiated or people who are meant to work with it. Architect Lekan Adams, of Lagos, educated me in one of his articles on the Egyptian pyramids published in the comet newspaper. That article showed that the partitioning in the pyramids were based on knowledge received about the timing and duration of cosmic events. One of the explanations which touched me most concerned a comet which was to visit the earth. Lay minds would enter the pyramid and visit its closet without the architecture making any impact on their souls. It is probable that it is from the square that the Foursquare church derived its name. The Yoruba, too, believe that creation has “four pillars” and that four elders man these pillars. In the series of this column on Easter and Lucifer, I referred to the fact that there were four Wise Men, not three, who were to find their way to Jesus in the manger.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS e-Business

e-mail: e-business@thenationonlineng.net

Where are internet capacities? With many submarine cables in the country, it is expected that internet access will be smooth. But it is not so, despite the presence of Glo 1, MainOne, Sat 2 and other African Submarine Cables with landing points in Nigeria. Why is internet access hindered? LUCAS AJANAKU reports.

VER the years, Director, Regulatory Affairs and Special Projects, Airtel Nigeria Osondu Nwokoro though a lawyer by profession, has become an expert in the information communication technology (ICT) space. So when he spoke on Policy and Regulatory Imperatives for Broadband Ubiquity in Lagos, everybody listened to him. Nwokoro defined broadband as the easier, faster and high speed internet access for data transmission and download, compared to traditional telephone and modem. Broadband supports real time internet radio, music, video, gaming, interactive services and others. He said the launch of the National Broadband Plan (NPB) 2013-2018 by the Federal Government is consistent with developments in other juris dictions, adding that it is a step in the right direction and showed government’s commitment to pursue a broadband agenda for the country. The Nigeria National Broadband Plan (NNBP) defines ‘broadband as an internet experience where the user can access the most demanding content in real time at a minimum speed of 1.5megabytes per second (MBPS).’ He said with six per cent broadband penetration in the country, it is both a challenge and an opportunity to meet the goal of realising a five-fold increase in broadband penetration by 2017. According to him the Broadband Commission for Digital Development charges that “access to broadband infrastructure and services must therefore be a top policy priority for countries around the globe, developed and developing alike as well as least developed countries,” adding that commission urges “governments and business to work together to develop innovative policy frameworks, business models and financing arrangements needed to facilitate growth in access to broadband worldwide. “We could not agree less with the statement in the NBP that the “the implementation of a NBP requires long-term commitment and significant action by federal, states and local governments, as well as, the executive and legislative branches of government – alongside strong private sector participation. Speaking on impact on the economy, he said wireless broadband is expected to contribute an additional N190billion to gross domestic product (GDP) next year while wireless broadband will have a direct revenue impact (spend on usage and devices) of N598billon or 0.7 per cent of GDP in next year. He added that its ecosystem value will be N124billion comprising consumer retail (mcommerce; m-Entertainment), financial services (m-banking), social services (m-learning, m-health, and m-governance) and corporate verticals (m-farming, m-enterprises, m-utilities). Wireless broadband will create N140billon of indirect value through productivity and efficiency gains in manufacturing, mining, industry, agric and services by next year. Head, Core Network Services, Cyberspace Network Limited, Osuere Peter said broadband is the totality that forms the entity for faster information delivery across a network. This network could either be digital subscriber line (DSL), fiber-optic, cable modem, satellite, wireless and broadband over powerlines (BPL). He said for internet and mobile banking, customers would be able carry on banking transaction activities via their fixed and mobile devices while e-commerce sites such as Konga, Jumia, olx have also emerged. It has also led to the provision of public services such as driver-license application, international passport, national ID card registration and e-government solutions, adding that the implementation of regulatory

•Executive Vice Chairman NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah

• Nwokoro

•Submarine cable

framework and policies to promote electronic transaction such as the Cashless Policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is also a great boost. According to the ambitious targets of the NBP, fixed broadband targets for cities (which is currently standing at 1.5per cent) expected to go up to 10 per cent next year in the short term, 16 per cent medium term of 2018 and long term target of 25 per cent by 2020. Penetration level which stands at 0.5per cent, will move up gradually to 3.3 per cent, 5.3 per cent and 8.3 per cent respectively. For national broadband targets, current level is 35 per cent while short term target is 60 per cent (2015). For medium term (2018), 80 per cent is targeted while 95 per cent is

targeted by 2020 as long term target. Penetration currently is at six per cent. It is expected to go up steeply to 21 per cent; 42 per cent and 48 per cent respectively.

Challenges

The Nigerian broadband technology infrastructure has grown up to an appreciable level in some very specific places and at different degrees. According to Peter, while the growth is on, the industry is faced with a major challenge of the reliability of the services provided. This means e-business services being provided and the broadband technology infrastructure platform must both be reliable. Nwokoro said fixed infrastructure is not

“Nigeria remains at risk of not meeting International Telecommunications Union (ITU’s) 2015 timeline for analogue broadcast switch off. Without concerted action by the country to address the delayed implementation of analogue-digital broadcast switchover earlier scheduled for June 2012, the NBP proposals remains at risk. The 700/800 megahertz (MHz) digital dividend and 2.5/2.6GHz spectrum availability could be delayed till 2016 or beyond.”

available in Nigeria and the cost and burden to put same in place is daunting. Wireless is the only viable option for broadband penetration. Another challenge is paucity of spectrum. According to him, NBP acknowledges the need for spectrum for mobile broadband and proposes to publish plan for freeing up spectrum for long term evolution (LTE) rollout this year, conduct licensing of 2.5/ 2.6gigahertz (GHz) spectrum and facilitate accelerated wireless infrastructure expansion and upgrade with operators. “Nigeria remains at risk of not meeting International Telecommunications Union (ITU’s) 2015 timeline for analogue broadcast switch off. Without concerted action by the country to address the delayed implementation of analogue-digital broadcast switchover earlier scheduled for June 2012, the NBP proposals remains at risk,” he warned, adding that the 700/800 megahertz (MHz) digital dividend and 2.5/2.6GHz spectrum availability could be delayed till 2016 or beyond. Another issue is that of right of way (RoW) permits and other planning approval processes and associated charges between different ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) at federal, state & local levels remain a strong disincentive for infrastructure development. Though NBP proposes to secure RoW waivers with states and also pursue expedited RoWs. achieving this goal between the three tiers of government remains a daunting challenge. Other challenges are device ownership and access points which are key to adoption and utilisation. He said: “The NBP proposes to challenge OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to produce sub $30 access devices to reduce cost of ownership and thus facilitate uptake by the broader subscriber base. “NBP also proposes to deploy local access points (in NIPOST premises and local government, (LG) Headquarters) to facilitate access within 2km for people who cannot afford own access devices.” He added that in spite of all the promises of the market size, major OEMs are unwilling to site assembly plants in the country for device manufacture because of unstable electricity supply, intellectual property rights issues and obstacles in the business environment.

Way forward

Mandate should be given to the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) to articulate a spectrum roadmap to address timely availability, cost-effective pricing and licensing of the 700/800 MHz Digital Dividend spectrum band to support mobile broadband penetration. Another is resuscitation of the NFMC and expansion of its membership to incorporate private sector representation. Nwokoro said consideration should be given to the 900 MHz and 2.5/2.6 GHz spectrum re-farming to support mobile broadband on LTE while spectrum policy and regulation to support flexibility must be put in place to support regional integration. Transition to a converged regulatory and spectrum environment by the merger of NCC and NBC consistent with international best practice is another plausible solution. Peter stressed the need to have quality data centres in the country while efforts must be made to have solutions that could bring together independent broadband technology platforms to function as a single unit He said: “We must move to monitor and measure the protection policies for infrastructures. We must have business boundaries. Accelerated growth and development comes as a result of subscriber satisfaction and loyalty. This could only be achieved by service and broadband technology reliability.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

e-Business

HE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it has started a process that will lead to the issuance of another spectrum license to operators in the country pursuant to Federal Government’s national broadband plan. The Commission also absolved itself of any blame for the dismal participation of operators at the last auction in Abuja, arguing that its responsibility was to provide the level playing field for all participants while the decision of who participated or did not was purely that of the investors. Its Director, Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo who spoke with The Nation on the sideline of a forum in Lagos said the NCC has started another process that will see another auctioning of spectrum in the 2.6 gigahertz

NCC braces for spectrum auction •’Low participation not our doing’

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

(GHz) band to complement the one issued earlier in the year in which Bitflux, a relatively unknown IT firm beat Globacom to clinch the license. He said: “Participation at the last bid round for spectrum was very low because people knew that this particular one is coming. This is a question of choice and it is purely a business decision of the organisation. You have of two options and you ask yourself- Should I go for this one? if I go for this one am I going to have enough money to participate at the next one when it comes? Or

should I just wait for this one because they don’t deliver the same kind of value? The 2.3GHz is for bulk that is wholesale. This one coming soon is different. So the point is that this one is different and people did their business plan and looked at the numbers. If the numbers added up for them to go ahead, they will go but if the numbers do not add up, they will keep their funds.” “Ours is to create a level playing field for the investors while the investors will make their investment decision of whether to invest or not. Some important thing is that some

level playing field has been created. Twenty-seven companies indicated interest when we did the last one in Abuja but only two got to the final stage. The other people that dropped by the way said it was based on their business plan.” Ojobo said the number of times the regulator auction spectrum is a function of the availability of its availability, adding that as the nation prepares for the analogue switch off next year, more frequencies would be vacated by the broadcast industry for telecommunica-

tion. He said ubiquitous availability of broadband itself is a function of the availability of spectrum. He said: “The issue of broadband is about spectrum because there are areas of Nigeria that it will be very difficult to take optic fibre cable. In places such as that, we will use wireless to bridge the gap because optic fibre cable is wired. So, the 2.6 GHz that NCC is preparing to auction will deliver wireless services. Then remember that preparations are also in top gear to license infrastructure providers (Infracos) to complement the efforts. Seven companies will be licensed one in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country while one will serve Lagos. Already, the process to do the first phase of licensing is on and we are hoping it will be concluded before the year runs out.”

Samsung expands retail presence

AMSUNg Electronics West Africa, in partnership with accredited local partners, has stepped up its nationwide market expansion drive with massive roll out of Samsung brand stores across the country. In a statement, the firm said the retail expansion drive is designed to provide Nigerians with an exciting avenue to interact with Samsung’s full range of audio visual solutions and an extensive range of premium household appliances in one easily-accessible location, whilst creating widespread destinations where consumers can experience firsthand Samsung’s extensive product ecosystem and receive personalised service from trained sales consultants. Its Director of Consumer Electronics, Mr. Sunil Kumar, described the move as a confirmation of Samsung’s effort to make

connected lifestyle products and solutions more accessible, and to offer the most consumer-centric engagement in a retail environment. “Over the years, Samsung has made strong in-roads with its consumers in Nigeria. We consider the country as a key entry point into Africa. With the growing importance of the region as a primary world market for our premium consumer electronics, maintaining a strong top-of-mind position in Nigeria holds considerable importance for us from a business perspective. Our ongoing expansion drive in the country marks our commitment to delivering excellent products and services to our consumers. We see bright prospects for Nigeria’s future economically, and we expect consumer sentiment to remain positive and indeed move from strength to strength.

Smile Communications bags ICT award

MILE Communications, a broadband service provider has been awarded the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Investment Operator of the Year, for its massive investments in 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) broadband service, in ensuring that Nigerians have easy access to fast internet service. The company was recognised alongside other operators by the Nigerian Telecoms Awards, which held its tenth ceremony with fanfare in Lagos at the weekend. Former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel and the Lagos State Commissioner of Science and Technology, Adebiyi Mabadeje, who presented most of the award plaques, commended Smile Communications and other award recipients for emerging winners at this years’ awards. Receiving the award on behalf

of the company, its General Manager, Sales and Distribution, Mr. Kenneth Esenwah expressed happiness over the award, and explained that the company’s vision to offer fast internet service to Nigerians is beginning to yield results as more Nigerians are benefiting from the affordable and fast internet service that is being offered by Smile. According to him, Smile Communications saw huge business opportunity to serve the Nigerian internet market, even though it entered into the market at a time when security challenges were serious issues to national broadband rollout. “We came into the market in 2013 when Nigerians were having difficulties with slow speed internet service and within a short period of time, we changed all of that and today, Nigerians on the Smile network are enjoying fast internet service at affordable rates,” Esenwah said.

Stars assemble for TD Mobile launch

EADING musician, Iyanya, will lead other artistes such as Naeto C and J. Martins, who have been confirmed to perform at the launch of TD Mobile in Lagos. According to a statement, TDMobile is the digital lifestyle and highly mobile products distribution arm of Technology Distributions Limited that has already signed distribution agreements with world-class mobile products manufacturers such as Lenovo, Nokia, HP, Zinox, Toshiba, Dell and others. Head, Marketing, TD-Mobile, Mrs. Gozy Ijogun, said the firm is everything about Original Digital Mobile (ODM) products such as smartphones, phablets, tablets, laptops and mobile printers from world class manufacturers for all highly upwardly mobile resellers/partners in Nigeria who really deserve the best with peerless after-sales services.

Mrs. Ijogun said: “What differentiates TD-Mobile from other distributors is that we are focused on digital mobile products direct from manufacturers and we take responsibility for all our products. The market is full of fake products and we thought we should define this market for the good of the country. We have in the past six months hired smart and well educated Nigerians with style to drive the vision of the founders of Technology Distribution. .We are everything about digital lifestyle mobile products distribution and this forthcoming launch is a statement of intent to provide ready access for all to cutting edge mobile technology for business and pleasure. We have invited selected partners nationwide for this great evening which is an eye opener to modern digital lifestyle mobile products distribution. Trust me, TD-Mobile will be a rewarding experience for the whole of Africa.”

•From left: Executive Director, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Company (NDIC), Mrs. Lola Abiola-Edewor; General Manager, Sales & Distribution, Mr. Kenneth Esenwah; and Senior Manager, Products and Services, Mr. Steven Bamuturaki, both of Smile Communications Nigeria Limited at the presentation of ICT Investment of the Year 2014 Award to Smile Communications Nigeria Limited at the Nigerian Telecoms Awards in Lagos.

Financial phishing on rise, experts warn

XPERTS have warned about a substantial increase in the number of global financial phishing in spam and other online security breaches. Phishing is technically referred to as ‘the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, online’. Chief Executive Officer, New Horizons, Tim Akano had earlier warned that there will be seven biggest and most dangerous information technology (IT) security threats this year. He said: “They are malware, ransomware, advanced persistent threats, spear phishing, social network attacks, cyber attacks on banks and telecoms, and cloud backlash. When a user receives an email with a link to download an attachment and the user activates and clicks the download, from that moment, the user device has been compromised.” Data released at Kaspersky Laboratory lamented that there was a 7.9per cent increase in number of

scam emails the used the names of reputable banks and other institutions. Security Solutions Director at Westcon, Andrew Potgieter said: “Recent data released from Kaspersky Lab suggests that there was recently a 7.9 per cent increase in the amount of scam emails that make use of the names of reputable banks, payment services, online stores and similar organisations. The figures are staggering and the team advises that these messages represent nearly 42 per cent of all phishing messages. The hardest hit has been PayPal and references to the company have triggered the most dramatic increase in alerts from Kaspersky Lab’s anti-phishing.” In addition, the Labs indicate that overall, the share of spam in overall email traffic has increased by 2.2 per cent in July, bringing it to 67 per cent. The United States (U.S.) is the leading country of origin for unsolicited email: one sixth (15.3 per cent) of all global spam was sent from the U.S. Russia keeps its long-standing second

position in this ranking with 5.6 per cent of all spam; this, however, is 1.4 per cent less than in June. China remains in third place, supplying 5.3 per cent of global spam. According to biztechafrica.com, the long hot summer in the Northern Hemisphere left its mark, adding that in particular, the Russian segment of the internet saw a surge of spam messages advertising sun protection and items to battle the heat. Also in July, Kaspersky Lab’s experts recorded an increase in the number of spam emails offering a variety of summer goods like air conditioners, cooling fans, sunscreen films for windows, bottled water and sunglasses. Summer also means holidays, and since everyone wants to look their best on the beach spammers didn’t forget to offer some help. There were quite a number of spam emails in July advertising all types of skin care cosmetics and seasonal discounts from beauty shops and parlours. Kaspersky Lab’s experts also discovered video tutorials advertised as “beauty secrets” revealed by a renowned stylist.

Speaking on Utilising Cloud As Key Business Tool, at the CIO forum sponsored by Vodacom Business Nigeria in Lagos, he urged firms still doing business in the usual way to start thinking about looking inwards by embracing cloud technology. Kumalo stated that factors driving cloud adoption include improved connectivity, reduction in IT costs and the retention of key skills. “Companies can no longer afford to invest too much of their capital expenditure (CAPEX) into IT infrastructure as this is an expensive, long-term investment,” he added. According to him, despite this increased interest in cloud technology across Africa, it is evident that the major adaption inhibitor is the security of cloud comput-

ing. Kumalo who responded to questions raised around cloud security at the forum said: “We have taken care of the fears around security; our solutions are designed to incorporate the very latest in security technology. Our cloud security solution ensures that your business critical applications are safe. We also have cloud backup and Archiving Solutions offering customers full redundancy for business continuity and disaster recovery.” As companies establish confidence in cloud solutions, they will move more of their solutions into the cloud, however, to achieve this, it is important that enterprises partner with a company that has a robust network and relevant skills to deliver the value that the Cloud promises.

Cloud computing IT game changer, says Vodacom

ODACOM Business Nigeria has said the adoption of cloud computing by business organisations will ultimately lead to significant reduction in the costs of doing business by both small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and big units. It however lamented that businesses in the country are still lagging behind with only a third of them currently using cloud technology. Its Executive Head, Cloud and Hosting Services, Nkosi Kumalo said: “Cloud is the ultimate place to do Business. Most chief information officers (CIOs) spend their time managing complex IT delivery however, by adopting cloud technology; corporates have reduced their total cost of operation (TCO) and increased productivity. Cloud technology transforms the way we do business.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

SHOWBIZ

National honours: Hotman asks for inclusion of more entertainers

HILE the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) is commending the Federal Government over the three filmmakers enlisted for the 2014 National Honours Award, a prominent Hausa actor, Salihu Othman Isah, famously called Hotman, has criticised the omission of certain names he considered deserving of the award. In a statement titled “National honours list incomplete without Ibinabo, Dike, others”, Isah noted that the President of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ibinabo Fiberesima and Chairman, Board of Trustees

(BOT) of AGN, Ifeanyi Dike, had contributed so much to the uplift of the entertainment sector, thereby deserving to be honoured. Isah, who is the association’s National Vice President, North West, said in Kano, Tuesday, that there is need for the Federal Government to revisit the list by including the two entertainers. A list of 305 national honourees, which was released last week, includes the producer of the acclaimed Nollywood pioneering movie, Living in Bondage, Mr. Keneth Nnebue; veteran actress Joke Silva; awards-winning actress Omotola JaladeEkeinde and notable Hausa musician, Abubakar Ladan Zaria. He added: “The Federal Government has not given enough recognition to the entertainment sector, in spite of its obvious contributions to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of the nation as well as in its rebranding mission.” The respected actor also argued that a situation whereby people in other sectors with less contribution to national cause make the honours list, while those who genuinely deserve it are left out does not augur well for the country. According to him, “If you look at that honouree list critically, you will observe that

only a few entertainers made the list: Kenneth Nnebue, Joke Silva, Omotola JaladeEkeinde and Abubakar Ladan Zaria who is a musician. “In fact, apart from the oil sector and customs and excise, one sector that has done so much for the nation’s improved GDP is the entertainment sector. But it is so sad that when it is time to recognise Nigerians, we are left out or they just rub oil in our mouth by including only one or two of our own. “This is not enough considering what we represent. Here is a sector that has taken millions out of the streets by providing them jobs. But out of 305 national honourees, you gave out just four to the entire sector.” He also stated that besides being the first female to emerge the national president of AGN, Fiberesima had led her National Executive Committee (NEC) to reform the guild as well as better the lots of its membership, in spite of all odds. “Under her leadership, we have been able to get the Federal Government to provide the guild with a plot of land in Abuja; the Federal Capital Territory, where an ultramodern secretariat will be erected. “We all agree that this is no doubt a mean feat because the Federal Government has also undertaken to erect the edifice. So, I believe that

Brymo set to drop fourth album By Adewoyin Adeniyi

I b i n a b o Fiberesima and Ifeanyi Dike and some other leaders in Nollywood deserve to be honoured by the nation,” he said. Meanw h i l e , Managing

Director of N F C , Danjuma Dadu, has said that the awards given to filmmakers by the Federal Government since 2007 is a testimony of the great contribution of the film industry to the growth of the nation. “The Nigerian film industry has continued to impact positively on the Nigerian economy and beyond, providing home and theatre entertainment to millions around the world,” he said. He described Kenneth Nnebue, Omotola Jalade-

ORMER chocolate City artiste, Olawale Ashimi, popularly known as Brymo, is set to release his fourth studio album titled Tabula Rasa. Tabula Rasa is his first album since he left his former record label, following a protracted legal battle. Given some background into the album title, he said: “I was still thinking about the title when one day in the court room, the judge used it in a speech. I immediately decided I would use it. It refers to a theory that we were born without built-in mental content as a child.” He also said the album was inspired by the expectations of such good news. Brymo shot to the limelight when he featured on Ice Prince’s Oleku. Ekende and Joke Silva, who have bagged the Federal Republic Award (MFR), as dedicated filmmakers who have carved a niche for themselves and have made the nation and their fellow filmmakers proud. He, however, urged the recipients to see the recognition as a call to further contribute to the sustainable development and growth of the Nigerian film industry.

NEIL talks health insurance scheme with TAMPAN, ANTP

HEAD of the eventual roll out of the Nigerian Entertainment Industry Health Insurance Scheme (NEIHIS), a strong delegation of the Nigerian Entertainment Industry Lecture Series (NEILS) has met with the national executives of Theatre Arts and Movies Practitioners of Nigeria (TAMPAN) in Abeokuta, Ogun State as well as the Association of Nigerian Theatre A r t s Practition e r s (ANTP)

By Mercy Michael

in Ibadan, Oyo State respectively. The two prominent associations had their national executive meetings with representatives from across the different states of the federation. The president of TAMPAN, actor Yemi Solade, who received the NEILS delegation applauded the initiative and urged all Nigerian entertainment industry practitioners to participate actively in the scheme as enrollees. “It’s a welcome development for the entertainment

industry and I believe this is a project everybody in the entertainment industry should be part of. I can remember vividly how we lost a very popular Yoruba actor, Alaran, because of N15, 000. With this great initiative, our future as entertainers and that of our families are secured.” Also, the President of ANTP, Mr. Jide Ashaolu, commended the initiators (NEILS) and pledged that his association would set up a national committee to liaise with the administrators on harnessing benefits

of the scheme for its members. “This is a very brilliant initiative that every practitioner should partake in. This is the reason I invited you to brief our national executives officially, who will in turn take the information to all the state chapters. I congratulate the Nigerian entertainment industry for this milestone of a secured future.” The Nigerian Entertainment Industry Health Insurance Scheme (NEIHIS) is in partnership with National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), whose mandate is to ensure

affordable healthcare delivery for all Nigerians. The agency is currently making efforts to ensure that all Nigerians, both poor and rich, all have access to health insurance. In situations where the health plans subscribed to under the NEIHIS by some of the enrollees cannot cater to evacuation needs (expensive surgeries abroad), the Nigerian Entertainment Industry Health Trust Fund will be the fallback plan to source all such required funding.

Jide Kosoko, Bukky Wright, others dazzle in Stolen Lives

GAIN, fast-rising Nollywood producers, Uche Jombo and Emmanuel Williams, are set to delight Nollywood buffs with another flick titled Stolen Lives, Stolen Lives is the story of four girls who are from different backgrounds and have different stories to tell. The story revolves around Amarachi, Janette, Jumoke and Anita. Amarachi, who is the lead character in the movie, is raped at a tender age, while her cousin, Janette, ends up being HIV positive. Jumoke falls in love with a cult member and Anita finds solace in the arms of older men. According to Jombo, brother to

ELEBRATED Gospel singer, Lara George, has revealed that her latest musical effort, Love Nwantintin, is in celebration of her 10th wedding anniversary. In an interview with The Nation, the award-winning songstress said both the song and the video had been released to mark one decade of her blissful marital life.

Nollywood star actress and producer, Uche Jombo, “Stolen Lives, unlike every other movie, is a story we all can relate to. It’s a movie that mirrors what happens in the world today. Young girls living a life they can never be proud of, engaging in different activities just to take their minds of the actual problem. It is a must-watch movie and I can only tell you bits and pieces, but I can assure you the writer of the movie definitely nailed this one.” On his part, Williams said: “The actors’ excellent portrayal of the characters brings the acts to life. It is a movie that will keep you interested for the duration. It is a movie worth watching. It’s a movie that tells the story about the youth of today.” Stolen Lives, which was directed by

Emmanuel E m e , stars the likes of J i d e Kosoko, Ruth Kadiri, Beverly Osu, B u k k y Wright, Kunle Coker, Toyin Alausa, Alek Ekubo, Ik Ogbonna, Owumi Ugbeye and T a y o Sobola.

Why I sang Love Nwantintin, says Lara George By Ovwe Medeme

She said: “It is a six- track EP. For me, I want to share a story of love with people out there. I want to give people a picture that there is nothing God can’t do. Whatever it is that your marriage may be going through, it is possible for God to fix it and

keep it going,” she said. George, who described her marriage as a celebration of love, said it had been an amazing journey full of some ups and downs. “It will not be fair to tell only one side of the story and give people a false impression that everything has always been good. You know, when you get

married to somebody, both of you are from two entirely different walks of life. So, for you to get to the point where you understand one another’s language is a big deal. For me, it is a process and I am going through it every day,” the mother of three added. When asked if it was love at first sight, she replied in the

negative. According to her, “In fact, I actually didn’t really like him when I saw him. But we later became friends. I gradually got to know him. He wormed his way into my life and into my heart. When I started to get to know him, I realised that I had begun to like what I was seeing. When I found out that he was interested in me, I said okay, it may not be a bad idea (laughs).”

Hakeem Adenekan’s next move By Babatunde Sulaiman

FEW weeks ago, Hakeem Adenekan, Managing Director/ CEO of Commstrat Associates Limited, a marketing communication agency, was in the news when he and some other kindred spirits in the Sakara Music Group celebrated the Sakara Music Day (SMD) and honoured some exponents of the indigenous traditional music, amidst pomp and circumstance. Interestingly, coming on the heels of the successful hosting of the SMD, the marketing communications expert is, again, set to put Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on the world map, via another creative endeavour. Although he is still keeping the finer details of the project under wraps, Adenekan, who is also a culture enthusiast, added that the project would not only delight Abeokuta indigenes but also Nigerians, generally. According to him, “Anyone who is interested in history, literature, entertainment, music and arts will find it a great delight.” Adenekan, also the brain behind the Nigerian Evagrin Rhymes Initiative, has dedicated his time and resources to research and public discussions on the importance of mother tongue as impetus for national development.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

MONEYLINK

EU imports from Nigeria hit N6tr

HE European Union imports from Nigeria were valued at N6 trillion in 2013, the EU Ambassador, Head of Delegation to Nigeria and the ECOWAS, Michel Arrion has said. Speaking at the EU-Nigeria business forum held in Lagos, he said EU investments in Nigeria as at the end of last year reached N5.7 trillion and is still counting. “EU Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock in Nigeria grew from N5.3 trillion in 2011 to N5.7 trillion in 2012. The EU is also Nigeria’s most important trading partner,” he said. He added that though “Nigeria maintains a positive trade balance with the EU and the EU remains the biggest market for both oil and non-oil exports (such as leather, cocoa, sesame, etc.), it is imperative to address the EU- Nigeria relation-

Stories by Collins Nweze

ship towards a more diversified composition and a strengthened ECOWAS regional market”. He advised Nigeria to pursue regional integration in trade and commerce as it would be the biggest beneficiary. “The European Union is the most accomplished example of regional integration at work. Integration has led to competitiveness within the union, removal of obstacles to free movement of goods, services and people and led to greater prosperity for EU citizens. Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa and the industrial hub of West Africa. Nigeria must see the West African market as an extension of its domestic economy because Nigeria stands to be the greatest beneficiary of an integrated West Afri-

can market,” he explained. He added: “This is what the EPA seeks to achieve; consolidation of the regional markets, promotion of regional trade, removal of barriers to trade while protecting sectors that are considered sensitive to the economies of the ECOWAS member states. We must understand that it is not a bilateral but a regional issue and Nigeria must seize the leadership role and drive this integration.” Meanwhile, the volume of trade between Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) also peaked at N1.9 trillion last year, said David Heath, UK’s Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, at the conference. He said Nigeria has a slight trade advantage over the UK in the figure, but didn’t provide specific data to support the claim.

Access seeks uniform reporting standard

HIEF Risk Officer, Access Bank Plc, Dr. Gregory Ovie Jobome has called on stakeholders in the Nigeria Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP) to follow uniform reporting standards for them to achieve the desired objective. Speaking at the NSBP Pre-Reporting Workshop held yesterday in Lagos, he said stakeholders needed to ensure that they formulate policies that will enable them achieve their sustainable banking objectives. The workshop was organised by Access Bank. He said operators needed to ensure that issues around human rights, environment, sectors to bank and other critical issues are reported uniformly. The NSBP, he said, should be the

minimum standard that banks follow, adding that global standards can also be domesticated. The Managing Director of Sustainable Finance Limited, Carey Bohjanen said banks should think through the NSBP and implement them. He said the NSBP is a regulatory requirement that lenders have to adhere to because it is also costsaving. She said in line with global trends on sustainability, the CBN, on March 6, issued the NSBPs reporting template to banks, discount houses and development finance institutions for compliance. The purpose of the reporting template, she added, was to provide reporting institutions with a uniform format for reporting their implementation efforts.

To successfully implement the guidelines, she said, it is necessary for reporting institutions to have an implementation plan with realistic timelines, stressing that all hands must be on deck to ensure successful implementation of the NSBPs. She said the reporting template developed by the CBN will encourage consistency in reporting by banks, discount houses and development finance institutions as well as provide the CBN with a standard for assessing the commitment of reporting institutions to implementing the principles and sector guidelines. The CBN expects that these policies and procedures would have been ratified by the bank’s Board of Directors; and exposed to management staff and subsequently, all staff of respective institutions.

Naira at two-week high

•CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

HE naira, yesterday, hit a twoweek closing high at 162.65 against the dollar, after the

Wema organises finance forum

EMA Bank Plc yesterday organised a Customer Trade and Structured Finance Forum to help its customers understand foreign exchange transactions. Its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Segun Oloketuyi said the lender will continue to support and promote its customers businesses by educating them on how to move their business forward. He spoke on theme: ‘Overview of International Trade: Wema Bank Trade Products Capabilities’, explaining that customers involved in international trade need reliable information and support from their banks to achieve their desired objective. He said the forum was meant to connect and engage with customers and other stakeholders involved in international trade. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director, Trade and Ex-

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,676.09 1,118.84 121.30 121.16 1,117.51 1.2492 1.2906 0.8847 1.0826

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

Bid Price 167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,676.09 1,118.03 120.45 120.30 1,116.70 1.2406 1.2906 0.8677 1.0826

SYMBOL

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 22/09/2014 17/09/2014 08/09/2014 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Inflation: August

8.5%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

GAINERS AS AT 24-09-14

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

1.52

1.66

0.14

60.00

64.74

4.74

CHAMPION

9.02

9.45

0.43

ROYALEX

0.51

0.53

0.02

Credit to private Sector (CPS) Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

MAYBAKER GLAXOSMITH

GUINNESS

173.99

180.00

6.01

GUARANTY

28.00

28.90

0.90

NPFMCRFBK

0.96

0.99

0.03

219.00

225.00

6.00

FCMB

4.09

4.20

0.11

LIVESTOCK

2.92

2.98

0.06

DANGCEM

LOSERS AS AT 24-09-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

FIDSON

3.60

3.39

-0.21

DANGFLOUR

6.89

6.55

-0.34

JOSBREW

2.23

2.12

-0.11

PREMBREW

4.87

4.63

-0.24

Money Supply (M2)

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$39.6b

US Dollar

154.70

155.71

$97.9

Pounds Sterling

250.7724

252.3929

Euro

200.3394

201.634

Swiss Franc

165.7385

166.8095

Yen

1.445

1.4544

CFA

0.286

0.306

231.3531

232.8481

25.1773

25.3409

N16.42 trillion. N17.2 trillion 16.5%

19-09-14 Rate (%) Rate (%) 22-09-14

Yuan/Renminbi

11.00

10.917

Riyal

41.259

41.5256

12.464

12.393

SDR

232.156

233.6562

13.281

13.201

14.205

14.110

FOREX RATES

9.80

9.32

-0.48

1.49

1.42

-0.07

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

IKEJAHOTEL

1.94

1.85

-0.09

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

18.84

18.02

-0.82

179.95

174.00

-5.95

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

0.98

0.95

-0.03

CONTINSURE

WAUA

Overnight (O/N)

TRANSEXPR

MOBIL

Amount Sold in ($) 349.96m 299.9m 299.9m

Currency

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Amount Offered in ($) 350m 300m 300m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES September 22, 2014

UBN

ETI

change, Olakanmi Gbadamosi commended Wema Bank’s transformation and growth in recent years. He said the bank has raised its shareholders fund to N41 billion and made tremendous progress in its operations. Gbadamosi, who was represented by CBN Deputy Director, Trade and Exchange, Mrs. Onyinye Ahuchiogu said the transformation witnessed in Wema Bank in the last five years has shown that it has a focused management. He said the CBN needs feedback from banks and customers to enable it improve on its foreign exchange and other policies. He advised the bank to always ensure that it follows the Know Your Customer (KYC) policy in dealing with customers, adding that international trade is guided by law.

DATA BANK

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold dollars directly to lenders to prop up the local currency, dealers said. The local unit closed at 0.76 per cent firmer on the day, a level last seen on September 9, compared with the previous day’s close of 163.90 naira. Dealers said the central bank sold an undisclosed amount of dollars to the interbank market. The naira has been falling for the past two weeks, weakened by the impact of the decline in global oil prices and low offshore inflows into the debt and equity markets, dealers said.

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Sept. 22, 2014

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.10

T-bills - 182

10.22

T-bills - 364

10.30

Bond - 3yrs

11.52

Bond - 5yrs

11.55

Bond - 7yrs

12.13

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

FOR THE RECORD

We must dismantle ISIS’ network of death

•Text of United States President Barack Obama’s address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, yesterday

R. President, Mr. Secretary General, fellow delegates, ladies and gentlemen: we come together at a crossroads between war and peace; between disorder and integration; between fear and hope. Around the globe, there are signposts of progress. The shadow of World War that existed at the founding of this institution has been lifted; the prospect of war between major powers reduced. The ranks of member states has more than tripled, and more people live under governments they elected. Hundreds of millions of human beings have been freed from the prison of poverty, with the proportion of those living in extreme poverty cut in half. And the world economy continues to strengthen after the worst financial crisis of our lives. Today, whether you live in downtown New York or in my grandmother’s village more than two hundred miles from Nairobi, you can hold in your hand more information than the world’s greatest libraries. Together, we have learned how to cure disease, and harness the power of the wind and sun. The very existence of this institution is a unique achievement – the people of the world committing to resolve their differences peacefully, and solve their problems together. I often tell young people in the United States that this is the best time in human history to be born, for you are more likely than ever before to be literate, to be healthy, and to be free to pursue your dreams. And yet there is a pervasive unease in our world – a sense that the very forces that have brought us together have created new dangers, and made it difficult for any single nation to insulate itself from global forces. As we gather here, an outbreak of Ebola overwhelms public health systems in West Africa, and threatens to move rapidly across borders. Russian aggression in Europe recalls the days when large nations trampled small ones in pursuit of territorial ambition. The brutality of terrorists in Syria and Iraq forces us to look into the heart of darkness. Each of these problems demands urgent attention. But they are also symptoms of a broader problem – the failure of our international system to keep pace with an interconnected world. We have not invested adequately in the public health capacity of developing countries. Too often, we have failed to enforce international norms when it’s inconvenient to do so. And we have not confronted forcefully enough the intolerance, sectarianism, and hopelessness that feeds violent extremism in too many parts of the globe. Fellow delegates, we come together as United Nations with a choice to make. We can renew the international system that has enabled so much progress, or allow ourselves to be pulled back by an undertow of instability. We can reaffirm our collective responsibility to confront global problems, or be swamped by more and more outbreaks of instability.

•President Obama speaking at the United Nations (U.N)... yesterday

For America, the choice is clear. We choose hope over fear. We see the future not as something out of our control, but as something we can shape for the better through concerted and collective effort. We reject fatalism or cynicism when it comes to human affairs; we choose to work for the world as it should be, as our children deserve it to be. There is much that must be done to meet the tests of this moment. But today I’d like to focus on two defining questions at the root of many of our challenges– whether the nations here today will be able to renew the purpose of the UN’s founding; and whether we will come together to reject the cancer of violent extremism. First, all of us – big nations and small – must meet our responsibility to observe and enforce international norms. We are here because others realized that we gain more from cooperation than conquest. One hundred years ago, a World War claimed the lives of many millions, proving that with the terrible power of modern weaponry, the cause of empire leads to the graveyard. It would take another World War to roll back the forces of fascism and racial supremacy, and form this United Nations to ensure that no nation can subjugate its neighbors and claim their territory. Russia’s actions in Ukraine challenge this post-war order. Here are the facts. After the people of Ukraine mobilized popular protests and calls for reform, their corrupt President fled. Against the will of the government in Kiev, Crimea was annexed. Russia poured arms into Eastern Ukraine, fueling violent separatists and a conflict that has killed thousands. When a civilian airliner was shot down from areas that these proxies controlled, they refused to allow access to the crash for days. When Ukraine started to reassert control over its territory, Russia gave up the

‘

There is much that must be done to meet the tests of this moment. But today I’d like to focus on two defining questions at the root of many of our challenges– whether the nations here today will be able to renew the purpose of the UN’s founding; and whether we will come together to reject the cancer of violent extremism. First, all of us – big nations and small – must meet our responsibility to observe and enforce international norms.

’ pretense of merely supporting the separatists, and moved troops across the border. This is a vision of the world in which might makes right – a world in which one nation’s borders can be redrawn by another, and civilized people are not allowed to recover the remains of their loved ones because of the truth that might be revealed. America stands for something different. We believe that right makes might – that bigger nations should not be able to bully smaller ones; that people should be able to choose their own future. These are simple truths, but they must be defended. America and our allies will support the people of Ukraine as they develop their democracy and economy. We will reinforce our NATO allies, and uphold our commitment to collective defense. We will impose a cost on Russia for aggression, and counter falsehoods with the truth. We call upon others to join us on the right side of history – for while small gains can be won at the barrel of a gun,

they will ultimately be turned back if enough voices support the freedom of nations and peoples to make their own decisions. Moreover, a different path is available – the path of diplomacy and peace and the ideals this institution is designed to uphold. The recent cease-fire agreement in Ukraine offers an opening to achieve that objective. If Russia takes that path – a path that for stretches of the post-Cold War period resulted in prosperity for the Russian people – then we will lift our sanctions and welcome Russia’s role in addressing common challenges. That’s what the United States and Russia have been able to do in past years – from reducing our nuclear stockpiles to meet our obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to cooperating to remove and destroy Syria’s declared chemical weapons. And that’s the kind of cooperation we are prepared to pursue again—if Russia changes course. This speaks to a central ques-

tion of our global age: whether we will solve our problems together, in a spirit of mutual interests and mutual respect, or whether we descend into destructive rivalries of the past. When nations find common ground, not simply based on power, but on principle, then we can make enormous progress. And I stand before you today committed to investing American strength in working with nations to address the problems we face in the 21st century. As we speak, America is deploying our doctors and scientists – supported by our military – to help contain the outbreak of Ebola and pursue new treatments. But we need a broader effort to stop a disease that could kill hundreds of thousands, inflict horrific suffering, destabilize economies, and move rapidly across borders. It’s easy to see this as a distant problem – until it isn’t. That is why we will continue mobilizing other countries to join us in making concrete commitments to fight this outbreak, and enhance global health security for the longterm. America is pursuing a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue, as part of our commitment to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and pursue the peace and security of a world without them. This can only happen if Iran takes this historic opportunity. My message to Iran’s leaders and people is simple: do not let this opportunity pass. We can reach a solution that meets your energy needs while assuring the world that your program is peaceful. America is and will continue to be a Pacific power, promoting peace, stability, and the free flow of commerce among nations. But we will insist that all nations abide by the rules of the road, and resolve their territorial disputes peacefully, consistent with international law. That’s how the Asia-Pacific has grown. And that’s the only way to protect

this progress going forward. America is committed to a development agenda that eradicates extreme poverty by 2030. We will do our part – to help people feed themselves; power their economies; and care for their sick. If the world acts together, we can make sure that all of our children can enjoy lives of opportunity and dignity America is pursuing ambitious reductions in our carbon emissions, and we have increased our investments in clean energy. We will do our part, and help developing nations to do theirs. But we can only succeed in combating climate change if we are joined in this effort by every major power. That’s how we can protect this planet for our children and grandchildren. On issue after issue, we cannot rely on a rule-book written for a different century. If we lift our eyes beyond our borders – if we think globally and act cooperatively – we can shape the course of this century as our predecessors shaped the post-World War II age. But as we look to the future, one issue risks a cycle of conflict that could derail such progress: and that is the cancer of violent extremism that has ravaged so many parts of the Muslim world. Of course, terrorism is not new. Speaking before this Assembly, President Kennedy put it well: “Terror is not a new weapon,” he said. “Throughout history it has been used by those who could not prevail, either by persuasion or example.” In the 20th century, terror was used by all manner of groups who failed to come to power through public support. But in this century, we have faced a more lethal and ideological brand of terrorists who have perverted one of the world’s great religions. With access to technology that allows small groups to do great harm, they have embraced a nightmarish vision that would divide the •Continued on page 63

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

FOR THE RECORD

Dismantling ISIS’ network of death •Continued from page 62 world into adherents and infidels – killing as many innocent civilians as possible; and employing the most brutal methods to intimidate people within their communities. I have made it clear that America will not base our entire foreign policy on reacting to terrorism. Rather, we have waged a focused campaign against al Qaeda and its associated forces – taking out their leaders, and denying them the safe-havens they rely upon. At the same time, we have reaffirmed that the United States is not and never will be at war with Islam. Islam teaches peace. Muslims the world over aspire to live with dignity and a sense of justice. And when it comes to America and Islam, there is no us and them – there is only us, because millions of Muslim Americans are part of the fabric of our country. So we reject any suggestion of a clash of civilizations. Belief in permanent religious war is the misguided refuge of extremists who cannot build or create anything, and therefore peddle only fanaticism and hate. And it is no exaggeration to say that humanity’s future depends on us uniting against those who would divide us along fault lines of tribe or sect; race or religion. This is not simply a matter of words. Collectively, we must take concrete steps to address the danger posed by religiously motivated fanatics, and the trends that fuel their recruitment. Moreover, this campaign against extremism goes beyond a narrow security challenge. For while we have methodically degraded core al Qaeda and supported a transition to a sovereign Afghan government, extremist ideology has shifted to other places – particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, where a quarter of young people have no job; food and water could grow scarce; corruption is rampant; and sectarian conflicts have become increasingly hard to contain. As an international community, we must meet this challenge with a focus on four areas. First, the terrorist group known as ISIL must be degraded, and ultimately destroyed. This group has terrorized all who they come across in Iraq and Syria. Mothers, sisters and daughters have been subjected to rape as a weapon of war. Innocent children have been gunned down. Bodies have been dumped in mass graves. Religious minorities have been starved to death. In the most horrific crimes imaginable, innocent human beings have been beheaded, with videos of the atrocity distributed to shock the conscience of the world. No God condones this terror. No grievance justifies these actions. There can be no reasoning – no negotiation – with this brand of evil. The only language understood by killers like this is the language of force. So the United States of America will work with a broad coalition to dismantle this network of death. In this effort, we do not act alone. Nor do we intend to send U.S. troops to occupy foreign lands. Instead, we will support Iraqis and Syrians fighting to reclaim their communities. We will use our military might in a campaign of air strikes to roll back ISIL. We will train and equip forces fighting against these terrorists on the ground. We will work to cut off their financing, and to stop the flow of fighters into and out of the region. Already, over 40 nations have offered to join this coalition. Today, I ask the world to join in this effort. Those who have joined ISIL should leave the battlefield while they can. Those who continue to fight for a hateful cause will find they are increasingly alone. For we will not succumb to threats; and we will demonstrate that the future belongs to those who build – not those who destroy. Second, it is time for the world – especially Muslim communities – to explicitly, forcefully, and consistently reject the ideology of al Qaeda and ISIL. It is the task of all great religions to

accommodate devout faith with a modern, multicultural world. No children – anywhere – should be educated to hate other people. There should be no more tolerance of socalled clerics who call upon people to harm innocents because they are Jewish, Christian or Muslim. It is time for a new compact among the civilized peoples of this world to eradicate war at its most fundamental source: the corruption of young minds by violent ideology. That means cutting off the funding that fuels this hate. It’s time to end the hypocrisy of those who accumulate wealth through the global economy, and then siphon funds to those who teach children to tear it down. That means contesting the space that terrorists occupy – including the Internet and social media. Their propaganda has coerced young people to travel abroad to fight their wars, and turned students into suicide bombers. We must offer an alternative vision. That means bringing people of different faiths together. All religions have been attacked by extremists from within at some point, and all people of faith have a responsibility to lift up the value at the heart of all religion: do unto thy neighbor as you would have done unto you. The ideology of ISIL or al Qaeda or Boko Haram will wilt and die if it is consistently exposed, confronted, and refuted in the light of day. Look at the new Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies – Sheikh bin Bayyah described its purpose: “We must declare war on war, so the outcome will be peace upon peace.” Look at the young British Muslims, who responded to terrorist propaganda by starting the “notinmyname” campaign, declaring – “ISIS is hiding behind a false Islam.” Look at the Christian and Muslim leaders who came together in the Central African Republic to reject violence – listen to the Imam who said, “Politics try to divide the religious in our country, but religion shouldn’t be a cause of hate, war, or strife.” Later today, the Security Council will adopt a resolution that underscores the responsibility of states to counter violent extremism. But resolutions must be followed by tangible commitments, so we’re accountable when we fall short. Next year, we should all be prepared to announce the concrete steps that we have taken to counter extremist ideologies – by getting intolerance out of schools, stopping radicalization before it spreads, and promoting institutions and programs that build new bridges of understanding. Third, we must address the cycle of conflict – especially sectarian conflict – that creates the conditions that terrorists prey upon. There is nothing new about wars within religions. Christianity endured centuries of vicious sectarian conflict. Today, it is violence within Muslim communities that has become the source of so much human misery. It is time to acknowledge the destruction wrought by proxy wars and terror campaigns between Sunni and Shia across the Middle East. And it is time that political, civic and religious leaders reject sectarian strife. Let’s be clear: this is a fight that no one is winning. A brutal civil war in Syria has already killed nearly 200,000 people and displaced millions. Iraq has come perilously close to plunging back into the abyss. The conflict has created a fertile recruiting ground for terrorists who inevitably export this violence. Yet, we also see signs that this tide could be reversed – a new, inclusive government in Baghdad; a new Iraqi Prime Minister welcomed by his neighbors; Lebanese factions rejecting those who try to provoke war. These steps must be followed by a broader truce. Nowhere is this more necessary than Syria. Together with our partners, America is training and equipping the Syrian opposition to

‘

Ultimately, the task of rejecting sectarianism and extremism is a generational task – a task for the people of the Middle East themselves. No external power can bring about a transformation of hearts and minds. But America will be a respectful and constructive partner. We will neither tolerate terrorist safe-havens, nor act as an occupying power. Instead, we will take action against threats to our security – and our allies – while building an architecture of counter-terrorism cooperation. We will increase efforts to lift up those who counter extremist ideology, and seek to resolve sectarian conflict.

’

be a counterweight to the terrorists of ISIL and the brutality of the Assad regime. But the only lasting solution to Syria’s civil war is political, an inclusive political transition that responds to the legitimate aspirations of all Syrian citizens, regardless of ethnicity or creed. Cynics may argue that such an outcome can never come to pass. But there is no other way for this madness to end, whether one year from now or ten. Indeed, it’s time for a broader negotiation in which major powers address their differences directly, honestly, and peacefully across the table from one another, rather than through gun-wielding proxies. I can promise you America will remain engaged in the region, and we are prepared to engage in that effort. My fourth and final point is a simple one: the countries of the Arab and Muslim world must focus on the extraordinary potential of their people – especially the youth. Here I’d like to speak directly to young people across the Muslim world. You come from a great tradition that stands for education, not ignorance; innovation, not destruction; the dignity of life, not murder. Those who call you away from this path are betraying this tradition, not defending it. You have demonstrated that when young people have the tools to succeed –good schools; education in math and science; an economy that nurtures creativity and entrepreneurship – then societies will flourish. So America will partner with those who promote that vision. Where women are full participants in a country’s politics or economy, societies are more likely to succeed. That’s why we support the participation of women in parliaments and in peace processes; in schools and the economy. If young people live in places where the only option is between the dictates of a state, or the lure of an extremist underground – no counter-terrorism strategy can succeed. But where a genuine civil society is allowed to flourish – where people can express their views, and organize peacefully for a better life – then you dramatically expand the alternatives to terror. Such positive change need not come at the expense of tradition and faith. We see this in Iraq, where a young man started a library for his peers. “We link Iraq’s heritage to their hearts,” he said, and “give them a reason to stay.” We see it in Tunisia, where secular and Islamist parties worked together through a political process to produce a new constitution. We see it in Senegal, where civil society thrives alongside a strong, demo-

•Obama

cratic government. We see it in Malaysia, where vibrant entrepreneurship is propelling a former colony into the ranks of advanced economies. And we see it in Indonesia, where what began as a violent transition has evolved into a genuine democracy. Ultimately, the task of rejecting sectarianism and extremism is a generational task – a task for the people of the Middle East themselves. No external power can bring about a transformation of hearts and minds. But America will be a respectful and constructive partner. We will neither tolerate terrorist safe-havens, nor act as an occupying power. Instead, we will take action against threats to our security – and our allies – while building an architecture of counter-terrorism cooperation. We will increase efforts to lift up those who counter extremist ideology, and seek to resolve sectarian conflict. And we will expand our programs to support entrepreneurship, civil society, education and youth – because, ultimately, these investments are the best antidote to violence. Leadership will also be necessary to address the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis. As bleak as the landscape appears, America will never give up the pursuit of peace. The situation in Iraq, Syria and Libya should cure anyone of the illusion that this conflict is the main source of problems in the region; for far too long, it has been used in part as a way to distract people from problems at home. And the violence engulfing the region today has made too many Israelis ready to abandon the hard work of peace. But let’s be clear: the status quo in the West Bank and Gaza is not sustainable. We cannot afford to turn away from this effort – not when rockets are fired at innocent Israelis, or the lives of so many Palestinian children are taken from us in Gaza. So long as I am President, we will stand up for the principle that Israelis, Palestinians, the region, and the world will be more just with two states living side by side, in peace and security. This is what America is prepared to do – taking action against immediate threats, while pursuing a world in which the need for such action is diminished. The United States will never shy away from defending our interests, but nor will we shrink from the promise of this institution and its Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the notion that peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of a better life. I realize that America’s critics will be quick to point out that at times we too have failed to live up to our ideals; that America has

plenty of problems within our own borders. This is true. In a summer marked by instability in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, I know the world also took notice of the small American city of Ferguson, Missouri – where a young man was killed, and a community was divided. So yes, we have our own racial and ethnic tensions. And like every country, we continually wrestle with how to reconcile the vast changes wrought by globalization and greater diversity with the traditions that we hold dear. But we welcome the scrutiny of the world – because what you see in America is a country that has steadily worked to address our problems and make our union more perfect. America is not the same as it was 100 years ago, 50 years ago, or even a decade ago. Because we fight for our ideals, and are willing to criticize ourselves when we fall short. Because we hold our leaders accountable, and insist on a free press and independent judiciary. Because we address our differences in the open space of democracy – with respect for the rule of law; with a place for people of every race and religion; and with an unyielding belief in the ability of individual men and women to change their communities and countries for the better. After nearly six years as President, I believe that this promise can help light the world. Because I’ve seen a longing for positive change – for peace and freedom and opportunity – in the eyes of young people I’ve met around the globe. They remind me that no matter who you are, or where you come from, or what you look like, or what God you pray to, or who you love, there is something fundamental that we all share. Eleanor Roosevelt, a champion of the UN and America’s role in it, once asked, “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places,” she said, “close to home – so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm or office where he works.” The people of the world look to us, here, to be as decent, as dignified, and as courageous as they are in their daily lives. And at this crossroads, I can promise you that the United States of America will not be distracted or deterred from what must be done. We are heirs to a proud legacy of freedom, and we are prepared to do what is necessary to secure that legacy for generations to come. Join us in this common mission, for today’s children and tomorrow’s.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

NEWS

‘Nigeria needs credible politicians’ By Amaka Nzenwa

13 feared dead in Imo accident

HIRTEEN persons were feared dead yesHE Eze Ndigbo of terday when a comMushin, Lagos, Chief muter bus conveying them Peter Umeh, has had a head-on collision with urged Nigerians to elect a Mack trailer on the Owerricredible leaders in next Aba Expressway at Agbala, year’s elections. near Owerri, the Imo State He said this would enable capital. the nation to have sustainThe accident was said to able development. have occurred when the Umeh, who addressed reporters yesterday in Lagos, driver of the passenger bus noted that Nigerians cannot attempted to overtake the be deceived again by politi- trailer. Only one of the 14 passencians who lack focus when there are politicians who can gers in the bus, which belonged to a popular transport deliver on their promises. company, survived. He said: “The political The others reportedly died revelation today is not about on the spot. a political party but about But the Federal Road Safety individuality. People are more concerned about integ- Commission (FRSC) said only rity and honesty of a political holder. So, my advice to party leaders is to ensure that they field people of sound integrity who can deliver on their electoral promises.” The Igbo leader said his men lived peacefully with other members of the community in Mushin. Umeh said: “I have been the Eze Ndigbo of Mushin for eight years. I have ensured peace and harmony among the Igbo and other ethnic nationalities. If there is any rancour among different people, we settle it and advise the people to maintain the peace.

•FRSC: Six died, nine injured From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

six persons died while nine others were injured. The accident caused a traffic gridlock on the busy expressway. The police and officers of the FRSC had a hectic time controlling the crowd that besieged the scene. An eyewitness told our reporter that the truck, which was travelling from the Owerri end of the expressway, attempted to overtake the truck at Agbala. The driver of the passenger bus was allegedly on top speed and could not control the vehicle well because of a

ditch on the sides of the road. The ditch was said to have been dug by the contractors dualising the expressway. The eyewitness said the truck driver ran away. A resident of Agbala who witnessed the accident, Emeka Ajoku, blamed it on the construction firm. He said: “If the contractors had not dug ditches on the sides of the road, that the accident would have been avoided because the bus driver would have manoeuvred the vehicle to a safe part of the roadside. But that was not possible. “It is the construction com-

pany that should be blamed for the accident. If it had not dug the ditches on the sides of the road, the bus driver could have cleared to the roadside. I was here when it happened. The bus driver tried to avoid the truck but the truck rammed into the bus and pushed it to where it is now.” FRSC Sector Commander Yusuf Salami said six persons in the bus died on the spot while nine others were injured. He said the accident was the result of a bad overtaking by the bus driver. The survivors, he added, were taken to a hospital before his men arrived on the scene.

TAN: no plan to scuttle Jonathan’s rally

HE Enugu State chapter of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) has denied reports in some newspapers that it plans to scuttle a rally being organised by the Enugu State Movement for the Reelection of President Goodluck Jonathan. The group alleged that the state government was behind the reports. The report accused Enugu TAN of working with a federal lawmaker to hold electoral ward meetings to distribute money to disrupt the rally. In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Ugulu O. Ugulu, Enugu TAN said the allegations were frivolous, baseless and laughable. The statement said: “It is a global knowledge that TAN is the flagship organisation in the campaign for the reelection of President Goodluck Jonathan. Yet, it is on record that the Enugu State Government had serially misused the police to either scuttle or attempt to scuttle the meetings of TAN in the state. “It would be recalled that the Enugu State Government was the only Southeast state not officially represented at the first geopolitical zonal rally of TAN at Awka, Anambra State, on August 17. “Instead, Governor Sullivan Chime preferred to lead the State Executive Council (Exco) and 17 local government chairmen to a birthday party at Umuahia (Abia State) and directed the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to summon the party’s local government executive council meeting by noon on the same day of the rally.”

•Wreckage of the vehicles on the scene of the accident...yesterday

Tension in Anambra constituency over Rep’s seat

HERE is tension in Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State over the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) ticket for the House of Representatives in the 2015 general elections. This followed the announcement by the governor’s wife, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, that the ticket would be given to House of Assembly Speaker Chinwe Nwaebili.

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Mrs Obiano spoke yesterday at Atani, the headquarters of Ogbaru Local Government Area, at her maiden visit to the area. The seat is being occupied by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Media and Publicity, Victor Afam Ogene, also of APGA. But an aide to Mrs Obiano, who spoke in confidence, said the matter was being

overblown. It was learnt that Speaker Nwaebili, two weeks ago, stopped the conferment of a chieftaincy title on Ogene by her father, the Igwe of Ogbakuba. Ogene is said to have attracted many projects to the area. A source at the APGA national secretariat told our reporter that the party was awaiting an official report on Mrs Obiano’s action. The source queried those

who authorised the governor’s wife to declare an aspirant a candidate. “Our governor’s wife has no right to declare anybody the candidate of the party because she is not a party official. “Whatever she was planning for the Speaker should have been a secret. It should not have been made public. The party has not held its primaries to pick the candidates for the 2015 elections,” the source added.

Kalu denies link with presidential posters

ORMER Abia State Governor Orji Kalu has denied knowledge of the posters presenting him as a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s election. Kalu said the posters were almost ready for circulation nationwide. In a statement yesterday by his Media Advisor, Mr. Ebere Wabara, the frontline publisher said the posters were the handiwork of mischief makers who wanted to cause disaffection between him and President Goodluck Jonathan. According to him, this would not be the first time such seeds of discord were

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

being sown by the “detractors”. The statement said: “The posters depict him severally in continental and the three major different ethnic attires with a catchphrase that reads: ‘Orji Kalu for President’ and declares: ‘It is the turn of Igbo to rule this country.’ “Kalu, at no time, indicated interest in the 2015 presidential election. His manifest and massive support for President Jonathan is unequivocal and unalloyed. The President and other well-meaning Nigerians know this. “President Jonathan has performed creditably and

consequently earned his party’s exclusive nomination to contest the presidential poll. So, for any jester to wake up at this stage and insinuate interest by an incontrovertible party loyalist like Kalu is sheer dementia. “It is clear to most PDP members and a majority of Nigerians that President Jonathan has carried on excellently with the revolutionary transformation of this country and deserves to be our party’s standard bearer. In any case, Kalu’s robust support for President Jonathan’s re-election has been unflinching and unreserved. Almost on a daily basis at local and international arenas Kalu roots for

another chance for President Jonathan to consolidate his re-engineering of the country. Therefore, how can he now, in the same breath, be printing unrealistic and illogical posters?” The statement noted that some people recently flooded Abia State with “multifarious posters and handbills” announcing Kalu’s senatorial candidacy on the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). It added: “When this childish ploy failed, they resorted to the current printing of uncultured posters, which claim Kalu’s rabid insistence on Igbo presidency and his passion for it...”

‘Enugu to deliver best diagnostic centre’

NUGU State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Goddy Madueke, has said the Sullivan Chime administration will deliver one of the best diagnostic centres in the country on a one-stop complex. The commissioner spoke in Enugu when he conducted reporters round the complex, which is under construction. He said the project “is part of the vision of Governor Chime to deliver a comprehensive health care system for the people before he vacates office”. Madueke said the project was conceived to be one of the best in structure, equipment and medical facilities. The commissioner said the governor yearned for an allround improved health system, adding that a better treatment starts with a good diagnosis. He said this prompted the administration to establish the world-class diagnostic centre. The four-storey complex, which is located at the former temporary site of trade fair ground, was vacated by the State Chamber of Commerce. It is located on Abakaliki Road and is expected to be completed by next January. Madueke said: “Apart from providing a big structure, we are going to provide the latest and best equipment from renowned manufacturers in the world. We are also making sure that those who are going to manage the facilities are well trained to realise the aim of the project. “Enugu state will be the destination point for diagnostic demands of Nigerians when the facility becomes fully operational.”

Funeral for church leader

HE funeral rites for the Iya Ijo of St. Michael African Church, Ejio, Ogun State, Mrs Beatrice Abike Olabintan Omofade (JP), will begin today. The late Mrs Omofade died on September 3. She was 94. A service of songs will hold at 3, Abimbola Okunuga Close, Abule Onigbagbo Bus Stop, Ikeja, GRA, Lagos, at 9am. It will be followed by a commendation service and lying-instate at The African Church Cathedral Salem, Post Office Bus Stop, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, at 11a.m. Her remains will be conveyed tomorrow to Omofade Compound at Oke-Alaafin, Ejio, via Ifo, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, for lying-in-state at 9a.m. The funeral service will hold at St. Michael African Church, Ejio, at 10am. The late Mrs Omofade will be buried at the church cemetery. An outing will take place after the service. A reception will hold at Open Field of the Local Government Primary School, Ejio, at 2p.m. The late Mrs Omofade is survived by Dr Adelaja Omofade, former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Mrs Adebodun Shodipo, Mrs Yetunde Omokurolue and Mr Ajibade Omofade.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

NEWS

Edo gets new commissioner

PDP Southsouth meeting cancelled

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has sworn in Dennis Idahosa as Commissioner for Investment, Public and Private Partnership. Speaking after administering the oath of office yesterday, the governor said: “Everyday, we receive all kinds of enquiries from people who want to invest in our state. “Quite a number have decided to come but I believe we can attract even more if we have someone who understands the thinking, the feelings of international investors and what we need to do as a government to attract them to locate to our state so

•Oshiomhole (left) congratulating Idahosa after the ceremony... yesterday.

they can create jobs, increase the economy and the GDP of Edo State.

“So Dennis, I want to appreciate you for accepting and I look forward to work-

ing with you very closely in a way that will bring benefit to our people.”

Akpabio, Attah differ on Akwa Ibom creation

KWA IBOM State Governor Godswill Akpabio has faulted claims by his predecessor, Victor Attah, on the state’s creation by former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in 1987. Attah, at a reception in his honour at the Asan Ibibio grounds, said: “Let me start by telling you about something that happened in 1987. “I was living in Kaduna and during the year, I received a message from the military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. “He asked me if I was no longer interested in a state for my people. This happened because for a long time I had, with respect and within the limits of friendship, harassed him to create a state for us. When it did not hap-

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

pen, I gave up. “This message, therefore, came as a bolt from the blue. I was shocked, but ecstatically surprised. I was asked to present yet another request for a state, which I did. “Sometimes after that I was invited to the Office of the Coordinator of National Security (CONS) on 12, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, and was asked to draw a map of what I thought should constitute the new state. “After that I waited and then on September 23, 1987 came the announcement that Akwa Ibom and Katsina states had been created. My joy knew no bounds. “Of course, the first thing I did was to sit down and compose a letter to our benefac-

tor, who graciously created a state for us.” But Akpabio, during a state broadcast, said the creation of Akwa Ibom State was not an event but a process started by the forefathers at Afaha Oku in 1953 when they made the first demand for state creation in Nigeria. Akpabio said five months after the coup of August 1985, Babangida set up a 17-member political bureau with Sylvanus J. Cookey as chairman, and Abdullahi Augie as executive secretary. He said: “Akwa Ibom people took advantage of this and we intensified our demand for a state. We submitted memoranda to justify our demand. “The bureau members agreed that states should be

created but differed on the number to be created. “But because of the intensity of our campaign and that of Katsina, they were unanimous in the agreement that Akwa Ibom State and Katsina State should be created from Cross River and Kaduna states. “The people of these two states had waged the most relentless and strident campaigns for states to be created for them. “The bureau submitted its report with several recommendations, including the creation of these two states on March 26, 1987. “The Babangida Administration accepted this recommendation and created Akwa Ibom and Katsina states on September 23, 1987.”

Opposition against Wike’s ambition thickens

PPOSITION to the governorship ambition of the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, thickened yesterday. The Ijaw National Congress (INC), Eastern Zone, joined Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Rivers State to declare that it will support a party fielding an Ijaw candidate next year. The Eastern Zone comprises Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

•INC: we want Ijaw candidate From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

At a concerned PDP stakeholders’ conference in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the people demanded among others that the party’s executive committee be sacked. The stakeholders also demanded the implementation of the party’s constitution, guaranteeing rotation and zoning of elective offices.

At INC’s stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, the people called on parties to uphold zoning and rotation in the zone. The National Publicity Secretary, Victor Gburubo, at the meeting attended by traditional rulers, elders, chiefs and opinion leaders and youths, said: “There is need for the parties in Rivers State to respect zoning and rotation in picking can-

didates to represent them next year. “ The INC will not work with a party that will not present an Ijaw man. “In Rivers State, if you don’t pick an Ijaw man, we will not work with you. In 1999, we willingly relinquished power to others. We have waited for nearly 16 years and we cannot wait any longer. Ijaw people are responsible with power. We can be trusted with power. We have never oppressed others when we were in power.”

Why PDP endorsed Jonathan, by Dickson

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson said yesterday that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as its presidential candidate to institutionalise the right of first refusal for any incumbent president. The governor said the party, by the move, set a new precedent for incumbent presidents to have the right to fly the party’s flag without an elective primary. Dickson said the new thinking would also reduce the huge cost and internal wrangling associated with a primary election. The governor spoke when members of the Federated Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

(NUJ) visited him. He said the right of first refusal given to Jonathan would promote stability in the political system and unity among party members. Dickson insisted that the party’s gesture was being misconstrued in some quarters to mean a declaration of sole candidacy. “It is not a declaration of sole candidacy. What we have done is to stabilise the political system. “What we have done is to say that we don’t want to subject our members to costly and stressful processes. What we have said is that once you are a president from a party, you have a right of first refusal. It will reduce in-fighting and cost

of lobbying and campaigns. “Whoever comes after Jonathan will no longer have issues with intra-party conflicts but he will have the right to first refusal. In the first term of an administration, there is much in-fighting. “If the right of first refusal had been institutionalised in the past, former President Olusegun Obasanjo wouldn’t have been subjected to such issues that came up before his re-election. Dickson maintained that democracy should not be about conflicts and unnecessary intrigues but about the stability of institutions. “If President Goodluck Jonathan refuses, then the elective convention will be conducted. This decision is provided for by the electoral law,”

he said. A PDP chieftain, who pleaded for anonymity, said the party took the decision because of the change in the country’s body polity. The source said with the All Progressives Congress (APC) on board, internal rancour was the last thing PDP needed. He said the party leaders gave Jonathan a clean bill of health to enable PDP capitalise on the power of incumbency to retain the Presidency next year. “We discovered that with the APC on board, having a competitive primary will further divide the party. “Right now, the country, especially the North, is divided between APC and PDP and we cannot afford to make a mistake that will further reduce our votes,” he said.

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

HE internal crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southsouth took a new turn yesterday, following the postponement of the reconciliation meeting among party faithful in the zone. The National Integration Committee meeting was suddenly called off, drawing the ire of the people, especially those from Rivers State. A governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Dagogo Jack, said: “I came for the reconciliation meeting but we were told at the secretariat that the meeting was postponed. I think that it is important for us to meet and reconcile our aggrieved members.” A PDP chieftain, High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, said he was worried that such a

crucial meeting, meant to reconcile party members could be cancelled even when it has been widely publicised in the media. “If this peace meeting does not hold, then I am afraid, Rivers PDP may be heading for the rocks. “We want the state PDP to zone all the political offices because the party’s constitution makes provisions for rotation of offices,” Sara-Igbe said. The PDP’s Administrative Secretary, Usen Edemekong, said: “The meeting is not cancelled. But the integration committee merely decided to postpone it because President Goodluck Jonathan will be in Benin, Edo State, on Saturday for the unity rally. A new date will be communicated to all concerned members.”

Uduaghan: crude oil theft threat to peace

ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has warned that persistent crude oil theft in the Niger Delta may threaten world peace and democracy, if actions were not taken to curb it. Speaking at an African Business Roundtable workshop on combating emerging threats held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Uduaghan said with 90 per cent of the stolen oil exported, the cash return was enough to empower individuals and organisations engaged in the theft to destabilise democracies in West Africa. The governor said the growing insurgency in Nigeria might not be unconnected with the huge cash outlay that could not be traced due to crude oil theft. He called on the international community to create a platform where stolen crude oil can be tracked and disbursement of proceeds adequately monitored. Uduaghan said a strong legal framework needed to be created so that kingpins and promoters of crude oil theft can be prosecuted. As part of his government’s strategy to curb oil theft in the state, Uduaghan said communities were being empowered through the programmes put in place by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

No more Ebola in Rivers, says govt

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

HE Rivers State government has said there are no more cases of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the state. The Commissioner of Health, Sampson Parker, said this at a briefing in Port Harcourt. Parker said some of the development partners that assisted the state in the fight against the disease have left the state. He said less than 25 contacts were now in the contact surveillance list as against the initial 526 weeks ago. Assuring that there was no case at the state treatment centre at Oduoha in Emuoha Local Government Area, the commissioner urged the public to go about their businesses. “We are winding down emergency operations on Ebola gradually. We have just 25 contacts under surveillance; we are expecting to discharge more of them today. “This justifies our October 6 school resumption projections, by which time we hope that we will have no contacts at all. "People can go about their businesses without fear, but they should maintain the practice of basic hygiene and clean environment.”

I’ll sustain Imoke’s legacies, says Ugbe

GOVERNORSHIP aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Patrick Ugbe, has said he will sustain the transformation agenda of Governor Liyel Imoke, if elected. He promised to leverage on the legacies of successive administrations to usher the state into an era of quality leadership and good governance with unlimited opportunities. Ugbe praised the efforts of former Governor Donald Duke and Imoke in rural and urban transformation and massive infrastructural development in various sectors. The aspirant said if he wins, his primary responsibility will be to meet the

needs of the citizens. He said his mission is to strengthen the values of adequate representation and good governance. Ugbe expressed his belief in the philosophy of a state firmly rooted in justice, equity, fair play and transparency and stated that his aspiration is to promote the ideals of democracy. The aspirant said he will adopt measures to address the economic crises associated with the rise in the number of unemployed youths. He added that there shall be deliberate efforts to bring about policies that will promote youth entrepreneurship and leadership development while encouraging decent and healthy participation in politics.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

NEWS Fake Shekau who insulted Jonathan, Obama killed Continued from page 4

“A group of 88 submitted themselves at Mairiga/Bun – Yadi while another group of 45 terrorists were taken in around Mubi – Michika. They are all being interrogated and processed in conformity with the dictates of standard best practices.” While praising the gallantry of troops, the DHQ vowed

to defeat the Boko Haram terrorists. The statement said: “The Defence Headquarters applauds the gallantry of the Nigerian troops who have remained undaunted and professional in prosecuting this campaign against terror. The keen interest exhibited by our neighbours and allies is commendable and we appreciate

them. “All allies in the war against terrorism are hereby assured of the Nigerian military’s resolve to maintain momentum in the efforts to decimate and defeat terrorists. “The invaluable efforts toward achieving sustainable peace and victory against the terrorists are highly appreci-

ated. “It is nevertheless necessary to alert all citizens that there is still the need for even more vigilance and cooperation with the security forces. Everybody is required to remain alert to ensure that we are not taken unawares by terrorist elements who might want to carry out isolated attacks in any part of our country.”

Military pronounces Shekau impostor dead

Continued from page 4

moured tanks” and killed “multitudes” in raids. The video release followed a similar one released last September after the insurgents attacked Benisheik, Borno State, where

about 160 people were either shot dead or slaughtered and hundreds of houses burnt. In the video, Shekau was filmed sitting in a jungle environment, surrounded by dozens of lieutenants – all dressed in fatigues. He said Boko Haram

was celebrating victories in Benisheik, where more than 143 civilians were killed, in Monguno and surrounding northern villages where more than a dozen civilians were killed that month. There were many questions last night on Shekau:

their new schools, put their bitter experience behind them and focus on their studies so as to achieve their dreams in life. “The Governor announced that any of the schoolgirls that obtains a minimum of five credits will be awarded automatic scholarship throughout her university education.” Shettima thanked the parents of the 36 girls that released their children for continued education noting that his government was deeply committed to ensuring their children were provided access to the best education money can offer in Nigeria. “ He said his administration has a bias for female education which was why he introduced a female medical education intervention programme under which 50 female citizens drawn from the 27 local government areas of the state currently undergo full scholarship to study medicine abroad while more will be sent in a continuous

exercise. “Governor Shettima appealed to members of the media not to bring to the public, the new schools ýthe girls would be relocated even if the media gets to find out through investigations. He noted that exposing their schools could expose them and the schools due to the global interest on them. Borno State Chairman of the Christians Association of Nigeria, Reverend Titus Pona who is an elder in Chibok community, praised Shettima for fulfilling his pledge of relocating the freed schoolgirls to international schools. But Tsambido criticized the decision of the Borno State government to send some of the girls to Kaduna. He said, “the journey from Chibok to Biu is a journey that now takes two days because of the level of insurgency; so sending the girls on such a journey with only one government official and no security protection only

Is Shekau another Jomo Gbomo, the infamous spokesman of the oncedreaded Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND)? Will another Shekau show up? If so, when?

continue to make them subject of public focus given the global attention on them. “Shettima said the decision to relocate the schoolgirls was reached after psychosocial experts, psychologists, medical doctors, interfaith religious experts, women from civil society organisations and other trauma managers conducted trauma management sessions for the schoolgirls at the Government House in Maiduguri some months back and certified the girls set for continued education. “The Governor said while it was a hard decision to send the 36 girls back to school when their colleagues were still in captivity, the government he said, has not given up on the girls still held. He said no sane parent would rule out a child that is held in captivity. “Shettima called on the schoolgirls to be of good behaviors, obey the rules of

Continued from page 4

the families find closure in the aftermath of this terrible tragedy.” Radebe, who heads an interministerial team tasked by President Jacob Zuma to manage the situation, said identification of bodies following a disaster was a specialised scientific process, involving painstakingly thorough procedures. “A South African team of experts on the ground in Nigeria is working closely with [their Nigerian counterparts] to ensure that this process is completed as soon as possible.” The process involved either identification of bodies by next of kin, through photo identification, from finger-

prints, from dental records, or — if all these were not possible — through DNA. He said DNA sampling took time. “Our government appeals to the families and the nation to bear with us as we allow our team in Lagos the necessary time to complete this process.” All efforts were being made to keep the identification process as short as possible. Once the bodies were all identified, a team of 70 South African military health service experts “is ready to depart for Lagos with specialised equipment to transport the deceased back to South Africa with the required care and the required respect”, Radebe said.

$9.3m seized cash: Rep alleges PDP members bribed $20,000

Chibok girl abandoned in village Continued from page 4

‘62 South Africa bodies identified’

Continued from page 4

•Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh

shows their level of carelessness. “The girls will not be able to fully concentrate in their new school since Kaduna itself is not spared from insurgency.”

Rules and Business while standing on Order 8, Rule 20 of the House, had insisted that the motion, which was not debated upon on Tuesday, was in line with the House rules. He, however, denied knowledge of the alleged bribe, adding that the newspaper reports breached his privilege as a lawmaker. He said: “It is not to my knowledge that $50,000 was paid to me or any other member (of the PDP). My privilege, as an honourable member, has been and is being breached. As I stated yesterday, infrastructure and related motions are not to be debated. It is contained in our rules. “We are all aware that infrastructure motion can be raised, seconded and voted upon. This is not the first time issues like this have been brought to the floor of the House and rejected.” Sam-Tsokwa urged the House to ask the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to

probe the allegation. While ruling on the motion, Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker, said members should be careful of their actions and utterances as the House “is in trying times”. He added: “We should be careful as circumstances like this could lead to casualty. It is not my wish that such should happen. It is regrettable that despite the fact that I bent over to take the motion, there was still a walk-out.” Ihedioha referred the motion to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which is to report to the House within two weeks. All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers stormed out of plenary on Tuesday over the $9.3 smuggled into South Africa by two Nigerian and an Israeli. The Federal Government is yet to speak on the matter. APC members staged a walk- out because the motion on the issue was not debated on the floor.

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS Syria’s education under attack

Obama: force necessary against Islamic State ‘killers’

S President Barack Obama has urged the world to help dismantle the Islamic State’s (IS) “network of death.” He was speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York as US warplanes stepped up air strikes against IS militants in Iraq and Syria. “There can be no reasoning - no negotiation - with this brand of evil,” Mr Obama said. He said more than 40 countries had offered to join the anti-IS coalition. IS aims to set up a hardline caliphate. The well-armed Sunni Muslim militants have seized a huge swathe of Syria and Iraq, forcing whole communities to flee in terror. They have be-

headed Western hostages and have persecuted Christians, Yazidis and Shia Muslims, whom they treat as heretics. US warplanes hit IS vehicles and arms dumps in new air strikes, the US military’s Central Command said. Eight IS vehicles were damaged near Abu Kamal on the Syria-Iraq border, and two others in Deir al-Zour in the east of Syria, the statement said. In Iraq there were strikes on IS targets west of Baghdad and southeast of Irbil, near Kurdish territory. Earlier there were air strikes on IS near the border with Turkey. An Algerian jihadist group linked to IS - Jund al-Khilafa has released a video which it

says shows militants beheading a French tourist. Herve Gourdel was kidnapped on Sunday in Algeria’s troubled Kabylie area. “The only language understood by killers like this is the language of force,” Mr Obama said in his speech. The US “will work with a broad coalition to dismantle this network of death,” he told the UN. “In this effort, we do not act alone. Nor do we intend to send US troops to occupy foreign lands. Instead, we will support Iraqis and Syrians fighting to reclaim their communities. We will use our military might in a campaign of air strikes to roll back IS. We will train and equip forces

S •Obama

fighting against these terrorists on the ground. We will work to cut off their financing, and to stop the flow of fighters into and out of the region. Already, over 40 nations have offered to join this coalition. Today, I ask the world to join in this effort,” he said. He urged Muslims to reject the ideology of IS and alQaeda.

Ebola: 100 bodies, 200 patients picked up after villages. IERRA Leone said yesBut he said the exercise had Sierra Leone lock down terday around 100 bodraised concerns over the meth-

ies and 200 patients had been collected from homes during its three-day lockdown to stem the deadly Ebola epidemic raging in west Africa. Almost six million people across the country were confined indoors for 72 hours from Friday while 28,000 volunteers went door-to-door, giving out advice and identifying new suspected cases and deaths that had been kept from the authorities. “Over 92 bodies were discovered nationwide during the three-day lockdown of the country,” Karamoh Kabbah, the deputy minister for politi-

cal affairs, told a news conference in the capital Freetown. He said 77 of the bodies had been collected in the Western Area, a division including the city of 1.2 million and its immediate surroundings. “Over 200 suspected cases were identified... of which, so far, 130 have been confirmed positive,” he added. The deadliest Ebola epidemic on record has infected almost 6,000 people in west Africa and killed nearly half of them, according to the World Health Organization’s latest figures.

The fever the virus causes can fell its victims within days, causing severe muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and - in many cases - unstoppable internal and external bleeding. In Sierra Leone, Ebola has infected 1,813 people, killing 593. Kabbah confirmed an earlier estimate that the door-todoor teams had managed to get to around 80 percent of households in a country where a large proportion of the population live in remote and sometimes inaccessible

ods used by security forces in enforcing quarantines, without going into detail. Health Minister Abubakarr Fofanah said not all the bodies collected had been confirmed as Ebola victims. “Even prior to the outbreak, people were dying from tuberculosis, malaria, hypertension and even as a result of old age,” he said. “While government does not intend to massage the figures of death caused by Ebola, it is also mindful of the fact that there are many other causes of death in the country.” - Sapa-AFP

Synagogue: Six discharged from South African hospital IX people who were injured in a building collapse in Nigeria have been discharged from the Steve Biko Academic Hospital and have been cleared of any dangerous infections. “It was five but now its gone up to six that have been discharged,” the hospital’s deputy chief executive Dr Mathabo Mathebula told Sapa on the telephone. “None of the (25 admitted) patients had any dangerous infections, they are all fine.” Around 115 people, among them 84 South Africans, were killed and dozens trapped when a multi-storey guesthouse attached to the Synagogue Church of All Nations, run by

Nigerian preacher TB Joshua, collapsed in Lagos on September 12. Some 350 South Africans were thought to be visiting the church when the accident happened. Twenty-five injured survivors arrived in South Africa on Monday and were taken to the hospital for treatment. At the time, Deputy Social Development Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu told reporters in Pretoria that the 25 patients were under a 48-hour lockdown to check for airborne diseases. “Everybody coming out of Lagos is on a 48-hour lockdown. They can’t leave the hospital un-

Kidnapped Frenchman beheaded in Algeria RENCHMAN who was kidnapped over the weekend in Algeria appears to have been beheaded in a video that was posted online Wednesday. The video shows armed men beheading a man who appears to be Herve Gourdel — a man who the French foreign ministry said was kidnapped Sunday in Algeria’s Tizi-Ouzou region east of Algiers. In the video, the armed men claim to belong to Islamist militant group Jund alKhilafa — or Soldiers of the Caliphate — in Algeria, and

pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The video — titled “A message of blood for the French government” — surfaced as French Prime Minister Manuel Valls addressed the French National Assembly, the country’s lower house of parliament, about the fight against ISIS.

PUBLIC NOTICE LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to inform the general public of the loss of the following document. Original Certificate of Right t of Occupancy No.FCT/ABU/ BN.392 issued by Federal Capital Development Authority, Department of land, Planning and Survey, Abuja. The said Original Certificate of Right of Occupancy got lost in transit. If found, please contact, Mr. Osahon Baker Osemwota, 2A, Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos or the Nigeria Police, Bariga Division or the nearest Police Station.

til the 48 hours are over,” she said. At the time the relieved families of the injured were allowed around five minutes to engage with them when they arrived. Mathebula told Sapa it was not a “lockdown” but an observation. “It was an observation to make sure that everything was treated, not only infections but also injuries,” she said. “We were making sure they got proper treatment and making sure each and every problem was being treated.” She said of the 25 that were admitted to hospital, two remained in a critical condition, while a few others were seriously injured.

AVE the Children’s Regional Director Roger Hearn has described the failure of the Syrian authorities to protect the lives children, teachers and schools during the conflict “absolutely shameful”. As the conflict in Syria continues, children’s education is worst hit; schools are increasingly being damaged and destroyed in the conflict, education has now become one of the deadliest pursuits for children and teachers inside Syria, according to Hearn. “It is absolutely shameful that the obligation to protect schools is not being respected in this conflict, endangering the lives of innocent children and dedicated teachers and forcing millions out of education. It is no surprise that, under these conditions, Syrian children are dropping out of school by the day, and the international community has to step up its response to ensure that we do not lose an entire generation

“Many of the them had broken arms and legs. Most of them are women. “I must say they are recovering very well. They just need extra care. Most of them still need further treatment that’s why they are still in hospital.” All the injured survivors also received trauma counselling at hospital, said Mathebula. The SABC, meanwhile, reported that another 38 South African survivors had returned to the country on Wednesday morning. “They were quickly whisked away by security and police shortly after their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport to receive counselling,” it reported.

By Evelyn Osagie

of children,” Hearn said. Save the Children’s facilities is one of such facilities that is hit by the crisis. Over the last year, at least once a month, its educational facilities in northern Syria is constantly being affected by air strikes, shelling and explosions, according to a recent report by the NGO. Only last June, it said, across Syria, at least 3,465 schools have been destroyed or damaged, and many have been occupied for military purposes, adding that schools are being increasingly forced to close because of the conflict. “Only last June, air strikes forced staff to be evacuated from one of the schools supported by the children’s agency, while in August another school was severely damaged in an attack,” the NGO said. Full text of speech: pages 62/63

SPORT EXTRA

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

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Higuain linked with Liverpool switch

IVERPOOL have been linked with a move for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain, according to the Express. The Argentina international only moved to Serie A a year ago, but his future is in doubt after Rafael Benitez’s side’s slow start to the season. With two defeats from their opening three games, Benitez is also under pressure, with Roberto Mancini in line to replace him should the former Liverpool boss be given his marching orders. In fifty-three appearances in all competitions, Higuain

Man Utd fans to fly flag urging Ronaldo return

has scored twenty-seven goals since signing from Real Madrid, where he also averaged almost a goal every two games over seven seasons. Despite bringing in Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert in the summer, Reds boss Rodgers is keen to bring in extra fire power having lost last season’s top scorer Luis Suarez to Barcelona. The Merseyside edged past Middlesbrough in a dramatic penalty-shoot out in their Capital One Cup third round tie Tuesday evening, and can be backed at 6/1 to win the competition.

Koeman excited by Mane prospect

• Mane

ONALD Koeman expects Sadio Mane to bring something new to Southampton's attack after impressing on his debut against Arsenal. Mane, a deadline-day signing from Red Bull Salzburg, was forced to wait for his first appearance after work permit issues delayed his arrival in

England. He missed the Premier League matches against Newcastle United and Swansea City but, having been granted his permit on Thursday, was able to play 72 minutes in the 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the League Cup on Tuesday. Koeman was impressed by the 22-year-old and believes he will provide a different attacking option to the Southampton forward line this season. "It was very positive," said Koeman of Mane's debut. "I think he showed his qualities and he's very fast. "He's a player who likes to play one-against-one. "He likes to run in space behind the defence of the opponents and that's a great quality. "That's one of the qualities we missed up front until now, and he brings that in, and that's very positive." Mane scored 23 goals for Salzburg in all competitions last season and notched three this term before sealing his move to England.

Chelsea ready to sell Ramires to fund Barkley bid

HELSEA are ready to part ways with Real Madrid target Ramires in order to fund a move for Everton star Ross Barkley. Various reports claim that Jose Mourinho is set to lock horns with Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini this January in an attempt to land Roberto Martinez's £50million star man, but with Financial Fair Play rules now imposed by UEFA, both Premier League teams will have to move on a player if they want to land Barkley without getting in hot water. And Chelsea could jump to the front of the queue after it emerged that Champions League winners Real want to bring Brazil international Ramires to the Santiago Bernabeu in January. Carlo Ancelotti, who

signed the 27-year-old for the Blues during his time at Stamford Bridge, believes Ramires would beef up his star-studded midfield, allowing the likes of Toni Kroos, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo to push even further forward in attack. The ex-Benfica player has started just two games under Mourinho this season, with the partnership of Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic keeping him out of the side, and Ramires could jump at the chance to try his luck in La Liga. Chelsea are understood to want at least £25million for the ankle-biter, allowing them to prepare an opening £30million bid for Barkley, who is believed to favour a move to west London over Manchester.

• Higuain

BANNER urging Cristiano Ronaldo to return "home" to Manchester United will be flown over El Madrigal when Real Madrid play Villarreal. The Portugal forward has been linked with a move back to Old Trafford and one United fans' group is doing its bit to make it happen. United Reel, which describes itself as an organisation for "die hard Manchester United fans from every corner of the globe", has raised funds to send a clear signal to Ronaldo during Real's La Liga match at Villarreal on Saturday. The banner will display the words: 'Come home Ronaldo United Reel.' A statement from the group explained the purpose of the stunt. "United Reel has active supporters on every continent of the world and we are all united by our love for Cristiano both as a footballer and as a person," the statement read. "We stand united in our views and we won't step until we bring Ronaldo home." Rumours of Ronaldo's unrest at the Santiago Bernabeu intensified when former Real presi-

dent Ramon Calderon claimed that the 29-year-old was disillusioned with life at the club and unhappy with current incumbent Florentino Perez. However, Ronaldo spoke out after Tuesday's 5-1 win over Elche - in which he scored four goals - to dismiss any rumours that he was looking for a transfer away from the European champions. "It's all speculation, speaking about my future … my future is Madrid. I'm happy," he said in quotes reported by AS. "The season is going well and I'm not talking about my future, it doesn't make sense." Nonetheless, a reunion with United remains high on the wish-list of the Premier League club's fans, particularly in light of their recent decline, which saw the 20-times English champions finish seventh last season. Louis van Gaal has found the going as tough as predecessor David Moyes did and, following Sunday's 5-3 loss to Leicester City, United are 12th. Ronaldo enjoyed much happier times in Manchester, winning three Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.

Inter sporting director Ausilio signs new deal

I Shakira rules out England move for Pique

NY Manchester United move to resign Gerard Pique is likely to be scuppered by pop star Shakira. The Barcelona defender's partner does not want to leave the Catalan city for Manchester. And any move would represent a huge upheaval for the showbiz couple's family. Pique is unhappy on the Nou Camp sidelines after a spell out of the team thanks to new signing Jeremy Mathieu. Reports in Spain indicate Pique could be set for a return to Old Trafford, while Louis van Gaal's need for defenders is well documented after an appalling start to the season. But Pique was heartened by Barca boss Luis Enrique's praise this week. The former Nou Camp midfielder said: 'Pique's attitude is great, he's optimistic, working hard. His hip problem has been solved, he's

ready to help us.' But Pique has not been in contact with United, where he left for Barcelona in 2008. Pique has known Old Trafford boss Van Gaal since he was 13, with the Dutchman knowing the defender's grandfather.

• Pique

NTER have announced that sporting director Piero Ausilio has signed a new three-year contract with the Serie A club. Ausilio has had a key role to play in shaping a new-look squad at San Siro, with the likes of Nemanja Vidic, Pablo Daniel Osvaldo and Gary Medel arriving at the club in the close-season. The 39-year-old had been expected to put pen to paper on a new deal with Inter and it was confirmed on Tuesday that he will remain in Milan until June 2017. Ausilio told the club's official website: "I am very happy and proud. "I thank president (Erik) Thohir for the faith he has shown in me. Our shared goal is to build an Inter side that can once again compete for trophies and restore the club to its rightful place in Italy and Europe." Thohir welcomed Ausilio's decision to extend his stay at the club as he strives to make Inter a force once again. "We are delighted that our sporting director has extended his contract," said Thohir.

• Ausilio

"We have laid the foundations of a big project and we are working hard with a lot of energy to lay the groundwork for a successful Inter side." Inter faced Atalanta in Serie A at San Siro on Wednesday and coach Walter Mazzarri said at a press conference on Tuesday: "Teams always find an extra gear when they're up against Inter. We're at the start of a new cycle, with a new set of players. "You have to match your opponents on a physical and mental level. If we manage that, then we can let our quality shine through.

Perrin extends Saint-Etienne deal

AINT-ETIENNE captain Loic Perrin has committed his future to the club after signing a two-year extension to his contract. Perrin has agreed terms that tie him to the Ligue 1 outfit until 2018, while his new deal also includes the possibility of a coaching role once the 29-year-old's playing career comes to an end. The defender is a one-club man having signed his first professional contract at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in 2001 when he graduated from their youth academy into the first team.

And the former France Under-21 international is excited to help the club continue its development. "I am pleased and proud to sign up with the club of my heart," he told the club's official website. "The club has taken several steps in recent seasons. "It is constantly growing. I want to live other great joys [with] ASSE [Saint-Etienne]. "The group has gained experience. This will help us to perform well on all fronts. "I'm very honoured by the club's offer of a role in the

coaching staff once I retire. I know the club very well and I want to continue to be a part of its project." Perrin's form at club level also caught the eye of France coach Didier Deschamps before the World Cup in Brazil and, though he missed out on making the squad for the finals, he hopes to force his way back into the reckoning this season. "My performances at the club also helped me to get a foot in the door of the France team," he added. "I hope I have the opportunity to taste it again."

• Perrin

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

SPORT EXTRA Carroll vows to repay fans

• Carroll

NDY Carroll is determined to prove his worth to West Ham supporters, but he does not feel he has let them down. Carroll has endured an injuryravaged time at Upton Park since becoming West Ham’s £15.5million club-record signing in 2013 – the latest being an ankle problem. The 25-year-old England inter-

national striker underwent surgery in the United States in July, sidelining him for the start of the 2014-15 Premier League season. Carroll, however, is on the road to recovery, back “running for the last 10 days” with a December return on the cards. And the former Newcastle and Liverpool has backed himself to rediscover his best form with West Ham, having only managed 15 Premier League appearances following his permanent switch last season. “I don’t feel I’ve let them down because, obviously, it’s an injury that I couldn’t have helped,” said Carroll. “I’ve done it in training and in a game. It’s an injury I don’t want and obviously no one at the club wants. “I do want to be back out there, repaying the faith they put in me. I don’t really care what people say. I know I’ve had problems. I’m not hiding away from that. “Hopefully, this is the last one, and I get it out of the way. I just want to get back playing football.”

Rodgers eyes derby boost

IVERPOOL manager Brendan Rodgers hopes a good performance in the Merseyside derby on Saturday can kick-start his team's season. Rodgers' side have just two wins in five Premier League games and needed a marathon penalty shoot-out to overcome Middlesbrough in the League Cup on Tuesday. The Northern Irishman has admitted Liverpool are well below their best, but feels that can change starting with Saturday's clash against Everton. "It is a big game for us and we need to get our league season up and running," Rodgers told Sky Sports after his side's win over Middlesbrough. "There is no better game than a derby." Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana got much-needed game time in the League Cup, with the former captaining Liverpool. Rodgers praised Lambert and said the striker knew his role this season would be mostly off the bench. "Rickie has done really well coming off the bench. He was aware that was going to be a permanent role," Rodgers said.

• Rodgers "It was a great honour for him to captain the team being a Liverpool lad." Rodgers said Lallana was still working his way to fitness after missing a bulk of pre-season with a knee injury. "Adam is still probably in his pre-season phase because he hasn't played over the course of pre-season due to injury," he said. "So for him to get the game time was really good."

Mertesacker, Gibbs to face Tottenham — Wenger

RSENE Wenger said he expects Per Mertesacker and Kieran Gibbs to return for Arsenal, despite missing Tuesday’s League Cup defeat. Arsenal face fierce rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with a shortage of defenders. Minor problems saw Mertesacker and Gibbs miss the cup clash with Southampton, forcing Wenger to name an inexperienced defence that included 19-year-olds Hector Bellerin and Isaac Hayden. Nacho Monreal’s continued absence meant Calum Chambers was the only regular starter named by the Frenchman but the youngster had only made seven previous appearances since joining from Southampton. Arsenal’s young side were beaten 2-1 by Ronald Koeman’s men but Wenger said he is confident his experienced duo of Mertesacker and Gibbs will be fit to face Spurs on Saturday. “They will be alright,” Wenger said. “We are a bit short, yes, because of the injuries we have. “You sit there and think Gibbs had a little hamstring problem and we could not play him. “Mertesacker is a bit on the edge, and then we have no choice.” Wenger’s options at the back were reduced on Monday when France international Mathieu Debuchy was ruled out for three months following surgery on his left ankle.

Jones confident Burnley’s goal drought will end soon

IDFIELDER David Jones insists Burnley's Premier League goal drought is not beginning to weigh the squad down. Since Scott Arfield struck in the 13th minute of their opening game of the season against Chelsea, Burnley have failed to find the net, a run of 435 minutes with a league goal. Despite their woes in front of goal, Burnley have shown their defensive strength in keeping three consecutive clean sheets, leaving Jones in confident mood

• Jones

ahead of Sunday's trip to West Brom. "Obviously we're aware that we need to score goals but it's not something we're going to dwell on," he told the Lancashire Telegraph. "We've created chances, we've been organised, we've limited chances for the opposition and there are a lot of positives to take. "Three clean sheets on the bounce in the Premier League shows that we've got a good foundation. We've just been unfortunate. "We just need a bit more cutting edge in front of goal but we've had chances and pressure, and the work rate was brilliant again against Sunderland. "With a bit more confidence and cutting edge in front of goal we'll be doing well." The loss of last season's prolific strike duo of Danny Ings and Sam Vokes to injury has not helped the situation for Burnley, leaving manager Sean Dyche with the likes of Marvin Sordell, Lukas Jutkiewicz and Ashley Barnes to choose from in attack.

• Diego Costa

• Per-mertesacker and Kieran Gibbs celebrates a goal

Chelsea can be a force for next decade, says Essien

ILAN midfielder Michael Essien has tipped Chelsea to be a force in European football for the next decade. The Ghanaian played at Stamford Bridge from 2005 to 2014 before making a permanent switch to Milan, having spent the 2012-13 season on loan at Real Madrid. And, after working with coach Jose Mourinho at both Chelsea and Real, Essien is confident his former club now have all the ingredients to build on a promising start to the season. "I think they'll do well as always," he told FIFA.com. "Jose has rebuilt the team in his own image now and they'll fight for

everything this season. "They have the ability to win things and that’s what they'll be doing. Chelsea have become a football force in Europe in the last 10 years and I can see that carrying on for the next 10 years or more." Despite having spent several years under Mourinho's tutelage, the 31-year-old says he is reluctant to make the move into coaching. "I have always said no to coaching as I don't think it's for me," he added. "Coaching is a whole new ball game and not for the fainthearted, which rules me out. "But you never know and stranger things have happened in football."

homeless during the intervening period, it was put to West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady

at a media conference on Tuesday that another club could share the Olympic Sta-

• Essien

West Ham unlikely to allow ground share

EST Ham appear unlikely to agree to share the Olympic Stadium with London neighbours Tottenham when they move to their new home in 2016. The club are set to move away from Upton Park, after holding off a lengthy legal challenge from both Tottenham and Leyton Orient. Spurs, meanwhile, have plans to build a new ground, close to their current White Hart Lane home, although their preparations suffered a blow earlier this month. The club announced it was unlikely that the arena would be ready for the 2017-18 season as originally intended, because of a High Court challenge to their plans. With Tottenham potentially

• West Ham players celebrate

dium. Brady did not mention Tottenham specifically, but with Orient's legal challenge having come to an end, her response looked to be one directed at Spurs. "In reality they probably could," she said. "But only with our permission, and noone has asked us for permission. "And even if they had, we would probably say 'no', depending on who it is - if you catch my drift. "We are the anchor tenant for the winter matches and nothing else can happen in that time without our permission and our football matches take priority over everything else. "If there are events at the stadium we have approved we do not see any of the revenue from that."

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

SPORT EXTRA

Onazi set for first Lazio game of season S

PEAKING at a press conference ahead of the Serie A clash against Udinese today, Lazio coach Stefano Pioli has dropped a strong hint that Eddy Onazi is in line to play his first game for the club in the ongoing season. Despite not being 100 percent fit, the central midfielder was patched up for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with Congo and South Africa. But at club level, the Nigeria international has only made the substitutes bench on two occasions - against Genoa and Cesena - without tasting action. “Onazi may also be available almost 100%. He came from the World Cup with an injury and has not played much with us. “He’s getting in the mechanisms of the team and I think he’s ready to play with his qualities,” said Setafano Pioli. Eddy Onazi made 29 appearances in the Serie A last term, including 19 starts, while he clocked up 15 appearances in the 2012 - 2013 campaign.

CHELSEA 2 - 1BOLTON

Zouma, Oscar spare Stamford Bridge blushes

URT ZOUMA helped himself a goal on his debut as Chelsea edged past Bolton 2-1 in their Capital One Cup clash at Stamford Bridge.

The hosts started the game brightly as Andre Schurrle went close with a fierce freekick, but his effort was denied by Trotters keeper Andy Lonergan.

NFF can’t confirm receipt of court injunction

RESULTS England - Capital One Cup B. Albion 0 - 3 Brighton Chelsea 2 - 1 Bolton Man City 7 - 0 Sheff. Wed. Tottenham 3 - 1N. Forest WBA 3 - 2 Hull Italy - Serie A Cagliari 1 - 2 Torino Fiorentina 0 - 0 Sassuolo H. Verona 2 - 2 Genoa Inter 2 - 0 Atalanta Juventus 3 - 0 Cesena Parma 1 - 2 Roma Napoli 3 - 3 Palermo S’pdoria 2 - 1 Chievo Spain - Liga BBVA Almeria 0 - 1 Atl. Madrid Eibar 1 - 1 Villarreal Rayo 2 - 1 Bilbao Germany - Bundesliga L’kusen 1 - 0 Augsburg Dortmund2 - 2 Stuttgart Gladbach 1 - 0 Hamburger Hannover 1 - 0 Cologne H. Berlin 1 - 0 Wolfsburg

NJURED Super Eagles and Monaco of France defender, Elderson Echiejile has revealed that his side can do well in the Ligue 1 this season as well as in Europe. Monaco beat Montpellier 10 yesterday evening at La Mosson in a Ligue 1 clash and Echiejile stated that with the amount of talent in the team, all that was left to be done was concentration and hard work. “We have great players with great dreams and power,” he said. “We have players with all qualities in every department so I think we just have to work really hard.” He added: “If we stick together, what we’ll achieve will really surprise people.” Echiejile has featured only once for Monaco this season,

• Echiejile disappointingly in a 4-1 mauling by Girondins de Bordeaux earlier in August. Monaco have accrued just 10 points this season with the win at La Mosson seeing them climb to the first half of the table.

BLACK MAGIC RITUAL • Oscar scored the winner as Chelsea reached the fourth round of the Capital One Cup with victory over Championship side Bolton Wanderers last night

CONTEMPT OF COURT THREAT IGERIA Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary Musa Amadu has told NationSport in Abuja that he is currently on leave in America and cannot confirm that the secretariat was served a court order prohibiting Saturday’s NFF Congress which held in Warri. On Friday, a Federal High Court in Jos issued an injunction ordering the FIFArecognised Aminu Maigariled NFF not to hold the congress on Saturday, September 20 in Warri, as directed by FIFA. The injunction, obtained by two members of the Chris Giwa-led faction of the NFF, directed that the Maigari faction should be served through the electronic and print media. Nevertheless, the Congress went ahead and approved September 30 as the date for a new election into the board

Echiejile: hard work can propel Monaco to glory

From Andrew Abah, Abuja of the federation. Principal officers of the NFF as well as delegates to the Congress of Saturday have now been threatened with contempt charges. "I cannot confirm to you now if the letters have been received at the secretariat of the NFF,” Amadu said. “I am on my annual leave and currently in the United States with my family. “They may have served them the letter, but it is only

those at the secretariat that can confirm this.” When NationSport visited the NFF secretariat on Wednesday, none of its principal officers were available to confirm the receipt of the document. However, the form 48 from the Jos High Court was seen posted on the wall near the entrance door of the secretariat, although NationSport could not confirm that the document was received by any of the secretariat staff.

MTN LAGOS STREET SOCCER

Schurrle then hit the post for Jose Mourinho's side before Zouma opened the scoring in the 25th minute, slamming home a loose ball from a corner. However, Chelsea's lead barely lasted six minutes after Matt Mills rose to head past Petr Cech, who was making his first start of the season after being displaced by Thibaut Courtois. Nathan Ake went close with a long-range effort, and Chelsea went in at half-time after having an incredible 20 attempts on goal. The Blues started the second half like a team possessed, and it didn't take long for them to re-establish their lead, with Oscar smashing a low shot 10 minutes in. Schurrle hit the post yet again but Chelsea were unable to add to the scoreline at Stamford Bridge despite more late efforts from Didier Drogba and Eden Hazard.

New street gladiators to Ideye scores first-ever emerge in round of 32 WBA goal EASON seven of the knock-out stages will be filled MTN Lagos Street Soccer with drama, suspense and

is set to produce the major contenders for the coveted trophies in the three categories of the soccer tourney as the championship enters its round of 32 this weekend. Out of the over one thousand teams across the local government and local council development areas of Lagos State that registered and participated in this year’s edition, 32 teams are set to compete for decisive positions in the knockout stages of the competition. The male categories seem to be most competitive as the trio of defending champions, ABS Street Team, Mosan Okunola LCDA, season 4 winners, Lawal Akapo Street, Apapa and the season 4 runner-up, Ajao Jimoh Street, IgandoIkotun have all qualified for the round of 32. After keenly-contested matches in the round of 64, and impressive show of talents and fierce competition among the participating teams, it is believed that the

upsets. Speaking about their chances to make it to the finals, Kunle Abioye the chief coach of the defending champions said the team is more prepared than last year when it won the championship. “I can say with confidence that we are well-positioned to successfully defend the cup we won last year. Although we understand the challenges, the fact that we also understand the benefits of being a winner has made us to work very hard to ensure that we take the trophy back home,” he declared. MTN Lagos Street Soccer is an initiative that provides a veritable platform for youths at the grassroots level to showcase their talents and skills in the game of football and also reward their efforts by empowering them with the necessities to take charge of their future in the game of soccer. The championship is in three categories, male, female and the Under-15.

• Suffers foot injury By Bowale Odukale

UT-OF-FAVOUR Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye scored his first ever goal for English Premier League (EPL) side West Bromwich Albion last night against Hull City in the Capital One Cup. A dramatic finish saw West Brom progress to the last 16 of the Cup tie, with Ideye and clubrecord signing putting the Baggies ahead from close range after 15 minutes. Unfortunately, he injured his left foot in the process and was soon forced off. The visitors then turned the game around thanks to goals from Tom Ince and Robbie Brady either side of half-time. However, Albion snatched a place in the next round when Berahino produced a neat finish from an acute angle after Gareth McAuley had volleyed home the equaliser. The match ended 3-2 against Hull City.

Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan denies killing rapper Castro

CCORDING to the Metro, Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has denied playing any part in the killing of rapper Castro, who is presumed dead after a jet-ski accident gone wrong in southern Ghana. The accident occurred back on July 6 in the town of Ada where Gyan had flipped the bill for a vacation for 16 of his friends. The details are minimal but in short, Castro and his girlfriend Janet Bandu went off on a jet ski ride and failed to return. The group thereafter carried out a search for the couple when they spotted an unmanned jet ski and informed the police. With authorities in Ghana still unable to locate the bodies more than two months later, rumors have now emerged that Castro’s corpse was used for a black magic ritual for financial gain or, as Gyan’s lawyer Kissi Agyabeng explains, a sacrifice to spiritually enhance his career. A statement released by Agyabeng reads: “When it became apparent that Castro and Janet had disappeared, an article appeared online which appeared to commiserate with Asamoah Gyan citing the recent loss of his mother and now the loss of his best friend. “One would have thought that this would have been a point of reference to console the Gyans – and indeed, a good number of well-meaning persons expressed this sentiment and sought to encourage us to stand firm. “To the thousands of individuals and institutions that came to our aid and to offer support, we express our gratitude. “Sadly, the expression of em-

pathy during a person’s moment of grief and utter dismay does not sell in the media. “What sells in the media, and what indeed sold and is still selling in the media in Ghana are wild allegations and rumours directed especially at Asamoah Gyan – ranging from the absurd – of the imputation of criminality to him in the sense that he either murdered Castro or had him kidnapped – and ending with the ludicrous – that he sacrificed him spiritually to enhance his career. “We had no hand in that occurrence. We have no moral or legal culpability whatsoever. “None of us rode out into the open estuary with Castro and Janet Bandu. “Castro rode out there on his own volition and none of us have the slightest idea as to what happened to them. “We have only been guess working and conjecturing and making what appears to us to be intelligent deductions – in light of the facts available to us, especially the fact that when they rode out on the jet ski Janet Bandu was not wearing a life jacket. “We know Castro all too well. He was our brother. We loved him as one of our own. We did everything together with him. “You are all witnesses to the hit songs Castro has been featuring Asamoah Gyan on and the added popularity that gave him. “Indeed, the duo was just about to release another song. We will never do anything to harm him. “We are in unimaginable pain and shock and we will give anything to Castro and Janet back.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

NEWS •Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi acknowledging cheers from a group of women leaders at the inauguration of a 5km Road, as part of events in celebration of the fourth anniversary of the Fayemi Administration... yesterday.

•Member, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Abduraham Terab (left); Committee chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Counsel to Egypt Air, Robert Clarke and Sani Bello discussing during the hearing on wrongful deportation of a Nigerian student by Egypt Air at the National Assembly Abuja... yesterday. PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

•L-R: House Leader, House of Representatives, Mrs. Mulikat Akande-Adeola; Advisory Board chair, Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund and wife of Ekiti State governor Erelu Bisi Fayemi and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development Dr. Habiba Lawal at a Stakeholders’ Dialogue Forum, organised by the NWTF ahead of the 2015 general election, in Abuja.

Enobong Umoh (left), a winner of the just concluded Peak Super Eagles promo, receiving her N1million cheque from Adetunji Quadri, Jnr., Brand Manager, Peak, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, in Lagos.

•Chairman, Adamawa PDP, Chief Joel Madaki (left), presenting the Acting Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as the party’s candidate for the October 11 governorship By-election at a campaign rally in Jada, Adamawa State.

•Mrs Omowunmi Olatunji Edet; General Manager LASEMA Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu and one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Olubunmi Oriowo at the presentation of financial assistance to Jakande Estate market fire victims in Lagos. PHOTO DAYO ADEWUNMI

•Ladi Oluokun (middle) welcoming the defectors from PDP to APC in Ibadan... yesterday.

•From Left: Chairman, Northern Elders’ Council, Malam Tanko Yakasai; Former IGP, Alhaji Gambo Jimeta and former Governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, at the Northern Elders Council meeting in Abuja.

www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

RIPPLES CUSTOMS INTERCEPT 2,000 CARTONS OF FROZEN GOODS - News

YES, THOSE WHO DIDN’T ‘SETTLE’

VOL. 9, NO. 2,982

‘Benjamin Adekunle was the most successful field commander but also the most colourful and sometimes arguably the most controversial officer’

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

OR some years now, Nigeria’s role in international affairs has been on the decline steadily. With its immense size and huge population, our country ought to play a more significant role in world affairs. But that is not the case now. It is not being treated with the respect that should be normally due to it as the most populous country in Africa and the continent’s largest economy. In a study, “Gulliver’s Troubles’, a collection of essays on Nigeria’s international relations by distinguished Nigerian and foreign scholars, published a few years ago, to which I made a contribution, the consensus of the scholars was that Nigeria’s role in world and African affairs had declined significantly, and that given Nigeria’s immense resources and wealth, it was punching very much below its real weight. Now, what is the basis of this consensus? Although Nigeria has continued to participate actively in African affairs, it no longer commands the influence it once had in regional affairs. As the largest economy in Africa and the biggest contributor to the budget of the African Union (AU), its counsel ought to be taken seriously in the organisation, as was the case until recently. When it contests for top positions in the AU, or some of its economic agencies, it loses consistently to member states that should wield less clout financially than Nigeria. Twice, it lost such vital positions in the AfDB. This is clearly an indication that, unlike in the past, Nigeria is no longer able to mobilise support for its candidates in such vital regional organisations. Even among its immediate neighbours, such as Niger, Chad, Benin and Cameroon, Nigeria’s influence is steadily on the decline. When Nigeria needed the support of these countries to effectively tackle the Boko Haram insurgency, it was summoned to Paris by the French government to a meeting with its own neighbours. This sort of thing would not have occurred in the 70s and 80s when Nigeria’s voice in African affairs was strong, and when most African countries still held it in high esteem as the leading country in Africa. But since then, our country has become the object of crude and disrespectful jokes among many African leaders. Robert Mugabe, the President of Zimbabwe, a country that enjoyed Nigeria’s unstinted support during its liberation struggle, was reported as denouncing Nigeria for its widespread corruption. Specifically, he derided Nigeria as a country where planes would not take off until the pilots were bribed. Of course, this was an exaggeration for which Nigeria should have demanded from him an immediate apology. But I am not aware that we demanded such an apology from this man to whom Nigeria gave $500,000 in 1980 to fight the crucial independence election in Zimbabwe in

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

When will Nigeria earn international respect again?

•Jonathan 1980. The money was handed over to him personally in his residence by the late Chief S.G. Ikoku and I. Similarly, the President Of Uganda, Museveni, was reported as criticising Nigeria for asking for foreign assistance in tackling the BH insurgency, adding that his country, Uganda, would never ask for foreign military assistance in dealing with its internal difficulties. Yet, in 1962, when there was a mutiny in the Ugandan Army, it was to Nigeria that the Ugandan government turned for help. The Nigerian Army helped put down a similar armed rebellion in Tanzania. But President Museveni was quite right in admonishing Nigeria for seeking to rely on foreign powers to help it solve its insurgency problem. Uganda is a country that I know quite well, having once served there during the terrible years of Idi Amin’s infamous rule. It is far less endowed than Nigeria and, in normal circumstances, should hold Nigeria in high esteem. But that is no longer the case. It was expected by other African states that a country with Nigeria’s immense resources, and the erstwhile reputation of its armed forces in

peace keeping operations all over Africa, should be able to bring the BH insurgency to an end without recourse to foreign powers. And what has been the practical effect of seeking foreign assistance for an insurgency that we should have put down easily? It has been very little. As recently admitted by the Nigerian Armed Forces, the foreign powers that we brought in to help the country have virtually abandoned us. They complain that Nigeria was really not serious about tackling the insurgency headlong, and that Boko Haram has infiltrated the highest levels of government, a fact that even President Jonathan once admitted. How could we expect much military collaboration from foreign powers when President Jonathan is seen in Chad in the company of Modu Sheriiff, a former governor of Borno, who has been openly accused of complicity in the emergence and rise of BH? They have concluded rightly that military collaboration with Nigeria involves high risks to their military which they are unable to accept. However, Nigeria’s loss of influence in African and world affairs goes beyond our failure to end the insurgency in our country. Nigeria is increasingly being thought of as a failed state that, despite its huge resources, has been steadily on the decline in terms of the quality of governance. The World Bank and other multilateral financial agencies are up beat about Nigeria’s impressive growth rate, estimated at over 6 per cent. But what is the practical effect of this impressive and steady economic growth rate? It has been very insignificant. Nigeria continues to have some of the lowest human development indices, even in Africa. With more than three times the population of South Africa, its closest economic rival, it generates less than a third of South Africa’s electricity supply. Its educational, health and infrastructure deficits continue to lag behind those of South Africa and some other African countries.

HARDBALL

T is interesting that President Goodluck Jonathan is proving to be a master choreographer and perhaps contradicting the view of his antagonists that he is a clueless leader. The amused public can look forward to the next episode in a long-running entertainment show; and it is likely to feature enthusiastic sycophants pleading with Jonathan to agree to be the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections. With his unprecedented endorsement by the party’s governors, Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, the question of holding the conventional Presidential Primary to choose a candidate has been effectively overtaken by events. Add to this picture the reinforcing activities of the obsessive self-defined nongovernmental organisation known as Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), which insists on an incomprehensible objective: “the continuation of transformation by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ)”. What the group makes of the concept of “transformational government” remains a puzzle because the Jonathan administration

JIDE OSUNTOKUN

Why is it so? It is because of the widespread corruption in Nigeria, which has continued to undermine economic and social development. Virtually all the state institutions, including the executive, legislative and the judiciary, have broken down completely. The other day, the Chief Justice of the Federation was reported as complaining that the judiciary was rotten, with many judges openly taking bribes to distort justice. The bench too is believed to be just as corrupt. I need not mention the vast sums of money that routinely disappears from Nigeria, including the recent attempt to launder $9.3 millon in a so-called arms deal in South Africa All of these negative developments impinge on our foreign policy the quality of which ultimately depends on foreign perceptions of our country. It is our domestic situation that determines our foreign policy and our role in international affairs. Our foreign policy will not be taken seriously or effective if we are held in low esteem internationally. Our role and influence in international affairs will inevitably decline. The Foreign Minister was recently reported as saying that Nigeria was sending nearly 600 delegates to the current UN General Assembly session. If this is true, it must be the largest of any delegations at the UN, including that of the United States. When I served at the UN, we did not have more than 12 delegates at any UN General Assembly session. Even then, I thought our delegation was too large, particularly as most of the delegates were not really interested in the work of the UN. After attending one or two meetings and collecting their huge allowances they simply disappear from sight, without contributing anything to our work at the UN. A few days ago I told a former colleague of mine that Nigeria no longer had a foreign policy, a claim that I also made to a former foreign minister. Both of them agreed with my observation, and blamed the sad situation on negative developments at home, particularly the preoccupation of the federal government with the unstable domestic situation and political tension in Nigeria. This situation takes too much of the time of the President leaving him with little or no time for strategic planning in foreign affairs. He is not short of good advice from the Foreign Ministry, and many of the foreign affairs agencies and institutes that are obliged to offer him advice. But, despite his frequent foreign travels, he has little or no time to engage his advisers in a strategic review of Nigeria’s foreign affairs. This is the reason for the drift in Nigeria’s foreign relations and why Nigeria has lost much respect globally. • For comments, send SMS to 08054503031

•Hardball is not the

Jonathan, can you say no? has been anything but that. However, TAN’s promotional train is on course and its regionby-region approach is expected to climax in the federal capital, Abuja, on September 30. But Jonathan would want observers to believe that this background, as persuasive as it is, may not be enough to make him interested in re-election. He seems determined not to be seen as desperate for a second term in office, which may be a reasonable projection; but it is impossible to hide his ambition. Indeed, in a telling irony, the harder he struggles to mask his aspiration, the more he gives himself away. It is noteworthy that when he appeared at his party’s September 20 “Southwest sensitisation rally,” he could not resist wearing that familiar mask of deception. In his speech on the occasion, he referred to the various endorsements and introduced a suspicious complication. He said: “I also have the right of refusal and I thank the party for giving me the opportunity.” The question is: Would he exercise this right and refuse? Jonathan, perhaps unwittingly, but more likely not innocently, supplied the

answer, albeit in a coded communication. He boasted about the establishment of a Presidential Jobs Board which would “create three million jobs in the next one year.” He reasoned: ”That means in a few years, we would solve the problem of unemployment.” Then he added: “We continue to promise to transform Nigeria; make changes and never go back. We need all Nigerians to work with us. In the next few years, unemployment will continue to drop. We are totally committed to changing all sectors of the Nigerian economy.” Read between the lines. Does he sound like a man who would say “No”? He must be self-deluded to imagine that his game of laboured suspense is beyond public comprehension. On the contrary, whatever game he is playing appears so cheap and degrading, not to say nauseating. From the look of things, Jonathan could be dreaming of a day when the entire country would rise as one and crown him without opposition. That dream is a grandiose delusion

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